Here’s What Changed In New York

“Hey Dayna, come see how cool the new toilet flushes!” my dad said when I came home for my brother’s 30th and Fashion Week. Some things never change…

When I was in New York I subconsciously was looking for that “ah ha moment” where I’d feel like, this is home and this is why I love NYC.  That would’ve been easier… knowing that one day I’d come back and be closer to my family and friends. But I never had that moment of clarity.

Did you ever have that feeling of excitement coming home from college, that, “it’s good to be home” feeling as you drove around wowed by all the little updates in your town? It felt as though New York and I were growing together and I loved that. But this time was different. I drove around lovely Long Island (sarcasm) and didn’t feel a thing. In fact, the most “exciting” upgrade in my hood was my dad’s new toilet.

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Audrey With The Red Hair

Before I begin, please note this story isn’t about a guy, but rather a twist of fate, a sign that came at the most ideal time. 

I can’t lie. It hasn’t been an easy adjustment this past month. It feels like it’s been the calm AFTER the storm where everything that just happened, on top of being far away from friends and family, has sunk in. This past week I wondered, “what am I doing here in California?!” Sure, the weather is awesome, the food is fresh (sushi everyday please!) and I love my new job and coworkers who helped make this transition easier, though I can’t help but miss home and feel as though nobody here will ever fully understand the heartbreak I just went through.

It was the end of the workday and I opened up to my coworker, Audrey, who I’ve been sharing an office with for over a month. In the short amount of time that we’ve worked together, she has taken me under her wing and although she was new to LA too, she has made the move easier. As if I didn’t like her already, she gave the best advice that made me feel okay to go through my emotions, especially since she knew bits and pieces of my recent breakup.

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BFF Behavior: The Ultimate Gift Guide

She’s the friend that will always look on the bright side of things. That drunk text you made, the major work slip-up… no big deal. She will always lift you up whenever you’re feeling down and insecure.  She is a good girl but deserves not just a good, but a great gift.

ENAMEL Let Your Hair Down Compact // Silver street ‘roll of the die’ decision maker // I’m Wild, She’s Sweet, Tee-shirts // My Best Friend is a Human iPhone 5 Case

She’s the friend that can tell when you’re not being yourself. She’s older, wiser, and always knows the right thing to do…whether you like hearing it or not. She deserves something sophisticated with a little sparkle.

Best Friend Hinge Bangle // C. Wonder Bubbles Champagne Flute Glasses // ‘Diorific – Golden Shock’ Top Coat // Morgan Lane Starry Eyed Sleeping Mask

She’s the instafamous friend who has close to 10k followers but knows none of them are true friends and she’s always been your #1 fan. She’s supported your dreams no matter how big they are. You guys communicate through emojis and somehow it all makes sense. She needs something she’s really gonna “like”.

 Ban.do ‘Back Me Up’ iPhone 5 // Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant Camera // IPhone 5 Women – Moschino // Fujifilm INSTAX Mini Rainbow Film

She edgy, a trendsetter, a badass bitch. She is the friend that helps you let your hair down and just have fun. She inspires you to be yourself and not care what others think. She’s getting a thoughtful trendy present this year!

Fashion Packed Life Luggage Tag // Comes With Baggage Bitches Clutch | Blue&Cream // Moon and Lola // BP. ‘Bestie’ Beanie Set // Best Bitches iPhone 5 Case Set

 

Upgrade Your Summer Makeup

I get so heated when I leave the house in the summer with my makeup looking fresh, only to get to my destination looking less like a magical mermaid and more like a scary swamp lady…The reality is if you choose to waste your time contouring your face you will look like you have fallen face first into the mud by the end of the day. Don’t get makeup battle wounds. The summer sun will ALWAYS win in the end.

Wearing waterproof makeup in the summer can help you go about your day without reapplying or being surprised when you look in the mirror later on. However, take full advantage of these few months by embracing your natural glow and freckles. You look healthier, not to mention younger, when you don’t conceal and cover up your skin. Use minimal makeup to enhance what you already have.  

Lancome Waterproof Concealer // Tarte Smooth Operator//
Tarte Waterproof Body Perfector// Makeup Forever Concealer

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Making The Most Of The Middle

Life used to be so much fun being in the middle. Remember when it was cool to be the one in the middle of a photo or sit in between your besties at the movies. Those were the days when no one EVER wanted to be the first or last in line.

Making the most of itNow, I have a totally different view of what it means to be “in the middle,” and it’s definitely not as amusing as I remember. Today, it seems we all take life too seriously focusing straight ahead to reach goals society has programmed us to achieve. We also often get stuck in-between jobs, in the middle of two family members, or even in-between a best friend and a boyfriend. I’ll admit for the past year I have felt like quite the middle man, or woman I should say. I’m in that limbo adult phase in life where I have a nice job and great group of friends, but still not sure where I’m headed; and that’s ok. I’ve come to realize that fully accepting the middle means you’ve taken the responsibility to take control of your own life; no syllabus or directions included.

 

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Stassi Schroeder Serves Up A Reality Check

Remember all the dished up drama from Bravo’s reality TV show, Vanderpump Rules? Although there wasn’t any table flipping like we’ve seen on The Real House Wives Of New Jersey, the tables turned once Stassi Schroeder made the decision to excuse herself from Lisa Vanderpump’s restaurant, Sur, and therefore leaving the hit show (can you say, check please?!)  Well, I recently caught up with the Fashionista and had my very own reality check. While chatting at the cozy cafe, The Smile, on the Lower East Side, Stassi shared with me how taking a leap of faith and being courageous can result in true happiness. Her move to New York to focus on her new fashion venture had her smiling from ear–to-ear.

How has the transition been for you moving from Los Angeles to New York?
It has been really nice and only solidifies my choice to be here instead of LA.  I have found that New Yorkers are super friendly and open minded, so it hasn’t been difficult to meet new people. It has been so much easier than I imagined it would be to make new friends and develop business relationships.  I also love being downtown, walking to SoHo and creating new experiences!

Can you describe your typical day?
I wouldn’t say that I necessarily have a routine; maybe just a morning schedule that I follow. Since I am now on my boyfriend’s schedule I wake up around 7:30am, catch up on my favorite fashion blogs and then hit the gym for about an hour. My afternoons are usually spent running errands and meeting with different designers and accessory brands. I consider each day to be a new adventure, and don’t have any expectations as I did when I was living in California. I don’t know what lies ahead, but right now I am in the midst of developing my own blog and am very excited about that.

 You seem in such a good place right now. Is it due to your new relationship?
Being in such a healthy and normal relationship makes it easy to be happy. My boyfriend, Patrick, has helped me realize what I am worth and that I deserve happiness. Being with him has helped me find myself, and I am now in this amazing city where I feel very much at home.  I am also finally doing what I have always wanted to do, which is so refreshing, since in Cali I didn’t have all the opportunities that I have now living in NY.

How has your beauty routine changed since moving to New York?
Well, the biggest change has to be that I cut my hair short and have recently found different ways to style it. I am finally getting used to that major change. Also, when it comes to a beauty routine, I have to say my skin is so dry in NY that I definitely need to moisturize much more often than I used to in LA.

What beauty tips do you swear by to get bikini ready for Spring/Summer?
The detox wrap you saw me get on Vanderpump Rules takes about an hour and afterwards you feel like you just had a great work out. It’s so insanely hot and really hard to sit through; but in the end, it’s so worth it. You lose so much water weight; it’s truly euphoric and feels like you spent the day at a spa. Something else I swear by is…SPRAY TANNING! I used to spray tan once a week or 2-3 times a month when I was living in LA, but when I moved here, I realized that people don’t really go tanning. So, I didn’t spray tan for two months, and then I finally gave in and went hunting for a Mystic Tan. Now I feel I am myself just living in NY. I brought the California girl to New York. So to answer your question, definitely get yourself a spray tan…and maybe a good wax!


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A Contest + Cattwalk= An Interview With Catt Sadler

Great fashion taste on E! News and the red carpet, Catt Sadler always offers a spoonful of reasons to be following her journey on the cattwalk. However, Catt recently dished to me about the ProgressOh! Makeover Contest. This competition will celebrate the weight management journey of three deserving Progresso fans. You can take part in the selection process, but time is running out. So read on to find out what’s cooking with Catt and this fabulous contest!I love how this contest doesn’t just focus on losing weight, or getting skinny, but rather shines the spotlight on having women feel healthy and confident in their own skin. What made you want to get involved in the ProgressOh! Makeover Contest?

Just that, this is all about pampering the everyday woman. We are celebrating all of their accomplishments whether it is taking care of their heath or their individual weight management journey. We will be offering the winners a complete makeover while giving them the opportunity to feel like a celebrity. I am really thrilled to be a part of this.

How has Progresso changed your diet and lifestyle?

It’s helped me maintain my healthy lifestyle. The honest truth is, I like to pride myself on being a pretty healthy individual, so I am very careful about what I put into my body and how I take care of myself. It’s really helped me plan ahead because like so many women I am very busy. This sometimes results in not eating right or overeating. I plan ahead and have Progresso Soups at arm’s length from my dressing room at E! It’s my safety easy go-to food because it’s less than 100 calories, taste great, and doesn’t require a ton of preparation.

That’s a great point. I can definitely see how these soups help people eat healthier. Do you feel they are beneficial for children as well?

Absolutely! In our country we have a huge obesity epidemic, with kids in particular, and a lot of it is due to their lifestyle. We all struggle with trying to balance children, jobs, and relationships. That’s why so many people just end up stopping at a fast food place when they are pressed for time. Progresso Soups not only satisfy busy moms, but can also be part of a healthy go to meal for children. It’s super easy so there’s no excuse to continue making those unhealthy and impulsive meal choices.

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

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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