Self-Publishing

With newspapers on the decline, there's no need for a big PR firm to help you publish your content - you can do it yourself.  It's easy, more efficient, and cuts down on costs, so why not?  Here are 3 tips on self-publishing that can help you generate more revenue:

1. Be forward

It is important to be direct with your content.  With the many distractions that are occurring day-to-day, it's a wonder if we can just focus on one thing.  Be direct by just getting to the point, and leaving the "fluff" for another time and place.

2. Pull Marketing

What strategies are you using to self publish?  Push marketing was soooo yesterday, and people aren't intrigued by that anymore.  If you want to grab your audience's attention, you are going to need to pull them in.  Having your audience opt-in for their information will have them asking for more.

3. Write Everyday
To perfect your content, you have to write - each day.  This will make you a better thinker, and a better writer.  Writing everyday teaches us how to work with words in print to construct a meaningful message.  Overall, your writing should support your marketing and sales.


These simple steps will help perfect your craft of self-publishing, while also generating more revenue.  As you create more content, keep this in mind: "What have you done with what you've been given?"

Songza: My New Favorite App

I'm not a big app junkie, but I do love my music.  I recently stumbled upon this app, and if you are a techie music lover like me, you have GOTTA check this out.

I've always wanted an app that matched music to mood successfully, and I've finally found it. Now, now, don't abandon Spotify - this is more of a web streamed radio, similar to Pandora.  You can still create a playlist based on artist, genre, and track.  It's the mood, or "theme" feature, that is priceless (no really, it doesn't cost anything!).

You can choose what day of the week it is, and what time of the day (morning, late morning, afternoon, etc), and Songza will pick several moods you might be experiencing.  For example, if it is a Tuesday at 6pm, your options might include "Dinner", "Commute", "Road Rage", "Unwinding After a Long Day".  Now, try Tuesday at 12am.  You might choose "Reading", "Staying Up All Night", or "Work/Study".

Once you pick a mood, you can then choose the genre you were in the mood for.  This could be soft jazz, or bass-heavy hip hop!  After a genre is chosen, Songza gives you the choice of three specific and different playlists you can pick.  Then, listen away...

It's a flawless app.  No commercials in between songs, and is available on your iPad, iPhone, or on their website for all day streaming.

I've mentioned it's free.  So, what's the risk?  Try it today!

iTunes Might Be Dying...

Well, maybe just the music portion of it.

I was on my computer talking to a friend about music.  We were using Spotify to share different songs, and we were able to see each of the songs we had played for the day on Facebook.  It was then I thought,


When was the last time I used iTunes?  

All of the music I listen to is free.  I do pay for the Spotify premium, but $10 a month is a small fee for unlimited music at my fingertips.  I can listen on my phone, iPad, and computer, whether walking down the street, in the car, or even on the plane! Even if you do not pay, you are still able to listen on your computer for free.  I am able to proudly show anyone what I am listening to in real time on Facebook, and my whole iTunes library is available on Spotify as well.  So, is iTunes dying? Yes, to some extent.  Here's why:

iTunes....

1. Costs money! Most songs are $1.29 each, and if you are a music junkie like me, that adds up! I'm a student...I can't afford that!

2. Is not social media integrated.  Uhhh, why not?! Isn't that the direction that most websites are going in? If I can share where I'm at, my photos, what I'm doing, why not share what I'm listening to?

3. Cannot listen to whole songs for free.  Not unless you pay for it.  And sometimes you just want to listen to it and not necessarily own it.  That's how I feel with Justin Bieber's new song "Boyfriend".

4. Cannot share with friends.  Now I can't imagine life without it! Never again do I have to ask a friend to look up a song, I can just send it to them!

5. No "radio" (such as Pandora).  So sick of shuffle.  I don't want my music, I want new music!  I also like radio because I listen to songs I know, and songs I don't know, so it keeps it interesting.

Apps, Apple TV, movies, games, TV shows, are all still great on iTunes.
Music? It's just not the place I turn to for music anymore.

Creating the Perfect Email Address

Recently, I was working for a photography company during graduation season.  For each graduation, all graduates would fill out an information card so that their photos would be sent to them.  My job was to take these cards, organize their information, and insert it into an Excel spreadsheet.

Besides deciphering bad handwriting, I was amazed to see the email addresses they put down.  "2cool4u", "balla4lyfe", "soonerfanordie", "childof4", "princessbuttercup892950000". You've got to be kidding me.  These are high school and college graduates, mostly 18+ and about to go into the real world.  It was then, I realized, that people do not understand how important a good email address is.

Here are some tips on creating the best email address:

1. Have a Purpose 
   What is the purpose of this email address? Is it for work, school, friends & family?  Decide who you will share this address with, then choose the best name.  For friends and family, it is okay to have a fun one, but make sure you do not use that for a future employer.  If it is for business, I would include a professional name or title.  For school, it could be your nickname, major, hometown, etc.  It is never a bad idea to have many different email addresses!
   
   
2. Stay Simple
   This is the best way to appeal to all.  Keep it easy to understand, read, and remember - it makes it easier for everyone.  You want to be able to tell someone your email address once, without repeating yourself.  That is your goal!
   
   
3. Less is Best
   Get rid of all of those numbers, several words, letters, underscores, etc.  Short, sweet, and to the point is the best tactic.
   
   
4. Use Numbers and Letters Appropriately 
   Numbers and letters should be used sparingly, but they can be used.  If you want to include a middle initial, a favorite number, an abbreviation, that's fine.  This tactic is commonly used when the email address you had wanted is already taken.  Ways to use this poorly would be to include your year of birth, many random letters at once, and a string of many different numbers.
   
   
5. Represent You!
   You want your email address to make sense to those who read it, and to reflect yourself.  Your email address is your business card, and this is why choosing a good one is very important.  Let it showcase exactly who you are, and give everyone who emails you, the best first impression.
   
   

Top 5 Things To Make Your Spring Break Productive!

Spring break can be a blast if you are away on vacation.  It can also be pretty boring if you are staying in the dorms or staying at home with nothing to do.  Here are some things you can do to make your spring break productive:

1. Plan ahead and Finish Strong!
• Just because there's no school, it doesn't mean that there isn't any work.  With there being only a month and a half left before the semester ends, work definitely piles up quickly.  Those term papers that were announced in the beginning of the semester? Yeah, almost due.  Yes, take your break and RELAX, but it's always a good idea to use this time to get ahead as well.  Any papers due can be started, any online tests or quizzes can be completed, or any personal goals you had can be accomplished (take out that "to-do" list and cross some things off!).  This way when you get back, the rest of the semester will be a breeze. 
2. Summer Activities
• Yeah, summer is definitely around the corner.  Have you thought about it yet? Well now is the perfect time.  Maybe you wanted to travel, get an internship, get a job, go to school, etc.  Spring break is a great time to get that sorted out.  If it's a vacation, plan it and start saving.  If it's a job, start applying. If it's school, get enrolled. 
3. Reconnect with Friends and Family
• Use this time to catch up with loved ones.  When you are juggling school, work, and various activities, sometimes time moves so quickly.  Talk to your grandmother, visit your uncle, and get a chance to "chill" with some old buddies.  Using this time to connect withe some of the people you care about the most is probably one of the best uses of your break.
4. Work on a Resume
• I feel like I need to practice what I preach.  This is something I might start on as well.  It is a good use of time since you will be around friends and family who can critique your resume and help you perfect it.  If you don't have one already, get started! And if you do, good for you! Now perfect it!
5. Take Care of YOU!

• Please!  Those all-nighters, junk food at 12am, partying, working, lack of exercise, takes a tool on your body.  Get some rest, eat healthy (since you can raid your fridge at home now- for free!), and go out for a walk.  Do this so you can come back to school well rested and ready to finish the semester strong!

And please, stay safe this spring break!!

First Rejection, Then Success

I stood there shaking in the dimly lit hallway as they began to gather my measurements.  Height, weight, hair color, eye color, and everything in between.  I glanced to the left of me, my pigtails bopping around as I observed the room.  Another young girl stood beside me, with a similar look to my own, and her measurements were being taken as well.  It was just the two of us, with our hair and makeup done, our cute skirts and jeans, our flare tops, and the feeling of competition in the air.  It's just me and her.

At age 8, I knew I wanted to act.  That was my passion- and by living in New York City I was able to pursue it.  I just had my first audition for a Penny Marshall film and they had called me back, saying they wanted to see me again.  A call back on my first audition? That made my heart soar with happiness.  After that, they had called me yet again for a final audition, and this was with one other girl and I to audition with the director, Penny Marshall.

Once they called my name I entered the room, still shaking with nerves.

"Have a seat.  And do you mind if I smoke?" I shook my head, fearful for if I said yes that I would not be considered for the role.

I thought back to the girl waiting outside, knowing that this would be the only chance I would have to prove myself.  Just one little mistake could cost me the role.  There was no way I was going to see that girl on the big screen.  No, it was going to be me.

I said my lines to perfection, ignored the smoke filled air, and listened to her critique.  I did it several times over, each better than the last and putting a smile on her stern, intimidating face.  I did great.  That role was meant for me.

A week goes by without any word.  Maybe I wasn't meant for the role.  Then another week passes.  Finally after two weeks we get the call.  It was true- I didn't get the part.  When I asked why, they said it was because I was too tall.

Because of my height and not my talent, I was denied my first role.  It was then I realize the true meaning of rejection.  Rejection sometimes has nothing to do with your skill or talent, but just based on shallow things.  I've realized that this happens to the best, and without overcoming rejection, you can never reach success.  I knew I couldn't let my first audition be my last, so kept at it.  Since then, I've been hired for many gigs and have continued pursuing passion.

Never accept rejection- it's not an excuse.  Just keep trying!

How Well Are You Managing Your Time, College Student?

Time management is something difficult for all of us, but we learn the true consequences of procrastination when we enter college.  Pulling an all-nighter for a 10 page paper that you had all semester to do??? Sound familiar? I honestly never understood that.  I've never pulled an all-nighter (well, not for school anyways...), but I'm proud of it!

I've begun to realize how many things I have to do and how little time I have! Making a "To-Do" list has been one of the most helpful things while being in college.  I usually have so many things to do that I can't even remember, so I make a list of everything.  When you have an appointment you can't miss, promised a friend dinner, working extra shifts, etc., things get forgotten easily.  I sort them by level of importance and by time length that it requires.  This helps keep track of what I do so I make sure it gets done, and so I can balance school, work and fun.

In order to balance a 22 credit college life, work 15 hrs a week, and still have time to go out every night, I take every minute possible to do something productive, and complete something off that list.  Crossing items off is really fun for me.  If a teacher is running late to class, I take those 10 minutes to get started on various assignments.  Instead of going out for lunch in between classes, I usually go to my room, make something, and get some more of those items crossed off.  If I am spending my down time on Facebook for even 10 minutes at a time, I could be doing so much more.

I've noticed starting on things when they are fresh in your head makes it easier to complete them. I try and do things immediately so that they are out of the way.  I also make sure I have enough time to complete something.  If I know I'll be distracted or interrupted, I don't bother with it! There's always something else that can be done instead and that would be a better use of my time.

The key to all of this is to resist the urge to procrastinate!  I've gotten to balance so much by avoiding that.  I've had a great social life, school life, and work life, all in my 2 1/2 undergrad college years.  Procrastination produces stress and low quality, so, why?  Just make every minute of your day count and you can conquer it!

Some things you can do in your free time to stay ahead:


-Get your 1, 5, and 10 year plans, as well as your "after college" plan. Start on 1 year or after college, which ever comes first!
-Get organized! Clean up your computer, desk, room, car, etc.
-Look for ways to make more $$ 
-Grocery shopping! Hey, it is necessary...
-Keeping in contact with friends and family
-Catching up on favorite blogs, newspaper articles, books, etc.
-Running various errands 

First Date: Do's and Don'ts

I feel like I have definitely had my fair share of first dates.  My parents always pushed me to give people a chance, and that some of the best things have happened to them through networking.  With this, I decided to give my evaluation on first dates, so we can all perfect our "game".

Do:
-Pick the girl up, and make sure you are driving (unless you have a chauffeur haha).  If in NYC, then meet her at her apartment and you guys can take the subway together, or cab.  If you take a cab, you have just gained yourself extra bonus points.

• Come early! Early=on time. Even if you have to wait for her, the last thing you want is her waiting on you.

-Dress nice, but keep it casual.  Show that you care, but don't dress like a square.
-Have some key conversation topics that you both can relate to.  It helps when things get awkward.

• Spend more time talking on the phone than texting! People who have been texting back and forth for a month, finally meet up, and it's awkward.  I wonder why.

-Whoever invited who out, has to pay.  Even if it isn't technically a "date".  And sorry guys, but this usually means you.
-Have a plan.  No plan=no fun.  Nobody wants to keep asking "Sooo...what are we gonna do now?"

Don't:
-Talk about business too much.  Or really yourself for that matter. Spend time asking questions and be engaged in the other person's life, not your own.
-Linger.  Finish your date and leave on a strong note, which in turn leaves a great lasting impression.

-"Do the most".  This means ordering the largest most expensive food/drink items, having to see an IMAX 3D movie, etc.  Less is best.
-Go on your phone!! I don't want to see you glancing down at your phone all night not paying attention to what's in front of you.
-Expect anything.  Don't expect this to be the love of your life, or a free meal.  Letting things flow naturally without force is key.

Even though this sounds simple and is common sense, we have all been in these situations.  So apply these concepts for a better first date, better friendship/relationship, or just a way to make those few hours bearable.

Happy New YOU!

As I've entered the New Year, I have quickly reflected over the year 2011, remembering the decisions I've made for the best and for the worst.

I've noticed:
-I can go out, work, take 22 credits, and achieve a 3.85 GPA.
-I need to make blogging more of a priority when I want to share something - not just when I'm bored.
-Love is something I won't concern myself with for a while.
-I am more open to trying new things with new people in new places.
-I won't spend over a grand on a designer bag (well, maybe if it's cute).
-I love my friends in Tulsa as much as I do my friends in New York (but I love my city the most!).
-I've kept my weight consistant!  I spend too much on designer clothes for them not to fit.

And..
-I've kept my eyes on God more and more with each day.

I know my parents are proud of who I have become, and if the world doesn't end this year, I want to keep excelling and maturing as a young adult.

Update #2

I realize I was blogging a lot earlier because it was the summer and I was bored.  Would you like to know why I haven't been blogging? It might be because I am....

• Taking 22 credit hours in college and I don't have time
• Working 20 hours a week
• A student ambassador- which means a lot of meetings and touring/hosting perspective students
• Volunteering at Victory Church
• Spending way too much time with my boyfriend 
• Finding things to do in Tulsa, OK
• On facebook/twitter instead
• Learning how to cook
• Attempting to go to the gym

And the list goes on.  Yeah, no wonder I don't have time....buuuut we have our fall break coming up, so I will take some time to post on something interesting :)

Update #1

It's been a while.  I decided to take a break while relaxing in Disney World. I mean, when you are paying so freakin' much to be there...there is no reason why I should be blogging. But besides having an amazing vacation, I've started my sophomore year at Oral Robert's University and hopefully I'm on track to complete my undergrad in 2 1/2 years.  This means that this will be a super busy semester but I feel so confident - and that makes me :)

OH - I got my first car.  And it is a brand new 2012 Honda Civic Coupe.  No other words to explain my gratitude to my parents and most importantly God.  I am truly blessed.
Are you all familiar with the fact that I can't drive?  Who drives in NYC? Exactly.  So I've been doing the majority of practicing out here in Oklahoma.  Still haven't pumped gas for the first time...being that my car is hardly a week old and I don't want to pump gas.

Here it is! I still need to name him, but it is definitely a "him":

Frugal in New York City: FOOOOD

In one expensive city, yeah, good luck.  A city where we have $40 burgers and $1,000 omelets (who knew that was even possible!). So, you want some tips now??

• Rite Aid: For any snacks, cereal, toiletries, candy, etc, it is one of the cheaper drug stores in the city. With amazing sales, this can be the next best thing to Walmart!
• Water Cases: Buying a $6 case of 24 water bottles ahead of time to keep in your house saves more than you think. Carry one with you for the day, this way you don't have to spend $2-3 on a beverage outside. 
• Food Carts: One of the best things the city has to offer.  You can usually get a unique snack/meal for under $5 which could be halal (rice and lamb/chicken), waffles, dumplings, tacos, hamburgers, etc.
• Stick with Water: Special drinks can add a lot to your bill at restaurants (especially alcohol, which doesn't concern me since I'm not 21...).  So by the end of your meal, sometimes your drinks cost just as much as your food.  But tap water is free, healthy, unlimited, and you won't gain any weight! 
• Hint: If it's not a restaurant chain, RARELY will you get free refills on soda, tea, etc.  Always double check and ask before you end up spending $10 for a diet coke....
• DOLLAR PIZZA: Enough said.  I won't ever pay over $1 for a slice again.  Located around the 42nd st area on 8th and 9th and St. Marks (and more popping up, recently on 55th and Bway).  You can also get the special, which is 2 slices and a soda for $2.75.  It really doesn't get better than this.
• Hint: $1 Pizza NYC Locations
• NYC Restaurant Week: There are select weeks in the year that pricey, upscale restaurants offer "prix fixe" meals (pre-selected multi-course menu of items) to customers at a low set price.  This is usually during off-peak season in NY, but is a great way for anyone to try some of NY's best varying from $35-$50.
• Simple is Key: Although the appetizer looks great, and you would love to get that NY strip steak, be realistic.  You can eat at pricey places and spend little by being smart.  Stick with the cheaper items and don't get the $8 virgin pina colada, the $4 for extra meatballs, and the $10 dessert.  Chicken, water, and skipping dessert is ideal.  Honestly, I've even done a $12 appetizer as a meal and been more than satisfied!
• Skip Fast Food: It sounds cheap, but fast food here means spending about $8 for a value meal at McDonald's.  It's insane.  You can eat simple at a restaurant for around the same price or do a food cart and save money.  It's unhealthy, and definitely a prime example of not getting your money's worth.

Road Trip Itinerary

Currently- Packing for an 11hr trip from New York to North Carolina.

July 17th
4:30am- Wake up!
5:00am- Pack up the car and drive away
5:00am-3:00pm approx- Arrive at North Carolina home.

July 23rd
Sometime early- Leave for 9hr road trip from North Carolina to Florida....aka Disneyworld!!
Arrive 9 hrs later- Eat and head for the parks?

July 31st?
Sometime early- Leave for 20hr road trip from Florida to Oklahoma....aka college
Arrive 20hrs later- See friends, unpack, get dorm set up.

These upcoming 2 weeks will be crazy. 4 different states.  40hrs in a car.  And all the weight I lost walking in New York will soon be gained.  Here we go.

Just a little bored?

So anyways, here's a pic of me now!

Throwback: Miracles Happen (aka the "Princess Diaries" song)

"Nothing should ever bring you down

Knowing what goes around will come around.

You showed me dreams come to life

That taking a chance on us was right

All things will come with a little time

When You believe."

I. Love. This. Song. It makes me :)

Here one year, gone the next? Okay, "best friend"

I hardly ever dedicate time into people unless they are "worth it".
.......
I can't stand people who are your best friends and naturally, distance comes between the both of you.  Well, that's not what I hate.  What I hate is that I actually reach out to people and either A) they don't even recognize it ex. I text you or perhaps facebook you and say "Hey, long time! How have you been! Let's chat sometime!" and I get no response....YET I know you are on your phone constantly and I see you respond to other people on facebook or B) Don't follow up or make any effort! ex. You don't bother to contact me....ever!! Argh!

It frustrates me because I can prove, time and time again, that I am the one always trying to reach out to lost friends.  So at some point, I'm just like "Forget it." But then, I think about how long I've know them, how close we once were, or how much "time I've dedicated into them".

This is why I just keep my circle of friends smaller and smaller.  If you are really worth it, then it'll be obvious.  But once I see that you mean more to me than I mean more to you, I'm done. You never contact me, and I'm only one to do so?  I'm done.  I'm not going to view you as a "close friend" when you view me as "a girl from school".

So, it sounds like isolation.  No, just not everyone is my "best friend" anymore, I suppose.  Actually consider me one as well....then we can work something out.

Frugal in New York City: Transportation

Now, the majority of us don't have a car, car insurance, know current gas prices, or can even drive. Even without these expenses, New York transportation is still expensive. Especially since the MTA Metropolitan Transportation Authority raise their prices ever so often. So, here are some things I suggested that can help YOU save $$$ = :)

1.  Take advantage of what the MTA has offered YOU! 
   They give you a 2 hour transfer limit between bus and subway.  When I am running quick errands in Manhattan, I usually see what the distance is between each place (longer distance = subway; shorter = bus).  I use a different one for each direction. You save $2.25 each time you do that, and it adds up!
   EXTRA SAVINGS: When you get on a bus, ask for a bus transfer ticket.  The driver will print one out for you and you can use that on a different bus if there is another one you can take to go somewhere else.  That's 3 trips out of one $2.25 fare!
2. Sometimes it's just best to "cab it"
   It is.  If you have 4 people and you are going somewhere that is too far for walking, but too close to cough up $2.25, then take a cab.  When you divide it up amongst your friends, it ends up being around the same amount. And you took the luxury of a cab.  Just don't forget to tip!!
3. Student metrocards
   Public NYC schools give students one metrocard with 3 swipes a day, to be used weekdays from 5:30am-8:30pm, excluding holidays.  But you can REALLY use it.....
   -From 5am-9pm (it's the MTA's "bumper time", I suppose)
   -On holidays. But risk getting caught. Be sly and have an excuse.  I've used "I AM going to school, we have rehearsal even though it is break" or "I'm using it for school purposes, since my teacher told us to use this day to visit the museum" Although it is not an excuse if it's the "truth", right..... *wink*
   -To give to anyone! Lend to brothers or sisters who might be in college when not using it (that's what my brother did for me!!! But I always carry my high school ID just in case....hey I could have been held back...)
4. Put more on your metrocard
   Even though it is not a lot and the MTA keeps lowering it, you get extra on your metrocard when you add a large amount at one time.  $20 is good.  Not too high and enough to last you.  I think you get an extra $1.50 by doing that, so why not do it if you have the cash up front.
5. Only buy an unlimited (monthly, weekly) if you know you will use it!
   They can either be your "saving grace" or worst nightmare.  Sometimes I buy it because I think I'll use it enough, then it turns out I just gave the MTA an extra $20 because I didn't.  Although an unlimited metrocard sounds nice, you need to actually use it! Using a monthly at least twice a day puts you $22 ahead! So if you are going to use it, then USE it!
   EXTRA SAVINGS: Buy at least one monthly for the family. My parents go out in the day, use it a couple times.  Then naturally as a college student, I go out at night so when they are sleeping, I use it.  We get approx. 4x a day on it...which makes the whole family :)
6. Ask a local!
   Some neighborhoods have "Dollar Vans" or town cars that are called locally called "African Cabs".  These are privately owned but will get you to your destination for a lower price than a yellow city cab or sometimes just a little more than a subway.  Split it with your friends, and yes, it can be cheaper than a subway.
7. Own a car? Out-of-state insurance.
   For the select few that do, try and use another residence if you do have one outside of NYC. This cuts your insurance bill almost in half!  Plus other states allow you to tint your windows darker.... :) Just make sure your license plate is your "permanent" address. 

Album Review- Big Sean, Finally Famous: The Album

One of my favorite "XXL Freshmen" or "Newbie" artists.  This is what I think of his first album:

Intro- 4/5 It has some good lyrics and the beat is very peaceful. Basically the perfect intro for the album, talking about his recent view on his fame.
I never made the crowd fans, I made them all fam.
I Do It- 4/5 At first, the beat seemed simple and his rhythm was typical for Big Sean. Then I listened to the lyrics; it's quite funny and clever. The beat is still simple, but I honestly laughed out loud a few times while listening. It definitely entertained me.
I split an O in half, and now it's a parentheses.
My Last- 3/5 Radio play. The beat is catchy and the chorus is memorable. Any song that gets in my head is successful in my book. Lyrics aren't anything special but it's a cute song.
....now she rockin' Sean john.
Don't Tell Me You Love Me- 5/5 Wow. This song is something real. The lyrics caught my eye and the record felt very personal. Very relatable and a nice switch up for Sean. The beat started off as a instrumental with soft piano and guitar which was nice to hear in a hip hop song with the later addition of violins. This song was completed to the "T".
What's the perfect girl if it's not the perfect time?
Wait For Me- 3/5 Lupe is such a lyrically talented artist and I thought both artists would shine. Instead, I feel like both of them didn't measure up. It's one of the songs that I forget how it goes and is definitely not memorable. Would get 2/5 if Lupe wasn't on it.
Too late for him to make it out the 'hood legally.
Marvin Gaye & Chardonnay- 5/5 LOVE the beat. Having Kanye on it was a great addition. Roscoe Dash was perfect for the chorus. Although it sounded more like Kanye feat. Big Sean, it is nevertheless a great song. Lyrics are something to sing along to because the flow is unique for the song.
She's so cool give___with her shades on (whoa). (Amber Rose diss?)
Dance (A$$)- 1/5 You have got to be kidding me.  This song was not unique or clever, and even annoying. It sounds rushed and is 5 different beats smushed together. It's a good stripper song....
And it got an attitude, no wonder why it's stuck up.
Get It- 3/5 Not too memorable. Beat is nice with the piano. Lyrics are "aight". Good album filler.
Living life like I found a check with no ink.
Memories, pt. 2- 5/5 I can't believe this is Sean. Pretty song. Smooth song. No aggressive cursing, but a positive message. John Legend dresses it up. Lyrics are real and it is a song everyone can agree that it is very, very good all the way around.
Are you willing to give up what you love for who you love?
High- 5/5 Well, I think I would be surprised if there wasn't a song like this on the album, let alone if Wiz wasn't included somehow. We all know what this is about...and for it's "purpose", it is perfect.  Relaxing beat to bop to and the lyrics fit the title of the song.  Here's to all you smokers...
You be up in the club, I be up in the clouds.
Live This Life- 3/5 Typical Dream song.  I feel like all of his songs sound the same. Big Sean did okay with it though.  Not bad.  Not good. Not special.
They ask where your outfit from? Plead the Saks 5th.
So Much More- 4/5 I really like this song.  The beat is nice and I like his rhythm.  Some lyrics are good, some are repetitive Big Sean, but some are personal as well.  Worth checking out and listening to.
She put up with too many games not to have a ring.
What Goes Around- 5/5 The second I heard the beat, I was pleasantly surprised!  Very refreshing. Lyrics fit the song. Chorus is amazing and the beat is one of a kind.  This song shows his range.  It's encouraging and uplifting...one of those "I can do anything" songs.
'Cause when it turns real, that's when everyone turns fake.
Celebrity- 2/5 The beat is fine and so are the lyrics, although I feel it has nothing to do with the song. This is a sleepy song for me and nothing special.
What happens when it all falls, and the success is all gone?
My House- 3/5 It sounds like a "Trap Muzik" beat, which isn't a bad thing.  It's a fine song to listen to. Won't get many plays on my iPhone though.
From the top, they all look the same size.
100 Keys- 4/5 The beat with the piano "keys" worked so well and was very clever.  It has Ross on it, which would be the perfect track to put him on.  It's like a "classy hustler song".  Lyrics? Perfect for the song. One of these songs is necessary on every album.
Keys open doors, but bricks open windows.

And that's it. Overall, 4/5. Worth listening to every song and definitely worth getting the whole album!

Frugal in New York City: It's a series!

99 cent pizza! loc: 41st and 9th

Tips on saving money in one of the most expensive cities that you love to visit or live in.  Follow this series and you should have an amazingly affordable summer in my city! Stay tuned!

Beach: Do's and Don'ts

Today I went to the beach at Riis park in Queens, and I noticed and learned plenty.  Here they are so you and I (next time) can plan accordingly! 

Do:

-Be aware of your surroundings and pick a place where a lot of people are laying down tanning. Because sitting next to annoying loud teenagers gives you a headache after 15 mins.

-MUSIC. And not playing it off of your phone. My iPhone got over heated and sent me this message (it scared me):

-A cooler. Your drinks become warm after a while and taste disgusting.

-Bring an extra blanket. Usually your first one becomes wet and sandy, and when this happens, you'll be happy you can pull out a nice, fresh, clean one!

-Wear sunscreen even if it doesn't feel hot or if it's cloudy. You want to age beautifully! So protect your skin!

Don't:

-Sit close to the ocean in order to have the best view. High tide?

-Bring any extra things you don't need, including your Target giftcard from your mom, a necklace, makeup, a spoon, bank receipts, etc....as long as you don't mind losing it in the sand.

-Bring things of high value!! Expensive sunglasses or bags can be damaged by the sand/sun. Or what if your friends all want to go in the water. Now someone has to stay and babysit your belongings.

-Worry about how you look and have fun! But if you have a long commute home, it might be a good idea to bring some extra clothes (no sand!) or a brush and clips to fix your hair ladies!

Some of the tips might be second nature, some may not, but either way they can help you have a successful and amazing day at the beach! Just don't go to Coney Island...