New Years: I Love You 2013, Bring on 2014!

Good Day!

Since we are almost through with 2013, I thought I would wrap it up by going though the many memories that went on in such a whirlwind period of my life. No, I'm not going to stand here and write you a brag letter. I hate those! But, more importantly, recap the things that went on not only in my life, but the world around me as I saw it. 2013 was a major growth spurt in my life. I learned to let go of possessions I carried throughout high school and college, in order to fit into a small studio apartment with my fiancé. I was proud of myself to shed no longer used materials and clothing to give it to someone in need. My last year of grad school was a major game changer. I enjoyed working with all the professors, students and children I met at Belmont, Vanderbilt's Susan Gray, and Rutland Elementary. It's funny because as a teacher, you're supposed to be the educator. I learned so much from the students I taught! They're all little masterminds! I broke down in tears at the end of my last professor evaluation because they had such an essential impact on my learning. It was also sad to say goodbye.

On the upside, I got engaged to the love of my life and we are now living in New York City! My sisters wedding was also a very important day in my life. Not only do I have her, but I gained a wonderful brother-in-law as well. She will always be my little sister! Hmm....what else happened? I learned how to make the best green juices ever! They are so good for you. That is on my list for New Years Resolutions. Ok, since I'm onto lists, here is one that shouldn't be too hard to handle. I'm writing it now, so it's in stone.

I learned to let go of things that happened in the past, and deal with things as they are. I can't change the past, but I can prepare and try my best to be the best that I can offer this little ol' world.

2014 New Years Resolution:

1. Find A Great Place To Work!
2. Drink More Green Juice!
3. Stay In Shape So I Can Fit Into My Wedding Dress.
4. Write, Write, Write.
5. Plan A Wonderful Wedding.
6. Find a Bigger Place to Live.
7. Be Kind and Considerate, and Stay Positive:)
8.Keep Making Baby Steps towards my Goals.
9.Live My Dreams And Stay Passionate About Things That I Love.
10.Give Back What I Receive.
11. Keep In Touch With Family And Friends.
12. Stay Inspired and Keep Creating New Ideas!
13.Keep in Touch With People That Matter!
14. Don't Take Things Too Seriously, and Keep Things General. Plans and Life change! Be Flexible!

Great! It looks like 2014 will be a very busy, yet exciting year! What about you, what are your New Years Resolutions?

Bagels Everywhere! The NY Bagel and It's History

Hello!

Since I head out everyday onto the busy streets of New York, I thought I would give you a a refresher on the history and creation of a New York bagel. These little pieces of soft dough have so much love to give! There's a bagel deli on every corner in this city. It's hard not to pay homage to such a rotund circle of dough. I was not really aware of the different ingredients and makeup of bagels from all over the world. Here's a little history course: Thousands of Eastern European Jews immigrated to The United States in 1880. They brought with them a cherished recipe to create the bagel.  Large cities that had a increased Jewish population such as Chicago and New York, soon became associated with the bagel. It wasn't until the 1960s when bagel production increased dramatically, that the machine produced hundreds of bagels per hour. In the 80s,  people were consuming 1 bagel per month. By the mid 90s, consumption jumped from one bagel a month, to one bagel every two weeks!

There are two distinct North American bagels. The Montreal style which contains malt and sugar but no salt. It usually has the poppy or sesame seeds on the surface. It's boiled in a honey sweet water before it it transferred to the wood burning fire. The New York Style bagel contains salt and malt and is boiled in water before being baked in an oven. The New York bagel has a puffy, soft,  crust, (like a pretzel), whereas the Montreal is smaller sweeter and crunchier. The popular bagel around this area is of course the lox (salmon) and cream cheese. The NY Deli's have large bowls filled with cream cheese of every flavor. Can I just get a schmear? My taste buds are quite simple, I love a good everything bagel toasted, with plain cream cheese. Michael loves his breakfast bagels. Yum! Here's some great NY Deli's that make some noteworthy bagels! I love bagels!


Best NYC Bagel:

http://www.restaurantsinyc.com/best-bagels-in-new-york-city

Holiday Gift Guide: Don't Forget The Dog or Cat!

Hello There!

Don't forget those cute little pets you live with! Bark box.com is a great gift for the dog in your life. Like Birchbox, Barkbox is a monthly little box that comes to your home filled with the latest and greatest pet products for your dog. It's usually filled with toys and food. Fluffy will love it! C. Wonder has these great dog and cat food bowls and collars as well. They even have a cute dog jacket! I noticed T.J. Maxx has some really cute dog bowls, organic treats, leashes and other pet trinkets for a inexpensive price. Etsy online has some great homemade things for your little precious pet. I'm not one to spoil an animal, but I would get them a small gift for the holidays. There's a difference between catering to your pet and caring for a pet. My sister would beg to differ. Happy Holidays!

Bark box:

https://barkbox.com

Etsy Pet:

http://www.etsy.com/browse/home-garden/pets

C. Wonder Pet:
http://www.cwonder.com/search?text=Pets&_requestConfirmationToken=e5a98ff4a098cb1cbcbbec6419e8b044389d1dd9

T.J. Maxx:

http://tjmaxx.tjx.com/store/index.jsp

New York Vs. Chicago Style Pizza

Good Day!

Since I'm becoming acclimated to my new surroundings, I thought I would try out the ever popular New York Pizzerias in the area. I'm probably going to get a great deal of hate mail by posting my personal opinions, but this is my blog and I'm entitled to my own opinions. There's always been a competition between who has the best pizza. I'm here to give you my own personal opinion about what I like best. Yes, I've been to the best pizzerias in Chicago; Lou Malnatis, Giordano's, Pequod's and The Art of Pizza. For some reason, I was never enthused about the super thick pizza pie filling that filled me up in one piece. Sorry! I still have love for you Chicago!

I think my taste buds prefer thin crust, a cheesy and crunchy, but soft slice. There's so many great little pizza spots around here! To each their own, right? I don't know what the whole battle was about, maybe it had to do with the 1930s gangster prohibition times. My fiancé would beg to differ. He could care less about the big city battle. He enjoys a great pizzeria from his hometown called Chet and Matt's in Huron, Ohio (it is pretty good). All I know is that I can't wait to try some great New York thin crust pizza! Mmmmmmm! Here's a list of the best New York style pizzerias. What about you? What's your favorite, New York or Chicago Style pizza? Here's some photos of my New York slice!

Timeout Best New York Pizza:

http://www.timeout.com/newyork/restaurants/best-new-york-pizza-the-top-25-pies-in-the-city

Oh, There's No Place Like Home For The Holidays!

Hello Everyone!

I hope your having a fabulous week. Since I am just now adjusting from my moving transition from Nashville to New York, it's been a change! I just finished organizing my belongings into a tiny shoebox size studio for two.I feel like two sardines in a tin can. Two sparkling sardines, that is. This place needed a woman's touch!  While it's quite cozy, it is also tight quarters! I felt like organizing was a game of Tetris. Everything had to be in its place in order for this to be comfortable. Guess what, my belongings fit perfectly! Now, our little place is so quaint!

When I  was finished, I felt the need to encompass some sign of the holidays in this space!
Right down the block from our humble little abode, was a small flower shop that was selling itty bitty Christmas trees! So cute:) I thought it would be so festive to grab one and decorate it with lights. Now, it's no Rockefeller Center tree, but you get it. Since we do have such a small studio, I've been trying to persuade him in getting one. It's literally 3 feet high. It will be a Charlie Brown Christmas!  I guess my point of this blog post is to make the best of what you have and the people who are in your life during the holidays. Don't wait for that perfect place. Enjoy life right now. Prepare for the future, but live in the present. No matter where you live. This is one life lesson that I must learn. That's what the holidays are about. Here's some photos of the city I took while shopping for my nieces. Have a good one!

Start Spreading the News, I'm Leaving Today, Oh New York!

Hello All!

Graduated with my Master's degree, check. Now, I'm on my way to The Big Apple!

Yes, I'm on my way, I can't believe the time is here! It's gone by way too fast, but I cannot wait to begin my new life adventure!  I packed up the small amount that I have and hitting the road. My fiancé and I are traveling across the East Coast for a long 14 hour drive. This travel will consist of a total of 871 miles. I got my car ready to go and neatly packed my belongings inside. I'm a bit of an obsessive compulsive neat freak. What a journey! Let's pray the weather isn't too bad and we have safe travels. I can't wait to be in New York for the holidays.

The city is so beautifully illuminated and decorated for the month of December.  I always think of movies of the cities I've lived. One of my favorites is Home Alone. I lived in Chicago and nannied close to the house were Home Alone was filmed, and now I'm going to New York for part deux of my adventure! I hope my fiancé and I can experience the city like never before. This is an exciting time in both of our lives and with love and support of one another we can do anything! Stay tuned for some fun experiences and happy times! 2013 was a good year, but I have a feeling 2014 will be even better! Here's some beautiful photographs of the city during the winter. Cheers!

Hygiene 101: Healthy Teeth and Gums

Hello My Fellow Readers!

I just recently got back from my regular cleaning from the dentist. I love how clean and refreshed I feel when I go. I just wanted to give some tips and advice on how to keep your smile healthy and sparkling this holiday season. I really think a persons smile is their best feature. Here they are:

- Brush you teeth twice a day. Make sure your not pressing the bristles down too hard. Lightly circulate around the teeth and tongue.

- Floss daily! I cannot stress this more! As we get older, our teeth space apart slowly. This can cause food to get stuck in between your teeth. This then in turn gets food particles stuck in your teeth and can cause bad breath and tooth decay. I used to take this lightly, until I read about gum disease, and your teeth could eventually fall out! Scary! If left uncared for, food and decay can enter your blood stream and you're at an increased risk of heart disease. That should be taken seriously.

- Make sure you rinse and gargle your mouth with mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide. I occasionaly use both. Listerine is my brand of choice. Yes, it's really strong, but my mouth feels so refreshed afterward. I also gargle hydrogen peroxide because it helps my teeth stay white and sparkly.

-I have tried to stay away from the constant bleaching of white strips.  I feel like my teeth became sensitive and weak from this process. Your teeth can risk chipping, so don't do this too much! It wears on your enamel.

- Try to drink green tea instead of coffee. Coffee can stain your teeth. Green tea is so good for you! Tea can lower cholesterol and great for your brain health. It also helps you loose weight!

- Drink lots of water  to keep food particles from sticking to your teeth. The American diet is filled with breads, pastas, and baking goods filled with sugar. Make sure to drink, drink, drink to flush out food from your mouth. It keeps your body hydrated and functioning properly.

- Change out your toothbrush every three to four months.

- Eat fruits and vegetables! Apples, celery, and carrots are great foods to get your teeth cleaned naturally. It's like a natural tooth cleaner.

- Go see your dentist every six months for teeth cleanings. Your teeth will thank you!

Holiday Beauty: Mastering the Red Lip

Good Day!

Today I just wanted to talk about red lipstick this holiday season. I see it everywhere! I'm not very big on makeup, but when it's a special occasion I figure, why not try a red lip? It always looks stunning on my younger sister. It's a classic color. I always think of the winter months and white snow! Whenever I do wear this vibrant color, I feel like a million dollars!  If your complexion is pink, I would go for the plum shade. If you have a yellow tone go with a warmer red with a brown base. They say if your going with a red lip, enhance just your lip color. Don't emphasize your eyes by putting too much drama on them. Pick one feature and show it off. Don't wear too much red! Red is a strong color. Try a nude color on your nails so the red pops. A glimmer of gold eyeshadow is always gorgeous in December. There are so many brands to choose from. Here are just a few color brand links that are pretty. I love red! Happy Holidays!


2013 Berry Color Pick:

http://thecitizensoffashion.com/2013/11/26/lipstick-8-most-delicious-berry-shades/

Holiday Looks:

http://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/makeup-articles/holiday-makeup

Sephora:

http://www.sephora.com/rouge-artist-intense-P268702

Chanel Lip:

http://tablet.chanel.com/en_US/fragrance-beauty/Makeup-Lipstick-88830

Holiday Gift Guide: For Dad

Hello All!

Since I talked about gifts for Mom, I need to include gifts for Dad as well. It's really tough thinking about what they want or need. Dads are very simple yet complicated creatures.  I feel like they have everything at that moment, and are so content with just quality time on the couch relaxing. My dad has a really cool hobby of collecting and competing in model boat races. These boats can travel up to 70 mph and are incredibly loud. My dad used to take my sister and me down to ponds and small lakes in the summer, while he would zoom around in his model boat. My dad always likes to golf, so something golf inspired? He lives for music and jam bands. Maybe I could get him a collectors box. Or, tickets to a game in Cleveland? Which sport? And are they good enough to even watch? Hmmm...so many choices. Here's a few links I have for your dads. Have a good one! Ideas, Ideas!


Nordstrom Men's:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/mens-clothing?dept=8000001&origin=topnav&cm_sp=Top%20Navigation-_-Men-_-Clothing

Golf Link:

http://www.golfgalaxy.com

StubHub Link:

https://m.stubhub.com

Hobby Lobby:

http://www.hobby-lobby.com/?c1=google&source=camp9hoblob&_kk=hobby-lobby%2520international&_kt=c140a02d-ac94-4890-8e40-e42de51c7148

Men's Fragrance

http://www.sephora.com/men?pageSize=-1


Apple iTunes:

http://www.apple.com/itunes/?cid=wwa-us-kwa-itunes-10001