Feeling more like Tequila...

My little entrepreneur is learning to speak... I just can't understand what language she is speaking  :-|   (smh)

Got to read Sophia Amoruso's book "GIRLBOSS" and I LOVEEED it! To be completely honest, I was never a 'Nasty Gal' customer.  Vintage was never my quote on quote 'look.' (I prefer the whole everything I wear looks like a stripper look haha) But, I did hear/ read a lot of publicity about the foul mouth, bad ass who turned a $50 investment into a $300 million dollar company without any debt. WTF?! Now, you have my attention.

I've realized the "corporate world" and the so-called path to success is not what is used to be.  It's no longer about getting your degree and getting a good job that will keep you safe and sound.  Hell, these corporations can't even keep their own ass safe and sound lately, so how are they supposed to help you?! I've worked for big corporations, mom and pop shops, commission only jobs, tips only jobs and what I've discovered are the jobs that fill your hope for success bubble up the most, are usually just full of hot air and it's only a matter of time before it deflates.  But, why allow someone or something else to determine how to fill up your success bubble? What I love about Sophia Amoruso's book is she's not offering a "how-to-guide." This is life, there is no how-to-guide to anything in life so, why should your success be any different? She delves into how she found something she really loved and decided to... why not open up an eBay store. Not thinking that in 7 years it would lead to a $300 million dollar business.

Everyone always says 'follow your passion and the money will come.'  And, every time I hear that, as true as I believe it is,  I honestly want to punch them in the face. "I know asshole but, not every one was born knowing what they're passionate about." At least, I know I wasn't.  I am fascinated and really admire people who have the drive, ambition and motivation to turn something out of nothing.  I really wish I knew more people like that in my life because I would love to have a drink with these bastards! But, my biggest dilemma has always been narrowing down what type of business I want to start or delve into.  So, in the meanwhile I have been focusing on doing what needs to get done to save some dollas and cents so, that when my brilliant idea does comes to fruition ( I know it's itching to come out just wait... just wait...) I'll have the funds ready to turn something out of nothing too.

In the meanwhile, if you're still awake after this ramble go and get that book.  If anything it will at least get you thinking about what's possible. Especially if you feel like you're really not society's cup of tea but, more like their shot of tequila anyway.

With love,

JB

Say Hello to my Little Friend

Please give this new part of my heart a big HELLO! We finally got ourselves a little puppy! I grew up with dogs and I guess for this reason I have always been a BIG dog person. But, even though I've always had a dog it was never really mine.  I mean my parents were the ones who cared for it.  Who made sure she had food, she had her grooming, etc.  This time though  I have a little puppy that's relying on me to be healthy, on me to get its exercise and I've fallen head over heels in love with this little puppy... Jada.

She was so little when we first got her.

From the picture can you guess the breed? Yes, it is a Pit Bull (waiting for your fear to subside...) This pit bull was rescued from a litter of puppies who were bred to... what else... fight.  We got her at only 5 weeks old! Way too young to be separated from the mother.  But, she has honestly become the best dog I have ever had, not to mention the sweetest.  It goes to show you it is not the animal that is quote on quote "bad". It's bad owners who make bad dogs, just like children (think about it, lol.)  My sister has a shitzu who is more aggressive that my 52lb pit bull but, because she's a quarter of the size it will never make the news.  Thankfully, we have a lot of family who have dogs of their own and by socializing her at a young age with other fully vaccinated dogs we were able to get her to become one of the most loving pit bull's you could ever meet. 

Most recent picture of my baby <3 nbsp="">

And... IT'S LAUNCHED! COZi TV

Ahhh... It feels good to be back in the TV field! As you all know New York City was hit with the worst storm in its history.  With the East River meeting the Hudson River during Sandy, New York City was left feeling a bit err.. under the weather.  And, during this storm not only did my boyfriend and I adopt/kind of rescue a puppy I also got called into Manhattan for a job interview with my old home NBC.  When it rains it pours... LITERALLY! But, the turmoil in NYC didn't stop me from taking advantage of this long waited opportunity so, I attempted to make myself as presentable as possible (even though the lack of power left my curling iron feeling a bit chilly), put my rain boots on, threw high heels into my bag and began my journey.  Luckily I gave my self a three hour travel time and made it to my interview on schedule.

All I knew about this position was I would be a freelance production associate and since I have been out of the industry for some time I was eager to take advantage of a new opportunity for such a huge network.  Once I met with my supervisor I learned that I would be helping with the promotional production for a new cable channel called Cozi TV. Pretty much it's a combination of NBC's LXTV (Lifestyle Channel) and imagine 'Nick at Night' programming all mixed into a channel of it's own.  As of December 20th the channel has been live but, the official launch will be on January 5th! Getting to edit, create and produce content is something I really missed and really love doing.  So excited to see what's next in the re-launch of my production career.

Martha's Invaded my Christmas Spirit

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! I know you've heard me bitch and moan about the holiday crowds, the pushing and shoving and the unnecessary rush to spend more money than you would like on holiday presents. But, once the retail stores have shut their doors, the last ornament is finally hung and the ribbon on your final gift is tied, you realize the real reason behind the season of giving is that moment when you can feel the warmth this crazy holiday brings us at such a chilly time of year.  Being able sit down in your coziest chair, grab one (or maybe two) of santa's cookies, sip on your eggnog with a bright tree in sight makes you realize the true meaning behind this season.

With pictures of beautiful gifts and expensive presents flooding my Instagram feed I decided to post, not  any of the amazing gifts I received but, I wanted to show you what I decided to make as part of my boyfriend's present.  Even though, like myself, he's a sucker for over -priced luxury items, this year I decided to buy a vacation for us to the west coast of Canada and made him a gift basket with his favorite wine, candy and... a personalized mug that lists just some of the reason's why I love him.  Even though my man is not a coffee drinker he is an ice cream connoisseur so, I decided to let my Martha out and make him a new Ice Cream mug.

All you need are Sharpies (I bought a pack of 24 on Amazon for $13!) and a mug (I bought a set of 2 for $12 also on Amazon.)

Once you have your design drawn on the mug all you need to do is bake at 350 degrees for half an hour and... 

Wallah...

If you make a mistake don't worry! I am NOT an artist by any means and needed to re-write everything a bunch of times.  All you need to do is to keep baby wipes near by and wipe away any mistakes you make. 

Merry Christmas!

NYC Holiday Bustle

New York City is well known for its hustle and bustle, quick tawking and fast paced lifestyle. But, nothing will make you walk faster than trying to dodge pedestrians in the streets of manhattan during the holiday season.  

Feeling like frogger walking the streets, all of my senses standing at attention to watch for pick pocketing on the crowded sidewalks to trying to dodge pedestrians in a rush to catch the next train, to dribbling around the tourists with their eyes fixated on New York City skyscrapers.  Speed walking with my down puffy coat , nose in my scarf and an eye on my heavy purse I begin to feel like Kobe driving down the sidewalk ready to do a 360 move around the next person who crosses my path so I can get to my destination. Phew! Talk about being exhausted and I haven't even gotten to work yet.

Working out of Rockefeller center this past month I forgot what it feels like to be that little frog in frogger. Except instead of getting hit and smashed by a Mack truck while crossing the road, while walking down the streets of New York you have to watch out for the people, some as big as Mack trucks, walking right into you.  MERRY FUCKING CHRISTMAS! (::sarcasm at its finest::)

The Label Whore Rat Race

What girl really doesn't love admiring, drinking and breathing high fashion? Christian Louboutin, Coco Chanel, Brian Atwood, Giuseppe Zanotti, Charlotte Olympia, and the list goes on and on.  As much as I love a red sole or a quilted leather purse doesn't it get to be just f*cking enough after awhile? The prices of these simple items dressed up in some kind of Veuve Clicquot flowing retail window just gets to be a little out of control.  I know I might sound like a hypocrite after all I have done my share of splurging,  buying expensive items that mean nothing except give you that sense of acceptance amongst people who memorize over priced brands for fun.  I'm guilty of that too.  As much as I adore fashion, Vogue and the lovely packaging and service our high end retailers provide it has become impossible for me to have my wallet and my luxury taste see eye to eye anymore.  And, I hate to admit it but, it makes me feel so frustrated.

I'm not a spoiled brat by any means.  I mean I came from an average middle class family.  Purchased my first car (a honda civic) myself and went to a city school for college.  So, it's not that I feel frustrated about not having these items because I'm not used to not getting what I want.  I'm more frustrated because, anything I've ever wanted I've worked towards and got it! But, as I get older and see more items I want and then, when I see the price... even if I had the money I still don't see how that bag is worth $6,000!!! From a marketing and branding perspective I understand how in a capitalist economy these brands are absolute success stories.  I mean who would have thought that by painting a sole red and using that part of the shoe you walk on, it would create the most sought after brand of shoes today.   And, I also understand how those brands very carefully pick their market and I think it's great how they have successfully managed to put themselves in such a high tier.  This is not another rant to luxury designers cursing them for making their items too expensive.  Because, after all I am a fan.

But, this is more of my attempt to stop foolishly feeling so frustrated with myself for not being able to afford an item.  Growing up in NYC, one of the biggest fashion capitals of the world it seems as if twenty-something New Yorkers have taken it upon themselves to create a divide between two social groups.  The glamourous young ones living the absolute fabulous life draping themselves in Chanel bags, Cartier jewelry and Louboutin shoes and the other group wearing hand me downs from Buffalo Exchange hanging out in local bars creating Brooklyn's newfound Yuppiehood. Maybe for me, personally it's about having champagne taste with beer size pockets.  I don't exactly fit in with the fabulous life I mean, in my working life I am still at the bottom of the ladder and well as for joining the Yuppiehood, let's just say plaids really don't suit me and I'm not into vinyl's.   I find myself to be more in the middle, split between these two social groups.  Too proud to wear hand me downs and too broke to live so called "fabulously." I follow a lot of fashion accounts on Instagram and what I am thinking of doing is instead of posting pictures of outfits that cost thousands of dollars, what's wrong with posting outfits that cost maybe $200 but, look more like $2,000?  It's not about finding cheap clothing or accessories it's more about finding reasonably priced items that can still make you look like you walked out of a magazine. I'm always out looking for bargains and with the internet nowadays it has become easier than ever. After all I feel anybody can look like a million dollars as long as you put everything together in a million dollar kind of way.

I think I will create that instagram account.  Champagne Taste with Beer Size Pockets.  A new goal to work on towards 2013.  I'll be sure to make a post about it once it's up and running.

BARCLAY'S

Being born, raised and having worked in Brooklyn  I cannot believe all of the positive changes that have happened! I remember when our teachers wouldn't let us go on class trips to Mc Carren Park in Greenpoint because, they were afraid kids would get injected from dirty hypodermic needles hiding in the grass. Williamsburg/Greenpoint was actually considered one of the safer neighborhoods in Brooklyn at the time.  Now, what was once the hood...Jay Street, Atlantic Avenue, Court Street, etc.  looks about as dangerous as TriBeCa.

Last Friday (September 28, 2012) JAY Z did his first performance at, the highly anticipated opening of the Barclay's Center.  After what Jay Z stated was 8 years in the making,  the Atlantic Avenue Brooklyn born stadium has finally opened to the public.  And no other than Jay Z...Brooklyn's most enamored admirer, has committed to doing 8 shows.  Well luckily my boyfriend and I were able to get tickets to last Saturday's show.  The arena is beautiful with colored lasers pointing out of the stadium and into the sky.  Even though I am not a sports fan I would love to go back there to see the Brooklyn Nets play in their new casa.

The real Sean Carter not only entertained the crowd with his older hits like "La, La, La" but, also recent ones like "Run This Town" "Empire State of Mind," and one of my favorites "Onto the Next One." Check out the clip from my experience below.

Stress + Shopping = STRESS RELIEF

Everyone deals with stress in a different way... some like to eat a carton of Ben & Jerry's, some people bottle everything up until they have a nervous breakdown, some need to exercise, some people need to write their emotions on paper and others like me tend to shop even when they don't have the money to do so.  Stress tends turns me off to food (and, you know how much I LOVE to eat) but, turns me on to shopping.  This past month has been one with many personal developments.  One, that's kind of left me doing ALOT of soul searching and inner reflecting.  My inner psychologist seems to be hinting that I am trying to use my wardrobe as a reflection of my new inner self.  Whatever it is this fall's style with all of the Bohemian prints, cashmere & wool blends, black leather jackets, pants and shorts has left me feeling giddy and my pockets feelings...err... empty.

Just last week I went to Lord and Taylor's to get a dress I needed for a wedding however, along with the dress I ended up purchasing a pair of black leather leggings, a bright green statement jacket and a sexy navy sheer dress top.  Total Damage $376.00! OUCH! My endorphins convinced me I would regret it if I did NOT purchase the oh so needed items to add to my fall wardrobe so, with my head turned to the side and my eyes squinted shut I handed my credit card to the sales associate and swipe...APPROVED.  Shit! Part of me was hoping it would get declined... I signed away as my endorphins approved of my purchase with an applause.  I think Marilyn Monroe forgot to add clothes, shoes and accessories to her famous quotation "Diamonds are a girls best friend."

But, like a junkie who just can't get enough Bloomingdales just ended their friends and family sale this week. Even though I did my best to stay away by throwing out every piece of correspondence they had sent me in the mail,  I was still drawn to their fashionable department store like a moth to a flame. So, I ended up taking advantage of the last day of their highly anticipated sale.  My purchase consisted Free People black leather shorts, Guess Marciano gold and black striped sweater and a very sheer red flowy top. I spent under $200! $178.00 to be exact.  Since, I did so well on my first purchase I decided to go to J.Crew (which has become my new FAVORITE store) and bought a sweater and a belt all for $47.00.  Altogether in the last two weeks I spent $600 on clothes.  Oh boy... looks like I'll need to pick up a couple extra bar tending shifts this month.

Procrastination... my life long opponent!

OHHHH Procrastination!! This big word will forever be the death of me! Sometimes I feel like my life is one big oxymoron.  How can you be a go getter and a procrastinator in one? 

For me at least I have so many BIG dreams and ambitions to fulfill it's just hard when all the little, boring things you need to do to get there send me running in the other direction just like Big in "Sex and the City. "

After my little trip to Miami to see family and unwind I had it planned out that during the day I was going to be good and complete modules I need to do to finish becoming a certified personal trainer.  I was in Miami for 5 days and did not ONE module. DAMN it! 

Instead I thought it would be more beneficial to see which pool I could sneak into because you know I do need to have some kind of tan before the end of the summer, don't you agree?! lol

Oh well, procrastination did get the best of me this trip and so far it's looking like it might have the best of me for today too... I should be doing modules but, no updating my blog is more important. Right?

Hugs and Kisses for Miami

A recent family trip has brought me over to MIAMI this week! One of my most favorite places to visit.  I'm not sure if it is because of the palm trees, the heat or the laid back vibe but, Miami always gives me that addictive feeling of giddiness.  One day, and I mean it, one day I will be able to own a condo here.  My beaux and I used to come down here all the time, especially in the winter when it's so DAMN cold in New York. Having a place here for the winter would be the ultimate lifestyle! In between family functions and getting to hang out with my cousins I couldn't help but take the time to do some serious day dreaming and allow myself to become totally submerged in my own thoughts.  And, this is one of the properties I'm striving to own someday...

Morning Motivation

In the morning it is exceptionally difficult for me to get motivated to move my ass.  Especially to go to the gym! I mean who wants to beat themselves up first thing in the morning?! Well, my goal this week is to get to the gym at least 4 DAYS! I went to Vegas for Memorial Day Weekend and it seems as though as soon as the summer started my gym routine flew out the window and I've been cheating on my weights with the sand at the beach.  But, after dragging my feet to the lovely house of machinery, weights and towels I got on the treadmill... started playing a new playlist on my iPod... and... BAM began feeling more awake and ready to MOVE (without even a cup of coffee!) I consider myself pretty fit and always conscious of what I eat but, even a triathlete has trouble waking up in the morning and putting their cardio system to work. 

Here's how I try and give myself a kick in the ass when I need it.  I just got a pair of blue tooth JayBird headphones so, no more cords from your headphones getting in between you and your weights or having your iPod fling across the floor because you knocked the headphones out of its socket while running.  They make such a difference and connect to your iPhone via blue tooth and wallah wireless music! The second thing I do for some motivation is keep my playlists FRESH! New music is a must... sometimes you want to do nothing but put on your new favorite songs and relax.  Well, at the gym you have a whole HOUR to do it.  Even though the physical labor the gym entails may not seem relaxing at first, you are actually releasing endorphins that causes your body to relieve stress and reduce anxiety.  In other words it's like a massage for your brain and nervous system. And, the third and most important thing I do... I do NOT allow myself to drink coffee before the gym.  If I complete my workout then I treat myself to Starbucks and you'll be surprised how much you'll get through and how quickly when you know that you have a venti skim latte waiting for you.

I'm Back!

Mmmmmm!!! Thanks Mom!

It has been SOOOO long since the last time I sat down with a cup of coffee and had time to write... (my mom turned me on to this new Keurig Green Mountain Island Coconut coffee, so addicted!)

As you may or may not have noticed I've given this blog a much needed face lift! In the last year since I have written I was contemplating going back to school.  One day I wanted to apply for an MBA, the next day I wanted to apply for graphic design.  There goes the right side and the left side of my brain in an arm wrestle again. But, after speaking to several advisors and anyone around me who would listen I finally made a decision to go back to school for Nutrition and Dietetics.  And, I've just completed my first semester!! My new major has definitely impacted my shopping list in addition to my eating habits.  Not, that I was ever a unhealthy eater... I've always been a little bit of a gym nut and health freak but, now I have a whole new understanding for how the body works! (Be on the look out for a new health and wellness blog I'll be starting soon.)

Between school, real estate and bar tending things have been a little nuts but, this new island coconut coffee started my morning just right.  Besides it's the closest I can get to a pina colada without being frowned upon for drinking at 9AM.

Parson's you are looking FINE!

I can't believe it has already been TWO YEARS! Since I have left the creative media world and pursued a career in Real Estate.

Eventhough I am very happy with my current business.  Being in real estate gives you the flexibility to work whenever you want! But, this concept is a double-edged sword.  Meaning, you hussel? You make $$$! You slack? You make NADA! While trying to get accustomed to the laws, lingo and personalities you come across the negotiating table in real estate, something has been tugging at me to go back to school.  Maybe it's the four-eyed nerd in me, or the right side of my brain that has been whispering into my concious.  Real Estate is something I would always love to be active in but, I do want the best of both worlds (don't you?!)  I would love to find in a career that nurtures that creative side of my brain and continue in real estate that nurtures the business side of my brain.

The stamp I created as part of my Parson's Graphic Design Application

After flirting with this idea for months I applied to Parson's University for their Graphic Design program.  I figured what the heck, let's see if I even get accepted. 

Part of the application required me to create a stamp using my favorite fruit or vegetable.  The picture you see on top is the final product, TA DA!  I love guacamole hence, the avocado.

I created this stamp using Photoshop and made the background full of tortilla chips, and if you look closey at the 42 cents, it's made out of guacamole. A few weeks after I kissed my avocado goodbye and sent it over to Parson's, I got a congratulatory letter in the mail saying my application has been accepted!!!

Now, I just need to come up with the tuition.  Looks like I am just going to have to close a few more deals.

Just what I needed to hear :)

Since college graduation in '07 my career life has been jabbed, round-house kicked and given an all out ass whooping by reality. I never really knew what I wanted to be when I grew up and now that I am grown up, I still don't really know. I like to cook, I like to follow fashion, I love playing with makeup and I'm also obsessed with CNBC. My variety of interests has predictably led me to a variety of jobs. From TV production to web design to P.R, to bar tending, modeling and now... Real Estate. Phew, I'm exhausted with searching for my golden egg within one of these careers. I just moved over to a new real estate company and am learning SO much and loving it! So... am I coming closer to finding my golden goose? I guess I'll have to wait a little more and see.

I follow the inspirational blog yes and yes and was relieved and inspired when I saw this photo on her blog!

For those of you who feel like reality might be giving you a beating too, just keep moving forward and don't stop. That's the difference between those who succeed and those who fail. You just have to keep on moving.

Domesticated Diva...

Out of all of my friends I was the LAST one to ever get into a relationship.  I went through high school and college always busy doing my own thing and now... my boy and I are going to be celebrating our 4th Christmas together! Or, our 2nd Christmas living together.

So, you can say within the last 2 years I have become a little domesticated. I went from never using a pot to making home made pasta and from not knowing how to use a washing machine to doing laundry for 2 on a weekly basis.  I must admit, I am enjoying it! Well, the cooking part more than the laundry part at least.

After taking a cooking class I learned how to make homemade pasta and bought all of the machines to process a variety of pasta.  Ravioli, Rigatoni, Bucatini.... you name it! Eggs and flour have become my new best friends :)

Recently, I decided to cook a Pre-Thanksgiving dinner.  My mom bought me a ravioli cutter and I couldn't wait to use it so I decided to make homemade braised



beef ravioli. It took me 3 hours but after braising the beef with carmelized onions, garlic, beef stock and red wine I had my ravioli filling. Then I got my little pasta machine out and rolled and rolled and rolled my pasta dough until it flattened out to about 3 feet long.  They looked pretty good... but they tasted even better.  (Thumbs up to becoming a Domesticaed Diva!)