au revoir summer

Here's Haley J.'s last pic of the season. I'm a little late posting this but, better late than never. This year, our final summer voyage happened in Rockland County, New York. It was a quick in and out trip that always leaves me feeling incomplete having not accomplished everything that I set out to pursue. Lunch dates with old friends, visits with endless family members and excursions through my favorite parts of town. I'm from the BEST town in New York called Nyack, which helped mold my geographical likes and dislikes, so I later found out in life. Nyack is an inner-suburb of New York City, best known for it's bars, small cafes and antique shops. It remains true to it's quaint vintage roots while still managing to slip in a few modern jewels here and there; i.e.: the second largest mall in the U.S. However, I was dramatically devastated when denied access to my two FAVORITE antique and thrift stores! Grace's Thrift Shop was closed because of smoke and water damage and Christopher's Antique Shop has permanently closed their doors! On a lighter note, I discovered a newer Nyack gem that I fell in love with! My sister suggested the Art Cafe for lunch and I'm so glad that she did. Nestled in between the Nyack Library and corner Bureau Church on Broadway, I indulged in the Cheese Malawach paired with a side salad...O M G -Divine! Loved that we were able to squeeze in a quick lunch and selfie with one of my favorite cousins on the last day of our trip and then whisk ourselves away to the Shops of Nanuet!

We booked our trip one week before Haley's 2nd birthday so my mother spearheaded a small gathering at Congers park just to see as many family members as possible at one time. We ended up purchasing a small birthday cake for Haley at the grocery store around the corner at the very last minute. It was SO wonderful to see my family and I appreciated everyone who took the time to come!

On our next trip, I hope to see more family, friends and actually make it into the city! It's so hard to say goodbye to Nyack...

Summer Time Lingerie

I've come across tons of women in my adult years that have seem to think that once they've had the honor of birthing a beautiful life into this world, they are no longer required to look and feel sexy! I, on the other hand, have chosen to lead the wolf pack in another direction. Flashing your bare curves in front of your infant child may be inappropriate once they've reached the toddler stage but a lace or silk negligee is ok in my book. It's actually NECESSARY to regain your pre birth feelings of confidence and feminine grace as well as preserving your marital obligations. It is totally unfair to your husband to go from Victoria Secret to Eileen West after the babies!!! But thats another blog entry for another time-lol. Like the seasons, my lingerie needs change depending on each phase in my life. During my pregnancy, I needed certain things, post pregnancy I needed other things and now I'm gearing up for my present stage. It's summer time ladies so, let the fun begin!! My newest addition is one of my Favorite bras right now! I have it in black and nude in two different sizes depending on my coverage needs. Merci- By Çhantelle

I find that Chantelle bras in general have a lower scooped back strap, which I love! They're great for the summer time when you wear those Urban or Anthro tops that Always either have lace or dip severely low in the back. The nude color is rich and slightly darker for a more bronzed complexion- ugh, it's Gorgeous! Even though I would love to wear lace each and every day, some tops do require a seamless look and a smooth contoured bra always does the trick. I just received my new Memory Foam T-shirt bra- By Wacoal in PINK!

To my pleasant surprise I already had the matching panty that I found rummaging through the sale rounder at Nordstrom Rack. I love this particular bikini style and I have it in literally every color!

Only after the kids are tucked away for the night, the kitchen has been cleaned and you're now in super relaxed mode with a crystal glass of pinot in your manicured hands do you unleash this next beauty! The in bloom robe is perfect for those warm summer nights!

During the warmer months, I crave the lighter chiffon fabrics and the barely there lighter lace bras. The less material the better! Per request from my subscribers, let's go over some quick bullet points on finding the best panties : 1.) Every department store has sales. You cannot purchase target items wanting Neiman Marcus quality-it'll never work. 2.) You should purchase at least five different styles so that each ensemble has the right under garments. 3.) If you're looking for deals, you may have to pick and choose between different stores. 4.) *THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT POINT* Distinguish your specific shape and understand which styles work best for you. If you have wide hips, the hipster style works best. If you have small hips, the hi cut or french cut styles work best for you and so on and so forth. Most women that say they cannot find comfortable underwear are buying the wrong style for their particular shape and then they give up and resort to the dreadfully disturbing "granny panty"! Don't give up!! 5.) Fashion colors ALWAYS go on sale! Buy the fuschia color and get the quality that you need at the discounted price. You will not drop dead if your bras are not nude or black. Though, you will need the basics, you typically do not see color underneath anything besides a white blouse.

Last but not least, do not forget to donate! It is better to give than to receive. My donation bag is all set to go-Stay Blessed!

HAPPY LINGERIE SHOPPING!

Happy Sunday

Taking a break from song writing, interior designing and many other things has allotted much needed family time. What better day than a Sunday to indulge in pure bliss. One of several splendid moments was my 22 month old daughter comprehending the word "pose" for the camera and actually completing a mini shoot via my iphone. From placing her hands on her hips to crossing her legs like a lady, this girl is bringing me so much LIFE today!

Happy Sunday!

A Shabby Touch

After making the grueling decision to forsake jumping from rental to rental but rather staying put until we're ready to buy, I must be comfortable in the midst of this journey. Oh how I would love to have my long natori silk black robe drape across heated hardwood floors that extend to the balcony overlooking the heart of a treasured blue ocean. Timing is truly everything and when it is meant to be, it'll be. Until then, my efforts to convert a small city apartment into a swanky love-filled, family proof and "Kim Approved" space has it's challenges. Thrifty Shabby Chic decor holds a dear place in my heart but over time, I have evolved into a shabby/modern/glam mesh of old and new looks kind-of-gal. Lets get this out of the way first: I DO NOT HAVE HARDWOOD FLOORS and quite frankly, if I repeat myself, I may throw up in my mouth!!! In the end, I managed to organically pull off my fav looks without jeopardizing the essence of shabby designs in spite of the utter disrespect of carpet. *Interior decorating is a continual work in progress and in my opinion, a room is NEVER finished or complete. The foundation begins with a large Pottery Barn area rug and an over 6ft. iKea espresso courdoroy couch:

(Hand-crafted Lenten Rose Knobs from Anthropologie, Vintage Suitcases & Boxes from local antique shops and Michael's craft store, Eiffel Tower Book Ends from Z Gallerie)

(Vintage "H" from Kudzu Antiques, Ceramic Owls and matching decorative Glass Ball from Homegoods) The picture below shows the meat of the living room which is still in development. The two cushioned chairs are a substitute until I am able to find a mid century accent chair that I fall in love with. (Grey Throw and Pillows from Nordstrom, with the exception of the handmade crochet pillow that my mother blessed me with by knotmeup designs.)

Naturally, I love the creative process of interior design and am slowly but surely molding our current home into something that I am proud of and that makes me smile when I turn the key and enter our domain. More pics coming soon...

❤️Day!

Because I'm such a romantic at heart...

I hand crafted these small V-Day cards for my co workers. 

Valentines Day is such a bias holiday and forces people to have mixed feelings based on the status of their relationships. I feel like it can be celebrated under all circumstances because there is ALWAYS someone to love! 

Happy February!❤️