Music Monday

Discovering new music is exciting, especially if it’s a band that’s not quite popular yet, you almost feel like it’s a hidden gem. I’ve even added an app to my iPhone that keeps me updated on the bands that are playing in Philadelphia, from World Café Live to Johnny Brenda’s - - the app is called Philly Concert Hub (PCH) if you are interested.

I’ll share a few bands I’ve seen recently or am planning to see, but remember you heard it here first!

Library Voices: an indie pop band from Regina, Saskatchewan. Yes, they’re Canadian! There were about seven of them on stage and they sounded tremendous. For those who are musically inclined, the instruments they used included a Baritone Sax, a Gibson Night Hawk and a 12-string electric guitar. (MySpace)

Truth & Salvage Co.: self-described as “psychedelic country rock n roll.” A friend of mine discovered them in California and found out they were here in Philly last week so we went to see them last minute. I was pleasantly surprised – I’m not a big fan of country music, but it’s not overly country-twangy sounding if you know what I mean. (MySpace / Facebook)

Liz Longley: singer/songwriter, under the pop/adult contemporary genre. You’ve heard me talk about Jesse Ruben, well this is a friend of his from Berklee College of Music in Boston. She has a beautiful voice; I suggest you check her out. (MySpace / Facebook)

Fall Friday

Just wanted to share some pretty pictures I took outside my house on this lovely day...

Love the way the light hits the leaves...

Such vibrant colors.

Tuesday’s Tunes

This weekend singer/songwriter Jesse Ruben was in his hometown of Philadelphia and put on two performances. Friday night he was at MilkBoy in the city and Saturday at Mad River in Manayunk. He was raising money for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation and his endeavor to run the New York City Marathon next month.

There were raffles, prizes, music and drinks – what more can you ask for? Check out pictures and videos from the weekend on his Fan Page, and continue to follow along his budding career!

(Song performing: Unbreakable >>> He wrote it about his father; has great lyrics that most people probably can/could relate to sometime in their lives)

Truthful Tuesday

I’m going to take a quick minute today to point out something that is underrated in life, and I personally can attest to it: Balance. People too often allow only one aspect of their lives to define who they are, when really we should all strive to be well-rounded. A few things have led me to this consciousness:

1. Having some personal realizations dealing with my career and private life within the past year that made me step back, take a breath and reevaluate.
2. Speaking with a few people who aren’t from this country, rather from a place that’s not so job-centralized and there’s more focus enjoying life as a whole.
3. Trying to view situations in a non-traditional angle and attempt to put things in perspective.

With that said, I really enjoyed reading this blog (link below) about balance. It’s just the tip of the iceberg, but Michele has a few good suggestions on how little changes could help acquire some balance, or as I’d like to say, clarity in your life. Take a look:

Healthrough Action: Holding Life in Balance


**One thing I would like to add to her list is re-examining the people in your life. Moments are precious, so spend your time wisely with those who matter. And as hard as it might be, try to separate yourself from, or at least recognize the ones that seem to have toxic and negative influences on your life.

Financial Friday

The importance of financial literacy cannot be overstated, especially for young people. Students in general can be vulnerable to taking on excessive debt in credit cards and loans. If you can learn at a younger age, it is more likely you’ll make sound financial decisions when becoming an adult.

Lincoln Investment presents Mission Possible: Financial Literacy for the Next Generation, which is a free workshop series designed to inform young adults how to manage their money.

Besides the financial literacy aspect and educating the public, Lincoln Investment’s products and services include: Leader in 403(b) retirement plans, retirement solutions, mutual funds, annuities, insurance products, risk management services, individual securities (stocks, bonds, CDs) and planning services.

They specialize as I said in 403(b) plans as I mentioned, so if you are an employee of a school district or another non-profit organization, this is what you’re looking to invest in for your future. Again, if your financial future is something you’re concerned about, especially if you work in a school district, I’d suggest you check out Lincoln Investment. Follow along on Facebook and on Twitter for interesting posts and videos about embracing your future.

Tuesday Tint

Those who know me are familiar with my slight <ehem> obsession with nail polish. It has become quite the accessory over the years, though some trends are a little too much for me, such as animal prints and bedazzling. There are many different reasons to pick a color and a few are your mood, the season, an event coming up, a specific outfit you’d like to compliment, or even for a special someone. Sometimes it’s even a mixture of a few reasons.

The weather (in the northeast) is getting chillier, as the season just changed from Summer to Fall, therefore many people switch over to darker shades. What color are you sporting today, or plan to get in the days to come? I’d love to hear your reasons behind it as well, so please share!

Thanks, and I’ll post a picture of my current color below…

 (color is Essie's: Over the Top)

West Ave. Wednesday

For those who are from and/or live in the northeast suburbs of Philadelphia and love brunch as much as I do, you must have heard of West Avenue Grille by now. For the people who aren’t familiar, let me assist:

West Avenue Grille is owned and run by a wonderful family and no doubt has that local mom and pop feel. Take my word about brunch: it’s the best, from caramelized strawberry pancakes, to challah French toast, extravagant omelet’s, the works! I’m just salivating thinking of it. They also serve lunch of course and are unveiling a new dinner menu this week so stay tuned.

This week is busy for them, along with the new dinner menu, there are specials going on (drinks and appetizers) during the Phillies playoff games, and it’s Yom Kippur Friday-Saturday If you observe the Jewish holiday, West Ave. is providing delicious break-the-fast trays for Saturday, and if you order them by tomorrow (10/6) you get 10% off! I’ll post the picture below.

Of course you must follow them on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with the new menu additions and other special events to come. Bon Appetit! 

Follow Friday (part 2)

Want to shop at a lovely boutique with contemporary clothing by high-end designers? Chickie’s Daughter is a warm, friendly place passed down for three generations now, run by the fabulous Amy Kabinoff.

Connect with Chickie’s Daughter: Fan Page / Twitter

Wouldn’t you like to keep your facility green friendly while cleaning it? Accommodation Mollen is Philadelphia’s largest distributer of cleaning and safety supplies and equipment. If you own a company, or work for one that you’d want to push towards the “go green” campaign, click on the links below!

Connect with Accommodation Mollen: Fan Page / Twitter

Delicious food, wonderful people, fun atmosphere, and did I mention the delicious food? Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner, West Avenue Grille is a definite must. Period.

Connect with West Ave Grille: Fan Page / Twitter (coming soon)

Follow Friday (part 1)

If you’re in need for Life Insurance or know someone who is, specifically Long-Term Care and disability, Larry Oxenberg (with New York Life) is the man to see!

Connect with Larry Oxenberg: Fan Page / Twitter

Know anyone with an illness or injury that needs help recovering? Check out Michele Rifkin’s Occupational Therapy practice. She’s committed to helping people think, feel and move better, as well as participate more actively in their lives.

Connect with Healthrough Action: Fan Page / Twitter

Come explore the Philly suburbs, more specifically Jenkintown, for a Tavern with great drinks, food and atmosphere. Drake Tavern’s the place to be any night of the week, and keep tabs on the fun events they host each month.

Connect with Drake Tavern: Fan Page / Twitter / YouTube

Miami Monday

I must give a shout out to my alma mater, University of Miami. It was easy supporting my school while living in Miami for the better part of a decade, which included four years of schooling. However since moving back to the northeast about a year ago it has been tougher finding the games on TV, as well as other Canes in the area to share the experience with.

Problem solved: we just (re)created a University of Miami Philadelphia Alumni Club. Oh, and I’m on the executive board as the Professional and Social Networker, which is kind of exciting. Anyway, we have many great things planned in the area, such as watch parties, happy hours, holiday parties, and other exciting events coming up.

SO, if you are a U of Miami alum in the Philly area, or a Hurricanes fan in the Philly area, check out these links please:

Request to join our facebook group: *Join here*

Follow along on Twitter: @phillycanes

Local website: http://www.miamialumni.net/philadelphia (updates coming)

Thanks, and Go Canes!

Welcome Wednesday

I’d like to give a warm welcome to Accommodation Mollen Company to the world of social media. After 73 years of serving the Delaware Valley, well, it’s about time.

A little background: they are the largest independent distributor of cleaning and safety supplies and equipment, located just outside of Philadelphia. Their mission statement is on the lines of keeping a facility clean, green and healthy, and valuing the quality of the product at the right cost and providing human resources to get the job done in a safe and efficient manner.

Anyone can walk into a Home Depot or Lowes for supplies, however this company has the mom and pop feel and significant relationships with their customers. Not only do they provide quality products (green-friendly as I mentioned above) but they also provide the educational value, which keeps existing customers coming back again and again. If you own or run a company, I suggest you look into Accommodation Mollen when it comes down to maintenance and cleanliness.

Follow along on Facebook and Twitter for product info and green-friendly tweets!

Tuneful Tuesday

This past Saturday was the Jenkintown Festival of the Arts and Brew Fest, which includes art, music, and beer, aka fun for the whole family. The “main” streets in Jenkintown were closed off and vendors set up artwork, there was live music, beer stations and of course carnival food stands. The weather thankfully cooperated, as it was a beautiful, cool, fall sunny day.

Featured at the Drake Tavern, besides their always delicious food and fun atmosphere, was the band Upper Cut. They’re located now in Washington DC, however originally from the suburbs of Philadelphia so it was nice for them to perform in front of old friends and possibly new fans.

Here’s a video recap of the event:

Follow along on Facebook: Upper Cut and Drake Tavern!

Future Friday

Many people like to think about their future, but sometimes forget to plan the important things in life, things that give you a personal sense of security, such as Life Insurance. September is Life Insurance Awareness Month and companies are urging people to take a look at their existing plans, or if they don’t have one, to think about investing in one.

I personally am a New York Life kinda girl, and I highly recommend a specific agent by the name of Larry Oxenberg who I personally know is extremely knowledgeable, talented and one of the best in his field. He specializes in Long-Term Care and Disability Insurance, and is licensed in the states of PA, NJ, NY, DE, FL, MD, TN, CA and Washington D.C.

Most don't take the time to learn what they need to know about this subject, that’s why someone like Larry is very helpful. He’s friendly, approachable, and will answer and assist with any questions you might have. Feel free to email him at loxenberg@ft.newyorklife.com.

Larry’s on Twitter and has a both a Facebook and LinkedIn page, so please follow along! And be assured, the posts on his social networking pages are informative, interesting and surprisingly uplifting for this line of work.

Thirsty Thursday

If you haven’t checked out The Drake Tavern yet, what are you waiting for? A very popular place that is almost always packed but don’t worry, it’s not over-crowded. And for a happening place, there are constant regular customers and friendly management giving it the “Cheers” feel, where everybody knows your name.

Along with the good music and great atmosphere, The Drake also has fun events. Recently they had a breast cancer fundraiser and a comedy night. A great way to keep track of what’s coming up is to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and they also have a YouTube channel showcasing interesting videos.

Did I mention the food is phenomenal? Not your typical bar food, and the menu is always changing with different specials each month. Those are updated constantly on the website: www.DrakeTavern.com.

I personally cannot go there without ordering the Dirty Chips appetizer (minus the bacon) – simply heavenly.

Wellness Wednesday

Think better, move better and feel better. Who doesn’t want to do that? Along with this slogan, Michele Rifkin tops off her Occupational Therapy practice helping people overcome obstacles to participate more actively in their lives.

She runs a private practice called Healthrough Action that specializes in therapy programs for individuals recovering from orthopedic injury, stroke, cardiac disease, cancer, as well as those dealing with the challenges of MS, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and other forms of dementia.

It’s a very well rounded practice, including individual interventions, movement and educational classes with a holistic vantage point. It’s also worth mentioning that Michele has a yoga instructing background as well.

If you know anyone close to you that is fighting to maintain a normal life for any one of the reasons listed above or something similar, occupational therapy could be the difference between inability and ability. Regardless, you should follow this practice on Facebook and Twitter of course for interesting updates and daily inspirational quotes. 

Trendy Tuesday

A local contemporary clothing boutique that carries high-end designers? Yes please! If you are in or around the suburbs of Philadelphia, I definitely recommend a trip to Chickie’s Daughter in Jenkintown.

The warm boutique feeling and the personal customer service is just the cherry on top once you see the fabulous clothing they carry. Brands include: Michael Stars, Parker, Splendid, Citizens of Humanity, June Leathers, Robbi & Nikki, Wilt, DL 1961, Joie, Sanctuary, Hudson Jeans, etc.

They’re always up on the latest trends and styles, and the desirable clothing is in great demand. The best way to keep up with the latest additions before they’re gone is to follow updates on Facebook and Twitter of course!

Music Monday

May I introduce to you, Jesse Ruben. He’s a 25-year-old Philly born singer/songwriter who now resides in NYC.

The music industry was in his genes, considering a musically talented family raised him, and he began embracing it at the age of 16. Greatly influenced by the likes of Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell and James Taylor, he expresses himself in a deeply compassionate way, relating strongly to his emotionally attached audience. He graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2008 and has been working hard towards his dream of sharing his talent and voice with the world ever since.

He released his first album, Aiming for Honesty, in January 2008, and followed up with his second album, The Ones That Matter, April 2010. The second album hit the iTunes singer/songwriter top 10 this past July, which was a nice quarter-century birthday present for Jesse.

** Follow updates about him and his music on his Facebook Fan Page and on Twitter **

Welcome!

Welcome to my new adventure! Though most of you associate me with sports, given my work for the past decade, I have decided to use my skills in social and digital media to expand my portfolio. Over the last few years I have built my own brand, and recently started an exciting new business where I can take what I have learned and use it to help others who are a little less experienced in that area.


I have begun reaching out to family and friends to see how I can help grow their businesses, either outright managing their digital marketing or simply consulting on the subject. This new adventure is off to a fantastic start — I already have a very diverse clientele!


I plan to use this blog as a platform to promote my incredible roster of clients, as well as include some of my own random musings. Since the blog will reflect my clients, it may seem a little disjointed at first, but bear with me, and please check back regularly as I build up my database!


Again, welcome! I’m looking forward to sharing this new experience with you all!