Gifts for New Moms Like Kate Middleton

I can’t believe it was nearly two years ago that the first Royal baby was born. I’m just as excited as I was then for Kate’s second baby. Especially as it’s a baby girl! It’s about time the Royal family added a little femininity. This time around I caught the whole thing on Periscope, it was really fun to be part of such an important moment. The second royal baby was born on Saturday May 2nd, weighing 8lb 3oz, so a little smaller then her older brother. Re-living the experience reminded me of this post, which is just as pertinent now.

The world has been buzzing for months about the Royal Baby and I’m no exception! Finally a little prince was born on July 22, 2013 at 4:24 pm London time. He weighed in at 8 lbs. 6 oz. (where did Kate Middleton hide him?) and he and his mum (!) are said to be doing well. New dad Prince William said, “We couldn’t be happier.” It’s been said he bought a little teddy bear for the next in line to the crown.

A Gift Fit for a Princess
This Royal birth got me thinking — in lists, of course. What do you get a new mom? Especially a woman who has everything? You want to get something that she’ll really appreciate and value. It’s a big time in her life and you want your gift to be memorable.
It’s always a good policy to give something that can come from only you, but if you’re stumped, here’s my list of great gifts for new moms: Read more

My List for Beating the Heat

Times Square, NYC

Times Square, NYC (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Walking through NYC is basically like walking through pea soup these days. We’ve had several days of over 90 degree weather and I’ve had quiet enough.

Every TV station, including my own, is cover the heat. They have reporters in Central Park, at cooling centers, pools and local stores getting the pulse of the city.

One of the very first stories I covered as a summer intern at WLNY-TV was a heat wave. I was sent out with a videographer and had to ask people how they were “beating the heat.” So I hold a special place in my heart for heat stories. So what are you doing to stay cool?

  • Take advantage of the heat wave — Keep an eye out for special promotions. A lot of cities offer free public transportation during heat waves. Companies can have a few special offerings, too. NYSC is opening its doors to all visitors in the extreme heat. And JetBlue is offering some promo codes for up to 90% off when the temperature goes above 90 degrees. Read more

Take a Trip Down Memory Lane

Just last week an old friend (as in we’ve known each other a long time — not old like she’s actually old. I’m sure she would want me to clarify) dragged me to a concert.  I’m half excited and half embarrassed to tell you we went to the New Kids on the Block concert at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.  Eee — I know! So I really didn’t want to go and she made me.  And I’m really glad she did.

It’s was so fun to hear all those old songs again and remember what life was like back in the 90s. haha!  I had a smile on my face the whole time. (Maybe some of that had to do with the Pinot Grigio…but I digress.)  So I wanted to take the opportunity to tell all of you how good for your soul a little trip down memory lane can be!  Whether it’s music, pictures or even clothes — remembering the past can be a blast.

Remember how much fun it was for Carrie and the girls from Sex and the City?

A List Can Save Your Life

Turns out making a list can do a lot more than just help you remember to pick up milk from the grocery store. When I first started this blog I got a comment on one of my posts from a family friend. She mentioned that having a list actually saved her life. Yep – you heard me right. The act of writing something down reminded her to do something crucial, which prolonged her life. Amazing right!

Checklists and Your Health

The comment was from a woman named Kate — who is a mother of three and a full-time teacher. She’s constantly running here and there between her children, husband, work and personal life. But it was a to-do list that stopped her for a moment and reminded her to make her annual doctor’s appointments.

Because of that list – doctors found a precancerous breast condition. She was able to take precautionary measures to reduce her chances of developing advanced breast cancer later in life. She told me that checking off “make doctor’s appointment” from her to-do list – saved her life. The power of a simple list is amazing — it’s no wonder that doctors use them too. Read more

Is Your Office Killing Your Productivity?

Is your desk getting in the way of your productivity? Do you have papers and folders everywhere? Clutter isn’t the only thing that will rob your focus — how the furniture is arranged and what you choose to place on your desk play a big role too. It’s called Feng Shui and I was able to learn about it from one of the great experts, Judith Wendell from SacredCurrents.com. She’s given us a list of ways to make your office space work for you and allow you to be more efficient.

8 Point Feng Shui Office Checklist for Success

by Judith Wendell

Many of us experience life as unpredictable. Ensuring that our workspaces are supportive, is the purpose of Feng Shui. There are a few key Feng Shui principles (based on thousands of years of experience mind you) that will give you the edge you need to land the deal, get the client, dodge a bullet (or lay off) or be chosen for the award. It is also important to consider the comfort of the environment you are in.

No matter what you choose to do, this could make a difference in the feng shui of your office.

At the very least following the 8 point Feng Shui office checklist for success will offer you greater vitality and health at the office.

1. It is important to have a solid wall behind you. If that’s not possible then have the highest back chair you can. The further back you sit in a room the stronger your position. Read more