Q's Baaaack!

Some of you know that my laptop crashed last year and finally it's up and running although I'm still hoping my hard drive with 10 years worth of data can somehow be recovered. On March 11 I will celebrate my 1 year anniversary of my relocation from Boston. To commemorate this, here's a quick timeline of how I ended up in Manhattan:

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My Engagement

On September 25, 2007, my best friend, Uka and I got engaged. Here's the story:

I was born on my mother's birthday, September 22, and this past year I was scheduled to go to Las Vegas with girlfriends however they weren't able to go. I spoke to my mom and she asked, "Do you think you guys will ever get married?" and I responded, "Yes, I think it's right around the corner." Well, little did I know how much I was telling the truth! Uka was awaiting his visa for Japan so he decided to come with me since he would have had to fly west anyway. While there I wanted to look at rings with him and while doing so he was asking many diamond 101 question that had me very nervous about getting married anytime soon!

The following day we were coming back to the resort and I was skipping down the sidewalk like a little girl saying, "This is the best trip ever!" When we got into the condo he asked, "What's the best day of your life?" and I answered, "That's easy: The day I was born!" He said, "Well I want to make this the best day of your life!" and got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I didn't think he was serious and inched closer to look at the ring. I started giggling like a school girl and said, "Of course!" Little did I know that all summer he had been visiting Manhattan's diamond district, working with an independent jeweler to design the most perfect Asscher cut engagement ring!

Next summer when we get married in Puerto Rico, we will have known each other for nearly 10 years. The way we have supported each other and our genuine friendship have thus far been the best foundation of our relationship. We know that Puerto Rico may be a challenge for some of our guests, so we are having a Nigerian ceremony in New York as well as a reception in my hometown of Columbus.

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Tech Corner: BlackBerry Pearl - My New Addiction

So many of you know my frustration with my Motorola Q. I had gone through three of them I was finally fed up and decided to finally submit to the CrackBerry. I only paid $50 which I found reasonable although I was a bit nervous of dealing with the two characters per key. I've had it for only 3 days and so far I know this is the phone for me. I can watch You Tube videos and I downloaded the iPhone theme so I feel like I have the best of both words now. AND the fact that it's pink - well that just sealed the deal!

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Nowadays it seems like everyone's very much concerned about their carbon footprint. I calculated mine on Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth website. Truly, if you haven't watched this movie by now, shame on you! Although I got rid of my car when I moved to Manhattan and now rely on the subway, sometimes I do think about what an alternative would be if I ever wanted another mode of transportation. Now this is my speed (plus it matches my CrackBerry!), but I'm hoping a hybrid model is in development:

I want that!

Where Have I Been?

For those of you who don't know, The Wise Guide is now coming to you via THE BIG APPLE! I was bitten by the NYC bug when I was 11 and finally, I'm here. I'll be updating my blog but for now here's the scoop on the Boston Fashion Weekend event that's coming up. Unfortunately, I won't be able to be there as I have to be in Kansas City, MO, but I have about 20 friends going and am sure it will be an amazing evening. Be on the lookout for more BFW events leading up to our big event in '08.

Happy Belated New Year!

So I'm writing this while on muscle relaxers and prescription ibuprofen, but I think I can do it. If any of this is incoherant, I apologzie. Anyway, I know we're in the midst of global warming as An Inconvenient Truth warned. Why is it almost mid-January and 50 something degrees here in Boston??? Honestly, I'm afraid, and not just because the polar bears are turning into cannibals.

Enough of my rant, here's what's new:

YOU GOTTA WATCH THIS!!!
Annie Leibovitz is AMAZING and you NEED to watch the current PBS documentary. Let me know what you think!



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Or you can watch me . . .




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What I'm reading

Joie de Vivre - I first saw this book at the new MFA Paris fashion exhibit, but didn't buy it until a couple months later when Border's was running 40% off coupons in The New York Times. Gotta be a bargain hunter! Anyway, I have a major obsession with Europe and having never been to France I thought this book would give me a chance to bring a bit of France into my Brighton studio. The simple pictures that accompany the recipes (assiette de charcuterie , pictured left)and stories of France are almost a mini-escape within the pages of the book. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mark your calendar!



Boston Fashion Weekend
I'm on the planning committee so I had to mention it! More details to come. . .
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Crafty Showcase

Some of you may remember that I posted about Spark Crafts a while back. Well good news: I finished my 6-week knitting intensive and I am now a knitter. I had taken a sewing class at the BCAE, but I like knitting better because it's portable. Take a look at the hats my sister and I knitted while I was home for Christmas. Let me know if you'd like one and I'll make one for a small fee, of course!

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Now why didn't I think of that???

• No lie, just last week I was thinking:“I wish I had an easier way to transport my laundry detergent.” Well, I guess our friends at OxiClean had the same idea. . .
  
  
• Now this almost looks like a "special" toy, but it really is clever: Banana Bunker

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Concerning your wallet

• Speaking of coupons above, you should really check out Fabu. It has hundreds of online and in store coupons and deals to help you save money on your upcoming purchases. If you end up using it please e-mail me and tell me about your deal. If it's good I'll post it in an upcoming issue of The Wise Guide!
  
  
  
• USA Today has been running a special on young people and money. They use real-life profiles. Check it out!
  

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Tech buzz

• Gadget I NEED!!! This cool self-adhering, travel-size tripod let's you take pictures from any angle. It's almost as good as having your own photographer.
  
  
• Google Buster? I adore Google, but there's a new browser on the block: ChaCha. What makes it different/better than Google? Well, it's realtime searching by an actual person based on lifelike speech aka human-powered search. Confused? Read this.
  

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Why???

Some people think this is cute

Shopping Season

Hi Everyone,

Just in case you're still suffering from the Thanksgiving itis, here's a chance for you to have some retail therapy and help children at the same time. Here are the links for two of the designers who will be at the event, both of whom are part of Ladies Who Launch:

• Beadiful - featuring dazzling jewelry (she'll even do custom orders for your special gifts!)
  

• G Schneider Designs - stop here for the most intricate tops made of the softest cotton you've ever experienced!
  

I hope you can make it!

November 2006

I can’t believe we only have less than 8 weeks left in the year! I’m sure everyone is bustling about getting ready for the holidays. To help with the preparations, I’ve prepared a special edition of The Wise Guide. Please forward to your friends and let me know if you have any tips to add!

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• Staying Clean in a Dirty City
• Helping Others During the Holidays
• Inspiration for Your Cube
• Get Your Kicks Outta Telemarketers
• Q&A

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Staying Clean in a Dirty City

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YES! I know I’m Type A, but these city mitts just took it to a whole new level. They are antimicrobial gloves that protect you against such threats as subway poles and door handles. When I first heard of them I imagined they were like something you’d wear in a hospital, but they’re actually kinda stylish. Besides, who wants to be sick at Thanksgiving dinner?

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Helping Others During the Holidays

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It’s so easy to get overwhelmed by all the organizations that need help during the holidays. Thankfully, Boston Cares puts the opportunities all in one place. You can do a onetime serve or stay with one organization as long as you’d like. Check it out!

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Inspiration for Your Cube
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Each year when I have my Christmas flight booked, I start to get antsy and have an extremely hard time focusing on work. Anything, I can do to spruce up my cube helps to make it easier to sit at. See Jane Work has the best desk accessories I’ve ever seen! There’s nothing like a paisley printed folder to make your TPS reports more appealing.

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Get Your Kicks Outta Telemarketers

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Who wants to have their precious holiday time ruined by pesky telemarketers? NPR suggested a fun way to get one up on them. Next time they call, log on to Sorry Gotta Go and play one of their pre-recorded sounds such as a baby crying or cows mooing. All you have to say is “Sorry, gotta go!” then click and you’re through. (This also works for ex-boyfriends who won’t stop calling.)

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Q&A
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Q: What happens to unclaimed baggage?

A: I’ve lost my luggage on my way to a one month stint in Jamaica only to have it resurface 2 months later. I count myself lucky. The luggage that is never connected with their owners goes here. You can find deeply discounted iPods, digital cameras and designer watches. It’s a great stop for bargain holiday shopping or even a little something for yourself!

October 7, 2006 - Oprah Moment

Last night I attended the O You! kick off dinner hosted by Oprah Magazine. All of Oprah's contributors were there: Nate Berkus, Gayle King, Dr. Robin Smith, Stacy London (from What Not to Wear - oh how Boston needed her help!)and Julie Morganstern. It was at Mistral (my first time there) and it was fabulous! Nate was the only one who actually walked around and introduced himself to everyone, but when Gayle walked in the room I was the first one to meet eye contact with her and smile.

I'm not very star struck and I understand that celebs need their space so I didn't try to bum rush any of them, however there was one woman who was a bit overly obsessed with Nate. I guess she didn't find out he was gay until after professing her major crush on him. Her girlfriend kindly pulled her aside to explain that he swings the other way. We all get our bubbles burst eventually I guess.

Anyway, it wasn't the type of event that was appropriate for picture taking so I have no evidence to share - sorry.

I do have a juicy story however:

So I attended the actual O You! event and for those of you who know me well, you understand that I try to plan my life out as much as possible which is why I already know that Reggie Wells, Oprah's makeup artist, is doing my makeup when I get married (I pray before I'm 30!). Anyway, I had signed up for his session and Stacy London's and I knew I had to be on point so I wore a belted denim dress with just the right amount of stretch, brown suede boots and matching bag with my signature silver jewelry.

Well, I managed to get a seat in the front row hoping that Reggie would pick me to do my makeup. Reggie went racing through the aisles selecting about 8 random women who he said have "IT" to stand up and he proceeded to explain why: "Look at the way her lipstick matches her necklace and turtleneck! . . . This one done up her hair just right for the day! . . .This hot mama just has it!" After his analyses he went back to the front of the stage and was about to make his next point when he stopped and looked at me! He said, "How did I miss you?! YOU! STAND UP!" and he had me turn around to the audience. "She's just lucky! Look at that skin!" Well, I guess I can say I had my Reggie connection. My mom later told me I should have told him after that "You don't know this yet, but you're doing my makeup on my wedding day," but he was with handlers so I didn't have the chance.

Don't worry, at least a seed was planted, and I'll get to him yet. . .

(Sorry for the rough pics, but it's my only evidence of the day - I dropped my camera rushing out the door this a.m. and it's affected the quality. Gotta get a new camera now.)

August 2006

• What's That Song???
• Dream Trip
• Summer Rush
• 3 o'clock Hunger Pangs
• Q&A

Greetings! Thanks to those of you who provided feedback a couple weeks back for my first newsletter! Please continue to let me know what you find helpful and forward it to your friends.

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What's That Song???

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Ever hear a song on the radio and want to know who it is so you can download it later? This site let’s you input your local radio stations so you can see the playlists from the past 24hrs. You may even discover new songs in the process!

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Dream Trip

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I’m reading Tales of a Female Nomad and while it’s not a new book, it is definitely re-inspiring me to take a RTW (round the world) trip. National Geographic Traveler published a collector’s RTW issue a couple years back and I’ve held onto it just in case. It’s actually less expensive than you may think. This one year itinerary estimates around $20k which isn't too bad. The most expensive part is the transportation, but lodging is a breeze through Servas.

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Summer Rush

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So the countdown to the end of summer is upon us. I was actually born on the first day of fall (9/22 for those of you who want to send gifts!) so I feel the impending doom. For those of us on a budget, myself included, here’s a short list of fun things to do around Boston/New York:

* FREE outdoor movies on the Esplanade and Boston Harbor Hotel

* Check out the Anglo Mania fashion exhibit at the Met

* The Taming of the Shrew is free on Boston Common through 8/13

* Hit up a Lunch Club event in New York. There’s chapters all over, but the NYC events are way cooler with such outings as board game night, Sunday picnics and kayaking.

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3 o'clock Hunger Pangs

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I don’t know about you, but around 3p.m. Monday through Friday I get hunger pangs – BAD! Usually, I want a sugary carb like a donut or cookie, but lately I’ve been trying to fight the urges. Here’s some tips that have been working for me:

* Eat every 3 hours - just like a baby! This stabilizes your blood sugar so you're not famished by the end of the day.

* Keep high protein and high fiber snacks close by. Cheese sticks, almonds and Kashi products are my favorite. It’s amazing how an ounce of almonds can revive you!

* Stay hydrated. Sometimes when you’re hungry, you’re actually thirsty. For example, a few days ago I had a bad craving for a late afternoon cookie. There was an entire platter of them in the office but I fought the urge and grabbed my water bottle instead. The craving went away!

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Q&A

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Q: What should I do when someone next to me is shouting their cell phone conversation?

A: Well you have a few options:

* Put your index finger up to your lips and say, “Shhh”

* Frown disapprovingly at the person as if they have two heads then ask, “Do you mind?”

* Use the recording function of your phone to record their conversation then play it back to them on speaker phone when their conversation is over (courtesy of Engadget)

I personally like the final option, but I have to work up the guts to do it. I don’t want to get sucker-punched on my commute into work.

July 2006

• Free Movies?!
• Lengthy Links
• Lodge a Complaint (or a Compliment!)
• Create Something, Anything!
• Q&A of the Month

Greetings! After so many of you wondering where I get my random information from I've decided to condense it in an easy to use newsletter. This is my first go around so please feel free to make suggestions. I hope you find it useful and do share with friends!

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Free Movies?!

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Some of you have asked yourselves, "How does Q score those free movie passes?" Here's how. There isn't a current offering, but keep checking back, I promise you it's good (they just took down the Miami Vice preview).

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Lengthy Links

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Do you ever want to send a link to a friend, but it’s way too long? Visit Tiny URL. It shortens your link and most importantly it’s free!

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Lodge a Complaint (or a Compliment!)

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My writing to companies has become somewhat of a joke to those of you who know me best, but it gets results! Next time you see something you like or dislike rather it be a matter of public transit, an advertising campaign or an item you want your grocery store to carry simply speak up! Here's a few companies I've written to and have received responses from:

* McDonald's

* CVS

* MBTA

* Kozy Shack (funny I know but they even sent me coupons!)

* Comcast

Give it a try and please report back your results!

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Create Something, Anything!

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You know that custom pink tiara you've always wanted? (OK, maybe that's just me!) Anyway, whatever it is you want, try Etsy. It's kinda like Ebay but for artists. If you have an idea in mind you can find someone to custom create it for you or become an artist yourself.

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Q&A of the Month

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Q: Do I really have to drink 8 glasses of water?

A: No. Basically, if you're thirsty then drink! (How do I know this?)

P.S. Snopes is also a great site to dispel urban legends and chain e-mails; whenever I get a hoax I reply back with the appropriate Snopes link.

Welcome to the Wise Guide

*Note added 10/31/11: I imported this post from my first blog "The Wise Guide" into Harlem Love Birds, which I didn't start until 2009. All posts prior to 2009 are from The Wise Guide.*

This blog began out of a 2 issue newsletter that I sent to a few friends, but I've decided that it would live better on a blog. I've posted the first 2 issues here and will create a new postings in the coming days.