Archive for the ‘onValues’ Category

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

THE MAIN EVENT: V-DAY

Thursday, February 10th, 2011

Last week I wrote to you all about the importance of planning the proper Valentine’s evening, and about how to prepare yourself physically and mentally for the expectations of this once-in-a-year extravaganza of love. Well, for today, I have decided not to conclude this 2-week installment with a continuation of where I left off and provide a list of romantic restaurants or bars perfect for sharing that Hallmark intimate moment—with every other couple in New York City at your side. After all, it is basically assumed that a Valentine’s date will consist of dinner followed by drinks, or some sort of entertainment. But, for today’s blog, I want to write about alternatives to this standard procedure of date-night etiquette. I think the entire conception of Valentine’s has been skewed by the idea of “going out.” For most people, having dinner at a restaurant is an acceptable middle-ground for meeting a person on a date, so my suggestions may not be appropriate for those just beginning a relationship or on a first-date.

Like other holidays, Valentine’s Day is built around an idea, love, that is often lost in the fray of planning and scheduling what is most likely an expensive night out. But, we must not forget the original purpose of the day that has driven us to celebrate it. If you want to celebrate the love you have for someone, why not consider creating something that expresses this instead of just making reservations. For the artistically inclined, this may not be much of an insight, as it is something natural for you, but for others, do not be intimidated if you are not a master of pastels. Expressing yourself is not about reaching a standard, but simply about mining your creative impulses to express how you feel.

If you are still wary about getting crafty, then why not forget about living up to the expectations of Valentine’s altogether by purposely undermining them. Go out to your local party store, buy as many obnoxious and kitschy decorations you can afford, adorn your apartment in a smattering of festive reds and cupid silhouettes, invite all your friends over, and throw a party that has nothing to do with Valentine’s except the decorations.

Above all, the easiest way to ensure a memorable date, whether it is Valentine’s or not, is to be creative and be yourself.

 

Written by Derek Parsons, Campus Clipper Blogger

Visit My Blog Dont Mind If I Do and follow me on Twitter

Also Check Out Great Campus Clipper Student Discounts!

Download our NEW App on iTunes.
Become a fan on Facebook and follow us on twitter and watch our YouTube videos.

Don’t forget to sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter for student promotions and coupons and download the coupon booklet NOW.

Share

Tags:, ,
Posted in onValues | No Comments »

How to Overcome Your Shyness

Wednesday, February 9th, 2011
Being shy often prevents you from flying high, and I know this from my own experience. There are so many things that you don’t know and other people do. Instead of struggling to find out where to get a great deal to a gym or how to sell back your textbooks, ask your college mate. When you graduate, you will have to search for an internship and later a job, and shyness is not the best of your qualifications you need to show at an interview. If you had trouble with communicating your thoughts or abilities to people around you, college years are the time to fight it.  Here are some tips that may help you to become more self-confident and overcome your shy nature:
1. Find out what kind of communication is the most challenging for you. Are you lost while talking to strangers over the phone, or are you suddenly shy face-to-face? Knowing that is essential because it gives you the field to work on. Once you realize where your weakness lies, push yourself to be in situations that make you feel uncomfortable. When a child starts walking, he or she is not happy falling down with every step. But no one have ever given up walking because it is so difficult. Every skill requires training, and communication is not an exception.
2. Get a job that requires you to talk. If you are afraid of calling strangers on the phone, get a job in telemarketing and advertising. First of all, they will train you to communicate with people in an effective way. Secondly, you will have enough practice, and eventually, you will get better at it. And finally, you will be encouraged by a paycheck. It will be especially helpful for you to get a job where you get paid depending on how much you sell. This way you will be pushed to polish your communication skills while looking for the most persuasive ways to get them to buy your products. You will have to be creative, and you will have no time to be scared. Gradually, you will see that your fear vanishes with every phone call you make.
3. Visit your professors during their office hours. Professors usually put some time aside for meeting with students, and they sometimes become upset that students never show up. If you stop by an office during a break you would otherwise spend eating unhealthy food offered by cafeteria, you may discuss the test that you failed, ask questions that don’t let you sleep and even get an idea about which grade you are going for in the course. Professors can give you an academic and personal advice. Another good thing is that they will get to know you and they will see that you are interested in their subject and want to do well in their course. And of course, you will feel less shy next time you have an encounter with them.
4. Participate in student clubs and study groups. Not only will it give you the opportunity to work on your shyness and meet new friends; it will also allow you to learn from your peers and discuss problems that bother you. When you are truly passionate and knowledgeable about something, you will never be afraid to talk about it with other people, especially if they are interested in the same things or issues you are.
5. Deliver oral presentations. It is so frightening for everyone to stand in front of the whole class and report about something. But no matter what job you will have in the future, you will be required to speak at the meetings, unless you are planning to be a secretary or a librarian for you whole life. Therefore, the earlier you learn how to deliver successful presentations, the easier it will be for you to use it to the benefit of your career. If your college offers a public speaking course, take it as soon as possible. This is not only a skill that you use at work, this may be the ability that will get you the job you want.
6. Talk to random people. Ask strangers for directions, discuss the snow storm warning with a lady sitting next to you on the train and merely ask your peers questions. You will get the information you need and discover the boldness you may never knew you had deep inside you.
Ekaterina Lalo
To read more of my articles, check out my blog: http://nycvalues.blogspot.com/
Share

Posted in onValues | No Comments »

BE ANNOYINGLY HAPPY

Tuesday, February 8th, 2011

Happiness, to me, was always a shiny yellow ball that, when I reached a certain point in my life, would descend upon me in an ethereal manner and consume all my fears. Well, that’s so untrue I don’t know where to begin. In matters of love and romance, happiness cannot be achieved between two people, no matter the compatibility of interests, unless each individual is independently happy.

How then, can you be happy if you don’t have everything you want, or even need? The answer is annoyingly simple: it’s not a matter of having what you want, but wanting what you have. This does not eliminate ambition, or instill placency, it simply stifles the all consuming self pity that can hinder one’s ability to achieve. Shiny, happy people do well in life, but how do you become one of those people?

Power of Food: If you pour sugar into the gas tank of a car, it doesn’t run, it clogs up the work and creates a mechanic’s nightmare. Now, imagine your body as a car, you put the wrong things in and you’ll get little in return. This doesn’t mean that you can’t have fats or sweets, but if you’re feeling lethargic and run down, the first instinct is to grab for the comfort foods. The fuzzy end of the lollipop is where you’ll find yourself in this situation, because that cheeseburger or candy bar will only dig you deeper into exhaustion. Find things that are healthy, but taste good. I always feel better after I eat a salad, but I don’t stick to low fat dressing with plain lettuce. I spice it up with crumbled goat cheese, craisins, chopped walnuts, and a variety of other cheeses, dried fruits, and nuts, and maybe some croutons or parmesan. Add flavor to your healthy foods, at least you’re eating a salad. I love to warm up pineapple and bananas in a frying pan and sprinkle them with cinnamon. You have to enjoy what you do and eat, because what’s the fun of being skinny and energetic if you constantly starve yourself?

Physical Fun: What ever happened to just running because it was fun? When was the last time your friend chased you through a park and it wasn’t because you slept with his girlfriend or stole his iPod? It’s a struggle to go out there and exercise if you’re not hard wired for it, but once you get on a roll, you might like it. The key is to find something that gets to excited, something that holds your attention. I like to box and to row. I can’t afford to row, so wherever I’m living I find a place that offers boxing. I recommend a private trainer for the first couple of times, and most places will offer some kind of deal. I’m often surprised that I pay someone to make me work until I feel like passing out, but I feel great after and my energy level goes through the roof. I have friends who play Frisbee, join soccer teams, jog, do pole dancing and strip tease classes, take dance lessons, and they all rave about how much more motivation they have when they exercise, they just had to find something to maintain their interest. Even if it’s watching TV while you work out, whatever does it.

Self-Hypnosis: Alright, I know this sounds crazy, but you can actually talk yourself into being happier. A lot of us are naturally inclined to find the negativity in a situation before they look to the positive. Here’s a little trick that’ll get you smiling more: when you walk into work in the morning, before you do anything, write down three things you’re grateful for. After fifteen days, you’ll start to see a significant improvement in your demeanor because you’re training your mind to naturally try to find positive things in your environment. This also works when you’re fighting with your hubby, sit down, breathe, and tell him or her three things about them that you’re grateful for. Verbalizing makes it more tangible. I like to list three things I’m grateful for before I go to sleep at night, out loud, and it helps calm me into a state where I can more easily fall asleep, and it prepares me for the morning. Mind over matter, just try it.

Healthy people are happy people, and happy people make great partners. Try a few of these tips, and maybe sit yourself down and ask what it is you want in life. Even if you know you want to be in better shape, have better skin, a better job, a new pair of sneakers, etc, verbalizing it will make it easier to visualize and eventually obtain. Trust yourself.

Written by Ashley Teal, Campus Clipper Blogger

Visit My Blog and follow me on Twitter!

Also Check Out Great Campus Clipper Student Discounts!

Download our NEW App on iTunes.
Become a fan on Facebook and follow us on twitter and watch our YouTube videos.

Don’t forget to sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter for student promotions and coupons and download the coupon booklet NOW.

Visit our recommended gyms:

Crunch

 

Share

Posted in Eating Healthy, onEntertainment, onFood, onHealth, onValues, Relationships | No Comments »

A Prelude To V-Day

Thursday, February 3rd, 2011

It’s that perilous time of year again, when that one, fateful day either reminds of us how hopelessly alone we are, or how tragically in love we are. But, maybe that is too dramatic. Valentine’s Day is, nonetheless, the holiday of love, the conferred day to celebrate the success of a current relationship, or, with hopeful tidings, begin one anew. Although most people begin planning their Valentine’s evening well in advance (or at least should, HINT!), most often overlook some of the more personal measures that can be taken to ensure a memorable V-Day, and with so much pressure to prepare a unique and romantic evening on the town, you do not want the little things to get in the way.

Some of these recommendations may be seen as superficial or shallow, but the presentation of self is an important way to make an excellent first impression and show your date that he/she means enough to you to properly look the part. It’s a matter of respect. That being said, in the limited time left before Valentine’s (Countdown: 11 days!), try getting into a routine at the gym to boost your energy level and self-confidence. Most people think working out is strictly for physical benefits, but it’s also a great way to boost your mood and self-esteem.

Even if you get reservations at an exclusive restaurant, unless your clothes are cleaned and pressed properly you will look very out of place. Make sure to plan your outfit in advance, or at least have a general idea of what you might wear and make sure everything is cleaned and ready to go for your night out. Dry cleaning is usually the safest bet. Letting a professional clean and press your clothes will ensure you they will be taken care of properly and not shrunken and wrinkled as they usually come out after my loads of laundry.

Another helpful tip is to plan a trip to a salon or barber and make sure your hair is “did” just right. Nothing drastic, unless it’s been a few weeks or months, but just enough to trim you up and clean the edges around your neck and sideburns (for the guys), or to trim the frayed ends of hair (ladies). I would recommend not trying a new style at this moment. It could be a big gamble and the risk may not prove beneficial. Stick to the basics.

Perhaps my most important piece of pre-Valentine’s Day advice is to be mentally prepared. But, how to do that? Well, I recommend reading Pablo Neruda’s little book, Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair. A personal favorite, this book will reveal to you the ranges of love and give the mental readiness to embrace Valentine’s. Read it, again and again

Here are some coupon links to prepare for a date on a budget:

Gym:

Synergy Fitness Clubs

Salon/Barber:

Cocoro Salon

East 6th Street Barber Shop

Derek Parsons

Donotmindifido.tumblr.com

Share

Posted in onValues | No Comments »

First Dates: Let it be

Thursday, February 3rd, 2011

Remember the “dating” habits of junior high? Do you like me? Check yes; check no. There was no dating, simply a quick glance from across the room and zip bam boom the two of you are all wet puppy eyes and picking out fine china. Later on, things got a little more complicated and I’m not quite sure what did it. Broken hearts, realism, cynicism, or maybe residual scarring from that fifth grade beau that never shared his PB & J. Occasionally two friends get together after a long time of “hanging out” or that one night stand turns out to be the real thing and nothing like its original shape, but for the most part we have to date. Dating is a wonderful thing, resembling a sort of salad bar. With no commitment, a clean slate, and a night out, there’s nothing to lose. Here are some fun (and hopefully helpful) little tips for a first date:

Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy: You’re most likely going to date a lot, and I highly recommend it, before you even settle into a committed relationship, so take it easy on the first date. Don’t try so hard to impress or to tell your date every tiny detail about yourself. The great thing about getting to know someone is, well, getting to know someone. All the small surprises are the fizzy bubbles that swim up your nose when you drink a soda, so don’t gulp it all down- you’re almost certain to get sick. Try not to summarize yourself, they need to form their own opinion of you; they’d rather read the novel than get the cliff notes. Instead, talk about things you enjoy, things you have in common, or even something quirky that pops into your mind. Breathe, and keep things simple. Don’t begin with the Spanish inquisition, it was uncomfortable in the fifteenth century, and that hasn’t changed. You should be interested in your date, curious about them, but you’re not conducting a job interview.

Forever: This is a first date, repeat that to yourself every time you begin imagining how he’ll look in a tuxedo or if your mother will like him. This isn’t a habit for all of us, but I’ve encountered a large number of friends, worsening with age, that try to map out their relationship early on and it almost always ends up in tears and Haagen-Dazs. I once had a friend imagine the eulogy he would deliver at her funeral after having been married for forty years (after a first date); it ended in sweatpants for a week and boxes of raw brownie batter.

Don’t expect everything to be perfect, and don’t expect a commitment, just enjoy your time together. Think of it as only happening for one night, plan on never seeing this person again, and if it works, it works, if not, you can be thankful for the good time or relish in the relief of never having to see them again.

Liar, Liar: How many times have you caught yourself saying something that you know is a grandiose embellishment or not even remotely true  to someone you just met? This is a time when honesty is the best policy. If you didn’t climb Everest, save a baby from a burning building, or attend Yale, don’t say you did. It’s true, you may never see this person again, but I’m a firm believer in the universe’s sense of humor, and a liar is the prime source of entertainment for the powers that be. If you do end up in a relationship, how embarrassing is it to be caught when they realize that you don’t spend much time working out like an Olympic athlete should. Be you, because if they don’t like who you are, do you want to be in a relationship with them? There is no amount of rhetoric that should make you be a different person.

Mind Your P’s & Q’s: This seems like an obvious tip, but a lack of manners is the culprit in most bad dates. Unless you’re at a restaurant where the culture requires eating with one’s hands, use utensils. Gentleman, you don’t have to throw your coat over a puddle or offer grand (sometimes terrifying) gestures, just open a door or two. Also, a guiding hand on the small of her back is a risk, but sometimes a real winner. Ladies, smile! Don’t be the dining dead, offer those ivories up as part of the package, because smiling releases endorphins and it’ll boost your good time vibes. If you eat in a restaurant, be nice to your server. Yes, they signed up to wait on people, but they did not sign up to deal with condescending jack wagons all night. These are general rules that should apply to every day, but for the people out there not utilizing them, try starting with a first date.

Most importantly, remember to have a good time! Make fun plans, because going on a date is the best excuse to do something exciting. In a relationship, you have to enjoy doing things together, and an active date can sometimes be the best way to limit verbal diarrhea. Love isn’t all drama, it’s predominately giggles, so go out and get yourself some laughing fits.

Written by Ashley Teal, Campus Clipper Blogger

Visit My Blog and follow me on Twitter!

Also Check Out Great Campus Clipper Student Discounts!

Download our NEW App on iTunes.
Become a fan on Facebook and follow us on twitter and watch our YouTube videos.

Don’t forget to sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter for student promotions and coupons and download the coupon booklet NOW.

Share

Posted in onLove, onValues, Relationships | No Comments »

Spotlight: Nanoosh

Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011

I won’t begin my first restaurant review for the Campus Clipper (or, for that matter, any publication) trying to prove myself a sophisticated and highly knowledgeable epicure. Fact is, my diet would make most advocates of slow food and other digestive movements cry.  Not that I don’t admire them for some of the amazing things being done with food in this city and elsewhere, but I must be forthright and admit that I am typically a lazy eater when it comes to refining my palate, at least when I am at the helm of the kitchen. So, the opportunity for me to write a review of a restaurant might seem like an odd pairing, but my own laziness with food does not make me ignorant to its tastiness, and I consider myself an open-minded eater, and someone willing to seek out a quality dining experience (so long as someone else is cooking). I hope my reviews will be an honest account of a student dining, and not an attempt to strive for something more than it is, so that you will know what places are great for the student budget and belly.

For my first assignment I was given the opportunity to dine at Nanoosh, a restaurant self-described as “an organic take on classic Mediterranean.” Upon arriving, I walked into the sleek and modern dining room, boasting streamlined wooden tables and paneling offset by grey and green tiling, giving the restaurant an oddly comforting spa-like feel. What most caught my attention upon entering, however, was the large glass and metal centerpiece strung above the main dining table in the center of the restaurant. This piece, forming an oval shape from the convergence of two parenthesis-like glass windows, was filled with chickpeas, and immediately I knew I was in a place that was serious about hummus. After my initial impression, I was seated and began reading my menu, focusing on their signature hummus plates, and ultimately opted for the hummus nanoosh, which is a dish of hummus with ground beef, organic onions, organic mushrooms, and tahini. Following the recommendation of my server, Rita, I also ordered the lebane, a traditional soft cheese from strained yogurt served with extra-virgin olive oil and zaatar, a traditional herb mixture.

Be pleasantly forewarned; although the dishes on Nanoosh’s menu are all moderately priced, they are large, and more than enough for a single person. The hummus nanoosh and lebane are each served with a basket of warm, thick, and doughy pita breads that are still hardly enough to scoop up all the goodness on the table.  As for the food itself, the hummus was very creamy and smooth, almost fluffy in texture, and well complemented by the mound of caramelized onions, ground beef, and sautéed mushrooms. Though the hummus was very good, I was most anticipating the lebane, a dish I had never tried before, and based off the recommendation of my server, had high expectations for. Well, it certainly met all my expectations. The lebane was tart and creamy, and served spread around the edge a shallow bowl surrounding a pool of seasoned olive oil. When all mixed together on one of Nanoosh’s pita breads, it was a tasty experience.

Having completely stuffed myself, I was then asked if I would like dessert, and, well, why not? I chose the organic Mediterranean honey and walnut yogurt, which is, simply enough, a dish of yogurt served with syrupy swirls of honey and generously chopped walnuts sprinkled on top. Like the lebane, the yogurt was also creamy and tart, but with the swirls of honey, was also very sweet. The walnuts added an excellent crunchiness to the dish to balance the soupy consistency of the yogurt. After thinking I had no possible room left for dessert, I was surprised at how light this dish was, and ended the meal nicely without feeling overstuffed.

Nanoosh is a perfect choice for those who are hummus enthusiasts, or for anyone looking to try something new. Prices are very affordable, as a dinner for two ranges from about $25-$30. They also have multiple locations throughout Manhattan so you are never too far away from getting your Mediterranean fix.

Nanoosh

111 University Place (btw. 12th & 13th)

212.387.0746

www.nanoosh.com

For 10% Student Discount at Nanoosh click here and visit the CampusClipper Website for more student savings!

Derek Parsons donotmindifido.tumblr.com

Share

Posted in onValues, Restaurant Reviews | No Comments »

Campus Clipper Guidebook Student Review

Monday, January 31st, 2011

Recent college grad and new to New York City, blogger Ashley Teal shares her thoughts about the soon to be released Campus Clipper Guidebook for students in New York:

“We all know the Campus Clipper to be a distributor of life saving coupons for students, and now they’ve added on some quirky and helpful editorials to the delicious little magazine, Student Maximus. Most recently, Campus Clipper is announcing the release of its book NYC Student Guide Book. The guide is filled with articles for the students, by the students, with indispensible advice for living in the big city. Not only does it discuss cooking, eating, subway etiquette, roommates, relationships, and a myriad of other essential topics, but it also offers directions to hidden clubs and bars, and the best places to eat vegan and gluten free. The candor of the student writing is astounding, unfettered by major media sources and political backers. There’s no agenda other than giving students what they want while simultaneously supporting their dreams. The NYC Guide Book is the best thing next to fiction to pick up and read on the train to class. Readers can live vicariously through other student’s writing, or they can find a way to create their own adventures and stories by seeking out the recommended places in the guide. The guide book is a great tool for students that every parent or friend should buy for a newly transplanted NYC student.”

-Ashley Teal


Send an e-mail to clip@campusclipper.com

to pre-order your Campus Clipper NYC Student Guide today!

Share

Posted in onValues | No Comments »

AN APPLE A DAY

Monday, January 31st, 2011

While in college, one of my friends liked to brag that her boyfriend was quite a catch. When he mysteriously checked in to the campus health clinic one day, she seemed distraught, but oddly embarrassed. An STD? I wondered silently.

Finally, she confessed the truth. He’d been admitted–for scurvy.

Scurvy?! I exclaimed. How on earth had he gotten scurvy in this day and age? Wasn’t that what pirates used to suffer from when they were on the high sea for weeks?

Yes, she explained patiently. But you could also develop scurvy due to a lack of vitamin C in your diet. Apparently, her “quite a catch” boyfriend had been subsisting on Ramen noodles and peanut butter sandwiches for the past semester.

I was shocked, but oddly complacent with myself. Obviously, I had enough common sense to pick up an orange and eat it. After all, oranges weren’t that much more expensive than peanut butter sandwiches. Yet….I later realized my diet wasn’t much of an improvement over the boyfriend’s.

After discovering “Rich’s” (Let’s call him “Rich” to protect his identity) malady, I sat down and wrote a list of everything I’d eaten that week. The list turned out to be pretty pathetic. Apparently, I was eating a lot of fast food. Aside from the enormous amount of calories I was taking in each day, double cheeseburgers and fries weren’t exactly bursting with vitamins. Yeah, I was drinking a High-C Orange with my meal, but it wasn’t the same as buying a fresh piece of fruit. After studying the list, I resolved to make a change to my diet. But how could I eat healthy while also staying within my meager budget?

Then it hit me. Subway.

Technically, Subway is fast food. You can walk in and out of the little sandwich shop in under 15 minutes. But unlike the Wendy’s, White Castles, and McDonald’s that clutter the city streets, Subway is actually healthy. They use freshly-made bread in a number of varieties (including garlic, multi-grain, and whole wheat). No processed hamburger buns here! And instead of a thin piece of mystery meat slapped in between the buns, you get real protein–like ham, turkey, or meatballs. You’ve also got a great selection of fresh veggies to choose from. And finally, there’s fruit! Also on the plus side, Subway is affordable. I usually order the $5 footlong and a pack of apples slices for the side. Thus, I can walk out of the store with a filling meal for under 7 dollars.

And, since you’re a student, Subway offers you an awesome discount to make eating fast and healthy even more affordable. Check out their coupons here! And remember, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”…and prevents scurvy.  

Written by Megan Soyars, Campus Clipper Blogger

Get great more Student Discounts!

Download our NEW Appon iTunes!
Become a fanon Facebook and follow us on twitter!

Don’t forget to sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter for student promotions and coupons and download the coupon booklet NOW

Share

Posted in onValues | No Comments »

Date Night: Round II

Thursday, January 27th, 2011

Dating protocol often assumes a rigorous adherence to behavioral standards or manners that may preclude yourself from acting as naturally as you normally would—to be as non-confrontational or offensive as possible. Well, for those who have less concern about inhibitions or have reached a level of comfort in their relationship in which making a total fool of yourself is endearing, I recommend spending an evening with your guy or gal at any of Karaoke Boho’s three locations throughout the city. What could be more flattering and romantic than belting out ballads to your babe in a key normally reserved for some kind of primal mating ritual? Or, take on a duet and share the mutual humiliation of singing classic pop songs out of tune. Either way, you’ll be singing when you take advantage of Karaoke Boho’s great student discounts.

If singing is not something you are interested in, consider heading over to Fat Cat (75 Christopher St. at 7th Ave.) for nightly live music, pool, pong, shuffleboard, and an assortment of board games to challenge your date to. A little friendly competition is a great way to break the ice and what better game is there to do so than pool. Whether you choose to shoot classic 8 or 9-ball games, Fat Cat has an exclusive deal for students. With any hour of pool purchased, you get one free hour! All you have to do is show up with your student ID and Campus Clipper coupon. Next thing you know you’ll be designing signature trick shots to impress your date.

Whether you are hoarse from “singing,” or simply famished from a few intense games of bar sports, why not finish off the evening with a late dinner at Boyd Thai (210 Thompson St.). A personal favorite, Boyd Thai offers a 15% student discount on dinner from 4PM-close, so you won’t be limited to an “early bird special” crowd. All you need to do is show your student ID. Enjoy the magnificent fusion-style cuisine and recount on the happenings of the evening over a bottle of sake and the warm, comforting ambiance.

Click  Here For Coupons:

Karoke Boho

Fat Cat

Derek Parsons

donotmindifido.tumblr.com

Be sure to check back next week for A Prelude to V-Day…

Share

Posted in onLove, onValues, Out On The Town | No Comments »

How to Make Love Stay

Thursday, January 27th, 2011

The one to two year period of a relationship is the time in which you start to get into what I call the meat of it. Any facades that you had in the beginning have dissipated; you’ve seen the gritty and the real, and obviously you like what you’ve seen so far, otherwise there’d be a hole in the wall shaped like you or your beau followed by a settling cloud of dust. You know your other half’s tics, quirks, phobias, and the whole kit and caboodle. This is the point where you don’t know everything, there are always little (and sometimes not so little) surprises, but you feel like you do. This is the meat. This is what everyone was always talking about when they said that relationships are work. When your grandmother was cross stitching pillow cases (or, like mine, gambling in Vegas), and she looked at you over her glasses (or poker chips) and furrowed her brows at your gushing affections for some guy you just met, this is what she was waiting for.

Relationships are work, but the work is one of the best parts. You have to enjoy the ride, because there is no destination. Here are a few tips for relationship maintenance:

Say Thank You: It’s all about the little things. Big gestures are nice, as are the warm and fuzzy declarations of love that happen every now and again, but it’s the little day to day recognitions that keep you from taking advantage of each other. Just remembering to say thank you for the things they do for you is as important as doing things for them. Say thank you for taking the trash out, doing the dishes, making the bed, walking the dog, making dinner, or easing your troubles after a rough day. You don’t have to press your forehead to the floor in a bow of thanks, it can even be in passing, just say it. Verbalizing thanks also reminds you of how much they do for you, it’ll keep you out of the ‘I do everything’ mentality that everyone gets wrapped up in from time to time.

Thoughtful Purchases: You have to buy your one and only a present on their birthday, holidays, anniversaries, and Valentine’s Day. What about every other day of the year? A bouquet of flowers ‘just because’ is a winning gesture, but there are other things that will make your significant other gush at your sweetness and earn you a few extra brownie points. If they’re an avid reader, pick up a book that you heard about or saw in a book review that you think they might like. Even if they don’t like it, they’ll like the idea of it. A box of sweets from a bakery your co-worker raves about, a trinket from China Town, their favorite appetizer from a local restaurant, or anything you see in your daily travels that you think they might enjoy. If you’re strapped for cash, they will understand, so even mentioning that you saw something they’d love in a store window will remind them how much you care. You don’t have to go over the top every day, that’s overwhelming for both parties, but let them know that you’re thinking of them with small gifts. This little tip works for all types of relationships from romantic, to platonic, to familial.

Time Apart is Time Together: When we hear of good relationships, ones that people are often envious of, the line “they do everything together” is almost always used. This is a fallacy. Healthy relationships are kept by each person having their own time. I like to think that the phrase “absence makes the heart grow fonder” is not referring to separate vacations, long business trips, or long distance, but the time couples spend apart on a regular basis. It’s important to share a lot of common interests and hobbies, but sharing everything will certainly wear down the enamel of any relationship. Make time for your friends, for taking walks on your own, classes, or spending time doing something you want to do alone. You should also remember that your mate has friends and activities he or she would like to do alone. Don’t gripe over “girl time” or “guy time,” but relish the time they’re away from you to do your own thing. A glass of wine and a good book go a long way in a bustling city, especially when you’re sharing a matchbox sized apartment with another person (or 5). Every week you should make time for yourself and your friends, and then set up a time to spend together. A walk through Coney Island, an intimate dinner, an indie flick, or renting a movie and ordering Chinese are great things to do together, and you’ll have a lot to talk about because you haven’t spent every waking moment together. Conversations grow stale and quiet in even the best relationships. How can you have anything to talk about if you haven’t been apart to experience new things?

You do maintenance on nearly everything you own: your computer, car, apartment, shoes, clothing, phone, so why would you neglect the most important thing? Your relationship is a living, breathing thing that you and your significant other create, so treat it with a little courtesy and keep it healthy.

Written, with love, by Ashley Teal

Bring home something sweet. or bring your sweet to a treat from Dessert House

Share

Posted in onFood, onLove, onValues, Relationships | No Comments »

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »