The Single Nester

Happy Memorial Day

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Sun, 27 May 2012 05:15:00 +0000

Weekend Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Fri, 25 May 2012 05:16:00 +0000

Have a great start to the summer!!

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Thank You Notes 101

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Tue, 22 May 2012 05:44:00 +0000

Whenever I see pretty thank you notes, I purchase them. I just love paper products!

But, the real reason I purchase them is because I believe there is nothing as sweet as receiving a hand-written thank you note; not some email or text or tacky e-card.

Recently, while reading Franklin Covey's Get Organized blog, I found the following about thank you notes.

1. Greet the giver
2. Express your gratitude (Thank you so much for this laptop bag!)
3. Discuss how you'll use the gift (It has a space for my iPad, I’ll have an easier time carrying everything.)
4. Discuss past and future events (Thanks for coming to my graduation. I hope to see you at the family summer barbecue.)
5. Thank them again (Thanks again!)
6. Regards (Love, Tammy)Simple. Easy. Thoughtful.

Just do it.

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Weekend Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Fri, 18 May 2012 05:04:00 +0000

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Weekend Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Fri, 11 May 2012 05:59:00 +0000

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Grand Hyatt New York Hotel Review

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Thu, 10 May 2012 05:35:00 +0000

Here I am again in Manhattan on business and this time, staying at the Grand Hyatt at Grand Central Station.Wow! I had not been to this hotel since their recent $130 million remodel was completed in November of 2011 and what an improvement. The old Donald Trumpish gold has been replaced with a sleek, modern, up-to-date design. 1300 rooms in all.

What first struck me when I entered the lobby were Awilda and Chloe, two marble statues designed by the Spainish artist Jaume Plensa.There was something really compelling about these figures. When I looked at them from up above on the mezzanine level, they looked like holograms. They were inspired by the thousands of people who pass through Grand Central Station each day. I couldn't take my eyes off of them.

Here is a photo of a room similar to what I stayed in.Everything, from the lights to the a/c were controlled by touch pad throughout the room. Clean, good amenities but $12.95/day for wifi. That was the only issue I had. That and the doormen.

The staff were terrific but if you stay at this hotel and are looking for a cab, beware of the doormen. They will try to hail you a town car which is more expensive. They do this because they receive a kick-back from the drivers.

Make sure you get into a yellow cab. If you have to walk a few blocks to and hail your own cab, it is worth it because the doormen are rude and this practice needs to be stopped.

All in all, a great hotel. I would stay here again.

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St. Giles Hotel New York - The Court Review

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Tue, 08 May 2012 05:55:00 +0000

I was recently in Manhattan for business. Since I live near the city, it is always fun to stay in Manhattan rather than just commute as I did for years.

My recent trip had me staying at the St. Giles Hotel The Court in Manhattan. Located in the Murray Hill section of the city and only 3 blocks from Grand Central, I was interested in seeing what this hotel had to offer.

Boy, was I disappointed.

While the hotel staff was young and hip, friendly and helpful, my hotel room was very disappointing.

When I walked into my room, I felt as if I had walked into an old folks home, no offense to old folks. No design astethic whatsoever. The lampshades were all askew. No personality. Nothing that said we were living in the 21st century.

Dark, dank, sad, old.

My room looked nothing like this.My bathroom sink drained ever so slowly. The bathtub drain was slow. The tiling and caulking in the bathtub was a mess. When I flushed the you-know-what, I had to close my ears and run out of the bathroom or else I would've gone deaf (if I wasn't already deaf from the loud a/c unit).

The best thing about the joint were the toiletries provided by Philosophy.I honestly felt like I was on one of those investigative shows like 20/20 or Nightline. You know the ones where the reporter goes into a hotel room with a blacklight and all the lights turned off only to see stains from I-don't-even-want-to-know-what, appearing everywhere.

Not my first or second or even third choice for a hotel in Manhattan.

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Weekend Thoughts - a day late

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Sat, 05 May 2012 18:18:00 +0000

I've been traveling on business but wanted to shoot out a quick thought for the weekend . . . image

Foodie Pen Pals

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 05:34:00 +0000

Lindsay of the blog The Lean Green Bean has a fantastic program called Foodie PenPals.

Once a month, each participant gets assigned at random a pen pal and what you do is you send your penpal $15 worth of food.

Exciting to see what you receive and fun to shop for your Foodie Pen Pal.

With over 600 participants, she has quite the task.

April was my first month and the person who sent me my box was Heather of Ohayo Bento.

This is what I received.

I loved everything except for all the Japanese food. If I can't read the label, I don't eat it.

You can see what I sent to my Foodie Pen Pal over at Kristen's blog - 7 Degrees.

Weekend Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 05:30:00 +0000

Ain't that the truth.

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Inspiring Closet Organization

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 05:30:00 +0000

I am always curious to see what other people's closets look like.

This one is quite sweet.

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Coastal Table Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 05:31:00 +0000

While reading the blog House of Turquoise, I came across this image.

I'm kinda in love.

The print is amazing but that table! It appears to be wrapped in rope.

My mind is racing as to what I can decorate with twine!

Just lovely.

Dealing with the Loss of Loved Ones

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:50:00 +0000

Today is the second anniversary of my brother's passing. Crazy how time flies.

His death has made me miss my mom, who passed away 20 years ago, even more. Funny how that happens.

Today, my dad and I, around the time of my brother's death, released gold balloons (his favorite color) in the backyard. Just our way of reaching heaven.

How do you, if you do, honor your loved ones on the anniversary of their passing?

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Weekend Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 05:42:00 +0000

Anyone Can Cook Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 05:02:00 +0000

I recently picked up some huge mushrooms at my local grocer and once home, I began the search for a stuffed mushroom recipe that used ingredients already in my home.

I found one from my Better Homes and Gardens Anyone Can Cook cookbook.The ingredients:The changes I made to the recipe are as follows:
1 - I used frozen spinach in place of fresh.
2 - I used Pecorino Romano cheese in place of Parmesan.

Very easy to make, these mushrooms were delicious but next time, I will make them a bit spicier. I like my spice.

As for the cookbook, definitely a keeper. I love how it is a 3-ring binder so you can easily pull out the recipe you want to use.

How do you make stuffed mushrooms?

Weekend Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 05:28:00 +0000

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Involuntary Blogging Hiatus is Over

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:26:00 +0000

I have been out of the blogging loop for a bit.

You see, my laptop was hit with something nasty (that shall remain nameless).

I have never had this happen before. And, after almost 2 weeks and $200, I am back.

"Three things are certain:
Death, taxes and lost data.
Guess which has occurred?"
- David Dixon

Weekend Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 05:17:00 +0000

source

I've Been Featured at The Huffington Post's Style List

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 14:09:00 +0000

How exciting!

I was contacted by The Huffington Post's Style List regarding my leopard print mouse pad makeover that I blogged about a few weeks ago.

Beyond thrilled!

Read about it here.

My Dell Laptop Crashed

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 05:01:00 +0000

I didn't know what the term "blue screen of death" meant until I experienced it the other day. My laptop just keep re-booting and each time, the dreaded blue screen would appear for a split second.

Until now.

So $200 later at Staples, I was told it was a software problem and the laptop will be restored to its orginal condition (yeah, right! - like I believe that) and all of my data will be saved and re-installed.

Don't know what I will find when I get it back in a few days.

And to think, I had "back up" listed on my to-do list as one of my things to do and just didn't get around to it.

Back up data, people.

Or, just go buy a new laptop.

But hey, why not be happy and enter my 700 follower giveaway here.

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Giveaway as The Single Nester Reaches over 700 Followers

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 05:29:00 +0000

I like to have a giveaway on The Single Nester to celebrate certain milestones.

So after reaching over 700 followers, I decided it was time for a celebration!

I am giving away a crinkley infinity scarf perfect for the spring and summer to one lucky winner.Not a good photo but a fun accessory to have.

All you have to do is leave a comment describing your favorite Easter/Passover memory and once you win, blog about it.

Multiple comments and any comment not describing Easter/Passover love will be deleted. US entries only.

My giveaway ends Friday, April 6, 2012, 5pm EST.

Good luck everyone and thanks for following my blog!

Sarah Richardson's New Season to Start on HGTV

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 05:22:00 +0000

If there is one designer who most closely resembles my style or the style I would like to acquire, it is Sarah Richardson.So, I was delighted to read on her website that she will be back on HGTV in the US this April with season 4 of Sarah's House.

I am thrilled!!

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DSW Workout

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 05:26:00 +0000

Does a 1 1/2 hour walk through the many glorious shoe-filled aisles of DSW count as a workout?

I sure hope so since that is exactly what I did yesterday; try on shoe after shoe.

So I guess besides walking I bent down and worked my calves and quads and my wallet too.

Here are two designs I just loved.

Ahh . . . spring (and a $20 DSW coupon).

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IKEA Micke No More - On To Vika Amon and Vika Curry

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 05:13:00 +0000

You may remember reading this post concerning my fear of putting together anything IKEA.

So many bloggers left comments of support and tales of their own IKEA constructions and I thank you. You inspire me!

I was thinking of purchasing the Micke desk, seen here at my local IKEA.Well, when I saw it I thought it was too small and not deep enough for what I wanted.

I then saw this desk and almost purchased it.After measuring and pondering for way too long, I decided that I liked the simplicity and openness of a simple slab with four legs, not to mention how very easy it would be to assemble.Here she is.And look how easy the first leg was to put together.IKEA fear averted (for a while at least).

Tim Tebow's Coming to New York!!

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 05:31:00 +0000

So excited that Tim Tebow's coming to New York!

Yesterday when he arrived, they actually broadcast his arrival at the airport live and continued following his SUV as if it were a car chase.

While I am a Giants fan, I hope he does well with the Jets. Not sure why the Jets picked him up since I thought Mark Sanchez was pretty good but hey, New York could always use more eye candy.
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