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Wednesday, August 26, 2015

My Fall Lust List!

Fall Lust List




Every season I find myself browsing my favorite store websites for the latest trends, flipping through magazines, watching endless YouTube hauls and every season, by the end of the season, my wallet hurts. I would love to buy everything I see (or have one of those never ending closets like Cher in Clueless where outfits just put themselves together on a screen.) *sigh* That would be the life. Sadly however, the reality of life is- it’s expensive! Sometimes sacrifices need to be made, that "too cute" romper from Free People (that, let’s be honest, I’ll probably wear once) OR my car payments…unfortunately the car wins. 

However! I have found a way to curb my sick shopping addiction and save up for the things I really want, praise the shopping Gods! Every month I add to my "lust list", if I see an item that catches my eye or makes me think “I must have that”, onto the list it goes. 
This way, I have a chance to think about it before I buy it. 
If after a few days it’s still on my list, then I know it’s worth saving for! 

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

French Pharmacy: Loves & Flubs


Bonjour! 

Last month I had the chance to spend one- yes one- night in Paris by myself on my way from Miami to Madrid. So naturally, I strolled down Champs Elysees, basked under the Eiffel Tower, and headed into tons of famous French Pharmacies. 

I couldn’t believe that there was literally a pharmacy on EVERY corner, it was almost overwhelming. However! I went in prepared, I had done tons of research on beauty guru blogs and youtube videos to create a list of recommendations on what I had to bring home. Below are the products I bought, the prices (in Euro) and my reviews. 

Travel Tips!


I’ve never been one of those people who “minded” being on planes…until now. This year had me traveling QUITE a bit, and planes can be insanely boring, not to mention terrible for your skin! I’ve put together my list of top essentials and must have tricks for surviving flights, whether it’s a quick trip or a long haul! 

New York State of Mind

As I mentioned in my last post, I am a latina born and raised in the New York Area. I'm from Northern New Jersey and for Northern Jersey kids like myself, New York is pretty much my backyard.
After living here all my life, I had one of those "grass is always greener" moments. When I graduated high school, I went off to Boston for my first year of college. I loved Boston- but the school I was attending just wasn't right for me. Heartbroken that I had just spent a year at a school, spending A LOT of money (thanks tuition) and not feeling like I had made the right choice I made the last minute decision to take a "gap year" and basically- get my shit together.
After probably THE best summer of my life (which I will tell you about later) I ended up following an internship/job opportunity to Miami. I was surrounded by my fellow Cubans, eating way too many croquetiquas and drinking cafecitos till my hands shook. The experience was amazing, I worked with some great people, made some new friends, lived in a completely new place by myself, paid my own bills, I made the choice to move and I took on the responsibility of work, and life's many expenses.  But, I learned pretty quickly that Miami lifestyle is WAY different than New York, and it's not always fun to be on your own in the real world.




~~Kari

One year later, a much tanner version of myself, decided to come back home to New Jersey/York. I missed my city too much! At first I was afraid that people would judge me for leaving and coming back. Would they think I was a quitter? Would my friends still be my friends? What was my plan now? It was scary! I was coming back home technically...but was home still home?

Overall here are some tips that helped me get through moving back home and understanding that I wasn’t taking steps back, but I was taking steps forward in the direction my heart felt was right!
✔ It's OKAY to try new places
✔ It's better to follow your heart, if you make a mistake or make a bad decision, know how to be the one to pull yourself back up off the ground
✔ We are young, we have all the time in our lives to make choices- right and wrong
✔ Don't let others make decisions for you
✔ No matter how independent you are, always look for support from friends and family. It's okay to need a shoulder to cry on.
✔ Education is more important than anything
✔ Always be grateful for the opportunities that come your way, everything happens for a reason
✔ Let your dreams motivate you to keep moving onwards and upwards
✔ Home is wherever there is love
So here's to those who are not afraid to try new things, to stumble, fall, and get back up.

Monday, August 24, 2015

Welcome To My Blog!

Hi there,
I’m glad you stumbled upon my blog! My name is Karina, I’m 21 years old, and I’m proud to be a latina living in and around New York City. This blog is my own version of an adventure book. I’ve been extremely blessed to have been able to do quite a bit of traveling over the past few years and like anyone with a serious case of wanderlust, I’d give anything to re-live those precious days abroad. At the same time, I’m young barely into my quarter-life crisis, balancing school, work, beauty, health, relationships (ha…), and everything else that comes with being a 20-something year old.
So if you’re filled with wanderlust, let’s visit new places together. If you’re a shopaholic like me, we can find support in each other...and shop some more ;) If you’re a foodie, let’s go find the best places to eat around the world together! If you’re trying to figure out who did brujeria on your love life and get some advice, let me tell you...girl same. If you’re just here for entertainment, grab some snacks because this should be interesting. If you’re all of the above then where have you been all my life?!
So I suppose this blog is my way of documenting my life’s “adventures” because maybe there is a girl (or guy) out there who, just like me, wants to read more about what others are going through. Maybe you’ll relate to some of my ups and downs, maybe I’ll be able to provide some insight or tips or tricks or who knows…I’m not even sure!
But here’s to you, for joining me on the ride, and here’s to us for being young, alive and adventurous. Vamos a vivir la vida, porque esto es La Vida Dulce
~~Kari

Travel Guide: Rome, Italy

My guide to: Rome, Italy Hey now, hey now! There’s one city in the world that stole my heart when I was 18 and never quite let go of...