You deserve to be the most authentic and interesting person you can be. Not to push it on others or outshine another. Let your light glow from within and if you are lucky it becomes contagious to those you around you. That light, that love you radiate....will inspire others to become alive. 

Be the best you for today and for your tomorrows. Don't worry about the past for those regrets and pains sit and fester on your back and make your heart heavy... You deserve to live a beautiful life. Learn to let go and live in the now. Find what makes you shine today and love the person you are for a better tomorrow. 

Maybe this weekend take a few minutes to yourself and think about your today. How did you get to where you are today? Could you have imagined your life to be as blessed as it is? Now,think this..... What makes you shine?  Get out there. Do it.  & Glow. 

Have a wonderful weekend!

XO

Meems

NO MORE "RETIREMENT SCHMIREMENT"...

via celebinspire

I've recently stumbled on a financial blog and I've been loading up on some helpful money tips and goals via The Simple Dollar. A website that makes me panic and plan all in one!!! 

One of the posts I  recently came across  shared tips and how to's for your retirement savings and I felt the need to share it with you.

The Simply Dollar states “Aim to build a retirement plan that contains 25 times the your annual salary amount."

Let's break it down: If you want a total income of $100,000 each year when you retire, you need to have $2.5 million in your retirement account.” Or if you want a total income of $50,000 each year when you retire, you need to have $1.25 million in your retirement account.

Ok, this may sound like a whole lot of mullah to save when  I'm sure you haven't even toyed with the idea of retirement, but keep in mind the continual cost of living increase and market fluctuations and this is certainly a good base goal to strive for. Click for an easy to use 401k calculator

If you are in your early 20's you are lucky. START NOW. Your monthly deposit is minimal...if you are starting in your mid 30's you will have to contribute more if you want to retire at an earlier age. 

The lesson of this story is simple. Start saving now.  I don't want you to panic, I want you to plan. Make a choice, make a change and put yourself in a better position. Sure, those Jimmy Choo's you want are looking fierce, but a woman with a secure future looks ten times better than a broke joke in heels.

xo

Meems

MEEMS "WAKE UP" JUICE

Good Morning! If you work in or around NYC you know it was a HELL of a commute today. We have been covered in ice, slush and snow which makes for a terrible commute and a great hair day.... 

Knowing this storm was coming I wanted to get a jump start on my morning with a fresh green juice to wake me up. This juice was inspired by my earlier post this week on Organic Avenue's "Jalapiña". I sorrrrrt of kinddddd of created a version of my own (a few tweaks here and there). I omitted the parsley and romaine from this batch and I am happy I did. 

"Wake Up" Juice  Ingredients (used with an Omega Juicer)

•  3/4 bag of kale
• 1 bunch of celery
• 1/2 lemon
• 1 medium Size Jalapeno
• 1 small cup of diced pineapple 
• 1 bunch of Cilantro

*Cost Comparison* 

Organic Avenue's "Jalapiña" comes in at $9 a bottle for a 14 oz a bottle 

Meems "Wake Up" Juice comes in at & $9.77 for a total of 48 ounces 

Not only does my juice cost significantly less, my tastes buds are a bit happier. A happy wallet a happy life. A healthy choice a happy life. You do the math.

xo

Meems

A NYC RECOMMENDATION

If you live in NYC, near NYC or visiting NYC.... this show is a must. An entertaining unbelievably talented cast of dancers, singers and musicians

After Midnight starring Fantasia Barrino. 

A Heart Pounding Musical of Harlems Gold Age.

A quick sneak preview.....

YOU CAN

be unapologetically fabulous. Wear something that makes you feel regal. Who cares if it is not on trend, if it hasn't been in season for months. It doesn't matter so as long as it makes you feel fantastic the second you put it on. Maybe its a gorgeous dress, a fur stole, a sensual perfume. Or even a pair of "uber high" high heels. You are beautiful and you should enjoy it. 

What piece of clothing/perfume makes you feel instantly fabulous?

xo

Meems

LUNCH DATE

A quick post to share. I made the executive decision to take a lunch today. To venture outside of these glass office walls I've lived in for the past almost 10 years & dive into a book I  purchased in between classes late last night. This book came highly recommended to me by a beautiful woman in my life and since I wholeheartedly trust and value her opinion I knew I had to grab this one off the bookshelves. The Barnes and Nobles rep took me directly to the shelf, apparently this has been a business best seller for the past several months.

Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg

I have to admit the reviews on this book are quite mixed, even harsh at times. I've only reached the 4th chapter and already I cant seem to put it down. It has been thus far both informative as well as (surprisingly) entertaining. So far, this book has brought to life the true obstacles we face in the work force. Obstacles women might not have even noticed because it's the way we have always known it to be. I've been shaking my head in agreeance and highlighting quotes feverishly. Its my recommendation to you (even though I've yet to finish it) I looking forward to sharing with you some of her words that I enjoyed reading.

LEAN IN with a side serving of Pret's Mediterranean Eggplant Soup 

                

  

Energy Values (calories) per pack	90
Protein (g) per pack	2
Carbohydrate (g) per pack	13
- of which sugars(g)	6
Fat (g) per pack	4.5
- of which saturates (g)	0.5
Dietary Fibre (g) per pack	3
Sodium (mg) per pack	610
Average weight (g) per pack	8 oz

Have you heard of this book? better yet, have you read it? Looking for some of your personal opinions....

xo

Meems

DAYDREAMING

I have been day dreaming about leaving work for the past hour....wanting to cozy up to a good read and doze off at a reasonable hour.

Instead, while I sit in class and truck through yet another snowstorm here in NYC, Ill keep these images posted on the blog (a girl can daydream)....

What images come to mind when you want to cozy up?

xo

Stay Warm! 

Meems

{images via the alternative wife}

KEEPING IT BLACK & WHITE.....

MONDAY "WAKE UP" JUICE

I love spicy food. Thai food, Mexican food, heck even my egg whites are better floating in a sea of hot sauce.  I came across this ah-may-zing (emphasis on the zing) green juice at Organic Avenue and I had to try it. The Jalapiña. This juice has the right amount of Zing to it to cover the grassy earthy taste of a green juice.If you like spicy and enjoy green juices (Im sure this combo narrows alot of people down) then I highly recommend it. It's a bit pricey at $9 a bottle but totally worth it. This juice lasted me through 2 breakfasts.

Ingredients : Pineapple, Romaine, Celery, Cucumber, Spinach, Parsley, Jalapeno, Cilantro

Jalapeno peppers provide more than a kick of flavor to your nachos and tacos. These small, fiery green peppers are loaded with vitamins and provide you with a slew of health benefits.

• Loaded with Vitamin C
• Fights migraines 
• Prevents sinusitis and relieves congestion
• Burns fat for weight loss
• Warms cold feet
• Protects the heart
• Soothes intestinal disease
• Heals inflammation

I'm looking to make this on my Omega Juicer  at home. Would you dare try a spicy green juice?


xo
Meems