2019: THE BEST YEAR OF MY LIFE
2019
This was without a doubt the greatest year of my life. I have never ever been more grateful for the people in my life, for my mental and physical health, and for the person I have become. I truly understand what it means to live fully, to chase a dream, and to fall in love with life. Our greatest gift every day is our opportunity to wake up to see the light, to rise and go after a dream, to move, to breathe, to act, to love. So here’s to more of all of the magic in 2020. I truly believe this year will be magic. So now to recap this year I wanted to take it month by month, along with a favorites section :) (I have also posted an IGTV video of some of my favorite places I traveled to in 2019)
FAVORITES:
Chased a lot of sunrises + sunsets
Drank a lot of matcha lattes
Fell in love with pilates
Worked a lot
Started my blog
JANUARY:
Went to NYC with my Mom!
FEBRUARY:
Patriots won the Super Bowl :)
Fell in love with baking thanks to the Sweet Laurel cookbook
MARCH:
Went to Hawaii with my best friend!
Turned 18!
APRIL:
Went to NYC with my Mom again!
Decided on a college
MAY:
Graduated high school!
Went to the beach in NC
JUNE:
Worked a lot
Went to Palm Beach
JULY:
Girls Road Trip to New England + the Hamptons
AUGUST:
Went home to New Jersey
Moved to NYC!
SEPTEMBER:
1st NY Fashion Week
Had my sister visit in NYC
Had my parents visit in NYC
OCTOBER:
Got my first job in NYC
Had my first fall in NYC
Went apple picking in the Hamptons with my girls
NOVEMBER:
Ran across the Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise
Traveled home for Thanksgiving
DECEMBER:
Saw my first NYC snowfall
Traveled home for Christmas
MY FAVORITE HEALTHY MEALS/SNACKS
When I transformed my diet a few years ago, I started out not knowing or realizing that every food I was indulging in could be made healthy and taste just as good if not better. I have definitely curated a collection of favorites over the years that I always find myself coming back to or to make for family and friends. I will link the recipes to all of my favorites below if they come from an outside source. My absolute favorite places for healthy baking are Rachel Mansfield + The Sweet Laurel Cookbook. Baking with ingredients like coconut flour, and sweetening with alternative sweeteners like coconut sugar or maple syrup is a whole different animal from normal baking and I find both Rachel and Sweet Laurel’s recipes are very easy to make and pretty foolproof.
DESSERT:
-Sweet Laurel Chocolate Cake:
Chocolate cake is hands down my favorite thing to eat. I have always, always ordered it for dessert at any restaurant and I always am craving chocolate after a meal. Let me just tell you now, this is the best chocolate cake you will ever have. No one will ever believe you when you tell them it is gluten free, dairy free, and refined sugar free. My other favorites from Sweet Laurel include the Oatmeal raisin cookies, the banana bread, and the waffles. (You can’t go wrong with anything though, I’ve never been disappointed)
-Dates with Almond Butter
-Hu Kitchen Crunchy Mint Bar
-Purely Elizabeth Almond Butter Granola with almond butter + Hu Kitchen Gems mixed together (My version of cookie dough :) )
SNACKS:
I am a big sweet tooth so my snacks are primarily fruit. I love fruit and usually have 5-6 servings a day!
-Lundenberg Brown Rice Stackers (lightly salted) w/ almond butter
-Organic Honeycrisp Apples
-Strawberries + almonds or pistachios
-Smoothie with spinach, almond milk (I love Malk Organics), banana, either frozen berries or cacao powder
-Clementines
-Mary’s Gone Crackers (plain) with Hummus or Treeline Nut cheese
-CoYo coconut yogurt with Purely Elizabeth Almond Butter Granola
BREAKFAST:
-Oatmeal with almond butter, cinnamon, and berries
-Ezekiel toast (either cinnamon raisin with almond butter or plain with avocado + lemon)
-Waffles + pancakes: Sweet Laurel, Rachel Mansfield, or Simple Mills Mix
LUNCH/DINNER:
-Salad w/ vegan pesto, chickpeas, red onion, cucumber, tomato
-Avocado toast with lots of lemon or EBTB seasoning
-Melissa Wood Health’s Vegan Penne Vodka
-Brown Rice Pasta with Kite Hill Almond Milk Ricotta + Pesto
-Simple Mills Pizza Crust with Kite Hill Almond Milk Ricotta
-Pesto Chicken Meatballs with Rao’s Sauce + Roasted Broccoli
NYC RESTAURANT GUIDE: BEST DINNER SPOTS
I am back today with another post in my NYC restaurant guide series! Like I said before, I have wayyy too many favorites to put in one post, so I have divided up restaurants by categories of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and more. Today’s post is all about the best dinner spots! Choosing a spot for dinner is definitely the most overwhelming choice out of the three meals in my opinion. I’m going to share a few of my favorites and why I love them so much! It’s so much fun to try new places since there are always so many popping up in the city, but I always find myself coming back to a handful that I just adore. :)
The Polo Bar
Without a doubt my favorite restaurant in the world, I am obsessed with The Polo Bar. Located in Midtown, The Polo Bar is the most gorgeous restaurant. With the main dining room located downstairs and the bar on the first floor, the ambiance is out of this world. Now be forewarned, you must set your alarms and calendar exactly 30 days out from when you want to dine to call the reservation office as soon as they open at 10. Reservations are required and it’s definitely one of the hardest tables to get in Manhattan. You can book through OpenTable but only for 5pm or 10pm. I always order the burger, it’s one of the best I’ve ever had, and chocolate cake for dessert (it’s a big splurge for me but every now and then I have to :) ). Their popovers that they bring you as an appetizer are also to die for.
Palma
I could go on and on about how stunning and charming Palma is. Sprinkled with candles and little floral arrangements, I could not think of a more special setting for dinner if I tried. Located in the West Village on Cornelia Street, Palma is one of my favorite places for pasta in the city. I always always order the Gluten Free Cacio Pepe Ravioli. Trust me you will thank me later if you order this! I’ve taken other friends and family and everyone always loves their food.
Double Zero
The BEST vegan pizza in NYC HANDS DOWN. Double Zero is located on the east side down in Noho and I can’t get enough of their pizza. They even deliver through Postmates! (Unfortunately I’m outside of the delivery range, but I have had nights where I trekked all the way down to pick up a take out in the pouring rain because it’s just that good :) ) I have always ordered the truffle pizza and add greens on top. My new favorite thing to do is get a side of pesto and a side of red sauce to dip my crust in, it’s the best! They make all of their cheeses in house from scratch out of cashews, macadamia nuts, and more.
Tacombi
The place I take just about everyone that comes to the city for a laidback, fun, and delicious experience. With 3 locations in the city, Tacombi is easily accessible. My favorite is the West Village location, especially in the summer when they open all the doors. Be warned, it does get really really crowded at peak times. They have the BEST chips and guac and I love any of their tacos.
Roey’s
Tucked away in Greenwich Village, Roey’s is the sister restaurant to the better known Rosemary’s. With an Italian inspired menu, Roey’s has plenty of options for everyone and the most fun atmosphere. They do great seasonal specials and it’s always great to go with friends on a Friday night!
NEVER PAY FULL PRICE: HOW TO ALWAYS SHOP ON A DISCOUNT
Hello Everyone! I’m back today with another post all about how to make sure you are always getting the best price on an item. For someone that loves to shop as much as me, you have to have a strategy in order to make sure you are never paying full price, there’s no reason to. I have a few tips that I always try to implement into my shopping and it not only saves you money, but I also love a little bit of challenge to search for the best price :)
Install Honey into your browser: Honey is a service that you can install into your browser (similar to Grammarly) which automatically applies every possible discount into the promo code box for you. I have had really good success with it; however, if email sign up gives you a custom random generated code, Honey will not know about it.
Always sign up for emails: As annoying as they can be in your inbox, signing up for emails is the best way to earn an initial discount code, but you will later be notified early about sales, Shopbop always sends early access if you are signed up for emails.
Utilize Shopstyle: Shopstyle is an online search engine for fashion, where you can type in any item, specific or not, (ex: Vince Panne skirt or pink velvet midi skirt) and they will show you all retailers carrying that specific item and the different prices it’s selling for. You are also given the best option to be notified when your item goes on sale! :)
Don’t act immediately: I find that often times, the second I buy something it goes on sale the following week. Give yourself a few days to think it over and then if you still want it make the move. Unless it’s the last one in stock of course :) Most places are pretty good about doing a price adjustment if the sale started within a week of you purchasing the item at full price.
I hope you all find these tips helpful and save you a little bit of money during these colder months where it’s easy to find yourself online shopping a little too much!
SHOT, STYLED, EDITED: HOW I TAKE MY OWN PICTURES
I wanted to start another series on my blog called Shot, Styled, Edited to bring tips and insight into how I capture and create my images and content for my blog, Youtube, and Instagram, The first post will be under the topic of “shot” or capturing the perfect shot. What many people might not know is that about 90% of my Instagram pictures are taken by me. Yes, a little tripod, a little self timer action and some strategic placement and I can capture just about any look I desire. I use this tripod from Joby which is designed for iPhones and has flexible legs that can wrap and grip around any surface. When you see a look shot down in Soho, my favorite place to shoot, it’s usually been my tripod wrapped around a metal scaffolding bar. Now you have to be prepared if you are going to take your own pictures.
It’s better to get out early- avoid the crowds, especially in NYC by getting out early where you have the streets to yourself. I also find that morning light is best for photos, especially if you are in between buildings like down in Soho.
You have to find places where you can set up your tripod. I have had instances where you find the right place, but there’s no where to set up your tripod so it doesn’t work out.
Take about 100 pictures. No, I am not exaggerating here. Because you don’t have anyone telling you how to pose, or if it’s a good angle, it’s best to take a lot of options! :)
Think about your edits before starting to shoot. I think one of the biggest keys to creating beautiful images is to think about how you want them to be edited, so that you can pick good color tones, lighting, and angles.
Don’t overthink it!- Prop up your tripod and just run around and grab the shot! My favorite picture of all time is one I caught in front of The Plaza when it started to snow one day. It was freezing, I threw off my coat, propped up the tripod, set the timer, started spinning around, had snow sticking to my face, but I just took a bunch and didn’t overthink it. Those will always be your favorite pictures, trust me :)
Let me know if you have any questions by commenting or sending me a message on Instagram! I’m always happy to help out!
THINGS I'M LOVING RIGHT NOW
As I mentioned in my previous post, I have been in SUCH a creative mood lately! From fashion, to beauty, to lifestyle, I have been finding and thinking of the best things so I thought I would curate some of my recent favs in case you need any last minute gifts or just want to treat yourself! :)
AESOP FACE CREAM : I recently picked up some samples from Aesop and I am really becoming a fan. SUCH an amazing texture, smells wonderful and feels fabulous on! I have been loving anything + everything from Aesop as of recently. They also offer such a wonderful in-store experience!
OAK + FORT: Hands down my favorite boutique in NYC, Oak and Fort has the coolest pieces, that are not only super unique, but VERY reasonable priced. I have been obessed with all of their cozy textures and neutral tones for winter.
ZARA BOOTS: Ever since I have started seeing all the cool girls down in Soho with their chunky black boots, I knew I had to have a pair. I also wanted something that would be fashionable and durable for when there is slightly wintery weather or slush on the ground. These boots were SUCH a good find. They are great quality, look super expensive, and add such an awesome flair to any outfit.
NORDSTROM BUTTER SOCKS: Oh my goodness where do I begin? I was in desperate need of a nice new pair of socks for winter and I started doing my research on Nordstrom. I saw that the “butter socks” had hundreds of five star reviews, so I knew for socks they must be good! Oh my gosh you guys the hype is real. The softest fuzzy socks I have ever tried. I am going back to buy every color.
BP LEATHER LEGGINGS: I had been on the hunt for a good pair of leather leggings, again seeing all the street style here constantly inspires me (and hurts my wallet), but I kept coming across Commando leggings. I went to try a pair on and I did not find them comfortable at all. Not to mention I wasn’t really looking to drop $100 on leggings. After some more research I saw that the B.P brand had a pair that looked great and had good reviews (I always read reviews!!). GUYS, these are the best! They are super high quality and the biggest selling point is that they are lined with fleece (aka you won’t freeze in NYC winter weather) Seriously check them out.
FREE PEOPLE WORKOUT WEAR: I started seeing so many girls here in NYC show up to yoga in the cutest workout sets, so I decided to treat myself to one form Free People. I am hooked. They have the best colors, most comfortable styles, and are priced a little bit under Lululemon :) The good karma leggings are definitely one of my new favs!
BEYOND YOGA SET: I treated myself to a nice loungewear set at the beginning of fall and it was one of my better decisions I have had. Beyond Yoga makes the softest workout pieces and these sweatpants are no exception. Plus it’s fun to feel put together but super cozy. This is an ideal run to the grocery store but come back and lay in bed outfit! :)
THE DAILY EDITED: I am obsessed with everything at the Daily Edited. Their store in the West Village is so much fun to go in and pick out your customization too! I’m loving this new circular bag as well as the coolest idea ever, especially for a New Yorker, the reusable tote bag that tucks into the little pouch. So genius! I also love their planners, phone cases, and travel bags. Such nice quality and the perfect gifts!
CHRISTMAS PAJAMA SETS: I love buying pajama sets anytime of year, but especially at Christmas. I have found so many cute pieces from the Gap, J.Crew Factory, Lake Pajamas (the softest ever), Eberjey, and even Target! Such a great way to feel festive. :)
LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE: SHOWING UP
Hello everyone! I am back with another post as part of my living your best life series and I am so excited. I don’t know what it is but recently I have just been flooded with creativity, brimming with inspiration, and in the BEST mood ever. I think part (or most) of it has to do with the magic in NYC this time of year, but I also think it has to do with that I’m at a really good place with myself right now. I’ve never been more content and at ease with the person I have become and truly is the best feeling in the world.
Today’s post was inspired by one of my professors, who at the end of my final exam, patted me on the back as I handed in my exam and said “thank you for always showing up", and it truly got me thinking. While it’s important to show up for the things we are obligated to do: work, school, appointments, meetings, etc. There is something so important about showing up for yourself everyday. By showing up for yourself first, you can then show up for others and have more to offer the world around you.
Now what do I mean by “showing up”? I mean waking up everyday and being present. Being aware of your what’s on your mind and in your heart. Breathing into how your body feels. Thinking of all the things we have to be grateful for. The first step in showing up is opening your eyes each morning and seeing each day as opportunity. We might not all have the same circumstances, but we all start a new day. That moment when we open our eyes in the morning is hands down our greatest gift. It’s the most important moment in the day. No one is telling you who or what you have to be or do that day. We have complete power over who we can be that day,
When you truly understand your purpose and intention of your day, you treat others with that same intention. For example, gratitude, love, patience, peace, presence, the list goes on. So don’t hold back on your intention. Live into it fully. You create your happiness, you create your life, you shape your heart + mind. No one can do that for you. I also think one of the most dramatic things I have noticed in my happiness is by going out of my way to be as nice and smiley as possible to everyone I see. The happiness that you can receive as a result of lighting up someone else’s face, of seeing their light, is priceless.
So remember, we all wake up with the same day. What we do with that day is our greatest power. So create an intention. To love, to be at peace, to be patient, to be kind, and to walk through the world with a love and light that radiates out into the world, because in turn that light and love will radiate back onto you.
NYC GUIDE TO WELLNESS: BEAUTY, SELF CARE, FITNESS
It’s no secret that I’m a big advocate for health, wellness, and all things self care. Luckily, in a city as crazy as New York, there are tons of places I know I can go to recharge, reset, and feel rejuvinated. I am going to divide this post up into beauty, self care, and fitness since I have several favorites! Be sure to follow along Instagram where I keep you up to date on all my daily happenings, including frequent visits to these places I love.
BEAUTY
SUNDAYS NAIL STUDIO
I absolutely adore Sunday’s Nail Salon here in the city. I have been buying their nail polishes for a few years now and am obsessed. They are the only maker of 10-free, non toxic nail polish and their quality and color selection is unmatched. Nail salons can be so toxic and Sunday’s feels the exact opposite. I often visit their Nomad location but they have a pop-up at Saks and a location in Hudson Yards. Even a non-gel manicure lasts me two full weeks, seriously so good!
CHILLHOUSE
I was in desperate need of a massage recently and found myself in search of a clean, chic, and affordable spa in NYC. That’s when I discovered Chillhouse. With locations in Soho and the Lower East Side, Chillhouse offers nails, infrared sauna sessions, massages, and facials. Not to mention the entire aesthetic is insanely cool. :) The Soho location even has a coffee bar where you can order golden milk or matcha lattes before or after services. I booked the Works massage and it was so wonderful. I can’t wait to go back!
THE WELL, CREDO, ONDA BEAUTY
Not really services, but a few clean beauty shops I love in the city are The Well, Credo Beauty, and Onda Beauty in Tribeca. All carry a wonderful assortment of clean beauty products (hello, Marie Veronqiue! :) ) and are great places to pick up some self care essentials!
SALTHAUS
I started reading about the benefits of Himalayan pink salt therapy not too long ago and was totally on board to give it a try. Pink salt is beneficial for respiratory health, sleep, skin, and overall mood. When looking for a place in the city, I found Salthaus on the Upper East Side. A tiny oasis from the hustle of the city, I love sitting back relaxing and basking in the pink salt filled room. The effects actually come from salt air that is released into the room during the session rather than from the salt on the floor. :)
FITNESS
NEW YORK PILATES
If you follow me on Instagram, then you see and hear me talk about New York Pilates just about every other day, but I am seriously that obsessed. With locations in the West Village, Soho, and Bowery, NYP is in all the best neighborhoods. The entire vibe in each studio is so fabulous, the instructors are killer, and the decor and aesthetic is unreal. I only go about twice a week but I seriously am becoming the fittest I have ever been from it!
CORE POWER YOGA
I have always loved hot yoga and when I moved to the city I wanted to find a studio that was in walking distance to me. I found Core Power on the Upper West Side and I am seriously in love. The community at my studio is so awesome! I alternate taking the C2 class which is a vinyasa flow, and the Yoga Sculpt class, which I have loved and seen great results from. Sculpt is done with 3-5 lb weights in a room heated the same as it is for hot yoga. Seriously try it out!
SOULCYCLE
While SoulCycle is not unique to New York City, it’s certainly the best here. I don’t know why but I think NYC SoulCycle locations have the best instructors, best energy, and best vibe. I always leave in the BEST mood and I think getting to ride it out and dance in the dark is a fabulous way to start the day. :)
NYC GUIDE TO COZY PLACES: HOTELS, CAFES, & MORE
I am always drawn to finding the coziest places I can, wherever I am. This usually leads me to hotel lobbies with fireplaces or cozy cafes. Luckily, New York has both and I am so excited to share a few of my favorite little places.
The Ludlow Hotel
From the moment I checked in here for my first stay, I instantly was in love with everything about the Ludlow. The vibe on the Lower East Side is particularly cool and they capture it so well in their decor. The best thing about the whole hotel has to be the fireplace in the lobby. Always roaring and the perfect place to cozy up with a drink. The rooms are equally as charming if you ever get a chance to stay and the guest only rooftop access leads to a pretty spectacular view!
The Marlton Hotel
Like the Ludlow, the reason I keep going back to the Marlton to hangout or get work done in their lobby is because of the cozy fireplace and wood paneled walls and bookshelves. Steps from Washington Square Park and Greenwich Village, it’s the perfect place to stay or pop in for a coffee at their cute coffee bar, which serves food, in the lobby.
Ralph’s Coffee
Located on the Upper East Side inside of the Ralph Lauren Flagship store is one of my favorite little spots in the city, Ralph’s Coffee. It’s so special being inside of the store and every bit of the design and attention to detail is perfection, as is everything Ralph Lauren does :) I love to come here to get work done or for a coffee date with friends (they have matcha too :) )
NYC RESTAURANT GUIDE: BREAKFAST/BRUNCH
Hello Everyone! With the holidays approaching and many people flocking to NYC to experience all the festive vibes, I decided now would be a great time to start posting my NYC Guide series on all of my favorite places to eat, shop, and explore! I have so many favorites that I thought I would split the guides up into smaller posts like breakfast, lunch, dinner, etc. I have more photos and videos of all of my favorite places saved to my Instagram story highlights as well as vlogs posted on my Youtube Channel. I hope this is helpful and please tag me if you use my guide when you are in the city! :)
Le CouCou
My favorite place for an elegant and quiet breakfast is at Le Cou Cou, a french restaurant down in Soho that is not only beautiful but so delicious. I LOVE their avocado toast and the french pancake is not to be missed! I also love their fruit bowl because they actually shave lime zest on top and its seriously amazing!
La Mercerie
Right down the street from Le Cou Cou is La Mercerie one of my favorite breakfast/lunch spots. Not only is it stunning, their french food is equally as incredible as Le Cou Cou. I highly recommend any of their crepes! It is also attached to Roman and Williams Guild, my favorite home store in the city!
ABCv
Home to my favorite pancakes and golden milk latte in NYC, ABCv is one of the prettiest, highest quality restaurants in the city. It’s part of ABC home, which is a fabulous home decor store to shop around after you eat. (Notice a theme with home decor and restaurants here? :) )
Maman
One of my favorite little bakeries and cafes, Maman has great pastries, eggs, avocado toast, matcha, etc. I love their location on Hudson Street, Tribeca, and Greenpoint!
The Butcher’s Daughter
Some of favorite dishes in the city can be found at the Butcher’s Daughter including their avocado toast, french toast, and 7 Minutes in Heaven smoothie (seriously a must try!) With locations in Soho, Williamsburg, and the West Village they are right in the heart of all my favorite areas to walk around and shop!
Bakeri
My favorite bakery in the NYC area, Bakeri located in Williamsburg and Greenpoint has the best pastries and breakfast! Everything is delicious but their banana bread is to die for!
Other favorites…
Egg Shop
Banter
Minnies
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2019
I cannot believe it is December 1st! I wanted to share a few gift ideas of things I love and use that are not only fun but also practical. I always find it helpful to have a little gifting inspiration to give for moms, sisters, girlfriends, etc. …
The Daily Edited Phone Case: These phone cases are super fun, functional, and great quality!
Vitruvi Oil Diffuser: I swear by this diffuser and use it absolutely every single day. I also love their blends!
Alexa Leigh: These bracelets have become super trendy, but I think they are super stylish as well! A great stocking stuffer or secret santa gift :)
Felix Gray Blue Light Glasses: I have just ordered a pair of blue light glasses on Amazon, but if you want to go for something a little bit luxurious these are super cute and high quality!
Sundays Nail Polish: My favorite nail salon in NYC also sells their polishes which are all non-toxic, beautiful colors, quick to dry, and overall the best!
Capricorn Press Print: I love a cute art print, especially this one from Capricorn Press. I also don’t think you can go wrong with Rifle Paper!
Anthropologie x Lemon: These are the COZIEST slippers ever. Great for a college student to wear around the dorms or anyone looking to be a little bit cozier this winter!
The Laundress x Le Labo: This is the gift I am most excited for this year! My favorite perfume of all time Santal 33 is now in laundry detergent form. I can’t wait to wash my sheets in this. If you’ve ever been to the 1 hotel in NYC or Miami you know :)
Matchaful Matcha Powder: My favorite place for a matcha in NYC sells their high quality powder which makes for a lovely gift to make a nice cup at home!
Gift Cards: I don’t think there is anything wrong with a gift card! Here are a few ideas: buy your friend a pilates or yoga class, get them a gift card to their favorite cafe, give an Uber or Postmates gift card (perfect for winter when you want to be lazy :))
LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE: Find The Magic
I haven’t always has the outlook I currently have on life. Before I started eating right, taking care of myself, working out, and pushing myself outside of my comfort zone, I didn’t know what made me feel most alive or what my true purpose in life was. As I changed my lifestyle around, I slowly found what truly makes me happy, so I wanted to start a series of posts called “Living Your Best Life” with tips and tricks I use everyday that truly have lead me to a happier life.
“Finding the Magic”
I find myself coming back to the word magic over and over again ever since moving to New York City. Living here and being a part of this place truly is a magical experience; however, you don’t have to live in New York to feel the magic that life has to offer. What I mean by finding the magic is finding places where you FEEL full, where you uncover something beautiful, where you are in the light of the sun…
Go for a walk + listen to your favorite uplifting songs: Get outside, explore a new neighborhood, I also love listening to music like the Lumineers, Head and the Heart, and other alternative songs.
Wake up early: Get outside while it’s still quiet, as the sun is coming up, and grab a coffee or a matcha
Spend time by yourself: This one is not easy for everyone, but I find in the quieter moments, I am able to connect more with my surroundings and discover things I otherwise wouldn’t
Wander: Strolling around a new area you haven’t been to and purely exploring is one of my favorite ways to stumble across a magical moment
Yoga: I could go on and on about yoga but seriously, if there is one thing that has allowed me to see and feel more magic it’s for sure yoga. If yoga is not your thing, I still recommend breathing deeply and connecting to your breath to uplift your mood and connect deeper with your surroundings.
Take more pictures: This one has never been hard for me with a camera roll close to 26k… but I find that the more you look to photograph and create a visual image, the more you will find yourself seeking and uncovering moments that feel worthy of a picture or video
Take a day: Take a day and go out and do whatever you want to do. Get your favorite breakfast, take a workout class, treat yourself
I hope this series will be helpful to anyone looking to improve their daily lives, and go deeper than some of the more cliche advice out there. I always am putting my own “magical” moments on my Instagram stories so be sure to follow along and stay tuned for more posts in this new series! :)
NYC GUIDE TO MATCHA
For those that know me well, you know how much I love my daily cup of matcha. I go to bed dreaming about it! Fortunately, New York is filled with fabulous options for grabbing a matcha. Unfortunately it’s quite an expensive habit at $6-7 a cup… but I love treating myself at some of my favorite spots once or twice a week! :) Tag me if you try any of these places out and be sure to follow along Instagram for more behind the scenes of daily life in NYC.
I will rank my TOP 5 and then include a few other great options:
Matchaful: best quality + best specialty drinks
ChaCha Matcha: best aesthetic/environment
Ralphs: best atmosphere + great oat milk matcha
O’Cafe: served in the nicest mugs + great quality
Maman: delicious + great spot for food too
*Matchaful also gives you a reusable bamboo straw when you order iced! :)
O’Cafe is one of the best options in Greenwich Village!
Other favorites include:
Ludlow Coffee Supply, Bluestone Lane, Juice Press (iced only), Bakeri
*A FEW TIPS!
Joe + The Juice doesn’t serve matcha
Order it with oat milk! Oat milk froths the best in a latte + doesn’t have added sugar like most almond or coconut milk (always ask for unsweetened)
Dr. Smood, The Butcher’s Daughter, and Hu Kitchen do not have oat milk (which is my fav)
Try to avoid iced! It’s more expensive at a lot of places here and you get less matcha
Bakeri: best pastries in the Manhattan/Brooklyn area + super cozy! The Williamsburg location even has a secret garden out back. :)
WINTER WELLNESS ESSENTIALS
As the days get shorter and colder, it’s an easy time to get lazy with following a routine; however the winter is my favorite time of year to reflect on how I can slow down and take time to really nourish myself and feel my best despite this time of year having a reputation for getting sick or feeling run down. My two biggest areas of focus are the following: GUT health + LYMPHATIC drainage. These two systems are key to immunity, so I always make sure to nurture both and it really does make a difference in my overall health and wellbeing.
GUT HEALTH
While I focus on gut health year round for healthy skin and digestion, this time of year I turn things up a notch. Overall health stems from the gut and maintaining good bacteria, so I make sure to start each morning taking my pre+probiotics from Seed. It’s a monthly subscription and they are such high quality strains. I then drink pure celery juice on an empty stomach, and wait 30 minutes before eating. Celery juice has so many amazing benefits but the key one is that it has enzymes that support the pH of your stomach, creating a better environment for bacteria to grow. I also continue to take spiruilina for its immune boosting and vitamin benefits!
LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE
I started hearing about lymphatic drainage a little over a year ago, and it makes such a difference in my morning and night routine. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system that consists of lymph, or white blood cells, that rush to any foreign object and attack as part of immune response. Activating and moving the lymph around is key for its function and regeneration. There are 3 ways to increase circulation for better lymphatic drainage.
Dry Brushing: Dry brushing consists of using a soft, but stiff bristle brush on dry skin starting from the feet and brushing up towards your heart. After legs, moving to arms and continuing to brush towards your heart, and finally in a clockwise motion on the stomach. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but the tingling sensation afterwards really makes you feel energized! I do this every morning!
Gua Sha: I just purchased a rose quartz gua sha on Amazon and it has been so great for sculpting my face and essentially doing the same thing as dry brushing. I watched several YouTube tutorials to learn how to do it properly. (Pro tip: stick yours in the freezer for a few minutes before using, it feels AMAZING!)
Hot Yoga: I love to break a sweat at hot yoga in the winter not only to warm up, but to also improve circulation, detoxify my skin, increase white blood cell count, and keep my skin glowing!
All of these products can be found on Amazon for much cheaper than most health stores or high end beauty brands so be sure to check there first!
LOVE LETTER TO NEW YORK NO. 7 + FALL IN THE HAMPTONS
HAPPY FRIDAY! Over the long weekend my friends and I headed out to the Hamptons for some much-needed relaxation and apple picking! I’m so excited for the weekend and to enjoy these last few New York weekends of gorgeous weather! As always check out my Instagram stories for more content and my YouTube channel for weekly vlogs! Here’s what I’ve been loving this week:
Sag Harbor is absolutely one of my favorite places in the world. I think fall is my favorite season out east, with the cooler temps, precious doorsteps, and quieter environment than the summer.
We headed out to Milk Pail Orchard in Water Mill, NY and it was the most charming orchard I have ever been to. I highly recommend taking a day trip out of the city in the fall if you can!
Not to mention the apples were so good! I also painted my nails with the Sundays deep red nail polish (#17) on here and it’s the best going into the holiday season and fall. I also can’t recommend this Free People sweater enough, it’s SO cozy!
Matchaful has become my favorite matcha in the city hands down. In fact their seasonal menu is unreal. The autumn spice made all my fall, matcha dreams come true and I know I need to go back before the season is over!
I purchased the Good Karma 7/8 inch leggings from Free People Movement and they are SO good! I’ve always been a Lululemon girl, but I have to say these fit so well, are super flattering, come in such fun colors, and are perfect for when you want to feel super put together at pilates :)
I picked up a kale salad from Dr Smood and it was just what I needed to fit in some more greens!
I stopped into the 11 Howard Library to get some work done during the week and the space is beautiful. Such a nice little hideout if you have some time to kill in Soho and need to get some work done.
I hope you enjoyed my snaps from another beautiful week here in NYC and the Hamptons! Be sure to follow me on Instagram for more details and daily life posts!
MY HEALTH + WELLNESS ROUTINE
I wanted to do a post all about the things I have implemented into my daily life that help me stay on top of everything and FEEL my best while doing it! This especially applies to anyone out there who’s a student! This time of year is critical for staying on your game and not getting sick or behind. I follow all of these things everyday and can’t recommend them enough. Of course everyone is different, so this might not work for everyone but it’s what works for me!
No. 1- SWEAT + GET YOUR STEPS IN
I have tried every type of exercise imaginable, but hot yoga is always my favorite. The difference sweating it out makes in my mood, skin, and overall feel is just the best! I go to Core Power Yoga here in the city and absolutely love it! I alternate between C2 which is vinyasa style and Yoga Sculpt which is similar to mat pilates. I find that doing really intense exercise can become really draining, increase stress levels and cause burnout after awhile so I have tried to step back to yoga + pilates and I’ve noticed a huge improvement in how I feel. When I do pilates I go to either Solidcore or New York Pilates and I love both! I also can’t recommend walking as much as you can enough! Living in the city it’s really easy to get your steps in, helps you get fresh air, and also clear your mind. Sometimes all you need is a quick 20 min walk outside!
No. 2 WATER, WATER, WATER + MATCHA!
I could not survive without my Hydroflask! I take it with me everywhere. I have the 32oz and refill it several times a day! Staying hydrated is so key for mood, energy, focus, etc! I try to only drink water, but if I have any other drink it’s usually matcha or kombucha (or almond milk in a smoothie). Having my daily matcha makes me feel so good, plus it’s not dehydrating like coffee so it’s great to enjoy post-workout!
No. 3- Probiotics + Spirulina
I take my Seed pre + probiotic every morning as well as spirulina tablets. This has helped my skin so much and I have also noticed an improvement in my energy levels. I included more details in a previous post on my skincare with info on the brands I use!
No. 4 Wake up early!
Getting an early start to the day is essential for me and really helps me to center myself before everyone else is awake. I find that working out in the morning followed by a shower is the best way to wake up for the day!
No. 5 Essential Oils
Diffusing peppermint, lavender, or grapefruit oil in my room makes me feel so much calmer and helps “clear the air” in a sense. When I’m not at school, I love burning incense too, for the ultimate cozy feel!
No. 6 Nutrition
Last but not least if I recommend one thing on this list it’s nutrition! Even in college there’s no reason to slack off of not taking care of nourishing your body. It’s essential for staying healthy and feeling your best so you can enjoy time with others! Keep lots of fruit in your fridge, or apples and bananas. Always have a jar or almond butter on hand as well as some brown rice cakes. Here’s what a typical day of eating looks like for me:
Breakfast: Banana (pre-workout) + 2 hard boiled eggs + melon + matcha (post workout)
Lunch: Oatmeal with almond butter + blueberries+ raspberries
Snack: Apple with pistachios or almonds
Dinner: Salad with salmon and hummus
Dessert: Hu Chocolate or Honey Mama’s chocolate + rice cake with almond butter
LOVE LETTER TO NEW YORK NO. 6
I can’t believe it’s already about half way through October!! This week the leaves really started to change, the air was much chillier, and I think it’s safe to put away the summer clothes for good. Everything about this time of year feels so cozy and I have just been in the best mood because of it! Here are some things I was up to this week, new places I tried, and more on my love list… Also be sure to check out my Instagram Stories for more daily snaps and my Youtube channel for weekly vlogs posted every Sunday night.
The West Village and Upper West Side right now are my current favorite places to hang out in the city! Everything is so charming and watching the houses transition to autumn is the absolute best. I explored Grove St for the first time and it’s so cute! Be sure to check out Grove Ct for the most charming pictures in the village.
The city does the best job keeping all of the parks and green spaces clean and in keeping with the seasons. The mums right now are just so beautiful!
As for this week’s treats… I tried Levain’s sticky bun and WOW. no words needed it was so good! (It’s weekends only :) ) I also tried Bonberi market’s pumpkin muffin and butternut squash soup on a brisk day and they were both delicious. Definitely check them out! They offer super healthy clean snacks, meals, and groceries in the West Village. Lastly, I tried Matchaful down on Canal St for the first time and it did not disappoint! They also give you a bamboo straw to keep with your drink :)
Lastly a little stroll around Central Park to start my mornings is my favorite! I won’t be able to stay away once the leaves really change!
STREET STYLE ON A BUDGET (HOW TO DRESS LIKE A NEW YORKER, PARISIAN, AND ALL THINGS CHIC)
One of my favorite things to do is find upscale looking pieces on a budget! Stores like Zara, H&M, and Mango have all gotten really good about keeping up with the latest trends and styles and I frequent both their stores and websites weekly. I will share some of the pieces I have been loving for fall + winter and some staple pieces I always gravitate towards. Most girls in New York + Paris are actually shopping at these stores but then accessorizing with higher end pieces. :)
ZARA
I bought these knit joggers/sweatpants on a whim recently and they are the BEST ever. They are super stretchy and soft, but still warm and don’t look too slouchy. They have a good fit and can easily be dressed up or worn as pajamas :)
These are without a doubt my go-to jeans. After falling in love with the trend of raw edge, lighter wash, looser fitting denim I wanted a pair, but also didn’t want to spend $200+ dollars. These are $40!!! They are super flattering on and very comfortable. They do stretch so don’t be afraid to size down one.
This sweater has been my go to for the past year now and it’s also super warm! I love Mango for sweaters because they are very high quality, simple yet stylish, and are reasonably priced for the quality. They have lots of great pieces out right now and they also have great sales!
I also go to Mango for wool coats and chunky knit sweaters. These two pieces have been on rotation a lot as the weather has gotten colder.
H&M
I love to go to H&M for basic dresses and skirts, as well as basic tops! Their t-shirts (long sleeve + short sleeve) are usually $12 and are awesome. I always stock up on white short sleeved tees, black + grey long sleeve tees, and some neutral sweaters.
LOVE LETTER TO NEW YORK NO. 5
Happy October! The weather here in NYC is finally feeling like fall and I’m so excited about it. We even had our first 40 degree morning… bring on the sweaters! :) I’m back with this week’s round up of places I went and pictures that I took! I also thought it would be fun at the end to share a high and a low so keep reading! I also post a new vlog every Sunday evening so check out my YouTube for more behind the scenes/daily life.
While the West Village and Upper West Side always have my heart, this time of year is especially charming. It’s a fall lovers dream and so relaxing to stroll the streets.
We had a rainy day this week and it was so cozy! Especially down in the village.
I tried out O Cafe in Greenwich Village this week and I must say they make a mean matcha latte! Not to mention the lovely ceramic mugs they are served in :)
I also tried New York Pilates through ClassPass this week and let me just say it’s amazing! The Bowery space is so beautiful and I left so relaxed but feeling so strong and energized. I can’t wait to go back!
The Juice Press pumpkin smoothie is now available for October and OMG it is unreal! Seriously a must try! 😍
I stumbled across The Village Den this week in the West Village and it was so so good! It’s a really healthy cafe that uses really quality ingredients and my bowl was delicious! I got the chicken sausage and oats bowl and I couldn’t recommend enough.
Of course I had to pick up some honey crisp at the farmers market too! :)
I have been LIVING in this top from Urban Outfitters, sweatpants from Zara, and Tularosa cardigan from Revolve! And my trusty Oak + Fort bucket bag too.
For the sake of documentation, I ended up walking 16.6 miles on Saturday! Needless to say, Sunday was a rest day ha :)
INSTAGRAM STORIES GUIDE
While I love scrolling through my Instagram feed as much as the next person, Instagram stories have my heart! I find them so charming and the perfect way to give more personality to your page. I have several tips and tricks I use to get my stories to look more charming and I’m excited to share them here.
Edit in VSCO first
I always do the same edits I use for my main posts (I did a post all about it) to keep my theme consistent but also because I find it makes things look more polished.
2. Use fonts that match your content
I always use the typewriter font and try to pick hues that are pastel so they don’t totally detract from the photo. It gives you more of a signature look if you are consistent with that details, and people will want to come back to check your stories!
3. Use Unfold for pictures that need to be cropped
I love Unfold for keeping with a sleek, modern, polished theme, while also changing up everyday stories. I usually just use the simple page look with one center picture (edited in VSCO first) and save it to Instagram. I then add text in Instagram and sometimes an additional filter.
4. Videos
I try to do a mix of videos and boomerangs and almost always use the Paris or Oslo filter to keep the colors bright! I also make sure the text doesn’t get lost as the video moves around, so I usually add a highlight behind the text to keep it visible.
