6 Reasons to Visit Long Island This Fall Colorful fall leaves on a tree in Long Island New York

6 Reasons to Visit Long Island This Fall

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Long Island is notoriously known as a Summer spot and is highly trafficked in between Memorial Day and Labor Day by those who live in New York City. I don’t blame them for coming out this way, Long Island has everything you could want for an epic Summer weekend – the beaches, the relaxation, the amazing restaurants. But once the Summer House leases end, so does a lot of the city-slickers which makes room for the locals! Granted, we the city people come out east to the island, they’re immediately going to the Hamptons or Montauk. There’s a whole lot more in between NYC and the Hamptons, but I’ll leave that for another post.

With the summer Long Island hype dying down and the New York City locals returning to the concrete jungle, it can only mean one thing – Fall is around the corner. Fall on Long Island is very different than summer on Long Island, but just as enjoyable (but for different reasons).

Visiting Long Island in the Fall is the best time to visit, in my opinion. Here are 6 reasons why :

6 Reasons to Visit Long Island This Fall

Fall Activities on the North Fork

This one is pretty much a given and isn’t much of a secret… The North Fork of Long Island is already a packed house in the fall, but it doesn’t mean it can’t be mentioned here. Between all the farm stands, apple picking, pumpkin picking, sunflower fields, corn mazes, and more, the North Fork on Long Island is the ultimate Fall destination on Long Island. Visiting Long Island in the fall means going back home with an endless supply of apples, pumpkins, plenty of local beers & wines, and maybe a pie or two from a local farm stand. The North Fork is very different from the South Fork, which gets most of the notoriety in the Summer season. You’re in for a laid back, relaxing, slow-paced (by New York standards) trip that is very different from the fat paced, party scene of the South Fork during the Summer.

Because of it’s popularity, I’d recommend visiting early in the Fall season. My cousins and I went on Labor Day Weekend 2 years ago, and it was the most enjoyable Fall Trip to the North Fork to date. We went apple picking, went through the corn maze, stopped by the sun flower field, and grabbed some wine at a local vineyard, and most importantly successfully avoided the crowds. Going early means missing out on some of the live music, pumpkins, and more seasonal activities like hay rides and haunted houses, but it is a very small price to pay in order to beat the crowds.

Colder Nights

We all know it will be 70’s / 80’s all the way through September, especially this year with the crazy heat. Nothing beats a warm fall day on the beach, followed by an epic sunset – now throw in that its sweatshirt weather and it’s a perfect night. No more muggy, hot, humid, nights – at least less often. Whether you are at the beach are walking around Sag Harbor, it’s a more enjoyable without getting drenched in sweat from the crazy heat.

There’s just something special about warm days, being able to enjoy all the outdoor activities during the day, like the beach, outdoor dining, hiking and be able to enjoy a nice night with a bonfire and some warm drinks.

Best Breakfast Spots on Long Island

Looking for the best breakfast on Long Island? Look no further. I’ve put together a list of some the best breakfast places that Suffolk County has to offer. If you are looking for some Long Island brunch spots, this list can double as that too! These are not listed in any order, so you should…

by theteenafey

Local Breweries’ Pumpkin Beer

It’s Pumpkin Season – which means pumpkin beer! There are so many Long Island Breweries, located all throughout the Island – from Barrier Brewing Company to Port Jeff Brewing Co. and from St. James Brewery to Moustache Brewing Co. The breweries on Long Island should be it’s own reasons to visit Long Island, but the pumpkin beer is definitely a reason to visit Long Island in the Fall.

I’ve already seen Leaf Pile Ale from Greenport Brewing Company out and about! I spoke to some friends at Port Jeff Brewing Co. and Boo Brew will be hitting the shelves soon. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to plan a brewery tour of Long Island to try out all of the Pumpkin Beers.

Haunted Houses

Although I am a big baby and don’t do haunted houses, there are quite a few incredible haunted houses on Long Island that are worth visiting this Fall. There really is a haunted house for every level of fear you are looking for. Family friend to fearing for you life level scary. ‘ Chambers of Hell ‘ located in Hauppauge, New York continues to be one of the top rated haunted houses in the nation, coming in at #1 in New York State and 39th best haunted house in 2021. Gateway Playhouse always puts on a show with their Drive-Through attraction “Haunted Playhouse,” located in Bellport, New York. Deepwells Farm in Head of the Harbor, New York, adds a historical touch to their haunted house ‘ Haunted Mansion ‘ which adds in a unique element since Deepwells Farm is known for its paranormal activity and real-life ghost encounters that happen year round on the property.

If you’re looking for a great scare this Fall, there’s no need to travel way upstate or into New Jersey or further. There is a plethora of options to visit this Fall on Long Island!

5 Must-Visit Long Island Coffee Shops

Coffee Shops are my go-to spots – morning, afternoon, or night! Back when Covid-19 wasn’t a thing, you could find me posted up at a local coffee shop working on this blog or some of my work projects. The atmosphere is always so welcoming and they are all decorated so cute. It’s safe to safe…

by theteenafey

Hikes to See Beautiful Fall Foliage

Being in the Northeast means all 4 seasons! Getting to see the leaves change color is such a highlight on the Fall on Long Island. Visiting Long Island in the Fall is a great time to really take in the changing of the seasons. The leaves changing mixed with the serene landscape is a recipe for the perfect Fall vision. There is way too many hiking trails to list, but all have their own unique view of the Fall Foliage – especially those that run near the water on either the north or south shore. There’s something very special about seeing the reds, yellows, and oranges in the tress right next to the water line. From Nassau County to Suffolk County, the fall foliage is on display.

One of my favorite hiking spots is Avalon Preserve in Stony Brook, New York. The rich history of Stony Brook is attractive in its own right, but the amazing walk through nature, especially in the Fall, is worth visiting.

Locals Only

The best part of Fall on Long Island is that it is mainly just the locals! Visiting Long Island in the Fall is a great time to take in everything Long Island has to offer without all the commercialized, tourist-trappy, Instagram clout chasing, parts of the Summer that make it all seem in-authentic. At the end of the day Long Island is an amazing place to visit Year-round, no matter the season. Long Island can get a bad reputation in the summer, especially with all the negativity press around the $90 chicken fingers this summer. Once all the summer craziness slows down, the beauty of Long Island really shines. Enjoying Long Island as the locals do is the best way to really immerse yourself in the amazing place that I am lucky to call home.

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Best Captions for Instagram

Where to Find the Best Captions for Instagram

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There’s a ton of places you can find inspiration for the best captions for Instagram, but sometimes it becomes more of process figuring out what to make a caption than to pick the actual picture itself. As a blanket statement, I think some people put way too much effort into posting on Social Media, and maybe writing this piece is playing into that. I’m hoping that those who think and care way too much about what other people think of them, find this blog post and then hopefully find a caption quickly as well. That way they can get back to enjoying real-life and not stressing over fake Instagram life. 🙂

Here are some places to get inspiration from to find the best caption for Instagram.

Where to find the best captions for Instagram

1. Other Instagrams

Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery right? Go to your favorite celebrity or influencers page and steal a clever caption!

2. Song Lyrics

It’s easy to forget every lyric to every song when you’re thinking of a caption. Search your favorite artist or song and copy and paste your favorite lines! Maybe there’s one that relates to the place, people, or situation that you are posting about.

3. Instagram Quote Accounts

There’s TONS, really tons, of quote accounts on Instagram. You can find athletic quote accounts, fitness quote accounts, love quote accounts, spiritual quote accounts, and so many more. Check out those accounts for a lot of options in one place.

4. Use Emojis

Someone of few words? Just throw an emoji up that relates (or doesn’t).

5. Movie Quotes

Everyone has a favorite movie that they know every single line too… Chances are you know some funny lines, serious lines, random weird lines, and every one in between. Pick your favorite and bonus points if it relates to the picture or reel you’re posting.

6. Leave it Blank

Let’s be real chances are people don’t even read your caption anyways…

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Long Island Summer, Summer on Long Island, Activities on Long Island, Long Island Local

10 Things To Do On Long Island Before The End of Summer

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It’s the words that no one on Long Island wants to hear, “summer is almost over.” We wait all year for these three months, just to have them disappear shortly after they’ve finally arrived. With the sun setting before 8pm again, it’s tough to deny it but Fall will be here before we know it.

Don’t forget to check out my last post on Summer Essentials!

Summer on Long Island is the absolutely best and cannot be matched. It really flies by every year. I’m happy I was able to make it out east, to Fire Island, and also to New York City. I swear, having all of those options right at your finger tips is what makes living on Long Island so great. With Fall approaching, there’s plenty more amazing things to do, but before we get there – here’s 10 things to do before the sun sets on sweet Summertime :

1. Go to A Concert At Jones Beach Theatre

Concerts are back and just in time for the end of Summer! Between the recent shows of Incubus and Taking Back Sunday – the fun is never ending over at the Jones Beach Theatre. Pack your coolers and get ready to tailgate until the sun goes down! The best part of tailgating for concerts at Jones Beach is meeting all the other people who made the trip. You really meet some of the nicest humans from all over Long Island and beyond. Not to mention the actual concert is a blast – Listening to your favorite artists with the most picturesque backdrop just can’t be beat.

Check Out the Line-Up for Concerts at the Jones Beach Theatre!

2. Grab a Drink at Surf Shack

Located right off Ocean Parkway at Tobay Beach, in technically Massapequa, Surf Shack is exactly what it promises – a “Flip Flop Coastal Kitchen.” With great food and drinks this is a great spot to just relax and hang with friends or family. It’s not a bad place to catch a sunset or live out the last few days of summer. There’s also great live music!

Check Out Surf Shack’s Menu!

3. Have a Weekend Getaway on the North Forth

The North Fork of Long Island is the ultimate summer getaway. Staying away from the craziness of the Hamptons, the North Fork gives heavy stay-cation vibes with a big classy energy. Between exploring the wineries, cider house, and vodka distillery and shopping local at all the adorable farm stands, there are plenty of incredible restaurants waiting for you. Book an airbnb or stay at a quaint Bed and Breakfast to kick start an amazing summer getaway on the Northfork. Southhold, Greenport, and even Jamesport are great towns to spend a relaxing weekend!

4. Drive on Ocean Parkway During Sunset

This is for all my car lovers out there – There’s no better view of a Long Island sunset than the one from Ocean Parkway. With water on both sides, you get all the feels of summer from the comfort of your own vehicle. Roll down the windows and enjoy the breeze of ocean air. Looking to get out of your house and escape? Try this out. It’s a great little drive that will make you feel beyond content and ready to take on the next day!

5. Go For a Walk on The Jones Beach Boardwalk

There’s something about the South Shore Beaches – the ocean, the atmosphere, and the energy. Head down to the Jones Beach Boardwalk for a nice evening of relaxation and ocean views! When the beach goers start to leave, the craziness dies down and walking along the boardwalk you have the best views of the sunset. They recently added brand new volleyball courts, bocce ball courts, and little mini tennis courts. You can rent equipment and play or bring your own. There’s even a bird walk portion of the boardwalk. You can break off the main path and walk above the dunes to see all the wildlife that life in the area – great for kids and nature lover’s of all ages! Walking on the Jones Beach Boardwalk is not just a walk, there’s so much to do and so much to see. A must for any end of summer activity to do on Long Island.

6. Enjoy a Glass of Wine at Del Vino’s Vineyard in Northport

Don’t feel like driving in Hamptons traffic to head out east to grab a great glass of wine? Not a problem – Make a stop at Del Vino in Northport. Nestled away from major roads and Northport’s Main Street, when you are at Del Vino you are really taking a break from it all (Not like you really need to it’s not like we live in New York City)! With a wide array of wine and local beer to choose from, Del Vino is a great place to decompress after a tough work week. In my opinion, it is the perfect Long Island Summer date spot – so make your reservation and enjoy the end of summer at the vineyard!

7. Enjoy a Fishing Trip on a Boat Out of Captree

End your Long Island summer the right way with a fishing trip in the bay heading out of Captree! You can charter a boat yourself with a group of friends or family, or join in on a boat with other’s. Getting out to fish is easy on these charters, whether you’re a seasoned vet or a rookie. Historically these boats leave pretty early in the morning, so pack your lunch plenty of sunscreen and water and get ready for a day of fishing! If you get lucky you might even have some dinner to take home. For you night owls, there are also plenty of charters that leave in the evening. Regardless of when you choose to go, fishing out of Captree is a fun adventure to end summer for any group of friends of family!

8. Have a Beer at Port Jeff Brewery

Consider this some extra peer pressure to get get a Pier Pressure from Port Jeff Brewery. With an outdoor deck and plenty of seating, this brewery is the perfect spot to end a nice summer night. Between the amazing beer and amazing people, there’s not much else to want! Keep an eye out for dates where live music is playing – if you thought it couldn’t get any better, it does. Port Jeff Brewery has a great location right in the center of town – grab a beer before or after dinner, or run across the way and grab Ice Cream or Ralph’s! A quick trip to the Port Jeff Brewery can become a whole day outing in no time.

9. Spend a Day at the Beach at Robert Moses

A classic Long Island Beach Day is a staple of summer. Load up the car, grad lunch from the deli, pack the chairs and towels and head down to the south shore and enjoy the Atlantic Ocean at Robert Moses State Park. If you haven’t made it to the beach yet this summer, this is your sign to go make it happen.

* Pro Tip – pack sweat shirts and blankets and enjoy the sunset before packing up to head home!

10. Get Some Ice Cream from Kith Treats at Manhasset Americana

The original cereal infused ice cream? Sign me up. I may be excited to post this because I just recently found out this location existed. I used to plan city trips around getting this incredible ice cream, but not any more thanks to this great little location that is attached to Hirschleifers at Manhasset Americana. Pick between chocolate or vanilla ice cream in either a cup or shake and add your favorite toppings. They also have a menu to select from if you can’t make up your mind. My go to is “The Wifey” – something about the Nutella drizzle makes it the best thing on the entire menu. Plus they do collaborations with public figures so keep an eye out for new items added to the menu!

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Reclaim Your Power Growth Mindset Post Break Up Self Love Self Motivation Growing pains Be Best

Reclaiming Your Power 101

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Sometimes it takes getting knocked down to rock bottom to truly realize how often and freely you give your power away. When I say power, I don’t mean control, mentally or physically, I mean your peace and who you are.

Whether it is through relationships (both good and bad), work environments, expectations from family, anything really, we as humans can tend to lose ourselves and who we are by giving most, if not all, of our power to others (people, places, or things). If I’m confusing you with these winded explanations, let me break it down short and sweet :

Reclaiming your power is about loving and trusting in yourself.

Think about all the times you’ve allowed your thoughts, values, or goals to shift because of an outside influence. Or maybe even saw a future, with a person, or at a company, that was swiftly taken away from you. Those moments, when you feel lost, when your heart is in the bottom of your stomach, and you don’t know where to turn next, are when you need to reclaim you, your power, the most. Your path and life will change, that is inevitable. Staying true to who you are and even learning who you are, through tough times, when you feel powerless, is what reclaiming your power truly means.

Before getting into some ways to reclaim your power, it is important to acknowledge what you are feeling and why you are feeling it. Identifying why you feel lost and why you may be out of sorts can require some deep soul searching, but it is necessary. Was it getting let go at a job? A breakup? Fight with a friend? Understanding what is causing these low-level emotions is the first step. Next Step? Feel them.

Feel every single emotion. Name everything thing you are feeling. Sadness. Resentment. Disappointment. Regret. Relief. Anger. Then think about how you feel each of those. The knot in your stomach. The rock in your throat. That piercing pain above your eyebrow in your brain. The heaviness in your legs. Now tie those intense feelings to the words. That knot is your stomach tightens up when you are sad or missing someone. That intense headache is when you are disappointed in yourself. Whatever it is for you, identify it. and feel it. Feel the low-level emotions! Do not sweep these under the rug, because these feelings aren’t “bad” feelings, consider them signs. When you start to connect the “gut” feelings to the emotions or the situation, you’ll start to listen to your body when it is screaming “no” to you. You’ll start to get what your body has been trying to tell you all along. Once you are in tune with yourself, then you can start the internal work to reclaim your power. You got this.

Embrace Failure

Not everything is going to be perfect, and that is ok. Understanding, and I mean truly understanding, that not everything will be sunshine and rainbows is the key to embracing failure. In order to reclaim your power, its important to redefine “failure” as just a shift in direction from your ideal plan. Got that job you love and look forward to every day, but then there is a re-org and that position is no longer available? Not a failure. Just a shift. Maybe you’ll find an even better position with better pay. Just because one thing ends, doesn’t mean that life is over.

At the end of the day “failure” teaches us lessons. Teachable moments aren’t just for a classroom, they are for everyday life. Failing does not mean the end of the road, it means something new is on the horizon. Reclaiming your power can start when you start seeing a “failure” as a pivot to a new opportunity or new experience, there’s really no limits to where life will progress to.

Saying No

Say no – frequently and often, if necessary.

The power in saying no is extraordinary. Honestly, saying yes when you do not want to say yes to something can cause a slew of unhealthy chain reactions. The mental, and sometimes physical, stress of people-pleasing can be so incredibly heavy. Saying yes to everything, is quite literally, putting everybody before yourself. Remember, reclaiming your power is really putting yourself, your health and thoughts, first. Are there times when you have to say yes, 100%. I’m not encouraging you to say “No” whenever you are asked to do something, its always nice to go above and beyond for someone or step out of your comfort zone every once in a while, but more to set limitations and think about what you truly want to do and, more importantly, are capable of doing.

Do you want to go out to dinner with that guy you met last night at a bar? Not really, but he bought you a few drinks and it is at a really nice restaurant you’ve always wanted to try, so you might as well say yes and go. Nope. If you aren’t feeling something, say no, it could be a hard no or a “no, but.” Think about it : That dinner you said yes to, when you really wanted to say no, seems like a hassle because you really wanted to stay in tonight and lay low get some extra work done. You’ve been sleeping like crap and really wanted to get to bed early in hopes of feeling refreshed the next morning. Work has been super stressful since it is Q4, so you wanted to spend some extra time on the project you’ve been assigned while just relaxing with some much needed alone time. But you went to the dinner anyway, felt bad that he might think you aren’t interested if you said no, so you didn’t rest like you needed or get the work done. That dinner you said yes to, made you incredibly stressed out at work the next day because you had 3 client calls and no time to complete the tasks you wanted to be done with already but didn’t have the chance to finish because you had to get ready to go out last night. Not to mention the splitting headache thats a caused from the combination of a slight wine hangover and lack of sleep. You’re now staying at work late to get work done, but things keep piling on your plate. Your stress level just keeps rising because you don’t know when are how you’ll be able to catch up. Totally random, relatable, and super broad example, but see how one people-pleasing “yes” can turn into a landslide of events in multiple aspects of your life? It really is ok to say No. You’ve probably experienced much more severe instances than this one, but I’m sure you get it.

“Saying No” not only helps you reclaim your power, but it can help bring happiness, define your path, and provide you with clear vision on where you, and only you, want to see your life heading.

Stay Away From Toxic People Who Disrupt Your Peace

Say. It. Louder. For. The. People. In. The. Back.

This is going to be short sweet and to the point. Seeing the best in every person is very important, but what’s more important is identifying when someone is no good, or no longer good, for you and your life. If someone is sucking energy from you, it is ok to stay away from them. Sometimes you notice this right away, other times it stays hidden for sometime. It can be difficult, like extremely difficult, to cut ties with people, but in order to reclaim your power, you need to set boundaries with people and sometimes that means parting ways. Respect yourself, your energy, and most importantly your peace.

Quick Sidenote : You can be toxic for someone else, too. Internally think about what you are bringing to the table and begin to identify your own toxic behaviors. Self Improvement is always necessary. If someone leaves you, or something happens that you did not initiate, part of taking back your power, is acknowledging that maybe you were not meant to be in that situation. Maybe this plot twist you didn’t see coming is leading you to some of the best things in your life.

Be Alone

You do not have to always associate with something else. A person, place or thing. Not everyone has a place in your life. You do not have a place in everyone’s life. There will be times when you seem to be charting into unknown waters, alone. That’s okay. It can be scary, but again, that’s okay.

Reclaiming your power is not a giant happy party, going through this sucks. Like big time, sucks. In full transparency, learning who you are, what you are capable of, and getting over a painful event is not easy. Yes, this is a super light-hearted and fun blog post, but we need to call a spade a spade and it really is difficult. If you are embarking on this journey to reclaim your power, I commend you. I am excited for you and hope at the end you rise as the person you are meant to be.

Embrace the suck. Embrace being alone. Embrace finding yourself. Embrace trusting yourself. When no one is next to you to guide you or hold your hand, you are the only person who can lead. You and you alone, with your intuition and whatever spiritual wisdom you believe in, are it. This is when you really discover who you are, what you need, and what you want. You can also find out who is meant to be in your life and who isn’t, but that comes from really connecting with, understanding, and loving yourself.

Reclaim Your Power

At the end of the day, the point is to not let a situation or person take and maintain keeping your power. Your power is yours, don’t let it escape you. Letting a situation or person have power over you is what we want to avoid. That painful breakup may seem like the end, it’s not. That business you started going under, it’s not the end. The minute you start to maintain your power in whatever situation life throws at you, really shows how much you have healed.

If you are currently on the healing journey, and reclaiming your power, I am excited for you. Healing is truly an incredible thing and is something many people brush over lightly. To truly heal and reclaim your power is rewarding. As you continue on your healing journey, always remember to:

  1. Maintain The Standards That You Set
  2. Embrace Your True Authenticity
  3. Never Settle
  4. Truly and Entirely, Protect Your Energy
  5. Allow for Set Backs and Continued Growth

Good Luck. You Got This.

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Reasons to Thrift, Thrifting Tips, Thrift Shopping Tips, Long Island, Long Island Fashion

5 Reasons Why I Started Thrifting

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A self proclaimed fast-fashion shopaholic to a thrift store queen – how did that happen?

I have always been one to be on trends and follow big brands and fast fashion companies to stay on top of the latest style. There’s something about ordering clothes and getting them in 2-3 days that really feeds this instant gratification world that we live in. The more I bought, the more I noticed how many clothes I just bought for the sake of having and not to wear. We’re talking hundreds of dollars on clothes that I maybe wore only once? The amount of clothes I’ve donated that were brand new with tags is disgusting. Leading us to here –

This girl thrifts and she absolutely love it. Here’s a little more into the nitty gritty on why I started thrifting :

Full Disclaimer – I still shop at some fast fashion brands and designers, thrifting is my way of supplementing my existing wardrobe

Cost Effectiveness

You’d be surprised the amount of money that you save when you thrift. Just last weekend, I bought a brand new tan colored trench coat (very on season), vintage Polo Ralph Lauren Pants, and no-name high waisted slacks that appear to be from the 80’s for under $30 dollars. Yes, every trip is different and you will most likely strike out a few times, but that’s what makes it fun! That same haul of 2 pairs of pants and trenchcoat would easily topple over $150 dollars – much higher than that if you are looking to name brands!

It’s Unique

You know what’s annoying? Going out and seeing someone else is the same outfit as you, – whether it’s the skirt, top, or jacket you are wearing – it’s always strange seeing someone in your clothes. But let’s think about it here, You’re buying clothes from Zara, Vici, Shein, whatever fast fashion site you choose – those companies are pumping out clothes left and right. You are bound to bump into someone with the same pieces as you!

Thrifting is pretty much the exact opposite. It is easy to find one of a kind pieces or even find a piece and make it your own! You’re only spending a few dollars on it so why not try cropping that blazer? Or buying that long dated dress and making it cute and summery! When you thrift you are able to express yourself more through clothes. I recently found an amazing suede shacket – most likely from the 70’s – that is a staple piece in my wardrobe. People as me all the time where I found it and I proudly say Savers!

You’re bound to find pieces that you have never seen before when you go thrift shopping. You also will always find new items at every store or every day you go. It is fun to really piece together your wardrobe and make unique outfits that are not only on style, but so insanely you and unique that other’s can’t help but wonder where you go it. It’s not like they can search the item on Google and find it anyways!

Condensing My Wardobe

Hi I’m Tina and I have too much clothes. Hi Tina. Yes. It was a real problem.

These fast fashion brands fed to my addiction to need new pieces because they’re so cute and I had to have them! I would picture one outfit with a top and that was it. When I started thrifting, I had a similar mindset. The prices were so cheap I could get so much more for my money! No, Tina. Wrong. You’re going to have too much stuff you can’t even store all of it. True

Now when I thrift, I follow the 10 outfit rule – it’s changed my life. When I find a piece that I love, I have to think of 10 ways I could wear it with the clothes that I currently (that’s a big keyword) have. If I can’t wear it in 10 different outfits, it is not worth the space in my closet. Thrifting has forced me to re-evaluate how I dress and what I spend my money on. I guess this one is more of a life lesson learned through thrifting then why I started thrifting. Sorry about the tangent, but we’re back.

It’s a Creative Outlet

I never viewed fashion as a form of expression until recently. I started thrifting with hopes of being about to express myself through clothing and not blend in with everyone else. Through colors, patterns, and new cuts, I’ve been able to put together an incredible closet of one of a kind pieces – that when I style together form amazing cohesive outfits.

Searching for new items is such a rush – I genuinely enjoy combing through racks and bins to find my next vintage piece! I’ve learned so much about clothing, the years items were made, locations where the clothes were made, etc. It really is a science and it’s fun to be so creative but also learn a lot about the past. Thrifting is just one massive learning experience and allows you to harness tons of creativity!

Sick of Terrible Clothing Quality

You know what really makes me made? Seeing an article of clothing on a website be one color or look a certain way, and when it gets to your door step is completely and utterly different? Yea, I was getting tired of that happening. No more sheer white shirts and pants, dresses that your whole katush hangs out of, sizing that’s different for every item. That’s gone and in the past.

You can really find very good quality items – I know thrifting gets a bad rap sometimes, but it really is a goldmine! That trench coat I mentioned before, you should see the stitching on that! It’s beautiful. I’ve found plenty of designer items with non-designer prices, like Fendi, Gucci, and more!

Jumping in the thrifting world has been really fun for me. I’m excited for all. my hauls to come and all the amazing pieces I stumble upon to add to my closet!

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It’s Okay To Have That “Sad Feeling.”

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I’ve been told a few times that life isn’t always perfect. Ain’t that the truth. I can’t even begin to count the amount of times that things have gone wrong. Without being incredibly cliche, life really is a roller coaster. You could be on top of the world one day and with the blink of an eye, everything can seem to crumble to the ground around you.

It happens to everyone. Literally. Everyone has had that sad feeling at some point in their life. And guess what?

It’s okay to have that sad feeling.

That rock bottom, nothing can get better, sad feeling. That sad feeling that is totally earth-shattering and takes over every aspect of your life. It’s okay to have that. That feeling that makes you feel the most helpless and unconsolable. The non-stop stressing. The sleepless nights. The tears that just non-stop fall. The endless phone calls to the people that love you. That sad feeling that you wish was never a thing. It’s okay to have that.

It’s okay to have that sad feeling.

Because after a while, you start to realize that you aren’t as close to rock bottom as you may have originally thought. You aren’t going to let yourself stay in this ditch that you think you’re stuck in. That sad feeling shouldn’t of even been a thing. You’re better than that. But let’s be real, that initial moment can last for what feels like a lifetime. The sad feeling that makes seconds feel like hours, hours feel like days, and weeks feel like years. It’s okay to have that. Because you know what? It ends. That sad feeling does go away. It’ll come back, because that’s what it does. It tests you. It makes you question if you can get out of this rut. You can. You will eventually get to the point where you may just start thinking that this sad feeling can get better.

It’s okay to have that sad feeling.

That sad feeling that finally starts to go away for good, no more tests. It’s okay to have that. Things start to get better and you start to forget why that sad feeling was even a thing to begin with in the first place. That sad feeling that isn’t really a sad feeling at all any more. It is more than okay to have that because that sad feeling becomes a thing of the past. Those sleepless nights become a good night’s rest. Those tears stop falling. That helplessness goes away and you start feel in control again. That sad feeling that isn’t a thing anymore really turned things around.

It’s okay to have that sad feeling.

Because in the end, without that sad feeling the good feelings wouldn’t be as great as they are. Without that sad feeling you would be comfortable being content. That sad feeling forced you to be better. It forced you to grow. Without that sad feeling you’d still be in the same place you were. It may just be the push you need to become the person you’re meant to be. That sad feeling isn’t a sad feeling anymore. At the end of the day that sad feeling is the reason that things got better. You got better. That sad feeling doesn’t last forever. You can’t let it last forever.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It’s ok to feel sad. It’s ok to feel whatever you feel and it’s ok to go through whatever you are going through. It’s also more than okay to talk about it. Normalize talking about your mental health.

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workaholic, life of a workaholic, tips for work stress, stress from work, managing work stress

Life of a Workaholic | 5 Lessons Learned From Overworking

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Raise your hand if you’ve ever over-worked! *raises hand*

As a workaholic, it’s easy to get lost in your job and lose focus on how much you time you actually spend at work. Overworking is something I would wish on no one, but is something that I’m convinced a lot of people struggle with. Overworking is common – so save yourself the time and mental turmoil, and check out 5 lessons that overworking teaches you.

Burn Out Should Be Avoided At All Costs.

Have you ever found a song you really like, and play it on repeat? For like a day? And then you can’t stand it any more because it’s all you listened to for 24 hours straight? Well that’s burn out. I burnout songs quicker than anyone else and I kind of enjoy running a song through it’s lifespan, but burnout can happen in other places too. Avoiding burnout at work should be a main priority, especially for a workaholic. Instead of laboring over your laptop or computer into the late night hours – take a much needed break, go make a meal, or even go workout! Burnout can negatively effect your production at work and can cause some tension and stress. Burnout can lead to losing motivation and feeling stagnant – which never ends well for yourself or your career.

Avoiding burn out can be managed by acknowledging the signs heading towards it. Manage your work schedule – don’t work late or start work early every single day. Listen to your body – if you need a break, take one. Maintain a healthy level of stress – If your stress levels feel through the roof every day, it might be time to take some time off. Cut yourself some slack and avoid work burn out.

Taking Time For Yourself Is Okay (And Should Be Encouraged).

You should not be nervous to take a day off – in fact you should be encouraged. Working so much every day makes it difficult to take time off and disconnect from work. Feeling so attached to work is not good for anyone’s mental health. You don’t have to overwork to feel productive. Taking time off helps you refocus and reset. It makes you more productive at the end of the day!

Give Yourself Realistic Expectations.

Sometimes we expect ourself to do the job of 4 different people – and we convince ourself that doing the job of 4 different people is manageable, doable, and something we can maintain for a long period of time. When in fact, convincing ourself of those things can be a huge issue. Setting realistic expectations in the workplace for yourself, and to hire-ups, can help you be productive and accountable, while not allowing yourself to get incredibly stressed out and overworked. Moral of the story here is don’t bite off more than you can chew – don’t set unrealistic goals for yourself, you are only setting yourself up for failure.

Your Mental Health Matters The Most.

Working is a huge part of everyone’s lives – it’s how we afford to live and support those who matter most to us. People spend a majority of their lives working (and commuting to and from work). If you are unhappy or stressed out from work, or working too much, know that you can remove yourself from that situation and find employment elsewhere. Just because you’ve worked somewhere for a long time or thought that a job was your “dream job” doesn’t mean that you have to stay. Stay in touch with your feelings and make sure you are happy and that your mental health is in good standings.

It’s Okay To Say No.

Struggling to handle the things on your plate at work and then you’re asked to do more? It’s ok to say no. You are helping yourself maintain your sanity and you should not be ashamed for doing that. In fact being realistic and saying no to a higher up shows those above you that you can be realistic and value your current workload. Showing that you are invested in what you are doing and want to keep 100% of your energy in one place shows focus and dedication. A boss wouldn’t want you so spread thin that you aren’t able to complete any tasks. Remember that it’s ok to say no.

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The Best After Christmas Amazon Finds

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Did you not get all the gifts you wanted this Christmas? Want to treat yourself for surviving the horrible year that 2020 has been? Need to get a gift for those pesky January birthdays that sneak up right after the holidays? This list is for you! Check out some of the awesome deals from Amazon!

Luna Queen Sized Weighted Blanket

Price – $109.99

Amazon Echo

Original Price – $99.99
Sale Price – $69.99

Bose Spot Earbuds

Original Price – $179
Sale Price – $159

Apple AirPods Pro

Original Price – $249
Sale Price – $199

Apple Watch Series 5

Original Price – $429
Sale Price – $349

iRobot Roomba i6

Original Price – $799.99
Sale Price – $549.99

Keurig K-Slim Coffee Maker

Original Price – $109
Sale Price – $79.99

Tory Burch Nylon Ella Tote

Original Price – $198
Sale Price – $179

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2020, new year new me, self love new years resolutions, resolutions, new year goals

Self Love New Years Resolutions For 2021

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Hey I’m back! I took a bit of time off around Christmas to enjoy some quality time with my family. As much as I love blogging and being active on Social Media – it really is tough to balance time. But we are back and there is only a week left until the new year! 2021 has some pretty interesting shoes to fill after 2020.

New Years Resolutions don’t have to be crazy goals – although it is nice to set a reach goal that you can work towards. Typically these are the resolutions that fall apart a few weeks after they are started. New Years Resolutions are a great thing to use as a stepping stone to get your year off to a great start. Trust me, I get that you can make a decision at any point during the year to start on a new path – but there’s something about making a change on January 1st that really sets the tone for the entire year.

After 2020, the dumpster fire that it really was, it’s time to practice some self love. Heading into 2021, the goal is to go up from here. That starts with getting yourself to a good place. Practicing self-love is the way to do just that! Check out some New Years resolutions that promote self-love.

Self Care New Years Resolutions

Don’t go to sleep with make-up on.
Implement a daily skincare routine.
Make your bed every morning.
Implement a night time routine.
Write in a journal daily.
Use daily affirmations.
Get 8 hours of sleep every night.
Limit your screen time every day (1, 2, 3, 4 hours a day).
No social media on the weekends.
Put your phone away an hour before bedtime every night.

New Years Resolutions For Being Active

Work out 3 times a week.
Take at least 10,000 steps every day.
Sign up for a gym membership (and use it).
Start a new workout routine.
Run/Walk 1, 2, 3+ miles a day.
Sign up for a 5k and train for it!
Start a yoga practice, and practice daily.
Commit to at least 30 minutes of exercise every day.
Sign up for obe fitness at home workouts.
Participate in a fitness challenge – ex. Fit by Katy Winter Challenge

Nutrition New Years Resolutions

Cut sugar (in small doses) from your diet.
Drink at least 1 gallon of water a day.
Have 3 complete meals a day.
Learn your macro nutrients and stick to them.
Add greens/veggies to every meal.
Give yourself 2 cheats every week.
Stop eating fast food.

Mindset New Years Resolutions

Start a gratitude journal.
Create and update a vision board with your future goals.
Write down 3 good things every day – one for health, one for wealth, one for happiness
Eliminate negative self-talk.
Set 3 goals for the year – one financial, one for health, one for relationships.
Remove one negative influence from your life.
Look for a new job/career that will make you happy.

Wealth New Years Resolutions

Stop buying coffee daily.
Buy food weekly from the grocery store and stop eating from restaurants.
Save x amount of dollars per week.
Start using Acorns to invest money for the future.
Create a savings account and set automatic payments.
Pay credit cards off in full every month.
Whenever you pay with cash, and get a $5 bill in change put that aside and don’t spend it. At the end of the year count how much money you have.
Replace retail therapy with another activity.
Use stash app to start saving for your goals, car, home, etc.

What are some ways you are going to promote self love during 2021?

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Long Island Winter, Long Island Snow, Long Island Activities, Long Island Winter Activities, Long Island Snow Day, Snowing on Long Island, Snow Day Activities Long Island, Things to do on Long Island

The Best Long Island Snow Day Activities

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We finally got our first real snowstorm of the season on Long Island! The first snowstorm always gets two different reactions – “Wow, this is amazing!” or “What the hell is this?” …I typically find myself leaning towards the latter, but this winter am going to embrace the snow and the season more.

Living on Long Island, we have the luxury of experiencing ever single season. Nothing beats a Long Island summer, but a Long Island winter isn’t that bad! When there is snow, the amazing views get more beautiful than ever before (which is tough to do)! The next time it snows on Long Island, think about embracing the colder weather instead of wishing it was warmer out.

With a decent amount of snow on the ground that accumulated over night – I put together a list of things to do when Long Island has a Snow Day. I hope this helps all my fellow Long Islanders embrace the snow and snow days!

Read a New Book

While the snow is picking up outside, there’s not better time to pick up a new book, cuddle up, and read! Make a cup of tea or hot chocolate, wrap yourself up in a blanket and settle down for the impending snow. (Or no snow, we know that Long Island Weather on the news has a history or being consistently inaccurate)

Need a book suggestions? Check out some of today’s best sellers! :

Midnight Sun
Untamed
The Return
The Searcher
Greenlights

Bake Something New

Not feeling the sit down and read vibes? Then try baking something new. Making cookies in the winter is a great way to pass time and try something new. Also baking fills the house with amazing scents of fresh cookies, brownies, or baked goods. Baking something on a snow day keeps your taste buds and your nose happy!

Host a Virtual Zoom Hang Out With Friends

It gets lonely being stuck in your house all day – it may seem nice at first, but after a while not interacting with anyone gets a bit, stale. We learned quite a few things during the global pandemic and one that will stay for a while is that video conferencing has so many uses! Schedule a virtual zoom hang out for you and you friends who also may be snowed in. Try hosting a happy hour, bingo, trivia, or movie watch party! It takes minutes to set up and bring hours worth of laughter and joy.

Netflix Binge

If you’re really trying to embrace the introvert vibes this snow day, hunker down and get lost in a binge-worthy Netflix series! It’s snowing out and you can’t go anywhere so stay in side! Throw on your favorite sweats or pajamas and get comfy. I don’t know about you, but having a day to just relax and do nothing sounds amazing since I’ve been non-stop working for what seems to be the entire year!

Shovel The Driveway

This might not be the best Long Island snow day activity, but it definitely a necessary one. Getting the snow off your car and driveway ASAP is so important. Failing to do so can lead to ice forming on the driveway, walk way, and freezing on your car. If you fail to do this, your snow day might turn into a snow few days or weeks. Even though it is not the most fun shoveling your driveway, it really is one of the best snow day activities that you could do.

Sledding

Getting outside during a snowstorm is so much fun! Channel your inner-child, grab your sled and head out to your local spot for sledding. I find that golf courses and high schools typically have some great spots to go sledding on Long Island! Not only do you get out of the house and get some fresh air but you also get to get active and have a little fun. Just because its cold and snowy doesn’t mean you always have to stay indoors.

Walk On a Boardwalk After The Snow Stops

Whats more beautiful than looking outside your window to seeing snow? Being to the beach and seeing the sand covered in fresh white snow. Head over to Long Beach or maybe Sunken Meadow State Park and walk on the boardwalk while taking in the amazing view. Getting active, while not actually playing in the snow, is possible – and we’re on Long Island so why not add in the water? If there’s no boardwalk near you, head to the beach (we know they are only 20 minutes away from you at all times on Long Island) and check out the amazing sights.

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