FEATURE FRIDAY 8.02.19

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Photography by: Lauren Lucile Creative

Photography by: Lauren Lucile Creative

Happy Friday! I can’t believe that it’s August already. I feel like this Summer has flown by. But luckily we still have another month or so to make the most of it. I’ve been living my best life this Summer and saying “YES” to more adventures. And I honesty can’t remember the last time I enjoyed Summer more. Although I prefer Fall over any season, I’ve been loving the longer days and making memories with old and new friends. What’s your favorite season?


Here’s this week’s roundup of Beauty faves + Lifestyle articles + Things I’m loving lately, Events happening around the city and MORE.

LIFESTYLE + POP CULTURE

  • Sephora has recently expanded their “CLEAN AT SEPHORA” program to now include 50 banned ingredients and even more product regulations. This is great news for consumers in being able to shop more safer beauty products.

  • Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has been CANCELLED this year, according to one of the brand’s models. As a CURVY girl myself, I am happy to see that some changes may be in the works. The company is rumored to be rebranding. Which is long overdue in my opinion.

  • If you’re local to New York, one of my favorite podcasts “Berning in Hell” by Hannah Berner is going to be LIVE August 22nd. Not only is Hannah hilarious, but she talks about real life struggles like anxiety, depression and gives light to mental health issues. Grab tickets here.

WHAT I’M LOVING LATELY

  • I recently received my first Summer box from Fab Fit Fun and I’m loving all the products included. I’m picky when it comes to subscription boxes, but I have to say that this one lives up to the hype!

  • Last week, I checked off something on my Summer bucket list by taking a day trip out to the Hamptons to visit Wolffer Estate Vineyard. Vineyard views + wine tasting + live music is the perfect way to spend a Summer day. Highly recommend this winery if you’re thinking about making a trip out to the Hamptons. I’ll be sharing more details on my visit there in a blog post SOON!

  • If you want to prevent your makeup from melting off your face in the Summer heat, try this setting spray. It keeps your makeup in place and has SPF 30 to help protect your skin while out in the sun.

HAPPENING IN THE CITY

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

XO, Rae

 

THE BEST ADVICE I RECEIVED BEFORE MOVING TO NYC

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Before I moved to New York, I read countless websites, blogs, and Buzzfeed articles. I did a lot of research in the months leading up to my move. Mostly articles on "What to expect when moving to New York", "Things to know before moving to New York" and "Things you need when living in New York." You get the idea.

I was determined to prepare myself the best way possible. I wanted to come here and succeed but also be realistic. I knew New York was not going to be an easy move so I wanted to read up on everything that  I could find before the big day.

Now that I live here, I feel like I know a lot more of what the reality IS. I did find that I learned some useful tips in my online research, however the advice I received from my best friend, Will, was probably the most honest and helpful to me. He told me that I could plan all I wanted, but that it really comes down to this, "YOU HAVE TO WANT TO BE HERE". Those 7 words have stuck with me EVER SINCE. And it's the truest of anything I read or was told about living in New York. Here's the thing, there are tons of people who move to New York every day. And there are tons of reasons why they move to New York. But if you truly want to be here, you've already separated yourself from those who just move here on hopes and dreams. New York is tough. So, the key is asking yourself, "Why do I want to be here?"

 

What's the best advice you've received before making a big move?  

 

XO, Rae

SPRING HAS ARRIVED IN NEW YORK

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After months of a snow covered New York, Spring has FINALLY arrived in full force. Thank goodness!! Winter here is best described as hibernation. It's cold, gloomy and requires multiple layers of clothing just to leave your apartment.

New Yorkers are ditching their winter coats and snow boots for shorts and iced lattes. And slowly coming out of their apartments to enjoy the Spring air & blooms. That also means cafe season is upon us. And happy hours are commencing all over the city. Mermaid Inn is one of my favorite places for happy hour. They have a great wine list and offer $1 oysters. 

I think SPRING is quickly becoming one of my favorite seasons in the city.

 

XO, Rae

 

MOVING TO NEW YORK

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Moving to New York has been by far the best decision I have ever made. Well...I say that NOW, maybe I should wait til I have lived here for at least a year?! Moving here was not always part of my plan but life changes sometimes and here I am.

Up until 7 months ago, I was living in Atlanta, Ga. I had a great job, amazing friends and a gorgeous apartment right outside of the city. So what changed?! Well...I changed. Two and half years ago, before turning 30, I began to see my life differently unlike before. I was a few years out of a long term relationship that was on again off again for longer than I like to admit to.

When I was with my ex, I was so sure of my life, my career and wanting to be married and have kids. I had always thought that I would be married and have kids before 30. I think most women feel the pressure of this for all sorts of reasons. But turning 30 was a game changer for me. I stopped worrying about where I was in life and started to focus on where I was going in life. For me, I was so worried about trying to have this list of accomplishments by the time I turned 30 and then realized that my life was just starting. I let go of my preconceived ideas and I let myself be. I actually came to New York to visit my best friend Will (who I live with now) and celebrate my 30th Birthday.

I had no idea that almost 2 years later I would be moving to New York. Will had been trying to get me to move to New York for a few years. I would nicely say to him "maybe" but really knowing in the back of my mind that I had no intentions of moving. (He knew that as well but he still tried to convince me). At that time I was still content with my life in Atlanta and was ready to see what 30 had to offer. I would visit New York a few more times after my 30th Birthday, falling more in love with the city more each time. And then after a major loss in my life, I soon realized that maybe New York wasn't a bad idea after all.

My Grandfather passed away last year May 24th, 2014. A day that I will never forget. He was an amazing man. He traveled the world, had a very successful career and made a name for himself. He was known by a rare nickname and was the life of the party. Shortly before his passing, I had told him about the possibility of me moving to NY. He was surprisingly very excited for me. He traveled to NY often throughout his life and had nothing but great things to say and stories to tell about his trips here. I was still unsure myself if I would actually go through with it but when he passed, I knew I had to do it. Not just for him, but for me. His passing changed my life in more ways than one. But mostly he had always instilled in me to never have regrets in life. He lived life so passionately and I wanted to do the same. So, fast forward to October 2014, I packed up an SUV full of clothes and boxes with my Mom and my best friend. After 16 hours traveled up the east coast, at 3AM October 10th, 2014, I officially became a New Yorker. 

Can't wait to share this journey with you. 

 

XO, Rae