Ari loves her rope toys. I love that they are safer and often cheaper than their rubbery counterparts. So, you can imagine my fur-child obsessed delight when I discovered Harry Barker (cute name, huh). The balls and rings (and bones, oh my) seem more durable than the typical braided model and come in fabulous colors and sizes. At $4-6 dollars a piece they are a not-guilty splurge and might even be a cute gift when visiting a friend with a fur child of her own.

Rocky Cures Cancer

I guess you could consider Rocky as Philadelphia as the cheese steak or the Liberty Bell. As a Philadelphia native on the silver screen and forever memorialized in a bronze statute northeast of the Art Museum, Rocky Balboa was, and still is, and inspirational character.   

However, so is Dottie Copeland.  On NPR’s Storycorp, Dottie tells of her fight against Cancer and how she attacked an intimidating disease with Rocky Balboa vigor.  By playing the Rocky theme song 24 hours a day she trained mentally and physically to battle her ultimate opponent.  Reflecting on her fight with cancer and nine years of remission she declared, "I beat cancer for nine years. Will it come back tomorrow? It sure might. I've got to live my life as if it could end tomorrow — but everybody should live their life that way." 

During the piece her daughter asked her how she wanted to be remembered, and she responded, “A woman that had a fighting spirit that raised three wonderful human beings. And I want them to remember that when I do pass on, they can say, 'She was one hell of a woman, and she had one great ride!'" 

The next time I pass the Rocky Statue northeast to those famous Art Museum Steps, I’m sure I’ll hear Eye of the Tiger and think not of Rocky, but of Dottie Copeland. 

Philadelphia Cans Plastic

Only June 11, 2009, the Committee unanimously approved legislation banning plastic bags from use in the city.  As a result, it is likely Philadelphia will follow the trend spearheaded by San Francisco and Beijing and ban toxic plastic bags from being used by city vendors.  If the full council accepts the ban, as anticipated, before the summer recess commences, all merchants within the city must transition from using plastic bags to furnishing recyclable paper bags, compostable plastic bags, or reusable bags by July 1, 2011.  

Although I thought this was a significant and worthwhile move on the part of city government, I was shocked when I saw a large number of dissenters assert they would no longer be picking up their dogs waste in response to the ban.  While I’m optimistic about the environmental strides the city will continue to make, it’s disappointing a few Philadelphians balk at a positive move while declaring their own laziness conjoined with obvious disregard for environmental issues.  Luckily, these dissenters have plenty of time to stock up on their beloved plastic bags.  Or, maybe, they would like to join the rest of the responsible dog owning community and purchase doggie poop bags, preferably biodegradable.  Your children, and puppies, will thank you.

Brown Betty's Cupcakes

Once I found Brown Betty’s I knew I was ruined. From the elegant red velvet with vanilla icing to the smooth coconut better cream, my eyes devoured each petite confection so obviously Dave suggested I get two. (He’s good like that.) The magnificent confections recommended by a fellow cupcake lover certainly did not disappoint, nor last the afternoon. Although a nibble of Brown Betty’s cupcakes could lure anyone across town to Northern Liberties, the original location has recently been supplemented, for Rhittenhouse folk, with Brown Betty Petite at 269 South 20th Street. While the primary location serves cakes and caters special occasions, including weddings, Brown Betty Petite offers cupcakes in a welcomed rotation of flavors. You’re never too old for a cupcake.  

Brown Betty Dessert Boutique

100 N. 2nd Street

Philadelphia

Mon: Closed

Tue thru Sat: 12-7

Sun: 11-4

Brown Betty Petite

269 South 20th Street

Philadelphia

Mon: Closed

Tue-Sat: 12-7

Sun: Closed 

Criminally Caffeinated

If you asked most I’m sure they would see my coffee consumption as a crime of sorts, which makes Mugshots a perfect accomplice.  Not only does the café have a fantastic ambience (winning AOL’s City’s Best Coffee Shop), amazing food (City Paper’s #3 burrito), and great coffee, but like a super model tree-hugger, it has much more than first suspected.  The fair trade café uses wind power, biodegradable materials, and even composts accumulated waste.  The locally sourced menu of soups, salads, and sandwiches is a great asset to a rushed morning, even if it requires a bit of a splurge. 

If you prefer to eat at home, the local food buying club run from the Manayunk location, brings community supported agriculture to the area without the commitment or expense of CSA shares.  

2100 Fairmount Ave 
M – Sa 6.30 am until 10 pm, Sun 7 am until 10 pm 

Prom Season

It's prom season (again) which means Seventeen Prom graces checkout lines in every supermarket, hair dressers are briefed on the latest up do...and on the main line, well-off teens swarm area boutiques to find the perfect prom dress.  But, what about other teens that can't afford the Nicole Miller gowns that were popular back in my day.  Grant an underprivileged teen's wish by donating your no-longer-needed special occasion gowns and coordinating accessories to Princess Project.  

Spring time in the City

As the weather warms, I'd rather gather for an outdoor happy hour then prepare for a long night in a dark bar.  So, last friday when happy hour crept upon the last work day of the week, I met Kelly and Chalmers at Tria.  Slightly removed from the square, the food is delicious, somewhat unexpected, convincingly healthy, and perfectly priced.  The wine is, of course, a little pricer (chards starting at $7/glass), but well worth it.  If I may, I recommend the fig starter plate and the asparagus salad.  Also, of note, they have an excellent beer list for a more hearty dish or the man in your life.  

If you can't break away from your cubicle in time for happy hour, try a wine class or "sunday school (wine at 50% off the regular price)."  View your options at Tria-Events.

Just lovely.  

18th and Sansom Street

(and! there's also one in Washington Square - who knew!)

Philadelphia Museum of Art is for Lovers

Life beats down and crushes the soul and art reminds you that you have one.  ~Stella Adler

If you are thinking of going to Cezanne and Beyond and the soon to come Picasso exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art or any other future exhibits, you may want to consider purchasing an Art Museum membership.  

Pair up with a friend or life partner and get a dual membership for $100 which basically covers the cost of 2 exhibition tickets ($48) to two events ($48 x 2 = $96).  Added bonus - $80 of the $100 membership cost is tax deductible.  

Stand Up for Aids

"Stand up for Aids by sitting down at your favorite restaurant."  

Thursday, April 30th is Dining Out for Life.  Dine at a participating restaurant, and 33% of your food bill will benefit local services in the fight against aids.  

Not only will you have an excuse to meet friends at a restaurant you've been meaning to try, but you're helping local services.  So, while you enjoy dessert, know you're helping a neighbor.  

Bon Appetit.  

NPR from sea to shining sea...

As summer approaches the chances I'll be (1) stuck in unreal traffic returning from the boat/shore/poconos and (2) road-trip-ing from radio frequency to radio frequency drastically increases.

But, static is annoying and so is Brittney Spears played every 15 minutes. So, NPR and all those nifty little programs sprinkled with news and traffic/weather reports comes in handy.

Plot your trip via NPR's Station Map or buy your well traveled friends "I want my NPR Map."

Happy Trails.

La Colombe

The first time I ever tasted La Colombe we were at Marigold Kitchen and it was love at first sip. Since then, I tried to please my palette with Starbucks and the much cheaper alternative, Maxwell House, but to no avail.  I've succumb to the fact that a few things are worth their price tag - prada shoes, louis vuitton, clinique foundation, organic food, j.crew suiting - and La Colombe.  If you are not sure, try a cup at the 19th street cafe for only $1.25 a mug - yes, you read that right.  A bag will put a $11 dent in your cole haan wallet, but make mornings a little bit easier (priceless).   

La Colombe Torrefaction

130 S 19th St 
Philadelphia, PA 19103

    

What Ales You?

Every once a while it is, oh, so, refreshing to venture beyond rhittenhouse for an alcoholic beverage.  Entre Apothecary Bar and Lounge located at 102 South 13th Street.  A collaborative endeavor between a restaurateur and Urbanspacedevelopment created this fabulously eclectic alcove for amazingly creative drinks.  I'm not talking about a pom-tini. I'm talking about concoctions containing interesting, not to mention delicious, blends of fresh surprising ingredients.  And to top it all off, it has a roof deck.  

It's all about the Lincoln's, Baby!

At first blush, it seem that Lincoln got the short end of the stick with the penny appoinment. (I once had a friend that threw out a penny when he received it as change. And isn't there a commercial with TD bank and complaining Lincoln?)

A recent money saving suggestion from Self Magazine, may bring Lincoln, and the $5 bill his face graces, back onto your priority list. Self Magazine suggests saving every five dollar bill you acquire, whether it be at the grocery store or the nail salon. The Rule: Everytime you receive a $5 bill it must be set aside as savings. Of course, it seems like a nifty smaller bill for trivial purchases, but follow 'The Rule' and watch your savings grow. I'm giving it a whirl in the name of some gucci flats, I mean my ING account.

The Daily Wag

The blogging scene is so hot and heavy that even Martha's Chinese Bulldogs, Francesca and Sharky, have their own blog. Apparently, the two bug-eyed pups blog about their experiences as Martha's canine offspring. Martha Stewart even gave a shout out to Snoop Dog about the dog's recent accomplishment via Twitter. Snoop isn't the only one Martha keeps tabs on via Twitter. After reading the NYTimes article and browsing The Daily Wag, I'm left wondering why Martha thought Snoop Dog would be interested. Maybe it had something to do with his name?

I am always intrigued and somewhat obsessed with the women behind the president. Whatever your politics are, I think it is an amazingly difficult and thankless position which is amazingly undertaken with elegance and sometimes, an enviable sense of attitude. I did not partake in Obamarama, but I am fully pining over his other (arguably, better) half. A recent New York Times article documenting a candid discussion with the first lady that is truly inspiring on a very real level. Although, I'm sure Ms. Obama is passionate about many serious and world-wide issues, it is quite refreshing to read about her real concerns - weight, fashion, her husband's commenting on her wardrobe. Enjoy.

Spring Cleaning Can Be Very Green

This fall when I moved into my two closet, I mean one bedroom apartment, I brought with me my furniture, all my favorite framed photos, Ari, and 10 summer camp worthy duffle bags of clothing, shoes, and accessories. I crammed my accumulated threads into closets, hat boxes, drawers, and chests alike. But, the reality of my clothing extravaganza hit hard when Dave declared there was no room in my overstuffed coat closet for him to hang a single coat. Ouch. This would be the perfect opportunity to insert some reflective Sex and the City phrase about how I need to make room for him in my life. That's bs. Carrie would have kicked Aiden to the curb if he asked her to purge her closet instead of kicking the cancerstick habit.

So, I started to purge. First I was discretionary and then it became like an addiction. Oodles of those nifty ikea blue bags littered my bedroom filled with discarded clothing that never really got the attention it deserved. It was far too much to list on ebay. So, I set out for Greene Street Consignment. I threw down 80 items of clothing, walked out feeling a little lighter and can't wait to get the check in the mail - can you say cole haan bag...I mean savings account!

Anyways, if you face a similar overcrowding situation purge like there's no tomorrow.

Here are the golden rules:
If it doesn't fit - kick it.
If you haven't worn it in a year and it's not a special item - give it up.
If it's a faddy item that you dont' see coming back - toodles.
If you've never worn it, but bought it over a season ago - peace.

If you are unfamiliar with consignment here's how it works: You hand over you unwanted, but gently worn clothing. They weed through the first cut to produce a consignment worthy second cut which gets put on the racks. What doesn't make the cut is donated to charities. In about 60 days you will get a check for your sales less their consignement fee (typically 40%).

If you don't need the money bring your clothing to a local thirft store that supports a charity that shares common interests. I've always thought Dress for Success, a Philadelphia organization that supports underprivilegd women seeking employment with the proper digs to do so, is a great cause!

Introducing my Green Thumb!

After a recent trip to Aruba and a fantastic Cuban restaurant, my love for mojitos is renewed just in time for the summer.  Over plantain chips Dave and I discussed my already ordained Summer 2009 drink.  But, fresh mint always on hand - way expensive.  Which got me thinking, why not grow a little herb garden.  If one were to buy fresh herbs every week for cooking you could end up spending about $125 dollars a year. An herb garden is only as much as you want it to be.  

So, I set out to foster a little garden of go-to herbs.  Unfortunately, the inspiration herb - mint - will not be in for another two weeks, but I did plant rosemary, basil and parsley.  It was surprising easily.  I felt so economical and resourceful.  Not to mention, if the plants sprout and produce herbs it was $20 well spent.  

A few tips:

Ikea has pots for approximately $3 each.  I preferred the white variation with alternating patterns.  Using separate containers allows you to move them around on a whim and allows each plant to retain it's own flavor.  Mint flavored basil?  Not so much.  

To create plant markers, I took a toothpick and sandwiched said toothpick with a scrap-booking letter and a piece of paper.  It looks creative and was absolutely free.  

Place gravel or rocks at the bottom of the pot for proper draining in order to prevent root rot.  (Gross!)

Lastly, grope the soil daily to determine if it needs watering.  If the soil feels dry to the touch offer your new amigo a swig from your glass of water.  

Silver Lining on South Street

The economic meltdown has forced many business around the country to shut their doors and Philadelphia is no exception.  Luckily, for South Street and art enthusiasts, real estate developers Howard Lander and Steve Giannascoli of Triad Reality are offering use of their empty properties to reestablish South Street as a creative mecca.  The first five galleries will be operating before Easter with plans to begin a preview opening on Good Friday, followed by monthly Fourth Friday events.  

The current movement is reflective of the original South Street Renaissance in the 60s. Pioneers, Julia Zagar of Eyes Gallery and Bill Curry of Copabanana are mentoring the new art collective movement with help from their staffs and businesses.  Bill Curry reflected, "We were lucky to be part of the creative excitement back in the day.  Now a new generation has a chance to create new memories as great as ours."  

These endeavors are not only meant to inspire but also spur new business entities.  The current plan allows the artists to renew their leases under negotiations.  Initially, they will be pro-bona and good for two months with month-to-month renewals.  

Snacks from the 80s

I very recently received the forward, "You Know You're a Child of the 80s When..." I was suddenly reminded of my legging and sweater sets, judy blume books, and bad perm.  So you can imagine my childhood glee when I found the "Top 10 Foods of the 80s" list on Yahoo.com.   Glancing over the list harkens back to my Jem (truly outrageous!) lunch box and recess on the black top.  

Drum-roll please....

10. Jawbreakers

9.  California Raisins

8. Cool Ranch Doritos

7.  Tri-Color Pasta

6.  Orange Julius

5.  Equal

4.  Artificially Flavored Fruit Snacks 

3.  Tab Cola

2.  Lean Cuisine

1.  Capri Sun

What I would add to the list: Tasty Cakes, Pop Rocks, Pixie Sticks, Pepsi Clear, and that Bubblegum with the liquid center.  

Inspire Me - Peace

"Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in you heart."

"Yes...Pecan!"

Ben & Jerry's renamed its butter pecan flavor to "Yes . . . Pecan!" for the month of January, honoring the uniting theme of "Yes We can" as a message celebrating America's opportunity for positive change.  The Vermont based ice cream company has pared with Common cause, a non-profit advocacy organization, founded for the purpose of helping citizens make their voices heard during the course of the political process.  Proceeds earned by "Yes Pecan" will go to Common Cause's Education Fund.  It's worth a drive to Manayunk for the scoop.

Better World Books

Many sources advocate renting a book from a library rather than buying.  Buy, maybe you like re-reading your novels, or want to rough them up over a long beach weekend, or maybe you're like me and it takes you an entire summer to finish a book.  If purchasing a book spurs pangs of guilt, try Better World Books.  For each book you buy Better World Books donates money - more than 4.5 million so far - to literacy projects around the world. 

Added Bonus: After ordering a book from the website, I received a chatty and gratifying customer service email that made me want to buy! buy! buy!

Bye Bye Bunny

On February 18, 2009, most U.S. TV stations will being broadcasting only digital signals.  So what is a girl and the tv she had since age 10 supposed to do?  If you subscribe to a cable then, you're in the clear, and you pink tv can remain.  But, if you're utilizing those bunny ears, and your tv doesn't have a built-in digital tuner, you SOL, unless you subscribe to cable, buy a new tv, or get a digital-to-analog convertor box  for each outdated set.   Luckily, after all the bail outs, the federal government can still afford to offer $40 coupons for up to two boxes per household.  Visit this handy website to apply and keep your tv from turning into a planter (or an aquarium).  

Clean and Green - Revisited

Allow me to introduce you to Shaklee's. While the company produces and sells a wide range of amazing organic products, I think Shaklee's Non-Toxic Basic H2 Organic Super Cleaning Concentrate is tops.  On top of being organic, it's a one-cleaner wonder. and scrubs everything from your stove to your many mirrors.  In addition to the Cleaning Concentrate, the hand soap and dishwasher detergent are just fabulous.  These products have really cleaning skills and don't solely depend on their organic status for your vote.  

Shop here.

So Sew Me.

Recently, a few friends and I have gotten pretty crafty.  Before you pass judgment on my new found hobby, I'm not the only one that's taken to sewing these days.  By way of example, Spool on South Street has recently become a new hot spot for 20 something philadelphians looking for a creative outlet.  The adorable store offers sewing and quilting classes, crafting events, and fabric that makes your mouth water.  For example, Amy Butler Fabrics - it's not for your grandmother - but rather, would look amazing for a tunic, a pillow, or a cute bag.  The patterns are utterly to die for.   

Also, blogs are sprouting all over the internet advising yuppies how to craft and sew their way to cute accessories, cozy apartments, and totally enviable clothing. Just start googling and instead of spending precious and slim savings on wardrobe or decorating overhauls that may be passe in a year (or by next season), invest some time (and not money).  If you don't know how to sew try a class or make an effort to learn yourself.  

A Fashion Message from Michelle Obama

Although I am still undecided about Michelle Obama's Inauguration outfits, my opinion greatly improved when watching the Today Show yesterday morning.  The Today Show interviewed the designers of both outfits, Isabel Toledo and Jason Wu, and I have to admit, I was inspired.  Both designers have budding careers which were immediately thrust into history when Michelle stepped out in their creative designs. Toledo and Wu, beamed on TV and gushed that seeing Michelle Obama wearing their label was a realization of the American Dream.  Kudos to the First Lady for choosing American designers who represent the achievement of dreams, and she did it in style.  

Furthermore, I must add, I was impressed to learn that Mrs. Obama wore J.Crew gloves and shoes.  What plays in the back of my mind is, "I'm every woman."

I'm looking forward to witnessing this presidential term for its fashion, adorable children, and the realization of that already overused word, "hope."  

Color your way to great nails.

You may or may not have heard of these new nail polish pens. Similar to paint pens, these nail polish pens allow you to click your way to a great manicure. Both OPI and Sally Hansen produce these beauty must haves. Unfortunately, I haven't heard the greates reviews of the OPI version and for that price I'm not willing to take any chances. But, if you are an OPI loyalist, give it a try. Reviews have declared both items worthy of a splurge.

My experience - while the nail pen didn't have the lasting power of a professional manicure, my manicure addicted mother did compliment my nails over new years.

Annie's Workout Plan

I think I look good, but could look great with a personal trainer, personal chef, and life coach. I need a swift kick in my not so perky rear - especially with a trip to Aruba (with my boyfriend's super skinny family) looming only 6 weeks away. But, my budget barely supports my gym membership. So how am I supposed let alone an Oprah type make over on a limited income?

Luckily, shape magazine's shape your life program can whip up a program to help you form life long healthy habits and accomplish your goals at the same time. While the meal menus are somewhat expensive and tedious, they are best used as a guide rather than an absolute.

Good luck!

Daily Meditation

Gleaned from a Meditation Book:

Life is full of dangers and risks and challenges. We can choose to meet them fearfully or in a spirit of welcome. To choose fear, to say, "I won't take that risk because I might lose," is to prevent ourselves from ever winning. If we welcome the danger, the risk, or the challenge, we acknowledge that life is made up of losses as well as victories, of gains as well as pain.

Perhaps, through a fear of losing, we are missing many chances for satisfaction.

Wine? In a can?

Danielle introduced me to a new favorite: Sofia Mini.  These dandy little pink cans of sparkingly wine come with their own straw and just the right amount of cheer. Named after Sofia Coppola, daughter of film director and wine mogul, Francis Ford Coppoloa, in honor of  her marriage to director Spike Jonze, 1999, these cans are delicious and perfect for a BYOB.  When all the boys are chugging some brew, you can act like the classy lady you are, kick up your cole haan boots, and kick back a can of wine.  

If you can't locate these little dears at your wine & spirits, try here

Mint.com

In years past the B-word was always a bad, bad word.  That was, until a friend introduced me to Mint which is like Quicken hyped up on new-age steroids.  The website makes it easy to set a budget and keep tabs on your spending.  Expenses are calculated by linking the mint.com account to bank accounts, debit cards, and credit cards.  Saving is encouraged by colorful visual incentives and friendly cheerleader emails.  You can even keep an eye your credit card balances and those dreaded school loans.   While financial reality can be overwhelming, knowledge is power.  Maybe, you can finally show your dollars who's boss.

  

As-If!

Gleaned from a Women's Meditation Book:

When people make changes in their lives in a certain area, they may start by changing the way they talk about that subject, how they act about it, their attitude toward it, or an underlying decision concerning it.

Acting "as if" is powerful. It leads the way to a changed attitude, a changed woman. If we are self-conscious in crowds and fearful about meeting new people and yet act poised and extend our hands in friendship, we'll not only behave in a new way, but feel good about it, too. Each act we take in this way brings us closer to the woman we are behaving like. Each positive change we make builds our self-esteem. Realizing that through our own actions we are becoming the kind of women we admire gives us that strength, in fact, encourages the excitement in us that's needed to keep changing. Making positive changes in our lives is the stuff that comprises self-esteem. Each gain makes the next one easier to attempt.

I will accept an opportunity today to act "as if" I can handle a situation I used to run from.

Cleaner and Greener

Several ways to keep your humble abode clean and green:

Ditch the paper towels. Instead, try using sponges, rags, or micro fiber towels. Micro fiber towels are super absorbent and claim to really grip grime and dust. Leave it to Target, they even make certain towels for different surfaces. I place my sponges in the dishwasher or microwave regularly to prevent the growth of gross bacteria.

Instead of using chemical filled clearness try using natural and simple cleaners instead. A 2002 U.S. Geological Survey study found that 66% of streams sampled contained disinfectants, and 69% contained “detergent metabolites” which have been shown to harm fish reproduction and cause breast-cancer cells to proliferate in test tubes.

Natural Cleaning Recipes:
Replace your counter wipes and spray with a recycled spray bottle filled with equal parts of water and white vinegar. Also, undiluted vinegar is great for those tough messes you would typically reserve for a more serious cleaning concoction.

Baking soda can easily replace scouring cleaners and naturally removes mystery odors.

Windex can be traded in for a spray bottle mixed with 1 cup of rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol, 1 cup of water, and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar.

While you’re saving the fish, think of all the money you’re saving too. These natural alternatives are very easy on the wallet, just another reason to feel good about going green.

Have you laughed today?

"A day without laughter is a day wasted." (Charlie Chaplin)

What? This Old Skin?

I am a dermatologist's worst nightmare. Sunscreen isn't my religion, I rarely moisturize, and, oh! the horror - I don't take off make-up before I go to bed. So, when my skin started freaking out exactly two months after my twenty-sixth birthday I started thinking carefree skin care was a thing better left with age twenty-five.

It made sense when I read the facts. In your 20s, skin cell renewal drops by up to 28 percent, dead surface cells are not as easily discarded, and on top of it all, external factors, such as pollution, are starting to have an effect. In other words, your skin is less equipped to hold onto it's natural moisture. Experts advise simple measures such as not smoking and watching sun exposure can have a positive impact on your complexion 10, 20, 30 years down the line. In fact, sun damage is responsible for 80-90 percent of skin aging.

But, where is a 20-something to begin? Luckily, the regime recommended by derms across the board is minimal and simple.

Use a mild cleaner to remove make-up and oil from the day.

Apply moisturizer with at least SPF 15 to your face, neck, and chest. Antioxidants are a recommended bonus as they help fight the radicals contained in things such as pollutions, detergents, smoke, etc. Antioxidants can also be found in produce and (!) wine.

At night, use a cream that hydrates, but is oil-free. A pea-size amount will go far if you focus on your eyes and spread the rest on your face.

An eye cream with spf will help to prevent those crow's feet.

Exfoliating once or twice a week with an exfoliant meant for the face is preferable. A light scrub will reveal more radiant cells and help aid a natural "glow." Many advise against a scrub that has natural elements as they are too abrasive for delciate facial skin.

While the economy tanks and we all make serious efforts to save, maybe one of the best investments you can make in your mid-twenties is in a solid skincare routine. Think of all the money you'll save on botox!

A Letter to Myself

Recently a friend happened upon an article in O Magazine, written by Phylicia Rashad entitled "Letter to My Younger Self." The article inspired my friend and I to think about what we would tell ourselves if we knew then what we know now. Thinking back on my college years or even last year, I can think of a million life lessons. But, most of all, I wish I could tell my younger self to live day by day and keep the future as a thought and not a focus. Even at twenty-six, I could use that reminder every now and then. What would you tell your younger self?

A Healthier 2009!

Here are some articles that may aid a healthier 2009!

Resolution Roadmap for 2009

Getting a Head Start on Your New Year's Resolution