A Letter from the Editor

Dear Family, Friends, Co-workers, Educators, Mentors and Leaders of 2011,

First of all, THANK YOU! I can't think back to a more exciting, challenging or prosperous year. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to be part of such an amazing period in time and to have so many wonderful people in my life. I would not be where I am today without the love, guidance, and support that you all have provided. And for that, I am truly grateful.

Tomorrow marks the first day of the rest of our lives, and the first day of 2012. So let's bring it in with open hearts, open minds and fearless ambitions to accomplish our goals!

Can't wait!!

Angela

Startup Learning 101

Startups are dynamic, exciting, and loaded with potential. You have the ability to go after your ambitions, create new opportunities and build a masterpiece around your dream.

Just remember...

No matter where you are in your journey, make sure you learn from the experiences of others. Because not only are the opportunities real, but the stakes are much higher. 

Going Home

Visiting my small Wisconsin hometown is weird.

For 18 years it was exactly the same-ish, and then I moved to the big city. I changed. They changed. My room is no longer here. Friendships have shifted. I constantly try finagling myself back into my old, comfortable routine, but it simply does not exist.

And wow, is it quiet here. 

Why, Why, Why?

When it comes to asking questions, children are experts. Their deep sense of wonder and inquisitive nature of why things work the way they do, and for what reason, should be an example to us all. Their questions are persistent, sometimes obvious, risky and curious. 

As adults, why is it that we always seem to have the answers, but hold back to when it comes to asking questions? Is it because we don't want to come off as naive or uninformed? Is it because we've lost that sense of wonder? Or does it have something to do with always thinking we have the right answers? 

Clearly, I think we can do better than asking about the weather, don't you? 

Get Filthy Rich in 2012

One of my top goals for 2012 is to get financially fit, and thanks to dozens of online services and mobile apps, it's easier than ever. Here are some of my tips and tricks for money management.

✓ Setup your budget, track your spending, and manage your bills online. I highly recommend Mint or LearnVest. Both are free and easy to use, woohoo! (Don't forget to download the apps on your phone)

✓ It's easy for bills to stack up and get lost on your desk, so go paperless! Nearly all credit cards and bank accounts have a paperless option, setup your accounts and opt for e-mail alerts instead.

✓ Take advantage of deal sites and online sales. Bookmark these bad boys on your browser and download them on your phone. Here are some of my favorites:


Fashion
Gilt Groupe 
Haute Look 
Rue La La 
Ideeli 

Salon & Spa
Lifebooker 

Travel
Kayak
Cheap Tickets
Travelocity

Dining
Groupon 
Living Social
Happy Hour Finder

Favorite iPhone Apps of 2011

Drumroll please....here are my favorite iPhone apps for 2011!

Social Networking: Path
Location Based: Foursquare
Photo Sharing: Instagram
Streaming Movies: Netflix
Game: Words with Friends
Marketplace: Zaarly
Food: GrubHub 
Messaging: Meebo
Travel: Kayak
Finance: Square 
Note Keeping: Evernote
Transit: Uber
News: NYTimes 

Other misc. that came and went...

Yobongo
HeyTell
Foodspotting
Hanging with Friends 
Groupon
SnapTell 
Kik
Sonar 

3 Apps I Need STAT

1. El Pronto Decision Maker
Not only does this app read your mind, but it makes decisions for you based on your geo-location, online habits, texts, phone conversations and more! It does NOT give you options to choose from (gah! who has time to make decisions these days??) but rather delivers a singular decision with a list of reasons why it makes sense for you. Use it for dining, shopping, workout routines, watching tv, listening to music, basically every aspect of your life.

2. Shoply.sale
This app will rock your world! Enter the name of items you are looking for (black blazer, rainboots, winter scarf, etc.) along with your favorite brands and it will stockpile a list of online sale items that match your query! Set up alerts or check back daily to find exactly what you're looking for. No more hours of online or in store browsing. Instant sale gratification.

3. P@sswrdK33pr
Every website you go on needs a password these days, and they all seem to require some weird combination of Numbers and l3tt3rs. Who the heck can really remember 20 different passwords? This app will log each and every one of your passwords, and kindly remind you of them upon your voice activated request.

Aaaand I'm back!

Hi pretties, I'm back! Well, sort of. I've actually been without a computer for a few months (GASP!!) so you'll have to excuse me for being a little MIA . I thought I'd die without my computer, but nope here I am!

Here are some nuggets of wisdom I've discovered while being away...

1. The Netflix iPhone app is next to Godliness. Basically saved my life. Amen to that!
2. Zaarly, a real time market place. Genius. Sorry Craigslist & Ebay, you're toast.
3. Just because you go to Miami doesn't mean you'll get a tan. #overcast #gah
4. Jason Mraz can sing opera, and beautifully. Who knew?
5. Hot yoga is addicting. And really sweaty. Try it.
6. Someone please invent a way to keep track of passwords. Resetting from an iPhone is NOT fun.
7. 25 doesn't really feel that different than 24.
8. It's entirely possible for me to not leave Murray Hill for 2 weeks straight and be ok with it.
9. NYC is filled with intelligent, motivated and inspiring people.
10. Waking up early makes all the difference.

OK, that's all for now. Over and out.