CheapThrills

How I will impress the TechCrunch team tonight at MeetUp 11

Update: See blog post above for MeetUp 11 final takeaway.

TechCrunch MeetUp 11 is poppin’ off tonight at The Estate, a nightclub located in Boston's “Alley,”—a quant cobblestone passageway ironically notorious for scantily clad freshman, long lines, and the only mechanical bull in the city. Hope the doormen don’t turn away too many techies for wearing sneakers and/or being too "low-class" looking.

Anyway, I know that two blogger/co-worker friends of mine, Dean Whitney and Jonathan Feeley, will be in attendance. Actually, Dean snagged the last available ticket! He should win a prize or something.

I’m hoping to see a few of the Boston bloggers that I met at Blogtoberfest as well - A.J. (author of Hoopswriters, an awesome Basketball blog) Adam (author of UnversalHub, THE Boston blog), and Derek (author of Third Decade and the only Philly hater that I call a friend) - you guys coming?

Michael Arrington kinda gives me nightmares, but I’m still psyched to meet the infamous TechCrunch blogger. I will try to show him my charm and my undeniably undeniable senses of humor. Should I tell this joke?

That time we fought Hurricane Noel... and won

On Saturday, Hurricane Noel smacked Boston with cold rain, strong winds, and general outdoor discomfort all day long. And just my luck, my father also happened to be visiting me from Philadelphia. We had originally planned to go apple picking at Russell’s Orchard in Ipswich (home of Big Boy, the most enormous hog I’ve ever seen in my entire life) and then walk around the North End so that my dad could pretend to be a Patriot fighting the colonial powers (he likes doing that sometimes). But hanging from trees and wandering the winding North End streets seemed daft activities for such inclimate weather.

There was only one solution: Good Time Emporium!

Though the floors are a little sticky and the beer is served in plastic cups, Good Times is the ultimate rainy day spot. Located in Somerville (I know, I know, you’re thinking Somerville is like a million miles away from Boston, right? Wrong-o, it’s only about 10 minutes up Rt. 93), the place has got it all. It even has disposable cameras for sale--only golden memories are recorded by way of disposable camera, we all know that. Here’s a rundown of all the goodness that Good Times offers.

Ryan’s checklist for fun!

• Arcade games: check (they even have a virtual jumprope and Dance Dance Revolution EXTREME)
• Air hockey: check
• Ping Pong: check
• Pool: check
• Batting cages: check
• Bumper cars: check
• Go-Karts: check
• Laser Tag: check
• Darts: check
• Bowling lanes: check
• Mini basketball court: check
• “Down the shore” (Philly-speak for Jersey shore) boardwalk games… you know, the ones that cough up those red tickets redeemable for everything from candy bars to flatscreen TVS: check
• Keno, scratch cards, lottery (to indulge your inner gambler): check
• A trillion and a half projector screens and televisions showing every sports game in the whole world: check
• Pitchers of beer: check
• Paintball: no… but Boston Paintball is right next door

As the weather in Boston quickly slips into its abysmal yearly depression, get to Good Times and show the cold who’s boss. And get there quick—rumor has it that, in its plot to take over the earth, IKEA bought the whole strip and plans to level Good Times (along with Boston Paintball) sometime next year. Booo.

Disposable camera shots

A piece of France, right here in Boston

Middle School language class selection. Choose a side.  Spanish or French? … or Latin (a section of 3-4 curious folk. See Howard’s Dilemma post).   

Everyone claimed Spanish was the way to go. It will broaden your career opportunities in the U.S.! It’s spoken in more countries! We heart Spanish-speaking people! Spain is crazy!

Whatever. I'm a rebel. I took French. I watched weird cartoons and participated in cheese parties. I wore a beret on special occasions and went by “Simone.”

While my entire group of friends headed to Spain for the liveliest 2-week fiesta imaginable, I went on the French exchange with 1 close friend (the only guy in the entire group) and a French teacher who sported one leg a full 3 inches shorter than the other. She walked at an angle and always ended up taking us in circles. She also accused me of bad behavior after my exchangee—a scary boy named Mikael—threatened to hit me right outside our French high school. Then she inadvertently tried to kill me by ignoring my double-ear-infection-meets-bronchitis screeches of agony on our plane ride home. Then she revoked me “Junior Privilege” and tried to have me suspended.

Needless to say, I had an absolute blast on the French Exchange. It was on this trip that I fell in love with everything about Paris and her ever-chic citizens.

While I try to make a trip back every summer (here are my Flickr photos from a trip to Paris two months ago), I crave French culture during the time in between.

Which is why I was ecstatic when a newfound Parisian friend sent me information about the Boston French Party. This group provides a little piece of France by throwing monthly parties and events for French, Francophone, and Francophile people living in Boston.

From their site (sounds oh so French-to-English, I love it):

The Boston French Party is the best place to meet the French community in Boston.

Whether you are a French speaker, in love with France or just interested in the French culture, join us for some unforgettable nights in Boston!

French music, lots of good conversations and the French "joie de vivre" are our recipe for a fun night!

Though I can’t make their next event (which is tonight at Middlesex those who are interested), I will be sure to attend and blog the next one.

Anyone partying French style tonight, please report back!

That time I went on a date with myself

With close friends who are in medical school and a boyfriend who’s always on the move, I find myself in my own company quite frequently.

At this point, I’d have to say that I’m in a serious relationship with, myself. We’ve been together for like 25 years but it’s just now getting really serious.

To nurture the relationship, I take myself to Toro just about every week. Toro is a small tapas restaurant in my neighborhood that whips up the best taste combos my mouth has ever encountered. It’s not the cheapest place on the block, but then again I’m certainly not a cheap date.

I’ll sashay in on a Monday or Tuesday usually, when the crowd isn’t too large and I can grab a table by the window. I think the staff knows me as the curly-haired, super-smiley bookworm—I come in with a new book every month or so. My waitress always asks what I’m reading and if I can recommend anything good. She can’t get over my passion for reading. I can’t get over it either; in fact, I think it’s my most attractive feature.

I generally order the foie gras pincho dish with pear and bacon chutney (to die for!), the sublime skirt steak (comes sliced thin atop a delicious caramelized onions), and a glass of Garnacha. A tidy, lovely meal that fills my stomach without making me feel heavy and sick—small portions are better, I tell myself.

Try something new and go on a date with yourself. At first glace, scary for sure, but I guarantee that you’re in for a pleasant surprise. You’ll always be your hottest, most captivating date.

The Boston scene is showing some edge. Finally!

Seems like Boston is pretty keen on glamming it up these days… all spawning from the South End’s miraculous recreation, in my opinion. The air in the city seems to be changing as the South End - which used to be one of Boston's “scary” spots (whatever that means) - transforms itself.

What's old:

• The Back Bay and all that old, boring money that went along with it
• Newbury Street and Lamborghini show-offs
• Prada-suit wearing self-proclaimed bigshots who spend $500 at Sonsie on a bottle of Champaign to entice pretty passer-bys
• Clubs that make you wait in the cold just so it looks like they have a long line

What’s new… and better

• The South End in all of its diverse glory
• Walking from point A to point B
• Inconspicuous restaurant owners who make a point of getting to know all of their regulars
• The sexy, sleek, and stylish bar scene

The past couple evenings have really glued the pieces together for me. I attended the MAP Boston Launch Party at The Other Side Cafe. This planner highlights non-chain, slightly off-the-radar venues in Boston. And as the DJ blasted old Ol' Dirty Bastard tracks, the party felt very non-chain. I like it.

I dined at Rocca on Harrison Ave. for the first time, and I love the spot. I wasn’t expecting such lively design and funky colors, and also Rocca seemed to attract non-South-Enders. That really makes me believe that this neighborhood can and will become the standard “it” location. And though people often criticize Rocca for the small portions, I think offering half-size plates is a smart move. Personally, I lose my appetite when a waiter shoves a huge hunk of beef or towering salad in front of me. Even Presidential hopefuls are pointing out that Americans fatter than ever… so maybe smaller portions is the wave of the future.

And who knew Boston had a Fashion Week? I partied at a Fashion Event co-hosted by LIT (a little Boston-based boutique). A cool and confident scene… and an excuse for me to bust out the tube top and do something interesting with my hair.

When it comes to different, diverse, funky, and fab, I'm taking cues from Boston and making bold moves. I mean, why not?

Rock out with your glock(enspiel) out in London

During my trip to Europe (ooo, Flickr photos!), I actually spent about 15 hours in London (long story). While I saw virtually no British sights and spent most of my time paying cab drivers, I did manage to make it to a cell-like Austrian restaurant called the Tiroler Hut. I'm not a huge fan of Austrian food (sausages and big slabs of meet and potatoes and stuff), so I ordered the shrimp cocktail platter. And I mean, I don't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't very good.

What was pretty... impressive, I'll say... was the entertainment. It was like semi-karaoke but with no projected lyrics.

For example, there was this guy, an Asian man singing Italian ballads. 

And then this guy, a Brit (I think??) hollering a somewhat terrifying rendition of New York, New York (with background dancers).

And then, of course, the MC - decked out in Lederhosen and rockin' with his bells (I simply had to include the video as well, just click the photo below or the link underneath - takes a couple seconds to load).

Man Playing the Bells

If you're ever stuck in London on a business trip or something and need a place to go, maybe check this place out. Maybe. ...or maybe not.

I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way - The W List is on fire!

I'm 24, I started this blog about 5 months ago as a place to make myself laugh and exercise my writing muscles, and now I'm connected to all of these fantastic women. My friend and colleague Lori Magno added me to the W List a few weeks ago, and I'm just now getting around to spreading the word (bad blogger! But as some of you know, I was on a little hiatus in Europe for the past 10 days).

Now we hotties need to take this party a step further and do an in-person city take-over. I'm in Boston, and I'm totally ready to organize a Boston martini meet-up. Any other cocktail-loving W-listers in the area? Show yourselves! :)

My additions - I read several Black blogs, and here are my favs:
Afrobella: My favorite spot for thoughtful opinion, conversation, and inspiration. A daily read, especially for those sisters who wear their hair natural (not chemically treated)
All About the Glam, by Chic Noir: "I am a drag quenn stuck in the body of a real woman." How can you not love this blog?
Young, Black, And Fabulous: Just for a little fun and gossip

And I also must add one more - the blog authored by the amazing woman who inspired me to enter this crazy digital world.
CultureJunkie, by Stephanie Rogers: Marketing, fashion, and the general life and times of a fabulous Bostonian diva.

Though I'm not a mommy YET, here are the most recently added maternity-related blogs added by Marketing Roadmaps:
Mom 101, Liz Gumbinner
BlogRhet, a group blog, all women
Her Bad Mother, Catherine Connors
Joy Unexpected, Y
Picture This, Tracey Clark
i am bossy, Georgia Getz

And the rest of the W list! I bolded and pinkified the blogs that I'm affiliated with in some way (sorry if I missed anyone!). I really should just bold them all, seeing as I am now directly affiliated with all these fine chicas.
2020 Hindsight by Susan Kitchens
21st Century Collaborative by Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach
45 Things by Anita Bruzzese
Affirmagy Blog by Kristen Schuerlein
A Girl Must Shop by Megan Garnhum
A Little Pregnant by Julie
All for Women by Leigh, Naom, Patricia, and Barbara
Alkamae by Susan Reid (Fellow AoC author)
Allied by Jeneane Sessum
A Look at Art & Design: by Lisa Mikulski
andHow To Reach Women by Tami Anderson
angiemckaig.com: still a great pair of legs by Angie McKaig
Ask Dr. Kirk by Dr. Delaney Kirk
Average Jane by Average Jane
Babylune by Kate Baggott
Back in Skinny Jeans by Stephanie Quilao
Bag and Baggage by Denise Howell
Becoming a Woman of Purpose by Carolyn Townes
Becoming your StellarSelf by Mary Kearns
Be Relevant! by Tamara Gielen
Blog Fabulous by Tracee Sioux
BlogWrite for CEOs by Debbie Weil
Blogaholics by Arienna Foley
BlogRhet, a group blog, all women
Blog Til You Drop by Laurence-Hélène Borel
Biz Growth News by Krishna De
Brain Based Biz by Dr. Robyn McMaster
Brain Based Business by Dr. Ellen Weber
Brand Sizzle by Anne Simons
Branding & Marketing by Chris Brown (Female with a male name, yay!)
Brazen Careerist by Penelope Trunk
Breastfeeding 1-2-3 by Angela
Build A Better Blog by Denise Wakeman and Patsi Krakoff
Build a Solo Practice, LLC by Susan Cartier Liebel
Burningbird by Shelley Powers
Career Goddess by Susan Guarnieri
Chatting to my Generation by Anja Merret
Cheap Thrills by Ryan Barrett (meeee!)
Christine Kane by Christine Kane
Church of the Customer by Jackie Huba
CK’s Blog by CK (Christina Kerley) (Fellow AoC author)
Communication Overtones by Kami Huyse
Conflict coaching and resolution for the workplace by Dr Tammy Lenski
Confession of a Marketing Addict by Sunny Cervantes
Conscious Business by Anne Libby
Contentious by Amy Gahran
Conversation Agent by Valeria Maltoni (Fellow AoC author)
Conversations With Dina by Dina Mehta
Corporate PR by Elizabeth Albrycht
Cottontimer by Hsien-Hsien Lei
Creating Passionate Users by Kathy Sierra
Creative Curio by Lauren Marie
Crossroads by Evelyn Rodriguez
Cruel To Be Kind by Nicole Simon
Customer Experience Crossroads by Susan Abbott
Customers Rock! by Becky Carroll (Fellow AoC author)
CustServ by Meikah David
DailyAffirm by Jeanie Marshall
Debbie Millman by Debbie Millman
Deborah Schultz by Deborah Schultz
Decent Marketing by Katherine Stone
Designers Who Blog by Cat Morley
Design Your Life by Ellen and Julia Lupton
Design Your Writing Life by Lisa Gates
Diary of Claudine Hellmuth by Claudine Hellmuth
Diva Marketing Blog by Toby Bloomberg (Fellow AoC author)
Do It Myself Blog by Glenda Watson Hyatt
Dooce by Heather B. Armstrong
Downshifting - by Anne Howe
Driving Traffic - Carol Krishner
Eie Flud by Heather
Elise.com by Elise Bauer
Email Marketing Best Practices by Tamara Gielen
Emily Chang - Strategic Designer by Emily Chang
eMoms at Home by Wendy Piersall
EmpowerWomenNow.com by Ponn Sabra
Enter the Laughter by Marti Lawrence
Equip and Empower! by Carolyn Townes
Escape Blog by Melissa Petri
Escape from Cubicle Nation by Pamela Slim
eSoup by Sharon Sarmiento
Essential Keystrokes by Char
Every Dot Connectsby Connie Reece (Fellow AoC author)
EvilHRLady by Evil HR Lady
Expansion Plus by Sally Falkow
Experienceology by Stephanie Weaver
Fish Creek House by GP
First Light by Julie Keyser-Squires
Flash and Accessibility by Niqui Merret
Flooring The Consumer by CB Whittemore (Fellow AoC author)
Forrester’s Marketing Blog by Shar, Charlene, Chloe, Christine Elana, Laura and Lisa
Franke James by Franke James
Full Circle - Nancy White
Funny Business by Elena Centor
Fusion View by Yang-Amy Ooi
Garden Variety Family by Karin Marlett-Choi
GenPink by Elysa
Get Fresh Minds by Katie Konrath
Get Shouty by Katie Chatfield
Getting Granular by Aimee Kessler Evans
Giant Jeans Parlour by Anjali
GourmetStation Delicious Destinations by Donna Lynes-Miller
Great Presentations Mean Business by Laura Athavale Fitton
Hartsock Communications by Nettie Hartsock
Her Bad Mother, Catherine Connors
Hey Marci by Marci Alboher
¡Hola! Oi! Hi! by katia adams
Horse Pig Cow by Tara Hunt
i am bossy, Georgia Getz
ifelse by Phu Ly
Illustration Friday by Penelope Dullaghan
In Women We Trust by Mary Clare Hunt
Infomaniac by Liz Donovan
Inspired Business Growth by Wendy Piersall
Internet Geek Girl by Stephanie Agesta
Jane Geneva by Jane Geneva
J.T. O’Donnell Career Insights by J.T. O’Donnell
Jemima Kiss by Jemima Kiss
Joyful, Jubilant Learning by Rosa Say
Joy Unexpected, Y
Katya’s Non-Profit Marketing Blog by Katya Andresen
KDPaine’s PR Measurement Blog by Katie Delahaye Paine
Kinetic Ideas by Wendy Maynard
Kristy T’s Home Business Blog by Kristy T
Learned on Women by Andrea Learned
Lifeblog by anina
Lindsay Pollak by Lindsay Pollak
Lip-sticking by Yvonne DeVita
Little Red Suit by Tiffany Monhollon
Live The Power by Karen Lynch
Liz Strauss at Successful Blog by Liz Strauss
Lorelle on WordPress by Lorelle VanFossen
Making Life Work for You by April Groves
Marketer Blog by Leslie Jump
Marketing To Women by Holly Buchanan
Manage to Change by Ann Michael
Management Craft by Lisa Haneberg
Managing With Aloha Coaching by Rosa Say
Mandarin Design Daily:The MEG Blog by Michelle Goodrich
Marketing Roadmaps by Susan Getgood
Mary’s Blog by Mary Schmidt
MediaBlog by Daria Rasmussen
Media Influencer by Adriana Lukas
Mediation Mensch by Dina Beach Lynch
Misbehaving by Dana Boyd, Hilde Corneliussen, Caterina Fake, Meg Hourihan, Liz Lawley, Fiona Romeo, Dorothea Salo, Halley Suitt, Gina Trapani, Jill Walker
Mkgmd - le mag du marketing multidimentionnel by Christelle Alexandre
Moda di Magno by Lori Magno (Work collegue AND fellow AoC author)
Modite by Rebecca Thorman
Mogulettes in the Making by Carmina Perez
molly.com by Molly E. Holzschlag
Mom 101, Liz Gumbinner
Muddy Boots
My Beautiful Chaos by April Groves
Narrative Assets by Karen Hegman
Newbie NYC by Mary Hilton
Netdiver by Carole Guevin
On My Desk by Linzie Hunter
Orlando Avenue by Colleen Kulikowski
Passion Meets Purpose by Kammie Kobyleski
Peggy Payne’s Boldness Blog by Peggy Payne
Picture This, Tracey Clark
Poultry Discussion by Louise Manning
Presto Vivace Blog by Alice Marshall
Productivity Goal by Carolyn Manning (Fellow AoC author)
Purple Wren by Sandy Renshaw
Purse Lip Square Jaw by Anne Galloway
Quality Service Marketing by Sybil Stershic
re:Invention by Kristen Osolind
Rebecca’s Pocket by Rebecca Blood
Resonance Partnership by Marianne Richmond
Sacred Ingredients by Nicole Hanley
Sanctuary for Change by Susan Hanshaw
Sent From My Dell Desktop by Alejandra Ramos
Shiva’s Arms by Cheryl Snell
Small Biz Survival by Becky McCray
Small Business Trends by Anita Campbell
Small Failures: Sustainability for the Rest of Us by Jess Sand
So Close by Tertia
Solomother by Christina Zola
Spare Change by Nedra Kline Weinreich
Spirit in Gear by Debbie Call
Spirit Women by Carolyn Townes
Subterranean Homepage News by Sheila Lennon
Susan Mernit’s Blog by Susan Mernit
Sweet|Salty by Kate Inglis
swissmiss by Tina Roth Eisenberg
Talk It Up by Heidi Miller
Tech Kitten by Trisha Miller
That’s What She Said by Julie Elgar
The Artsy Asylum by Susan Reynolds
The Blog Angel by Claire Raikes
The Brand Dame by Lyn Chamberlin
The Budgeting Babe by Nicole
the Constant Observer by Tish Grier
The Copywriting Maven by Roberta Rosenberg
The Curious Shopper by Sara Cantor
The Engaging Brand by Anna Farmery
The Entrepreneurial MD by Philippa Kennealy
The Floozy Blog by Kate Coote
The Kiss Business Tooby Karin H.
The Krafty Librarian by Michelle A. Kraft
The Kristasphere by Krista Summit
The Marketing Mix Blog by Ilse Benun
The New Charm School by Jennifer Warwick
The Parody by Sasha Manuel
The Podcast Sisters by Anna Farmery, Krishna De and Heather Gorringe
The Qualitative Research Blog by Reshma Anand
The Shifted Librarian by Jenny Levine
The What If…? Women by Randee, Lori, Anne, Lynn and Norka (Pink Collar Club)
Think Positive! by Kristen Harrell
this is rachelandrew.co.uk by Rachel Andrew
Toddler Planet by WhyMommy
unstruc chitchat about information by Daniela Barbosa
Veerle’s blog 2.0 by Veerle
Water Cooler Wisdom by Alexandra Levit
Wealth Strategy Secrets by Nicola Cairncross
What A Concept! By Sherry Heyl
What’s Next Blog by B L Ochman
Wiggly Wigglers by Heather Gorringe
WomensDISH by Diane K. Danielson and Friends
Wonder Branding by Michele Miller
Woolgathering by Elizabeth Perry
Worker Bees Blog by Elisa Camahort
Write Ideas Marketing by Andrea Morris
You Already Know This Stuff by Jodee Bock
Ypulse by Anastasia Goodstein

Où est le livre ? À la bibliothèque!

Well I’m off for Paris tomorrow—my favorite little wonderland. I was a French major in college and have spent many a summer in the city, and so I’m totally psyched to visit old friends… any new ones. As it turns out, a few of my Age of Conversation co-authors from will be in Paris as well (Luc, Cedric, and Gianandrea) and so we’re planning a lunch meeting. Face-to-face! Yes!

Anyway, I think the guys over at Flight of the Conchords wanted to wish me a bon voyage, so they featured this little diddy in last Sunday’s episode. Thanks guys! I’ll be sure to scope out some musique danse a la discothèque.

Find all of Boston's best kept secrets in MAP Boston

I have been working on a little project called MAP Boston over the last 7 months or so. MAP is a personal planner that features a different location in Boston every week – everything from cute date spots to vintage clothing stores to green spaces.

We did our jobs right and wrote up the most unique, most out of the ordinary, most inspiring places and events in this city… just for you! So if you’re interested in frequenting some funky, sexy, cool venues (or just want to plan out your days on exceptionally lovely pages), check out MAP Boston. Hits bookstores July 15th.

Here’s a page from the planner featuring one of my write-ups - 28 Degrees in the South End. And for more layouts, check out the designer’s Flickr photos.

Additional Credits:
Executive Editor: Morgan First
Photographer: Lauren M. Brock
Editors: Jodie Jordan, Julia Kaganskiy
Editorial Staff: Ryan Barrett, Tessa Sanchez, Jean Zove
Contributors: Jason Faulkner

My my Barack Obama, you are foreva cleva.

I just received two communications from my friend Barack Obama. The first was a Facebook message (which is just a cool thing to say), and the second: An email from Barack asking me to join him for dinner. Oo la la.

The invite actually turned out to be a well thought out and completely on-brand fundraising campaign. The Obama camp will be choosing 4 donators to dine with Barack and pump him with questions.

Okay sure, it's a little sweepstakey. But I think ultimately this campaign is working towards Barack’s goal: Getting the backing of the PEOPLE first and foremost. Not only will Obama supporters be the ones funding his campaign through donations of as little as $5 (which they we have done a great job of so far), but a select few will also be taking the place of stodgy suits and politicos at his fundraising dinner.

Like many others, I had already planned on donating to the Obama campaign again. The Dinner with Barack incentive only made me do it sooner. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a spot at the table… and if I get one expect an earth-shattering blog post and a photo of my lunging over the table for a sloppy cheek smooch. You think that would fly?