Thursday, August 30, 2012

{Happy Early Weekend Peeps}

Tomorrow early morning - my sisters and my sister's fiance are driving home to Ohio for lots of fun festivities. It will be a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the city - but not looking forward to the 9-hour drive. Tonight I need to focus on what I'm going to pack, as I have put off that task all week. For today's post I thought I would brainstorm a few outfit possibilities for all of the activities we have planned:
weekend plans - friday
Weekend plans - sat
weekend plans - sunday
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Enjoy your weekend everyone - I'll be back on Tuesday - until then I'll see you on Instagram. xoxo
Jessica Signature

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

{The Will To Change}

Do you find yourself complaining about...everything? "I hate the way I look in these jeans", "I wish I could quit my job and do what I love", "I'm tired of being single", "If I had the money, I would go on a vacation". Sound familiar? These are just a few of the things that we complain about all the time - but how many of us are actually willing to do something to change them? The beauty of all of the things I mentioned above - weight issues, career, relationships, finances - are all things that can, with a little work, be changed - we just have to have the will to do it. If you hate the way you look - start to change how you eat and get some physical activity in. If you don't like your job - find another one, and hopefully it's doing something you love. Remember it's easier to find a job when you already have one. If you're tired of being single - put yourself out there, join a dating site, be open to the possibilities, date. If your finances aren't in order - reflect on your current spending and figure out a way for how you can save more. Sure none of these things can happen over night - but change can happen...if you're willing to work hard to change it. 
Don't complain
Jessica Signature

Monday, August 27, 2012

{A Glimpse Of My Weekend}

What a great weekend! My sister's best friend was in town and we had a blast exploring the city - shopping, rooftop drinks, lunch at Rockerfeller Center, sight-seeing on The Top of the Rock, and a little peeping on the Highline. Let me explain - there is a section of the High Line that allows you a pretty clear view into the guestrooms of The Standard Hotel. The guests purposefully fail to close the curtains as the frolic naked in front of their rooms' floor-to-ceiling windows, easily viewed from the High Line park below. The picture in the link above is my sister's best friend taking a picture of one of the.....frolic-ers - let's just say they grew quite a crowd. Good times - good times!!!
glimpse of weekend
Enjoy your week - I'm chanting to myself...only 4 days...only 4 days - then we're off to Ohio for Labor Day!
Jessica Signature

Friday, August 24, 2012

{TGIF Peeps!!!}

Good Morning! Today I took the day off from work for a Summer Friday - and it honestly couldn't come at a better time. I need an extra day of relaxing because a 2-day weekend just never seems enough. For a little change - here are my weekend plans {so far}...
weekend plans
link lovin I'm passing around the collection plate for those that would like to donate towards my shoe fund - I NEEEED these...{perfect walking heel for NYC + it's leopard print, duh}

Jess Lively {aka Jess LC} recently eloped in Paris. Such a cute story and if I ever get married - I may just do the same...

I'm obsessed {as in obsessed} with The Everygirl. My days are usually very hectic but I always make time to read their posts...you should too!

Now this I would love to try...homemade granola bars

Solange Knowles for Madewell - love her...and her Brooklyn apartment...

Enjoy your weekend Peeps!
Jessica Signature

Thursday, August 23, 2012

{Recent Purchases: Begging for Cooler Weather}

Over the last couple of weeks - I've picked up a few pieces for fall and thought I would share a few of my favorite finds. Once I get to actually wear them, I promise to post pics of me in them - but for now...
Recent Purchases
1. Military Jacket - If you have noticed, all things military are huge right now in fashion. I purchased mine from Gap and while it's been way too hot to wear a jacket - I can't wait to wear it this fall. Click here and here for a little inspiration...

2. Leather Peplum Shirt - I talked about this in my last post, and again can't wait to wear this. You can't go into any store right now without seeing all things peplum - so just go ahead and jump aboard - and click here and here for ideas for how to wear it...

3. Leather Pants - I've wanted a pair of these since last winter, and finally I found a pair at Zara (thanks to my live-in stylist - my sister) and am looking forward to their arrival. I plan to style them like this, this, and this...

4. Red Lipstick - My makeup (like my wardrobe) is fairly neutral so I decided to add a big punch on my lips and went for a bold red. I purchased this from Sephora - Smashbox Infrared Matte. Oooo la la...

5. Booties - Here in NY booties are worn year round. I've been looking for a pair that had some style to it but were also walkable - and I found them here!Jessica Signature

Friday, August 17, 2012

{TGIF Peeps}

Screen shot 2012-06-21 at 9.14.03 PM
Happy Weekend Ya'll! I made it through another hectic work week, and now it's time to unwind and relax. I don't have anything planned for this weekend other than quickly taking the ferry over to IKEA to pick up some frames for our gallery wall. It's going to be nice out, low 80s, minimal humidity - so me and my sister thought about walking around and taking tons of pictures of the city. From the people, to the streets, to the taxis, to Central Park, to the food - everything. It's easy to take the city for granted, so this weekend we plan to embrace it's beauty while sharing our journey with you over on Instagram. Other than exploring the city, my sister and I talked about making a pie from scratch this weekend. My mom always complains how hard it is to make the perfect crust - but we are going to try it out {if you have any tricks and tips, please let me know}. Pics to come for sure - good and bad - promise.
camera
link lovin

- Purchased these monogramed iphone button stickers yesterday - super cheap and too cute right?

- For you Bachelor fans - peep out the styling that Apartment 34 did to Ben and Courtney's apartment!

- So looking forward to Fashion's Night Out here in the city...gonna be so much fun!

- Sure I could buy this tassel garland - but I really want to make a string myself to hang in my room...

- Such a great post on managing your time...

Enjoy your weekend Peeps! Jessica Signature

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

{Fall Must Haves: Harem Pants & Sequins}

The moment I saw both of these items in the Zara lookbook  I instantly knew they were going to be mine. Lucky me, I pass by Zara everyday on my way to and from work, so I will be stalking the store waiting on pins and needles for these items to hit the floor. Fall is right around the corner and I. can't. wait!
zara lovin Jessica Signature

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

{Food For Thought Tuesday: Alternative to Chips and Fries???}

Yep - I gasped as well - as if there could ever be a suitable substitute for potato chips and french fries - but after skeptically clicking on the link, I was pleasantly surprised at the options and plan to make several of the options. Selections like baked avocado, baked mozzarella cheese sticks, cheesy bacon oven chips, beet chips, and baked pickles are just a few of the recipes to drool over. Click here and be prepared for a little ooohing and ahhing. Enjoy!
Alternatives to potato chips
Jessica Signature

Monday, August 13, 2012

{DIY: Destroyed Boyfriend Jeans}

Good Morning Peeps!! Hope everyone had a nice weekend! As planned I did a lot of shopping, grabbed some great eats and drinks, read a few magazines and watched the Olympics - and then threw in a few unexpected things like walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, and doing a few DIY projects. One project was destroying a pair of boyfriend jeans {a project I've been wanting to do for a while now} and below I've provided a detailed step-by-step in case you too would like to try it out:
destroyed jeans 1 use this destroyed jeans 2 destroyed jeans 3 destroyed jeans 3b use this destroyed jeans 4 use this Jessica Signature

Friday, August 10, 2012

{TGIF Peeps}

Screen shot 2012-06-21 at 9.14.03 PM
I may be sounding like a broken record, but I am over the moon with excitement that today is Friday!!! I need a B.R.E.A.K - like a real one, so this weekend I plan to relax and try to recover from such a hectic week. Drinks are definitely in order - a little shopping - and as long as the weather cooperates {ie not hot and muggy like it's been}, I would like to visit the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market. Additionally, everyday after work I take a different way home so I get to see all of the shops and restaurants I wouldn't see otherwise, so again as long as the weather permits, I'd like to visit a few of these places. I have some friends coming to visit in a few weeks - so I have to start working on the itinerary of places to go - but gotta check them out first! So.....what are your plans this weekend?
friday
I'm sorry this post is so short today, and lacking my usual Link Lovin - but I'm running a little behind and gotta get going. Enjoy your weekend Peeps - I'll make it up to you next week. xoxoJessica Signature

Thursday, August 9, 2012

{NYC Everyday Necessities}

So many lessons I have learned in the short time I've been here in NYC - but the most important lesson is making sure to have the following key essentials. Having these items in my daily bag makes life easier and prepares me for the unexpected. My current bag looks a little different than what it used to...
whats in my bag Jessica Signature

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

(Food For Thought Tuesday: 5 Small Meals}

When you spread your calorie intake into five smaller meals a day, you create a steady stream of energy that can keep you going without that drag you feel in between meals. It can increase your metabolism and help you burn more calories throughout your day keeping your energy levels at a constant, instead of irregular highs and lows. This is because it regulates and stabilizes your blood sugar and insulin levels.

When your blood sugar levels spike, this can signal your body that it’s time to start storing fat and can cause your energy levels to basically crash leaving you tired and ineffective during your day. Switching to five meals a day can even help you lose weight because it can curb your cravings by keeping you full and not thinking about your next meal. However, there is a right way and a wrong way to switch from three meals a day to five meals a day.

Planning is essential to your success. It’s not just about eating five meals a day, it’s about eating the right meals. If you don’t plan ahead, you’re liable to select junk food that really provides empty calories and no real energy benefit. If you’re at work, keep a couple of emergency options in your desk in case you forget to plan appropriately. I'm constantly snacking on mixed nuts, fruits like an apple or a banana that I grab from the fruit vendor on the corner, vegetables like carrots and cucumbers to dip into hummus, or a few chunks of cheese and multi-grain crackers. Again it's all about the planning. 
5-Meals-A-Day-Infographic
Just a little food for thought... 
Jessica Signature

Monday, August 6, 2012

{Insta-Monday}

Good morning peeps! Hope everyone had a lovely weekend. While it was mad hot out, I had a fantastic weekend - full of relaxation, shopping, and good eats. Here's a little a snapshot for you to enjoy:
insta-weekend 8.5.12
- I got some flack from my Cleveland peeps about my hat - and even though I'm an Indians fan at heart, I just had to get this hat!

- I purchased the Cupcakes and Cashmere book this weekend, and I'm not just saying this because I'm a huge fan of her and her blog, but this book is AMAZING!!! It's chugged fun of fashion, food, decor, makeup, entertaining ideas! I honestly feel that it should be more than $19.99! Get.it.

- On Saturday afternoon, while me and my sister was shopping - we had an urge for a beer. Once seeing lots of people in the restaurant with this flight of beer, I had to try it. Come to find out, I'm a huge fan of dark beer - it was definitely one of my favorites!

- Rosemary lemonade at the flea market - sooo refreshing!

- I've posted about these pickle chips before - and at the flea we bought their homemade pickles and dill relish...mm mm mm - so good!

- My sissy Tara - eating some of the best roasted corn we've ever had. It was finished off with butter and cheese - delish!

- I decided to leave the ampersand sign behind this time - but I'll be back to get it!

- Maple cupcakes topped with bacon...need I say more?

- Just a quick glimpse at my finds (and piece of local art from an artist in Brooklyn, a handmade pillow full of color for the living room, and a gold letter J brooch). Stay tuned for full pics of these items once we get the living room fully together - it won't be long!

Enjoy your Monday loves!
Jessica Signature

Friday, August 3, 2012

{TGIF Peeps!!!}

How many of you are doing the happy dance this morning??? One because Gabby Douglas won GOLD last night...and because today is Friday!!! Woot woot, it's Friday, woot woot, it's Friday. I'm glad you can't see my happy dance, lol!! So on to the weekend plans... I'm still looking for comfy shoes, and I need a new pair of jeans, so surprise surprise - I'll be doing some shopping. I also plan to get some exercise in by walk/running along the Hudson, and then treating myself to some good eats and drinks. Sunday - I'm planning on going to the Brooklyn Flea and Smorgasburg to hopefully pick up a few finds to warm up our apartment a little. When I moved, as you know, I literally sold everything I owned - now I'm being very picky about what I bring into the house - making sure everything has a place and purpose. Other than what I've mentioned, I plan to enjoy the Olympics and get some relaxation in. What about you?
brooklyn flea

 link lovin

- Love this feature - 20 fashion essentials from the Every Girl...to get by and to invest...

- I'll be looking for brooches at the Flea to pull off this look...

- What to pack for the various trips you go on...work, the city break, the beach...love it

- How to build a bar...we are working to build ours...

- Blogging as a career - I would love to be able to do this, to have the time to do it...remember my post from yesterday? Wheels are turning...

Enjoy your weekend Peeps! Jessica Signature

Thursday, August 2, 2012

{What You Do Today}

I found this quote over on Pinterest yesterday, and it really couldn't have come at a better time. Do you ever feel like you wake up every morning, perform your usual morning routine, rush out the door to join the rat race, complete tasks that you probably wouldn't do if your paycheck didn't rely on it, and then ask yourself "for what"? Is what you do every day something that you are passionate about? Is what you do every day something that you are ok using up one of the days of your life for? This quote  really has put things into perspective for me. 
what you do today

If what you're doing isn't challenging you, isn't speaking to you, isn't motivating, isn't helping you grow...change it, do something different, follow your passion....only you can do it {as I speak to myself}.
Jessica Signature

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

{Creme de la Creme}

Morning Peeps!!! Let me first apologize for my lack of posting over the last week. Things have been a bit hectic at work and other than sleep, I really haven't had time to do much of anything else. THANK YOU for your emails hoping that everything was ok with me - I really appreciate the support.

Last night while watching the Olympics (WOOHOOO GO USA!!!!) I was able to catch up on some of my favorite bloggers and fell in love with this super casual-chic look that Blair over at Atlantic-Pacific put together. Immediately I clicked on the link of where to purchase the sweatshirt and to my surprise it is $160 and sold out - wow guess there's lots of people eager to purchase $160 sweatshirts out there. To my disappointment I've decided that I'm going to have a Creme de la Creme sweatshirt - and I'm going to make it myself. 

creme de la creme Project Project Project! All I'll need is a gray sweatshirt, some iron-on black letters and just a little patience to ensure I line up the letters just right. Pair it with some boyfriend jeans and the perfect leopard pump - I'll be ready to hit the flea markets on a Saturday afternoon. You like?
Jessica Signature