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.

To Growth, Good health, Great prosperity

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Every Christmas, I receive a lot of corporate swag from companies that partner with my business, Zamartz. I have collected many limited edition logo-stamped items over the years — hats, bags, tees, you name it. This year was a bit different, though. Since COVID hit, most of my partners had to cut costs, which meant no merch.

I was pleasantly surprised when I received a lovely plant from my partners at LiveArea! They worked with a company called Lula’s Garden, which sources beautiful Succulents. I got a Ruby Ball Cactus along with a Succulent plant, both kept in a sleek black pot. The pop of color from the Ruby Ball Cactus was the perfect complement to my Christmas decor. My vintage candy dishes and hand-blown tree ornaments never looked so vibrant! This plant symbolizes everything that I want to see in 2021 – growth, good health, and great prosperity.

A perfect day for a Perfect Manhattan

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Although the holidays are right around the corner, I got the celebration started early by channeling my inner mixologist. Some of my favorite cocktails are Dirty Martinis, Vespers, and Piña Coladas, but I love Perfect Manhattans most of all!

Here’s the recipe for a Martz-style Perfect Manhattan:

I sipped my Perfect Manhattan out of a Vintage Remix Lab Nick and Nora glass. From the drink to my glass to the holiday decor in my home…everything was just perfect!

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How i make my “Perfect” Manhattan. The difference between a “Manhattan” and it’s perfect counter part has to do with the ingredients and the garnish. Instead of cocktail cherries as garnish you replace with a lemon twist, and I like to use Rye when making my cocktail.

Ingredients

3 Oz. of Rye Whiskey
1.5 Oz. Sweet Vermouth
3 splashes Aromatic Bitters
1 lemon
ice

Mixing

Add 2/3 ice to a cocktail mixing cup.
Add Rye Whiskey, Sweet Vermouth and Aromatic Bitters.
Stir to mix for 1 minute being careful not to chip the ice.
Strain mixture into your favorite cocktail glass.
Cut a thick twist off of a lemon with a vegetable peeler, lightly warm lemon with match, and squeeze peel over glass.
Run lemon over rim of glass and slip into drink to garnish.

Gucci Donald Duck Bday gift to myself

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I have been collecting Donald Duck memorabilia for a long time. My approach to collecting shifted about 5-6 years ago when I decided to start decreasing my consumerism and environmental impact. A big change happened within my wardrobe. I started to simplify the items in my closet and vowed to only wear blue.

I began to only hunt for Donald Duck themed apparel so my collecting could align within my new buying habits. This shoe was the perfect birthday present to myself. The sneakers fit well and the design is adorable. It feels great to have Donald Duck back into my life!

The Evening Lights Set in space

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I have noticed that I have an affinity with light. I am drawn to the way it brightens a room or adds shadows which create depth within a space.

Today, I fell in love with the way this afternoon’s sunset drew an outline of my bookcase on the wall. The beige and gray lighting reminded me of Caravaggio’s dark and dramatic work. It is hard to believe that I captured such a Chiaroscuro-esque image with just my iPhone.

Thankful from healthy family & friends

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This was my first year making turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. We purchased a huge one from Butcher Box so I wanted to make sure that it was cooked properly. Luckily, it turned out great! Since this turkey was pretty special to me, I decorated the dinner table accordingly. I created a beautiful tablescape with handmade Polish pottery and flowers from Urban Stem. My husband, parents, and I enjoyed our meal and each other’s company.

Many tragic events have occurred this year, but I still have a lot to be thankful for in my life. Despite the rapid spread of COVID-19, I am thankful that I have remained healthy. I miss being around my family and friends all the time, but I am thankful that we have stayed connected. Although it was a huge adjustment, I am thankful that I have been able to work from home. Lastly, I am thankful that my family trusted me to make the Thanksgiving turkey this year.