It's Complicated: My Relationship with the Cuisinart Smart Stick

Cuisinart Smart Stick Hand Blender - Blue

Ahhh, this guy. We've come along way since the fingertip incident of '12...

Oh–you don't know our story?

We met on a cold winter's eve when, in a moment of impulsion to puree a soup , I ducked into Sur La Table Soho. There he was, in the back lefthand corner of the store, dashing in Yves Klein blue.

Needless to say, he came home with me that night.

Together we explored cooking like never before. The way he operated was just so fast, smooth, and... impressive. During those first weeks, there was no reason to even leave the apartment. After all, the finest restaurants in town couldn't compare to what we were making at home.

But then one night, everything changed. In hindsight, I blame myself for getting too comfortable too quickly. I was naive. I didn't see his violent side. Between the blood and the stitches, I thought I'd never look at him–look at mashed cauliflower–the same again.

As it does, time healed.

Though my loved ones warned against it, I eventually gave back into the desires. And immediately it was apparent how much we'd both learned from our mistakes. Do I remain cautious to this day? Sure. But that said, it's undeniable that this new chapter has been more exhilarating than ever.

The lemon herb sauce... the yellow split pea...the tahinis... the BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTES!!!!! It's just another dimension of delicious.

Go ahead–try any of the above and tell me it wasn't worth it.

Outerwear Neurosis

This season, I've developed a serious obsession with finding the absolute perfect outerwear. That means cuts that are super warm but don't leave me looking like marshmallow, quality fabrics that don't crinkle after long subway rides where I get a seat, and designs that are timeless enough that I won't have to go through this mishugas again next year.

My apartment has basically turned into a UPS sorting facility with the amount of online coat orders that come in and out–the vintage Max Mara swing from eBay, the classic Ralph Lauren wrap from Bloomies, the parka from Madewell, the cocoon from J. Crew, the Yves Klein blue Vena Cava production sample from Bib + Tuck... None were just quite right.

And then it happened.

One crisp fall day, the wind blew me down to Soho for the Spiewak/ Woolrich sample sale where a traditional collared navy A-line made of the thickest wool, lined in the most classic Americana plaid spoke to me. "Hali," it said. "Take me home and wear me with a simple black beanie every single day that it is cold." And for a shockingly affordable $150, I most certainly did.

Jealous? You don't have to be. The sample sale is doing a rare consecutive weekend move, and popping back up at 597 Broadway (b/t Houston and Prince, second floor) through tomorrow.

And if you happen to catch me there stockpiling <$350 fur-lined jackets for me and my husband (note: there's loads of great guys' stuff too), be sure to wave hello.

The Seven Emotional Stages of Getting Bangs

1. LOVE.
I was scared... but now I am thrilled! My bangs rock! And my stylist made it all seem SO easy. I'm basically the Jane Birkin of 2014! SELFIE TIME!

2. DENIAL.
They're not even really that short. Plus if I just part them my normal way and brush them to the sides, they just look like face-framing layers.

3. REGRET.
I feel like I'm wearing a wig. Why the F would my stylist think this is ok?? My vision is obstructed. I'm bumping into things. WHY DID I EVER GET BANGS!??!?

4. ENVY.
That girl on the subway–that one over there WITHOUT bangs–is so pretty. In fact, everyone without bangs is just completely gorgeous. And all their lives are so beautiful and carefree. I wish I were any of them.

5. DEPRESSION.
If only I didn't have bangs, my life would be great again.

6. EXTREMISM.
There is only one option: I am going back to the salon to get them cut shorter!

7. ACCEPTANCE.
They'll grow out (eventually), leaving me one option for the now: channel that je ne sais quoi of fellow banged ladies (that's you Lou Doillon, Alexa Chung and most recently Cat McNeil) and have a good time with this wild new look.

My 20's: A Recap

30 is TOMORROW! So what better time to take a ride down memory lane through an awesome decade.

Isn't it crazy how much can happen in 10 years?!!

Side note: should I get Botox?

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TAKE ME BACK: St. Lucia

Though I'm just getting around to posting about it, this past July, Larry and I snuck away to the amazing island of St. Lucia for some serious R & R.

The destination originally struck our fancies while searching for honeymoons back in October; If you've ever Google'd 'world's best hotels,' you may be familiar with Jade Mountain, the island's crown jewel getaway with three-walled suites that offer open views of the stunning Piton Mountains.

Well, instead of splurging for that place, we opted for a couples-only all-inclusive resort called Rendezvous. And it was glorious.

I'm not gonna lie–although the initial prospect of staying somewhere without Internet or TV made me cringe, Rendezvous really pulled through with everything: insanely delicious fresh food, Champagne a-flowing, thoughtful service, HOBIES!, a super laid back vibe, and a fun crowd of guests.

In other words, if you're craving a peaceful and gorgeous getaway, GO HERE NOW.

Current Obsession: Ankle Strap Sandals

... but not just any ankle strap sandals.

A few weeks ago, in need of some stress relief, I strolled into Saks Fifth Avenue and quickly found my feet slipping into the most perfect, most insanely flattering sandals EVER.

After taking a test run around 10022-SHOE, the Choos began to give me heart palpitations in the best way–they were comfortable too.

Needless to say, It took literally everything in my will power NOT to take these guys home. And naturally, ever since, I've been obsessing over unearthing a more *reasonable* alternative.

Okay–level with me. Do any of these affordable pairs really compare???

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UPPER EAST vs. UPPER WEST

The World Cup is officially going strong, but I've got more important matches to worry about. Like figuring out whether my old 'hood–the Upper East Side–has more or less to offer than my new one–the Upper West.

After months of bitching about moving out of an area that I loved, let's see who really wins this game:

Upper East Side Upper West Side WINNER

Groceries -Amazing Fairway -Whole Foods + West Side Market UWS

Running -Carl Schurz Park -Central Park TIE

Shopping -Everything + Bloomies -TJ Maxx UES

Hummus -Hummus Kitch + Soom Soom -ZILCH UES

Views -East River -Central Park UWS

Subways -Basically Nothing -Basically Everything UWS

Friendliness -Minimal -Very Much UWS

Gym -Boom + NY Yoga -West End Fitness UES

And the winner by a smidge is.... UWS! However this face-off will DEFINITELY reconvene once the new Second Ave. subway line gets movin'.