Category: Travel

It Ain’t Me

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Hi friends! It’s been quite a whirlwind over the past few weeks in the best ways possible. In my last post, I shared with you a few personal struggles I have been going through. It occurred to me that I have been feeling stuck because I was surrounding myself with people who were only holding me back, not helping me to move forward.

Since I let go completely of a couple of negative relationships, my world quickly changed. Almost immediately, I began to think differently and more decisively. A huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. My creative thought processes began flowing, I became more focused, and I ultimately began to feel inspired. I finally got the ball rolling once again in the right direction, and I began to take the initiative to revamp my blog and to take my ideas to the next level.

This morning I read a quote by Gabrielle Bernstein that she posted on her Instagram page: “The Universe will always remove what is no longer serving you.”

This certainly rings true for me. If you don’t take the time to remove what is no longer necessary from your life, the world will do it for you. It’s the natural flow of life.

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Other than working on my blog, I have been enjoying life in the Hamptons the past few weekends. Two weekends ago, my friends and I had the chance to grab a glass of rosé and explore the gorgeous Wölffer Estate Vineyard. There’s no better summer pleasure than sipping on a glass of rosé while soaking in the warm summer sun on a Sunday afternoon! This picturesque vineyard is absolutely gorgeous, and if you’re ever in the Hamptons, I suggest stopping by!  It’s a very relaxing way to spend an afternoon.

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Just last night, I stepped outside and realized that the days are getting shorter.  I can’t believe how fast this summer is flying by, but I’m super excited for the fall and its cool air & beautiful foliage.  I understand that there will always be ups and downs in life, but I feel like everything is moving in the right direction for me, and I’m so excited to share my positivity and my journey with all of you.

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P.s. Adorable sundress by AMI Clubwear! 🙂

Xx Marisa

Times Like These

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Happy first day of summer! I can’t believe I have yet to write a post for June! The past month has been a whirlwind of both good and bad. I have been collaborating with so many brands, worked on a few awesome modeling jobs, and I even took a trip to France (travel post to come!).
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Despite all of this, I have felt very unbalanced and scattered the past month and a half. It’s become extremely hard for me to ground myself, so I know something’s up. Life is a bunch of ups and downs, and nothing is constant. I had been moving up since the beginning of the year, but I recently hit a plateau. It occurred to me last night that I’ve been stagnant, and if everything is constantly in motion, stagnant means I’m going down.

 

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Although I’ve been insanely busy, I’m bored. I’ve been going through the motions instead of looking inward and trying to figure out why I’m feeling this way. Chatting with a friend helped to to realize why I’m bored and what I want. It’s time for a change. It took me a bit of time to realize what that change could be, but I think I’ve now found it. For the first time since May, I feel inspired, and I’m ready to run with it.
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This adorable off the shoulder lantern top is from SheIn.  This look combines two of my favorite trends for Spring/Summer: off the shoulder and bell sleeves! It’s the perfect blouse for daytime fun (i.e. visiting Versailles, picnics, day parties).  I even saw a couple of girls wearing this top at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic this year too.  This top is adorable, but please note that it runs small! SheIn is one of my favorite places to shop! If you’re looking for fashionable clothing or the latest styles and trends, SheIn is  the place to go. All of their clothes are so chic and on trend. Not to mention, they are outrageously affordable 🙂

Top: SheIn ; Bag: Louis Vuitton ; Shorts: BDG ; Sunglasses: RayBan; Sandals: Steve Madden

All photos were taken in the Gardens of Versailles in Versailles, France

Xx Marisa

Holding Back

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So, if you look back on my previous posts, you’ll come across one titled “Beautiful Vulnerability.” It was my first post that had more ‘meaningful’ content, so to speak, or at least gives you a glimpse into my heart and mind, reflecting who I am as a person.

A couple of months ago, I was chatting with a friend. We were talking about relationships, and he flat out told me that I’m too guarded.  I could see why he felt that way.  He’s someone who has been very patient in taking the time to get to know me over the past year and a half.  He told me that my blog was a glimpse into the person I am deep down, but my writing just scratches the surface.

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Although (still) slightly offended, the saddest part was, I couldn’t even really defend myself because I knew it was true.  As someone chisels away at the first layer of a pretty thick wall I’ve built over several years, I’m replenishing the cement on the other end simultaneously.

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I’m at a point in my life now where the walls that (I thought) used to protect me are now only holding me back. I always say I’m an open book if someone asks the right questions, but what if they’re not asking the tough questions? When do I have to show up and be even more vulnerable in order to open up? When is it my turn to step it up and self-disclose first?

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I’m not saying that I never initiate these deeper conversations; I’m just saying that it makes me uncomfortable, and I’d rather the other person initiate them.  I’m sure I’ve lost a handful of people in my life because I wasn’t ready to fully open up and be vulnerable. Not everyone is going to stick it out. To play Devil’s advocate, I’ve even ended a relationship because I felt frustrated (and bored, honestly).  I felt that it wasn’t meaningful and not on the deeper emotional and intellectual level that I desired it to be on.  I needed something more, but to be fair, my fear, which held me back from initiating those deeper conversations, strongly came into play.

I shouldn’t have a fear of getting close to someone, but it’s there.  Not for everyone, just for people who don’t self-disclose first.  Maybe it’s time for me to make someone else feel comfortable and initially reveal myself to them.  If anything, getting close to someone new is a rewarding and beautiful experience that I should look forward to, not be afraid of.

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All of these beautiful photos were taken in Aruba!

The swimsuit is by Asos 🙂

Xx Marisa

Vamos a la Playa

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You can attract anything into your life.  I know I write (and think) about this concept a lot, but sometimes, even when the smallest of things happen, it’s still shocking to me as to how I attract these things into my life.

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For example, I really wanted to do a photo shoot on a beach.  Next thing I know, I’m booking my flight to Aruba (although for pleasure, not work), but the opportunity to do a small impromptu shoot in this gorgeous red dress from AMI Clubwear presented itself.

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The Universe is literally like a magazine, and you can just pick and choose what you want.  Whether it’s positive or negative, you receive what you think about most.  Recently, an opportunity presented itself to me regarding something I had been wanting to try for the past year or so.  Only when I became completely confident in what I wanted and very clear about it did it present itself.  Smaller opportunities began to pop up, and I began to act on these.  With this momentum, I am now in a place where I an receiving exactly what I want.

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This jaw-dropping red, elegant maxi dress is from AMIClubwear.  Red hot, baby!  Red is one of my favorite colors, and I feel like I’m constantly wearing it (or black, considering I’m a New Yorker).  This dress is absolutely stunning and perfect for a special event or night out on the town.  It’s made of chiffon, so it’s super light-weight and calls for the perfect photo op with any windy Marilyn Monroe moment. I love maxi dresses because you can easily transition from day to night with the right shoes and accessories.

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If I wasn’t on the beach/in the water taking pictures in this gorgeous dress, I’d pair it with these leopard print heels pictured below.  I’m typically not a huge fan of prints, but I am 100% in love with these.  Sometimes a pop of print is exactly what an outfit needs.  Golden or clear heels are also a big trend you’ll be seeing in the upcoming months. Not to mention, they are extremely comfortable!

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Thank you for the collaboration AMIClubwear! This brand is super fashionable, chic, and outrageously affordable.  It has everything you’re looking for and more. If you want to stand out this season, look to AMIClubwear for the next addition to your wardrobe.  You will not be disappointed!  You can shop here!

Xx Marisa

All For Color with a Pop of Pink

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Hi friends!  Long time no write–I’ve been so busy!  As many of you probably know I took a trip to Aruba (travel blog post to come)!  Talk about paradise!  This 19-mile island just 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela is a beach lovers’ delight.  Lined with stunning beaches, white sand and clear blue water, I found my piece of tranquility far from the rat race of the City.  I am grateful for my time in Aruba.  It was truly an enjoyable and relaxing experience. My days were filled with sight-seeing adventures, delicious cuisine, and R&R on the miles of tranquil and picturesque beaches.  It was my first time to the island, and needless to say, I’m definitely going back!

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While in Aruba, I had the opportunity to visit Renaissance Island, a private island exclusive to Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino guests.  The hotel sells a limited number of day passes to non-Renaissance guests (which aren’t necessarily guaranteed).  In order to guarantee a day pass as a guest of Renaissance Island, you need to book a spa treatment at their Spa Cove.  I was lucky to secure a pass and book an outdoor massage which was set at the end of a private walkway with an expansive view of the ocean.  Talk about relaxing!  What are you waiting for?–treat yourself, you’re on an island after all!

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The main attraction on the island are the flamingos!  Yes, flamingos!  There are only about eight or so of them, but you can get insanely close and even feed them!  How cool, right?!  I had such a fun time taking photos and feeding them.  And don’t worry, they don’t bite..much 😉

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This little island is a slice of heaven.  Amazing food, delicious tropical drinks, magnificently clear water, flamingos, iguanas, spa treatments–they have everything you need, and you can spend the whole day there!  I’ll be writing more about my further adventures as well as other attractions and my experience in general in my Aruba travel post.

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My adorable swimsuit and hot pink cover up are from All For Color!  This is the cutest online boutique that has everything you need for your next island vacation or spring break getaway.  The brand incorporates so many bright, fun, and energetic colors in their clothing and accessories.  The bikini I am wearing is super adorable and can be worn off the shoulder.  The unique clothing and swimsuits from All for Color are sure to turn heads and are a must have for the upcoming summer months!  And there are so many fun patterns and designs to choose from.  Life is too short, so enjoy it in color!   I love All for Color because they have fun, unusual, affordable clothing that appeals to women of all ages.  Shop my bikini here and kimono here!

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* * * GIVEAWAY * * *

With sunny days quickly approaching, I am excited to announce a $200 Beachin’ Wardrobe Giveaway in collaboration with All For Color! (April 10-17, 2017)

Interested?! Sign up here!  The contest starts tomorrow (Monday, April 10,2017).  You will receive additional entries for visiting and following each involved blogger on IG. You may also earn extra entries for referring friends to the giveaway. One winner will be chosen at random for entries. If chosen, you have 5 days to claim your $200 e-gift card or a new winner will be picked.

Please Note: This contest is in no way sponsored, administered or endorsed by Instagram. Inc or any of the companies in the photo. By entering, entrants confirm they are 18+ years of age, release Instagram of responsibility, and agree to Instagram’s term of use. No purchase necessary. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Xx Marisa

Chakra Balancing: Root; Muladhara

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Hi friends! Over the summer I began learning about the chakras, or the seven energy centers of the body. Having an interest in health, wellness, and spirituality, I knew studying the chakras was inevitable on my journey.

Having taken all of these photos in Miami with my new favorite red swimsuit, I thought a post on the “root” or “Muladhara” chakra would be appropriate, as the color of this chakra is red.

Although very skeptical at first, as soon as I began reading “Chakras For Beginners” by David Pond (given to me by a very good friend of mine), everything began to make sense.  After about five pages in, the first thought I had to myself was, “Damn, all of my chakras are unbalanced.” I knew this book fell into my lap for a reason.

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Chakras are energy centers, meaning energy flows through these points of the body.  If these points are blocked, energy cannot flow through.  Blocked chakras are said to lead to illness, both physical and psychological.  Story has it that you must balance all of the chakras in order, starting with the root (followed by the sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye, and crown chakras).   If there is anything I learned in life thus far, the root of the problem must be fixed in order to fix the rest.  There aren’t any shortcuts here, and each may take some time to balance.

“The 7 Chakras for Beginners” by MindBodyGreen is a very helpful cheat sheet for beginners who are interested in learning about all the chakras.  Click here to read this article.

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The root chakra represents our foundation and feelings of stability and being grounded, and it t is located at the base of the spine/tailbone.   If your root chakra is unbalanced, you may feel insecure, unstable, unsure of yourself, anxious, angry, controlling, afraid, and have a lack of self confidence.  You most likely have problems with your basic survival needs: food, housing, work, and finances.  If you are balanced, you will feel confident (not arrogant or fearful), grounded, centered, and stable. Balancing your root chakra creates stability and a foundation for yourself.

So how do you balance your root chakra? Through food: red beets and apples, red meat and eggs, vegetables from the ground such as carrots and potatoes, and red spices such as cayenne pepper and hot sauce.  You can also do certain forms of yoga and yoga poses to open up your lower spine and help ground yourself.  What worked for me was saying daily affirmations including “I am safe and secure,” “I am stable and grounded,” and “I am connected to the Universe and to the earth.” Visualization is also an extremely powerful tool, and while sitting in a chair, feet on the floor, you can close your eyes and visualize roots growing from your feet into the ground.  Sounds crazy, but it works.

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Balancing my Root chakra took about six months, as I wasn’t happy with my work situation and didn’t know who I was as a person. Now that I’ve counted these months, it feels like it’s been a long time, but finding myself and securing my foundation was worth the wait, dedication, and hard work.

In 2016, I made a commitment to myself. Discovering and becoming the person I was meant to be were my top priorities. This is something that people spend a lifetime trying to figure out, and I didn’t want to be one of those people. Although I still have my moments, I used to live in a world solely based on fear and anxiety.  I was very insecure and had low confidence.  I was unsure of myself, and this uncertainty was reflected across all areas of my life.

Having succeeded in my 2016 intentions, I now feel grounded, and I am certain of who I am. I have a concrete foundation to grow as an individual and balance the rest of my chakras from here.

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Swimsuit: Asos

Hat: NineWest

Sunglasses: Missguided