Okie in New York

Fan of kind people with big dreams. Okie born and raised. Current Brooklynite.

[okieinnyc]

How to Execute a Snapchat Takeover

I've worked in higher education going on 8 years. I started out shooting content with a Flip Cam [remember those?] capturing the story of my undergrad experience at the University of Oklahoma. From there, my first job consisted of talking with students, faculty, and staff on campus to showcase the OU story.

The idea of taking over a brand's account is a risky one. But it's the kind of risk that is more a perception. The way driving a car is a risk, but if you take precautions you will minimize your risk to actual problems.

Trusting someone to takeover your brand account can be scary. It might feel uncomfortable at first. But it's all about finding the right brand advocate.

And that's why I'm writing this article today; to share my experiences with finding students who excel at telling the NYU Stern story by taking over our social media accounts, namely Snapchat and Instagram.

How do you find the best student to tell your brand story?

Take in all recommendations from your colleagues that work closely with students. The hardest part might be finding someone to start off the series. Be very clear about what kind of student you are looking for.

They must be both excited to use the platform, and savvy with it.We do both Instagram and Snapchat takeovers where students show what life is like being a student at NYU Stern. You don't want someone who is about to takeover your account asking things like, "So how do you make a video snap?" RED FLAG!

Require them to write a rough plan of what they want to cover.This will not only give you piece of mind, it will get them thinking about the story they want to tell long before they have the password to your account. Require this 1-2 weeks in advance.

Come up with guidelines that they sign. Be clear about your recommendations and requirements. For example, with our Snapchat takeovers we've found that snaps that last less than 6 seconds are no good, portraits snaps are best, and the beginning and endings should follow the same path—introduce yourself, major, and what they plan to show and end with an email for people to get in touch with more questions. Put all of these down in a doc and add a line for them to sign (so you make sure they read it).

Take on the recommendations. Once you get a couple under your belt, ask for recommendations from the same students who did a great job with the takeover. You also will probably start getting students to self identify that they are Snapchat savvy and want to take over the account—this is the best option because they come to the project with excitement and there's little work to be done in getting them up to speed.

Don't make it too polished. Brand advocate takeovers that are too polished reek of a marketing's team gooey hands. When someone takes over your account, it should be authentic—not overly produced. It shouldn't seem like someone had a professional photoshoot 2 weeks before they "took over" the account. You've chosen the person from steps 1-5, now trust them to do a good job and tell their authentic story.

The Proof is in the Pudding

When our students (aka brand advocates) takeover our social accounts, the campaign results soar. The benefits by far out way the risks, and prospective students get to ask questions from all around the world, and we get to see what is on their mind (audience research)—and address the anxieties of applying to school. We know these takeovers are making a positive difference in how our students and institutional brand is perceived.

And if you need proof, check out just some of the adorable conversations that happened because of our students:

An actual email from a prospective student to one of our Snapchat #SternDayInTheLife (SDITL) campaign.

Snapchat convo with a junior who was sharing her #SDITL study abroad story from Manchester, England.

Need somewhere to start? Check out this Student Snapchat Takeover Guidelines template.

[okieinnyc]

See It All

Number one best tip for keeping track of your stuff?

Clear containers!

See how adorable this clear container is? I got this one from the Container Store, but you can find yours on Amazon.com and get it delivered tomorrow. 

Other clear container tips:

Use OXO Good Grips for kitchen staples like coffee, sugar, flour, baking soda, and pasta. You instantly see how much (or little) you have. Trust me, many a fights can be had without this info. 

Sometimes I feel like I have no makeup, and then I get it all out and that’s when I realize I'm just looking to spend my hard earned money. If it’s all nicely organized in a clear container like this one then you’ll save more money in the end by not hoarding more than you need.

What are your favorite clear container uses? Tweet at me @casscakey! 

[okieinnyc]

My Morning Favorites

Not only are these thing my morning favorites, they are my must-haves. I feel the difference in the morning if I choose to snooze, and consequentially don’t have the time to do my meditation or make my adorable smoothie. 

Finding my morning routine has been a process, to say the least. I’m almost 30 and I’ve never had a morning routine short of the act of getting up, listening to a podcast, and actually making it to work (success in my book). Recently I’ve found that the following things really help me to start the day off on the right foot. And as a commuting New Yorker, they also help me keep my sanity, and Lord knows we need all the help we can get with that.

Let’s start from left to right (but you could probably figure that out...you smarty pants, you)

Headspace

Headspace is a guided mindfulness app that makes taking 10 minutes to flex your brain muscle a breeze. We actually have the subscription version, but there is a free version, too. With the extra paid access you get tracks such as: Creativity, Relationships, Self-Esteem, Sleep, and even Pregnancy. I like how granular they go. If I don’t do my meditation in the morning it doesn’t happen. It’s the last thing I do before I step out of the door. Why is it important? Let’s save that for an entire post itself, but for this purpose it keeps me from losing my mind from the daily commuter experience, and not knocking someone out. It sounds dramatic, but trust me.

Folle de joie

I am not really a fan of perfume. It seems unnecessary to me. I mean, just take a shower or put on some hand lotion, smelly. That was until I got a whiff of Folle de joie. It came to me as a sample in my Birchbox one month, and I used every drop—saving it for occasions when I wanted to feel fancy (including my wedding day). When a $25 off Birchbox gift code came my way for perfumes, I splurged and added this to my daily routine. Every time I use it I feel like a fancy lady with fancy things. Why can’t every day be a soirée? Now it can. Find a scent that really perks you up and makes you feel like a million bucks. Science says it can help. 

When people were exposed to an odor they liked creative problem solving was better than it was when they were exposed to an unpleasant odor condition.

Smoothie

Whether it’s fresh or frozen fruit, a smoothie is super simple to make. Just take some fruit (whatever gets you excited), some yogurt, and a little bit of honey (I’ve found that cuts the acidity)...then blend away.  

I was lucky enough to steal it win my personal blender at a dirty santa work party. For $15 it can be yours, too. Click here to see which one I have.

A bonus way to enjoy your happy smoothie, is by sipping it through the cutest straw you can handle. Click the straw image to order your own and make your morning smoothie happy:

last, but not least...

Cerva Ve

Your skin is the largest organ in your body. Why wouldn’t you be nice to it? This brand was recommended to me by dermatologist who is a magician for skin. I’ve been using it for the past two years and my skin loves it. You can also find it in CVS/Walgreens, and the like. Click on the image and get yours on Amazon.

Disclaimer: Not pictured in my morning favorites—coffee. I’m not a super human, I need the daily dose of warm caffeine like most of us do. Not only is it proven to have numerous health benefits, it makes you look adorable as you make your trek to work.

What are your morning faves? Tweet me @casscakey!

[okieinnyc]

The Best NYC Subway Ride I’ve Ever Had

Granted, I’ve only lived in the city for 4 years, but I commute an average of 20 times a week. That’s ~1,040 times a year, and over 4,000 times since I’ve lived here. The point I’m trying to drive home is...what happened this morning does not happen. 

That was until MTA train conductor Kevin Brooks entered my life on the 1 train at 157th St. around 9:15 a.m this morning.

While I’ve often thought of the job of the MTA worker as being an incredible feat of strength—to be underground all day, in the loud obnoxious subway, surrounded by (more or less) grumpy people—I’ve also reflected on how impactful (good or bad) it could be when an MTA announcer yells at an entire train of people for the one guy with his backpack that’s holding us up. And sometimes, they do yell, and it’s anything but pleasant. Since my daily 45-minute work commute has been nothing but the bane of my urban existence, truthfully I don’t expect much. If I make it to work in one physical piece: success.

Every day I prepare as though I’m going into battle: 10-minutes of morning meditation right before I step out of the door, a book/podcast to keep me distracted, and a smile to protect myself from the onslaught of cranky commuters. At the very least, the crankiness results in mystery bruises on my feet and legs. At the most? A complete questioning of humanity.

I knew this morning was going to be different when Brooks waited for a whole crowd of people to clear from the turnstiles as he yelled, “Common’ you can do it! Don’t give up, never give up.” I was one of those people he cheered on. Like a marathon runner sprinting the final seconds, I made it on his train, only because he gave me a moment to do so. 

Brooks knows the power of his voice, and it worked. Just in my commute alone, he was in the presence of 1000s of people. As commuters, we all are at the mercy of a train conductor/bus driver. While he rattled off the typical MTA fodder: street names, stand clear of closing doors, and don’t forget your belongings—he added something so desperately needed to everyone’s commute...a voice of reason. 

His attitude made everyone on the train lighten up, and be kinder to one another. Like he was transporting a car full of his own flesh and blood, Brooks seemed to care about everyone on the train. We could all feel it, and it was so magical to watch unfold before my eyes.

From my stop at 157th to 42nd Brooks gave us 3 friendly (and funny) time updates: “Your time is 8:36. 8:36 is your time. And counting...” My train car giggled.

“This is 79th Street. Enjoy your Thursday.” You can tell all the while he was smiling as the words left his mouth. 

As we left 66th Street, Brooks announced, “We’re almost there, we’re almost there. Make it a good Thursday for yourself, and others around you.”

“Is Buddha driving our train right now?” I thought to myself.

I was simultaneously amused and amazed by Brooks’ ability to be the driving force in my best morning commute ever, but inspire me to want to tell the world about this man and sing his praises. I was able to snap a picture of him after telling him what his train ride meant to me. I wish I knew more about him. I wish he could write a book for all of us to read. 

If only Brooks could drive me head on into every day. I sure would have a lot less bruises, and a lot more faith in humanity. 

Is there an award for Life? I want to nominate this guy...

Tweet at me @casscakey to tell me what you thought about this story. 

[okieinnyc]

Save your holiday cards in 3 easy steps

Holiday cards are special. You only receive them from people who care about you, so throwing them away just seems wrong—especially when they are family photos! But how do you keep them easily organized?

Thanks to a pin I saw once on Pinterest, the DIY holy grail, I have the solution. 

For the past three years I’ve been making little books out of my cards. Here’s how I do it! 

Supplies:

A whole punch (can use 3-hole punch) | Swingline 1-Hole Punch, 1/4" Holes, 5 Sheets (A7074005) 

Your cards ready to organize!

Individual binder rings | Metal Loose Leaf Rings Binder Keyrings, 3.5-inch, 7 Pcs

Instructions: 

Hole punch each card individually (avoiding faces, and handwritten messages).

Add the larger cards on first and then add on smaller, trying to taper the size until you have the smallest card on top. 

Make sure at least one of the cards has the year on it so you can recall it easily. Or if you are feeling extra creative, make a title card with the year. 

Isn’t that the easiest? I love going back and reading the cards, and looking at all of the family photos. It makes the scrapbooker in me happy. 

Make sure to tweet at me @casscakey with your card books! I’d love to hear from you.

[okieinnyc]

The Best Desk

You spend more hours in your work environment than you do with your own family. To me, my environment is everything. It always has been. 

If I want to do something creative, I have to clean up my space (even at home), to feel the creativity flow. Even if you aren’t like me, keeping your space organized and clean is a best practice for increased productivity and happiness.

Waste, whether it be of time, energy, food, etc. is of big interest to me. I love facts like these:

15% of an organization’s collective time is spent in meetings—a percentage that has increased every year since 2008. Source: Harvard Business Review

Americans waste more than 9 million hours every day looking for lost and misplaced articles, according to the American Demographic Society.

Decorating my work environment has always been a fun task for me. Every time someone comes into my office space I get positive comments on it. I thought I’d share some of the ways I make my work space enjoyable to be in—and support my productivity—even without a window or the ability to move anything!

1) Buy a house lamp at Home Goods/TJ Maxx—some place that you can get a good deal, but something cute. The typical work desk lamps look cold, and are downright ugly (and seriously overpriced). In New York, I’d recommend buying one from online and have it shipped to your work. That way you don’t have to lug it to work...like I did. Worth it though! Don’t ya think?

2) Frame some artwork to give a homey feeling. I used Etsy digital prints, and postcards I have been collecting to frame. Guess where I bought the frames? Yup! Home Goods and TJ Maxx. There might even be a frame sale at Michael’s. Look for a good deal and then strike! I also used washi tape to add some other small cards that had awesome sayings on them. 

Click on this image to get your own Washi tape now:

Pro tip: Not allowed to put nails in your walls? Use thumbtacks! All of my frames are hung up with just normal thumbtacks.

Want printable artwork like these?

Check out Etsy’s printable typography/quotes, or my own Etsy shop (Best Desk) where you can buy a ready-to-hang set of photos for your space!

3) Get a plant to filter your air (breath easy) AND add some life to the room. This is a spider plant, and it surprisingly doesn’t need sunlight to thrive. It synthesizes room light and as you can see mine is going strong! I water it once a week and that’s about as much energy I give into it...oh, and I tell it how good looking it is. 

Pro Tip: I also keep recycled glass bottles at work in case I want to pick up some local flowers to add even more color. 

4) My last tip has to do with your writing utensil. Organizing nerds like myself tend to have a deep love for writing utensils. I love a great pen. And these are two of my favorites and go-tos. You can find them on JetPens.com or on my link below. 

 You can get all of the colors if you click on either of these images:

These are just a few of the easier things you can do to make your space warmer, and more inviting to you or your guests. Taking the time to rearrange your space will naturally make it more organized. Time spent organizing pays off in time saved.

Are you proud of your desk space and want to share? Or if you do a before and after, make sure you tweet a pic to me @casscakey! I love seeing what you’re up to, and maybe you can inspire me to try something new in my space! 

[okieinnyc]

Doctor, Doctor, Give Me the News

Doctor, doctor, gimme the news I got a bad case of lovin' you No pill's gonna cure my ill I got a bad case of lovin' you

There's a doctor that millions of people find attractive. His name is Dr. OZ, and he's a daytime TV doctor, but don't let that fool you. He's a real heart surgeon who still performs heart surgeries up at Columbia University. 

I don't have TV, but I usually catch the Dr. OZ Show during my lunch workout. 

Following up on a "Bajillion Uses for Baking Soda" episode, I paroozed the Dr. OZ website, and everywhere it said "Get tickets." So I put my name in the hat, with my boyfriend (now husband), of course. 

To my surprise, a week later I was contacted with free tickets. “How fun,” I thought. Then they contacted me about being in an actual segment. They asked me, "Do you have problems sleeping, feet issues, or any embarrassing stories?" I responded, "I actually sleep incredibly well, but I do have plantersfacietus from running." They inquired, "What about blisters? Do you have issues with them?"

At this point I reluctantly told them that yeah I get blisters, who doesn't? I didn't want to be the national TV "blister girl" but then I thought...everyone gets blisters. It’s a part of being human. Plus, this is just the weirdest opportunity, and I love weird experiences. So last year I went on Dr. OZ. Yup, and you yes, you can watch it here.

The best part was the audience—over 50% were retired women (who had dragged along their husbands). And if you look real closely, you will see David and my former coworker Tricia sitting on the first row in the audience. My fans, if you will.

Now when I play icebreaker games that rely on something people don’t know about me, I think I’ve got a pretty good answer. “I was on Dr. Oz once. No, not in the audience...like ON it.”

[okieinnyc]

The New Kid on the Block: Periscope

I heard about Periscope when it first came out and I was instantly intrigued! A game changer for interacting live with people, face-to-face, AND it was a Twitter product? Surely it would be a winner! 

Four months since its launch, Periscope has amassed 10 million users, and 40 years (!) of video is being watched on the app per day. Per DAY?! But did you know only less >1% broadcast? That leaves the rest of the 10 mil to watch content. 

Using Periscope is easy, but it’s still something you have to learn. For the past few weeks I’ve been Scope stalking (I mean, researching) and taking notes. It became very clear, very fast that my “wedding brain” tips could be of value to folks like me who want to learn how to plan a wedding from decorations to . 

I did my first broadcast this morning, “Easy Ways to Impress Your Wedding Guests”—and it was a hit! It’s only been up for 3 hours and it already has 369 hearts (or likes). These “hearts” accrue when users tap on your broadcast.

The wedding planning topic is one that I have been obsessing over for the past year...planning for my own upcoming wedding to David Bizzaro! We are 2 months away from tying the knot, and I have a wealth of information I am itching to share with everyone! There are so many ways to plan on wedding, but you always go to your friends and family to ask their opinions first. 

When I shared my tips with fellow engaged friends or confidents they kept telling me I should put this stuff out there. That’s what I want this to be, another friend for people to come to and say, “How did you get your flowers for so cheap?!” “What gifts did you get your bridesmaids?” And with Periscope, I get to do just that—answer all of those questions, and share tips that are from my experienced, buried in hours of reading blogs/books, and researching. 

With Periscopes broadcasts only last for 24 hours, and then disappear, but you can save your file to your phone. Something is definitely lost, though, when you make the video permanent. That is the magic of Periscope—it goes away, so when you catch someone’s live feed you are there with them...it is a much more personal social media experience, and that’s why I’m in love with it. 

I already have an entire notebook full of ideas on how to share my wedding planning, organizing, and more with you all. I haven’t been this excited about a project in a long time. It really is the perfect marriage (no pun intended) of digital content, and the power of social media. 

Follow me @casscakey on Periscope and turn notifications “on” for me so you get pinged next time I’m live! I can’t wait to meet you! 

A video posted by Cassandra Ketrick (@casscakey) on Aug 20, 2015 at 7:48am PDT

[okieinnyc]

Last Stop—242nd Street  on the 1 train

I’m into my 3rd year of living in New York and it’s still a struggle to figure out what I want to do with my free time and how to operate in a place that is loud, trashy, and 90% cement. 

Enter an idea that came to me on my recent 5-day “staycation.” The idea is to explore all corners of NYC through every last stops on the subway. From uptown to downtown, this gal is going to see them all (probably with the help of David, too).

Let’s start with the first trip! 

242nd is the last stop on the 1 train. It’s the train I take every day to go to work, and I’ve never been up further than 181st. It’s the number you see on every marquee when you are underground—it’s how you identify that you are traveling uptown, and not down. It’s the street that all train conductors rattle off “This is a 1 train to 242nd Van Cortlandt.” I hear about it no fewer than 20 times a day, but I’ve never actually been to it. 

So what is up at 242nd? 

A whole other world, that’s what! 

Check it out. 

Even on the trip to the top there were things to see! Like this stained glass at 231st Street stop. Notice the unicorn? It’s a fun nod to the Cloister’s Museum, which is a short and easy bus ride from our apartment. 

The trip up to the last stop took us about 30 minutes—we were coming from 160th and Riverside Drive (Washington Heights). The trip was well worth the wait. 

Can you believe this emptiness? And this is just a small piece of it. 

Van Cortlandt Park is 1,000 square acres of park, golf course, hiking, pool, and courts of all kind. 

It even has its own clean and adorable public restrooms that feature small lockers to keep your wallet and keys while you run. Just bring your own lock and keep all of your things safe and out of the way while you take a jaunt around the park. 

Who’s that bearded beauty? Why that’s my darling fiancé, David Bizzaro. 

While you are at the park you have to enjoy the Van Cortlandt House—built in the 1700s. It’s $3 for students, $5 for adults, and it’s worth the pocket change just to enjoy an empty house you get to explore on your own. 

The fresh air and green makes you feel quite silly...just go with it. 

Now we have quite a few last stops to explore, but we’re crossing one of the list! 

The Stops

1 Train

Van Cortlandt Park 242 St 

South Ferry

2 Train

Wakefield 241 St

Flatbush Av Brooklyn College

3 Train

Harlem 148 St

New Lots Av

4 Train

Woodlawn

Crown Hts Utica Av

5 Train

Nereid Av

Flatbush Av Brooklyn College

6 Train

Pelham Bay Park

Brooklyn Bridge City Hall

7 Train

Times Sq 42 St

Flushing Main St

A Train

Inwood 207 St

Ozone Park LEfferts Blvd

Far Rockaway Mott Av

Rockaway Park Beach 116 St

B Train

Bedford Pk Blvd 

Brighton Beach

C Train

168 St 

Euclid Av

D Train

Norwood 205 St

Coney Island Stillwell Av

E Train

Jamaica Center Parsons/Archer

Canal St

F Train

Jamaica 179 St

Coney Island Stillwell Av

G Train

Court Sq

Church Av

J Train

Jamaica Center Parson/Archer

Broad St

L Train

14 St

Canarsie Rockaway Pkwy

M Train

Forest Hills 71 Av

Middle Village Metropolitan Av

N Train

Astoria Ditmars Blvd

Coney Island Stillwell Av

Q Train

Astoria Ditmars Blvd

Brighton Beach

R Train

Forest Hills 71 Av

Bay Ridge 95 St

S Train

Times Sq 42 St

Grand Central 42 St

Staten Island

St. George

Tottenville

[okieinnyc]

Love yourself, negotiate your rent

It's Valentine's Day. Or Galentine's Day. Whatever you are celebrating, this weekend has a definite theme—love. 

I think you can show yourself some love by knowing how to negotiate your rent (or anything for that matter).

Recently, our two-lease was coming up for renewal, and the anxiety set in a good six months before it needed to. 

Why? 

Because living in New York, you know a couple of things are going to happen to your rent via a lease renewal:

1) They will raise it. No ifs, ands, buts about it. More dinero for nothing. Pony up!

2) If you decide to move, it will be expensive, last minute, and the most stressful experience of your life—up until you land the place, and then it's the "best" ever. Don't fool yourself, it's the shittiest experience.

3) If you don't move you are going to be poorer. Womp, womp. 

So as you can see, all signs point to extreme stress. 

There's a fourth option that honestly I didn't even feel comfortable seeing myself trying until now.

It makes my palms sweaty. My heart race. My cheeks turn red. 

It's 4) Negotiating. 

How would you even go about doing that? Well, I think it's easier when you aren't homeless (aka looking for a place to live). So having something to leverage is key. 

Because we've been at our current place for two years, and we've helped the property management company, I felt like we had a leg to stand on. 

Here's the gist:

Get the confidence to negotiate from something tangible. Have you been an awesome tenant? Well, you should be, because otherwise why are you even considering asking for them to accommodate your request?

Write down the things that give you an unfair advantage. Are you reliable with your payments? Cooperative? Those are things you should note. 

Press and press. I will share with you what we actually wrote the landlord, but seriously it wasn't until the day our lease was due that he finally got us an answer. We had to push hard during the final hours, and it paid off. 

Imagine the most inadequate, incompetent person negotiating something, and then getting it. Well, guess what, that happens all of the time. So why shouldn't you? You are awesome, get that break for yourself!

This month I negotiated our lease renewal increase from $100/month to $75/month. It may seem arbitrary, but don't be fooled, that's $300 in savings a year! I'll take it. 

So what did I actually say to get a deal on our lease renewal?

Hopefully these tips will help you land the deal. Or even something close to the deal is a win in my book!

Hi Adam, Thank you for taking the time to address our concerns. Although there have definitely been bumps along the way, David and I have enjoyed working with you and ---- Realty Services over the past two years.  We would like to continue to work together, in hopes of signing an agreeable lease. We would like to discuss negotiating our lease renewal at the same rate of $---- for the following reasons:

Combined, we both have 20 years of impeccable rental history

We have proved over the past two years, 24 rent checks, that we are responsible with our monthly payments

We work diligently to maintain repairs and the apartment's integrity

We are mindful of our environment and are great neighbors to have—raising the value and quality of living for everyone in the building

We have worked together with you and your team to provide requested information about neighbor tenant issues

Our quality of life has been affected by the neighbor issues and many times have had to sleep in the living room due to noise issues

Please let us know if it is more helpful for us to set up a meeting with you, or the appropriate person for this conversation if that is not you. Warm regards,

[okieinnyc]

He Put a Ring On It

Wowzer. This summer and this winter have been a whirlwind. For many reasons, but one is I'm a newly engaged lady! 

The second big reason is I got a new job, which we can talk about later, but let's talk ENGAGEMENT! 

Yup, that's right! After three years of being with Mr. David Bizzaro he asked me to spend the rest of his life with him. 

Kinda a big deal. 

You can read our wedding website if you want to check out all of the proposal details. 

I am ecstatic! I've found my life partner and we compliment each other's awesome weirdness.

It also means I have society's permission to pin all of the wedding things I want, all day (or all night). This is dangerous for one's social life, but terribly fun. 

You can check out my multiple (borderline excessive) pin boards, but here are some of my favorites that actually are helping me out through this uncharted territory. 

Wedding Decorations

Wedding Hair

Wedding Photos

So what are the details? We quickly realized we wanted to get married in Tulsa because it was a good middle place for people to travel and NY is way too expensive to host even a modest gathering of loved ones. 

I'm such a big planner, so as you can imagine this whole thing was already budgeted, planned, and ready to go within 3 months of being engaged (yes, I'm that organized). I can't wait for October 10th to be here already. This it the hardest part...waiting for the biggest life party yet! 

Engagement photos by Brandon Bales. 

[okieinnyc]

Lifebooker is a Life Saver

It wasn't long after living here when my co-worker spilled the beans about the best deal in NYC. Lifebooker. A Groupon/LivingSocial website, but for salon appointments. 

I'm talkin' hair cuts for $45. 

This is also how I found my talented hair dresser, Dave Rico, at Medulla. Go there. See him. Tell him I sent you. Get lots of compliments on your new do.  

Other Lifebooker helpfuls? Massages...you need to get the rub down in this city because it beats you up. All of the walking and stairs leave your calves sculpted, but back aches become a regular. Treat yo self, and get a half off massage at a reputable place. 

Lifebooker isn't just a NYC thing, but we definitely didn't have this in Oklahoma. 

Here, sign up for free, and check it out for yourself. 

[okieinnyc]

Baby Back [Celebrity] Ribs

Ok. So, I really wanted to title this post "Baby Got Back" and then I got all self conscious because that's pretty much the most obvious (and least creative) thing I could write. You all deserve better than that. But look at what I chose..."Baby Back [Celebrity] Ribs"? I'm not sure that's any better.

Now I'm just really craving Dino BBQ. 

The point is, we're going to be talking about backs in this post. 

Specifically, celebrity backs. 

As in, the back of their person. 

I am not a star struck kinda gal. Who am I kidding though? If Leo DiCaprio came within a block radius of me I would probably self-combust. 

Isn't he dreamy? And probably a pod person.

The funnest thing about celebrities is you get to say you saw them. You can put their names on your "list"—like you somehow were in the presence of greatness. 

I never ask for autographs, or pictures, BUT when I discovered f*ck!n$ BILL MURRAY just randomly was at the Atlanta, Georgia hotel where I was staying, I flipped. And then, I unknowingly, asked him to move out of way so I could get through to the other side of the bar. Thanks for being cool, Bill.

I had to get a pic. 

They all turned out like this. 

Oh, well. 

But then it happened again. Another celebrity was staying at that hotel. What was up with this? This time it was Jeff Daniels (AKA Dumber), walking past me. 

*Snap-snap*

That's all I got. 

Lame...

"How funny," I thought. I go out of New York, and all I see are celebrities. Now I have these awkward back pics of them as evidence. 

(Insert the elusive AHA moment)

OMG. This is hilarious, actually. Pictures of the backs of celebrities. Everyone's got them. Anyone can take them. It's also a part of them we never see...we already know what their faces look like.

Thus it was born...the Award-winning Tumblr...Celebrity Back Pics. Ok, so the only award it gets is the Best Idea I've Had This Year award.

My boyfriend with the awesome (and real) last name designed this graphic for the blog. 

I have fun seeing what people submit. The pictures are so vulnerable. We always use the word "back" to indicate trust or betrayal. "I've got your back"—"He stabbed me in the back"—"Back me up on this"—"Don't turn your back on me"—"I give you a pat on the back."

What's the next step for CBP? I'm thinking Humans of New York and Celebrity Back Pics team up and do a show for charity. I've already got his back pic.

Follow @celebbackpics on Twitter and submit your own back pic!

[okieinnyc]

Organized is the New Messy

One of the reasons I'm a big organizing nerd is because when it comes down to doing something I don't want to waste time hunting for the supplies. 

I figure, if things are organized, my effort in the long run will benefit. I'm not saying hard work isn't necessary, but studies prove working longer is not necessarily better. In America we equate hard work with long hours, sleep depriavtion, and "I'm too busy" excuses. 

Let's put that myth on the back burner and practice balance. 

First step, knowing where your stuff is.

There are my five tools for getting organized, and more importantly, staying organized.

They are cheap and adorable. Mason jars are not just for canning anymore. I use mine to store business cards right now. However, I just found out about an awesome app update from Evernote and LinkedIn where you scan business cards and it inputs all of the info, making it easy to connect on LinkedIn. This new update kind of puts my mason jar system to shame...I guess I will only be keeping the hard copies of those special few that "wow" me. I am a fan of a creative b-card.  

Seeing what ya got is the name of the game. I love these containers from none other than the holy grail of organizing, the Container Store. I use them for all of my crafts, office supplies, and even kitchen goods. 

Mini clothespins are cute and functional. I spiced up mine with some washi tape. 

Files, folders, and (yet another) clear container is the easiest way to file your papers fast and with style. I make it a habit to take bills, and any other papers that pile up on my desk, to this file box every weekend. Everything is clearly marked and I used washi tape (I'm a huge fan, clearly) to spice up the labeling. 

My last tip isn't a physical tool, as much as a philosophy that I try to live by. To be honest, I have to remind myself of this everyday. I'm a work in progress, but I'm willing to put in the work.

Here's to being a better organizer, adorable office supplies, and spending your time wisely. 

[okieinnyc]

An Actor, a Rapper, and a Podcast Master

This is the deal. I'm a fan of Law and Order and Ice T has always rocked SVU (14 seasons, to be precise). Even when he doesn't have any lines, he just flashes the Ice T "look" and that's all she wrote. 

Photo credit: http://www.fanpop.com/

You're smiling. You can't deny it. He's adorable.

When I found out that he had a podcast, I was immediately all over it. I downloaded the only episodes that were out (1-3) and started listening to them.

I cried laughing so hard. I laughed those kind of laughs where people might think you are getting stabbed, or worse—that you are one of those annoying laugher types.

I assure you, those from-the-gut laughs are rare and should be sought after regularly.

That's why I'm here. To convince you that this is most-likely the best (and only) podcast you will ever listen to.

Here are my top 5 reasons you should listen to Ice T's podcast "The Final Level": 

1) It will put a big 'ole smile on your face. Be prepared; you're going to be that crazy person smile-laughing as you listen on your morning drive to work. Or in my case, on a subway train full of 50+ strangers that are probably stranger than me. 

2) He's a genuinely awesome guy. He will respond to you. Tweet at him, call in to the show, whatever—he's totally into talking to you. 

This is how I found out I should refer to him as Ice T, not Ice-T.

“@CassCakey: I have a Q. Is it Ice-T or Ice T? I see both on the regular. We need some AP Style guidelines for your name.”/ Ice T

— ICE T (@FINALLEVEL)

April 16, 2014

3) He calls himself out if he says something insensitive or if something he says is misinterpreted. Early on in the series he apologetically addresses listeners giving him flack about calling women "bitches."  Listen, we will all know when Ice T wants to be offensive. He doesn't mess around.

4) His voice is soothing. Something about his lispy cadence really gets me. His first art form is rap, so he knows how to string a poetically profane sentence together (my favorite). He is a great conversationalist and I enjoy the quips between him and his co-host/BFF Mick Benzo. I usually listen to the podcast on my morning commute to work. It's a stressful and bumpy ride, but the podcast transports me into my own little world where hard work and personality win. Ice T is a great success story. 

5) You may believe me or not, but Ice actually has some wise life advice—even for Justin Bieber. 

6) Bonus: All this wisdom, hilarity, and foul language is free! My favorite price.

So go download them all and catch up. 

Fun facts about writing this post:

- I wanted to mention I live across the river from Ice T somewhere in this post, but couldn't find a normal-not-weird way of writing it in. He lives in Edgewater and I live on Riverside Drive in Washington Heights. Sometimes I think I can see him on his terrace, but that clearly is impossible.

- I asked Ice T about his name because while I was writing this post I had no idea how to reference him. It really is different everywhere. Even on iTunes. Glad that's cleared up.

[okieinnyc]

Let's Talk About Sex, Baby

I don't know why we get all uncomfortable when people talk about sex. It's taboo in American culture, and we really are (I know I am) afraid of how people will perceive us if we talk about it. 

April's Creative Mornings theme was "SEX" and I had the pleasure of seeing Cindy Gallop speak at Galapagos.

I first heard of Cindy when I watched her TedTalk from 2009. 

I found her candor and values admirable. Growing up in Oklahoma, sex education was lacking, to say the least. I saw my state become one of the worst for teen pregnancy and STDs. I saw the effects of living in a state that not only didn't talk about sex, it condemned those who did. If you were talking about sex in Oklahoma, you better be discussing it in terms of chastity or the right to life. Those were your options.

Going to college was a whole new world. In college I volunteered with the Women's Outreach Center and became a Sexpert, a peer college sex education presenter.

I had been in a class where the Sexperts presented and I was completely impressed by how fun, informative, and important the presentation was to my development as a young person. For the next two years I had the best time wow-ing people with sex knowledge. Did you know the male ejaculate can get up to 28mph? Neither did they.

Every time we gave a presentation, people let their guards down and felt more open about the topic, because we were setting the tone. We never had hecklers, negative feedback, or any of the things you might fear if you were talking about sex in front of a room full of 200 18-year old freshmen. 

Little did I realize, I was really getting some of the best public speaking experience a person can ask for. Talking about sex in front of your peers is about as nerve-wracking as you can get.

One of my fondest memories from doing this volunteer work in college was being a part of a distinguished group on campus that invited prominent authors to speak.

I was paired up with an Indian author after I read a few of her books. I was ecstatic to meet her. Her writing very much moved me. As we got to know each other over the weekend she was in town, I told her about my college activities—and being a Sexpert. To my surprise, she wanted to know more. 

I told her about my favorite part of the presentation where we showed audiences how to properly put on a condom. We used a blue and white cloudy "Smirf" looking demonstration tool (aka dildo), and it was always my favorite part of the presentation because it got the most giggles. We made jokes like "If it looks like this (Smirf like), you should probably run."

She confided in me that she actually never had seen a condom, because she married young and it was never something they used. I told her I could bring her some if she wanted to just open them and see what all the hoopla was about. She was thrilled by the idea, so the next day when we met for a distinguished banquet I slipped the goods under the table. We giggled so hard that I know people wished they were at our table. If they only knew. 

This experience made me realize everyone loves to talk about this stuff—even world renowned authors from India. People have questions. Curiosities. And it doesn't make them weird, whore-ish, or (fill in your own misconceptions). 

In Cindy Gallop's vision of MakeLoveNotPorn I see something that is on the verge of taking off. It's our culture embracing the au naturel that make her project so enticing. People are sick of the fake.

Fake tans. Fake hair. Fake food. Fake body parts. More and more, I see a trend towards the real, and Cindy is ready and waiting for the time when people want more than the current norm.

We could all use a better dose of reality when it comes to relationships and being a respectful partner—Cindy's site delivers. 

[okieinnyc]

Life Changing

I need you to trust me on this. This isn’t your typical life changing moment or story. It’s a bit more practical than that, but don’t doubt the title of this post. It truly is LIFE CHANGING. 

So what is it? 

The Food Processor. I know what you are thinking. Cassie, you are SO over exaggerating. Nah, nah, nah. We agreed to trust one another here. So let me explain…

I just got done gushing about this machine to my coworkers and guess what they did in minutes of me telling them this information? They both bought one.

I’m telling ya—everyone wants their jobs to be easier. And in this city, time isn’t a joke. It comes as quickly as it goes. 

I have always wondered about food processors. They seemed very expensive—but this one was a surprising $30. My hunger for fresh guacamole and salsa increases as this summer season inches closer. Salsaaaaaa….

With my mouth watering, I put it in my Amazonian cart. Checked out. And yesterday it arrived. 

(I watched this video about how to put it together and use it)

Chop ‘em. Dice ‘em. Slice ‘em. Purée ‘em! It’s all a possibility with the three blade options. Craving tomatillo salsa? Make your own (without preservatives) in SECONDS. I mean that….seconds. Is this pitch working?

That’s my least favorite part about making a meal is all of the chopping…so I made this southwestern chopped salad and dressing with it last night in about 7 minutes. It chopped my salad perfectly, and as a byproduct I’m probably going to eat more of it. It also can make a lot—so now I have meals for days.

I’m such a newbie at this, so I’ve been pinning recipes that are food processor specific, or that I know could use a little food processor love. Check them out: 

Follow Cassandra Ketrick’s board Food Processor Recipes on Pinterest.

I’ve never heard anyone gab on about a food processor before, so my bad if this news isn’t so new. Perhaps this is the best kept secret. I’m here shouting if from the (Tumblr) rooftop…

Everybody, a food processor will change your life for the better! Chop, chop—time’s a wastin’!