FEATURE FRIDAY 8.23.19

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Photography by Victoria Saperstein (2018)

Photography by Victoria Saperstein (2018)

Happy Friday from gloomy + rainy NYC. I can’t believe Summer is coming to an end. I can honestly say, this has been one of the best Summers I’ve had in awhile. And I’m kinda sad to see it end. But I’m thankful for the new friends I met, adventures had and memories made over the past few months. What was the best part of your Summer?!

Here’s this week’s roundup of Beauty faves + Lifestyle articles + Things I’m loving lately, Events happening around the city and MORE.

LIFESTYLE + POP CULTURE

  • RHONY Bethenny Frankel has decided NOT to return to the show next season. Here is what she had to say about her departure from the franchise.

  • Supermodel Ashley Graham recently revealed that she’s pregnant in the most adorable announcement.

  • Save this list for your next trip to Trader Joe’s.

WHAT I’M LOVING LATELY

  • Recently started re-reading this book and definitely recommend it if you’re in the need of some motivation.

  • Sephora SALE is happening again. I’ll be stocking up on eye cream, my favorite CC cream and this lip mask that I’ve heard is amazing.

  • I’ve been looking for a collapsible water bottle to take with me on the go and I found this one on Amazon. It’s the perfect size and comes in a few different colors.

HAPPENING IN THE CITY

  • Celebrate Summer Friday’s at Kendra Scott in SoHo every Friday in August from 12-2pm. Get 15% OFF your purchase and SIP Champagne and Rosé while shopping.

  • Blues BBQ Festival at Hudson River Park Saturday Aug. 24th 2-9pm Eat BBQ from local NYC vendors while enjoying LIVE music.

  • Drink brews from the Brooklyn Craft Brew Fest at Brooklyn Navy Yard. Saturday Aug. 24th Grab tickets here.

  • Visit the popular bakery Dominique Ansel to try the August Cronut before it’s gone. This month’s cronut has Salted pretzel ganache w/ caramel ganache inside and a salted sugar mixture on the outside. YUM!

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

XO, Rae

A DAY TRIP TO WÖLFFER WINERY

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Photography by: Lauren Lucile Creative

Photography by: Lauren Lucile Creative

A few weeks ago, I finally got the opportunity to take a day trip out to Bridgehampton to visit Wölffer Estate Vineyard. This has been on my New York bucket list ever since I discovered Wölffer Rosé a few years ago. I knew the winery was one of the more popular wineries on Long Island, so I was excited to experience it in person.

Being that Wölffer Winery is located in Sagaponack on Long Island, there are a few ways in which you can get there from the city. My friend and I decided to rent a car for the day via Zipcar, which was super easy and affordable. You can also take a train from Penn Station (LIRR) to Bridgehampton. And then it’s just a short Uber ride from the train station to the winery. The other option, is to take the Jitney Bus which travels back and forth from Manhattan to the Hamptons. Either way, it’s totally doable as a day trip.

Wolffer Winery 2019

What to know beforehand:

  • Wöllfer Estate Vineyard is Open Daily from 11am-8pm year-round.

  • Highly recommend making a reservation for the tasting room. It’s FREE entry and you just pay per glass or flight.

  • You can also make a reservation for a Vineyard & Cellar Tour which includes a tasting of four different wines. Cost is $68.50 per person.

  • The winery does close from time to time for private events. Make sure to call ahead to confirm availability. Ph. 631–537–5106

  • Arrive earlier in the day if possible, as the crowd tends to grow as the afternoon/early evening approaches.

  • There is indoor and outdoor seating available for tastings. The patio overlooks the vineyard and has some shade for those warmer days.

Wolffer Winery 2019

What to Sip:

  • They offer a few different wine flights for $25 that include four different tastings. Seasonal flights are available.

  • Since it’s Summer, we opted for the Rosé flight and loved it!

  • You can also purchase wine by the glass or bottle(s).

  • I recommend the Wöllfer Estate Summer in a Bottle Rosé or Grandioso Rosé.

  • They also have signature cocktails on their menu that feature Wöllfer Ciders and ‘Pink’ Gin.

Wolffer Winery 2019
Wolffer Winery Rosé Flight
Wolffer Winery 2019

What to do:

  • Take advantage of the patio seating that overlooks the vineyard.

  • Stop by the shop inside to purchase bottles of wine and souvenirs to take home with you.

  • Sit at the bar if you want more of a one-on-one tasting. The bartenders are very knowledgable and can give you more of a personal experience.

  • Visit The Wine Stand and enjoy the sunset while sipping a glass of wine.

    *This was by far my favorite part of the winery. It’s located just down from the main winery and they offer wine by the bottle or glass. Once you grab your wine, head out back to sit in the Adirondack chairs that face the vineyard.

Wolffer Wine Stand
Wolffer Wine Stand
Wolffer Wine Stand
Wolffer Wine Stand
Wolffer Wine Stand Sunset

If you decide to visit Wölffer Winery, I hope these tips help! I had the best time there and can’t wait to go back again (maybe this Fall).

Have you ever been to a winery? If so, which one(s) have you been to? Any that you recommend me visiting?!

CHEERS!

XO, Rae

FEATURE FRIDAY 8.02.19

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Photography by: Lauren Lucile Creative

Photography by: Lauren Lucile Creative

Happy Friday! I can’t believe that it’s August already. I feel like this Summer has flown by. But luckily we still have another month or so to make the most of it. I’ve been living my best life this Summer and saying “YES” to more adventures. And I honesty can’t remember the last time I enjoyed Summer more. Although I prefer Fall over any season, I’ve been loving the longer days and making memories with old and new friends. What’s your favorite season?


Here’s this week’s roundup of Beauty faves + Lifestyle articles + Things I’m loving lately, Events happening around the city and MORE.

LIFESTYLE + POP CULTURE

  • Sephora has recently expanded their “CLEAN AT SEPHORA” program to now include 50 banned ingredients and even more product regulations. This is great news for consumers in being able to shop more safer beauty products.

  • Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has been CANCELLED this year, according to one of the brand’s models. As a CURVY girl myself, I am happy to see that some changes may be in the works. The company is rumored to be rebranding. Which is long overdue in my opinion.

  • If you’re local to New York, one of my favorite podcasts “Berning in Hell” by Hannah Berner is going to be LIVE August 22nd. Not only is Hannah hilarious, but she talks about real life struggles like anxiety, depression and gives light to mental health issues. Grab tickets here.

WHAT I’M LOVING LATELY

  • I recently received my first Summer box from Fab Fit Fun and I’m loving all the products included. I’m picky when it comes to subscription boxes, but I have to say that this one lives up to the hype!

  • Last week, I checked off something on my Summer bucket list by taking a day trip out to the Hamptons to visit Wolffer Estate Vineyard. Vineyard views + wine tasting + live music is the perfect way to spend a Summer day. Highly recommend this winery if you’re thinking about making a trip out to the Hamptons. I’ll be sharing more details on my visit there in a blog post SOON!

  • If you want to prevent your makeup from melting off your face in the Summer heat, try this setting spray. It keeps your makeup in place and has SPF 30 to help protect your skin while out in the sun.

HAPPENING IN THE CITY

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

XO, Rae

 

FEATURE FRIDAY 7.12.19

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Photography by: Lauren Lucile Creative

Photography by: Lauren Lucile Creative

It’s FINALLY FRIDAY! It has been ridiculously HOT in New York this week. I’ve honestly spent more days camped out in front of my air conditioner than I have going out. Anyone else relate?! But the weekend is upon us and there are many great things happening, including some of the biggest SALES of the year.

Here’s this week’s roundup of Beauty faves + Lifestyle articles + Things I’m loving lately, Events happening around the city and MORE.

LIFESTYLE + POP CULTURE

  • Mercury is in retrograde from July 7th- July 31st…here is everything you need to know.

  • Amazon Prime Day is actually going to be TWO days this year, starting at Midnight July 15th thru July 16th. This SALE is usually geared toward discounts on kitchenware items and electronics.

  • Nordstrom Anniversary SALE starts July 12th-18th for card holders and goes LIVE to the Public on July 19th-August 4th. N SALE is great for stocking up on Fall clothing, outerwear, activewear, name brand denim and shoes. The SALE is known for heavily discounted name brands and makes for the perfect time to start Christmas shopping.

WHAT I’M LOVING LATELY

HAPPENING IN THE CITY

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

XO, Rae

MY BEACH BAG ESSENTIALS

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My Beach Bag Essentials

Summer is best spent basking in the SUN with a front row view of the ocean. Am I right?! And while I love a good beach day, there are a few items that I can’t live without while I’m there. So, whether you’re planning a beach vacation or just going for a day trip, here are all the essentials I carry in my beach bag.

Beach Bag Essentials

  1. Kopari Natural Deodorant- The best natural deodorant that actually works! I use this daily and keep an extra one in my bag for those really HOT Summer days.

  2. Sunscreen - Favorite sunscreen I’ve used in a long time. It absorbs easily and doesn't leave your skin feeling greasy. Also love that it’s available at most drug stores.

  3. Mega Babe - This anti-chafe stick is a game changer all my girls with thick thighs (myself included). I apply this  before heading to the beach/pool and it usually lasts all day. Also great for everyday use with wearing dresses and shorts.

  4. Hair Ties - These hair ties actually hold your hair up without leaving any creases or pulling out your hair out. A little pricey but worth it! And they come in several colors.

  5. Lip balm w/ SPF - My lips get sunburned easily so I always use a lip balm w/ SPF. And I love that this one from Sun Bum that is tinted with color.

  6. Wet Brush - I use this as my everyday hair brush and also throw in my bag for the beach. It’s perfect for detangling beach hair.

  7. Facial Spray - I keep this on hand all Summer long. I love using this for a quick refresh during the day.

  8. Sun Bum Cool Down Lotion - This lotion has saved my skin so many times after being out in the sun all day! It’s great for sunburns and to as an after sun lotion to help maintain your tan longer. Also love that it has a cooling effect upon application.

What are your MUST HAVES for a day at the beach? I’d love to hear what your beach bag essentials are.

XO, Rae

FEATURE FRIDAY 6.28.19

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Photography by: Lauren Lucile Creative

Photography by: Lauren Lucile Creative

HAPPY FRIDAY and HAPPY PRIDE!! It’s definitely starting to feel like Summer in the city. And I’m excited for all the festivities this weekend. I’ll be attending the PRIDE parade on Sunday with some of my friends. And this will actually be my first time going to the NYC Pride event. I can’t wait to support my friends and just be a part of such a meaningful event. Are you celebrating PRIDE this weekend?!

The beaches are officially open here in New York, and I’ll be heading out to the beach on Monday for some much need SUN. Next week on the blog, I’ll be sharing my ‘Beach Bag Essentials’ for Summer. Stay tuned for a full list of items!

Here’s this week’s roundup of Beauty faves + Lifestyle articles + Things I’m loving lately, Events happening around the city and MORE.

LIFESTYLE + POP CULTURE

  • Kim Kardashian announced she is launching her own SOLUTIONWEAR a.k.a. shapewear line, Kimono. And while some are saying that she may have missed the mark with the name. I think it’s still pretty genius of her to create her own line. I mean she is the QUEEN of wearing shapewear under her clothing.

  • The MTV popular series, ‘The Hills’ returned to the network this past week. And so far, it seems it still has the audience begging for more. It airs every Monday at 10/9c.

  • One of my favorite clean beauty brands, TULA just released their NEW Face Filter Blurring & Moisturizing Primer. It’s made with probiotics, turmeric and chia seeds that help even skin tone and redness while also releasing “glow particles” to give your skin a radiant glow. I’ve already placed my order and I’ll let y’all know my thoughts after I use it for a week or two.

WHAT I’M LOVING LATELY

  • I recently partnered with Rocksbox, a monthly jewelry subscription. #ad And I only wish I would have discovered it sooner! I love having new accessories each month to wear and and the option to purchase items at a discount, if I find that I really love them. Use PROMO CODE reinventingraenycxoxo to receive 1 month FREE www.rocksbox.com

  • I’ve been making less trips to my local Starbucks, and drinking this at home instead.

  • My go-to moisturizer for Summer. And ULTA is currently having a BUY 2, GET 1 FREE SALE.

HAPPENING IN THE CITY

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

XO, Rae

SUMMER PLAYLIST '19

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SUMMER PLAYLIST

Every Summer has a story and if you’re like me, you can listen to a song and instantly be taken back to a time and place. So I wanted to share with y’all my playlist that has been on repeat lately. A compile of feel good songs with a mix of old and new. Whether you’re on the Beach, laying by the pool, hosting a BBQ or just driving in the car with the windows down. I hope you enjoy this list as much as I do! I’ll be adding songs to the playlist all Summer long.


Click here to open playlist via Spotify.

What songs have you been loving lately?! Any favorite Summertime songs?!

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

XO, Rae

SUMMER IN THE CITY: NYC EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED

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Summer is underway and with July half way over, I'm reminded of all the things I still have left to do on my Summer bucket list. One of the things I love about living in a big city like New York, is that there is always so much to do. And whether you live here or planning to visit this Summer, there is something for everyone. Here's a list of events that are NOT to be missed. 

Bryant Park 2018

 

1. Bryant Park Summer Film Festival 

Every Monday June 18th-Aug. 20th

2. Restaurant Week

July 23rd-Aug. 17th 

Atrium Dumbo

3. Summer Music Festivals 

Concerts happening all over the city and in each borough. 

4. Rooftop Cinema Club

August dates are NOW on SALE, but hurry this weekly event sells out quickly!

5. FREE Yoga at Bryant Park

Bryant Park hosts free yoga in the park every Tuesday morning at 10am & Thursday evenings at 6pm. RSVP by clicking the link above. 

Bryant Park

6. Rosé Mansion

This interactive and educational pop-up will be available July- October. Get tickets by clicking the link above. 

7. Bubbles, Beats & Brunch Cruise 

This is basically a day party aboard a boat that cruises around Manhattan. Brunch served with unlimited mimosas and Bloody Mary bar. Grab your friends & book a date!

8. FREE Fridays at MoMA

Free admission to MoMA every Friday 4-8pm

9. Pier 17 

Newly re-opened Pier 17 has everything from outdoor concerts, a food market hall and a pop-up bar with waterfront views. 

10. Summer Streets 

An outdoor block party, free from vehicles that takes place the first three Saturday's in August.  

Pier 17

 

Feel free to share this list with friends visiting NYC this Summer or save it to your phone as a reminder of things to do around city. 

 

Xo, Rae 

MY SUMMER BUCKET LIST

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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 

5 OUTDOOR THINGS TO DO IN NYC THIS SUMMER

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5 OUTDOOR THINGS TO DO IN NYC THIS SUMMER

Now that Memorial Day has come and gone, it's the unofficial start to Summer. And that means it's time to soak up some SUN and take advantage of these long Summer days. Although New York City is known for being a concrete jungle, the city has a lot to offer when it comes to life outdoors. So, I'm sharing five things to do outdoors this Summer in NYC.

Bryant Park 2018

1. Bryant Park

There are an array of parks all over Manhattan, but this one is worth braving the crowds for. Bryant Park hosts a ton of events during the Summer months. You can take a FREE Yoga class in the park, watch a movie on the lawn, preview a Broadway Show & even attend an all you can eat ice cream festival. This is the perfect place to gather with friends and enjoy all that Summer has to offer.

Located: between 40th and 42nd Streets & Fifth and Sixth Avenues., New York, NY 10018

Grand Bazaar Market 2018

2. Grand Bazaar Market

This outdoor market is located on the Upper Westside and is OPEN every Sunday from 10am-5:30pm. Being NYC's largest curated flea market with 100+ vendors, you can expect to find everything from clothing, jewelry, antiques to local food vendors. It’s a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon and support local artists. 

Located: 100 West 77th St., NY, NY 10024 (at Columbus Avenue)

Loopy Doopy Rooftop Cocktails

3. Rooftop Bars

Summer wouldn't be complete without a visit to a rooftop bar. Whether you're going for the breathtaking skyline views, the Instagramable cocktails or just to cool off from the heat, there is something for everyone. Click here for a list of some of the best rooftops in the city. Cheers to Summer!

Pictured: Loopy Doopy Rooftop / Prosecco & Ice Pop Cocktails

Located: 102 North End Avenue, New York, NY 10282

IMG_9296.jpg

4. Boat Basin Cafe

This is one of the best kept secrets (in my opinion) on the Upper Westside. In a somewhat hidden location, Boat Basin Cafe sits right on the edge of Riverside Park overlooking the Hudson River. It's laid back atmosphere is accompanied by casual dining, frozen drinks, beer on tap and waterfront views. This is one of my favorite places to bring my Georgia friends when they come to visit, because they never expect to see a place like this in the middle of the city.

Located: W 79th St, New York, NY 10024 

Madison Square Eats 2018

5. Madison Square Eats

One of the best parts of Summer is dining al fresco. And Urbanspace has several pop-up food markets all around the city including Madison Square Eats that hosts 20+ vendors of local NYC restaurants. It's the perfect place to grab lunch on the go or meet friends after work. Seasonal ONLY May/JUNE. Open Daily 11am-9pm

Located: Worth Square, Flatiron District New York, NY 10010

 

ALSO RECOMMENDED:  THINGS TO DO IN THE SUMMER IN NEW YORK 

 

XO, Rae