UMIL: Surprise Mold in the Subzero

These past few months, I have been consumed with my kitchen renovation.  We gutted everything and the only appliance we kept was the Subzero refrigerator.  I had meticulously cleaned the Subzero before the kitchen guys set it aside for the summer.  So it was a HUGE UMIL yesterday, when I realized that the interior of the Subzero contained mold upon opening it (the first time since construction began).

Apparently, I had cleaned the Subzero but did not let it completely dry.  The result of this mistake:

Moisture + Summer Heat = Mold.

I spend the better part of yesterday cleaning/sanitizing the Subzero, yet again.  So the next time you clean your refrigerator, make sure it's completely dry before you close the doors and start using it.

BasicBoutique.com: TGIF Sale - 40% Off!!

BasicBoutique.com is offering 40% off today (09/17/10) because it's FRIDAY!!  Use code "FRIDAY40" for the entire site.  So what would I nab for 40% off?  These four September-appropriate items:

• Rachel Pally Oversized Origami Top in ivory ($59.40):  The draping on this top is causal and not overly done.  I'm thinking this is a great fall top to wear to brunch or a casual dinner. Just avoid red wine if you wear this top to dinner!

• Myne Cassidy Dress in grey ($147.60):  Wear this floaty chic dress while you can!  We're still expecting a few 80s days here and there.  And when it cools off, pair this dress with a swingy cardigan/wrap.

• Loeffler Randall Spaghetti Shoulder Blouse in black ($75):  I'm a firm believer that you can never have enough black tops, sweaters, and shirts.  The spaghetti shoulders adds a nice edge to your basic black silk top.

• Line Gaile in taupe ($83.16):  I live for cashmere but cashmere isn't always the best choice (think rainy days, cool-ish but not quite cool/cold days, something to throw on right after the gym...you get my drift).  And how could I not like the pockets??

[Images Courtesy of Basic Boutique]

Calyso-Celle.com: Addt'l 40% Off Sale Items!!

Calypso-Celle.com is clearing out its summer merchandise and that means an additional 40% off all sale items!!  Use code "SEPT092".  With the discount, these three items are a steal: (Note: Prices reflect discount.)

• Elena Ghiselini Cupido Bag in cocco ($419.40):  I've posted this item before but not at this fantastic price!  I like that this is a nice neutral brown.  

• Yali Sweater in lapin ($89.40):  This sweater is perfect for your transition into Fall!

• Briggi Dress in cool grey ($59.40):  Before it gets too cold, pair this dress with a cardigan or wrap and you're ready for a casual dinner!  The navy version is very versatile as well!

[Images Courtesy of Calypso]

Food Therapy: Free Dessert Day (via OpenTable.com): 09/15/10!!

Today (09/15/10) is Free Dessert Day!!  In celebration of Top Chef Just Desserts, OpenTable.com has partnered with a slew of restaurants (but not all restaurants) and is offering a free dessert for every 2 diners (each person must order a minimum of one entree).

If you were planning to go out to dinner tonight, take a look at the restaurants participating in today's Free Dessert promotion. They're automatically on my good list for the remainder of the year for doing this because really, what's better than free dessert at a restaurant??

And if you weren't planning on going out to dinner tonight, maybe a free dessert will change your mind?

NY Neighborhood Shopping Events: 09/21/10 - 09/23/10

Before the weather turns crapola, take advantage of these three upcoming neighborhood shopping events in the city (sales/discounts included!):

• New York Shop Walk (LES):  This 2-day event will take place during 09/21/10 - 09/22/10 (tues - wed) in the Lower East Side.  Hours are 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm for most stores.  Here are the stores/discounts that caught my eye:
• Dolce Vita (149 Ludlow St): 20% off all regular-priced shoes, boots and clothing
• Earnest Sewn (90 Orchard St): 15% off all Earnest Sewn Products
• Wendy Mink Jewelry (72 Orchard St): 15% off merchandise
• Yumi Kim (105 Stanton St): 20% off merchandise

• Priceless NYC Shopping Night (Soho):  This 1-night event will take place during 09/23/10 (thrs).  Hours are 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm.  Sign-up at BordersRewardsPerks.com to be eligible for the discounts!  I am especially happy about the Club Monaco and Solstice discounts!  These are the stores/discounts that looked good to me:
• Hugo Boss: 25% off
• Club Monaco: 20% off
• Theory: 20% off
• Vince: 20% off
• Solstice: $50 off $195
• Scoop: 20% off
• Calypso: 20% off

• Priceless NYC Shopping Night (Meatpacking District):  This 1-night event will take place during 09/23/10 (thrs).  Hours are 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm.  Sign-up at BordersRewardsPerks.com to be eligible for the discounts!  Most of the stores are similar to the ones in Soho, but a few are different.
• Carlos Miele: 20% off
• Earnest Sewn: 20% off
• Hugo Boss: 25% off
• Theory: 20% off
• Helmut Lang: 20% off
• Solstice: $50 off 195
• Scoop: 20% Off
• Calypso: 20% off
• Adam: 20% off
• Red Market Salon: 30% off

Mr. Max: A Picky Eater?

Mr. Max was given new dog food this week and to my surprise, it turns out that he is a picky eater!  At first, I thought it was a fluke, because it takes a lot of effort to separate the dog food.  But after 2 days, I've realized that it's not a fluke.  See the before and after pictures below:

• Before: (This is actually Mr. Foo Foo's bowl.  He'll eat anything and everything.)

• After:  Apparently Mr. Max doesn't like dog food in the shape of cylinders.  The shape of dog bones, however, are okay.  I may start calling Mr. Max, "Mad Max."

Salon With A Sign Of Humor

I walked by Slate Salon a few weeks ago on E 7th St and they had the following sidewalk sign out that I can appreciate (unfortunately) on a personal level (just the side about self-coloring):

Note: I've never been to Slate but I really like their sidewalk sign.

Bed Bath & Beyond Clearance Sale Score: Plushy Throw!

When it comes to winter robes, pajamas and bedding, I focus on the tactile experience of the fabric.  When it's cold outside, I like items that are warm, fuzzy and cozy.  As a result, I am huge sucker for anything made from plushy material.  Usually, I prefer to buy items made from natural fibers (mostly, silk cotton, merino wool, and cashmere).  But I love plushy material so much that in this DISCRETE instance, I'm totally advocating polyester!

My old plushy throw needed to be retired, so I headed to Bed, Bath & Beyond in hopes of finding a new one in the clearance section.   And...I scored!!

My old plushy throw was a plushy blanket but this new plushy throw (Think Mink Down Alternative Throw by Berkshire Blanket) is a like a plushy throw/super-light comforter in one.  I used a 20% off coupon, so the final price was only $15.99!!!  I'm thinking about getting another one just in case Sunshine decides to permanently "borrow" this one.

Note:  I don't see this particular plushy blanket available on BBB's online clearance section, but two other plushy blankets are available:

• Indulgence Throws by Berkshire Blanket for $14.99
• Anywhere Blanket from Berkshire Blanket for $19.99