Into the Mystic

I am wiped man! Today has been a day where you wish the hours were longer and that you weren't racing against the daylight. I went on a huge shopping spree today and interspersed perusing through the sales racks with meetings with good friends.

The day started with me trekking into the city and meeting my Mom around Dana Buchman on 57th Street. I am looking for a specific gift and was hoping Mom could help me out. Sadly, we were unable to find something and Mom left me to head back into work and I headed towards the Upper West Side.

First, I stopped into Innovative Luggage to pick up more locks for my suitcases. I lost one in my apartment in Tel Aviv, so I had to replace them. Then, it was onto the M7 bus to head over to Tower Records and Banana Republic. I wanted to pick up the new Amy Winehouse CD but when I got to 67th and Broadway, I discovered that the Tower Records had closed. I went back across the street and shopped-till-I-dropped at Banana Republic. Very successful! I managed to get two skirts and four tops.

Then, I went around the corner to Kiehl's, which is one of my absolute favorite stores. Their skin care line is simply amazing, and since my lips have been cracked and bleeding since before I left Tel Aviv, I pick up a few more lip balms. By the time I was finished at Kiehl's, Bracha was ready to meet up and we went to grab some lunch. After a nice meeting over soups and salads, I left to see my favorite person at Scott J. Aveda Salon. Josine is the absolutely best waxist and facialist on the Upper West Side! She fixed what the Israeli waxist did to my eyebrows a few weeks ago, and I headed over to the bank to pick up some more cash. Turns out, my new ATM card is not working. So, I had to reset my ID code and pick up some cash. With it burning a hole into my wallet, I went down the block to Tip-Top Shoes and bought two pairs of New Balance sneakers. I got a new pair of running sneaks and the half sneaks that are soo comfortable! I can't wait to wear them around the Bar Ilan campus once the weather gets warmer!

With a few more minutes left until I met Melissa at Crumbs, I went to the card store to pick up some birthday cards for my family members who are celebrating big days in February. After I stocked up - and picked up some cards for my Mom to send as well - I went across the street to Sephora. I needed to pick up one of those clear plastic bags for the plane, since they are very strict at security these days and I absolutely must bring certain products onto the plane with me. I'm absolutely lost and dry without my contact lense solution!

After I left Sephora, I ran into Fairway hoping to find Taster's Choice French Vanilla coffee. Buggy's Aunt requested that I pick up a few jars since she can no longer find them in Israel. I struck out already at both Supersol on Main Street and Fairway on the Upper West Side and hope to try Gristede's or Whole Foods next week. If they still make that coffee, I'm determined to find it!

I left Fairway, which was typically crowded, and went across the street to do some Duane Reade shopping. I needed stuff to take back with me to Israel and to use here, and it was the first time I traded the basket for a cart. I filled the cart with all the bags I was already carrying with me and managed to fit the stuff I was purchasing in whatever spaces were left. Armed with enough Static Guard to make sure I no longer walk around Israel with my skirts attached to my hose, I paid and went to meet Melissa at Crumbs.

Over tea and sweets, Cuch and I caught up and it really felt as if I hadn't left. In fact, I was shocked that I hadn't seen here in 8 months!! It felt like we had gotten together just yesterday. After catching up, we walked together to Eden Wok and then I left Cuch to get some Hot and Sour Soup while I walked to Makor on 67th. I am kicking myself for living on the Upper West Side for 4 1/2 years and never eating at Makor! The food was great and the company even greater. When I walked in, I was shocked to see Liora at a table with a friend. I had been meaning to call her but things have been so hectic so it was nice to run into her. Marns and Rachel were having cocktails as I rolled up like the bag lady and we quickly got down to the business of catching up. They both looked so great! It was so nice to just relax and drink and spend time together. I was really happy to see them!

By the time I got into a car heading back to Queens, I was thoroughly exhausted and my stomach was killing from whatever it is that I ate during the day that wasn't good for me! Before I head to bed though, I'm going to grab my new issue of Time Out New York and just relax and catch up on some Must See TV!

Till next time :)