Wednesday, July 20, 2011

NOT FOR SALE, BUT I'VE MOVED.

I am very excited to announce that A Day In The Life of Carynlevyonline has a new home!!   I have left my home at Blogger Blvd. and moved to Wordpress Lane.   

Goodbye Blogger. You were a wonderful first home. You taught me the basics but I'm afraid it is time for me to move into a big girl home. 

Readers, I hope you'll join me. See you there! 

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Wacky Wednesdays

Happy Hump Day! Since Wednesday is smack dab in the middle of the week, people often are simultaneously optimistic that the weekend is almost here while also being down that there are still two full more days left to go.  I've noticed people need a pick-me-up on Wednesday's, so here are a few links that made me smile this week.  Hope they make you smile too!


{via}
Apparently I have been watching a lot of animal videos this week!  Have you seen anything this week that made you smile? Care to share?


Love, Caryn

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Twenty Six

                                                    Source: photographyismyescape.tumblr.com via Nathalie on Pinterest


Today is Mr Boyfriend's birthday. He turns 26 so here are 26 reasons why I love him and why I am lucky to call him my boyfriend. In no particular order: 
  1. He is super thoughtful and sweet!  He sends me e-cards when I'm down or just need a pick-me-up to brighten my day. He sends me flowers at work just to say I love you or to say congratulations for getting a promotion. He even picks up dinner for me when I am sick. 
  2. He is generous and has an extremely big heart.  He occasionally surprises me with gifts, doesn't always make me pay for meals and still takes me out on dates. 
  3. He is loyal and makes me happy. 
  4. He is honest. Without the slightest doubt in my mind, I know he honors our honesty policy. I know we can trust each other to no end. I can count on him for the truth and for guidance.
  5. He cheers me up when I am down. 
  6. He does not get jealous when I am talking to other friends, even when they are guys.
  7. He is not afraid to hold my purse in public if I need a helping hand.
  8. He unconditionally supports and respects me. 
  9. He admits when he is wrong and apologizes, even if it takes him a night to sleep on it. And on the other side, he is forgiving.
  10. We never go to bed without saying I love you.
  11. He deals with all my baggage. Enough said. 
  12. He has a really cute tush.
  13. He inspires me to be a better person.  
  14. He tells me I look beautiful. (Even when my weight fluctuates or I wake up with a lion's mane).
  15. He is genuinely a kind thoughtful and caring person.  
  16. He knows how to grill and he is a great cook.
  17. We can look at each other and without a word gauge how the other is feeling. 
  18. He has good family values that match mine. He even calls his parents and grandparents frequently. On that note, he treats my family and family friends with utmost respect as if they were his own, even if he has never met them before. 
  19. He treats me really well and makes me feel special like a princess. 
  20. I know without a doubt he will always be faithful.
  21. He holds my hand and is not afraid to show his love for me in public and not in the nasty PDA way. 
  22. He doesn't mind going shopping with me, as long as we eat first.
  23. He is himself around me and doesn't put on an act. He is not afraid to show me his emotional side either.
  24. He is really smart and is very financially responsible. He passed his CPA on the first try!
  25. He has healthy and clean habits and he doesn't smoke.
  26. He knows a clean apartment is key in order to keep my sanity, so he is trying to pick up after himself. He has improved drastically over the years!
AND OF COURSE ONE FOR GOOD LUCK...
   27. HE (unconditionally) LOVES ME FOR ME.


For his gift, I got him tickets to a Soundgarden concert and a private golf lesson.  Because neither are tangible gifts that he could open, I made these gifts on says-it.com.  The site has some very creative customizable do-it yourself signs.  I then printed and laminated them so he had something to open.  How cute are these?! And they were free! 



Happy Birthday Mr. Boyfriend! I am honored to have you in my life and am grateful that I am able to call you mine. You have enriched my life in so many ways. You are a true gem. I hope we have many many future birthdays to celebrate together.

Here is my favorite birthday song, just for you.  Happy Birthday!

I love you!


Love, Caryn

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

What I Learned in Vegas at Bloggers in Sin City

I can't stop thinking about Vegas. I only posted once last week after my initial Vegas post because I couldn't get myself to think about anything other than #BiSC. Between my own reflections and reading other peoples recaps, I have come to realize I learned a lot in just a few days.  
{photo credit: Terra right?)
Without further adieu here is- What I learned in Vegas:
  • I loved blogging before, but actually putting faces to the blogs and hashtags reminded me that there is more to blogging than just writing your thoughts online and getting the occasional comment. It is more than just an Internet hobby. Meeting IRL at events like BiSC creates life long bonds that are irreplaceable and priceless.
  • Don't judge a book by its cover. Or in this case, don't judge people by their tweets/avatars/occupations/registration page etc.
  • Don't let your inner dialogue stop you from having a good time. There is nothing holding you back but yourself.
  • Clubs that have an outdoor patio, music playing under the clear starry night, with free table service while surrounded by people who don't care if I dance like a fool, that I can do.
  • It is worth doing that challenging thing you are worrying about. Just because it is unknown, does not mean it is wrong or bad.
  • When meeting people, especially those who have name tags, whether it is hotel staff, waiters or peers, use their first name. They will appreciate it and probably reciprocate the kindness.
  • Twitter is actually a great cool for communication. Whether you are scattered across the country or sitting at the same table planning what to do next. 
  • I must make blogger business cards for my next event.  It is pure genius.
  • If you don't allow yourself to try new things, you will never know what you are capable of or what is possible.
  • Companies will sponsor bloggers. Thanks again to all our sponsors.
  • Challenge yourself beyond your comfort level. If you don't take risks, there will be no rewards. Take chances and risks.
  • Birds don't have sex like humans do. They just have to touch their cloacae and Bam! She is impregnated!
  • If you put your cell phone in a glass vase, it amplifies the sound a bit. (c/o Terra)
  • People on tight ropes, high chairs and roller skates (at Absinthe) have super-human strength.
  • Hotels that don't have a TV in the bathroom mirror just aren't luxurious enough now. Yes, the Go Rooms at the Flamingo Hotel spoiled me.
  • Teaching Tiffany to play blackjack was a fun but bad idea.
  • West Virginia has some hilarious and bizarre children's songs. Watch Terra dance to Sneaky Snake.  (Sorry it is hard to hear but if you listen closely you can hear it. I am working on making this louder - so check back!!)
  • Friends should make you feel alive and happy.  We need to focus on spending more time with those who make us smile and laugh so hard we cry and less time with those who make us feel pressured to impress them.
  • I am not a phone person but I need to try to make the phone my friend to keep up all relationships and bonds that were created in Vegas. I'm looking at you fellow BiSC-uits. Will you try to help me here?
  • Fun is what you make it.
  • New things make us feel anxious and scared at first, but if we put ourselves out there, we are left with something invaluable, our lives enriched.
  • We all have choices to make and sometimes they are not easy to face. But every decision leads us on a path and carves out our future. It is our choice to have fun and try new things OR stay with the familiar and comfortable and thus never grow. Choose to challenge yourself.
  • Sometimes we just need to take that leap of faith.  Life is too short to have regrets.
  • We are all goofy and weird. Life is weird. The Internet can be weird. But when you find others who are your kind of weird, a connection is born that justifies it all.
  • The Internet is real.
  • We all take ourselves too seriously. Laughter is the best medicine. Surround yourself with others who laugh with you.  
  • Everyone feels left out of social situations from time to time.  We feel invisible and as if we don't matter.  We question if our friends truly 'get us.' We have all been there where we think a dinner was organized without us or we were invited as a second thought.  We feel that the only way to be included is to invite ourselves. The truth is, you do matter and you are not alone in feeling this way. There are people out there that care about you. This group at #BiSC in particular was (naturally) very good about trying to make sure everyone was included. In fact, if you asked if you saw something people planned on twitter and wanted to join, the usual response was "the more the merrier."
  • Sprayology makes a spray that is the cure to all hangovers. It tastes bitter for .02 seconds but the headache is gone instantly!
(photo credit: Jayme)
  • If you look up to someone or have a hero TELL him/her. It will make their day (as long as they're not an A list celebrity, then they know already.) While you will probably feel nervous about going up to them, it is worth it. Who knows, maybe a friendship will blossom. Have no regrets.
  • Do not be afraid to do what you want to do. I felt judged when I told people I was going to BiSC but I had the time of my life.
  • It is possible to meet someone and instantly feel as if you have known them   your entire life. I call this friend-love at first sight.
  • If it were easy, wouldn't everyone do it?
  • Even if it is for a Tweet-To-Win contest, remember you have followers who will see it. In this digital age, anything might appear on YouTube or become public gossip.
  • People will come together to support and celebrate others, even when they barely know each other. I believe most people are good people.
  • We are all nervous about making a bad first impression. People are out there that will like you for who you are.  Be yourself!!
  • Canada doesn't have Target. This is baffling, I know.
  • Will.i.am is not worth the pins and needles in my feet. On that note, next year I'm bringing more flats.
  • Don't wait until last minute to try to get tickets to Billboard Music Awards. It does sell out.
  • It is actually really hard to be a stripper. The poles get slippery (from your hands/sweat) and you have to have ab strength and a lot of coordination!
  • Don't worry about what will be in the future. Just enjoy the present. As Baz Luhrmann says in his song, Sunscreen, "Don't worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum."


Holy bloggers, Batman! I learned a lot in just a few days and I'm sure I didn't even include everything.  I know sometimes it is easier said than done. But in the end, you should be able to look back and have no regrets.  Going to Vegas and taking that chance was one of the best decisions I have made.  Thanks to everyone who went for making the weekend so memorable.

What did you learn in Vegas? Care to share and add to my list?


Love, Caryn


Friday, June 3, 2011

Healthy Goal for June

I realize this post is three days late, but better late than never, right? In my defense, I did tweet about it on time! 


Mr. Boyfriend and I have decided to give up all red meat and pop for 30 days. 


Ok, so a little history: I used to be (lacto-ovo) vegetarian for a year and a half but really missed Deli turkey sandwiches.  Eventually, Mr. Boyfriend influenced me with his carnivorous ways to join the world of enjoying bacon and pepperoni again.  Because lets face it, they are delicious! I influenced him to eat healthier but we still eat more red meat than I would like.  It is easy to grill and more convenient since I don't like chicken (unless it is fried)! But we realize we need to cut back and focus on being healthy again.  With all these summer festivals coming up, I know it will be difficult but we can do it! And our bodies will thank us later. 


We are calling it our Jewish-Lent. 


Already, we were face to face with the decision to stay strong! Yesterday, the only place around was a cute little hot dog stand. While the Vienna hot dog was calling my name, I opted for a turkey burger and tea instead. 



 Caryn Levy 



At the end of the 30 days, I will recap and see how we did and how we feel. How are you trying to stay healthy? What have you cut out or incorporated into your daily life?


Oh and P.S. and I would also like to go back to working out (it has been a while!) and resume practicing Yoga at least once a week.


Love, Caryn



Friday, May 27, 2011

#BiSC-uits Do Vegas in Style


I can name every person here! 
I honestly don't even know where to begin. People have asked, how was Vegas? But in all honesty, amazing/one of the best weekends of my life/fantastic/incredible/magical/ etc. just doesn't even begin to cut it. There is no way I can give justice to the weekend that was, in one word, EPIC. I can write all I want, but it will never come close to giving it or the people who attended, all the proper praise it deserves. Lets just say, I have been to Vegas a few times but never have Done Vegas. Until now.

For those of you who are new to my blog (Welcome!), don't follow me on Twitter (slacker, follow me!), or who do follow me and saw a multitude of crazy tweets, you are probably wondering what is this epic weekend I speak of. Well, this past weekend I was in Vegas for a kick-ass blogger meet-up called Bloggers in Sin City (aka #BiSC). I say meet-up and not convention because this isn't your typical gathering. There are no panels or seminars, just a group of mostly 20something bloggers who wanted to meet some of their online friends IRL.  The weekend was filled with inside jokes, craziness, and drunkenness, bonding and being VIP for a weekend. 

When I signed up back in March, I debated if I should go. Did I really want to go to a bloggers convention when I just started blogging only a couple months prior? What if I didn't fit in?  What if everyone was a lush and hard-core partygoers? (Yes, I wrongly thought everyone needed alcohol to have fun judging by the registration page). What about the fact that I knew absolutely no one going? That's right, I traveled alone, across the country, to meet a group of 56 complete strangers from the Internet.  None of whom I had ever met in real life before and only talked to minimally on Twitter. This was totally out of my comfort zone, but as they say in Vegas, there is no reward without taking some risk. When I told people I was going to BiSC, I usually got the same reaction: a squinted face of disapproval, clearly thinking, a blogger’s convention, really?? And you don't know anyone? You must be a bigger dork than I thought. Or wow, that's crazy and gutsy.  To that I say, "this dork had a life changing weekend, bonded hard core, was a VIP for a weekend, made new friendships, and laughed so hard I literally cried. How was your weekend?" 

No, this is not your ordinary group of people. This wasn't just any old trip to Vegas and these aren't just any old Internet friends. This was a group of 51 girls and 6 guys from all across America (and Canada too!) comprised of the warmest, welcoming, supportive, funny, and down to earth group of people there is. It is absolutely incredible that we created strong bonds and friendships that feel as if we have known each other for years; when if fact, it was only a weekend.  Whereas some friendships are convenient because you live within close proximity to each other, these are relationships that because we are scattered across the country, we are choosing to continue.

When we registered, we were asked to share five things we wanted other attendees to know about us. Here is one of mine:

3. People never spell my name right or seem to remember the right name. I have been called Carly, Carolyn, Erin, Carol, Kristin, etc. just about anything but Caryn. It is the same name as Karen, just spelled different. Not pronounced Car – In. I’ve gotten used to being that girl that no one remembers her name.

Yes, I have gotten used to being that girl that no one remembers her name. Usually when I am in a large group of people, I get shy, feel invisible and not memorable because I don't have a loud personality.  All my life, I felt like something was missing and never quite felt as if I had that core group of friends that you see on Friends and Sex and the City. But this group of 56 other Bloggers made me feel as if I belonged. I never once felt invisible. People were determined to not only remember my name, but my twitter handle too!  These Bloggers are no longer just names or web pages on the Internet; they are real, genuine and loving and now they’re IRL friends. 

All within one weekend, we came together to mourn a loss and celebrated an impromptu Bachelorette party. I’m not going to lie; I developed some massive girl crushes, kind of like friend-love at first sight.  I am afraid I am going to wake up and realize it was all a dream. I am sad that there were only two of us from Chicago because I wish I could see everyone more often. Once a year is just not going to cut it.


No, this is a special group that cannot be matched.  I went to Vegas not knowing a soul when I arrived, but left with family.  Nico says it best in his vlog (watch it here) "Instead of feeling people out and starting from scratch, a lot of these friendships just hit the ground running...with nerdy like minded individuals…”

So why was this weekend epic, besides for the amazing people? Thanks to Nicole who planned a flawless weekend, there was never a dull moment. Even lying at the pool, there was never a dull moment.  Bob and I concluded, "On a scale of one to Ape-Shit, this is Gorilla-Shit." 



It was cheaper to come in a day early, so I arrived Wednesday. When I finally arrived at the Flamingo Hotel room, I took a deep breath before I knocked on the door. I knew that once I knocked, the weekend would begin, there would be no turning back. I had no idea just what I had gotten myself into and just how many memories and friendships were waiting on the other side of the door.

Here are some of the highlights of the Mega-Awesome-Epic-VIP-weekend: I really wish I wrote down some of the quotes people said...
  • Upon check-in, we received a bag full of goodies from our Sponsors and our VIP badge. Check out Nico's video to our sponsors.
  • The hotel room at @Flamingovegas had a TV in the bathroom mirror. GENIUS!
  • Mingle and meet during a VIP open bar sponsored by Sin City Brewing Company at the Flamingo Hotel where Molly (@stratejoy) hosted Blogger Bingo.  We were immediately forced to get to know each other by asking crazy questions, doing crazy things like sharing our celebrity crushes, running down the hallway, and taking bathroom photos.  I was really excited/anxious to meet some of my blogger heroes, (Molly, Jenny, Grace, and Doniree) as well as the people I had talked to online. 
  • We received VIP poolside treatment both Friday and Saturday. We got to skip the line and go straight to our four free reserved daybeds and pool chairs. Thanks to Suki and our sponsor @Clevergirlscoll we had free delicious frozen mojito drinks for all to share.
  • Our own Amber attempted the limbo contest.
  • Participated in some rather wild and hilarious Tweet-To-Win competitions by the pool.
  • Rapper Baby Bash gave an impromptu performance at our hotel pool while Mikael shook her rump in the booty contest. (You were #1 in my book!)
  • Met a Canadian guy who claimed to be a Rocket Scientist. Because this sounded more like a Barney Stintson trick, we Googled the information on his business card. It was either a lot of work to get laid or quite awesome. I admit, I do believe this guy.
  • I devoured the best steak I've possibly ever had at Mon Ami Gabi while conversing with a group of 10 of the best and sweetest girls around.
  • We were VIP at the happy hour sponsored by @TheSugarFactory Chocolate Lounge at Paris Hotel. Literally, we were kids in a candy store – with amazing fondue and drinks called Sexual Chocolate.
  • Attended Absinthe at Caesars Palace. If you see anything in Vegas, see this show.  This was a jaw dropping, potential heart attack inducing, mind blowing, spectacle that showcased strength, balance, rock hard abs, nipple pasties and adult humor. Here are two clips here and here of the show for your viewing pleasure.  Photo below is the world's best keg stand and yes they are all on a tight rope. 
  • More VIP treatment at Chateau Nightclub at Paris Hotel (@ChateauLV).  We got to skip the line, pass go and collect $200. Well not really collect money, but we sure felt like we hit the jackpot. We got a table outside (do you know how valuable a table is at a Nightclub? Not only is it $500 per table but you can sit down!?!) We also got FREE bottle service with not one, but two bottles of Skyy Vodka (coincidentally one of our sponsors!) We danced the night away under the gorgeous night sky. I don't do clubs and I had a blast. Being outside helped!
  • Where else but in Vegas do you take a Stripper 101 class with three other bloggers? My group was probably the least sexy and coordinated group of girls but it was still fun! 
  • Enjoyed 1/2 Price Happy Hour and an impromptu Bachelorette party for Kaci. Her surprised reaction was priceless and it touched everyone immensely. We all cried a few tears out of sheer joy and love. Talk about epic parties, she had 56 people in Vegas for her Bachelorette.  That is one for the record books. 
  • Everyone dressed up to the nines for the Black White and Gold themed party. We felt like celebrities for the night when we flashed our VIP badge and budged everyone in line at PURE Nightclub. No entrance fee, no waiting in line to enter or to get drinks, and we got to rock out on the dance floor on our own before others were let in.
  • Danced the night away at PURE Nightclub while Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas deejayed until I couldn't feel my toes. Actually, that’s a lie. I danced until my toes hurt so bad from my heels, it felt like needles were stabbing me.  I nearly had to crawl home.
  • Hugged friends goodbye who in a matter of days became family at the VIP Breakfast Buffet on Sunday morning.
  • I taught Tiffany how to play Blackjack.  Oops! I created a Blackjack Beast! At least we both walked away up!
  • Laughed so hard I couldn’t stop crying and thought I might pee in my pants with MaxieMolly, Terra and Tiffany. These ladies will forever be in my heart. Between the sneaky snake dance, the contents of Terra's purse, the obnoxiously loud music and movie clips playing at the restaurant and all the crazy shenanigans and hilarity that ensued, I will never forget that Sunday. It could quite possibly be forever known as the funniest, most entertaining day of my life. I don’t remember the last time I laughed so hard I cried, but that day, I couldn’t stop crying.
  • Left my heart and voice in Vegas - all in the name of an epic weekend. 
  • The great thing about BiSC is that it is TOTALLY ACCEPTABLE to sit around a table with your phones out. While we looked anti-social, more likely than not, we were on Twitter talking to other attendees anyways.

I originally wanted to change my flight to leave earlier because I was scheduled to be the last one to leave town at 530p Monday but it turned out that the extra day of playing Blackjack and lying by the pool was exactly what the Dr. ordered. I was able to relax a little after the busy weekend before heading back to reality.

I used to think that four days in Vegas way too long, and usually it is.  However, after this particular weekend, it wasn't long enough. I came home on cloud-9 and was the happiest I have been in a long time. I felt optimistic, giddy, and as if nothing could bring me down. I was genuinely glowing with happiness.




I need to thank Nicole, the girl who organized this whole thing. Without you wanting to celebrate your birthday three years ago, this wouldn't be an event. Without you, I wouldn't have met some of the best people in the world. Thank you for creating this amazing weekend. 

And a ginormous THANK YOU to all of our amazing sponsors who helped make this weekend possible and as special as it was: the beautiful Flamingo Hotel & CasinoShatterboxxAbsintheBabelandHair FlairsSprayology (this thing is a hangover miracle), SKYY VodkaThink GeekBuildASign.comVita CoCoSwiss Maid FudgenuNAAT, USA PearsSir Richard’s Condom CompanyPop ChipsUrban Therapy Twisted SistaDavid Saxe Production, and Pink Kisses.

Talking on twitter means so much more now that I know who is on the other side of the handle.  And now that I know everyone, I am totally going to go stalk the original sign up list again....


I don't think I'll ever have this kind of VIP experience again. Things like this just don't happen to me. But it did. And it was unforgettable.







Cheers to meeting strangers life long friends on the Internet in Vegas!

 Caryn Levy 
Finally home from epic weekend . Boyfriend picked me up at airport! Apparently I left my voice in Vegas. And I never lose it.


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