That’s our (very nice) taxi driver watching in the background while Kendrick flags down the wonderful, amazing, angelic Good Samaritan Elizabeth, who stopped for us and then drove us straight to the airport, even though she and her baby, Spenny (sp?), were on their way to visit her parents on Long Island.
We got to the airport in plenty of time for our flight to Ohio. It seemed that our luck was taking a turn for the better!
Oh, but just you wait…
OK, so our holiday travel experience thus far has been…less-than-smooth.
Were you one of the hundreds of people stuck in terrible traffic on the Grand Central Parkway on the way to LaGuardia Airport around 6PM on Wednesday? Well, you can thank us (or at least the lady who cut off our taxi, resulting in a semi-terrifying skid and collision). The accident was bad enough that the taxi driver had to wait for the police, but our flight time was rapidly drawing nearer…so Kendrick and I stood in the lane that had been blocked off for the accident and sort of flailed around, hoping to find a taxi willing to stop in the middle of the highway to pick us up. This plan did not work.
Fortunately, a Good Samaritan came to our aid.
The ASPCA has some great tips for keeping your pets safe during the holiday season:
“There’s nothing more scrumptious than gathering with friends and family for the holidays, but many of the ingredients in human fun can result in distress for pets. As we kick off the season of lights, parties and yummy treats, the ASPCA wants to remind pet parents of the potential hazards certain goodies and decor can pose to our furry friends.
‘As you prepare for your holiday celebrations,’ says Dr. Steven Hansen, Senior Vice President of ASPCA Animal Health Services, ‘remember to be wary of foods and traditions that can bring potential dangers to companion animals.’
In honor of the joyous season to come, ASPCA poison control experts offer these essential tips for having pets at the party in a safe way:
Wednesday afternoon, I met with Dana-Maxx (in purple; that’s her assistant Vladimir on the left) to discuss the details of her upcoming trunk show to benefit the Women’s Funding Network, an organization that protects women against violence and abuse. I’ll be co-hosting the event with Meghan, and will post more info as soon as we nail down the date!
My friend Jennifer and her husband Jim Bob make the absolute coolest pendants around (above is “The Sh*t,” as you can see). They’re only $40 ($45 for 24K gold-dipped), and you can literally cover every single person on your gift list with these things - there is an incredible variety of styles in categories such as “Garden,” “Retro,” and “Feel-Good.”
Some of my favorites: Hooked, Let’s Fly Away on a Paper Airplane, and, of course, Saute Lady.
Place your order at www.jennyandjimbob.com by December 19th and receive 20% off!
When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, I believe in going back to basics. No frou-frou, fancy-pants anything: I want canned Ocean Spray cranberry sauce, and I want it yesterday.
Stuffing is a dish that I think suffers not at all from shortcuts, and I do what my mom always did when I was growing up: saute chopped mushrooms, onion and garlic in olive oil, and just add it to Pepperidge Farm stuffing prepared according to the package instructions.
Link: Best NYC Restaurants for Thanksgiving Dinner
If you’re not in a cooking mood tomorrow, there are plenty of fantastic dining options around town. Check out NY Mag’s guide to finding a Thanksgiving dinner with all of the deliciousness…and none of the effort.
Tuesday night, I met up with Melissa for happy hour at Stir. The drink list is fab (and only $9 per martini Mon-Fri from 5-8) - I was tempted by a blueberry martini, but ultimately went for Old Faithful (dirty Ketel One, straight up). I did, however, try Melissa’s elderflower martini, and it was lovely.
St. Germain elderflower liqueur uses elderflowers grown in the Alps, and has essence of lychee, peach, and a touch of orange. Serve it straight up or on the rocks, or try one of the cocktails listed here.
ELDERFLOWER MARTINI
In a shaker, combine 2 shots vodka, 1 shot St. Germain elderflower liqueur, a splash of lime juice, and ice. Shake well, and serve straight up in a frosty martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Tuesday afternoon, I headed back to VH1 to do pickups for the virginity special I shot earlier this month. Unfortunately, I cut my hair about three inches shorter in the interim (I didn’t know I’d be going back in)…but Christopher performed magic and we ended up more or less matching my earlier look. I wish this shot conveyed how awesome the hairdo he created was - very Mad Men.
