We all know it’s hard to stop having feelings for your ex once a relationship is over.  Enough groveling and feeling sad for yourself – it’s time to pick up the pieces of your shattered heart!

Here’s how…

1. Unfriend them on facebook.  Unfollow them on Twitter.  Unlink them on LinkedIn.
I know – you won’t be able to see their status updates on your newsfeeds, the new pictures they post or are tagged in, who they are “now friends with,” etc.  Stop stalking and start clicking – REMOVE THIS PERSON AS A FRIEND.

2. Go out with your friends.
I don’t care if you are not in the mood or you don’t feel like yourself.  You have to go out and have some fun.  It’s OK if you talk about your ex for a few minutes – but if it starts to take up the entire conversation all night long – stop talking.  This is a time to let loose and relax with good people.

3. Put away all their things.
Now notice, I didn’t say throw their things out. I have a theory about this.  As long as their things are out of sight, it’s fine.  You will know you have progressed immensely when you take a glance at an old photo album of you two, or look at a necklace he gave you one Christmas and not care at all about it.

4. Don’t try to get your stuff back.
Just think of it as a sunk cost.

5. Push them off that pedestal.
Don’t idolize them and build them up into something great. They’re not. So even if they call you/email /BBM/IM/text – whatever form of digital communication they choose – don’t go out of your way for them. No longer do they deserve preferential treatment.

6. Don’t look for a new love right away.
It may seem like a good idea to jump onto eharmony or match.com, have someone fix you up, or go out with your friends and try to pick up a new person.  But I really feel like when you are not looking for love, it happens.  People know when you are on the hunt. They can feel your intensity and insecurity and run the other way.  This is only going to lower your self esteem if you keep getting rejected or not find someone right away.

7. Remember the bad times.
If you start to feel nostalgic, then think of all the times he was an a$$ and she was a bitch to you. That should do it. Remember when he forgot your birthday? Or that time when she made you go to the mall all day with her and you missed your Alma Mater play in that Bowl game?

8. Stay busy.
Get a hobby –try cooking, learning a new language, or even better – start seducing somebody they were always jealous of.  Oops, if that gets back to them

Thoughts? Think I am crazy or on the right track?

Next week, it’s happening…

I’m turning 30.

Whenever someone asks how old I am going to be, and I say “30,” I often get a sad half grin.  Like, “Oh, I’m sorry, 30 is a big one…”

To be honest though, I am really not freaking out about it as much as some people do.  I always thought “29” was such an odd age anyway.  You are still technically considered to be in your “twenties” but it’s not like I’m the same person I was earlier on in my twenties.  The beer pong table is no longer set up in my apartment; I actually enjoy sitting at a nice chilled out lounge with good friends instead of standing in a packed, sweaty meat-market bar; and I can afford to buy things that I want. (But don’t get me wrong, just because the beer pong table is out of the apartment, doesn’t mean I won’t beat you in a game).

So, instead of a being a “Debbie Downer” about turning 30, I’ve listed 10 reasons why it’s going to be an excellent birthday …

1. I will smile and glow when people can’t believe I’m 30.
2. I only have to wait five more years to become president.
3. I get to say, “I remember when I was in my 20s.”
4. I get better vibes from a round, even number.
5. More exciting to blog for a week about your 30th birthday.
6. I get to buy a new outfit for the occasion.
7. I can stop trying to find myself and instead start creating myself.
8. When I get carded it is a compliment.
9. Well, at least I’m not 40 yet.
10. I have learned from all my TV watching that 40 is the new 30 and 30 is the new 20.

So for all of you turning 30 this year, make it big. Epic in fact.

As many of you know, I love television.  Some people love to read, hike, ski, write poetry…I absolutely love TV.

Many of you also know that I love crappy TV. In fact, I’ll give anything a try at least once.

Perhaps some of you can understand where I am coming from and still catch an episode of One Tree Hill from time to time.

Yes, One Tree Hill.

Anyway, last week’s episode was quite the tear jerker.  AND it actually made me think about life and…

Love.

Just in case some of you missed the episode (which I’m guessing everyone did except one or two of you…and yes I am talking about a certain best friend of mine from California who I can always count on watching cheesy TV), there were many subplots, but the most prevalent theme was to go after what you want. Don’t hesitate.  Life is too short to play games, especially with love.

This is something that many of us have heard before but how many of us really live life like it might be our last day? I don’t want to get too sappy but I will leave you with this:

Smile more, go with your gut, and love like you’ve never been hurt.

Looking around my apartment, I’m thinking to myself…”you know, I really like (fill in the blank).”  So here is my list of random recommendations for this snowy tri-state day…

1. I’m all about a bargain as most of you know.  Many also know that I am quite fond of tattoos and just got one the other day.  Instead of buying expensive lotion to help heal the permanent ink that is now embedded in my skin, I recommend Harmon Face Values Daily Moisturizing Lotion. Cheap and does the trick. *Note: You don’t have to have a tattoo to use this lotion :)

2.  How annoying is it to find the right slot for your knives in your “knife block?” Ok, for those of you that don’t cook and don’t find this annoying at all, skip to #3.  Anyway, the Kapoosh knife holder is amazing and it fits any knife because there are no specific slots! It’s just a bunch of plastic rods that move around.  Hard to explain, just check it out, trust me. Amazon

3. I don’t know what it is about random wood and metal sculptures, but they just make me smile.  For instance, I have a heart decoration on my desk and when I glance over, it just makes me happy and feel “adult.”

4. I will never cut a straight line again.  Why should I when I can use my scrapbooking scissors and cut with an “edge.” Want a rugged look? No problem. Or an elegant design? Consider it done. I use them to cut edges that are a pattern rather than a straight line. Basically it looks like it took you ages to cut a picture or piece of paper into a unique design – but realistically it took no time.

5. For those of you that live in NYC, we are used to cramped spaces.  We laugh at the idea of having a dining room table! Well, if you have an open wall, I totally recommend this wall-mounted table.  It folds flat to save space and flips out when you want to eat.  Voila! You have a table. Grab two stools and you are set for a romantic dinner.  I have only seen this at IKEA and I recommend staining it a color that matches the rest of your decor.  Visit IKEA

For more information about anything I mentioned, please email info@GiftScrap.com or post a comment! Love to hear your recommendations as well!

Yesterday on the NJ transit train, I was a tad early so I snatched a seat in a row by myself so I did not have to make any awkward early morning conversations with random strangers – but there was one problem.  The seat I took so eagerly was the seat that made my commute “backwards.”

I have done this trip a few times now and I thought I knew the direction of the train. Before the train started to move, I glanced at my fellow riders facing me on the other seats. I thought to myself, oh, poor things, I hope they don’t get motion sickness because they are going to be riding backwards! Little did I know, I should have said that to myself.

You may be thinking, why didn’t she move right away when the train started to move? Is she that lazy? Well, before I could, all the forward facing seats had been grabbed and the ticket taker was right next to me clicking away on my train ticket.  Once they put that clicked paper ticket back on your seat, I feel like there is no turning back.  It’s a done deal. You’re stuck.

Am I the only one that hates not facing the right direction on the train? It’s like life is moving backwards and I pray that motion sickness does not hit.

Luckily I survived to tell the story.

No vomit and my life moved forward the rest of the day.

Last weekend was one of the best weekends of my life.  Why you ask? Well, I found a Michael’s craft store in Manhattan.

When I found it, it was like the skies opened and the angels began to sing…I was in heaven.

It may not seem like a big deal to those who live outside of NYC, where the huge craft stores flood your streets and it’s only a car ride away, but for us Manhattanites without a car and few and far craft stores in the city, this discovery was epic.

I felt like Christopher Columbus on the Niña, Pinta, and Santa Maria.

There are small mom and pop stores here and there in NYC, which I am happy to support, but there is nothing I enjoy more than the craft store giant like Michael’s.  The hearty discounts, cornucopia of aisles, and abundance of knickknacks that I definitely don’t need, but desperately want.

Ah, it was a great day – and going to be a glorious year.

Michael’s is on…

808 Columbus Ave (on 100^th Ave)
New York, NY 10025-5139
(212) 865-0813

And I’ve even found one coupon for you to print…

Happy Crafting!

If anyone knows other great craft stores in NYC or in your hometown, please share!

Tiger Woods

“I was unfaithful. I had affairs. I cheated. What I did is not acceptable.”

Tiger Woods stepped out of his safe sexless hiding place of three months into the jungle today…to announce to the entire world that he’s a scumbag.  He didn’t put the blame on anyone else but himself, and begged the public to leave his family alone.

Well, here’s what we now know about Tiger:
1. Sorry golf fans, he won’t be swinging any clubs anytime soon.  But when he does step out onto the green, TV ratings will definitely skyrocket.
2. His wife didn’t hit him (but I’m sure she wishes she did throw a punch or two).
3. He is definitely no role model. Duh.
4. Even the golf great can appear vulnerable.
5. Everyone went to lunch a half hour later today.

After his apology, what is everyone’s reaction?

The optimistic reaction: The American hero has issues, but at the end of the day, he’s a human being.  Admitting that he was wrong and telling everyone that he is a cheat was probably one of the most difficult things he’s ever had to do. But we all have made mistakes, right? Maybe Tiger really is on course in becoming a better man.

The pessimistic reaction: Please, that speech was coming straight off paper, not from the heart! It was nothing but a staged public relations stunt. Come on people!

So you’re single.

You live alone…or even worse, you live with 6 roommates and you are 30+ years old.

And it’s Valentine’s Day tomorrow, so you are even more depressed.

Don’t be! Here are some reasons why it’s good to be single on this Hallmark Holiday…

1. Who wants to leave the house on a Sunday? Sundays are days of rest.
2. Save some money.  No need to buy a tacky heart-shaped gift for anyone – instead, invest in something for yourself!
3. You have work on Monday! No one wants to be all hung over on the first day back to work.  You just saved yourself a massive headache.
4. It’s better to be single than stuck in a bad romance (love that song by the way Lady Gaga).  Trust me, I watch a lot of reality TV and there are so many unhappy couples out there – just check out a repeat of “Wife Swap” or even worse, “Tool Academy.” Guaranteed that will make you feel better.
5. Celebrate your friendships. Don’t fall into the mindset that you have to be in a couple to be happy. Be thankful for the true friends in your life and get them a tacky present if you must buy something.

So Happy Valentine’s day everyone and keep your chin up!

My good friend, Ali D from Boston, scored a free room at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods in Connecticut.

I love gambling. I love free things.  I LOVE free rooms at casinos.  How could I say no to this offer? Oh, yeah, and I was excited to see Ali too.

With my Dream rewards card in hand, I arrived at the MGM and Ali and I did the usual “good to see you” greeting and immediately went down to the casino.  Enough small talk.

Ali gravitates towards the craps table.  I, on the other hand, enjoy a good hand of poker and a few (thousand) pulls on the slot machine.  But, I love trying new things so I was game to take a shot at craps.

We walked up to the table and I was immediately intimated.  The cigar smoke and men who were blowing their kids’ college tuition all lined the table as Ali and I took our spot.  The wad of cash came out of Ali’s pocket and he cashed it in for chips.  I decided to lay low for a bit and observe.  But after a few minutes, I had to get into the action.

Let the games begin.

So you know in movie’s there is always that girl on the craps table that blows on the dice and then the person throwing the die gets a great roll? You know, then the crowd starts cheering.  Yep, that was me.  Except, I was the unstoppable roller in this scenario.  People were cheering, “Go Roller, Go Roller” and I felt like the popular kid in high school. In this case, ignorance was bliss, because despite how hard Ali tried to teach me what each combination of the die meant, I just didn’t get it.  So I decided not to think, just throw.

Being the friendly and fun people we are, Ali D and I of course started talking to the people around us…

Kathy. Oh Kathy.  She was probably only 30 years old but she looked 45 because she had been smoking Marlboro Reds since birth. She was from Boston, and once she found out Ali was from her city as well – the sparks starting flying, well at least in her head.  She first decided it would be great idea to set her younger sister and Ali up when they got home.  At first Ali was a little skeptical but then Kathy mentioned her sister had “Boston Red Sox and Patriots Season Tickets” and then of course Ali was in.  The business card came out of his pocket and basically threw it at Kathy.  Little did he know that soon enough, Kathy would forget about her sister completely in a few hours and want Ali for herself.  How far does a guy go for season tickets? Maybe I’ll let Ali comment and let you all know…

Pete.  We loved Pete.  Not only was Pete a tree cutter, he was the nicest guy ever.  If he wasn’t 65 years old, he would have been mine for sure.  He would shout for me to throw a, “hard eight…hard six…hard twelve.”  The best part was I ended up throwing what he needed the majority of the time! Unfortunately, I got nothing from my superior throws – just his business card which had a picture of him in a forest cutting down a tree 30 years ago when he was buff and bronzed! In fact, I’m looking at his card right now – what a great guy that Pete was.  If anyone is interested in Pete, let me know and I’ll give you his number!

The Random Accountants. Middle aged men with no personality? Yep, they loved me.  Ali decided it was too funny watching them interact with me so there was no attempt on his part to save me.  To be fair, I didn’t want to deal with Kathy’s awkward advances towards Ali at this point so I was fine hanging with the accountants.

The MGM Grand Dealers. I would like to give a special shout out to the 1 – 4am casino dealers.  They cracked inappropriate jokes, took our money graciously, and encouraged us to sneak in alcoholic beverages after the bars closed. They were simply fantastic.

Despite our empty pockets by the end of the trip, it was a great time.  Keep the free rooms coming…

Buttah giving a high five

Buttah playing poker

Seven years ago, my friend and I were walking to our local tanning place (how “Jersey Shore” of us) when we noticed a pet store.  It seemed like the dogs in the window were screaming for us… “Come here, come here two NYC girls, come here, roof!”

We felt the gravitation towards the store and couldn’t fight it so we walked in. Immediately, a little smooched up faced Maltese stared at us.  He didn’t bark or jump – he just looked at us with those “puppy dog eyes.” My friend and I looked at each other and thought, oh why not, let’s play with him for a bit.

Yep, as you may have guessed, our “play time” at the store led to a rather expensive purchase, but nevertheless, the best investment ever.

We named him “Buttah.” Similar to “Butter” but with a slight edge.  Say it with an attitude if you will.

Buttah has been in our lives for 7 years now and has brought joy to so many people.  Over the years, I have realized several things about Buttah…

1. I will be a great mom one of these days. Poop and pee will not phase me as I have cleaned up so much of his, nothing grosses me out anymore.

2. I will never get any exercise walking him.  He literally walks half a block and sniffs every 3 seconds.  He’s definitely not a runner.  He just loves to take his sweet time.

3. He is a great girl magnet. I often let my single guy friends walk him to pick up girls – they are always very appreciative.

4. I create awesome themed parties in honor of him.  For instance, for his fifth birthday, I made “Buttah” saying shirts for all guests.  Some of my favorites were “Buttah Believe it,” “Can’t Believe it’s not Buttah,” “Buttah Bing, Buttah Boom,” and “Buttah Fly.”

5. He is a great judge of character.  Whenever I start to date someone, he knows immediately if he’s a good guy or not.  Cuddles and kisses for those he likes; barks and snarls to those he doesn’t.  (There have been more barks than cuddles over the years).

6. He always feels the need to sit on random items – the remote, my scrapbook stuff, my cell phone, poker chips, laptop, etc.

7. He is such a team player…Buttah LOVES to give high fives.

8. He loves to chill and watch TV.  We could watch The Bachelor, Big Brother, American Idol or whatever mindless reality TV show for hours.  I wonder where he gets his love of television from? hmmmm….

So as Buttah stares at me from the couch right now, I want to say thank you to you little guy.  You’ve brought me companionship and given me patience.  Not to mention some great reasons to throw a party.