It is often said that giving your time to someone is the greatest gift you can give an individual.

Allison Jones, editor of the career site Idealist.org, volunteers regularly to give back to her community.  Volunteering is not only a way to improve your community, but the people you meet in the process can leave a lasting impression much longer than the time you served.

Two years ago Jones helped an 11^th grade student with their college prep process. The experience through iMentor stuck with her for years to come.

“In addition to being ambitious and excited about school, she was also passionate about her family. She spoke fondly of her brother, mother, and grandfather. She taught me the importance of having high hopes for oneself while still loving and being committed to one’s family.”

You never know who you might meet while serving your community that could change your perspective on something. In ten years you probably won’t remember that Saturday you spent on the couch watching tv and ordering takeout. But chances are you will remember a friend you made, a project you completed, or the way you felt after volunteering.

There are many ways to get involved in NYC and get started no matter how difficult your schedule is.

NY Cares

iMentor

Catch a fire

Join Allison on Wednesday, April 16^th for a Skilled Volunteering Dinner at Taj Tribeca: https://www.grubwithus.com/meals/skilled-volunteering

Follow Allison’s blog about non-profit careers for millenials: Allison.j.org/2012/11/26/technology-careers/

via roadsandkingdoms

via imgur

via chicagoreader

via untappedcities

via buffaloeats

via pommefrites

via justaddcheese

via foodfashionandfun

via flickr

via chicagoreader

via justaddcheese

via consumedwithdiscretion

via flickr

via buffaloeats

via tacoslut

via veganconneticut

via reddit

via foodporndaily

via flickr

via tumblr

via dallasobserver

via thechive

via buffaloeats

via chickenandwaffles

via reddit

via tonycreates

via reallyredding

via brunchoclock

via diningchicago

via latimes

via ermergerd

via nolavie

via brunchofchampions

via cincyeats

via gaspersblock

via latimes

via hautekhuturre

via flickr

via elizabethbanks

via heresparkslope

via hautekhutuure

via foodiehunter

via serumno5

via foodvee

via prudentbaby

via theyummylife

via chocolatecoveredkatie

via skinnytaste

via mandyashcraft

via stltoday

via foodwhine

via stltoday

via besthomechef

via passthesushi

via number2pencil

via studentbeans

via studentbean

via foodnetwork

via threemoonbabies

1. Pack a picnic and head to your closest park. With Springtime upon us, it’s time to enjoy the great outdoors again. Celebrate the holiday in a serene environment & enjoy some Irish fare with a group of friends.

2. Soak up the Irish Culture at the Irish American Heritage Museum: take advantage of the holiday falling on a Sunday and brush up on some Irish History. Why are all those people wearing green anyway?

3. Go Green. Lack of shamrocks in your apartment complex got you down? Ok, us neither, but if checking out flora is your bag, check out all the plants in bloom this season at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens.

4. Get off the beaten path. Avoid the Manhattan crowds and head to Irish pub Kitty Kiernans in Bay Ridge.

5. Stay at home and host a potluck dinner. Sunday is a perfect night of the week for a potluck dinner party. Encourage friends to bring someone from outside your circle and make your own Irish libations.

Holidays are a great way to meet new people, so don’t let the hot-green-mess crowds deter you from avoiding the holiday all together. Find your balance and celebrate the way you want to.

Hope everyone finds their pot of gold this St. Paddy’s day.

via udontalk

via hdwallpapers

via studentslife

via selectgourmet

via mtkilamanjaro

via pitch

via learnenglishireland

via anirishhome

via travelmonkeys

via broadsheet

via markaddison

via myspace

via phoenixnewtimes

via amidacooks

via huffpo

via wendysgrass

via eataku

via anykitchen

via yelp

via roarprawn

via coconutandlime

via foodnetwork

via trialx

via flickr

via pikdit

via chefhermes

via dipity

via ctbites

via dgjury

via munchimonster

via yumsugar

via mythsmadereal

via noadventure

via fishcooking

via roqfish

via nolacuisine

via hungryinhouston

via deewallaceadventure

We’re partnering with USA Network to give 80 lucky grubbers in four locations across the nation the chance to see the 100^th episode of the hit series Psych before anyone else!

Get ready to strap on your detective hat (or other preferred mystery-solving wardrobe item) because you could win a pair of free tickets to the interactive Psych Murder Mystery Dinner and the chance to view a sneak peek of the yet-to-be-aired episode “100 Clues.”

Here’s an appeteaser to get you started:

Psych, Season 7 – 100 Episodes in 100 Seconds

Interested? Thought so. Because we’re psychic.

How to enter:

Go to our sweepstakes page and share it on Twitter and Facebook including your favorite Psych case or villain. The more you share, the more times you’re entered to win. Get to it! 

You stayed for dessert? That’s a good sign!

So you’ve just finagled your way into a first date, and it was awesome. Whether you met online, were hooked up by a friend, or simply passed your number onto the cute bartender, the chances of scoring a second date all rest on how you act after the initial one. So keep your cool and follow our simple tips on what to do after the first date.

For the Ladies

Back in the day, women were encouraged to just sit back and wait for the dude to call them after the first date. While gals shouldn’t chase men or buses (neither is going to wait for you), we do encourage you ladies to take charge and make the first move. This isn’t the 1950’s anymore. If you learned anything from your feminist theory courses in college, you should know that if you want something, you should go after it, whether it’s a job or a man.

Take a Subjective Stand

It’s important to take time and reflect back on your date to make sure if there was actual chemistry on your part. Did you feel butterflies? Were you physically and mentally attracted to him? Will you be excited to see him again?

Also take into consideration if the date went well. Was there regular eye contact? Did he order a second round of drinks? Did he ignore his cell phone during the entire duration of the date? Was the conversation fluid and relaxed? If you answered yes to all of these questions, then you had a pretty great date. If he seemed fidgety or preoccupied during the date and cut it short, you should really just lose his number. He’ll probably turn you down for a second date.

You’re ready! Pick up the phone!

When to Call or Text Him after the First Date

After you answer these questions, then it’s time to contact him. Whether you call or text him is up to you, but the important thing is to be clear about your intentions. If you didn’t feel a spark, cut your losses and move on. Be upfront about your feelings and thank him for the date but leave no room for a chance at a second round.

On the other hand, if you were diggin’ on him, be sure to leave the door open for another date. You can ask him outright on a second date or allude to a restaurant or activity you two should do together. During your conversation, suggest a tasty Mexican restaurant you two should hit up or a fun event that’s coming up that you want to go to.

The general rule of thumb is to wait a day or two before contacting him again. This gives you enough time to reflect on the date and think about if you’d like to see him again. Also, reaching out too soon after the first date gives off the impression you’re desperate.

Plan the Second Date

A second date can make or break a potential relationship. Just like the sophomore slump rock bands can suffer from when releasing their second album, you can become the victim of an excruciating second date after a rad one.

The second date should be a one-on-one activity, not a group effort. Save the meeting of your gang after you and he become more acquainted. A good second date activity is a casual dinner. You’ve outgrown the first date jitters and now can get learn more about him.

The trick is to start out pretty high brow, such as a meal at a nice restaurant, and progress to a low brow, dingy dive bar by the end of the night where you can bully the jukebox and down some cheap drinks. Don’t interrogate him with an endless series of questions (How was your childhood? What are your future aspirations? Do you want babies?) and keep the conversation light and easy. Remember, you’re still in the trial period during the second date.

And ladies, remember, dress to impress. Flaunt what yo’ mama gave you!

For the Fellas

According to experts, men know whether or not a woman has long term potential only after a few minutes of meeting her. But it’s much more complicated for females.

Be on Your Best Behavior after the First Date

Men who are pesky or allude to sex immediately after the first date can be a huge turnoff to women. First date protocol includes being a gentleman, even when the first date is over.

Wait a few days after the first day and then give her a call or text. Thank her for a lovely evening and suggest that you guys do it again real soon. If you picked the location for the first date, let her pick the second date venue. Even if you loathe sushi, be a good sport and go along with her plans.

Don’t be a Lapdog

One thing that women hate more than anything is a spineless doormat. While we love being complimented, turning into an un-opinionated jellyfish after we first meet you can end the potential for a second date. Don’t be confrontational about your opinions, but let us know where you stand on important subjects and don’t become a drooling lap dog who compliments everything from our shoes to our nail polish color.

We love a challenge as much as men do. So make us work for those compliments.