All posts tagged: lifestyle blog

sunday morning

Stillness truly is a commodity one should treasure. And one of the few times it shows itself is during the first moments of the day. Though I’m not a proclaimed morning person (quite the opposite actually), once I manage to pry open my eyes, soak in the light, and indulge in my first cup of coffee – those moments that follow are actually quite pleasant when the day’s rush can be put on hold. The view of the city below keeps my mind wandering on dreams of the future and memories of days past. And weekends at home – don’t even get me started. My daytime wardrobe is lucky if it finds me. Lazy you say? Comfy, I answer. #truestory photography:KUNDAN KUMAR | camera:NIKON D90 | bralette c/o:TRUE & CO | cuff c/o:MADELEINE ISSING | rings c/o:KINDLING & COMPANY | geo necklace c/o:KINDLING & COMPANY | hotel:W HOTEL Another great wake-me-up in the am – yoga. Great because you can do it from home and travel (and not have to change) I spent many a day last year practicing …

what happiness is made of

Hello, and happy Saturday. Had the most wonderful past weekend with an impromptu trip to NYC to visit a good friend. All 48 hours held every bit of bliss one could ask for – from city sights to tasty bites, complete with a luxury stay in Union Square’s W Hotel. Spending these better moments in life always brings to mind a thought: what exactly is happiness made of. Is it a formula of positive experiences combined in the right moments, soaking in the luxuries life has to offer? Is it something that can be created and re-created if the solution is found? I believe happiness is many things. But above all, it is a choice – the eyes through which you see the world, and spending it with those you love. Thank you friends, for just such a weekend. Will fill you all in on more details from the trip in later posts. In the mean time, all my wishes to each of you that your weekend and days to follow are spent in happiness. Apparently feeling all warm and …

faded

The elephant keeps walking as the dogs keep barking. Something they don’t teach you in business class. This adage from India came from my partner in crime, and I will continue to keep the words in heart. With the growth of success, comes an onslaught of negativity. And no, I’m not talking about constructive criticism that helps you grow. I’m talking about the truly nasty, nonfactual, and unprofessional based nagging and manipulation of situations with seemingly no purpose or cause. You’ve probably worked with a few such people in your life, and if you continue to grow in a path of success, you can probably expect a lot more. While the spirit’s first reaction may be to reflect the attitude, the best advise I’ve received: The elephant keeps walking as the dogs keep barking. The fact of the matter is, you’ll never be able to train the dogs. Instead, an elephant walks steadily through the streets, seemingly unaffected by the barking around them. Focus on your goals and how to achieve them. The rest around you, is just noise fading away. photography:KUNDAN …

teatox

Who wants to detox when you can teatox? Introducing the newest health craze, teatoxing! Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like… (detox was so yesterday). If you haven’t already caught wind of it yet, you might live in a cave. But for those of you who aren’t quite sure, let me break it down for you. Detoxes became a huge phenomenon along with the trend of eating clean (no chemicals, artificial flavoring, etc) a few years back. It’s basically meant to tone up, loose a bit of weight, and cleanse out all the yucky stuff we eat everyday by limiting yourself to a select group of foods or liquids. TEAtoxing is basically the same thing. The difference… I still get to eat my pizza. That’s right ladies and gentleman… PIZZA. (not that I’m recommending chowing down on junk food in the process)… just saying, I don’t have a lot of self control. So a detox that allows me to keep my regular eating habits, sounds pretty good to me. The directions, simply sip a cup three times a day before meals. …

day in my dreams

Took a dive, started on a whim, and ended up being one of the most incredible adventures I could have asked for – Happy 1st year anniversary to day in my dreams. The experience is beyond what I could ever have expected it to be, and you have made it that. Thank so much for supporting me from the very beginning through this first year. Your encouragement and inspirations have not only kept me blogging, but also brightened many days in my own personal life, like a close group of friends along for one of life’s many journeys. Having this opportunity to take something that is a passion and inner release for me, and being able to share that and interact with so many incredibly talented people, brands, and companies – is something I will be forever grateful for. I feel truly blessed. Also, feeling a bit cheesy (but truly want to know how grateful I am for each of you) after this extended speech – so let’s get back to it shall we? Thought it appropriate to make …

bermuda triangl

Couldn’t think of a better thing to write about than vacation to get through the mid-week blues. At least my mind can be in a happy place while my butt is glued to this uncannily uncomfortable office chair. Need a break but stuck in a swirling vortex of work and life chaos? Take a day – or a half day. Or a couple hours with your favorite glass of wine. The reset is crucial, especially when you don’t have time. Eat, drink, breathe, repeat… then get your lazy butt back to work. Only twice I have felt the sun and shade of palms this year. Once during my tour of India, and the other last weekend just for a day at the semi-local beach in VA. Posting a couple pictures of both to aid in my mental getaway. Also taking my new Tringl suit for it’s first spin. It’s made from scuba… how cool is that. photography:KUNDAN KUMAR | camera:NIKON D90 + HTC RE | suit c/o:TRINGL | cosmetic bag c/o:SNAPMADE | portable charger c/o:LEPOW | nail laquer c/o:INTENSAE Beach …

athletic lounge

Lazy in athletic wear a contradiction?… nah. Ok but for real, the gym is calling my name. Returned from Las Vegas last night, and my liver is begging for a cleanse. Goals for the day: leave work on time – get my sweat game on. In other news, had a great show at WWDMagic, and some of my favorite shoes are already sold out for next Spring! Had the opportunity to meet some key blogging influencers at the convention. It’s really incredible the amount of support in the fashion community. Whether people are doing it for a hobby or career, I’ve yet to be welcomed with anything but open arms and freely shared advise and encouragement. A special thanks to Linh Nguyen from Linhwinn for taking a chunk of time sharing her experience on such a personal level. Her advise: be personal, have some fun, and always stay true to yourself. In that same spirit, I’ve recently connected with a new friend, Soraya who has just launched her very first blog The La La Mode. She’s got a …

what’s your sign

“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.” Luke 21:25-26 Something about the moon and stars have always captured me. Staring into the light of the softly lit globe of stone just makes me feel… different. There is a bigger power that moves through our universe, and looking to the sky seems to strengthen that connection. The night always frightened me a bit growing up, so perhaps it’s also learning to embrace your fears and somehow becoming something else in the transition. Not alone in my fascination, I spent hours wandering Jantar Mantra in Jaipur, India on my most recent trip. It was fascinating to see how people have tried to interpret something so beyond our world. I don’t believe in the catchy phrases and predictions …

a tether keeping me there

In a place inescapable, and not wanting to leave. Welcome to one of the many wonders of the world, Natural Bridge. Deemed the “Bridge of God” by the Indians who discovered it, this archway was carved from the seemingly still waters that run through it’s gateway. Whether it was the contrast of shade beneath the bridge, or the cool blue of the water’s reflection, my breath felt hot against the stone, like an earthen beast lurking in the dark in search for prey. ….ooor maybe I just felt like a bad-ass wearing laced leather shorts and killer sandals. Either way, it made the adventure all the more exciting. Which, by the way – I was able to enjoy with dad and bother visiting for the weekend. If you ever find yourself in VA, this place is great for an all-day of play with trails along the bridge, a semi-large zoo, and the deepest caves on the East Coast. photography:KUNDAN KUMAR | camera:CANNON 5D MARK III |  top:VINCE | shorts:NASTYGAL | gladiators:OTBT | pendant and chain c/o:SILVER MOTH And if you can appreciate beauty that takes time, …

you and the moon

Worlds colliding this week with preparation for FFaNY and WWDMagic, in addition to having family in town for the next couple of days. Yet again, finding myself wishing there were a few extra hours in each day, but then – that’s better than wishing them away. The past few months have brought with them many changes, and I find my heart to be as restless as the world around me. On the brink of a breakthrough, or on the edge of devastation – some part of me finds pleasure in the conflict. It’s like being a speck caught in a whirlwind – and as unsettling as that might sound, the adrenaline rush is totally worth the ride. Carrying over the winds into this week’s wardrobe, I found myself playing a lot with combining sport elements into a casual-tailored blend. Those mornings when you find just the right combo and think… “yes. heck yes. today is going to be a killer day…” yeah, it was like that. photography:KUNDAN KUMAR | camera:CANNON 5D MARK III | kimono:FOREVER21 | shoes c/o:CLARKS  |  double bar cuff c/o:ROCKSBOX (use code:DAYINMYDREAMSXOXO for a free …