Mindfully Glam!

Hello everyone!

The time has come where I must transfer you over to my new blog, Mindfully Glam

Mindfully Glam: a place where wellness meets glamour.

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If you’re a glam girl like me, you love putting on makeup, stepping out in a pair of stilettos and wearing the latest fashion trends.  You may also be passionate about exercise, meditation and incorporating healthy eating habits into your lifestyle. You’ll typically catch me at the newest hotspot in SoHo or a meditation studio in Flatiron..probably all in the same evening!  If any of this sounds familiar, then you know that life is about balance, and Mindfully Glam gives you just that.

Living in New York City is a challenge in so many ways, but I realized that you don’t have to compromise who you are or the person that you want to be in order to be happy here.  It took me three years to find my place and figure out how to stay grounded in a chaotic city that attempts to throw me out of alignment on a daily basis.

This lifestyle blog is all about positive thinking, gratitude, spirituality, fashion, beauty, holistic health, wellness, nutrition, and everything both mindful and glam!

Happens for a Reason will always hold a dear place in my heart.  Please check out my new blog and subscribe here!

Xx Marisa

 

Upbra: A Girl’s Best Friend

Ladies—I have found the most amazing piece of clothing on the planet! A push up bra that gives you everything you want and more.  Upbra: where have you been all my life?!

The Upbra was designed with three goals in mind: 1.  Cleavage that you never thought was possible 2. Fully adjustable so that women could select the amount of lift they’d like 3. To create this cleavage and lift naturally without excessive padding.

This bra is amazing. It pushes you up all in the right places, and makes the gals look amazing and very natural.

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For the most part, I have been eating healthy and exercising (despite the holidays!), and I hate to say it, but I swear I lost some cleavage weight. This bra gives me the extra push up that I need.

My favorite part is that they make strapless bras! I feel like I wear strapless bras more than regular bras.  This strapless bra doesn’t slip, and still gives you the perfect push up.  They also have a gorgeous swimsuit line—how perfect for the summer months!

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Thank you for the collab Upbra!

Xx Marisa

Holiday Gift Guide from Romwe

Looking for a cute gift to get one of your galpals or sweetheart? I’ve been browsing Romwe’s site and came across some adorable finds.  From apparel to accessories, this brand has it all! If you especially love comfy yet chic lounge wear, they have a bunch of trendy outfits  Here’s a list of holiday gift options that I adore:

Faux Pearl Beret Hat

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Wool Blend Newsboy Hat

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Knit Faux Fur Pom Beanie

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Tassel Trim Knit Scarf

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Faux Pearl Tippet Scarf

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Faux Leather Tassel Crossbody Bag

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Chain Tassel Decorative Velvet Crossbody Bag

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Eyelash Pattern Purse

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Bear & Pom Keychain

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Heart & Key Keychain

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Off the Shoulder Texture Knit Sweater

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Low Back Scallop Sweater

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Happy shopping and gift giving! Shop these accessories and more at Romwe! 🙂

Xx Marisa

 

 

 

 

Vicious Victim Cycle

So the other week I was watching a video by speaker, author, and spiritual leader, Gabrielle Bernstein, and she was talking about the concept of playing the role of the victim.  Now, I know that I am guilty of this, and I know a lot of people that are guilty of this well—we all fall into the victim trap occasionally as it’s human nature to do so.  All of us see ourselves as victims in some way or time in our lives.  Gabby explained that when we view ourselves as victims we begin to overthink and obsess about a situation and try to control it.  We reach out and talk about the situation to everyone we know, and the more we talk about it, the more we obsess about it and try to over-analyze it.  In reality, we make the situation worse, not better, and there is no resolution in sight.

I can honestly say there’s definitely one aspect of my life that I’m not happy with and working on.  I’m really consciously trying to think differently and change my perception about it because it has affected my disposition in many ways, over and over again.  I find myself falling into the trap of playing the victim when talking or thinking about this aspect of my life.

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Although I am on a great path, very in tune with myself, and feel as if I’m in alignment with universe, we all have hiccups along the way.  Nobody is perfect and let’s face it, life is a journey and a continuous learning process for both me and you.

So, the other week I caught myself complaining, complaining, and complaining, and then, I had this moment of clarity (which has happened before), but this time the clarity really sank in.  The questions of why am I doing this and why am I ruminating about this problem and thinking negative thoughts over and over and over in my head really triggered something within me.  If there’s anything I’ve learned in regard to the law of attraction it’s that the vibrations you put out into the Universe are what you will receive back.  With that being said, why would I want to bring negativity into my life and continue to ruminate over a situation that is upsetting me?

I believe we all secretly, very deep down, love playing the role of the victim because we have the opportunity to shift blame onto other people or situations rather than looking inwardly at ourselves.  If you’re unhappy about something, it’s much easier to blame someone else rather than to show up for yourself and acknowledge what’s really going on inside of you.

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One of the coolest things that I’ve read within the past few weeks was a quote on Twitter by @LifeHacks. I’m not very active on Twitter, but I do love reading and occasionally retweeting things. One day I read a simple quote that went like this: “Three solutions to every problem: Accept it, change it or leave it. If you can’t accept it, change it. If you can’t change it, leave it.” How simple yet true!

When I read this quote, everything seemed very clear.  If you can’t accept something, change it.  If you can’t change it, leave it.  Sometimes the key to happiness is really that simple.   I guarantee that if you take this approach to many things in life, you’re going to be much happier because surrendering to something that just isn’t working in your favor and isn’t making you happy is a very strong and brave step in showing up for yourself.  Ruminating about what isn’t making you happy may seem like the easier choice, but negativity has a domino effect, and the more negative you are, the more negativity you will bring into your life.

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So, here is my advice to you:  be present and acknowledge that you are playing the role of the victim. When you focus on living in the present, you observe, reflect and process things at a slower pace and in turn acknowledge everything around you and how you’re feeling.  By doing so, you are aware of how you’re reacting to what you’re thinking and what’s going on around you.  If you slow down the pace, in any moment of unhappiness, I promise that you’ll have a brief moment of clarity and want to reach for a happy thought.

The first step is awareness, and the second step is actually changing your mindset, which takes a conscious and continuous effort.  Practice makes perfect, and you need to change out the negativity tape in your mind to achieve the results you want. Anytime you have a negative thought, reach for a positive one, whether it’s a silver lining in a situation or a positive thought or memory from your past. Feelings and emotions are all temporary, and you can change your mindset from negative to positive in an instant.

Everything in life is a choice, and you don’t have to choose to live in a negative world. It’s your choice to live a positive life. Stop feeding into the victim role by putting an end to complaining and ruminating.  Life is going to be much easier once you do this, and I promise you that if you stick to slowing down the pace of your thoughts and reactions, you will become more aware of the vibrations you’re putting into the universe, and you will choose to think positive thoughts.  End result: you will have a life filled with joy and happiness.

Be well, be glam!

Xx Marisa

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This off-the-shoulder sweater is by Romwe. It’s so comfy for the change of seasons!  I’m so happy sweater weather has arrived. Check out the top here!

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Photos Taken at Sweet Moment in Little Italy (NYC).  I got the Creamart Red Velvet (naturally, because it’s red! 🙂 )

Trust the Process

This past month I have been constantly reminded that there is a plan greater than mine. I was so adamant about following my own plan that I continued to resist the path that the Universe was setting for me. Enter feelings of uncertainty and frustration as well as the constant question of “why is this happening?!” The best way I could describe the past month is like a puzzle: a puzzle I had all the wrong pieces to yet was trying to piece together. When something is not meant to be, it will simply not be, no matter how much we think we can control it or force it.

Naturally, resistance occurs when our plan doesn’t match up with what the world is throwing at us. The Universe will place new people and experiences into our lives and take out what is no longer serving us, and if you don’t make the changes yourself, the Universe will make them for you, as we each have a plan that’s greater than our own. You just have to be ready to let go and trust the process.

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Surrendering to a plan greater than yours is indeed difficult, however, it is ever so rewarding. I can’t emphasize this enough: everything happens for a reason. You might not know or understand the reason while you are going through the process, but when you take the time to look back on the experience or situation, you will find that it happened because it was meant to.

In my most recent experience, the Universe was setting me up for a better situation that I didn’t even think was possible! (Thank you, Universe!). We all put the utmost trust in our own plans, while we should be putting trust in a power greater than ourselves. Allow yourself to find comfort in trusting the process, and everything will come with ease.

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P.s. This gorgeous red, asymmetrical blouse is from SheIn.  Shop my favorite fall styles here!

Xx Marisa

Sweater Weather Wishlist x Romwe

Hey, babes! Although it’s still 80 degrees and insanely humid here in NYC, sweater weather is right around the corner.  If you’re familiar with weather in the Northeast, then you know that with a snap of a finger 80 degree weather drops real quick.  Sadly, summer has come to an end, but fall (and its fashion) has arrived!  Romwe offers so many affordable, chic styles for the fall, and I’d thought I’d share some of my favorite picks with you.

Here’s a roundup of my favorite, comfy sweaters you’ll be needing for this sweater weather season (all from their site!):

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Drop Shoulder Mixed Knit Jumper

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Cable Knit Open Front Longline Sweater Coat

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Pearl Beading Layered Bell Sleeve Jumper 

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Cold Shoulder Loose Fit Longline Jumper

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Laddering Sleeve Jumper

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Contrast Lace Up Hollow Out Ripped Sweater

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Criss Cross V Back Sweater

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Embroidered Chunky Kit Jumper

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Contrast Bow Oversized Knitwear

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Geo Pattern Hollow Out Jumper

Clearly, I love black and white with a pop of red 😉 I can picture myself wearing any of these and lounging on my couch, with a hot apple cider in hand, while watching my latest Netflix binge.  I hope these sweaters get you in a comfy Fall groove.  You can shop any of them here on Romwe!

Xx Marisa

 

My Favorite Fall Looks x SheIn Wishlist

Hello, babes! Fall has arrived, and I am so excited!  In my last post, I created a list of 21 reasons why I’m excited for fall with one of them being fall fashion, of course!  I have a ongoing wishlist of so many styles on SheIn, but I’ve narrowed down just a couple of my favorites and thought I’d share with you.  Here are some of my favorite picks from the start of the season:

1.  Faux Fur Jackets, Coats & Vests

 

 

2.  Pleather Bottoms

 

3. Blouses with Ruffles & Bell Sleeves

 

 

4. Unique Blazers

 

During fall and winter, you’ll constantly see me wearing pleather skirts..I think I own about six different colors now!  I have been trying to find my perfect pair of pleather pants, and I love these Cigarette Buckle Pants shown above.  I am also a fan of pleather shorts (although I only own one pair of these).  As for faux fur, I’m obsessed with different colors and patterns on jackets and vests.  I love how Shein incorporated faux fur sleeves on the Belted Hem Heathered Jacket above.  Ruffles and bell sleeves have been popular summer trends (personally, my favorite trends of summer 2017!), and I’m more than ready to continue to include these looks into my fall wardrobe.  In the past I haven’t been one to wear blazers, but I love the sophisticated look, and I’m hoping to wear more this season.  I love a trendy blazer with unique details like the two pictured above.  Although they are both white and Labor Day has passed, I think you can get away with these looks for just a little bit longer 🙂

Shop my favorite styles here and have a happy, stylish Fall!

Xx Marisa

Alterre Shoes for the Chic, On-the-go Woman

Hello, friends! I am so excited to share my most recent collaboration with you! I recently worked with the most fabulous shoe company, Alterre. Based here in New York, they create innovative heels and sandals for the on-the-go, modern woman.

Have you ever referred to yourself as the ‘bag lady?’ Well, I have on numerous occasions! I am constantly carrying around a large bag or tote stuffed with extra clothes and shoes in the event I have a last minute change of plans and need a quick wardrobe adjustment. Typically when I’m out of my apartment for the day, I’m out of my apartment for the day. Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as “going home quickly to change” in a city like New York.

Enter Alterre shoes to save the day! Why lug multiple pairs of shoes with you all day, when you can just bring one pair and some additional straps? With these shoes, you are able to alter the straps as many times as you’d like, while technically wearing the same pair of shoes all day. Talk about the perfect shoe for an on-the-go woman or traveler! They are comfortable, versatile, and bring “packing light” to a whole new level.

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Check out some of their starter kits here. I had the chance to try the “Platform” shoe in black, and I chose the “Elise” straps in gold and “Marilyn” in black suede. I tend to wear a lot of black, and I also love black with a pop of color, hence my choices. The straps are easily interchangeable, and I know this is a game changer for me in terms of traveling and bopping around the city!  There are over 500 combinations, so you’ll never get bored!  I am so excited to wear them throughout the fall months. I’m also certain that I’ll be investing in a lot more of these shoes and straps for my future travels and adventures.

Not only does Alterre create customizable, chic shoes, they also donate 5% of the proceeds to the women’s sex-trafficking shelter Restore NYC, so you get to do a great deed while looking fabulous.  One of many reasons to purchase your first pair today!

Thank you for the collab, Alterre!

Xx Marisa

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5 Ways to be Happy NOW!

Written for CT Fashion Mag.  Article here.

How many times have you heard the phrase that life is too short to be unhappy? If you’re like me, then you’ve heard it probably one too many times. Everything in life is continuously changing. Nothing remains constant; it’s basic physics. Although my career as a scientist ended at the high school level, the most important thing I learned is that everything is constantly in motion. Simply put, one’s life can change in an instant. We all have good days and bad days, but at the end of the day, we are in control of our own happiness.

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Stephanie Cowan 2017

Being human, we all get sad, stressed, irritated, upset, angry, etc. for a brief or even extended period of time.  Recently, it took me almost two months to get out of one of the most creativity-blocking ‘funks’ I have gone through in my life.  I felt like I was just going through the motions of life without actually living it. This experience made me thoroughly reassess what was holding me back and forced me to stop and regroup.

Over the years, I found that one of the easiest ways to be happy right now is to bring yourself back to living in the moment.  We are constantly looking for the next life event or big-picture happening to take place, however, life also consists of the ordinary everyday moments that come in between these bigger occurrences.  Every single moment makes up your life, so if your currently sad, angry, confused, or just feeling ‘blah,’ why not be happy in this moment, right now? So here are my tips on how to be happy NOW.

  1. Just Breathe.  The first step is simply to breathe.  Inhale the good, exhale the bad.  Whatever it is that is troubling or making your feel sad, just let it go with each out breath. Take five long, deep, and slow breaths like this: Inhale for four slow counts, hold your breath for four slow counts, and then exhale for four slow counts.  Repeat these steps.   Anytime I am stressed, I tend to hold my breath or breathe shallowly, cutting off proper circulation to the rest of my body.  This is a huge no-no for trying to calm oneself down. If you can become aware of your breathing, you can start to ground yourself, begin to relax and focus on the moment. The simple, natural process of breathing is very calming and can dispel your anxiety and make you feel more relaxed and less stressed.
  2. Take a moment to ground yourself.  Even if you have to set your timer to exactly one minute, take that exact minute to recompose yourself.  For me, this is closing my eyes and meditating in silence.  I’ll even repeat a phrase like “you can do this, Marisa” or “you are so much stronger than you think.”  Try it.  I swear it works, even just for one minute.
  3. Visualize your “happy place.”  For me, I don’t have one exact “happy place” that I constantly resort back to in times of need.  Many people have that one place, but I have many happy places because it doesn’t have to be limited to a physical place or time in your life when you were genuinely happy.  I always think back to a joke a friend of mine once told me or simply the smile of a loved one.  It’s not rocket science, just a memory that makes you feel good inside and a visual that can’t help but make you physically smile.
  4. Step outside (unless the weather is bringing you down, of course, then just step away).  Get some sunlight and reconnect with nature.  I always find it so difficult to not be happy when I’m sitting or standing outside in direct sunlight.  If you’re in an office or at home just take a step outside, or at the very least, step away from your desk.  Go on a quick walk to recharge and to experience the serenity and beauty that is all around you.  Whether you are in a big city or a small town, there is always a piece of nature that can’t be ignored or underappreciated.
  5. Turn on your favorite song.  Once you’ve brought yourself back to living in the moment, choose a song.  For me, this probably entails a dancy/hip hop song from the early 2000s.  Pick something that 1. Isn’t sad 2. That you can sing (or rap) aloud 3. Reminds you of a person you love or a great time in your life 4. That you can dance to or at least bop your head to.  Moving your body in general can shift your mood and increase your happiness immediately as well.
Stephanie Cowan 2017
Stephanie Cowan 2017
Stephanie Cowan 2017
Stephanie Cowan 2017

No one’s life is perfect, and the unfortunate truth is that we aren’t going to be happy in every single moment of our lives.  However, when we fall off the wagon and become consumed with negativity or sadness, these five life hacks certainly come in handy for reassessing our current state of mind.  Just remember that you are in control of your happiness, and if you can slow down your thoughts, become present in the moment, and change your attitude from negative to positive, you can essentially become happy in any given moment.

Stephanie Cowan 2017

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Photography by Stephanie Cowan theblondwiththesmile.com @stephaniecowan

Criss cross backless swing dress by SheIn!

Xx Marisa

A Bikini Babe’s Wishlist

Hey, hey! I can’t believe how fast this summer is FLYING by! How is it already the end of July?! I feel like this happens every summer *sigh.*

This is super embarrassing to admit, but I have yet to go to the beach this season (other than while I was in Corsica)! I have, however, spent a lot of time at the pool. I’m planning on taking a trip to Newport, RI, in a few weeks, and I have ordered some adorable swimsuits from two of my favorite brands: SheIn and Romwe.

Although the summer is wrapping up, we still have the full month of August left, so why not embrace it and spend even more time at the beach & pool?!  With that being said, here are my top 7 swimsuit trends of 2017:

  1. Scallops

 

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2. Crochet

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3. Lace up Bandeau

 

4. Plunge/ Plunge with mesh

 

5.  Velvet

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6. Underwire top

 

7. Backless One pieces

 

I absolutely love this backless one piece from Romwe! I’m a huge fan of one pieces–I think they are sexier than two pieces! Not to mention, they are very classy as well.  I have this particular suit in black, and although it looks very revealing in the photos, it actually has more coverage than you think.  You’ll definitely be turning heads 🙂

Xx Marisa