Tag Archives: nyc

Gifts that Give Back: For Him

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Generous & Practical: 5 Awesome Gifts He’ll Love

 

Finding the perfect gift for someone special is always challenging. I have several practical ideas I’m sure every man in your life would appreciate, but there’s something more to my list of gifts than just being awesome. The holidays are the perfect time to help those less fortunate, and I can show you how to combine generosity and practicality.

State Backpack

 

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A backpack that can never go out of style is something that every man needs. This one from the State collection is extremely practical – the large number of compartments allow you to carry quite a few items in one well-organized package. It can fit a 15” laptop, and it has a convenient number of side pockets.

For every backpack sold, State delivers another to a child in need. By making this purchase you’ll not only get a quality backpack for a special man in your life, but you’re also making a child out there really happy.

David Sheldrick Wildlife Sweatshirt

 

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One of my fave items!  This sweatshirt is made out of cotton, which makes it incredibly comfy. It can also be machine-washed, so it doesn’t require any special care – I’m sure that any man would appreciate that fact.

You should also know that it has an illustration of Eddie by Hugo Guinness on it. Eddie was an orphan elephant who was saved by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, hand raised and released back into the wild. She was one of over 190 elephants that were saved by this trust. The complete net of every purchase goes directly to this cause.

Conscious Step Socks

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I don’t know about you, but almost every man I know has trouble finding one whole matching pair of socks. You should introduce them to Conscious Step. My husband is obsessed and looks forward to getting them every year.

The logic behind these socks is easy. I mean why get “normal” everyday socks when you can get a fun pair that was made to help fund the world’s most important causes, like providing clean drinking water, ending famine, saving trees, fighting HIV and improving education worldwide. Conscious Step socks are quite extraordinary, don’t you think?

Feed Projects-Adventorous Kit

 

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Men, unlike most women, somehow forget to take their essentials with them, and perhaps the reason behind it is that they don’t own their own kit. In order to help that special man in your life have a much more relaxed and convenient trip, my suggestion is to get them a practical FEED kit. The thing that makes this kit so special is the fact that making one purchase provides 15 school meals to children worldwide.

Veja-Most Ethical Sneakers 

 

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We all know that men like their sneakers and really can’t get enough of them. The company Veja is setting an example for other brands. Just to name a few of their accomplishments-Veja uses rubber from the amazon and organic cotton, they employ over 300 families and provide them with a competitive salary, and finally to cut cost for their costumers, Veja does not advertise. A few weeks ago I wrote a detailed post on this brand (yes, I’m obsessed) -please read about it here. It’s an amazing gift for everyone that likes sneakers (every man in the world, really).

Olivia Wilde + H&M

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H&M is unveiling their new social conscious campaign with Olivia Wilde as the model. As many of you know, H&M is one of the largest buyers of organic cotton. They have made strong efforts to support and sell sustainable fashion while not sacrificing style and glamour. Each piece in the collection will be made from sustainable materials, including organic cotton, recycled polyamide and Tencel.

Olivia Wilde wasn’t picked to be the face of this campaign for her pretty face (although I am pretty sure that helped her too…hehe), she is feminist and a strong believer of smart consumerism. She is not only an actress and model but also the founder of an e-commerce company called Conscious Commerce where you can experience shopping with a purpose.

Check out my faves from the H&M’s new conscious collection and if you live in NYC pass by the pop-up shop today for a preview of the collection in time square at 5PM. Reservations can be made here: HMconscious@kcdworldwide.com .

Donate your clothes and receive 20% off and the chance to meet Olivia Wilde!

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BEST NYC RESTAURANTS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

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Hi Friends:

We are a week away from Valentine’s Day and I wanted to share with you my top restaurant choices for the big day! NYC has so many wonderful restaurants so finding one you like should be fairly easy. I’m super excited because Thomas and I plan to go to Saul, a lovely restaurant inside the Brooklyn Museum.  I can’t wait to share photos with you all. What will you guys be doing for V-Day!? Leave me a message and tell me what your plans are. 🙂

 

il Mulino

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Il Mulino is hands down one of the best Italian restaurants in NYC. Thomas and I went for our first month wedding anniversary and we just loved it. The west village location is cozy and makes you feel like you are sitting in your Italian grandmothers living room. This location is not modern like the others in Manhattan but I sort of like that because I feel like it transports me back to Italy. So if you’re a foodie and really want to impress your significant other than take them here. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Il Mulino: 86 West Third Street, New York, NY

2. Maialino 

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This Roman-Italian eatery inside the Gramercy Park Hotel is a must. Maialino draws inspiration from the classic dishes throughout Rome and features fresh and seasonal food. The cozy yet sophisticated ambience makes this restaurant a perfect choice for Valentine’s Day.

If you are looking to keep drinking and need a hotspot to go to-check out the Rose Bar. This bar is one of my favorite bars in NYC and it’s also right inside the hotel. It is elegant and fashionable….don’t be surprised if you bump into a celeb or two, this bar is known to be a low-key hideout for them.

Maialino: 2 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York

3. Catch 

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Meatpacking seafood restaurant Catch has been a hotspot for quite sometime now. The space is rustic and inviting with large communal tables. Thomas and I went here for V-Day last year and loved it. The seafood is so great that we even decided to try caviar here for our first time! If you decide to go then you must try the lobster mac and cheese and the dessert called, “Hit me”! Afterwards, head upstairs to Catch Roof lounge for some dancing and drinking all while enjoying the panoramic views of the city skyline.

Catch: 21 9th Avenue, New York, NY

4. Antica Pesa

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I recently visited this restaurant in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and loved it. The service is top-notch! For those who appreciate true Italian cuisine and wonderful cocktails then this restaurant would be a great choice. You must try the Crudo E Bufala Croccante (prosciutto di parma cured for 20 months and fresh mozzarella) it was delicious and so fresh.

Oh, and if you’re in Rome be sure to check it out there-yes, the Brooklyn location is just an outpost of the original restaurant in Rome, Italy. 🙂

Antica Pesa: 115 Berry Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211

5. The House 

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What could be more romantic than taking your date to a 19th century townhouse for dinner? The House is an upscale charming New American restaurant in Gramercy that feels like you’ve been teleported to “old new york”. It’s the perfect date spot-the wine and lobster club are not to be missed.

The House: 121 East 17th Street, New York, NY 

More Lingerie, Please.

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Hi Friends:

As promised, today we will talk lingerie!  Some say lingerie is a waste of money…but how could something silky and lacy be a waste? It’s about your personal style. I believe lingerie should be part of your daily wardrobe.  I’m not saying you should wear a garter everyday but replacing the old t-shirt you may sleep in might be nice {not judging, sometimes I still sleep with t-shirts..shhh}.  Anyways, I really do love how delicate and beautiful it all is-I dream of having not a drawer but a closet full of it.{I’m pretty sure I’ve written this to you guys before..lol} If you’re like me, you will love Journelle. It’s my favorite lingerie shop! It’s like no other in the city. I’ve been to several of their locations in NYC and not only do I get superb service but I never want to leave. It really just captures the “feel good” vibe that we ladies like when we walk into a store. I don’t know how to describe it really, take my word and go check it out! Oh, and for those looking for more than just La Perla slips-don’t you worry-Journelle carries beautiful everyday loungewear as well. After all, they have to live up to the name…. Journelle was inspired by the french word Journellement, which means “daily”. The staff at Journelle truly believes lingerie should be worn everyday. 🙂

Below are my faves for V-Day! 🙂 Don’t forget to check out their site: www.journelle.com.

Damaris
Clo Intimo
L’Agent Esma Slip
L’Agent-Idalia Playsuit
Lascivious Midori Bodysuit
Bordelle Contour Angel Dress
L’Agent Iana Playsuit

 

 

 

V-Day Inspirations

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Happy Friday!!!

Hope you all had a wonderful week! Valentine’s Day is less than a month away and this week I was inspired to make a V-Day mosaic for you guys! Valentine’s Day is a perfect day to go freshen up that lingerie drawer (or, closet!) and add new pieces. If buying lingerie is not your thing, then maybe a new sparkly necklace or a new outfit for the night out with your lover or bestie will work too! 🙂

I hope the photo clips from Pinterest will inspire you!  Aside from shopping for the special day, I really look forward to getting treated to a fabulous dinner in the city. Next week I will bring you my top 10 restaurants for V-Day along with lingerie pieces from my fave store in NYC. Excited! 🙂

Checkout my Pinterest boards @ http://www.pinterest.com/plsdotell/

Have a great weekend!

 

 

Why I love Donna Karen (And you should, too!)

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Hi Friends!

When Donna Karen is not getting ready for runway shows or traveling the world, she is caring for some great causes! I am not sure if you were aware of this but she has a foundation called the Urban Zen Foundation that is supported by the Urban Zen Store in the west village. The Urban Zen foundation has a three-part mission: Well-being, Empowering Children, and Preserving Cultures. Donna Karen created the Urban Zen Foundation because she wanted to integrate business with philanthropy and globally expand on the “soulful economy movement”concept.

The Urban Zen clothing collection is beautiful and inspired by Donna Karen’s travel experiences throughout the world, especially Haiti, a place very dear to her heart. Check them out here:

Below are some of my faves. 😉

 

XO,

Lourdes

 

 

 

 

Holiday Gift Guide for the Kiddies

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Good Afternoon Friends:

As some of you may already know, today is #givingtuesday! Giving Tuesday was created as a global online response to the consumerism of the holiday season. Today we globally dedicate ourselves to giving back! So don’t forget to check out some of your favorite charities and local events.

In the meantime, I created a holiday gift guide for the kiddies in your life. I’m not a mom yet but I’m an auntie and I already started brainstorming and browsing! Here are some cute ideas! Happy Shopping!! 🙂

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Girls’ J.Crew Sweatshirt benefiting The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust that helps elephants and Rhinos.

How it works:  100% percent of the net proceeds will be donated to the trust.

Find it: Shop this adorable sweatshirt at www.jcrew.com

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ROMA kids rain boots

How it works: Each Roma boot purchase generates a pair of rain boots given to children and orphans in Romania to fight the climate of the country.

Find it: Shop Roma Boots at www.romaboots.com

Awesome Kids T-Shirt by Charity Water

Awesome Kids T-Shirt by Charity Water

How it works: charity water is a non-profit organization bringing clean and safe water to people in developing countries.

Find it: http://www.charitywater.org

Winter Fairy Peg Doll DIY by The Honest Company

Winter Fairy Peg Doll DIY by The Honest Company

How it works:  The Award Winning actress Jessica Alba started this company to help moms and give children a safe start. The Honest Company has made a huge impact in many communities-they recently donated 13,000 diapers to support N.C families in need, they plan baby showers to celebrate Naval moms and have donated 200 cribs and 10,000 diapers to Baby2Baby! They are awesome and you really need to check them out!

Find it: www.honest.com

Q & A with Naira Musallam

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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.

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Naira climbing highest peak in Ecuador!

Naira climbing highest peak in Ecuador!

 

 

A Traveling Mongolian Man. Photographer: Naira Musallam.

A Traveling Mongolian Man. Photographer: Naira Musallam.

Coffee + Hugh Jackman

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Hi Friends:

Yes, that’s right. Hugh Jackman is in town and has coffee for you.

I’m kidding. Maybe.

Well, his coffee shop is here. Not sure if you will catch him but hey, no hurt in trying. 😉

Laughing Man Coffee Shop was founded by Hugh Jackman as a way to bring local farmers to the market.  A few years ago, he went to Ethiopia with World Vision and met a farmer by the name of Dukale. Dukale was his source of inspiration because he was able to see first hand the limited opportunities for a farmer who produced amazing coffee but yet wasn’t able to show that to the world. So, this inspired Hugh to start this journey for Dukale and other coffee growers in the world that want fair trade price for their coffee.

You know what I love the most about this business model? Well, that as a costumer who walks into the coffee shop, I know for sure that my contribution is going to the Dukale Family. It’s not charity. It’s engrained into the business.

So this is the deal, it’s Monday and you all need a cup of coffee (or several), so go stop by Laughing Man and enjoy an amazing cup of coffee brought to you by Hugh and Dukale. If you can’t make it down to Tribeca then go on the website and read about this awesome coffee shop! I mean, friends, think about it, you might catch Hugh Jackman and are contributing to a great cause while drinking a yummy cappuccino…hello!! I say that sounds like a pretty good Monday.

xoxo,

Lourdes

dukale and hugh

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