Good Friends Are Like Stars

When I was in high school, I lived in the basement bedroom in my house.  Some would find this space cold, scary and uninviting.  I, on the other hand, found it to be a private place, a place I was allowed to decorate and rearrange to my liking - a place that was mine.  Above the horrible wallpaper border (sorry Mom, I do not share your love for glued wall patterns), I would scribe quotes and pithy sayings that I liked and felt connected to my life.  I recall one of them being, "Good friends are like stars, you don't always see them but you know they are always there."  To this day, this mantra rings true, especially since I have made friends in all of the different places I've lived and visited.  Maybe it's because I'm getting older and have a better appreciation of the good things in my life, or maybe it is simply the fact that I've been friends with people longer, but lately I find myself saying, "Man, I have such great people in my life."  And I wouldn't trade this feeling for any riches in the world. 

Whenever people ask me how Jessenia and I met, I usually start by saying, "I didn't really like her at first," and perhaps she is the number one example of why you don't judge a book by its cover.  Because the more I got to know her, the more I saw how saavy she was, how persistent and loyal she was, and most of all, how thoughtful she was.  We spent two years together in Miami making memories that even a movie star wouldn't forget, moved back up north together, maybe not in the same state but at least in the same state of mind.  And for all of the months that passed when I had her just a car ride away, I knew one day she would tell me, "I'm moving back to Miami."  That was always her dream; shit, that was always OUR dream, but she actually put the money where her mouth was and did it.  I remember being really resentful when I heard the news - how could she leave me?  How could she go back without me? And then I realized - it wasn't about it me.  Nor should it be.  How could I be mad at her for having the courage to do the thing I couldn't?  For taking a risk and acting on those personal qualities that I loved about her?  All I could do was celebrate her decision and hope and pray we would stay close. 

More and more, I am realizing that no matter how far away we are from each other, we are always going to be connected.  We have always valued each others' opinions, advice, and ideas whether its romance, style or careers.  We both work in advertising, we both work in media, and let's face it, we are both pretty fabulous - how could we NOT be connected to each other.  Either way, I absolutely love getting a call that starts with, "I know our lives are in sync because..." and listening to the story that follows.  It makes me smile because I know somehow, someway, our lives will ALWAYS be connected, that she will always want to tell me about her latest career success or send me the latest video of her sweet little dog - and I will always listen, watch or contribute.  And if any day I miss her and wish she were here or at least one state away, I can look up into the sky and know that friends really are like stars - they are always there when you need them.

Boy, How Time Flies!

I can't believe it's been almost a year since I last blogged!  This is truly disheartening but is living proof that our daily lives can completely consume us and take us away from our passions in life.  It's amazing how writing can be so soothing, yet invigorating.  And I don't mean writing an email or a text message - but really taking the time to sit down and write about your inner-most thoughts and feelings.  I've always been a writer - I kept a diary when I was only in 2nd grade (A Little Mermaid diary no less!), had multiple journals through middle and high school, and even kept a log when I was college! My mom always tells me that I would leave her notes on the kitchen table, everything from "where is my allowance money" to telling her about my day at school.  I'm pretty sure she still has some of those notes. 

Lately, even with all the accomplishments in life, and all of the great things to celebrate, I've been feeling like something is missing, like the fibers of my being are just being, and not really LIVING - and maybe it is writing that has been missing from my life.  When I write, it forces me tap into my inner soul and while I don't always know why I am feelig a certain way, it certainly does make me understand that there's something there - something to hoan in on that may otherwise go unnoticed.  So no matter how busy work is, or how much time I spend working out or hanging with friends, I am making a promise to myself to just sit down and write sometimes.  I've read that making a goal specific makes it easier to achieve so I am going to say that I need to sit down and write once a week. There. It's done. No looking back now.  It's time to get back to my roots and start pouring my heart out with a paper and pen, er, laptop and keyboard.

Much love,
Lindz

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.