me and him

On a crisp December day my love and I waited in the West Village, giddy with excitement and nerves. I have always wanted to take cute "aesthetic" photos with him since all I had were terrible selfies and Snapchat filters, so you could understand my frustration when I couldn't post those since I have such a strict Instagram (by choice hehe). We were waiting for our amazing photographer, Benjamin Patch, to come and photograph us wandering around and exchanging sweet, corny kisses. Tessa joined us as well and we basically had a photography party filled with laughs and lots of love. Photographs aside, I do want to talk about love for a little bit.

I do like keeping my personal life private because I feel like that is such a precious gem to find nowadays. Of course I love sharing my excitement and thrills of being in love with you guys, especially since I never had any real boyfriends before this (also, how cringy is the word boyfriend). But there's also something so romantic and charming about a little mystery. I will tell you that his name is Adam and we met a little more than a year ago when I moved to the city for school. I was always too scared and too shy in front of men, but he made me feel oddly comfortable. I already knew that was some sort of sign. We are seriously so silly and all we do is laugh and I've never found something that makes me feel so whole. 

 I honestly have always thought that I wouldn't really find someone--because of my shyness and timidness and how I was so comfortable being alone. And, as always being an independent person, it wasn't really easy to adapt to someone being so involved in a life that yes, I share over social media, but never truly shared with someone else. It was always my little hobby that I would come home to and lock myself away and work and be happy. I didn't realize that the only thing that could make me happier than that was sharing it with someone. I cannot explain the joy I feel when he points something out that I would take a photo of, or how he smiles whenever I scream about cute plants or a fluffy, over-the-top coat.

I got seriously lucky. I really did. And love really does always happen when you're least expecting it. It wasn't until I settled with myself, until I said 'you're fine without a boy', is when I got that first email from him (yes, email...it's a long story). It truly taught me that you must be happy with yourself in order to find happiness with another person. If you feel like you're never going to fall in love, fall in love with yourself first. I know it sounds cheesy, but I promise you it will make a difference.

Though I know this was very different, I really hope you enjoyed this post. I'd love to talk about relationships more, so let me know if you'd be interested in that too. And, of course, a GINORMOUS thank you to Benjamin for photographing us in the bitter cold yet making the photos look so unbelievably beautiful. Please check out his work guys, it is truly amazing and will want to make you get married right now (not even kidding). 

Xoxo,

Christie

tiny tips on how to feel confident

Hi guys! I've always wanted to do a post about being happy, healthy, and confident, because I know how terrible it feels when we get into our glum days or how easy it is to feel insecure in this ever changing, pressured world. In the future I definitely want to do an elaborated post or even a video talking about being confident, but today I just wanted to put together some little things you can do that can help improve your mood and view on yourself ♡

don't be so hard on yourself

When you say negative things about yourself, whether it be aloud or in your own head, your mind, as well as your esteem, is getting beaten by harsh words and it can take its toll. Try, everyday, to stop those thoughts. Instead, replace it with something like "I am okay. I am beautiful. I can do this." I know it sounds unbelievably cheesy, but you have no idea the impact that this can have once you try doing it yourself. In saying negative things, the only person you are hurting is yourself. Stop those words, stop being negative, and open up to positivity and kind thoughts. Not only will you start being positive about yourself and start feeling great about yourself, but your attitude towards life will change for the better as well. 

don't compare

We're all surrounded by books, magazines, and tons of social media that influence the way we see ourselves. Make sure that you don't compare yourself to all the commercials, the ads, the photos that you see every day. It is important to know the difference between something/someone who inspires you and something/someone that has a negative effect on your self confidence. If there's an Instagram account of a person that you find yourself comparing every little thing about him/her to your life, unfollow. It is only having a negative impact, especially if you're not getting any real inspiration from the account. I used to follow a lot of models, until I realized...seeing their beautiful selfies every day made me feel so much less than. I unfollowed, and that's okay! Just know that on social media, there is always more and lives don't look as 'perfect' as they seem, ever. There is nothing wrong with not following someone because of jealousy or if they are having that strong, negative impact. Surround yourself with people, magazines, books that inspire you to improve yourself and who give you motivation!

take care of your body, your soul, and your mind

It is really important that you take time for yourself and treat your body the way it is meant to be treated. Drink water, eat veggies, take a bath and do a facial every once and a while, have some tea. You're probably wondering...well how would things like this improve my self confidence? Because it will make you feel purely good. Once you feel good on the inside, your outside will shine with benefits as well. I love my little pampering nights because not only does it give my mind a sense of peace, but I just feel really great and even 'pretty' the next day. It just truly can enhance your mood. It is almost like if you were to go to bed at 3am versus 10pm. If you were to go to bed really late, you'll feel sluggish and just want to throw on sweatpants in the morning. But if you get those extra hours of sleep, you'll feel great and ready to go the next day! Taking care of the body, mind, and soul will just help you feel happy, healthy, and confident. tell yourself you are beautiful, until you believe it (because you are)

Another amazing tip for self-confidence that I found to be so helpful: fake it until you make it. I know, again, this sounds like huh?? But the fact of the matter is, if you truly start telling yourself you are beautiful, you can do anything you want, the future is endless...your mind will believe it. And soon enough, you're really start feeling this way. Self-confidence is no easy thing...it took me YEARS and years to finally feel good in my own skin. It is hard, it is trial and error, it might take some tears...but it is all about changing your perceptions and opening up your mind to happiness, positivity, and light. Again, I know I sound like a yogi, but it really is true. Take pictures of yourself, write down your features and details you love, accept your flaws (because literally everyone in the world has them). Accept and love accept and love.-I really hope you found this helpful in some way. I just really want to do a post like this because so many people send me questions about self-confidence, and the things they say about themselves just makes me really sad. Please love yourself, please treasure yourself, there is no one out there like you. Remember, you are beautiful and were put in this world for a reason. Xoxo,Christie 

the best birthday

Hi pups! So most of you may have known that it was my birthday on Friday, June 17th, just because I couldn't stop posting photographs with the birthday balloon emoji. It was seriously one of the most beautiful birthdays I've ever had, all thanks to my love, Adam. I decided I wanted to stay in NYC for my birthday just because...why not celebrate with my most favorite person in my most favorite city? Without further ado, I want to show you everything we did. And how beautiful he made it for me. So lucky.

So first stop, as you would probably predict, it was The Standard for breakfast outside in their garden. Adam was of course healthy, but I couldn't resist in ordering the blueberry lemon pancakes. They're whole wheat okay?!?!?!

Being a diva with coffee & sunglasses from & Other Stories.

After breakfast, we decided to venture around the meat packing district/Greenwich since they're so close to each other and they're my favorite parts of the city. He got me a bouquet of flowers and we continued venturing, picking out our future brownstone (or shall I say I was the annoying one saying 'BOO WE MUST GET THIS' after each apartment we passed with vines or a beautiful wooden door.)

My birthday outfit was as so -- Free People polka dot dress, Steve Madden sandals, Ralph Lauren bag, Nomadic Store necklace.

After getting lemonade in Soho, Adam surprised me with the lunch spot. Even weirder? When we passed it on our way to get lemonade I said, "Oh my God, Laduree!" hence his laughter when we stumbled upon it again. I was so shocked because I didn't even know they had an actual restaurant, tucked behind the usual cafe/macaron area. It was beautiful.

I can't even tell you how many glasses of champagne I had on my birthday. Okay wait, just 2. But still that felt like a lot to me!! We both got caesar salads, mine with chicken and his with lobster because he's sophisticated. Then, of course, we got macarons. The rose water one I died over. Mmmmmm.

Next was shopping in Soho. Adam really really wanted to get me a nice bag and though I'm content with the ones I had, going to All Saints on your birthday really makes you feel princess-y. So I said fine. And splurged. We also went to Reformation and picked up one piece.

I plan on showing all the items I got on my birthday in a Youtube video, so for now I will just have to tease you with the bags! 

Then it was bike-riding time! I've always dreamt of getting a vintage bike with a basket. And these came pretty darn close. We went to the West Side and biked along the water. It was so romantic and blissfully perfect.

After bike riding for almost two hours, we decided it was time to return the bikes and get drinks. Unfortunately then my phone died, so I wasn't able to capture the rest of the night. Which ended up being okay because most of the places we went to didn't have great lighting. Even though I would love to share they're beauty with you :'( 

We got drinks on a rooftop bar with an old train track and tons of plants. Adam knows me so well hahahaha. But seriously, it was beautiful. I got champagne and he got one of his cucumber drinks and we just stood up there and talked. I couldn't stop thanking him for this beautiful day.

After drinks for an hour, Adam surprised me yet again with dinner at literally one of my favorite places in New York City, Spice Market. It was so delicious and we stayed there for two hours, just eating and drinking white wine and talking. It was seriously gorgeous and delicious. Definitely recommend!

Then we headed back to my place and called it a beautiful day. I cannot thank Adam enough for giving me the most perfect birthday. And cannot thank you guys enough for sending me amazing birthday messages/wishes that made it even more beautiful. I appreciate them all so, so much. I seriously feel so blessed.

Xoxo,

Christie