NYC Diaries: 5 Things You'll See at a Taylor Swift Concert

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This weekend, I unleashed my inner 11-year-old and went with a couple of my closest friends to see Taylor Swift. I’ve been a fan of her music since I was 14, so I feel no shame in admitting that I’ll give up a Saturday night any day to sing along (at the top of my lungs) to some of the best breakup songs ever written. And I thought I’d prepare you for what you’re getting yourself into if YOU ever attend the famous Red tour. So without further ado, here are a few things you’re guaranteed to see if you decide to see Taylor live...

Costume changes
Taylor’s known for her sense of style, and she doesn’t disappoint at her concert. Be ready to see lots of preppy polka dots and stripes on her more casual outfits. As for the gowns, think fairytale princess, and that’ll give you a pretty good idea of her fashion choices. Swift is the queen of girl sparkles and glitter, and she always looks perfect in them. As an added bonus, the area just inside the stadium had a museum display of some of Taylor’s most memorable outfits, including the outfit above.

Crazy outfits
People really get into the spirit of the tour and dress up to support their favorite country-pop artist. Many of those who attended on Saturday draped LED lights over their clothes, donned over-the-top themed costumes (there were a few bridal outfits in the audience, which I didn’t really understand), and Sharpied their favorite Swift lyrics onto their skin. Among my favorite costumes were a boy covered from head to toe in red solo cups and a man dressed as a Teletubby.

Creative signs
As with the costumes, people go all out for this concert. So be prepared to see cute slogans like “Cray cray for Tay Tay” and huge posters with the number “22” written on them. There were also a few trios who each held up a letter of “red” and then lowered the “r” when Ed Sheeran took the stage.

Red
Yes, it’s the name of the tour as well as a prominent motif throughout the show. From red dresses to red fireworks to red instruments, you’ll be seeing a lot of this color. And you’ll be feeling all of the emotions -- from bitter resentment over tough breakups to fiery joy over falling in love -- right along with Taylor.

Talent
If you’re going to the concert for Taylor, you won’t be disappointed. She’s at the top of her game singing and dancing high-energy numbers across the stage. (It was super hot and muggy outside, so I kind of felt bad for all the performers sweating under the many stage lights). But Swift’s not the only one who shines under the spotlight. Opening act Ed Sheeran is AMAZING. I’ll admit that I’d only heard of his song “The A-Team” when I first saw him perform. But right after the concert, I added all his songs to my favorites playlist. If you haven’t heard “Lego House,” go listen to it RIGHT NOW!

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--By Caitlin from Stream of Caitlinness

[Top photo via We Heart It]

NYC Diaries: 8 Weird Things That Are Not Weird in NYC

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When it comes to odd sights, New Yorkers have pretty much seen it all. We’re used to the strange and avant-garde. I mean, this is Lady Gaga’s home state, and it can’t get any weirder than that, right? But there are a few things in this lovely city that just wouldn’t happen anywhere else. And here are my favorites...

People dressed as superheroes and other characters
How do you make a quick buck in the city? Dress up as a popular kids’ movie/show character and charge tourists a dollar to take a photo with you. IT sounds like a total scam, and it basically is, but you’d be surprise how many tourists fall for it just to take a picture with Superman.

Heavily armed cops EVERYWHERE
Cops are one thing. But these guys are seriously ready for the zombie apocalypse with all the weapons they’re carrying. Scary? Yes. But you’ll feel really REALLY safe around them.

Street performers
An impromptu breakdancing show? Yes, please! Crowds often gather in the middle of the sidewalk to watch these talented amateur performers do amazing feats. And the best part is that it’s totally free.

Starbucks and Duane Reade stores on EVERY corner
I’m not kidding -- they’re on EVERY corner. So you have no excuse to miss a coffee run in New York City!

Rudeness
It’s just something you’re going to have to accept about New York: People are not always nice. The sidewalks are typically very crowded, and people will bump into you (both accidentally and on purpose). The first time I traveled to the Midwest and someone greeted me good morning as he passed, I remember looking at him like he was insane. Things like that just don’t happen around here.

HUGE stores
We have Macy’s and Toys R’ Us (complete with a full-sized indoor Ferris wheel). These stores are gigantic! I seriously can’t even shop in the supersized Forever 21 here because I get so overwhelmed. You’d think that so many options would be amazing, but it’s really kind of frustrating.

Celebrities
This is their territory and here, they are normal people. So don’t be surprised if you run into Ryan Gosling walking his dog around the block (like my super lucky friend did!).

Food trucks
You see them on college campuses once in a while, but in New York City, they’re a big deal. From Indian food to protein shakes to overpriced cupcakes, these food trucks are like mini restaurants just waiting for you to try their gourmet offerings. Just make sure you have enough of a sweet tooth to sample from all of the amazing bakeshops around town!

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--By Caitlin from Stream of Caitlinness

[Photos via We Heart It]

NYC Diaries: 4 reasons to love summer in the city

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New York is a great city with wonderful things to do and see throughout the year, but let’s face it: There’s nothing like a warm and beautiful city summer. This is my third summer officially working here, so I’ve had plenty of time to get used to and relish in the wonderful sights and activities this place has to offer. And over the past few years, I’ve grown to love some of the places and events that make these summers unique to the Big Apple...

A park with a view!
The High Line is perhaps the most serene area in the whole City. If there’s one place to escape the hustle and bustle of the streets but not travel TOO far, it’s here. A public park built on a historic railroad above the streets of NYC, the High Line is my favorite place to go to catch a break. There are flowers and grassy patches and vendors of all different kinds of things, from street art to gelato. I used to visit the park every morning during my first internship at the Oxygen Network, reading and trying to get a tan out in the lounge area.

Pet paradise!
It seems that everyone who lives in New York City has a dog, and summer is the season when you can’t step outside without passing by someone walking his or her pet. I’m an animal lover, so it’s always fun to see all the different dogs interact and play with each other. It serves as a reminder of the simpler pleasures in life.

Street style!
One of the best parts of summer is that we can shed our heavy and often less-than-cute winter coats and galoshes in favor of sundresses and strappy sandals. Summer always has the nicest fashions, and it’s great to see the variety of pretty outfits people wear to work as well as on their days off. And New York is never short on style!

Celebrity spotting at the gym!
Along with warmer weather comes more outdoor activities, which means that everyone’s rushing to the local gyms to sculpt that last-minute beach body. (I’ll admit that I’m one of those people.) And the best part is that celebrities frequent many of the NYC gyms. Hugh Jackman works out down the block from my office, for instance. And singer Sara Bareilles was in my gym just a few days ago! But not everyone depends on the gym to lose the extra winter weight. Summer’s the season where you’ll see a lot of joggers passing by. And it’s always nice to see the cute guys of New York shed their shirts and show off their near-perfect abs after a long day at work, isn’t it?

Have a happy summer!

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--By Caitlin from Stream of Caitlinness

[Photos via We Heart It]

NYC Diaries: The one in which I learn to own my 'flaws'

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When I was a little girl, I was a big fan of Disney princess movies. I wanted to be glamorous and pretty just like them, and I wanted more than anything for my own personal Prince Charming to fall madly in love with me for being so glamorous and pretty. It seemed like a practical and obvious dream at the time. If Cinderella could attract her perfect man with just a warm smile and a kind heart (being a princess seemed to require a kind heart, didn't it?), why shouldn't I aspire to do the same? Well, I’m an adult now. And love is complicated, to say the least.

So I've spent half my life obsessing over improving my looks and striving to be stick-skinny in hopes that I’d attract Mr. Right. I've spent countless hours in front of my bedroom mirror trying to minimize the appearance of my physical disability, certain that my future prince would not be attracted by a hunk of metal that made up my artificial left arm. I thought I had everything figured out, and I believed I’d live a happy life if I was pretty enough to catch his eye and nice enough to keep him interested. I never considered that maybe the thing that I so desperately tried to hide exactly what a guy could fall for.

In my (albeit somewhat limited) dating experience, I've always been a sucker for the classic compliments every girl wants to hear: “you’re beautiful,” “you’re so sweet." And those are great, but recently someone tried a completely different line. He told me that he was attracted by my strength, which was a trait I never gave much thought to in terms of impressing a guy. He said that I seemed like the kind of girl who could get through anything and still put on a brave face afterward. And yes, he mentioned how my disability contributed to that.

This boggled my mind. In previous relationships, my physical difference had been something to overlook or accept. It was never something I thought of as an asset. But now I can appreciate my disability as part of who I am and as something that has given me the strength I rely on today. And now that I've grown to love myself and become much more confident, I realize that that courage I rock on a daily basis is pretty damn hot.

So maybe I’m not a Disney princess, perfectly pretty and put-together, but I know how to own my flaws. And I also know now that the perfect guy for me will be attracted by the things, glamorous or not, that make me who I am and by the strength behind my struggles.

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--By Caitlin from Stream of Caitlinness

[Top print by Rep Set Goal; other photos via We Heart It]

NYC Diaries: Why I only date nerds

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I LOVED Melissa’s post yesterday about the 5 types of guys every girl should be crushing on. And since relationships and dating have been on my mind so much lately, I thought this was the perfect topic to write about. While I’ve had my share of crushes on all different types of men, I’ve found that those who would likely fall under the category of “nerd” make the best boyfriends. Sure, they get bad reputations about never seeing sunlight and living in the basement fixated on their Dungeons and Dragons or World of Warcraft. And sure, they can be a bit socially awkward. But underneath the 5 o’clock shadow and duct-taped glasses is often what every girl has been searching the world for: an amazing Prince Charming. Don’t believe me? Fine. I’ll give you 3 reasons why your Knight in shining armor is probably an actual Knight in shining armor in some fictional online world...

They’re smart
Nerds come in all kinds; there are history buffs, gamers, bookworms, etc. There’s no singular mold that defines what exactly the typical nerd looks or acts like, but I can assure you that you’ll probably know a nerd when you see one. But whether they’re “book smart” or just really obsessed with Star Wars, nerds are insanely knowledgeable when it comes to their particular fields of interest. And like Melissa often reminds us, brains can be extremely sexy.

They have the potential to be stylish
Who doesn’t want a guy who can dress well and look snazzy? When you date a nerd, you can rest assured that he won’t be wearing pants that constantly expose his rear end or eight pounds of metal accessories in an attempt to look like a bad-ass. Classic “nerdy” wardrobe choices -- like bow ties, sweater vests or a flattering pair of glasses -- can be very attractive on the right person.

They (usually) aren’t jerks
When you date a guy who knows he’s hot and is used to getting whatever girl he wants, he probably won’t know how to appreciate you. But a nerd who doesn’t normally see much action will most likely treat you the way you deserve. Nerds are also often less shallow and superficial, too. So I’m not sure if this is any comfort to you, but your nerdy man is typically more interested in your gaming skills than the way you did your hair and makeup. But then again, that’s not an entirely bad thing, right? Happy dating!

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--By Caitlin from Stream of Caitlinness

[Top photo via Someecards, bottom photo via We Heart It]

NYC Diaries: 6 tips for getting over any guy

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It’s funny how life can be super cheery and exciting for a little while, and then BAM...it hits you with blinding force that nearly knocks you out.

The breakup.

It’s sudden yet a long time coming, but that doesn't make the heartbreak hurt any less. It happens. And unfortunately, it happened to me just a few weeks ago when I found myself single and without my boyfriend for the first time in over two years. It was my first real long-term relationship, and it came crashing down around me in tiny broken pieces.

I wish I could say it’s been an easy process getting over my ex, but letting go of the first person I really loved after so much time together is not a particularly fun experience. In any case, I’ve been coping well with the help of supportive friends and 6 little tips I’ve been using to heal myself. So whether you’re just getting over a bad heartbreak or you’re trying to forget about the unavailable hottie you’re crushing on, try out these foolproof tips...

Make a change
When you enter a relationship, you are declaring that some part of you belongs to the other person. Your identities, though separate, are shared to form a unit as a couple. So the last thing you want to do is keep being the same person you were when you were with your ex. A week after I broke up with my boyfriend, I went to the salon and had my hair dyed for the first time in my life. It’s now a lovely shade of deep red and (I think) better matches my personality. It wasn’t a very drastic change, but I did want to mix things up now that I’m becoming a different person apart from my ex.

Treat yourself
What girl doesn’t love to pamper herself every once in a while? Go to the spa, take a shopping trip or get yourself a present just because you’re worth it. I bought myself lilies and a beautiful new bracelet from Tiffany’s, and it makes me feel so fulfilled and independent knowing that I don’t need anyone else to get me flowers and gifts.

Date yourself
I hate when people tell the newly single to “spend some time alone.” The way they phrase it makes it sound lonely and horribly depressing. That’s why I prefer to “go on a date” with myself. Take yourself out to the movies or dinner and sit by the park with a great book. Enjoy your own company without needing someone to “complete” you.

Try something new 
When you’re separating from someone you spent lots of time with and did so many things with, it’s important to find new hobbies and jump into something completely unrelated to your ex on your own. As for me, I started doing more yoga and joined a knitting circle my friend and her mother are hosting. These are things that have nothing to do with my ex-boyfriend and therefore don’t awkwardly bring up old memories or make me cry thinking about him.

Focus on friends
They've stood beside you through thick and thin, so you know they’ll have your back when you’re hurting. And chances are, your close friends will have experienced heartaches of their own and can relate to your pain. I’m really lucky that I have amazing friends who are constantly checking up on me and who are available to hang out when I need a tub of ice cream or just a good cry. They've felt it. They get it. And they know how to love me best.

Forgive
This is the hardest one for me. Forgiveness is not something that comes easily to most people. And I don’t just mean forgiving the other person for the wrongs they did. The worst is having to forgive yourself. I’m definitely not perfect, and I messed up a LOT in my last relationship. And while he’s no longer in my life to do the forgiving, I’m going to have to figure it out for myself. Am I completely done with this step? Honestly, no. I’m still working on letting things go and telling myself that I really do deserve love and happiness. But I’m getting there. And I know it’ll all be okay when I do.

Keep your hearts safe...

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--By Caitlin from Stream of Caitlinness

[Photos via We Heart It]

NYC Diaries: 5 ways to prepare for spring

FREE IMAGES Happy Tuesday, everyone! Let’s talk weather. Here in New York, the sky is dreary and overcast and filled with the promise of rain. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t mind a rainy day every once in a while. But after a long winter of bitter cold and snowstorms, I think I speak for most people when I say that we’re itching for spring. And this is NOT the springtime weather we had in mind. I was hoping for bright flowers and blooming trees and no more reason to wear my coat. And with the proverbial April showers well on their way, it doesn’t look like Mother Nature is giving us a break here.

So how do we stave off the blues during this extended winter? How do we manage to keep a positive attitude amidst the monotony and lack of sunshine? Here are five tips on surviving these next few weeks and welcoming spring the right way...

Get a head start on that spring cleaning
My mom used to tell me all the time: Don’t wait until tomorrow to accomplish something you can do today. So what are you waiting for? Instead of wasting a beautiful spring day stuck inside with chores, why not get it done while the weather is refusing to cooperate? Pack away the jackets and heavy sweaters you won’t need for another few seasons and start filling up your closets with the cheery sundresses and blouses you’ll be rocking within the next month.

Pamper yourself
To me, there’s nothing more uplifting than a spa day. Allow yourself to feel pretty, and get your nails or hair done at the local salon. You’re not just getting ready for a date or party; you’re prepping for a whole new season. So enjoy the wait because getting ready is half the fun.

Work off those last few pounds
This one follows the theme of preparation. Don’t just be passive and wait for the warm weather to arrive. Greet spring head-on by shedding the weight you put on over the holidays and get bikini-ready by the first beach-weather day of the year.

Create a springy atmosphere
Every season requires a bit of redecorating. So get rid of the poinsettias and wintry vanilla-scented candles, and replace them with boldly colored flowers and tropical scents. Sunflowers always put me in a great mood, especially on the dullest days. Even if the outdoors is a rainy mess, your home (or office or dorm) can be a springtime paradise.

Hit the mall

This is my favorite tip! I’m BIG on shopping, and what better time to update your spring/summer wardrobe? Stores are already selling shorts and bathing suits, so that will definitely put you in a warmer-weather mood. A lot of places are also having sales on winter clothes, so you can always stock up on those for next year!

So there you are...some ideas to make this dreary transition period more enjoyable. I hope you have a lovely time, and don’t let the weather get you down too much. Happy spring! And let me know: How are you preparing for the springtime?

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--By Caitlin from Stream of Caitlinness 

[Photos via Pinterest]

NYC Diaries: Rejection isn't confined to disabilities

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During last week's Women Tell All episode of The Bachelor, there was a scene where limb-different contestant Sarah Herron spills all about the pain she felt after Sean Lowe told her she was not the one for him. ”It’s the worst to be told ‘you’re great, but you’re not good enough for me,’” she says. “I always fall back on, ‘Oh well, it must be because I have one arm.’” It’s a heartbreaking moment as the audience sees Sarah fighting back tears. And it brought me back to the times when no boys wanted to dance with me at parties and my 6th-grade crush told me my shorter arm was ugly. So for the sake of honesty here, I’ll confess this: I cried after watching the show. I know exactly how Sarah felt, and I cried for her and for myself and for any girl living with a physical difference in a superficial world.

 

But here’s the thing that may just shed a little light on this sort of situation: We’ve all been there. Turn on the TV or pick up a book or magazine, and I doubt you’ll have too much trouble finding a scene where a beautiful and seemingly perfect girl with two arms faces rejection from the guy she wants. Rejection is not a phenomenon exclusive to women with disabilities. Dating isn’t easy for anyone. And when it comes down to it, a disability isn’t an automatic deal-breaker for most people. Just because you’re missing a limb or use a wheelchair doesn’t mean that all guys are going to reject you.

I know I’ve been very insecure about my arm throughout my life, but I feel comfortable knowing that my boyfriend loves all of me as I am. He’s there for me, and he’s happy with the way I look, even with messy hair and 1.5 arms. And through his eyes, I’ve learned to see that I’m not alone and that I’m worth loving.

Rejection just plain sucks sometimes. But when you do find someone who really loves you and who you can connect with and be vulnerable with, you’ll realize that all the hurts and heartbreaks kind of just fade away.

 

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--By Caitlin from Stream of Caitlinness

NYC Diaries: Surfin’ (and Street Lugin’ and Mountain Boardin’ and Cliff Divin’) USA

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Last week, I met one of the coolest people on the planet who just so happens to have traveled all over the planet. Kevin Michael Connolly is a photographer, author and professional adventurer who was born without legs and is always ready for the next daredevil challenge life throws his way. I’d read his memoir Double Take years ago, and after hearing about his new show Armed & Ready on the Travel Channel, I asked Kevin if I could interview him for my blog. I honestly didn’t think he would agree to it, but I found myself talking to Kevin at the Travel Channel headquarters in New York the next day during my lunch break.

I’ll admit that I was a nervous wreck, mentally reminding myself not to trip or fall or say anything stupid. But Kevin turned out to be super nice and open to answering all my questions. And the more he told me about his travels during the show, from Hawaii to Tennessee and everywhere in between, the more I felt a sense of wanderlust and wished I could take a few weeks off from work to explore the world.

Although I haven’t done much traveling myself, I feel like I’ve definitely lived through a lot of cool experiences and done things most people wouldn’t even dream they’d be able to do. And that’s what I love about New York. What other city in the world allows you to do everything from partying with Paris Hilton to watching musicals on Broadway to interviewing someone as cool as Kevin Michael Connolly? I’m pretty sure NYC is the most awesome place to live and work in the world. And until I get that month-long travel vacation I’ve always wanted to take, I’m happy knowing that every day is a chance for a new adventure here in the Big Apple.

You can read my full interview with Kevin here. Armed & Ready premieres tonight on the Travel Channel at 10/9c. I’ll be live-tweeting throughout the episode, so be sure to FOLLOW me on Twitter for more!

--By Caitlin from Stream of Caitlinness

NYC Diaries: My 100-Word Love Story

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I hated Valentine’s Day, but we’d just started dating and wanted to spend time together. I met him in the school library so we could hang out, not expecting his surprise. He’d arranged a desk with romantic gifts: a teddy bear, a box of marshmallow Peeps (my favorite), a rose and a homemade card. I opened the card and saw the words I hadn’t expected: I love you. Then he spoke the words aloud and kissed me. Yes, our first I-love-yous were on the corniest holiday of the year. But it was perfect. And 2 years later, we’re still together.

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--By Caitlin from Stream of Caitlinness

NYC Diaries: 7 signs you're a tourist

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Hello, all! So I was thinking about what my next blog post would be, and I decided to go with something specifically related to NYC. As you know, New York City is the land of tourists. People come from far and wide to see our many landmarks, from the Empire State Building to the largest Macy’s in the world. And of course, we native New Yorkers can easily tell who’s a local and who’s a foreigner. How, you ask? Well, a trained eye can help you out with that one. And of course, there are a few tell-tale signs to look out for. You’ll know instantly that someone is a tourist if they...
 
Take photos of random displays or objects
I see people snapping pictures of things like the electronic traffic signals all the time, and I have to wonder, "Why do they want a photo of something so mundane? Are there no traffic signs in other parts of the country?"
 
Ride the double-decker buses
No native New Yorker rides in one of those things. Ever. Try the subway if you’re brave and/or don’t mind getting lost. It’s a whole lot faster.
 
Buy or wear an I <3 em="" ny=""> shirt
Those little shops are specifically set up for tourists, and are way overpriced. If you want souvenirs to bring home, buy a New York Times paper. It’s a lot cheaper and screams New York more than a t-shirt does.
 
Stand still in the middle of a busy sidewalk
This is not only unusual, it’s also dangerous. (Do you want to get trampled?). Pedestrian traffic is very thick and very fast on New York’s busier streets. So make sure you just keep moving.
 
Use a map
NYC may have an intricate subway system, but any self-respecting New Yorker already has it memorized. Besides, burying your nose in a map will make you miss out on the beautiful (and often strange) scenery.
 
Are easily shocked
For most people, seeing public nudity (the Naked Cowboy, anyone?) or any number of out-of-the-ordinary behavior is enough to make heads turn and eyes bulge. But here in New York, we’ve seen it all. Nonchalance is our middle name, and nothing really shocks or disturbs us anymore.
 
Tip street performers
Maybe we’re a little jaded or maybe we’re just used to it, but this is one thing NYC-ers typically don’t do. It’s not that we don’t enjoy the music or dancing or acrobatic performance. It’s just that we see them everywhere. They haunt our subway stations and even perform on the trains. Seriously.

So there you have it, folks. If you’re ever in the Big Apple, see if you can tell the difference between the New Yorkers and your fellow tourists. (And no, we here don’t usually say “folks.”). Until next week!

 
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--By Caitlin from Stream of Caitlinness

NYC Diaries: On disabilities and love

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This is a topic Melissa is waaay better (and probably far more comfortable) at writing about than I am, but as a woman living with a disability, I do have some input about the whole thing. I was born without a left arm past the elbow, so I know what it’s like to have a physical difference that some might think would make it hard for me to date. Although I haven’t jumped into the dating game in a while (I’ve been with my current boyfriend, Chris, for over two years now), I realize that a disability can be a bit of a challenge when it comes to getting guys to see you as desirable. It’s not that people with disabilities can’t be desirable. That’s not the case at all. However, I do think the media needs to step it up in terms of how they portray anyone with a physical difference.

You know what I’m talking about here. Phantom of the Opera, anyone? Captain Hook? Darth Vader? Most disabled characters are either villains or just plain unattractive. Luckily, though, reality TV is growing out of that mold. This season of The Bachelor even features a contestant who, like me, has one hand. (I wrote about it on my blog last week). Sarah Herron fits in perfectly well with the other girls -- she’s thin, blonde and gorgeous. But it’s obvious that her difference is, well, different. She addresses it with bachelor Sean Lowe on their first meeting, saying that she hopes he won’t treat her as “disabled.”And he doesn’t. She proves herself to be a worthy contender in the running for Sean’s heart (or at least his highly coveted roses) Still, I think Sarah’s presence on the show marks a new era for disabilities in the media.

Representing people with disabilities on TV, especially on a dating show like The Bachelor, invites the audience to view them as normal people with full lives. It also allows the public to see them as totally datable. It’s fine for the other girls on the show to be jealous of the attention Sean pays Sarah, so why shouldn’t the rest of the world see her as just as likely to land a hot guy like Sean?

Essentially, my point is this: We ladies with disabilities are just like anyone else. We want to be loved and we want to be seen as lovable. But then again, that's what everyone wants, isn't it?

NYC Diaries: Why Every New Yorker (and Everyone Else in the World) Needs a Dog

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Hi, everyone, and happy New Year! I hope your holiday season was as amazing as mine. I spent Christmas with my family, turned 21 and adopted an adorable dog. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned over these past two weeks, it’s that getting a pet changes everything for the better.

I adopted Augustus, my 1.5-year-old Yorkie (Editor's note: How cute is he? And this coming from a cat person...), from a local breeder who said he wasn’t selling because of his limp. As soon as I saw his picture, I knew I was in love and that Augie (as I like to call him) was The One for me. He’s a tiny ball of energy, and being a dog owner has made me realize how essential it is for people to have pets.

I’m not saying that it’s all sunshine and roses. A dog requires a lot of work and time and money. But it’s sooooo worth it, and you get paid back in loads of love. That being said, here are my top 5 reasons why every girl needs a dog...

They make you happy
This one’s a no-brainer. There’s nothing like coming home after a long, dreary day and being greeted by a hyper pup with a wagging tail. Regardless of mood or level of stress, Augie always puts a smile on my face.

They love you unconditionally
Whether I’m fighting with a friend or arguing with my boyfriend, I know that Augie will be waiting for me at home with his puppy kisses. I saw a quote online once that read, “Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day." And that’s absolutely true!

They find all your lost socks and shoes
Most dogs seem to have a foot fetish and an obsession with footwear of any kind. When I get home after work, I always see about five pairs of socks and some mismatched flip-flops by his bed. Adorable? Yes. Yes, it is.

They’re cuddly
I call Augie my little nap buddy because he’s softer and warmer than the cutest teddy bear. I can deal with his snoring and drooling because, like I said, that’s love.

They make you feel like a million dollars
On my worst days when I get down on myself for not looking like a movie star or having a few extra pounds on me, Augie reminds me that I’m still awesome in his eyes. After all, you don’t need to impress a dog like you would a potential suitor. A pet will accept you for who you are (especially if you have food on you).

So, do you have any pets, friends? How have they made your life better? What do you love about them? Let's celebrate all things pets! xoxo

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--By Caitlin from Stream of Caitlinness

NYC Diaries: 5 tips for last-minute holiday shopping

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Christmas is almost here! And guess what? I still haven't bought a single present. Between work and college finals, I haven't had a spare moment to myself. So we all know what that means -- this weekend is going to be filled with shopping, shopping and more shopping. I know for a fact, though, that I'm not alone in looking for gifts last-minute. Here are a few ideas and tips for shopping in the last few days before Christmas...

Make a list

And I don't mean a wish list for Santa. Write down everyone you need to buy a present for, and make sure you give yourself enough time to shop for each one.

Use online deals

Sure, it may be too late to order anything in time for the 25th, but you can still check out the awesome deals online. LivingSocial, Groupon and RetailMeNot are great Web sites to start with.

Don't forget pets

Chew toys and treats are inexpensive, and your (or your relatives'/friend's) pet will appreciate partaking in the holiday cheer with you.

Have a very New York Christmas!

If you're spending the holidays away, remember to bring back souvenirs for your loved ones. I love NY t-shirts, anyone?

If all else fails, try a bookstore

We all have people in our lives who are tough to shop for. What do you get the person who has everything, or whose hobbies and interests are very particular? Barnes & Noble has books on ANY topic imaginable. So get your history buff/coin-collecting/sewing-obsessed/botanist friend what they will love!

Have fun with all your last-minute shopping, and let me know how everything goes in the comments! Happy holidays and enjoy a fabulous New Year!

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--By Caitlin from Stream of Caitlinness

[Photos via We Heart It]

NYC Diaries: How to beat holiday stress

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I don't mean to sound like a Scrooge, but this holiday season hasn't been a very welcome one for me. It's my first Christmas as a full-time working woman, and I'm beginning to see how challenging it is to balance everything. As much as I love my job, I haven't had much time to shop for presents or decorate the tree or even spend time with friends and family. When I was in college as a full-time student (I'm finishing my last semester online because of my job), I remember having a month off for winter vacation. This year, I have two days. That's it -- just Christmas Day and New Year's Day. So what's a 20-year-old girl to do when the whole world is carolling while I'm sitting in an office? Well, I guess my only option is to take a deep breath and just take in all the merry.

When you really think about it, the holidays are NOT about comfort and warmth, as people now seems to think. Whatever your religion or lack thereof, the holidays are about surviving struggles with a smile. Christians celebrate the birth of a Savior in a horribly uncomfortable stable because there was no room elsewhere. Those who are Jewish rejoice that light miraculously lasted for longer than expected and dreaded. And even if you're not particularly religious, wintertime is not a very joyful period in terms of weather and and lack of sunlight. What's so striking about the holidays is that they are not inherently happy; people MAKE them happy.

So maybe this season was a bit harder for me with my new time limitations. But maybe all I really need are those two days off to enjoy my friends' and family's company. I don't need to spend a million dollars on presents or hours decorating a tree, but I get to spend a little bit of time with the people I love most. And that's what counts during the holidays -- celebrating the little joys amid the hardships.

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--By Caitlin from Stream of Caitlinness

[Photos via Brandi Reed]