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Enternainment Options During COVID-19

March 29, 2020

Enternainment Options During COVID-19

Picture of NYC to bring a smile to your face. This post includes affiliate links, upon clicking or buying from them, I may receive compensation.

 

We’re all stuck inside at the moment and for the most part that gets boring. Now as a natural introvert with ambivert tendencies when needed, this time in quarantine is not that big of a deal. Although I do think the psychological aspect of being told we can’t go out when we might want to, is heightening people’s sense of unrest.

Unfortunately as a result of this health crisis I like others I know have lost my job, and I worked from home! Tomorrow is officially my last day, but my faith in this ending and getting my job back soon is high. But only God knows when that will really be. In the meantime I will try my best to keep myself busy. Here is a list of entertainment options during Covid-19 to help keep you entertained as well.

 

Museums that are giving virtual tours:

Museum of FIT: For Fashion history (one of my favorite museums)

 

THE MET: The MET is giving online tours of the museum and of exhibitions (one of my favorite places in the world)

 

The Jewish Museum: A beautiful museum, which I recommend you visit in person if you get the chance

 

The Guggenheim: For the modern art lover

 

The American Museum of Natural History : A kid favorite

 

Fun fact: I made plans with a friend to visit Grounds for Sculpture, an outdoor museum in NJ before the Corona Virus hit, obviously those plans went bust.

 

Botanical Gardens:

The New York Botanical Garden: Currently on display is The Orchid Show: Jeff Leatham’s Kaleidoscope. The Orchid Show like the Cherry Blossom show is something they put on every year and was something I was planning on going to. But a virtual tour will have to do for now. It was really relaxing to watch, and I highly recommend it. Check out their Facebook page to watch the guided tour.

 

Aquariums: Various aquariums are live streaming from different fish tanks. Watching fish is relaxing, I know because I watched!

 

Take a Class: Teachable is a great platform to find new classes. The classes usually entail experts in whatever field you’re in giving a webinar to enhance your skills. Not on teachable, but found own my own is a sewing course by Mimi G Ford. My mom and I are thinking of taking her online classes, sewing is in our blood, and we have always wanted to take ongoing classes.

 

Kadenze is also a platform where you can find free classes. I signed up for a fashion focused class, but there are a variety of topics that you can choose from. The platform has classes from different educational institutions.

 

Learn a new language: I’ve loved using Duolingo, ever since I discovered it a few years back. It’s a free app that lets you learn a new language or practice the one’s you know. I love to practice my Italian, French and even Spanish sometimes.

 

Exercise indoors: I’ve shared this app before on my Instastories and want to share it here too. I have been using the FitOn app to excersice indoors during the quarantine in NJ. Although I started using it in January because I knew I needed motivation to workout. I was on a tight budget and as much as I want to join Title or another boxing gym (my workout of choice) I could not afford to. So within my hunt for a free alternative I found FitOn, and I love it.

 

The app is full of free classes ranging in diffrent types of workouts from high intensity, full sweat classes to simple meditation, all lead by professionals. I’ve noticed that the app adds new classes regularly, which is something I like as well. Even celebrities like Gabrielle Union and Jonathan Van Ness take part in classes. The app also allows you to track your weight and milestones like completing goals you set, such as working out 5 times a week.

 

Start that business or blog: Now is the perfect time to start that business or blog that you had been putting off. Many platforms are offering free or discounted rates for small business owners. Siteground the host I use for my blog, has lowered their prices for people who want to start their own website. I really like Siteground as a host, and have had little to no problems with it. It’s also the perfect time to just start researching a business or blog, or spruce up what you already have. Something I did last weekend to my own blog. I’m also taking this time to research a new business I want to start and get advice from others.

 

Find a mentor: Speaking of advice, if you’re thinking of starting a business you may want advice from a mentor. I recently started using Score, which helps you find a mentor near you who will give you free business advice and mentoring. I’ve already spoken to two mentors and it was absolutely free. Their website also has free resources, while WE NYC is basically the same concept with, in normal times, events in NYC, and is an option I plan on using as well.

 

Listen to a podcast: If you’ve been wanting to listen to a podcast now is the time to do so. The free version of Spotify offers access to podcasts, while if you have Apple Music, you should check out their podcasts as well. My personal favorite is He Said, Ella Dijo with Roselyn Sanchez and her husband Eric Winter. They’re a funny couple, so if you want to laugh, I suggest listening to that one.

 

Start a new hobby: Just like that business or blog, now is a great time to figure out a hobby. Have some paint and paint brushes? Start painting! Want to learn how to write calligraphy? Find a free online class and start! YouTube is a great place to find free how-to videos as well, makeup tutorial anyone? While watching IGTV is also a good option if you want to learn something new.

 

Board games, binge watch and getting outdoors: I have to say I don’t think I’ve ever played UNO or Rummikub this many times in my life, like I have since the quarantine started. But this is the perfect time to take out those card and board games we usually leave for the holidays. While no one can fault you if you finally binge watch that show you never saw. I just started watching Little Fires Everywhere on Hulu and I can say that I already recommend it. And finally take a walk outdoors while keeping with the suggestions and curfews you are being given.

Stay safe and stay healthy-T.S.

 

Lifestyle

My Home Office Space: Updated and giveaway

June 24, 2019

office space

My home office space is always a space in which I spend a lot of time in and I’m always looking to add to it. Not because I’m not satisfied with it, but because I’m obsessed with stationary and all things office. I’ve added a few new pieces to my office space and wanted to write an updated post. You can check out my first post regarding my office space here. Although Home Goods and TJMaxx are my go to for everything when I’m in search for something new for this space, surprisingly they were not the stores in which I found my latest pieces. Here are the newest pieces, where I got them and links to similar ones for you add to your office space. This post has affiliate links in it, upon clicking, buying from the links I may receive a commission. 

 

 

The first thing I bought to update my office space was a three shelf cart with wheels. I needed something to hold paperwork that couldn’t fit in the two drawers in my desk. The black color fits perfectly with the black legs of my desk, and the wheels are great for easy movement for when I want to clean or when I need to move my office space items around. I bought it at Aldi, that’s right ALDI. I had to put it together, but I managed to do it on my own, so it was really easy.

office space

 

 

Similair ones:


 

Next I added two magazine holders that my mom was given. She thought I could use them, and she was right. Although they were a dull green and beige and I needed to spruce them up to fit my office décor. In came gold, blue and green paint and some paint brushes that I had around my house. I painted them in gold first and streaked in the blue on one and green on the other. I wanted them to look a bit antique so I left streaks and used short brush strokes.

Similar ones:


The next items I got were also from Aldi! On a separate trip I found an office kit that came with an accordion organizer, folders with four of each design, thumbtacks, paperclips, and binder clips all in the colors and designs of the folders. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know I did an unboxing of this and got responses expressing surprise that I got all this in one kit and that I found it at Aldi! Yes I did!

Similar ones:


Also new to my office space were a pen holder and trinket holder that I received as a Christmas gift. I believe it is meant for beauty products, but the colors go well with my office décor and they came in handy for holding pens and the paperclips, binder clips and thumbtacks that came in the office kit I bought from Aldi.

Similar  ones:

Also a gift for Christmas from my little cousins, was a phone stand and charging station, surprisingly also in gold, perfect for my office décor. I use this every time I do an IG story or live where I need to talk. It has been a very useful item, even though I didn’t know if I would use it when I got it. I have! So I thank my little cousins and my aunt for getting me such a useful gift.

office space

 

Similar Ones:

The printer is also new in my office space. I got it for free, yes completely free! I am a part of the National Consumer Panel, and had racked up enough points to order it before Christmas of last year. I need to find a printer stand, preferably with extra storage. So that is one of the next things on my to-add list for my office space.

Moving on to my oil diffuser. When I was in Florida for Christmas I came down with a small cold. At one of my aunts house there was an oil diffusor in the bathroom, which my aunt insisted on me using as I took a hot shower. And it really did help! So when I got home I purchased a small oil diffuser from TJMaxx. My favorite oils to put in are Eucalyptus and Sandalwood, which I recently found at Hobby Lobby. For some reason I  find it helpful to put my oil diffuser on when I’m writing towards a major deadline.

Similar ones:

It is said that in small spaces you should use every inch wisely. With these four corkboards, I think I’m doing just that. They came two in a pack with self adhesive stickers at CVS. I use them to get paper work off my desk and to hold momentos.

 

Similar Ones:

 

Lastly, I just bought this keyboard rest a few weeks ago off Amazon. I looked in a few stores and it seems fashionable wrists rests are not sold or they are sold with a mouse pad. I need the wrists rest for the tendinitis in my arms, wrists and hands and I don’t need a mouse pad. The blue and white goes well with my chair and the rest of my décor. Here are similar ones as well.

 

office space

 

 

 

 

 

What does your office space look like? Let me know in the comments and on social media. Now for the giveaway! I’m doing a giveaway of some beauty items I got from the Covergirl store in Times Square. To enter, subscribe and comment below what part of the house you’re obsessed with and why. Office space, like me?  Kitchen? Bathroom?  The winner will be selected randomly and emailed with the email you use to subscribe. Extra entries if you follow me on Instagram! Let me know in the comment that you followed me! The winner will be contacted via email, put the handle to your Instagram or social handle in your comment so I can contact you there as well.  Open to U.S. and Puerto Rico. No purchase necessary.  Ends Saturday July 6, 2019.  Prize includes: 1 Covergirl by Katy Perry Katty Kat Wink Faux Lashes, 1 Covergirl by Katy Perry Lip Gloss and Body Glitter in 05 Kitty Karma,  1 Urban Decay Brow Guide in High & Tight, 1 Rugged Bluetooth Speaker that comes with a carry clip, is water resistant, wireless and has a rechargeable battery. 1 Estee Lauder makeup bag. 1 Covergirl Times Square bag. Look forward to your comments.-T.S.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lifestyle New York Travel

Top 4 cars I loved at the New York International Auto Show

April 22, 2019

NY Autoshow

The New York  International Auto Show is always a fun event to attend. This is my third time going thanks to A Girls Guide to Cars who hosts Girls Night Out. These events are always filled with educational information not only on cars but on how the bloggers and social media influencers that attend this night can improve their business and platforms. Among the guests, speakers were the co-creator of the first electric adventure vehicles, Rivian, and representatives of Purewow, the digital lifestyle platform. As attendees went around to each brand were learned about the cars and how to use apps and social media to improve our blogs and social media platforms. Although I don’t know much about cars, I admire the work and details that go into making them. This year I stopped by Nissan to admire the GTR line up, more than once. Nerd Alert: I don’t know much, but I do remember the GTR being Brian’s car in the Fast and the Furious franchise. Here are the other cars I loved in the auto show. This post is sponsored by A Girls Guide to Cars.

 

Rivian

Rivian makes the worlds first electric adventure vehicles. Inspired by the great outdoors the brand currently has the  R1S All-Electric SUV and the R1T All-Electric Truck. The truck includes three outlets, a compressed air nozzle to fill up tires, a rear bin with a full-sized spare tire and a gear tunnel for extra storage among other amenities. Rivian is an all American made car company located in California, with its original inception in Normal, Illinois.

 

 

 

Jaguar

Jaguar unveiled its newest all-electric car, the I-Pace. Some specifications include storage in the front where the motor would be and retractable handles that retract when the car is locked and in motion. The Jaguar I-Pace has been awarded World Car of the Year, World Green Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year, all for 2019. Details include 234 miles with a fully charged battery, the ability to go from 0-60 in 4.5 seconds, compact style and the ability to charge up to 80% in under two hours.

 

 

Toyota

Toyota showcased its Highland Hybrid and newest Prius Prime. The Highland Hybrid includes an electric motor, all wheel drive and the ability to be equipped to tow up to 3500 pounds. The inside perks include a Blue Ray player, remote and headphones, a moonroof, silencing insulation for a quiet interior, seating up to 8 and more. Perfect for your whole family to fit in comfortably and enjoy the ride. On display was the FV2 concept car, their future mobility concept that would have driving or a riding mode, and which will be able to connect to a person’s emotions by relying on facial and body movements. The car would also be able to move in the direction the driver wants by simple voice and facial commands.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nissan GTR

Nissan showcased its line up of GTR’s including the 50th Annivvery GTR 50 by Italdesign prototype.  This newest edition will only include the production of no more than 50 vehicles and will cost  999,000 euros. Its interior includes black Italian leather and gold accents. Also on display were the original 370z and 50th Anniversary 370z.

 

 

I also enjoyed the classic car collection that included a 1976 Ferrari, 1961 Maserati, 1966 Lamborghini and more. Stay tuned to my Instagram as I post pictures of cars not shown here. Have you gone to the New York International Auto Show? What are your favorite cars to see while there?-T.S.

Beauty Lifestyle Spanish /Espanol

Belleza:Mi productos favoritos del momento

February 3, 2019

Belleza:Mi productos favoritos del momento

Recientemente fui de compras para nuevos productos para el cuidado de mi rostro y nuevo productos en maquillaje.  Si me sigues en Instagram tengo un ‘story’ en mi pagina que se llama ” Unboxing en Espanol” en que hablo de estos productos. Pero si no lo vieron, aqui estan mis productos favortios del momento.

  1. Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel Cream– Compre este hidratante de gel porque queria probar un hidratante que no era de crema. Durante mi busqueda de un nuevo regimen para el cuidado de mi piel, me entere que para mi peil mixta era mejor un hidratante de gel y no de crema. Para mi, un hidratante de crema se sentia grasoso, y el gel de Garnier se disuelve facilmente en mi piel. Tambien me gusta el olor, que me recuerda al mar.

 

Belleza:Mi productos favoritos del momento

 

2. NYX-Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation-Este base lo compre por tratar algo nuevo y me encantaaaaa! Sigo a Francis Nieves por Instagram y ella lo recomenda. Tengo que decir que no puedes sentirlo y que se queda todo el dia SIN un ¨setting spray¨.

Belleza:Mi productos favoritos del momento

3.NYX- Lid Lingerie Eyeshadow Palette, Paleta de sombras- Soy un amante de los neutrales en maquillje. Y soy amante de los Lip Lingierie Y Lip Suedes, que son la inspiracion de este paleta.  Los colores son perfecto para todos los dia’s. Ya lo use un par de veces y es facil de usar para algunas de nosotras que no somos artistas del maquillaje.

Belleza:Mi productos favoritos del momento

4. NYX HydraTouch Primer– Tengo piel mixta que puede ser grasosa y reseca. Este primer o imprimacion es perfecto para eso y es libiano. No necesitas mucho, y no lo tienes que difuminar tanto.

5. NYX Slip Tease Lip Lacquer en Spiced Spell Labial– Compre este labial en mi cumpleanos con el cupon que me dieron por ser parte de el programa Makeup Crew. La mayoria de mis labiales son mate, casi no tengo labiales de gloss entonces queria comprame uno. Amo el color, que se llama Spiced Spell.

 

Belleza:Mi productos favoritos del momento

6 . Essie: Say it Ain’t Soho– Este esmalte me lo enviaron una compania que trabaja con bloggers para probarlo. Es parte de la coleccion Otono 2018 que era inspirada por la ciudad de Neuva York… la isla de concreto (como el nombre de mi blog).

 

Belleza:Mi productos favoritos del momentoBelleza:Mi productos favoritos del momento

 

7. Maybelline: Made For All en el color 385 Ruby For Me– Otra compania que trabaja con bloggers me envio este labial. El concepto de la coleccion Made For All es que los 7 tonos pueden ser usadas con 50 tonos de piel. Me encanta el tono, y como me quedo.

Belleza:Mi productos favoritos del momento

8. Too Faced Shadow Insurance 24 hour Anti-Crease Eye Shadow Primer:  Por mi cumpleanos compre este primer o imprimacion para sombras. Lo compre en Sephora para recivir mi regalito gratis! Ya lo use, y trabaja espectacularmente, lo tengo puesto en las dos primeras fotos de abajo.

Belleza:Mi productos favoritos del momento

Extra: No es maquille pero para mi cumpleanos, que fue el Sabado 2/2 mi mama me regalo un collar de She Is Gold Jewlery.   Tiene la forma de Puerto Rico y me encanta!

 

Cual son tu’s favoritos del momento? Tienes algunos que mencione? Dejame saber en los comentarios o en mis paginas de redes sociales!-T.S.

Lifestyle

Alzheimer’s Disease- Laughter and Sadness

January 27, 2019

Last week I helped watched over my great-aunt or Tia as we call her, who normally is watched over by my aunt. My great aunt is in her 80’s and has Alzheimer’s. Anyone who has had a loved one with this disease can tell you it is not only tough on the person who has it but on their family members as well. As the person loses the ability to remember if they completed basic tasks like washing their hands, their care taker takes on the responsibility of being that persons eyes and ears. It is like caring for a child, completely vulnerable to the world and its dangers.

When I was a little girl it was my grandfather who had Alzheimer’s. Although I don’t remember, my family tells me that I was the only person he remembered. Even though he would question who everyone one else was, even his children. Back then there was not as many medical advances in the fight against this memory robbing disease. Fortunately now there are some medicines that fight to slow its progression, which she is on but there is no cure.

It is said that as the disease progresses patients revert to their much younger selves. This is the case with my great-aunt, who many times thinks she is younger than she is. Telling her she is in her 80’s is a complete shock to her and she is a bit offended. She also sometimes thinks her mother is still alive and that she still lives in Puerto Rico among other things. Her reactions are funny in the moment, because of her spunky attitude, but it is sad all the same. It is also common for a person with Alzheimer’s to become aggressive or angry, although my Tia can be stubborn thankfully the illness has not made her neither.

 

What she hasn’t lost is the ability to do is recognize a hot guy when she sees one, dance and move to the beat, say whatever is on her mind and appreciate beauty and fashion.  Her loving memories of her dad and some memories of her childhood are also things she remembers. She also remembers her faith in God and she NEVER forgets about dessert!

As you watch your loved one lose their memory and with it sometimes pieces of themselves there is no doubt that you will feel sadness. As much as you love them, and want to help them there is only so much you can do. A fact that was clearly reminded to me when my Tia, misplaced her false teeth. Although we were laughing, because she sneaked them out her mouth and lost them, we were loosing our minds looking for them. No matter how many times we asked her where she put them she had no idea, and would lose recognition of what it was we were looking for. We never found them and I’m not sure we ever will. Another moment of laughter and sadness.

Although I’m not a very emotional person, a wave of sadness that I had not felt before came over me at the end of our search for her teeth. Not because I couldn’t find them, but because I could not help her. Sadness that she’s lost pieces of herself although not all, to a thief that might never be stopped.

This post was a bit of an emotional one, but I felt I had to write it all the same. As writing is my outlet. Do you have or had a loved one with the memory robbing disease? What are your stories of laughter and sadness? Let me know in the comments and on social media.-T.S.

 

Lifestyle Spanish /Espanol

Vente Cosas Sobre Mi

January 20, 2019

20 cosas sobre mi

Para seguir presentandome en el mundo de blogging en espanol y para aquellos que leen espanol, me gustaria contarte vente cosas sobre mi. Cuando termines de leer la entrada, me dices algunas cosas sobre ti en los comentarios o en mi redes sociales!

1. Soy Boricua… Pa que tu lo sepas. El ano pasado fui voluntario en el desfile Puertorriqueno en NYC.
2. Me encanta ir en avion, incluso he tomado un clase de vuelo. Una meta o objetivo mio es tener mi licencia de pilotos un dia.
3. E trabajado en el mundo de la moda desde que tenia 18 anos. Pero no se adonde voy en este momento de mi carrera.
4. No he visitado Puerto Rico desede que era una adolescente. Me muero por ir!
5. Escucho musica casi todos los dias. Principalmente en espanol.
6. Me gradue con un Bachillerato en Negocio’s de Moda y Negocio’s Internacionales.
7. Mi epoca o estacion favorita del ano es verano.
8. Tengo pies pequenitas, soy un cinco de mujeres y un tres en ninos.
9. Mi perro favorito es el German Shepard (Pastor Aleman).
10. Amooooo chocolate!
20 cosas sobre me
11. Tengo que estar atento a lo que como, y tomo agua todos los dias porque tengo IBS.
12. Soy un poco timida, hasta que me conozcas. Observo todo primero.
13. Hablo Italiano y Frances, vivi en Italia durante high school(la secundaria).
14. No me gusta cocinar, pero si hornear.
15. Me gusta las peliculas de accion y drama. No soy muy romantica, asi que no me gusta mucho las peliculas romanticos.
16. Amo los libros de papel y escriver con papel y pluma.
17. Para divertirme me encanta ir a musueos. Soy muy low key! No soy muy de ir al club.
18. Soy nocturna. Siempre tengo ideas y quiero trabajar.
19. Quiero hacer paracaidismo y slato de bungee, ya he hecho ziplining.
20. Aunque parezco muy joven, estoy en mis vientes. Estoy siepmre me hace identificarme en caulquier lugar.

Ahora tu! Dejame comentarios aqui o en mi pagina de Instagram o Facebook. Comparte este entrada con los que lean espanol!-T.S.

Blogging Lifestyle Spanish /Espanol

2019 Mi primer blog en Espanol!

January 6, 2019

primer blog en espanol

 

Beinvienedos a mi blog, Concreteislandista! En 2018 quise empezar a escriber en enspanol, pero nunca lo ese. Lo estoy haciéndo oficialmente en el primer mes de 2019. Si ya lees mi blog en ingles, o me sigues en las redes sociales, gracias! Si eres nueva/o a mi blog, gracias por estar aqui igualmente!

 

Concreteislandista empezo en 2016 y lo dedico a moda, belleza, estilo de vida, viajar y por supuesto New York City. Lo llame Concreteislandista porque unos de las apodos de la isla de Manhattan, es la isla concreto (concrete en inglese). Creci en Nueva Jersey, pero seimpre vistando NYC en los fines de semana. Fui creciendo vistando Manhattan todo mi vida, y cuando me gradue de la Universidad empece mi carrera en Moda alli a la edad de veinte anos.

 

Recientemente estoy empezando una trayectoria en mi cararea hacia trabajo editoral y relaciones publicas. Gracias a mi blog descubri mi pasion por escribir y editar. Y gracias a eso, soy Editora de la revista Latinista.com y e escrito por Mitu. Quiero empezar mas en espanol, no solamente por mas lectores, pero porque depues de los huracanes en Puerto Rico, siento que quero conectar me mas con mi cultura. No e visitado Puerto Rico desde que era un preadolescente, pero esta en mi lista.

 

Estoy muy entusiasmada por conectar con nuevos lectores! No te oldivdes a suscribir a mi blog. Mis suscriptores tienen acceso a los “freebies”, “cosas gratis” que creo. Si quieres leer de un tema especifico, dejame saber en los comentarios. Conéctate conmigo en Instagram, YouTube, Twitter y Facebook. Hasta la proxima!- T.S.

christmas Lifestyle The Metropolitan Museum of Art Travel

Must See’s and Things to Do During Christmas in NYC

December 3, 2018

Must See's During Christmas in NYC

Lets not kid ourselves NYC will always be a Christmas/December destination. There are already so many tourists that visit NYC during the rest of the year, and not surprisingly that number jumps during the holidays. Although it is worth it to see the beautifully decorated stores, attractions and experience a New York City Christmas. Here’s a list of things to do and places to see this holiday season in NYC. (Locals pack your patience, visit early or at the end of the season, or avoid midtown like the plague!)

 

Uptown

  • Central Park Ice Skating at Wollman Rink– I haven’t done this yet but it is said to be less crowded than Rockefeller Center with a gorgeous view of the surrounding park. It’s on my to-do list.

 

 

 

  • The Nutcrakcer Ballet at Lincoln Center- This is also on my to-do list! If you’re into ballet, why not see a top ballet company preform a Christmas classic.

 

  • Metropolitan Museum of Art : Medieval Hall- I love visiting this part of the museum especially during Christmas. A tree is put up surrounded by a manger, angels and medieval decorations. On display until January.

 

Midtown

  • Rockefeller Center-This is a must for tourists! It is really a sight to see that gigantic tree lit up. Ice skating here will be crowded if you go mid December and the more people on the ice the more choppy it is.  I did this once with family members from out-of-town at the end of the season and it was not crowded but the ice was extremely rough. Its beautiful, but the rough ice and crowds should be something to consider.

 

  • The Christmas Spectacular and The Rockettes– I also suggest seeing the Rockettes perform, it is a great show and a classic. The last time I saw it I enjoyed the new segments added, particularly the homage to the city of New York.

 

  • The Winter Village at Bryant Park/ New York Public Library on 5th- These should be seen together, I suggest visiting the shops at Bryant Park and entering the library after. The front entrance is decorated and has a beautifully decorated Christmas Tree.

 

  • Store Windows on 5th Ave -After you’ve seen Bryant Park and the library walk out onto Fifth  Ave and walk north towards all the holiday windows. Don’t miss Saks, Bergdorf Goodman and Tiffany & Co. Not on 5th but must see’s are Macy’s windows on 34th which has Santa Land inside. Bloomingdale’s also has gorgeous holiday windows on 1000 third ave and 59th st.

 

  • Grand Central Holiday Fair Market – Stay warm in this indoor holiday market located in Grand Central Station. I like to grab something to eat from the adjacent food vendors.

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Downtown

  • Wall Street Christmas Tree- Visit the Christmas tree on Wall Street. The surrounding buildings are decorated and are lit up at night. Don’t forget to pass Trinity Church which is also decorated and Zuccotti Park which has small Christmas trees that are lit in the evening.

 

  • Flat Iron District-Visit the tree at Madison Square Park. A tree lighting ceremony will take place Dec 6th from 3:30-5:30pm.

 

  • Ice Skate at the Standard The hotel in the Meatpacking district opens its skating rink to guests and the general public from December 20th to the end of March.

 

  • Union Square Holiday Market-Visit the market which runs until December 24th. Buy from local vendors and eateries, visit the kids art studio and heat up in the warming station and lounge.

 

Other Boroughs

  • Holiday Train Show– The New York Botanical Garden host the Holiday Train Show. It showcases miniature New York City landmarks all made of natural materials.

 

  • Vintage Subway Museum– Open year round, explore what subway cars used to look like in the main branch of the museum in downtown Brooklyn. If you plan to stay in Manhattan, visit the smaller museum at the Grand Central Gallery Annex and Store.

 

  • Astoria Holiday Market– A Holiday market in Astoria Queens that sells vintage goods and food. Open December 9th and 16th at the Bohemian Hall.

 

  • Winter Fest at the Brooklyn Museum– The Brooklyn Botanical Garden teams up with the Brooklyn Museum to create an indoor winter wonderland. Activities include live performances, food, a tree maze, Santaland and an array of activates for the whole family.

 

  • Dyker Heights Lights- Houses in Brooklyn are decorated with spectacular light shows. Great Christmas Light Fight anyone? Located on Dyker Heights Blvd from 83rd st-86th.

 

There are so many more things to do! Did I miss a must for you? Are you planning to visit NYC this Christmas season? Let me know in the comments an on social media!-T.S.

 

Lifestyle

22 Must See Movies and Shows on Netflix

November 18, 2018

 

 

Netflix

 

So let me just start off by saying that this was not going to be my blog post today. But because of technology not cooperating and fine print for a gift list post I was going to do, I can’t write what I originally wanted to. I recorded my first video for IGTV, but because the “Clips’ app for the iPhone is not working I’ll have to figure out when I can put that up another time. Any suggestions on free editing apps for IGTV? So two ideas down and I decided why not write about something we all do? Watch Netflix! I would be highly surprised if anyone commented that they don’t have Netflix. But who knows.

 

My list ranges from movies and shows in English, Spanish, Italian, French and Finnish. I love anything British and I don’t mind subtitles so skip those if subtitles are a no-go for you. I’m mainly into mysteries, suspense, and historical genres so if you’re looking for something mushy to watch I can’t help you there. I’m not much of a romantic so I don’t watch a lot of romance. The most romantic movie for me of all time is the “Titanic” and well they all die don’t they? Like I said, not one for mush. So here are the current must see’s on Netflix for me and here’s an older list!

 

P=Period Drama

Spanish (Spain and Argentina)

  • P Velvet and Velvet Collection: These shows are a little bit older, but I still suggest them. The premise is about the Velvet department store and the people who own it and work in it. It’s a clash of societies, the turn of women’s rights, fashion and yes love set in Spain. Velvet is the original show and Velvet Collection was the spinoff.

 

  • P Cable Girls: Set in Spain this show follows the stories of a set of friends who are also cable girls (phone cables) in the 1920’s. For being set in the past the topics covered like abuse, homosexuality and women’s rights are surprisingly relevant. And the FASHION!

 

  • P Gun City: Also set in the 1920’s in Spain this movie showcases the political clashes of the anarchist vs the police. Dirty cops, a possible civil war, flappers and some true Spanish history get mixed into this movie.

 

  • Elite: If you like highschool dramas this one is for you. It’s a murder mystery dealing with different class societies as three students from an urban area get a chance to go to a private high school.

 

  • Edha: A highly successful fashion designer must find a way to save her brand after a sweatshop tragedy. There’s only one problem her new lover is trying to ruin the company, or is he? The fashion is amazing here as well!

Netflix

USA

  • One Day at a Time: This remake follows a Cuban-American family as they go through many situations that a lot of Latino-American families do. It is hilarious thanks to Rita Moreno and heart-warming thanks to the rest of the cast.

 

  • Seven Seconds: Regina King’s performance in this is gripping. Set in New Jersey this series tackles police shootings of unarmed black kids. Corrupt cops and a mother who will stop at nothing to uncover what really happened to her son set the tone.

 

  • Travelers: Time travelers who come back in the bodies of present people try to prevent atrocities and make sure events go the way they’re supposed to. I’m still watching this but I like it so far.

 

  • P The Frontier: This is a Canadian/American show starring Jason Momoa (Game of Thrones) as a Native American who is trying to balance his relationships with his Irish ties while trying to take down a ruthless fur trading company.

 

  • Altered Carbon: Set in the future Takeshi Kovacs is now in a different body. He has to solve his own murder, while trying to remember who he really is in the first place.

 

  • Grace and Frankie: This comedy features Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin as two women who figure out what their lives look like after they find out their husbands are gay.

 

  • The Sinner– This thriller features Jessica Biel as a woman who suddenly murders someone in front of a huge crowd of people. Has she lost her mind or is this mom next door not who she seems to be?

 

French

  • La Mante: This thriller follows a detective whose mother is a serial killer serving time in prison. To solve a new set of serial murders he must ask for her help. Why? The new killer is copycat.

 

Australian

  • Secret City: A political murder mystery and many cover-ups.

 

Finnish (Finland)

  • Deadwind: Detective Sofia Karppi is investigating a murder that’s tied to a high-powered energy company. Although her personal life is a mess thanks to a death, she follows her gut to solve the murder. Many times putting herself in the crosshairs of corrupt characters and the murderer.

 

British

  • Bodyguard: Richard Madden (Game of Thrones) is the newly appointed bodyguard to the UK Home Secretary. But can he protect her from people in the government?

 

  • Luther: Idris Elba is amazing in this as a detective trying to solve serial murders. After a death close to home his personal life becomes intertwined. Not to mention his admirer or is she a stalker?

 

  • P The Crown: If you haven’t already watched this, what are you waiting for! It tells the story of Queen Elizabeth and the rest of the royal family. The lives they wish they had, the things they should not have done and so much more!

 

  • P The Last Kingdom: Originally born in Britain but raised by Vikings, Uhtred has to decide who he is and who he will fight for.

 

  • P Peaky Blinders: This is one of my favorite shows! Gang rivalries, illegal gambling, and the rise of a very smart and ambitious leader (Cillian Murphy). Adrien Brody and Tom Hardy also make appearances as opposing gang leaders. Its sooo good.

 

  • The Great British Baking Show: This adorable show follows home bakers who must compete for the title of Champaign. Every week they bake three times, and are judged by Marry Berry and Paul Hollywood.

 

  • Collateral: This mini series features Carrie Mulligan as the lead investigator. After a pizza delivery gone wrong a death leads to a politically involved plot.

 

 

 

Did I miss any you love? What are your must see’s on Netflix? Do you love certain genres like I do? Have you seen any that made my list? Let me know in the comments and on social media!-T.S.

P.S. Make sure you subscribe for access to my freebies! I’m always thinking of new ones to make!

Blogging Lifestyle Uncategorized

Why I Took A Break From Blogging

November 4, 2018

Why I took a break form blogging

 

After NY Fashion Week in September I took a break that was not planned from blogging, writing and most of social media. I specify not planned because I had more blog posts planned that couldn’t get published. I’m a workaholic and if it were up to me I’d be working and writing non-stop. Although your body without you realizing or wanting to pay attention to it, really does need breaks. Mine came in the form of a self-sustained injury, that affected the one thing bloggers, editors and pretty much everyone needs, your hands and arms.

 

My injury, strained ligaments has not allowed me to do much as the way to heal is by doing exactly that, not much. You can imagine I have been going a bit stir crazy not being able to write, answer emails without assistance, and not doing my daily social media posts. As bloggers, that is part of the course, we put out content, receive feedback and interact with our readers and followers. It starts all over again as soon as we create new content, but due to the injury none of this was getting done. What I did enjoy from this break was just relaxing and not caring about comments or feedback.

 

Because of my injury I was also forced to turn down a few jobs, which was frustrating to say the least. To pass the time I was able to read the book When Through Deep Waters, it was one of the few things I could do that didn’t need much movement. If you’re looking for a good book to read, I highly recommend it!

why I took a break from blogging

If you’re into spiritual and mystery filled books, this book is for you.

 

The pain of strained ligaments is a very sharp and shooting pain which for me runs from my hands up to my arms. It’s hard to open, pull, write and pretty much do anything without hurting the injury. Everything I did had to be done gently or not get done at all. Even as I write this blog post I have to take breaks because of the pain. Although I feel 90% better, the pain still flares up when I write for too long. I managed to heal by switching between hot and cold applications, wrapping my arms in ACE bandages and a lot of rest.

 

Although I’m pretty stubborn and I HATE not being able to do anything. I have an A type personality, I’m a get it done and get it done now type of person when it comes to business. So I will admit by trying to do certain things before I was really ready, I probably made the healing process longer.

 

 

This is not the first time an injury or pain has hindered my ability to work or go to school in the past. When I was in the later years of high school I began to have severe stomach problems. I was always in pain, nauseous or not able to eat. I was also stressed, which is something that makes matters worse. My mother took me to many doctors and specialist who diagnosed me with the wrong aliments. Which in turn put me on wrong medications, just to see what would work. This process repeated itself and included trips to the E.R., therapists and more specialists for a year. Until we finally found a good Gastroenterologist who would see me.

 

Convincing my new Gastro that it wasn’t all in my head was a hurdle at first as well. After more tests, my doctor finally gave me the official diagnosis of IBS. Although it was hard for even doctors to admit that I had it, due to the fact that at the time it was diagnosis normally given to the elderly. Which is not the case any longer, IBS has now been proven to occur in teens and there are specific medications available now, something I did not have.

 

I went through my first year of college in pain, taking breaks in between classes to hide and take naps in the car. Thanks to a trip to a nutritionist who taught me the proper diet, and the correct pain meds from my Gasto, I was able to learn how to control my IBS. This diagnosis took a year or two out of my life, but because it did and I was able to bounce back I knew my hand and arm injury was just a drop in the bucket. Although patient, I am not.

 

Why I took a break form blogging

My article! Go check it out with the link below!

 

My entry back into writing came in a great form and I couldn’t wait to share it. I was asked to write an article for the well-known Latinx website, Mitu.com and I’m very happy with the outcome. Not just because of the article itself, but because the job had time constraints and strict guidelines I had to follow. It was also a collaborative piece as I had to work with the editor. To come back to writing not just with my blog but with something that had to be judged and approved by someone I don’t know, was a huge accomplishment for me.

 

It reassured me once again on why I love to write and how easy it comes to me. Here is the link to the article! Sadly my byline was not added, as it is up to the website, but I’m excited about it just the same! The cash was a bonus as well!

 

Have you ever gone through pain, physical or otherwise that hindered your work or something you love to do? How did you get past it? What did it teach you?-T.S.

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