Style Sundays: White Hot Summer Looks!

Hello Readers!

I hope you enjoyed your American filled Red White and Blue Holiday! New York was partly rainy in the morning but cleared up during the early evening. I'm not a huge crowd goer, so I was totally satisfied by going uptown for a little nosh in the city. The place is called Meatballs and they concoct the best Meatball sandwich!

As we were approaching the subway, all I could see was a sea of yellow and green jerseys around me.  I'm not a soccer super fan, so it was my hypothesis Brazil was playing another team. Venturing out on the Fourth of July in New York, not once did I see anyone in USA patriotic colors. I was a bit perplexed,  but I understand the diversity that New York encounters.

We are a melting pot of nationalities that live side by side in very close quarters in this mecca  of people and skyscrapers.  It's easy to get frustrated if you are not accepting of another's race. Stop the useless hate and release positive energy. We are all the same on the inside!   I've seen every nationality possible and mixtures of ethnicities that I have never encountered before. That's what makes America so beautiful.

It's openness and accepting attitude (sometimes) that makes this place so exciting. It's  the ability to reach for your dreams and goals to make your life your very own American dream. It's the different food choices on each corner that entice me with their delicious differences.

I am proud to say that on July 4th of this year, I sported my colors that I am proud to be an American and live in the greatest country in the world. I wore a little white dress and a navy blazer.

I did get to see the fireworks from my apartment view and the Empire State Building light up red, white and blue.  This summer, stay cool in white and let your hair drip dry for less heat damage. You will  stay cool and see a difference in your hair health!  Stay white hot! Have a great summer!

I love you,  America!

It's Summer! Beach Essentials Wishlist

Hello Readers!

Now that it's summer, I have been scouting the stores trying to find fun products for summer. I recently watched The Today Show with Kathy Lee and Hoda. These women are so funny. I thought their idea of a lounge chair constructed into a picnic basket including a bottle of wine and two little glasses was so cute!

I could just picture the East coast sunset with two little fashionable Trina Turk chairs in the sand! Being in the hot and humid subway during my commute  is rough. I want to dress for the weather. White is the color to be in! Stay tuned for my next blog.

Here are my dream essentials!


1. Clos Du Bois Beach Chairs

http://www.closdubois.com/index.cfm?method=pages.showPage&PageID=720914D4-F356-AEB9-9AB6-B55DDF9200E9

2. Bobbi Brown Beach Fragrance

http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/product/5896/20499/fragrance/fragrance/Beach/SS12/index.tmpl

3. Evian Facial Spray

http://www.evian.com/en_us/56-Facial-Spra

4.  Tory Burch Fedora Hat

http://www.toryburch.com/classic-grosgrain-fedora/21135014.html

5. Limited Edition Victorias Secret Very Sexy Now Eau De Parfum

https://www.victoriassecret.com/beauty/fragrancecd/limited-edition-very-sexy-now-eau-de-parfum-victorias-secret?ProductID=185479&CatalogueType=OLS

                                                           6. Bobbi Brown Beach Oil

http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/product/2294/7462/Gifts/Fragrance/Beach/Beach-Body-Oil/index.tmpl

                                       7. YSL Rouge Volupte Perle in #107 Impetuous Beige

https://www.yslbeautyus.com/rouge-volupté-perle/3365440066267.html

Remember to drink plenty of H20 and wear Sunscreen! Happy Summer!

Keep Your Friends Close, No Matter How Far Away They May Be!

Hello Readers!

Sorry for taking some time off of my writing to catch up with y'all.  This past weekend I had so much fun and inspiration that I had to write  a little bit about it. My girlfriends came to New York to spend time with me for my Bachelorette weekend.  With being busy with work and planning a wedding, I sure needed one!

I felt so special that my friends came to wish me well and took the time out of their busy schedules to have a fun weekend in the city. I missed them so much! We went down to Times Square to celebrate this special occasion. As I get use to being a "New" New Yorker, the less I want to even step foot around Times Square because of the constant " tourist" vibe I get from the area. But since it was such a special occasion, I felt the need to become a tourist in my new city.

When I  got off work, I walked into the "W" Times Square and felt an immediate Bachelorette vibe. The colors in the hotel remind me of my favorite girly colors as a child. " Pink and Purple" were the colors splashed all over the contemporary  decor. This screams Cyndi Lauper's Girls Just Want to Have Fun! Fun, Fun, Fun!

I met my sister and my best friend from college at the door. Then my other girlfriend flew in  from Chicago. I was immediately overwhelmed with friend fuzziness!

That weekend we hit  so many " New York" hot spots. Soho for boutique shopping, (my favorite area in the city), Mercer Kitchen, a 5th Avenue shopping extravaganza, observing the Sesame Street Set and cast outside The Plaza Hotel, New York Caprese Pizza, Beauty and Essex, Bloomingdales, Henri Bendel, Sprinkles ATM Cupcake Machine, Lips Drag Show, Rockefeller Plaza Summer Patio Restaurant, Salud's Juice Bar, Laduree Macaroons, Justin Timberlake playing ALL weekend, and My girlfriend falling from her wedge while walking out of a boutique. Ouch! Lol! We did a lot more but I can't go on.

My point is, we become so busy while growing into our adult bodies and careers, we sometimes lose touch with our friends and what's important to treasure and hold onto. I will never forget this past weekend and how I need to cut out time for people that are important in my life. Thank you ladies for an unforgettable weekend! I can't thank my sister enough for these memories I will never forget. Our next annual trip should be Paris? Dreams do come true if you believe in them!  XOXO

Salud's Juice Bar:

http://www.saludnyc.com

Laduree:

http://www.laduree.com/en_int/

Mercer Kitchen:

http://www.themercerkitchen.com

Beauty and Essex:

http://beautyandessex.com

Big Apple Apartment Living

Hello Readers!

My fiancé and I have been on the lookout for a great apartment in New York. I enjoyed my brief time living in such tight quarters on the Upper East Side in Manhattan, but as I'm starting to bud like a tiny seedling, I need more space! I feel like Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's. She had such limited space, and good taste! Isn't that what life is all about? A series of trade offs?

 Or, in business terms, opportunity costs. I'm not very good with trade offs.  But, I will learn I guess. If you pick a location that is in high demand, you will have to suffer  the consequences of living like a sardine in a tin can. Heaven forbid you live in a one bedroom! The rent is obnoxious and way too high. Money isn't everything, but it is nice to have!

Although I will miss the long summer walks I took in Central Park, or being a train stop away from my favorite fashion stores (that I can't afford anyway). I will also reminisce about the mini grocery stores that leave you wanting to go, what did I just buy that was so expensive? ! Oh yes, that was bread! I think I had my full fledged studio living in downtown Manhattan.

 I'm really ready to stretch out and decorate our first brand new apartment! Don't worry, Manhattan, I work here, so I'll be in everyday.  I just couldn't take the constant scrubbing of grubby century old tile that would never look clean. Or the 3' x 2 ft. kitchen that had never been updated. Try cooking in that! Maybe I'm too OCD for city living.

No, no, New York is my favorite place to live by far. I just need space, and an eye catching humble abode for our budding new beginning newlywed life! I'm so ready to start decorating like Martha. It's about TIME! I can't wait!

We found a new building located in Queens. Surprisingly enough, it's a famous location from 1984. Have you ever seen the movie "Coming to America" with Eddie Murphy? Our building is shown off and next to the lovely, McDowell's. Pretty hilarious I must say. The area us very up and coming with newly built luxury apartments springing up left and right. What a great adventure! I can't wait to start!

Forks in the Road: Decisions, Decisions!

Hello Readers!

I hope I haven't kept you waiting for too long! I recently got a job working as a teacher in New York City. I've been busy with lesson plans, wedding plans AND the transition to find a new place to live. Talk about busy! Starting a new job is quite stressful. Not only do I have to learn the habits and behaviors of the students I teach, I want the people I work with to work in harmony with me as well.

This is a major job in itself! I'm really starting to enjoy where I'm working. I do often daydream of my past experiences and how I miss all the people that came into my life. Now, it's time to turn a new chapter! Change is hard! Now, I know why kids like routine so much. It's comforting and relatable. But, how do we then grow if we can't learn new things and meet new people?

I recently woke up to a colossal zit on my forehead and told myself, " Kristen, you are going through a lot of different experiences and this is ok". Sometimes we just need to suck it up and go through the discomfort of being " new" and tell ourselves we're human and we make mistakes. No one can tell you how to live your life, you have to make choices in life and deal with the circumstances that come along with the choice.

If you're stuck in a fork in the road, and don't know which way to turn, meditate. Write down your thoughts and think things through. In this go-go world, we want instant gratification and decision making at the speed of light. Don't think like that! Very often, Choices and decisions need time. Don't beat yourself up. AND, never let someone or something make up your mind for you! Here's some ideas to calm you and help you think more clearly:

1. Meditate- pull out your yoga mat and sit silently listening to your breathing.
2. Go outside and take a walk. - The air is good for you!
3. Get some good sleep. -8 hours
4.Socialize with friends and family
5. Eat Healthy
6. Workout

I hope his advice helps you whenever you come to your fork in the road. Hang in there and have a great weekend!

Be Mine: Valentines Day L-O-V-E

Happy Friday!

I also wanted to say, Happy Valentines Day! In honor of Shirley Temple, I wanted to touch upon my childhood and the many Shirley Temple drinks my sister and I would consume. These little sugary drinks take me back to my childhood memories of spending vacation with my grandmother. We would always love to watch the classics like The Little Rascals and little Miss Shirley Temple.  She was so spunky and driven at such a young age!

Shirley put a smile on audiences faces when they were faced with The Stock Market Collapse and The Great Depression of the 1930s. She's such an inspirational little actress of her day. I recently ordered a virgin Shirley Temple, and it instantly took me back to my childhood memories.

This Valentines Day, you don't have to splurge on extravagant gifts, just telling that special someone that you love and cherish them should be a gift enough. I'm not saying that gifts aren't special, but just spending time with ones you love should be a gift in itself.

My favorite part of Valentines Day when I was a child, was giving and receiving those paper Valentines cards. It really makes you feel special! Not to mention getting those awkward boy meets girl butterflies. Cupid's arrow strikes again!

Shirley Temple had a great life. She put smiles and the magic of childhood in the lives of many.  I hope each person gets a hug or kiss on this special day! Show that special someone in your life that they mean the world to you. So, raise you're Shirley Temples and drink to love being in the air! Cheers!

XOXOXO

Shirley Temple Recipe:

1. 7Up/ Ginger Ale
2. 1 Tablespoon Cherry Grenadine
3. Maraschino Cherries

Mix and drink up!

Inspired by Kristen: NY Fashion Week Recap: Fall 2014 Herve Leger

Inspired by Kristen: NY Fashion Week Recap: Fall 2014 Herve Leger: Hello Readers! This weekend was such an inspirational event! My cousin and his wife were in town and she invited me to a fashion show ...