Aurora

Those walks, at first, my primary form of pound the pavement solace, because they provided a semblance of "the way we were" (there were days I'd walk to and from work)…were now making me dizzy. The mask, I've come to realize is a basic form of common respect, it shows that you are mature and don a sense of achrayis for the current climate. But the mask was making it hard to breathe.

Cruise Control

I find the drive is smoother on cruise control when life is going as planned, seamless.

The roads are clear and a minor swerve just keeps things interesting. But when life comes to a shortstop? Do you still have faith in the elusive cruise control?

Blizzard Baby

There’s something tangible and intangible about January; it follows New Year’s, yes, but the season has something unique to it. Snowflakes. Shoveling snow and complaining even though secretly this is the most fun you’ve had all Fall long J

It’s not about clothes, mint- the ice princess vibes.

Winter is a Wonderland. The nights are long, as they are cozy.

Self Care

Shut your phone off for the next 8 hours. Whatever you do- whether it's an excursion, a solo trip, spa time …you'll feel like you're giving yourself something just by disconnecting. Plus it's so much cooler to be 'back online' #IhaveaLife

 Offer to watch a niece/nephew/Lil cuzzin. Their exuberance will permeate

Take five minutes of daily #attitudeofgratitude journaling; this will shift your entire mindset.

Priorities

Certain clothes/dinner/activity excursions could've been toned down. The WSJ isn't setting you back, and neither is the minute pitching in for the household. If you watch a little, you'll see it balance out. It's all a matter of priority.

How you choose to spend your time and who you decided to share it with.

There are friends we tell ourselves it's the "long-distance"/ different stages, so we lost touch. 

Of Foodies and Friends X2

When it’s your first time anywhere (think Kosherfest first time coma :) You don’t know what to expect, so by default, you’re in for a whirlwind. I did attend last year’s JFM Conference, so I had what to compare it to (disclaimer the standard of #swag expected was set high) and this year’s lineup, as well as influencers in attendance and general food fest, was everything and more. Always a plus is meeting like minded insta friends IRL and discovering they are just like the persona they depict, only taller and just MORE.

Home is Here

I tell myself I want certain things for fear of always looking over my shoulder and finding that pursuit "elsewhere."

That game at carnivals? Where you hit as hard as you can, and the pinger levels up to a measly midpoint? But you win a stuffed animal either way…you get my point.

Home= Content. Confident. Cozy.

Home is something we create within ourselves.

Weight What?!

The feat of embarking on a diet is as much mental as it is physical. I will probably never be one of those people who profess sugar is terrible and #offcarbs. I've yo-yoed enough to know that at the end of the day, it is always about moderation, including moderation. There is a time to eat birthday cake. And not only on your own.

#Makeup #Musthaves

#Makeup #Musthaves

Makeup isn't a cover up, it's a mode of enhancing what’s already there, a lil highlighter just adds some iridescence to a beautiful smile. Nothing is as beautiful as eyes that are alive and engaged- some well applied liner and mascara is just the base to coat, so to speak. A demure sweep of blush coupled with a contouring swipe of bronzer provides the framework for an already beautiful canvas. And lipstick? What do they say about a lady in the right shade of red? Watch your step.

London's Calling

London and Paris I was coming for you. 

The adventure started in London. Big Ben, Buckingham, and Harrods were the classic allures, but I didn't realize quite how charming England can be.

Hats off the Uber drivers right off the bat; if you want to plan a fantastic trip- sans before takeoff plans, hop into an Uber. The locals are more than happy to share their country loves. 

In Brit fashion, I was equipped to go to the most smashing pubs and clubs London has to offer; fancy yourself a Guinness?

Food For Thought

 Food is a euphemism for higher components. Think about it, would a fast be over without a thick slice of Kokesh? Am I truly a year older sans birthday cake? And does the dawn dare break before I've had some jolting java? Food represents the nature of life, and it is one of our greatest gifts, of course, everything in moderation, including moderation ;) I'm talking to you, chocolate soufflé.

That Picture Perfect Smile

As if you needed a reason…there’s always something to smile about- TRY TO READ THIS AND NOT START TO SMILE. Smile and laugh more often because the brain does not know the difference between a fake and real smile. If you're feeling down or notice that you've not smiled in a while, fake one. The more often you fake a smile, the more likely smiling will become a more natural habit. Think of it as your daily dose of vitamin D or a cup of jolting java…15-second smile intervals should be part of the wellbeing routine.

Something Magical to Happen

Today is July 4th, 2023. I remember July 4th, 2022 and 2021 like it was yesterday. Both were magical because we made it such. July 4th, 2019, my friends and I trekked to the city for some quality overnight :). How we managed to get hotel reservations in Times Square for the 4th of July is a miracle in itself, not to mention our room upgrade.

Last July 4th, was spent in the city as well; we made the fireworks by a few seconds. I remember running; chasing those lights…because I was pursuing something spectacular, to harbor light, when there isn't something explosive going on.

Belzer Ambition

 I knew the Rebbitzen was in town for this week; staying a mere few blocks away from where I work. In the same vein, I understood that one doesn’t get a meeting without a hefty dose of Protektzia. This is where my father comes in.  As I’m out with friends on a random Monday night, my father called me to let me know that I would be meeting with the Rebbitzen tonight. Mind you it was 10 pm at this point. “Ta is this forreallll?” I was on a phone-watch standstill for the next 45 minutes.

Let's Wine About It

First, what is the difference between a single variety wine and a blend? A wine made with a single variety grape is known as a varietal wine and wine made from a few different grapes is a blend. There are several thousand different kinds of wine grapes, e.g. chardonnay, pinot noir and cabernet, so it’s no wonder that people keep coming out with different blends. Get ready to find something to wine about here

What's Up? WhatsApp

Yiddeshe Kups have a way of tapping into things before it’s even a #thing. Like our mothers have been breeding us since inception, it’s all about optimizing; ringing every opportunity dry until we’ve maximized. If something is free, we take two, and technology is no exception.

 When I was contemplating phone plans, I decided I was going to be that person. A marketer by profession while still maintain technological integrity. I would not succumb to the WhatsApp pressures on my phone (work phone #yasss.)

Speechless

It's easier to sweep things under the rug; "let's not and say we did," "why go there" "you're uber analyzing...these are "normal" issues...why bring it up?!" But these conversations are what makes us inherently stronger and more fortified for what's next. People don't hit the high notes without practicing the soprano...you have to push yourself to the maximum octave. Read the full post here

Flower Power

Allow me to pose Mr. Shakespeare's acclaimed brilliance, "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet." True or False? The other day I left my house skipping. My neighbor saw the abundant bouquet of pink peonies I was trekking; (somehow when things have a beautiful intrinsic value they don't seem as heavy:) Flowers promote such depth; like eyes, flowers have the power to convey innermost feelings without saying a word. Read the full post here