Thanksgiving is the time of year that we are reminded to be thankful. Many of us are already through out the year. Some of us aren’t. But when this holiday rolls around, regardless of what category you fall into – you can’t help but think of the things that you are grateful for. Happiness, health, wealth – a lesson learned, a friend made, the great deals you got Black Friday shopping. ..to each their own – no judgement. Think of six different things you are thankful for. Off the top of my head, I can say I’m thankful for my beautiful family who is there for each other rain or shine. I’m thankful for my loving boyfriend who cooks way better than I do but will never say otherwise. I’m thankful for my tried and true friends who are there for me at the drop of a hat, something I gladly reciprocate any day and any time. I am gracious for these non tangible things, but at the same time I am thankful that I am employed, and it’s doing something that allows me to indulge and express my creativity. I am thankful to have been given the opportunity to acquire knowledge there and through academics. These things have equipped me with what I need to live a happy, healthy life. I am thankful for knowing I have it all.

Thankful for what I have.

But also thankful for what I don’t have.

Homelessness. Illness. Hunger. Lack of resources.

I think that when most people think about what they are thankful for, it’s about possessions. People, places and things. We forget that not everyone has these luxuries. Even if they don’t seem like a luxury to us, they truly are. For someone, somewhere is without. This holiday is about giving thanks. So while you are giving thanks for all that you do have, remember to be thankful for that in which you don’t. Some aren’t as fortunate. So instead of showing thanks via social media posts, roll up your sleeves and give others the opportunity to be thankful for something they may have otherwise not have gotten. Here are six different ways to give thanks.

1. Donate – clothes, toys, books, shoes, household items, money…whatever you can. I donate at least twice a year to the Lupus Foundation, Veteran’s Association or the Salvation Army. You can set up pick ups on line, it’s easy!

2. Volunteer – spend time serving the hungry – Eva’s Village (NJ) , help prepare donation baskets St John’s Bread and Life (NYC) or check out Idealist for other volunteer opportunities

3.  Donate to medicine – many need it, not all have it. Partners in Health has an amazing background story, if you get a chance, read Mountains Beyond Mountains. You’ll see what I mean.

4. Help Expand Literacy – whether you volunteer your time, or donate books, you are contributing to not only an individuals future, but a universal future. Most libraries take part in National Friends of Libraries  - so check out your local library to see how you can help!

5. Take time to actually say thank you to the people in your life that make it something to be thankful for. They’ll appreciate it more than you know.

6. STOP COMPLAINING. I know. It seems trivial. But think about everything that you complain about on a daily basis. In the grand scheme of things, it creates a downward spiral. Don’t be ungrateful for what is wrong. Think about what is right and how fortunate you are. You have so much to be thankful for, and graciousness inspires others to feel the same and act on it. BE THANKFUL.

Happy Thanksgiving, and remember, there is always something to be thankful for.

Three days left until Thanksgiving. So, you have your menu planned out. You have an idea of what your tablescape will look like, and the settings may already be adorning your dining room table, just waiting for your guests. Or, if you’re attending dinner as a guest at a friend or family member’s house – you are bringing that famous cheesecake that your  family has loved for generations! You have the day planned out. Or… maybe you don’t. No judgement. It’s time to put a twist on the traditional table top. Whether it’s a variation on a traditional recipe, or a tabletop centerpiece that will be the center of conversation – we have got you covered. Here are six different ways to make Thanksgiving one they’ll really be thankful for!

Butternut Squash Soup …in your Slowcooker!

DIY Napkin Rings

Pumpkin Vase Centerpiece

Cranberry Ginger Shandy

Cheesecake Stuffed Apples

Maple Glazed Turkey with Bacon & Sage Butter

New York City is known for so many attractions, which is why millions of people flock to the big apple each year to tour the town. One thing New Yorkers and tri staters alike take a lot of pride in – are our sports teams. We are no fair weather fans either, you’ll see that below. Today, we kick off the first game of the 2015 World Series in Kansas City. Despite the fact that our beloved Queens bred Mets are away, we still are cheering them on from the Tri-State area. Having earned two World Series Championship titles, five National League pennants, and six East Division Titles, the Mets deserve a spot on six different ways in the least! We welcome you to celebrate the Mets with us today, and six different rooms designed around this New York team that might make you want to switch sides if you haven’t yet! Go Mets!

Mets Bar via Man Cave Master

Mets Lounge via Pinterest

Mets Kids via Creativity Institute

October happens to be my favorite month of the year. Not just because I celebrated my 2?th birthday this past Friday, but because of the weather being moderately decent, the colorful foliage, crisp apples, and of course the warm pumpkin pie..pumpkin spice lattes…and well, pumpkin everything. Halloween is just another reason to love October. The preparation of finding/making costumes, going pumpkin picking to find the perfect pumpkins to adorn your front steps or centerpieces, decorating said pumpkins with family and friends, and finally the joyous looks on your kids faces when they come home with candy by the bag full. It makes this month a lovely precessor to a busy holiday season. Spending time with family, friends, relaxing and decorating, just being creative and fun can make for so many fond memories. Especially decorating pumpkins. The pumpkin is the center of October, if not the center of the universe. Well, at least for me. Any how – check out six different fun, innovative ways to pump up your pumpkin picks and create a display that will make them fall in love!

Tutorial via Frugal Flourish

In this DIY day and age where we have the experts (and by experts I mean the people who actually post their creations on Pinterest and other boards that serve as inspiration to us, while we shamelessly try at their attempts and miserably fail) and the moderately talented – it’s hard to keep up. So, I did a little research and found a fun DIY get starter project. It’s literally fail proof. So – I know everyone knows and loves those quotes painted on reclaimed wood. You know – the ones you see in retail stores for $30.00 + ? They’re quite popular – I don’t go anywhere without seeing one or a variation – (i.e. painted wood letters, monograms, etc.) Well – good news – it’s a DIY project that’s great for a starter.

Poplar wood is most commonly used for projects that require painting or staining. It’s because the wood collects the finish/color more evenly due to the way the pores of the wood are evenly distributed in comparison to other types of wood. It’s also relatively inexpensive and can be purchased for next to nothing. Add to that a craft store bought stencil, some acrylic paint – and you’re a pinterest pro. Check out the tutorial here (via Made in a Day) , and roll up your sleeves -you’ll be surprised how simple but beautiful it is to create one!  You’ll be back by poplar demand in no time. =)

Oscar De La Renta’s Spring 2016 debut at NYFW yesterday was effortlessly successful. With models adorned in floral print or floral inspired gowns, dresses and jackets that weren’t too much to the eye as some floral designs are – his legacy surely lived on and continues to bloom. I love the Spanish influence of the new line – check out some of my fave pieces below.

The combination of black with red or other colors, layered ruffles and florals are reminiscent of Old world Spain and Flamenco dancers. The boldness and drama of the black compliments and contrasts the fragility of the floral prints and pastels. Perfect balance. Love these looks – and I’m sure they’ll be a huge hit in the spring 2016 design world as well. Oscar De La Renta’s legacy is a truly an everlasting flower that will continue to grow and inspire beauty for years to come. Check my six different home design pieces inspired by his designs below: