NYC MTA System is terrible

I could spend hours venting on this, but I will try to keep it to a minimum. 

Thursday night I re-loaded my metrocard with $90.00. I used that night for the train and then the bus. 

Friday morning, I was able to use this metro card to take the express bus and then the local bus. 

Friday night, I run to the train station to try to catch my 6:30 bus. 

I try to swipe my metrocard multiple times. It wasn't working. I go to the agent. Explained the issue. 

I told him, I have over $60 on my card. I just used it this morning. 

He responds " I could see you have $61.25, but you can't use it because it's corrupt". 

Me: Can you please transfer the balance to a new cerd". 

Agent: No, I can't since is not swiping 

Me: If it was swiping, I wouldn't be speaking to you on this issue. 

Agent: You need to get a new card. Here's an envelope. You need to MAIL that one in. 

Issues:

1. Why can't the agent not have ability to reload the balance to a new metrocard ?

2.  Would have been nice for the agent to at least let me in and reduce the balance from my card. 

3.  Now I needed to spend more money loading a card. 

4. Wait, even do this is a problem with the metrocard, I had to pay the $1 fee to get a new one. 

A dollar might seem meaningless, when you think of this as an isolated issue, but how many people have this happen to them? How much money is the city making? 

It looks to me, that creating a more efficient system is not in the MTA favor, as they will lose out on the fees of getting a new card. 

5. I also now need to buy a stamp. 

Which is money and time. 

The MTA is also banking on this, because probably customers that have low balances on their card, won't mail it in. 

That is free money for the MTA. 

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In this Crazy Life: Tips and Tricks

In this Crazy Life blog - has listed a great list of tips and tricks around the house.

I personally tried the the ammonia soaking  and it worked. I couldn't believe my eyes.

Here are some images from her blog. To read the instructions please visist In this crazy life blog










http://inthiscrazylife-bethany.blogspot.com/2012/01/tips-and-tricks.html?m=1

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Nickelodeon worldwide day of play

This is just do much fun. I got here a bit late ( typical ). A lot of the freebies are gone. But my son is having a blast.

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Sunset Cove ; My new favorite restaurant

Sunset Cove in Tarrytown, NY is my new favorite restaurant. 

Service is great. The food is Great. I absolutely love the calamari, one of the better marinara sauces. 

My entree was of the daily special which upon leaving I spoke to the manager to ensure it would be in the regular menu because it was they good. It was penne in a pesto sauce with peas, carrots and peas. 

My hubby ordered the lasagna which was equally delish. It's made with crore like pasta, which makes it very light. It was a mixture of meats. I can't remember all, but it def had ground beef and lamb. 

My margarita was awesomeness!!! I resisted getting a second because u wanted a cappuccino.  

My baby boy had fries and chicken tender. Pretty generous portion. Looked good and he said it was. 

Desert. I don't love deserts. I asked for the desert menu to order a coffee. Surprisingly my husband decided he was going to order the tiramisu.  Omg. To die for. My cappuccino fantabulous.  My son loved his chocolate ice cream. 

This place is a must. 

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Finish line lost a valuable customer

Jen @ finish line  store 664.  Palisades mall gets dunky of the day for not selling a pair of Spider-man slippers at the price on the tag. 

Let me start this review by indicating that the purpose of my trip was to exchange the size of two pair of sneakers that I had  purchased online. 

I decided I was going to keep one pair as is, and exchange the 2nd pair. 

In addition, I saw three tshirts on sale which I was going to purchase. My son gravitated towards the Spider-man slippers. The red tag on the slippers read $4.99, plus an additional 40% off. How could I tell him no ? 

When to make my purchase. The flip flops rang up at $8 and change. I told the rep that the price was incorrect. She said she couldn't match the price on the tag. I asked for the manager. For starters the manager was not pleasant. She was a bit rude. 

She explained to me that a kid might have put the sticker on the wrong shoe. A kid ???? This was the most absurd explanation I have heard.  She said she would not honor the $4.99 price. 

I said ok. Keep your slippers. Keep your tshirts. 

In addition, I am returning the two pairs of sneakers, plus the other four pairs we have purchased over the last months, which include man sneakers (my hubby), retailing over $150. So, for $4.99, finish line now lost over $600 plus a loyal customer. 

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Dolphin Restaurant Review

Dolphin

Yonkers, New York 

I was less impressed by the level of service and underwhelming food. I arrived in the early afternoon with my two kids.

The waitress was very friendly. Shorty after we sat down, we were served with a basket of bread. My daughter and I thought it was great, but my son prefers dry bread. This one had a yummy olive oil drizzly.  I asked for dried bread for my son and had to ask the waitress twice before it was finally delivered. My daughter asked for a strawberry lemonade, and got a regular lemonade. Had to wait another ten minutes for the correct one. The venue was practically empty,which made the delay unacceptable.  

 The appetizer was decent, fried calamari.  It was crispy and fresh, the sauce was not thick enough for me. 

After the appetizer, it took them FOREVER to come to the table. However, we were very entertained trying to keep the flies off us that were coming in the restaurant. Oh yes, no waitress for me to ask for a change of seat. 

The bus boy delivered the food. 

The presentation was lacking. Not appealing. 

Didn't see a waitress for nearly an hour after the food was delivered. This after the food took over 40 minutes to arrive.  That's almost two hours without a server. 

My dish :

My fish was horrible in taste. Extremely sweet. However, it was very fresh which I appreciated. I substituted the mash for rice. The rice was watery ( how do you mess up rice?). The veggies were the one thing cooked to perfection. 

Kids meal ( which they didn't eat because they were still trying to kill flies ). 

Chicken tenders and French fries:

The French fries were good. 

My daughter didn't even you h her fries.  

Mac and Cheese:

It wasn't from a box. That was the good part. Other than that it was bland. 

After  I knew that my kids wouldn't have the attention span to finish their meal because they were pre-occupied with the flies, I asked the bus boy to pack their food to go. 

He returns with the food bagged. 

I guess the plastic bag ran a bell and the waitress's decided to come over. I asked for lemonade refill for my daughter. When she delivered it, I asked if it was customary for so many  flies to come in?

So.... This is when I lost it. 

Her response:  " I wish you would said something sooner, we could have  changed your seat"

Me: I wish you would have been around at least one in the last two hours, then I could have addressed the matter. 

Waitress: I am sorry your original waitress's went to lunch. 

So, this is my fault because ? 

She brought the bill over. I was contemplating on whether to tip or not ( I have NEVER not tipped). 

The flies are still coming in. My three year old son, still try to catch them. Then I felt a cold rush. Ice cold. He dropped an entire cup of water on my jeans. I tried up get upset. He's trying to apologize, and spills the water again. 

I just told my kids lets go to restroom, so I could clean up. On my way to the bathroom one of the bus boys asked me if I wasn't taking the bag of food?

Are you kidding me??? 

I can't even go to restroom before you try to kick me out ? 

I didn't answer. 

The food was at the table when we returned.  It stayed there as well. I wanted no part of this restaurant. 

For the first time in my life, I left no tip. 

Verdict: 

Over priced, below average quality food, F for service. 

Great drink. Decent bread. Great view of the Hudson River. 

Will not recommend to anyone, unless I dislike them. 

Will not return. 

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FAB Daily Deal Site

Fab is one of my favorite daily sites because they are more than just a regular daily site.

They have a superb selection of items, which are carefully selected.

While their products do not have the steep discount of other sites, they are items that I wouldn't have found on my own.

I like to save money whenever possible, but that does not mean I wont purchase an item I really like at regular price.

Fab is everyday design. People use Fab to discover everyday design products at great prices, to connect with the world's most exciting designers, and to share their favorite design inspirations.

Here is the background on FAB from their press kit:

Core Beliefs

Fab is everyday design. Our mission is to make our customers, partners and
employees smile.

How it Works

The Fab website and mobile apps offer exclusive access to daily curated design sales
featuring emerging designers and iconic design brands. Membership is free and is
open to everyone. We believe everyone, everywhere benefits from great design.

Company History

Fab was founded in February 2011 by serial entrepreneur Jason Goldberg (XING AG,
socialmedian, and Jobster) and design industry veteran Bradford Shellhammer (Dwell,
Blu Dot and Design Within Reach). Originally introduced as social networking site
Fabulis, Fab launched on June 9, 2011, as the marketplace for everyday design.
As of July 2012 Fab has more than 5 million members in 20 countries. Fab reached 1
million members in just 5 months; faster than Facebook, Groupon and Twitter. The
company has worked with over 5,000 design partners and has over 400 employees.

Funding

Over $150M in funding as of July 2012. Combination of an early-stage round of funding
(1M) in June 2011, a Series A round (8M) in July 2011, a personal investment from CEO
Jason Goldberg, a Series B round (40M) in December 2011 and a Series C round
(105M) in July 2012.

Fab.com investors include: A Grade Investment, Jon Anderson, Andreessen
Horowitz, Atomico, Baroda Ventures, Don Baer, First Round Capital, Troy Carter,
Docomo Capital, Jason Goldberg, Lars Hinrichs, Mark Kingdon, Ashton Kutcher, Ben
Ling, Mayfield Fund, Menlo Ventures, Allen Morgan, Dave Morgan, Guy Oseary,
Pinnacle Ventures, Kevin Rose, ru-Net Technology Partners, SoftTech VC, SV Angel,
Dave Tisch, Thrive Capital, The Washington Post Company, and Zelkova Ventures.

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My first order from ShoeMint.com

I received my first order from ShoeMint.com, I am totally in love with my shoes!!!

They are comfortable and fashionable. I am totally addicted.

Here are the ones I purchased.

I have a credit for this month.  I am thinking of getting some boots!!

About ShoeMint.com

Becoming a member is free and there is never an obligation to buy. Simply take our Style Quiz to reveal your StyleProfile and meet your sole mate.

• Exclusive Designs By Rachel Bilson & Nicole Chavez
• Impeccable Style
• Hard To Find Sizes, From 5-11
• Fashion Forward & On-Trend Designs
• Real Leather, Real Suede, Real Stitching
• Personalized Monthly Selections
• Insider Trend Reports & Style Tips
• Free Shipping Both Ways
• No Obligation to Buy
• MintSider Rewards

The Shoe Design:

The style of fashion icon Rachel Bilson, the vision of celebrated stylist Nicole Chavez, and the shoe-making expertise of the legendary Steve Madden, combine to bring you ShoeMint - a shoe shopping experience unlike any other.

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A monthly makeup box club: MyGlam.com: 4-5 full sized products for $10 a month

A monthly makeup box club: MyGlam.com. Unlike the other monthly makeup subscription clubs that offer just travel sized products, MyGlam ships out 4-5 full sized products for $10 a month.

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BirchBox.com: A monthly makeup box club

The new trend of monthly makeup subscription boxes began just last year with the startup BirchBox.

BirchBox.com was founded by Hayley Barna and Katia Beauchamp, two Harvard Business School graduates who wanted to both provide a way for companies to see just how effective samples were and to provide women (and men too) with a way to find cosmetics and other beauty products that work for them.

How BirchBox works: 

BirchBox works on a subscription based model for $10 a month.

 BirchBox ships out small brown cardboard boxes to customers that are filled with 4-5 “deluxe” sized samples from popular cosmetics and beauty brands.

For $10 a month it’s worth it to join just to get a cute surprise in your mailbox each month. BirchBox also sells all of the full sized products and each month the featured products are shipped free if you decide to make a purchase.

In case you want to join BirchBox, here’s you invite to BirchBox.

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Totsy- Great daily deal site for Kiddies

Totsy...Where the savvy mom shops!
Totsy offers moms on-the-go and moms-to-be access to brand-specific sales, up to 70% off retail, just for them and the kids, ages 0-7.

Top brands for mom, baby, and child
Prenatal care products, baby gear, travel accessories, bedding and bath, children's clothing, toys, DVDs, and educational materials are just a sampling of a selection that promises only the best in quality and designer brands.

By invitation only
Membership is by invitation or request only. But the sooner you join, the better. Each sale lasts only 48 to 72 hours.

100% eco-friendly
Totsy is the first company in private sales to take on sustainable and socially responsible initiatives in all areas of business.

One baby, one tree
With every purchase you make through Totsy, we will plant one tree in the name of your child to help reduce the effects of deforestation. Who says shopping can't save the world?
 

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IntiMint.com -Review

I absolutely love IntiMint.com

I received my first order a couple of weeks ago. I totally fell in-love with the packaging.
I also received a some freebies, Marc Jacobs Pen and Mirror (which I will gift for the holidays). My two panties. All for $20.00

This is what I ordered:

This was my lovely Freebie:

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One Kings Lane- Daily Site- Review

One Kings Lane

One Kings Lane showcases designer home furnishings at up to 70% off the retail value!

how it works:

1. You must sign up for a membership on the site (it’s free).

2. Most sales launch at 8pm (EST) and last about 3 days.

3. There are usually 3 types of sales going on the site:

• Daily Sale: High end brands and products are featured in several categories: home decor, gifts, stationary and more!
• Downstairs: This is where you are going to find merchandise discounted so deeply OKL keeps them in the “basement” 
• Tastemaker Tag Sale: the items in this sale are all unique, one of kind, and handpicked by an industry insider   from their own collection. 

The OKL blog: Live. Love. Home. features posts about trends in home decor, entertaining and design, highlights industry taste-makers.  

The App:  The OKL app allows you preview, view and shop sales right from your Phone.

If you are a home decorator and/or entertaining junkie like me, membership to OKL is a most!

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SWAGBUCKS- Earn Cash

Recently I had someone ask me what Swagbucks was and how it works. This was the moment that I realized that I had not explained the program properly.  Swagbucks is an awesome program that allows people to earn virtual money (Swagbucks) that can be used in theSwagbucks Store. I use my Swagbucks cash to purchase gift cards. I use these these gift cards to purchase gifts for my children at Christmas time. Don’t feel you have to use your virtual cash on gift cards. You can use your virtual money to purchase backpacks for back to school, XBox 360s, kitchen essentials, jewelry, apparel, and so much more.

One really great option for spending your Swagbucks is donating to a charity. I absolutely love the fact that Swagbucks will let you donate your Swagbucks to The Lupus Foundaton of America. Swagbucks provides you with an online converted chart to show you what yourSwagbucks convert to in respect to a cash donation. Yes, this IS tax deductible! Swagbucks truly thought of everything!

So, how do you earn Swagbucks?

• Search directly on the Swagbucks website
• Search using the downloadable Swagbucks toolbar
• Use the Widget
• Get codes from the Swagbucks Facebook page
• Watch Video
• Participate in  Special Offers
• Answer Surveys
• Play Games
• Trade-Ins
• Shopping
• Using Froobi.com rebates
• Print coupons

Swagbucks is constantly thinking of more ways to help you earn Swagbucks. They give away codes daily, several times a day. Swagbuckskeeps the fun going by having code hunts and allowing their members to stock up on those Swagbucks. Earning Swagbucks is great for Bloggers because you can give your readers Swagbucks as incentives for continuing to be loyal readers.

When you sign up for Swagbucks you are automatically placed in the referral program. If someone signs up using your referral link, you will earn Swagbucks when they earn Swagbucks. It really pays to have people to sign up using your referral link. Referrals are the easiest ways to earn tons of Swagbucks!

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Get the Receipt Hog App: Snap receipts. Earn Rewards!

Receipt Hog is a fun and rewarding way to turn receipts from everyday grocery shopping into cash - no matter where you shop or what you buy!

 Click Here to download the APP

Image source

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Lunch at Brio's

Mommy And son date.

Any time we hit up WestMed at Ridge Hill Mall in Yonkers, we try to feel better after the doctor visit with a yummy lunch at Brio's.

I was very sad to see that Brio's no longer their great lunch special ( previously I had the shrimp scampi over angel hair for 7.95)

Now they have their standard lunch menu which is the price point is pretty much the same as their dinner menu

I decided to get the BBQ chicken pizza from the Primi section @ 7.95.
How was it? It was ok. Nothing to brag about. It had a bit more quick than what I expected, but still not what I wanted.

I ask the waitress if I could order a plain pizza, which I have tried from my kids dishes, but you cannot order unless is for a child.
Why don't they have plain pizza on the menu ?
I would have prefer to pay the $8 for that.

Then I ordered a Mojito. Horrible. The wateriest Mojito I ever had. Didn't even drink it.

My son ordered Mac and cheese. I suppose it was good because he devoured it. It looked ok. Too creamy for me. It almost looked like pasta with Alfredo sauce.

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NYC MTA : construction work in midtown during hours

I take the beeline bus to Westchester. 

It's the most expensive bus ride in the system at $7.50/ ride. 

No monthly discount/pass available. 

The only bus not to have tinted windows.

 

If the bus is not there at the scheduled time, there's no real way for the riders to five know if:

They missed it ( bus driver was early )

It's late

Or  it's a no show. 

Customer service closes at 4. 

New drivers (or backup drivers) by pass stops. This is mostly because the stops are never where the bus stop sign is located. So, if you are a new rider, you will most likely also miss the bus your first time because you won't know where to stand. 

So, yes,lots of negatives. But for me the positives outweigh the negatives. 

So I keep on riding. 

But today the MTA really good me upset. 

They are doing construction work on Madison Avenue, during Rush hour. 

To catch our bus we had walk to the third lane. 

There's dust all over from the machines been used. And the noise is horrible. 

Who's bright idea was to have this hazardous construction site ? 

Here are some images. 

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GetHuman Review

GetHuman Review

I found this website, and I love it. It makes it easy to find, otherwise difficult customer service phone numbers.

Register users are also able to rate the contact information provided by customer service level and time average wait time.

Find Best Customer Support Phone Number & Contact Info - any Company | GetHuman.com

Example:

More ways to contact Bank of America

If the above phone information didn't solve the issue, there are more ways to contact Bank of America - here are the top alternatives

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NEW Bank of America calls you!no holding  View instructions ›

https://www.bankofamer...1 min

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You can also see all Bank of America contact information - we know more than just phone numbers

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Tweet from CandidSavvyShopper (@CandidSavvyShop)

	CandidSavvyShopper (@CandidSavvyShop)
1/27/13, 11:09 AM @BallyFitness here are the fans from the threadmill Yonkers location on tuckahoe road pic.twitter.com/9DYw23KV

Download the official Twitter app here

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Pantene Expert AgeDefy

Just read about a new line from Pantene:

Pantene Expert AgeDefy

Pantene Expert AgeDefy is designed for women in their 40's and older- when hair appears thinner through loss of density, diameter and damage.

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