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

Read my blog, LIKE me on Facebook and FOLLOW me on Twitter for more!

--By Caitlin from Stream of Caitlinness

An Open Letter To New Year's Eve

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Dear New Year's Eve:

I must say, I feel a bit silly writing to you like this. After all, you're not really a person, are you? Letters are written to people -- people who can talk and feel and breathe. You're none of those things. You're just another day on the calendar. One out of 365 of them, actually. And you come around, well, just like clockwork. Year after year.

So, no, you are most definitely not a person. You're more of an annual event -- one I've experienced some 30 times in my life. You don't have any power over me. Did you hear that, New Year's Eve? Did you? You don't have any power over me. Zilch. Zero.

And yet...I am writing to you. Today. Less than 24 hours until the chimes (and that huge ball in Times Square) ring in a new year. 2013. Sounds sort of like the future, doesn't it? I mean, it IS the future. Tomorrow could be the first day of the rest of my life. And yes, that scares me a little. OK, sometimes it scares me a lot. Like I'm standing on my own sort of cliff, just staring down into...nothing. The bottom of the cliff seems to go on forever, leading to some sort of black hole vortex that's bound to change you. Forever. You don't want to jump, but for some reason, you can't move away from the ledge. It's scary, freeing, wild and intoxicating all at the same time.

Because when I sit back and think about you -- really think about you -- I realize something about you, New Year's Eve: You're both a blessing and a curse. You're probably the only day of the year that people love and dread simultaneously. When they think about you in relation to the year that just passed, it can be downright depressing. I'll be the first to admit that. But when you stop and think of what's ahead -- all the possibilities that go along with a new year -- well, it can just fills your heart with hope and promise.

And that's exactly what you, New Year's Eve, have always symbolized for me. A new beginning, full of promise and hope and wonder. I wonder what you have in store for me in 2013. I can't help but wonder what's just beyond that ledge. So, 2013, I'm ready for you! Bring on your adventures that will become tomorrow's magical memories! xoxo

[Photos via We Heart It]

Would You Rather: Spend the holidays close to home or travel?

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If you had asked me this question 10 years ago, I would have matter-of-factly said, "I love to travel during the holidays, of course!" After all, I treasured our vacations south of the Mason-Dixon Line, and couldn't think of a better place to spend my Christmases -- and summers! But, we've spent the last few years close to home, and it was surprisingly enjoyable. We enjoyed quality time with each other, and I like to think that I'll look back on these memories in 10 years like I look back at my childhood travels now.

So, it's your turn, friends...do you prefer to stay home for the holidays or travel? What did you do this year? Last year? Why do you prefer one over the other? Let's chat! xoxo

P.S. A HUGE holiday giveaway is coming up shortly! :)

[Photo via We Heart It]

Merry Christmas

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Merry Christmas, friends! Where are you spending the holiday? We enjoyed a delicious breakfast and opened a few gifts this morning. This afternoon, we're heading to the movies. Any recommendations? I also can't say thank you enough for reading So About What I Said for the last four years. I am so grateful that you've welcomed my little blog into your life with such open arms. I wouldn't want anyone else sharing this amazing adventure with me, so THANK YOU!!!!

I've got some fun, light-hearted posts planned for the rest of the week, but am looking forward to coming back with our regularly scheduled programming next week! Wherever you find yourself today, I hope you're surrounded by loved ones, lots of joy and plenty of food!!! Cheers to you, friends!! xoxo

P.S. Harry wishes you a very Merry Christmas too! :)

 

P.P.S. More posts from Christmases past: 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Letters To My Future Husband: Letter #164.

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Dear Mr. Melissa Blake:

Well, Sweetpea, here we are -- Christmas Eve 2012. I know I say this every darn year (and it probably makes me sound like an old woman...), but where does the time go? It seems like it was only last year. Does time go fast wherever you are? Wherever we are?

It's shaping up to be a rather bittersweet Christmas this year. I'm still getting over this wretched cold that's been plaguing me for nearly a week now. One thing you should most definitely know about me is when it comes to being sick -- colds, flues, hang nails -- I tend to be a rather, ummm, difficult patient. My theory? I used up all my brave faces during my hospital days, so now, the well is pretty dry. Don't get me wrong. I'm not completely fargone when I'm sick -- let's just say I've mastered the art of whining, and my catchphrase has become, "I'm never going to get better." My mom and I were both sick with colds and kept arguing about who was the sickest. I think I won...well, that's what I've chosen to believe, at least.

And yesterday, my grandfather collapsed and was taken to the hospital. They found a mass in his lung and are going to run more tests today. Needless to say, I hate being this far away from him. I keep picturing him all by himself in his hospital room; it's amazing how much bigger those 1,000 miles feel when something like this happens.

My sister remarked this morning that the holidays are hard for us, and she's right. Sure, I remember all the good times we had, but I also remember the not-so-good times. This year marks the 10th anniversary of my father's cancer diagnosis. No matter how bright the Christmas tree (and trust me, ours is bright this year...) or how gorgeous the snowflakes, there's no way to fully escape certain memories. And maybe I don't want to escape those memories. Maybe I know that pushing them aside wouldn't be at all healthy in the end, that it would only cause more heartache later on down the line. So, I suppose I try to integrate those feelings into the holidays this year -- letting them simmer on the surface, but not fester too deeply. Does that make sense, Sweetpea? I hope you have a wonderful holiday, wherever you are. And of course, I can't wait for our first holiday together. Until we meet... xoxo

[Photos via Le Love]

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!

Read my blog, LIKE me on Facebook and FOLLOW me on Twitter for more!

--By Caitlin from Stream of Caitlinness

[Photos via We Heart It]

My 100-Word Holiday Story: On a mother's legacy

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Every Christmas when I was little, Mummy baked her famous chocolate cake. A moist chocolate sponge with a generous lick of chocolate butter cream icing. Guests loved it so much that she gave them cakes as gifts. Eventually, she was doing up to 20 cakes every Christmas, and for weeks, the kitchen was full of sponges cooling on wire racks and the heady smell of baking. My lovely Mum is unable to bake nowadays, so I’ll make and share a chocolate cake with her this holiday and hope it’ll spark a memory of the Christmases she gave us with love.

 

--By Karen

 

P.S. Here's a similar recipe, if you'd like to try it.

My 100-Word Holiday Story: On reliving the magic of the season

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Everyone says that three is the perfect age. It’s true. Innocent little sponges waiting to be filled with new experiences. After so many years of going through the holidays without family, I lost sight of the magic. Singing songs, learning about Rudolph and Frosty, baking cookies -- it all comes alive -- but there is nothing more heartwarming than waking up each morning to see if Santa came yet. The disappointment only building to the suspense of his actual arrival. Nothing comes close to seeing the spirit of the holidays than seeing it through the eyes of a child.

 

--By Samantha from Reinvented By Me



Love Lounge: On childhood and snow globes

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A couple years ago, I found one while I was rummaging around my room. They're small. They come in a variety of scenes. And they used to entertain me for hours on end.

Snow globes.

When I was a kid, my parents always used to buy my sister and me snow globes around the holidays. You'd think they'd just given us $1 million by the sight of our faces -- all lit up (our faces, not the snow globes) with huge smiles brimming from ear to ear.

Now, these snow globes were nothing special, probably the cheap kind you can buy at Wal-Mart, but it felt as if they'd just given us those expensive kinds. Even as a young child, I knew all about the top-of-the-line expensive kind. They were the sorts of snow globes you'd see in catalogues. Huge catalogues. Filled with equally huge snow globes. These things were mammoth, I tell you. These snow globes were mounted on a huge platform -- at least it looked that way to my young and covetous eyes -- and each elaborate scene (trust me, there were many elaborate scenes) was encased in a thick, round dome. I could barely get my hand around its diameter. Or, that's what I assumed because, remember, all I had to go by was the photo in the catalogue.

Still, I so desperately wanted to hold one in my hands. Just once. To feel the weight of it on my fingers. To run my hand over the smooth, crystal clear dome.

But every year, I'd find the small ones in my hand. The scenes they depicted varied over the years. There was the scene of Santa Claus and his wife, Mrs. Claus, in front on their home in the North Pole. There was the scene of the reindeer trying to pull the sleigh full of toys.

My sister and I would just sit there, holding these little treasures. We'd tilt the globes one way and watch the snow float and drift. We'd tilt it the other way and watch the snow drift back over to the other side.

All the scenes, we soon found out, were happy and calming. That was the gift my parents wanted to give us, each and every single year. Whether it came in a large or small dome, with or without a mounted platform, didn't really matter. Looking back, I can't remember a Christmas where I didn't receive one of those small snow globes and felt a rush of happiness and soothing calm run down my spine. All thanks to what I'd perceived to be a "small" snow globe. 

And now, as I get older, I see another little lesson in those globes. It may be that the world is spinning around us -- the snow may be whirling in thick patches, making it nearly impossible for us to see. But even if everything around us is moving in chaotic motion, that doesn't mean we can't remain still. I always marveled at how the centerpiece of those globes never moved out of place. Santa, Mrs. Claus and the reindeer never lost their balance. Now it all makes sense to me. Maybe I'll buy myself a much-needed snow globe this year.

Did your parents give you snow globes when you were young, friends? Aren't they magical? xoxo

P.S. Remember these snow globes?

[Photos via We Heart It]

Vintage holiday posters

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We're officially one week away from Christmas, and we might even get our first big snowfall later this week! Paulo Viveiros's vintage holiday posters are putting me in the holiday spirit this morning. What about you, friends? xoxo

P.S. A new Love Lounge is coming your way shortly! :)

[Thanks, Heather]

My 100-Word Holiday Story: On a father's love

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My Dad was always the last person to finish his Christmas shopping. Because of this, he always gave us the most well-intentioned, yet totally random, gifts. Making Christmas lists for Dad was pointless, as it seems he would use them only as inspiration. The formula went like this: One "techie" gift (Dad was a total computer geek) and some smaller gifts. I would often get a favorite tube of toothpaste wrapped in a pretty box under the tree. I miss my Dad around the holidays. What I wouldn’t give to see one more tube of toothpaste under the tree...

--By Ashley from Quarter Life (Crisis) Cuisine

P.S. What's your holiday memory? I'd love to hear it! Send your 100-word story to mellow1422 [at] aol [dot] com! I look forward to hearing from you! :)

Fashion Friday: Holiday nails

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We all know just how much I love the color pink -- see this post for proof. And when I got together with my friend Lexi awhile back for a little nail-painting fun, which color did I choose? Pink, naturally. But the closer we get to the holidays, the more I'm seeing bright, sparkly nails -- think glittery golds, blues and reds like those from Essie's latest collection. I find these bold, fun colors really inspiring and the perfect way to add some calm to holiday stress. So, in an effort not to be out-sparkled (Is that even a word??), here are a few of my faves...

Silver bell nails...

Bold red.

Christmas glitter...

Gold nails...

Black glitter...

Metallic nails...

Dark green nails...

Well, friends, what do you think? Are you a fan of glitter nails for the holidays? Will you be trying it this year? xoxo

P.S. In case you want to go the less-involved route, these real nail strips look great! :)

Holiday Gift Guide 2012 Part #7: Six picks for your perfect pet

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This buster bowl to elevate their dining experience, $29.99.

A plaid dog snuggie because, well, it's a dog snuggie, $5.99.

Catnip that your cat will most definitely go bananas over, $8.99.

A sleek new collar to make all the other neighborhood pets jealous, $19.

A cozy bed for sweet dreams, $39.99.

And of course, some toys, so they can play to their little heart's content, $5.99.

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.

Read my blog, LIKE me on Facebook and FOLLOW me on Twitter for more!

--By Caitlin from Stream of Caitlinness

[Photos via Brandi Reed]

Wanted: 100-word holiday stories

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Well, friends, we've just about covered everyone on your list with this year's Holiday Gift Guide, including great gift picks for moms, dads and co-workers, and we'll be back to our regularly scheduled posting in the New Year. But in the meantime, I'd love to celebrate the other side of the holidays. You know, the true joy of the season. Over the next few weeks, I want to feature your stories, friends! Your best holiday memory. What family means to you during this season. Your favorite family tradition. Your favorite holiday food. Your favorite holiday vacation. I want to hear it all. And, just like our Valentine's Day and Back-To-School series, I want to hear these stories in 100 words!

Doesn't that sound like fun, friends? I'd love to hear from you, so feel free to email me (mellow1422 [at] aol [dot] com), and look for the fun to begin next week!! xoxo

[Top photo via Say Yes To Hoboken; bottom photo by Shannon Blue]

Holiday Gift Guide 2012 Part #6: Your friendly co-worker who makes you smile on Monday morning, loves telling family stories and leaves little treats on your desk.

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This tabletop tree to bring holiday cheer to her desk, $19.99.

A set of pens emblazoned with her name, so she'll never lose them, $3.74.

A Starbucks gift card to start her mornings right.

Colorful page tabs, $11.

A cute gold elephant ($39) and gold pig bookends ($29.95) for her desk in honor of her animal-loving nature.

A 2013 planner to make sure you don't forget the important things in the New Year, like plenty of long lunches and after-work shopping trips, $20.

This Kate Spade paper weight to add some color to her Monday mornings, $30.

Mini planters for her window sill, $24.

This comfy pillow for quick naps between meetings, $49.

Gourmet dipped fancy berries ($24.95) and handmade sea salted caramels ($24.99) because she's so sweet.