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

If You Don't Know...

Hip Happenin' Saturday!

I haven't gotten a chance to blog much week...super busy and super sick! Ick!

Can you believe that Christmas is only 14 days away?!? I haven't even begun shopping yet! Yikes!!!

Care for some interesting web finds?? Fantabulous!

• You'd think that the holiday season would bring out the kindness in people. Instead, we're seen pushing fellow shoppers, fighting for parking spots, and shouting at weary cashiers when they aren't moving fast enough. This year, I encourage you smile a little! Etiquette guru Emily Post offers advice about holiday politeness (and happiness!) here.

• Speaking of happiness, get your optimism fix at Only Positive News. It's quite the shift from your local paper's front page.
  

• Washing fruit seems so easy...until it's time to peel off that annoying little sticker. Designer and engineer Scott Amron has invented Fruitwash, a sticker that dissolves into fruit soap. Check out the NPR article here. Amron also created the Brush & Rinse toothbrush. I wonder if this guy is behind that body wash/shampoo/shaving cream combo for men as well. Um...how busy are we, people??

• A woman received a very angry letter from a man who felt "led on" by their one and only date...and decided to out the poor guy on the web. (Well, not really poor...he's an investment manager...) Hey, I felt bad for Mike! Until I read that he Googled miscellaneous info about her...including her age and e-mail address. Woah. Read the story (and letter) from the Huffington Post here.

• Chivalry's dead? Not for Keanu Reeves! Watch him give up his seat for a woman on the Q train. Thanks, Keanu!

Enjoy!

xoxo andrea

If You Don't Know...

Happy December, folks! I can't believe it's here already...and winter's finally setting in. I think I'm ready to transfer my Fall wardrobe and break out the cold weather gear! Whoo. Hoo. (Sense the tone...=)

Staying in from the frigid temps has lead me to more interesting (holiday-centered) 'net finds! Ch-ch-check 'em out:

• The New York Times has released their "100 Notable Books" - 2011 edition. Scroll through for great holiday gift ideas for the readers in your life! Check out the article here and the printable version here.
  

• From books to Blahnik, perusing Vogue's Perfectly Extravagant Holiday Gift Guide can make a girl feel like a million bucks! (Anyone want a Cubebot? Anyone? Anyone?)
  

• A holiday tour?? Sign me up! Time Out New York has compiled a list of some fun seasonal activities in and around the city. There's even an indoor tour at the Queens County Farm Museum! Warmth and local indoor crafts?? Check!
  

• ***NERD ALERT*** Did someone say "crafts??" Be the coolest host on the block with nifty-est napkins around...find the step-by-step guide here.

• Finally, these two gals were dismissed by Craigslist when they posted their ad for some temporary holiday lovin'. Check out the story here and follow their journey via Tumblr here.

Enjoy!

xoxo andrea

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

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...or is it??

New York Mag's put together a list of some of the chaos that happened as a result of the Black Friday/holiday shopping madness...what the heck?? Pepper sprayed for an Xbox?? Cutting in line and getting tasered?? Robbed at gunpoint in parking lots?? Jeez.

Seriously, is a 75" television even that necessary...and worth drawing blood? Do you really need that Blu-Ray player if it means turning into a werewolf? Most of the craziness seemed to happen at Walmart, but I also heard reports that a few high-end retailers were ransacked and even looted. I mean, really? Have some dignity, man!

All the Insanity From This Year's Black Friday Shopping

xoxo andrea

If You Don't Know...

I've been browsing the 'net in boredom (and procrastination) so I thought I'd share some interesting stuff that I came across in my cyber-venture:

• I've wanted to check out the High Line since last year, but my curiosity has now doubled since reading about the the "Low Line" - an underground version of the same. Read about it here.

• There's a new Muppets movie that was released this weekend, but I'm more into learning about the man behind the puppets himself. The Museum of the Moving Image has an exhibition of Jim Henson's work going on through 1/16.

• Mindy Kaling* just released a book that I absolutely love titled Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns). If you have a Nook, the enhanced version comes with real audio from Mindy narrating her hilarious childhood photos that I (and anyone) can relate to. I don't really like reading reviews, especially when they're negative, but check out Time Out New York's generally positive feedback here. (*Mindy plays "Kelly" from The Office and is my supposed long-lost twin. Hey, we all don't look alike, people!)

• Speaking of The Office, while watching an episode online, I saw Gwen Stefani's commercial for her new kids collection, Harajuku Mini. Such a cool concept! See it on YouTube.

• Finally, if you love the holidays like me (and you're lucky enough to live in New York City...), there's a few radio stations that play only holiday music now through Christmas! My fave is 106.7FM. If you don't have a radio around (I mean, seriously, who owns a radio these days?? =), you can check it out their online station here.
  

Enjoy!

xoxo andrea

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