tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69608084010241515782024-02-18T22:33:06.307-05:00Erica's Random BlogRandom thoughts on media, food, life and love, all from the heart of NYC!Erica Swallowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13657911720673531127noreply@blogger.comBlogger128125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960808401024151578.post-59615779950304417632010-03-07T12:42:00.000-05:002010-03-07T12:42:50.631-05:00Go to ericaswallow.com!This blog has moved to <a href="http://ericaswallow.com/">WordPress</a>. Find me at <a href="http://ericaswallow.com/">ericaswallow.com</a>. Cheers!Erica Swallowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13657911720673531127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960808401024151578.post-18571458451317007032010-02-28T10:18:00.001-05:002010-03-04T16:17:07.994-05:00How I Became an NY Times Olympian<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8bJQb4-NOrw/S4qD3hpXdmI/AAAAAAAAA_c/AiugxHBauhA/s1600-h/ny+times+olympian+badge.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8bJQb4-NOrw/S4qD3hpXdmI/AAAAAAAAA_c/AiugxHBauhA/s320/ny+times+olympian+badge.bmp" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Above: The "<a href="http://foursquare.com/user/ericaswallow/badges/923262">NY Times Olympian</a>" Foursquare Badge</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8bJQb4-NOrw/S4qD--raCII/AAAAAAAAA_k/wArrnayYDQs/s1600-h/foursquare.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8bJQb4-NOrw/S4qD--raCII/AAAAAAAAA_k/wArrnayYDQs/s320/foursquare.bmp" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Above: The New York Times' Foursquare Page (<a href="http://foursquare.com/nytimes">http://foursquare.com/nytimes</a>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Last weekend, I took a long weekend trip to Vancouver, Canada to visit my friend, <a href="http://twitter.com/quikness">Dario</a>. A week prior to the trip, I had no firm plans to go, but an interest in checking out the city during the 2010 Olympics. Not only that, I had just recently led The New York Times in creating a <a href="http://foursquare.com/nytimes">Foursquare page</a>. Phase 1 of the NY Times presence on Foursquare was sharing a list of Vancouver tips during the Olympics. Vancouver Foursquare players following The New York Times had the opportunity to unlock the "NY Times Olympian" badge by checking into NY Times-recommended venues. As somewhat of a Foursquare fanatic, I was 95% sure that I NEEDED to go to Vancouver to get the first badge that I helped create. (Note: Kudos to <a href="http://twitter.com/paulingford">Paul Lau</a>, the incredible NYTimes designer who designed the Olympian badge!)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Dario and I were chatting and he asked if I'd be in Vancouver for the Olympics. That was the last straw - I had to say "yes". How could I miss out on such an opportunity? It was on like Donkey Kong. Within a few days, I booked my flight and had a place to stay (Dario and his biz partner, <a href="http://twitter.com/invoker">Ryan</a>, were kind to let me stay with them!).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">On my second day in Vancouver, I unlocked the official NY Times Olympian badge by checking into the <a href="http://foursquare.com/venue/114967">Granville Island Public Market</a>, where a few new friends and I ate lunch and waited in the <a href="http://www.atlanticcanadahouse.com/">Altantic Canada House</a> line, before giving up and taking the AquaBus back to downtown Vancouver. Great times, though.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">While in Vancouver, I had the opportunity to stop by a few NY Times-recommended venues including the <a href="http://foursquare.com/venue/114166">Vancouver Art Gallery</a> and <a href="http://foursquare.com/venue/114391">Salt Tasting Room</a>. I was hoping to make it around to <a href="http://foursquare.com/venue/1073260">Vij's Rangoli</a>. That will have to wait for another time!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">That, my friends, is the story of how I became an NY Times Olympian. See more <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericaswallow/sets/72157623506819592/">photos of my time in Vancouver on Flickr</a> now!</div>Erica Swallowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13657911720673531127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960808401024151578.post-70517254750929801312010-01-28T12:37:00.003-05:002010-01-28T12:44:23.139-05:00Vote Now in the Fashion 2.0 Social Media Awards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.ideeli.com/todays-features/2010/1/27/fashion-20-social-media-awards.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNpKY8Gl2vDr_KrPmTu8vM077zYvaQxHgsyOItxzjlnz6571MyHXlDVKJXEZ2S7tvjeybt1ViV5QP-pMBwgkTni8jm53tzOjf9VaExbD7vL8VDUsJcoHkZgdYdKjrjAsbOD_AMFr8AJFE/s320/fashion2.0awardslarge.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8C3hM6Zb4r6_tkdaWuKUIrnxNXk2FPSnvF6lIWnM7-_8ofck4RXO_VeyrNxTnw3HIDLuP_RZI_O1eAcS8Cb2v917wOQ9-N_hxuXhcXR0YdwzVn7JI95pp-8DXcO1PcHCANMSpE9hdQk/s1600-h/style+coalition.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><a href="http://stylecoalition.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8C3hM6Zb4r6_tkdaWuKUIrnxNXk2FPSnvF6lIWnM7-_8ofck4RXO_VeyrNxTnw3HIDLuP_RZI_O1eAcS8Cb2v917wOQ9-N_hxuXhcXR0YdwzVn7JI95pp-8DXcO1PcHCANMSpE9hdQk/s320/style+coalition.bmp" /></a><a href="http://ideeli.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8bJQb4-NOrw/S2HMiT2hnsI/AAAAAAAAA-4/gFDWCBVVENk/s320/ideeli.bmp" /></a><br />
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My favorite online sample sale website, <a href="http://www.ideeli.com/invite/ericaswallow">ideeli</a>, has partnered with <a href="http://stylecoalition.com/">Style Coalition</a> to create the <a href="http://blog.ideeli.com/todays-features/2010/1/27/fashion-20-social-media-awards.html">Fashion 2.0</a> Social Media Awards. The goal is to measure the best of style influence online. They need your help determining which brands engaged you, moved you, and inspired you to shop, dress, and think in 2009. <span dir="ltr" id=":1by">There are 7 fabulous categories to <a href="http://blog.ideeli.com/todays-features/2010/1/27/fashion-20-social-media-awards.html">vote</a> on- so <a href="http://blog.ideeli.com/todays-features/2010/1/27/fashion-20-social-media-awards.html">check out the poll here</a>!</span><br />
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Vote now for <a href="http://blog.ideeli.com/todays-features/2010/1/27/the-innovator-award-fashion-20.html">The Innovator Award, Fashion 2.0</a>!Erica Swallowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13657911720673531127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960808401024151578.post-14577439725611411742010-01-07T14:58:00.001-05:002010-01-07T14:59:50.064-05:00President and First Lady Caught in Advertising Turmoil<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVe58NcRXYCiyFil94UM57HsiJjyTyjd5XPfUSXFvJrfBP3RFDlAUInOaSmq9i5844zIWidkJLuUb4mn0SertIfp_PfyHKRxLtL9kRQfDR0LgHEQUd3bflfPMc3cmfk9nsABWNyUn7xQE/s1600-h/peta+ad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVe58NcRXYCiyFil94UM57HsiJjyTyjd5XPfUSXFvJrfBP3RFDlAUInOaSmq9i5844zIWidkJLuUb4mn0SertIfp_PfyHKRxLtL9kRQfDR0LgHEQUd3bflfPMc3cmfk9nsABWNyUn7xQE/s320/peta+ad.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRnVwcPEHFNEJtggH6dBS8JvrOTx9DowQZsM_CuoHuqzSF5ED9DFDqmAYHJ3EJhdYOXUV-dFqbb77iTMUHDy_W_9naDNo8yRiwwOJAJilz69B7KbUeHvTcSBw4Qt5_dsV3gFglCjJOXs/s1600-h/Obama+Weatherproof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRnVwcPEHFNEJtggH6dBS8JvrOTx9DowQZsM_CuoHuqzSF5ED9DFDqmAYHJ3EJhdYOXUV-dFqbb77iTMUHDy_W_9naDNo8yRiwwOJAJilz69B7KbUeHvTcSBw4Qt5_dsV3gFglCjJOXs/s320/Obama+Weatherproof.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Above: Michelle and Barack Obama pictured in unauthorized ads.)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What's up with publishing unauthorized images of U.S. politicians as brand endorsements? Well, it seems like a new trend. Within the past few days, the White House has issued statements about ads Michelle and Barack Obama have appeared in without consent.<br />
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</div>Above, Michelle Obama is pictured in a recent anti-fur PETA ad. "We did not consent to it," said Semonti Stephens, spokeswoman for the wife of US President Barack Obama.Oh, PETA, when does the madness stop? We understand that you are trying to save animals, but that doesn't justify publishing unauthorized photos! To all the readers out there, though, serious question: do you wear fur? <a href="http://blog.ideeli.com/stylepeople/2010/1/6/the-fur-debate.html">Vote here!</a><br />
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Meanwhile, Barack Obama was featured in a Times Square billboard, wearing a Weatherproof jacket with the copy, "Weatherproof Since 1948." It has come to light that the White House did not give permission for the use of Barack Obama's image for the ad. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/07/business/media/07garment.html">The New York Times</a> reported yesterday on the matter, in which a White House aide said, "This ad is clearly misleading because the company suggests the approval or endorsement of the president or the White House that it does not have." The article points out that the photo was taken on Obama's trip to China, in which he was wearing what seemed to be a Weatherproof jacket. It appears that Weatherproof had paid the appropriate licensing fee to AP for the billboard image but failed to obtain necessary clearances from the White House.<br />
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Oy vey, it's startilng what a company will do for a little press and sales. Do you think that either of these ads are justified?Erica Swallowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13657911720673531127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960808401024151578.post-72644289251693887962009-12-25T11:13:00.002-05:002009-12-25T11:13:37.601-05:00Happy Holidays!<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" bgcolor="#ffffff"><tr><td><a href="http://smilebox.com/play/4d544d334e4451344d6a593d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link" target="_blank"><img width="386" height="303" alt="Click to play this Smilebox greeting: Happy holidays!" src="http://smilebox.com/snap/4d544d334e4451344d6a593d0d0a.jpg" style="border: medium none ;"/></a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/?partner=google&campaign=blog_snapshot" target="_blank"><img width="386" height="46" alt="Create your own greeting - Powered by Smilebox" src="http://www.smilebox.com/globalImages/blogInstructions/blogLogoSmileboxSmall.gif" style="border: medium none ;"/></a></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/ecards" target="_blank">Make a Smilebox greeting</a></td></tr></table>Erica Swallowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13657911720673531127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960808401024151578.post-31691517057783239212009-12-15T16:13:00.003-05:002010-01-03T11:27:08.522-05:00Bit.ly Gets Into the Holiday Spirit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://bit.ly/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg763adLeIXKzFMp-Hlai7kQbZSEVPtbf0Qm252Ykcw93Nm6uzX33SqGkIlPHZmT52d7oGei35VZfaHN8QRGM5WwwHYY-754lUVNDzZVEdoSB-DecC75WWGG7wwgfU5vNsqmr61Bn0GXo8/s320/bitly+dreidel.png" /></a><br />
</div><br />
Visiting <a href="http://bit.ly/">bit.ly</a> today, I noticed that th bit.ly fish icon is now accompanied by a dreidel. That's cool of them to celebrate Chanukah with an icon change! Cheers!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8bJQb4-NOrw/SzE78DompFI/AAAAAAAAA9M/JXN2F9SUOj4/s1600-h/bitly+christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8bJQb4-NOrw/SzE78DompFI/AAAAAAAAA9M/JXN2F9SUOj4/s320/bitly+christmas.jpg" /></a><br />
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Update: <a href="http://bit.ly/">bit.ly</a> also broke out the stockings for Christmas! Holiday spirits all around!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8bJQb4-NOrw/S0DE-QCCTlI/AAAAAAAAA9c/-feEuH1cvM0/s1600-h/Bitly+new+years.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8bJQb4-NOrw/S0DE-QCCTlI/AAAAAAAAA9c/-feEuH1cvM0/s320/Bitly+new+years.bmp" /></a><br />
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Update #2: It's no surprise that <a href="http://bit.ly/">bit.ly</a> kept up the festivities with another icon change, this time celebrating the new year! Happy 2010!Erica Swallowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13657911720673531127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960808401024151578.post-40068820957768122982009-12-01T15:33:00.003-05:002009-12-14T12:00:51.741-05:00Votre Vu Tragic Magic for Keratosis Pilaris<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeUx29YfKpdzqwGxbUZFjE1lCTj1DF_zzIsWkKLYA3qf1kUFdom3lTwDf85gqZxvGeW2-IU4-3lAJv7IJ2nPJXmIzs6o_Vne5aEIVad5CQ4SNENxCxioIj3au1OoCgPhL6vxuE2urTTo/s1600/votre+vu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeUx29YfKpdzqwGxbUZFjE1lCTj1DF_zzIsWkKLYA3qf1kUFdom3lTwDf85gqZxvGeW2-IU4-3lAJv7IJ2nPJXmIzs6o_Vne5aEIVad5CQ4SNENxCxioIj3au1OoCgPhL6vxuE2urTTo/s320/votre+vu.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Above: Votre Vu products on display at Shecky's Beauty Night Out <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keratosis_pilaris">Keratosis Pilaris</a> (KP) affects about 40% of the adult population (including myself) and about 50-80% of all adolescents. KP is characterized by rough bumps that resemble "goose bumps" or "chicken skin", usually on the upper arms, though it can also be found elsewhere on the body. Caused by the excess production of keratin, KP causes only cosmetic consequences, but there is currently no cure.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Looking on the bright side, there are palliative treatments available, all of which involve a commitment to consistency of use. Creams that contain <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tretinoin" title="Tretinoin">Tretinoin</a> (the acid form of Vitamin A), <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adapalene" title="Adapalene">Adapalene</a>, <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_hydroxy_acids" title="Alpha hydroxy acids">alpha hydroxy acids</a> or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urea" title="Urea">urea</a> may be used to temporarily improve the appearance and texture of affected skin. However, once these creams are discontinued, the condition reverts back to its orginal state.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At the most recent <a href="http://girlsnightout.sheckys.com/?rf=NYC_E_Swallow">Shecky's</a> Beauty Night Out, I learned about <a href="http://votrevu.com/">Votre Vu</a>, a French luxury skin care company that offers national skin care products. Jean Louise Lilly, Director of Product Development and Marketing, recommended that I try <a href="http://www.votrevu.com/sites/jeanlouise/productcatalog?page=productdetail&sku=2050">Tragic Magic Rescue Creme</a> for my Keratosis Pilaris. The cream's power ingredients include jojoba oil, lime extract, rose hips oil, calophyllum oil and soja insaponifiables (a soybean derivative), vitamin E and avocado insaponfiables. So, how did it work out?<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After a few weeks of use, I saw a drastic change in my skin's condition. The bumps were visibly reduced and the redness is gone. Usually, KP is most visible during the winter months, when moisture levels in the air are lower, so this is a big feat for both Votre Vu and me!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thank you, Jean Louise, for the samples and for helping me find a solution to KP!<br />
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<div style="height: 90px; width: 728px;"><a href="http://girlsnightout.sheckys.com/?rf=NYC_E_Swallow"><img border="0" height="90" src="http://www.sheckys.com/vendorinfo/images/2009/bn/GNOfall09_728x90.gif" width="728" /></a><br />
</div>Erica Swallowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13657911720673531127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960808401024151578.post-6857409985044482472009-12-01T14:39:00.006-05:002009-12-14T12:00:32.994-05:00Shecky's Beauty Night Out in NYC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRiT2m2ue9eLF8SAk0GBDNRFAnxnhbgMYSbVuQ_Wri8vo__wKQrcpr0n_LLQUnmEOt-diD56u2TS9y-ulFJ0RXAsArD63OSAG_OHaA3Z6lAdpBlDq1u9nF_4SOIgY7GQT542vUh-KmE_Q/s1600/sheckys1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRiT2m2ue9eLF8SAk0GBDNRFAnxnhbgMYSbVuQ_Wri8vo__wKQrcpr0n_LLQUnmEOt-diD56u2TS9y-ulFJ0RXAsArD63OSAG_OHaA3Z6lAdpBlDq1u9nF_4SOIgY7GQT542vUh-KmE_Q/s320/sheckys1.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBS4ePGLE86ltVVuqGBJbju-vLP0SKHz3n1bMaNquCGgGj5qtv3tHNLG-G5YvK6ruyFqTNG0BKFJTq8PqffbHT7DXq9n9rgallCYuIPvaMiavC5ONOSMaWTrnFjsN19xGm1OgvWlSPX78/s1600/sheckys2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBS4ePGLE86ltVVuqGBJbju-vLP0SKHz3n1bMaNquCGgGj5qtv3tHNLG-G5YvK6ruyFqTNG0BKFJTq8PqffbHT7DXq9n9rgallCYuIPvaMiavC5ONOSMaWTrnFjsN19xGm1OgvWlSPX78/s320/sheckys2.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-iqAxFK5WKmmoazrh4q6g_e81tw3tPHOpwE35ccabeltOBaI4S5uw5tiarqoXlI6Qh-t7IH9i1FMMiU2MPlwr9KF9aIczFAwIoFerf8Pb0TH3NVjz4_crVSIGeJlTWBCTRuOGh4y9-bY/s1600/Shecky's+Red+Carpet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-iqAxFK5WKmmoazrh4q6g_e81tw3tPHOpwE35ccabeltOBaI4S5uw5tiarqoXlI6Qh-t7IH9i1FMMiU2MPlwr9KF9aIczFAwIoFerf8Pb0TH3NVjz4_crVSIGeJlTWBCTRuOGh4y9-bY/s320/Shecky's+Red+Carpet.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Above: Maria Kucinski, Erica Swallow, Jamall Oluokun and Kriti Bhandari<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">I recently attended my first <a href="http://girlsnightout.sheckys.com/?rf=NYC_E_Swallow">Shecky's</a> Beauty Night Out with three lovely friends (pictured above). <a href="http://girlsnightout.sheckys.com/?rf=NYC_E_Swallow">Shecky's</a> is most known for their <a href="http://girlsnightout.sheckys.com/?rf=NYC_E_Swallow">Girls Night Out</a>, an event that pulls together the best of fashion, cocktails, food and fun! They also have <a href="http://www.sheckys.com/holiday">Holiday Night Out</a> and <a href="http://www.sheckys.com/getaways/">Getaways</a>! Beauty Night Out is all about beauty... makeup, face, hygiene and dietary products. Even more exciting, all of the events include a HUGE Goodie Bag! The giftbag is so well-known that they call it "Shecky's Famous Goodie Bag". haha. The goodie bag was simply wonderful, to say the least. It's definitely the biggest goodie bag I've ever received at an event. Of course, there is a price to enter, but still!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">If you're curious about <a href="http://girlsnightout.sheckys.com/?rf=NYC_E_Swallow">Shecky's</a>, I say go! It was definitely worth it! (Tip: Sign up for the <a href="http://www.sheckys.com/registeredusers/register.asp">Shecky's Insiders</a> program for discounts before purchasing tickets.)<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">For more information, check out the <a href="http://www.sheckys.com/photogallery/default.asp?categoryid=200">Shecky's photo gallery</a>!<br />
</div><br />
<div style="height: 90px; width: 728px;"><a href="http://girlsnightout.sheckys.com/?rf=NYC_E_Swallow"><img border="0" height="90" src="http://www.sheckys.com/vendorinfo/images/2009/bn/GNOfall09_728x90.gif" width="728" /></a><br />
</div>Erica Swallowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13657911720673531127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960808401024151578.post-50213756117253938562009-12-01T12:42:00.004-05:002009-12-01T12:56:33.410-05:00Twitter and Facebook Go (RED) for World AIDS Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpic3kSSjtm7dw1CTVxr60dxaOAvPbZHr9nUPgyHkWqnetLPjHZUHy5qtLK3PRE1Rh8ZCRST6u8nMZt3li4wnw2IH8SIFqnlj5iYa-PxcqeXbflH-rkI1c-sqZXRM2Gm2D0FGUG1OScJw/s1600/Twitter+%28RED%29.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpic3kSSjtm7dw1CTVxr60dxaOAvPbZHr9nUPgyHkWqnetLPjHZUHy5qtLK3PRE1Rh8ZCRST6u8nMZt3li4wnw2IH8SIFqnlj5iYa-PxcqeXbflH-rkI1c-sqZXRM2Gm2D0FGUG1OScJw/s320/Twitter+%28RED%29.bmp" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Above: Twitter's (RED) look for Dec. 1st, World AIDS Day<br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8bJQb4-NOrw/SxVUwngnNzI/AAAAAAAAA7g/GAmn9wMl_Sk/s1600/New+Twitter+Homepage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8bJQb4-NOrw/SxVUwngnNzI/AAAAAAAAA7g/GAmn9wMl_Sk/s320/New+Twitter+Homepage.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Above: Twitter's usual homepage, <a href="http://www.ericaswallow.com/2009/07/twitter-launches-new-homepage.html">as of July 29, 2009</a><br />
</div><br />
In support of World AIDS Day, Twitter and Facebook have gone (RED) for the day.<br />
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Facebook is running a campaign at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/joinred?v=app_17037175766">facebook.com/joinred</a>, where you can share the (RED) video, change your profile pic to a (RED) photo to support AIDS awareness, or shop (RED) products.<br />
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Twitter's support is much more pervasive across the site, which is respectable. They replaced their usual homepage design with (RED) galore, including a red ribbon of text that implores users to "turn Twitter (RED)". But how do we do that? Well, it says we can "follow @<a href="https://twitter.com/joinred">JoinRED</a> to find out"! After visiting @JoinRED, I realized that there are three main ways to "turn Twitter red":<br />
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1.) Use the hashtag <a class="tweet-url hashtag" href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23red" title="#red">#red</a><br />
2.) Use the hashtag <a class="tweet-url hashtag" href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23laceupsavelives" title="#laceupsavelives">#laceupsavelives</a><br />
3.) Turn tweets the color red<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8r7C05ANLgggKrW9ssaqmRyu6kjQrOIeKf5kx4kVcOrkDnrBZExlgO51fd1MEO0xA7C17CyiFCd8Rg3CEPxEJGzRu2E8ScapVzEKc1zgcLakP7AcUp9hzQQnH8EdZ77NR2E5X5S7vjg/s1600/Red+Tweets.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8r7C05ANLgggKrW9ssaqmRyu6kjQrOIeKf5kx4kVcOrkDnrBZExlgO51fd1MEO0xA7C17CyiFCd8Rg3CEPxEJGzRu2E8ScapVzEKc1zgcLakP7AcUp9hzQQnH8EdZ77NR2E5X5S7vjg/s320/Red+Tweets.bmp" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Above: If you use the hastags <a class="tweet-url hashtag" href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23red" title="#red">#red</a> or <a class="tweet-url hashtag" href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23laceupsavelives" title="#laceupsavelives">#laceupsavelives</a>, or tweet the word "red" your tweets turn red<br />
</div><br />
Well, well, well! Get on it tweeters!Erica Swallowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13657911720673531127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960808401024151578.post-25328123001909371202009-10-11T21:36:00.002-04:002009-10-11T21:41:02.337-04:00Even My Favorite Pizza Parlor is on Twitter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3jpHadHewsJMCiL03vR6yNVU3jlEkqEm5a30kiwFYtGr3KEe66ygXIjsd9tRrA_b2vsZBtWvENFu1bjmuYrsto3cPS78d22EJNs1ViErJ4kMImBjVP9nPHc4RVVv7Fqy0RchVpo2P40/s1600-h/P1050120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3jpHadHewsJMCiL03vR6yNVU3jlEkqEm5a30kiwFYtGr3KEe66ygXIjsd9tRrA_b2vsZBtWvENFu1bjmuYrsto3cPS78d22EJNs1ViErJ4kMImBjVP9nPHc4RVVv7Fqy0RchVpo2P40/s320/P1050120.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu9XA4eKq2OsIy26N0gmqQGbGXe9ZiFgWJ-wWPEL0d7NIeqoa23246KYF3pUqZUTt8reJv0jN8Y9sqRPEqL81qbxdGMSputR0ZKYZGkjmtp_uBG109XpoIl3Iv-n0Kg-mKIH2vYHvdrzQ/s1600-h/P1050119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu9XA4eKq2OsIy26N0gmqQGbGXe9ZiFgWJ-wWPEL0d7NIeqoa23246KYF3pUqZUTt8reJv0jN8Y9sqRPEqL81qbxdGMSputR0ZKYZGkjmtp_uBG109XpoIl3Iv-n0Kg-mKIH2vYHvdrzQ/s320/P1050119.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While visiting <a href="http://artichokepizza.com/">Artichoke Pizza</a> this week, I noticed that they have really poured on the Twitter advertising since the last time I've been there. There was a beat-up white board outside the pizza shop, advertising their 32 ounce Bud beers (to stay or go - not quite sure if that's actually legal...) along with their Twitter account, @<a href="http://twitter.com/artichokepizza">ArtichokePizza</a>. Inside, they had multiple pizza boxes imploring pizza-hungry customers to follow them on Twitter.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, I must say that it worked on me! I pulled out my phone, looked them up on Twitter and followed them on the spot! I wonder if they're now taking orders by tweet!<br />
</div>Erica Swallowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13657911720673531127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960808401024151578.post-17269977081338574112009-09-27T17:40:00.001-04:002009-11-26T01:37:57.754-05:00Photo Inclusion in Schmap NY Guide<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxQlsQPawgXdT0g610l63f-xDKHzPT68SDVqTWcm6XBrIZPTQoEhdUJxHCTZJVImthh5_J_tWP2-HlZCMP3me9cz8p_rIMjXJQPsA6rdxV92Iv9kVJpR3dFszkcxi87y-yKq1GeEXADU/s1600-h/Erica+Schmap.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxQlsQPawgXdT0g610l63f-xDKHzPT68SDVqTWcm6XBrIZPTQoEhdUJxHCTZJVImthh5_J_tWP2-HlZCMP3me9cz8p_rIMjXJQPsA6rdxV92Iv9kVJpR3dFszkcxi87y-yKq1GeEXADU/s320/Erica+Schmap.bmp" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8bJQb4-NOrw/Sr_ZtVOmu2I/AAAAAAAAA6E/omNx1kbAiDw/s1600-h/Schmap+Photo+Inclusion.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8bJQb4-NOrw/Sr_ZtVOmu2I/AAAAAAAAA6E/omNx1kbAiDw/s320/Schmap+Photo+Inclusion.bmp" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A photo that I took at the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericaswallow/sets/72157621290070234/">Bloomberg SP09</a> summer party was recently published in the <a href="http://www.schmap.com/newyork/home/">Schmap New York Guide</a>. The photo was featured in the Randall's Island section (because the Bloomberg party took place there) and showcased my friend, John Wood, playing a frog-throwing game. Don't worry, the frogs were made of rubber! Here's a close-up for all you Randall's Island / John Wood fans!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OeqUgSDVGrqLvUx8H2t4QyTkRvYGXKBIHHd7VfPpc1VpizWmFR640O1dQnLC5_VDLTx8nUuK3LUjDSHGkCGyttZDpBl9cwK7cZ7BnAEE62sL3vCBjqw-qOVhbdin-_EVz3vjU4KeZQo/s1600-h/P1030378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OeqUgSDVGrqLvUx8H2t4QyTkRvYGXKBIHHd7VfPpc1VpizWmFR640O1dQnLC5_VDLTx8nUuK3LUjDSHGkCGyttZDpBl9cwK7cZ7BnAEE62sL3vCBjqw-qOVhbdin-_EVz3vjU4KeZQo/s400/P1030378.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>Erica Swallowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13657911720673531127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960808401024151578.post-78547876332191361212009-09-26T10:20:00.014-04:002009-12-01T21:25:52.115-05:00Spin the Pen Revisited: Spin It to Win It<script src="http://videos.teen.com/player.js?height=344&version=2&width=450&embedCode=NuamhzOt1UIqpNtxhaudZYF2Hqw2-FxT&transition=play&autoplay=0">
</script><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Last summer, my friend, Daniel McCoy, and I entered the <a href="http://www.dmnews.com/caples-student-campaign-of-the-year/article/128974/">Pentel Recycology Student Campaign of the Year</a> contest, hosted by <a href="http://www.alloymarketing.com/">Alloy Media + Marketing</a>. Our <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/17928427/Pentel-Recycology-Spin-the-Pen-Campaign-Overview">entry to the contest</a> was called "<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/17928427/Pentel-Recycology-Spin-the-Pen-Campaign-Overview">Spin the Pen. Save the Planet</a>." Among our many campaign strategies, we utilized a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=109910210141">Facebook group</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/pentelrecycology">YouTube page</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/recycology">Twitter page</a> and <a href="http://www.spinthepen.info/">website</a>. We featured pen spinners JC and Xero spinning the Recycology products.<br />
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As winners of the contest, Daniel and I attended the <a href="http://ericaswallow.blogspot.com/2009/03/john-caples-international-awards.html">John Caples Awards</a>, were offered internships at Alloy Media + Marketing to <a href="http://spinthepen.com/">further the Spin the Pen campaign</a>, and received a lump-sum of $5,000 to split among ourselves and those who helped out, JC, Xero, and our cameraman, Josh. Great prizes, right?!<br />
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Unfortunately, I was unable to take the internship, but Daniel did a great job there. He continued the Spin the Pen campaign, but focused on the Pentel RSVP, a pen that many pen spinners consider to be the best pen to get started spinning with. I think that was a great move, as many spinners kept telling us that the Recycology products were too light and had too many protruding functions to spin.<br />
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His new campaign is called "<a href="http://spinthepen.com/">Spin It to Win It</a>". The main video is shown above. Check out the website for a tutorial, an introduction to Xero (the featured spinner), and more. You can even upload your video for a chance to win $500! Here's Xero's entry:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GHM3gi88WsQ&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GHM3gi88WsQ&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />
</div><br />
My congratulations go out to Daniel and Xero! Great site, videos and campaign!!!Erica Swallowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13657911720673531127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960808401024151578.post-86082041877445119282009-09-19T17:40:00.004-04:002009-09-19T17:44:06.998-04:00Yoostar Test with Marilyn Monroe<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://widgets.clearspring.com/o/4a80baa37856e7d1/4ab54fd385f7d72d/4a80baa37856e7d1/67ee3624/widget.js"></script></div><br />On <a href="http://www.fashionsnightout.com/">Fashion's Night Out</a> at <a href="http://bloomingdales.com/">Bloomingdale's</a>, I had a chance to try out the <a href="http://www.yoostar.com/performanceView.html?id=1002">YooStar</a> home green screen kit with Marilyn Monroe. Check out the video above!Erica Swallowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13657911720673531127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960808401024151578.post-46820396530539241892009-09-19T17:16:00.003-04:002009-09-19T17:22:15.369-04:00Free ColdStone Ice Cream for Make A Wish Event<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.coldstonecreamery.com/promos/makeawish/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8bJQb4-NOrw/SrVKiT0R1bI/AAAAAAAAA5w/MDspiwmeIWA/s400/ColdStone+Make+a+Wish.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383290882886849970" border="0" /></a>This just in! Go to Cold Stone Creamery on September 24th from 5-8pm for free ice cream when you make a donation to Make A Wish Foundation! About 85% of Cold Stone proceeds in September will go to the foundation. To learn more about the social, <a href="http://www.coldstonecreamery.com/promos/makeawish/">click here</a>. For store locations near you, <a href="http://www.coldstonecreamery.com/google/stores/store_locator.aspx">click here</a>!Erica Swallowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13657911720673531127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960808401024151578.post-84648285969453742212009-09-19T16:43:00.005-04:002009-09-19T16:52:46.922-04:00Yoga Toes!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ifKczieIWcnfynQj24qrxjWpLxG3_iZrjFqiP2yRdJDUVg74pYYqyPtxRibrMp__Cx-RVea2AYoRvOAMmQ_qAbADSFWQ_aKYtemj9nELHgpuEuN5IRxtG_NxhXiGGpy5r9AoDP6vHeA/s1600-h/yogatoes.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ifKczieIWcnfynQj24qrxjWpLxG3_iZrjFqiP2yRdJDUVg74pYYqyPtxRibrMp__Cx-RVea2AYoRvOAMmQ_qAbADSFWQ_aKYtemj9nELHgpuEuN5IRxtG_NxhXiGGpy5r9AoDP6vHeA/s400/yogatoes.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383282384862596978" border="0" /></a><br />My friend Maria has been wearing <a href="http://yogapro.com/">YogaToes</a> for quite a while now. She's an enthusiastic fan of these jelly-like feet helpers. As a New Yorker, my feet are one of my top concerns. Cobble stones, pavement, sidewalks and curbs can really take a toll on your feet! Not to mention, I'm always challenging my feet to stiletto duels in the streets.<br /><br />I finally decided to get <a href="http://yogapro.com">YogaToes</a>, as I way to relax and treat my poor feetsies! They came earlier this week and I've been using them since. They are supposed to help shape, stretch, condition, align, strengthen and stimulate toes while treating and preventing bunions, hammertoes, fatique, poor circulation and varicose veins.<br /><br />They have annual Labor sales in which they take $25 off the usual price of $49.95. Having missed the sale, I just searched for deals. I happened to find <a href="http://twitter.com/ericaswallow/status/3958419606">a deal in New York Magazine for $15 off</a>!<br /><br />After a week of use, I haven't seen much of a difference, however, as I'm mostly trying to prevent feet problems. Seeing those <a href="http://www.newyorkshitty.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/advertising-artsbylisavalleznys.jpg">gross bunion ads in NYC subways</a> has really scarred my mind! I hope I never have those problems!!!Erica Swallowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13657911720673531127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960808401024151578.post-86692133677082197002009-09-10T23:48:00.012-04:002009-09-11T00:46:39.775-04:00Fashion 2.0 Fashion Week Meetup Sponsored by Style Coalition and Ideeli<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIaO6EtkO8m4H5uy2rlXUXDnrCapkyV0IOAxrdM1Y6nHhBeC9vCf438H-pGpGvJKGaU1Pd-1aC40WGUQQKJAEFpyq1J_cw8gjcxqxYmeTIkgRJ8rWljB_ZST1q3sG74OiBDfEwawVdOg/s1600-h/P1040731.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIaO6EtkO8m4H5uy2rlXUXDnrCapkyV0IOAxrdM1Y6nHhBeC9vCf438H-pGpGvJKGaU1Pd-1aC40WGUQQKJAEFpyq1J_cw8gjcxqxYmeTIkgRJ8rWljB_ZST1q3sG74OiBDfEwawVdOg/s400/P1040731.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380053932411694962" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Above: Maria Kucinski and Erica Swallow (me) at the Fashion 2.0 Fashion Week Kickoff Reception Meetup)<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8bJQb4-NOrw/SqnKjWPZxNI/AAAAAAAAA5g/dL8oeXKDTkA/s1600-h/P1040738.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8bJQb4-NOrw/SqnKjWPZxNI/AAAAAAAAA5g/dL8oeXKDTkA/s400/P1040738.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380053938485183698" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Above: Yuli Ziv, founder of Fashion 2.0 Meetup, and Deirdre Sullivan, Social Media Director at ideeli.com, hosted the fashion trivia giveaway!)</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Last night, I went to my first official <a href="http://meetup.com/">Meetup</a>! It was the <a href="http://fashion.meetup.com/310/calendar/11227301/">Fashion 2.0 Fashion Week Kickoff Reception</a> that took place at <a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=97501">W New York - The Tuscany</a>. Organized by Yuli Ziv, the party included an open bar, a hot gift bag full of goodies, and a ton of fun guests. Some highlights for me included hanging out with my BFF Maria, meeting a few great people, sipping tasty wine, getting compliments on my <a href="http://ericaswallow.blogspot.com/2009/02/business-cards-with-style.html">Moo.com</a><a href="http://ericaswallow.blogspot.com/2009/02/business-cards-with-style.html"> minicards</a> and seeing <a href="http://blog.ideeli.com/stylepeople/2009/9/10/phillip-bloch-eyewear.html">Phillip Block</a>.<br /><br />For more photos, check out <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericaswallow/sets/72157622210320223/">my Flickr photostream</a>!<br /></div></div>Erica Swallowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13657911720673531127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960808401024151578.post-35948661304789347812009-09-09T18:02:00.004-04:002009-09-09T18:09:04.427-04:00My First Time as a Mayor!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8bJQb4-NOrw/Sqgl9pL9RJI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/td5k0QU0Uek/s1600-h/Mayor+D%26D+Times+Building.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 244px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8bJQb4-NOrw/Sqgl9pL9RJI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/td5k0QU0Uek/s400/Mayor+D%26D+Times+Building.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379591495852311698" border="0" /></a>Hooray! I just became a <a href="http://foursquare.com/help/#mayor">Mayor</a> on <a href="http://playfoursquare.com/">Foursquare</a> for the first time ever! It just so happens that I'm the mayor of <a href="http://foursquare.com/venue/68744">Dean & Deluca - Times Building</a>. I owe <a href="http://nytimes.com/">The New York Times</a> for this great honor. If I didn't work in this building, I wouldn't be compelled to eat so many <a href="http://www.twolittleredhens.com/">Two Little Red Hens</a> chocolate cupcakes, supplied by <a href="http://deandeluca.com/">Dean & Deluca</a>, just downstairs! And thank you, <a href="http://deandeluca.com/">Dean & Deluca</a> for your existence. And <a href="http://twitter.com/sorayad">Soraya Darabi</a> for introducing me to <a href="http://playfoursquare.com/">Foursquare</a>! Cheers to all!Erica Swallowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13657911720673531127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960808401024151578.post-58421395611817366442009-09-09T11:57:00.004-04:002009-09-09T12:24:40.715-04:00Friend.ly Facebook Friend Stats<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8bJQb4-NOrw/SqfQt0ugWEI/AAAAAAAAA5I/s8qvnCYsSqc/s1600-h/Friend.ly.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 307px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8bJQb4-NOrw/SqfQt0ugWEI/AAAAAAAAA5I/s8qvnCYsSqc/s400/Friend.ly.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379497765583738946" border="0" /></a><br />Cool! I just discovered <a href="http://friend.ly/">Friend.ly</a>, a Facebook application that analyzes yours friends' demographic information and outputs basic statistics.<br /><br />Thought I'd post my friend stats here so that you could all psychoanalyze me!<br /><br /><div class="UIStoryAttachment_Title UIStoryAttachment_TitleBelow"><a href="http://friend.ly/signup?as=1021&hr=1252508400&fref=num_friends_link&ref=nf" onclick="'ft(">Out of Erica's 1,035 Facebook friends:</a></div><div class="UIStoryAttachment_Table"><div><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="UIStoryAttachment_Label">Most common name:</span><span class="UIStoryAttachment_Value"> Kevin (11 friends)</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="UIStoryAttachment_Label">Most common zodiac sign:</span><span class="UIStoryAttachment_Value"> Libra (83 friends)</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="UIStoryAttachment_Label">Longest name:</span><span class="UIStoryAttachment_Value"> Maximillian-Conroy Hencke</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="UIStoryAttachment_Label">Shortest name:</span><span class="UIStoryAttachment_Value"> Yi Li</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="UIStoryAttachment_Label">Female/Male:</span><span class="UIStoryAttachment_Value"> 50% / 50%</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="UIStoryAttachment_Label">Single/Taken:</span><span class="UIStoryAttachment_Value"> 39% / 61%</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="UIStoryAttachment_Label">Youngest friend:</span><span class="UIStoryAttachment_Value"> 17 years old</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="UIStoryAttachment_Label">Oldest friend:</span><span class="UIStoryAttachment_Value"> 105 years old</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="UIStoryAttachment_Label">Average age:</span><span class="UIStoryAttachment_Value"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>23 years old</span></div></div><br />If you're interested, go try it yourself at <a href="http://friend.ly/">http://friend.ly</a>!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Note:</span> You can click "Don't Allow" for both prompt boxes and it will still calculate the statistics. Plus, you don't even have to publish the output to your Facebook news feed!Erica Swallowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13657911720673531127noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960808401024151578.post-20234395427822256912009-09-07T20:22:00.013-04:002010-02-16T12:19:34.859-05:00Invitation Codes - Haute Look, Gilt Groupe, Rue La La, ideeli, Editor's Closet, The Top Secret, Glam List, Beyond the Rack,...<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8bJQb4-NOrw/SqWmYz5W-TI/AAAAAAAAA5A/h9zhZJ_FAxE/s1600-h/invitation.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378888275141785906" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8bJQb4-NOrw/SqWmYz5W-TI/AAAAAAAAA5A/h9zhZJ_FAxE/s200/invitation.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 182px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a>I just landed a social media dream job at <a href="http://bloomingdales.com/">Bloomingdales.com</a>. As a result, I've made it my personal mission to learn about and join all of the sample sale websites out there! These websites are a great way to enjoy designer fashion at extremely low prices!<br />
<br />
There are quite a few, so I'm racking up memberships left and right! I'd like to share the wealth, as many of these sites are invitation-only websites. If you'd like an invitation code to any of the following, just comment with your e-mail address and which one(s) you'd like an invite from and I'll send you an invite to join in the fun!<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
<br />
Beyond the Rack</span><br />
www.beyondtherack.com<br />
<a href="http://www.beyondtherack.com/member/invite/NESC508E066">Click here to sign up for Beyond the Rack now!</a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Billion Dollar Babes</span><br />
www.billiondollarbabes.com<br />
<a href="https://www.billiondollarbabes.com/register/r/b2cfdfcac2a69d79a399">Click here to sign up for Billion Dollar Babes now!</a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">DD Push</span><br />
www.ddpush.com<br />
This is an email invite only. Put your email address in the comments and I will invite you!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Editor's Closet</span><br />
www.editorscloset.com<br />
<a href="http://www.editorscloset.com/index.php?option=com_comprofiler&task=registers_affiliates&Itemid=60&ref_email=ericaswallow@gmail.com">Click here to join Editor's Closet now!</a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Gilt Groupe</span><br />
www.gilt.com<br />
<a href="http://www.giltgroupe.com/invite/ericaswallow">Click here to sign up for Gilt Groupe now!</a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Glam List</span><br />
www.glamlist.com<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Gomatta Girls</span><br />
www.gomattagirls.com<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Hautelook</span><br />
www.hautelook.com<br />
<a href="http://www.hautelook.com/invite/ericaswallow">Click here to sign up for Hautelook now!</a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">ideeli</span><br />
www.ideeli.com<br />
<a href="http://www.ideeli.com/invite/ericaswallow">Click here to sign up for ideeli now!</a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Juxzy</span><br />
juxzy.com<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">One Kings Lane</span><br />
www.onekingslane.com<br />
<a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/SignUp.aspx?Sponsor=ericaswallow%40gmail.com">Click here to sign up for One Kings Lane now!</a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Rue La La</span><br />
www.ruelala.com<br />
<a href="http://www.ruelala.com/invite/ericaswallow">Click here to sign up for Rue La La now!</a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Secret Style</span><br />
www.secretstyle.com<br />
<a href="http://www.secretstyle.com/Default.aspx?referrer=ericaswallow@gmail.com&referrerName=Erica">Click here to sign up for Secret Style now!</a><br />
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<b>Snappy Tuna</b><br />
www.snappytuna.com<br />
<a href="http://www.snappytuna.com/invite/ericaswallow">Click here to sign up for Snappy Tuna now!</a> <br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">The Top Secret</span><br />
www.thetopsecret.com<br />
<a href="http://www.thetopsecret.com/TS/Member/RegisterByInvitation.aspx?InvitedBy=ericaswallow@gmail.com">Click here to sign up for The Top Secret now!</a><br />
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If you'd like to join any of the above-mentioned invite-only sample sale sites, write in the comments below! Don't forget to mention which sites you'd like invites to and your email address!Erica Swallowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13657911720673531127noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960808401024151578.post-6852869319747115072009-08-26T11:39:00.005-04:002009-08-26T11:43:28.718-04:00Make a Dent in the World Water Crisis!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8bJQb4-NOrw/SpVXQixbVoI/AAAAAAAAA44/f9IEKis2gCM/s1600-h/welcome_image.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8bJQb4-NOrw/SpVXQixbVoI/AAAAAAAAA44/f9IEKis2gCM/s400/welcome_image.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374297672060196482" border="0" /></a><br />Dear Friends,<br /><br />I'm trying to help put a dent in the world water crisis and I need your help. I've created three projects via charity:water, each with a goal of raising $5,000, enough funds to build a water well in a community in need of clean water. I'm asking that all of my friends and family find it in their hearts to donate, as there are millions of people without the basic need of water.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I've made three funds to match my friends' interests:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1.) NYU Fund:</span> For all of my NYU friends that want to make a difference. This fund goes towards helping bring water to schools in need of it. Have some school pride and donate today at <a href="http://new.charitywater.org/nyufund">http://new.charitywater.org/nyufund</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2.) NYC Fund:</span> For the city known for its water towers, atop every building. This fund is for all the New Yorkers who care about delivering clean water to people in need. Donate now at <a href="http://new.charitywater.org/nyc">http://new.charitywater.org/nyc</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3.) Erica & Weikai's 2nd Anniversary:</span> Today is the 2nd anniversary of dating for Weikai and me! In celebration, we're asking all of our friends and family to find it in their hearts to donate to the millions without water. We're lucky enough to have been born in societies with an overabundance of water. Let's give back. Donate now at <a href="http://new.charitywater.org/EricaandWeikai">http://new.charitywater.org/EricaandWeikai</a>.<br /><br />With all of my love and best wishes for you and yours!<br />EricaErica Swallowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13657911720673531127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960808401024151578.post-88668353190259048782009-08-25T07:01:00.003-04:002009-08-25T07:06:51.187-04:00Are You Sharing Too Much Online?<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gLv6-4bI6kQ&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gLv6-4bI6kQ&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Being that I'm pretty active online, I'm always wondering if my social networks are conveying the best image to potential employers (and friends!). Today, I ran across a great blog post on the <a href="http://doostang.wordpress.com/2009/08/21/to-share-or-not-to-share-the-professional-down-side-of-your-online-social-life/">Doostang blog</a> about "<a href="http://doostang.wordpress.com/2009/08/21/to-share-or-not-to-share-the-professional-down-side-of-your-online-social-life/">the professional downside of your online social life</a>" that gave me a few tips about best practices.<br /><br />If you're worried about whether you're sharing too much information about your personal life on your social networks, it's <a href="http://doostang.wordpress.com/2009/08/21/to-share-or-not-to-share-the-professional-down-side-of-your-online-social-life/">worth a look</a>!Erica Swallowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13657911720673531127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960808401024151578.post-60504001861410798162009-08-05T11:11:00.005-04:002009-08-05T12:30:37.586-04:00Tarot Cards over Dinner<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8bJQb4-NOrw/Snmm2DuW1HI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/vNInVgdG0mM/s1600-h/Nicolas+Crummey+tarot+cards.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 297px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8bJQb4-NOrw/Snmm2DuW1HI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/vNInVgdG0mM/s400/Nicolas+Crummey+tarot+cards.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366503878631543922" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Above: Nicolas Crummey reads Maria Kucinski's cards)<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Every Tuesday night, my 2-out-of-3 best friends (Nicolas and Maria) and I have dinner. We alternate houses, visiting each person's place a week. (Note: The third best friend is Alice, but she's in China.)<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>This week, Nicolas (aka Nick) hosted dinner. The theme was summer. He made the most excellent tomato/basil/mozzarella appetizers and an incredibly tasty pasta salad for the entree. Maria brought the wine -- a rose and a white. And I supplied the desserts -- gelato and fruits. MMMM.<br /><br />Nick's roommate, Hailey, happened to have a deck of tarot cards lying around and let us play with them. Luckily, they were beginner's cards with notes and meanings written on them. The deck even came with a piece of paper to place under the cards that told us what the placement of each card meant.<br /><br />All in all, Maria's cards were excellent. She got the star... the empress... the awesome stuff... and all was well. Meanwhile, Nick read mine and I got all the crap! The hanged man... the devil... the moon. Ugh. It was horrible. Basically, my life sucks. But it turns out that everything is supposed to end well at the very end... so, only a lifetime of suffering left, and then comes the good stuff!<br /><br />I learned a few things about tarot cards, though:<br /><ul><li>The cards should face the reader (so they can read them, obviously)</li><li>There are 21 cards in all, numbered with Roman numerals</li><li>The cards should be placed in order (I - XX) and handed to the questioner (the person with the question)</li><li>The questioner should then shuffle the cards, concentrating on their question. Lastly, they cut the deck three times. They should concentrate on their question, in order to feed their energy into the cards, apparently.</li><li>It doesn't appear that questions like "What color is my shirt?" can be answered... it truly didn't work.</li><li>"The cards don't lie." Nick, Maria and I broke out in song to these words, singing as Nick played his banjo. They must be true, as the only explanation I can muster up is that we were possessed by their power to react in such a way.<br /></li></ul>Overall, I'm not a suspicious person. However, it is kind of strange that I received all bad cards and Maria received all great cards. Maria and Nick attribute this to me cursing at the cards and ridiculing them while Maria was getting her cards read... they heard and were out to get me.<br /><br />hehehe. This makes me want to get a Ouji board now!Erica Swallowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13657911720673531127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960808401024151578.post-62777383718021371482009-08-04T15:48:00.003-04:002009-08-04T15:50:08.498-04:00My 1,000th Post on Twitter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8bJQb4-NOrw/SniQpKl7yQI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/6pglQWOTDpo/s1600-h/Post+%231000.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 101px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8bJQb4-NOrw/SniQpKl7yQI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/6pglQWOTDpo/s400/Post+%231000.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366197992904444162" border="0" /></a><br />Let's celebrate! I just posted by 1,000 post on <a href="http://twitter.com/ericaswallow">Twitter</a>! Just wanted to get that on record. Ok. Go back to your normal lives now. Cheers!Erica Swallowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13657911720673531127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960808401024151578.post-7673521976493356742009-08-04T13:42:00.002-04:002009-08-04T13:45:07.153-04:00The Best Social Media Presentation EVER!!!I found the greated Social Media presentation today, by <a href="http://twitter.com/mzkagan">Marta Kagan</a>. Kudos, girl!<div style="width: 425px; text-align: left;" id="__ss_1729300"><a style="margin: 12px 0pt 3px; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; display: block; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://www.slideshare.net/mzkagan/what-the-fk-is-social-media-one-year-later" title="What the F**K is Social Media: One Year Later">What the F**K is Social Media: One Year Later</a><object style="margin: 0px;" width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=wtfissocialmedia5-090716070117-phpapp01&stripped_title=what-the-fk-is-social-media-one-year-later"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=wtfissocialmedia5-090716070117-phpapp01&stripped_title=what-the-fk-is-social-media-one-year-later" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><div style="font-size: 11px; font-family: tahoma,arial; height: 26px; padding-top: 2px;">View more <a style="text-decoration: underline;" href="http://www.slideshare.net/">documents</a> from <a style="text-decoration: underline;" href="http://www.slideshare.net/mzkagan">Marta Kagan</a>.</div></div>Erica Swallowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13657911720673531127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960808401024151578.post-24639698347186314252009-07-31T15:23:00.005-04:002009-07-31T15:39:08.076-04:00Interning at The New York TimesToday I created a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=135392158078">Facebook group for the Summer '09 NYTimes Interns</a> and it reminded me that my internship is really awesome! I also love the work environment at The New York Times, so I wanted to share it with you! Below are some photos of the beautiful space that I work in! What a blessed life!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTziMjfbD3-el-RyXiR-HcErIfoVmzh8QTcr6_AGWKJYq-0Jw5XLwnCAJ1y4JA9v68x5lDRMHajqTMEM6RMInZYrpx2FSmT4ne0beCLL05MV-e-kNWUW15Me0pYzQs0ueOX68F0Rrcb-o/s1600-h/P1000463.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTziMjfbD3-el-RyXiR-HcErIfoVmzh8QTcr6_AGWKJYq-0Jw5XLwnCAJ1y4JA9v68x5lDRMHajqTMEM6RMInZYrpx2FSmT4ne0beCLL05MV-e-kNWUW15Me0pYzQs0ueOX68F0Rrcb-o/s400/P1000463.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364707193260240002" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Above: The New York Times Building)</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5EFvse01ibDBmMy9EoxUqHvX-2ZjxtUS9_eGyvi1E4pTRKG0t-0LvvmIl-kIuSuFnFHBaLL3I08Vf_KVZWg-NMjDcUuDC5bGXHV9q8R2tBZ5NRdurjBqhbfE-xDul-knIQKUa4f8d4I/s1600-h/P1000466.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5EFvse01ibDBmMy9EoxUqHvX-2ZjxtUS9_eGyvi1E4pTRKG0t-0LvvmIl-kIuSuFnFHBaLL3I08Vf_KVZWg-NMjDcUuDC5bGXHV9q8R2tBZ5NRdurjBqhbfE-xDul-knIQKUa4f8d4I/s400/P1000466.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364707205190493026" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Above: The lobby of The New York Times Building is simple yet beautiful. Walking through it is a great way to start the work day!)<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8bJQb4-NOrw/SnNExj421BI/AAAAAAAAA3U/KWYl3PKQ-FQ/s1600-h/P1000465.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8bJQb4-NOrw/SnNExj421BI/AAAAAAAAA3U/KWYl3PKQ-FQ/s400/P1000465.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364707199366386706" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Above: My subway station exit is about 10 steps from the building. So, each morning, I enter here!)<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93uj3viwBS9fEYi6TNLbThgyfcBSmEoAvm13Bcub0IK94As8D7DKZDAQNEYxEU6tcBysBebxNwUhJNZWGEPrP1H3f4ZKAJVJM6zL_T2nvxIKC0Y12SFKkRuP9y-lsiQGEU4qZcB6Z-YM/s1600-h/P1000470.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93uj3viwBS9fEYi6TNLbThgyfcBSmEoAvm13Bcub0IK94As8D7DKZDAQNEYxEU6tcBysBebxNwUhJNZWGEPrP1H3f4ZKAJVJM6zL_T2nvxIKC0Y12SFKkRuP9y-lsiQGEU4qZcB6Z-YM/s400/P1000470.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364707213349022610" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Above: My desk on the 9th floor of The New York Times Building)</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8bJQb4-NOrw/SnNEyKoCB0I/AAAAAAAAA3k/_MlXTzmKcxc/s1600-h/P1000468.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8bJQb4-NOrw/SnNEyKoCB0I/AAAAAAAAA3k/_MlXTzmKcxc/s400/P1000468.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364707209764800322" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Above: The view from my desk. This is a view of Port Authority at 40th Street and 8th Avenue in Manhattan)</span></div><br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;">Not only is working at NYTimes.com amazing, it's aesthetically-inspiring!!!<br /></div></div>Erica Swallowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13657911720673531127noreply@blogger.com0