No Place Like New York 1

I think that New York City might just be my favorite place in the world, so when my Mom asked me last week if I wanted to go there yesterday I jumped at the chance!  We lucked out and it was such a gorgeous day, the temperature was upper 60s/low 70s, it was sunny, and there was a light breeze - perfection.  We didn't really have any big plans we more just wanted to walk around, visit a few of our favorite places, and just enjoy being in the city. 

We parked in this great little lot on East 57th street and decided to walk to the restaurant we were heading to from there.  We walked down 5th Avenue and of course had to do a little shopping and check out all the beautiful stores.  The first place we went was the Fendi and the store was filled with tons of pink, which I was loving!  The mannequins were looking super chic sporting different fur coats and turbans, this was my favorite look.

Next we headed to one of my favorite restaurants in the city, Bistango.  The reason I love Bistango so much is because of their amazing gluten free options.  They can make everything on the menu gluten free, serve gluten free bed (make sure you request it!), and have the most delicious gluten free ravioli I have ever had.  I love the gluten free Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli with Marinara sauce, I literally cannot express in words how amazing they are.  For anyone who has gluten or wheat allergies Bistango is definitely a must visit when you're in New York City.

After lunch we went over to Madison Square Park to check out a new art installation that my Mom had seen on the news. A mirrored sculpture, 'Fata Morgana' by Teresita Ferńandez, was recently installed at the park and you can read more about it here.  It's five hundred feet long and goes over the sidewalk around the park.  The artwork not only reflects everything, but it also creates a cool pattern on the sidewalk with the shadows it casts.  It was really awesome to see.  If you're in the area (Madison Square Park is on Madison Avenue between 23rd and 26th Streets) I recommend going to check it out.

When we were done at the park we decided to go back uptown to hit a few more stores and shops.  On our way there we stopped and got a few pictures at the New York Public Library and St. Patrick's Cathedral.  Both of these buildings are iconic New York icons and once you look at them it's no wonder why.  I loved the pretty pink flowers that were planted outside the Library, they were cheerful and perfect for Spring!

I have so many pictures to share with you that I have to break them into two different posts!  Check back tomorrow to see where we went next and to get a few more gluten free foodie tips. 

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Today I'm linking up with #HowISpring, Manic Monday, Let it Shine, Mingle Monday, Weekending, and MIMM.

Must Haves

Another month another set of must haves.  Every months I have a few things that I use on repeat and just can't live without that month.  June's must haves are very summer themed as I am all ready for the warm weather!

1. Mario Badescu Seaweed Cleansing Lotion

I recently started using this toner and am loving it.  It is a non alcohol toner that I use in the morning and at night after I wash my face.  It helps to clean your skin, soothe it with seaweed and aloe extract, and it deposits minerals from the seaweed.  I've definitely noticed a change in my skin since I started using this.

2. Aveeno Smart Essentials Daily Nourishing Moisturizer

I've talked about this lotion quite a few times, but it is a tried and true favorite of mine.  It contains SPF 30, which makes it perfect for the summertime.  It's filled with antioxidants in the form of Vitamins A, C, and E that work to fight free radicals that your skin comes into contact with.  I put it on every morning after I wash my face and use toner, and it gives me a glow.  A great bonus is that the lotion smells amazing!

3. LC Lauren Conrad Flip-Flops

I have been looking for a nice simple flip flop for a while now and I picked these up in black and tan recently at Kohl's.  They are perfect to wear all summer long with everything from jeans to shorts to dresses.  There are so many colors to choose from and they are currently on sale!

4. BP. V-Neck Tee

A basic t-shirt is a must have for all year round, but I usually find myself wearing them even more in the summer.  In my opinion BP. makes the best classic t-shirts, they're soft, cozy, and fit nicely.  They come in several colors (although the black and white are my favorite) and are good price at 2 for $28.

5. Kate Spade New York Faceted Stud Earrings

I have these earrings in black, navy, clear, and hot pink so needless to say I love them.  To me they are a classic and so easy to wear.  You will probably find me wearing a pair of these most days this summer.

6. Converse Chuck Taylor Shoreline Sneaker

I have talked about these quite a lot recently so it's no surprise that they're one of my must haves.  I recently got these and have been wearing them nonstop.  They go with everything, are so easy to just throw on, and look chic.

7. Bath & Body Works Waikiki Beach Coconut Ultra Shea Body Cream

I picked this up a few weeks ago and my Mom and I are completely obsessed with it.  It literally smells like a Piña Colada and the scent lasts on you for quite some time.  It is also super moisturizing so it leaves your skin smooth and flake free. 

8. Bath & Body Works True Blue Spa Look Ma, New Hands

This is my absolute favorite hand cream!  I put a big dollop of this on every night before I go to bed and it keeps my hands moisturized and smooth.  It contains paraffin, olive, avocado, and apricot oils, and it works even better if you slip on a pair of cotton gloves after you put it on.  It also have a citrus scent, which smells so good.

What are your must haves of the moment?

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Today I'm linking up with Casual Friday, Fab Favorites, That Friday, Oh Hey Friday, Friday Favorites, Friday Favorites, and The Pick.

CFDA Awards 2015 Gowns

The CFDA Awards are always such a fun night for fashion.  I love seeing what everyone is wearing and who goes with what designers.  This year did not disappoint and there were so many fabulous looks. Here I have my best dressed list of the night.

Petra Nemcova in Max Azria | Gigi Hadid in Michael Kors | Taraji P. Henson in Vera Wang

Juliette Lewis in Christian Siriano | Chrissy Teigen in Solace London | Nina Dobrev in Lela Rose

Vanessa Hudgens in Sachin and Babi |  Karlie Kloss in DVF | Victoria Beckham in Victoria Beckham

Katie Holmes in Ralph Lauren Collection | Brittany Snow in Rachel Roy | Natasha Poly in Michael Kors

Whose look was your favorite?  Did I miss anyone whose look you loved?

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Today I'm linking up with Random Wednesday, WIWW, I Feel Pretty, WIWW, and MidWeek Muse. 

Summer Shoes

With spring in full swing it can only mean one thing, summer is on its way!  One of my favorite parts of the change in seasons is changing up your wardrobe.  As the temperatures rise it calls for shorts, skirts, dresses, and summer shoes - heels, wedges, sandals, flats and more.  Today I have for you some of my favorite picks for summer shoes.

Fun heels and wedges are a major must have for summer!  This is the perfect time of the year to put on a pair of neutral or colorful heels to complete your outfit.  Depending on what color you wear your heels can make for a great statement piece or allow another piece of your look to stand out.  Wedges might just be my favorite shoe of the season though!  With a wedge you get height, which lengthens your legs, but they are usually much more comfortable than your other heels.  They are perfect to throw on to go everywhere from brunch to a date.  Above are my favorite heels and wedges for Summer 2015.

If you're looking for a more comfortable option or are just not in the mood for heels, flats and flat sandals are for you.  When it comes to sandals I believe it is necessary to have a metallic sandal, a black sandal, a tan sandal and a dressy sandal in your shoe wardrobe; these are staple pieces and you will get so much use out of them.  Ballet flats are a favorite for the summer because they look great with everything from jeans and shorts to skirts and dresses.  They are always a classic choice.  For something a bit different I like a canvas colorblock espadrille, they go with just about anything and are a very on trend choice.  I am totally in love with white Converse for summer, literally every stylish girl I know owns a pair and they always look great.  Above are my favorite sandals and flats for Summer 2015.

What shoes are your favorite for the summer?  Do you love your heels or are you more of a flats girl?  Or are you like me and love both equally? 

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Today I'm linking up with Trend Spin Linkup, Confident Twosday, Style Sessions, and ChicStyle Linkup.

My Best Skin Care Tips

I have had my fair share of skin issues from pimples to dryness and am a lover of all things skin care.  I'm constantly doing research and trying new products to see what works best to keep my skin clean and clear.  Here I have my 10 must try tricks to get and keep your skin looking its best.

1. Drink a lot of water.

Aim to drink at least eight 8 ounce glasses (64 ounces) of water a day.  Drinking water helps to flush out toxins and keep everything hydrated.  I can always tell when I haven't been drinking enough water because my skin starts to appear dull.  So whether you want to drink filtered water, Smart Water, or even naturally flavored water (try making your own with this!) make sure to be constantly drinking and trying to get in as much water as you can.  Bonus: drinking more water is better for your whole body not just your skin!

2. Maintain a consistent skin care regimen.

It is important to have a skin care routine that you do twice a day in order to keep skin clear.  I recommend having at least a cleanser, toner, daytime lotion, and nighttime lotion as a part of your beauty routine.  Consistently washing your face twice a day with the same products works to address skin issues and to keep your skin clean and healthy.  I used to constantly switch up the products I was using thinking it would help my skin, but I have learned that it was actually hurting it and my skin has looked so much better since I have stuck to a steady regimen.

3. Always remove your makeup.

I know everyone always says this, but I really cannot stress how important this is.  Leaving your makeup on clogs your pores, ages you, irritates your skin, and overall just makes you feel gross.  I know the few times I've slept in my makeup (usually after a night out) I have been miserable when I woke up and my eyes are always insanely itchy from eye makeup.  Do yourself the favor and take off your makeup no matter what, even if you just use a makeup removing wipe and don't wash the rest of your face (not that I am recommending this, but it's better than leaving your makeup on), your skin will thank you.

4. Have a makeup free day.

It is important to go without makeup from time to time in order to let your skin breathe.  I recommend going once a week without makeup and enjoying your beautiful skin with just some moisturizer on.  Trust me a day without makeup feels great and makes your skin happy.

5. Use a face brush to wash your face.

Using a brush to wash your face helps to clean your skin much better than just your hands alone. Use the brush a few times a week to get a really deep clean and to help exfoliate your skin; your products will absorb better and your skin will look clearer.  I highly recommend using a Clarisonic, but there are some great brushes at lower price points too like this one.

6. Go Natural.

When it comes to skin care I try to go natural when I can.  There are so many items that you have in your kitchen that you can use to make face washes, scrubs, and masks that will give you great results. Check out these posts for different ideas on how to incorporate natural, food grade products into your beauty routine.

7. Moisturize!

Keeping your face hydrated and moisturized is vital for healthy skin.  If you don't moisturize your skin's oil production will be put into overdrive in order to compensate for the lack of moisture.  This then leads to the overproduction of oil, which can leave your skin looking shiny and clog your pores.  Even if you have super oily skin it is necessary to use moisturizer in order to counteract the oil and keep your skin from getting dehydrated.

8. Make sure your hairline is kept clean.

Both hair and skin care products have a tendency to get caught in our hairline and cause breakouts, in order to prevent this is is super important to keep your hairline clean.  To do this make sure to splash water along your hairline when washing your face to make sure that no product is left behind.  I also take a cotton pad soaked in witch hazel and run it over my hairline each time I wash my face to keep it clean.  Also remember not to push your moisturizer into your hairline because that can lead to breakouts.

9. Clean your cellphone, glasses, sunglasses, and anything else that touches your face.

Items that touch your face are a breeding ground for oil, dirt, and bacteria that then sits on your skin.  In order to prevent these items from causing a breakout it is important to keep them clean by wiping them off with an alcohol based wipe like Wet Ones.

10. Do your research.

Doing skin care research and getting to know your skin type are important steps in achieving clear skin. Skin is your biggest organ and should be treated like it, it is important to learn from experts what is the best, safest, and healthiest option to address your skin issues.  Make sure to rely on reputable sources so that you know you are getting the best advice possible.  Sites I love for skin care are Refinery 29, Byrdie, and Allure.

What is your best skin care tip?

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

P.S. Don't forget that Jordyn's and my Instagram challenge, J'adore June, starts today!

Today I'm linking up with #HowISpring, Manic Monday, MIMM, Let it Shine, Mingle Monday, and Weekending.