FEATURE FRIDAY 7.19.19

 
Feature Friday July 19

We made it to another Summer Friday! My morning definitely started out slower than usual. #latenight You know you’re in your 30’s when, you wake up and have to add drops of electrolytes to your water in effort to feel human again. But a good time was had by all, so you know…totally worth it! Let’s just say I’ll be a little less out and about this weekend, haha.

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

  • Queer Eye Season 4 drops today on Netflix. I love this show and cannot wait to see the new season.

  • This iPhone app allows you to scan beauty/skincare products in effort to learn about the ingredients and potential toxic chemicals within them. It also offers suggestions for cleaner beauty products. I’m definitely intrigued to learn more about clean beauty.

  • Nordstrom Anniversary SALE is LIVE for public access, TODAY. And runs thru August 4th. NSALE 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 your Christmas shopping.

WHAT I’M LOVING LATELY

  • I recently ordered a pair of Blue Light glasses for under $20! Stylish and functional and best of all, my eyes don’t get as tired being on the computer all day.

  • I’ve been using this Brazilian cream for cellulite and to tighten my skin. It smells AMAZING and I’ve noticed a difference with my legs and bum.

  • New favorite bar - The Happiest Hour down in the West Village. They have a long list of specialty cocktails and it’s a great place to make new friends. I already can’t wait to go back!

HAPPENING IN THE CITY

  • PIER 17 has a NEW Summer Pop Up, The Lookout that offers bites, curated cocktails and views of the city. Located in the Seaport District. Open daily 3pm to late night.

  • NYC Summer Ice Cream Blizzard Sunday 10am-5:30pm at Grand Bazaar Market on the UWS

  • PINKNIC outdoor festival with live music, food vendors and lots of Rose. Pink and white attire encouraged.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

XO, Rae

15 FREE THINGS TO DO IN NYC

 
Photography by: Lauren Lucile Creative

Photography by: Lauren Lucile Creative

If you’ve ever visited New York City or lived here, chances are you’ve experienced just how expensive the city can be. Although New York City gets a bad rap for being costly, I think it’s important to note that here are in fact a ton of FREE things to do! I often remind friends/family that a trip to the Big Apple, doesn’t have to break the bank. So I decided to do a round up of my favorite things to do in the city that don’t cost a thing. And wether you live here or plan to visit one day, this list will help you save some money while enjoying all that the city has to offer.

  1. Staten Island Ferry - Hop on for a quick roundtrip across the Hudson River to see Lady Liberty. Make sure to grab a beer at the concession stand to take with you for the ride.

  2. Yoga class in Bryant Park (May-Aug)- No better way to de stress than Yoga with a view.

  3. Washington Square Park - Located in Greenwich Village, the perfect place to sit and people watch. Don’t forget to capture a photo in front of the infamous Square Arch and Fountain.

  4. Brooklyn Botanic Garden - FREE admission every Friday before Noon (March-November) and Winter Weekdays (December-February)

  5. Brooklyn Bridge - Some of the best views of the city can be seen walking across the bridge. Best times to go are early in the morning or at sunset.

  6. Dumbo, Brooklyn - You can easily spend a day exploring Dumbo, seeing the sights and capturing photos with amazing waterfront skyline views.

  7. The Plaza Hotel- This ICONIC hotel is a must to see in person. You can typically walk through the ground level and take in the beauty that is, The Plaza. The flower arrangements located right inside the entrance are worth the trip alone (they change per season).

  8. Central Park - Stroll through the park on your own or book a FREE guided tour of the park. Make sure to stop by these famed spots. (Bethesda Fountain, The Mall, Gapstow Bridge, Wollman Rink, The Pond, The Bow Bridge and Strawberry Fields just to name a few).

  9. New York Public Library - Located in the heart of Midtown, this historic landmark is a must see. Make sure to stop by the newly renovated Rose Reading Room.

  10. Grand Central Station - Explore the hustle and bustle of this NYC transportation hub. You’ll likely recognize many spots inside from scenes of movies. And don’t forget to find the Whisper Gallery.

  11. Movie Nights Under the Stars - During Summer months, you can pack a picnic and see a movie from several parks and rooftops in the city.

  12. Museums - Lots of museums in the city are FREE all year long. And several have specific days/times that offer FREE admission.

  13. The Highline - An old railroad track turned elevated park which runs from Hudson Yards to Chelsea. Wake along the park, take in the city views and enjoy the landscape and outdoor art installations.

  14. Explore a New Neighborhood - The best way to see the city is simply to walk the streets and take in the sites. You never know what hidden gems you might discover or the people you may meet along the way.

  15. 9/11 Memorial - Open to the public daily from 7:30am-9pm. Visit ground zero, view the memorial fountains and see the Survivor Tree.

What are your favorite cost friendly things to do in NYC?! Any other places or attractions I should add to the list?

XO, Rae

FEATURE FRIDAY 7.12.19

 
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

 
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