February 27, 2013 · 9:22 am

Kickstart Cape Crabbers new collection

(Image Via: capecrabbers.com)

(Image Via: capecrabbers.com)

You may remember back in October my first ever 20tuesdays was on one of my favorite little t shirt company’s, Cape Crabbers (see post HERE). Wellllllll, I’ve got some exciting news from them today! They’ve started a Kickstarter as of last night. A Kickstarter is “…a funding platform for creative projects. Everything from films, games, and music to art, design, and technology. Kickstarter is full of ambitious, innovative, and imaginative projects that are brought to life through the direct support of others.”

The cool thing about pledging on Kickstarter is not only are you able to help out, in this case, two of the most deserving people I know continue to grow their small business and provide an awesome, kickback and relax, clothing line to all of us, but you win prizes by doing so. (yeah, that was definitely a run on sentence) BUT, Yes I said prizes. 

So now is the time to, at the very least, head over and watch the Cape Crabers Kickstarter video to learn more about them. Their Kickstarter will be up for 30 days so you do have time…but like they always say, there’s no time like the present!

As always you can shop Cape Crabbers HERE.

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February 23, 2013 · 11:36 am

Saratoga Beer Week

(Image Via: saratoga.com)

(Image Via: saratoga.com)

Howdy my beer loving 21-and-up-somethings! Today is the last day of Saratoga Beer Week. Today, some would say, is the best day of beer week because the beer summit sessions are today. Session one starts at 12:30pm so if you’re from Albany throw on some clothes and you can make it on time! Session two starts at 5pm so you’ve really got no rush.

Saratoga.com explains: “Tickets are $40 and $50 at the door and include a souvenir tasting glass (real glass), 3 hours of unlimited sampling, delicious food from local restaurants, various vendors and artisans and live music from Rich Ortiz!” The summit is described as a tour around the world in beer. There will be over 80 beers to sample so basically you don’t want to miss out. Please remember to drink responsibly and don’t act a fool.

A list of todays events can be found HERE.

A list of confirmed brewers is after the jump. Continue reading →

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February 22, 2013 · 3:51 pm

No Excuses & Uncommon Grounds

So it’s been over a month since I’ve posted and that in itself is absolutely ridiculous. Every day I’ve been saying “wow I really need to get back on 20something” and every day has passed…UNTIL NOW. No but seriously many apologies, things have been crazy busy with this little life of mine, but as my high school cross country coach (my dad) once said “NO EXCUSES.” So here I am rambling.

I’ve been spending a lot of time not in Albany the past couple of months so it’s been hard for me to keep up. Nonetheless I have returned to the mother land, at least for now, so here goes. Keeping this short and sweet today.

I just took my lunch break at my “real job” and headed over to Uncommon Grounds. If you haven’t been there, I suggest doing so. There’s one here in Albany on Western Ave by SUNY and there’s also one in Saratoga on Broadway Ave.  They’ve got fresh made bagels, salads, sandwiches, soups, coffee, tea, you get the idea.  I suggest you avoid going around the lunch hours because the line gets a bit long. Unless, of course, you’ve got time to kill in which case, have at it. For a full menu look HERE.

That is all, I will leave you with the “little McDonalds cup who could.” This little guy was in front of me and hung on for at least 2 miles on my way to Uncommon Grounds. May the force be with you little one. I wonder if it’s a Shamrock Shake…

(Image Via: Abby Ingraham)

(Image Via: Abby Ingraham)

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January 15, 2013 · 9:18 am

20Tuesdays: Nikdreamer

I am so excited for todays 20Tuesdays. Anyone who knows me knows that I am OBSESSED with jewelry and gems specifically. Nikdreamer is a jewelry company that I stumbled upon and fell in love with a few months back, at that time I wasn’t aware that the owner/creator was a capital district native. I highly suggest everyone go check out Nicole Rosano’s Etsy shop, immediately (well after you finish reading of course). The prices are so reasonable and there isn’t one thing you won’t want, ask my friends, it’s what they all got for Christmas. Make sure to check out her new “Made With Love” collection that was just released last night. Without further ado Nickdreamer!

Examples of the Nikdreamer collection.

Examples of the Nikdreamer collection.

Where are you from/what’s your tie to the Capital District? I was born and raised in the little town of Bethlehem, right outside of Albany. I moved to Boston right after high school, where I lived for 7 years, and then moved back to the capital district. When I returned, I got job at a tech company and an apartment downtown right off of Lark Street. I’ve recently relocated to Las Vegas, NV.

When did you start your company? I opened up my shop on etsy 11/11/11

How did the idea come to form? I guess you can say the idea for my jewelry line came in 2004, the summer I got back from study abroad in Italy. That summer I was full of inspiration! That was the first time I made “the dreamer bracelet.” It was then I said to my parents, “I’m going to make a jewelry line with these bracelets.” So I went out and bought all the supplies, and made a couple more bracelets. But then everything got left behind when I left that fall to finish my senior year at Northeastern University in Boston, MA. In the summer of 2011, my parents were selling their house in Albany and I had to go back and pack up everything. It was then I found that beautiful set of beads I had bought years ago, and the samples that were made of the dreamer bracelets. This was a huge transition time for me, I was packing up everything and moving cross country with my family, from Albany to Las Vegas. When I arrived in Las Vegas, I had a lot of time on my hands, moving to a city where I did not know anyone and had no job. After suffering insomnia, I ended up beading every night before bed as a hobby I enjoyed. The following day I would post photos of some of the things I made, and from there my hobby quickly turned into a business.

What’s your greatest accomplishment as a company thus far? Being able to make gems and jewels for all the other dreamers out there. I think every time I see someone has chosen one of Nikdreamer’s handmade gems to be their own, I get just as excited as when I made my first sale. Also, having my jewelry line carried at three Harley Davidson stores, a few other stores in Las Vegas, and international boutique is pretty awesome! I never could have dreamed my company would come this far in a year. I am so thankful.

Nikdreamer's Arm Candy

Nikdreamer’s Arm Candy

How you would describe your company to someone who knows nothing about it? My jewelry line is all handmade using various beads, gemstones, crystals, charms, and treasures I have collected. The line was created and inspired by all my passions for love, dreaming, astrology, religion, yoga, nature, gems, vintage, thrifting, traveling, and the beauty of living in the southwest.

How did being in your “20somethings” affect your company? I express myself so much through my jewelry line as I am in my late twenties now, still always growing and changing every day. I think being young and living for the adventure has got me where I am today. I try not to plan everything out, and live and learn day by day.

What do you see/hope for as you look into the future? To just keep following my passion and dreams. I’m entering my thirties very soon, and I am looking forward to seeing what life in the 30somethings is like!

Anything fun, special, important coming up? I am launching my Valentine’s day collection this week (as we speak), called the “Made with Love” collection. This collection features Rose Quartz and Garnet, which are two of my favorite gemstones. I will also be launching my company website in the upcoming weeks which I’m very excited about!

From the Made With Love collection, just released last night.

From the Made With Love collection, just released last night.

From the Made With Love collection, just released last night.

From the Made With Love collection, just released last night.

Lastly, Nicole would like to tell us all to: Never give up on your dreams, and always remember “If your dreams don’t scare you they’re not big enough!”

To shop check out Nikdreamer on Etsy HERE.

Also check out www.nikdreamer.com. Follow Nickreamer on twitter, check out the Facebook and follow them on instagram: @nikdreamer.

Thank you so much Nicole for your help with this post and for your continuous creations that adorn the necks, arms and fingers of my friends and I!

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January 1, 2013 · 3:40 pm

20something New Years resolutions from 20somethings

Alright so I’ve basically sucked lately, I didn’t wish anyone Happy Holidays except for on twitter, I haven’t give you any new material since the 18th and you have every reason to hate me. Seeing as this is a new year I hope you’ll quickly forgive. 

One of my favorite posts to date was the one in which you all helped me put together for Thanksgiving HERE. Going along with that idea I bring you 20something new years resolutions from 20somethings.

And GO!

Create financial stability- keep a better record of spending and start a savings account.

Stop swearing.

Stop hitting snooze 20 times every morning.

Stop partying on weeknights and start acting like an adult. Just kidding.

Stop feeling so guilty for spending some of the money I work so hard for.

Say “no” more frequently to things/people I’m not interested in.

Learn how to use self control again.

To be a better friend.

Figure out what I actually want to do with my life.

To cook more.

Plan one thing every month, that way, no matter what shit-storm comes my way, I have something to look forward too.

Become a wine connoisseur.

Take more risks.

Take advantage of my youth.

Stop pretending I’m 20 and in college.

Find a lady.

Stop living for my future. Start living for today.

Limit the amount of crap television that I watch.

Appreciate my friends and family more often.

Stop pouting every time my boyfriend leaves the house.

Finally take the GRE.

Learn to walk in heels.

Travel. Period. End. Of. Story.

Make sure everyone follows through with their resolutions.

Make time for me.

Not feel like I do right now… aka hydrate more often while drinking.

Accept my mistakes. Turn them into opportunities.

Look out for numero uno first and foremost.

Thank you to everyone who helped out! HAPPY NEW YEAR! May 2013 bring everyone happiness, health and joy. 

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December 18, 2012 · 4:50 pm

WEQX presents The Lumineers at Upstate Concert Hall

Last night I joined 1,000 plus 20somethings (who actually got in) for The Lumineers at the Upstate Concert Hall, formally Northern Lights. It was a free show presented by The EQX and Miller Lite concert series.

Doors were at 7 and the show began at 8.

I showed up to the Clifton Park venue at 5:45, immediately following work, because I knew there was going to be quite the line. Boy was I right. At that point 3 lines had already formed (1 at the door and 2 up the parking lot median) of what had to have been at least 250 people a piece and a 4th line was forming at the far end of the parking lot.

It was spitting rain and rather cold but could easily have been much worse considering it was December 17th and there wasn’t, and still isn’t, any sign of snow. At exactly 7pm the doors opened and the lines started moving.

The Upstate Concert Hall filled up, completely up “selling out” (not sure you can say that for a free show) at just over 1,000 people. It is unconfirmed how many people were turned away but from what I’ve gathered there were quite a few who didn’t make it in. The Lumineers even went as far as to tweet about it after the show.

(Image Via: @thelumineers twitter account)

(Image Via: @thelumineers twitter account)

They also wrote on their Facebook page: “We just got shut down by the Sheriff here in Clifton Park after we attempted to play a few songs in the parking lot to the line that was turned away because the club reached capacity – sorry to the folks who didn’t make it in, wish there was room and hope we see you next time.”

The show opened with a local act, The Parlor consisting of Eric Krans, Jen O’Connor and friends. The highlight of that set was when members of Sgt. Dunbar and the Hobo Banned joined them on stage to spice things up a bit.

The Parlor & members of Sgt. Dunbar and the Hobo Banned. (Image Via: Abby Ingraham)

The Parlor & members of Sgt. Dunbar and the Hobo Banned. (Image Via: Abby Ingraham)

Hitting the stage just before The Lumineers was Swear and Shake currently hailing from New York City. I, and what seemed like most of the crowd, was pleasantly surprised by this act. Swear and Shake is made up of Kari Spieler (vocals, lyrics, guitar), Adam McHeffey (vocals, lyrics, guitar, banjo, piano), Shaun Savage (electric bass), and Tom Elefante (percussion).

Swear and Shake (Image Via: Abby Ingraham)

Swear and Shake (Image Via: Abby Ingraham)

New York’s The Deli described front lady Kari’s pipes as “gorgeously full,” and Brooklyn Belles compared her to “a young June Carter Cash.” I couldn’t agree more with both of those statements.  I was not expecting for that full and smooth of voice to come out of that petite frame. From the moment they started the audience was captivated.  I overheard a member of the audience say “I would have come to this show just to hear them.” Now that’s a good opening act.

The Lumineers (Image Via: Abby Ingraham)

The Lumineers (Image Via: Abby Ingraham)

Around 10pm the American folk rock band based in Denver, Colorado stepped on stage and the crowd erupted. There wasn’t a silent soul in the room. The Lumineers made up by Wesley Schultz, vocals and guitar, Jeremiah Fraites, drums, percussion, mandolin and vocals and Neyla Pekarek, cello, mandolin, piano and vocals is one of the most dynamic bands I’ve seen perform. Each member can be transitioned in and out of each performance, all bringing amazing talent to the stage in that given moment. As Amber of EQX said last night their album is just that, an album from start to finish, you won’t find yourself skipping through even one song.

Wesley Schultz of The Lumineers (Image Via: Abby Ingraham)

Wesley Schultz of The Lumineers (Image Via: Abby Ingraham)

They played a FULL show, playing just about, if not, every song from their debut album “The Lumineers” and adding in a new untitled song, which I’ll title ”Falling”, an absolutely perfect duet between Wesley and Neyla. “Falling” showcases the powerhouse vocals of Neyla Pekarek, something we haven’t yet heard alone too often.

It was an absolutely stacked and amazing show, it was my pleasure to have waited in the rain and cold to witness that, I’d do it again without hesitation. Special thanks to all the performing acts, Upstate Concert Hall, EQX, the real alternative and miller lite for hosting such an amazing event.

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December 4, 2012 · 8:00 am

20Tuesdays: Saratoga Filly

Super pumped about this weeks 20Tuesdays post for many reasons. The first being her companies based on the lifestyle of Saratoga, and who doesn’t LOVE Saratoga. Secondly she’s an alum of The College of Saint Rose, just like me. Lastly her clothing line, Saratoga Filly (which you’ll find out allll about if you continue reading this), is absolutely amazing, and something I believe Saratoga could really use.

So here we go, I am so pleased to introduce to you Brady, the owner and creator of Saratoga Filly!

Brady Freund, owner and creator of Saratoga Filly (Image Via: Brady Freund)

Where are you from/what’s your tie to the Capital District? I’m from Niskayuna, NY and have lived in the Capital District all my life (26 years). I went to school at the College of Saint Rose (Go Knights!) and I’ve never left the area.

When did you start your company? My idea for Saratoga Filly has been a process in the making for many years, but I did not actually start it until September 2012.

How did the idea come to form? Growing up on the East Coast, I spent many summers vacationing on Martha’s Vineyard. I was drawn to the local company there, The Black Dog, which has become a novelty brand to that area. I loved the idea of seeing a logo and immediately identifying it with a particular community. As I got older, I felt the Saratoga Springs area could use the same concept to represent such an amazing, unique community. I’ve always had a passion for fashion and small businesses and felt I should put my MBA to work!

Saratoga Filly tee’s (Image Via: Brady Freund)

What’s your greatest accomplishment as a company thus far? My greatest accomplishment thus far was making Saratoga.com’s Top 10 Holiday Gift Idea’s for 2012 . I didn’t see it coming and literally jumped up and down when I saw the post!

How you would describe your company to someone who knows nothing about it? Saratoga Filly is a local apparel and accessory company that delivers high-quality, comfortable and stylish items. Our products are perfect for consumers who want to show off their true Saratogian pride; be it at the track, out on Caroline Street or anywhere else.

How did being in your “20somethings” effect your company? I feel being so young in my life gave me the courage to take a risk and reach for my dreams. If I were married with kids and a house, I probably wouldn’t have had the courage to risk everything (effecting others’ lives) to fulfill my dreams.

What do you see/hope for as you look into the future? I see Saratoga Filly becoming an essential brand in the Saratoga Springs area. Not simply for our own recognition, but for the area as a whole. I truly love the area and want to show that love through representation in our brand. I also have many plans to expand our products to include items such as polos, button downs and jewelry.

Anything fun, special, important coming up? We are looking forward to hosting local marketing events (stay tuned) and introducing new products, especially for the 2013 Track Season!

For more information on Saratoga Filly check out: the website, Like there facebook page and follow them on twitter.

I’ll leave you with some words of wisdom from Saratoga Filly: For any curious 20somethings out there: take a risk and reach for your dreams! You will be successful if you truly believe in yourself and put the hard work in. Be passionate; sky’s the limit.

Special thanks to Brady, of Saratoga Filly, you were amazing to work with and I can’t wait to get my hands on some of your new stuff! 

Now everyone go shop til you drop! 

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