New York

Eating in NYC Part I: what I’m loving right now

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Sushi Yasuda takes its sushi VERY seriously and you can taste the difference.

Long before my boyfriend and I physically arrived in New York City for our two-month sojourn, we were thinking about the most important thing: where were we going to eat? Not wanting to leave such an important matter to chance, I quikly busied myself researching new eateries. Meanwhile, the two of us poured over our extensive restaurant spreadsheet to devise a list of spots we wanted to return to. Yes, we recorded every place we ate at, no, we’re not ashamed to admit it. In my opinion, the perfect epicurean schedule should be a blend of old favorites and new restos.

We’ve been here a month already (wow does time fly!), and so far we’ve strayed a bit from the original plan and have found ourselves returning to tried and true places more often than trying recently opened spots. What can I say, when something’s good it’s hard to resist going back for more.  Most of the restaurants we’ve revisited haven’t disappointed, but some unfortunately have let us down. C’est la vie. So without further adieu, here are the eateries I’m loving right now: Continue reading →

Faking it: would you buy a counterfeit purse?

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Real or fake? The Hermes “Evelyn” bag

I was 14 years old when I bought my first and possibly last fake handbag. It was a miniature Louis Vuitton and it looked pretty darn good. Back then, however, when girls in my high school carried designer bags, it was generally assumed they weren’t the real deal. Hence, I wasn’t trying to pass it off as an actual LV, I was simply partaking in the trend du jour.

Today, I’m the proud owner of several authentic designer bags; each of which was chosen after much (too much?) careful deliberation. I love them all. Still, I couldn’t help but feel annoyed when my not even two-year-old Prada tote had to be sent for repairs totaling close to $100. Part of the reason you (or at least I) pay top dollar for a brand name is to ensure you’re getting a certain level of quality. Continue reading →

Home sweet home? Pondering life in NYC versus Miami

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The famed Russ & Daughters now has a cafe. The latkes and lox are to die for.

If you recall, not too long ago I wrote a post declaring my unwavering love for New York City. At the time, I had been living in Miami for around six months, and I couldn’t wait to return to Manhattan for the summer. Yes, I missed the city.

During the two years I spent living in NYC, I thought the city could do no wrong. It was perfect. Smells? What smells? Overcrowded? Nah, it’s energetic! I was so happy to finally be immersed in the fashion industry and living in my dream city that I only saw the positives.

Come to think of it, I had exactly the right attitude, but unfortunately I didn’t bring that attitude along with me when I moved to Miami. Don’t get me wrong, I wanted to be there, but I spent my first month or so thinking about all the ways Miami wasn’t Manhattan rather than embracing its differences. While I adapted quickly to the idyllic “winter” climate and the beautiful beaches, I resisted having to drive everywhere and quickly became overwhelmed by the task of setting up a new apartment and routine.

Transitions and changes have always been challenging for me, and leaving a comfortable NYC lifestyle I had worked so hard to create was tough. At 26 years-old, I know myself well enough to understand I require routine in order to feel peaceful and happy.

In any case, it wasn’t long before I got myself on a schedule in Miami and grew to truly appreciate the luxuries of living down south. Funny how humans adapt to new situations, isn’t it? My regret is that I didn’t let myself enjoy the new chapter in my life from the get go and that I didn’t have the right mindset initially. You live you learn, right?

As I write this, it’s been a little over three weeks since my boyfriend and I have been living across from Bryant Park in Manhattan. And guess what? Yup, I miss Miami. During my first week, I couldn’t stop talking about all the ways New York City didn’t measure up to the Magic City. Now, for the first time in my life I actually get it when people say they wouldn’t want to live in the Big Apple, whereas before I just assumed there had to be something a little off about them.

What do you mean I have to walk in the sweltering heat with my groceries? Why are sweaty people bumping into me? Where’s my air conditioned car? My ocean view? Funny how humans repeat the same mistakes over and over again, isn’t it?

Well, maybe I’ve learned a little something because I was able to catch myself before I got too far down my path of comparisons and homesickness. This time it was also clear what I needed to do: I had to create a new NYC routine to help me enjoy all that this unique and wonderful city has to offer. 
So, slowly that’s what I’m attempting to do. Meanwhile, the experience of leaving Manhattan for Miami, only to return half a year later has taught me that nowhere I live is going to be 100 percent perfect. Some places might be better than others, sure, but if you have the right people around you and the will to succeed wherever you are — anywhere can feel like home.

xoxo

Val 

New York, I love you: an ode to the city that has my heart

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I love you Washington Square Park.                   

If you’ve missed me these last few months, trust me when I say I’ve missed you more. The thing is, I kiiiinda found myself leaving NYC and relocating to Miami, and the experience — while amazing — definitley threw my routine off.

Rest assured, I promise you copious posts on life down south. But first, first I must pay my dues to the Empire State, which I’ll be returning to for two months starting in June. Hurray!

NYC, what can I say, except that I really, really, truly, deeply, madly love you.

I love that regardless of the hour, or the day of the week — people are ALWAYS out eating, drinking, and quite simply — celebrating life. You can have a full night out on the town and be in bed by 11:00 pm. Trust me, the city does sleep.

I love that I can go to a yoga class, get a haircut, a manicure, pedicure, wax, pick-up some dinner — and all within a two block radius.

I love that I can start the day off in the East Village, and quickly make my way (via foot) to the West Village, all the while passing through charming Nolita, NoHo, and SoHo. Each neighbourhood has something unique to offer, and how perfect is it not having to settle for strolling through just one?

I love that people constantly talk about what and where they’re going to eat like there’s nothing more important. Guess what? There isn’t. I fit in from day one.
* I realize there are some exceptions: natural disasters, births, deaths etc.

Yes, I love the subway. Dear subway, you’ve gotten me everywhere, and for the most part — on time. And I never had to sit through traffic. Yellow line: you will always hold a special place in my heart. I rode you to my first ever NYC internship at 10Eleven in Bryant Park back in ’09, followed by Parsons, Miu Miu, DKNY and Harper’s Bazaar.

I love how nearly all restaurant chains operate with military precision, and at a speed that’s, well, I have no words.

I love how unpretentious some of your most gourmet restaurants are, and how I never felt rushed despite the massive lineup outside.

I love so many of your restaurants. This deserves its own post.

I love how individual beauty and quirks are celebrated here. More on this to come.

I love that everyone’s a doer. How else can you survive in this mecca of organized chaos?

I love that people appear to be perpetually dating despite how busy they may be. Online dating is the norm, and no one’s shy to discuss their good, bad and ugly escapades.

I love the bright, fun, ambitious and kind girlfriends I’ve been lucky enough to make in New York City.

Finally, I love that I came to Manhattan hoping to meet the man of my dreams (pardon the cliche), only to meet someone that exceeded all of them. And then I moved to Miami…

The big bang theory: or why I’m jealous of Lauren Conrad

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Lauren Conrad’s chic new look is giving me serious bang envy

I’ve never looked to Lauren Conrad for fashion inspiration, but her recent Marie Claire cover stirred a longing within me: to bring back my bangs. Seeing LC in her full fringed glory made me miss the days I too had bangs. I’ve gone without for about six months now, but like an ex you can’t seem to fully let go of — such is how I feel about bangs.

I had bangs throughout most of my childhood, but following a traumatic experience before the fifth grade when I decided to play the role of hairdresser, they didn’t return till I was 16. Who was my inspiration then? Why Mischa Barton of course, she of “The O.C.” fame. Since part of the reason my boyfriend at the time was attracted to me was his major crush on Ms. Barton, the bangs stayed and I never looked back.  They danced around from full frontal fringe to side bangs and back again, but a constant they remained. And then it happened; between a summer of hellish NYC heat and their owner’s laziness (bangs are a B%&$# to maintain), they grew out, and — poof — just like that they were gone.

We women have such an attachment to our hair; one might go so far as to say it acts as a protective helmut from the dangerous world surrounding us. But as I “grow up”, I find myself wanting them less to hide under (oh those wonderful teenage years), but rather to add structure to my face and give me a more distinct look. Also, about twice a year I simply get bored with my hair and start itching for a change; my last big move was lightening the ends, and like a good addict I keep wanting to go back for more — i.e. go lighter and lighter.

Part of what’s stopping me from making the cut now is the high maintenance aspect, as well as (hold the judgements), the fact lately I’ve been getting the sense bangs fall under the category of “girl pretty” and not “guy pretty”. You know, kind of like boyfriend jeans or Peter Pan collars. Deep down I believe none of that should matter if you’ve got confidence and a killer smile (and it’s not like I remained chaste while having bangs), yet it remains a deciding factor.

At the end of the day, I’m simply unsure what look suits me better, so I’m asking YOU for input. In fact, you’ve already helped, because in writing this I’ve realized perhaps my main problem is taking life too seriously (umm, I compared bangs to an ex-boyfriend). Thankfully, hair grows, and having an on-again, off-again relationship with a hairstyle is significantly less perilous than a romantic relationship of a similar nature.

Full bangs
Side bangs
Bye bye bangs (I realize this isn’t the greatest shot) 

Snacking and the city: healthy NYC spots to hold you over

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A friend from out of town hit the nail on the head recently: “it seems all New Yorkers do is eat and workout.” Why I couldn’t have said it better myself. Indeed, this city is filled with foodies who are equally as concerned with the origins of their produce, as they are with fitting into their skinny jeans. As I explained to my friend, eating out is always the main event, one around which all other activities are scheduled around. So what’s one to do in between lunch and dinner? Go to the museum? Maybe. Get a snack — better yet a healthy snack before an indulgent meal? Definitely. Below are three healthy picks: 
1) Chobani SoHo: Shopping in SoHo while dodging camera-happy tourists is an energy-depleting activity that can leave anyone ravenous. Stop by the sleek Chobani store and yogurt bar to refuel and witness just how versatile America’s favorite Greek yogurt can be. The Peanut Butter and Jelly pairs plain Chobani with peanut butter, Concord grape jelly, red grapes and peanuts — genius. Those looking for a more savory option can order the refreshing Cucumber and Olive Oil served with fresh mint, sea salt and pita chips. 150 Prince St.

Is this cute or what? 

2) Say the words fat free, dairy free and gluten free to a New Yorker and you’re bound to get their attention. At Chloe’s Soft Serve fruit Co., the delicious soft serve is made using only real fruit, filtered water and a touch of organic cane sugar, and comes in flavors like dark chocolate, banana, mango and pear. This healthy snack gets even better with toppings that include goji berries, pumpkin seeds, walnuts and plenty of fresh fruit. 25 East 17th St. 

The perfect 4 p.m. pick-me-up.
3) In a city laden with bars, OatMeals’ claim to fame is being the first oatmeal bar. Pop by the pint size shop to watch oatmeal mixologists whipping up concoctions like the Quatre Fruits Rouge, featuring fresh strawberries and raspberries, dried current and cherries, honey and almond milk. Live on the edge and try the Truffle RisOATo (witty) with shaved Parmesan, truffle oil, sea salt and cracked black pepper. Rich in fiber and protein, a little oatmeal is surprisingly filling. Healthy and guaranteed to leave me hangover-free — this is my kinda bar. 120 West Third St. (Between MacDougal & 6th Ave). 
The Pumpkin Pie and Quatre Fruits Rouge bowls at OatMeals 

Dispatch from NYC: 5 things I’m loving this month

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After a winter that seemed destined to swallow up spring without allowing us so much as a glimpse, May is finally upon us and it feels more or less like, well, May. To fete this occasion, I’ve decided to do more than simply shave my legs — I’m sharing five places/things I can’t get enough of to help you jumpstart the season. It’s astonishing how much happier I am after basking in a little sunlight and swapping my parka for a luxurious leather jacket and lightweight scarf. So read quickly, then hurry along and get a lil vitamin D action. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen.

1. Hu Kitchen (5th Avenue between 14th St. & 13th St.) While no one can accuse Manhattan of lacking healthy food options, Hu Kitchen has managed to carve out a niche for itself — one I’d be happy to curl up in and feast for days on end. The restaurant and market is based around the philosophy humans ought to return to a pre-industrial diet. While I won’t go into the fascinating (no sarcasm intended) details of “The Hu Pillars” (there are eight total), in essence it boils down to eating minimally processed foods with recognizable ingredients that  benefit us and the environment. Kudos to them for listing the ingredients in every dish and for substituting sugar with either organic coconut sugar, unfiltered honey or maple syrup. At Hu, the entire menu is gluten free and everything from chicken, to chocolate chia pudding, to kale salad and smoothies are offered. My go-to has been 1/4 piece of organic chicken with three sides: roasted pineapple, dairy free cauliflower puree and roasted butternut squash. Ringing in at $20 and change, it’s pricey, but it’s positively divine and you know what you’re paying for. Take it to go, or park yourself in the rustic seating area reminiscent of the Berenstain Bears’ house
 — only, you know, significantly swankier. And no matter what you do, don’t leave without trying an Hu handcrafted in Brooklyn chocolate bar. It. Will. Change. Your. Life.

One of the must-try chocolate bar flavors at Hu Kitchen

2. Tenoverten.  (Two locations, one at the Parker Meridien and another in Tribeca). Whereas most mani/pedi spots operate with the efficiency of a production line, at tenoverten you’re not just another number. But even more important than the stellar customer service is the end result; the technicians are better (in my humble opinion) and totally worth the slightly higher price (manicures start at $15, pedicures at $35). The minimalist decor exudes calm, and I dare you not to find the perfect polish among a bevy of choices that include Nars and Chanel at no extra charge.

3. Bathtub Gin.  (9th Ave between 19th St. & 18th St.) No, you don’t have to be a gin drinker to enjoy this Chelsea bar because I for one certainly am not. I came here on a first date recently, and embarrassingly walked by it several times before my date (who was watching me look lost the entire time), came to my rescue. Here’s the thing, to enter Bathtub Gin you have to walk through a fully-operating coffee shop, the name of which escapes me. Once in, you’re greeted by a bouncer at another door. This door has no name which is a tell-tale sign you’ve reached a “cool” destination. The atmosphere is that of a posh speakeasy, and there’s a retro bathtub in the center that begs for some Instagraming (you have to hop in of course). Food wise, I only tried the duck spring rolls and they were an A-.

4. Brunch at The Dutch (Sullivan St. corner Prince St.) Whether you’re craving a decadent brunch (hot fried chicken, cornmeal flapjacks) or prefer to air on this side of healthier — there’s something mouth-watering for everyone at The Dutch. Just do me a favor and order the lobster cocktail if you’re a fish lover because this is one mouth party you won’t want to miss.

5. Stella McCartney Sunglasses. I won’t deny, I probably put more effort into choosing a new pair of shades than I did my online dating profile. The thing is designer sunglasses are ridiculously expensive, and I have two perfectly good pairs, so to justify a new purchase they had to be “special”. Fortunately, I found a pink cat eye shape from Stella that’s unlike anything I own, and at $225 — I was spared shopper’s guilt — a win-win if I’ve ever seen one.

Blurry shot of me in my Stella sunnies. 

xoxox

Val

Instead, we use organic coconut sugar, unfiltered honey, and maple syrup.

Online dating 101: my dos and don’ts

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While discussing my online dating woes with a friend the other night, she suggested my newly acquired  knowledge deserved to be shared for the greater good of mankind (otherwise known as the twenty plus people who read this blog). A devotee of the “write about what you know” school of thought – I got down to business. Having dated online in New York City for a little over a year (OkCupid, JDate), I’ve culled together a good chunk of wisdom. Overall, I have nothing but praise for online dating, particularly when you’re busy and not the biggest fan of the bar pick-up-scene. While I doubt anyone would describe me as awkward or cold, I have been told I don’t give off an approachable vibe. Great. Approachability notwithstanding, I am pleased to report many of my dates went beyond the first date, and one even led to a brief relationship, but chances are you already know that so I’ll get on with the program. 
DON’T respond to anyone whose profile includes a topless photo. If you’re a guy, I’d stand clear of women in bikinis. With online dating, you have no choice but to judge a book at least somewhat by its cover, and such photos shout: “I’m vain”, and “I have a small brain capable of only thinking about one thing”. 
DO include a close-up as well as a full-length photo in your profile. Do I really need to remind you about the judgmental aspect of online dating? I never said it’s without fault. 
DO keep your messages short and sweet. I’ve had guys send me resume-type messages, making me question what it was about my profile that made them mistake me for a recruiter. Selling yourself makes you seem desperate; a joke along with a witty comment referencing the other person’s profile makes you look funny and smart – jackpot.
DON’T answer someone who has barely filled out his or her profile. It conveys laziness and a disinterest in anything other than a casual hook-up (unless that’s what you want, then by all means). Similarly, DON’T respond to a message that only contains “hey”, or “hey, what’s up”. If they can’t take the time to read your profile and respond accordingly – they either failed high school, or just want to get in your pants. And on the topic of length, DO make sure your profile is complete without veering off into essay territory. I say keep your answers around 50 words. 
In regards to your profile’s content, DO focus on what makes you unique and on being yourself and you can’t fail. DO ensure your profile reflects your characteristics and values, especially those you want your significant other to share. Hence if you like sarcasm and eating out, and can’t imagine being with someone who doesn’t – highlight those things. A major perk of online dating is it allows – even encourages you to be upfront about what you want – much trickier to do in a bar setting. 
Ladies, DO make the first move. I’ve asked around, and while some guys don’t like it when girls send the initial message – most consider it a compliment and love it. And sometimes, if you want something done right – you gotta do it yourself. It’s simply absurd to wait around and assume the man of your dreams will find you if it’s meant to be. I mean who even has that kind of time?
DON’T lie. This means no photos of you from five years ago, I don’t care how much hotter you were back then. 
DON’T play waiting games. In 2013, it’s safe to assume most people get emails or alerts whenever they get a message. Therefore, if you want to respond right away – go for it. Often we are actually too busy, or we can’t conjure up a witty response in the moment, but I think (at least I hope) we’re past the point of deeming someone a “loser” because they answered too soon. The image of someone waiting around by their computer is so2007.
DO meet in person sooner rather than later. My rule is after three or four messages each way, if there’s a connection – stop typing and wait to hear the rest in person. Chemistry requires physical interaction, and cleverness will only get you so far if I think you smell or if I’d rather kiss my great-aunt.
DON’T respond to initial messages that only compliment your looks, or that ask you to meet up or chat on the phone. If you’re writing to me, it’s assumed you find me at least remotely attractive – it’s just part and parcel of online dating. However, when you write me I’m hot and say little else – I get suspicious looks are the only reason you’re getting in touch. And then we go back to the whole casual hookup thing. Similarly, if you want to chat on the phone or meet for a drink before you’ve even exchanged one message with me, I get even more suspicious about your intentions and I also assume you’re a cocky asshole. 
DO confirm the date is happening the day before. While it’s okay to iron out the details the day of, I think it’s good manners to check in and make sure the date is actually happening as planned one day in advance. Like I said, we’re all busy people. 
DON’T schedule a first date on the weekend. I break this rule frequently due to my busy student/work life, but a weeknight date is ideal for two reasons: 1) If the date is going badly you can count on the “I have to be at work early the next day” excuse, 2) If someone bails last minute, you’re not left without plans on a precious Friday or Saturday night. Instead, you can get into your sweats and watch Scandal (I’m obsessed). 
DO have an open-mind. One of the best things online dating has going for it is it enables you to cast a wider net. If you’re enjoying a conversation with someone but they don’t meet all the criteria of the type of person you were hoping to meet, give it a try nonetheless. My theory is one night on the town with an interesting guy or gal won’t kill you. Of course there is a chance they could turn out to be totally different in person (it has happened to me, albeit rarely), but bad dates make the best stories. And also, life’s not fair – deal with it. 
xoxox
Val 

Life after graduation: coping with the great unknown

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Lately I’ve been feeling restless. For the first time in my 25 years on this earth, I haven’t a clue what I’m doing next. While I can tell you where I’m eating next — Babbo, anyone? (the parents are visiting), that’s about as far as I can get. For a compulsive planner (I was the eight year-old who couldn’t wait to get homework so I could write it in my agenda), this is torture not unlike the kind Kim Kardashian’s baby must feel when she dons a signature body hugging ensemble.

To bring you up to speed, I’m graduating in May and have begun my quest to find a job in the editorial/PR/marketing sphere. Desperate to stay in New York and build a successful career, the pressure is, in effect — on. Searching for a job, however, is a daunting process that doesn’t have a definite end date, like, say a midterm or an internship. You spend hours crafting an application to no avail, despite several follow-ups. It makes me wonder if there’s a “special place” all unread job applications go to die?

Do understand, I’m not inviting you to a pity party here; there are few people who don’t have to experience this at one point or another, but I’ve always used this blog as a means of self expression and this is no exception. This restlessness is new to me and I’m grappling with it.

I feel best when I’m being pro-active, but the instant I find myself running out of people to reach out to, or posts to apply for — the anxiety returns and I can’t seem to quell it. I feel guilty when I’m relaxing, when I’m focusing too much on a homework assignment, and basically every instant in between. I also desperately crave control (more so than I already do) in aspects of my life I’m more or less able to control — a recipe for disaster. If a friend were to recount these syndromes to me, I’d advise them to take three deep breaths and to stop being so hard on themselves. My college professor said on the first day of class: “do the best you can with the time you have.” Up until that point, I’d only heard the first part of that sentence, but as soon as the element of time was thrown into the equation — I felt (somewhat) liberated. Whenever I start to feel the panic rising up, I have to tell myself I’m doing all I can vis-à-vis my job search while juggling my final semester and a three-day internship. I also need to allow myself to relax guilt-free to gain energy I’m bound to need. Besides, my best ideas usually manifest during down time. Speaking of relaxation, I’m starting to think I need a new hobby because exercise doesn’t seem to suffice in calming me lately. Any ideas? I’m willing to entertain anything other than shopping — or knitting.

Party time: tips for your next wine and cheese or any hosting gig

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The best parties are the ones thrown for no other reason than to bring people together and have some good ol’ fashioned fun. That’s precisely why my dear friend Pam and I decided to host a wine and cheese soirée for our closest comrades last month. I relish being a hostess — quite possibly because I’m a control freak, but mainly because seeing people eating, drinking, and laughing, and knowing I played a small role in that — warms the cockles of my heart. Is that weird? Party planning, however, can be a simple feat or a large burden depending on how you go about it, which is why I’m sharing some of my tips. While they’re wine and cheese oriented, many can be applied to various types of parties. Happy hosting!

  1. Don’t make it too cheesy — i.e., don’t buy too many types of cheese. Four is the winning number, and I suggest opting for one goat, one sheep, one cow, and a last option of your choice. The more diverse the better, so try to include cheeses of varying firmness. Unsure where to begin? That’s what cheesemongers are for; I got some great advice from a lovely lady at Bedford Cheese Shop. Tip: blue cheese wasn’t a success at my party.

  2. Cut the cheese. Okay, that sounded differently in my head. What I mean is people tend to be lazy — and messy, therefore if you can assemble the cheese and the rest of the food into bite size pieces beforehand — your guests — and furniture will thank you. Just think, the easier it is for your guests to access the food, the more they’ll eat and the less leftovers you’ll be stuck with the following day.

  3. Location, location, location. Spread out the food throughout your home (do your best to get creative if your space is small), so the mountain can come to Muhammad. Remember what I said about guests generally being lazy and trying to avoid having leftovers? Right.

     Putting goodies in several bowls and spreading them out allowed for easier grabbing — a key ingredient for a good party. 

  4. Health comes first. As much as people love cheese, there’s only so much they can consume (some might beg to differ), thus it’s best to offset all that dairy with lighter options. Fruits (I served grapes, berries and cut pineapple) and vegetables served with tzatziki and hummus were major hits.

  5. A little goes a long (enough) way. Our friends (god bless their souls) couldn’t stop praising details such as the labels accompanying the cheeses describing the type of cheese and its country of origin. We also got compliments a plenty on offering apricot jam to pair with the cheese, as well as on our vast array of cracker options (from healthy to not so healthy).

    Guests loved the vast selection of crackers and the labels indicating the type of cheese and where it’s from. We nearly ran out of healthy options like hummus, vegetables and fruit. 

  6. Don’t forget the “mix” in party mix. Keep the playlist varied; alternate between artists, genres and degrees of intensity throughout the evening.

  7. Give two weeks notice and a reminder the day of. We invited friends via Facebook event two weeks in advance; people are busy today and don’t appreciate last minute invites. Also, the day of the party, I posted a message on the Facebook page telling guests to come hungry. When I later told someone I was impressed by how quickly the food supply was dwindling, they responded: “well you told us to come hungry!” This taught me a valuable lesson: people (mainly women) like to know what they’re in for so they can prepare — a.k.a., eat a lighter lunch.

  8. Buy what you like. This way, if you’re stuck with leftovers, your stomach and wallet will still be your friends.

  9. Make connections. Sometimes at a party, particularly when the invitees are from two different friend groups, people need a little help connecting. As host, try to make introductions and find common ground between guests to get the conversation flowing. It’s definitely a skill and will serve you well at parties — and in life. Ever heard of networking?

  10. Have fun. Don’t let worries of dessert potentially running out get in the way of you enjoying yourself with people you like — the reason for the event in the first place.
Bonus tip: keep the liquor (ideally a mix of wine, beer and one type of hard alcohol) in the kitchen to avoid a mess.