"That's it, I don't want you talking to me for the rest of the robbery!"

Recently, I was chided by some of my nearest and dearest for being too snobby and stuck up about movies. Apparently it is unheard of that I have yet to see movies such as Knocked Up, I Love You, Man, Princess Bride and Get Him To The Greek. My philosophy is that I can only see so many movies, so why not see movies that I may actually appreciate and enjoy? Then again, I recently discovered that my DVD of Nicholas Nickleby (one of my all time favorites) is totally messed up, likely because I have watched it too many times. So, I could probably stand to spend my time more wisely in the movie department. 


In an effort to be more relaxed in my movie choices and broaden my horizons, I decided to watch Tower Heist last night. It already has the makings of many things I enjoy: New York, Ben Stiller, a heist and hilarious antics. The cast is kind of fantastic: Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Alan Alda, Michael Pena, Casey Affleck, Matthew Broderick and Tea Leoni. Ben Stiller basically plays himself. Eddie Murphy is the same character/voice as always. Casey Affleck and Matthew Broderick (a laid-off wall streeter who is being evicted from his mega-millions condo) are exceptional. 


Even before you watch the trailer, you probably know how this one will end. That's ok. Watching Eddie Murphy mentor and lead four hapless men new to the robbery game is just fun (he has them prove that they can do "the big job" by getting them to steal $50 worth of merchandise each from a mall). I also loved that most scenes take place in/around Columbus Circle, and the major showdown is during the Macy's Day Parade (a tradition to watch in the Landis household). 


Hopefully the trailer below will wet your appetite for this funny, fun, heist comedy. It was a welcome break for my brain! 

"They say a cluttered desk means a cluttered mind." --Michael Scott

Gentlemen: this post may not be for you. Other than watches, I'm pretty sure most of you do not wear jewelry. Proceed with caution. 


Ladies: Has your jewelry gotten out of control? Do you have no method of organization? Is your dresser/desk/nightstand cluttered with every necklace you own? Read below and be unorganized no more! 


For several years, I've had one of those 100 pocket things that hangs in the closet. This worked out well in New York, but my closet is a little different now and this was just not cutting it anymore. My dresser had become a sea of unorganized watches, rings and necklaces, not to mention all of my small earrings which were always impossible to locate. On my quest to accessorize more, I needed to have a clean way to store my jewelry out on my dresser. 

The "Before" Picture: 

After much research, I found two items at Bed Bath and Beyond. The first is a telescoping necklace holder, $20. It has two levels of double hooks. You can either keep the levels together, or move the second one up to hold even longer necklaces. Of course, mine is at the highest point. With the double hooks, you can really have things organized and all hanging separately. It also has a large, scooped tray at the bottom that can hold rings, or small bracelets. The bottom is felted so it won't scratch your dresser! 

Item number two is the GemGini, also $20 from Bed Bath & Beyond. Despite the annoying name, I really like this product. It is awesome for holding longer earrings, and has spaces for post earrings and/or rings at the bottom. I wear a lot of smaller earrings to work, so this is perfect for having those organized and at the ready. It comes set up with magnets - they advertise that you can magnetize this to the inside of your medicine cabinet so you can "put on makeup and jewelry at the same time." Not sure I would ever do those activities at the same time, but it's a nice idea. You can also use the sticky strips to hang it up on a wall. I haven't done that yet (just have it leaning against the wall), but that's your option. The only issue is that this doesn't really have an option for "huggie" style earrings. I have a few of those hanging on the bottom hooks right now... We'll see how long that lasts. All in all, it's great to have everything organized but available. I feel like I can see everything and it makes me want to wear things I don't usually wear because I can actually find them! 

If you like this concept but want something cuter, I would definitely look at Etsy. They have a TON of earrings organizers like this, but with cute frames and colors. I just didn't want to hang something on the wall, so I went simple.  

Ta da! Organization achieved.

I still need some better situation for bangles and watches 

(you know I have about 15 watches in the rotation), but that's for another day.

these boots are made for walking.

I like to share when I find a company, service or product that I think is particularly spectacular.  


Last week, I brought in my favorite boots to be shined. I've had these boots at least since the beginning of college, possibly since high school. They are an integral part of my wardrobe - I wear them to work, to go out and to bunk around on Sunday afternoons. As soon as fall hits, I break these out and basically live in them until summer. 


That being said, it was time to get them spruced up. They were getting embarrassing to wear to work or in any form of public company. They has salt stains, scratches and crazy worn-down heels. I was concerned that they would spontaneously fall apart due to mistreatment. And then I would just be barefoot all winter!




My dad has always raved about this place that shines his shoes. I even heard about this place as a kid. Since it's close to my office, I thought I would try it out. I was met by an extremely nice guy who seemed genuinely happy to help me; I think he may be the owner. He recommended new heels, waterproofing, shining, etc and I was glad to get everything he suggested. (Full disclosure - after I said my name, he actually knew who my dad was and gave me free waterproofing because my dad is "such an awesome guy.") I'd rather put money into these fantastic shoes than buy new ones. My shoes were ready exactly on time and upon each visit to their store, I was met by a friendly, knowledgeable, glad-to-help employee and/or owner. They were happy to go over each change they had made and ensure I was satisfied with the final product. And I was satisfied! Look at those sweet, shiny boots: 

Head over to Beehive Shoeworks (at 35 North Wells) with your work shoes and boots! (I'm sure you have a pair of shoes in need of a cobble.) Maybe if you say your last name is Landis you'll get a discount too?