First Day of SPRING!

It's the first day of Spring, y'all!  Also, a day of a few other wonderful things!  =)  So why don't you...

TREAT. YO. SELF...

Enjoy this beautiful day!

xoxo andrea

If You Don't Know...

"One day you will wake up and there won't be any more time to do the things you've always wanted.  Do it now."

- Paulo Coelho

Hello there, folks!

It's been quite a while since the last installment of If You Don't Know, a round-up of my favorito finds on the world wide 'net.

Here ya go...

• Above, a fantastic quote posted on La Dolce Vita from Paulo Coelho, author of one of my all-time favorite books, The Alchemist
• A perfect addition to my plans for 2013...a New York Times article on how RELAXING can lead to being more productive!  What the what?!?
• Some awesome street art found right here in Brooklyn
• A very necessary reminder that every successful person had to start somewhere:  Check out some very dated photos/videos on Hairpin's  Quarter-Life Comedy:  What 50 Stars Were Doing When They Were 25  (Joan Rivers was an office assistant!) 
• This recipe seems like a healthier (and way easier) version of my go-to breakfast, Huevos Rancheros.  AND how to make a heart-shaped egg!  (Just in time for Valentine's Day!)
• Finally,  speaking of V-Day, How About We gives us some great date ideas in their Ultimate Guide to Valentine's Day - for everyone!

Enjoy!

xoxo andrea

On Living a Better Life

Hello all!  Let's all take a moment and rewind to exactly 23 days ago today... 

HAPPY 2013! 

Okay, okay. I know I'm a little late, but this gal has been BUSY. Doing what? Hmmm...I have no idea! Which leads me to my first post of the year: On Living a Better Life. 

Lately, I've been feeling a little blah about practically everything. Well, it's not really lately. My tiny "latelys" of the past have turned into one huge ick of an attitude that has basically consumed my life.  Needless to say, I'd like to shed this (and mucho poundage, please!) in the new year.  Here are just a few ways on how I plan on doing just that:

1.  Get more sleep.   I truly get about 4-5 hours of sleep a night.  On the weekdays, this causes me to lay in bed WAY past the snooze button, stumble out of bed, rush to get ready, throw some lame breakfast/lunch together and race to work.  Tired and hungry, I depend on coffee and gum to get me through the day - and I'm NOT in the best mood.  Then, I play catch-up on the weekends.  UGH.  It's the absolute worst.  When I think about now, I'm basically sleepwalking through life!

According to the Huffington Post, the health benefits of sleep includes keeping your stress at bay, helps your body avoid inflammation AND contributes to healthy weight loss.  It sparks creativity to boot! (Hence, more blog posts??)  Now for some fluffy pillows....

2.  Say "YES" more.  I loved the movie "Yes Man"  - mainly because of the message.  Basically, the main character shuts people out his life by rejecting every invite he receives.  One day, he commits to saying "yes" to absolutely everything, with positive outcomes.  I'm known to be a major flake, so this really hit home for me.  I've learned the hard way that people simply stop missing you once you stop showing up.  Sometimes it is as easy as just saying "yes."

3.  Walk.  When I worked in the city, I loved, loved, LOVED to walk from my office on 34th & 9th all the way to 63rd & Lex.  I took everything in - the way the neighborhoods changed, the crowds (or lack thereof), the huge buildings, the traffic...all while listening to music the whole way through.  Now that I drive to and from work, I've really adopted a lackadaisical routine that includes maybe a block of walking per day!  Shameful.  Here's an easy walking plan that I think can ease me back into a healthy exercise habit that I used to really love.

4.  Unplug and re-connect with REAL people.   One day I went to lunch with the bf and left my phone at home.  I have to say, it was a refreshing change.  I was totally tuned into everything, which is news to a tech junkie like me.  I am so in love with this professor's assignment on going tech-free for a day that I know that I'm going to try it very, very soon!

5. Surround yourself with positive, loving and supportive people.  I have been very, very, VERY lucky to be surrounded by positive, loving, supportive and inspirational people right from the start.  When things get out of control in your life, it's important to have trusted people - or even one person - who will love you, make you feel good and inspire you to be a better version of yourself. Studies have shown that increased social connections improves mental AND physical health, which in turn, contributes to longevity.  If your social count is low, joining a class or two might help in making more friends - and may allow for some good ol' fun time!

This list is far from done, but I tend to jump in with both feet, as my wise mama tells me.  More definitely to come!  

I hope that the new year is treating you well so far!

xoxo andrea

Note To Self...

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"For small creatures such as we, 

the vastness is bearable only through love..."

- Carl Sagan

Getting a J-O-B: Putting Your Best Foot Forward

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"Be a yardstick of quality.  Some people aren't used to an environment where excellence is expected." - Steve Jobs

Hello there, friends!
 
It's no big surprise when we hear that people are having a difficult time finding work these days. Fortunately, I've been able to find a career that I'm totally in love with AND utilizes the skills that I've picked up along the way.  I'll be the first to admit - it wasn't easy!  I had a string of totally unrelated jobs before I found one that I actually like - and I couldn't do it without tons of hard work, dedication, and a great support system.
 
One of these random stints included a position in human resources.  The tidbits of information below are based on my past experience in this field - some of which I think aren't really considered by many job seekers. I'm hoping that it will help those of you that are feeling a little down 'n out about your current job search:

• Research the company that you are interested in.  We are in the age of technology - use it!  Look up the company on the web and peruse their site.   What is their mission statement or policies?  Who is their CEO?  What have they accomplished in the past, and most recently?  Learn about them from the inside-out!  It seems pretty annoying, but it definitely helps in writing your resume/cover letter and answering those tricky questions during an interview.    
• Have a well-written and professional resume.  This one seems like a given, but you'd be surprised at some of the resumes that people send!  If you're not a great writer, it may help to hire some outside help or ask a smart friend or relative.  Yes, I said smart!  Someone who is articulate and can write comprehensive sentences.  If you're writing your own resume, ask this smart friend/relative to proofread it for spelling and grammar errors.  Readers, please:  DO NOT skip this step.  I repeat:  DO NOT SKIP PROOFREADING.  Asking someone else will help you see the errors that you probably missed. I once saw a resume that he/she wanted a job in "pubic relations."  Another addressed a cover letter to "Mr. Brain Frieze."  I mean, really?  Needless to say, these minor (yet major) errors caused these applicants to be filed under "No Thanks!"  Why would an employer hire someone who didn't even care to spell a name correctly?  Always proofread!  (Always!)  
• Dress for success - EVERY DAY.  Every day!  You don't have to wear a suit and tie on your daily coffee or grocery run, but try to look your best at all times.  If you're currently out of work or looking to change careers, you never know who you will run into that can lead you to a fantastic opportunity.   It might also help to wear clothes that reflects the job that you're pursuing.  An added bonus:  it'll make you feel great! Looking like you just rolled out of bed with last night's dinner on your mouth or clothes will not attract potential employers.  
• Be prepared for interviews.  Looking your best is especially important for interviews. Keep your clothes conservative, make sure they're ironed, and each piece matches.  Please stay away from bright or neon colors and super revealing short skirts or shirts.  Guys, wear a tie!  Ladies, avoid open-toed shoes.  It's actually against some dress code policies, especially at huge corporations or agencies.  Also, be comfortable!  When buying interview clothes, try them on, walk in them, sit down in the dressing room and assess if this is appropriate for an interview.  It sounds silly, but the ability to move your arms or sitting without revealing the top of your tube socks will prevent sudden embarrassment, believe me.  If you can, purchase a portfolio or folder to put your paperwork (such as a hard copy of your resume) and bring working pens.  Nothing is worse than fumbling through a unorganized bag during an interview -and/or- pulling a copy of your folded resume out of your back pocket!  Just don't do it to yourself.  (P.S. - Invest in some dress socks...)
•  Have references available.  Friends are great as personal references, but having professional references (namely former employers and/or colleagues) are extremely important.  Always ask someone before you use them as a reference - this way, they'd be on the look out for a phone call or e-mail.  Also, it's just the right thing to do!  Make sure you have their contact information (job title included) before you send your resume to a potential employer or prior to an interview.  If requested, you'll have their information readily available.  (Students: Don't hesitate to ask former/current professors!)
• Stand out.  While you're looking for work or that new career, build your resume!  You can volunteer at a company that is relative to your field or get a certificate that would improve your skills. You are up against many, many, MANY people out there - being a memorable applicant is key.  If you can swing it, go back to school!  Why not?  Life is too short to settle.    
• Don't lose hope.  I know that looking for a job can be a daunting and tedious process.  If six or more months have gone by and you haven't landed a gig, it may help to hire a headhunter, re-work your resume or consider a new plan of action.   Think positive, act positive and surround yourself with encouraging people.  Something will come up!  Even if it's not your first choice, it may lead you to somewhere great, or, at the very least, be a temporary fix while you still look for that perfect job of yours. 

xoxo andrea

Perfecting the Perfect Relationship...

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"A woman in love can't be reasonable - or she probably wouldn't be in love..."
- Mae West 

Being home for the last three days, I've been consumed by news and updates of Superstorm Sandy.  Don't forget that there are many, many ways to help!

While trying to get over a bad case of cabin fever, I started to think about relationships.  Now I'm no expert, but I've learned a few things along the way.  In fact, I'm still learning!  If you're finding yourself in a rut, have no fear!  I think I've formulated the recipe for the perfect relationship!  (Ladies, this one's for you...)

And awayyy we go!

• First and foremost, don't call him.  Don't have him call you.  Keep your calls/texts to a minimal.  Hey, you know what?  Don't talk at all.  Just plan a designated time and place for you to meet - maybe once a week or every two weeks.  Mail a letter.  Try to think of a smoke signal system so you can give him as much free time to watch bad television, scratch himself, and do whatever strange behaviors guys like to do.
• Plan every date.  Yes, ladies, remember that I'm talking to you!  Our guys have way too much on their plates to plan anything for us girls.  Why should they spend any time being romantic?  They deserve love, too!  Buy him something he's always wanted while you're at it!  It is 2012 - expecting him to plan a date is plain ol' sexist!
• Always, always, always go to him.  Is that him standing at your doorstep??  With flowers?!?  Is he waiting for you after work??  UGH.  As previously said, your boy is probably so busy that he can't possibly find time to work around his schedule to meet you anywhere.  Don't expect any surprises, either.  After all, who likes to be surprised by the person they love?!?  ICK!!!  What you have going on in your life is not as important.  C'mon girl!
•  Watch everything he likes.  Shark Week, 12-inning baseball games, National Geographic, action or horror movies...you name it!  Not only will you avoid pointless arguments (he'll win anyway) and spend much more time together, but you'll get an education to boot!  Score!
• Whatever you do, agree with him.  This goes for your feelings, weekend plans, trips in the future, your view on politics, your career, his career, marriage, whether he wants kids or not, whatever.  He's always right.  Even when he's wrong...he's always right.  Got it?  Good.
• Never, EVER argue - even when you're hurt by the same things over and over again.  Listen.  Don't express your feelings.  In fact, don't even have them.  Silly things like making you feel like a priority is not what he signed up for.  And WHY do you want to be a priority, missy??  You know as well I do that certain things come first, dear.  Even if you understand his priorities, don't expect any special treatment  - even in the most miniscule way!  Keep that nagging mouth shut, smile and nod.  Your new mantra:  "All is good in the mofo'n hood!"
• Don't expect commitment.  Now, if you've done everything right, you're probably on the serious road to commitment, living happily ever after!  If not, don't expect your guy to commit to you in any way.  He'll be fully justified in stringing you along - he didn't ask you to do any of the above in the first place!  DUH!  I've said it before and I'll say it again:  C'MON, GIRL!
• Last but not least,  DO NOT FOLLOW any of the above.  The best kind of  relationship is fair, balanced and FULL of mutual love and affection.  Of course you'll have some arguments along the way, but the right guy will make you feel like a million bucks regardless of your flaws (hopefully, you've accepted his as well!  Okay, worked with them... =)  And if that's too "fairytale" for him, remember that you deserve to be loved...completely.

xoxo andrea

Hurricane Sandy

 Robert Moses Beach, Long Island, New York  (photo taken by A. Singh)

Above:  One of my favorite views from Robert Moses State Park, destroyed by Superstorm Sandy on Long Island.

Hey there, everyone...

It's been a long time since my last post, but I thought that I owe a few words to my beloved city and home...

Hurricane Sandy really wreaked havoc in NY, NJ, CT and its surrounding areas.  The Jersey Shore, several beaches, and hundreds of homes have been demolished.  When I look at the reports, like many, I just can't believe what I'm seeing and the number of devastating stories that I'm hearing.  

Here's a wonderful article from The Huffington Post that offers ways we can help the victims of Superstorm Sandy, which includes information about the American Red Cross (scroll down to "How to Help,")  The New York Blood Center, and other agencies that are offering assistance during this time.

We have proven our resilience in the past and I'm really optimistic that we will be able to bounce back.  The very least we can do is to keep the people that have been affected by this tragedy in our thoughts, hoping they'll receive the help that they need very, very soon...

xoxo andrea