Note To Self...

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“...I think happiness is what makes you pretty. Happy people are beautiful..."

- Drew Barrymore

If You Don't Know...

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"...This one's a fighter..." 

 - Gym Class Heroes 

Another week has begun and so here comes another list of favorito 'net finds!  Enjoy!

• Above:  Love this song by Gym Class Heroes (ft. Ryan Tedder) - The Fighter.

• I must, must, must get back into yoga.  Read about "off-the-mat" practices here.

• In a happiness rut?  Make the most out of your life right at home.

• Aghhh!  I'm guilty of 4 out of 5 of these bad habits!  (I can't deal with bland food...hahaha)

• It's the perfect time o' year for popsicles!  I'd probably nix the sugar and use a spot of agave.

• This DIY braided rug reminds me of my very creative (and practical) grandfather.

• Last, but definitely not least, wise words from Gabourey Sidibe about self-confidence.

Have a fantastic week, all!

xoxo andrea

On Being Fair to Yourself

In all of the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it suddenly dawned on me that during the mad rush of shopping, wrapping and giving, we forget to be fair to ourselves. I'm not saying to be a complete narcissist here, but to really incorporate some simple ways to remember that special someone...you! Here are a few tips to do just that:

• Don't stress out. The holidays are meant to be fun 'n festive. We tend to lose the joy of it all by getting impatient in long lines, running around like a mad person from store to store, looking for the perfect gift to get that special someone, etc. And if you're like me, you like to put some real thought into it. With exactly 1 shopping week left, it may help to make a list of all of your recipients with possible gift ideas and store locations. Then, group your shopping trips according to distance. Or, shop online! Most online retailers guarantee shipping by Christmas if you order by this weekend...

• Stick to a budget. This is a little tip I got from my mom and bro: Give yourself a spending limit for each person on your list. You may feel a bit restricted, so it might help to include a small window for a little splurge. Believe me, you'll be glad you did once you look at that January bill!

• Be "casual chic" on your holiday shopping adventures. Ok, this may seem really silly, but I truly believe that what you wear on the outside can help bring out your best on the inside. When I go shopping in track pants with haphazard hair and old gym shoes, I feel unhappy, lethargic and just plain out of it. No one's asking you to emulate Beyonce, but try doing your holiday errands in clothing that's comfortable and that you feel good in (there's a real difference!) Wear makeup if that's your thing and try a hairstyle that's practical yet stylish. Feeling great will help in boosting your mood and energy levels!
  

• Buy a little something for you. Gasp! Yourself?!? Yes! Now I don't mean a shopping spree...treat yourself to a great cup of coffee, lunch, a manicure, time with your favorite book or loved one in between your shopping frenzy. It won't kill you to take an hour out of your day and just relax. Also, it definitely helps in re-charging for your next round of activities!
  

• Don't hesitate in giving a homemade gift. If you have a hobby or just enjoy being creative, working on pastimes that inspire you can make perfect gifts. Whether it's a painting, framed photograph, knitted scarf, a sentimental letter on special stationary or a home cooked meal/dessert, not only are you doing something you love, but you are sharing it with someone special. Personally, I love homemade gifts! Nothing is more genuine than knowing that someone spent time thinking of you...

• Schedule a post-New Year's date. Whether it's with a significant other, family, friends, or yourself, make a plan to spend a few hours having fun in the near future...and stick to it! You'll already have something to look forward to in the new year.

I'm usually the type of person to keep going and going until I'm plain ol' exhausted, especially around this time of year. Today I simply asked myself, "Why?!?" This holiday season, I urge you to keep yourself in mind, as well as your loved ones. It's well-deserved! =)

xoxo andrea

Note to Self...

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"...I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles...”

- Audrey Hepburn

Thanksgiving O' Mine

So yesterday was Thanksgiving and I thought to myself...what a perfect yet cliche reason to post! Here it goes - several people, places and things that I'm grateful for:

10. My 'hood. I was raised in Queens and I don't think I'd have it any other way. If you were to visit my neighborhood, you'd probably think to yourself, "Man, I should have packed my bulletproof vest!" but the block I grew up on is home to countless memories of my brother and I learning to ride our bikes, where we first put our hands behind a car wheel, walked to school, had snowball fights with my parents, played hazardous childhood games, etc. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

9. Transportation, especially, my car. An overlooked, yet necessary, commodity. When I was a teenager (ok, my late 20's...) I didn't think I'd ever need a car. I'd just walk everywhere I go or take the bus or train! RIGHT. Now I can't picture my life without it. As a teacher, I carry a TON of bags, and as a person, I like the comfort of A/C or a heated space that I don't have to wait for. Thank you, DMV! (Shout out to my fam who encouraged me to drive!) Can't knock the buses and trains, either. I can always depend on mass transit when I revert to my old philosophies! (or can't find my GPS...LOL)

8. My job. I love it. Yes, there are times that I want to pull my hair out, but to put it simply, I can wake up feeling pretty crappy and enter work feeling brand new.

7. Technology. Sure, it could be pretty annoying, especially when my phone loses a call, or sending a text takes forever. Or even when your age, residence, photo and current work location is displayed for your local psycho to see. But, I've come to really appreciate the convenience of browsing the Internet for a rare music track, watching a movie with two clicks of a mouse, or finding out new info through websites and other blogs. Now, do I think it'll be the cause of the world's debacle? YES.

6. Music. 'Nuff said.

5. Laughter. I don't know if it's because I think my dad is the funniest person in the WORLD, but I think the ability to make people laugh is truly a gift. Plus, who doesn't love to laugh??

4. Education. I'm not just talking about formal education, but life's lessons as well. I think people can get as many diplomas as they want, but having common sense is absolutely priceless.

3. A positive attitude. Ok, I'm allowed to get a little narcissistic here. =) I think a positive attitude can be a life-changer. I've had my share of challenges in life so far, just like you. The negative route seems just 'round the corner and I've been guilty of taking it. But, I was fortunate enough to have parents teach me that with hard work and the right attitude, you can go pretty far AND have peace of mind. To me, that is the epitome of positivity.

2. Books. *NERD ALERT* As a wee girl in the first grade, I used to max out my library card by taking out 25 books at a time. I knew since then that they can take you anywhere.

1. Love. I am so blessed with the amount of love that I've received in my life so far. More than I deserve at times. From unconditional love by my parents and brother to that of extended family, friends and a very significant other, I couldn't be luckier.

'Hope your Thanksgiving was glorious!

xoxo andrea

Why, Hello Again!

I can't believe it's been over a year since my last post! A lot has happened since then, and when I looked back at previous posts, I realized the past year was a tough one! Sheesh! So, I've decided to brighten up my blog a bit - I think I have to learn how to personalize it some more so that I don't use the Blogger templates. So not creative! (Shame on me!)

Right now it's cold in New York, and I have to say that it's about time. I don't know about you, but it needs to be Fall already! We're supposed to have a pretty rough winter (when don't we??), so I am determined to enjoy what's left of jacket weather before it becomes jacket-scarf-hat-gloves-boot-bust-your-you-know-what-on-the-ice weather, believe me.

This past summer I was on a smoothie KICK...avocado/banana is my absolute fave! I want to get back on the smoothie train again, but the pending wintry weather definitely does not strike my smoothie fancy at all. I think I'm going to give it a cold weather try - I hear that pumpkin smoothies are rather delish, although it sounds kind of disgusting at the same time. I'm dying to purchase the VitaMix - it's supposed to be the king of blenders! Blades are so sharp and fast that you can even make hot soup - right in the blender! Crazy! The price is just as crazy...almost $500! What the...

I've also (slowly) gotten back to reading! Yay! Grown-up books! Double the yay! Currently I'm re-reading Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris, who is by far, one of my favorite authors. I think he's an absolutely amazing and funny writer. I've also read Bossy Pants by Tina Fey and it's also pretty hilarious. Speaking of which, I'm still getting used to my BNN Nook that my bro got me last Christmas. It's as convenient as they say, folks. I don't even have to lug my laptop around if I just want to browse web when I have it. AND it fits in my purse without giving me a back/shoulder ache. The only thing is, I can't part from actual, tangible, able-to-write-in books. There's something about opening a book, feeling the pages, writing/highlighting on paper that I just can't give up! If BNN closes, I'm not sure what I'd do...

I don't know if it's settling into my 30's or what, but I'm REALLY into cardigans these days. I've been pairing them with everything! My current fave is actually from :gasp!: New York and Company in a very bright royal blue that I want to wear everyday. Seriously. It's just so warm and comfy! Its nemesis is a longer version in gray that goes with just about everything I own. On a side note, my goal this winter is to wear as many bright, obnoxiously summery colors as possible. I think I'm getting over the neutral/gray/black tones. Join me in this revolution!

In any case, we are into the wee hours of Friday and I couldn't be happier! This week was the s...l...o...w...e...s...t... ever!!!

Hellooooo, weekend! =)

xoxo andrea