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 ...

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 at Lincoln Square. She works for BCBG Max Azria and took me to a Herve Leger show (pronounced air-vay lay-jay). Let me tell you, this experience was by far so incredible. Sarah has an amazing fashion career that seems like you only see in the movies. I'm sure like every other job, it has it's ups and downs, but this was so dream-like. It didn't actually hit me until I crossed the street and saw Lincoln Square for the first time.

I'm a New York newbie, let me feel how I'm feeling, ok? As I walked thru Lincoln Square, I glanced at all the woman posing outside in their extravagant and unique ensembles striking a pose. These women are the photos I've seen since I was in high school reading and tearing out pages in Bazaar and Vogue only to just imagine what it could be like.

As we walked in, there were guards at the door watching every move you made. It was dark inside and seeing the designers show names in classic black and white made it mysterious and sophisticated, yet exciting. You could feel the excitement in the air before the show, the energy is so vamped up you can hardly stand it. My cousin couldn't have put it into better words " It's like the  Super Bowl for woman".  He clearly hit the head on the nail.

People watching is such an event in itself. Looking at all the new fashion statements people where making made it art for the eye. We then had to wait in anticipation a little while longer before they let us into the showroom.

Patience as you may know is not my best asset, but some things are worth waiting for. As a large crowd was lead in, I poked my head around to the right and noticed a swarm of press and photographers at the end of the catwalk. I've never seen anything like it. As people were finding their seats, I noticed Coco Rocha in a black brimmed hat speaking to the press. Then, Jesse Metcalf casually grazes my shoulder. Is this real life?

As everyone slowly takes their seats, the lights dim and the music starts. One model after the other comes down the catwalk with a look of fierce in her eyes. I noticed the hot color schemes for  Fall 2014 were cool shades of blue, black and grey. These are then accompanied by luminous orange and a splash of lime. If your feeling a little funky, try dying a strand of hair electric blue or tangerine orange. As odd as thats seems, the models really pulled it off. Cage corsets belts and metal beading on the bandage dresses were show stopping. The Arctic furs and thigh high boots screamed fearless and confident. Max Azria knows how to make a woman feel sexy and sophisticated.  What an experience, I'm living my bucket list! Thanks again, Sarah!

February Sweet Spot: Dylan's Candy Bar

Hello Readers!

Since we are still seeing snowflakes and slush, I thought I would share with you something that is sure to perk you up. Valentine's Day is right around the corner and what a perfect opportunity to write about sweets. Candy, chocolate, sweet tooth galore! One of my all time favorite movies as a child was Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. What child didn't like that movie? This movie was so real to me, I remember one morning I awoke and felt like I was actually part of this heavenly whimsical place. I remember my father taking me and my siblings to ample amounts of candy shops as a child. I can't believe I didn't have any cavities as I look back.

Candy is magical.

 It gives us the ability take a quick pause during the hustle and bustle of life, and savor a childhood moment. There is also the colorful packaging, along with the wonder and amusement you get when you step inside a sweets factory.

I had to experience an awesome sweet spot while I'm living in New York, so I made my journey to Dylan's Candy Bar. Dylan Lauren is the daughter to Ralph Lauren, the inspirational clothing and interior designer. She most definitely gets her creativity and style from her father. The colors and design in the store take me back to the days of my youth. The smile on my face is that clearly, I'm incredibly excited to experience this shop, right? You need to visit if your ever in town. Here's a link into the world of pure imagination. Happy Day Dreaming!


Dylan's Candy Bar:

http://www.dylanscandybar.com

This is the face of one happy candy gal!

My Funny Valentine: The Benefits of Chocolate

Hello Readers!

Since February is heading in our way, I thought I would talk with you about my constant chocolate cravings I've had. Surprisingly, I'm not a big chocoholic. I never have been. I think the reasons for these so called constant cravings is because it's been so cold outside! Chocolate is sweet and comforting in times of uncertainty and, it  being frigid weather so far. Chocolate has been my partner in action at times when I need it most. Yes, I'm getting married in a few months, so I need to curb this little desirable sweet treat. The best advice I can give people is to live in moderation. Too much of something is a bad thing! Here are some benefits of chocolate that I can give you:

1. Chocolate is made from cacao. This superfood eaten alone is quite bitter tasting, the milk and sugar contained in chocolate is what is bad for you. Make sure the chocolate your eating is 70% cacao. This is usually dark chocolate.

2. Research has been done that eating a small dark piece of chocolate each day cut chances of heart attack or stroke percentages significantly.

3. Studies suggest chocolate can help curb cravings of other foods and help aid in weight  loss. I'm not saying eating a whole 1lb. bag of M&M's will help you. Remember dark chocolate and moderation, please!

4. In another study done in Italy, researchers found that patients who ate a dark chocolate bar a day,
saw their potential for insulin drop by a half.

5. Next time you feel stressed and anxious, reach for a piece of dark chocolate. Studies show people who ate chocolate when anxious or nervous felt more comfortable in uncertain situations.

Thank goodness Valentine's Day will be here soon. I can't wait for some  delicious chocolate!

January Children's Book: This is New York

Good Day!

Today I wanted to review a book that I absolutely love! This book is called: This is New York by M. Sasek. This book introduces students about the city of New York. I love how stylish and how beautifully illustrated this book is! This book was originally published in 1960, and has been updated! This book talks about the history of New York and all the great things to do in this big city.

Did you know that in 1626 a Dutchman named Peter Minuit purchased the island of Manhattan for a measly $24.00? I know I can't believe it either! This book also shows students the many historic buildings around the city including The Statue of Liberty, The United Nations, and The Empire State Building. I really enjoy this author's work. Not only does he do New York, some of his other books include Paris, San Francisco, and London. Just to name a few. Enjoy his great books!