Thursday, June 28, 2018

Things I'm Into This Week



podcast I can't stop listening too even though I cry every single episode. 

Tales of a bando addict, also for the traveler.

Summer Goals.  

My dear Kate, this is how I will always remember you.

Between high school and college, I was totally a nerd for environmental science. And ever since, I've become very eco-conscious. The simplicity of this newsletter is the perfect way to start your day. 

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Lifestyle Changes

One of the biggest challenges I intend to work on over the summer is trying to work out a little more. I've never really a been a gym person, I prefer being outside and in the pool. With the intention of moving my body a little more, I'm also tackling my diet and weight. Not that I have a horrible diet, but carbs have become a staple in my daily eating habits and it's time to change that. Now that I'm entering my thirties, I'm trying to make my health more of a priority. After a solid week of researching and reading up on Ketosis, I'm cutting off carbs and sugar for eight weeks and focusing more healthy fats, proteins and veggies. Have you tried the Keto Diet? Would you consider it? What are some of your healthy habits, tips and tricks? I would love to hear your thoughts on how you balance work, food and exercise! 

Thursday, June 14, 2018

Let's Be Classy



It's only been a few days but I'm still peeved by a particular scene from the documentary, Always at the Carlyle. Honestly, it's disheartening, Dwight Owsley who had been the head concierge for more thirty years retired in 2014 and his reason for leaving was a sad one. He spoke of Old New York. A time where dignity, class, modesty and kindness were very much apart of our culture. In the end, I couldn't help but think why are these ideals no longer apart of our society? I once received a rose and a letter from the maintenance staff at my apartment complex all because I smiled and said good morning to him. If common courtesies are no longer apart of our day to day life, then we have a serious problem! These are ten old but updated ways of being a classy and a decent person!   

 Strong and Confident Posture - Good posture shows respect to others. 

 Define Your Sense of Style - a black slack and white blouse go a long way. If you're not really sure what your style is stick to the basics, black, navy, grey and white. You will look sharp every time. I'm impartial to these minnie pants, they're a fitting pair of pants but they make you look great. Also don't skimp on grooming! There are so many women I know who don't even brush their hair. Brush your hair, put on makeup (if you don't like makeup, you can wash your face and apply a moisturizer), make sure our outfit matches and take a second glance at yourself before you leave the house!

 Read Every Day & Travel Often -  The best thing you can do in this life is to read every day, whether it's a chapter or an entire book and travel often. Whether its abroad or a town thirty minutes away! Dream, wander and discover. 

 Remember Kindness is Free (Now this is one I just don't get!) You never know what other people are going through. Whether they are having a good day or a horrible one even a simple smile to a stranger can go a long way. We need more kind and generous people in the world, stop being selfish and rude.

 Treat others as equals, regardless of status, social class or personality type! 

 A Strong Voice - It is your right as a human being to speak up, use your voice and stand up for what you believe in. And if you like to swear - keep that at home, not in public! 

7. A Firm Handshake -  When introducing yourself, let the other person know you're interested in them. A firm handshake means your open to a new experience and that you are excited for a new relationship. It says a lot about your personality.

 Be Polite - This goes hand in hand with kindness and treating others with respect but don't forget your manners. Say "please," "thank you," "have a good day" and "your welcome." And always look people in the eye when you're talking to them.

 Collaboration over Competition -  If you want to be scientific with this one then yes sex and biology is apart of the conversation. But let's talk behavior and psychology. We just do better as a society and global community when we collaborate. Why do we need to compete? Yes it makes us stronger and better but I'd rather have a happy and healthy society, wouldn't you?!   

 Be An Active Listener - (This one is extra important) Listen, listen, listen! I've been talked over my entire life and because of that so many people called me shy when I was younger. The "shy" label definitely bothered me, but instead of dwelling on it I grew to become a listener. And now that we live in society where even listening to people seems to be a problem, I embrace this quality. So many people tell me I should have been a therapist (and therefore a lot of people trust me and what I have to say), it's not that I should be a therapist, more people need to be attentive listeners. 


Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Lately


I finally ordered this summery dress after months of it just sitting in the cart. 


I've been wearing these shoes for four years and I still love them!

A podcast I can't stop listening too even though I cry every single episode. 

This ballerina

I have been waiting for this book forever, finally it came in! 

The cutest bed sheets I can't wait to put on my bed tonight. 

The cheese I use on everything from sandwiches to cheese plates. 

My favorite hole in the wall Italian restaurant


Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Always at The Carlyle





A few months ago one of the New Yorker bloggers I follow on social media was raving about a documentary about The Carlyle hotel in Manhattan. It seemed like it was only getting a limited release so I was saddened I would have to wait until it was available as a dvd. So when my mom called a week ago saying it was playing in Palm Springs, I jumped at her invitation to see it. With all it's elegance, class and history, I was most fascinated with the architectural design, art and most especially the staff's stories. Looking up Dwight Owsley right now, you should do the same!  

(1,2,3,4,5)

Monday, June 11, 2018

Quote of the Day


"If a girl looks swell when she meets you, who gives a damn if shes late? Nobody."
-Holden Caufield 

(image)

Friday, June 8, 2018

Self Care Friday


What a week! On top of the suicides of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, it's been an emotional week - two high profile deaths, one being near and dear to my heart and a few personal struggles I've been dealing with. What everyone needs is to hug and kiss someone and have a night in.  


What I'm Buying: The Important Book

What I'm Doing: Girls Night In

Thursday, June 7, 2018

The Daily Escape

5 Reason to Visit Kansas City, Missouri:

1. Hands down, Kansas City has the coolest library exterior and interior in the entire country. Make sure to make that a part of your visit!

2. Barbecue can be a sensitive subject but I have to say I prefer Kansas City Barbecue. Joe's Kansas City, was voted the best southern barbecue in the country by readers of USA Today.


3. Hit up the Country Club Plaza for some shopping! It opened in 1923 and was the world's first drive in shopping center.

4. Despite Kansas City sharing two states, Kansas and Missouri have not always been on friendly terms. During the Civil War, violence erupted across Kansas between abolitionists and fighters from slave state Missouri over whether or not Kansas would allow slavery. The state during this time became known as "Bleeding Kansas."

5. Kansas City is home to roughly 200 fountains and claims that only Rome has more. Early architects of the city said they wanted to create an urban landscape with "more boulevards than Paris, more fountains than Rome." 

Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Leading Ladies

This morning one of the most influential designers in my life has passed and I am beyond words. One of my earliest memories of a Kate Spade accessory was this very 90s bag my mom had. It was simple but bold, it was a huge moment for my tween self because that's when I started developing my own sense of style.I like what her brand stood for - simple, bold, adventurous but modest at the same time. It was the first bag I ever owned. My brother bought me a millennial pink clutch for my high school graduation, I felt cool and sophisticated and I still have it!

At this point most of my purse collection and home decor is Kate Spade and her style is the inspiration for my home. When I started this blog eight years ago, it was originally titled The Life of a Kate Spade Addict, and as you know I've written several posts about the brand, lifestyle and woman. This is a huge loss and I will never forget the woman who helped me define my fashion sense and lifestyle.   

You will never be forgotten, you will be missed and loved greatly. I'm so sorry you were in pain but you helped me and so many other people live their best life. Thank you for being such a positive influence in my life. This blog is wholeheartedly dedicated to you!

Rest in Peace my dear Kate. 

Monday, June 4, 2018

Weekend Wrap Up...

 more time out & about, exploring new restaurants. 
babysitting this little munchkin.
binging wild wild country. 

Sunday, June 3, 2018

Quote of the Day


"Only history itself can convince you of such a truth. And once you've seen that truth, really seen it, you can't look away." Elizabeth Kostova

(image via design love fest)

Friday, June 1, 2018

Friday Evenings

It's been a long and packed week, a lot has been on my mind. Lots of good things like working on my short list of goals and challenges for this summer, researching for my first trip to Ireland for next year's trip, podcast and side project updates, becoming and aunt, starting a woman's club in my hometown and becoming more involved in committees with other children's librarians. Oh yea, I'm becoming an aunt. I've kept that under wraps to respect my brother and his wife but she's due any minute and I'm beyond excited to meet their little one. I'm thinking of just sending them the library of children's books I've collected over the years and I'm even considering moving closer to them, I want this baby to know I'm the cool aunt. What's everyone up too this weekend? 




(image via artilleriet)

Leading Ladies

Five Things to Know About Bernadette Marie: 1. Trained and completed two degrees, an AAS in Communication Design and BFA in Textile S...