I love love love New York City... I don't know what the future holds since so many things can change in one year. But I am planning to move to another state by 2012. My time in New York flew by so quickly...
20 things I learned while I have lived here:
1. There are so many people doing awesome things in the city. This is really a Networking City.
2. People in New York City are not careful drivers and they do not care! Traffic lights are not followed, NY drivers make U-turns in the middle of the street, honk their horns and yell at you if you actually wait for pedestrians to cross, and they squeeze into parking spaces while scratching their bumpers and front ends.
3. Taxi drivers tend to be crazy drivers.
4. Time Square is really overrated, I think we are like deers attracted to bright lights.
5. The same service can cost you double depending upon the neighborhood or boro you are in. I once paid 40.00 for a pedicure in the Village; whereas I normally pay like around 15 dollars for a pedicure in my neighborhood.
6. There are trash cans on every block, yet people still litter.
7. When you come off of almost all train stops I guarantee you can find one of the following: Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, Rite Aid, Duane Read, McDonald's, or an ATM within a 3 blocks of the stop.
8. If you live in the four boros...Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx. You really do not need a Car.
9. Pay phones are non existent except for in Subway stations.
10. I will never see all of New York City, there is so much history and things to do here...
11. Once you understand the subway system, you can hop on any train and find your way back home.
12. The 70s has made a come back in NYC in regards to fashion and decoration.
13. Many New Yorkers always carry a camera with them at all times.
14. There are many "canal streets" in New York City
15. I suggest anyone new to living in cities take a Drivers Education Course
16. You can reinvent yourself a million times while living in NYC
17. Purchase the Monthly unlimited Metro Card. It is $104.00 per month, which is really inexpensive. You ride wherever you want whenever you want. Purchasing $20.00 here and there, (which is roughly 8 trips adds up).
18. There are hundreds of everything within your reach! (You are never tied down to one thing).
19. IKEA is a hidden treasure. I have never been to IKEA before moving to New York.
20. I am blessed to currently be living in the greatest city in the world.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Money, Money, Money...Money
Proverbs 13:7, "One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth."
In this article the following facts are stated:
" » Eighty-six percent of all prestige or luxury makes of motor vehicles are driven by people who are not millionaires.
» Typically, millionaires pay about $16 (including tip) for a haircut.
» Nearly four in 10 millionaires buy wine that costs about $10 a bottle.
» In the U.S., there are nearly three times more millionaires living in homes with a market value of under $300,000 than there are living in homes valued at $1 million or more.
» Forget the Manolo Blahnik high-priced shoes. The No. 1 preferred shoe brand worn by millionaire women is Nine West. Their favorite clothing store is Ann Taylor."
I know a couple of wealthy individuals and most of the statements above apply to them. I think your pocket will reflect your peace of mind...not caring about how other people perceive your "financial status."
I recently made/completed the following emotional/personal/financial goals:
Financial:
-I own one credit card that is totally paid off. At one point in my life I had three credit cards. Now I live off of my debit cards. My savings account is at a different bank than my checking account.
-I have no debt except for the unfortunate student loans which will hopefully be annihilated soon.
Emotional Spending:
-My only insane spending habit is changing my hair style because I get bored...perhaps I should be a hair stylist as a side gig? I am working on annihilating this habit.
-I have a real interest in purchasing a luxury car; however I know it is not really necessary, unless it is a great deal and I can pay for the car cash or have a huge down payment.
- I use allocated money to go on trips and other outings.
-I rather invest in my future than in the "here and now"
Personal:
-I own 25 pair of shoes (may not seem like a lot to you), yet I seriously only wear (in the winter) like 5 pair religiously until I wear them down.
-I have learned to go bulk clothes shopping like two times a year. And shop for particular accessories, dresses, or pieces on an as needed/budget permits basis.
-I have a personal goal and am currently planning to own my own real estate property within the next two years, God Willing. Instead of paying so much money for rent... I rather place that money into a condo/townhouse.
I also have a peace within my spirit that I am happy with my life. I love my family, my close friendships, happy to be in good health and my family is in good health, I am happy to have security, shelter, and etc. I think it is important to try to focus on ourselves and to gain emotionally, financial, and spiritual security. There are various studies to show that many of us are living paycheck to paycheck; however I believe that many of that could have been avoided if we didn't make certain purchases.
I hope I inspired you to develop your own financial/personal/emotional goals and to focus on getting money and keeping money instead using credit as cash,luxury cars as a status symbol, and purchasing purses, shoes, sneakers, and etc that cost hundreds of dollars but are as susceptible to getting dirty and damaged just as any other handbag or shoe.
In this article the following facts are stated:
" » Eighty-six percent of all prestige or luxury makes of motor vehicles are driven by people who are not millionaires.
» Typically, millionaires pay about $16 (including tip) for a haircut.
» Nearly four in 10 millionaires buy wine that costs about $10 a bottle.
» In the U.S., there are nearly three times more millionaires living in homes with a market value of under $300,000 than there are living in homes valued at $1 million or more.
» Forget the Manolo Blahnik high-priced shoes. The No. 1 preferred shoe brand worn by millionaire women is Nine West. Their favorite clothing store is Ann Taylor."
I know a couple of wealthy individuals and most of the statements above apply to them. I think your pocket will reflect your peace of mind...not caring about how other people perceive your "financial status."
I recently made/completed the following emotional/personal/financial goals:
Financial:
-I own one credit card that is totally paid off. At one point in my life I had three credit cards. Now I live off of my debit cards. My savings account is at a different bank than my checking account.
-I have no debt except for the unfortunate student loans which will hopefully be annihilated soon.
Emotional Spending:
-My only insane spending habit is changing my hair style because I get bored...perhaps I should be a hair stylist as a side gig? I am working on annihilating this habit.
-I have a real interest in purchasing a luxury car; however I know it is not really necessary, unless it is a great deal and I can pay for the car cash or have a huge down payment.
- I use allocated money to go on trips and other outings.
-I rather invest in my future than in the "here and now"
Personal:
-I own 25 pair of shoes (may not seem like a lot to you), yet I seriously only wear (in the winter) like 5 pair religiously until I wear them down.
-I have learned to go bulk clothes shopping like two times a year. And shop for particular accessories, dresses, or pieces on an as needed/budget permits basis.
-I have a personal goal and am currently planning to own my own real estate property within the next two years, God Willing. Instead of paying so much money for rent... I rather place that money into a condo/townhouse.
I also have a peace within my spirit that I am happy with my life. I love my family, my close friendships, happy to be in good health and my family is in good health, I am happy to have security, shelter, and etc. I think it is important to try to focus on ourselves and to gain emotionally, financial, and spiritual security. There are various studies to show that many of us are living paycheck to paycheck; however I believe that many of that could have been avoided if we didn't make certain purchases.
I hope I inspired you to develop your own financial/personal/emotional goals and to focus on getting money and keeping money instead using credit as cash,luxury cars as a status symbol, and purchasing purses, shoes, sneakers, and etc that cost hundreds of dollars but are as susceptible to getting dirty and damaged just as any other handbag or shoe.
Monday, February 14, 2011
My top 10 favorite Romance (chick-flick) movies to watch produced within the past 15 years!
In honor of Valentines Day: Below are my top 10 movies that are my favorite Romantic, chick-flick, force your significant other to watch movies. :)
1. Ever After: A Cinderella story (PG-13)- Category Drama
Drew Barrymore stars as the put-upon princess-to-be in this fresh look at the classic fairy tale. Orphaned as a child, Danielle (Barrymore) is treated like a servant by her wicked stepmother (Anjelica Huston) and two stepsisters. When Danielle accidentally stumbles onto Prince Henry (Dougray Scott), who's fleeing an arranged marriage, the two inspire each other to resolve their respective troubles in this lushly produced romantic fable.
2. Bridget Jones Diary (Rated R): Category Comedy. (Language and Sexual Content)
This movie is the tale of Miss Jones's, a goofy woman's yearlong odyssey from Mr. Right-here-right-now (her boss Hugh Grant) to Mr. Right (Colin Firth) delivers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the female mind. Zellweger, Firth and Grant are perfectly cast in this popular adaptation of Helen Fielding's best-selling novel.
3. Bridget Jones Diary: The Edge of Reason: Category Drama (Language and Sexual Content)
This is the sequel to the Bridget Jones's Diary begins four weeks after the final events of the first film, with the formerly single Bridget Jones (Renee Zellweger) discovering that life with her new beau. She discovers that the relationship she wanted is not all that it is cracked up to be. She struggles with insecurities, break up, dealing with a relationship from the past, and learning the meaning of unconditional love.
4. Serendipity: Category Comedy
Though strangers Sara (Kate Beckinsale) and Jonathan (John Cusack) are both already in relationships, they realize they have genuine chemistry after a chance encounter -- but part company soon after. Years later, they each yearn to reunite, despite being destined for the altar. But to give true love a chance, they have to find one another first! Jeremy Piven and Molly Shannon co-star in this romantic tale of mixed connections.
5. The Counte of Monte Cristo: Category-Drama
Edmond Dantés's (Jim Caviezel) life and plans to marry the beautiful Mercedes (Dagmara Dominczyk) are shattered when his best friend, Fernand (Guy Pearce), deceives him. After spending 13 miserable years in prison, Dantés escapes with the help of a fellow inmate (Richard Harris) and plots his revenge, cleverly insinuating himself into the French nobility.
6. The Notebook: Category-Drama/Tear-Jerker
Two young lovers (Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams) are torn apart by war and class differences in the 1940s in this adaptation of Nicholas Sparks's best-selling novel. Their story is told by a man (James Garner) who, years later, reads from a notebook while he visits a woman in a nursing home (Gena Rowlands). Nick Cassavetes directs this heart-tugging romance about the sacrifices people will make to hang on to their one true love.
7. Coming to America:Category Comedy (OKAY THIS SHOULDN'T BE ON MY LIST SINCE IT WAS PRODUCED IN 1988, HOWEVER THIS MOVIE IS SO FUNNY, A ClASSIC, AND WILL NEVER GET OLD...IN MY OPINION).
A pampered African prince (Eddie Murphy) wants more out of life than the beautiful woman to whom he's engaged. So, he heads to America to find a mate who will fall for him, not his riches, in this comedy from John Landis. Joined by his trusty sidekick (Arsenio Hall), the prince plunges into a job at a fast-food chain -- and romance with the boss's daughter. Murphy and Hall play a range of colorful characters, thanks to Oscar-nominated makeup wizardry.
8. 27 Dresses: Category-Comedy
Tired of being a perpetual bridesmaid after helping 27 friends tie the knot, altruistic Jane (Katherine Heigl) finds herself facing her worst nightmare as her younger sister (Malin Akerman) announces her engagement to the man Jane secretly adores. But when Jane meets the charming Kevin (James Marsden), will she beat her sibling to the altar? Edward Burns and Judy Greer also star in this breezy romantic comedy from director Anne Fletcher.
9. My Big Fat Greek Wedding: Category-Comedy
Screenwriter Nia Vardalos also stars as Toula Portokalos, a single Greek woman who falls in love with a non-Greek (John Corbett), which is a no-no for members of her strict family -- particularly her traditional father (Michael Constantine), whose Greek pride knows no bounds. Andrea Martin shines in a hilarious supporting turn as Toula's aunt, who tries her best to charm Toula's fiancé (who's a vegetarian to boot!) with her delicious lamb.
10. Never Been Kissed: Category-Comedy
Basically this is kind of a coming to age movie. Rookie journalist Josie Geller (Drew Barrymore) goes undercover at a high school to pen a teen expose. A dork as a teenager, Josie enlists the help of her hip brother Rob (David Arquette) this time around. Now cool, confident and falling for her teacher (Michael Vartan), Josie learns that her editor has changed the focus of her story -- to improper student-teacher relationships.
1. Ever After: A Cinderella story (PG-13)- Category Drama
Drew Barrymore stars as the put-upon princess-to-be in this fresh look at the classic fairy tale. Orphaned as a child, Danielle (Barrymore) is treated like a servant by her wicked stepmother (Anjelica Huston) and two stepsisters. When Danielle accidentally stumbles onto Prince Henry (Dougray Scott), who's fleeing an arranged marriage, the two inspire each other to resolve their respective troubles in this lushly produced romantic fable.
2. Bridget Jones Diary (Rated R): Category Comedy. (Language and Sexual Content)
This movie is the tale of Miss Jones's, a goofy woman's yearlong odyssey from Mr. Right-here-right-now (her boss Hugh Grant) to Mr. Right (Colin Firth) delivers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the female mind. Zellweger, Firth and Grant are perfectly cast in this popular adaptation of Helen Fielding's best-selling novel.
3. Bridget Jones Diary: The Edge of Reason: Category Drama (Language and Sexual Content)
This is the sequel to the Bridget Jones's Diary begins four weeks after the final events of the first film, with the formerly single Bridget Jones (Renee Zellweger) discovering that life with her new beau. She discovers that the relationship she wanted is not all that it is cracked up to be. She struggles with insecurities, break up, dealing with a relationship from the past, and learning the meaning of unconditional love.
4. Serendipity: Category Comedy
Though strangers Sara (Kate Beckinsale) and Jonathan (John Cusack) are both already in relationships, they realize they have genuine chemistry after a chance encounter -- but part company soon after. Years later, they each yearn to reunite, despite being destined for the altar. But to give true love a chance, they have to find one another first! Jeremy Piven and Molly Shannon co-star in this romantic tale of mixed connections.
5. The Counte of Monte Cristo: Category-Drama
Edmond Dantés's (Jim Caviezel) life and plans to marry the beautiful Mercedes (Dagmara Dominczyk) are shattered when his best friend, Fernand (Guy Pearce), deceives him. After spending 13 miserable years in prison, Dantés escapes with the help of a fellow inmate (Richard Harris) and plots his revenge, cleverly insinuating himself into the French nobility.
6. The Notebook: Category-Drama/Tear-Jerker
Two young lovers (Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams) are torn apart by war and class differences in the 1940s in this adaptation of Nicholas Sparks's best-selling novel. Their story is told by a man (James Garner) who, years later, reads from a notebook while he visits a woman in a nursing home (Gena Rowlands). Nick Cassavetes directs this heart-tugging romance about the sacrifices people will make to hang on to their one true love.
7. Coming to America:Category Comedy (OKAY THIS SHOULDN'T BE ON MY LIST SINCE IT WAS PRODUCED IN 1988, HOWEVER THIS MOVIE IS SO FUNNY, A ClASSIC, AND WILL NEVER GET OLD...IN MY OPINION).
A pampered African prince (Eddie Murphy) wants more out of life than the beautiful woman to whom he's engaged. So, he heads to America to find a mate who will fall for him, not his riches, in this comedy from John Landis. Joined by his trusty sidekick (Arsenio Hall), the prince plunges into a job at a fast-food chain -- and romance with the boss's daughter. Murphy and Hall play a range of colorful characters, thanks to Oscar-nominated makeup wizardry.
8. 27 Dresses: Category-Comedy
Tired of being a perpetual bridesmaid after helping 27 friends tie the knot, altruistic Jane (Katherine Heigl) finds herself facing her worst nightmare as her younger sister (Malin Akerman) announces her engagement to the man Jane secretly adores. But when Jane meets the charming Kevin (James Marsden), will she beat her sibling to the altar? Edward Burns and Judy Greer also star in this breezy romantic comedy from director Anne Fletcher.
9. My Big Fat Greek Wedding: Category-Comedy
Screenwriter Nia Vardalos also stars as Toula Portokalos, a single Greek woman who falls in love with a non-Greek (John Corbett), which is a no-no for members of her strict family -- particularly her traditional father (Michael Constantine), whose Greek pride knows no bounds. Andrea Martin shines in a hilarious supporting turn as Toula's aunt, who tries her best to charm Toula's fiancé (who's a vegetarian to boot!) with her delicious lamb.
10. Never Been Kissed: Category-Comedy
Basically this is kind of a coming to age movie. Rookie journalist Josie Geller (Drew Barrymore) goes undercover at a high school to pen a teen expose. A dork as a teenager, Josie enlists the help of her hip brother Rob (David Arquette) this time around. Now cool, confident and falling for her teacher (Michael Vartan), Josie learns that her editor has changed the focus of her story -- to improper student-teacher relationships.
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