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A few weeks ago, I attended an event at which I was given a $50 gift card to Marshalls. I’ve never been, and I had nothing to do this afternoon, so after a quick Google search to locate the Marshalls nearest me (unfortunately, there’s only one in Manhattan and it’s on West 125th Street, which is a good 45-minute subway ride away), I decided to brave the drizzly weather.

First, the bad: the store is not pretty. It’s disorganized, dirty, and difficult to navigate. That said, I am much more excited by the prospect of getting a steal that I love in less-than-gorgeous surroundings than I am by spending way too much money for the privilege of hearing my heels click along Saks’ waxed floors.

Now, the good: I left Marshalls with two purchases that I predict I’ll wear constantly this winter, and that I can’t believe totaled $61 including tax (yes, I went $11 over). The first is the sweater pictured above - it’s a comfortable black knit from Anne Klein that cost only $39. I also bought a black wrap-type thing (sort of a pashmina with slits to accommodate your arms so it takes on the look of a cardigan) lined with black faux fur for $19. Gorgeous, and perfect for a fancy night out over a cocktail dress or for an afternoon stroll over jeans.

Anne Klein sweater, ABS Carrie jeans, Dooney & Bourke handbag.

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Jordan Reid on Facebook

ABS gown.

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Me showing off my skills at Soho Billiards.

(That is a joke. No skills whatsoever were on display last night. Embarrassing admission: it took us TWO HOURS to get through two games. Sigh.)

Click here for a list of the best pool halls in NYC. My other favorite is Fat Cat, which is such a fun place - you can play pool, scrabble, chess, table tennis, and there’s live music every night. It’s a perfect spot for birthday parties.

ENTREES

Chicken Stew

My mother made this all the time when I was growing up (and, happily, still does). This chicken stew is my ultimate comfort food, and never fails to make me feel like a kid again. I also love that I can get home at 7PM and be eating this delicious meal by 7:30. Go here for a list of ingredients.

MOM’S CHICKEN STEW

1. Cut 2-3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts into pieces.

2. Brown chicken pieces in a large pot with 2 tbsp olive oil and some garlic salt.

3. Add 12 cups chicken broth (I just use 12 cups of water and 6 packets of chicken bouillon) to the pot; bring to a boil.

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Just A Little Terror

So I have this mild paralyzing fear of insects/multi-legged creatures. According to my parents, it began when I was about a year old; they heard piercing I’m-being-murdered-by-a-man-with-an-axe screams and went rushing to my crib, only to discover that I was being terrorized by the much-feared musca domestica (common housefly). And despite my crippling phobia, my loving parents frequently took me camping. It was, if I recall, absolute hell: I lived in a constant state of terror that a daddy long-legs would make its way past the mesh door of our tent.

And then in fourth grade, this all - quite miraculously - changed with the arrival of our new science teacher, Howie. Over the course of that year, I brought home a variety of pets that I previously wouldn’t even have considered looking at, let alone touching, including a crayfish (pictured above), a turtle, a snake, a snail, a frog, and a few mealworms…all, inexplicably, named Sammy (I was an odd child).

When MyLife.com, America’s #1 people search engine, offered me the opportunity to search for a mentor with whom I’d lost touch, I immediately thought of Howie. I found out that he’s still living in New York City, and still showing kids just how non-lethal the average musca domestica is. Had I searched for him on Facebook, MySpace, or any other single social media outlet I imagine it would have been near-impossible to locate him, given the limited information I have, but with MyLife I was able to learn what he’s been up to immediately. Awesome. Now if only I could find my first-grade crush…

MyLife

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Because I know you’ve been waiting with bated breath…here’s what I’m thinking for Kendrick and I this Halloween: Buttercup and Westley immediately after their escape from the Fire Swamp (ROUS-bloodied shoulder and all). I know it’s not the most earth-shatteringly original idea ever, but I LOVE The Princess Bride (my parents’ new kitten is even named Westley), and I also think it’s kinda…well, hot.

The Westley costume will be easy enough to create (although I suspect pouring Kendrick into a pair of black tights will prove to be challenging), but I need a red cloak-type gown (v-neck, wide sleeves, loose body). I’ll scour the Salvation Army this weekend, but I’m thinking I’ll probably end up making the thing myself. Anyone have any super-simple sewing patterns that might work?

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Happy Friday afternoon! Here’s a track (“Horchata”) from Vampire Weekend’s upcoming album to help your celebrations along.