Happy Birthday Grandma

Last Sunday, the family got together for my Grandma's 84th birthday. She moved down to New Jersey, from Queens, about five years ago and has since become quite the popular neighbor in her building. (Not to boast, but what former Rockette wouldn't be? She still does a mean kick.) We celebrated her big day in the party room where she lives and it turned out to be perfect. Her and her friends in the over-80 category worked like little elves and decorated the room with balloons and festive table cloths the night before. Even more perfect, was the delicious food everyone brought. From antipast, eggplant parmesan and baked ziti to chocolate-covered strawberries and cookies; we did some serious eating at this birthday.

Ms. Vera Ceci

I've been close with my Grandma ever since I was a wee little one, so it's always a lot of fun to spend days like this with her. I can't even describe how proud she was to introduce all of us to her friends. It was probably the highlight of the day. The only person who could have made the day even better was my cousin Jill who, unfortunately, was out in Minnesota visiting her boyfriend Justin.

Mom, Uncle Wayne and Gram

My cousin Leigh and brother Matt

My Mama and Me

Dad and Aunt Rosie

My sister Kerry and cousin Lauren. Not only is she a cutie-pie, she can color like nobody's business.

"Say Cheese"

Chatting over coffee.

The Ladies

It was a day filled with eating, talking, coloring books and more eating. Until next time ... that's all folks!

Warby Parker

I don't know precisely why or when it started, but ever since my teens I've had this glamorized notion that it is really "cool" to wear glasses. At around 18-years-old, my curse wish was finally granted. Finding myself in over-sized lecture halls made me realize I couldn't help but squint to see my distant professor. Driving was no better; traffic lights suddenly became hazardous constellations of color. It was finally time to get me some glasses. Even though my vision is far from terrible, in order to enjoy a movie or even a TV show, glasses are most definitely required.

(I came across this picture online. I currently feel like her.)

It's been a little over two years since I've had a proper eye exam but with one looming, I've been casually searching for a new pair of specs to go along with what I have no doubt will be a stronger lens prescription. My current frames are a dark tortoise shell in a rectangular shape, but this time around I'd like a larger, boxier shape in a lighter shade. My co-worker Rodney recently got a pair of Buddy Holly-esque frames and after inquiring where he got them, he told me about a fantastic website called Warby Parker.

Warby Parker is everything I want in a new set of glasses. After browsing a stylish collection of vintage-inspired looks on either their website or brick-and-mortor store, a glorious $95 (and your prescription) is all that's required to own a trendy pair of eyeglasses.

I'm leaning towards the following frames but I'll make my final decision once I see what these puppies look like in person:

Preston Sandalwood Matte

Sinclair Burgundy Fade

Colton Hazelwood

Beckett Striped Chestnut

Huxley Hazelwood

The old-school feel to Warby Parker's collections got me thinking about what a funny thing fashion is. While styles may change drastically throughout the years, it's only inevitable that outdated styles ultimately become chic once again. I wish I had a picture handy of the gargantuan pair of red glasses my mom rocked during the 80s; the ones she now absolutely shudders to think about. (Picture old-school Sally Jesse Raphael.) While I hope those never come back into fashion, it's anyone's guess as to how I'll think about these frames in 20 years.