Hi Friends!
Yesterday was National Philanthropy Day so I teamed up with Life, Tailored and created a holiday gift guide for men! Life, Tailored is a men’s style and fashion blog that brings you luxury brands, top rated travel and drinking spots. Please check them out at www.lifetailored.com and read my article at http://lifetailored.com/style/holiday-gift-guide-gifts-give-back/.
XO
Lourdes
Hi Friends:
The Holidays are almost here!! Yay!! 😉 Buying gifts for our family and friends can either be fun or dreadful…so, I thought it would be a cool idea to feature gifts once a week until Christmas to help you with the process. The gifts featured every week will all be items that give back to some awesome charities!
My faves for this week are the following:
Kiehl’s Limited Edition “GrapeFruit” Whipped Body Butter: 100% of the proceeds from this Butter supports Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign.
Lush Charity Pot: Lush donates every penny of the pot (minus the tax) to small grassroots organizations.
FEED Wood Wine Caddy: For each of these Wood Wine Caddy’s Purchased, Feed donates 47 meals to families in need in the USA.
Classic Feed Bag: This bag will help feed one child for the entire year.
Feed Wine Bag: Your purchase will provide 5 school meals.
Men’s J.Crew for David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Sweatshirt: Your purchase supports orphaned elephants and rhinos in East Africa from ivory poaching and extinction.
Women’s J.Crew for David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Tee: Your purchase supports orphaned elephants and rhinos in East Africa from ivory poaching and extinction.
Hi Friends!
I couldn’t be more excited to finally start my Girl Talk Series with you all. This series is dear to my heart because I get the opportunity to share with you all the women I have met that inspire me with their work and passion to live life to the fullest.
I will start this series with my former Professor from NYU who I now have the honor to call my friend. She’s an incredible woman who has accomplished so much in her lifetime and yet is so humble about it all.
Background:
Naira Musallam is Clinical Assistant Professor of Global Affairs at the Center for Global Affairs at NYU. She holds a Ph.D. in Social-Organizational Psychology (2011) and an M.A. in Psychology in Education (2005) from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a B.A. in Psychology and Communication (2001) from Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Dr. Musallam has over ten years of experience consulting with multiple industries in the private sector on related research, governmental agencies, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations. She is the recipient of awards and scholarships from the Earth Institute, Columbia University, and the U.S Department of State.
Current Job: Teaches National Security in the Middle East, Applied Statistics, Analytical Skills, Human Security at NYU.
What does a typical day look like?
I wake up between 5-530. I need to have coffee within 10 min. By 6AM, I am already working out at the gym or running outside (for 2 hrs). At 9 AM, I enjoy a big breakfast and head out to teach. Some days I meet with friends after work and before winding down and sleeping, I enjoy 30 min of reading material that is not related to my career. So, adventure books…like books on climbing..etc.
If you weren’t a professor what else would you be doing?
I would own an “adventure company” that takes people not only to physical challenging places but also to ones intellectually stimulating. I would encourage people to learn and live more and learn about cultures.
Has fear ever stopped you from achieving something?
It has. I think fear is always there. Fear tells you that something is not “wise”.
I don’t like the term fearless…I think living without fear means to be disassociated from life. I see fear as something that just is…and you just learn to live with it and achieve your goals with it present. You dance with it. But It’s not a motivator. It simply just is.
Who/What inspires you?
Inspiration comes in different form. I often find it in a very non-heroic way…like the woman and men who go to work at 4AM…in a factory or my students….or the grocery owner…places and people you don’t expect. My mother is a central part of my inspiration. Her resilience, hard-work, generosity to the world with the means that she had inspired me. These things go deeper than inspiration…they become values. My mother is beyond inspiration… she shaped the way I’ve become and that’s not just inspiration…that is beyond…it’s a human being trying to shape the life of others. This is a way of life. It’s beyond inspiration.
What causes/issues are you passionate about?
I have a vision of living in a world where everyone is living in decency and free of suffering. Believing in this vision prompts me to support many causes including research to end diseases, poverty, and promote education, equality, peace, and taking care of our planet.
Do you have any mentors?
I don’t. But I have close people who I consult with and share my struggles with…and I get their opinion. I have different people who I can go to for different things.
In 10 years what would you like to see yourself doing?
I would like to be alive and healthy.
What are your hobbies?
Mountain climbing, Scuba diving, Traveling, the Outdoors, music, and reading. I spend my time with family and friends.
Favorite climbing experience?
The Himalayas are my favorite climbing region. It’s majestic and you are surrounded by Buddhist monks who also happen to be the best and strongest climbers on this planet.
Favorite NYC Coffee shop?
Reggios Café
Favorite city in the world?
New York City and Kathmandu (capital of Nepal)
Career wisdom for young professional women?
Follow your passion. Hear what others have to say. And don’t listen to anyone.
Naira climbing highest peak in Ecuador!
A Traveling Mongolian Man. Photographer: Naira Musallam.
Truth be told, I am not a fan of my husband having a bushy moustache but one month out of the year, I make an exception. The annual Movember campaign funds men’s health programs and spreads awareness about issues currently facing males. This is Thomas’ second year committing to this cause and I couldn’t be more proud of his dedication to raise funds for a cause that too many still ignore. Take a moment and think how this cause can have an impact to those close to home like your dad, grandfather, brother, husband, boyfriend, friend, lover…and now do something about it.
Please support my husband Thomas by visiting mobro.co/tmartin81. Thank you in advance for your donations and for supporting such a great cause!
xoxo,
Lourdes
Hi friends!
On Tuesday, I took a short trip to the Museum at FIT. My cousin had emailed me about a temporary lingerie exhibit that they were having called: “Exposed-A History of Lingerie” . The exhibit showcased the fashion evolution of lingerie starting from the 18th century until the present. The pieces were all very beautiful and each piece told a story about a woman’s life and personality.
Truth be told, I have always been a bit obsessed with lingerie. Honestly, what you wear underneath is just as important as your outfit. I would argue it’s even more important. Ever notice how the wrong bra can mess up an entire outfit? Hello!! Hehe. Also, get ready to go shopping after you leave because the exhibit will leave you with a desire to splurge on new silky pajamas!
So, if you have some time, go to the Museum at FIT and check it out-the exhibit is available until November 15.
Check out my faves from the exhibit. 🙂
Lingerie from the 1950s at the Fashion Institute museum. Credit Linda Rosier for The New York Times
Warner Bros. corset / Silk, satin, coraline, c.1889, USA | Photo by Eileen Costa copyright MFIT
Cadolle corselet / Satin, lace, elastic, c.1933, France | Photo: Eileen Costa copyright MFIT
Please, Do tell 