NOTABLE NORMALCIES / 3.24.17

Yet again, I was blessed with the presence of another visitor this past weekend. This time, my best friend of over twenty years arrived at JFK, ready for an east coast adventure. There were a few highlights to this weekend that deserve sharing. Even though the most entertaining moments included lying in bed utilizing snapchat filters and crying from laughter. It’s the simple things, folks. I was sad to see her leave, especially with the somewhat {okay, extremely} chaotic week I have had.  There is no better feeling than coming home to your best friend to vent, laugh, and drink too much wine.

If I’ve been reminded of anything this week, it is that everything happens for a reason. I am a firm believer in this and try not to allow hiccups become more than just that. It is fitting that I am feeling tested in my current life, after publishing my most recent blog posts on Auschwitz. It’s not hard to gain perspective after being exposed to a place like Auschwitz, and understand my hardships do not compare to millions around the globe.

It still doesn’t mean I won’t chase my problems with a glass of red wine.

Beauty

I recently went to Sephora {which we all know can be dangerous}, to purchase a staple in my beauty collection. Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick 0.22 oz – Lolita should be in everyone’s makeup bag, vanity, or glove compartment. It is a perfect shade for autumn, but I always continue to wear it into the winter months. Depending on the tone of your skin, the color will appear mauve or nude with rose undertones. Either way it is flipping stunning.

New York

My new city did not disappoint this week. One of the highlights during Ashley’s visit here in the big apple included a night at the Comedy Cellar. For a $12 cover fee you can witness some of the most entertaining and hilarious comics from Comedy Central, The Daily Show, and The Colbert Report {just to name a few}.

They do require a two item minimum purchase for each person attending the show. Fortunately, the prices for food and drinks are reasonable, and actually somewhat cheap for New York.  You could order a juice and mozzarella sticks and pay under $10 dollars, making your entire night cost less than $25. The show itself is worth $25.

You can make a reservation on line, though the seating arrangements are first come first serve so I suggest arriving early. Ashley and I arrived a half hour before the show and got some of the best seats in the house. If you are a brave soul and want the comic, or host, to interact with you, arrive even earlier to snag one of the front row chairs. Regardless, there is not a bad seat in the house.

Tunes

Besides the new Beauty And The Beast (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), I have been listening to the following mellow tunes non-stop this week. Answers by SoMo is the best track to listen to as I make my green tea on a Saturday morning. The Best Crew by Tep No puts a pep in my step as I walk through midtown Manhattan. And finally, God Only Knows by John Legend becomes the perfect lullaby.

Films

Growing up, Beauty and the Beast was my all-time favorite Disney films. I must tip my hat to younger me. Of all Disney ‘Princesses’, Belle was one of the best. She was intelligent, and spent most of her time reading books. She was uninterested in the attractive douchebag attempting to steal her heart. She wanted an education and a life outside of her small village. And she voiced her opinion and stood up for herself against the beast from the beginning. Aside from the fact that she fell in love with an animal, she had her head screwed on pretty tight.

The live action version of the film premiered in New York before anywhere else in the world {naturally}. Obviously, I attended opening night. Along with seven other giddy ladies wanting to relive their childhood, and an entire theater packed to the walls. To my surprise, and prior to the film starting, one of the main actors appeared in front of us. Josh Gad waltzed in and introduced Beauty and the Beast with so much enthusiasm, it stuck with the crowd throughout the entire film. He even gave us a live preview of the song ‘Gaston’ that he shares a lead in. Only in New York would a famous Hollywood actor show up to the cinemas and casually hang out with the crowd before they watch him on the big screen.

It was an incredible experience and the movie was better than I could have imagined. I might even have to see it a second time. It was that good.

Bites

I stumbled upon an entirely gluten free, vegan, and kosher bakery on the Lower East Side {LES}. I kid you not, it took my almost five minutes just to decide which decadent dessert I wanted to devour. Cupcakes, donuts, bread, and muffins. The options were endless. I eventually settled on a cookies and crème donut. And guys, it did not disappoint. It was most likely 7,000 calories, but I could not have cared less. The sugar-coated pastry was one of the best desserts I have ever indulged in. Gluten free or not. Erin McKenna’s Bakery is located on 248 Broome St, New York City, NY 10002.

 

Fits

I am a sucker for a good deal. But like, a really good deal. I have been forced to put my shopping addiction on hold recently, but couldn’t help myself when Forever 21 was having a massive sale in it’s SoHo store. All clearance items were an additional 65% off! I knowwwww. I purchased this rustic orange oversized cardigan for a whopping $3.99. The inner bargainer in me was so proud. And it has become such a wearable piece in my wardrobe. I throw it over basically anything {since the majority of my closet is black or neutrals}.

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