Most Improved Award: Duane Reade on 91st/1st

Well, as promised, I would like to introduce one of the nicest "improved" Duane Reade's out there - the DR on 91st & 1st! Right under my building! Now I won't have to walk up the hill on a rainy day that we happen to run out of trash bags. Or a morning when I run out of toothpaste. It's great! It's just right there!

Background: When the crane came crashing down on the Electra in May 2008, the Duane Reade drugstore below my building got caught up in the destruction. So much so, that they didn't reopen until last month - a year later! I've seen housing developments go up faster. I suppose the heads of development and design decided that this Duane Reade was just going to get the make-over that several others in Manhattan have recently undergone. You know, since the old logo version of the sign was crunched anyway, they must have thought - "Hey! Perfect time to renovate!"

There are a lot of things I like about this new DR (the layout is not one of them). I like that you can buy frozen dinners and have a wide variety of snacks. The product shelves are pristine and fully stocked with even more selection than I'm used to. They also have a unique shopping carrier that I've never seen before - a basket with wheels on the bottom and an extra long handle, so you can tote it around like a small suitcase on wheels. What will they think of next?

So anyway, if you're ever in the area of 91st & 1st, swing by and check it out. I think you will be impressed.

Essie

I get overwhelmed choosing the color for a pedicure. What if I hate it and then I'm stuck staring at it for weeks?? It's hard to tell the color sometimes! Normally I just stay in the red/coral color line. Boring but true. Last week I took the suggestion of the lady doing my nails. She picked out Essie's Secret Stash. Not a radical change from red/coral but at first I was like - way too fuchsia for me. It is a little on the bubble gum side, but I liked the name, and after looking at the color for awhile, I was ready to commit to it. Best decision ever. I am really pleased with the color, and I got slightly (v. v. slight) tan at the beach, and it makes the color really look good. If I really worked on my tan this summer the color would be really HoT.

I know people like Essie, but this was my first experience with the brand. Usually I like the OPI selection. Does Essie have more selection or better colors? Or is it just a matter of personal preference?

Happy Birthday!

Lauren's secret admirer sent this in to DD wish her a Happy Birthday!!!!