packing for Boston

Hi guys! So I did say on Instagram that I'm going to Boston this weekend with Adam because I've yearned to see Boston in the fall (cough cough Beacon Hill) and visit my best friend from high school who goes to school there! This is the weekend we're finally going and I could not be more excited. So, whilst I was packing my suitcase, I decided why not photograph it a little and show you guys what I'm bringing along!

My mom got me this vintage suitcase from Goodwill last year! I am so in love with it--and it is perfect for a simple, 2-day trip, since these babies can't really hold much. I'm bringing 2 outfits with me (Saturday, Sunday) and just wearing a simple outfit for the train and car ride there which consists of Re/Done jeans and a flannel. I'm also bringing along my huge teddy-bear looking coat from Free People (which you'll see on my chair in the next couple of photos).

What I have packed: Free People scarf (orange), Ray Bans, Free People Lieutenant Hat, Brandy Melville plaid pants, Zara navy turtleneck. I am bringing along the Aesop bags because I recycle the little bags I get from stores for packing toiletries, makeup, and underwear, which is a really simple thing to do and it is so handy! Plus they look cute!

That Aesop bag will be my makeup bag for this weekend! It's great because of the material it can just fit in anywhere in my suitcase. Seriously one of my #1 tips for packing!

And that's really it! I have pajamas and I am packing my night stuff later (I'm bringing Mario Badescu along with me for this one) and of course I will be bringing my camera to photograph and video our trip! I am so excited! Stay tuned for a blogpost about Boston next week when I get back :")

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 

sunday things

Today I felt like simply not doing much of anything. That's always what Sundays are for, right? Slipping on an overly cozy outfit, watching Netflix, drinking endless coffee. These usually are the days that I 'heal' and, of course, do my homework, but when it's not too stressful I love appreciating the little things and all the touches that make up a Sunday.

Step One: Cozy outfit.These little things I recently picked up while shopping with my mom. That beautiful lace bra was on sale at Anthropologie, and the socks + cutesy little button up shorts are from Madewell. That caramel colored cardigan is from H&M.

Another thing I love is the light that streams through my window in the afternoon. I place my plants right on the window sill so they can soak up the light and hopefully not die. Sunday is definitely the perfect day for taking care of house plants!

I've finished up all my work, so now it's time to cleanse and just take a breather and lay in bed. This weekend was a little bit crazy, and last night we were out way too late (Halloween celebrations of course!) and I feel like I just want to make mac and cheese and watch Youtube videos (which I will probably do). I did make a smoothie (with bananas, frozen strawberries + raspberries, yogurt, chia seeds, almond milk, honey) to nurture me back to life. It is another really good Sunday thing to make something healthy that's packed with nutrients, you'll feel so good about yourself afterwards!

I will also probably do a facial and make some green tea tonight. Halloween movies are almost over and we must take advantage! That's my Sunday, how do you spend yours?
Xoxo,Christie

an autumn update

Hi everyone! I just felt like doing a post of what's been going on lately. I am currently home home because of a dentist appointment (how glamorous) but it is seriously so nice seeing my family, my pup, and the beautiful Autumn trees that you don't really get to see in New York City. I'm only spending a day here, but it's already been really nice and relaxing. I, of course, couldn't resist going outside and taking pictures of all the foliage.

Just in case, I'm wearing a Free People turtleneck and navy coat! Last night I went to Freeman's in Soho with my love for their book launch! I couldn't resist taking pictures. Seriously, the interior at Freeman's is everything I want my future home to be. During Halloween it has such beautiful witchy, apothecary vibes. Absolutely stunning.

If you ever find yourself in Soho, go down the alley right across from Green Fingers Market on Rivington. You'll stumble upon this little nook adorned with lights and plants and be immediately entranced in entering. The second floor has beautiful, vintage lights, shelves full of books, and cozy velvet armchairs and wooden tables. We had a whiskey cocktail and enjoyed the ambiance, the company, and their delicious food.

It's been a really wonderful week and I'm looking forward to this weekend! Adam and I decided we are being old people for Halloween. I'm sure there will be a bunch of hilarious photos of us on my Twitter (@nycbambii) in case you want to follow along, or on my Instagram story (@nycbambi).

I also just wanted to say thank you all so much for your positive comments on my social media accounts, especially on Youtube! It means the world. I'm not sure if I'll make a new video for next week, I'm sort of blanking on ideas at the moment, but I'll be updating on the rest of my pages, as always :-) Love y'all and again thank you for all your support always. Talk soon!

Xoxo,
Christie