February 2012
10 posts
7 tags
Be a Better...Beauty.
Make-Up Basics Edition:
Most of us are adult people, and need to be looking that way as well. As hard as it is to roll out of bed 5-10 minutes earlier, the cost of looking like an adolescent or a bridge troll is not worth it people. One of the most common topics that I get asked about in girl land is how the hell to look amazing, but not put too much work into it. This topic seems elementary and...
15 tags
Be a Better...Bartender, Beauty, Shopper, and...
It’s a mish-mosh sorta day around here…so I thought I’d compliment my scatterbrainedness with a mix-ey little post.
To start it off right…a new cocktail. Since it IS a Friday and all.
Asian Sensation: (makes 4 cocktails)
-1 Asian Pear
-Handful of Fresh Blueberries
-4 servings of vodka
-Club Soda
-Dash of Grated Fresh Ginger
In a blender, combine your diced up...
10 tags
Be a Better...Lover.
Since today is the official day of being all vomit-y and talking about love, I suppose my adoration of jumping on bandwagons shouldn’t quit on such an occasion.
But I’m not going to tell you how to impress that special someone, or how to pick the perfect V-day gift…because, seriously, no one wants to read that shit.
Instead, let’s dissect the easiest ways to absolutely...
WatchBe Better…at LIFE.
This is a video my friend Kasey shot after waking up to a very special surprise, hiding right in his sweatpants. Happy Valentine’s Day!
5 tags
Be a Better...Blogger. →
I’ve been spreading the Be Better love to a couple of other blogs lately. I thought you should know.
Here’s a new project I’m collaborating on with Ernest Alexander, a men’s fashion and accessory brand here in the Ol’ NYC. They make impeccable things and have so graciously allowed me to spread my sarcasm and sass over on their new lifestyle blog, the Ernest Alexander...
3 tags
Be Better at...Connecting.
I know you all probably know this shit already, but there are other places you can follow my travels or keep in touch.
Here we go:
Twitter: @bebetterblog or my personal twitter @chinaealexander
Tumblr: ummm you are already here. Press that cute lil “Follow” button if you’d like to keep up with me!
Other Blogs I Write For: Fucked in Park Slope and the Ernest Alexander...
7 tags
Be a Better...Beauty.
Going to the Salon Edition:
Finding a new stylist is like picking a therapist/guru/and pageant coach (whatever, I’m from the South) all in one. I’m aware that this sounds uber dramatic but seriously, this person has your head in their hands and they could do life-ruining things to you. Don’t fuck with the money maker, ya know?
Here are some things I absolutely HATE when...
7 tags
Be Better at...The Super Bowl (Part 3 of 3)
And now we drink. The real meaning of Super Bowl.
Here’s a alternative to slamming a case of Natural Light, although I have learned that the box does transition nicely into a hat of sorts around beer #13.
Game Day Ginger Punch:
***Makes 1 pitcher***
18 oz of Gin
20 oz of Ginger Beer
4 slices of Ginger
2 Tbsp of Lime Juice, freshly squeezed
10 Mint leaves muddled
Mix all the...
9 tags
Be Better at...The Super Bowl (Part 2 of 3)
So last time we covered not being a huge social pariah at your friendly neighborhood Super Bowl party…but let’s be honest, you can be a huge douche and totally redeem yourself by bringing really good Super Bowl snacks.
If you bring these things, I will ask you to leave the party immediately:
-Anything involving kale
-Anything with the word salad attached to it
-Quinoa
-Beets
...
8 tags
Be Better at...The Super Bowl (Part 1 of 3).
SUPERBOWL 2012 Edition:
I hate football (unless Tim Riggins is involved) but it’s that time of year where I feel socially pressured to actually visually ingest an entire round game of it, with a half-hearted smile on my face.
Now, don’t get me wrong…I love the idea of the Super Bowl. Getting together with friends, wearing color coordinated outfits, eating horrible junk food,...
January 2012
7 posts
8 tags
Be a Better...Traveller.
Pack It Up Edition:
I went home to Texas for Christmas and must’ve really packed in a hurry OR there may/may not have been vodka involved with the process. That’s not the point. The point IS, is that when I arrived and opened my suitcase, I realized that I had made some grave packing errors.
Here’s what my suitcase contained (other than Christmas presents for the family):
...
9 tags
Be a Better...Cook.
As most of you know by now…I don’t partake in the glory of carbs anymore. sigh.
Things I miss the most:
-Chips and Salsa
-Watermelon
-Tortillas (the Lard-filled kind)
-Free Restaraunt Bread
-Late Night Drunk Pizza by the slice
-Biscuits (preferably gratis Cheddar Bay Biscuits a la Red Lobster) (yes, I am a tacky tacky person)
Obviously it is good that I don’t eat...
5 tags
Be a Better...Bartender.
The fact that I am posting about a meat centric cocktail makes my brain explode, as these are two of my favorite things in the whole wide world. And the fact that that meat happens to be bacon, well, that’s just putting me right over the edge.
I’ve heard a lot of bacon-vodka recipes and as much as I like vodka, I just don’t think that combo wets my whistle. But whiskey, now...
5 tags
Be Better at...Branding.
Check out my slick new Be Better Business cards. Holla.
Come and get em’!
8 tags
Be a Better...Dresser.
An Open Letter to Animal Hat Lovers Everywhere Edition
I have kept my mouth shut partially shut for long enough. I must scream from the rooftops from this point on, or just rant via my very averagely traffic-ed blog…ANIMAL HATS ARE THE WORST.
This is a hard sentence to write, but I actually think I might be less offended if someone wore Ed Hardy branded Crocs to my wedding than donning...
6 tags
Be Better at...Technology. (Guest Post by Brad...
EDITOR’S NOTE: I have no f*cking clue about technology. I just learned what an external hard drive was like…15 minutes ago and I described it as a “cute, little black box with a tail”. So… I am leaving this SUPER tech-related post to my dear friend Brad. He’s knowledgeable about all things computer and there has been more than one occasion that I’ve called...
7 tags
Be Better at...The Internet.
Hey, welcome to 2012. It’ll probably be the same ol’ shit as 2011, but let’s add one more layer of snark and hilarity to your life with some fun Twitter action.
The Be Better Blog is getting all interactive on your ass this year, so I’ll need you to participate. Send me your photos and stories and if they’re funny…I’ll post them up on the @BEBETTERBLOG...
December 2011
6 posts
5 tags
Be Better at...The Holidays.
Ten Holiday Wishes From The Be Better Blog To You and Yours:
1) Enjoy those extremely (in comparison to New York City) cocktails you will be funneling down your throat at your hometown bar.
2) That you avoid as many awkward high school acquaintance interactions at said, hometown bar.
3) That you get through the list of electronic/technology questions your parents have saved up for...
9 tags
Be a Better...Traveller.
(Warning, this post is fueled with frustration and general MTA related angst)
Mobile Body Positioning Edition:
We all have to get to work somehow. I really am thankful that I don’t have to actually think/drive to work…we are lucky to jump on a moving box and just have to exist for 20 minutes and then get pooped out at our location. It’s great…unless you plan on sitting...
6 tags
Be a Better...Cook.
Got a fatter ass than usual this holiday season? Want to avoid people fawning over your non-existent pregnancy at the Christmas Eve service? Yeah, me too.
How?
Well, my poison is low-carbing. One of my NEW favorite low-carb weapons is Almond Flour/Meal. Yes, mofos…Almond Meal. Straight from the mean aisles of Trader Joe’s.
Essentially Almond Meal is for lazy people, like me. I...
6 tags
Be a Better...Bartender.
So yesterday I ranted told you how to make sure your holiday party doesn’t suck. Part of that was making some boozy concoction to share. Here’s a great recipe from my friend Nate that certainly greased my proverbial wheels this Thanksgiving.
CRAN-APPLE Cider
SERVES 16
1 Gallon Jug of Apple Cider/Juice
4 Cups Cranberry Cider
4 Cups of Orange Juice
1 Bottle Captain Morgan’s...
7 tags
Be Better at...The Holidays.
Every night during this time of year there seems to be ANOTHER f*cking holiday shindig to attend. Now, I’m not complaining…but you’ve really gotta make stopping by your event worth it for people. I can’t count how many holiday events I go to and end up wishing that I could crawl back into my non-existant time machine and forget that I ever went.
Here are some rules to...
7 tags
Be A Better...Gift Giver.
Another F*cking Gift Guide Edition:
Yeah, I know.
Another gift guide…sigh. Listen, let’s change this from a gift guide to a “stuff I think is decent and wouldn’t mind getting from someone that feels obligated to buy me something” guide.
I already have these but kinda want another pair. You give me shorts that I can wear in the winter, and I’m on board....
November 2011
9 posts
6 tags
Be Better at...Money.
UPDATE #2: First Week!
I have been slacking…I now write for a handful of other blogs, have a full-time job, and a very full-time social life so I apologize, this post is WAY overdue!
(If you need some backstory, see the idea behind the Single Benjamin Project HERE.)
My week started out with a bang, getting grocery shopping outta my way, and getting things prepped for being the girl who...
6 tags
Be Better at...Holidays.
Thanksgiving 2011 Edition:
Thanksgiving: it’s a holiday weekend that really starts with a bang on Thursday, but leaves us having to figure out what to do with our stuffing-stuffed selves for the next few days. Here are some helpful hints of what to do post the Turkeypocalpyse:
I hate leftovers. I mean, I can eat Thanksgiving Round 2 about 12 hours after I consumed it the first time,...
3 tags
Be Better at...Money.
Update 1 1/2:
I am alive.
I’ll be back with a full update and wrap-up tomorrow!
A sneak preview as to the outcome of the one week…I have 17.00 left.
F*CK YES. I think I shall live another day.
Talk soon,
Chinae
4 tags
Be Better at...Money.
Day one has come and gone. I lived.
Actually…I didn’t really notice too big of a difference in daily life minus the fact that everything I eat is now in some sort of Ziploc bag and the coffee I get to drink (and am very thankful for) tastes like poop. More on that in another post.
So just to recap for those of you who didn’t catch yesterday’s post, $100 spending cash,...
6 tags
Be Better at...Money.
The Single Benjamin Project:
With great disdain, I regretfully inform you, dear readers, that I think today is the day I have to become an adult. Sigh.
I have traversed puberty (although it was a rocky start), have figured out that a red eyeliner + Jnco jeans combo are not the epitome of sexy, have obtained a degree from a reasonably respectable educational establishment, have maintained a...
6 tags
Be a Better...Bartender.
Local Liqueur Edition:
Besides the loopy after effects and mouth-numbing flavors of cocktailing…I have come to appreciate the origins of alcohol and how it got from a plant/grain/fruit straight up into my mouth.
One thing in particular that fascinates me, is that each country, sometimes even as specific as a city, has some original, iconic beverage, liquor, or libation. This weekend...
Be a Better...Girlfriend.
The boyfriend is in town…so therefore, all Be Better Blogging shall have to wait until he leaves on Sunday after the epic Schwartz-Sturman wedding weekend.
Enjoy!
xoxo Chinae
7 tags
Be a Better...Dresser.
Skirting the Issue Edition:
I have to admit, I’m having some fashion issues right now. With other people’s clothes.
What’s with the ugly quotient this season, ladies? I’m seeing a lot of Laura Ingalls Wilder look-a-likes and I really hate it. It’s like everyone’s allergic to sexy and we’ve resorted to guerilla knitting over our lady parts so we can look...
10 tags
Be Better...at The Day After Halloween.
It’s the day after Halloween. If you went out, you’re probably exhausted, hung-over, and wondering what the hell you are going to do with that “Naughty Paula Deen” costume (complete with buttery Slip n’ Slide). If you stayed home, you probably had one trick-or-treater like I did (who was handsomely rewarded with an Atkins Chocolate Chip granola bar)… then ate all the entire bucket of candy...
October 2011
9 posts
5 tags
Be a Better...Bartender.
Happy Halloween Edition:
This recipe was sent to me by my room mate…via Garden and Gun magazine (so bomb).
To counteract all those orange and black jello shots you are making for your halloween soiree with a classier cocktail…would probably be a good idea. So here’s the perfect concoction for ya:
In honor of Halloween, the Hotel Monteleone’s barkeeps devised a series of...
6 tags
Be a Better...Waiter.
PREFACE:
Now, before all you waiters/servers/etc get all nasty with me…please note that I worked in the food industry for 2.5 years, and loved it. I loved the ridiculousness of the characters that make up the staff/kitchen/clients…I loved working at night and taking home fistfuls of cash. I didn’t even care that I smelled like a lobster boil everyday. So yeah…I’ve...
6 tags
Be Better at...Halloween.
I love Halloween. If I could dress in theme everyday (sh*t. I sort of already do) I would.
The idea of being able to for one day, be whatever you want to be and no one being able to REALLY place hard judgement on you…is the best thing EVER.
Every year around this time the over planner comes out in me and I start thinking and plotting for costume ideas. Also, over pretty much every...
7 tags
Be a Better...Bartender.
Holy Moly. I forgot cocktail friday. Let’s fix this people.
It’s Tuesday and that seems like a great reason to make a stiff drink, yes?!
Ginger-Honey Infusion:
Things You’ll Need:
1/2 Cup of Honey
1/2 Cup of Water
2 Tablespoons of Fresh Grated Ginger
Vodka
Splash of Fresh Lemon Juice
Ok, so we’ve got a two-parter here. Deal with it.
You’re going to have...
6 tags
Be a Better...Cook.
You know my general feelings on cooking by now. A giant resounding MEH.
I eat broccoli about 6-7 times a week, it’s a low carb veggie that I actually kinda love…but even my beloved brocc gets boring after a while. Until now.
Check out my recipe for the best broccoli you’ll ever eat. AND of course, it’sunder 5 ingredients.
Be Better Broccoli:
Things You’ll...
5 tags
Be Better...at Fall.
New Playlist Edition:
It’s that time of year, Fall.
You are going to need a new playlist, and here it is folks. Bright, Fun, and Full of Expectation!
Sorry for the short post today y’all, wisdom tooth is coming on out today and I gotta head to the dentista!
Download playlist link for Spotify HERE.
Be Better Y’all.
X Chinae
5 tags
Be a Better...Bartender.
Brandied Apple Cider Edition:
So, I’m headed upstate for some apple picking this weekend, how suburban. With those fresh apples, since I don’t eat pie, apple sauce, or whatever else people do with apples…I’m going to need to find a good use for them. And what better than in liquid form, really.
Brandied Apple Cider:
What You’ll Need:
-Ice
-1/4 Cup Fresh Apple...
6 tags
Be a Better...Coffee Drinker.
Complex Cafe Edition:
I’m a fancy girl.
I like my shoes to hurt, I like lots of animal skin and fur in the winter, and I like cocktails that have 5 ingredients or more. It’s just who I am.
But when it comes to coffee, I suddenly go all Little House on the Prairie and just order super simply…iced or hot PLAIN coffee. The truth is… when people order complex coffee...
6 tags
Be a Better...Traveller.
Tour Guide Edition:
If you live in any sort of place that people may want to visit, you are going to have to play tour guide once in a while. And normally…it totally sucks.
I’ve learned that living in NYC is pretty much a blessing and a curse…people always are wanting to stop in for a visit BUT you have to do things like wrestle hustlers on Canal street for faux-designer bags...
September 2011
14 posts
7 tags
Be a Better...Bartender.
Faux-Mosa Edition:
When I think about the weekend…I pretty much am thinking about what new brunch spot we’ll be hitting up for some grub and mimosas…BUT what about some mimosa alternatives this weekend. Or Fauxmosas as I’d like to call them.
Help your raging hangover with these mimosa alternatives this weekend!
Hibiscus Mimosa
1 oz St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur 1...
3 tags
Your Sunday Best.
Today, the Be Better Blog is dedicated to my friend Sunday Ibok. Today, at 32 years of age, Sunday went on to bless heaven with his contagious presence. We will miss you Sunday.
Another dance party soon. Save some booty shake for the rest of us.
THWD.
8 tags
Be a Better...Dresser.
Fall Fashion/Blazers Edition:
When I hear the word blazer I think of three things.
1) Chevy Blazer (Blame Texas)
2) Designing Women and 90’s Style:
3) Questionable Comedians such as Paula Pounstone:
So naturally, when incorporating a blazer into my Fall wardrobe, I had some mental/emotional obstacles to navigate over (mostly the idea of being Paula Poundstone’s body double)...
7 tags
Be Better at...Business.
Warby Parker Edition:
My brand crushes are usually related to a swoon-worthy product, sexy marketing, or a great customer service experience. Well. I think I’ve died and gone to brand heaven. And no, I didn’t get free glasses or money for this post.
I know that everyone underneath the sun has written about Warby Parker as the new, hot, sexy eyewear company on the block…and...
8 tags
Be a Better...Bartender.
Apple Redux Cocktail Edition:
In concordance with my post yesterday (re: Whiskey), I think today dear readers, we shall make a Bourbon cocktail.
I want Fall to be in my mouth right about now, even though it’s muggy and raining in New York today…we should revolt and drink Fall in anyway.
(The only thing this photo has to do with this post is the relation of how much bourbon she...
7 tags
Be a Better...Drinker.
Beginner’s Whiskey Edition:
Hi, my name is Chinae, and I’m a vodka girl.
It’s just who I am…no carbs, not a whole lotta flavor, and goes down like water. What’s not to love?
BUT, as an effort to be a more well-rounded drinker individual, I’m attempting to try some new things. This week’s effort, whiskey. Specifically…American Whiskey.
Whiskey...
5 tags
Be a Better...New Yorker.
Visiting the West Coast Edition:
We New Yorkers famously have a chip on our shoulder about living, visiting, or thinking about another place…and immediately dismiss it as a total sh*thole compared to our great city. And most of the time…we’re right.
If NYC and LA were superhumans, they’d be archenemies fo sho. Of course no fiber of my being wanted to like LA LA...
2 tags
Be Better at ...Vacation.
In an effort to be better at vacationing…the Be Better Blog will be back to posting mindless information on Tuesday! This New York lady is off to California to gather more material to rant about!
Also, 2Pac.
Enjoy folks!
X Chinae
8 tags
Be a Better...Blogger.
This is a hard post to write, because basically…I’m talking about blogging better…on my own blog. Balls. In this crazy, weird, sometimes downright ass-backwards world of online writing, it’s hard to stay relevant, interesting, and keep people reading (without completely hating your guts).
I can’t say that I’ve got it figured out, because I certainly have my...