"GRITS are given a free pass to get their fingers dirty on a good piece of barbeque..." -Fannie Flagg, author of Fried Green Tomatoes

Big Apple Barbeque Block Party and my hair still smells like a fire pit. Stephanie and I went to Madison Square Park to see what it was all about. Well, A LOT of people like barbeque in Manhattan, I'm guessing there were about 1,000 people there. Because barbeque is sort of confined to the South I wasn't sure what it was going to be like or how it would taste, but it was delicious! There were BBQ places there from all over the country (including the barbeque/coleslaw sandwiches from Memphis). The blues music and Sperry deck shoes gave me that summertime feeling...

We continued on an adventure, walking towards Chelsea. We ran into a Tasti-d-lite along the way and stopped in for the peanut butter and coffee combo.

In Chelsea there is a Goodwill boutique. Yes, boutique and Goodwill in the same sentence. I had read in the New York Times about this being a "recessionistas" dream store... well, we checked it out. I found a bit of Ann Taylor LOFT stuff in there. Except, one problem it all had SAMPLE stamped on it! So, I bought the 10 dollar dress with hopes that Tide-to-Go can help me out. If not, I'll just have to wear a cardigan with it. There's always more than one way to skin cat, Ann Taylor.

Highlight of the Day: steph and I laughing over a cab driver winking at us as he zipped by...
Highlight of the YEAR: Kenny Chesney at the Leon County Civic Center, and I just bought tickets!

park hyatt party

last night I really felt like I was living the New York life. Alice Marshall PR had a party for one of our clients, Park Hyatt International. Yeah, it was hootsie tootsie. (that's for you momma)

After work I made a quick change in the bathroom and came out with the signature new york look of all black... then I rushed down to the street to grab a cab (I was in too big of a hurry to take the subway) Once I got in and slammed the door I took a deep breath. The back window was down and I took in all the fresh air I could. This was definitely a moment that will define this summer in New York.

I took an elevator up to a space AMPR had rented in Midtown, The Core Club. It was beautifully designed with an outside terrace and an antique bar. Fabulous. Amongst the crowd were tippy-top people from Hyatt and plenty of New York media. Some of my fave magazines had their editors/writers there: Budget Travel, Country Living and OK! Magazine.

One of my jobs was to pass out the gift bags as people left. Well, there was a little problem... we had a series of party crashers who, of course, wanted the goodies too! It was supposedly my job to keep them from getting one. Well, it's not an easy task trying to advert theivery, eek. So, it was pretty much free Park Hyatt stuff for everyone!

check out pictures from the event here!

xoxo,
em

"you've got to continue to grow, or you're just like last night's cornbread - stale and dry." Miss Loretta Lynn, Kentucky GRITS

My desire for this summer is to grow: in the public relations field and personally. Well, If you've talked to me lately, you all know I'm growing as a person. I mean if walking to the Subway in pouring down rain, and then getting yelled at for touching someone with your umbrella isn't enough to grow, I don't know what is. My skin is getting thicker all the time... maybe this is a good thing!
However, I'm a little disappointed with my internship lately. I haven't really been able to get my hands dirty with writing or pitching media. I'm getting a little antsy. So, tonight I'm trying to get a new game plan together and figure out what I can do to get the ball rolling on some real PR experience! Like Loretta says, "You've got to continue to grow..."

highlight of the day: going for a run around my neighborhood after work and ending up smack in the middle of an Arts street festival... I just kept running but the scenery was beautiful!

picture: my street in the Upper East Side = love

a pearl girl's playlist

I'm living on the first floor (and right behind the trash cans) so, sometimes it can be a bit noisy. But, this playlist has been perfect to shut out some of the street noise. Some new and some old... enjoy!

1. summer nights - rascal flatts
2. more than it seems - citizen cope
3. small town usa - justin moore
4. ants marching - dmb
5. such great heights - iron & wine
6. it's amazing - jem
7. stranded on a sandbar - jimmy buffett
8. up on the roof - james taylor
9. california - kenny chesney
10. closer to love - mat kearney
11. summergirls - lfo
12. tell me why - taylor swift
13. electric feel - mgmt
14. madly - tristan prettyman
15. working 9 til 5 - dolly

#15 is especially to honor Ms. Dolly Parton, a Tennessee GRITS, who composed the music for the Tony-nominated production, 9 to 5, on Broadway! I'm saving my pennies to go see it!

xoxo,
emily

sweet tea suprise

My first week at Alice Marshall PR was successful!
So, I have a list of "things I want to do while I'm in the City"... well, I checked off quite a few this weekend...

1. I spent the best $12 today on 2 doz. beautiful hot pink roses. Buying a bouquet from a sidewalk flower shoppe is on the List so, I couldn't resist! They're sitting on my dresser and I can't quit smiling when I see them.
2. A new Yankees cap, check! I have some back home, but I didn't bring one so that I could buy one instead! I'll wear it soon and take a pic to post!
3. A new favorite of mine, going for walks around the Jackie O. Reservoir in Central Park. I checked it off the list and I know I will be going back as soon as I can! It was absolutely beautiful this weekend (after a few days of gloomy weather) so, it felt so nice to breathe in some fresh air.
4. Tasti-D-Lite ice cream treat. This little guilt-free ice cream place got it's fame from Carrie & Charlotte on SATC, so of course, I wanted to see what the craze was all about. I can't say enough about how awesome it tasted!!! I had the oreos n' cream soft serve, it reminded me of a Wendy's Frosty... simple delightful! If anyone wants to come visit me, I'll treat you.

To round-up the weekend my roommate, Paula, and I walked down a couple of blocks to a street fair. We had a great time. The fair went for about 20 blocks, so we did plenty of walking! I tried pad thai, for the first time. Very good! Also, when I thought there was no southern hospitality in the City, I found some! A live band playing Sweet Home Alabama and an ice-cold SWEET TEA... it was good sweet tea too! Sweet enough to cure my craving.

Also, major highlight of the weekend: I talked to my entire family on Skype tonight! Dad, Mom, Suzie, Daniel & Danielle ... it was the best!