DREAM ON

As children we all had such dreams of being things like an actress, veterinarian, astronaut, activist, police officer, writer, photographer etc. As we grew older we somehow managed to fall short of our dreams and do a job we may not have true passion for. Now, some of you, the brave ones, actually chased your dream and became exactly what you wanted to be. To those out there, thank you for inspiring others just by your motivation. Big props to you.

MOOD MUSIC

I myself am chasing a few dreams I’ve had throughout my life. Some are starting to become successful while others turned into a complete failure. I’m not saying it’s easy. It’s tough.

For instance, I wanted to be a professional dancer. I gave it my all. Trained for over 18 years. But then, life happened, and an injury happened and that was the end of that. On the flip side, this blog, FitnessFits, may not be a big dream to most, but it was my dream - I chased it & I’m doing it. & most importantly it feels amazing. Onto my next dream…..;)

You may doubt yourself at some points and even feel like giving up. & that is OK, as long as you don’t give up until you know you gave every ounce of yourself. People in your life may doubt you, you will have to make sacrifices and people will think you changed..

On the Brightside….You may have cheerleaders in your life. I love these people. People who have believed in you from the get go - these are the ones that you will learn to lean on when you doubt yourself.

As the years go on and we settle into the careers & life we chose, its gets harder to make the change. But not impossible.

It doesn’t matter how big your dream is or what your dream is…. it’s yours and not anyone else’s. Take a chance. At least you know you tried and gave it your all. The last thing you want to do is look back at your life and regret not taking those chances to fulfill a dream.


As Martin Luther King Day approaches, it takes me to this. A man with a dream...

Watch his speech here


I wish you all a wonderful weekend and I hope you take a moment to think about your personal dreams. 



PUT YOUR HARMONICA DOWN!

January Blues are here.

Well, the days have been dark and gloomy here in Manhattan -  The sun has been on some kind of sabbatical and all around me people are in a blah mood. If I had a dollar for every time I heard “I don’t know what it is, I’m just in a lousy mood” my bank account would rival those like Oprah. 

MOOD MUSIC TO HELP YOU BLAST THOSE BLUES

So…What does one do when they have the January blues?

Here are some surefire tips that have worked for me. Try them, hey doesn't hurt to try right :)

• Get Moving! Just get up and do it.. You can’t tell me that in the 24 hours of your day you cant find at least 30 minutes for yourself? Throw on your walking shoes and get outside. Walk through the park, walk during lunch or walk to the gym if possible. Call a friend and catch up over a brisk walk. If you are social networking junkie, & you have to check your sites every few minutes because if you don’t you know you will just die....Then, by all means, do it thru your phone (but I beg of you, please watch where you are going) and walk! When you get back home, you will have a nice healthy glow and your body will thank you for moving

• Kitchen Time! For me, trying a new recipe is always fun. Regardless if it turns out ehhh not so good, it’s the unknown that excites me. Recreate your mom’s chicken soup, make your dads chili.  I personally love throwing on some classic music from the 90’s and belting out tunes as I cook. My neighbors just love me. When your done with your dish, share it. Nothing nicer than receiving a homemade treat from the heart. Personalize it with a recipe card, tie it with twine add a note and tell me what mood you’re in now…

• Reach out! Call that family member, old college friend, old flame… whoever it is that the that sits in the back of your mind. Reminisce, laugh and tell old stories. Its good for the soul. Dial away!

• Organize! Yes I know.. If you’ve read a few of my posts you know that I'm a cleaning freak. So you know where I’m going with this one. Think of that one project that you keep putting off! Jam out to some tunes and get into it! Trust me on this one. You will feel SO GOOD once its done. Ahhhh…. Instant mood booster.

• Hey you, cranky pants. Yes you! Go to bed! Maybe you just need to catch up on some zzzzzz’s. Nothing wrong with calling it a night at 7pm. Close your curtains, silence your phone and get ready for a deep slumber. Wake up feeling less cranky, more energized and ready to tackle the day.

Let me know what you do to boost your blues. Go out and try to have a beautiful day!

SHINY HAPPY PEOPLE SPINNING

When I saw this video, I almost fell over! This video is gorgeous!

This simple video incorporates two of my favorite things, as you know, SOUL CYCLE and the other, DANNIJO JEWELRY.

See, workout gear does not have to be boring ;)

BIRTHDAY DREAMING

My birthday is quickly approaching and its a time to mourn.

Just joking!

Ive actually been in great spirits this year for my birthday, see usually I get a little sad around my birthday thinking about how fast life goes. But not this year! This year I'm in an amazing place and I couldn't be happier with my accomplishments. Anywho, I was bbirthday eShopping late last night (counting sheep was not working), about a few of my favorite finds this week....

Come and daydream with me...........

MOOD MUSIC FOR TODAY



Cashmere Comfy Blankets - Similar style here



Check out all their unique pieces



I just want to dive into these! Similar style found here

!

Macaroons... yum!



This beautiful ring by Lulu Frost featured on Charm and Chain



MERCI!

Merci! Gracias! Thank You! Grazie! Shukran! Danke! Spasibo! Arigato!

MOOD MUSIC WHILE WRITING YOUR THANK YOU's.......

Writing a "Thank You" card is a warm way to show your gratitude. The "Thank You " note is a reflection of your character, heart and style. To me, a handwritten note is a special way to show your thanks,  if you have ever received one you know how much you appreciate the gesture. Here are some tips on "Thank you" cards that will surely make the receiver smile.

Merci Tip Un: Send your card as soon as possible, within a week if doable (unless its for a large group of people). There are a million reasons to send a note, just make sure you send it in a timely manner.

Merci Tip Deux: Personalize it! When handwriting your note, be sure to convey your gratitude specifically. Be personal and heartfelt. Example, when writing a note for a gift you recieved, you might want to make mention how useful the gift is or how you will think of the gifter everytime you see it. For a dinner party, mention how much you liked a paticular dish they made or a conversation you enjoyed at the party.

Merci Tip Trois: If you don't have note cards, purchase stationary that suits your style. If you really want to make your card special, purchase a stamp maker with your initials and special pen just for writing cards. Here are some classic and chic styled cards you should keep handy for your Thank you's! (My personal favorite papermaker is Crane & Company - Click here )

Spread the love!

Gratitude is the memory of the heart.  ~Jean Baptiste Massieu, translated from French




{Add a gold imprinted picture at your local paper store - adds a touch of pizazz}



{A clean simple design works for all }

{Personalize your cards with your name}



{Gold Envelope Seals - adds a finishing touch}

 


                    {Love the idea of an international "Thank You"}

  

HOW TO SHABBITY DO DA

After looking thru the images I posted (blog below), I was inspired to share with you some key pieces that can make your nook cozier and more shabby chic.

Shabby Chic is a romantic British Countryside kinda style. Soft, whimsical and casual. Shabby furniture should have the look of aged wood/metal. Its a design style perfect for frugal person too. If you enjoy  DIY projects this will be a dream for you. Recycle! Take your existing mirrors and random furniture pieces, coat them with primer and many coats of matte white paint and distress them. 

When buying pieces and putting your room together keep in mind..... Plush long flowy curtains, lots of natural sunlight with flickers of candlelight and many layers of plush fabrics on your bed. Clear glass lamps, dresser knobs in beautiful ceramic or clear glass. Try not to get carried away with comfort and make it sloppy, if you have alot of random furniture keep your linens more formal. If you have more beautiful/matchy furniture soften the room with random beddings & pillows. Lastly, buy a clear vase and keep it full of peonies, hydrangeas, or whatever flowers you love.

Start with these pieces and let me know how much more romantic and chic your room becomes...xo

 MOOD MUSIC FOR THE SHABBY ROOM

AINT TOO SHABBY

I guess you could say my home style is simple modern with a touch of shabby chic. I prefer vintage white wood, plush blankets, neutral/pastel colors and fresh cut flowers on every surface. A lived in very comfortable vibe. Years ago I was all gaudy with gold and red accents - something an old Italian Nona would envy. 

MOOD MUSIC TO ENJOY while scrolling thru the images

Nowadays, my surroundings are more serene and inspire beautiful mornings and relaxed night caps. 

Here are a few of my favorite shabby simple styled rooms that take me away. Hope they inspire you to create a nook in your home that inspires....walk barefoot, open the windows, sip on green tea and just breathe...... xo