last post of the year

This is my last blog post of the year.

Next year I vow to:

eat more bread, cheese and pasta
take more naps
watch more reality TV
read more tabloid magazines
exercise my fingers on the computer more
order in food more

Kidding.

No really-

This year, I got be healthier. I think that's been my resolution since I was 14, but seriously, this is the year....it is...it really is...yeah...

My personal resolution is to enjoy every minute as much as I can and stop wasting my time doing things hat don't matter.

My professional resolution is to work as hard as I can so that my company can be successful in the National Stationery Show.

Overall, I would love to eat, drink and be more merry in 2009!!!

Happy New Years!

Send and ANONYMOUS POSTCARD

There is a great website I had to share called ANONYMOUS POSTCARD.ORG. You go online, and can send an anonymous compliment/complaint/or whatever to whoever you want. It's funny. You enter as much as you want and then as much of the recipient's info as you have, whether its an email or mailing address or just a city. The team at this website then goes through them and picks out the ones that are the best and sends them directly to them.

Here is how their website describes it-
"Anonymous Postcard is a suggestion box for the world, designed to allow anyone to openly communicate to a third party without the complications of personal contact. Claims submitted by the public are turned into vague and largely indecipherable postcards and mailed toward the intended recipients."

It's fun to check out the gallery of all the postcards people have sent- some have sent postcards as thank yous to the troops, someone else sent one to a restaurants complaining about the music during lunch. Some are fun and some are sweet.

Check it out.

www.anonymouspostcard.org

home is where you park it

There is nothing like spending the holidays at home. My "home," or parents home, has moved around quite a bit since I left Charlotte, NC when I was 18. After living somewhere for 18 years straight, my parents have now moved homes about 18 times. When my mom retired, they moved to Nashville, TN for several years. Then, off to Atlanta, GA for a few more. Then, came the decked-out RV that hey have lived in for several years now. They have moved it from city to city because my Dad's job involves a lot of traveling and it's easier to move their home with them. They parked it for periods of time in Richmond, VA, Virginia Beach, VA, Atlanta, GA, Myrtle Beach, SC, Louisville, KY, Lexington, KY, and finally they have settled on a farm in Chattanooga, TN (actually a town called Ooltewah). So, home really is where you PARK it. To come from NYC to the country of Tennessee is such a treat. Last night, I could see Venus so clearly. I can barely see one star in NYC.

But for some reason, I always feel like it's home. Wherever my parents are, is my home. Even though it's all enclosed in a moving bus, it is somehow still comforting to come home to. My mom still makes all the food I grew up on. That makes it truly feel like home. Actually, she is now making her famous Turkey and Rice soup that she makes with leftovers after the holidays. I love our home on the farm. My sister has now moved into the house on the property with her family. It's a family compound now. Hopefully this will be the place we call home for many years. We'll see. They like to keep it exciting and they're always picking up and going somewhere, so we'll see.

Happy holidays from my home to yours.

merry holidays

the post

What shall I post...hm....

OK, fine, ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY- NOVEMBER 21

-NOV 21, 1789- North Carolina, my favorite state, became the 12th state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. Thank God for that!

-NOV 21, 1973- President Richard Nixon's attorney, J. Fred Buzhardt, revealed the existence of an 18 1/2-minute gap in one of the White House tape recordings related to Watergate. (I was always so fascinated with the Watergate Scandal. I even did my high school Senior project on it. Something about political scandals really caught my interests. And I have always loved CIA-type movies. All the "Bourne" movies or anything having to do with CIA endeavors. I really don't know why, it just totally fascinated me that we have this whole secret world in the U.S. that we're not really informed about. )

-NOV 21, 1995- The Dow Jones industrial average closed above 5,000 for the first time. (Remember the good ole' days...oh, times they do change.)

-Nov. 21, 2007- Officials announced the recall of more than a half-million pieces of Chinese-made children's jewelry contaminated with lead. (This just really upsets me. How can so many toys be recalled. Why aren't children's products tested and tested until everything is CERTAIN that it can do no harm. I think this is ridiculous.)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TODAY TO -- Ken Griffey, Jr., Bjork, Troy Aikman, Goldie Hawn, Lorna Luft, Marlo Thomas

SOURCE: http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/index.html

Emma J Cards- self promotion...

Emma J Cards is now selling cute, little GIFT TAGS. Classic round gift tags come 5 to a set. 5 for $2.50! Assorted designs. Blank on the back!

www.emmajcards.com

movies to see

MOVIES I NEED TO SEE:

-Burn After Reading- Brad Pitt...The Coen Brothers

-Flow (documentary about the global water crisis)

-The Changeling- Angelina Jolie goes crazy when her missing child returns and it's not the same child

-Seven Pounds- Will Smith suspense/thriller

-What Just Happened- DeNiro, Bruce Willis, Sean Penn

-Righteous Kill- Deniro and Pacino

*If you or anyone you know thinks that I absolutely SHOULD NOT see any of these films, please let me know so I don't waste my time.

i enjoy google!

I must say, I love GOOGLE. They have done so much for the Internet and our world, that I just love everything they do. So I am here to spread the word about one of their free services I just stumbled over.

GOOGLE HEALTH!

It's fantastic! It allows you to keep track of everything medical in a very easy way. It's almost fun to do. Eventually, I think it will be easy for doctors to see you medical history through this so you don't have to fill out 800 papers about your medical history. Check it out and keep track, because we tend to forget the negative things that happened in the past. Keep good records! Also, if you're computer ever crashes or your house burns down, at least GOOGLE will still have your medical history.

Emily

National Stationery Show

Emma J Cards, my greeting card company, will officially be in the 2009 National Stationery Show at Javits Convention Center in New York City. It runs May 17-20 and is open only to wholesalers (stores and companies that sell cards, stationery, paper goods and the press). I am super excited, but I have a crap load of work to do before it. I not only have to have a really great product line ready, but I have to market my biz beforehand. Send out postcards to a million companies, design and produce a gorgeous booth, make business cards for up to 15,000 BUYERS, make press kits, press releases, and a million other little things. Very scary, but it could be a HUGE start for my business in the wholesale market. Hopefully by the end of 2009, I will be in stores across country. Many small card companies, just like me, run by one or two people, have done the exact same thing, so we'll see.

I will keep you updated on my dealings with the National Stationery Show!!!!

BOOTH 1550! Yippey!

a new favorite

I discovered a new site today that I fell in love with.

Its Design Sponge- www.designspongeonline.com

If you go to their website and click on GUIDES....they have these wonderful city guides with great places to eat and shop. Then, if you scroll down, they have these fabulous GUIDES to different items and ideas. So fun! I found a bunch of great new gift ideas and such.

love it.

I LOVE THIS.

My sister, Andrea, sent this card to me for my Birthday and it was just so beautiful that I had to find it online and then post a picture. It's letter-pressed and printed on this amazing, thick bright green paper. SO cute.

follow me

I just added a new thing that you'll see to the right titled "People Who Like This Blog."  It's a new tool by Google where you can add "followers" or add people who read your blog to your page.

Please add yourself to the list, if you don't mind!  Nothing happens, except that your picture or an image appears on my blog showing that you read my blog!

Thank ya!

Emily

talking

Today I was in line at Starbucks, waiting patiently like I have been a lot lately.  They seem to be getting slower and slower every darn day.  It's such a process now to get a simple cup of coffee. Anyway, there was a girl behind me who looked more like a model than I have ever seen.  Tall, long hair, gorgeous, dressed hip (but not too hip), gorgeous skin, and everything else you would think makes up a NYC model.  Anyway, something came over me and I said "Are you a model?"  I usually don't talk to people or just blurt out questions, but I felt like I knew she was and I just had to ask.  So, then, she just stared at me with the worst look ever and simply replied..."no" and that was it.  No "Oh, don't worry about it," no polite laugh, nothing.  Just "no."  I was stunned and embarrassed.  I offended her. I really did, but I can't imagine how.  She didn't even say another word or look my way anything.  She was so bothered my comment.  I would be in heaven if someone mistook me for a model.  I was so thrown off for about 20 minutes and decided that I will never assume ever again.

website

I think this website is brilliant.

www.pmsbuddy.com

It will notify any one you choose (say your boyfriend, husband, sibling) when you are PMS-ing, so they will stay out of the way!!!!!!!

photogs

My sister, Elizabeth, has started her own photograpghy company and her photos are truly beautiful. She specializes in children and nature photography, but can do anything. Her website is currently being updated, but you can check out her stuff by clicking here.

Here are some photos she recently shot for me of my cards. I think they turned out beautiful!

movie

I saw the movie VICKY CHRISTINA BARCELONA (with Penelope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson and Javier Bardem) this past weekend and really loved it.  It takes you to this place where you just want to run off to a foreign country for a few months.  So fun and a little naughty.  Great movie.

listing

I love to make lists.  I really do.  There is something to be said about checking things off and seeing things right in order - one thing after the other.  I think I get this habit from my Mom, who makes LISTS of her LISTS.  No, seriously...she does.  I think I have a list for everything- to do, not to do, to do in my life time, to do this year, to buy, to give away, to order, to mail, to email, to make, to cook, to cook in my lifetime, to drink, to invite, etc.  I love a good, old-fashioned list!

Anyway,  here is today's list...

WHAT I DID ON MY 26TH BIRTHDAY:  SEPT 12, 2008

1.  Got a Patagonia Fleece jacket from Josh that I have always wanted

2.  Got an incredible Birthday COOKIE/M & M cake

3. Got a gift certificate for a mani/pedi

4.  Went to a great lunch, with two great people and had Three Cheese Mac N Cheese

5. Did errands in the rain

6.  Took Julia to her voice lesson

7. Got an AMAZING pair of Hunter Wellington Rain Boots, that I have always wanted and felt cool carrying the box around that they came in.

8.  Went to dinner with another couple at JOHNNY UTAHS.  

9. Rode on a mechanical bull at Johnny Utah's.

10.  Ate a really great bacon cheeseburger.

11.  Passed out on the couch before midnight.

My Christmas Wish List

My Mom recently asked me to make a list of small to big things I might want for Christmas.  I had fun searching the net for ideas.  I couldn't stop finding cool things that I wanted.

I thought I would share my Christmas Wish List with you.  

I think "lists" tells a whole lot about a person.

THE LIST 

--FLIP VIDEO CAMERA "ULTRA" - IN ORANGE OR GREEN 

http://theflip.com/store/Product.aspx?CID=F2

-A new Nalgene Water Bottle - Must be "BPA Free" and in a fun color!!!

http://www.amazon.com/Nalgene-Narrow-Mouth-Water-Bottle/dp/B000HKC9X4/ref=pd_bbs_5?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1220553250&sr=8-5

-Original "Hunter" Wellington Rain Boots in hunter green.

http://www.shopbop.com/original-hunter-wellington-rain-boot/vp/v=1/845524441801224.htm?source=goog-ExactMatchBrands-hunter_rain_boots&source=goog-ExactMatchBrands3-hunter%20rain%20boots

-Martha Stewart Collection Multi-color bowl set!  I need bowls for food prep.

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=252333&CategoryID=30201&LinkType=EverGreen

--TRAVEL Jewelry case.  I have so many earrings that get tangled when traveling. 

http://www.ebags.com/baggallini/jewelry_square_bagg_animal_prints/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=107712

--2 NEW WINE GLASSES - I keep breaking them....CRATE AND BARREL- $5 EACH

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=130&f=9164

--Tennis skirt- LOVE this one in PINK/GREEN/WHITE (MEDIUM)

http://www.sportsauthority.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2726945&cp=3077569.3079702.2806308.2806334&parentPage=family

--Sheet Set from Target "Dwell Studio"

http://www.target.com/DwellStudio-Target-Sheet-Set-Stripe/dp/B000WY0EXC/ref=sc_ri_1/602-9058057-9655069

--This cookbook...

http://www.amazon.com/Barefoot-Contessa-Family-Style-Everyone/dp/060961066X/ref=wl_it_dp?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2UN2EI82R7Y0Q&colid=5DV4JAPJEIHD

--Origins moisturizer

http://www.origins.com/templates/products/sp_nonshaded.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY5813&PRODUCT_ID=PROD338

-The latest software version of MICROSOFT MONEY (it is either 2008 or 2009)

-Drugstore.com- Buy 1 mascara get 1 free 

L'OREAL VOLUMINOUS WATERPROOF MASCARA IN BLACK!

-Martha Stewart Collection Colander.  This is something I actually do need. $9.99

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=323577&CategoryID=30203

--a Starbucks gift card or a Staples gift card is very useful also.

US OPEN 2008 NY

We had an amazing time going to the US OPEN TENNIS TOURNAMENT IN QUEENS, NY. We went Sunday 8/31 to the Day and Night sessions and on Monday, Labor Day, to the evening sessions. For me, one of the highlights was getting to see the players up close on the practice courts. So exciting for me to see Nadal.

To save my my Mom the hassle of trying to remember, here is the list of tennis celebs we saw at the US OPEN.

On the practice courts:
-Rafael Nadal (and Uncle Toni)
-Novak Djokovich
-Andy Roddick
-John McEnroe
-Fernando Gonzalez
-Daniela Hantuchova
-Gael Monfils
-Andy Murray
-Patrick McEnroe
-Julie Coin

-Radwanska

PLAYING (NOT in Ashe), WE SAW:
-Nikolay Davydenk0
-Dimtry Tursunov
-Fernando Verdasco
-Igor Andreev
-Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (only warming up)
-Stanislas Wawrinka

ASHE STADIUM:
-Elena Dementieva
-Na Li
-Novak Djokovich
-Marin Cilic
-Serena Williams
-Serverine Bremond
-Andy Murray
-Stanislas Wawrinka

Also...
Jim Courier

Luke Wilson

Wayne Knight (Newman from Seinfeld)

Chase Crawford (from Gossip Girl)
the guys from the HBO show ENTOURAGE

nadal

i love rafael nadal...sorry, josh. I can't help it...

olympic fun

The Beijing Olympics, I think, have been a huge success. I don't remember ever being so interested in the Olympics (accept for the Women's Gymnastics team in Atlanta in '96). Michael Phelps, the basketball, the soccer, the gymnastics. All of it was so compelling this time around.

I did and still do have a major issue with the Chinese Women's Gymnastics. There is a rule that you HAVE to be 16 to compete in the Olympics and 75% of their team were under 16. IO just don;t understand how the Olympic Committee can let that slide. Younger gymnasts have a huge advantage over older gymnasts. They are less nervous and have less to prove. I was very upset with that. Gymnastics is almost tainted by that. Anyway, I thought the U.S. girls, especially Nastia Luikin and Shawn Johnson were phenomenal. They surely came out on top.

Anyway, USA has done great, as expected. It made for a great summer too!

dinner tonight

What am I cooking for dinner tonight, you ask?

Tonight I am making steak tacos (not steak fajitas) with rice and black beans. I cannot wait. My mouth is watering. I am really a chicken person when it comes to anything Mexican, but I am so excited to try steak tonight. Just thought I'd share. What sounds even more yummy is that I am topping my tacos off with freshly shaved pepper jack cheese. Yummmmmm....

randy pausch dies

Have you heard of the YouTube video by Professor Randy Pausch called THE LAST LECTURE that has billions of hits? Well, if not, I should fill you in. Randy Pausch was diagnosed with terminal cancer back in Sept. of 07 and given 3-6 months to live. He turned his tragedy into a positive experience by doing this now famous lecture where he teaches at Carnegie Mellon. The lecture is BRILLIANT. If you have time to kill, you should watch it sometime. He talks about living life to the fullest and having fun everyday. The positivity that seaps out of his every pore is just fascinating.

YouTube video- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo

He died yesterday at age 46 (I think) leaving three young kids behind. SO sad. He was a former Disney virtual engineer who then became a Professor at CMU. Please check out his book or lecture sometime. His message is was one that I truly believe in. Living life to the absolute fullest and having fun everyday. He made a great impact on me and millions of viewers and readers around the world.

Emily

gran peters

On a sad note, I just want to say a word about Gran Peters (Josh's grandmother). She was truly one of the strongest, funniest and most sincere person I have ever met. She made me feel like family from the very beginning. She always said if Josh was ever mean, she was come up to NY and "straighten him out." She is one of those rare souls who not one person can say a bad thing about. I really hope she finds a happy place waiting for her, because she deserves nothing but the best.

Geraldine Peters - In loving memory July 19, 2008

jury duty

Everyone I know complains and dreads about being summoned to jury duty. I really didn't mind. I had planned it to fall on the week I have no work, which worked out beautifully. The night before I had to go, I called this number with my instructions on where to go and they mentioned that you can bring your laptop. That was the best piece of advice I got. Taking my laptop was absolutely brilliant, because I spent 90% of my day on it with free wi-fi. I got so much done. I actually really enjoyed myself. I was forced to go through all the junk email I get and I organized all my pictures, worked on my website, wrote some overdue emails and finished the day feeling like I got a lot done.



Then, I got PICKED to serve on a jury. Out of 32 people, they picked 6 jurors and they picked me. Why, I will never know. I felt like I was opinionated in answering their questions, but obviously I was what they wanted. Anyway, I come back the next ready to serve and I end up sitting in a room waiting for my case to be called until lunch time. I am excused for a two hour lunch break, come back and wait some more. Sadly, I didn't have my laptop so I was bored out of my mind. Finally, around 3pm they call my case. All of use that were selected get to the counter and the lady announces that our case was settled. I have never been so happy. This case was supposed to be five days, so I was ecstatic. I got credit for serving as a juror and can't be summoned for 6 more years. Brilliant.

So, the moral is...don't dread being summoned for jury duty. It's a great break from life to read, compute or just sit and relax. If you do get chosen, a lot of cases settle outside court. If not, I'm sure it might be kind of interesting.

running

Went running/walking today for the first time in awhile. Every time I go, I realize I much I love doing it. I jog down to the east river boardwalk. Takes about 3 minutes. Then, I run along a flat walkway they have that goes for miles. One did 30 minutes today, but it just felt so good. Just me, the sun, the river on my side and some good tunes. I gotta start doing this everyday! It really does give you an energy boost and they say it cures depression. Not that I am depressed at all right now, it just makes you feel so good afterwards.

vacation

Just got back from a nice beach vacation. Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic (or as it's supposed to be called Republica Dominicana). The beaches are stunning. SO many palm trees and white sand. I don't recommend leaving the resort. The towns are a little scary and very poor. Overall, Punta Cana makes for a great all-inclusive beach destination.

did you know

Did you know that on July 2, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was actually written? So, today is really the day to be celebrated. It was not finalized and declared officially until July 4th, but today in history was the day it was drafted.

Happy Birthday, America.

Happy Birthday, Liz, too!

I LOVE NY

CELEBRITIES I HAVE SEEN IN NYC

Here is my ongoing list of celebrities I have seen in NYC...

Paul McCartney
Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey
Steve Martin
Leslie Stahl - 60 Minutes anchor
Alec Baldwin
Juliana Margoulis
Heath Ledger and Michele Williams
Chris Rock and his family
John Cusack
Howard Stern
Sarah Silverman and Jimmy Kimmel
Ben Stiller
Ben Stein
Rebecca Gayheart
Marvin Hamlisch
Ken Paves- famous hair stylist to the stars
Conan O'Brien
John Lithgow
Carla Gugino
Jacob Young- of All My Children
Aiden Turner - of All My Children
Star Jones
Queen Latifah

garlic

Just read to never store GARLIC in the fridge. Didn't know that. Good to know.

emily

flops

My favorite thing about Spring and Summer is wearing flip flops. I absolutely love them and wear them everyday. It makes me feel casual, calm, cool. LOVE THE FLOP! But I am having issues.

Everyday I get home and the bottom of my feet are BLACK. It's bad. They never used to do that! I have to scrub my feet every night to get it off. I think it's from living in NYC and walking a ton everyday. No matter which flip flops or sandals I wear, they get black. Help!

What's wrong with me?!!!!! Any suggestions??! Please don't say "Don't wear flip flops."

Emily

Vinegar

Vinegar: My new favorite thing to whiten clothes in the laundry. Put a 1/4 cup (no more) instead of bleach in the washer with you white clothes and I swear it works! Stuff comes out so white. Make sure you dry well to get rid of any vinegar-y smell!

emily

so sorry

I haven't written in awhile. So sorry. Life is crazy. We work so that we can eat and we sleep so that we can get up and do everything all over again. That's my life. Work, eat, sleep, and occasionally play. As boring as it sounds, time is flying by so fast. It's May. That means schools will be out soon and it will be hot in this concrete jungle. It also means that Mothers Day, Fathers Day, my boyfriends Birthday, my Dad's 60th Birthday and my sister's 30th Birthday are coming up. I better keep working to buy all these gifts!

Happy Thursday!

tax tax

By the way, don't ever plan on going to the Post Office on the 14th or 15th of April. Huge waste of time. File your taxes online or maybe even do them early...

just a word to the wise.

for the babe

One of my favorite sites for neat things and gifts is SPOONSISTERS.COM and I saw this on the home page and just thought it was so darn cute that I had to put it on my blog...

BABY TAXI BOOTIES!

i just like this picture...

Auntie Emily

IT'S TRUE!

According to perezhilton.com, The New Kids on the Block are OFFICIALLY REUNITING with a performance THIS FRIDAY, APRIL 4TH on THE TODAY SHOW. I am so excited! This year also marks the 20th ANNIVERSARY of the release of the hit song HANGIN' TOUGH!

thin, thick, or chewy???

There is a show on the Food Network called "Good Eats with Alton Brown." Each episode explores one type of food in depth and really breaks it down so it's easy to make. I just got into it and I love it.

This one episode I caught this week was on Choc. Chip Cookies. My favorite. My favorite thing to bake. America's favorite! The show really explained a lot for me.

Anyway, I learned about how to adjust the basic Tollhouse/Nestle recipe to make a cookie either- thin and crispy, thick or chewy.

THIN- When making thin and crispy cookies, you have to use LESS brown sugar (the darker the sugar the more chewy and therefore LESS crispy.) Also, you should use ONLY one egg and add some milk. Makes it thin. It totally works. RECIPE HERE.

THICK- For THICK and fluffy cookies, use more brown sugar and more baking soda. Baking soda helps it rise. He also suggested using shortening. RECIPE HERE.

CHEWY- Two things here. MELT all the butter in a saucepan and then pour into mixer. The melted butter makes it more chewy. Also he suggests using BREAD FLOUR instead of CAKE or ALL PURPOSE FLOWER. Lastly, using a lot more BROWN SUGAR than WHITE SUGAR. RECIPE HERE.

things i love

Two things I absolutely love RIGHT NOW:

MOVIE- INTO THE WILD. I don't quite know why it hit me so hard but it's just a fantastically made movie. It's a bit long, but it doesn't feel that way. Emile Hirsch (the main actor) is brilliant in this role. Directed by Sean Penn, and with all music by Eddie Veder (Pearl Jam) it's truly a great movie. It's been on DVD for about a month. RENT IT! www.intothewild.com

MUSIC- There is a new artist out (discovered by Simon Cowell of American Idol) named Leona Lewis. She is AWESOME. Brilliant singer. Great artist. Cross between Celine Dion, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. Video Here.

easter

My family is just too great.

Why is that when you have a niece/nephew, etc., you will always think that they are the cutest in the world? Cuter than any other kid. Is it because they're related to you a tiny little bit? Is it because they really are the cutest?

My niece is seriously the cutest and coolest kid ever. I am addicted to her. I findher similar to how I was when I was a kid. Silly, wild and of course, cute. I spent Easter with my sister, my niece, my mom and brother in law. Pacific Northwest. Such a nice treat.

We ate pounds of bad food. Lots and lots of sugar. I might have diabetes now. Seriously.

But it was a very happy Easter.

oldies

I just came across the old picture on my college's website of when I did the musical "On The Town" at CCM. I mean, what a horrific photo. What a horrific wig too.

cookies

I have gotten more compliments on my chocolate chip/M & M cookies than I ever have on anything else I made. I am telling you...it's the absolute best cookie recipe I have tried. If you want it....scroll down to almost the beginning of my blog. It's within the first five posts. Try it. Seriously.

goal

I am stating here and now that my goal is to be at the 2009 NATIONAL STATIONERY SHOW in NYC. It's a very, very big deal for people who design card, stationery, etc. From the smallest of businesses to large ones, everyone is there. It can really make your business. People from all of over the world who own card stores come and look for new vendors to put int heir store. You have a little booth which you creatively design and hope to make a lot of contacts and a lot of orders. I have heard that after a small card company attends, they usually are off and running.

Only problem, to be in the show is costs between $2000-$2500 plus all the materials for your booth. With recent opportunities, I feel that I can make it to the show by 2009. Root for me.

Also, if you have any connections or know of any sponsors, feel free to let me know.

www.emmajcards.com
emily@emmajcards.com

sue can ski

My mom is not only a great skier, but she is probably the most graceful skier I have ever seen and she makes it look so easy. Check her out in Montana...

montana

I never thought I would get the opportunity to go to Montana. It's one of the largest states and yet, not many people ever get to go there.

I had the most amazing vacation there this past month. I spent a week in Whitefish, Montana near Kalispell, MT. What an absolutely breathtaking place. Huge lakes, unbelievable mountains, and best of all...the skiing. The skiing is equal to the slopes throughout Colorado, but less lines, less people and CHEAPER LIFT TICKETS.

So now, my parents want to retire there. That's the place for them.

I highly recommend visiting Montana if you want a nice ski trip. So fun, so low key and there is actually a Target! Thanks to my Mom and Dad, it was one trip I will never forget!

plane advice

Just reading in my favorite magazine, Real Simple, about air travel and it gave tons of advice on flying from flight attendants and such. I was shocked to read that TRAY TABLES on airplanes are rarely wiped down. GROSS. SO GROSS! So, take some wipes or SOMETHING and wipe that thing down.

It also said that they only wash pillows and blankets if they are DIRTY! So, avoid those at all costs. Terrible.

mohawk boy

I read on Yahoo today that a six-year-old boy was suspended from his public school because he showed up with a mohawk. I must have forgot, but isn't this 2008? I didn't realize a mohawk was offensive and outlawed. I think it's pretty cool. I probably wouldn't give my own kid a mohawk, but clearly the parents of this child were perfectly okay with it. Freedom of expression.

Anyway, I thought it was interesting.

celeb gossip

Just admit it, you like to be up on your celebs. Well, when I am bored, I go to my fave celeb gossip websites for some cheap entertainment....

My favorites are:

www.tmz.com
www.perezhilton.com
www.omg.yahoo.com
www.gawker.com (see where stars were seen in NYC everyday)
www.imnotobsessed.com

missed connection

I'm at the Denver airport, because I missed a connection yesterday by five minutes. Ilove how the next plane couldnt wait for a fewminutes if they knew we were coming. The plane was still there and they refused to do anything. So United is out a couple hundred bucks because they had to put me up in a nice hotel with meals. Oh well. Got a good nights rest. Thanks United.

V DAY

valentines

i love you josh
i love you mom
i love you dad
i love you liz
i love you andrea
i love you nieces and nephews
i love you grandparents

i love new york
i love my job
i love to eat
i love skiing
i love to pay rent on time
i love to pay bills on time
i love to make lists

THE 20 SECOND APRON

Cute idea. Never thought of this. You can have a cute apron in 20 seconds!

HILARIOUS

THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE MUST SEE. This is from the ELLEN Show where she talks about a new fitness device called THE HAWAII CHAIR. ITS HILARIOUS.

WATCH THE WHOLE THING!

COOL BLOGS

In the new March issue of REAL SIMPLE Magazine, they give a list of great blogs on the Internet. I went through them all and picked out my favorites. ON THE RIGHT you will see a list of all the blogs and their links that I found interesting. Some are really fun and useful.

For those of you not familiar with a blog...it's simple a format that people can post something daily, weekly, etc. So, after you read something, SCROLL DOWN. There is always more.

My faves...
www.hostessblog.com
www.lifehacker.com
www.budgetfashionista.com
www.thesartorialist.blogspot.com
www.fitsugar.com
www.coolmompicks.com
www.apartmenttherapy.com
www.unclutterer.com
www.startcooking.com/blog
www.cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.com

2008

Things I'm Into THIS YEAR

Flat riding boots over jeans, rain boots, baking, wearing less make-up, eating almonds, looking for ways to make a dollar, not wearing nail polish, cupcakes, planning a vacation, baking bread, chic music, skim milk in my coffee instead of half and half, splenda instead of sweet and low, eating less meat, reading PerezHilton.com, learning about the candidates, Bed, Bath and Beyond and trying to be as healthy as possible...

So far, that's just a few things....i'll update more as time goes on.

who knows what 2008 will bring!!!

fat fat fat

I need to lower my cholesterol. It has always been below 200, but it's starting to creep up and I am freakin' out!

Did a lot of research. Here's some info:

"Meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, and eggs all contain cholesterol, while plant products do not. Choosing lean cuts of meat is not enough; the cholesterol is mainly in the lean portion. Many people are surprised to learn that chicken contains as much cholesterol as beef. Every four-ounce serving of beef or chicken contains 100 milligrams of cholesterol. Most shellfish are very high in cholesterol. Cholesterol in foods raises the cholesterol level in one's blood. The best thing to do is to keep one's fat intake very low and to avoid all animal products."

Also they say to avoid a lot of dairy products and sweets (anything with fat)....basically, everything I like. I am a cheese person. What am I to do?

So, am I supposed to become a vegan and eat no meat and no dairy. That's just not possible. So tonight, I had the healthiest dinner I have ever had. A bowl of steamed peas, a mesclun salad with balsalmic vinegarette, tomatoes and croutons and an apple for dessert. HOW BORING. I feel satisfied right now, but I could not do that ever night. I need meat. We all need meat. I need cheese. I need cream in my coffee. And we all need a little fat too.

new yorkers

Attention NEW YORKERS....GO VOTE today.

Choose wisely!

crazy new york!

new york wins. i can't believe it. We have our window open and you can hear constant celebrating outside. it's crazy. So happy for Eli! He was the underdog who took a lot of heat. So happy for Coach Coughlin who almost got the boot. They played good and deserved the win.

sorry Brady. Don't you know not to bring a celebrity girlfriend to the super bowl!!!!!!!!!!!!

go new york!

starbucks world

I just read that Starbucks opens SIX new locations worldwide everyday! How crazy is that?

last year's super bowl gathering at our place

super bowl 2007 at our apartment...

can't wait for this years...

useless facts

FIVE USELESS FACTS

1. The ZIP in “ZIP code” means Zoning Improvement Plan.
2. On average, 12 newborns will be given to the wrong parents every day.
3. Slugs have four noses.
4. Ketchup was sold in the 1830s as medicine.
5. Ingrown toenails are hereditary

flat chicken

So, I made a recipe tonight with chicken that asks you to pound the chicken flat. I have never actually pounded chicken flat, but I have to say that it's SO FUN and relieves a lot fo stress!!!! The recipe was for Chicken Milanese. You put a butterflied chicken breast in a large Ziploc bag and make sure all the air is out of it. Then, the best part, you take a saucepan and you literately pound the bottom of the pan on the chicken. I got so much aggression out on those chicken breasts.

you should try it sometime...

bye bye john!

So sad that Sen. John Edwards from NORTH CAROLINA had to pull out of the Democratic race. I liked him. He seemed to me the most presidential of all the candidates. Oh well.

So long to Republican Giuliani also. He did so much for New York City. Really changed this city for the better.

Now...off to the races!

Will Ferrell ON BROADWAY

Just heard that Will Ferrell (from some of my favorite comedic movies- "Old School," "Talledega Nights," "Elf" and Saturday Night Live is working on a one-man BROADWAY show! I am so there!

MY NEW FAVE PIC OF MY NIECE

I MEAN...SHE REALLY IS THE CUTEST....

She kind of reminds me of me as kid...silly and goofy, but maybe that's all kids. I love her!

best chocolate chip cookie recipe ever

So, as some of you might know, my favorite thing in the world is a good chocolate chip cookie. After trying recipes forever, this is one that turn out SO perfect. They are THIN and BIG and so good. It's from the Martha Stewart Baking Handbook and you must add it to your collection. The key here is...to use less brown sugar. Don't know why, but it works. I also recommend using CHOCOLATE CHUNKS instead of CHOCOLATE CHIPS!

http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.fc77a0dbc44dd1611e3bf410b5900aa0/?vgnextoid=54b895100fe63110VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&autonomy_kw=chocholate%20chip%20cookies&rsc=image_1

NKOTB ARE MAKING A COMEBACK!

It was announced today that the NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK might be trying to make a COMEBACK! OH MY GOD! This was one of my first childhood obsessions and my first concert ever! I loved Joey and John (oh crap- is that his name!)....this is quite exciting!

-emily

MONDAYS

Why do I hate Monday's? This morning I pressed SNOOZE four times. And that's good for me. I have this great feature on my alarm clock called "NAP" where you press the button and it sets an alarm for you to nap. I like the 10 minute nap. So, I pressed it four time this morning and work up 15 minutes before I had to leave.

So today actually turns out great. I really have, what I think, is the greatest job. In the morning, I babysit for a 9 month boy who is just too happy and too great. He napped for two hours of my shift and I use that time to catch some REGIS AND KELLY, prop my feet up, and just relax. So nice. Of course, I do do the dished and clean up before I do any of that.

Then, in the afternoon I am responsible for providing "company" to a 12 year old (almost 13) girl. I pick her up from school and we walk home and she sits on her laptop all afternoon while I sit on their computer and write a blog.

Good times.

first post ever

This, I guess, will be my BLOG.

I never thought I would need or want a blog. I don't know what I will find myself ranting about, but I always think of random things and this way, I can let you in on them!

I hope you enjoy my daily blog. I will try to write something in it everyday!!!!

-emily

that's me...in case you forgot