Author Archives: Dayna Blair

STOP RIGHT NOW: 3 Reasons Why Backtracking Is A Good Thing!

6 March 2014

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Hey you, always on the run…
Gotta slow it down baby, gotta have some fun!

Have you ever felt that you were backtracking? I have come to realize that a step back, or no movement at all may help restore your resilience, therefore, giving you the motivation to move ahead with a newly re-established sense of vigor.  A few wise women once said, “Slow it down, read the sign, so you know just where you are going.” These women are of course the Spice Girls. Obviously, we all would prefer to have the emotional and physical stamina to keep moving forward toward our goals; but when we make quick decisions or rush things, we might only be left with regret later.

So whether you are trying to move forward with your diet, relationship, or your job, you need to realize that all good things take time to cultivate, and a little backtracking might just be the key to getting the results you are looking for!

DIETING: Have your cake and eat it too: Picture this…You recently started what seems to be the perfect diet. Everything is going great; you lost 10 lbs. super fast, and couldn’t wait to wear your spanking new birthday dress. Then, your friends baked you a delicious birthday cake and you caved in; now, you are way over your calorie limit for the day. You feel a massive amount of regret and guilt, because you feel you backtracked. Stop right there. Just chalk up this one day of backtracking as a wakeup call that perhaps you shouldn’t be on a “diet” at all. This is the perfect time to consider simply making more healthy choices in your daily life. Instead of counting calories, count all the changes you can make to bring about the results you are striving for such as exercise, cutting portion sizes and substitute sugary snacks with fruits and vegetables in-between meals. But for today, it’s perfectly fine to indulge and have a cheat day, enjoy your cake, and, of course, have a great birthday.
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The Queen of Effortless Chic: Interview with Daisy Lewellyn

25 February 2014

Blood Sweat and Heels, Daisy Lewellyn, on Discounts, Dresses and of course…Drama!

Style expert and author, Daisy Lewellyn is one of the sassy spitfires on the hit new Bravo series, Blood, Sweat and Heels. She dished to me about discounts, dresses, and of course, drama. Although she has always turned heads, it’s Daisy’s strong sense of self and kind heart that makes her a standout. You will Fall Head Over Heels for this “Queen of Effortless Chic!”

Your real name is Lauren Lewellyn. When and why did you change your name to Daisy?

While growing up, I never followed the crowd; I always wanted to be unique and different. While speaking with my girlfriend one day before we left home to attend Howard University in Washington, D.C., I said “You know what, I want a different name.”  She said she was thinking the same thing. I changed my name to Daisy because I absolutely LOVED Drew Barrymore… and she loved daisies! My girlfriend changed her name to Love. We never filed legal paperwork; this was purely an impulsive move that just took off. At school, we would introduce ourselves to our classmates and professors as Love and Daisy. No one ever questioned us.  Before I knew it, everyone on the East Coast knew me only as, Daisy. Once I started working bi-coastal, I knew the name “Daisy” was here to stay!

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Unspoken Work Rules For The New Girl

17 February 2014

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We have all had bosses who have disclosed WAY too much information about their personal life…but hey, to be honest who doesn’t love that? It shows that behind their sometimes unrealistic expectations and high demands, they have a real life outside the office also. Let’s face it, it’s always nice to share a good laugh and have an opportunity to bond. Unfortunately, that kind of bonding can often backfire. If you want respect in the workplace, it is best to keep your mouth zipped. That doesn’t mean you can’t listen and continue laughing, just be smart as to what you share in the conversation.

You better buckle-up if you choose to have too many TMI talks with your boss since what is said at work stays at work, and anything you say could be held against you during meetings or yearly reviews. This is an unspoken work rule that we should all know before entering the “the real world”.

Here are some other rules to know before your the new girl at the office…

1. Never admit you’re tired. Once you say those words, it could infer that you may
not be able to handle the job, schedule, or that maybe you have other issues that you
will soon be bringing to work. “I’m so tired today,” is a common phrase we all use in
the moment; but your boss isn’t going to offer any sympathy…or a nap time. Just
tuck it away and tuck yourself into bed earlier.

2. Pace yourself. This isn’t college where it’s normal to chug two energy drinks at your desk in order to be productive. This is your new reality, so you really need to pace yourself since this isn’t how life is going to be for just a semester. If you can, try to catch up on your sleep on the weekends, and on days you feel you have the energy to stay late at the office, go for it, but just don’t overdue. Reserve some of that energy since you don’t want to feel sleep deprived the next day.image

3. Don’t send novel long e-mails. 15 minutes after receiving an e-mail from your boss, you finally complete your most professional e-mail to send back!! Of course, disappointment sets in when you get the response, “OK, thanks.” Next time just make it simple and to the point.

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Interview with Leah Jenner

1 February 2014

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Harmonious Life Advice from Musician Leah Jenner

Everyone has their own unique voice in this world. We might not all be holding a microphone in our hand, but Leah Jenner shares how we have the power to take the stage in our own life and be 100% happy with who we are. Life can be a little off-beat sometimes, but we are constantly evolving, learning, and hey, it ain’t so bad!  Leah’s inspiring message is a melody we should all listen to-on repeat. So press play, this woman has something awesome to say!

Photo Credit: Hillary Cramer

Photo Credit: Hillary Cramer

You and Brandon were raised in families that were in the public eye. Have they been supportive of your choice to pursue a career in the music industry?  

Absolutely, they have been so supportive. My dad is such a successful musician. To be honest, I didn’t even realize that until I was 11 years old. He always had his guitars all over the house and just told me that he was a musician. One night, I remember him coming into my room to tuck me in and said that things were going to change a little bit and that he was going to be on the road and out of town for a while.

I also remember the first night he appeared at The Staple Center.  He took me backstage and showed me around. During the show, I was actually able to see from the wings the lights shining on him while the audience was screaming. It was such an amazing moment, especially since I never realized that was what his career entailed.  My dad is the type of man that is very low-key about his accomplishments. He has his priorities in check and always encourages the people around him. I appreciate the great values he has instilled in me, and I believe Brandon and I had the same kind of experience growing up.

On the last season of Keeping up with the Kardashians, you expressed your fear of having a lack of privacy being famous. You also mentioned that so many people lose sight of themselves and forget what truly matters in life. Do you still have those feelings and concerns? How do you deal with them head on?

On that episode it was something I had to go through to see what it was like to come out the other side. I would have to say, I am so overwhelmed from the amount of love I’ve gotten in response to being on the show and doing that episode. It really opened my eyes as to how many loving, CARING and amazing people there are on the planet and how much they like to express their love. All of my worries have been put to rest. It’s really been an incredible experience.

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10 Reasons Why Dogs Are Actually A Girl’s Best Friend

30 January 2014

In magazines, I’ve seen Jessica Alba with her two Pugs, Rihanna holding her Multi-Poo, Charlize Theron walking her Cocker Spaniel, and then there’s Kelly Osborne, who changes her dogs faster than she judges an outfit on Fashion Police!…

I have to wonder, could it really be the dog behind a woman that makes her look so fabulous? I wouldn’t mind walking my own puppy around NYC. Why? Well for starters, dogs are actually a girl’s best friend.  Here are 10 reasons why dogs make the perfect partner in crime…Fashion Police approved.

1. When you own a dog, it symbolizes that you are dependable and have the capability to share your love. 

2. Be prepared for strangers to approach you with a smile no doubt saying, “aww” in their heads or unknowingly out loud as you walk your dog… resulting in major confidence between you and your canine friend. 

3. Puppies are also a great addition to your selfie. They add a special “cute” dimension to your  picture, no filter needed. Bring on the major “likes”…#cutenessoverload      

4. Owning a dog brings you happiness and contentment; therefore, you can’t help but look happy! Happiness is infectious; pass it on.

5. Your dog will certainly be a conversation starter… “Oh, what a cute dog.” Hey you never know where that conversation will lead!

6. On the other hand, your new companion is also the perfect excuse to end an awkward convo.  “So sorry, but I have to finish walking my dog before my appointment; but, so great to see you!”
 

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7. Regardless of the size of your dog, you always feel a little safer having him or her by your side.
 
8. Owning a puppy clearly shows that you can take on the responsibility of caring for something other than yourself, and that is always a good thing.
 
9. There is nothing like coming home after a tough day at work to your new bff’s unconditional love!
 
10. Finally, there are so many loving puppies and grown dogs that need a home.  So all you Fashionistas out there, why not open your heart, take the plunge and share your love with an adorable pup!!!!  
 

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*Please note that the dog featured in photos above is not my own (I have a habit of finding dogs around NYC during photo-shoots) but, you bet I am looking into adopting one of my own!
Photo credit: Alicia King Photography



Pinkies Up at Alice’s Tea Cup!

28 January 2014

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You’re invited to my favorite tea spot in NYC! There are a spoonful of reasons why tea is good for our health, mind, and beauty that it’s almost worth celebrating. Party-poopers and skeptics who claim they don’t drink teas are seriously missing out because Alice’s Tea Cup has the longest list of tea to satisfy anyone’s taste buds and an atmosphere that can sweeten your day…(um hello perfect place for single ladies on Valentine’s Day)

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Billy Joel Making Concert History at Madison Square Garden

5 December 2013

And it’s not even his Birthday…Well actually, it is. Madison Square Garden has announced five Joel concerts for 2014, starting Jan. 27th. The venue previously put on sale four dates, Feb. 3, March 21, and April 18, to which they added one date at a press conference for May 9th, Joel’s 65th birthday.

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The 10 Hidden Life Lessons In Legally Blonde

15 November 2013

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 One of Reese Witherspoon’s most memorable roles was her portrayal of Elle Woods in the uplifting girl-power inspiring film, Legally Blonde. This classic chick-flick has hidden life lessons that are valuable to every blonde, brunette, or red-headed female out there! Here are the top 10 hidden life lessons in Legally Blonde…

1. “It’s impossible to use a half-loop stitching on low-viscosity rayon. It would snag the fabric. And you didn’t just get it in – I saw it in the June Vogue a year ago. So if you’re trying to sell it to me for full price, you’ve picked the wrong girl.”- Elle Woods
Lesson: Don’t let others take advantage or walk all over you.

 2. “There LSATS are an exam…girls, I’m going to Harvard!” –Elle Woods
Lesson: At some point in life, your friends might not understand why you have made certain choices. That certainly doesn’t make them awful people or friends. Not everyone is going to understand or agree with every decision you make in life. All that truly matters is that they support and believe in you as you explore your new venture.

 3. “Are you free? It’s an emergency!” -Elle Woods
Lesson: Take time to rejuvenate, gain clarity, so you have a fresh, new and positive perspective on life.  Talk it out, and release a few tears before heading back to the problem and facing it head on. If all else fails, indulging in a killer makeover can’t hurt!

4. “Oh my God, the bend and snap works every time!”
Lesson: Have confidence! There will always be that boy or two that will make you super shy and nervous. As Elle would say,“You have all the equipment you just need to read the manual!” Carry yourself with poise, confidence, and when in doubt flaunt what you got!

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