the girly network

Buying Local Goodies For Under $10

As promised on Blog Action Day, I went to a Farmer's Market in Queens today.  I checked out the Jamaica Farmer's Market.  Although it didn't have a great selection (only a handful of vendors), I was very happy with my purchases. 

Farmer's Market in Jamaica, Queens  GR for the girly network

 
Local veggies at Jamaica Farmer's Market                         Produce I purchased for under $10  GR for the girly network

I bought organic apples, red potatoes, bell peppers, eggplant and onions for $7.80.  That's way cheaper than buying organic produce at my local supermarket.  For about the same amount of money, I buy 2 organic green peppers and a bag of organic galas for $3.99 each at Stop & Shop.  Eating organic is not cheap but buying from a farmer's market can actually save you some cash.  Also, it's nice to know that I just supported the little farm from Upstate NY and NJ.

My only disappointment today...I was craving a yummy apple or pumpkin pie and I didn't find at the market.  Maybe next week, when I check out a different Farmer's Market, I'll have better luck.  Let me know if you have any recommendations for me. 

Jamaica Farmer's Market

90-40 160st

Jamaica, NY

Sweater Time

The fall is here and the thought that snow is around the corner makes my bones hurt.  It's that seeping wind chill that really gets to me.  The winter and I will never be BFFs but it's tolerable when you have a functional garment in your closet that you can count on. 

There's this girl that keeps a long gray sweater in the office.  Anytime it's too cold for her, she whips out this wrap-like piece...which is pretty much a daily occurrence.  Now, I know that's not the only sweater she owns but I totally understand why it's her go-to item.  My favorite outerwear is nothing fancy.  It's my olive green Lulu Lemon sweatshirt that my hubby gave me as a Christmas gift last year.  I dislike being cold and somehow this hoodie makes it all better.  It fits me perfectly, is ultra warm and travels with me everywhere.  I have to say...there's comfort in knowing that no matter how dingy it gets, it still gets the job done.

Are you attached to anything in your closet?

Glo @ Mets Game wearing her fave hoodie RC for girly network

Climate Change

When I think of climate change...I have to confess, I'm overwhelmed just by the thought of it.  There's no debating that global warming is here and we're all contributing in one way or another. 

I guess the best approach for me is to think of it in simple terms.  If you look at some of the tips that the experts suggest we do to help climate change, like buying energy-efficient bulbs and appliances, walking more/driving less and buying your produce from a local farmer's market...it's do-able.  Some of these tips even lead to a healthier lifestyle.  So, why are more of us not doing it?  Can 1 person really make a difference?  With any major issue, the problem may seem so enormous that our "little" action may seem insignificant. Well, the truth is that we're in this mess together and my choices, along with yours, will certainly make an impact.  Think of it this way...not only are you being kinder to the environment and in some instances, supporting your local economy, but how you spend your $ is a constant vote to what will be placed on the shelves.  Let's be realistic...nothing is more powerful than that dollar you're spending. 

So this weekend, in honor of Blog Action Day, I will go to a Farmer's Market in Queens to get my fruit and veggies, instead of my local supermarket.  BTW, I found a thorough list of farmers' markets in NYC at CENYC.  Hey, maybe I'll even bring my mother along and start a trend.  I know I won't save the earth alone but I can certainly do my small part.

What will you do to help climate change?

Free Yoga Class...

...and you don't even have to leave your living room.  Yoga Today let's you gain access to an online free class every week.  I did it today...and after being MIA from yoga, I'm sure tomorrow I'll be pretty sore.  BTW, it's a different experience doing a 1-hour class from your laptop.  If I had a choice between the two, I would definitely pick a studio (nothing can substitute human interaction) but I have to say it has its pluses.  It was nice doing the class at my own pace (I would pause it when I needed to see how a pose is done correctly) and in the comfort of my apt.  Check it out and let me know what you think.

Being Bilingual Is Cool...

You hear all the time about parents moving to the suburbs for better schools for their children. The Dixon family moved to a farm town for a unique educational program, where the goal is to have their children be bilingual by the 6th grade. Their daughter, a first grader, already reads in Spanish. Isn't it amazing how much info kids can soak up?

More schools should adopt this curriculum. If the Europeans can speak multiple languages, why can't we?

Ladder to Heaven

Doesn't it look like a ladder to heaven or is it just me?                    by GR for the girly network

Never A Dull Moment on Facebook

I just had to delete a H.S. schoolmate, Jennifer, from my facebook friends because her profile picture is now a baby dressed in a hitler costume.  I almost choked on my tea when I saw it on my fb wall.  It's a photograph taken by the renowned Anne Geddes.  It turns out that Jennifer likes her work as an artist.  I know for a fact that she doesn't mean anything hateful by it.  Anyway, I certainly don't want that on my wall.  Frankly, I found it offensive and the last thing I need is for people to associate me with that.  I'm not that close to Jennifer to tell her..."Girl, what the hell are you thinking? Take that off asap."  So, I did the only thing I could...remove her as a "friend" so the photo would disappear from my wall.  Also, I sent her an email letting her know what I was doing and why. 

Geez, you not only have to think twice about what you post on your own profile...but also police your 200 friends on fb, huh?  I'm exhausted.

How would you have handled it?

Who Says New Yorkers Are Hostile?

F train at Roosevelt Ave in Queens, NY                                                                                      by OMOO

The other night, I was riding the F train when a lady hops on asking for donations for her organization that helps children whose mothers are in prison.  Several people around me, including the girl on my left and the lady to my right, were inquiring about the org and wanted her contact info. It turns out both  subway riders wanted to volunteer with children.  After realizing they shared a common interest, they started chatting amongst themselves, while I was sandwiched between them.  At first, I didn't think anything of it.  I thought it would soon die down, after all, these women were strangers and New Yorkers.  I was wrong.  The train stops kept zooming us by as we headed uptown...50st...57st...63st...and into Queens...and they were still talking away, while I tried to look busy on my blackberry. 

The African-American girl on my left revealed she's 22 years old and a teacher in Newark.  The middle-aged Jewish  lady to my right is a self-made PR professional now...but was once a heroin addict.  The teacher invited the PR woman to come as a guest speaker to her classrooom...and she gladly accepted.

The more personal they got, the more awkward it was for me to pretend I wasn't listening.  So, I finally interrupted them and asked them to swap seats with me.  They apologized for talking over me and continued their conversation once I moved.

I smiled to myself because I knew I had witnessed something special.  These two ladies, who would otherwise be unlikely associates, had just started something on the F train...maybe even a friendship.  So, who says New Yorkers aren't friendly?  Rude...maybe...but don't ever doubt that there's a lot of ♥ here. 

What's Your Favorite Eye Make-up Remover?

I went into Sephora last week to pick-up my old-faithful eye make-up remover, Lancome's BI-FACIL.  (BTW, is anyone else intimidated to walk-in there?  I know it's a candy store for many ladies but I get overwhelmed with all the glossy choices.) This liquid eye make-up remover has been my favorite for years because it works wonders.  Seriously, getting rid of any type of mascara is a cinch.  I've also seen it used a lot at photo shoots by professional make-up artists, which reassures my pick.  Normally, I'm pretty loyal to my favorite products...but for the first time, I found the $26 price tag a bit pricey. Yes, blame it on the economy.  So, it's time to be a smart consumer and give other products a shot, preferably a recession proof eye make-up remover that doesn't compromise on quality.  Any suggestions? 

Hungry For Red Meat

    Isn't it funny how your body tells you what you need?  I try to listen to my body, especially when it's saying something good...like today.  Usually around my period, I'll crave a good juicy burger.  I don't eat a lot of red meat...maybe once every couple of weeks...but around my menstruation, I need the extra protein.  Tonight, I'll feast on a cheddar cheese burger with mushrooms...and some yummy french fries.  Wait, what's my excuse for the crunchy fries?