Everything Is Always Working Out 4 You

Teleporting home for the holidays, with gifts and a bit of - extra - luggage isn't easy, except it was, thanks to Amazon Lockers. Since I’ve been on the road again, I had little to no time - or attention span - to holiday shop the way I’d ordinarily plan to. So, I experimented for the first time with online shopping for gifts to go home with, scheduling deliveries to arrive at the Amazon Lockers, conveniently located in my local Whole Foods Market. This concept especially came in handy when I managed to pick up a same-day Amazon delivery on my way to the train. Not only did I arrive to the train station early - a first! - I literally stopped to smell the roses and picked up fresh flowers and a kombucha for the ride. Showing up like Santa Claus herself, to Long Island. 

Reflecting back on my holiday experience, I realize how relaxed and at ease everything felt. This isn't because every moment was perfect, there was tons of contrast leading up to Christmas, beyond my expectation. Just as I was about to devolve into some old ways of being, I remembered one thing - that everything is always working out for me. Every twist and turn I experienced on my way home for the holiday's was exactly what I needed in order to grow and expand more fully into the new levels of awareness I've been seeking since June. The lived-in comfort of knowing that when things don't go according to plan, it's not only alright, but necessary to still be glad and know that it is all for good reason. 

Sometimes going to-and-from and back-toward home again is no easy feat, especially with (newly acquired adult) luggage filled with newly acquired adult baggage. Entering a new year and sorting through all the contrast, knowing more fully the things I don't want so I know what it is that I do want; excited about upcoming travel, I placed all my focus on gearing up for adventure, meeting people in a different city, seeing things my eyes had not yet seen before. I turned my attention from things that didn't feel good, to things that did. In hindsight, I have no doubt, that this shift in perception lead to a total shift in experience. We can call this the path of least resistance, but I committed to this way of thinking and it worked. Allowing happiness to return to me, despite of the conditions or what I did 

or didn't have going on was the key that unlocked a much more satisfying, enriching experience. 

Suddenly, happiness was everywhere. It wasn't everyone at Christmas dinner being on the same page and sadly, it involved the passing of a loved one, and heartbreak; loss, and so much gain. It was a small victory in learning to consider the possibility that there is always another way of looking at things. Dark clouds turned into pink skies, little moments that are big enough to snap you right back into the vortex. It looked a lot like seeing through the frost; three-generations drinking wine and playing Jenga together on Christmas, having a two hour discussion about perspective in the car with my sister and uncle, finding a mixed CD from high school; titled 'untitled', driving in circles first toward the bluff, then toward the mall. After hours, no-fog, late-night New York City views from the highest box in the sky. Wings, gin, jazz. 

It feels like saying yes to adventure across the boarder and leaving it all behind me, #deliveringsmiles with a smile. 

If there’s a past, I’ve forgotten it.

Eager to learn more about Amazon Lockers? I thought you'd say yes! 

Conveniently located in more than 900 cities and towns across the US, you can experience a delivery innovation unlike most regardless of where you are (or are visiting). 

Check Out http://amazon.com/lockers or find your nearest location at http://amazon.com/findalocker. 

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How-to:

Some time ago, I'd grown tired of feeling tired in New York City and I fled- West. I packed high-waisted blue jeans and a t-shirt, plus only my favorite belongings, leaving behind whatever it was that I no longer needed to carry. Clothes I could move around in, that fit like a second-skin. Books for the moments-in-between. Film and my journal so I'd remember. Denim and some dresses, mismatched. One, no two,  pairs of shoes. Something to hike in, to wear as we watch the sunset over desert mountain-tops. A two-piece, little nothing, for swimming in the bungalow pool after dark. A soundtrack to keep me moving and feeling good through unfamiliar territory. 

I left the city with so many questions and so much on my mind, knowing that I'd only find whatever it was I'd been looking for through sitting in stillness and remembering how-to breathe. To collect my thoughts enough to write them down and express them from heart-center. Ready-for-anything, really just means keeping your heart and mind open. Wide-open-spaces and unlimited blue-sky teaches a girl how-to surrender, to simplify, to smile again and again, then once more.

As always, a humble reminder through silence in nature, that every answer is inside of you. 

Click here to book this Palm Springs Bungalow now!

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Forward is the Motion

Nestled in a mountain cabin, somewhere between books and dialogue, I find comfort in the stillness of unfamiliar surroundings. Last years fever breaks and my exhale, finally, feels natural. In this safe haven, my reflection is recognizable, time passes gently and tea never grows cold. Head-to-toe in something super soft by Cotton On Body, I dip in and out of sleep. Waking up on love’s shoulder only to spend time playing scrabble by the fire and drink rye before noon. Here, I am reminded that happiness is our birthright and this kind of freedom, something worth fighting for.

It is a New Year and I’m shifting the paradigm. Changing the way I think and interact with

self. To go through the stages of my existence and ask What On Earth Am I Here For? The longing for a purpose driven life. Learning how-to extend kindness, grace, humility, and love always in all-ways.  Letting go of the idea that there are many things to be resolute about and committing further to staying open-hearted because every day is new.

I’m starting to think that maybe it takes more than resolutions. It takes resilience.

Exclusively Featuring Cotton On Body Track Pants and Hoodie, Flannel Pants and Bralette. Photographed by Lauren Gould.

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Desert Hot Springs

There are times when the days will not feel long enough. You'll wish that there were more hours to read, bathe, be held. Light a candle, drink gin before noon, and root your bare feet into the earth. It feels evolutionary to sit in stillness and breathe each morning in deeply, knowing who you are and how it is you want to move through the world, today. On this day, giving feels natural and using more than words does, too. Some girls, some days, aren't meant to withhold. Some of us, are meant to stay untamed. Rising, growing more wild, and beautiful. Under the deserts yellow moon, we howl for the truth. Turn to one another and whisper,

Be brave. Your quality of life
and love,

depends on it.

Shot by Nix Mione at Julie's Airstream Camper located in Desert Hot Springs, California. Book this Airstream on Airbnb Here Now!

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All-In-One

Rest awhile and listen, as I tell you of the great powers resting there in your hips, on your breast, in the fibers that twist and twine within your flesh. Of the greatness you possess of which I think you need to be reminded.

Beyond the image of external beauty you so diligently work to tend, beyond the idea that your external beauty holds great value and importance lives something far more wondrously wild and uniquely yours. A beauty of no standard, just your raw and unfeathered self. Beyond the idea that your appearance is acquainted with your worth, thrives a tremendous depth. Let me remind you of your softness, your abilities to heal, to transform, to nurture the world around you.

Let me remind you of the natural gifts that come packaged alongside you when you were born into this world as woman. Let me remind you that your gifts of feeling, empathy, and love are not weaknesses to sever yourself from. They are not wasted on you. They are not something to run from. To feel ashamed or deceitful. So much of being woman means to be fierce-feelers; to see the way you so naturally do. To feel and touch and nurture the life that is both conceived in your womb and swimming around you.

If I could tell you one thing you must somehow learn to remember it’s that your sensitivities were meant to be used for greatness. To Feed and nurture the world into proper order. The softness you possess was meant to be taught, shared, showered.

Let me remind you of the ocean of strength that lives within you. Let me remind you of the constellations that swirl in continuous orbit around your heart center. Let me remind you of the connection you have with the divine, the source from which woman was born. You have within you the most frightening power of all. The power to love without condition. To nurture without thought. To breathe life back into broken and scared places in others. You must always remember these are your gifts. You must always remember the ocean of strength that lives within you.

Reconnect with your most untamed version of you. Who looks not into the mirror to find her power but travels into the uncharted waters that thrash around her and brings peace and tenderness on her back. I want to remind you the vastness of your being before we got lost in the small box of what we’ve been taught as women. Before we were taught to stop crying so often. Before we were taught to toughen our skins. Before we were taught to be hard. Before we were distracted into thinking the roundness of our eyes and plumpness of our lips somehow held value and importance. Before we forgot that we are the portals of life for great reason, that we have throughout history been the soft light in which all life grows.  At what point did we get so lost to the value and importance of these very things.

These qualities and inclinations humming in your background require your attention and nurturing. They are what the world is in need of. They are to be cultivated with great care. If you find yourself feeling lost, disconnected from source, alienated from yourself. You must work to journey back into your wildness. Sit with yourself. Place your feet bare against the earth. Breathe back into the little girl you once were. The little girl who led with her heart. The little girl who led with all the joy in the world and all the pain, too. Feel back into the little girl who became afraid of all her abilities to see and feel so much. Who decided it was safer to close than to open to. To the little girl who listened to the people around her. Criticizing her sensitivities. Calling her too soft. Travel back to that little girl and offer your hand now, from your grounded root. From your place of woman, or mother, or lover. Show her the way back, into her most fulfilling form. Into her place as the divine feminine.

Photos by Lauren Gould. Wearing BKLYN Bodies Private Label Bodysuit.

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Give Her What She Wants

The holidays can remind us, that every day is a day to give. To be mindful of what you're after and thankful for what you already have. If you're looking for something to excite you and are resolute about the fact that each morning is a chance to rise, to move your body in rhythm with your soul,

salute the sun and brew a kombucha-for-two, then this post is for you. Around eleven, a subway ride can take you uptown to the Bronx in half, when a good book and chai keep you company or maybe the sound of Nina Simone; today you feel like Peaches. When the long day is over, you gently come back to the place that makes you feel infinite; home, arms, the blanket or sweater that's kept you warm since the move. And when you do take the road in search of new beginnings or holiday cheer, something to spark the inner-light of wonder, remember to keep a list of what you've seen, who you've met and where. Banking the memories is what we're all after, so live and be spontaneous. Fearless and authentically you. For me, it's like taking the train home after snowfall. My mom and sister waiting at the station because we've missed each other since November's gratitudes over turkey, stuffing, and baked pecans.

I'm probably wearing something overdressed and in silk by Misook (ROMO CODE MSK8491 for 25% off the entire site now), walking still with the city's edge.  In my luggage there's  a book about a girl turned woman, soon, that I'll share over morning coffee with mom. A sisterhood of traveling sweatshirt, and gifts for Abba that I've found from my travels up north. Some things to look forward to, something left to love.

Want to Shop some of my Misook Faves for the season?
1. Snap Detail Skirt or try this. 2. Silk Tunik. 3. Copper Tank 4. Illusion Framed Jacket. 5. Plaid Jacket. 6. Tweed Jacket.

[Use PROMO CODE MSK8491 for 25% off the entire site now until January].

Also Featuring Adidas Originals Hoodie. Ulla Johnson Pilar Cable-Knit. Dr. Martens Boot. Bkr Water Bottle. PS11 Mini Bag. Simon Miller Jeans. LeMaire Wool Sweater. Ray-Ban Classic's. Catbird Gold Ring. Leather Notebook. Janessa Leone Renee Beret. Dear Frances Booties. Georgia Perry Peace Pin.  Bodyism Sports Bra. Cast Iron French Oven. Faux Fur Blanket. Nike Air Max. Marble Yoga Mat. The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur. B&O Play Headphones. Kombucha Brewing Jar. Adidas Superstar Sneakers. Vetements Mesh Bag. The Elder Statesmen Cardigan. Isabel Marant Hat.

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I Just Follow The Sun

It feels good to put down the roadmap, follow the sun, and go where it feels like freedom. I don't have all the answers but I know that telling the truth will always help you find your way home. Just like, I figured out how little it is that I actually need to carry with me, most places that I go. Jeans are meant to be worn in and your shoes should take you down new streets, pulling you toward the next adventure. 

Your bag will not feel heavy, because it is filled with only the bare necessities; like a phone that's on do not disturb, some lipstick, and a really good book.

Baby steps towards self love and appreciation, knowing whatever it is that lead you here, whoever you gave your time to, and however long it took to say yes to something new 

and unknown was well worth the journey. 

If once there was a time you invested in something that felt a lot like reverse evolution, remember that all the love you put into this world will be returned to you. 

I will sleep on dry pillows now

in a bed big enough to love myself in

I will awake these coming mornings with my eyes dry 

and shining

full of the knowledge I am priceless and worth nothing but honesty.

Wearing Urban Outfitters Denim and Sunglasses, Abercrombie Tank. Photos by @shotbyjessica

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Unbothered

There is peace in knowing that there are ways to help ease the transition of going into a new chapter. According to my most recent market research, the first thing any girl who's in-the-middle-of-things, should do, is remember to breathe. Something that should feel natural, but at times, just doesn't. 

Next, surround yourself with your people: the one(s) who love you well and make you laugh. In sorting through life, I've also understood it's seemingly easier said than done to cleanse your closet, contact list, and heart chakra, 

but it is so worth it when you do. I realized in this process of cleansing

 that I am a tried-and-true jeans and a tee, kind of girl. That I take the phrase less is more quite literally, and only really enjoy wearing two pieces of clothing at a time. I'd prefer to be barefoot and I haven't worn a bra in years. 

Getting rid of what no longer served me, and holding onto my Urban Outfitter High-Rise Denim's forevermore, I've packed strictly UO Denim for all my summer trips and haven't met a kick-flare I didn't love. I scaled my wardrobe back to pieces that made me feel good. Sneakers to adventure in. Sunglasses to block the haters or the shine, either way they keep you protected. Denim the kind I can eat a pasta dinner in, that feels more like a second skin. 

A sweater that I wore on a bus to New Paltz, then again in Santa Ynez. 

If you've dreamt of throwing all your belongings to the curb and know that it's twice as good when you do, then this post is for you.

Wearing Urban Outfitters Wide-Leg Jean, Kick Flare, Surplus Pant   Shot by Jacob Pritchard. "Unbothered" Playlist in collaboration with Sponge. 

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Tune into the Power

I have spent the greater part of this year, making a commitment to my(self) to actively live a more awakened life. To be a woman whose mind and body are equally strong.

With this evolution, has come some friction of an unexpected kind. Sometimes life can get away from you, it can spiral into an oblivion of things that not only you didn't know existed, but that you didn't know existed within you.
I started a very personal journey earlier this year and made an internal choice, within a moment that left me feeling smaller than I ever had before, to see things differently. To believe, with conviction, that there was another way of looking at my less than desirable situation. When confronted with something or someone that causes us to question what it is that we are really made of, we have a choice to lean in and love. Or, we can cower and stay on the path of forgetting who it is that we are meant to become in this lifetime. If my life felt hysterical, that is because something within me was hysterical. If I had unconditional love for self
then I would be in a place of receiving unconditional love from others. Now, I am in a total space of reclaiming my time. In stillness,
and in love, the skies broke for me and I was able to mend.

You can spend hours scrolling, if you want to, living in comparison and feeding into anxieties over the job, the apartment, the guy. You can also choose to consider, if only for a second, that you are deserving, worth it, and strong enough. Consider the solution and tune into the power.

Wearing Urban Outfitters Overalls, Sunglasses (try these!). Photos by @shotbyjessica. 

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Biolage 3 Butter Control System

I don't feel very much like the same girl who used to shy away from fresh rain falling from the sky, taking a skinny dip in the lake after midnight, or having an impromptu shower under the stars but I haven't always been so willing to 

wash-and-go. 

Somewhere between racing to the market from the subway, shifting bric-a-brac throughout my new home, and chasing adventure in the city every weekend I can, I'd forgotten how long it's been since I first started setting my curls free and keeping them out of the line of fire. 

There was a time, many moons ago, when I'd cringe at the sight of any frizz and spend hours flat-ironing my curls into oblivion. It wasn't until years later, when someone I really believed, and

loved 

told me I looked most beautiful in the morning bare-faced, with sweaty post-yoga hair. Soon after I started to feel beautiful while being the most natural. Accepting my curls, the ones I'd usually try to hide under hats, twist into a top knot after they let loose at the gym, and would wake up (extra) early to tame, really meant accepting my self. 

I hadn't been ready to brace the world with natural hair since I was in high school, but this type of comfort, felt like I'd finally figured out how I wanted to move through the world and

what I wanted to look like, while doing it. Since every new day brings about a different curl, my recipe for control and how I save time styling, is mainly by investing in keeping my hair as nourished and hydrated as possible. Thanks to the new Biolage 3 Butter Control System including a shampoo, conditioner, day cream, and overnight mask, my curls are coming back to life, feeling softer than ever. Made with key ingredients Shea, cupuacu and murmur butters, my new go-to for a more manageable mane is the overnight mask, which I sometimes leave in all day. 

I'm excited to share that I will be giving away a full set of the product to one lucky winner! All you need to do is comment below on why you need a #recipeforcontrol for your chance to win. Include your Instagram handle in the comment so I can reach out if you are selected! I'll be randomly selecting one lucky winner on August 18th. Good Luck!

This post has been brought to you courtesy of Biolage. Photos thanks to Lauren Gould and Emma Jane Kepley. Wearing Urban Outfitters Jeans and Bag, Spring Shoes.

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The Type

Racing to the market from the subway

heart mended, lips raw and wordless, hands still sticky from all the nectarines.

Only teaching on Tuesdays,

bookworming in pajamas fresh from the washer each morning.

The kind of woman who shifts bric-a-brac throughout her home, while

floating tirelessly above the baseboards. Trinkets, glittering, match the place-setting’s always reserved for guests, unintended.  

Embroidered pillows delicately rest against ruffled bedding, curtain-less windows left open;

there are no neighbors here.

Paintings of landscapes hung unevenly like the nametag worn home from work. Statues of goddesses adorned with rosaries and sweet water. Books worn to spine, too heavy for the shelf to hold they are amongst

the only things

scattered everywhere; one to help even the kitchen table, others lost between papers or postcards of lovers past. Ceramic tea cups left empty with ashes or coffee turned to stone. One last leftover gone uneaten. There are no clean sheets for the bed. Polish chipped and hands hardened from all the dishes, the digging, the devotion

heels calloused from all the blocks you have walked.

Bathtub, flooded and a refrigerator that has lost all it’s cold air.

You do not rise each morning able to give.

Until

Jazz, your journal, and hot bathing until you prune. White china drying early morning, besides the chrysanthemums;

everything is shining and awakened by the sun.

Know you are the type of woman who is searching for a place to call yours.

Let the statues crumble.

You have always been the place.

You are a woman who can build it yourself

You were born to build.

Remember what it feels like

in this moment

of connection.

Everything that you need to be happy is here, right now.

 Featuring Urban Outfitters Fringe Duvet Set, Embroidered Pillow, Tassel Pillow, Bag. Wearing 7 For All Mankind Jacket. Photographed by @ShotByJessica.

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