THANKFUL & GRATEFUL

Happy Thanksgiving Eve, y’all! This morning I woke up feeling excited for the Holiday season ahead. And then immediately felt anxious for everything that needs to be accomplished today and in the days ahead. The cooking, baking, shopping, traveling, attending holiday parties, hosting out of town guest and the added stress of trying to find the perfect gift for friends and loved ones.

I reminded myself in that moment to stop and take a breathe, because all of those things are NOT what’s important. Gifts are nice and shopping is fun, but it’s the little things and moments in between that matter the most. It’s time spent with family & friends, giving back to those who are less fortunate, sending hand written cards, sharing recipes with friends, decorating the tree and most of all making memories.

So as you start to prep for the holiday weekend, take a moment to reflect on what you’re thankful for this Thanksgiving. I know I will be doing the same. Practicing gratitude is something that can quickly change our mood and certainly gives us perspective on what really matters in life. I hope you all enjoy the Holiday weekend with your friends and family.

Image via Pinterest

Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!

XO, Rae

VOTE IN THE POLLS AND LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD

Happy Monday, y’all. While I don’t typically get political on my social platforms or the blog, I felt compelled this morning to share this with you all. This is just me sharing my opinion and outlook on this topic. And I appreciate the fact that I have a platform in which I can express that freely and openly.

This morning while on the Subway, a young woman went to go sit in an empty middle seat between another woman and gentleman. The young lady took notice that the space was small and cramped, but she made eye contact with the gentleman first showing her interest in sitting in the seat and politely said '“excuse me” before taking the seat. The other woman already sitting next to the empty seat quickly scooted over as much as she could making room for the young lady. But the gentleman didn’t budge. As the young woman sat down in the empty seat, the gentleman quickly started to argue with her on why she would choose that seat seeing there was not much space. Another gentleman standing nearby covered in tattoos, looked at the young girl who took the seat, and said in disappointment “so much for chivalry”! He was in disbelief that the other gentleman was so reluctant to move slightly over to accommodate the young woman and he let his voice be heard. I immediately took notice how the young woman looked surprised that this stranger stood up for her. I have to admit, so was I. You see, on the outside you could easily assume that this rugged, tattoo covered guy was a bad guy or a tough guy and couldn’t have cared less about the woman trying to get a seat on the Subway. But it was in fact the complete opposite. I’m telling you this story because I think we all have been guilty of being too quick to judge others by their appearance or what we can only see on the surface. And you may be wondering, what’s the point of this story?

Well, tomorrow is a big day for our country as we head out to VOTE in the polls for the mid-term elections. And I encourage you all to look deeper into each candidate before you vote. Look at more than the color of their skin or their appearance. Look at more than the party they are representing. Look at who they are as a person. Ask yourself; Do you like the characteristics that they uphold? Ask yourself; Do they represent your morals and values? Ask yourself; Do they stand up for the rights you believe in? Ask yourself these questions without the opinions of others or the media or what you see at first glance. Because too often as humans we jump to conclusions without knowing all the facts or looking deeper. I was also reminded of this myself during my commute this morning. The simple truth is, we are all just trying to have a seat amongst our fellow Americans and want our voices to be heard.

I’m encouraging everyone to make an educated decision when it comes to VOTING in the polls tomorrow. You have a VOICE and it is powerful. Make sure to put it to good use tomorrow to speak up for what YOU believe in.

And if you’re needing more information on VOTING and which candidates are up for election. Head over to theSkimm to enter your information and receive a sample ballot for your area.

XO, Rae

YEAR 4 OF LIVING IN NEW YORK CITY

October 10th, 2014 at 3AM was the start of a new chapter for me as I became a resident of New York City. Living here the past 4 years has brought me so much happiness, forced me out of my comfort zone and has given me experiences to last a lifetime. It still feels surreal to call this city home. And it has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my adult life. My love for New York City has only grown with each year of being here. So, in honor of celebrating 4 years in New York City, I’m sharing a round up of all my favorite places in the city. Whether you live here, visit often or are planning to travel to New York for the first time, there is something for everyone! I hope you will enjoy these places as much I do.

You can take a look back at YEAR 1 and YEAR 2 here.

Favorite Park:

Bryant Park is an oasis to New Yorkers placed smack dab in the middle of one of the busiest intersections of the city. It's a great place to eat lunch, work remotely or grab coffee with a friend. And Bryant Park hosts a ton of FREE events in the park throughout the year including yoga, movies in the park, Broadway shows and a Winter village during the holidays.

Favorite Bar:

Jacob’s Pickles located on the Upper West Side, known for it's comfort food and craft cocktails. With it's cool industrial vibe and their killer playlist of r&b and throwback jams, it's a great bar to grab drinks after work or on the weekend. And also makes for a great first date spot. It’s also one of my favorite places to bring friends when they visit. It reminds me of home with it’s southern comfort food and ambience.

Favorite Brunch Spots:

Brunch is pretty much a requirement of living in the city. And with so many restaurants around, it's hard to narrow down to just ONE. So here are a few of my go-to brunch spots.

Maison Pickle-The sister restaurant to Jacob's Pickles serves up the best French toast amongst other brunch favorites. Located on the Upper West Side.

Foragers Tabe- This farm to table restaurant serves up a rotating menu per season. My go-to is their smoked salmon tartine. Also, make sure to check out the market attached to the restaurant. Located in Chelsea.

Clinton Street Bakery- This brunch spot always has a line out the door and for good reason. They are known for their pancakes, which are AMAZING! Make sure to go early especially on the weekends and bring cash, as they do not take credit cards. Located in the East Village.

Favorite Coffee Shop:

Bluestone Lane is an Australian-style coffee shop & cafe. Outside of my usual Starbucks runs, this is my go-to coffee place. They have a wide range menu of both hot & iced coffee options. And there are several locations throughout the city.

Favorite Book Store:

Book Culture is a quaint neighborhood bookstore located on the Upper West Side. Along with books, they also have an assortment of stationary and unique gifts. I always love to stop by here when I'm in the neighborhood.

Favorite Spot in Central Park:

Central Park has so many scenic views and iconic spots. My favorite is the Gapstow Bridge near 62nd street. This picturesque spot includes views of The Plaza Hotel and surrounding buildings that align 5th Ave. It's always one of the first spots I walk through as the seasons change.

Favorite Neighborhoods:

Upper Westside is where you can find me on most days running errands or grabbing groceries. I love that Central Park is nearby and there are so many shops and restaurants in the area. And it’s home to some of the city’s most popular places i.e.; Natural History Museum, The Bow Bridge in Central Park, Tavern on the Green and so many more.

West Village is also a favorite of mine. With it’s charming streets, unique shops, hidden gems and iconic streets. It never gets old exploring this popular neighborhood in the city.

Favorite Pizza Places:

Grimaldi's in Brooklyn is a must. Italian style pizza in an authentic environment. Usually there’s a line out the door to get inside, but it’s definitely worth the wait. And the Brooklyn Bridge is within walking distance.

Artichoke Pizza in Chelsea is a great local pizza spot. Very casual dining. And their Margherita pizza is delicious.

Two Boots Pizza or Bleeker Street Pizza for those late nights out when you just want a slice before the cab ride home.

Favorite Tourist Attraction:

Dumbo, Brooklyn is my favorite place to explore and bring friends when they visit from out of town. Although it’s known for being an iconic spot, it never feels too touristy. This part of Brooklyn is still up and coming and has so many local shops, restaurants and some of the best waterfront views of the city. A few places to stop at: Jane’s Carousel, Brooklyn Roasting Coffee Shop, Grimaldi’s Pizza, Atrium Dumbo (for oysters & cocktails) and Cecconi’s for dinner.

I would love to hear about your favorite places, restaurants and things to do in the city! Tell me in the comments below.

XO, Rae

FALL BUCKET LIST 2018

It’s the second week of October, which can only mean one thing...bring on pumpkin everything! This is my favorite season, especially living in New York. Everyone is trading in their iced coffee’s for PSL’s and for the first time in a long time, you need a light jacket during the day. Each year, I like to savor the season and make a bucket list of items to enjoy Fall to it’s fullest. So, today I’m sharing my Fall Bucket List for 2018.

You can read my previous bucket lists here, here and here.

1. Central Park is always on the top of my list. I love walking through the park seeing all the leaves changing colors. A MUST if you live in New York City.

2. Spend a cozy night at home watching movies. Here is this year’s Hallmark lineup.

3. Bake pumpkin bread from scratch. Although the mix in a box from Trader Joe’s is equally good.

4. Drink spiked cider from one of my favorite rooftops in the city, Birreria at Eataly. Each year they transform their space for the season. And this year’s theme is a Fall-inspired Italian Countryside.

5. Go apple picking at an orchard in upstate New York. And of course, eat apple cider donuts.

6. See the Broadway Musical Wicked. This has been on my bucket list since moving to New York and I just haven’t gotten around to going. Making it happen this year!

7. Visit Bite Beauty Lab here in the city to create my own custom lip color for Fall. Perfect for a Girls’s Night Out!

8. Start practicing daily GRATITUDE in a journal. Fellow blogger, Callie Dauler created a journal just for this purpose and I’m really hoping she restocks them for the Holiday! (hint, hint)

9. Plan a getaway to the mountains. Colorado is beautiful this time of year and I’m over due for a trip to see my family there.

10. Celebrate my 4 year Anniversary of living in NYC on October 10th. Still feels surreal that I get to call this place home. Here’s a recap of YEAR 1 and YEAR 2.

What’s your favorite thing to do during FALL?!

XO, Rae

TRAVEL GUIDE: 24 HOURS IN BOSTON

Earlier this Summer I made a quick overnight trip to Boston. And I’m finally sharing my guide on things to do + where to eat + where to stay. This was my first time visiting Boston and I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I can say this, Boston was a place I could definitely see myself visiting again soon. It had the appeal of big city living but feels very quaint and easy going. Everyone I came in contact with was very friendly. And I kept finding myself saying the words: “I could live here.” I think that says a lot about a city that I’ve only spent 24 hours in. I probably should visit during Winter months before I make any plans on moving there, lol.

Where to Stay:

Airbnb - This ended up being the best option for a last minute trip. I was really shocked at how pricey hotels are in Boston. Maybe it was due to the time of year?! But we got really lucky and found a nice Airbnb in the South End area to stay for the one night.

South End is such a quaint and charming area. The streets are tree lined with beautiful Brownstones on each side. It’s an easily walkable area and there are lots of shops and restaurants nearby. I highly recommend staying in South End.

Where to Eat & Drink:

Barking Crab- This lively outdoor restaurant is a MUST! It’s casual dining with picnic table seating and views of the Boston Harbor. Order the hot crab dip and raw oysters. And the Frose to cool off!

Barcelona Wine Bar- Perfect spot for Dinner with friends or a Date Night Out! This tapas style restaurant is located in the South End. They have an extensive wine & cocktail menu. I recommend reservations, they are typically on a wait even on a weeknight. Order all the tapas (seriously) But definitely the mussels and charcuterie board.

Temazcal Cantina- Great spot to grab drinks in the Seaport District area. The restaurant is gorgeous on the inside and has amazing waterfront views of the Seaport.

Cafe Nero- Best coffee shop with even better coffee. Cafe Nero is a chain coffee shop with locations all over the city. I loved the coffee so much, I purchased 2 bags to bring home with me. Order the cold brew!

Barking Crab

Barking Crab & View of the Boston Harbor

Temazcal Cantina

What to Do: 

China Town- Although it’s not the size of the one in New York City, it’s still a fun area to explore.

Downtown/Theatre District- Home of the Paramount Theatre and host of many Broadway Shows. A must see in person.

Copley Square- This area is where the Boston Public Library, Trinity Church and several other landmarks are located right in the heart of the city. Definitely one of the most picturesque parts of the city.

Seaport District- This is an new up and coming area with lost of restaurants, shops, art and where a lot of local events take place. You can also walk along the waterfront and see all the boats along the harbor.

Boston Public Gardens- A beautiful public park adjacent to Boston Common. And home to the famous Swan Boats.

China Town

Paramount Theatre

Copley Square

Boston Public Library

Seaport District / Boston Harbor

Seaport District / Boston Harbor

Boston Public Gardens

So that’s my quick travel guide for Boston. I loved my stay there and would definitely go back and explore more of city. There is so much to see & do!

I’d love to hear from you if you’ve ever been to Boston! What would you recommend for my next visit there?! Comment below.

XO, Rae

NOBODY TOLD YOU YOUR 30s WOULD LOOK AND FEEL LIKE THIS

I distinctly remember the 6 months leading up to my 30th Birthday and the immense pressure I felt to have it all figured out. And by all, I mean LIFE. Thirty seemed like this magic number. Where everything I had ever mapped out for my life, would somehow all start aligning and fall into perfect place. And here I am, more than half way through my 35th year of life and I'm far from having it all figured out. In fact, in most areas of my life it feels like I'm starting over. 

Lately, in conversations with friends I've noticed that many of us are going through similar changes in our lives. And the one thing we all have in common, is that we're in our early to mid thirties. There's something about this decade that causes you to have uncertainity about yourself and also makes you question your path in life. And you often find yourself asking the question: "Am I happy?" 

In your 20s, you graduate from college, start choosing a career, date with the intention of marrying one day, make friends with everyone and start to discover who you are as a young adult. In your 30s, you no longer feel fulfilled by just working a job to earn a paycheck, you find that spending time with yourself is just as important as being with someone else, your group of friends get smaller and you really begin to discover who you are as an individual. And all of this somehow starts to unravel little by little and you realize that life is really just getting started. Your thirties are a time in which you feel more eager to not settle for the things you once wanted and to go after the things you never knew you needed. I myself, can vouch for this. Over the past few years, I've undergone many changes in my life. But it's brought me to a better version of myself ultimately.  

I like to say, that your 30s are a time in which you can REINVENT yourself. It all starts with discovering who you are and figuring out what it is you truly want in life. And whatever “it” is, it can look different for everyone. Sometimes it's moving to a new city. Or maybe you're contemplating quitting your job to pursue a passion project. Maybe it’s choosing to stay single while you focus on your career. Or maybe you want to settle down and start a family. Maybe you want to travel rather than stay in one place. That’s the thing about your 30s, you may find yourself starting over in several areas of your life. And that’s okay.

However, no matter what changes your thirties may bring, you owe it to yourself to figure out what truly makes you happy. And even if you feel the immense pressure by those around you to do things a certain way, don't apologize for wanting to take a different path. My best advice for anyone going through this phase of life, is to be open and honest with yourself. Throw out the life timeline you once created for yourself and just live in the moment, days and months ahead.

Nobody tells you that your 30s will be some of the most challenging, significant, best years of your life that will bring you so much strength and growth. But I promise, you will be so much better for going through it all. 

XO, Rae

HOW TO LET GO FOR GOOD

Even when it's hard to walk away from something, doing so allows you to be reminded that life goes on regardless. You should NEVER stay stuck in something. And yet we often feel compelled or obligated to stay in our complicated relationships, dead end jobs or unfulfilled friendships. Which begs the question: WHY?! Honestly, I think it has a lot to do with FEAR. Fear of letting go. Fear of moving on. Fear of what we may leave behind. Fear of the unknown. So, how do you let go even when you know it's the best thing to do? 

This is an area in my life that to be honest, I still struggle with. I'm good at holding on to things even when I know they aren't good for me. And I'm even better at letting things stay the same for fear of the "what if's". But as I've gotten older, I have learned that letting go doesn't have to be a bad thing. It often means freeing yourself from the things that are no longer serving you. And it can also be exactly what you need to move forward in your life. So I'm sharing three steps that have helped me deal with letting go in life, and maybe can help you as well. 

ACCEPT THE FACT THAT CHANGE IS NEEDED 

The first step, is to admit that something needs to change. Maybe you feel like you don't have many options right now, but there is always a choice that can be made. Easier said than done, I know. But ask yourself, am I happy? And then ask yourself, what can I do about it? Also, remind yourself that you can't do the same thing over and over again and expect different results. Change is hard, but once you make the commitment to do it, you've already taken the first big step in letting go.  

BE OPEN TO WHAT COMES NEXT 

Second, I think you have to be willing to be open to what comes after you let go. Which is often scary to embrace the unknown. But it can also be liberating if you allow yourself the opportunity. Commit to your decision made and let life happen. Don't let the fear of what could happen stop you from pursuing a new outcome. This is where the real work begins, because it's much easier to allow ourselves to stay in a comfortable place rather than be open to new possibilities. But if we do the work, things often start to fall in place over time. 

LEARN TO NOT LOOK BACK 

Lastly, I think that you have to be confident in your decision moving forward. Remind yourself everyday if you have to, why you made the decision to let go in the first place. And then place your trust in the process. Don't beat yourself up over the what if's, or bumps along the way. Sometimes the things that lie ahead of us test us the most. And as you move forward, don't look back unless you plan on using that glimpse as motivation to keep going. Otherwise, stay the course and know that life is what you make of it. 

I would love to hear from you all, and what has helped you in situations of letting go? Comment below.  

XO, Rae

MY SUMMER BUCKET LIST

Summer seems to always come and go so quickly. So this year, I'm making more of an effort to live each day to the fullest. And I figured I would hold my self accountable by making a list of things to do throughout the next few months. Some of which are personal things I want to accomplish and others are just things to simply ENJOY. 

1. Plan a trip. 

2. See a Movie on the lawn at Bryant Park. This is something I've wanted to do since I moved to New York and I'm excited to finally make it happen this Summer.   

3. Go to a farmers market and cook dinner with all the fresh ingredients found. 

4. Rent a kayak. There's actually several places in the city that offer FREE rentals. 

5. Attend a few concerts. I love going to smaller local venues in the city. So far, I have tickets to see JoJo. This will my second time seeing her LIVE in concert and she does not disappoint.  

6. Visit a NEW rooftop & sip a fancy cocktail. There are so many good ones in the city. 

7. Go to a baseball game. Now the question is: METS or YANKEES?! 

8. Watch more sunsets than Netflix. 

9. Find a workout that I actually like and do it often. One place I've been wanting to try is Y7 Yoga studios.  They offer Hip Hop Yoga classes which is totally my kind of workout. 

10. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge and watch the sunrise. 

11. Go on a Tiki Bar Crawl, including this one that recently opened in Midtown. 

12. Spend more days with a Make Up FREE face. 

13. Spend an afternoon at Smorgasburg, an outdoor food market full of popular NYC eats. And definitely INSTAGRAM worthy. 

14. Pack a picnic and hit the BEACH for a day.  

15. Visit the Museum of Ice Cream Pop-Up in Soho. And rumor has it, there is a pool of rainbow sprinkles. 

16. Read 3 books. Currently reading & LOVING Single State of Mind by Andi Dorfman.

17. Explore a new neighborhood in the city. (Tribeca & Lower East Side are on my list so far)

18. Host an end of SUMMER gathering with friends. 

I would love to hear what's on your bucket list this Summer?!  Comment below.

XO, Rae 

LESSONS LEARNED IN MY THIRTIES: PART TWO

I've said this before and I'll say it again, your THIRTIES will be some of the best years of your life. They will also be the years that you really start to get to know who you are as an individual. With that being said, there will be many lessons learned along the way. Two years ago at the age of 33, I wrote all about some of those life lessons and you can read it here. Now that I'm 35, I feel like there is even more that I've learned about life and myself. So I thought I would share some of the life lessons with you in a Part 2, of this very topic. 

1. Friends are everything. Make time for them even when you feel like you don't have the time to give. 

2. Live some place that you miss every time you leave.

3. Make plans, but say “NO” sometimes if you need to.

4. You can have it all, and yet still feel lonely. 

5. Find something that makes you genuinely happy. And do it often.

6. People will disappoint you at some point in your life. But don't let it ruin the relationship. We're all human. 

7. Change is inevitable. But it's how you react to it, that will make the difference in the end. 

8. Speak Up. Don't be afraid to express yourself and have honest conversations. 

9. Surround yourself with strong & supportive women. 

10. Eat healthier and make time for working out. Metabolism is a thing of the past. 

11. You will remember experiences above anything else in life. 

12. Not everyone is meant to play a role in your life. And that’s okay. 

13. Do more things that are out of your comfort zone.

14. Don’t be afraid to reconnect with old friends. Sometimes we get it right the second time around. 

15. Don't let people who don't see your vision detour you from your goals. 

16. The relationship you have with yourself will either be beneficial or detrimental to the relationships you have with others. 

17. Get in the habit of practicing Self Care. 

18. There is no statue of limitations on starting over. 

19. Confidence within yourself will be your best weapon when it comes to career, dating and life in general. 

20. Your THIRTIES will be the years that you will reinvent yourself over and over again. Enjoy the journey! 

What is the best life lesson you've learned in your thirties?!  Comment below. 

XO, Dana Rae

WHY YOU SHOULDN'T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS

At some point in our lives, we all have fallen victim to the comparison trap. Myself included. Whether it be in our careers, personal life or even with friends. And now days with social media, comparing ourselves to others has become easier now more than ever. It's easy to scroll through Instagram and feel like our lives don't look as glamorous as others and even feel like we don't have it all together. But it's important to know that social media is often a highlight reel. And that we all have REAL lives outside of those pretty curated feeds. Here are a few things to remember the next time you find yourself comparing your life to others.

Everyone has a story.

We all have baggage. We all have ups & downs. We all have hopes & dreams. Which means we all have a past, present and future. And just because other people don't always put their baggage out there, it doesn't mean that it doesn’t exist. Sometimes it's easier to only put the shiny pretty things in our life on display. But let's be for real, we all have days where life looks more like a hot mess than a pretty mess. Everyone's story is different, as it should be.  

Others success isn't always what it seems. 

Maybe they struggled for years before finding success. Maybe they worked really hard. Maybe they just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Or maybe they had a ton of help along the way to get where they are. The truth is, you don't always know how others got to be where they are now. And for that reason alone, you shouldn't compare your beginning to what could be their middle or end result.

Find your OWN voice. 

The more you compare yourself to others and admire their traits, the more you may actually start doing things they would do. And not necessarily what is true to you and your character. Be authentically YOU even if you feel like it's not the norm. People look to those who are authentically themselves. Going against the grain is far better than trying to always fit in with everyone else.

Nobody has it all figured out.

It’s easy to feel like everyone around us has it all figured out, but the truth is nobody does really. Some are just better at faking it than others. Perception doesn’t necessarily mean its reality. We've all been exhausted, overwhelmed, overworked and stressed out at some point in our lives. And we're basically just trying to figure it all out along the way. Nobody has all the answers, so don't put so much pressure on yourself to do the same. 

How do you deal with comparison?! I’d love to hear your thoughts. Comment below.

XO, Dana Rae