posts in Lifestyle

An Elevated Wellness Experience at The Park Terrace Hotel

Thursday, February 9, 2023

yoga at the park terrace hotel

A fresh year invites the opportunity to reevaluate goals and aspirations. For most, health and wellness are often found on the tippy top of this list however implementing these goals may seem a bit daunting. Good health is often a comprehensive effort which extends beyond simple fitness targets and values a balance between the mind and body. Thankfully, the Park Terrace Hotel is simplifying these aims with their new Wellness Package which highlights a variety of experiences that nourish the mind, body and soul. Keep reading to discover the remarkable elements of this unique program and how it can elevate your wellness journey in 2023.

park terrace hotel ritual of jing


WELLNESS AT THE PARK TERRACE HOTEL //
Taking a multitiered approach to wellness, the Park Terrace Hotel has crafted a carefully planned package that lends to every aspect of one's wellbeing through impactful services. During an overnight stay, an individual can partake in a centering set of activations that can be modified to one's unique needs. Prior to diving into the thrilling physical aspects of this trip, guests are invited to settle in and unwind in one of Park Terrace Hotel's signature rooms. These elegantly designed spaces feature all the premium needs one requires for a rejuvenating escape which are all elevated by eye-catching views of the city. Best of all, guests of the wellness package are treated to luxurious in-room amenities including products from the Ritual of Jing Collection by Rituals. This sleep-supporting aromatherapy range features healing ingredients (Jujube) and fragrant botanicals (Lotus, Lavender) which enhance serenity and promote a more peaceful state of rest. Best used in a pre-slumber routine, the pleasant scent profile of Ritual of Jing has the power to transport one to more tranquil mindset by creating a calming and soothing atmosphere. With such a comforting ambiance, a night of undisturbed, deep shut-eye is sure to be achieved.

Once refreshed, a visitor can kick off this special journey with an adrenaline boost at their state-of-the-art fitness center. A sleek space that hosts heart rate-charging classes by renowned instructors and a collection of Peloton bikes with various open equipment for individual cardio sessions. 

eric mosley yoga

REACHING TOTAL TANQUILITY WITH ERIC MOSLEY //
Alternatively, one can opt to move the body through a fulfilling yoga experience with acclaimed NYC yoga instructor and mediation expert, Eric Mosley. Whether it's a class or a one-on-one session, Eric's calming demeanor and welcoming tone makes both novices and experts of the craft feel at ease throughout every yoga class. A truly worthwhile fitness event, Eric leads with intention and concentrates on movement through engagement that feels comfortable to every individual in attendance. Heading the class in a meditative fashion, he highlights the need for centering the body with one's mental state through specific movements that ultimately nourish one's personal needs. 

Visitors of  Eric's exclusive yoga experience are certain to leave in a more serene and complete state as his attentive teaching methods allow attendees to really engage and release any tensions they may have entered with. Helping client's gain the most of each step with simple, tailored modifications and soothing breathing patterns, Eric creates a meaningful experience that feels both organic and mood boosting. 

An exceptional encounter that results in peak relaxation, a yoga class with elite instructor Eric Mosley is not to be missed whilst visiting the Park Terrace Hotel. Once physical health is adequately satisfied, the hotel's luxurious facilities allow one to further unwind in their deluxe sauna space. 

wellness at park terrace hotel


REINVIGORATING THE SENSES WITH GINGER GIBSON //
Perhaps the most exciting offering of the hotel's impressive wellness package is a 90-minute Hypnotherapy session with HMI Certified Hypnotherapist Ginger Gibson. Amplifying relaxation and heightened awareness through guided concentration, this therapeutic practice marvelously opens the mind and allows one to turn inwards and discover themselves with a fresh, distraction-free perspective. Ginger's expert skills helps client's maximize on this exclusive and valuable experience through a calming method which help individual's better understand themselves whilst gaining greater control over their own psychological state. 

With a radiant disposition, one cannot help but feel at great ease and delight in Ginger's company. Expressing such welcoming qualities in addition to her certified expertise, a hypnotherapy session lead by Ginger can broaden the mind beyond the current position and help reevaluate both general needs and specific concerns. While some remain unfamiliar with this beneficial practice, Ginger ensures that all who sit with her in session are treated to a powerful, stress-reducing and healing experience that results in a more confident and positive sense of self.  


yoga at park terrace hotel

With such an exceptional and thorough wellness package, the Park Terrace Hotel is helping their visitors achieve the greatest state of wellbeing in 2023. Whether you're looking to recharge with high-impact fitness courses or seeking a more relaxed revision to daily living, the Park Terrace Hotel is the prime place to attain such goals. 

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- GET TO KNOW THE EXPERTS -

ERIC MOSLEY
Founder of Black Mat Yoga // lululemon Ambassador 
Renowned Yoga and Meditation Expert who has taught extensively in various professional spaces/studios as well as the wildly popular streaming workout platform, lululemon Studio Mirror

GINGER GIBSON
HMI Certified, Expert Celebrity Hypnotherapist // Founder of HypnoticConnection.com
With a global, age-inclusive clientele Ginger Gibson, a member of the American Hypnosis Association, has counseled many individuals with various conditions and continues to practice in-person at various locations - presently at the Park Terrace Hotel
Book Dates: 12/1/2022-12/31/2023
Stay Dates: 12/7/2022-12/31/2023


Toasting to Tennis in Bryant Park NYC

Friday, August 26, 2022

US Open Event - Park Terrace Hotel


As summer winds down and the lazy days of this relaxing season slip behind, a refreshing new energy enters the city in anticipation for the arrival of the 2022 US Open, the thrilling tennis championship tournament hosting the biggest names in the sport. 

On Wednesday August 24, guests gathered at the Park Terrace Hotel to kick off the final Grand Slam tournament of the year and celebrate the hotel's newly renovated Terrazzo Lounge and their modern new coffee bar. The exciting event included special appearances by professional tennis starts Belinda Bencic (Olympic Gold Medalist, Tokyo 2022) and Alex de Minaur, an adorable collection of adoptable dogs from PupStarz Rescue, as well as an impressive live demonstration by a skilled latte artist detailing how their "Bark Terrace Latte," a hot beverage illustrating a charming puppy design, comes to life. 

Set in Bryant Park, New York, guests of this late summer soiree enjoyed sprawling views of the botanical oasis below and marvelous midtown sights from the venue's elegantly styled terrace. As they made their way indoors, attendees mingled among a delectable spread of fresh breakfast delights and an endless offering of richly-flavored coffee and tea beverages, all enjoyed in the new, chic and contemporary space. 

While this memorable caffeine-charged affair drew an exclusive set, the Terrazzo Lounge & Terrace invites all to experience this year's US Open in style at their spacious and sophisticated venue. Visitors can watch daily matches and enjoy every serve on their grand screens with a perfectly blended  artisanal cocktail or coffee in hand. Take a break between sets and head out to their lively terrace and enjoy a scenic respite on one of their relaxing seating arrangements or network along the lush greenery overlooking some of NYC's iconic architectural wonders. 

Enhance your US Open viewing experience this year by visiting Terrazzo Lounge & Terrace at the Park Terrace Hotel, the premier destination to screen the 2022 US Open games in the finest fashion - you won't want to miss this unique experience. 


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US OPEN COCKTAIL MENU 
PARK TERRACE HOTEL | TERRAZZO LOUNGE & TERRACE

GAME SET MATCH // Kilbeggan Whiskey with Ginger Beer topped off with Lime Juice
PIMMS CUP // Traditional British Pimms Cup with Cucumber & Mint Garnish
COURTSIDE // Hudson Bourbon wih Antica Aged Sweet Vermouth & Seasoned Orange Bitters 
MATCH POINT // Ketel One Vodka with St. Germain Elderflower muddled Strawberry with Lime Juice & a spritz of Soda



IMAGES COURTESY OF THE PARK TERRACE HOTEL 

US Open Press Event - Park Terrace Hotel


US Open Press Event - Terrazzo Lounge & Terrace






5 Enticing Autumnal Candles to Make Your Home Feel Cozy

Tuesday, November 9, 2021

best autumn candles


As the weather grows colder, nothing sounds more comforting than escaping the chill in a warm and cozy home. A classically comfortable home may include a roaring fireplace, a luxury unknown to most city dwellers, but achieving these same atmospheric qualities is quite simple. Filling a space with deliciously scented candles with notes reminiscent of the season can create an inviting and aromatic haven regardless of grand amenities. Whether the burn fills a room of enticing fall spices or warm, fragrant notes familiar to the cooler seasons, I've compiled a collection of 5 enticing autumnal candles to make your home feel cozy all season long. 


ruske mulholland


RUKSKE // Mulholland
A luxury candle collection which provides an elegant experience with every burn, RUKSKE candles are the epitome of timeless quality. From a chic and sleek presentation to the use of high-quality ingredients, founder Brooke Dulien truly offers a luxurious aromatic adventure with each of her candles. Formulated with a coconut blended soy wax, a cleaner alternative to the traditionally harsher candle waxes, each candle is crafted with carefully chosen notes, ultimately creating a special scent profile with each candle. Mulholland is the perfectly complex yet alluring blend to light this autumn as its burn fills the air with aromatic spicy notes (cardamom, nutmeg) carried by rich musk and deep elements (leather, oud, cedar) with a slightly tart pop (bergamot, grapefruit). A warm and intense scent to enjoy long after the season has passed. 

ortigia sicilia ambra candle


ORTIGIA SICILIA // Ambra Nera 
Encapsulating the essence of Italian luxury through unique fragrances, Ortigia Sicilia's vast array of  opulent offerings lead one on a delightful sensory journey. Their candle range is no exception as each beautifully blended candle is not only formulated with unique ingredients but are housed in attractively designed glass jars serving as an attractive decoration element. The warm amber and woody elements of oak featured in their Ambra Nera candle is an ideal option for a cool fall season. A rich burn fills a room with an abundance of pleasantly warm notes creating a cozy oasis to enjoy while escaping the autumn chill. 


nest candle rose noir & oud


NEST // Rose Noir & Oud
An authority of scent, NEST fragrances has expertly captured the hallmark scents of each season while incorporating their unique blend of luxury. One of their designer candles transports one to another place through their specially blended scents. Of their vast library of fragrances, Rose Noir & Oud beautifully smells of the deeper and more sultry notes of autumn. An exquisite pairing of floral and woody notes, this warm yet smoky candle evokes the joyful tones of this season through rosy elements melted with deliciously rich oud and black leather. 

nette candle


NETTE // Suede Fringe 
A brand committed to clean and sustainable practices and ingredients, NETTE is elevating candles far beyond appearance. Formulating their handmade, Italian glass jarred candles with non-toxic wax mixtures (coconut-soy) and non-synthetic fragrances derived from essential oils, NETTE is creating an attractive clean alternative with maximum chicness. With an ever growing range, these cotton-wick candles offer a clean burn that will provide pleasant aromas to any space. Suede Fringe, a richly scented spice noted blend is fitting for autumn. Kissed with warm elements like suede and sandalwood, this fusion of scents will encourage you to light this addictive option well after fall. 


otherland chandelier



OTHERLAND // Chandelier 
Space transforming scents, clean ingredients and artistic, polished glass jars are the identifying hallmarks of Otherland candles. With a fashionable eye coupled with her globe-trotting history, Abigail Cook Stone brings an interesting perspective to the candle industry. Her thoroughly crafted range of clean, toxin-free candles fill a room with luxurious scents without the harsh pollutants. Chandelier, a luxuriously robust scent appropriate for fall, saturates a space with a blend of champagne, leather and saffron. A sophisticated scent perfect for a seasonal fete or a calmer moment that invites a more extravagant tone. 


IMAGES COURTESY OF BRAND 

Best NYC Spots to Grab a Sweet Bite

Saturday, September 18, 2021

Best NYC Dessert Spots


Whether you're in a mood for a quick bite or a leisurely stop at a café or patisserie, there's no better way to enjoy a break than with something sweet. Often a companion to a soothing hot beverage or complimentary drink, desserts in NYC are some of the best you'll ever enjoy. From frozen favorites to appetizing confections, I've rounded up some of the trendiest and tastiest sweets from around the city. 

Ferrara | Little Italy 
Since it first opened it's doors in 1892, Ferrara has created a consistent standard of quality by serving the finest in Italian coffees and confections. A family run business for five generations, this charming neighborhood café has remained as committed to its customer service and offering high-quality products as it was on the day it opened. Presenting a delectable array of classic Italian sweets and coffee beverages, this full-service café is also a Gelateria, which houses a deluxe variety of mouth-watering chilled options. 
Favorites: Tiramisu, rainbow cookies, and I always grab a few of their pistachio nougats before heading out their door

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream | Various Locations 
With a modest start on streets of NYC, Van Leeuwen has come a long way from its cheerfully yellow truck days in 2008. The creators of this chic, artisan ice creamery have taken simple ice cream to the next level with unexpected ingredients and pairings. With a mission to spread joy through their frozen treats, they keep their offerings inclusive with unique alternatives for vegan customers. Using simple, quality ingredients, their lineup includes fresh flavor profiles with classic choices that keep folks coming back for more. 
Favorites: Sicilian Pistachio & the limited edition Bourbon Cherries Jubilee   

Breads Bakery | Union Square
They've certainly earned the title of Best Chocolate Babka in NYC. My favorite item on their impressive menu, the chocolate babka is wonderfully rich, airy and incredibly flavorful and best enjoyed with their delicious creamy and dreamy cappuccino. From savory breads to enticing sweets and pastries, the freshly-made, ultra-satisfying offerings on Breads Bakery's menu are a homerun. 
Favorites: Chocolate Babka and rugelach, all their bureka options

Dominique Ansel | Soho 
A true feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds, the innovative and creative sweet creations found at Dominique Ansel NY will leave you thinking about them long after the last bite. Whether it's flavor or presentation, world renowned and James-Beard award winning pastry chef, Dominique Ansel infuses creativity and whimsical elements into every pastry he creates. The trendsetting chef is responsible for the wildly popular cronut, a hybrid treat often sold out at his Soho bakery. Issued in new flavors monthly, enjoy this now iconic treat in fig & almond (September launch), a delish autumnal flavor to celebrate the season.
Favorites: raspberry pistachio tart, banana bread tiramisu, coconut lime cake

Top Beauty Tomes Beauty Enthusiasts Should Read Now

Friday, April 16, 2021



French Beauty 
The French Beauty Solution: Time-Tested Secrets to Look and Feel Beautiful Inside and Out
By Mathilde Thomas
Much like her brand philosophy, Mathilde Thomas, cofounder of Caudalie, has taken the same natural-focused, simple approach to beauty itself. This wonderful tome details a wealth of beauty gems and secrets acquired during her upbringing in rustic France along with expert commentary and knowledge on the science of skincare. To Thomas, beauty doesn't require harsh tactics or ingredients but rather highlights healthier alternatives and practices to achieving a youthful, radiant appearance. A wonderful reflection of unique experiences. readers are treated to the presentation of beauty through both the European and American lens and ways we can jumpstart our health the French way. 




Ageless Beauty the French Way: Secrets from Three Generations of French Beauty Editors
By Clémence von Mueffling
A truly special guide, Ageless Beauty the French Way is a unique comprehensive French beauty manual revealing the greatest secrets, tips, practices and more by three generations of French beauty experts. If you've ever wondered about French women's luxurious lifestyle customs or their effortless approach to beauty, the pages of this book are filled with details that reveal just that and more. From skin and hair to their signature makeup aesthetic and far more, Clémence von Mueffling along with her chic mother and grandmother have spilled their top professional secrets and classic beauty traditions on the pages of this beauty treasure. 




Cosmetics Connoisseurs 
The Makeup of a Confident Woman: The Science of Beauty, the Gift of Time, and the Power of Putting Your Best Face Forward
By Trish McEvoy
A true powerhouse in the beauty industry, Trish McEvoy's extraordinarily successful international beauty brand and teachings has made her a recognized global cosmetics authority. With vast knowledge in all aspects of beauty, McEvoy penned her best beauty practices in one title which serves as both a how-to guide and an empowering text concentrating on the beauty and power within. 




Face Paint: The Story of Makeup
By Lisa Eldridge
lustrous career creating beauty looks for some of the most recognized starlets in Hollywood, Lisa Eldridge still has time to film engaging content for her wildly popular Youtube channel. An expert in her field, Eldridge has as a vast knowledge of the history of beauty which brings an insightful and interesting perspective to her book. Within, readers are taken on a lovely journey of the evolution of beauty where its colorful history is beautifully explained along with exciting modern makeup practices. 



Thorough Works From the Experts
Perfumes: The A-Z Guide
By Luca Turin & Tania Sanchez
A tome devoted to all things fragrance, Luca Turin and Tania Sanchez penned a hefty guide which not only explores renowned perfumes but invites readers behind the curtain of the fragrance world through engaging essays. Along with their favorites, readers are given an informative peek at how memorable blends are formulated, the aromatic ingredients of which they're made and interesting historical influences. 




Great Skin - Secrets the Beauty Industry Doesn't Tell You 
by Ingeborg Van Lotringen
Straight from a seasoned professional, Ingeborg van Lotringen penned this informative tome which details all the best industry secrets often kept under wraps while teaching her readers tried and true methods to achieve great skin. A must-read for all, this helpful book helps readers understand skin and how to choose skincare for their unique needs in an clean and  intriguing fashion. 




An Atlas of Natural Beauty: Botanical Ingredients for Retaining and Enhancing Beauty
By Victoire de Taillac
Along with its beautiful illustrations, this stunning work from L'Officine Universelle Buly, an iconic Parsisian apothecary, analyzes the allure of natural beauty with sophistication. Emphasizing the importance of natural-focused beauty and self-care concepts through Buly's unique aesthetic, this stunning atlas details useful recipes and effective techniques to enhance one's beauty naturally. Having had the opportunity to globally grow this iconic beauty institution in various cities, the authors pulled from their worldly travels and have compiled their best beauty methods, techniques and quality ingredient knowledge from their worldly travels in this comprehensive book. 



ATB Quarantine Book List

Friday, May 22, 2020


With all of us stuck in quarantine, there's no better way to escape the stressors of this difficult time than getting lost in a good book. Whether its riveting, heart-racing thrillers, memorable memoirs, or incredible stories, spending a few hours reading seems to melt away any anxiety I may be experiencing at that time. This unexpected time shut in is a bit of a blessing in disguise as it's provided so much extra distraction-free time to dive into my ever-growing list of tomes I've been compiling since the past year. With a mix of old titles and new, here are some lovely books to explore during your days in.

A wonderfully written jaw-dropping thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat, The Woman in the Window feels very Hitchcoakian with a tense beat that keeps you excited till the very end. This story centers around Anna Fox, an agoraphobic who is bound to her beautiful New York City home. Without the option of venturing beyond her front door, she fills her days watching old mystery films and drinking a little too much. Her only thread to the outside word is peeking into her neighbors homes through the windows. Now a little spying is not a crime until she witnesses the murder of the woman across the street. But the real question is, did this heinous crime actually happen? This murder becomes the very incident that begins her painful unraveling but with classic thrillers constantly on  loop, a detrimental diet of alcohol and an intense case of paranoia, what did Anna actually see that night?

2. The Silent Patient | Alex Michaelides
There's always a story behind a murder, but what happen's when the killer isn't saying a word?
Alicia Berenson has a seemingly perfect life, a fabulous career (famous painter), married to a successful (fashion designer) man and residing in a dreamy property in one of London's most prime neighborhoods. With such a picture-esque existence, the calm waters are soon to become muddy, or rather bloody. One late evening, Alicia's husband returns home after a fashion shoot and welcomes his arrival by shooting him 5-times in the face. She falls into a stark silence immediately after, never speaking a word of the crime or its motive. Her refusal to speak of this horrific crime draws the curiosity of the both the public and experts alike which leaves her hid away for protection. Alicia is kept in a forensic unit in a secure London facility where a criminal psychotherapsit finally gets the long-awaited opportunity to speak to her. Will his effort get her talking and  finally reveal the gritty details to this gruesome mystery?

3. Pretty Things | Janelle Brown
A juicy thriller for the modern age, this story details the intertwined lives of two women who are complete opposites of one another and are brought together by one epic scam. Nina, a grifter, holds a useless fancy liberal arts degree and turns to a life of crime with her boyfriend by her side. Her expert con artist skills are handed down from her mother and leads her down a risky path of stealing from the rich in L.A. to survive. However, her on-the-run criminal lifestyle comes to halt when her mother becomes ill. In an effort to help her, she devises a grand scam, her most dangerous yet, even if it means putting her own life on the line.

Unlike Nina, Vanessa is the picture of privilege, an heiress-turned-Instagram Influencer, her seemingly ideal and envious lifestyle is portrayed perfectly on the digital platform. Behind the fancy facade, Vanessa is anything but picture-perfect and is suffering her own personal tragedy. She escapes to her family's luxe mountain estate, an extravagant mansion which holds a dark set of secrets of its own, some of which involve both Vanessa and Nina's unknown past. It's here that begins the intermingling of their stories and with so many brilliant twists and details, you'll be left wondering who was the real con artist.

4. Rules of Civility | Amor Towles
As a NYC girl, I love a beautiful story set in my incredible city. Much like a moving film set in New York City, the city itself becomes a character in this book. Rules of Civility follows the story of Kate Kontent, a young woman in post-Depression era New York who finds her simple city life suddenly upgraded in every sense. Weaving in and out of a glamorous social culture of the elite in this era while remaining authentic to her true self, this vividly descriptive and stunningly written journey grabs the reader and has you falling in and out of love with the complex characters in her life.

5. A Gentleman in Moscow | Amor Towles
A densely detailed and wonderfully woven story of a Count who is sentenced to house arrest for the remainder of his life in one of the grandest hotels in 1922 Russia. Nestled across the street from the Kremlin, Metropol, the hotel where Count Alexander Rostov has taken residence in its attic room becomes the setting of the various interesting encounters within its walls. There Rostov learns the lessons of existence and purpose from the bold characters around the lofty hotel while witnessing the dramatic developments of the state just outside his window - a lovely transporting novel you won't want to end.

6. Save Me The Plums | Ruth Reichl
One of the most buzzed about memoirs of 2019, my book list would not be complete without Ruth Reichl's exciting memoir, Save Me the Plums. This exciting memoir details Reichl's incredible journey from food critic to editor-in-chief of Gourmet magazine and how she transformed the once sleepy magazine into a contemporary and innovative publication. It's a fascinating peek inside the golden age of magazine making with plenty of charm, captivating storytelling and of course, delectable recipes.


Summer Bucket List

Wednesday, May 29, 2019



With the unofficial start to summer finally here, its time I compiled a list of some of the things I want to do, see and enjoy this summer. If you didn't already know, this summer is a pretty big one for me because June marks my 10 year heart transplant anniversary. It's pretty wild to think it has actually been 10 very full, exciting and challenging years since I got my new lease on life. So, in celebration of that beautiful event, why not spend the whole summer celebrating life in the most fun (and safe) ways.

1. Take a dessert making class
I've had a Sur La Table summer dessert making class bookmarked for ages and never found a right time to schedule or get my friends together all at once to finally attend. This summer, I'm making it a point to attend one of these cooking classes and dazzle my mom with pretty summer sweets that won't result in a call to the FDNY. I promise I won't burn down your kitchen, mom!

2. Midsummer Night Swing at Lincoln Center 
A night of live music and dance lessons at beautiful Lincoln Center sounds like the perfect NYC summer night. It also looks like a whole lot of fun. Best of all, a night of dancing with fun twirling seems like the ideal time to wear one of the many full-skirted dresses I have handing in my closet.

3. Visit all the NYC Pop-ups & Touristy spots 
Last year, my sisters and I made a promise to check out all the fun pop-ups, cute instagram-friendly events happening around the city and really appreciate the sights we've called home for all our lives. It ended up being a pretty fun summer and resulted in some hilarious memories. I definitely want to make the effort to get us all together for the same kind of fun this year.

4. Summer Love with the City 
The summer is the perfect time to visit unloved neighborhoods or gorgeous areas of the city I haven't been to in years. I loved the seaport but haven't been since its renovations which was quite some time ago. The same with the lovely BPC area, which I last visited in my early high school years. I've become so comfortable going to the same areas of the city and finding new gems to love in those areas but it's time to explore and fall in love with old places once again.



5. Weekends/Day Trips Out of Town
Even this die hard New Yorker enjoys a day out of town. Long holiday weekends are my favorite to stay in the city because it's so quiet and less busy but taking a day away from city life on an ordinary summer weekend is a different vibe that is much appreciated. Whether it's to a beach or new town, a quick trip is always a great idea.

6. Coney Island
I haven't been to Coney Island since I was a kid. I hear it's changed plenty but the Wonder Wheel is still up and running. During my visit all those years ago, I completely lost it on the swinging seats when it stopped at the top of the wheel and want to look at that fear straight in the face once more. I may not have the guts to ride the scary red and blue swing seats, but I'll give the white still seats a go with plenty of cotton candy in hand to ease my fear of heights.

7. Boating at Central Park 
Since we're on the topic of fears, water is another one for me. My BIL spoke about an afternoon of kayaking on the Hudson and the thought alone made me want to run away. While I may be too chicken to for this water activity, I'll try a safer option of boating at Central Park. It's equally beautiful, much smaller and there's a beautiful lunch at the Boathouse waiting for me after.

8. Summer Sporting Events 
Living so close to Citi Field and the Billie Jean King National Tennis center you'd think I'd make it to sporting events often during the summer. I'd be lucky to get in two Mets games a summer which is pretty sad. Most of my friends find baseball ridiculously boring so finding a great game watching companion is pretty slim. Thankfully, that seems to be changing this summer. With some dates already scheduled, this fashionista will be at various sporting events this summer season.

9. Movies at the Park 
My favorite activity for the summer is attending one of the grand movie nights at Bryant or Central Park or the many other lovely outdoor venues around the city. These nights usually play popular old movies in a very fun fashion in some of the best settings in the city. It's a great activity to gather your friends and catch up over a great movie. A major upgrade from your standard Netflix night at home.




How Basic Invite is Taking Custom Invitations and Stationary To The Next Level

Thursday, March 28, 2019

Thank You to Basic Invite for Sponsoring This Post 
Follow Basic Invite on Your Favorite Social 



It all starts with your invitation. 
An invite to a personal event or celebration should be as unique as the event itself. While custom invite services have been around for quite sometime, I recently approached by Basic Invite, a unique website that is taking customization to the next level in more ways than one. Whether you're in the market for invitations, save the dates, or personal stationary, Basic Invite's easily navigated site previews a stunning collection of options in every respective category and beyond. The best part of it all, their unique service allows you to edit and customize every design element in a color of your choice. 




The sophisticated color library available on Basic Invite goes far beyond the standard colors of the rainbow. It features over a whopping 180-shades from which you can pick and apply to your chosen design. Along with color, the options of fonts is equally vast. As someone who prefers an amplified touch or an unexpected hint of elegance in paper goods, I was so excited to learn that they also offer flat foil (gold, rose gold, silver) options as well. A truly luxurious design experience, this degree of customization can really allow you to create a special invite that expresses your personality and taste in the finest fashion. 






A New Way to Look At Invitations 
Upon browsing their beautifully designed invitations, I found that photos could also be added to an invite as a fun layer of customization. With graduation season just around the corner, Basic Invite's incredibly tailored designed experience is certainly one to try when creating your own graduation party invitations. As special as the event itself, the beautiful graduation invitations offered by the website reads professional and elegant yet incredibly stylish. Far from the traditional fonts and classic grad-centric clip art, these ultra-classy, modern designs will make for a memorable invite that's pretty enough to frame. Whether your style is fun, sporty, chic or beyond, the stunning array of options will satisfy your every need. 










The only website with an impressively grand collections of colors, incorporating your school colors into your grad invite design would be a breeze. For those who want a more glitzy invite, their Hollywood graduation invitations also feature the luxe option of the exclusive foil. 








A Personal Look at Stationary 
In addition to the dazzling collection of various invitations, Basic Invite is taking standard stationary and upgrading it with incredible quality and style. While I love a nice stack of personalized stationary, most times I find myself disappointed at the cost of a poorly made product. The lack of quality I've experienced in the past with various companies may range from color pay-off, paper quality to the overall printing of the design itself. If the quality of your own stationary is weak, it can certainly hurt some aspect of your personal branding.




I decided to give Basic Invite's business stationary and notecards a go and was welcomed by a dizzying array of lovely designs. While I absolutely adored a handful of designs which aligned with my aesthetic, I ultimately settled on the stunning and sophisticated Script Monogram Business Stationary. This is where I got to experience their customization options first hand. I was able to swap colors to my liking (I chose Pumpkin for my base rather than black) and loved the font in the color present (white). Another interesting aspect of this design experience was getting to edit the text. Thanks to their instant preview and real-time editing feature, I had the ability to edit the original design to include my whole name rather than just the initial.

I also appreciated the unexpected editing touch which included the website's logo at the back of the card. I loved how the whole stationary card, including something as small as a logo, could be customized. Additionally, a unique factor which amplifies their website's exceptional services consists of a complimentary set of peal and seal envelopes which are delivered with almost all orders and can be matched in a color of your choosing before finalizing your order. 




With a pleasant delivery which arrived beautifully packaged well before the estimated arrival date coupled with the unmatched quality and wallet-friendly rates, I highly recommend Basic Invite for your next invitation and stationary needs. For the month of March the site will be offering 15% off your order with code: 15FF51




The Beautiful Campaign Shining A Light on CHD Survivors

Friday, August 31, 2018

All proceeds to benefit the last photography chapter of the Scars Are Beautiful Project



As someone who has experienced a fair share of heart troubles, I was blown away when I stumbled upon the Scars Are Beautiful Project

This incredible initiative brings awareness to congenital heart defect (CHD) survivors. Founded by the inspiring Brigitta Zatko, this eye-opening project highlights individuals of various ages around the world who all have a striking chest scar marking life-saving open heart surgery due to CHD. 

The Founder
A beautiful lady both inside and out, Brigitta has created a project where those suffering and beyond can feel both inspired and included. Expanding on her own CHD experience, Brigitta has taken her brilliant photography talents to various cites to chronicle the stories of these brave heart survivors and photograph their beautiful scars. With so much stigma around the appearance of scars, Brigita's Scars Are Beautiful project has created a community that celebrates the signature zipper-like chest scar and gives a face to CHD.

Brigitta Zatko 


With my own personal experience with life-long heart disease and open heart surgery, it is incredible to see this thriving and welcoming community celebrating a scar I was once embarrassed by and reading the stories of fellow heart heroes of every age.  

Her Mission
A strong advocate for this cause, Brigitta's ultimate goal is to photograph 100 unique individuals with CHD who proudly wear their open heart surgery scars and compile these stunning images into a coffee table book. This brave collection of moving images is such a wonderful project that highlights such an important cause while eliminating the shame of scars. 

Brigitta Zatko


Fundraising Efforts
Due to its success, Brigitta has a designed a charming shirt promoting her passion project that is perfectly fitting for all. A fundraising effort that will only be live until September 5th, this darling shirt is a wearable memento that represents so many beautiful stories and raises awareness for CHD. All sales of this shirt will go towards funding Brigitta's last trip (Australia) on her Scars Are Beautiful photography mission. Whilst in Australia, Brigitta will visit four cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane) to photograph thirty individuals for her upcoming tome. A mission worth the spotlight, Brigitta is changing the conversation on scars and CHD by focusing on actual survivors and their unique stories. 


Contacting Brigitta Zatko 
Email: BrigittaZatko@gmail.com




All images courtesy of Brigitta Zatko



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