Friday, September 9, 2016

BLANK PAGE: A LIFE UPDATE




We're adults, when did that happen? And how do we make it stop? These words immediately resonated with me as I heard them out loud during an episode of Grey's Anatomy. I was having a crappy day and was in my feelings so, I ordered Chinese food, dug deep into the blankets on my bed and binged watched a season on Netflix. And at that moment hearing those words, I burst into tears. Life has recently reminded me that it owes you nothing and that change is inevitable. 


I know now more than ever that life happens regardless if you're ready for it or not. This year has been full of change both personally and professionally. My family dynamic has changed with the divorce of my parents. Although probably best for both parties involved, it still comes with pain and loss. And one thing I was not prepared for, is how it has changed the relationship I have with my mother. She is someone I have always been extremely close with. But I'm learning that parents have their life to live just as we have our own. And even though I wish things could go back to the way they were, this is now our new normal. I also, recently parted ways with my half-sister. This is something that has built up for years but still hurts nonetheless. I understand now that with loss comes growth. I have always been a "fixer" in my relationships with others. And this year has taught me that there are some things that can't be fixed. I've learned to accept things for what they are. And in the process, I am also learning to stop carrying the guilt. Being an adult comes with responsibility, but it also comes with the freedom of doing what is best for YOU.


My professional life has taken on a whole new meaning. As I once used to pride myself on a title I held in the corporate world, I am now learning the meaning of being an entrepreneur. I never realized how much I depended on a job status until I stripped it away. But in the past year of reinventing myself, I realized that I didn't need to have a "title" or "status" in order to be happy. My only regret is that I wish I had realized this sooner. But Life is funny that way, in that it gives you what you need when you least expect it. 


So, let this be a reminder that life comes with many unexpected changes. But you always have the option to rewrite your story and start on a blank page. Even when life feels like too much, just know that you will get through it. Although, I never would have imagined all the change this year would bring, I am reminded that I have much to look forward to. I am in the process of starting a business and launching my own Lifestyle Brand, later this FALL! And I could not be more excited. I also, will be embarking on year #3 of living in New York City, this October. I am choosing happiness even in the middle of life's chaos. 



Follow me over on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/ReinventingRaeNYC/



XO, Rae




Thursday, August 11, 2016

THURSDAY THINGS: WHAT I AM LOVING RIGHT NOW





It's hard to believe that we are in the last few weeks of SUMMER! Why does it always feel like we wait forever for Summer to begin and yet it goes by so fast?! Well, don't panic. There is still some FUN & SUN left to enjoy! And here are some things that I am loving right now that are Summer approved.


1. BEAUTY- During the Summer months I am all about less is more when it comes to makeup. I like to allow my face to get a natural glow when out in the sun with SPF on, of course! So, I keep it simple and usually just apply cover up, mascara & lip gloss. I recently discovered the new Lash Intensity mascara by MARY KAY and I'm OBSESSED! It goes on with only two coats, doesn't flake off and lasts all day. In fact it's SO good that it's currently SOLD OUT online but if you click here you can contact my Sister-in-law to order it directly and get notified when it's back in stock. 


2. BOOKS- Maybe you have a beach trip planned or just need a new book to read while you're commuting on the train. Jen Sincero has a new book out called 'YOU ARE A BADASS' and it's filled with all the kick ass things you need to start living a more fulfilled life. And let's be for real, with a title like that who wouldn't want to read this book?! 


3. ROOFTOPS- Summer in NYC has lots of benefits. And amazing rooftop views from above the city are no exception. One of my favorite rooftops is The MET Museum Rooftop Bar.  You can spend the day exploring all the exhibits the museum has to offer and then end the day with a rooftop sunset view OR you can meet your girlfriends after work for cocktails on the rooftop. Either way, this is by far one of the best views you can experience in the city. The rooftop overlooks Central Park and the Manhattan skyline and offers two bars that serve wine, beer and signature cocktails. 


4. POOL ACCESSORIES- You've most likely seen or have participated in the craze over swan and unicorn life sized floats thanks to Taylor Swift. Well, now get ready to be obsessed with a mini size version. They are perfect for keeping your drinks afloat while in the pool or a day at the beach. Seriously, how cute are these?!  Now you can enjoy a swim with your drink nearby. 


Met Rooftop views of Manhattan Skyline

MET Rooftop views of Central Park



Tell me some things you are loving this Summer. Comment below.



XO, Rae


Friday, June 24, 2016

SUMMER PLAYLIST




We made it to FRIDAY!! And what better way to get the weekend started, than with a playlist of songs to celebrate SUMMER. I'm sharing my Summer Playlist so you can play it all Summer long. Side note: You may find a few songs that will bring back some nostalgia. 








What are some of your favorite songs for SUMMER? Share below in the comments.


Follow me on INSTAGRAM



XO, Rae




Thursday, June 23, 2016

THURSDAY THINGS: WHAT I AM LOVING RIGHT NOW




Hello SUMMER!  Here is another roundup of things I am loving right now that are Summer approved. Tell me some things you are loving this Summer....comment below. 



1. BEAUTY- I am OBSESSED over the SEPHORA facial mask collection. My favorite is the Ginseng mask for toning and revitalizing. The Summer heat can be brutal on your skin so this is the perfect weekly treatment to help repair any damage. 


2. DETOX- Summer means getting into a bathing suit. And we are all thinking about our Summer body but also about tacos....mmmm Tacos. Lyfe Tea is a detox tea that helps with bloating, boosts your metabolism and helps curve cravings. The initial detox is 14 days but I drink it regularly to help kick the bloat. 


3. KITCHEN- Remember when you were a kid and you would make snow cones?! Well, wine slushies are the adult version. Yes, you heard that correctly. I personally love wine everything. But these wine slushies look delicious! Can't wait to try the rosé recipe, perfect Summer drink!




XO, Rae


Thursday, June 9, 2016

YOU ARE EXACTLY WHERE YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE





Lately, when talking to friends the same words seem to pop up in conversation, 'never say never'. I was reminded of these words again as I scrolled through Facebook this morning & looked back at an old status I wrote in 2010. 



I had no intentions on ever moving to New York City. I was perfectly content with my life in Atlanta. It was only tempting to move because my best friend had literally just moved from Atlanta to New York & I felt lonely. But I knew my life was in Atlanta and I had worked so hard to build that life. My career was just starting to come together & I was surrounded by the people I adored most. 


Fast forward almost 5 years later and life changed drastically. I started to be more open to the possibilities of leaving it all behind to pursue bigger things. Literally over a year's time I would contemplate the move to NYC. I was in a different head space than previously and I was ready to see what more was out there for me. So, I took a leap of faith and made the decision to move to NYC in the fall of 2014. The moment I actually committed to the idea, it seemed like everything fell into place. I didn't have any hesitations from that point on. Everyone was extremely supportive of my decision and not one person tried to convince me otherwise. So, I took all the encouragement and promised myself I would make the most of this new chapter. 


I didn't have a job lined up when I moved to New York. My plan was to take some time to get moved and adjusted to the city. I got anxious to get out there so 3 weeks after, I landed a position with one of the top medical practices. I was ecstatic to say the least. From my first interview, I knew this was the job for me. Immediately, I felt like I was taking NYC head on. But 6 months in, I couldn't do it anymore. I loved the job but the work environment was not ideal. It was not an easy decision for me but after a lot of consideration and countless nights crying over bad days at work, I made the decision to resign. The day I gave notice, I felt like I could breathe again. I didn't feel stressed or bad for what I had just done. I felt like it was what I had to do. I had never quit a job like that ever in my life. I've always held long term jobs ever since I was 15 years old. So, this was new territory for me. I didn't really have a plan B. And I was okay with that, for once. Which if you know me, I never not have things planned out. I'm a planner by default. But I knew I wasn't happy. I also remembered that I promised myself to live a different life here in New York by any means necessary. And I wasn't willing to compromise my happiness after leaving everything behind in Atlanta.


I wrote this Facebook status a year ago today (the day before my last day at my job):



A year later, I haven't looked back since. I took a chance on myself. And honestly I've never been happier. The past year has allowed me to get back to what's important in life. It has made me realize how unhappy I was all those years living at my job that I had always put above everything else. It has given me the opportunity to strip down to what I really want in life and what I never want to settle for. I've been blessed enough to be able to work from home, travel, write my blog and just enjoy living in this amazing city. 

My dream is to be an entrepreneur. And I'm hoping to make that happen sooner than later. I often let fear get in the way, but then I am reminded of how far I've come and all the things I've done that I never thought where even possibilities. So, I'm saying, never say never. Don't hold yourself back from things you want or deserve in your life. Everything happens for a reason. I honestly believe that. Be open to the possibilities of changing your mind. Trust the process and know that you are exactly where you're supposed to be. 



XO, Rae