Keeping Up With Health Through Winter

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Despite the coming joys of the Holiday season, there is still plenty to be weary of this winter.
Cold weather provides a whole new set of obstacles for our health and can wreak havoc on our
bodies. However, with the right preparation, you can show winter who’s boss! Below are some
of my favorite tips to ensure your mind and body are in their best possible
state to combat the harsh elements.

A Few of My Favorite Things

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

I have to say, it really feels like the holidays have snuck up on me! In the blink of an eye, Christmas is here and me being such a busy bee, I tend to leave gift shopping until the last minute. It's a hassle I love to endure because giving during the holidays is my absolute favorite thing. Between seeing my friends and family light up with smiles, ear to ear is the only thing I could ask for, of course figuring out what to gift can feel like the "end all, be all!" Which is why, this year I'm boiling it down to my favorite things in the theme of comfort, convenience, and style.

Party Shoes

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Can you believe it's almost the end of 2016! This year is coming to a rapid end, why not go out in style? New Year's Eve is upon us, which means frantically finding the dress, figuring out where to party, who to party with and who to kiss at the midnight call, but what about the footwear? I find that a lot of my friends leave the shoes as a forethought which is quite a shame since shoes often create the conversation.  I too, fall into that grouping on occasion. This year i'm forcing myself to think of the shoes first and build the outfit around it. I have compiled a few of my party favorite selects for you to ponder about! 

Multiple Layers

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Recently, temperatures have dropped to major unbearable degrees in the northeastern states, via the polar vortex's path. It's so cold, you may not even want to leave home, but then you realize that's not a good enough excuse to call out of work! The next best thing is to dress practically and functional, but should you sacrifice your style for it? Lately I hear a lot of my friends saying, "It's too cold to try and look cute," I honestly disagree with that statement. One should never have to forfeit their style to face old man Winter. Sure you may have to shelve out certain pieces from your closet in favor of the boring fleece and clunky winter weather boots but all you need to do is think strategically. The winter season just means to think more creatively when getting dressed because in the depths of winter, great style is very possible!

How To Win The Holidays

The holiday season is the one time of the year when it's totally acceptable to buy that big ticket item. Nothing can quite compare to the payoff of finding that perfect gift for someone or even yourself! Impassioned bargain hunters unite, it's your season to find the best of the best at a fraction of the price. It's easy to get caught up with all the percentages thrown in your face, 20 percent, 30 percent or even 40 percent can seem overwhelming at first but I'll share with you my tips on staying sane and getting the best deals during the holiday season.

Give Mindfulness

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

In your best moments, confidence is an easy despondency. Conquering goals, having great health, and setting good relationships with friends and family, conflict free. It's as if the universe has your back. Then of course there are those times when it feels like the exact opposite. And lately, it's quite easy to fall into that feeling especially since Election day, the slump is real folks! For an entire week and a half my office has been so gloomy and retired from work and concentration. No matter how badass we are, there are those moments in life that seems to take every little bit of you to go on. And at those times it's like the universe is conspiring against you. Of course it's not the place that anyone wants to be in because you lose your power and what makes you, you. The one thing that's been helping me at those moments is my gratitude. Yes, you can't take total responsibility for some circumstances, just remember that giving wellness always helps to shift your focus. With Thanksgiving here, it's the perfect time to journey into empowerment through gratitude. 

The Wonder Palace

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Have you thought about where you"ll be when the clock strikes midnight, on December 31st? Every year, many of us put off thinking about New Years Eve festivities until the last second because you think, "It shouldn't be quite that difficult to decide on something, right?!" I've fallen into that sequence many times, tickets are sold out, venues are filled to capacity, friends change their minds or some other type of event. This year, I've decided ahead of time, you can find me at The Wonder Palace! 

Holiday Outfitting 3

Photos by Kevin Smith

There's nothing like a good coat to keep you warm, in close to freezing temperatures. Looking luxurious in dire weather is no easy task, sensible clothing  options get in the way of our style, like rain and snow boots, bulky down coats, thermal base layers and other "sensible" garments. Occasionally all we need is a new trend to inspire the downtrodden for other ways to enjoy the plummeting temperatures, taking a cue from this season's new neutral, burgundy! 

Holiday Outfitting 2

Photos by Kevin Smith

Figuring out what to wear to your holiday parties is tough enough, but figuring out what piece to throw over said look can be even trickier! With the weather getting cooler, finding a jacket or coat that's equal parts elegant and cozy is crucial. A tailored topper that will lend a flirty dress that little bit of mystery is something I try to strive for, with Primark the search is made easier! 

Holiday Outfitting 1

Photos by the awesome Kevin Smith

We are well under way into the holiday season, gift shopping, gift wrapping, tree picking, caroling with our neighbors, egg nogging and decorating our homes have become the norm for our everyday routines. The other duty, holiday parties and many of them are mandatory either by your bosses or family. As if busy bees need another thing to think about, holiday outfits! Picking out your festive outfit can be difficult especially if all you see available is a sequin dress or red/green outfits, holiday outfitting does not have to be so obvious and redundant. Your holiday ensemble can represent you, in a slightly more obnoxious way! Toppers (coats/jackets) are also an important feature to the overall look, it's the first and last thing people see on you, why not make a dazzling impression?! Fortunately, Primark has you covered, literally! 

I Dream of L'Amour

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

That time of the year has come around again, and I don't mean ugly sweater parties! It's time for the glitz and the glamour of ringing in the new year in serious style. I find that there way too many choices for one to find an NYE outfit but not many can offer up the quality. Lately when I'm purchasing a wardrobe piece, I take into consideration how much time was put into making this item and how well it will translate with everything. Timelessness is everything when building the perfect wardrobe because who wants to be stuck with a rainbow colored cocktail dress for the next ten years or so?! I've recently discovered Shop L'Amour for some amazing NYE finds! 

Holiday Fit

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

The second after Halloween is over, the holiday commercials begin to roll in, the decorations start to go up in your neighborhood and everyone suddenly has a bit more pep in their step. Yes, the holidays are officially here! There's so much to do in preparation, planning parties, baking, cooking, spending time with the family and friends, gift wrapping and this list can go on for miles! It's a beautiful time of the year but it can also be quite stressful if you let it overwhelm you. This is also a time where we tend to forget our healthy lifestyle, the busy schedule of holiday parties to attend takes over! Believe me, been there, done that, but lately I've been making great efforts into squeezing my workouts into my busy schedule to stay energized and healthy during this hectic time of the year!

The New Year

Photo by Chaucee Stillman

Some one asked me recently what my favorite holiday of the year is, and it took me a while before I could answer because I tend to collect all my thoughts before I answer. I came to the final conclusion that New Years Eve is definitely my favorite holiday of the year and here's why....

Gift Giving

The art of gifting can come extremely easy to some and quite difficult to others. The key to winning this holiday season, besides not procrastinating is to set up a game plan! For me this year's holiday season was all about being comfortable because with the hectic holiday season i've had, all I want to do is fall into a pile of cushy pillows, comforters and blankets! Even more exciting, I was selected to share my thoughts on air with Fox morning news, alongside my blogging babes Jessie Holeva and Ian Michael Crumm!

Ian Michael Crumm, Jessie Holeva, and me!

During this fast paced season of merriment, most people don't get time to their selves and when they do they really want to enjoy it. The gifts I picked out were from West Elm and Ugg Australia because those two brands know how to relax in style! West Elm has a beautiful collection of soft, fur throws. Best part is that no animal was harmed in the making of it since they're faux fur! I'll admit I have one and absolutely love it for quick naps on the sofa or to wrap it around myself when I feel particularly chilly. A throw is the secret ingredient to a cozy bed! The throw in the video is the Mongolian Lamb Throw. Another really great faux fur throw is the African Lynx throw by Home Decor. So cozy, you will forget where you are! 

Anchor, Quincy Harris for Fox29!

                  

I don't know about you but when I get an idea out of the blue, I have to jot it down quickly while it's still fresh on my mind. Usually its my phone's notepad that I pull out for my concepts which gets quite bothersome when you're in a texting frenzy because of the virtual keyboard. Sometimes your fingers hit the wrong button on the touch screen, actually its pretty inevitable. The wireless keyboard from West Elm is the answer to that frustration. Easy to pack, cordless and made of bamboo with a sleek design. Definitely something for the creative individual on the go! The keyboard in the video is the Wireless Bamboo Keyboard. 

Who doesn't love Ugg Australia?! This lifestyle brand has completely reinvented itself to be compatible with every one in the family. Ugg knows comfortable shoes, that's why insanely popular, world wide. This season, surprise someone with a comfortable indoor and outdoor slipper like the Grantt for men or the Bling Bailey Button for women. The Grantt has a foldable collar with plush sheepskin spilling out. The Bling Bailey Button provides you with sumptuous comfort and major fashion envy with the Swarovski crystal button. Both have a sock liner that provide the wearer with major wicking and support. Then for ultimate comfort satisfaction, throw on one of Ugg's luxe robes like the Duffield. The person who receives this will love you! 

This year, the holiday season is all about comfort for me and I want to give comfort to all of my friends and family because it shows you care about their relaxation time, and that matters. Dear readers what are you gifting this year? Check out the video here of my interview!

Ugly Sweater Season

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Holiday parties, they're all the rage right now. Of course, with it being the holiday season, everyone wants to rendezvous and celebrate all the merriment that the past year has brought upon them and what better way to jubilate how happy you are whilst wearing your best "ugly" sweater?! The ugly sweater has fortified itself as a ritualistic piece in our wardrobes for the holiday season, and to think it all started with someone's grandmother gifting that first sweater to them! I have actually grown to love the ugly sweater movement, there's just something cute and quirky about them. The best thing about ugly sweaters, is the challenge to style them in a more elevated taste. No doubt that even the most atrocious of ugly sweaters can start a conversation from across the room with little to no styling, but that just isn't me!

Casetify Your Holiday

You might remember me mentioning my collaboration with Casetify a few months ago. It is really fun to see your own work on popular mobile devices, I guess you really can turn your phone or tablet into works of art and in my case, walking portfolios! I have recently added some new designs in time for the holiday season... with a little gift to you!

Thanksgiving Appreciation

It's officially Thanksgiving, and as I put the finishing touches on a pretty decent attempt at a pumpkin pie, I can't help but reflect on all the things I am grateful for. This past year, has been the biggest emotional roller coaster for me, so many sad and unfortunate moments. If it had not been for the wonderful friends and family I have, I don't think that I would have handled it as gracefully as I have. Embrace Thanksgiving as an important reminder to extend thanks and gratitude to every day. 

Virtual Stylist At Your Fingertips

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

We' re just a day away from celebrating the end of 2013. Ringing in the new year with major style is definitely on the top of the list, but what if you still haven't found that perfect dress or ensemble yet? Many fashion mavens put together their New Years Eve outfits way ahead of time, a few of my friends even find their looks at the beginning of the next year! Fortunately I stumbled upon a fantastic site recently, called Live The Look in which a style 

search engine" helps you pick out the perfect ensembles based on pieces that acknowledge your closet! I can't wait to tell you about it!

Christmas

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Keeping It Local

Images from each retailer

It's the day after Thanksgiving, you're probably feeling bloated, tired, all talked out, excited or maybe even a mixture of all!  But wait, you can't go to bed just yet, you have to get in your car and drive to your nearest plaza to stand in that long line to the electronics store to buy the next latest, hot piece of technology. Black friday is here! Although it's totally not me, I would much rather enjoy my night digesting the feast and spending time with family rather than freezing my butt off, especially now that many retailers have smartened up and extended their Black Friday sales throughout the weekend. I've rounded up three of my favorite local Philadelphia stores and their awesome sales this weekend. Supporting small businesses is my favorite way to go, and no need to rush in line!