High school reunion weekend

Fellow New Yorkers,

For those of you who aren't already aware of the private school scene in New York, or whom aren't private school alumni, let me edge you in on a little secret-the schools that seem to do best and whom have the most power simultaneously often have the most money.  What a shocker, eh? (Please excuse my NY sarcasm ;) In light of their obsession with money, they have an obsession with alumni support, and thus plan 5 year reunions, which is unheard of to most people.  However, one must congratulate these schools whom are required to raise their own money as opposed to public schools that rely on the government for money and the taxes the community pays (however, hopefully, public school education will be reformed in the near future ;). I recently had my high school reunion this past weekend and what a whirlwind into the past that was. Not only did I see old classmates, but I got to chat with teachers, school heads, board members, etc, and the thing that jarred me the most about this experience is how separate the big world is from your high school experience. People often seem to love high school or hate it, but the important part is that we all move on from that place in time, and whether you loved it or hated it, you still have to adjust to a new environment; you have to be able to survive and excel in different environments.  I thought this would be easy for me, and I headed off to college without a thought, but once I got there it proved to be more difficult than I had imaged. The lesson is, wherever you are in life-middle school, high school, college, and every step of the way after that, whether you hate it or love it, it doesn't last forever, but getting through it is what matters and being able to move on successfully proves ultimate success in the end.  When you're thinking in the moment, it often feels like only a select few things matter (grades, friends, boys, etc), and even though you have to take the punches and learn from your mistakes, in the end, it's really the journey you take that matters.  The only way you can learn certain things is with experience.  That's the gift of human nature that animals don't have to the same degree, to understand the greater idea of the "experience." No wonder why the term experience has become an embedded part of any successful democracy.  Experience often does prove more than anything else, it's real life work and it's, well, real. It's not based in rhetoric or a fancy degree, it's truth, and like the old adage, the truth will set you free. So take your life for the experience, do the best you can, but move on from what doesn't work, do what does work, stay away from those people who seem "off" and listen to your instincts, because they know what's best for you.

In order to know it all, you've got to know me!

-The Know it all New Yorker-

Sunglasses take care of business

To all the New York Know It All's,


Some people just get it. New Yorkers on the "in" know that the best part about having a pair of sunglasses is not just so you can keep the sun out, but also so you can keep the people out whenever you're just not up to chit chatting with an acquaintance while you're on your way to Starbucks and you have a deadline to meet by the end of the day. I don't even bother going out anymore before 7 PM without my sunglasses. After all they serve multiple purposes; if I'm wearing sweats, a pair of sunglasses can spice up my look a little bit. It also detracts from whatever I'm wearing, so that people will notice my glasses more than my 3 1/2 year old pink sweat suit that I love more than anything, but isn't always appropriate for the "outdoors." Although Manhattan is a big place, it's surprising how often you run into people you know-people who often run in the same circle, live in the same neighborhood, work in the same profession, etc, seem to run into each other every once in a while. Glasses can come in handy for those moments when you're stressed out, not in a very good mood, or just need time to be alone. In a city where you're always around people-on the street, at work, even at home, and with the internet making privacy seem more and more difficult to keep with each new hot internet site sensation, isn't a pair of black sunglasses for ever New Yorker almost a necessity? While it might seem obnoxious or mean to ignore someone through the use of an inanimate object, it is also necessary for moments when you just can't talk with anyone, or you just need a break from the constant outside world-which is now "constant" in that you have access to everyone and anything online. So the next time you go for a walk in the park by yourself on a warm spring Saturday, take your pink suit suit, your music, and of course, your trusty sun glasses, and enjoy your time to relax, unwanted interruption free ;)


xoxo,


-The Know It All New Yorker-

Sunday's, Lazy Sunday's

To all the angry New Yorkers who must return to work tomorrow,


I feel your pain. Not only do you have to go back to work, but really, work is annoying because it will preclude your ability to pursue any of the other activities that you can exercise within the metro area on any given weekend. Just today, I ran in central park, met some girlfriends for brunch, enjoyed the sauna at an athletic club, went dog bag shopping, visited every major label on 5th avenue and had coffee with an old friend. Only in NY, right? However, the best thing I love about living in the city is that everyone walks everywhere, giving me ample time to stop cute boys on the street to set my girlfriends up with ;) This act makes me feel like I have control in an un-controlable world; it also gives me an adrenaline rush that is like no other, never knowing how each man will react to my matchmaking efforts. After a long day, this can be a fun, spontaneous way of bringing back the feeling of "control" when you've had a bad day at work, a fight with a friend, etc. NY is a busy city, and it can surely occupy your mind most of the time, but every now and then you need an unplanned adventure, when you do something for someone else and it brings back a sense of reason to your day. Your pass up for that promotion was someone else's next friday night date, and for that, karma should repay you back at some point, right? NY is great because whenever I'm feeling down, I just walk out my front door and enter the city streets and my mind starts to focus on the people and places around me, and thus I remember that like the car coming up Park Avenue that will speed past me at any second, my current dilemma, will too, eventually pass. NY has that ability to keep moving in ways that are refreshing to people like me and too fast paced for others. I can hide my emotions in the hustle and bustle of the city sidewalks and thus eventually, the city almost helps my fears and anxieties sleep, as eventually Park Avenue does at a certain time on a week night. Silence, calmness, a serenity that is simultanously relaxing and creepy. When you grow up with honking horns out side of your window 24/7, the silence can actually be a distraction in itself. The character of the city has all my secrets, then, since I use NY as my cathartic release, relinquishing all thoughts when I stroll down lex, in turn, taking in the array of apples and tomatoes being sold at any deli in the hood. And so, with the people, the spontanous ability to react to and engage with others in NY and ultimately, the resounding, fast-paced, circular spin of this town enables me to come back home, refreshed, re-worked and ready to tackle another Monday. -The Know It All New Yorker-

The search

Dear City dwellers,

I went for a walk this afternoon in central park, and listening to the conversations of those around me while simultaneously envying the determination of the central park runners, I realized that in my own world at least, it seems as though people are always searching or working toward the next goal. In fact, it seems weird to me that not everyone is like that, that some people are just happy to see the sun rise and set each day. Lately I've gone too far in that I've started to feel an uneasiness thinking of those who don't have long term goals, those that live each moment and don't try for anything more. Why has this happened? Has my NY ego finally got the best of me? I thought for the longest time that I was down to earth, level headed and sure that I would bring that into other peoples lives. Now, the world seems much more complicated. It seems as though while trying to maintain a sense of pride while making new friends in new places, it's hard to remain "real" when you feel the urge, the addiction almost, to impress. One wants to feel legitimate around others by projecting at least a certain sense of class themselves. However, the tricky part is when this ego tilting behavior slides into judgment when you're around others who don't feel the need to impress, who live day to day and don't worry about tomorrow. It's easy then to become jealous of that "live for the moment" attitude altogether, when you realize how liberalizing and free it must feel to stop caring. But, you can't get yourself to cross that thresh hold. You feel like you can never go back to that time in your life when you lived in the moment. It's almost as if you've been chemically altered and now you cannot change back to your original DNA. A plastic surgery makeover, and you can't undue the sculptor's damage. Although there are some things I can do. We do have some control if we want it. I can work on continuing to form relationship that are close to my heart, that bring pure joy to my life, and that are thus healthy and real. I can keep doing the things that bring joy to my life. I can remember to say hello and to smile at others randomly on the street, to skip once in a while and not care whether or not anybody is watching and to jam out to my music in my pajamas. So when I do feel the urge to sip the snob appeal, I can make up for it by offering a cookie to someone in need or a shoulder to cry on for a friend or perfect stranger who needs a helping hand. -The Know It All New Yorker-

Weekend evening blues

Good evening!


While most of you are probably out galavanting around the city since it is Friday evening, I'm home alone watching the History channel and enjoying some white wine. As I sit in my den, admiring my pseudo-intellectual attempt at a relaxing evening in, the historic battle scene being re-enacted on the History Channel tunes me in to some recent tendencies that I have been exhibiting lately on a regular basis; I've been trying, actively, to learn every day, literary with the goal of becoming as close to a "know it all" as I possibly can be. The other day, when chatting with a few people at a volunteer meeting, I described myself as Cheer from the movie "Clueless," when she and her friend/subject start to workout together and choose a reading list to remain physically and intellectually stimulated. That's like so totally what I do. I have a reading list that I've been following and adding to, I've tried to remain somewhat healthy, and I've tried to workout on a regular basis. Wow, am I becoming so pathetic that I have to goal orient myself to achieve certain goals that should ideally just come naturally? My conclusion is thus that I have simply become lazier and so I must physically schedule in reading and workout times and goals in order to achieve goals. Why? Why have I become so complacent that I don't naturally feel the need to learn and grow? I know everyone has these challenges, but this can only mean one thing-as people we are really not automatically born with the drive and persistence to learn and push our bodies, we must discipline and train ourselves. In the same way that we can train horses and dogs, we must also be trained, except that it is more challenging because we can only rely on ourselves and/or other people to train us. No other type of organism that currently exists can exert power over us so that we may be trained. This is wonderful and it speaks to the truly free nature human beings are given at birth, but also to the fact that with greater freedom, we also tend to engage less responsibility. We don't workout, we eat more, we don't read when we don't feel like it. Understanding why we do this is key to taking action against the lackadasical attitude. And so I resume my "learning night," turning back to my programming, sipping my wine, and of course, signing off for the evening. Tune in next time, because in order to know it all, you've gotta' know me! xox -The Know It All New Yorker-

Maturing ideology

Good afternoon all,


My post this week has to do with education and how we east coasters occasionally view the "ideal" form of education based on what is prescribed as "the best" in the elitest New York/New Englang area. Growing up in Manhattan, it was instilled in me through the Manhattan private school environment that going to an ivy league school was the end all be all-the ultimate goal, the goal that seemed to impress private school parents and fellow classmates the most. However, when I attended USC in Southern California, I learned that attending an ivy league really does not matter that much at all. Going to college, any college, is what matters the most and doing it in the most cost-effective way is easiest on both parents and children. I had read of students all across the nation who were pursuing their own businesses, paying for college, and doing very well for themselves as undergraduates and as alumni. I learned that most people have to pay for college themselves-working full time and taking out student loans that take years to pay off, making it necessary for these college graduates to maintain full time employent in order to pay off loans and other expenses. Now that I'm am finishing my real estate salesperson's license here in New York and looking to attend graduate school within the next year, I am not looking for the top ranked school only, I am looking for a school with a combination of a strong program, good alumni connections and tuition benefit programs where I can ideally work full time for the University and have my tuition compensated 100%. This way, I can work full time, have graduate school paid for and when I'm not in class/working, I can network, start my own business and have that going before I even graduate! Cost efficiency and learning are now my priorities, not just getting into the "top" school. I feel fortunate that I did attend college across the country and within a different atmosphere because a lot of my friends from the east coast who attended college on the east coast still believe that they need to go to a top law school, or they're doomed. Are you serious? The reality is if you trust yourself and commit to your profession, if you're good at what you do, passionate about it, driven to succeed, you can. If you don't give up when things aren't going your way, you can succeed. People do it all the time. They go to community colleges, state schools, non-accredited 4 year schools such as message therapy school, etc, but they do attend school to master a particular profession. So put down the Ivy League only cheering flags, turn in a new direction and look at life from a mature, adult angle, as anyone should ideally as a 23 year old trying to make it in this crazy world. Until next time folks, tune in for another rant and rave from yours truly -The Know It All New Yorker-

Millionaire Matchmaker obsession

Hello fellow New Yorkers,


After having a wonderful weekend outside of the City, I returned to catch the latest episode of my recent Bravo networking obsession: the Millionaire Matchmaker. I like the show for two reasons: a) Patti (the millionaire matchmaker) is a genius (at what she does, at least ;) with good character who understands superficial people and what they really NEED in their lives, as opposed to what they think they want. This show is intriguing, mostly because of Patti's psychoanalysis of the video tapes sent to her office and also because of her in person meetings with the millionaire's and what she looks for in the women she matches them with. However, because of the nature of Patti's discussions with the viewers regarding relationships, it makes me think about my own life. Do I really want to be wealthy? I used to think so, but now I'm more focused on happiness, i.e. spending time with the people I love the most and working toward my own goals of owning my own successful business, being published and throwing philanthropic/networking events that will help people in need and bring people together within a community. Unlike some of the women on the show, I'm not looking for a millionaire, I'm looking for someone who makes me happy who has longer term goals for himself. I feel lucky to have come to this place, but I know the greatest challenges lay ahead; how will I balance my career, graduate school, getting published, networking and my significant other? I don't know, but like anything else in my life, I know I will plough ahead, pushing, working toward my end goals and hoping for the best along the way. With today's insight, I'm out folks, stay tuned next time for more ranting and raving from you know who -The Know it all New Yorker-

Friday night on the LES

Hey everyone,


So, I love weekends in NYC. More than anything, I love traveling downtown from my flouty upper east side bubble to the lower east side which has an impressive and eclectic array of hangouts; anywhere from unique speakeasys, dive bars, posh lounge bars, southern bars, preppy bars and everything in between, the lower east side can fill all your social desires. However, last night was particularly fun as I headed downtown with a bunch of friends to Mason Dixon's, a bar clearly named after the traditional border that separated the confederate states during the Civil War. I loved this place-great hoe dowm hits played all night long such as "She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy," and my all time favorite "Save a horse, Rise a Cowboy." The bull riding was especially fun, as you could watch brave patrons ride and fall all night. And of course, as you continue to consume alcohol, your desire to ride that bull increases with your booze intake. But the best part of it all were the boys-it's a preppy place, with a more real southern twist, and a mini hipster crowd and bar crew that gives the place some variance. Good place to go with some girlfriends, especially when you're in the mood to dance and get on that bull! Until next time, always, -The Know it all New Yorker-

Married to my city

On this hazy Friday afternoon, as I recover from the boy drama I endured the previous evening, I feel the need to reflect on my current state of mind.  Not too long ago I attended a serious relationship of mine out of fear of leaving my great city behind.  He was a socal beach boy, I'm a born and bred city slicker.  Star crossed lovers on opposite ends of the coast, right?  My whole life was this man, and when I mean my whole life, I mean this man produced so much joy in my life and made me so happy, and loved me so much that we were the two happiest peas you could possibly find in a pod.  However, then "life" set in.  I needed to move to LA to be with him and although LA was OK, I didn't really like it that much, nothing compared to NY for sure.  How would I fare in this new place?  It just seemed all too much for me to handle, giving up my City.  And that's when it dawned on me.  I'm loyal to Manhattan-so in love that I won't leave it for fear of disappointment. So content in my NY bubble that I'm unwilling or unable to succeed in a new, less intense atmosphere.  At some point though, I want that to change. I want to be able to grow and make personal life choices, even if it means moving out of NY, to be around the people I care about and whom make the most difference in my life. Although right now I feel empty, a little overdosed with emotion, I know that only in NY can I take a walk in central park, take a strip tease dance class, get a message and then go out for a night on the town all within a few miles of each other.  And for that, in times like this, I am eternally greatful for my city that never sleeps.  Until next time, -The Know it all New Yorker-

Real Housewives of NYC Season 2

Hey everyone,


Welcome to another sunny, yet cold (and currently still snowy) day in fabulous NYC. Today's topic has to do with Season 2 of the Real Housewives of NYC. Is anyone else obsessed with the show as much as I am? I started to wonder the other day why I like the show, why I'm obsessed with their social schedule, and I realized that it's because these women are at a stable place in their lives in which they have it all. They have their social lives, families, husbands, children, careers, philanthropic endeavors and traveling ability due to their financial situations. They have NY like I do but they lead more well balanced lives, almost as if they are in an elevated New York state of mind, compared with a younger, single City girl like me. But there's more to it than that. The fact that they get to live both their NYC lives and their Hamptons lives plus additional traveling makes them desirable to me because they have it all: their cosmopolitan center, their busy, yet more over the top suburban Hamptons lives and their ability to both relax in and work in both environments. Oh yes, and now they're all on national television and they get to do press work, write books, do magazine shoots and probably get some free stuff-sounds like my kind of ordeal. Most if not all of the women on the show either have had careers or are still working currently while balancing their family and social lives. Now this has been my favorite part of analyzing the Housewives series Bravo TV phenomnom; comparing the NY women with the Los Angeles women; the greatest different between the two shows is while a number of the women on the real housewives of OC had careers, some of them did not work and for that reason, they are not as strong of role models for women, however that does not mean that they are not intelligent or incapable, but rather that they lead different lives and thus balance less compared with women that do work and have families. However, I will also mention that I believe the women on the real housewives of NYC are more likable, they come across as quicker, they seem more interesting, and they are not at caddy as the women on the OC. While I feel uncomfotable at times watching the RHO OC, I feel more at ease watching the NY version, it just seems more real to me. Maybe that's what it's all about-being real, and if that's true than my feelings must also be, as New York is definitely more REAL than OC.

Until next time, stay real NY -The Know it all New Yorker-

Happy Hour

I was born and raised in New York City, and when I was in our latter high school years my friends and I would hit the bars, but never for happy hour.  After graduating from college and moving back to NYC from Los Angeles, now as a single, working professional, happy hour has become my favorite aspect of NYC for a few reasons: a) there are so many good places to explore and choose from and b) every girl likes a man in uniform, or for New York City men, a man in a suit.  I always ask my friends, why is a man in a collared shirt and slacks or a suit so ridiculously sexy?  We all unanimously came to the conclusion that it's sexy because it's "manly."  The corporate look is a very alpha make look and when you place that prototype of a guy at a bar, it just looks so good.  Nothing like business and alcohol mixed together for an after work good time. Recently, I have picked up on these few hot spots to check out the corporate boys drinking booze for the after work social hour:

1) The Rose Bar at the Gramercy Hotel

2) Rue 57

3) Redemption

So check them out, let me know if you agree/disagree. -The Know it all New Yorker-

Post-Oscar Infatuation

Hello all you fabulous people,

Well, the Oscars this year in general did not disappoint, however I have a few broad hopes for the future ;)  First of all, I'm sick of the fact that the Oscars take place in Hollywood every year, with no celebrity follow up in the city that never sleeps?  I for one would like the celebrity winners to be invited to a post-Oscar bash in New York, so us 'New Yoka's' can enjoy the scene.  I mean, the Oscars are supposed to support the intellectual, well written, directed, acted, designed movies, not the Confessions of a Shopaholic MTV awards.  So, They should really have an after Oscar-party in NYC since we are the theatre hub of America.  Can anyone say, Broadway? As an intellectual epi-center, I vote to propose a New York After Oscar Special.  The fun should end in our town, on our side of the country.

My second observation has to do with Mr. Sean Penn. Although I predicted he would win the Best Male Actor Award, I don't think he deserved it.  I was rooting for The Visitor star, Richard Jenkins or Frost/Nixon's, Frank Langella.  But, Penn's character was so outlandish and passionate by the nature of the movie, I knew he'd snag it some how.  Now, on a completely different note, I'm going to be brutally honest.  Last night I realized my intense infatuation with Sean Penn.  I think he's probably sort of a jerk, but I'm officially obsessed and I realized how badly I want to meet this guy.  Even if you dislike him for his political actions/statements, you have to admit he is sort of a fascinating guy.  That lackadaisical expression, the frantic hair, the I'm too cool attitude permanently plastered on his face, his general bad boy appeal is so infatuating, and that's precisely why I'm hooked.  And just like that, I'm out for tonight folks, stay tuned next time, because in order to know it all, you've gotta' know me. -The Know it all New Yorker-

Friday madness

Hey everyone,

It seems to me that every Friday New Yorkers are happier than ever.  It must be a combination of our fast paced city and the fact that most of us either work very hard during our normal hours/just work very long hours in general.  But now, more than ever before, I'm seeing New Yorkers become particularly excited about each Friday rolling up to the weekend.  Can you guess why?  Of course you can: the economy has hit New York particularly hard. It's hit our bank accounts, stock investments, job security and so much more.  Plus, we have to deal with the fact that some people want to change our country and make is less competitive (socialized) and others want America to stay #1, and in order to do that, let's face it people, we need free market, capitalism.  So now, everyone is up in arms. Some are scared their businesses won't survive if the government continues to have power within the private sector and others are pushing for that.  Now, let me tell you how we can fix all this mayhem just a bit by at least improving our economy a bit, and thus making things better for everyone: SPEND!  In an economy that is 70% consumer driven, we need to start spending a little more!  If we do, magically our stock portfolios will start going up, and financers and street people alike will be making more money.  Businesses will start hiring again, and the unemployment rate will magically go down ;)  Weekends are our prime time to do this.  We have more time to eat, shop, hang out with friends and family, travel, and can pursue our own hobbies (i.e. working out, skiing, or if you're twenty-something and single like me, dancing with friends until the wee hours of the morning ;), whatever it is we like to do, our weekends are the time to make it happen.  So go out there, spend the little money that we all have, and feel good about it in the process-you're an American, gosh darnit', act like it ;)

The real gossip girl gives you the real New York deal...

To all of my guests,

First of all, welcome!  I'm thrilled that for the first time ever, I will be able to bring the mythical figure of the "Gossip Girl" to life in giving you on the spot, up to date info. on the latest NY has to offer when it comes to events, social gatherings, etc, except I will also take it a notch further and give you more in depth analyses of the latest state of our great city and the reasons (or should I say) misconceptions so many miss out on experiencing the once in a lifetime opportunity to live in the greatest city in the world.

Now, as my friends in Hollywood say, let's cut to the chase.  First order of business is New York fashion week, which is taking place this week at Bryant Park.  I attended the Dennis Basso show Tuesday with a girlfriend of mine who invited me, and I must say, although the show was great (regardless of whether or not you support the fur trade-Dennis Basso is known for his furs ;), I must say that the highlight of my day was meeting Star Jones.  Now, I don't have a problem with Star.  I think she handled herself decently in the public eye when things went south with Barbara.  However, my criticism of her came when she came on to Larry King, and although I have not yet had the pleasure of asking her this question, I would like to interview her in the future and ask about the comment she made on the show supporting Johnnie Cochran, O.J. Simpson's attorney when he was on trial for viciously beheading his ex-wife and her friend, Ronald Goldman.  I mean, how can you support and show appreciation for someone who supported and represented a man we all knew was GUILTY OF MURDER!?!?  Seriously people, where has common decency gone?  However, regarding decency, I supported her when she publicly called on Barbara Walters for some of the past events she detailed in her latest book titled "Barbara Walters: An Unauthorized Biography" in which she detailed the name of the man she had an affair with years ago.  That's right Barbara, tell everyone this man's full name so you can have a juicy story, while ruining his family's life.  This happened years ago, and if you wanted to talk about it openly, you didn't need to use his name out of respect for his family and their children.  And I'll agree, what Barbara did was ten times worse than what Star said, but let's hold everyone accountable for their own actions here, Ok?  What Barbara did however, was just plain crude and low class. Period.

Next order of business:  A girlfriend of mine and I went out in midtown yesterday for Happy Hour and she started to tell me about some of her friends from Auburn (where she went to college) who don't want to move to New York because they think New Yorkers are "mean."  My friend (we'll just call her "J"), started to tell me about Auburn and how people there generally wanted to stay within their own group of friends from the time they entered college to graduation.  Wow, sounds like a lot of fun.  It's one thing if you make close friends that bring joy to your life and so you spend a lot of time having fun together. That's wonderful, but if you mostly just want to hang out with one social group for all four years, whether or not you're close with these people, well, that's just sort of sad.  You're missing out on an entire university of people!!  Also, according to J, guys didn't really hit on you at Auburn, they only spoke with you if they knew you from the same social group or if they knew you from another outlet of some sort.  I could totally empathize with this as it is very similar at USC.  Guys don't really hit on you around campus, you only talk with them if you know them, which isn't very fun.  So J was telling me that New Yorkers are sooooo much friendlier!  She has had three dates in the past week!  She never got three dates at Auburn, let alone one, as guys didn't really ask girls out on dates ;( She feels a lot more comfortable here just flirting with random guys on the street, and she thinks the hustle and bustle of this fun exciting city is the reason :)  I agree.  Nothing against the south by the way, I love the south and I know how beautiful many of the areas are, as well as the people who are often well dressed and polite, but I know so many southern transfers here in Manhattan, and since we like you all so much, we want more of you!  Come and enjoy the City that never sleeps, and I'm sure you'll fall in love as my friend J has ;)

That's all for now folks, but come back to hear my reviews on certain hotspots, how to's when it comes to getting to know the right people in this big City, and my thesis that fabulosity is not given to a person with looks or money to buy it, it's a choice, a state of mind, shall we say ;P Until next time! -The Know It All New Yorker-