Like all of you I have a period of time during the day when I need a break and love to do something mindless and fun. New York City is such a dynamic environment that I enjoy walking everywhere I possibly can if time and proper footwear allow. But when I'm in my home office… Continue reading A-Ha! Moments, January 5th
Category: What The F*ck?
Treat Culture, December 29th
I find treats (both food related and non) synonymous with happy little mood boosters. But lately I've been trying to cut back... and not just on the calories. Because I buy in streams of consciousness. Do you do this too? I get fixated on all sorts of fun additions to my life. Coordinated pajama sets… Continue reading Treat Culture, December 29th
Travel Meal, December 22nd
I always say that the airport is such a great forum for observing human behavior. From the outfits folks wear right down to their interesting and odd choices of footwear (platform pink Crocs?!), to their carryons and handhelds, to who they travel with and what they do within the terminal, you can certainly learn a… Continue reading Travel Meal, December 22nd
One And Done, December 15th
For the past few years I have taken a ton of business trips. And because the nature of these trips has been mostly networking conferences, they are located at must-visit cities at pretty swanky hotels and resorts. And being a travel lover, this has been a fab perk of the job. So when you fly… Continue reading One And Done, December 15th
The Price Of Beauty, December 8th
I'm not attempting to break the bank when I visit Sephora, makeup counters in department stores or invest in minor cosmetic procedures. But it does take a bit of magic and tomfoolery to look like this, ya know what I'm sayin? And the glam purchases that constitute my routine are necessary ones, not luxuries. Keeping… Continue reading The Price Of Beauty, December 8th
Sticking To The Program, December 1st
Although we all try to remain composed when dealing with difficult situations, there are times when we just want to throw hands. When someone really gets our goat or pushes our buttons, steam emits from our ears and it's on! For someone like me, a scheduled planner who lives by the calendar I've created for… Continue reading Sticking To The Program, December 1st
Airplane Mode, November 24th
I fly a bunch. Mostly to conferences for networking/business purposes but sometimes for personal trips and to visit family and friends. I always fly Delta because I love the miles, points, lounges, upgrades, service, timeliness and planes. I realize there are some infrequent fliers and I respect that. Not everyone needs to get on a… Continue reading Airplane Mode, November 24th
The Color Purple, November 10th
I have always been a purple fan. Growing up my bedroom had small lilac flowers on the wallpaper and my bedspread was all sorts of purple. Fast forward to my adult years and even though I'm a hard core New Yorker who favors black and blacker for my wardrobe, I proudly own a big purple… Continue reading The Color Purple, November 10th
Things That Make You Say Hmmm, November 3rd
Good morning and happy Monday. Let's jump right into some new things that make you say hmmm. So I read this recently and I wanted to throw it out there to see what ya'll think, because of course I have thoughts... What a fascinating debate question! Did A ask for a raise before discovering the… Continue reading Things That Make You Say Hmmm, November 3rd
Couldja Not? October 29th
Don't you just gasp sometimes at the things you hear or witness? And you think to yourself what's wrong with these people? Well I've been paying close attention lately to headscratcher moments, horrifying witness statements and altogether craziness. These are the peeps we are talking about and I gotta tell you that some of these… Continue reading Couldja Not? October 29th
What Matters, October 13th
McDonald's in Malaysia recently launched a limited-time "Fans Fries Meal" featuring an XXL-sized portion of fries, a small fry, and a drink. The offering was unique as it was the first time in Malaysia that Mickey D's offered fries as the entree part of the combo. As in the main course was fries? So it was… Continue reading What Matters, October 13th
The Pendrag, October 10th
Have you ever heard the term "pendrag" before? It literally means to drag your pen across paper, aka: cross something off your list. I, my friends, am a quintessential pendragger, nice to meet you. If your heart just skipped a beat, you're one of my people. Who knew there was a term dedicated to us?… Continue reading The Pendrag, October 10th
The Tomato Philosophy, October 6th
I have an announcement to make. I have come up with a new outlook on life that I'm calling The Tomato Philosophy. Intrigued? I'll bet. Me, too. The premise of this new vision stems quite literally from our fruit inclusive pal, the humble tomato. Many of course are aware that a tomato is considered a… Continue reading The Tomato Philosophy, October 6th
Pushing The Limits, September 22nd
We walk fast, we talk fast and we don't stop to take handouts from those rapper kids hawking "free" music on the street. We don't wait for green lights and the crosswalk is just a suggestion because anytime there's a break in traffic it seems like an invitation for us to cross. You've heard rumors… Continue reading Pushing The Limits, September 22nd
Open Wide, September 10th
The first time I picked up a tennis racket I was five. And I loved it. I played every year in summer camp, all four years on my high school team and was even voted Captain my senior year thankyouverymuch. I have dabbled throughout my corporate life at various outings and impromptu pickup games. I… Continue reading Open Wide, September 10th
Nosh & Kibbitz, September 8th
Recently I published a blog called Not Lost In Translation about words that sound similar to their definitions. I myself was laughing at all of those terms. If you missed that post here's the link so you can catch up... https://jenslittleblackbook.com/2025/09/02/not-lost-in-translation-september-2nd/ What I omitted from that list was completely intentional. And they are two words… Continue reading Nosh & Kibbitz, September 8th
Not Lost In Translation, September 2nd
Some words just sound so perfect for what they represent, right? Especially those in a foreign language that almost need no translation. I think most Americans are aware for example of the schlep factor? No? Ok, maybe it's just New Yorkers that despise carrying heavy groceries, packages, dry cleaning, purchases, coats, water bottles or daily… Continue reading Not Lost In Translation, September 2nd
Charlie Oscar Delta Echo, August 25th
We all have go-to words or phrases that we use on repeat at different stages of our lives. "Gnarly" is a funny word spoken explicitly by the character Jeff Spicoli in the classic movie Fast Times At Ridgemont High. Who could forget Sean Penn's disheveled delivery? "Schwing" was a term coined by SNL characters Wayne… Continue reading Charlie Oscar Delta Echo, August 25th
Going Broke Saving Money, August 11th
With the rising cost of everything lately, I've been trying to stock up on items whose prices might dramatically rise in the near future. So I feel like I'm going broke saving money. Isn't that always the case when you're sale shopping or just browsing too? Sort of the finest edition of girl math, right?… Continue reading Going Broke Saving Money, August 11th
Dry July, August 4th
So many celebrities are asked about how they would spend their one perfect day. A chef is often questioned about preparing her perfect meal. Kids are told to write about what they want to do on their holiday away from school. And all of these answers have one thing in common. They start with a… Continue reading Dry July, August 4th
So It Shall Be Written, July 28th
I'm not saying that Pharaoh in Ancient Egypt was a good guy... all ten plagues to the contrary. But what he did have was power to make things happen. His tagline was always, "So it shall be written. So it shall be done." And although he was a bad dude to the core, his philosophy… Continue reading So It Shall Be Written, July 28th
Life In The Margins, July 21st
What we do after work, after the kids go to bed, after after is what counts. (Always a nod to Mr. Miyagi!) It's what we make time to do in the margins that determines our level of happiness because work is always just work. And even if you love what you do (like me), your… Continue reading Life In The Margins, July 21st
There Will Be Signs, July 14th
I've never been much of a gal for showy labels but I do like designers. Back in the 80s when the Benetton craze took over with those obnoxious shirts with the gigantic logos, I never opted in. I'm not totally silent label gal, a la Loro Piana (but I dream!) but I really like nice… Continue reading There Will Be Signs, July 14th
SnackTime With Jen— New Hope Nosh, July 9th
Sitting proudly across the pedestrian friendly bridge in Lambertville, New Jersey is historic New Hope, PA. Considered one of America's most beautiful small towns, New Hope is an incredible waterside enclave that sprawls along a narrow stretch of the Delaware River. She's brimming with antique shops, Pride filled bars, local artisans, vintage stores, coffee shops… Continue reading SnackTime With Jen— New Hope Nosh, July 9th
Hell To The No, June 30th
Aren't you amazed at some questions people ask without even giving them a second thought? Like those words just fly out of their mouths unfiltered and then they stand there waiting for a reply not realizing the gravity of what they uttered. Like when boundary crossers just trample that invisible line. Or when surveys ask… Continue reading Hell To The No, June 30th
SnackTime With Jen— Hamptons Highlights, June 26th
June is a great month to visit The Hamptons, especially during the week. It's not overrun, you can get dinner reservations practically everywhere and the weather is not yet scorching like it is now in the City. So we took a week-long vacation using Sag Harbor as our base and had the pleasure of trying… Continue reading SnackTime With Jen— Hamptons Highlights, June 26th
Remember Me? June 23rd
Many people pull out their Rolodex to prove how popular they are. This can peacock in the number of followers someone has, the number of likes they may receive on social, the aggregate of connections they boast, the number of business cards they have collected over the years, the hours they bill for the year,… Continue reading Remember Me? June 23rd
Green Flags, June 2nd
I saw a series of phrases by Case Kenny all under the umbrella of Green Flags and instantly they resonated with me. So I wanted to share them with you. They are sort of life changing. When you think of your life like a traffic signal of Red, Yellow and Green, the statements below are… Continue reading Green Flags, June 2nd
No Dog In This Fight, May 26th
It's no secret that I'm a fan of the good ol' American hot dog. I'm sure I told you that when I was little my Mom took me to the pediatrician worried that I only wanted to eat frankfurters. His reply? Let her. Lots of years later I'm a still a huge fan of the… Continue reading No Dog In This Fight, May 26th
Self Medicate, May 12th
We all know when we are under the weather, not feeling like ourselves, shocked out of our Crocs by the latest insane news cycle, freaked out over the weather or having a work crisis, we might simply need a little TLC. How we handle this self-love varies greatly from person to person. Self medicating is… Continue reading Self Medicate, May 12th
The Year Of The Snake, May 5th
If you're not up on your Chinese zodiac symbolism, let me educate you from what I've recently learned. The Chinese zodiac is a twelve-year cycle and assigns a different animal to each year. It is one of the cornerstones of Chinese culture. You'll find that distinct characteristics also pair to each animal. And it's fascinating… Continue reading The Year Of The Snake, May 5th
Pro Choice, April 21st
I read an article recently about how a shoe store owner maximized sales. Apparently when women are deciding between three different pair of shoes they tend to leave empty handed. But when they are selecting between just two pair, they buy. It's the this or that theory that tends to have a positive outcome. Fascinating!… Continue reading Pro Choice, April 21st
Welcome To My House, April 7th
You know that song Welcome To My House by Flo Rida? "Welcome to my house. Baby, take control now. We can't even slow down. We don't have to go out. Welcome to my house. Play that music too loud. Show me what you do now. We don't have to go out. Welcome to my house.… Continue reading Welcome To My House, April 7th
Fashion Quest, March 19th
I read a great article about keeping your closet tight. For every item that enters, one must go. Sort of a vigilant way to keep order for sure. Another great tip but easier to follow is if you really love something, take a photo of it. Sometimes you want the memory and not necessarily the… Continue reading Fashion Quest, March 19th
Stalking, March 17th
When I was Hebrew school-aged (around 11) I loved celery. I know it sounds bonkers but I did. My snack for my dreaded Hebrew school classes was either cut stalks of celery or cucumber slices with a dash of salt. I'm still a huge celery fan, especially the hearts. They have such a satisfying crunch,… Continue reading Stalking, March 17th
Happy Feet, February 24th
My Dad always says that no matter how you spend your money, you should always invest in comfortable shoes. Sage advice. My Mom always says that your shoes can totally make an outfit. Also genius input. So imagine finding a pair of shoes that meets both parental units' requirements in stunning style. May I introduce… Continue reading Happy Feet, February 24th
Case Closed, February 17th
I know I write a lot about air travel. I think people are uniquely themselves when they think nobody is watching or they are traveling alone, which often times makes me laugh. Airports are the perfect place to be anonymous. That is until you do something outrageous and others start to notice or comment or… Continue reading Case Closed, February 17th
Superpowers, January 27th
As a little kid weren't you always told that you had superpowers and that adults were amazed by you? Running around in Underoos I almost believed the hype. Then as we grew older we were presented a stunning multiple choice question regarding a gift from the universe... Would we rather have invisibility, the power of… Continue reading Superpowers, January 27th
The Seven Day Flex, January 13th
Try not to be horrified when I tell you this but I usually work every weekend. Not all day every day, but usually a few hours on either a Saturday or a Sunday. Sometimes both. And it's my choice. I'm not mandated to clock those hours, nor do I qualify for overtime. And I'm not… Continue reading The Seven Day Flex, January 13th
Access Denied, January 6th
There are some restaurants in New York City that you just cannot get into. And when I say you, I mean me. (Ok, and you.) As in can't walk in, can't get a reservation even 30 days in advance because the Resy slots go immediately, don't know the manager, bar is packed or requires a… Continue reading Access Denied, January 6th
Derailed, December 31st
Le Train Bleu is a famous and opulent restaurant located inside the Gare de Lyon train station in Paris. "Opened in 1901, it was originally designed to impress travelers heading to the south of France. The restaurant is known for its Belle Époque decor, with grand chandeliers, beautiful murals, and ornate ceilings that transport diners… Continue reading Derailed, December 31st
Say When, December 30th
Knowing when to say when is an acquired skill. Like learning not to overstay your welcome when bunking with a relative or a friend. Or when to find the exit as a restaurant is closing up for the night. But the opposite is also true. Like for bottomless beverages or unlimited chips and salsa. It's… Continue reading Say When, December 30th
Punishable By Debt, December 16th
Growing up I was taught that you could never spend more than you had. So credit cards were a big no. I was not supposed to get into a situation that was punishable by debt. I could use a "charge card," but those I paid off in full at the end of the month. (Does… Continue reading Punishable By Debt, December 16th
Going To Pieces, December 9th
Stress is a part of our everyday lives. In big cities with high expectations and even greater demands, the anxiety level can be obscene. So it's on all of us to strike a work/life balance and take care of ourselves and in many cases our families as well. How do we unwind, unplug and relax… Continue reading Going To Pieces, December 9th
Reading The Signs, December 2nd
Does anyone remember the hilarious and relatable movie from way back in the early 90s called Singles? It was a Cameron Crowe picture featuring an ensemble cast including Kyra Sedgwick, Matt Dillon, and Campbell Scott. All the characters were in their early 20s pondering love and the challenges of adulthood. Bridget Fonda played the warm,… Continue reading Reading The Signs, December 2nd
Supertasters, November 25th
Have you ever heard of a supertaster? It describes someone who has a heightened sense of taste for certain foods and flavors compared to the average person. Supertasters are born with this ability and research suggests that genes might be responsible. Supertasters taste more intensely, especially the bitter flavors. Eureka!! I am a supertaster. This… Continue reading Supertasters, November 25th
Out Of The Closet, November 18th
Opening those double doors wide and staring at the choices before me, one thought usually crosses my mind… I have nothing to wear! It’s packed pretty tight in there too so it’s not for lack of options. I am sure cuties are hiding. Some newbies (gasp) still have tags! I can’t easily find favorites. I… Continue reading Out Of The Closet, November 18th
Feeling Bleu, November 4th
Hi, my name is Jen and I'm a fashion addict. There. I said what I said. I'm letting you into the mind of an obsessed shopper so save your judgements, s'il vous plaît. Why do I fall in love so quickly with shoes, coats, jewels, handbags, button downs, glitter, and sparkles? Like heart racingly enthusiastic,… Continue reading Feeling Bleu, November 4th
Have You Heard? October 21st
Living in NYC and being surround by millions of people, it's amazing the things you hear! And read. And observe. On this fine Monday morning, I thought I'd make your day more amusing with some things that have been "overheard" lately... And isn't it hard not to absolutely laugh out loud when you overhear something… Continue reading Have You Heard? October 21st
Possessed, October 14th
Much as I try to understand the pitfalls of materialism, I hate to say it but I am a material girl living in a material world. Whew. I said what I said! Why inanimate objects thrill me is actually beyond my scope of understanding. But alls I know is, they have that power. Not all… Continue reading Possessed, October 14th
Tightening My Belt, September 16th
What I can't have sometimes frustrates me. We all want what we want when we want it, right? Lately I've been trying to follow the Suzy Ormond rule of thumb and buy what I need instead of what I want. This comes with deep reflection, an Excel spreadsheet, and a realistic view of life instead… Continue reading Tightening My Belt, September 16th
Get Over Yourself! September 9th
Long ago I worked with a very funny gal named Roxanne who looked stereotypically Bridge and Tunnel. For those of you who live outside the New York Metropolitan area, this is a local slur referring to those who have to (gasp) take a bridge or tunnel to enter the mecca that is Manhattan. The funny… Continue reading Get Over Yourself! September 9th
SnackTime With Jen— The Claws Are Out, August 21st
Welcome to SnackTime With Jen. This midweek morsel is a small taste of something fun. Topics range from food (of course) to fashion, amusing little discoveries both locally and abroad, and a variety of interesting intel too tempting not to share. So let's get snacking... Recently I stood in line to order takeout from a… Continue reading SnackTime With Jen— The Claws Are Out, August 21st
More Food News, August 19th
The most amazing things are trending in food news. The first item might just be the greatest invention of our time-- especially for those living in tight quarters where space is at a premium. Hello, New York City?? This absolute genius solution to snacking comes in the form of a new collab called the Kitchen… Continue reading More Food News, August 19th
Quitting Is For Winners, August 12th
When I was but a neophyte in my 20s, I was seated at a fancy restaurant waiting for my early stage relationship to arrive-- we were on date number four and he was a handsome investment banker. The weather was stormy and Jon was running late so I busied myself staring out the window, mesmerized… Continue reading Quitting Is For Winners, August 12th
Treading Water, August 5th
I'm one of those annoying people who tries to stay on top of everything. From work to my personal life, gifts, holidays, packing, planning ahead, household needs, and impending disasters. I'm always conscious of when I should throw in a quick laundry, especially if it's a week when I'll be traveling. I know exactly how… Continue reading Treading Water, August 5th
Food Failures, July 29th
With the crazy spike in food prices, I know we are all trying harder than ever to buy what we think we will eat, and eat what we've bought. But I swear sometimes the me that grocery shops has never met the me who loathes cooking during the week. Why do I buy chicken and… Continue reading Food Failures, July 29th
I Had To Laugh, July 22nd
Motivating yourself on a Monday morning to attack the workday can be a real challenge. Especially after a glorious weekend of spectacular weather where you relished the great outdoors, snacked on some delicious treats and enjoyed the company you kept. But a weekend where you lounged around like a lox and did nothing to speak… Continue reading I Had To Laugh, July 22nd
Here’s Looking At You, Kid, July 15th
It's that time of year when school is out and kids are untethered and showing up in places you might not be used to seeing them. Like at trendy restaurants for lunch or fancy evening concerts. Some of these rascals are so out of control and sadly their parents seem to be oblivious to their… Continue reading Here’s Looking At You, Kid, July 15th
Mood Poisoning, July 1st
NYC has a bad reputation. Some think the general population of my fair City isn't very nice. My reply is that if you'd kindly MOVE to the side of the street so that we busy peeps CAN JUST PASS, collectively we might be a little friendlier, hon. (I didn't mean to scream. But yeah.) So… Continue reading Mood Poisoning, July 1st
Horsing Around, June 24th
Everybody has an opinion. And with the way social media works today, random folks can pipe up with raging opinions to either support or trash others when they feel compelled to contribute. You don't have to even take sides to appreciate the humorous people that write in with the most hysterical commentary. Lately I've been… Continue reading Horsing Around, June 24th
Armed, June 17th
Have you seen some women traipsing around town with The Stack? I'm referring to an enormous amount of arm candy in the form of fancy jewels they pile high on one or both wrists. I swear they look like they are sporting Wonder Woman's magic bullet repellent cuffs but on steroids. So I'm just warning… Continue reading Armed, June 17th
Checking Out, June 10th
"You'd better check yourself before you wreck yourself" is a quote I heard a lot in my 20s. Obviously it had and has various meanings and is certainly open to interpretation so feel free to let your imagination and your humor run wild. What I do know for sure is that I'd so much rather… Continue reading Checking Out, June 10th
Know Your Audience, June 3rd
Much earlier in my creative career, a slighter older boss of mine didn't know all that much about his job or mine (ya!) but he gave me one nugget of advice that has carried me through my entire adult life. And that was, "Know your audience." Simply put but so true. I think the "Don't… Continue reading Know Your Audience, June 3rd
Let’s Be Honest, May 28th
Don't you just love it when someone says to you, "Can I be honest with you?" What were you doing this whole time, Janet? Am I now supposed to question everything you said up until this very moment? What about when you said you loved my new haircut?? Or my pink satin bomber jacket? (Janet,… Continue reading Let’s Be Honest, May 28th
Senior Years, May 13th
It's taken years of refinement, but I'm proud to say I've entered a new era... my "Senior Years." I am a certified badass. I took a class. Earned a certificate. And now I'm registered with the board of Don't Even Think Of Messing With Me, Sweetheart. I've graduated from all the previous levels and now… Continue reading Senior Years, May 13th
A Box Of Rocks, April 29th
There are a whole lot of synonyms for people who are notably unsmart. A box of rocks is an expression I use often, followed by my runner up fave, a bag of hammers. But when life is a shitshow and you want to throw in the towel, take comfort in knowing that some people were… Continue reading A Box Of Rocks, April 29th
Table Manners: Wandering Fork Syndrome, April 15th
Do you have a friend, relative, significant other or fellow diner who vows to pick the healthiest thing on the menu, counting solely on you ordering the most unhealthy entree that she happens to be craving? And when your food arrives, her plan is to decimate your meal while she pushes her sad little dressingless… Continue reading Table Manners: Wandering Fork Syndrome, April 15th
Redecorate, Renovate or Move? April 1st
We all know how excited we once were ordering that new sofa! Remember the day of delivery? Yeah, me, too. A million years later we hate the living room behemoth with a passion and dream of a fresh start. But how to remove it and what to get next plagues us. It's such an expensive… Continue reading Redecorate, Renovate or Move? April 1st
Meme Girls– Working It, March 25th
Now that a lot of companies have adopted hybrid work environments, many folks actually go into their offices a few days a week. But whether you work from home all the time, some of the time or you're permanently in pjs in your living room banging away at the keyboard, a ton of hilarious memes… Continue reading Meme Girls– Working It, March 25th
Rise Above, March 20th
I have a sort of new friend and her name is Sari. I say sort of new because we've been pals for a just a few years. (Unlike my friend KLB who I met when subway tokens were still a thing. Yeah, really.) Sari and I connected through common industry people and were LinkedIn together… Continue reading Rise Above, March 20th
Busy Bodies, March 18th
Ever have a not such a good friend who, the minute she sees you, fires a million questions in your direction back to back back and tends to avoid answering any of yours while also avoiding eye contact? A hanger-on who likes to observe and take mental notes (maybe?) but rarely comments out loud. Instead… Continue reading Busy Bodies, March 18th
New Yorkers Speak, March 11th
New York City is certainly not for everyone (and I can understand why), but it's definitely for me. Mostly because I love the diversity, the commentary of our outspoken and hilarious residents, and of course the food. So did you know that Ralph Lauren has a vintage green coffee truck that parks near Rockefeller Plaza… Continue reading New Yorkers Speak, March 11th
Rock, Paper, Scissors, March 6th
Remember this childhood choosing game some of us played as youngsters to decide who goes first, or who empties the dishwasher, or who tells Mom that one of us broke the vase from an indoor game of catch we weren't supposed to be having in the first place? Fast forward a few decades into a… Continue reading Rock, Paper, Scissors, March 6th
Just Don’t Do It, March 4th
Remember when Nike came up with that fabulous slogan, "Just Do It?" It was way back in 1988 when Dan Wieden who worked on the Nike account put those three powerful words together. Since then that inspirational line has spawned generations of motivated people determined to do just that. As an exhausted middle ager, I… Continue reading Just Don’t Do It, March 4th
Baby It’s Cold Outside, February 26th
I love living in New York City, however, I dread when the weather gets so cold that doing critical errands becomes especially challenging since we go store to store on foot. You all know that anyone who is lucky enough to HAVE a car in the City, doesn't ever USE their car to actually drive… Continue reading Baby It’s Cold Outside, February 26th
Plane Jane, February 5th
I know I write a lot about traveling. It does seem that I'm never home. And when I am, memories of my last trip coupled with planning for my next one flood my consciousness. I never thought that I'd be this much of an adventurer, but here I am... packing again. And I'm pretty sure… Continue reading Plane Jane, February 5th
Bag Lady, January 29th
Because I live in NYC and I am sort of a self-proclaimed neat freak with a way too keen sense of smell, I've never had a kitchen garbage. What I mean by that is that I take out the "temporary trash" every single day. So I don't own an under the cabinet garbage pail and… Continue reading Bag Lady, January 29th
Don’t Say G(r)ay, January 1st
I think I was the last of my age group to start coloring my hair. I purposely got into the game as late as possible for a few reasons. Most importantly because it's expensive, and once you start, you're on the ol' perpetual hamster wheel, a slave to the process every X number of weeks.… Continue reading Don’t Say G(r)ay, January 1st
Meme Girls- Housekeeping On Christmas, December 25th
It's been a long while since my friend KLB and I have shared our conversational memefest. So we are long overdue to let you in on a hilarious back and forth. Our topic for discussion today was all about housekeeping. So welcome to our chatter that of course ends on a great holiday note. And… Continue reading Meme Girls- Housekeeping On Christmas, December 25th
Those F*cking Kids, December 18th
I know we are all conditioned NOT to laugh when a young kid uses an inappropriate word in a completely appropriate manner. We are not supposed to have a big reaction because this can encourage the wee one to keep using that "bad" word. But it's hard to contain your hysterics when a small person… Continue reading Those F*cking Kids, December 18th
Touch The Stove, December 11th
When we are young and inexperienced we think we know absolutely everything! And nobody should dare try to convince us that we don't. We especially know more than the grownups (teachers, parents, clergy, doctors, police) who are trying to impart their knowledge to us. And I never realized how much actual adults knew until I… Continue reading Touch The Stove, December 11th
Packing It In, December 4th
It's been quite a year! After non-stop business travel for almost two years in a row, I had a lovely six-month reprieve. But I'm back to the bumpy, overcrowded, and delayed skies once again. And that of course means that it's usually time to pack. I don't know what comes over most of us when… Continue reading Packing It In, December 4th
Getting Malled, November 24th
For serious shoppers, there are really only two peak days during the retail calendar to score the best in person deals. They are considered "day after sales." The first one is the day after Thanksgiving and the second one is the day after Christmas. And the hot spot to capitalize on these sales, to really… Continue reading Getting Malled, November 24th
Little Miss Foodie, November 20th
All of us gals fall into a variety of foodie categories, either self-imposed or by society's direction. I think we can break these categories down into a few bite sized chunks. And naturally there is some crossover. But let's explore some of the top titles to which female foodies might be assigned. Little Miss Excited… Continue reading Little Miss Foodie, November 20th
Conversationus Interruptus, November 6th
Lately the world seems so dang polar. And it's almost unthinkable that an opinionated talker like me would back off a good debate to suddenly zip it. However, in the current climate I do find myself happily withdrawing from some conversations. In my more seasoned years, I understand that as good as I might be… Continue reading Conversationus Interruptus, November 6th
Mixed Signals, October 23rd
We all know that healthy foods and hunger don't usually go hand in hand. In fact, sometimes the hungrier we get, the harder it is to stick with well-intentioned good choices. This struggle can be a meal-to-meal challenge that is frustrating and can put us in a bad mood thinking that we are loathe to… Continue reading Mixed Signals, October 23rd
The Adjustment Bureau, October 2nd
Like clockwork, just prior to that first crisp day in early October, I tend to mentally reevaluate the contents of my closet, usually horrified with last year's favorites. I then look judgingly at my ol' reliables and ponder, what was I thinking? Did I really believe puffy sleeves looked so well on me? How many… Continue reading The Adjustment Bureau, October 2nd
Calling A Spade A Spade, September 12th
You know the term, "call a spade a spade"? This idiom originated in classical Greek literature but found its way into the English language in 1542. Famous writers such as Oscar Wilde, Charles Dickens, and Jonathan Swift have all used this famous concept in popular works you may have read. This phrase of course means… Continue reading Calling A Spade A Spade, September 12th
Size Matters, June 19th
Lately I've been watching some of those house flipping and house hunter type shows. Lots of them show Megamansions with multi-levels and huge garages for a literal fleet of expensive vehicles. They boast sweeping double staircases and fireplaces, fire pits, pools, and more columns than a complicated Excel spreadsheet. Some have so many bathrooms that… Continue reading Size Matters, June 19th
Non-Losing Streak, June 12th
After a grueling non-losing streak of many hopeful days where I faithfully logged my meals, weighed in each day, and stuck (mostly) to the daily calorie allotment, I got my lazy ass to the gym to jump start the process and knocked off a pound, so said the mean scale of injustice. So I ask… Continue reading Non-Losing Streak, June 12th
They See Me Scrollin, June 5th
Back in the day I used to glean most of my cutting-edge fashion news from the monthly home delivery of too many glossy magazines. I remember racing into my apartment building lobby close to the 20th of each month, small gold key in hand, anxious to open my rectangular gateway to style-- my mailbox. I… Continue reading They See Me Scrollin, June 5th
A New Loewe, May 24th
For all of you fashionistas out there who frequent the schmancy stores and stay current with the hottest new styles, it's time for a shoe review. Cue the music! I give you the Comic Balloon Pump from the Spanish luxury brand Loewe. Apparently there is an actual shoe hiding under all those party favors. In… Continue reading A New Loewe, May 24th
No Thyself, May 22nd
Setting healthy boundaries for yourself is essential to self-care and inner peace. It's not just a question of knowing thyself; it's a question of knowing when to say no when your competitively stubborn dark side attempts a hostile takeover. Just recently I was able to avoid a potentially dangerous situation at Cafasso's Fairway Market in… Continue reading No Thyself, May 22nd
Meme Girls– Common Sense, May 15th
If you were ever a fan of the TV show The Flintstones, you'll remember Gazoo-- the quirky little alien that used to magically appear to mess with Fred and Barney. When he popped into view, he'd always begin his salutation with, "Hello, dum-dums." Gazoo was always witty and pithy and Fred and Barney were thick… Continue reading Meme Girls– Common Sense, May 15th
Clapping Is Mandatory, May 1st
A friend mentioned recently that the infamous Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin used to hold rallies and had his henchmen carefully watch the clapping crowd to see who stopped clapping first. After one of Stalin's speeches, people were so scared to be the first one to stop that the applause went on for eleven minutes! Eventually… Continue reading Clapping Is Mandatory, May 1st
Life Sentence, April 24th
What is the one phrase that people most associate you with? I have a friend Jon who always says, "Well hello there, YOU!" It's used both as a traditional greeting as well as when he catches you doing something bad or comical. My Dad is big on, "Another day in paradise." When my pal Jamie… Continue reading Life Sentence, April 24th
Thirty-Six Thousand Feet, April 17th
When I travel, I usually wear some sort of cool sneaker that is ultra-comfy and can get me from the drop off outside Terminal C at LaGuardia to the gate with no issue at all. My outfit is always smart casual and hair and makeup are minimal but professional. Once inside, I avoid the moving… Continue reading Thirty-Six Thousand Feet, April 17th
Succession Plan, March 29th
If you're a fan of the HBO smash Succession and recently tuned in to watch the Season 4 opener, you're already quite familiar with arguably the best few lines of the episode. In fact, they'll be hard to beat. I'm of course talking about Tom's absolute shanking of Cousin Greg's date's handbag. The scene takes… Continue reading Succession Plan, March 29th
Day Of The Weak, March 20th
I have a friend who maintains his strict diet all week-- meaning no carbs, no sugar, no alcohol, and absolutely no processed foods of any kind. And then when Saturday rolls around, Jonny lets loose and goes absolutely ape shit. We're talking a couple of bacon egg and cheese sammies for breakfast with a side… Continue reading Day Of The Weak, March 20th
I’m A Loser! March 6th
If you're just tuning in, yours truly finally bit the bullet and joined a weight loss program called Noom in December. If you're not familiar with Noom (and probably you're healthy and in great shape so you've never heard of it) it's a subscription-based app for tracking a person's food intake and exercise habits. The… Continue reading I’m A Loser! March 6th
Meme Girls- Still Angry, February 27th
The Meme Girls series of posts covers the hilarious banter between me and my friend Kay. We can both be snarky at times and even with little conversation, we often let the memes speak for themselves. This particular series is all about being frustrated, upset and sometimes downright angry. This is actually the second Meme… Continue reading Meme Girls- Still Angry, February 27th
That Four Letter Word, February 14th
My favorite four letter word is love... although you might not be able to tell based on how I can artfully sprinkle the f-word into sentences like it's parsley raining down on some fancy chicken parm. I grew up always being told that I was loved by my parents, especially before bed. Love was a… Continue reading That Four Letter Word, February 14th
The Kick Off, January 30th
Whether your focus is banking, accounting, real estate, travel, law, medical devices, data solutions, staffing, or software usually a key component of your job involves bringing in new business. Laugh out loud as you read this incredibly relatable story of my friend Lisa who just attended her annual corporate kick off meeting. (I promise it’s… Continue reading The Kick Off, January 30th
The Four Tops, January 23rd
According to Wikipedia, The Four Tops were an American vocal quartet from Detroit who helped to define the city's Motown sound of the 1960s. The group's repertoire included soul music, R&B, disco, adult contemporary, doo-wop, jazz, and show tunes. You might remember "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)" or "Baby I Need Your Loving,"… Continue reading The Four Tops, January 23rd
The Gap, January 16th
Usually a gap is associated with something missing. Synonyms for this word include hole, breach, crack, interruption, hiatus, interval, variance, mismatch, chasm, or space… among others. These examples usually require specific attention in order to be fixed. Potholes in the road for instance beg for repaving. A breach of security might require a changed password.… Continue reading The Gap, January 16th
Meme Girls, The Beauty Edition, January 2nd
If you're just tuning in Happy New Year and welcome to the blog. This is another installment of a series called Meme Girls that started last year. The posts are based on banter between me and a very good friend of mine named KLB. I wrote to her recently that I was just so tired.… Continue reading Meme Girls, The Beauty Edition, January 2nd
Hitting The Lottery, December 19th
I was having dinner a while back with my dear friend Phyllis and we were catching up on all topics. For many years we met on a very regular basis to run the Loop in Central Park, but due to my back injury I've been sidelined for months so I haven't seen her very often.… Continue reading Hitting The Lottery, December 19th
An American Girl In Paris (Part Une)—Trip Prep And “Moving” In! December 12th
Going on a big trip with a loved one can cause a lot of stress. To alleviate some of that, I prepped months in advance for my Parisian adventure with Michael. It's important to note here that although he and I have been an item for two and a half years (yay us!) we don't… Continue reading An American Girl In Paris (Part Une)—Trip Prep And “Moving” In! December 12th
Homecoming, December 5th
As absolutely magical, wonderful, and amazing as world travel is nothing beats returning home after a long trip. My month in Paris with Michael was a truly spectacular adventure filled with insanely delicious food, gorgeous views and sights, way too much shopping, cultural nirvana, supreme happiness, so many pictures, a zillion laughs, and thrilling and… Continue reading Homecoming, December 5th
The Bump and Grind, November 21st
Michael and I were beyond excited to embark on our European journey together. After months of anticipating this Parisian workcation, pre-packing, overpacking and some last-minute deletions, we headed to JFK just after the Friday rush. Expecting a two-hour trip, we were pleasantly surprised that the slow-moving traffic crawled at a consistent pace and we made… Continue reading The Bump and Grind, November 21st
Meme Girls– Laughfest, November 16th
If you follow my blog, by now you know my hilarious friend KLB. The whole Meme Girls concept came to fruition because she texts me the funniest blurbs I've ever read. So I try to one up her (mostly unsuccessfully) with witty banter and funnier memes in return. Welcome to the Laughfest-- just some insanely… Continue reading Meme Girls– Laughfest, November 16th
You’re A Mean One Mr. Sink, November 7th
Ok, what exactly is going on with the pipes in my building? Is anyone else experiencing serious issues on the homefront because so many people are working from their primary residences these days? For the second time in four years I had a massive kitchen sink overflow. And the scary part of this little adventure… Continue reading You’re A Mean One Mr. Sink, November 7th
Snap, Crumple, & Tap, October 31st
We all know pen clickers, key swingers, nail tappers, foot shakers, gum snappers, coffee slurpers, knuckle strummers, bracelet adjusters, phone checkers, paper shufflers, and shoelace re-tiers. Lately I've been observing certain personal behaviors of the people in my orbit. And when I've noticed specific patterns repeating, I've been tuning in even more closely. Like for… Continue reading Snap, Crumple, & Tap, October 31st
More Is More, October 24th
I guess it's not a surprise that my son's very first word was "more" but it came out sounding more like "mow-wha" when he was but a tot. Out of the mouth of babes! And not too shockingly he was referring to the chocolate ice cream I was eating that I let him taste-- his… Continue reading More Is More, October 24th
Say Cheese, October 3rd
You know when you're in a nice restaurant... the kind that brings over a tuxedoed lad to artfully crank spicy flakes onto your dish by way of an impressively large wooden pepper mill? (Samantha Jones shout out!!) Well if you happen to be in an Italian restaurant, they also usually dole out a parmesan cheese… Continue reading Say Cheese, October 3rd
Shout! September 29th
According to the Wall Street Journal, The Isley Brothers' “Shout” is one of the earliest and best-known party songs. Immortalized by the frat-house dance scene in the 1978 comedy film National Lampoon's Animal House, “Shout” was originally conceived by Ronald Isley during a 1959 concert in Philadelphia as a way to extend the audience's excitement. And did… Continue reading Shout! September 29th
Audience Participation, September 26th
I remember when I saw the movie Bohemian Rhapsody for the first time. I've actually seen this stunning film countless times and Rami Malek's portrayal of Freddy Mercury is still so convincing that I'm completely captivated with every single viewing! There was a scene in which Brian had just written a new song and he… Continue reading Audience Participation, September 26th
Meme Girls- Still Hungry, September 19th
Back in the day when I was writing Jen's Little Black Book, a quintessential best-of restaurant guide, I wanted to end the series after I had completed nine printed editions. But I pushed myself to finish the tenth book and called it Still Hungry. (Seems like a million words ago! But it's probably just a… Continue reading Meme Girls- Still Hungry, September 19th
Anticipation, September 6th
Anyone my age or older can't possibly forget the grueling Heinz ketchup commercial "Anticipation." If you're too young to remember, it was a close up shot of a bottle of Heinz ketchup being poured painstakingly slowly. And in the background, Carly Simon crooned her famous hit, Anticipation. "Anticipation, anticipation. Is makin' me late. Is keepin'… Continue reading Anticipation, September 6th
Fashion Weak, August 29th
Why is it that when some styles call out to us we are powerless to resist? I remember the tube top craze when I was in eighth-grade. I HAD to have one. It was a pale lavender color and I wore it under a rainbow button down that I carefully tied in the front. This… Continue reading Fashion Weak, August 29th
Meme Girls- Risky Business, August 23rd
The Meme Girls are at it again! In this addition of everyone's favorite blog, the topic is murder. Who knew rage was such a big seller? I'd never, but I've thought about it and I do love this mug so I sent it to my meme-friendly pal, KLB... She wasted absolutely no time in replying… Continue reading Meme Girls- Risky Business, August 23rd
Faking It, August 9th
If you live in NYC, it's an absolute guarantee that you will see street vendors showcasing their wares on makeshift tables or sprawled out blankets all over Fifth Avenue in midtown. These temporary buffets of luxury are set up as ten second grab-and-gos in case the police decide to visit. Almost all of them operate… Continue reading Faking It, August 9th
Food Fight, August 1st
I remember the first time I saw the movie Animal House. What a completely hilarious (and often times accurate) portrayal of immature antics, college traditions, and impressive comic genius all wrapped up in an ensemble cast. One of the most memorable scenes in that movie is when standout star John Bellushi playing the character John… Continue reading Food Fight, August 1st
Wait List, July 28th
Living in New York City, arguably the commercial center of the universe, I see a lot of lines. Screaming face painted fans are sprawled out near Madison Square Garden during the playoffs. Crazy taxi queues pepper the entrances to most Midtown hotels. Hundreds of antsy out-of-towners idle on West 45th Street clamoring to see various… Continue reading Wait List, July 28th
Toxic Positivity, June 27th
People that know me personally used to think I had a fairly serious hard outer shell. I have been called tough many times in my life. And most times that was a generally accurate description. "Nice" was not a word usually associated with me. (And to that one I was never offended. Nice is just… Continue reading Toxic Positivity, June 27th
Meme Girls- Now & Then, June 20th
KLB and I met when I was in my mid-twenties and she was just a tad my senior. Almost three decades later she still she looks like she's in her thirties. (Yep, bitch stole mah look!) The world has changed so much from the time KLB and I were teenagers. We grew up with Atari,… Continue reading Meme Girls- Now & Then, June 20th
Add To Cart, June 6th
I debated going to New Jersey a few Saturdays ago to run some errands including picking up laundry detergent and club soda at Target. The weather wasn't great and I knew I wouldn't be missing a sunny walk in the Park anyway. It was still early and I could zip on over there, avoid traffic… Continue reading Add To Cart, June 6th
Meme Girls– Angry Edition, May 23rd
You probably know by now that Meme Girls has become a featured theme. But over the past few weeks, KLB has sent me so many ultra-hilarious screen shots in the angry genre, that I just couldn't pepper them into a variety of blogs without proper context. So instead, I decided that an Angry Girls Edition… Continue reading Meme Girls– Angry Edition, May 23rd
The Back Nine, May 16th
I remember being in fourth grade. I was all but 4’11” and a whopping 63 pounds. (Back then we all shared our weight after the school nurse visited our class. We had no idea that years later we’d rather be drawn and quartered than give up that personal data point.) Anyway, the fifth and sixth… Continue reading The Back Nine, May 16th
Fashion Refocus, May 9th
I was raised by an incredible shopper, became one myself and then went on to raise and nurture a superstar shopper of my own. He now outshops us all. (I'm so proud.) I guess it might be because the spending habits of our family tree date back to the original Bonwit Teller on Fifth Avenue… Continue reading Fashion Refocus, May 9th
There’s A Fine Lunch Between Love & Hate, April 28th
Many years ago during a business trip to Chicagoland, a friend introduced me to The Weiners Circle. According to their website it's an, "Iconic hotdog stand on the north side of Chicago serving up high quality street food with a side of insults." They even boast, "Now open for Curbside Abuse." Why? Well because this… Continue reading There’s A Fine Lunch Between Love & Hate, April 28th
Meme Girls- Corporate Culture, March 28th
If you're just tuning in, Meme Girls is a blog series based on a conversation I have regularly with my good friend KLB. Instead of using mostly words to text each other, we correspond through memes. And she is the queen of all topics. Recently she picked work as an easy target. She started by… Continue reading Meme Girls- Corporate Culture, March 28th
The Roar, March 10th
I hosted a fabulous all ladies dinner recently in conjunction with a regional networking conference. In attendance besides yours truly were six extremely fierce, brilliant, superstars at various stages of their illustrious careers. At my behest, we were seated at a roundish booth so that we could all participate in one conversation instead of having… Continue reading The Roar, March 10th
Meme Girls, Part Duh, February 28th
My Meme Girls post from February 1st was so popular and generated such an uproar of widespread laughter than I'm thinking about making it a regular feature! If you missed it, here's the link: https://jenslittleblackbook.com/2022/02/01/meme-girls-february-1st/ The blog generated these comments: H said, "The next time you post such a funny offering, I respectfully suggest that… Continue reading Meme Girls, Part Duh, February 28th
The Sound Of Silence, February 7th
We all know most of the lyrics to the famous Simon & Garfunkel song The Sound of Silence, "Hello darkness my old friend. I've come to talk with you again." In my case, in the darkness, I'm constantly talking to myself at odd hours of the morning since I just can't sleep through the night… Continue reading The Sound Of Silence, February 7th
Wisc’d Away, February 3rd
I had the great fortune of participating in a fabulous IWIRC event recently. The chosen venue for the all professional women's retreat was Sundara-- a spa hotel nestled deep in the Wisconsin Dells. I had never been to such a fantastical place! Upon check in you're given a robe and slippers and encouraged to lounge… Continue reading Wisc’d Away, February 3rd
Meme Girls, February 1st
Stop the madness with this winter cold already. Just walking outside early this morning and I can barely feel my fingers and toes. I do believe that I... have become... uncomfortably numb. And of course this little joke makes me laugh! So what do I do when I stumble half frozen into my apartment? I… Continue reading Meme Girls, February 1st
Baggage Claim, January 17th
Imagine loitering around baggage claim with a crowd of hundreds who all just deplaned a packed international flight. You can barely stand straight because you're still half scrunched from the cramped seating in economy plus. Your brood is starving due to the limited menu items on board, and you're all exhausted from the days-long line… Continue reading Baggage Claim, January 17th
