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

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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Happy Happy New Year!!!

We’re only a week into 2012 and I’ve been busier than ever! I’m contemplating on whether or not I’m going to list my resolutions for the new year. Nevertheless, being happy, healthy and having more fun are among my Top 3!

In the meantime, here’s my weekly list of ‘webtastic finds…

• Discount retailer Filene’s Basement officially closed the last of its stores this week. I’m super sad! It was my go-to place for brand names at decent prices! Read one shopper’s look back at her experience at “the Basement” here.

• Once upon a time, I was a Facebook addict. Here’s a few (hilarious) reasons why I quit (and why I’m seriously contemplating a comeback): Facebook Fiascos.

• Bloggers everywhere are posting their resolutions and promises for 2012!

• Director Tom Shadyac (Ace Venture, Nutty Professor, Bruce Almighty) just released the documentary I AM, a film about making the world a better place. Boy do we need some of that! I definitely plan to check it out very, very soon…

• Finally, a great quote that relates to one of my personal resolutions from one my favorite writers:

“If you never did you should. These things are fun and…

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Enjoy! =)

xoxo andrea

If You Don’t Know…

Howdy folks!

Christmas is almost a week away! Yowsahs!

Here are some awesome ‘net finds that’ll hopefully help get you through this hectic week:

• I absolutely adore this Zen-like approach to reducing holiday stress.

• Paper clips that double as wrapping paper holders? A hollowed-out book as a gift box? A CD case as a picture frame? I love, love, love practical uses for everyday objects! Real Simple has tons of ideas for converting the ordinary in New Uses for Old Things.

• If you love music and want the world to know it, check out Shirtify, a service that’ll send you a band t-shirt based on your online radio playlists. Oh yeah! Maybe you’ll finally get that MC Hammer shirt you’ve always wanted!

• Wondering how many days left until Groundhog’s Day? 2012 Holiday Countdowns does the work for you! (By the way, it’s 46…come onnn, short winter!)

• Last but not least, if you’re in need of some holiday spirit, I suggest A Christmas Story, a funny movie about being a kid during the holiday season. Even if you don’t celebrate Christmas or find yourself bah-humbugging all over the place, it’ll give you a much-needed laugh. And who doesn’t like to laugh?

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Enjoy!

xoxo andrea

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 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…

…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

Glass Empty

I just heard that a former student of mine was killed over his iPhone.

His iPhone.

It’s things like this that has changed me from the person I used to be. I wish I could say that I was the same girl that I was just 5 or so years ago. The truth is, I’ve begun to realize that it’s close to impossible to live a 100% worry-free, happy-go-lucky life. What I’ve found to be the most difficult struggle is wiping the slate clean so that I’m not jaded anymore.

The thing is, the easiest thing to do is to succumb to the negativity. Let it break you. But I refuse to do that. I refuse to believe that life is just full of disappointment, heartbreak, loss and sorrow. I refuse to believe that there isn’t any good left in the world. I refuse to believe that people are truly evil.

But why do these bad things happen? I find that the suffering of children is the worst of them all. Why do young people die? Why are there so many starving children in the world? Why do some parents treat their children like shit while others are praying for just one healthy child?

I don’t get it.