A Day in the Life of a Female Seahorse

Restaurant Week in Center City..and the 'burbs!

2012-01-24T06:34:00.000-05:00

Ladies and gentleman ofPhilly- the time has come- Restaurant Week is BACK!!

Center City DistrictRestaurant Week is sponsored by TD Bank and is January 22-27 & January29-February 3, 2012, where you can get a three-course lunch for $20. Or athree-course dinner, $35, and over 100 Restaurants are particpating!

Mexican, Asian, Fusion,Continental, European, Greek, French, Indian, Middle Eastern- Philly food hasit all and now is the time to try it if the thought of a certain cuisineintrigued you!

Since I write the Slice ofSuburbia column for Philly2Philly.com, I’ve found some excellent deals out in the burbs. Restaurant Week isback at The Melting Pot - Kingof Prussia. January 22ndthrough January 27th and January 29th through February 3rd, enjoy a fabulousfour-course dinner for $35 per person, which is what I set out to do.

To kick off Restaurant Weekout in the ‘burbs, my best pal and I headed to the Melting Pot in King ofPrussia, who have extended Restaurant Week to include KoP. And be sure to checkout the Center City Melting Pot location for their amazing specials.

We began with a rich BostonLager cheese fondue- smoky bacon, kicky Dijon mustard, and heaps of silkycheddar cheese. In which we dipped bread, carrots, granny smith apples andcauliflower. Yeah. I swooned.

The KoP Melting Pot had afew specialty drinks on tap for the week- the Classic Appletini and a CruzanMai Tai, along with a New Age white blend (white wine) sweet and rich, and ared, McWilliam’s Cabernet Sauvignon, hinting at juicy black currant and velvetyvanilla oak finish.

For the second course, aninnovative and delicious salad came our way- the Wisconsin wedge salad withblue cheese, sliced tomatoes, ranch dressing, chives and bacon- this wasabsolutely incredible!

Next came our main and thirdcourse. We chose one of three options. The King of Prussia, The Warrington, orThe Center City. We choose the King of Prussia with cold-water lobster tail,pacific white shrimp, herb-crusted breast of chicken, and teriyaki sirloin,along with heaps of mushrooms, potatoes, broccoli and a couple asparagusspears. The cooking style was Coq au Vin, with tasty mushrooms, scallions,velvety burgundy and rich garlic. In which we plunged in all aforementionedprotein! And then the sauces- holycow do these additions really make the meal. Green Goddess (sour cream and chives), a plum sauce,teriyaki, spicy cocktail sauce, Gorgonzola sauce, and a curry sauce all tastefantastic with the meal and the vegetables.

At this point, we weregetting way full- but isn’t that the point of Restaurant Week?!

Dessert Time. Our incrediblycool server, Abby, brought out two fondues of dessert, including a tasting ofthe Bananas Foster- a rich, creamy, butterscotchy treat with fresh bananas andcinnamon.

We also had a PB & Jversion with crunchy peanut butter and pureed berries in silky milk chocolate,and the flaming turtle- rich caramel and candied pecans in rich darkchocolate. And to dip into thesedelights: Oreo covered marshmallows, strawberries, bananas, cheesecake,brownies, Rice Krispie Treats and red velvet cake. It was sumptuous!

Yes, Restaurant Week is afeast for the senses- go taste and enjoy!!

For reservations and a morecomplete listing- go to http://centercityphila.org/life/RestaurantWeek.php

The King of Prussia MeltingPot is also doing some amazing specials for Valentine’s Day- so call now! Ahint- chocolate and romance are on the menu!

https://www.facebook.com/meltingpotkingofprussia

(610) 265-7195

Pictures by Rachel Richards.

Special Thanks to TylerRachal and Tony Marrone of the King of Prussia Melting Pot!!

Christine Tarlecki is afreelance writer for Philly2Philly.com, and can be reached at engchik@me.com, and on FaceBook and Twitterunder engchik.

January Sales- Prime Time to SHOP!

2012-01-15T11:11:00.003-05:00

January Sales- Time toSHOP!

The holidays are over andperhaps you didn’t get exactly what you wanted- NOW is the time to shop in theJanuary sales! Sales are going on at the malls and outlet stores everywhere toclear out for the spring merchandise so it’s prime time to get what you didn'tget for the holidays. It’s the weekend- go forth and shop!

Let’s start with bath and body- right now ULTAis running a huge sale on all skincare items every couple days. My favoritebrand is Dermalogica- these products are worth it for ladies and gents. Themen’s shave kit is divine- I gave my gentleman friend the kit for Christmas,and I got myself the cleansing cream and the Age Rich vitamin masque and you’dnever be able to see in my face the junk food I ate over Christmas. http://www.ulta.com/dermalogica/

http://www.dermalogica.com/us/

Check out the Gallery orthe King of Prussia Mall or Coventry Mall for some really great sales- tryMacy's, Boscovs, JCPenney’s- all these amazing places that you can get greatstill-in-season merchandise at pennies on the dollar! Another good place tocheck out is target and Walmart having some really great sales- products are upto 90% off for Christmas he can get wrapping paper for next year as well aschecking out things to store up for presents throughout the year none of theplaces Bath and body works lot of their sales up to 50 to 75% off of reallygreat bath & body items. http://www.bathandbodyworks.com.Seriously great deals! Pier 1 Imports-all the Christmas items are 75% off andjust about 1/3 of the store is on clearance. Just look for the little red tags.

Don’t forget to check outthe outlets - Tanger Outlets in Lancaster as well as the Philadelphia premiumoutlets in Sanatoga has some amazing deals. I scored a Tommy Hilfiger coat forover 50% off as well as sweaters and socks for the freezing cold weather that'sahead of us, as well as Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs and Tahari for some reallygreat deals. Deals aren’t just on clothes and body items, go to Harry &David for pears and other holiday yummies. I scored some amazing treats for 50%off! At Kohl’s with my mom theother day we spend $104.54 and SAVED $212.89. Insane!!!

I guess I should stopshopping now…nope, my friend and I spent this Friday nightsnagging some more great deals, and it’s a great time to stock up on gifts forpeople throughout the year, too!

So what else didn’t you getfor Christmas- shop now!!

Let me know what YOU scoredon the cheap- I’m at engchik@comcast.netand on Twitter and FaceBook under engchik.

Written by ChristineTarlecki 1/12/12

2012 is here

2012-01-12T11:15:00.001-05:00

Let's rock this year!!!

midsummer already!?

2011-06-30T13:52:00.001-04:00

I can’t believe it’s almost the 4^th of July!

That seems to be the mantra of everyone!

The first half of the year has flown by. It’s insane.

This has truly been a year of self-reflection as things have changed for the better.

I always feel that after July summer is kindof over.

But this summer is just heating up..steamy, sultry, fun and beachy...stay tuned..!

ready for summer!

2011-06-02T15:32:00.000-04:00

bring it on, summer 2011!

beach house opened

ready for it all!

2010-11-16T09:47:00.003-05:00

bring it on- so busy- tons of clients and a whole slew of writing! getting ready for the holidays- oh so NOT ready!

2010-10-12T16:54:00.002-04:00

as my friend josh said about me- I feel all 'meowchy' today! hurt back made better my massage and kitteh hugs helps!

love it..and good advice!

2010-10-11T20:55:00.001-04:00

"Good things come to those who wait, so just relax and wait for fate."

flood stage!

2010-10-01T12:44:00.000-04:00

i am waiting for my little village to flood at this point... i got up at 4 (again) and went out to acme for supplies (diet coke and mushroom rice) and the canal had flooded over into the river, and the water was right under the bridge, and from what I hear, it will crest at 2!

i had better get down there with my camera. driving around here is seriously treacherous!! last time we got rain like this, ppl were kayaking down the street!

2010-08-26T08:09:00.001-04:00

Quick- 3 Happy things:

It's Sunny out (finally)- it WILL get hot again!

Going swimming!

Going back to the shore for the last Hurrah in 27 hours!!!!! It will be EPIC!!

qwik! HI LO HAPPY

2010-08-25T10:00:00.003-04:00

HI: That I am super productive and it's not even midmorning!

LO: How come all these other people aren't returning my calls yet?!?! Didn't they have their coffee this morning?!

HAPPY: That I snuggled with my kitty and drank good coffee today.

2010-08-15T08:51:00.001-04:00

From my pal DJ Dan:

Quotations	Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense. This day is all that is good and fair. It is too dear, with its hopes and invitations, to waste a moment on yesterdays.

fun friday

2010-08-13T23:39:00.000-04:00

I just had a fantabulous time out with my KU pals in Ktown. Ahh College. Good times. And blueberry beer at the Ktown tavern. Very Cool. Tomorrow: breakfast with the SHS girls!! It's old school weekend!

Summer!!

2010-08-13T10:03:00.003-04:00

My summer has been pretty fantastic so far.

Anytime I am not working, I am down the shore. I work in the mornings, as I got a gig w a writing service, as well as writing for a local paper.

I spend my afternoons on the beach, then I go and get lunch or dinner at my friend's deli.

At night friends and I go out to the local bar and dance our heads off. I am having a great time!

I lost some weight, am really tan and still job hunting, altho I got some good gigs right now. I ride my bike around the island and walk a lot. I'm also trying to eat more veggie, with soy cheese and less dairy and no meat (try walking into a deli and asking for soy cheese. A withering stare is usually received...)

The other night I made diakon (a kind of radish), onion, garlic, mushrooms and shrimp in a coconut curry broth over wild rice. serious yum (altho high sodium)

Today- finishing some articles, cleaning, baking some cookies and seeing wonderful friends out! I am so blessed and lucky to have the awesome friends I have. They are the best!

I hope everyone else's summer is going great!

2010-07-31T10:31:00.002-04:00

Sitting here eating pumpkin pancakes on this last gorgeous Saturday morning ever in July 2010. July 31.

Sadly, I didn't do hardly any of my July goals- get hired a full time job (but i got a great new gig)

or lose another 10 pounds (i lost a couple tho) i am getting stronger with my walking and running and lifting.

I have to say this is one of the best summers I have ever had. I am in Avalon a lot this summer and enjoying the sun and relaxing. I do a lot of work in the mornings, and go out at night. I've had to make things work in my life, and so far, I am surviving. Ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

Sometimes the path you thought you needed to be on segues into another path- the path you are meant to be on, and that is the right path. Just sometimes all you need to know is what you are going to do next- not a plan for your whole life!

food update on the AV 7 Mile

2010-07-24T14:16:00.001-04:00

As a newcomer to Avalon, New Jersey, I’m quickly finding new places I want to frequent, and the Seven Mile Island Deli is a place that I have finding myself at nearly every day I am on the 7Mile. The owner is super-gracious and friendly and makes amazing food- my favorite being the hot ham and cheese panini. I won’t give away the secret to this delicious sandwich, but I highly suggest getting yourself to the Seven Mile at 3101 Dune Drive, #107. You’ll love it!

Thinking...

2010-07-16T10:29:00.002-04:00

It is funny how some things some days fall into place, or I think they will, and other opportunities pop up. That's where I feel right now. At a crossroads, not huge but still significant, and also quite good. WOuldn't hurt to change things up a bit. New people have entered my life and I feel quite hopeful and happy.

You gotta make your own way in the world and it is important who is there beside you while doing it!

Off to the beach today. Been working all week while on vacation- time literally has been going too fast this week but it has been a good one.

vacation

2010-07-07T13:15:00.002-04:00

Lazy days at the shore were fabulous (ice cream! beachfront with pool! family and friends! comfy bed!), and for the first time, I didn't mind coming home.

some days it's so much easier to stay at the shore, not think of my house or looking for a full-time job, but i realize i pretty much have carved out a different life for myself.

Working a bit of retail, writing a lot, having fun with friends and family and still paying off bill. and genuinely enjoying summer. Also, losing 20 pounds really helps with the confidence. i got some new clothes and i look pretty good!

Also- Blood pressure down!!!!

April 2010

2010-04-06T09:30:00.003-04:00

Got a new writing gig and working out- what more could I ask for!

Checking In

2010-03-16T18:30:00.002-04:00

Haven't updated in a while..but all is well. The birds are twittering, the sun is (finally) shining after the Nor'easter and I am feeling happy, hopeful and optimistic!

Oh Nuts!

2010-01-26T07:54:00.002-05:00

So i had a great two days off- great weekend with family friends, took my grandmom to church, worked, worked out, slept, all the good things a day or two off should have. Sunday and Monday was my weekend, so I slept in a bit on Mondays, did work all day, cleaned, then Jen came over so we could work on our vision boards- what we want for the future. Had a great dinner, and then as I clean up the dinner table, I pick up a piece of bread and bite into it. CRREE-EEAAACK! goes this sound in my mouth. I spit out my veneer into my hand!!! My front veneer broke off my tooth!

after the initial panic passed, i made an appt for this morning, i am freaking- it will prob cost me what i've made so far this year, but oh well- my smile is my investment in myself!!

22 Days In

2010-01-22T13:15:00.002-05:00

Feeling good today- Swam this morning, ran the other night. It hurt, but I am welcoming it. The pool felt good today- I just let the warm water rush over my muscles and that felt nice, plus a few mins in the hot tub. Tonight I'll do power yoga.

While at the Y, I spoke to an older gent in the hot tub (everyone in here always ends up chatting) and I told him I have been trying to be healthier and working out more, and he seemed surprised. When I asked why, he told me he used to work out a lot, and working out so much is kind of a waste, and aren't there so many more things I could do instead of working out for two hours.

Well, since I am a writer and spend so much time sitting with the computer on my lap and the TV on, um, NO. There aren't really too many other things I could be doing. Watching tv- no. Reading or sleeping? I do enough of that. I need to understand that to be healthier, doing a couple laps or walking for an hour isn't going to make me lose weight and get fit.

Making better meals, seeing my friends and family, taking my grandmom to church couple times a month, and stretching a bit outside my comfort zone- THAT is what's going to be good. So working out an extra hour each day- yeah, I think I can handle that and that there AREN'T many other things I want to do, b/c it usually equals SEDENTARY! More workouts also equals better sleep, and oddly enough, less of it. I am up after 8 hours and ready to take on the day! I also joined a group that discusses workouts and healthy eating.

Off to finish editing and reviewing a few press items, then to yoga! And then to see a friend!

Feeling good- 21 days in!

2010-01-21T11:07:00.002-05:00

Ever since I saw Running the Sahara during the Philly premiere last week and met Charlie Engle, I have been energized. Meeting this man who has run the whole of Africa has been like a shot in the arm. I have been working out every day, running, even, swimming more, and eating better. I just have a better outlook and feel more hopeful.

After all, if a 10 -year crack addict can one day come clean and later run the Sahara Desert, then I can lose some weight become more healthy, and be the woman want to be!

newest articles

2010-01-21T11:04:00.000-05:00

latest awesomeness:

http://www.workingnurse.com/articles/The-Painted-Turtle

http://philly2philly.com/entertainment/entertainment_articles/2010/1/20/22937/running_the_sahara_true_story_inspiration

RUNNING THE SAHARA

2010-01-20T09:29:00.002-05:00

Check this out- movie premiere of Running the Sahara in Philly with Charlie Engle- the coolest guy ever!

http://philly2philly.com/entertainment/entertainment_articles/2010/1/20/22937/running_the_sahara_true_story_inspiration

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2010-01-01T22:41:00.003-05:00

I must think long and hard about resolutions- I am excited for this new year and the first day is over already! Had a great night celebrating with friends, very low-key and nice.

Sooo... some of these overlap w 34 things to do before 34!

1: Get a great new communications job!

2: Write my book(s).

3: Get 4 new writing clients.

4: Save 5K

5: Pay off line of credit!

6: Start up yoga classes again.

How about yours??

Last Day of 2009!

2009-12-31T16:23:00.001-05:00

WOW- already the end of the year!

Good things this year but looking for 10 to be even better!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Waiting for the snow!

2009-12-18T23:28:00.002-05:00

7 days until christmas! i'm waiting for the snow, writing and using my sick time to catch up on Gossip Girl on DVR. Contemplating what I did this year as per my 09 New Year's resolutions!

Feeling awesome!

2009-08-30T20:26:00.003-04:00

Hey there! i'm feeling good tonight! got a lot of writing done, got the rugs and ducts cleaned, house is looking good. also went swimming, got some exercise, cleaning out the closets and taking stuff to goodwill and consignment shops.

also doing more on my 34 before 34 list: cooling more healthy, lost some weight, being more patient w family, saved some $$$.

and NO headaches!

more later!

Crazy couple of weeks

2009-08-21T15:05:00.002-04:00

Turns out, after my last yucky post, I was sick..which is why i felt so horrible...I had a stomach thing, and was nervous about heading off to Pennsic 38. Had a great time camping, then was down the shore for a bit...lots of great time,, and writing a lot too!

getting ready

2009-07-27T12:47:00.002-04:00

hot today! time for AC!

Yummy frugal dinner

2009-07-23T19:15:00.003-04:00

Going thru the cupboards today to create something for dinner. I had canned diced tomatoes, black beans, canned turkey breast from trader joe's, tomato paste, canned mushrooms..hmm, a stir fry maybe..wait- my friend Jen suggested...

CHILI!!

and she even threw in a green pepper to add, so i came home, threw in all the above ingredients, plus a bit of cinnamon (secret!), olive oil, onion, garlic, cumin, lots of paprika and cayenne pepper, and YUM...I think I done good this evening!

Plus I am researching cheap ways to clear a drain clog...salt and boiling water, vinegar and baking soda, Dawn and boiling water.

I'll keep you posted!

Back to reality

2009-07-22T12:13:00.002-04:00

I am back from the beach and it was glorious!!!! Now it's time to get back to work, clean my house and clean out the car!

IT'S TIME!!!!

2009-07-10T14:35:00.000-04:00

Going to the shore! whoohoo!

YAY!!

2009-07-08T21:18:00.002-04:00

I MADE MY 3 DAY BREAST CANCER GOAL TODAY!!

After 8 months of hard work, I raised over $2300!!!!!!

Thanks to all who donated or helped me out!! YAY!!!

Going faster than a speeding bullet! it's...my summer!

2009-07-07T10:47:00.002-04:00

Going faster than a speeding bullet! it's...my summer!

Where is it going- feeling like it is half over and I haven't been all the way in the ocean yet- well, it has been cooler than normal. I've been to the condo pool once. I never did end up going swimming last night. I am going to try for today if I finish my pal's resume.

You know what? I am going down the shore for 10 days starting this weekend. And this is what i shall do to make up for the first 5 weeks~

- I have to work the first two days, but I will have the ocean in my sights!
- Play in the ocean every day
- Get up early and go look for shells
- Make breakfast for my pals and I
- Go out partying with them in some new places
- Take a nap
- Read at least 3 books
- Eat fresh Jersey produce

YAY!

hehehe!

2009-07-06T14:49:00.001-04:00

I just heard a pregnancy test commerical where it said: 'Bright colors and easy-to-understand words!' WTF!? Obviously daytime TV is vastly different from evening TV!! Easy to understand words...um, doesn't it say YES or NO, or Pregnant or NOT Pregnant...I didn't know it included a book on the little stick. Ok, lunch over, tv off now. Back to work!

So my pal Keri said: Maybe it's totally new vocab. In fact, maybe there's new packaging and two kinds of folks can choose their own kit: one has the easy-to-understand "YAY!!! or SORRY, TRY AGAIN" and the other has the easy-to-understand "SH*T, YOU'RE KNOCKED UP or SHWEW!"

Casting call for Director of Christine's Love Life.

2009-07-06T13:05:00.005-04:00

I'm here watching a rerun of 90210 (the original, not the new crappy one) and I think my love life would be much easier if I had a director so I wouldn't embarrass myself or put myself in any awkward situations:

(Cut to Christine in diner with her friends, when Cute Boy and his friends sit down at the table next to theirs.

After sharing jokes and conversation with each table, Christine decides to give the one Cute Boy her number. But wait, should she..will he call? Or even email? Maybe he has a girlfriend and will completely feel like a moron if he laughs at her? Or takes it, smiles, and DOESN'T call..or maybe he will, but is a dork..??)

Director: Chrissy, baby, give the cute guy a paper with your number, Cute Boy, accept it and then call her later!

Christine: Hi. That was fun, here's my card. Gimme a call sometime.

Cute Boy: Sure. (Smiles) Talk to you soon! See ya!

Christine: Bye (Smiles)

OR...

(Cut to Christine and Cute Boy on couch)

Cute boy opens bottle of wine on coffee table (from prop boy)

Christine: I had a great time tonight. Dinner was great!

Cute boy: Thanks, I wanted to try a new recipe...Cool that you liked it.
(Smiles at Christine and leans in a little)

Christine: (Smiles back, but now unsure if he wants to kiss her..should she lean in, or wait...)

AUUGGH!

BUT WAIT...to save either person's embarrassment, the DIRECTOR will tell us what to do!! Whew!

Director of Christine's Love Life:
Okay, Chrissy, baby, Cute Boy is gonna give ya a big smooch, Cute Boy, show ChrissyBaby some heat! Lean it, put your arms around each other, show some affection!!!
Annnnndd....ACTION!

Ahhh- that's better! Thanks, Director of my Love Life!!!

July 4th Weekend

2009-07-06T09:19:00.002-04:00

happy the Monday after the 4th!! How was everyone's weekend??? I had a great weekend, but i literally saw like ONE firework! BOOOO! so i hope i see some this summer? anyone do fireworks at pennsic.....?

i had a great weekend, kicked off friday by getting up at 4am and doing work (um, couldn't sleep!) writing, cleaning house, then Lissa and I took Hor-Mel to VF Park and pushed her around. was so much fun and a good workout and glad Mel could get outside. the weather was great, we saw deers and ACTUAL TOURISTS! it was great!

fri night tho i didn't feel all that great and missed the HOUR of fireworks p-ville, did, altho i couled hear them - each boom shook the house. ohwell. saturday had breakfast w some grade school friends, did some yard sales (got free stuff to sell at flea mkt..chamber pots anyone..i kid you not..) and then went to my rents for dinner and to Ang's for a housewarming and 4th of july party- that was LOTS of fun!

sunday did the flea mkt w Jen Jill and Aaron and made a decent amt and got rid of a LOT of stuff...then hung out and write and chilled in the afternoon.

hope all had a GREAT weekend!

Holiday

2009-07-02T22:49:00.005-04:00

So as we head into the July 4th holiday weekend, I always feel that summer is practically over! I am like a little kid during summer. Pool! Beach! Humidity! Road Trips to WW! Ice cream! Getting tan! Wheee!

But, you should see me during the month of August, I get nervous when I see the back to school signs and when it starts to get cool at night, it's all over for me!! Don't take summer away just yet!
But I am getting ahead of myself. I have two glorious months of summer ahead of me, to say nothing of September. I have some great trips planned, 10 days at the Jersey Shore (Girl's Beach Week bitches!!), 1 week at Pennsic- a first for me- where no doubt it will be hot as hell and I'll be camping, but it will rock!

And Labor Day will find my best pal and I at the Finger Lakes in NY along the wine trail...I get get behind that!

SO, unemployment doesn't suck right now- I am doing freelance projects and enjoying the time off. I have never had off during the 4th holiday, well, never had off for several consecutive months, but I am just going with it!

Remember when it seemed that you always had some more 'time?' I just passed the 33- year mark, and things are accumulating...I have about 9 years experience in writing and PR. I have a boatload of amazing friends and family, many with new little families of their own. I've had many relationships. I've been on trips, planes, cruises, trains, beaches, mountains! Lucky for me tho, I still consider myself young.

Life is made up of experiences, and I am lucky to have a lot of them!

Links to My Work

2009-07-02T15:45:00.000-04:00

Consulting work:

http://perceivemedia.com/content/about.html

Links to my freelance writing work: 2003-current

Parents Express 2003-2008

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=8782312&BRD=1306&PAG=461&dept_id=481742&rfi=6

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=10204740&BRD=1306&PAG=461&dept_id=481742&rfi=6

http://www.montgomerynews.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=9917467&BRD=1306&PAG=461&dept_id=481742&rfi=6

http://www.perkasienewsherald.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=10081430&BRD=1306&PAG=461&dept_id=481741&rfi=6

http://www.katieeliselambert.com/pdf/parents-express-may-2008-%20p14.pdf

ShinyStyle

http://www.shinystyle.tv/2007/09/shop_it_to_me_shops_for_you_1.html

NEWS-Line

(Just a few, I have written over 100 articles for N-L)

http://www.news-line.com/commander.lasso?-Search=Action&-Table=webinfo&-Database=press*&-KeyValue=355&-token.profession=PX&-token.target=featureone

http://www.news-line.com/commander.lasso?-Search=Action&-Table=webinfo&-Database=press*&-KeyValue=633&-token.profession=PO&-token.target=featureone

http://www.news-line.com/commander.lasso?-Search=Action&-Table=webinfo&-Database=press*&-KeyValue=824&-token.profession=PO&-token.target=featureone

http://www.news-line.com/commander.lasso?-Search=Action&-Table=webinfo&-Database=press*&-KeyValue=668&-token.profession=PR&-token.target=featureone

whoohoo!

2009-06-27T12:55:00.002-04:00

Last night was the Toast to the Ta-ta's! what a great event! i enginereed the entire event from start to finish and it was a wonderful time! Good times, amazing band, new friends! No one from my team came, but that's ok, i had great support from friends and family. the whole night was such a vblur- all i know i was so pumped! i LOVE doing events, epecially when they are for such a worthy cause!!

if you'd like to donate let me know!!

i'll post pictures soon!

so, the event came and went and i am exhausted...and hungry!!!

today, i'm writing!

Several things...

2009-06-24T11:38:00.001-04:00

1- i sold two things from fashion week (that I'll never use) on ebay and made about $40.

2- tuesday was national "let it go day' so- i emailed some old friends to reconnect. (also on my list!)

3- My 1st article is up on Philly2Philly.com, and the other one should be up tomorrow. Plus, I'll be doing 3 articles a week, including my newest column is based on places out here in the burbs.

4- I spent the day in Media today, I am working with Sprout Yoga doing their PR and also their Open House on July 11. Sprout deals with rape and PTSD victims..heavy stuff.

5- Also found so many cute boutiques in Media to cover! (i also found way cute seahorse plaques for the bathroom,...i had some BD money to i treated myself! (the rest went in the bank))

6- (except for the $$ i am using on a massage later today!)

7- I applied to 50 jobs last night.

8- Pilates hurts my tummy..in a good way!!!

9- I'm very blessed.

Toast to the Ta-ta's! 6-26-2009 - A Breast Cancer Fundraiser!

2009-06-19T04:41:00.001-04:00

Toast to the Ta-ta's! - 6-26-2009

Come on out and celebrate your favorite set of Ta-ta's on
Friday, June 26, 2009, 6-9 pm at Molly Maguire's - 3rd Floor, in Phoenixville, 197 Bridge St.

$10 gets you your first drink free and a raffle ticket!
Plus, Snacks, drink specials, music by Celtic Spirit and raffle prizes!!!

Prizes include Gift Cards to Molly's, Fenix, A membership to the Phoenixville Area YMCA, Massage sessions by certified therapists, private yoga classes, jewelry and much more!
Raffle tickets are just $2 each or 3 for $5!!!

Proceeds benefit the goals of Team GNC (Girls Need Cleavage) and The 3 Day 2009.
Tickets are just $10 each!

Need more info or wish to donate a prize: Please go to http://www.the3d....sonal&fr_id=1297
or email event planner/ freelance writer Christine at engchik@comcast.net or 610-937-3644 - This is a family-friendly event, all ages welcome. WE'LL SEE YOU THERE!

Toast to the Ta-Ta's is sponsored by Molly Maguire's Pub, Celtic Spirit and House of Flowers & Gifts, Phoenixville.

All is well in Lecki Land!

2009-06-16T17:17:00.001-04:00

Feeling better, i'm done the detox..i think it was a bit extreme but better now.

Did good today, recycled my bags when i went to the grocery store!

34 things to do before I turn 34.

2009-06-15T11:02:00.001-04:00

Okay- I think I’ve got them all. I had a few in here like, go to Australia / New Zealand, meet Jon Bon Jovi, be on the Apprentice, host SNL...I am not so sure those things will happen in the next 367 days!

1- Write in this blog weekly.
2- Go to Pennsic 38.
3- Get another tattoo (where and what tho...dragonfly? too cliché?)
4- Save 5K.
5- Teach journalism or a writing class.
6- Um, get a job!! A great, real, creative terrific job with benefits, decent pay and commute and that I feel my work and skills will be valued.
7- Write my Book!
8- Go on a great vacation- Vegas, Key West, Wine Country, the beach- somewhere, anywhere!
9- Become very good at yoga.
10- Get 5 more freelance clients.
11- A nice boyfriend would be nice, like Jim from the Office. Yeah, I want a Jim!
12- Take a class- pottery, wine appreciation, photography, meditation.
13- Get truly healthy and toned and lose 20 pounds.
14- Be less selfish and really listen, to become a better friend. Because while I know that the world DOES revolve around me and my brilliant thinking...um, most of the time, it probably doesn't....
15- Pay off my line of credit already!
16- Go about getting my Master's degree, at least take 1 class.
17- Learn to make lobster bisque.
18- Learn to ride a motorcycle.
19- Keep a garden- plant my own tomatoes, lettuce and herbs (on a condo 2nd floor deck!)
20- Replace the kitchen counters and bathroom sink.
21- Raise over $2300 for Breast Cancer research.
22- Pray more, go to church more and become just a little more spiritual. Remember to thank God for each blessed day.
23- Be in another movie (I was an extra in 2 movies while in NYC 07)
24- Save $$$ towards a beach house.
25- Reduce my carbon footprint: Use cloth bags for all groceries, recycle, shop local more, walk and bike more.
26- Be more patient with my family.
27- Sell all my crap at the flea market (Sundays are best days!)
28- Don’t sweat the small stuff (I never did mind the little things…)
29- Truly enjoy each day and at least one thing out of each day.
30- Go to the Camden Aquarium.
31- Reconnect with old friends.
32- Utilize the library more often.
33- Cook more healthy yummy food.
34- Make someone smile each day.

Birthday is on Wednesday. How do I feel, well, I am quite surprised that the last year went by so fast.

Dated a total loser for WAY too long, despite my friends strongly-opinionated (and correct!) views of him, paid off credit cards, went to 2 Fashion Weeks (thx M!), got a new roommate, made some new friends, did a juice fast, discovered the espresso martini diet, lost one good friend (some say good riddance, but I do miss her at times), realized I am not as smart as I thought, realized people don’t care much about the past, or your past, as you do, gone to weddings and funerals and celebrated friends’ new babies, got laid off and learned how to put out a fire.

I am sure I missed a few happenings, but here is to new beginnings.

Here’s to a magical 33rd year!

My Birthday...

2009-06-11T22:09:00.002-04:00

well, i turn 33 on Wednesday june 17. i had a list of 33 things to do before i was 33 and did just a handful of them. i lived in NYC, i was in a movie, I helped someone in need, i went to church more often. not too many regrets here, except to be less lazy and use this unemployment time to figure out my life and do some things i don't usually have time for.

Some of them I'd like to repeat..like have sex with a great guy. well, lets change that to find and date a really great guy that has good chemistry with me and that we can talk and have fun together. And he has to get on with my friends too. once all that is good, maybe we can bring some smex into it...

others are new experiences (sure mom, that other one was new too...)

I am going to Pennsic 38 this year, a first for me. So this will be activity that i will have completed by birthday 34, year 2010.

this comes out to almost 3 things a month, right?

As i complete each one, i have a detailed account for you!!

So Far: and these aren't in any order, just how I am thinking of them.

1- Save 5K.
2- Go to Pennsic 38
3- Get another tattoo (where and what tho...dragonfly? too cliche?)
4- Save 10K
5- Teach journalism or a writing class.
6- Um, get a job!! A great, real, creative terrific job with benefits, decent pay and commute and that i feel my work and skills will be valued.
7- Write my Book!
8- Go on a great vacation- Vegas, New Zealand, Wine Country - somewhere!
9- Become very good at yoga.
10- Get 10 more freelance clients.
11- A nice boyfriend would be nice.
12- Take a class- pottery, wine appreciation, photography, meditation.
13- Get truly healthy and toned and lose 20 pounds.
14- Be less selfish and really listen, to become a better friend. Because while I know that the world DOES revolve around me and my brilliant thinking...um, most of the time, it probably doesn't....
15- Pay off my line of credit already!
16- Go about getting my Master's degree, at least take 1 class.
17- Learn to make lobster bisque.
18- Learn to ride a motorcycle.
19- Keep a garden- plant my own tomatoes, lettuce and herbs (on a condo 2nd floor deck!)
20- Replace the kitchen counters and bathroom sink.
21- Raise over $2300 for Breast Cancer research.
22- Fit back into my leather pants and red satin steel-boned corset.
23- Be in another movie ( I was an extra in 2 movies while in NYC in 07)
24- Save $$$ towards a beach house.
25- Truly use cloth bags for all groceries, and shop local more.

so i need 9 more.....

hmm..what else? help me out here people!

welcome to 2009..in JUNE!!!

2009-06-11T21:34:00.000-04:00

Time to get this baby hot again!

2008-12-05T15:46:00.002-05:00

I'm doing pretty good today- walking a lot at work, trying to stay active and moving (not easy at a desk job) and tonight i'll be working out some more.

i'm selling luminaries for the holidays to raise funds- they sure are pretty ...want one??

More later!!

GIRLS NEED CLEAVAGE!!

2008-12-02T11:53:00.003-05:00

I have joined the awesome 3-day walkinGg team for breast cancer- GNC- GIRLS NEED CLEAVAGE.

I need to prep my body and donation account for this event.

i have two goals- to be able to walk milesand miles for the fight for Breast Cancer and make sure i raise over $2,300.

Please help me to do so. You can donate at http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/Walk/PhiladelphiaEvent?px=2970910&pg=personal&fr_id=1297

thank you!!

Last night i walked for an hour, tonight- i'll be walking again! Gotta build up stamina!

Stay tuned- i'll keep you updated on my progress!!!

Nicely nicely thank you!

2008-11-06T13:20:00.002-05:00

SO October was frugal month, even tho i spend more than i should have- but i did use coupons on everything, i've decided November should be ‘Make Someone Smile Month!’

I am going to help at least one person per day and try to make them smile.

Yesterday at work we had an ice cream social, and I packed up the extra ice cream cups in a bucket with ice on it to keep cold for my co-worker’s family. She was so pleased and said how thoughtful I was.

Today I made copies for an outside vendor who was desperate, so I said SURE!

I’m away for the next few days so I’ll be back on Tuesday to make the masses smile!

PS- i did get a new roommate and AM STILL waiting for the $102 owed me from my friend from LAST september. i finally sent a letter saying this is the last time before legal action is taken.

not so frugal day 24

2008-10-24T14:35:00.002-04:00

i caved.

i went to marshalls last night. i bought the skirt. i bought the shirt..three of them. i am justifying my well-spent $92. i do need some needs duds and these will go well with what i currently own, thus opening up some new combos of clothes. but i just noticed my fave boots are badly cracking ! :-(

went out to lunch today too- but my co-worker paid!!
see- frugal!!!

Frugal day 23.

2008-10-23T12:54:00.003-04:00

Frantically paging thru my entertainment books as i feeling the pinch and the coupons expire November 1, little over a week away. but i guess i don't need an extra sandwich at arby's..in fact, i'll cook my own food.

so many things i have and want to spend my money on but just reigning it in b/c my year-long renter...who ahs only been here two months- has decided she wants to move out. And so i am keeping her security deposit. if you break the lease, i get compensated for you screwing me. she thought she could just move out whenever she wanted to. Um no. should have said that before you signed the lease. Casa lecki is not a hotel. Brad keeps telling me not to be emotional- it’s just business. But wouldn’t YOU be pissed if ten months of rent just got yanked out from under you!?!? AND her deposit is only a hundred bucks!

So now i placed an ad on craigslist and someone did respond, but then he went another way. Maybe for the winter months I’ll just try to find one roomie b/c we are indoors more than usual.

I guess i don't need a pumpkin spice air diffuser, or a skirt from Marshalls. maybe I’ll just see how much it costs...i am running on very low on winter clothes. i have about two pairs of black pants- basically, I’ve gained so much weight that many of my winter clothes don't fit. if i just get serious about working out and healthy eating and lose my belly, I’ll be back in style!

i did however, give away a bunch of entertainment coupons- made my co-workers happy!

2008-10-21T13:08:00.003-04:00

hi frugal day 21! although i did drop over $100 on wine at the ren faire, i only spent admission, a sandwich, brought my own water and soda and i did buy some dessert- fried apples and gelato with caramel sauce..was divine!

i plan on using about half of those as christmas gifts!!

also, my lunch today was 2 sandwiches ganked from an office meeting after they were done!!!

2008-10-09T13:04:00.002-04:00

I just deposited checks for articles and the Y. Yay happy! now i can (hopefully!) pay off my visa. next i shall tackle my line of credit!

i did go to a housewarming last night and i bought 3 bottles of wine for $32, 1 for the party and two others (Mondavi chardonnay and bogle sav/blanc) were on sale for 10-11 each and so i got them for me! Party was fun, sat under the campfire, and then onward home.

today- i had a busy morning and just ran out to the bank and then wendy's...i so am not being frugal, but i didn't pack a lunch, i ate all my leftovers. i have odd things in the fridge, like homemade applesauce and an egg soufflé thing. and a hunk of raw broccoli, mushrooms, and strawberries…must eat them first!

Okay- just had a another huge meeting- so busy now! Whohoo!

Tonight- attempting to make Kung Pao chicken for B.

I'm on TV and i got paid!!

2008-10-08T12:25:00.002-04:00

I did a focus group last night in king of prussia and was on hardball w chris matthews and msnbc. We did have to watch the entire debate and then Norah O'Donnell of msnbc interviewed us. Plus I got 80 bucks!

hmm, i guess i am not so frugal after all

2008-10-06T13:19:00.003-04:00

i just checked my visa. i owe over $1000. it's like $1023. so i took a good long look at it. what the hay am i buying!?

every week, there's about $60 to wawa...for gas. i drive an suv, so there ya go.

there is far too spending at tarshaaay on there. archer farms espresso chip ice cream is my downfall, and at $3 a pint, i am going to try to make my own w low fat vanilla yogurt, choc chips and finely ground coffee.

i am canceling match.com, too. i sure hope there is someone special out there for me, but at $70 every three months, he is gonn have to find me another way.

i am getting rid of netflix. btwn DVR and cable and the lieberry, i have enough to watch..and i really should be writing, not watching other ppl's creative efforts!

i def spend too much on groceries. i need to seriously eat everything in the house first. and since B turned me onto amelia's grocery outlet, i tend to buy a lot for cheep, but it's still a lot of food that i prob don't need right now.

i need to do one last BIG haul of stuff at the flea market and then shut up about it. but i have become a dumping ground for stuff from ppl, which is kind of cool- i either get some $$ or a goodwill reciept for their stuff! i also need to do a walk thru of my house and see what i can purge.

i will get rent from my renters today, but it won't even cover the whole visa bill. but at least it is something, for which i am thankful!

frugal day 6

2008-10-06T10:53:00.000-04:00

Here’s how you can save more than $8,000 a year by going green . . .

Limit portions. According to the US Department of Agriculture, roughly 25% of all edible food bought by Americans goes to waste. The average US household spends more than $6,000 a year on food. If you eliminate waste by preparing smaller portions, eating leftovers and storing foods efficiently, you could save $1500 a year.

Be thrifty with clothes. Only a small fraction of all clothing thrown away in the US is truly worn out, representing a tremendous waste of resources. If you buy gently used clothing, expect to save about 80% or more compared with the same items purchased new. With each US household spending an average of $2000 annually on clothing, buying half of your family’s clothing at thrift stores allows you to save a fashionable $800.

Drink tap water. It takes 1.5 million barrels of oil every year to manufacture disposable plastic water bottles for the US market – that’s enough to fuel 100,000 cars for a year. Also, if you drink only bottled water, you’ll spend about $1400 annually to get your recommended daily amount of H2O, as opposed to 49 cents for one year’s supply of just-as-healthy tap water.

Stay close to home. Each US household now generates an average of 10 vehicle trips per day. With the price of gas at close to $4 a gallon, if you consolidate or skip just two or three of those daily trips, you’ll save big money and reduce pollution. It costs $9,369 a year to keep the average car on the road. So, a 25% reduction in use could mean a savings of $1782.

Use your library. You already own almost every book worth reading – your tax dollars were used to stock your public library. So instead of buying books, borrow them. You’ll save trees and help reduce the publishing industry’s carbon footprint. Also borrow music CDs and movie DVDs. If you borrow one book a month instead of buying a hardcover for $25 and borrow two movies a month instead of spending $5 per movie at a video store, that’s a total savings of $420 a year.
And here's a fun resource for you: Use this Personal Emissions Calculator to see how much more you can save by living green.

October already!!!

pretty decent couple of days. most of my team was out of the office so i had a quiet week. slept good b/c of the benadryl i took. friday night rach and i took the train to philly for margaret cho's show, beautiful. it was pretty awesome. i, um, had no idea it would be so vulgar, eating pxssy, a$$, and she is queer, which i did not know, and rach and I were def the minorities in the audience. but it was way way funny!! and everyone was so cool. and the opening act, Liam Sullivan (as kelly) was funny! then back home & in bed by 12.

up at 7am, hit up a couple yard sales and got some really great stuff including, burts bees gift pack BNIB, a little antique half-circle table for a buck, a black velvet fringy shawl, a full pack of coffee notecards, a free winerack, some cool B&W lights to hang up, and an antique pitcher covered in grape leaves, all under $5!!off to the Y to work with the kids from 9-12.and so i've been cleaning, watching 90210 reruns, cleaning, etc.

Good weekend- although this morning am wiped out, and didn’t do anything really that strenuous yesterday. I wonder if I am getting sick. I sure hope not. I have far too much to due!

sat night ended up going to see Eagle Eye with di and deb. was cool and we had a great time hanging out after.

Hit up produce junction with Jen yesterday and we split some of the stuff so it wouldn’t go bad, and I spent about $8 for mini pumpkins, broccoli, peaches, lettuce, mushrooms, raspberries, strawberries, cukes and corn. And we walked, so that was good for the environment and our tushes. Then I put myself on Facebook, when I proceeded to get friended or whatever up by so many of my high school pals! That was cool, and they all told me I look great! thank you!!

Of course, I took a nap then ate about an oz of pasta with cheese and then espresso ice cream for dinner (not so good for my tush). This is when I felt really crappy.
Made my egg bake for the week- broccoli, shrooms, cheese and eggs in the crock pot for 3 hours (this will be my b fast all week) and I have the rest of my pumpkin soup for lunch today.

Now I am at work and feel LOUSY. Drinking some coffee and trying to fight the dizziness and the sweating.

Joni just told me she has a dr appt at 4. I am so leaving right after her. Going to go swim at the Y. then going to make fresh applesauce in the crockpot with apples from my co-worker. Going to get the rent from my renters! ($750!!) then sleep.!

Frugalness Day 2

2008-10-02T15:30:00.001-04:00

October 2, 2008

I have to get gas today, no coupon for that sadly…. But I do have cash, which is better since I am trying to pay down my CC.

Breakfast today was a bit of my egg quiche cooked in the crock pot – very filling and easy check out ‘365 days of crockpotting’, with the crockpot lady Steph!

Lunch was about 6 harry and david meatballs I found in the freezer, some honey ham (also H and D) and a fresh tomato and an apple for dessert. No need to eat out here my friends!!

My evening tasks are to be:
Go swimming. Tidy living room. Finish OT article. Wash whites.

Make apple butter in the crockpot (again, thanks Steph!) using apples I bought and a bunch that were left in the common area at work. I do need to buy whole cloves tho, and not aiming to run to the store…and btw Target doesn’t have cloves!

Dinner will probably be ??
I’m feeling adventurous. Grilled cheese… with fresh sourdough bread and my new pack of Gruyere cheese, with a hint of Swiss. I need a veggie in here somewhere. I have green beans in the freezer or I’ll hit up Produce Junction and get some cukes and shrooms.

Frugalness- day 1 !

2008-10-02T15:02:00.000-04:00

I got this idea from One Frugal Girl’s website to only buy things on sale or with a coupon and never pay full price for anything for a month. My friend a friend of mine, that’s the only way he shops, but I am going t ]o try it.

Oct 1
8x10 picture frame- first thing I bought, before I decided to take on this challenge. From Michael’s and probably could have found a coupon online, or better yet, bought one at a flea market for a quarter or something.
$7.15 (tax incl)

50 oz bottle of vanilla flavoring- I got this for my cappuccinos to make at home. My old-old ex the evil H got my rents a cappuccino maker for Christmas out first year together..oh 1994? The thing still works perfectly and for pennies a cup, it’s much cheaper than spending $3.50 for a tall latte. I got this at Marshall’s, so it was already a bargain!
$6.35 (tax incl)

Free Chocolate Fondue Dessert from the Melting Pot- My friend Kathie and I hit this up last night- very yum! And i had a coupon from my BD for a free dessert- got the yin and yang chocolate (white and dark!!) fondue. BLISS!!!
Dinner was pricey, but saved $16.00. And so worth it. Also probably didn’t need to buy the none-dollar martini either.

Lemongrass and soap- After dinner K and I ran to Pier one around the corner. I love this store! I try not to frequent it too much anymore in the issue of saving money. I really wanted one of those reed diffusers but they were $12. I got some lemongrass soap (98 cents) and a small bottle of lemongrass shampoo ($1) b/c I seem to have an excess of conditioner and not enough shampoo. All from the faboo clearance section of course! Originally these items were for $5 each! So I saved about $8!
$2.15 (tax incl)

On the way home form my evening excursion I realized I forgot to stop at Petco and really needed kitty litter. (I cleaned out the box the day before..OMG yuck. Sorry GingerSpice!!) So I was on the phone with my frugal friend who said kitty litter was on sale at tar-shaaaay, so i swerved in before they closed and got two 20 pound jugs for $7 each (Saved about $4) and fancy feast cat for 10 cans for $5- a very big bargain b/c Genuardi’s sells these for 87 cents a can!!

Then I dropped the jig on the ground at home and some poured out…not cool. But I managed to scoop some back in.

So I guess I saved about $7. So I bought some espresso chip ice cream that I have been craving and that this target hadn’t stocked for WEEKS! So I was happy!

Saved about $30 if I had paid full price for everything!!! Go me!!!

Day 1

2008-08-28T14:40:00.000-04:00

This is my journey of love, work, hardship, love, sex, finance, friends, family, tv, movies and books.

This is my story and you may NOT use any of it for your own use, ideas, books or any medium with my permission.

I'm at work and I'm beat.