tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62964888363199927892011-11-27T16:18:49.673-08:00Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comBlogger781100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-12448034788676274222010-10-15T13:29:00.000-07:002010-10-15T13:33:09.726-07:00

so in case you missed it I have a new space. I have outgrown Blogger and moved to Wordpress.....the new link can be found on my website www.themitchellmethod.com or by going to www.themitchellmethod.com/blog.

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-85408230791439960092010-09-28T11:28:00.000-07:002010-09-28T11:39:16.255-07:00

This past Sunday after a long morning indoors and the antsy feeling that Isa and I needed to get out I decided to walk to the water. I have been doing a lot of pro-active searching for balance in my life. Many of the books suggest grounding through walking and connecting to earth. I thought it would be best for both of us to walk to the river and feel like we were away from the stiffness of the

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-5087097506601554342010-09-16T06:21:00.000-07:002010-09-21T19:22:46.589-07:00

On September 30, 2010 my dear friend Matin will once again have a benefit for his organization Afghan Hands. If you cannot attend and would still like to help you can make donations or purchase shawls through his website.  Afghan HandsThe vast majority of Afghans have suffered due to constant conflict in Afghanistan over the past thirty years, but the most victimized and brutalized by far are the

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-69055417516515789182010-09-13T15:40:00.000-07:002010-09-13T13:57:55.561-07:00

It has been a while, and to be honest I am wondering how to continue with this blog. It has taken so many different directions and really I feel I need to focus it somehow. I am still thinking of the layout etc as well as the content. I guess my problem is that I have a lot of information stuck in my brain and like to share it all. Unfortunately, said information is a jumbled mess similar to my

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-19841264899129642222010-09-02T13:14:00.000-07:002010-09-02T13:35:49.956-07:00

These days in NYC it is impossible not to notice the obscene amount of youth walking the streets. Squaters are quickly being replaced by NYU students and fresh faced models. A new school year is upon us, as is NYC Fashion Week. While there are many that complain about both of these yearly welcomings of Fall I like the energy it brings to the city. The long hot summer days are quickly being

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-9235414381828282952010-08-30T13:06:00.000-07:002010-09-02T14:06:32.106-07:00

Me at 25...not very organic...I don't think I even knew what organic wasMy non organic self and my I don't care attitudeI'm so addicted to coffee I choose to paint about itIf you are a follower of this blog or know me at all you are well aware I am not the most calm person. I am admittedly neurotic and stressed out. I have accepted this and woven it into my personality. Until recently I fully

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-72529401602737342052010-08-30T12:53:00.000-07:002010-08-30T13:05:10.073-07:00

Well, after all my bickering this summer I finally was able to escape the city and have a proper weekend away. Isa and I were invited to share in the beautiful wedding of a dear friend/sister. It was an amazing time and reminded me to relax and enjoy life. Congratulations A and B! We miss you already.

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-10635226168539004092010-08-23T19:05:00.001-07:002010-08-23T19:27:56.788-07:00

At the start of the summer I had a list of all the places I wanted to take Isa, and God help me one of them was Coney Island. There is just something about this gritty little place that just needs to be a part of our summer plans. So a week ago we finally made it there. It was not the perfect beach day, but Isa didn't seem to mind. It was so dirty I didn't even want her to touch the water, but

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-2987918116902946082010-08-12T05:23:00.000-07:002010-08-12T05:38:55.581-07:00

August is proving itself to be a testing month full of thoughts and transformations whether I want to deal or not. I have been offered a possible apartment in Brooklyn, which I need to make a decision on this week for the move in date would be September first. It is a large apartment and comes with a roommate and a child. May be ideal and may be a nightmare. I am a creature of habit and crave my

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-39627292957781195092010-08-02T19:42:00.000-07:002010-08-02T20:08:22.989-07:00

Blogging has become such a funny hobby of mine. I am a great collector of hobbies. I think when I first thought of starting a Blog it was to market my fitness life. It makes sense since my main money maker is fitness, and yet when I began to write it took on a life of its own. It became more personal and I liked where it was going. It is of course still linked to my website but unless you

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-90503063130200517382010-08-01T20:13:00.001-07:002010-08-01T20:25:16.971-07:00

I miss this. Late night writing with the window open and a cool breeze coming in. The sound of music coming from my computer (love love Pandora). It is difficult for me to have these late evenings with my work schedule and a child who gets up at 5am most days, and it is something I miss. I have always done my best thinking and found my quiet peace late at night or early in the morning when

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-35115020060642458012010-07-26T18:14:00.000-07:002010-07-28T08:38:25.090-07:00

I'm sitting here trying to write something that fits the photos above but sometimes pictures say more than words. I just love these images of Isabella. They were taken as we were waiting to board the MetroNorth train to Bronxville, like we do most Saturdays to work with my client Francesco. It was extremely hot outside and Isa just did not want to get dressed, which honestly I couldn't force her

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-56691065631958631982010-07-25T15:05:00.000-07:002010-07-25T16:00:45.743-07:00

Somehow this summer is slipping by and I don't feel like I have been truly present in it. I've been doing a lot of scheduling, planning, organizing, thinking, but have not been relaxing, enjoying, or being a part of the peace summer brings. The past few weeks have been hectic. After the next week I think my work will finally begin to slow and Isa will be done with her school for the month of

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-36041884521700869742010-07-12T10:40:00.001-07:002010-07-14T19:49:29.940-07:00

It seems like a while since I made a post, and yet it was just a week ago which makes me think I had one very long week. I always thought of summer as a time to relax and rejuvenate. A time when one could sit back and re-create them self if they needed re-creating. I seemed to always need or want to re-create myself, which I guess is telling of how friggin neurotic I am. So as always I began this

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-74582273301510792432010-07-05T12:59:00.001-07:002010-07-05T13:33:54.691-07:00

Summer is finally here and the fireworks went off to prove it. In the past I have dreaded summer in the city, but this year it is treating me well. It can get lonely here during these hot months. Most of the friends and families we see in the park throughout the year leave for the summer months. I don't think there are many other places in the world that this happens, but it is common that people

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-27051012970080857842010-06-29T18:32:00.000-07:002010-06-29T18:55:12.976-07:00

Yup! That about explains it all. NYC on a summer's day in the subway.  Prior to having a child, I actually didn't mind the subway. When I was in school I did most of my reading and homework while riding the train from one location to the next. I conquered many great novels (and No not the chick lit variety, but actual novels). I planned my days, my schedules, and my cases (when I was a therapist)

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-29717778613332304322010-06-17T09:29:00.000-07:002010-06-18T19:17:48.607-07:00

According to my lovely psychic, Dante, I am suppose to meet my future husband this coming July. As I have touched on in the past, I am very much a believer of psychic energy and the mysteries of the universe, however I also tend not to put all my eggs in the basket. I think astrology charts (Susan Miller is a great one) and psychics (The good not the street cart variety) can be helpful. IF (BIG

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-42992886533741387072010-06-13T12:37:00.000-07:002010-06-13T13:00:49.157-07:00

The past few weeks have kept me busy in a way that I am not comfortable with. I have been working a lot more. Which is good. Really really good....for my wallet and my bills and the roof over our head. But is bad for my mental well-being. I walk a fine line between wanting to be busy and seen in the spotlight and wanting to hide and sit in a dark room with my work. I have chosen a path of helping

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-39073998196234623872010-06-06T13:20:00.000-07:002010-06-13T12:15:04.375-07:00

And so it begins. I wonder if Betty Davis knew what she was doing when she overemphasized her trademark looks.Before there was Madonna there was Blondie! Fierce but not fragile.Say what you want about her personal life and style, but admittedly Courtney Love did a lot for us Girls through her music, her words, and her presence (and I still have her in my i-pod mix). Ahhh Glamorous Theo who is not

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-11615659219032340932010-06-04T07:41:00.000-07:002010-06-06T13:20:12.282-07:00

I am probably going to be shot for saying this, or at least stampeded by millions of stilletoed heels, but I am not a huge fan of these Sex and The City movies. Yes, I watched the TV show and found it entertaining but I am not running to Magnolia or waiting hours on line for the movie. I do need to admit that the show brought to life the truth that girls need girlfriends. We just do. It helps us

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-16339985288929517422010-05-30T14:18:00.000-07:002010-06-05T14:15:30.156-07:00

Today, like many days, I was reading Liz's blog (OK, Elizabeth but I just can't bring myself to say it). I saw this dress and it made me laugh. She was writing about the importance Vintage dresses played in her life, and I think most of us who came of age in the 80's and 90's can relate. Liz and the friend who introduced us (who we both are sadly out of touch with) opened my eyes to the beauty of

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-68208572855336558082010-05-30T08:13:00.000-07:002010-05-30T15:20:32.486-07:00

A few years ago Gwenyth Paltrow was in a movie called Sliding Doors ( a remake of an earlier film) it wasn't very good, but I LOVED it at the time. My friend once commented that it was a movie about a girl whose life sucks and then she gets a haircut and everything is fabulous. Funny how hair in our world can mean so many things, but most of the time it is the first thing we change when we go

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-69580659943322418492010-05-29T19:41:00.000-07:002010-05-29T19:53:18.556-07:00

Well it finally happened. Isabella became THAT girl. The one who loves anything princess and anything (well, only really) pink. She woke up about a week ago and refused to wear anything other than pink. Now up to this point I have been trying to find a variety of clothes. Going out of my way to stock up on a rainbow of colors. She even has a mixture of boys and girls clothes because unbelievably

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-7030225383738576942010-05-21T11:59:00.000-07:002010-05-23T12:56:37.384-07:00

Isa spotted this statue last weekend when we were looking for gifts for her Uncle's birthday. It made both of us laugh and sadly was in the garbage area. Of course truly where would it be. Today it was moved to a different location in the garbage area where there is a hint of plant life on a platformed surface. I think we were both happy to see someone else is getting enjoyment from this

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-64128461525800951412010-05-16T11:41:00.001-07:002010-05-16T12:13:36.563-07:00

Yesterday was my birthday. I have this thing about celebrating my birthday...I just prefer it to be me. Over the years having to take care of or depend on other people stresses me out and on my birthday I prefer to take a break from the world. So this year when friends asked what I wanted I was non-committal, which may be annoying to some but to me I just need things open ended. In the end it was

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-8209708649058542662010-05-08T17:34:00.000-07:002010-05-14T19:30:18.290-07:00

Mother's Day....in my mind this particular Hallmark holiday is a loaded one. I am blessed to be a mother. It changed my life, made me face myself (the good and the bad), made me stronger, and gave me my own re-birth. I am proud that when someone asks what I do (a very common question in NYC) I first say I am a Mom. Of course I also then quickly add, "I am a single Mom". A. because I am equally

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-72714959559090546632010-04-15T12:13:00.000-07:002010-04-15T12:24:24.887-07:00

Today I have the first day off in so long I can't remember and don't quite know what to do with myself. I had one very early client and then brought Isa to school. I was going to try to make a Sculptworks class at Yogaworks, where I have a 2 week trial membership, but forgot my mat and just didn't feel like jogging there so I went to a yoga class instead. I think I needed it more. I needed to lie

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-37605131587744438372010-04-13T18:09:00.000-07:002010-04-15T12:09:21.397-07:00

So I find myself once again at transitional roads. I guess that is life. As much as I love the transformational aspect of life it also makes me scared and uncomfortable- especially if it is done without my choosing. I am such a control freak. Isa loves caterpillars- she is currently obsessed with them turning into butterflies. I find it amusing that I feel like a caterpillar a lot these days just

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-29953822024000819852010-04-07T20:18:00.000-07:002010-04-15T12:12:40.570-07:00

Today I turned down a job. I know it doesn't sound so amazing or big of a deal, but it is. All my life I have been able to follow my own way, my own path, and yet now that I have Isa I am beginning to question how right that is. Of course I need extra money but I also need stability and health insurance and those grown up things we are suppose to have at my age. So I applied for a job. Well,

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-83898108457988948342010-03-30T15:38:00.000-07:002010-03-30T12:35:17.919-07:00

I actually have a lot to say but no time to say it so for now here is a post I wrote a few weeks ago and never posted but revisited and may be of interest.I attempted my first cleanse yesterday. I was "lucky" to get my hands on the 3-Day Cleanse by Zoe Sakoutis and Erica Huss. Before I receive hate mail or differing opinions let me state that I am ignorant when it comes to cleansing and I do not

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-120872693504437312010-03-25T19:26:00.000-07:002010-03-25T20:02:29.591-07:00

Hope. I have been thinking a lot about this the past few days. Also strength. Transformation. Courage. All words I use daily when describing single mothers. I have recently had the amazing fortune to find several like minded single moms, and I feel better already for knowing them. I am reminded of when I worked in a shelter for domestic violence. The impact of the work I was doing at the time

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-5446088217988068532010-03-18T08:46:00.000-07:002010-03-18T06:41:23.174-07:00

As I posted previously I was going to post about being a young artist or first moving to NYC with my naive dreams and aspirations. As much as I see now how unrealistic my goals and perceptions were I still am inspired by my fearless energy, open eyes, and naivety (although I think even at the time I was aware I was naive but I didn't care). All these feelings came back when I decided to watch a

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-43795630653226999062010-03-05T18:35:00.000-08:002010-03-08T08:54:43.434-08:00

The March weather is definitely helping my mood. I absolutely am aware of the fact that I suffer from weather conditions. Things are much more positive now. The past few days, I have felt an inner drive and passion that I had put on hold over these long cold months. I also made a huge decision. I decided to go into private practice as an Art Therapist. I have been wanting to get back into it for

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-18237659570785021632010-02-26T05:17:00.000-08:002010-02-26T18:49:45.412-08:00

UGHH! Seriously?! Winter I love you, but it is time to go! In case you have the good fortune to live in a warm and beautiful climate you may have missed that this has been one of the snowiest winters in a long time. I think we have been a bit spoiled in winters past. I remember as a child making igloos, snowmen, and entire villages in snow. It seemed winters were always covered in white powder

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-68255104523059106552010-02-23T06:50:00.001-08:002010-02-24T07:02:36.346-08:00

Let me first begin by stating I am very aware that I have been a sucky Blogger these days. I am trying desparately to change my ways. I am also trying to break out of my normal ways in hopes that it will provide me with inspiration and of course something more to Blog about.As I sit here and write this Isa is home with THE Stomach Virus. I had hoped it would skip our house but I was highly wrong

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-22341542692278880272010-02-12T18:46:00.000-08:002010-02-13T19:14:18.904-08:00

The thing about being a single Mom is that the weight of ...hmmm....everything is on me. I need to make it work. I need to make ends meet even when they don't. I need to be a magician and miracle worker. I need to fail and pick myself up without self pity. And so I do. I try again with a new zest, and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, but I try. The thing about being independent is

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-26688785217724261752010-02-08T17:45:00.000-08:002010-02-10T15:54:22.292-08:00

Today I spent the day with my favorite person. That would be Isa of course. I asked if she wanted to stay home and help me or go to school. I think I would have been shocked and insulted if she chose school. She was so amazing all day, and I realize she is a truly hilarious child. She had me laughing all day over the stupidest things. I have heard before that having children keeps us humble. I

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-21495616448112249162010-02-03T06:05:00.000-08:002010-02-03T18:11:01.695-08:00

I know. I know. I have been a very sucky Blogger these days, but in all fairness to myself I have begun several entries but none seemed to fit. I am in transition. Both in Blogger World (still trying out new formats) and in life. I also think that when the weather is so unpredictable it makes me a bit crazy. I NEED to have the freedom of jogging outside to keep me in a mentally balanced place. I

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-44021434011969906732010-01-29T05:29:00.000-08:002010-01-29T05:49:47.726-08:00

As I sit here my main thoughts are that I NEED to write in this Blog and yet have nothing to report. Sadly I am blocked. Completely and utterly burnt out and blocked. So I guess I can bore you all with how blocked I am or open up the forum a bit and allow you all to give me your advice and success stories on how to unblock myself. What worked for you? I feel as if I am in this place a lot - this

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-83459060010764363682010-01-22T11:01:00.000-08:002010-01-22T11:23:47.116-08:00

Ahh. The holidays are definitely gone, but they left behind a few extra pounds of love perhaps to inspire me to hit the gym. I realize as a trainer I should love exercise and I do but I do not love the gym. Maybe it is because I don't have the funds to belong to a fancy fancy gym, but there is something about having lots of space and being alone that I crave about exercise. It is my time to be

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-5451395141943342822010-01-17T14:52:00.000-08:002010-01-18T11:18:38.515-08:00

Having another one of those weeks where my brain isn't functioning so well. Woke up at around 2am in a panic over my debt and being a single Mom in general. I often have these thoughts of being alone at 80, Isa grown and gone, no savings, and no one to care if I fall down the stairs. Completely unreasonable I know but there are times I go deep into my black hole. I think back a lot to my days

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-70873388565292671242010-01-14T10:07:00.000-08:002010-01-14T10:33:12.921-08:00

I just finished watching Secret Lives of Bees. I’m not sure why it effected me so much but I cried nearly through the entire thing. It made me homesick for childhood in the summer country air with warm nights and a cool breeze, sitting on the deck with my brother and kids from the street. We often would sit out and catch fire flies. I don’t know what we did most of the time, but I remember being

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-16812732792799741882010-01-07T13:00:00.000-08:002010-01-07T10:17:43.720-08:00

I must admit that it is difficult to write about my life and what may help or be relevant to others. What seems to work best for me is simply writing random ramblings, and hopefully someone out there can make sense of it. I am having such a difficult time motivating and writing today. I tend to get into states of panic and fear a lot and it freezes all my creative and mental abilities. I think I

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-80877936114226501462010-01-03T14:14:00.000-08:002010-01-03T15:40:13.750-08:00

I have high hopes for 2010, and so far it hasn't let me down. So many people I'm close with have struggled in 2009 and I am hoping they too can celebrate in 2010- we all deserve some hope and ease. Today I went to see my favorite psychic, Dante (www.tarotbydante.com). I know, I know before any of you start rolling your eyes I must say this is a tradition for me and I am not trying to make anyone

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-46789839700040149722010-01-01T13:48:00.000-08:002010-01-01T13:52:14.099-08:00

@7am: It is very early on New Years day of 2010 and Isa is giving me the gift of sleeping in (she was up celebrating way into the evening). I spent last night, like most nights, with my daughter. We had Indian inspired food and ice cream (hence the late into the evening celebration), and then we watched lots of movies. Neither one of us made it to midnight but that's just fine with me. To be

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-68845245061986981312009-12-30T15:00:00.000-08:002009-12-30T13:35:57.550-08:00

In my last post I wrote about New Years goals etc., and one that I need to add is being better about updating my Blog. So I am trying my best to stick to it. I am also, like the rest of the world, trying to deal with my Holiday overindulgence. I was only at my parents' for 4 days but I think I ate enough for years to come. I am usually a healthy eater and advocate of exercise, however, something

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-23001817835357980412009-12-28T17:53:00.000-08:002009-12-29T12:55:30.891-08:00

One of the Blogs that I am linked to is Ms Single Mama (www.mssinglemama.com), which has helped me though some tough times and inspired the way I write this Blog. In her latest entry she talks about a low point at the end of last year when she felt vulnerable and needed to ask for help. It made me think about many things. First the past year and all I have survived. I am truly stronger yet also

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-32181181257108308502009-12-20T21:06:00.000-08:002009-12-20T18:03:28.047-08:00

I just finished watching Auntie Mame for the hundredth time. If you have never seen it go to Netflix or the nearest DVD rental NOW! It is a must. (Unless of course you hate classic movies.) I watched the first half with Isa, and surprisingly she was very interested- shows she has good taste already. I am fairly sure it can be counted as a Christmas movie. It is definitely a great inspiration for

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-68496066751910498102009-12-10T15:32:00.000-08:002009-12-10T12:30:02.092-08:00

I have lived in New York City for nearly 16 years, and I often go through a love hate relationship with it. Obviously, most of the time I am in love with it, but there are times (like now) when I could throw in the towel and move on. I'm sure the stresses of being a single mom and a single woman in her 30's does not help the situation. It is expensive to live here and I'm not sure how much longer

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-74795407245980549312009-12-05T19:44:00.000-08:002009-12-05T16:42:11.256-08:00

This time of year makes me so nostalgic for years past. I feel like that every year and yet each year I feel also let down that I can't capture the same excitement I had years ago. I'm not talking about just the time when Santa was magical and the anticipation of gifts was enough to burst my heart. I'm talking also of the enjoyment of simple things. I remember my first Thanksgiving spent in NYC-

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-963702432102335852009-12-02T11:49:00.000-08:002009-12-05T15:45:02.186-08:00

One of the things I love about Thanksgiving weekend is seeing old friends. This past weekend I was able to catch up with a dear long time friend-my best friend for many of the most important and formative years of my life. She was as close, if not closer, than a sister for most of those years. The thing about growing up is sometimes relationships change. I never would have thought we would be

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-84246286202281144522009-11-26T19:42:00.000-08:002009-11-26T20:28:51.153-08:00

This Thanksgiving I chose to stay in New York City instead of traveling to my parents house upstate.  A few reasons for it- financial and time restraints of course- but also I just can not find patience to travel with a toddler during peak hours.  I realize much more now that my destinations are closer to home because traveling with Isa is so nerve wracking and I'll be honest- annoying. I have

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-31046207423574951212009-11-15T19:24:00.000-08:002009-11-19T09:33:54.404-08:00

So as a 36 year old single mother you would think I would feel a bit more put together, but I don't.  I think as a kid I always thought that when I was a grown up I would finally feel secure and confident.  I don't know if anyone ever does.  I am sure there are some out there and I wish I knew their secret because I have been blessed with a big basket of anxiety.  I think I will always be caught

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-6052014632139290292009-11-10T18:44:00.000-08:002009-11-10T20:12:38.834-08:00

This week has been a strange one- lot's of people and thoughts of my past and a lot of stress and anxiety- not sure they are related. I feel like I am stuck in an obsessive cycle these days.  I know from my past experience as a therapist and as a student of therapy that people have a tendency to seek out the same events over and over until they can come to a different resolution. This always

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-54840532180260224872009-11-05T10:33:00.000-08:002009-11-05T11:14:25.324-08:00

So I had an entire entry written for this past week about disguises and Halloween, but it just didn't feel right in the end to post it.  Maybe I'm beginning to feel to aware of my audience and realize that there truly are people reading this and wanting to read it.  I am trying hard to forget all that and remain true to my thoughts so bare with me.  This week has been a mixed one.  Isabella was

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-29070106848253682732009-10-28T06:41:00.000-07:002009-10-28T17:55:36.357-07:00

Yet another Blah day here in New York City.  The weather is beginning to give hints of the grey winter days to come, and as much as the city is trying to disguise it with premature Christmas decorations it doesn't seem to work.  In fact I think to be reminded of the short distance between now and Christmas and holidays in general is cruel and anxiety producing. So bring on Halloween please, but

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-43096805954453656912009-10-22T11:37:00.000-07:002009-10-23T04:00:51.155-07:00

The past few weeks have been a blur of calls and email and work work work, and I am not complaining at all.  However, I have seemed to have neglected many of my other priorities - mainly this blog site.  So Thank You all for being so patient, and of course again I love that people actually read this.  Although I must say I am trying to ignore that fact in order to continue to write. So in the

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-24185536238406723672009-10-15T18:46:00.000-07:002009-10-15T19:26:09.720-07:00

Way back when I was pursuing my Art Therapy career there was some debate about resiliency. Basically why do some people have it and others not - similar to the nurture versus nature debate. I was working with women who had been sexually abused in early childhood, and some of these women had been able to take their histories and use it to help themselves become stronger while others never were

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-8001840265842840952009-10-09T06:04:00.000-07:002009-10-11T20:28:49.023-07:00

In the past week so much has happened that my life is in the midst of enormous change and I feel I am just trying to keep up.  In fact most of the time I feel I am running as fast as possible chasing something being driven in a high speed car down the street in front of me.  I am so appreciative and touched by the outpouring of emails and comments from people over the past week.  I wish I could

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-88674407333611356492009-10-02T19:27:00.001-07:002009-10-02T19:40:41.037-07:00

While I am sitting here basking in the aftermath of Daily Candy I am touched by the emails and support I have received.  I needed to write a short entry tonight just to reach any of you who are checking back after glancing at the website earlier today.  Last night I was so nervous and uncertain of how today would go.  Starting something new always fills me with fear and excitement, but as I have

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-61349284266421860972009-10-01T17:37:00.000-07:002009-10-01T18:16:56.820-07:00

All summer and September I have been working really hard and stressing a lot and nothing happened-except of course I struggled nearly every day.  I know mercury was retrograde, but still I expected something to happen. Then all of a sudden its the last day of September and the skies open and everything changes immediately and overwhelmingly.  So now I'm completely freaking out.  As I mentioned

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-14708062197710038992009-09-27T19:05:00.000-07:002009-09-28T10:06:21.139-07:00

I have a client who is addicted to watching the Biggest Loser. I am always interested in what motivates my clients as well as any exercise programs out there, therefore, last season I began to watch. I need to admit, as I think most trainers do, that I am conflicted with the show.  I think it is great that so many viewers are using it as inspiration to change their own life, but I wonder if their

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-54585372923014963012009-09-21T08:29:00.000-07:002009-09-21T08:29:00.262-07:00

Autumn is finally here in New York City. The air has changed and there is a freshness to it now. People are back from there summer vacations and seem to be getting re-aquainted with the swing of the city. I'm excited to take Isa to the farm to pick apples and pumpkins. She is at the best age right now where she enjoys everything.  She can look at a leaf for hours and never get bored. She is a

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-60544938990172215872009-09-14T10:26:00.000-07:002009-09-14T10:52:47.897-07:00

If you follow Susan Miller's horoscope like I do you know this is not suppose to be an easy month. Fortunately for me my reading didn't seem to be so daunting, but she did say to wait things out and that it would be a difficult month.  Well, so far it is proving to be a challenge, but not anything too catastrophic.  So far I have come down with the flu and had to miss the wedding dinner of close

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-85750184033668832742009-09-07T15:29:00.000-07:002009-09-07T12:26:51.363-07:00

For those of you who may not have heard it from me - I have an amazing new publicist.  Her name is Jennifer Ambromowitz and she is getting me motivated and business minded.  She is also quick.  In my head I was thinking maybe I would gain attention slowly and build a name for myself through a one liner here and there, but in her head she saw me in a four page spread in a magazine with a celebrity

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-62763376196316209742009-09-01T18:30:00.000-07:002009-09-02T18:14:09.301-07:00

Ahhh September!  I love the cool, calm dependability of it, but also its ability to transform.  Call it the "back to school syndrome"- a mixture of fear and excitement.  Ask anyone who went to school with me- I had a tendency to vomit on the first day.  Every year.  I was that child. The one the whispers were about.  Without fail I would make it at least halfway through and then the heat and the

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-40504465642484518312009-08-27T11:01:00.000-07:002009-08-29T07:56:31.698-07:00

Wow.  I have been very bad about blogging.  I think once is dawned on me that people are actually reading this I had a bit of a freak out, but now I've gotten over it.  So here I am back at the screen.  It has been a stressful week.  Isabella is beginning preschool/daycare on Tuesday and it is making me panic.  Of course she has been with numerous babysitters so for her this is a better

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-74581886990334048212009-08-19T18:45:00.000-07:002009-08-23T19:13:05.861-07:00

My daughter teaches me a lot about trust.  She looks to me and trustingly puts her faith in me to keep her safe and to make the right decisions.  At times she fights me on these choices, but she seems to trust me just the same.  I remember as a small child also trusting my parents and putting my faith in them to keep me safe.  I did not doubt that food would be on the table or that we would all

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-63389666616979923862009-08-19T11:59:00.000-07:002009-08-19T12:42:58.261-07:00

I am back in New York City after a quick trip to my childhood home in upstate NY.  It is always interesting to go back to where I grew up.  Sometimes it is rejuvinateing and other times it is exhausting, but there is always an overlay of bitter-sweetness.   I am reminded of the person I was, the pain or happiness certain memories bring, and how far removed I am now.  Being back in my town often

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-91762722290004144192009-08-13T10:51:00.000-07:002009-08-13T18:53:13.861-07:00

As the city slowly seems to be shutting down for an unwritten rest in these last weeks of summer I too am feeling a need to go under the covers.  Although it isn't what it seems.  I am not planning a vacation at the beach where I can soak up the last of summer's rays, but instead am looking for a place to hide.  Yes.  Hiding seems to come up a lot in my blog these days.  I am well aware of this

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-59597147745985639092009-08-10T11:25:00.000-07:002009-08-10T12:11:50.659-07:00

In life we must compromise, and as I teach Isabella to share I need to re-learn this idea myself.  In any lasting relationship this is one of the key ingredients.  At times there may be a struggle of power, but in the end each party must learn to share a little or the entire thing will break apart.  The same holds true in exercise.  I have the benefit of being on both sides of the coin here in

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-92056539721599035342009-08-08T18:03:00.001-07:002009-08-08T18:45:04.922-07:00

Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place.  - Zora Neale Hurston Today I was asked out twice....twice in one day....I should be doing a happy dance, but instead I am home...hiding...eating ice cream...ok Froze Fruit but close enough.   I know you are all frustrated.  Believe me you have lot's of company amongst my friends who too are in anticipation of my dating adventures.  I promise

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-71399039782234670642009-08-05T18:36:00.000-07:002009-08-05T19:32:01.420-07:00

My 13 year old niece had a crush on a boy at school and spent many afternoons talking to him and growing more and more fond of him.  One day she came home and said to my sister, "Mom. I think I am going to wait until I'm older to go out with a boy".  "Why?", asked my sister."I just get too nervous now, and so I'm going to wait until I am older so I'm not nervous anymore."Of course my sister

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-72354805808988457152009-08-04T19:24:00.000-07:002009-08-04T19:57:04.798-07:00

Sometimes I find there are moments when the universe aligns and there is a change of sorts. Not necessarily good or bad but a shift.  I feel like I walk through a doorway into some new state of being. When these moments happen I know that I am headed in the right direction and I have been  given the doorway to pass through.  It is difficult to describe this sensation.  all I can say is that it

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-64796159363429704442009-08-04T08:28:00.000-07:002009-08-04T08:59:22.434-07:00

For some reason breath is the first idea that pops into my head today.  I am feeling somewhat anxious - I mean more than the usual anxiety that always seems to accompany me.  This has been a difficult summer.  It is my first summer as a single mom.  Thinking back to last year I was still with my Ex, and while things were difficult I was still in survival mode and did not really have the time or

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-27299816688989768102009-08-02T18:54:00.000-07:002009-08-02T19:14:42.232-07:00

About a week ago Isabella turned 2...woohoo. My brother of course arrived at the party with the most decadent high caloric cupcakes he could make.  I on the other hand tried my best to make a cupcake that both tasted like childhood but would not pack on the guilt.  So hear it is:Cake 1 cup white all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking powder1/4 teaspoon salt3 Tablespoons unsalted butter3/4 cup

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-29390035844155094362009-07-29T17:51:00.001-07:002009-07-29T18:08:26.685-07:00

So as we enter the month of August, I find I am losing my motivation.  I think in the Northeast specifically it has been a difficult summer.  One of the many things I love about my job as a Pilates instructor is that I hear from a diverse group of individuals. It seems that a commonality among us is that this just does not seem to be a relaxing or carefree summer.  Between the weather (I think it

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296488836319992789.post-24752747243082789692009-07-26T19:50:00.000-07:002009-08-02T18:54:14.165-07:00

About MeI am a Pilates instructor, Creative Art Therapist, Artist, and most importantly and defining a single mom in New York City.  I find I need to have myself in several facets in order to feel truly balanced and complete.  Being a single mom has its challenges, but being a single mom in NYC is truly difficult.  My childhood was spent in the country air.  My memories from that time are similar

Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143185335870724484noreply@blogger.com