A "Cardinal" idea sure to be a "Steel!"

Pretty punny huh? Don't answer that. 

So the Super Bowl is just around the corner. Many of you may be just like me. I would have absolutely no idea when the kick off commenced if it weren't for a few good friends that host the event every year. Whether your enjoyment lies in rooting for your favorite team, screaming at the opposition, or in the simple things like beer and seven layer dip one thing is for sure; we all enjoy this barbaric American tradition.  But, has anyone ever stopped to think about the hosts? They are the ones who willingly invite you into their home. They calm down noise disturbed neighbors. They set up and clean up after even the most foul of football fumbles. They even keep the peace amongst rival teams sure to engage in unnecessary roughness. Shouldn't we all at least say thank you? 

Well here is a quick and easy idea to show your hosts just how much their annual hospitality means. Start a new tradition in 2009. Instead of arriving in your team jersey with beer in one hand and the boyfriend of moment in the other take some time to do a little pre-planning of your own. Contact a few of your friends also attending and pool together a little cash. Stop by Trader Joe's, my favorite shopping destination, and pick up a gift card. Think about it, 5 bucks for 5 people is a thoughtful way to say hey we appreciate you or.....sorry about last year! Either way no matter who takes the bowl you are still a winner!

Visit your New York Trader Joe's 

Union Square 142 E. 14th Street

or

Brooklyn 130 Court Street

For more info plus super recipes visit:

www.traderjoes.com

Goooooo Team!

The World of Warhol

So there are two types of people in New York these days, those under economic budget cuts and those taking economic advantage. Whatever category your folks fit in there is one thing is for sure...people are moving! Whether they are upgrading or downsizing the chances of change are always around us. Anyone caught in the middle? Check out these Andy Warhol quote plates from CB2. They are the perfect house warming gift (big or small) sure to say congrats to the profiteers and lift the spirits of the downgraded depressed. Plus they won't pull at your purse strings retailing at $1.50 per plate. Visit your local CB2 store at 451 Broadway or online. 

Hope this doesn't spoil the townhouse warming Dan and Shawn!

www.cb2.com

Birthday Book It!

I am one fo those incredibly fortunate people who happen to have 2 sisters, both my parents, my roommate, and 3 of my closest friends who were born between January and February. So today I am going to keep it simple sweetie and start with the best birthday cards in NYC! Look no further than my favorite bookstore, McNally Jackson. Besides the locally owned, independent bookstore's charm and great selection there is also a little extra something something tucked by the register. Cards, cards, and cards oh my!

Whether you are looking for something funny, quirky, sarcastic, orgnanic, unique, or simple MJ has it all. Light years away from the terrible drug store "humorous" card selection, McNally Jackson boasts a more off beat yet endearing approach to well wishing. So the next time you're in SoHo do your friends a favor and stop by 52 Prince Street (b/w Lafayette and 

Mulberry). And don't forget nothing goes better with the perfect card than the perfect book! Check out the McNally Jackson website for staff suggestions.

www.mcnallyjackson.com

Got the gift giving blues?

Hey all you frustrated shoppers out there, do you ever feel like socializing in Manhattan is a second job? Whether its networking nights, birthday blow-outs, house warming parties, baby showers, bar mitzvahs, engagement dinners, anniversaries, or popping the cork on every one's favorite holiday, don't you ever think                   

"why am I always buying gifts?"

Scouring the city for its hidden treasures is not only difficult, it is time consuming. We have all spent our entire Saturday shopping store to store in panic mode before our BFF's cocktail hour. Each of us has bent our roomie's ear about that great guy we started dating... just 3 weeks before Valentine's day.  Please tell me all of us have that relative that hates everything!

Well I have taken the research out of the equation and created The Gift Girl, your local go to guide for everything about everyone else. Covering New York City from Brooklyn to the Bronx I am taking the guess work out of gifting and giving your metro card a rest. Price points will vary so whether you are a CFO or recently part of the "recession depression" there is definitely something here for you. 

Check in with me each day and find out what goodies I have in store for you. 

Happy Shopping!