Friday, February 28, 2014

{Weekend Plans + Friday Finds}

{insert the sound of knocking on wood} I think I'm finally getting back to normal! I've made some big strides over the last few days, so this weekend I have quite the laundry list of things that I've been dying to do. I'm sure I will probably overdo it - but I don't care, I have to get out of this apartment!
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1. This evening I have an engagement party to go to at the Rubin Museum of Art which is literally 20 steps from my apartment. This museum has been on my list to visit and now I finally get to go and celebrate this special time with my friend!

2. Tomorrow afternoon my sister and I are going to get on the ferry and head over to the one place that you walk looking for just a few items and end up with a $300+ basket full of stuff.

3. IKEA!!!! We have needed to go to IKEA for the longest time. I need some frames for my quote wall, and also need to pick up some containers for organizers. Who knows what else I may end up finding - don't worry - I'll be sharing my finds with you!

4. I've received all of my jewelry supplies but still need a few more items before I can get the new pieces up on the site. Now that I'm able to go - just a little longer before the grand opening!

5. I have a birthday party to go to on Saturday evening. Unfortunately I can't drink because I'm still on medication - but I look forward to celebrating and seeing some friends that I haven't seen for a while.

6. Finally, Sunday is laundry and grocery shopping day. Boy do both of these things need to happen! After I'm done with my errands, then it's time to come home and prepare for the big night - the Oscars! I'm so looking forward to the Red Carpet and also seeing what Ellen has up her sleeve. Should definitely be an entertaining night!

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1.  I hit my 900th follower on Pinterest - woohoo!!! For those of you that follow me - THANK YOU for your support! Muah!! For those that don't - well.....what are you waiting for (lol)?  Check it out!

2. Loved this post on the Everygirl about grocery shopping with a budget of $65. Definitely a great read!

3. The gladiator trend is back this spring and summer, and while I'm definitely trying to fill my closet with classic pieces that I can wear season after season, I really like these sandals and think I should scoop them up. 

4. Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus - I'm making these on Sunday. Yum!!

5. My current bedroom doesn't allow me to have a headboard or footboard. As our lease is almost up, and we will not be renewing - my next apartment HAS to have these 4 things: A LOT of natural light,  a nice sized kitchen, a closet that will fit all of my clothes and shoes, and a bedroom big enough to fit this bed. You'll be hearing a lot about plans for the next move in the coming months!

Enjoy your weekend Peeps!

Thursday, February 27, 2014

{Building A Brand: Six Eighty Eight Jewelry}

I need your help! As I'm making big strides in getting my jewelry shop back up and running, I need some advice as to what logo I should select. I have my top favorites but I thought I would poll my readers to see what you think. As my line is more stream-lined and delicate, I wanted the logo to reflect the same. So what do you think? Please comment below with which one is your favorite!!
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Wednesday, February 26, 2014

{Retail Therapy: Shopping From The Couch}

Over the last couple of weeks I've spent A LOT of time in the bed and on the couch. A couple of days ago I posted on Instagram my frustration and how I just wanted to get back to normal life, see people, shop, and eat ice cream. A couple of my girlfriends commented and said that I could eat ice cream on the couch and shop online! And just like that, a light went off, and I said to myself - why yes! yes I can eat ice cream and shop on the couch.....and that's exactly what I did...and here's the damage:
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1. What does one do when their old watch dies? Well buy a new one of course! It hasn't been delivered yet, but I can't wait to get it. It's very similar to my old watch - but I'm loving the black face. 

2. Right now I can only wear things that stretch, so I've been on a hunt to find bottoms that are comfortable but also stylish - and I found these!

3. Did I need yet another hat? No. But I've been looking for a slouchy hat, and I found this one!

4. I'm obsessed with coats. I'm obsessed with oversized coats. Do I need another coat?......of course I do. lol!! No I didn't need it, but it was a really good price and I liked it, so I hit submit. I also bought another coat from Etsy that is currently being made for me - but I'll post about that later! Just wait - you're gonna love it! After this last coat, that's it!

5. See #2 - guess you can say I have a thing for Harem pants right now. I also have the shoes pictured here and plan to wear these pants exactly as shown above. 

I realize I did a little more splurging than I probably should right now, but I had to listen to my girlfriends, right? Plus I deserve a little pampering... don't ya think?

Like what you see? Leave a comment and I'll provide a link!

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

{Amazing Benefits of Coconut Oil}

The question is - what can't coconut oil do? Just recently while having a conversation with my sister I learned all of the benefits that coconut oil has. I mean - how didn't I know this? Why am I late to the game on this one? Coconut oil is unique for its medium-chain fatty acids. They’re easy to digest and funneled straight to the liver, where they produce energy instead of body fat, stimulating your metabolism. Studies have shown that women who consumed about two tablespoons of coconut oil daily for 12 weeks lowered their abdominal fat, which we all know isn’t easy! Did you know that olive oil, due to its chemical structure, breaks down when it hits heat and actually becomes toxic? Neither did I!! So that's when I did a little research and have come to the conclusion that as a general rule of thumb: cook with coconut oil (I hear that it even makes your food taste better), and use olive oil at room temperature (think dressings...hummus, etc). So without further ado, check out some of the amazing benefits you can gain by using coconut oil:
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Monday, February 24, 2014

{I've Caught The Travel Bug}

Since I have been held captive in the house over the last couple of weeks (THANK YOU for the well wishes, texts, emails, etc. I'm definitely feeling better but still have a little ways to go), my mind has gone into overdrive about all the things I will do and places I will go once I start to feel better. I've caught the travel bug and desperately want to start to plan at least one trip this year. 

Taking a road trip is something that I've always wanted to do. Start from anywhere on the east coast and travel across the country to California making lots of stops along the way, taking pictures at all state lines, picking up cheesy souvenirs, eating at diners, checking out weird attractions and national parks, making memories - doesn't that sound like fun?? Sure traveling across Europe is also on my list, but there's also so many places here in America that I still want to see and experience. What better way to do that than a road trip?!
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I'm not sure why I've never done this... I've always lived pretty close to water, and have never taken my art supplies along with me. This is something that I will definitely do this summer! 
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Now this is a dream trip - definitely not happening in the nearest future - but lately I've added Thailand to my wish list and would love to swim with the elephants. It seems scary, maybe a little gross, but how could it not be one of the most exhilarating and beautiful experiences you could have? 
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So now it's time to start planning. I would love to do a road trip this year, but it will depend on finding the right travel partner/s to tag along. There's always a cruise, or Vegas, or an all-inclusive trip I could take - but thought I would take a poll and see if 1. you have any trips planned for this year, and 2. if you have any great/cost-effective vacation ideas that I can plan. Would love to get your thoughts!

Sincerely,

Cabin-fever in NYC

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

{I'll Be Back}

Hello out there! I'm sorry I have been MIA but I've been recovering (from last week) and preparing for my procedure today. NOT looking forward to it - but I am looking forward to getting it done so that I can heal and move on. Wish me luck and I hope to be back on Thursday.

PS. I have a confession. I bought these shoes last night. It was an impulse. I couldn't help it. The bow made me do it. Sigh.....I need therapy. 
Aminah Abdul Jillil Shoes

Friday, February 14, 2014

{Weekend Plans + Friday Finds}

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On Tuesday I had an outpatient procedure done and it has caused me more pain and recovery than I ever expected. The scary thing about this is I have to go back on Tuesday for another round of treatment and that means I have to repeat the pain and recovery all over again. Don't worry, I'll be fine - that just means that I have to stay cooped up in the house this weekend. Ideally, I would love to get out and about as I've been in the house all week - but I don't think pushing my body too fast is a good idea. So this will be my uniform - I'll move back and forth between the bed and the couch reading and watching chick flicks. Sounds fun right? bleh......
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I've always wanted to do a cross-country roadtrip to California, spend several days there and then fly back. This site would be perfect in planning that trip. All you do is put in your starting and ending city and states and they will map out a fun trip along the way. Now....who wants to do it with me?

I love this quote wall. For those of you that watch Being Mary Jane, this is a kicked up version of all of her sticky notes. I plan to make a wall of quotes at the foot of my bed - something to look at as a reminder before going to bed and after waking up. Love this! (maybe this is something I can work on this weekend?)

This cake - yo - this cake! Oh the things I would do to this, lol!

Urban Glamping. As in fancy camping, not outside, but in your house. I love this! Definitely putting this in my back pocket. How fun would this be with all this snow outside. 

These shoes in black (of course) and this watch are next on my shopping list. You like?

Enjoy your weekend Peeps!

Thursday, February 13, 2014

{Borrowed Cocktail: Grapefruit Cucumber}

Oh the beauty of Pinterest - you type in "grapefruit cocktail" and just like that it gives you all sorts of options to choose from. After just a few scrolls down the page, I found this recipe below (courtesy of Joy The Baker) and immediately I knew I had to share it. How refreshing does this look? Just the sight of it makes you wish you were sipping this on a warm spring-like day. Instead - we get to deal with yet another snowstorm - that's enough to make you want to drink! So without further ado:
Grapefruit Cucumber Cocktail 1

Grapefruit Cucumber Cocktails (makes 2 cocktails)

lots of ice

2 to 4 ounces gin, depending on how strong you’d like your cocktail 

1 cup fresh pink grapefruit juice 

1 cup ginger ale soda

fresh grapefruit wedges

fresh cucumber slices

Divide ice between two tall drinking glasses. Add gin: as much as you’d like depending on how strong you’d like your drink. Divide the grapefruit juice between the two glasses. Top with ginger ale and stir. Garnish with grapefruit wedges and cucumber slices. Throw some straws in there, cheers, drink up!
Grapefruit Cucumber Cocktail 2

Grapefruit Cucumber Cocktail 3

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

{DIY: Canvas Tote w/ Leather Straps}

One thing about New York is that you have to literally schlep everything around with you because you never know what the day will bring. In addition to my purse, I usually have some sort of tote with me to carry either an extra pair of shoes, a bottle of water, work out clothes, or I have it because I know I need to stop by the grocery store on the way home. 

Over the weekend I decided to take a few of my plain canvas totes and a couple of some really old belts and combine them together to make a more sturdy (and stylish) bag. Below is everything you need to do this on your own!
Canvas Tote w: Leather Straps 1
Materials Needed:
Canvas Tote Bag
Belt
Leather hole punch (if you don't have one of these, buy one. It's so worth the 10 bucks)
Extra large needle
Heavy string or twine
Sharpie or dark pen

Directions:
1. Take the seam ripper and start to remove the original straps off of the tote bag
2. Once you pull away a few strings, you will notice that its very easy to simply pull the strap off
3. Cut your belt in half so that you have 2 even straps. Note: When I cut the belt in half (not shown below), I traced the curve of the belt on the ends of all straps. I then cut the leather so that all sides had the same curve when I attached it to the tote. This was my preference - you can simply cut a straight line, or any design of your choice.
4. Take your Sharpie and mark on the belt where you would like your holes punched
5. Using your leather hole punch (I set mine to the smallest hole) start punching your holes
6. Next take your string and thread your need, making a knot at the end 
7. Start to sew the belt to the tote (I decided to use a cross pattern) and repeat on all four sides 
8. You're done!
Recycled Tote Bag Instructions 1
Recycled Tote Bag Instructions 2
Recycled Tote Bag Instructions 3
Canvas Tote w: Leather Straps 2
Canvas Tote w: Leather Straps 3
It's truly that easy - it total it took me about 45 minutes, start to finish. I will be giving away one of these totes very soon - so make sure that you check back often!

Have a good one!

Monday, February 10, 2014

{A Little Self-Reflection}

Over the last 6 weeks, life for me has had all kinds of twists and turns filled with fantastic highs and heartbreaking lows. Overall it has taught me that optimism and positivity is really all it takes to be happy (which has been hard for me up until 6 weeks ago). Over the weekend, my sister Kendra taught me how to meditate (ha! imagine that). Meditation has always seemed so foreign to me because I felt like I was not capable of turning off my brain. But my sister explained how meditation helps us cope in a world that overloads us with information and communication, how it increases concentration, decreases anxiety, and provides a general feeling of happiness. So I decided to give it a try. Yesterday morning was the first time I meditated (I put in my earphones, closed my eyes, and listened to this - if you're thinking about starting meditation, this 15-min video is a great start), and while my mind definitely wandered (a lot - a whole lot), each time I was able to refocus and just be still. I really like it. They say it takes 30 days before it becomes a habit, right? We'll see how this goes. 

I have such a long way to go - I'm not perfect (nor will I ever be) - I still wake up some mornings with fear and doubt, I've shed many tears, I've questioned the decisions I making, but I'm liking the person I am getting back to.

I believe that, in everything, every day is a chance to renew, to reach for something greater, and that every moment holds opportunities available to enrich our lives. I've said this before, if life is truly 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it, we essentially have two choices when we wake each morning: we can either be someone who lets the past and difficulty defeat us or be someone who recognizes that it is our attitude, our ability to reflect and forgive, and our passion, that will take us to the next level.

I found the following words on Pinterest the other day, and I thought how perfectly it describes my current state. I wish I could have come up with them on my own - but this is proof that there are others out there, like me, trying to get back on track - navigating through this thing we call life:
Self reflection

Friday, February 7, 2014

{TGIF: Weekend Plans + Friday Finds}

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Happy Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony Day!!! I don't know what it is about the Olympics, but when they are on, I become completely obsessed with them. When I was a little kid, my parents made a big deal out of them, and for 2 weeks straight, every 2 years, the games would be the only thing on the TV. Tonight are the Opening Ceremonies and I will be glued to the TV. Nothing will ever compare to the ceremonies in Beijing {here is a little reminder}, but I'm excited to see what Sochi has come up with. Other than watching the Olympics, my weekend plans include:
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DIY Gladiator Sandals - O.M.G - seriously these are genius!

Loving this kitchen remodel by Emily over at Cupcakes and Cashmere - the gold touches are perfection!

These high-top sneakers are perfect for the spring - and will be in my closet in the very near future!

I'm not supposed to be spending ANY money right now - but I saw this coat on Pinterest and my fingers just kept clicking all the way to the submit button. 

I'm in love with June Ambrose - would it be weird if I framed this picture and hung it in my room?

Oh if I had a sponsor that wanted to send me to this amazing Photoshop class.....sigh, I want to go so badly.......

Because I can't go to that class - I guess I'll just sulk and make these prosciutto-wrapped truffle fries...

Enjoy your weekend Peeps!!!




Thursday, February 6, 2014

{How To Dress A Graphic T-Shirt}

One of my favorite Christmas gifts this year was a box full of graphic t-shirts. I'm obsessed with them. I have a pretty sarcastic sense of humor, so I love collecting shirts that say something that is totally me. Like this t-shirt below. I wear my shirts many different ways - from keeping it very casual - to dressing them up a little. To give you an example for how you too can dress your graphic tees, below are things that I have in my closet...let's play paper dolls!
How to Dress a Graphic T-Shirt
Here are a few ways that I have (or plan to) mix and match all of these items:
1 + 3 + 7
2 + 4 + 6
3 + 5 + 7 
1 + 6
5 + 7

Sooo many options! How would/do you style your favorite graphic tees?

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

{Packaging: Scrap Wrapping}

When I'm finished wrapping a present, I never throw away the scraps because you never know when you may be able to use them again. Additionally, each month when I get my Birchbox, I always save the boxes that my goodies come in and recycle them for gift giving. Below are some of the scraps I had in my wrapping container and decided to do a little pattern mixing for a gift I needed for a friend's birthday. I simply wrapped the top of the box in a different paper than I wrapped the bottom of the box, added some leftover ribbon and a tag - and viola! My friend loved the wrapping so much that she didn't want to open it. To me - that's the best compliment to receive because I truly believe it's all about the packaging. Stay tuned for more posts like this to help you package even the simplest gifts!
Packaging Supplies_
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All About The Packaging - Wrapping

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

{Bite: Prosciutto Arugula Salad}

Last week I was in Chicago doing a little freelance work and I was treated to an oh so delicious dinner. Because I was on the verge of becoming hangry (for those that don't know what hangry is or looks like, click here), I decided to order a salad right away. Let me tell you - this salad was so good that I wanted to cancel my dinner order and get another salad instead. And it wasn't just because I was hangry. So good - that over the last several days, it's all I can think about.

Below are the ingredients that were in the salad, and this week I'll definitely be recreating this  (coming to an Instagram near you):
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Instructions (based on what I believe was done):
Dressing
1. In a small bowl, squeeze the juice of 1 large lemon.
2. Add salt & pepper to taste
3. Whisk in 2 tbs of extra virgin olive oil 
4. Set aside

Caramelized Onions
If you do not know how to caramelize onions, click here

Building the Salad
1. On your plate, lay down 4 (or more if you'd like) slices of prosciutto
2. Next, layer a good handful of arugula
3. Drizzle the dressing over the arugula
4. Shave a good portion of parmesean cheese over the arugula (I'm the person at the restaurant that never tells the waiter to stop when asked if I want a sprinkle of cheese)
5. Add the caramelized onions on top 
6. Enjoy

I'm telling you, this salad is so fresh and so delicious.....when it comes to food - I will never steer you wrong. Trust me!

Monday, February 3, 2014

{Packaging: A Lovely Bouquet}

Today I thought I would share something that I've started to absolutely love doing, which is bringing pretty bouquets to friends and family when I visit. It's just such a classy touch to arrive with some sweet flowers, and it makes you feel all sorts of grown-up. Plus, when you add your own spin on the packaging, things get even more special. I've laid out a pretty quick and easy way to wrap up that bouquet (by ditching those non-eco-friendly plastic wrapping flowers come in) to bring over to your girlfriend's house, or for someone who might need a little pick-me-up.
flower 1

Flower 2c
Directions:
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1. Purchase flowers
2. Measure the kraft wrapping paper to the length of the flowers
3. Cut the paper on an angle so that it will easily wrap around the flowers
4. Once you have cut the paper, lay it flat so that you can decorate the paper to your liking
5. Decorate your paper using paint, or markers, crayons...whatever you chose, and let dry
6. Wrap the flowers! Once you get them rolled up and looking spiffy, tape the outside of the paper.  (at this point I also removed the plastic the flowers originally came in). Tie your twine or ribbon around the middle of the bouquet, and tie it tight, enough that it stays on.

Et voila! Bring these to your bestie, as a present, or just to add some sparkle to someone's day.