Inspirational Quotes: Live & Love Your LIfe

You are special, so live like it. In a world of growing technology, we are all finding it easier and easier to compare ourselves to others, whether it be through Facebook, Instagram, or whatever platform you choose. We often compare ourselves to just the best part of others' lives and quite frankly it's unfair. It may be hard to see it, but think about it: no one ever posts the bad or awful things in life (at least most don't...). They usually share only the top highlights of their lives. So don't compare and don't try to be like facades we see on social media and t.v.

Our greatest value comes from being true to who we are. The world needs uniqueness and individuals to make it interesting and great. Live your own life and love it. Live with passion and always smile. Honor and appreciate yourself with being the best you can be. Don't try to be like others, impress the 'others'.

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Luxuries: Top Rope Bracelets

Spring is here (finally!) and summer is around the corner (hopefully!), and that means beaches, water, and boats! One of my favorite accessories for the upcoming warmer months are rope bracelets. They can be dressed up or worn casual around town and I want one stat. Like pronto.

These are my top 4 choices. Which one do you all like most?

Clockwise: 1. Kate Spade   2. Kiel James Patrick   3. Miansai   4. Michael Kors

1. Kate Spade 'Learn the Ropes' Thin Bracelet (find it at Kate Spade here)

2. Kiel James Patrick 'Caskata Beach Nantucket' Bracelet (find it at Kiel James Patrick here)

3. Miansai Gold 'Karoo' Bracelet (find it at Barney's here)

4. Michael Kors 'Skorpios' Wide Leather Rope Bracelet (find it at Nordstrom here)

Flowers & Treats: Insta-Lo's #3

Insta-Los

This week my momma was in town so we spent the week walking through the city and hanging out in Long Island. Treats, sweets, and city streets all week long made for a great time. Sad to see her leave and head back to the west coast, but excited for her future trips this year and hopefully a trip home myself!

Flower Centerpieces from a friend's amazing wedding!

My favorite bakery in NYC. Solely gluten-free and delicious.

Gluten-free red velvet cupcake. yummy.

9/11 Memorial in downtown NYC. Amazing and beautiful tribute.

Tabletops & Vignettes

I'll admit it, I'm a little obsession compulsive when it comes to organization. I also tend to take it to the extreme with the putting away of my makeup and jewelry. I love trays and reuse glasses to use as holders for all my little baubles. I like to think I get my decorative 'edge' from my mom who seems to have a keen sense of design in all areas including floral, home decorating, and even landscaping. She's amazing and I'm glad I've picked up at least one good trait from her. Below are a few of my favorite areas in my closet where I keep and display my little 'luxuries'.

Fragrance samples, as you may notice, are a love of mine. I have at least 50 mini scents and I collect them from everywhere I go. Having so many scent options is a must for me; I'm a girl that loves changing it up and can rarely decide on one single perfume to stick with. I keep them everywhere: purse, car, gym bag, etc... and then I tend to leave them around like a trail of candy a la Hansel and Gretel.  It's bad.

Memorials & Mom Moments

Since my mom has been in town this week, I took her around the city this past week and one of her top sites -to-see was the 9/11 Memorial and the WTC area. Solemn but beautiful, the area is a must-see and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting (or even living here, like me) who has yet to see it. Still can't believe its been over 11 years since it all happened... it definitely brought my mom to tears. Powerful & Moving.

I LOVE NYC.

Luxuries: Top 5 Blushes

Five for Friday: BLUSH

1. Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Color: One of my favorite skincare brands, Laura Mercier's blush is luxurious goodness. It's more of a sheer color than I'm used to but it brings a natural flush and glow that is simply beautiful. (find it at Nordstrom's here)

2. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush: My color? Dollface which is a light-pink. Tarte's blush makes my list because it lasts 12 hours. It's a nutrient-rich blush that benefits all skin types and helps to keep oil in check. (find it at Tarte Cosmetics here)

3. MAC Powder Blush:  MAC's blush can go on sheer for a touch or color or build-able for a more dramatic look. Silky smooth, it goes on even and lasts quite a while. (find it at MAC here)

4. Nars Blush: My personal fav is 'Orgasm' and there's a reason why it has a cult following. The color looks amazing on nearly everyone with just a hint of shimmer and a subtle peachy-pink coloring. I use mine year-round from white to tan. (find it at Bloomingdale's here)

5. Illamasqua Powder Blushes: If you're looking for a bolder blush, this blush is your go-to. Full of drama, Illamasqua's blush helps to define the face and is definitely a more daring, night-out choice. (find it at Sephora here)

My picks??

MAC and Nars. I have to admit, I'm part of the Nars 'Orgasm' cult following and MAC just never seems to dissapoint.

City Streets & Signs

Manhattan is an assemblage of some of the most artistic people imaginable. Walking the city streets inspires and you can feel the energy as you move through the streets. I personally find  myself always drawn to the interesting signs of the city. I love the type and colors and even the play-on-words that portray the soul of this amazing city. Here is a collection of some I saw around town today. Enjoy.

Being originally from Seattle, I couldn't pass this one up.

Not sure what Unicorn Meat is... but I'm intrigued.

This is the A-board sign outside of Pie by the Pound near Union Sq. Stopped in for some gluten-free pizza. Amazing. Oh, and the owner is super nice too!

Made you look! (This person probably has the most amazing sense of humor. Wish we were friends.)

Dinosaur wall. You can find the most amazing wall art in nyc.