Heaven on Earth.

There are certain things that people can't live without.

For me, that's champagne, jasmine green tea, Forever 21, bistec empanizado con papitas fritas, and my closest family and friends. DUH. But there's one more thing that's an uber necessity to my continuous inner happiness. It feeds the recessionista in me. Can you guess the 6 letter word that literally gives me stomach flutters and makes my palms sweaty every time I'm at close proximity to the shopping MECCA?!!
If you guessed, TARGET, not only must you be super pretty and smart, but clearly you are a fashion forward and budget friendly human being deserving of your blessed life.

TARGET has arrived in Manhattan!!!! Yes, the red bulls eye is shining over the East River signaling and calling all smart shoppers (including me). I'm one of the many in this island that has been counting down to opening day and watching as that structure has slowly been resurrected along the FDR Drive. As my bff, Javy, says "Its the Dadeland Center of Manhattan." (for my non Miami followers, Dadeland Center is a shopping pavillion in Miami that also holds a Target, Best Buy, Michael's, and some other retailers).

Another reason why I NEVER want to leave this island (next, I'm working on getting a Forever 21 store at the corner of 79th and 2nd). Not sure if its the fact that I can buy toilet paper, towels, an Isabel Toledo bathing suit, and a digital camera under one roof, but theres a feeling of determination as I push my shopping cart in the store, and then a feeling of accomplishment when I walk out with my shiny red and white plastic bags. Ive conquered the world. Or actually, Target has successfully conquered my bank account. I think I speak on behalf of every Target lover when I say, you walk into the store with 3 things on your list, no more than $30 lets say, but you've managed to spend $300. Yep. Welcome to my life. I literally lose my brain in those aisles.

On a quick serious note, this Target opening is a great thing for Manhattan. Not because of the convenience of being in the city, but this store has created over 500 jobs and it is expected to generate millions of dollars and be one of the most popular stores in the country. I'm sure it will also be just as crowded, but, if you arrive 15 minutes before opening and happen to be one of the first consumers there, you will definitely beat the crowds and get your hand on those designer collections that fly off the rack (and in my case, get my hands on a size small before all the fat girls who think they are a S but are really an XXL, hijack them from me).

Next time you find yourself low on tooth paste or box of wine, make an event out of it and head to Target in Harlem. I'm sure you'll walk out with a new bedroom set and possibly some patio furniture bc it is that amazing!!!!

Here's to you. Here's to me.

Kathy.