Lifestyle

Create FREE Instagram Highlight Covers + Icons

Soo time is flying and severely got ahead of me! I can’t believe my last post was so long ago, oops! If you follow me on Instagram (which 87% of you do since this is probably what you led you here lol), you’d have noticed that I recently revamped my story highlights! As a Virgo, I *love* order and neatness, so I wanted to clean up my highlights and make them more uniform. When I did a little research on how to get these highlight covers, I was shocked to see bloggers and sites actually charge for them! Since I’ve been living everyday like Christmas, I figured let me see how I can create my own. I am so glad I did! I was able to customize the covers exactly to my taste and couldn’t be happier. I def plan on creating more and switch them up in the future.

Here is a step by step guide on how to make your own covers in literally ten minutes from ANYWHERE – phone or desktop!

 

  • Go to canva.com. You do not need to create an account, but if you do it is still free.
  • In the left hand corner, hit create design.
    • Select Instagram story (1080×1920 px)

Now comes the fun part, the designing!

  • For the background of your cover, you can choose ones that Canva already has uploaded, or you can upload your own!
  • Next you can add text or search for various icons for whatever highlight you are trying to make.

 

Here is an example of the ones I made! To make more, you can simply just click on “copy page”. This will copy the exact page and you can just change the wording/icon. If you want to create a completely different theme or background, you would hit “add new page” at the bottom.

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When you are all done, all you have to do is save! The app interface is still the same so from your phone you’d just download. On desktop, you’d download and then email to yourself and save from there. You can download all at once, or one at a time.

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I hope this helps, I can’t wait to see some of your designs!

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FAB FIT FUN – REVIEW

I have been seeing Fab Fit Fun everywhere, so I took the plunge and first ordered the Editor’s box, which I received for only $20 or so. Truthfully, I forgot I kept the subscription, so when I was charged the $50 bucks for the summer box, I figured why not, let’s see what the hype is all about! For the $50 seasonal subscription, you receive a box of goodies ranging from beauty to fashion to fitness. The value of the box is worth more than $200, what a steal!

When you initially subscribe, you fill out a survey, which is to help the FabFitFun team select products that are more in tune with your personal tastes. This does not mean the box is personalized however!

 

To start, I LOVED the Editor’s Box! Check it out below!

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Rachel Pally Reversible Clutch – $60

  • Two clutches in one? Yes, please! I received the blue/pink one. The vibrant color and fun summer pattern can add a pop to any outfit!

Free People Starry Eyed Sleep Mask – $25

  • I love that this had removable cooling inserts!

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate® Intensive Exfoliating Treatment – $75

  • Honestly have not tried yet, but only have heard amazing things. The papaya, pumpkin, + pineapple enzymes perfectly polish your face while the treatment also improves texture, pores, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Spongellé Body Wash Infused Buffer in French Lavender – $16

  • OKUR. The smell of this alone is just incomparable. I am OBSESSED with it. It exfoliates, cleans, and moisturizes! Love the way my skin feels after using it.

tarte Double Duty Beauty™ leave your mark eyeshadow palette – $30

  • tarte is my favorite makeup brand, so I was over the moon when I received this. Seven eye shadows and a white gold highlighter?! I love to create natural, everyday looks with this palette ❤ ❤

Homemade by Ayesha Curry Ceramic Mug – $16

  • Super cute, and perfectly fitting for my desk at work!

Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair!™ Deep Conditioning Mask – $30

  • Can’t wait to try this especially since summer has been hard on my hair between the heat, styling, salt water, sun, you name it! It certainly needs some hydrations and restoration.

MYTAGALONGS Hot & Cold Gel Pack – $15

  • A perfect hot and cold pack for soothing any muscle aches and pains! Freeze or heat to the desired temp, and place where you need relief. Always good to have!

And now for the Summer box! I also loved this one. I think they included the perfect necessities for summer!

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Coola Sport Sunscreen SPF 50 – $36

  • I have recently tried making everything I put on my body organic, and during summer, when sunscreen is basically the first thing you put on everyday, I was so happy to receive this! It feels great on my skin!

tarte sex kitten eye liner + pro to go eye palette – $43

  • Like I mentioned before, I LOVE tarte products! I actually have this palette and already used two of the colors so I was thrilled to receive a replenished one!

Vasanti Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator – $34

  • First off, ONE bottle lasts SIX MONTHS. I am lucky if my face wash lasts me three weeks! This scrub brightens, cleanses, rejuvenates, and hydrates! Looks like I don’t have to leave mt house to feel like I went to the spa!

Foreo Luna Fofo – $90

  • This was the first thing I opened and tried. It was pretty cool to use and I was super happy to see that my skin age as my actual age! It is a silicone cleansing brush that features app-driven skin analysis. LUNA fofo analyzes the skin type and moisture level in each zone of the face to create a personalized skin profile.

Summer + Rose Beach towel – $55

  • I don’t know about you, but I feel like during summer I am always searching for a towel. One that is cute, clean, big, not hanging on by a thread, etc. Thank god I received this one. My woes are gone! This over-sized towel is so soft and just perfect for a day at the beach (sand won’t stick) or poolside! 🙂

Erth Pearl “Tu y Yo” Ring – $55

  • I am usually a strictly silver, simple jewelry person. Buuuut this has changed my views on pearls and gold. I love how unique it is. It has two certified natural cultured freshwater pearls and is 14K gold (real gold) plated!

Pier 1 imports Marble Ring Dish – $20

  • I  love marble print, and I love this dish! The perfect addition to my vanity where I can place my rings and things, especially my new Erth ring!

Orlando Pita Play Atmos-Shield – $25

  • Following my organic preferences, this paraben free 10-in-1 thermal heat protection spray helps to fight potential damage caused by heat, UV rays, pollution etc. It helps protect hair, seal split ends, making hair shiny, soft, and smooth! Also, it smells amazing.

IMPORTANT: I also loved the reusable straw they sent to help gain awareness for the plastic crisis taking over the oceans. Save the turtles ❤

Overall, I would definitely recommend FabFitFun! They have awesome, unique, high quality products in their seasonal boxes – all for a price you couldn’t even dream of. Totally worth it, go get yours!

 

 

 

#Armor #Abs

Abs are made in the kitchen. While yes, abs are made in the gym, what you make + eat in your kitchen is what will reveal them. Only about 30% of what you do in the gym will help with the abs, the other 70% is all about what you’re putting into your body. In this post, I will go over (and show you!) some exercises I do to help with my abs. I don’t have a six pack (I do have a sweet tooth 😉 ), but I do know these exercises are some of the best and will def have your abs burning the next day!

I do abs about four times a week. I dedicate one day to all exercises on the stability ball, another day to solely planks, another day leg raises/cable crunches/Russian twists, and another day on just random ab machines.

*Some of these require a pilates ball, but I will also include some other exercises that you can do without*

Feel free to mix and match!

  • Stability ball pike – 4 sets of 25
  • Stability ball mountain climbers – 2 sets of 30
  • Stability ball V-Up – 2 sets of 30
  • Legs on ball crunch – 2 sets of 30
  • Side touches – 2 sets of 60 (30 each side)
  • Crunches on ball – 2 sets of 30
  • Stability ball tuck
  • Hip side raises – 2 sets of 30 (each side)
  • Planks – I do seven minutes – one minute for each of the below
    • Regular plank
    • Star plank
    • Feet on stability ball
    • Left side plank
    • Right side plank
    • Elbows on stability ball plank
    • Regular plank to start plank (every ten seconds switch)
  • Plank rolls – 2 sets of 30
  • Plank knees to elbow – 2 sets of 30(each)
  • Russian Twists (with 12 pound ball) – 4 sets of 25
  • Leg raises – 4 sets of 25
  • Cable crunches – 4 sets of 30
  • Weighted punch crunch – 4 sets of 25

2018 BOOTY GAINS

Happy New Year! So excited to see what is in store for 2018 and to leave 2017 behind! I guess my first resolution should be to get back into posting weekly. I have sooo many ideas for content but what good are they if they just stay in my head? With the start of a new year, I see so many “new year, new me” quotes, but lately I have been seeing so many more “new year, new body” type of quotes and resolutions – which I think is great! Being active and fit is so important to your overall health and even self-esteem. I think 2017 was all about the booty, and I think 2018 will be the same so I will be sharing with you my booty regiment. I actually do legs two times a week, call me crazzzzzzy. After a few weeks of doing this, I do switch it up to other routines because it is good to shock the body so the muscles don’t get so used to certain workouts. If this post goes well, I will be sharing my other workouts I do throughout the week :). *Disclaimer – I am not a personal trainer, nor am I some bikini competition model, but I am pretty proud of my assets (lol) and after working out for years, I’d like to think I know a thing or two 😛 I posted a few videos of sample exercises, and the workouts are at the bottom of the page 🙂

I try to do legs beginning of week + end of week. Usually Monday/Friday. Do weights that you feel comfortable with and don’t try to over exert yourself! I always switch it up between heavy weights and low weights.

Below are two examples of exercises (I may add more!). The first one is single leg glute bridges. The other two are modified kickbacks – putting the weight behind your knee!

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Leg Day 1

  • Warm-Up – no weight (3 sets of 15)
    • Lateral band walks
    • Glute sidekicks
    • Kneeling kickbacks
  • Superset 1
    • Curtsy lunges (no weight or low weight) – 5 sets of 10
    • Hip raises (now weight or low weight) – 5 sets of 10
    • Single leg glute bridge (no weight or low weight) – 5 sets of 10
    • Kickbacks (no weight or low weight) – 5 sets of 10
  • Superset 2
    • Deadlifts – 5 sets of 8
    • Leg curls – 5 sets of 8
    • Leg extensions – 5 sets of 8
  • Superset 3
    • Leg press – 5 sets of 8
    • Calf raises – 4 sets of 15

Leg Day 2

  • Warm Up – half mile jog
  • Walking lunge – 4 sets of 25
  • Leg press – 4 sets of 25
  • Leg extensions – 3 sets of 25
  • Leg curl – 3 sets of 25
  • Squats – 4 sets of 12
  • Wide stance squats – 4 sets of 12
  • Bulgarian split squats – 4 sets of 12 (each leg)
  • Good mornings – 4 sets of 10
  • Thigh abductor and adductor – 4 sets of 12

 

 

 

 

The Beauty of Moving On

I try not to get too personal on here but writing is one of the best ways I know how to cope with anything in my life. I felt like writing about something that we all can relate to at one point or another in our lives, which is…heartbreak. Sometimes we are the ones suffering from it and sometimes we are the ones causing it. That is just how life works, no matter what side of the sword you’re on, simply put, it sucks. If you’re going through it now, I hope this helps make you feel a bit more optimistic, or puts things in perspective, and just overall helps you awaken from the cloud you may feel you’re under.

So when is it really over? When do you get up and walk from the table? Simply, when love is no longer being served. When respect is no longer on the menu. When your self love and self worth are all sold out. When you’re being treated as scraps when you deserve to be surf and turf. Once you finally figure out what respect tastes like, you will always always always choose it over attention.

I’m sure we have all found ourselves asking the universe for signs. We can ask all we want. But truthfully, we all already know the answer, right? If it is at the point where we have to ask for signs on if this whole thing is right and meant to be, clearly it is not. That in itself is a sign – but we see what we want to see, and when we are ready, we will see the signs we were searching for. Just be careful not to keep your eyes closed for so long.

When it’s done it is done. What is the use of picking up broken pieces off the floor? It could never look the same. It will never be the same. You hurt yourself in the process. The person who hurt you cannot be the person to fix you or save you. All of that has to come from you. I am not sitting here promising you will be healed of heartache the next day. No way. It is a journey. If love can fade, so can pain – and it will. You must grow through what you go through and learn to never settle in this life, ESPECIALLY when it comes to love. Your new life will cost you your old one, remember that. Not everyone you lose is a loss.

“Why should I be sad? I have lost someone who didn’t love me. But they lost someone who loved them.” Life doesn’t always bring you people you want to meet. Life puts you in touch with people you need to meet – to help you, to hurt you, to teach you, to love you, to leave you, to strengthen you and make you the person you were meant to be. Throughout that journey though, you must love yourself and be true to yourself. Sometimes we forget about all of that when we break up or when we are with someone for so long that they have clouded our judgement. Here are some of my tips for moving on and getting back to that place of self love. Once you love yourself, everything else falls into place.

  • Cry. This seems so obvious, but you need to cry. You need to let it out. Scream into your pillow. Go through a box of tissues. You just need to release the emotion, because when you bottle it up, it is like drinking poison, you will be the one continually suffering. My mom always said after a good cry, everyone looks prettier. Plus, I think the tears wash away all of that cloudy and dirty judgement we once had either about ourselves or the person we once loved.
  • Unplug yourself. Get off social media. Don’t post all those sad quotes or the revenge quotes. Who is it for anyways? They don’t care. They aren’t looking. Don’t post the sexy or seductive posts, you look like you’re starving for attention – and you may get it – but NOT from the type of people you want to attract into your life. Plus, the people you do want to attract, may steer clear from you as they may have a different perception. Don’t snap pictures of you out on dates or with other guys, it is immature, and makes YOU look bad once again. Lay low. Move in silence. Let them wonder what you are up to. I’d also “unplug” myself from constant reminders of them – take down the pictures, put the gifts in a big box and shove it in the back of your closet. Out of sight out of mind…
  • Keep busy to better yourself. Read a book, write a poem. Take those spin classes you always wanted. Take up painting. Go to the gym. Volunteer. Take up cooking. There is SO much you can do to preoccupy your time. Don’t spend it stalking them and seeing how they are doing or who they are with. Put. Yourself. First. Treat yourself to a manicure or a blow out and feel good.
  • Vent. Call your mom, call your best friend. Get their advice, and actually listen to it. No one wants to have the same phone call with you discussing the same thing, twenty more times. It is exhausting for them, and isn’t it exhausting for you too? The run around, the roller coaster of emotions? Get one big vent session going and really listen to those who have been in this situation before.
  • Stop overthinking. What is done is done. The more you overthink what you could have done differently, or what you maybe should have, or what they could have or should have done differently, you’re just hurting yourself. You need to focus your energy on you. Take the lessons you learned (there is always one with each relationship), and thank your lucky stars you got out of it before your world came crashing down. Yes, you will hear a song and it will remind you of them, you will see their favorite food or restaurant, you will smell their cologne or perfume, but with time, none of that will matter. Acknowledge the moment, acknowledge your feelings, but don’t succumb to those feelings and make them your permanent feelings. Take a deep breath, shoulder back, lift up that chin, put a smile on and carry on. Fake it until you make it.
  • Do not become who hurt you. I think this is the most important one. It is so easy to become bitter and hateful. It is so easy to turn into a monster, to even turn into the monster who hurt you. Never step out of character, for a character. Remain true to yourself. You are love. You are happy. That is your natural state. Everyone has their own demons, don’t let them walk through your head with their dirty feet, don’t become responsible for them. They are not yours to keep or fight.
  • Bless them. Forgive forgive forgive. Forgive your enemies, forgive everyone who hurt you. Wishing them bad is like drinking poison and expecting them to get sick. Bless them and move on. There should be no room for hate in your heart, only positive thoughts of you and what you are looking forward to accomplish and attract next.

Nothing ever goes away until it teaches us what we need to know. Stay strong and focus on respecting and loving yourself, because if you don’t no one else will. You accept the love and respect you think you deserve. YOU GOT THIS! ❤ ❤ ❤ 

“Put on some lipstick darling and handle it”


 

 

The Perfect Valentine’s Day Guide

I can’t believe how fast time is flying, one of my most favorite holidays are rapidly approaching! I know that when I tell some people that, I get a major eye roll in response, guess I’m just a romantic what can I say?! Valentine’s Day is supposed to revolve around love, so to me it doesn’t matter if you’re single or in a relationship, there is still plenty ways to enjoy the day. If you’re in a relationship, you’ll celebrate with your significant other and if you’re single you’ll spend it with the ladies (Galentine’s Day!) – either way it’s supposed to be a time of love and celebrations with the ones you love and who love you.

The concept of Valentine’s Day has actually been around since the Middle Ages but wasn’t made popular in the USA until about the 1700s, and then massively popular in the 1840s.I feel like in recent years, Valentine’s Day has gained more and more momentum, like there are some really unique ways people have begun to celebrate it. Of course I like to be wined and dined, but I am not one to turn down a nice night in. Check out some ideas for plans, gifts, and celebrations!

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Making the Plans

  • Couples
    • A Night Out
      • Make reservations ahead of time! Having roses when you pick her up may help too – hint hint to my BF is he’s reading this 😉
      • I love surprises, so when she starts asking about V-Day plans (she will), try to keep it vague, maybe just a “put on that red dress and I’ll pick you up at 8”. Hot damn.
      • I would definitely choose a restaurant that is intimate and romantic. Your gal def does not want to be taken to Applebee’s on V-Day! Perhaps one of your favorite restaurants, where you had your first date, her favorite cuisine, a place with a view, etc.
      • V-Day seems to be a day where we go a little bit more above and beyond. Treating her to a nice dinner doesn’t mean fancy, but perhaps a step above of what you two usually do.
      • Since it falls on a Tuesday this year, celebrations typically take place the weekend prior. After dinner nightcaps are always a safe bet, or if you’re at a place with a view, take a romantic stroll.File_000 (6).jpeg
        • A Night In
          • Homemade dinner + romantic playlist.
          • This may seem really easy, but making it the perfect, candlelit dinner is actually pretty hard – from the set-up, the mood, the food, it’s a bit nerve wracking!
          • If you’re not a chef, I’d say give it the ol’ college try. She will def appreciate the effort moreso than the taste (or at least she should lol). But, if you’re really just a hazard in the kitchen, maybe order some take-out from her favorite restaurant, or her favorite dish and plate it nicely. Don’t forget the candles, and spreading some rose petals is a beautiful touch!
          • Have the vino poured and the playlist in the background and the mood is set. For the playlist, Spotify has some great playlists you can choose from, or you can make your own and fill it with your favorite songs.
          • Here are some Pinterest ideas for recipes and table settings!

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  • Galentine’s Day Brunch
    • Yasssss! So the hardest part about this is going to be gathering all the girls. Once that is done, it is an absolute breeze.
    • Stock up on some wine, some bubbly, cute decorations, tapas, and get a super upbeat playlist. No sad movies and ice cream! Also a Polaroid camera can make for some great instant pictures!
    • There are little quizzes you can do, little favors like nail polish you can hand out.
    • Check out some ideas below!

Gift Guide – this is basically the most important part of the article haha!

  • For Her
    • Roses + chocolate are basically a must, oh and so is a beautiful card. I am such a mush when it comes to a card and a hand written note ❤
    • To me, V-Day gifts are supposed to reflect on the love you share and is something that is sentimental. It doesn’t have to be some lavish thing. I would suggest something like a piece of jewelry, a LoveBook, something personalized, something that means a lot to her. A gift to both you and her would be lingerie hahah!
    • Some examples below:
  • For Him
    • Well usually Valentine’s Day is a holiday for the ladies, but the guy should get some credit too!
    • Guys are pretty simple to please I have to say, and they honestly may not be expecting anything. See some ideas below:
      • Cologne – this smells so sexual and doesn’t break the bank like Creed does.
      • Watch
      • Wallet
      • 52 Reasons Why I Love You (take a deck of cards and write a reason on each one, instructions here!)
      • Open When Letters…
      • Scrapbook
      • A date of something HE wants – maybe going to a racetrack, seeing a movie he likes, a restaurant he likes, etc.

How To SLAY Your MOH Speech

Alright so remember a few posts back I wrote about my sister’s fabulous Nashville bachelorette? Well the wedding just passed and since I was the MOH, I had to do a speech. Writing a speech can be pretty tough, but standing in front of hundreds of people can be a bit more daunting. I thought I was going to pass out walking down the aisle let alone speak in front of hundreds of people – talk about pressure! The thing about speeches is you have to include both the bride and groom and you have to make it so everyone in the room can understand the jokes, who the couple is, etc. Most importantly, you want to make it sweet, sentimental, and light-hearted. Seems tough I know, but it really could be a lot of fun! It really just comes from the heart!

I’ve heard speeches that were pages long and just seemed to jump around so the greatest two tips I can give you is to write beforehand (LONNNNNG beforehand) and keep it to 2:00 minutes or less 🙂

Check out below for some  more helpful hints and examples!

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Well first things first, you should introduce yourself and thank the guests for partaking in the couple’s lovely day. You should also start with a compliment to the couple and make note on how fabulous they look. Since my (now) brother-in-law would much rather be in a t-shirt and sweats, I also through in a little joke about that.

  • Hello everyone and welcome to bride’s name and groom’s name special day. You both look absolutely breathtaking – especially you groom’s name – I know how much you love wearing a nice tux. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is your name and I am relation to bride.

 

Now you should tell a little bit about the relationship between you and the bride. Share some of her characteristics and memories you’ve had with her and what she means to you, what impact she has had on your life, etc. You can make this super emotional yet still make it funny. Maybe she was your personal stylist from years of you borrowing her clothes and she just never knew it ;).

  • Although we are quite the opposite of each other, bride’s name has been my best friend and my other half since moment or story of how you met. Bride’s name is characteristic, characteristic, etc. Perhaps tell a favorite memory you two have. The greatest gift I’ve received is her as my sister/best friend/ cousin/etc. And now groom’s name, the greatest gift I can give you, is my best friend.

 

Next, talk about how they met or how long they have been together and compliment them on their unique love. Also this is where you will tell a story – either in relation to you, your favorite memory of them, etc. Be sure to ask the bride if any stories are off limits beforehand! This is also where I put in a little joke on the groom, see below!

  • It has been nothing short of beautiful and inspiring to watch your love grow and blossom into what it is now, and I cannot wait to see what it will be. # of years years together already is a long time, but the way you two act, it’s like you fall in love all over again with each look. Speaking of # of years years ago, I remember when all three of us story time. You guys could not get rid of me if you tried! Groom’s name, I am blessed to finally have a brother like you – now I no longer have to the “son my dad never had” – even though I could probably beat you at any sport.

 

Tie it all together now! Write about how alike they are how their love will flourish, and how they can overcome anything that life throws their way. My sister hates going into the basement alone so of course I had to throw that in there.

  • You both are alike in so many ways, and so different in others, but together I know you two can overcome any obstacle with the support, patience, and love you provide each other with always. I know you will continue to make my bride’s name happier than she ever thought possible and I am so glad you came into all of our lives. I know my best friend will ALWAYS be safe (especially when she has to go to the basement by herself), but most importantly, happy, loved and cherished.

Cheers time! Raise those glasses!

  • So please join me in a toast to the lovely couple…Bride and groom’s name, I wish you a lifetime of love, happiness and health. I love you both!!

 

If you need help writing or want to know more tips or see my full speech, comment below or feel free to email me in the Contact tab!

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Lions, Tigers, Bears – Oh My!

Lions, tigers, and bears oh my! I can’t remember the last time I’ve been to the Bronx Zoo – it had to have been at least over 10-15 years. I went back in September, and just never got around to looking at the pictures or writing about it for that matter. I love animals of all kinds and I truly wish I could be surrounded by them all day. I would love to live on a farm and have my horses and cows, etc. I know a zoo has a bit more diversity of animals, but hey if I could live with a zoo in my backyard, I certainly would.

The Bronx Zoo is this incredibly expansive space right smack in the city, it’s actually amazing to think that right in there in between the hustle and bustle of the Bronx, is one of the largest zoos in the nation. With a multitude of exhibits, animals, and displays, the Bronx Zoo should definitely be on a bucket list for all. It is also a great place for people of all ages, especially the kiddies! There is just so much to see and eat! Don’t worry, they have trolleys so you don’t need to walk around everywhere. However, I didn’t tell my BF that, so we had a nice looooong day of walking 😉 Luckily there was a lot of animals to see to keep him busy from thinking about the walking…for the most part haha!

Since exhibits are always changing and being added, be sure to visit The Bronx Zoo site and see what you can expect before you go! Below are some images from my visit!

 

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You can hear the lions roaring!

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This little peacock was on the loose haha!

The ULTIMATE Holiday Gift Guide

It is officially that time of year again! Bring on the Christmas music, the snow, the holiday cheer, and the shopping lines! Wait, what? Since this is the busiest time of year for everyone, especially retailers, isn’t it best to get a head start on all shopping? I absolutely love buying gifts for people, especially sentimental ones that they are going to actually use and love. However, I’ve learned waiting until last minute usually leaves me with zero options and more disappointment than the person actually receiving the gift. I also always find myself in a rut of what the perfect gift may be for them. I mean, I’ve only had 364 days to really listen and see what they want or need. So I hope this list is as helpful to you as it will be to me for years to come!

 

A lot of these gifts are interchangeable, so if they are under a certain section, but you know of someone else who may love it, then certainly go for it!

The Parents & In-Laws:

  • The 2-for-1
    • Dinner + show!
      • You can easily get two tickets to a Broadway show, a comedy show, a band/group they like, or any kind of show they may like and pair it with a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant!
  • I’m all about those monthly clubs! I’ve used this site many times for many different people, it is great because you can really mix and match!
  • I also love putting together baskets. Fill it up with useful items that you know they will use and it is a home-run! For example I made a basket this year with a Le Crueset dish, and filled it with dish-towels, olive oil from Italy, specialty pasta, Italian spices, and a bottle of wine.
  • If they collect anything, then add to their collection! My BF’s father collects vintage cognac, so that was an easy one.
  • Tile Tracker – no more “where are my keys?!” *I know my mother needs this.*

 

The Best Friend:

 

For the Fellas (dad, brother, boyfriend, etc.):

 

For the Ladies (mom, sister, girlfriend, etc.):

  • Spa package
  • Tickets to a musical or play that they like
  • Wristlet/clutch
  • Jewelry (we all love a little Tiffany blue box 😉 )
  • Watch
  • Hollywood Vanity Mirror
  • A weekend getaway
  • Shoes, shoes, shoes!

 

The Host:

 

 

Weed Orchards & Winery

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Fall is my favorite holiday simply because of all the food, the activities, the fashion, and it basically means the holidays are around the corner! 🙂 I recently went on an apple picking double date up at Weed Orchards in Marlboro, NY with my cousin and our boo thangs. Although we got lost once or twice along the way and then our wagon full of everything we picked tipped over (thanks Cosmo), we still had an amazing time.

Coming from suburbs right outside of NYC, we are all sooo used to the fast-pace, go go go lifestyle, houses on top of one another, skyscrapers, etc. Driving through these “country” roads (that’s basically what it is to us), was so beautiful and peaceful. Looking out the window and seeing farms, and an expansive amount of rolling hills was so different, and I loved it! It’s so refreshing to get away from all of that city hustle and bustle sometimes.

Once we arrived, we were immediately overwhelmed with everything that there was to do. There was a cafe, a winery, a kitchen, and a little petting zoo for the younger kids. They also had free hard cider tastings going on (they had a few different flavors, all looked awesome!). We were in a rush and on a mission to pick some apples so we didn’t get a a chance to taste any of them. We rented our wagon and we were off.

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We first came across the pumpkin patch (buy 3 get 1 free), where it was perfect pumpkin on perfect pumpkin on perfect pumpkin. Seriously, I kept changing my pick because every few feet I would come across another perfect one!

Then we got to the apples and the fun began. It was the boys first time apple picking so they had fun climbing the trees, and shaking the branches. Basically my cousin and I were the babysitters.

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Since we went in early October, they had 8 different apples: Empire, Cortland, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Mac, Macouns, early Fujis, and Honeycrisp. We also came across some other fruits and vegetables like eggplant, grapes, and peppers.

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As we were finishing up, our wagon tipped and everything spilled out (WTG Cos hahaha). We salvaged most of it, but we still wanted our apple bags to be filled, so on we picked. Before and after he lost his wagon privileges hahah.

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Also, Cos decided to put me on his shoulders. As you can see from below, it gives me complete panic attacks. The before and after:

We finished the day by getting some BBQ and other fresh food from their kitchen. I walked through their little store where they had fresh baked pies of ALL kinds, honeys, jams and spreads, salsas, breads, the list goes on. I was like a kid in a candy store. I bought a strawberry pie for Cosmo’s family, some zucchini walnut bread, blueberry crumble bread, and some honey. The blueberry crumble was so good I may have to make a trip back up there just so I can have it again.

Overall, amazing place that I would definitely recommend you check out if you live around the area. I would also try to get there a bit earlier so you can fully enjoy all it has to offer.

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After a successful day of apple picking 🙂

Can’t wait to show you what I do with all of these apples!

Already looking forward to coming back next year!

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