God Bless America... My Home Sweet Home

This morning, while fixing my daily coffee to take with me to work, I broke out into full song, singing the Yankee's 7th inning stretch song (aka God Bless America, the version by Kate Smith) in light of this holiday weekend. Last year, I was out of the country for the 4th of July and I have to say, I really missed celebrating our country's independence. It's such a patriotic time of the year, paying thanks to all of the unpredictable steps that have gotten us to where we are today and the people that made that happen. There is so much talk of "doom and gloom" regarding The United States of America, thanks to our over-anxious media outlets, and at the end of the day, so many people forget how lucky we truly are to be American. So at the start of this holiday weekend, I just want to say: Thank You, America, for being my home sweet home.

A Tribute to the US of A via Yankee Stadium:

Closet Space-Saving Tips

Ok ladies, most of us are guilty: of over-stuffed, very full closets. We can't help it, we love to shop and keeping up with the latest styles is in our DNA. I am the #1 offender - I love shopping, especially when I find a great deal. But over the years, I've accumulated a huge collection and my closet space has not grown. While I have a fabulous wardrobe, it is useless if I can't find anything! Over the last few months, I've discovered some of the greatest space-saving tips for your closet. Some are no-brainers but other are down-right innovative. Here are some tricks to keeping your closet full of variety without being full of mess.

1. Utilize space-saving gadgets

People and companies make thousands of dollars coming up with "great ideas" especially when it comes to organizing. Make use of them! The best store for such gadgets is The Container Store. To organize my jewelry, I use their see-through pocket organizer. It is two sided with different size pockets so it is perfect for earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc.

For my belts, I use the Hanging Belt Organizer. It has 5 rings, each of which opens up and you can slide your belts into the loop. Once you close the loop you have belts all in one place, which you can organize by size, color, season, whatever is easiest for you. I organize mine by size and color.

2. But also think outside of the box!

While the belt organizer is great for belts with buckles, it left me wondering, "what do I do with my buckle-less belts?" One day while strolling through Ikea, I found this great hanging organizer. It said it was for ties (which it would work well for, tell the guys!) but when I saw it, I saw the perfect buckle-less belt organizer. One of the best $5 ever spent.

3. Search for specific tips on YouTube.com

Today I was trying to think of a better way of organizing my scarves because I couldn't see every scarf so when it comes to finishing an outfit, I go for one on top that matches and run out the door. But there are so many options hidden underneath! So I took to YouTube for a solution. Sure enough, I found the perfect video that had the perfect solution!

I chose the second method - using a Pant Hanger to organize my scarves. Within 5 minutes I had all of my scarves in one place where I can see every scarf in my artillery.

You simply tie scarves onto each level of the pant hanger, just like you would if you were doing a knot when you are wearing it.

And just like that - perfectly tiered and organized scarves!

4. Enlist your local Dollar Store for Organizing Gadgets

I love The Container Store and Target, but sometimes you can find the same exact products at a fraction of the price at your local dollar store. At the Dollar Tree, they have a section for knock-off As Seen on TV products, and this week I found the BEST product, for $1! It's the knock-off of The Amazing Hanger. On TV, they want you to pay $19.95 plus shipping and handling. I got two Amazing Hangers for $1, that's 50 cents each!

You simply hang 5 items, one into each slot.

Then you drop one side of the Amazing Hanger and poof! Extra Closet Space! Plus, you can organize your closet by each hanger. For example, I used mine to organize my skirts. One for spring/summer skirts, one for work skirts, etc. I am so in love with this product, and even more-so since I saved a ton of money by purchasing it at the dollar store.

So if you have any other amazing tips, I am all ears - help a fashion-sister out.

Fave Places of the Day - Bethlehem, PA

I'm up in Bethlehem, PA enjoying this beautiful day with my brother. Just hangin' out. Charley needed to go out so we decided to walk up to the bank and grab some lunch. On the way back, we stopped at this place on Broad St. called Hello Burrito. I ordered myself a Southwestern Burrito, with brown rice and a whole wheat tortilla. Let me tell you - it was the best burrito I've had in a long time, not because it tasted like regular burritos but because they had an original taste to it. The ingredients were fresh, and perfectly matched together to make signature meals. As we were standing outside with Charley, waiting for the order, the owner came out with her cute-as-a-button little daughter. She wanted to pet Charley. She chatted with us for a moment, which gave me the chance to compliment the store and the food. All around, it was a wonderful experience.

Then, on the walk home, we pass this cute little clothing store called The Attic. Turns out it is a snazzy consignment shop with the cutest things! Pink plaid bermuda shorts - $1! And this awesome vintage white ivory ring, $4. It was really a neat surprise. Lots of selection and everything in great condition.



So if you're ever in Bethlehem, I highly recommend both of these places.

Family Ties

As I was taking Charley on an afternoon stroll, an older lady asked me what kind of dog he is. "To be honest, I have no idea," I replied, which is my standard answer for that question. It's the truth - he's the love of my life and I have no idea what breed he is. I suppose I should get one of those doggy-DNA tests to figure it out once and for all... I digress. So we start chatting (the lady and I, not the dog and I) and turns out, she knows my Great Aunt Kay and my Grandma that I live with. "I've lived in Highland Park for 80 years," she said. "I've known your family for a long time."

After a nice chat, we said goodbye and Charley and I continued on our way. It got me thinking: I really am lucky to have such a large, close family. I like being tied to that legacy, being associated with generations past and have people in my town that say, we know you. There's a comfortable and warm feeling that comes with these conversations, it makes me feel like I'm not just some random person on this huge planet but rather one person with many social ties in my little community of Central New Jersey. I used to think I was better off in Florida, where I didn't have much family, nobody "holding me down." But in hindsight, I realize my family doesn't hold me down - they are actually the support group that keeps my head and spirits high.

With Mother's Day around the corner, what I want to say is this: while it is nice to show the Mom's and Dad's in the world extra love on these "holidays", every day should be "I love my family" day because let's face it, they are one of the only things we can count on in this world. Well, that and the comforting effects of ice cream. Luckily, some things never change.

Oh the Weather Outside is... Weather

What is it about a sunny, hot day that puts everyone in such a good mood? Today was the first taste of summer 2011 with temperatures in the low 80s and bright blue skies and I did as much as I could to take advantage of it. Laid out with some light reading, did a deep-clean of the inside of the car, vacuum, wipe down of the interior, windows, the whole nine, then took Charley for a brisk walk. I love watching him move along the sidewalk, stopping at each bush or telephone pole to decide whether or not to pee on it. What a life.

My original goal was to take him down to the park but on the way the there I found a hidden trail that led into the woods and figured, what the heck, let's check it out. Trying to calm all the Law and Order SVU scenarios that were running through my head of creeps jumping out of the bushes, we trekked on... Sure enough, there is a great hiking trail that runs along this little stream and it made for a nice little afternoon hike.

Charley was tired afterwards, I got a tan (or should I say a slight forehead burn), everyone's happy. While we did spot a deer in the distance (which, I'm not gonna lie, I jumped when it moved towards us) there were no creepers waiting for me in the bushes. I guess my life is just not as exciting as a TV show. But for a day like today, I'll take what I've got.

Words with Friends

Since my boyfriend works on the Mobile Team for ESPN, he is always bringing home cool gadgets to try out and play around with. This past weekend, I saw him enthralled in some game on his Samsung Droid phone so I asked him what he was playing. "Words with Friends," he says. "You haven't played this?" Sure enough, I download the app and my life has never been the same. It's basically Battle Scrabble and you can find your friends based on their User Name and play against them interactively. I am not usually a gamer or an App freak, but this one has changed it all for me. I currently have 5 open games and am always looking for new friends to connect with. Do you play "Words with Friends?"

Products I am Currently Living By

Do you ever think to yourself, "man, what would I do without this shampoo or this pair of sneakers?" Well, in honor of this question, here is a list to pay tribute to the products that I just can't live without these days:

Avon Glimmersticks Eyeliners - in Regular, Waterproof and Diamonds

Bare Minerals Foundation

Reebok RunTone Sneakers

ProActiv

BioSilk Hair Serum

Jergens Body Lotion

Confetti Nail Polish Colors

Glamour Magazine

Jansport Backpacks

Dell Laptop

Bic Mechanical Pencils in .9 mm lead

IPod Nano - Gen 2

Blistex Chapstick

Advair

Claritan-D

DSW

Planet Fitness Gym

Starbucks Coffee (I know what you're thinking, how they don't support Fair Trade and blah blah, if you research Starbucks they spend more time and money supporting the Coffee Farmers through the Chiapas project and other programs...)

Capri Sun

Fiber One Bars

FaveRed Starbursts

NCAA Basketball Finals Tonight

Tonight is the end of this years March Madness tournament for Mens NCAA Basketball with Butler taking on UConn in the Finals. And like most of those bracketmasters out there, I did not have this predicted as the final game. Well, let's be serious, I was no bracketmaster and didn't even come close to the Final Four! This years NCAA Basketball Tournament was one of the hardest to predict - in fact, according to the ESPN Brackets, only two people out of 5.9 million had all final four teams correct! Two people! One of these 2 people was a local East Brunswick, New Jersey man and I am tempted to look him up and ask him whether he picked the Final Four based on some shred of intellectual knowledge or did he lose a bet to his friends over a round of beers?

Either way, should make for a great Final game. I am picking UConn to top Butler, but as my bracket suggests, that is clearly just a guess. Who is your pick for the Champ? And what will the final combined score be?

BodyCandy.com for all of your piercing needs

I know, belly button rings are so 1990s. But I never took mine out and occasionally I get inspired to switch it up and get some new rings. The ring I had in for over a year finally gave up on life last week so I decided it was time to put in an order. If you go to the mall or any jewelry store they will charge you $10-$20 for a ring and it's a rip off! I've been using BodyCandy.com for 6 years and I have to tell you, I have never been disappointed; this shipment was no different.

I got 10 rings shipped to my door for $25! All orders over $20 get free shipping and if you get on their email list they will always send you a 15% off coupon code. I did the free shipping offer, placed my order on Wednesday and had the package on Saturday, so they are quick to get the orders out the door.

I wanted to get a variety so I got:

5 dangling rings and 1 large stud (the pink butterfly, I am currently wearing this one and it's fantastic). The first one on the left with the crystal icicle is actual crystal, that was my one splurge for the purchase, coming in at $11.

And 4 standard bent bars in colors to match my bathing suits (I'm thinking ahead to beach time!)

So if anyone is still like me and rocking their belly button ring, or any other piercings (they have everything from tongue rings, nose rings, eyebrows, etc.) check out BodyCandy.com.

Cable Knit Canine

Cable knit sweaters: A must have piece for any complete wardrobe. A chunky cable knit is great for winter and colder seasons, while a lightweight cable knit is perfect for spring time and transitional seasons. Well, how could I leave my fashionable (pup) friend out of the stylish loop? Charley currently rocks a Cerulean cable knit but he also has a bright green version that he was seen wearing last week in honor of St. Patrick's Day. Here are some pictures of Chic Charley to show you how he rocks them, what's your preferred cable knit style?

My New Favorite Nail Polish

The latest trend for nail color ranges from wild neon colors to muted nudes and anywhere in between. Personally, I love the muted tones, like taupes and tans. I find them to be chic and classic. Unfortunately, after 5 months of winter and genetically pale skin, I have a hard time pulling off these shades because they just blend into my skin tone.

Yesterday, I found my new favorite color that blends muted chic with creative color and I am simply loving it. It's called Fine Pruned in the Ulta Nail Polish Line, and on top of being inexpensive, (I paid $2 for the bottle, they are having a sale right now 2 for $4) the color pops and the polish is great. It dried quickly and evenly and has already conquered 2 sink-fulls of dishes and some yard work.

It's a keeper!

Spring Cleaning!

What is it about the first warm day that makes me want to clean every inch of my house and car? Yesterday, with high temperatures around 60 degrees here in New Jersey, I was sent into a full-on cleaning frienzye with a spree that totaled 5 hours. I cleaned out my car, organized the inside and the trunk (with pop-up bins from the previously mentioned Dollar Tree), insert a new air freshener, and aired out the inside. In my loft, I oiled and waxed all of the wood furniture, cleaned all of the sheets and blankets, cleaned out drawers and started a new "giveaway bag", dusted all of my photo frames, organized certain "sketchy" areas to make better use of the space, and even had time to put together Spring Gifts for my boyfriend, mom and grandma.

By the time dinner rolled around, I was indulging in my annual corned beef and cabbage, and yes, I was exhausted. But the smell of clean and cool fresh air made me drift to sleep with a wide grin on my face.

Happy spring everyone! May the warmer weather and longer days bring cleanliness and organization to even your dirtiest of areas.

The Ultimate Dollar Store

Everyone knows and loves the Dollar Store. But has anyone else noticed those "dollar stores" that charge more than a dollar for items in their stores? How can they call themselves a dollar store, if anything it should be the "Few Dollars Store."

Alas, I have found a great dollar store chain, Dollar Tree, that has many locations throughout the northeast, a great selection of quality products, and nothing in the store is more than one buck! My favorite store is on Easton Avenue in Somerset, NJ (in the same shopping center as Stop & Shop, Chase and BK). I stopped there today and all of the spring and easter items are front and center. I'm not going to lie, I spent $36 in there today but I got SO many great things including but not limited to:

• Store bins, I put 1 in my car and 1 in the trunk to organize loose items
• Paper lantern lights, for a summery designing touch
• Easter and Spring gifts for my boyfriend and family, including their Easter baskets
• Cute ankle socks, 3 pairs for $1!
• Extend-a-bra, which are bra clips that you can use to loosen up a tight fitting bra (sorry boys)
• The Amazing Hanger, hang 5 items on one hanger, closet space saver
• Gardening Gloves, with cute spring patterns
• Reusable Shopping Totes, in strawberry and watermelon designs

Where's your favorite dollar store and what was the best thing you ever found in there?

The Grand Unveiling of Design Create Communicate

Today marks a special day for me: the unveiling of my personal website project Design Create Communicate. I started this project back in October with the help of my brother and his company Alpha Blue Technologies, LLC and can't believe the day has come that I can actually invite others into the project to see what I have produced. In celebration of this day, I have started this new blog that will coincide with the website where I can share my thoughts, work processes and perhaps inspire your creative juices to flow. At the very least, I hope you will put Design Create Communicate on your list of favorite websites and check back often!