Charisma in Bklyn is moving!!

Hello everyone!

I recently moved my blog to WordPress. For those who don't know, WordPress is just a different blogging platform.  

I will be posting frequently at my new blog address so please visit.   All of my previous posts are now on WordPress.  I will keep this blogger account active for a while, but I will not update posts. 

Hope you visit!

Charisma in Bklyn's new address!


HAPPY NEW YEAR!  =)

xoxo,
Kay

Self Reflection

Self love is vital to living a fulfilling, wonderful life. Whenever I need a pick me up, I go to Gala's blog for inspiration.  "I believe in searching for the magic in every day. Once you've trained your eye, you can’t help but delight in seeing the small & extraordinary things that surround us."  In her blog, Gala advocates for self love with a rarely unique voice.

Now that we're in the holiday season it is very easy to forget about taking care of yourself. Sometimes, you have to pick up your feet, power off your phone and think of the things you are most grateful for.

I'm going to start off by making a list of things that make me smile. I won't commit to doing this every week because that probably won't happen.

  Drinking a cup of coffee, when I am in no rush, let's me plan for the future. Not 5 years into the future but what I'm cooking for dinner or my plans for the weekend. I do a lot more planning and a lot less doing which is pretty frustrating. It's a habit I'm trying to dispel.

  Reading a new magazine floods my brain with outfit ideas and blog post discussions. Again, I plan but don't execute. I guess it's a work in progress.

  Even when things get overwhelming, I know C is there for me with a listening ear and words of encouragement.

  Nature. Trees, especially during Autumn, make me feel a sense of calm and wonder.

  My curiosity constantly challenges my surroundings and makes me want to see what else the world has to offer. In return, how I can contribute to make this life better for myself as well as others.

  Opportunities. I've been fortunate to have opportunities presented to me.  It's always been a matter of deciding what's right for myself.

I challenge you to create a list of things, large or small, you are grateful for. Don't let anyone determine the definition of importance. It's your list!

xoxo
Kay

Ways to lower stress

"Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you plant." Robert Louis Stevenson.

I've been researching a few ways to lower stress levels.  Let's be honest, almost everyone suffers from stress at one point or another.  Stress is actually a good thing.  According to Elizabeth Svoboda, at nbcnews.com, the stress hormone helps regulate blood pressure and the immune system during a sudden crisis, whether a physical attack or an emotional setback.  Clearly, this is important to our body.  When the stress hormone doesn't know when to stop producing, it can become a problem.

What can we do to stop the madness??

1. Rest. Sleeping is so underrated. Good things happen for your mind, body and skin while you're asleep. If you don't get enough hours at night, try taking two 15 minute naps throughout the day.

2. Drink black tea. It's supposed to have a calming effect on your body.

3.  Hang out with people who make you happy.  Being around people who make you laugh is priceless.  Read this article on how laughter produces endorphins (feel good chemicals).

4. Get spiritual.  According to livestrong.com, meditation is a proven stress and anxiety reliever.  I'm signing up for free meditation classes in Greenwich village very soon.

5. Keep healthy habits.  Eating balanced meals, exercising and setting time aside for your hobbies are all good habits to upkeep.  All work and no play is not a recipe for success.

I'm going to try to take my own advice.  I wish you all a happy week!

What are some ways you alleviate stress?

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Happy Friday Everyone!  I had a great date today thanks to my friend Ingrid.  We went to see The Perks of Being a Wallflower at the BAM theater.  This film was amaaazing. It truly resonated with me.  Anyone who has ever felt like they don't belong or don't feel "normal" can relate to this movie in one form or another.  The characters were charming.  The story-line is realistic and the underlying issues throughout the film engages the audience from beginning to the surprising end.  I'm not going to say anymore...go out and see it.   I warn you, it may spark Inspiration =)

P.S. Alive is my new favorite word. 

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Recipe for a Happy Morning

I'm a morning person.  There I said it.  People closest to me hate that I'm smiley and talkative so early in the a.m. (you know who you are).  I definitely have my grumpy morning days but I think it is so important to start the tone of the day with a positive outlook.  For me, how I start my morning usually determines what type of day I will have.  If I forget my keys, leave my umbrella home on a rainy day or run into mean people on the train, odds are I'm going to be frustrated.  So,  here are a few things I do to ensure a good morning:

• Wake up at least 30 minutes earlier.  By waking up a little earlier, you eliminate the chance of rushing.  I don't know about you but I hate being rushed.  Use this extra time wisely.  To start the tone positively, do something that puts you in a good mood.  Drink coffee while reading a newspaper or magazine.  Meditate if it relaxes you.  Take a warm bath instead of rushing a shower.  Find what makes you happy and do it.
• Breakfast! I can not stress how important breakfast is.  You want to kick start your metabolism so you don't over eat and feel sluggish by lunch.  Eat something balanced, not greasy.  Greasy food will only make you feel bloated and lazy.  Oatmeal is a good choice because it keeps you full longer.  I like drizzling honey on mine. If you're not into breakfast, at least grab a fruit.  The point is to have something in your tummy to jump start your body (and mind).   
• Prepare. One thing I'm guilty of wasting time in the a.m. is looking for an outfit.  If your closet is disorganized, it's going to take double the time.  Try prepping your outfit the night before.  I struggle with this but I'm a work in progress.  I'm sure we all wish we had Cher's mechanical closet in Clueless but we have to make do with what we have.  Accessories are always part of an outfit so if you're anything like me and switch purses like underwear, it is key to prep your purse the night before as well.  If you do choose your outfit in the a.m., at least put the important stuff in a pile so you can dump the items in chosen purse.
• Entertainment. Music is vital to a good morning for me.  I don't know about you but I like to use my morning commute to zone out and daydream.  That is usually when great ideas are born so keep a notebook handy.  Whether it's sudoku, a book or music like myself, find something that puts you in a great mood. 

What are some things you do to jump start your morning, or do you wing it?

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25 smiles all around

Today is my 25th birthday.  This year has been interesting.  I've learned a lot and I am looking forward to learning more.

25 things to do before I'm 26:

get my driver's license

Source: threadsence.com via Meg on Pinterest

Form a book club (any suggestions??)

Go on a road trip to somewhere I've never been

visit Europe or at least book my flight

Source: lodgingtourismtravel.com via John on Pinterest

Blog at least 3 times a week

decide on grad school

Source: weheartit.com via Sheri on Pinterest

change something about my look

Source: fuckyeahyoga.tumblr.com via Allison on Pinterest

Take more style risks

keep a photo journal

Source: abeautifulmess.typepad.com via Amanda on Pinterest

color coordinate my closet

Source: oprah.com via Lee on Pinterest

Post a video blog post

Source: weblogsurf.com via Dawna on Pinterest

Make all of my meals at home for one week

Dance in public like no one is watching

Meditate every morning

Source: theopositeofadults.tumblr.com via Ariel on Pinterest

See a broadway show

Figure out what to do with the spare room

Write a letter to my future self

Source: zsazsabellagio.blogspot.com via Kent on Pinterest

Skydive

Get fit

Rent a cabin with friends

Make my own dumplings

Source: yummyworkshop.com via Alexis on Pinterest

Have more girls nights

Source: Uploaded by user via Erica on Pinterest

Host game night

Source: allthingskatiemarie.blogspot.com via Sally on Pinterest

Learn the features on my new dslr

Get a new laptop

Source: google.com via Connie on Pinterest

What do you think of my list?  What are some of your goals?

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New Beginnings

New gal pal, Kat from katskull.com Isn't her DIY camera strap fab?!

Thanks to IFB, I met a new friend and fellow blogger, Kat.  It was lovely meeting you.  Thanks for hanging out with me in a sea of the unknown =)

In an earlier post, I hinted that I wanted to take Charisma in Bklyn in a slightly new direction.  I still want to blog about fashion and style, but now I want to incorporate self care.  Self care is something I feel strongly about.  I like the idea of it but I don't put enough energy into practicing it.

Healthy food recipes, exercise routines (my struggle), time management, balancing personal/work/social life is what I will be incorporating into Charisma in Bklyn.  I like to toy with change.  It's fun.  Isn't life about evolving and experiencing new things?

My goal is to try something new every month.  I will try yoga, eating at a new restaurant, meditating and anything else that will make me happier (and healthier) in life.  I will tell you all about my new experiences here.  I hope you share your thoughts as I am interested to hear what things you do to live a happier, healthier life.

Until next time...

xoxo

Kay

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Let's Talk

I have to admit I am guilty of doing this.  Lately, I've been complaining about unnecessary things.  I justify this by thinking it's the way I process information so that I handle it better.  Uh, it's BS.  All I'm doing is torturing a willing ear about issues I can resolve on my own.  We all know in some form or another that I'm not the only one who does this.  I think people do it for one of two reasons:  either complaining is a habit for them and have no intent on actually fixing the problem or they really don't know how to resolve the issue and they're searching for answers.  According to Webster's, complaining means to express grief, pain or discontent.  There really isn't anything wrong with that except when you do it without intent to change the outcome.  Don't get me wrong, venting is necessary sometimes.  Okay, a lot of the time...I guess my lesson in all this is to remember to appreciate that life is full of solutions and it will all turn out okay.  Yes, I am an optimist. =)

Thanks for listening!!
Kay

Some weekend wisdom

For me, life is a canvas waiting for an artist (YOU) to pick up that brush and begin creating a work of art (your life).  You have the power to do anything and create happy moments in your life as well as in others.

P.S. I recently saw the movie Brave with my bffl and it truly surprised me.  For a Disney movie, it exemplified some great life lessons. You'll want to hug your mom afterwards. Maybe I'm biased because I love movies with a kick ass heroine.  Onto the less sappy... It's payday and I want to purchase some makeup essentials.  I'll tell you what I get soon :)

Have a serendipity kind of weekend,
Kay

Life is a series of phases

"Every day is a new beginning. Treat it that way. Stay away from what might have been, and look at what can be."   - Marsha Petrie Sue

Spring is a time for new beginnings, starting fresh full of possibilities.  Beginning a new project gives me butterflies...excitement with a splash of nerves.  Craving something fresh, I decided to start a life/style blog.  Browsing style blogs the last few months has been a bit of an obsession for me =} I think bloggers are creative and brave for sharing their ideas and inspiration with the world.  The conception of this blog came to mind while reading the December 2011 issue of InStyle magazine.  The beautiful clothing and photographs got me so excited.  I knew I wanted to do something creative, I just didn't know what.  My entire bookmark page on my laptop (also named Charisma) is filled with style blogs.  The blogs I read are filled with unique style and a keen eye for detail.  I daydreamed about creating one and after mucho procrastination...voila.  You'll probably see some outfit posts, beauty product reviews, quotes (I'm a fanatic) and random life thingies.  So, please wish me luck on this blogging journey...

Peace and Love,
Kay