Things To Be Thankful For: #30: Today!

Here it is, the last day of November, and I am struggling to decide just what exactly to be Thankful For.  The start of the holiday season? The chocolate cake I had for breakfast? The iphone that helps me redirect on the highway when I'm stuck in traffic? The fluffy, dog, that gave me kisses this morning? The sweet, boyfriend that always makes me smile?  The friend who encourages me when I'm down? I could keep going, so how could I ever choose just one?  

So, on this beautiful and sunny November 30th, I am going to simply say that I am Thankful For Today.  I am thankful for the here and now, and the knowledge that each day brings a new gift.  I am thankful for the opportunity to learn something new, the opportunity to do something good for the world, the opportunity to apologize for something I've done wrong, and the opportunity to grow.  I am thankful for my beautiful friends, and family, and I am beyond thankful for YOU taking the time to read this blog.  Thank you for making Spreading Sunshine special and for making Today, Shine!

Thank you .

:)

Things To Be Thankful For: #29: Family!

I am truly blessed to be a part of such a loving and wonderful family! Mom, Dad, and Mike, teach me daily, what it means to love others, and how to do it with a whole heart, expecting nothing in return.  They are selfless, compassionate, open minded, and willing to help any one in need.  I am inspired by their strength, and their unending joy.  They all make me laugh and smile, and my heart just overflows with love for them! I am beyond grateful to be loved by these three incredible people!

Things To Be Thankful For: #28: Christmas Trees on The Streets of NYC!

Is that the scent of pine lofting down the streets of New York City? 

Yes! Christmas Tree Vendors have been popping up all over the city and each one makes me beam like a five year old child! One just went up by our local Starbucks and I have to admit that I linger just a little bit longer when I walk by!  I truly cannot get enough of that heartwarming smell and I think I may even have to bring home a little Christmas tree today!

Take a walk around your block to find the Christmas Tree Vendor closest to you!

Things To be Thankful For: # 27: A Murmuration!

Maybe today you are in need of witnessing a little bit of the world's untouched beauty.  Maybe today you need to feel connected to something.  You need to remember that there is meaning to everything, and that everything happens for a reason, even when it doesn't make sense in the present. 

Last week my dad sent me this video, entitled "Murmuration."  I saved it in my inbox for a few days before I finally took the time to open it.  Let me tell you that I wish I had opened it sooner, because I was just floored when I watched the short video.  It was breathtaking.  And not for any real reason, except that it made me remember that we are all a part of something that is truly beautiful.

All you need to know is that a group of  starling flying together is called a murmuration.

Enjoy!   http://vimeo.com/31158841

Things To Be Thankful For: #26: The Meatball Shop!

The Meatball shop is one of my all time favorite restaurants in NYC!  Whether A la cart, in a smash, or on a hero, you won't be disappointed with the flavor of The Meatball Shop's meatballs! Smothered in your choice of fresh cheese and homemade sauce, and accompanied by fresh greens, you simply can't go wrong! Their meatballs are absolutely delicious and come at a very reasonable price!

Just in time for your Holiday Shopping, The Meatball Shop has released their very own cookbook! To check it out, and to uncover which fabulous Meatball Shop location is closest to you, click here: http://www.themeatballshop.com/

Don't forget to order an ice cream cookie sandwich while you're there! Their homemade ice cream between two delicious homemade cookies is just, perfection! My favorite combination? The fresh mint ice cream between a chocolate chip cookie and a peanut butter cookie!

Things To Be Thankful For: #25: The "Leftover Thanksgiving Sanwich!"

Oh that Delicious Thanksgiving leftover sandwich!! I'm talking, layers of turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, and gravy, all piled between two tasty pieces of bread! For some, like Ross Geller, it may even include an extra, secret piece of gravy soaked bread, known as the "moist maker!" :)

For a good laugh, check out this episode of "Friends" entitled, "The One With Ross' Sandwich," where Ross goes crazy over his leftover thanksgiving sandwich! Its one of my all time favorite episodes, and I promise it will make you smile at the very least :   

http://www.youtube.com/rossthanksgivingsandwich

Things To Be Thankful For: #24: A Very New York Thanksgiving!

Wishing You and Yours the Happiest of Thanksgivings, from NYC!

Things To Be Thankful For: #23: The New Muppet Movie!

They're Back, and in Theaters Today: November 23, 2011 starring in their new movie "The Muppets."  This loveable cast of classic characters and big name actors are sure to make you laugh and smile!  I hear there are even a few new additions to the team and I cannot wait to find out who they are.  Make sure to check out "The Muppets" this holiday season at a theater near you!

For more information click here: http://www.imdb.com/muppetmovie

Things To Be Thankful For : #22: Feast For All!

Love Thanksgiving AND Cam from Modern Family? Well here's a perfect way to celebrate BOTH!  "Like" the Turkey that Cam (better known as Eric Stonestreet) is holding on facebook, and Pepto-Bismol will donate 8 meals, per "like", this Thanksgiving! What a fun and easy way to give back this holiday season!

To take action click here:  http://www.facebook.com/Feastforall

Things To Be Thankful For: #21: New Year's Eve (the movie)!

If you loved the heart warming and celebrity filled movie, "Valentine's Day"  like I did, then you can't wait for the new flick, "New Year's Eve" either!

According to Warner Brothers: "New Year's Eve" celebrates love, hope, forgiveness, second chances and fresh starts, in intertwining stories told amidst the pulse and promise of New York City on the most dazzling night of the year.

The cast includes all star actors like: Halle Berry, Jessica Biel, Jon Bon Jovi,  Abigail Breslin, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges,Robert De Niro, Josh Duhamel,, Hector Elizondo, Katherine Heigl, Ashton Kutcher, Seth Meyers, Sarah Jessica Parker, Michelle Pfeiffer,  Hilary Swank, Sofia Vergara, and... my personal favorites ZAC EFRON and LEA MICHELE!

In Theatres: December 9th! 

Check out Warner Bros for more info: http://newyearsevemovie

Things To Be Thankful For #20: Soup Kitchens!

 

One Thanksgiving, my sweet friend, Caroline and I decided to Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen.  We had heard about the opportunity through our church and signed up the night before, willing to work the early morning shift (6am-10am).  Initially, we were a little bit disappointed that we weren't going to be working at what we thought would be a  "busy" time slot, but when we drove into the parking lot at 5:30 am, people were already lined up around the block waiting for their Thanksgiving Meal.  It was a  powerful  and humbling site to see.  I immediately realized that any time, was the right time to volunteer. 

Caroline and I helped out in the kitchen, chopping veggies and washing lettuce, preparing the Thanksgiving salad. We worked along side, couples, singles, friends, and relatives, but what stood out to me most was the father that was there volunteering with his two children, ages 7 and 8.  I  thought it was amazing to see kids learning at such an early age, just how important it is to give back to others.  I was in awe!

If you have a little time this holiday season, maybe think about volunteering at a local soup kitchen.  I promise that your time will not only change the life of a stranger, but your life as well!

To Volunteer or Donate To the New York Food Bank click here: http://www.foodbanknyc.org/

Things To Be Thankful For: #19: KitchenAid Mixer!

I couldn't be more in love with this glorious machine!  

My KitchenAid Mixer has made baking, and cooking in general, entirely too fun !  Now with attachments like a pasta roller, ice cream maker, citrus juicer, food grinder, fruit and vegetable strainer, and ravioli maker, what more could a chef possibly need!?  Available in 24 different colors, including the pink, "cook for the cure" option which donates money to Susan G. Komen!

Learn More at :http://kitchenaid.com/

Things To Be Thankful For: #18: The Traveler's Gift!

This month at Star 99.1, we've been talking about things to be Thankful For with our listeners.  On Friday, our question of the day asked listeners to call in with what book they were most thankful for. This of course made me wonder which book I was most thankful for.  What book had impacted my life for the better? Well Andy Andrews' book, The Traveler's Gift quickly came to mind.  I have read this book multiple times and it always leaves me feeling uplifted and encouraged!

I don't want to give away the plot, but I will tell you that the main character meets some pretty, incredible historic figures.  Men and women who changed the world as we know it, for the better, but didn't realize their gifts at the time.  -- That really put life into perspective for me.  It helped me to realize that what I do now, may not make a difference immediately, but over time it could be life changing.Wow.

I highly recommend this book! Find out where to pick up a copy, here:   The Traveler's Gift

Things To Be Thankful For: #17: Cupcakes From Magnolia Bakery!

For those of you who know me well, you know that I LOVE CUPCAKES (actually you may not even have to know me that well to know that I love cupcakes)! I simply cannot get enough.  I love the fun colors, happy sprinkles, delicious frosting, and flavorful cake, and better yet, it's all in the palm of your hand! 

I have been so spoiled this past year, to live just blocks, from Magnolia Bakery!  I pass it multiple times a week, and I have to admit that it takes all of the will power I have, not to purchase delicious treats daily.   I have to say that of all of the cupcakes I've ever had, that the vanilla buttercream cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery are my absolute favorite! They are simple, delicious and taste like home. :)

To find the Magnolia Bakery closest to you, click here: http://magnoliabakery.com/

Things To Be Thankful For :#16: Buy One Get One Free at Starbucks!

Now this is definitely something to be Thankful For! Starting TOMORROW, Nov 17- Nov 20, grab a friend and head to Starbucks from 2p-5p for their special Holiday Buy One, Get One Free, Deal! That means tomorrow, you and a friend could each be enjoying a Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, Gingerbread Latte, or an Eggnog Latte for the price of 1 beverage!

For More information check out the Starbucks Website: http://merry.starbucks.com/

I think this is a fitting time to say... The More the Merrier! :)

Things To Be Thankful For: #15: A Blanket!

Don't you feel comforted just thinking about a blanket?

Whether its to keep you warm on a chilly night, protect you during a scary movie, or to create a magical playground for a child, a cozy blanket is always a necessity!  Yesterday, while driving home from work, I drove behind a car with a blanket completely covering the back seat.  Now at first, I have to admit, I was a little confused, but no sooner was I confused, then two little heads popped out from behind the blanket laughing and smiling!  Remember those days of making tents and blanket forts and laughing for hours in this new world that you'd invented? What a great time! It made me smile to think of how something so simple could bring so much joy!

Maybe Linus had good reason for carrying that blue blanket around with him all of the time, after all! 

Oh, and here's a fun fact: The blanket was just inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame! Don't believe me? Check it out here: http://www.toyhalloffame.org/

Things To Be Thanful For: #14: National Pickle Day!

Happy National Pickle Day!

How funny is this? Who knew Pickles had their own day to celebrate!? Lucky Them! 

Pickles have been around since 2030 BC providing that extra crunch to your lunch! Although Snookie has given pickles a bad rep, it's said that Cleopatra attributed her beauty to her full diet of pickles, so go ahead, have another!

 For More information check out:  National Pickle Day

Things To Be Thankful For: #13: Gorgeous Grandma!

November 13th, 2011

Happy Birthday to the most beautiful and wonderful, Grandma!  My gorgeous Grandmother, or "G-Ma" as we call her, is without a doubt the most loved and precious member of our family!  She truly has the most loving heart of any one I've ever met, and would give you "the shirt off her back," if you needed it.  G-Ma has taught me the importance of love, joy and laughter, as she is always helping her friends and family, smiling and keeping in good spirits!  She is fun loving and never lets anything get her down, and I admire that so much! I truly am so blessed to be this Grandmother's, granddaughter! 

I love you, G-Ma!

Love,
Betsy Girl

Things To Be Thankful For: #12: Simple Beauty

What a beautiful sight to see! 

This past weekend Mike and I headed out for a jog around 4:30pm, and thanks to day light savings time, we were able to sneak a peak at this incredible sunset.  About 30 minutes before the sun went down, Central park was glowing with hues of green, orange, red, and gold.  The light danced from fall leaf to fall leaf, illuminating the sky, and turning central park into what looked like a gorgeous painting.  At that moment, we didn't think it would be possible to see a more beautiful site, but then the sun began to set! The sky quickly turned from blue to pink and purple, reflecting off of the water and bouncing off of the skyscrapers to create this stunning scene! 

It truly was breathtaking....

Such Simple Beauty.

Things To Be Thankful For: #11: 11-11-11!

 

Happy  Veteran's Day!

It is said that in 1918, on the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month, the world knew peace!  This historic event of course marked November, 11th as Veterans Day.  Here's a fun fact though, for the first time, this holiday has landed on the eleventh day of the eleventh month – of the eleventh year. That's right, 11-11-11. Pretty Neat!  Take the time to say thank you to a Vet today, or check out one of these organizations to give back to the brave, men and women who fought, to bring you Peace! 

http://www.pickupplease.org/

https://www.uso.org/ 

Things To Be Thankful For: #10: Twin Cousins!

Alright... Twin Cousins don't really exist but I think we could at least pass for sisters!! This Gorgeous Lady is celebrating her Birthday today, and I couldn't be more thankful for her! Allison is the most talented, creative, and fun loving girl you'll ever meet! She is passionate, and is equally as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside!  Whether you're in Vegas, California, New Jersey, or at home in New York City, you are always guaranteed to have a good time (and most likely embark on an all night adventure) when Allison is around!

Happy Birthday, Ace! :)

Things To Be Thankful For: #9: Black & White Cookies!

A classic New York Favorite! Can't choose between chocolate and vanilla? Well don't worry, because you don't have to with this delicious treat! Share it with your friend, like my best friend Beth and I do (she gets the chocolate and I take the vanilla) or eat the whole thing yourself! It's a win win situation with this famous, Manhattan Cookie!

Stop by Juniors to get one today:  http://www.juniorscheesecake.com/

Things To Be Thankful For :#8: Friends With Big Hearts!

This photo, of my beautiful friend, Lindsay, and I was taken about a year ago when we were living together in a one bedroom apartment in New York City.   It was taken at a Holiday Party, and it makes me smile to remember the great times and adventures we shared together!  I will never be able to say Thank You, enough, to Lindsay, because she helped me at a time when I needed it most!  She has the most loving heart and has been a huge blessing in my life!

Love you, Lindsala! <3

Things To Be Thankful For: #7: Old School Mac & Cheese!

Hey Friends! You know the kind of Mac & Cheese that I mean, right?  Yeah, you know it!! The Mac & Cheese that comes in the blue box, with that little pouch of glorious cheese powder that you mix in yourself! Oh yes, that deliciously creamy, Mac & Cheese that transports you back to your childhood!  Can't you just imagine sitting at your mom's kitchen table, beaming and drooling, over that gigantic bowl of Mac & Cheese, now?

It makes me smile just to think about!  Yum!

Things To Be Thankful For :#6: The NYC Marathon!

All I have to say to the NYC Marathon Runners is... WOW! These incredible men and women train for months and months, to run this aggressive, 26.2 mile run! They run to accomplish personal goals, to encourage friends and family, but most importantly they run to create awareness for outstanding organizations, like the Christopher Reeve Foundation &  Team Fox to name a few!

Things To Be Thankful For: #5: BRUNCH!

What is better than BRUNCH, really?  

If you ask me, Brunch is the perfect way to celebrate any weekend! You want eggs? You got it! Pancakes smothered in fresh fruit and syrup? No Problem! A Burger that's almost too big to handle? Why not! And who could forget to mention, the endless cups of coffee, delicious mimosas, screw drivers, and bloody marys!

For a great Brunch in the NYC area check out one of my favorites, Isabella's! The line can get long, but it is well worth the wait (especially for the free adult beverage that comes with your entree!): Isabella's Restaurant UWS

Things To Be Thankful For : #4: A Dylan's Candy Bar with a Sprinkles Cupcakes Station Inside!

Happy Friday!!

I don't think it gets any more glorious than this! New York's Famous, Dylan's Candy Bar is teaming up with The Beverly Hills Original, Sprinkles Cupcakes, to bring you a POP UP SHOP! It opens on November 21st, and will be conveniently located on 42nd Street and 6th Avenue, right across from Bryant Park! Get ready to grab yourself a little treat, and think about how SWEET your life is!

Things To Be Thankful For: #3: National Sandwich Day!

Happy National Sandwich Day, Friends!!

Bet you didn't know that there was a whole day made to honor sandwiches! Loos like, it's time to get out your bread, mustard, mayo, miracle whip, turkey, ham, cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and anything else you can think of that would suit a sandwich (pretty much anything goes these days)! Enjoy that delicious creation, and don't forget to thank the Earl of Sandwich while you're at it! 

http://www.punchbowl.com/holidays/national-sandwich-day

Things To Be Thankful For: #2: Shoes That Give Back!

Happy Day 2 of a Whole Month of Things To Be Thankful For!

Thanks for coming back! 

A few weeks ago, I posted a ridiculous picture of sparkly pink shoes, on Star99.1's facebook page asking listeners to write in and tell me if they liked them or not.  What I figured was that most people were going to write in and tell me that I was crazy, but what I didn't know was that this post would open my eyes to an incredible company that I was unfamiliar with!  In posting these, over the top, sparkly, shoes, a woman called in to tell me about  TOM'S SHOES that also made pink sparkly shoes!  Now if you've never heard about Tom's shoes, than you're probably rolling your eyes, thinking... okay great, just a new way for Betsy to drool over another pair of pink shoes... but here's where you're wrong! TOM'S SHOES is an amazing company that GIVES a pair of shoes to a child in need, for every pair of shoes that you purchase! Not $0.50 towards shoes, not 20% of the money needed for a pair of shoes, but A WHOLE PAIR OF SHOES!

With the Holidays coming up, what would be better than giving your friends a pair of fun shoes, while also helping a child in need?? Check out Tom's Shoes Here : http://www.toms.com/

And maybe even buy yourself some pink sparkly ones... :)

A Whole Month Of Things To Be Thankful For!

 

Hey Friends, Happy November aka Thanksgiving Month!  

For those of you who know me well, you know that I love the Holidays, and especially Thanksgiving! I love the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the fall weather, the delicious food, the naps, the chance to give back, the opportunity to gather with friends and family, and heck, this year I might even love football! I have to say, however, that most of all, I love that moment when everyone is gathered around the table and each person has the chance to say what they are thankful for!  

I'm not sure if you remember, but last November was when I officially started "Things To Be Thankful For."  I  thought it would be neat to post 1 thing, to be thankful for, every single day, for the month of November, and I am planning to do that again this year!  With Thanksgiving coming up, and the Holidays just around the corner, I couldn't think of a better way to  kick off this season of Thanksgiving and Blessing! I encourage you to keep a list of Things that you are thankful for, and to Stay with me here throughout the month, as we post Things To Be Thankful For!

November 1st, 2011: Things To Be Thankful For : #1: Challenges!

While on the road to achieving your dreams, its safe to say that you may very well encounter a challenge or two.  But I want to remind you that challenges often come when you are closest to reaching your dreams!  They may seem like set backs, but they are there to keep you focused, and to keep you moving forward.  When running up hill, the hardest part comes right before you reach the peak, but as we all know, the view from the top is beautiful.  I want to encourage you to keep pressing on, and to use the challenges that you face, as a springboard to propel you forward, towards you dreams! Today, I ask you to be thankful for your challenges because they only bring you closer to greatness!