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In my personal quest of trying to be a better human being by being healthier and more active I was lucky to run into the SIX:02 girls during fashion week at a beauty lounge. The concept behind the brand is obviously fitness but more so encouragement of making the most of your time and giving you the tools to do so. What I love about this is that you don't have to choose sides, meaning you don't have to be strictly team Nike, Adidas, Puma, ...etc. It doesn't matter because they're all here for a one stop shopping experience! Make sure you check out their website for all your ever so trendy and useful athleisure needs or if you're also here in NYC there will be a brand new store opening this spring.
Skin and hair care are my biggest concerns in the beauty world. I believe you have to take care of the base before you start worrying what you're going to do to enhance/style yourself. Not to toot my own horn, but I've been up on my game for skin care since my late teens but with all the amazing new Korean beauty products I'm trying to get to the next level! So, both of these products in the pics above are by Neogen; I found them via SoKoGlam. What are they? Both are kits that include and essence that improves hydration, smoothness and complexion by pouring the essence into the jar and using the double sides pads inside to treat your face and neck after you wash and tone. The left is best for brightening (hyper pigmentation) and right anti-aging. Just incase reading isn't enough, check out the video that shows the demo of the product here.
Seriously, where was this when I lived in Chicago?! I received this fantastic little gadget in a gift bag during this past fashion week in February when it literally felt like Chicago in NYC. You might be asking, what's so great about this? Well, I can't be the only person that has never found gloves that are truly warm enough that can also allow me to use my phone. This little guy helps bridge that gap and it lasts 6hrs (some 12hrs) before you have to refuel. Simply slide the ZIPPO Hand Warmer into your pocket for a steady stream of heat to keep you warm during your commute or outdoor activities. So handy, so useful, so warm and its cute!
In collaboration with BMF Media
I heart cooking! There's something about creating a meal for yourself or to be shared that feels so special. However, shopping at the grocery store can give you the entirely opposite feeling. If anyone shops at Trader Joes in NYC, you know exactly what I mean (shopping in line is the worst). A friend sent me a free box of food in January from Blue Apron to try it out and I've been hooked ever since. I get 3 meals a week for 2 people (usually I pack the other portion for lunch) and you are free to skip whenever you like, cost is about $60. What I enjoy the most is it helps me switch up my food routine and try ingredients I would have never thought I could make so easily. Each dish comes with a recipe card, all of the ingredients needed to prepare and how many calories a dish has. As you continue you end up with quite a collection of recipes you can pull from own your own impressing everyone.
Since I'm eating more healthy and fancy, it's only fair that my little Chicken gets to do the same. I discovered Frenchie's Kitchen in December at one of PetCo's Unleashed stores in Tribeca. After hearing the rave reviews from others in the store, we decided to get a couple for him to have a delectable fest for Christmas and New Years like us. This food is all natural and even human grade; yes, us humans can eat it too! I've never seen him eat so fast and immediately licking his lips after. I switch it up between his dry food from Orijen and the variety of dishes from Frenchie's Kitchen.
I'm not too serious about making NYE resolutions, I simply decided this would be the year I do more...more of what I want, to grow, learn and be happy. Now that I officially have my IDNYC I'm taking advantage of the free year memberships to many of the museums around the city. First stop The Met! I went late on a Friday evening to get my membership card hoping it would be less crowded (which it was) and was given a ticket to explore with my new membership card. I wandered into the Egyptian exhibit and this was my first time seeing one so grand. It was truly amazing being able to walk through seeing the hieroglyphics and how statuesque everything was. I'm sure I'll be back soon to see the Met Costume Gala exhibit which opens in May.
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As you may have noticed, I have been on a bit of a
break from EK. There's been a lot going on in my life lately...from moving to a
new apartment, traveling, working and even being under the weather a couple
times. I struggle with the desire to share and the importance to keep things
private and live in the moment. I am sure others go through the same feelings
especially with the rise of social media causing so much pressure to share
everything whether its necessary or at the very least interesting. Sometimes I
feel that it makes it hard to truly enjoy what is happening when you’re always
trying to capture it. Being a blogger, that is just what you do...well what you
are supposed to do.
I decided to give myself a self imposed summer break where I would take
a step back and fully enjoy what was happening in my life and focus on me (and
Chicken of course). After 5 years on the Upper East Side I have finally made
the big move to a new place in a downtown neighborhood. I miss Central Park
tremendously, but overall the change has been one for the better. Another big
change is that I now have family (my brother) in the city; I moved here without
knowing anyone, its been a nice change to have him here. Enough about NYC,
let's talk about the wonderful chances I had getting out of the city this
summer: going home to Chicago, the Hamptons (2x), Germany, Spain and back to
Morocco. I'm trying to be better about saying yes and living for the
experience, I'm such a planner and budgeter; basically I overthink everything
and wait to make a move (must be the Libra in me).
(Above picture - Tangier, Morocco at Sol Achakar)
Over the Mediterranean
Dusseldorf, Germany airport
Me in Old Town (Dusseldorf, Germany)
Me in Asilah, Morocco
Asilah, Morocco
Sunset in Tangier, Morocco
July 4th Fireworks (NYC)
South Street Seaport
Relaxing pool side in the Hamptons
Sir Ivan's Castle
The Frying Pan (NYC)
Blooming trees in Central Park
Lounging with the selfie king Chicken
Southern style BK brunch with friends
Governor's Island Crawfish Festival
Lobster roll from South Street Seaport Smorgasbord
Al fresco brunch in the Hammies
Appetizer at La Marina (same dish Chef Kelvin Fernandez won this against Bobby Flay on Beat Bobby)
Group Pics at La Marina (bday girl in the middle)
The Metropolitan Museum - China Through the Looking Glass
SeaGlass Carousel in Battery Park
After Party at Hotel Chantelle
Surprise family dinner at Beauty & Essex for my mom :)
I'm finally getting re-inspired to bring Exclusive Kat back to life and get back into why I started it. To answer that I started EK to be an escape from my reality, where I could write about all that interests and the cool places I get to go to from time to time helping to offset being in a corporate-esque type of job. Now that New York Fashion Week is back what better time to return. :)
Be yourself; everyone else is already taken - Oscar Wilde
It's that time again...are you ready for my obsessions for the week?! I'm switching it up a little bit with doing a beauty treatment instead of fashion. If you'd like to see what trends I'm excited about in the fashion world, check out my Keep account here! I save it all so I can come back and shop for it later and with any luck on sale. Let's begin....
Beauty: Skin Care at its Finest
Photo Source: Frank Body
Hello, let me introduce you to Frank. Frank Body is this new craze in exfoliation. Perfect for winter and to keep your skin glowing and silky smooth! All made with natural ingredients and you can get it shipped to you from almost anywhere around the world. This is another great find for gifts perfect for Valentine's Day (or whenever). They have 4 different combinations of scrubs and a body balm. See more on their website here and get the skin you want now.
Food: MmmMmm Gnocchi
Photo Source: Employees Only
This week instead of a recipe, its more of a suggestion...a strong suggestion to go to Employees Only in the West Village and try the gnocchi! So delicious, I'm still daydreaming about my visit their on Sunday. The cocktails are pretty incredible too! Just beware of the cocktails if you have plans for the next day or a busy work schedule; every time I go the next day is spent recuperating.
Tech Savvy: Rent or Buy you Tech Accessories
Photo Source: SLR Lounge
Lumoid makes trying new tech products simple without the hefty price tag! There are so many new gadgets that make us feel like we desperately need them, but wouldn't it be nice to try them out before making the commitment? I think so. You can try single products or get a kit that fits your needs/interests. Send it back when your done or purchase easily through Lumoid. I found this video to help further explain the how to's and whys you may have (click here).
For the Pets: Cute Storage
Photo Source: Premiere Home & Gifts
Seriously, how cute is this?! I found this on the Premiere Home & Gifts website. If you're like me and always looking for the same quality, but at a cheaper price try TJ Maxx or Home Goods. They have awesome dishes that have air tight seals that I keep Chicken's food and treats in. I like my food to stay fresh, why not give him the same luxury.
Outings: Queen of the Night
I've been talking to anyone will listen about wanting to go to see Queen of the Night since my birthday in September. The show looks amazing and its an open bar cocktail hour, then full dinner (including lobster & roast pork) with carafes of wine while you are entertained! I've been dying to get dressed up and enjoy the festivities. Enough is enough I'm going! Its a little pricey (you can find deals from $155+) but its worth all you get out of it. I've decided to treat myself once I get my refund from my taxes, giving me the chance to talk about something new...finally.
Now that the week is coming to an end, its time for the new list of obsessions! Let's get it started with my new top 5 from fashion to food (my favorite), new tech product, something for the fur kids and an outing to enjoy. Ready!
Fashion: Classic White + Black Ensembles
I've had Polyvore for the longest time, but never use it. So I decided to wipe off the figment dust and try it out for this exact purpose; making a collage that gives you direct links to see more and or purchase. How handy is that?! Hope you like my white + black classic picks with a modern twist.
Food: A Decadent Breakfast
MmmmmMmmmm Red Velvet Pancakes! Perfect for this long & cold weekend. I love breakfast, its my favorite meal. Normally I'm waffle girl, but this looks way too good to pass up, plus you can use the batter for either to suit your fancy. I tend to indulge during the weekend when I actually have ample time to make something extra delicious and not rush off to the office. See full recipe here on PureWow! I find so many things on there, it's hard to keep up.
Tech Savvy: Perfectly Made Cocktails
Move over Sodastream, there's a new kid on the block and actually not a kid because it makes drinks! I don't have counter space for this in my small NYC kitchen, however I'd figure something out. This is great for entertaining or those days when non-alcoholic beverages just won't do! See more about this awesome find from Somabar on FabFitFun here.
For the Pets: Coat + Harness in One!
Its no secret that my little Chicken Pot Pie gets so spoiled, sometimes I think his life is winning against mine. Last Christmas one of the gifts from my mom was this fancy jacket with fleece interior and surprise...a built in harness! Bundling myself up for the winter temps is annoying enough without having to do so many layers on a dog as well. Mine or should I say Chicken's came from Krisers but you can also find them here.
Outings: Killer Heels at Brooklyn Museum
Like most I'm always searching online for new stuff or walking around the city for inspiration. If you've been a long time follower of EK, you might remember my top 8 posts. Well, I decided to bring it back, lowering the total down to 5 and try featuring different categories like fashion/beauty, mobile apps, food/cocktails, pets, events/outings and lifestyle. Basically anything that catches my eye, that I think will catch yours too...enough chit chat let's begin!
Visit the Museum of the City Of New York for Mac Conner's A New York Life. The exhibit is open till Feb 1st. Obsessed with Mad Men? If yes, this is an exhibit to see! Mac Conner was a magazine and advertising illustrator in the 1950s-1960s. Later he began to work with Redbook & Cosmopolitan and even Chrysler (you know, the auto brand).
Fashion: All Things Blue
Recently Rihanna was spotted wearing a KYE coat from her Fall/Winter 2014 Collection. The perfect pairing for these recent low temps would be this coat. The hue is perfection and looks super warm also while everyone is bundled up in there expected black bubble coats, you'll be a sure show stopper!
Jetsetter backpack from Henri Bendel comes in 3 colors, but this is by far my favorite. This gorgeous bag was spotted on Taylor Swift (in black). Be able to carry all that you need, on trend and in style. Get yours here!
Food: An Easy Feast
Seriously, how good does this look?! Found this on one of my favorite sites to find new exciting things, Pure Wow. The recipe is called Turketta, go here for full recipe. Looks fulfilling, delicious and like it could feed a small dinner party or be great for left overs. Definitely trying this!
Apps: Saving You $$$$
The Ride with Via app is for Manhattan only at this time; but its pretty awesome. The $5 per ride is hard to beat. And before you ask what's the catch, it is a shared ride. The riders are also going in your same direction and it is less crowded than the subway. Another bonus, if your company uses transit check, you can use it to pay for the rides!
I found another app called SurgeProtector which helps find a different pick up location near you that helps avoid the surge price by Uber. This is great since Uber is practically in every big city now and who hasn't been shocked or outraged at the annoying surge prices when you need a car the most (i.e. rainstorm, NYE, etc).
For the Pets: Winter Lifesaver
Luckily for me, Chicken doesn't mind wearing his booties by Pawz. But for other who aren't as lucky. Check out Musher's Secret. Even though I put this as great for winter, it can be used for all seasons and its safe and natural.
More about it:
Musher's Secret is a dense, barrier wax that forms a breathable bond with your dog's paws. Developed in Canada for use with sledding dogs, it provides tenacious protection even in the most extreme conditions. Made from a blend of several food-grade waxes, then refined according to our our own special formulations, Musher's Secret is the safe, non-toxic way to protect your dog's paws. The semi-permeable shield is absorbed into the paws, allowing perspiration to escape through the toes.
Outings: Step into a Beautiful Timewarp
Visit the Museum of the City Of New York for Mac Conner's A New York Life. The exhibit is open till Feb 1st. Obsessed with Mad Men? If yes, this is an exhibit to see! Mac Conner was a magazine and advertising illustrator in the 1950s-1960s. Later he began to work with Redbook & Cosmopolitan and even Chrysler (you know, the auto brand).
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