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“There’s always a sunrise and always a sunset and it’s up to you to choose to be there for it.

Put yourself in the way of beauty”

-Cheryl Strayed

Happy Friday!! Looks like summer decided to join us a little earlier than normal. It’s steamy here in New York. If it’s already 80/90 degrees in May, well we are in for a very hot summer. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen!

This week was pretty productive. It feels as if things are almost back to normal when it comes to business / my blog. To help grow my blog, I started to write out weekly goals. I decided it was much easier for me to focus on the present than trying to write out yearly goals or a 5 year plan. I can tackle goals one by one, week by week This was the first week I have written down weekly goals and have already reached 2 out of 4 goals! I am pretty proud of myself! I am going to continue this practice from now on and see how things manifest and unfold for me!

This past Tuesday I met with my photographer Lauren to shoot some looks at Bryant Park. I was surprised to see how busy it was. On one hand this was a pleasant surprise as it means things are back to normal. On the other hand I am really going to miss places being completely empty while shooting. It’s makes things so much easier; I don’t have to stop for people to walk by or find an area that is not crowded, etc. What surprised me the most is how many people were in business attire. I know some companies are welcoming back their employees, but there was a lot of people in the park that looked like they were on their lunch break from whatever corporate job they held. Anyway, it was a lovely day in the park over all. I haven’t been to Bryan Park since before the pandemic started, so almost 2 years. There was a man playing the piano right by Bryant Park Grill, where after my shoot I sat and listened to him for a while. I wish I could have stayed a little longer, but I had work to do.

Last Saturday I spent the afternoon in South Street Seaport. I really love it down there with the cute shops and cobblestone streets. It really is lovely. I went into McNally Jackson to browse through books. Out of all the McNally Jackson stores here in NYC, this one is my favorite. There are two floors of books, along with a cafe to grab tea or a bite.  The layout is cute with exposed brick and views of the waterfront. Highly recommend stopping by and frolicking through the independent bookstore. I ended up buying a book, even though I am not finished with the one I am currently reading. I have been looking for this particular book for a few weeks and couldn’t find it. Well it was there and figured I should buy it now. Besides shopping for books, I spent time just sitting by the waterfront on the Pier enjoying the beautiful day.

What I am watching: I have not started any new shows. I was gong to start watching the new Halston series, but haven’t had the time to do so. Maybe I’ll start it this weekend. Although I am not watching anything new this has been a very exciting week for me in terms of movies and TV shows. First, Dear Evan Hansen trailer is released. I do not care that Ben Platt looks older than the rest of the cast, he IS Dear Evan Hansen to me. Then Hocus Pocus 2 announced its release coming this fall. And to top it all off, Friends dropped another trailer for the reunion. I may have had tears in my eyes when I watched it, and may have watched it more times than I care to share. I seriously can not express how excited I am for the reunion!!!!

What I bought: It was all about skincare for me this past week. First I ran out of my cleanser, so I bought a new tube of Countercontrol Clear Pore Cleanser. Then on impulse I bought a derma roller. I have never done microneedling before, but still felt compelled to own an at-home device. I ended up buying this one which has a ton of positive reviews on Amazon, and according to Byrdie it’s the best for acne scars and sun spots. Since I am from the generation that went tanning and didn’t wear sunshine until mid-20’s, I have a lot of sun spots on my face– as well as acne scars. I am hoping the derma roller will even my skintone. Derma rollers are also great to tighten skin, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, increase production of collagen, exfoliate the skin, and helps serums and moisturizers absorb easier. I have only done it once– you are suppose to only do it once a week. My face was a little red but that did not matter as I did it at night. It does not hurt, but I can feel the needles. My serum and moisturizer really did absorb easily! I usually have to reply my moisturizer again before bed because my apartment is a little dry, but I didn’t have to on the night I used the derma roller.  Also my skin felt plumped. I highly recommend and it’s only $16.

This weekend is going to be hot and steamy as it will be in the 90s. I am hoping to get in a run– will have to do it early in the morning when it’s cooler. Running in the 90 degree weather does not sound pleasant to me, sunbathing however I will do. Most likely on Sunday I will head to the park to lay out for a little while. I try not to stay out too long in the sun, especially when there isn’t a pool or an ocean to jump into to cool off. Other than that I will go on my weekly exploration of an area in Manhattan and enjoy the city I love so much.

Have a wonderful weekend xo

 

1. Loved this inside look and interviews with the cast of Friends

2. Another dress to wear to a wedding this season

3. This floral one-piece swimsuit is cute

4. A summer must have: rattan headband

5. Behind the scenes of the NYC Ballet Spring Gala with Tiler Peck

6. Loved listening to The Gussie podcast interview with Liz Eicholz of Weezie

7. Enjoyed reading the origins of these wedding traditions

8. Excited to explore the new Little Island here in NYC

9. How to use fashion and jewelry as home decor

10. The story behind the nap dress and the woman who made it go viral