Lifestyle Archives

Winter Wonderland on the Hudson River

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My apartment window was the perfect place to witness how frosty weather transforms the Hudson River. It’s easy to appreciate the beauty of winter when you’re indoors, and far away from the cold. This is a portrait of one of the snowiest days this year, and I saw it for more than what it was.

As the snow fell, the barge that was floating in the distance became barely visible. I was reminded that once I move, memories of this apartment will become obscure and distant, much like the barge. This time next year, I will no longer have this view. But with a change of scenery, comes a change of perspective.

Reflecting on the Week

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There is always a point in the day where the Hudson River is calm and still. And in those moments, a reflection of the sky is painted in the water. This body of water is constantly moving, flowing, going, yet takes a pause every now and then.

Taking the time to witness this put things into perspective. Out of all the busy days in this busy life of mine, I deserve a moment to just…be. That way, whenever the tide begins to turn, I will be ready to ride the wave.

Tropical Twilight Sunset Inside my Bedroom

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When my Philips Hue bulb’s Tropical Twilight setting turned on, I was transported to the vacation that I didn’t know I needed. The contrast between the deep blue, sunset sky outside and the sweet, sherbet-colored lighting in my room looked like a scene from an A24 film, one that won multiple awards in the “Best Cinematography” category. Who knew that a simple light setting could completely transform a space?

It was a dark, cold, and dreary winter night in New York. Nowhere near the tropics, or any sort of warmth for that matter. From the months of November through February, most days are that way in the “Yonks.” In control of my own environment (my bedroom), I had it reflect what I need — in this case it was warmth, beauty, and brightness.

Happy New Year to all 2021

No one expected the pandemic to be over once the clock struck midnight on December 31, 2020.
So, my husband and I did not have anyone over, and neither of us went out to party. One of my New Year’s traditions is to hang out with one of my good friends. Since we both wanted to stay safe, we had to find another way to celebrate.

If 2020 taught me anything, it was to start improvising. My friend and I could not party in person, but nothing was stopping us from bringing the NYE celebration to Animal Crossing New Horizons! We dressed our villagers up in party attire, watched the countdown, and enjoyed the virtual fireworks. Sure, it was not the same as hanging out in real life but it was fun and different, most importantly we did it together.

Sweet weekend snoozes

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Most people use the weekends to unwind and pamper themselves. Well, I am the same way, but with my pup. As a dog parent, I always want the best for my little Dyson. Sometimes a nice bath and nap on my Brooklinen sheets is all he needs to feel good.

Whether you are a dog or cat person, furry friends bring so much joy to our lives! Even when Dyson sleeps, just noticing how sweet he looks makes me smile. I think my dog deserves his own Instagram. I am always tempted to fill up my feed with cute pictures like this one.

Between work calls & filters

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I was scrolling through my Instagram page and saw that I share about the world around me a lot, but what has been missing on my page is…me. Since the pandemic hit, I have not gone out much so that has led to a decrease in photo-ops. And then there is the “selfie” option, what is it about the front camera that makes getting a good picture so hard?

I have been on a lot of conference calls lately, but when I got some down time I created my own photo opportunity. The first step to taking any great picture is lighting, and the window in my apartment was perfect. Now for a great selfie, you need a great filter. I landed on the Cherry Blossom one from Instagram, found my angle, and got my shot. #WFH

Weekend Selfie mode

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I think every home has a good “selfie spot.” I finally discovered mine while I was packing up my things, and getting ready to move to a new place. The sun always seems to shine brighter on the weekends. On this day, it beamed through the blinds on our kitchen window. So, I stood there and got my sun-kissed selfie.

When a picture is in black and white, it makes subtle details stand out more. The contrast between my eyes was prominent, even without color. One of my eyes was lit up by the sun, making my iris shimmer like a gemstone.

Memories are decor are mementos

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While packing up my apartment, I came across things that my husband and I have collected over the years. Looking at each one of our trinkets that took me back in time. I was instantly reminded of all the places I have been, as I prepared to go somewhere new.

There are stories within those small items. Many of which are keepsakes from life before COVID-19. A toy from my work-at-office desk, a Dr. Who souvenir from a trip to London, and a box of macaroons from a day of holiday window viewing on Madison Avenue, to name a few. Knick knacks like these are worth keeping around.

There is a big trend to “de clutter” and keep only the essentials. I feel that keeping small precious items, especially those that have a memory and meaning attached to them, are important to have. I am not advocating to become a hoarder of all things, but being able to take a moment and appreciate the actual “special” items has helped in this “COVID-19” world.

Countdown to 5 o’clock with champagne

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When I think of the best on-screen secret agent, only one name comes to mind: Bond. James Bond. And when I think of the best champagne brands, Bollinger is at the top of that list. So, you better believe that I was thrilled to try out the Bollinger Special Cuvée, the “Official Champagne of 007.” To make it even more special, I sipped it from my Vintage Mix Lab cup. I loved the packaging and taste of this wine; I give the 007 Champagne a 10/10.

This purchase was meaningful for a few reasons: 1) My friend owns the store Upstream Wine, which I bought the drink from, and I’m always happy to support her business. 2) I love Bollinger so much, that I even had it served at my wedding. 3) I’m a big James Bond fan!

My baby Dyson is cute art inspiration!

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Compromise has a negative connotation, but finding middle ground helped to revive one of my passions: painting. I graduated from college with an art degree, but I have not made any art in awhile. I have been thinking about painting lately, but there are many reasons as to why I have put it off. It is a hassle to set up an easel, get paints out, and find the space to create. So, I got an iPad and all those problems were solved.

My iPad acts as a digital canvas, there are very few limitations, and most importantly, no mess. I used my new found medium to combine what I know with what I love, and created a portrait of my dog, Dyson. My artwork allowed me to show off his best attributes: a fluffy coat and happy face.

I do not know if this will be a sustainable medium for me. I have to relearn a new surface, a new set of tools, and a new way of working. I am hoping one of the millions of ProCreate YouTube videos will help me spread up this process, but only time will tell.

Throwback my fav Thanaz 0073J, Bastonata Weather Wash

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With fast fashion currently on the rise, the quality of clothes has undeniably declined. Shirts rip easily, shoes do not last, and nice jeans are hard come by. I have some decent denim in my closet, but nothing could ever compare to my pair of Diesel Thanaz. They are my most prized pair and I got them when I worked for Diesel years ago.

During my time as a Diesel employee, Thanaz jeans were the most popular skinny-fit style and sold out everywhere! This pair has a ‘Bastonata’ wash, which means they were beaten with a stick to achieve a weathered look. I have kept these Thanaz jeans in my “archive” for years and have remained in great condition. They just do not make clothes like this anymore!

I built a rocket this weekend

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lego apollo 11 rocket moon rover and splashdown

Being cooped up has left me a bit drained of my creative juices. My husband noticed this and bought me a birthday gift that not only sparked creativity, but a lot of joy too. This year, he got me Legos that allowed me to build a rocket ship! His gift was a great side project for me which helped scratch my “creative itch” and reignite my love of outer space.

I dedicated the weekend to building my [Apollo ?] Lego rocket ship. It was a replica of a rocket that landed on the moon! What makes outer space so fascinating is its vastness. Although it may be cliche, the stars aligned when my husband and I met. I love him (and my new rocket ship) to the moon and back.