A Day Late and A Dollar Short

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday. After the lush celebration of Mardi Gras, many people are now entering the deprivation of Lent. Not only am I a day late, but this year I’m not giving anything up. Why? Because that's what I think Jesus would do. Instead of blindly suffering (didn't Jesus already do that for us?), I’ve decided to pick up a new positive habit that helps people rather than learning through loss. The one I chose? Being nicer to strangers.

Typically I walk around with a rather stern face on to discourage weirdos from talking to me or getting in my way when I’m walking somewhere. The past few days, I’ve been in such a good mood I’ve been smiling at and talking to everyone. And you know what? It's not half bad. I had braces for so many years, I might as well show off my perfectly straight teeth, right?

I'll take it a step farther, and even say this. Being nice to strangers is fun! It makes waiting in line for things go more quickly. People tend to be nice back. And sometimes they’ll even do something nice for you in return or give you something (just don't accept any candy) simply because you made their day a little better.That's incentive for you, right?

Things I've gotten for free for being nice to strangers:

• A Kayaking Trip
• Drinks
• A Jet Ski Ride
• Good Conversation
• A New Computer Charger
• Some Laughs
• A Lesson on How to Hoola Hoop Dance
• An Extra time around on the Carousel
• Chocolate
• Tips in a Fitness Class

As a side note, it helps if you smile and bat your eyelashes while being nice. Now get out there and be friendly. Imagine if we all tried it for 40 days. Wouldn't that be better than not eating chocolate, or drinking soda?

Words of Wisdom

"You’re not married because that’s not where you are in the story of your life right now. Take a moment to breathe. Put your feet up. Eat one of those tiny cups of chocolate pudding that, according to television commercials, stop time. Wherever you are in life, really, that’s where you’re supposed to be. That’s not some hippie jive talk. That is the truth. If everybody’s life unfolded according to their precious and predictable little plans, then the world would be plagued with millions of billionaire rock star-celebrity chef-novelists flying around in golden helicopters"

-via Yes and Yes  

Don't read the quote above, without reading the hilarious article paired with it on Yes and Yes via The Frisky.

Then take a moment to have a chuckle, and just be happy with your life exactly how it is right now. Even if it's not exactly what you had planned, I'm sure it's not half bad.

Guaranteed Food Coma

Tomorrow is Fat Tuesday everyone! So, start preparing a hedonistic day for yourself, in which you indulge in all of your pleasures (whatever they may be) before the 40 days of abstaining that begin with Ash Wednesday. Each year, my fat Tuesday celebration takes a slightly different route.

A couple years ago, I went to a Cajun festival at the delicious creole restaurant Delta Grill. They had all my favorite New Orleans-esque cuisine (Jambalaya! Crayfish! Hurricaines! Oh Yum!). Then to top it off, they had the most delicious Cajun Martinis made with vodka marinated in jalapenos for a long long time, served with a refreshing floating okra pod when you need a break from the heat. Delish. I christened them the Dirty Cajun, for being like a wonderful dirty martini with a Cajun twist.

This year, I've been abstaining from carbs and junk food as part of a get fit plan for my 26th birthday. So, naturally, the pleasure I'm dreaming of on fat Tuesday is a large greasy doughnut. Not just any doughtnut mind you, a special Polish doughnut that is only made once a year, the Paczki.

Pronounced poonch-ki, this little devil is like the godfather of the Boston Creme. Thanks to my Polish heritage, and my mother's gigantic sweet tooth, I grew up eating these delights once a year. They are a doughnut-like pastry (but heavier, thicker dough), filled with an array of delicious custard flavors including: apple, lemon, raspberry, and then deep fried. They'll cost you about 500 calories, and 25 grams of fat. And yes, that is per doughnut, not for the entire box (which you'll be tempted to wolf down). The Poles? We actually call Fat Tuesday Paczki Day (Fat, big custard filled doughnut? similar meanings there, right?), and use the day to consume these in large quantities. But beware, an irresistible food coma will follow. Be sure you are near a comfy bed with a cozy blanket and some warmed milk before eating too many.

For all of you New Yorkers checking in, I did a little Yelping, and it looks like Star Bakery in Williamsburg is the place to go for these treats, anywhere in Greenpoint where the name ends in ski, or the East Village Meat Market on 2nd. I myself will be checking out the Polish GI Deli on 1st and 7th for my yearly treat.

What will you do to indulge this year?

Currently Celebrating

I am currently celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Hoboken, NJ. But why? It's not the actual holiday yet, you may be thinking. Fact. Want to know another true story?

New Yorker's love St. Paddy's Day so much, that we:

• Invade surrounding areas up to a week and a half early to celebrate
• Hold pub crawls the weekend before
• Have a big parade on the actual day of
• Probably celebrate the weekend after

So, put on some green and get in the spirit! I personally purchased this green gingham top especially for the occasion.

What would you wear for St. Patty's Day? How do you celebrate?

New Shoes

My favorite new wardrobe item? These cheeky cheetah print heels, dubbed the Wild Thing. I bought them on impulse at Forever 21 on a night with a little bit of spring fever. Their open toes are not yet quite in season. But at $28? They’re a steal.

The total height is around 5 inches, making me a talllll lady with them on, yet with a 1.5 platform, and wedge construction they are really quite easy on the feet.

Today I paired them with black opaque tights, a knee length pencil skirt, gray top, and brown cardi. Voila! Work appropriate animal print. Last weekend I wore them with tights, a black tank dress, and a long green cardi. Voila! Beer garden appropriate!

They’re proving to be the most versatile little item new to my closet in a while. I can wait to wear them with short shorts and breezy little dresses. A little animal print adds a lotta pop to an outfit.

What would you pair these shoes with?

Words of Wisdom

"Things don't change; we change."

-Henry David Thoreau

Deal of the Day

Like fancy shampoo and conditioner? Hate paying salon prices for it? I’m your new best friend. I typically buy drug store hair products. Do I love Aveda and Bumble and Bumble? Of course. But, I just can’t deal with paying that much to wash my hair, and my hair isn’t finicky enough to reject Pantene or John Frieda.

A couple weeks ago, my roomy mentioned that she gets her hair products at TJ Maxx. I thought, how resourceful! What a great idea! Then, I promptly forgot. Then I was at TJ’s shopping for some new shoes or a new purse or BOTH! I was waiting for my Mom near the dressing room, and happened upon the beauty products section.

GLORIOUS! They carry the big bottles, I’m talking 32 oz for prices around $7. That’s almost how much I pay for a small bottle of the stuff at Duane Reade. I selected Peter Coppola Body Builder Pump Up Shampoo and some organic aloe vera conditioner, both for a total of about $14. It will last me for months. I’ve already told everyone I can think of. Now, go out there, and save yourself some money.