HOW I BECAME COMFORTABLE IN MY OWN SKIN

I have always had body issues ever since I can remember. My weight has always fluctuated partially to bad habits, not enough exercise and skipping meals. I've never wanted to be super skinny, maybe just a healthier version of myself. It wasn't until I turned 27, that I really started to embrace my body. And for once in my life, I began to feel comfortable in my own skin. I don't remember what the pivotal moment was. I just remember I stopped being so hard on myself about trying to fit into a certain size jeans or achieve a certain weight. For a long time I struggled with my self confidence and only saw myself as how I compared to other women. 

Even at the age of 32, I still fluctuate with my weight and I will probably always be nagging over those 20lbs. But I don't let myself get down about it anymore. I just work a little harder and eat smarter if I don't like what I see in the mirror. I will never be skinny by any means. Personally, I just don't want to be that way. I like having curves. I ultimately just want to be healthy. I don't want to be defined by a number on a scale. 

I also had to stop focusing on the size of clothing. Sizing can be so misleading. And it's a known fact that not all brands are created equal when it comes to clothing sizes. I now just buy clothes that fit my body type and focus more on how I feel when wearing the clothing. 

Something else that has helped me to have a more positive outlook on my curvy body, is seeing how it is more accepted now days. It's refreshing to see more and more women embracing their real bodies. I mean for a plus size model like Ashley Graham to walk in New York Fashion Week, that is a GAME CHANGER. And it helps to shed light on the topic of what is considered to be a "normal body" in today's society. It also shows that women can be beautiful at any size.   

You are NOT your weight. You are beautiful no matter what size you are.  And only once you truly begin to realize that will you learn to love yourself even more. Don't let society, family, friends or even your own insecurities dictate how you perceive yourself. Be happy. Be healthy. And love your body, flaws and all!

XO, Rae

NYC RESTAURANTS: PRUNE IN THE EAST VILLAGE

New York is a food city, no doubt. With so many restaurants in the city, it is often hard to choose one. But there are some restaurants that are like none other. Living with a foodie, my best friend, Will has been dying to go to PRUNE.

So, this past Sunday, we went for dinner. Located in the East Village, PRUNE is popular restaurant known for it's infamous Chef Gabrielle Hamilton. She's also the author of the New York Times Best Seller book called: 

Blood, Bones and Butter: The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef'.

We got lucky and arrived in time for the first seating of dinner at 5:30pm. Typically there is a wait for Brunch and Dinner service. When we arrived I was able to capture a rare moment of the restaurant completely empty. And although small in size, the experience is anything but that. And to make the night even more complete, we actually spotted Chef Gabrielle Hamilton walking by the restaurant with boxes in tote.

Below are some of the amazing dishes we enjoyed during our meal. The cocktails were amazing as well. 

Featured Appetizer: Fried Oysters with house tarter sauce

Halibut with cherry tomatoes in a spicy tomato broth

Grilled Broccoli, chili butter, pecorino

Charred Beef Ribs with anchovy butter

'Straw and Hay' Pasta with green tomato-chicken liver sauce

Dessert: Summer Pudding

I definitely recommend dining at PRUNE if you're willing to spend a bit more on delicious good quality food. GO EAT!

XO, Rae

THINGS TO DO IN THE SUMMER IN NEW YORK

Summertime sadness is quickly approaching. We will soon have to say goodbye to those tan lines. But before you pack up your swimsuits and replace them with sweaters, there is still time to enjoy some amazing things in the city. Being that this is my first Summer in New York City, I wanted to take advantage of everything that the city has to offer. The good thing is that there is a ton to do. But it often makes it hard to choose, so I compiled a list of my most favorite. 

THE HIGH LINE

The High Line is an elevated public park that is actually built on an old freight rail line located in the Meat Packing district. It's kinda of like an adult playground with lots seating and luscious landscape. There is even a splash pad to cool off your feet that you can walk through along a section of the park. Great for reading a book or just relaxing and bathing in the sun. Often you can find events, public art and food and drink vendors along the High Line. Also, a plus is that Chelsea Market is near by. Chelsea Market is an indoor food hall including a mix of different restaurants, pop up shops and local artists. Perfect way to spend a Summer afternoon and cool off indoors.

JONES BEACH

Summer would not be complete without a trip to the beach. Jones Beach is located on the south shore of Long Island. The beach includes a boardwalk where you can grab a bite or shop at one of the local vendors.  I love this beach because it’s easy to get to (via train & uber), it’s clean and not crowded.

THE MET ROOFTOP BAR

On Friday and Saturday's from 5pm-8pm  The Met Museum rooftop turns into a social hour with signature cocktails, martinis and light snacks. Access is granted with a purchased Museum ticket. Luckily, The Met is pay as you wish. There is no other rooftop bar that will give you access to such breathtaking panoramic views of the NYC skyline. It’s the perfect spot to meet up with friends or bring out of guests. You can explore the art exhibits inside and then sip cocktails with a view afterwards on the rooftop.

BROADWAY IN THE PARK

Every Thursday from 12:30pm-1:30pm July-August you have a chance to see a sneak peak of on and off Broadway shows courtesy of Broadway In Bryant Park. There is often FREE Giveaways and if you arrive early you can catch the warm up performances. Seats fill up quickly and are first come first serve. 

ICE CREAM SPOTS

A favorite of mine is BIG GAY ICE CREAM, an ice cream shop all about unicorns and funky ice cream combinations. And Mister Softee,  is a local favorite ice cream truck that you can find driving all over Manhattan.

MoMA

Thanks to UNIQLO every FRIDAY, MoMA is FREE from 4pm-8pm. 

Free admission includes special exhibits also. Get there early because the line tends to wrap around the building. And be prepared to be in a crowd of art lovers. Great way to spend an evening with a friend or a date while you gaze away at art. 

What are your favorite things to do in the city during Summer?

XO, Rae