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A December trip to Miami

January 20, 2020

A December trip to Miami

During December I visited my family in Florida for the holidays. I’ve done this before, but had never been to Miami in any of the years that I’ve gone to Florida. So I made it a point to plan a mini trip to Miami while there. On my list of things I wanted to see? The Wynwood Walls, La Placita, and the beach. The extra spots that we visited while there were a bonus. Here’s everything that we saw, did and some of what we ate. And boy did we EAT! Here is a December trip to a Miami.

The Drive To Miami

Because my family lives in Tampa, and is where we stay when visiting them, I knew we would need a car not only to see things own our own in town, but for the long road trip to Miami. From my family members house to the Wynwood Walls, our first stop in Miami, it took around 3 hours and 54 mins. That was the shortest way and required a toll to be paid. A large portion of the drive required crossing from the west of Florida to the east via route 75, or what the locals call, “alligator alley”.

This is supposedly because alligators like to come onto the swamp level highway and sun bathe. We did not see any alligators going or returning, but its good to know. You know you are getting closer to Miami thanks to the traffic congestion. Which reminded us of when trying to drive in and out of NYC.

 

Wynwood Walls

The very first thing we did when getting to Miami was drive to the Wynwood Walls. The famous art plastered walls grouped in Midtown Miami, near the Art District. Artwork and graffiti is immediately seen when you enter Miami, but this “urban graffiti art museum” was intentionally created to bring life back to the community.

In the early 2000’s it consisted of abandoned warehouses and was known as a crime hotspot. When Joey and Tony Goldman of Golden Properties discovered the abandoned property they took it on. Wynwood Walls was officially opened in 2009 with six warehouses serving as canvases for street art. Over the last 10 years it has hosted art from over 100 artists from over 20 countries. In total the artwork covers 85,000sq ft of walls.

I knew I would love this place, not only because I had been drooling over it on Instagram, but because of my appreciation for all things art. And if you appreciate the graffiti and art that covers walls in NYC, you’ll appreciate this too. I will say it was CROWDED, it is a tourist attraction after all. So pack your patience.

The streets and sidewalks outside the walls are also covered in artwork, so there is more to see than the walls themselves. The shops and restaurants outside the walls are ADORABLE, so we enjoyed walking around the city a bit as well. Tip: The streets get crowded and parking is hard to find, so we opted for a parking lot, probably your best option as well.

 

La Placita

After dropping our bags off at our room for the night our next stop was “La Placita“. This Puerto Rican restaurant was also a spot that I had been insta-stalking for a while. This restaurant was inspired by a market plaza in Santurce, Puerto Rico and was started by Chef Jose Mendin and actor Julian Gil. It serves typical Puerto Rican cuisine that I stuffed myself with.

The décor of the restaurant is full of Puerto Rican staples like Pilon’s engraved with names of famous visitors, Vejigante masks and Taino symbols. And of course, the flag, which wraps the exterior and can be found inside as well. They also have domino tables for people to play. Also not to be missed is a yummy sounding Brunch menu on the weekends. Next time I go, I’ll be sure to make it for brunch.

 

 

South Beach

After all the eating we did, walking was needed! And why not do that at the beach? So naturally a trip to South Beach was next. From the restaurant to South Beach it was about a 30 min drive. The buildings in South Beach are a mix of modern and original art deco architecture which gives you an idea on what Miami used to look like.

The beach was CLEAN! Sure it was not exactly the season for visitors, but there were small groups on the beach and the overall beach was cleanly. I loved the colorful lifeguard houses and the broadwalk. The boardwalk was a simple walk amoungts trees in between the beach and hotels. That day was rainy, so we got a bit soaked walking the boardwalk, but it was an experience that I enjoyed just the same.

Vizcaya Musuem and Gardens

The agenda for the next day was to visit the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and Calle Ocho. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens was originally  the winter estate for Chicago business man, James Deering. In its prime it was 180 acres and consisted of the main house, gardens, buildings in South Miami for staff, machine shops and farm necessities. Currently the estate consists of 50 acres. It was created by James Deering, F. Burrall Hoffman, Diego Suarez and Paul Chalfin who served as the designer, garden planner and artistic director.

They took architectural influence from Italy and other parts of Europe and built it by 1916, taking only two years to complete the main house. The gardens were completed in 1922 and were intentionally built on the Biscayne Bay in between a mangrove shore and forest. In doing so and preserving the estates surroundings Deering became known as one of the first environmentalist in Miami. In 1952 it became a museum and is now considered a national historic landmark.

 

This is a BEAUTIFUL place and it really is so relaxing. Its as if your stepping into a peaceful time of European history. We walked the entire main house and surrounding gardens in around 3 hours. Statutes, plants, trees, fountains and diffrent passageways are found everywhere you walk amongst the gardens. While inside includes 54 rooms, of which 34 are open to the public. This is a must if you like musuems and history, when visiting Miami. I may go more in depth on this part of the trip later on.

 

Calle Ocho and Mofongo

Walking the grounds of the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens made us hungry, so the next stop for us was the Puerto Rican restaurant, Mofongo, on famous Calle Ocho. The restaurants décor and food made us feel at home, just like La Placita did. Everything was delisous!

 

A walk up and down Calle Ocho was the last thing we did before leaving town. The street was vibrant with murals of Latin icons, live music pouring out of restaurants, statues to Cuban revolutionaries and Domino park. While there don’t be surprised if you hear roosters. They walk the streets freely and are protected by the city. Something that reminded me a lot of Puerto Rico.

 

By the end of the trip I understood people’s fascination of Miami. I felt right at home hearing Spanish spoken just as much or more than English throughout the city and I loved it. I felt at home with the music and environment and fell in love with the art of Wynwood and beauty of Vizcaya. More trips to the city of Miami are definitely on my to-do list.

Have you ever been to Miami? Let me know in the comments or on social media. And make sure you’re following me on Instagram to catch more pictures of Miami.-T.S.

 

 

christmas

Gift Guide for the Office Space

November 18, 2019

Gift guide for the office space

My latest gift guide in Spanish covered some great gift ideas for women. Make sure you check it out here!  As Christmas is approaching I figure why not keep up the theme with a gift guide for the office space. After all your office space is one of the places you spend most of your time. I personally, am super grateful for the job I have in which I work from home. And I know there may be some reading this right now who do as well and in that case make sure you share this post with your loved ones, so they’ll now what to gift you this Christmas. On the other hand these could also be great additions to the cooperate office! Although I love my office space now, its definitely not my dream office (the one inside my dream townhouse, somewhere in lower Manhattan) but this gift guide for the office space definitely has contenders for what I could add to my own office space. (This post contains affiliate links.)

Planners

I absolutely love paper planners, and I make sure to get one in the first days of January every year. There is a belief that if you write something down you are more likely to remember to do it. And I find this to be true, my planner with all my written reminders is one of the first places I look at to check off what I have to do for that week or day. This is a must for all the work at home bosses.

 

Desk and Chair Accesories

Your desk accessories are important to your office space as well. I love when I find desk accesories that are both fun and useful. Because who wants a boring office space? And just because your work space may be a cubie in a large building, dosen’t mean it can’t be cute. Accesorize your space as much as you can by adding color, texture, shapes and even maybe a cute pillow for your chair!

 

 

Wall Decor

You can see some of my wall décor in this post. My office space includes affirmational sayings on my wall, which I think are comforting and inspirational. If you work from home, you know sometimes it can be hard to keep going and not give up or get distracted. Looking at something positive reminds you of what you’re capable of and it doesn’t hurt that its pretty!

 

I hope this gift guide gave you some ideas on what to ask for this Christmas, or what to buy your fellow boss babe. And lets not kid ourselves, gives you ideas on what to buy for your own office space. Let me know your thoughts in the comments and on social media.- T.S.

 

 

christmas Spanish /Espanol

Guia de Navidad: Regalos Para las Mujeres

November 10, 2019

Ya estas comprando regalos de navidad para tu familia y amigos? Si ya tienes algunos regalos, te felicito! Pero si necesitas un poco de ayuda en que comprar las mujeres de tu vida, pues aqui esta mi lista de ideas para el regalo perfecto. Un guia de Navidad: regalos para las mujeres! (Este entrada contiene enlaces de afiliados)

Moda- Para la que sabe que la calle es su desfile de moda.

 

Casa-Para la que siempren esta en casa, como yo!

 

Tecnología-Para la que quiere algo nuevo en tecnología.

 

Belleza-Para la maquillista profesional o la que puede ser una!

 

Cuidado de Piel-Para la que ama todo lo que es el cuidado de la piel.

 

 

Te inspiro a comenzar tus compras esta lista? Dejame saber en los comentarios y en mis redes!-T.S.

Travel

Stay-cation in Atlantic City

August 5, 2019

Stay-cation in Atlantic City

Last week we went on a stay-cation to Atlantic City with family friends. I had never been to the seaside city known for gambling and entertainment shows. The city itself is run down except for a few up-kept historical spots, a shopping strip and of course the casino/hotels. The boardwalk was a tale of the same, one side vibrant with stores, The Hard Rock Cafe and a pier with rides, games and restaurants. While the other side had not as many, thanks to some businesses closed down and past attractions taken away. One would think that in a city that generates money from gambling there would be more upkeep to so such a large attraction and to the city itself. Although we don’t have to think that hard on where all that money stays (casinos). If only those casinos would invest in the city itself?

 

We did get to see a few historical places that I found interesting. There is a time capsule buried in front of a church that is to be opened in 2056 that we stopped to see. Although the most interesting place, was the Abescon Lighthouse with an attached house that serves as a museum. Not only did I enjoy this place because of all the history it held but because of the lighthouse keeper, named Buddy. The museum is free but if you pay a fee you can walk up to the top of the lighthouse where the lighthouse keeper, Buddy waits to greet you and tell you more about the site. Buddy is 92 years old! He is there every Friday, although the other employees say he’s there up to three times a week. He served in WWII and traveled with his now deceased wife when they were young.

 

Buddy who is quite chatty, told me of one particular trip to South America with his wife and how they forewent wanting kids in favor of traveling. My kind of couple! He became interested in becoming a lighthouse keeper after doing the New Jersey Lighthouse Challenge with a few friends. Buddy thoroughly enjoys volunteering there, celebrating his birthdays with the lighthouse staff and has been the lighthouse keeper for what will be 10 years in October. He walks up and down the 228 steps of the lighthouse just like everyone else. Once again Buddy is 92 YEARS OLD!  He attributes good genes, and physical activities like the Tai Chi classes he takes to his longevity. Buddy was one of the highlights of the trip for me. If you go to Atlantic City you have to visit Buddy at the top of the Abescon lighthouse!

Facts about the lighthouse:

Jan 15, 1857 was when the lighthouse began shining across the Atlantic. The light beamed 20 miles out to sea.

The position of the current museum is exactly where the original light house keeper lived and it was known as the “Keeper’s Dwelling”.

The assistant keepers dwelling or the assistant lighthouse keeper also had a house, located behind the lighthouse.

By July 11, 1933 the lighthouse was decommissioned or put out of service thanks to the rising skyline of Atlantic City.

Lighthouse keepers had strict rules to follow, like that of a person in the military. They were to stay in the watchroom and never leave unless an assistant keeper or trusted person came and took their place. While other requirements included being neat, sober and managing the upkeep of the lighthouse and the grounds.

 

 

The rest of my trip included eating really good Peruvian food at El Chalan on 2641 Artic Ave. Playing Rummikub, which I’m finally getting the hang of thanks to my Rummikub tutor (my mom’s friends), walking the boardwalk at night, riding a ride at the amusement park with my moms thrill loving friend and pushing a single slot machine button. And no, we didn’t win anything! Lastly, a few hours at the beach was spent before heading home.

 

 

 

If you’re interested in visiting Atlantic City in November, Puerto Rican Salsa Group El Gran Combo will be at the Tropicana on November 30th. Make sure to pickup the Atlantic County Coupon Guide in your hotel or at the Absecon Lighthouse for a discount off the admission to the lighthouse and to other events in A.C. Have you ever been to Atlantic City, what was your experience? Let me know in the comments and on social media.-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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beauty New York

El Show de Maquillaje Nueva York 2019 y los Productos que Compre

May 13, 2019

La semana pasada fue al Show de Maquillaje de Nueva York, que occure cada ano. Era mi segundo vez yendo a la exposición comercial para profesionales en maquillaje, moda, estudiantes de belleza y la prensa.  Durante estos tres días, una para prensa solamente, y dos para el resto del publico hai orportunidades para aprender nuevas tecnicas de famosos maquilladores, conocer a las marcas que estan ahi que no se puede encontrar en su  tienda local, y el mas importante, comprar productos en un alto descuento, a veces al %50 o mas.  Aquí les dejo con lo que vi, lo que aprendi,, lo que compre, y el *look* que cree con mis productos. Cuando mi mama se entero de que iria al Show de Maquillaje, por supuesto mi mama queria que la comprara algunas cosas tambien.

 

Los Productos que Compre:

  • NYX: Off Tropic Paleta de sombras y pigmentos en  “Shifting Sand”. Precio original: $20.00   –  Precio en el Makeup Show: $14.00
  • NYX: Hydra Touch Primer, Precio original: $14.00    –    Precio en el Makeup Show: $19.60 por dos

 

  • Make Up Forever: Matte Velvet Skin Base.  Precio original: $38.00 –  Precio en el Makeup Show: $24.82

 

  • Benefit Cosmetics: POREfessional Primer. Precio original: $32.00 –  Precio en el Makeup Show: dos por $38.40, $19.20 cada uno.

 

  • Urban Decay: De-slick Setting Spray. Precio original: $32.00   –   Precio en el Makeup Show: $20.90

 

Los dos brochas y el guia de cejas fueron gratis con mi compra.

 

The makeup show

 

El “look” que cree con la paletta de NYX:

Los productos que utilice:

Lo que vi y aprendi:

 

¿Has ido a una exposición comercial de maquillaje en el pasado? La próxima parada para el Makeup Show es en Washington D.C. con el TMS Beauty Shop en Agosto 3er & 4.-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.

 

fashion Shop

Must Have Coats

January 13, 2019

must have coats

It is COLD up here in the North East, so its safe to say we might still be using our thick coats well into February. Let’s all do a little prayer that we don’t have a snowstorm in February, I’ve totally been stuck indoors for my birthday because of it.  Although one opportunity granted to you because of the cold is the ability to take out great coats. I myself have a collection and love to switch them around. It’s also a great way to stay fashionable and show your style while staying bundled up. From patterns to colors and cuts the possibilities to standout with a great coat can be endless. Here is a great selection to add to your collection of coats. Don’t have one yet? Start one!

 

Shearlings and Furs- A great way to keep warm is to infuse a faux fur or faux shearling coat into your wardrobe. Don’t be afraid to pick a bold color like the red Alice and Olivia piece.

Puffers- A popular coat no matter what the price range is, the puffer, will always be a go to. I own a dusty rose one in velveteen similar to the floral Collusion piece. All though puffers draw attention own their own because of its shape, a bold print will add extra flair to your outfit.

Swing Coats- This classicly cut coat will never go out of style. I practically love that it can be an everyday coat or taken out for special occasions. Because of the classic cut don’t be afraid of a bold print like the Asos animal print piece. It still has a sleek put together feel thanks to the cut.

Teddy Coats- I haven’t delved into teddy coats yet but it’s on my list of maybe’s. Feel free to combine trends as the French Connection piece does with its robe style cut.

Do you have any of these in your coat collection? While I have some of these in my collection I definitely see some that I would love to add to my closet.  Which ones are you adding?- 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.