Saturday in the City

Jacket: Steve Madden (similar here)  |  Sweater: South Moon Under (similar here)  |  Jeans: Paige Denim  |  Boots: Sole Society  |  Bag: Louis Vuitton  |  Necklace: Kendra Scott  |  Sunglasses: Fendi (similar here)

On Saturday afternoon I made a trip into New York City to see a concert.  A friend of my Dad's offered him tickets and backstage passes to Alicia Keys' performance at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem and I jumped at the chance to go.  I've mentioned on here before that I love New York City so I was excited not only to go to the concert, but to have some time in the city too.

We decided to drive up early so we could walk around and get something to eat before the concert.  If you're ever driving into NYC I highly recommend parking with Icon Quik Park, they have locations all over the city and you can make a reservation and prepay all online; it is not only super convenient, but it also saves you money.  We parked near Lincoln Center and spent some time walking around.  I had been to Lincoln Center once before, but didn't have enough time to really look around so I was excited that I got to see more of it and check out what shows they have coming up.

Once we were done we went to P.J. Clarke's for a late lunch early dinner.  We both had cheeseburgers and french fries, which were really good and very filling.  If you're a fan of Gossip Girl checking out their West 63rd Street location is a must because it is right next to Chuck's Empire Hotel.  After finishing our meal we started walking up town a little ways, but eventually hailed a cab because it was quite a long walk to the theatre.

We got to the Apollo Theatre at about 5:30 PM and had to wait outside for a few minutes for my Dad's friend to bring us our passes.  While we were waiting we saw Alicia Keys' promotional van pull up and got to see a few people give interviews about her.  I also went in to check out the theatre's gift shop, which was great.  

After about ten minutes we got our passes and were ushered backstage where the concert crew had a full food services table, a private bathroom, and a place to store our coats.  We could've eaten more food there, but instead went up to check out the theatre and were actually able to sit in on Keys practicing, which was amazing.  I got to watch her sing, run through the show, and work with the crew.  I have to say that after seeing all of this and seeing her backstage after the show she is such an incredible and kind person.  She was so sweet to everyone around her and seemed to be friends with her crew, there was never a "diva" moment in sight and she was genuine and very humble.  Once her practice was over we hung out in the theatre until the show.

The concert was to celebrate the launch of Alicia Keys' new album Here.  She played the album in its entirety and was the first time she had done a show like this.  Keys is an amazing performer and her energy spread through the entire theatre.  There was an incredible vibe at the concert and the excitement of everyone in attendance was palpable.  I didn't know it was possible, but her voice and piano skills are even more impressive in person.  I loved her new songs and highly recommend checking out the album.

After the show we got to go backstage again and this time Alicia was there.  I wasn't able to get a picture with her, but she was so nice during the brief moment I spoke with her.  We then attended the after party for a little bit before heading back down towards where our car was.  We had eaten around 4:00 and by the time we left the concert it was after midnight so needless to say we were starving!  Since P.J. Clarke's was near our car and we had enjoyed our lunch/dinner so much we decided to grab a late night bite before leaving.  I convinced my Dad to get all appetizers, which was just what I needed.

The whole night was so much fun and such an amazing experience.  I feel so lucky that I was able to do this and am so thankful for it!

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

There are just a few rules we ask you follow to join in on Tutu Tuesdays:

1. Please follow both Jordyn and me, your lovely hosts, on Instagram and/or Bloglovin.

Kristin: The Blush Blonde  |  Bloglovin'  |  Instagram

Jordyn: The Fairy Princess Diaries  |  Bloglovin'  |  Instagram

2. Link to your specific post, not your blog's main page.

3. Grab our super cute button or share a link to Tutu Tuesdays in the post you are linking up so everyone can know about the party!

4. Have fun and mingle with other bloggers that have linked up!  Like I said we want everyone to make new friends!

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Friday Favorites

Favorite Artist Melsy's Illustrations

I found Melsy's Illustrations through her artwork with Hallmark.  After falling in love with her work on Hallmark cards I searched for her on Instagram and was so excited to find her (@melsysillustrations).  She makes the most gorgeous fashion illustrations and I can't wait to purchase one to hang in my room!

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Favorite Celebrity Look Kendall Jenner on her 21st Birthday

I'm not a huge fan of the Kardashians, but I do love Kendall Jenner.  She turned 21 yesterday and had a huge party on Wednesday to celebrate.  For her party she wore this silver sparkly number that is very similar to the dress Paris Hilton wore to her 21st birthday.  Back in the day I was a huge Paris Hilton fan so needless to say I was excited to see this look and absolutely loved it!

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Favorite Way to Warm Up Beige Reversible Faux Fur Hooded Coat

I've been seeing this coat all over Pinterest lately and think it is adorable.  It looks so cozy and I think that it would be perfect for the fall and winter.  It's also only $39.99 so I think I might have to purchase it.

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Favorite CMA Awards Dress Carrie Underwood in Michael Cinco

Carrie Underwood always looks amazing, but I think this might be my favorite dress she's ever worn.  It's such a fun and feminine gown and it doesn't hurt that it's my favorite color.  I also really love how she accessorized it with gorgeous earrings and rings that up the glam factor.

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Favorite Recipe Garlic Butter Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Parmesan

I love sweet potatoes so I was really excited when I came across this recipe from Cafe Delites on Pinterest.  These would go really well with chicken or steak and I am dying to make them for myself.  I think I'm going to give them a try next week!

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What are your favorites this week?

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Today I'm linking up with Friday Favorites, Friday Favorites, Fab Favorites, Oh Hey Friday!, Five on Friday, and Friday Favorites.

Hostess Gifts for Thanksgiving

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I feel like 2016 has just been flying by, I cannot believe it's already November 2nd and the start of the holiday season.  I am however excited for all the holiday spirit and joy that is coming our way.  In particular I'm most excited for my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving, which is just three weeks from tomorrow.  I feel like there are so many Hostess Gift Guides for Christmas, but I have personally yet to see one for Thanksgiving so today I am sharing one!  The gifts I have here will be great for everything from Thanksgiving to Friendsgiving and any autumn/holiday fêtes you may attend.  From a wine tote to decorative trinket trays to a Thanksgiving platter I've got you covered with gifts that are sure to wow!  The best part about this list is that all of the gifts ring in at or under $60.  My favorite item on the list is these gorgeous marble coasters that are super on trend.  Giving any of these gifts will certainly make you stand out from everyone else who brings a bottle of wine and I'm sure something different will be much appreciated.  I'll be back in a few weeks with another gift guide for hostess gifts for Christmas so look out for that!

SHOP THE POST HERE:

P.S. Thank you so much for all of your love and support on yesterday's post, it really means the world to me.  I forgot to mention in the post that because of what's going on I have gotten super behind in responding to blog comments and I've decided to start fresh as of yesterday.  I don't want anyone to think I'm ignoring them and I still read and very much appreciate every comment, but I just will not be responding to the ones in my inbox from before November 1st.  I hope that this is ok with all of you and that you know how much I love receiving and reading your comments, but this is just another way to give myself a little break!

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Life Update

I share a lot on this space and while you may know quite a few things about me from my different About Me posts there is a large part of my life that I rarely post about on here or social media.  I'm a deeply private person and am careful to only share certain aspects of my life with the public because of that.  With that said, you may have noticed that lately I've been a little MIA on here and it is due to that part of my life.  Since I have shared so much on here I think that I owe it to my readers to give a little life update and share what has been going on with me even if it is difficult for me.

In July of 2014 I shared a long post on here explaining my life situation.  In that post I explained that have some serious health issues that affect every part of my life.  You can read my the whole post here if you're interested.  The very short version of that post is that I suffer from two medical conditions.  The first condition is Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD, which is also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, CRPS).  RSD is "is a chronic neuro-inflammatory disorder. It is classified as a rare disorder by the United States Food and Drug Administration.  CRPS occurs when the nervous system and the immune system malfunction as they respond to tissue damage from trauma. The nerves misfire, sending constant pain signals to the brain. The level of pain is measured as one of the most severe on the McGill University Pain Scale" (RSDSA).  The second condition is Crohn's Disease which is "a life long inflammatory bowel disease [which causes] Parts of the digestive system get swollen and have deep sores called ulcers." (WebMD).

While both conditions are difficult to deal with I have to say that the RSD is by far the most difficult.  It leaves me in constant severe pain, which is exhausting.  Recently my pain has been worse than ever from the RSD and I have depleted vitamin levels and inflamed Crohn's markers from the Crohn's disease.  In addition to all of this I have developed chronic migraines in the last few months that give me terrible headaches, light sensitivity, nausea and more.  Furthermore, I was recently diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, which is "a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. In some people, the condition also can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels.  An autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body's tissues." (Mayo Clinic).

Due to my declining health I have been feeling really terrible lately and have needed a little more time to rest then usual.  Additionally I have been undergoing medical tests and attending numerous doctors appointments all of which are exhausting.  I graduated from college this past May and my original plan was to apply to grad school to start in Spring 2017; however with everything going on right now I have decided to postpone that and will begin in Summer 2017 or Fall 2017.  While I desperately need this time off it gets to be difficult when people are constantly asking what I am doing after graduation; I know that people mean well and are genuinely curious, but what I'm doing and why I'm doing it can be difficult to explain.  

Right now I'm just trying to rest as much as possible and work on my blog even though at times that is difficult for me too.  At the moment I am trying to take everything one day at a time, listen to my body, and take care of myself, unfortunately doing all of this sometimes requires me to step away from my computer, which is why I have been a little MIA recently.  I am hoping to get back to a more regular blogging schedule because I love it too much not to!  The one adjustment I will make is I think for the next few weeks I will commit to doing four posts a week instead of five just to give myself some extra time to rest.  I want to thank all of you for your support and patience with me, it means more then you will ever know.

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Today I'm linking up with Tutu Tuesdays, Style Sessions, and Confident Twosday.

There are just a few rules we ask you follow to join in on Tutu Tuesdays:

1. Please follow both Jordyn and me, your lovely hosts, on Instagram and/or Bloglovin.

Kristin: The Blush Blonde  |  Bloglovin'  |  Instagram

Jordyn: The Fairy Princess Diaries  |  Bloglovin'  |  Instagram

2. Link to your specific post, not your blog's main page.

3. Grab our super cute button or share a link to Tutu Tuesdays in the post you are linking up so everyone can know about the party!

4. Have fun and mingle with other bloggers that have linked up!  Like I said we want everyone to make new friends!

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Beauty Review: Lea Black Beauty Intensive Moisture Renewal Créme

As I mentioned in my last post on Lea Black Beauty you may recognize the name Lea Black as an author, business entrepreneur, and a philanthropist, and/or from her role on the Bravo series The Real Housewives of Miami.  However, I came to know the name Lea Black through her beauty company Lea Black Beauty.  Lea Black Beauty products were created with the goals of helping people to take care of their skin and to combat many of today's skincare problems.  The products are formulated with advanced proprietary technology, corrective nutrients, and antioxidants that will help you to get and maintain your best skin!

Today I am talking about Lea Black Beauty's Intensive Moisture Renewal Créme, which is perfect since what I refer to as "dry skin season" is just around the corner.  I don't know about you, but the cold air and indoor heat in the fall and winter make my already dry skin even drier so I am always looking a good moisturizer to help with that.  In addition, I also think that moisturizing is one of the most important steps in a good skincare routine (no matter what skin type you have) and that using a quality cream will yield better results.  Needless to say, when I got the Intensive Moisture Renewal Créme I couldn't wait to try it because an intensive cream is just what my dry skin needs!

Lea Black Beauty's Intensive Moisture Renewal Créme is a luxe facial cream that will leave your skin smooth and soft.  It features a concentrated formula that is an ultra-rich, anti-aging, anti-oxidant moisturizing and hydrating crème.  It advances skin's water retention abilities, deeply hydrates, smooths wrinkles, plumps skin, and improves firmness.  It is so powerful that in just two days it increases skin moisturization by 500%.

While this cream can be used as both a day and night cream I prefer to use it as a night cream.  I cleanse my skin, pat it dry, and then massage this into my skin.  After I've applied the cream I like to let it sit on my skin for ten to fifteen minutes before getting into bed so it can really soak into my skin.  I also love to apply the Lea Black Beauty Advanced Anti-Aging Serum after cleansing, but before applying the cream so the two can work together to give me my best skin.

I've been using this moisturizer for a few weeks now and am very happy with the results.  I noticed that even after one use before bed my skin looked more hydrated and had a glow to it the next morning.  The cream definitely has a very luxurious feel to it although I have to admit it doesn't smell the best; I've had my Mom testing this for me too and she was put off by the smell at first, but after just one use she said the results were worth dealing with the scent.  We've both seen softer and smoother skin since using this and I absolutely love the texture of it.  If you have dry or combination skin I would recommend giving this a try especially during the winter!

The people over a Lea Black Beauty were kind enough to give me a code to share with all of you that will give you 20% off all of their products!  That means when your purchase the Lea Black Beauty Skin Revitalizing Exfoliant it will only be $15.60 instead of its usual $19.50!  Enter this code at checkout for your special discount:

20LBB04

*I was given Lea Black Beauty's Intensive Moisture Renewal Créme by Lea Black to facilitate my review, however opinions of this product are all my own.

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Today I'm linking up with #HowIFall, Hello Monday, Let It Shine, Weekending, and MIMM.