Like my silly little list?  I seriously cannot make up my mind if I should relocate to NYC or stay in Chicago for another year.  I’m doing better financially now that I’m done with graduate school, but am I doing so well I should take a gamble on a move to New York City?

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As you may have read, I love New York. In the few days I spent there roaming around, I loved the many shops, art, the street fashion and of course- the food.

I left New York longing to have a Vespa of my own and dreaming of all the fancy restaurants I have yet to try. One of my big life goals is to go back to NYC and watch a taping of The Daily Show and SNL. I will totally wait in line in horrible weather for that!

The fashion in Manhattan is what you’d expect- meaning, it’s everywhere. Fashion is deliberate on window dressings, people walking down the street, small street merchants catering to our love of design and color and even in the wait staff for some small hole-in-the-wall bakeries and restaurants. Honestly, I wish I had taken more pictures but at times I was too entranced with the experience to think to whip out my phone. So, here it is…

1.  The notorious NYC subway which wasn’t as scary as I remember (my last trip at 19 yrs. old was a doozy!).

2.  The view from my window in Manhattan, you can see the reconstruction of Ground Zero in the distance.

3.  I didn’t make it to the Brooklyn Bridge, next time baby!  For now, I enjoyed the flowers & architecture.

4.  Ground Zero is still under massive construction and to see the reflecting pools one needs reservations (it was crazy busy).

1. Stopped in a little cupcake shop for a rice pudding.

2.  Oh…and I also got a cupcake at said cupcake shop.

3.  …and I might have stopped nearby for a mani-pedi (I had to get party ready!).

4.  No, I didn’t buy these fab Betsey Johnson shoes (I did though pick up a different famous pair, more on that later!)

1.  For Julie’s book launch party, we surprised her with flowers, homemade confetti and some champagne.  Cheers!

2.  So I cut it close getting to the airport…distractions, distractions.  Silly Hello Kitty stops me every time!

3.  Spotting Julie’s book in a Manhattan bookstore for the first time was such a thrill!  We squealed like little girls..haha!

4.  Fabulous ladies posing for photos at the book launch party-  there’s Julie & Jenny!

1.  Roaming around Manhattan I saw this sign and had to giggle…no honking, really?!

2.  Not-from-a-package Japanese ramen w/ all kinds of yummy stuff floating in it.

3.  Isn’t this glamourous?  Christian LouBoutin’s NYC location bathroom…expensive boxes chillin’ by the toilet. Lawlz.

4.  This is my dream.  Live in NYC, have a gaggle of pugs, ride a Vespa scooter.

I’m still deliberating if I shall be making the move to NYC.  I’ve been talking it over with trusted friends, mentors & family…and heck, anyone with experience making the move to see if it’s a good move.  Needless to say, I’m pumped and want to make it work.

Chances are, my business could take a turn for the worse (I hope not) and if I end up eating rice/beans, if I had to live on the financial edge, I’d want to do it in NYC.  I’m 25 years young,  impetuous and adventurous with no strings attached (hell yes!) and since I have no interest to move to London or Paris, this seems like the right move.

I have yet to make a final decision though my heart has already hopped in the metaphorical moving box, but feel free to weigh in.  I get that NYC is crazy, expensive, cliché in some respect and could totally kick my ass…but that’s why I want to experience it.  I’m ready for the risk, I’m curious about the reward.

Want to be considered one of the savviest, most thoughtful people in your circle of friends?  That’s right, you so do.

While I could extol the virtues of thoughtfulness through this blog, or implore you that thank you notes are the life blood of generousity (and you really have no excuse to be lazy), I’m not going to.

Simply put, if you don’t have the courtesy to say “thanks” for a nice dinner out, a kind gift or the lending of a helping hand- you probably won’t learn now from me!  On the other hand, for those of you who love receiving gifts and love the people you get them from (or even if you don’t) and want to keep them coming, read on…

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Last week I was in NYC for several days to celebrate the launch of a game-changing new book, The Work Revolution by Julie Clow.  I have gotten to know Julie through the process of the book launch, and both her ideas and her influence in my life have been life changing…but don’t worry, the book review is coming soon!

The last time I was in NYC it was a rough experience.  At 19, I’d never been to a city like that before and found it totally overwhelming- plus I was in a large tourist group, so it wasn’t the intimate exploration of one of the city I’d hoped for.

This time around I fell in love NYC:  Head over red-soled heels in love.

I realize I was in “vacation mode,” not every day can be spent roaming coffee shops & picking out celebratory champagne, but oddly, I felt at home.  I did most of my work from a local coffee shop and spent the days roaming the busy streets of Manhattan.  I felt grounded and excited-  despite the hustle and bustle I was ready to dive in.

Being in New York for those few days was a game changer- it illustrated the big “what ifs” that I’ve been attempting to ignore.  Not only was I hanging out with the amazing Jenny Blake and phenomenal Julie Clow  who are total inspirations, but I was able to maintain my workload from a coffee shop in between roaming the nooks and crannies of Manhattan- a dream come true.  My days were spent hopping from shops to salons to restaurants to the book launch party.   I was in heaven.  Even when I got lost on the crazy streets, I felt I knew exactly where I was going.

I’m at a weird part in my life.  I just launched my own business, Cake Mix Media for social media consulting and I blog.  As of now, my work is location independent.  Additionally, in less than 30 days I will be done with my Master’s Degree.  My lease will be up soon and I have absolutely no plans.

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This picture cracks me up! Thanks Amy for capturing our awkwardness!

I adopted Ralph last year through a rescue organization, and while it should have been a simple process, it wasn’t.  I had several adoptions fall through and the timing was off.  I was certain I wanted a pug, but with stringent adoption policies and no car during a Chicago winter, it was a bit of a struggle to get the right dog, but when I did, it was worth it!  I actually volunteered with a rescue who need a foster home for Mr. Ralphiekins and after two months I knew he was truly home!

• Decide what you want in a dog. Are you going for looks, where a mutt/mix would do just fine, or do you want more measurable traits that are typically found in a purebred?  Are you fine with the “luck of the draw” or do you want a cute puppy you can get from a breeder that has predictability?
• Decide if you really want a puppy. Many dogs are given up for adoption or resold while they are still really young.  Adopting a dog over a year old might be a better bet if want a companion but not the energy and destructive tendencies of a pup.

• Decide why you really want a dog. Do you want a show dog?  Do you just want someone to take to the park? Do you want a mellow mutt that will just hang out while you work on the computer?  Do you want a dog that’s great for jogging?  Do your research beyond just looks and see what kinds of personality you’d like.  Go beyond looks- a Pug and a Boston Terrier are both similarly adorable, but Boston’s are notorious for being high energy.  Know the traits before you decide.

Knowing these questions will help you decide if you want to buy from a breeder or shelter adopt.  Even if you’re adopting, you CAN find purebreds at a shelter- it just takes more patience.

What to know about breeders:

• Know Where to Look. You can look on Ebay Classifieds, do a quick net search or go to a pet store.   But buyer beware! Just because a person has a litter of puppies doesn’t mean they are REAL breeders! Nor does it ensure they are healthy dogs, or they are “worth” the sometimes exorbitant prices faux-”breeders” charge.  I spoke to a man in the city who was breeding pugs to pay his tuition…ya, that sounds legit.
• Decide what you want the dog for, and how much you’re willing to pay. Unless you’re breeding or showing, you don’t HAVE to pay hundreds or thousands for a dog.  For the average person who wants an animal companion, you can find a dog that is healthy, bred ethically and is affordable.
• Your puppy will have more expenses on top of the purchase price. Veterinary care may/may not be included in the purhcase price.  Tack on at least $300-400  to the price of your puppy for vet care, training, supplies and carpet spray.
• Decide if you have the time (and patience) for a puppy. Breeders may or may not have trained or socialized the puppy.  The younger they are, the more time you’ll need with them.  If you get grossed out by poo or pissed off by pee on the carpet, you CANNOT handle a puppy.  Know there will be accidents, be prepared with lots of paper towels.

What to know about shelters:

Shelters are amazing!  Even if you want a purebred, (or an adorable mixed breed) you can find whatever you’re looking for.  Here are some of the perks:

• You can find puppies at shelters. Many people give up young puppies because they can’t afford it or didn’t anticipate the time and cost of a young dog and weren’t well informed by the person who sold it to them.

• You can save a LOT of money on a dog if you go the shelter route. All rescue dogs will already have had their shots, been fixed and

• You can save a LOT of time if you go the shelter route. Many dogs at shelters have had at least some basic training and socialization depending on their age. You can avoid some behavioral problems if the dogs are already well acquainted with people and other dogs, and potty training can sometimes be just a matter of “fine tuning” instead of starting from scratch.

• You can feel darn good about adopting a shelter dog. These volunteers aren’t in it for the money and fame- they just want to help and aren’t going to charge you a boatload to do so.

Searching for a specific breed to adopt?

• Google local rescues for your breed or do a search on Petfinder.com.

• When you find a dog, put the application in IMMEDIATELY.  Certain dogs go FAST.  Most shelters choose homes on a first-come-first-served basis, not necessarily your love or familiarity with the breed, or the offer of “bribe money.”

• Each shelter is going to be different in the application process and what it charges.  Depending on the breed, age of the dog and any special medical attention it has needed could affect the price.  You can get an older dog (fully vetted and past that annoying chew-on-everything puppy phase) for $50-150, on up to $350-600.   A french bulldog rescue in my area charges $350-600 for their dogs, but you might find a similar frenchie  on petfinder.com for $250!

• Diligence will pay off.  If you don’t end up with the first dog you apply for, keep trying!  You will find the right one, and I hope I do!