The Quad Squad

by Brittany Geragotelis

Hey guys! Just wanted to let you all know that I just added the first chapter of a new short story I'm writing called THE QUAD SQUAD. It's a family drama about quadruplets who are starting to grow apart. Here's the description:

Seventeen-year-old Brewster Bay is never alone. Like, EVER. And she likes it that way. As one-fourth of quadruplets, she feels most like herself when she's alongside her sisters. But the Quad Squad just entered their junior year and everything seems to be changing. Brewster's sisters suddenly have their own interests, their own identities, their own lives...outside of being one of the Bay girls. 

Worried she's losing her sisters--and her identity in the process--Brewster begins to have panic attacks that force her to seek professional help. Her therapist suggests she take the time to find herself; Brewster has other ideas. She just needs to get them all to team up on something...rekindle their sisterhood and remind them that they're better when they're together. But in order to get the four of them to focus on the same thing at the same time, Brewster knows it'll take something big. In the end, what she thought would bring them together, might actually tear them apart.

Check it out today and be sure to tell your friends if you like it! I'll be uploading new chapters every Tuesday!

5x5,
B.

DELETE--Breakup B!tch!

by Brittany Geragotelis

Once a week, my guest blogger (who shall remain nameless...okay, not nameless...let's call her Ms. Sassy Pants. Sassy for short) stops by to share all the things in her life that deserve a big, fat DELETE. Anyhoo, her majesty is back and this week, she's dealing with a break-up. Check out what she had to say and then come up with a few DELETES of your own.

Happy Birthday to me...Happy Birthday to me...Haaaapppyyyyyy Birrrrrttthhhhday Ms. blah blah blah. Birthdays...one word DELETE. As far as I'm concerned, once you're past the age of 21, they really don't mean much. And once you're over the age of thirty, we just celebrate the 1st, 2nd or 3rd anniversary of our 30th birthday...or at least that's what I do.

Of course there are presents and those are worth mentioning. However, after this birthday, the plan is to stock up on cats and settle in with some moth balls and knitting needles, because it's official...I'm another year older, and newly single in NYC, which in my book, is a death sentence.

So yes, I said it kiddies: I'm single. The super hot boyfriend is no more and as a birthday present to myself, I kicked him to the curb. Why you ask? Well let's just take a look at the list of reasons why he had to be DELETED.

Going radio silent for days on end. DELETE.

Dating—or should I say, warehousing—other women, just to keep his options open. I'm an only child, buddy, and don't like to share. DELETE.

Calling—oh I'm sorry, texting—the night of our scheduled birthday dinner celebration and canceling because he supposedly broke his nose playing basketball. Can't take me out, but still managed to finish your game? DELETE.

Lying about said injury (because you know he was). Or lying period. DELETE.

He's over 30 and still lives at home. DELETE.

He's over 30 and can't quite hold down a job and is currently unemployed. DELETE.

His primary choice of communication is text and he seems to have an aversion to picking up the phone and talking to a real person. DELETE.

He never kept his promises or even followed through with the simplest of plans. DELETE.

He stood me up on more than one occasion. I just attributed it to him being a bit flaky. I might have been blinded by his supreme hotness and height—now I realize he's just a double-sized douche. DELETE.

So note to self...hotness does not equal greatness. Most likely, after this go around, I'll be taking a sabbatical from dating. However, when I hit the scene again, I'm sure I'll have plenty of new material for you.

5x5,
B.

DELETE--How to spot a jerk.

by Brittany Geragotelis

Once a week, my guest blogger (who shall remain nameless...okay, not nameless...let's call her Ms. Sassy Pants. Sassy for short) stops by to share all the things in her life that deserve a big, fat DELETE. Anyhoo, her majesty is back and this week, she's got some tips on how to spot a jerk. Check out what she had to say and then come up with a few DELETES of your own.

So, as you know, I now have a Hot Boyfriend who helps me paint AND move. But there have been other guys in the past who haven’t treated me like the princess I am. I'm so glad that I’m no longer in the ring a.k.a. the NYC dating scene. I hope to soon have a different sort of “ring” to look forward to, and DELETE all those bad dates and man behavior from my memory once and for all.

I would be doing the world a disservice if I didn’t share my extensive experience with the masses. Someone's got to warn you about the emotional vampires lurking in unsuspecting places, just waiting to attack! Here are a few of the warning signs that maybe things aren't really headed in the right direction.

You’ve been dating seriously for a couple of months but when you leave his house one morning, he says, “I’ll call you soon.” Soon? Really? DELETE.

He goes radio silent over Valentine’s Day weekend…never to be heard from again. Unless you’ve been abducted by aliens, illegal or extraterrestrial, DELETE.

When he invites you out to dinner at 7:30 and then texts you at 10:00 to let you know that he is going to stay in for the night...DELETE.

If he ever utters the words, “Don’t fall in love with me.”...DELETE.

If he asks you what you're going to do when he breaks your heart...DELETE.

If he sends you photos of “junior”...DELETE.

If his idea of a first date includes a “rub down” of any kind...DELETE.

If he refers to your chest as a “nice rack”...DELETE.

If he hosts after-parties…just for girls. Let me put it to you this way, “Hugh”…DELETE.

He goes dark for a week, and then out of the blue, sends you a text to see how you are. Well as far as you’re concerned, I might as well be dead, because you won’t be hearing from me again, sir...DELETE.

Good luck out there.

5x5,

B.

DELETE—Douchebag Dating Behavior

by Brittany Geragotelis

Once a week, my guest blogger (who shall remain nameless...okay, not nameless...let's call her Ms. Sassy Pants. Sassy for short) stops by to share all the things in her life that deserve a big, fat DELETE. Anyhoo, her majesty is back and this week, she's delving even deeper into the mind (and behavior) of the opposite sex. Check out what she had to say and then come up with a few DELETES of your own.

In light of my dating debacles from last week, I started to give some serious consideration to douchebag behavior, and how it's become a running theme in my life. Is it me? I feel like a host to a viral infection. Lately it’s been like Night of the Living Douchebags around this joint.

I'd be doing a disservice to women everywhere if I didn’t share my experience and insight into spotting a douchebag...Hopefully you'll be able to save yourself before it's too late. So, line up those crosshairs and get ready to fire…DELETE to the douche.

Here are a few things to watch out for…and keep in mind that these are (sadly) all actual occurrences:

He sips his wine with his pinky finger extended…DELETE.

He just has to mention the clothing label he's wearing—like I care…DELETE.

He asks if you play tennis, because he's so highbrow and sophisticated…DELETE.

He asks how much money you make. Wait, isn't that supposed to be what I ask him? DELETE.

He uses big words to sound more intellectual…DELETE.

He uses you for a place to stay while he's in town to pick up chicks…DELETE.

He brags about what area of town he lives in as casual conversation…for example, why don’t you come over to my apartment in (insert area…most likely a well-regarded part of town, however, their apartment is really the size of a postage stamp)…DELETE.

He tells you about the other girls he's dating…DELETE.

He's already slept with one of your coworkers… DELETE.

He brags about certain periodicals that he reads…DELETE.

He doesn't follow up or follow through when he says he will. If you say you're going to call on Tuesday, then you should. Thursday doesn’t count, doucheballs…DELETE.

He wears fur…DELETE.

He has an entire wall of photos dedicated to just himself. Hello, Mr. Ego…party of one, your table's ready! DELETE.

So, until I can get my life sorted out and stop attracting Mr. McDouchebags…I trust that you all will stand united and DELETE away. Just don’t, for the love of God, send them my way.
5x5,
B.

DELETE—Dating Drama

by Brittany Geragotelis

Once a week, my guest blogger (who shall remain nameless...okay, not nameless...let's call her Ms. Sassy Pants. Sassy for short) stops by to share all the things in her life that deserve a big, fat DELETE. Anyhoo, her majesty is back and this week, she's tackling the wild world of dating. Check out what she had to say and then come up with a few DELETES of your own.

Launching into the world of dating is no easy feat. And in reality, my life is more like an episode of "Punked" than "Sex in the City." I think I'd rather stay in, curled up in my bed, watching a marathon of "30 Rock" and stuffing my face with pizza, than have to endure another first date. All the BS conversation, asking questions about things you really don’t give two shits about. The bottom line is, I just want to know if I can spend more than an hour with you without multiple eye-rolls.

But once you get past that first date, establish somewhat of a rapport and start doing the dating rituals...that's when things can get a little sticky. How do you know when things are working, when they’re not and when you need to cut your losses and hit DELETE?

Here are a few things that should tip you off that your potential beau is more DELETE-worthy than DATE-worthy:

If they ask if your boobs are real…DELETE.

If they tell you how many girls they've slept with in the past 3 weeks…DELETE.

If they say they like looking at your photos on Facebook...every few hours…DELETE.

If they brag about having "seasonal" girlfriends…DELETE.

If they collect action figures of any kind...DELETE.

If they want to meet your parents after the first date…DELETE.

If they spend more time on their hair than you do…DELETE.

If they have an IV filled with booze…DELETE.

If they don’t want you to meet their friends…DELETE.

If they still live with their parents…DELETE.

Thumb rings. Stole this one from "30 Rock"…thank you Liz Lemon. DELETE.

If they expect you to cook them dinner on your first date…Martha Stewart doesn’t bleepin live here…DELETE.

If they remotely remind you of a cast member from the "Jersey Shore"…DELETE.

If they talk baby talk...Mama-Wama doesn't likey the Baby-Waby tawk…DELETE.

And this is just a short list. I’m sure I’ll have to revisit and revise as the weeks pass. Let’s face it, I’m not getting any younger and the pizza eventually will start to take it’s toll. But in the meantime, my finger is armed, ready and might I add just a bit trigger-happy to hit DELETE.

5x5,

B.

Love advice from the Professional Wingman himself!

by Brittany Geragotelis

all photos courtesy of Thomas Edwards

A little while ago I posted about a professional wingman whose job it is to help lonely people find love. Well shortly after I posted it, the wingman himself, Thomas Edwards, contacted me and thanked me for the shout-out. So naturally, being the journalist that I am, I asked him if he'd be willing to answer a few questions for my readers. Guess what: The real-life cupid said YES and was kind enough to take some time out of his busy schedule of hooking people up to give you all a few lessons on LOVE.


Book Slayer: What do you think is the most common problem people encounter when it comes to dating?

Professional Wingman: A wise man said: “Our imaginations are limited by our experiences.” If you don’t have experience when it comes to dating then you won't really be sure what’s possible and you’ll be nervous to put yourself out there. Too many people assume the worst and they psyche themselves out.

If you shift your mindset and focus on just becoming a better person through new and different experiences (dating or not), it’ll allow you to make better decisions in the future while exuding a more confident position, which ultimately leads to greater dating success.

Book Slayer: Did you ever think this would become your job?
Professional Wingman: Absolutely NOT. Ever since I was a kid, I’d always wanted to produce video games for a living. I mean, to me, that was the best job in the world—getting paid to play video games.

When I wasn’t having any luck finding an entry level position out of college, I started to look at other passions of mine. Self-development was one of those passions and it slowly led to where I am today. Two years ago, if you’d told me I’d be making a living helping people find love, I’d have laughed in your face.

Book Slayer: Any advice on places people can go to meet someone other than at a bar?
Professional Wingman: It’s been said that less than 5% of relationships start at a bar or club. So where do you go? Everywhere else! There are TONS of places you can go to meet people. Wine tastings, social sports clubs, cooking and dance classes, sporting events, the train, the bus, book stores, coffee shops, the grocery store, a concert, the park, the Apple store—literally anywhere.

If you shift your focus to allowing yourself to be open to meeting people at any moment, you’ll be very successful. It could be as simple as unplugging your ears and eyes from your phone or iPod and looking up (and smiling, of course) when you’re walking down the street.

One of the popular ways however, is through friends. One way you can create or find these opportunities is by going to or having your own house parties and inviting friends.

Book Slayer: What’s the most shocking pick-up line you’ve ever heard someone say? The most effective?
Professional Wingman: The most shocking line I’ve heard someone use was when a guy approached two girls and said, “Hey girls, I’m doing a survey on attractive women being approached by average guys.” The girls looked a little perplexed but were still game for what he was going to say next. From there though, he just asked silly and funny questions that made it clear he was making an excuse to talk to them. The girls laughed and obviously liked the line but after that, he didn’t know where to go, so the conversation died. I wouldn’t suggest using that one unless you know how to shift the conversation.

The most effective line isn’t really a line. It’s just a clear, simple and direct statement: “Hey, how’s it goin’? My name is [insert name here].” Women will respect your confidence in approaching them so boldly and if your body language doesn’t falter, she’ll reward you by having a conversation. Then, it’s up to you to prove you’re the real deal and build some attraction.

Book Slayer: What’s your most memorable success story?
Professional Wingman: About three months ago, a client called me, looking for help. His claim was that he was having too many one-night stands and wanted to find a more legitimate, long-term relationship. He was in college and under 20 so bars, clubs and his college campus were out of the question for him during the summer.

Over the phone, we strategized other places he could go during the day to meet girls and how to approach them. He started off very nervous about things but slowly started to improve. He was meeting girls at the gym, coffee shops, the mall and even online. He was progressing amazingly, considering most men dread trying to meet women during the day.

Eventually, it was time for school and I knew things were going to be drastically different for him in a great way. Within a week, he’d met a girl at a BBQ and they ended up having a couple of dates. He wanted to sleep with her but wasn’t sure if it was the right move, “considering his past.” I told him to “do what felt right. If you really like this girl, you’ll make it work.”

So then, I got a text message from him at 2:30 in the morning saying, “Mission accomplished!” I told him to e-mail me the details in the morning and when I heard from him, I was shocked to find out that he had something to confess. He told me that he’d been a virgin the whole time, and the night before, he’d lost his virginity. When I asked him about the “one-night stands,” he said that he’d had many—but they were of the kissing variety. In the end, he said it felt like seeing The Matrix for the first time!

Book Slayer: That’s awesome! So, since you’re a professional wingman, does that mean you’re lucky in love, too?
Professional Wingman: Indeed, I am! I have an amazing girlfriend with whom I’ll be celebrating our one-year anniversary with in a few weeks. The funny thing is, she’s also an online dating coach, and at the time, I was single by choice, so I definitely didn’t see her coming.

We’d been following each other on Twitter, because we were in the same industry, and one day she sent me a direct message wanting to meet up to talk collaboration. I happened to be on my way to NYC at the time, but I decided to go back to Boston a day early to meet with her. Best decision I’ve EVER made in my life. She’s an amazing woman and I’ve never been so happy.

Book Slayer: Awwww! Can you give us a few general dating tips for those who are still searching for love?
Professional Wingman: This may sound cliché, but love happens when you’re not looking. Why? Because your mind is focusing on everything else in your life, so when it comes to dating and relationships, your mindset is less pressured, which counter-intuitively, makes you more successful.

Having said that, you need to have some semblance of a plan. Dating doesn’t just happen, especially when you’re staying at home, catching up on TV shows off your DVR with your cat every night. Know what you want, find out where it is and go to the source. Go out with friends and try to create new friends. It’s important to have multiple social circles so you can have a variety of things to do, which will lead to meeting new people.

On top of all this, it’s important to push yourself out of your comfort zone and be willing to try things differently. If whatever you’ve been doing hasn’t been making you happy, it’s time to change things up. Different habits, create different results. You’re meant to find love. Truly believe that and you’ll get it!

5x5,
B.

DELETE—Dates, Kissing and Frosted Lipstick

by Brittany Geragotelis

Okay, we've got Mrs. Sassy Pants back in the house and she's chock-ful of plenty of DELETE's for your amusement. Take a look at what made her list this week!

This week my motto is: be careful what you delete, because it may come back to bite you in the ass. For example, dating in New York City isn’t easy, but once in a while you will find that gem. The one who can actually string two sentences together with ease. The one who can shoot off a quick, witty response to an e-mail exchange. The one who's actually taller than a bridge troll. The one who's employed. And finally, the one who, at the end of your first date, sucks your face off in the middle of the street…wait a minute, did that just happen?

Why yes…yes it did. I’m sure my date and I gave quite a show to all the unwilling passersby (more like "street victims," actually). No one should have to bear witness to a game of tonsil hockey—where you can actually SEE the guy's tonsils! So you got it folks…he has been DELETED!

Other things that got the DELETE button this week:

Anyone who thinks it’s okay to suck your face off at the end of a first date…DELETE!

photo credit: The CW/Gossip Girl

People full-on making out in the middle of the street. I know this was on last week's list, but it deserves another mention because apparently people are not getting it…DELETE!

People who hold the elevator door open to finish a conversation. Either step in or step out, fool! I’m not on your time…DELETE!

Not responding in a timely manner. That’s just plain rude…DELETE!

Talking on the phone in a public bathroom. Really!?!? No one on either end of that conversation is benefiting, and quite frankly, I really don’t need to hear about why the guy you were dating dumped your ass. Maybe because you had all your conversations with him while you were taking a dump, ya think?! DELETE!

Frosted lipstick—unless you're trying out looks for Halloween…DELETE!

So we shall see how this week goes. You never know, after the way last week went down I may be rocking a stellar shade of frosted pink lipstick by the week's end.

Mrs. Sassy Pants signing out…

DELETE!

5x5,
B.

An awesome guest blogger and a contest

by Brittany Geragotelis

photo courtesy of the
Professional Wingman

I heard back from the Professional Wingman (check him out to the left), a sort of dating guru I wrote about in a previous blog. Apparently he was psyched to be mentioned in my blog and has agreed to answer a few questions about love, romance and where to meet "the one." Stay tuned for his interview in an upcoming blog!

And because it's Friday and the beginning of a fun, extra-long weekend, I thought we'd start the break with a contest! So, take a look at the picture below and come up with the best caption for it. Then leave it along with your name in the comments section above. The person with the funniest/most clever caption will win an ARC of my choice. The winner will also get a book per points earned for the following (be sure to list any extra points you qualify for):
If you're a new follower=+1
If you're already a follower=+1
For referring someone to the giveaway=+3
For being the person referred=+2
Add me to your blog roll=+2
Tweeting this giveaway=+1
For posting about this giveaway on your blog=+3
For posting about this giveaway on your Facebook page=+3

Professional Wingman?

by Brittany Geragotelis

At first I thought this story was going to be lame. Some ego-maniac teaching sleazy guys how to pick up women. What I read was pleasantly surprising and also interesting at the same time. Basically, the Professional Wingman took his ability to give good dating advice and parlayed it into a lucrative business. This got me thinking. What talents do you have right now that you could turn into a successful business? Professional hair braider (wedding and event hairstylist)? Professional movie watcher (movie critic for your own entertainment blog/site)? Professional organizer (interior design for dummies)? The world is your oyster.

What would you do if you could start your own business today?

5x5,
B.

Friday Likes and Gripes: June 18, 2010

by Brittany Geragotelis

Time for my weekly Likes and Gripes. So, here they are:

LIKES:

1. The story of how Walt Disney chose to build Disney World in Florida. Doing a little research for my trip to Disney World in September! So sad that Walt died before he was able to see the magical place he created.

2. It's baby time. I'm heading up to Greenwich, CT, on Saturday to visit my good friend, Colleen. Coll used to work with me at cheerleader, and people think we're sisters whenever we're together. Not that we totally look alike or anything...we just happen to be short and white. Anyways, Coll just had baby #2 a few weeks ago and Matt and I are driving up to meet her new son, Beckett William Wood-Smith (and to play with her daughter, Sailor, too, of course)! They're both adorable (don't believe me, look at the pic) and I can't wait to hang out with the whole Wood-Smith fam!

3. Dating...but only, when it's not me. My friend "Betty" had her first date with "James" last night. I've been a giggly girly girl the past few weeks as I've been watching this possible romance blossom. I love it when people are at the beginning of a relationship...dating and getting to know each other. Everything's so exciting and hopeful. That is, I love it just as long as it's not ME doing the dating. The process of dating has always made me uncomfortable (I'm not talking about being in a relationship, just the beginning, going out on dates part)...I even insisted on wearing sweats on my first date with Matt, because I thought that if I wasn't dressed up, it wouldn't feel like a date-date. Silly, right? With that said, I've thoroughly loved watching this love story develop.

4. Glutamonnan. I started taking this dietary fiber pill a little over a week ago. It's supposed to help make you regular, help with cholesterol and weight loss. At first my system was NOT liking it, but now I think it's getting used to it (is that too much info?). I can't really tell if it's doing anything yet, so I'll give it a few more weeks before making any conclusions. Matt started taking it a few weeks ago and he's already lost 7 pounds!

photo credit: The CW/Hellcats

5. Ashley Tisdale. I officially scored getting Ashley Tisdale on our next cover. She's the star of the upcoming CW show, "Hellcats," and plays a college cheerleader on it. This will be my third time interviewing Ashley. Wanna know a secret? I was the first person to EVER interview her for a magazine! Pretty cool, huh?!

GRIPES:

1. The U.S. Post Office. To make a long story short, I showed up at the post office 20 minutes before closing, to mail something overnight the other day, only to be told by a security guard that they stop taking customers a half-hour before closing time. I then had to walk all the way to the main post office in NYC, where a worker proceeded to tell me all the things I'd done wrong in sending my package. Then yesterday, I went along with my boss to send a package out and the guy behind the counter acted SO put out that he had to get a small box for her. The boxes were like, six feet away! Do all post office employees have to sign a contract saying they'll be nasty to their customers? I don't think I've ever met a nice one yet....

2. New Fall Shows. I've started to watch all the new TV pilots for the Fall (yep, one of the perks of my job!)...and I gotta say, I'm a little disappointed. Now, I've only seen Fox and NBC's so far (The CW is on its way), but there's not a single one that I would set my DVR to tape. There was ONE show on Fox that was pretty funny, starring Roy from "The Office," but it's a mid-season replacement and who knows when it'll start. Ugh. I don't have high hopes for next year's TV.

5x5,

B.

A Match Made in Manhattan

by Brittany Geragotelis

Couples meet in all sorts of ways: online dating sites, museums, at a bar, blind dates, at the movies, out shopping. My boyfriend and I met at a diner. The point is, you never know when or how you're going to meet a person you might connect with. The universe is funny like that.

So, for those of you who are romantics at heart, are waiting to meet "the one" or just plain love a good story, this one's for you.

About two weeks ago, a security guard in the building where I work, stopped my boss on her way into the office, asking her if she was married. He told her not to worry, it wasn't because he was interested. See, he has a stepson who is a really great guy, smart, funny, great job and single. The guard explained that his stepson always dated girls that weren't right for him and all he wanted was for him to find a sweet girl like my boss. She was flattered, and told him that she was married, but that she had a few single friends and co-workers who might be interested. So, the guard gave my boss two pictures of his step-son (let's call him "James") and told her to pass them along to anyone she thought may be a good fit.

Our boss came in and told us all the story, and passed around the pictures...and surprisingly, the guy was totally cute! In one of the pics he was in uniform (he's an officer for the NY supreme court) and in the other, he was holding a cat (showing that he loves animals). He was a good-looking guy, around 30, had a great smile and a friendly face. As soon as I saw him and realized he wasn't a weirdo freak (be honest, you thought he might be too, didn't you!), I instantly thought he might be a great match for one of my girlfriends (let's call her Betty).

So, I took the pictures to Betty and told her the whole story. Being the open-minded, fun and adventurous person she is, she was game for being set up with the guy. And once I had the go-ahead, I made a collage of photos of Betty, included her contact information (and the note: "She's really great; you should definitely call her!") and passed it along to the guard to give to James.

Well, guess what? He e-mailed her just a few days later! And the message was totally cute! He was funny, outgoing, sweet and interested in getting to know her. They e-mailed a few times, and then he gave her a call. Last night they even talked for 2 1/2 hours on the phone! So, things are looking good so far....

The two of them have made plans to have their first date this Thursday...something totally low-key and fun, so they don't have to deal with the drama first dates can often bring. Betty's excited and from what I've heard, James is psyched too. I'm crossing my fingers that there's a love connection here, but even if there isn't, it's one heck of a story!

5x5,
B.

P.S. How did you meet your significant other? Got any cool stories to share?