I had so many others posts tonight to share, book club choices, Amazon Monthly Best Sellers, 4th of July road trip….but something happened today that I really wanted to share…much more important and much more meaningful..I’ll keep it short but please try to read to the end…
Things have been so difficult..how many times do we want to say something but are not sure what to say or afraid to say the wrong thing….How do we show support for the Black Lives Matter movement? What can we do, what can we say, how can we help?
I have always been a strong believer of be the change you want to see by living by example. I try to instill it in my children and I try to live my life that way every day.
Today, June 29th is my grandmother Mary’s Birthday. She was my mother’s mother and I was sooooo close to her. In fact, one fall day when I was getting ready to go to work at Tiffany, I thought I would call her just to hear her voice and see how she was. She had been living in an assisted living community for many years, she had a stroke but we still knew how to communicate with each other. We “spoke” for a while that morning. Me mostly telling her about my week and what was going on at work. The next day my Grandmother died. I thank God everyday that I got the chance to speak to her one last time. Every year on her birthday, she sends me a sign that she is with me, watching over me and my family…Today, I received the most special sign…..
So, I’ve really been struggling with what I can do to make a difference. I know saying that we don’t see color is not enough. How can I live it…what do I do….how sad we have become, how did we get here and how are we going to get out and will a change come? I’ve asked myself this question so many times over and over …Am I being the change I want to see?, Am I living by example?…
I moved to my neighborhood when my kids were 3, 5, and 8 (14 years ago this December). I moved from a very family-oriented neighborhood to one that had a lot of empty nesters and not a lot of young mothers, like myself, at that time…I had the nicest mail carrier, Marta. Day in and Day out we got to know each other. She loved Reeces Peanut Butter cups. I would leave them out for her. We would talk almost every day. There was a horribly dangerous tree that was about to fall on her delivery path, but the owners would not do anything about it…Every day she was so afraid to cross over to deliver to my side of the street. Together we fought for over a year for that tree to finally be taken down. She would love it when I would decorate for various holidays and take photos to show her own kids. She was kind and sweet. And we were friends.
Unfortunately, Marta’s route was relocated about 5 years ago to the Rye Ridge Shopping Center. I would see her from time to time while she was delivering. I always begged her to relocate again and come back and when she had a couple of minutes we would run into Starbucks and grab a coffee and chat quickly online and then go on our way again.
Life got busier, I saw Marta less and less. I would think of her when I drove by the shopping center……
Today I had an appointment in Rye Ridge…as I was at the counter settling up, in walks Marta with the mail..of course, because of Covid19, we could not hug like we always did….
I was so happy to see her and find out that everyone in her family was safe and sound…She asked about my husband, kids, and my mom…I begged her to come back to our neighborhood, as always…and then she had to go….before she left she turned around and said “Nicole….I want to you know that you are right here” and she touched her heart…and tears came to my eyes and I said, “Marta, you are right here in my heart too”…
Stressed Much? We Have A CBD For That…….
I am so excited to share my latest obsession with you…..a clean beauty haven with the highest standards called CropBeauty, who focuses on featuring 90% of brands led by woman!!!!…They contacted me about a month ago during the height of our stay at home order. Talk about perfect timing…Crop Beauty has quickly become known as the Sephora for CBD skin care products.
It’s your one-stop-shop for all the best CBD has to offer. CropBeauty has done all the hard work, painstakingly testing every product to make sure what it claims is actually true.
All of its CBD enhanced products are clean, effective, and created to treat specific problems. Dry lips? Muscle pain? Dull skin? Acne? Eczema? There’s a CBD designed specifically for that. And with Crop Beautyyou’ll feel empowered knowing your purchase will deliver real results for your skin.
They offered to send me some products and honestly, this rarely happens, I loved them so much I actually ordered a bunch of stuff. AND, they give you samples of other products when you order and if you give them your email you can get 10% off!!!! I wanted to wait a good amount of time to use the products before I posted so that I really gave them a fair shake…and I have to say..my skin has had a 100% turn around for the better…here are some of the products that worked for me…but the website is awesome and there are tons of options with great descriptions and their communication is fab so go ahead and check it out and feel free to contact them for any additional info!!!!
Hands down this face oil was my favorite product!!!
I tried this serum and saw a difference almost immediately!
People swear by this..they say it is like a “glass of water” for dry skin!!
Here’s the post that all of our online buyers have been waiting for!! You have a week to get all of your orders in and wrapped for dad’s big day. I asked my readers for some of their favorite father’s day gifts and here is what we came up with. Its a great curated list of fab gifts for dad’s special day, some practical, some whimsical but all will sure to put a smile on dad’s face next Sunday!!!
How cute are these martini glass golf tee’s?
This cooler has “cool rise technology”…just from the sound of that..dad needs one!!!!!
Keep Dad’s coffee warm while he works hard at his desk…..with this best seller!!!
Doesn’t Dad deserve the best sleep ever??????!!!!
Treat Dad to an outdoor movie…
A friend sent me photos of the most wonderful locally handmade wooden cutting boards. What an amazing father’s day gift…maybe add some cheese, and other goodies and give dad a charcuterie board full of his favorite treats. I would def start with one of these gorgeous boards. They are made from walnut, mahogany, maple cherry, and oak woods and are available in square (13″ x 13″) and rectangle (approx 12X19). Custom sizes and shapes are also available upon request.
The boards are all one of a kind and made to order and all orders should be placed before Thursday 6/18 to ensure Father’s Day delivery. To place an order for your own board or for more information, contact, Tom Hauser at hausertom84@gmail.com.
The end of the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic is almost within sight thanks to promising vaccine discoveries. Very soon, you should be able to travel to other countries where you can enjoy a well-earned break. Here are some amazing places you can look forward to visiting and add to your bucket list:
Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland has some of the world’s most captivating natural scenery and it’s pretty easy to get there! The enchanting hills and lakes are warmed by hot volcanic springs. For complete relaxation, visit the Blue Lagoon Retreat Spa. It’s warm, pale blue pools have a naturally high content of beneficial minerals and silica. The peaceful spa and its treatments should soon make you feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs is a lush oasis in the deserts of southern California. Many spas have been built around the natural hot springs. You can treat yourself to a few invigorating spa treatments or relax in the peace and quiet of the Coachella Valley’s desert landscape. Alternatively, indulge in some long overdue retail therapy amongst the city’s amazing selection of fashionable designer boutiques.
Paris, France
The city of romance is perfect for soaking up an atmosphere of cafe culture. Wander along the banks of the tree-lined River Seine and stop for warm croissants and coffee in the early morning sunshine. Explore the art galleries and chic designer shops of the Champs Elysee. Then relax in the beautiful, flower-filled surroundings of one of the city’s parks such as the famous Jardin des Tuileries.
Ambergris Caye, Belize
Ambergris Caye is one of many small islands along Belize’s beautiful coastline. It’s like an idyllic tropical paradise where you can find peace and quiet. There are soft white sands, luscious palm trees and magnificent coastal views offering perfect relaxation. Try snorkeling to discover the amazing sea creatures that live amongst the coral of the nearby Hol Chan Marine Reserve.
Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como has a tranquil atmosphere and gorgeous Alpine scenery. It is atmospheric, romantic and relaxing. Enjoy a cruise on the lake, admire beautiful sunsets or explore the fascinating villages full of Renaissance architecture. Bellagio, the lake’s main resort, has a selection of trendy boutiques, bars and cafes to relax in.
There’s no harm in treating yourself to a wonderful summer break where you can relax in beautiful surroundings with your friends or family! Just take the necessary precautions and make sure to pack your mask!
At the beginning of the Pandemic, I promised my readers that I would use any proceeds that I received from my affiliate programs to help those in need during this health crisis. Over the past 12 weeks, I have been able to donate to so many organizations, thanks to the loyalty and support of my many readers. From the Maryknoll Sisters community, which has been devastated by the Coronavirus, to essential workers from New York, Westchester, Connecticut, and Boston, and a handful of other worthy organizations. We have been able to HELP and MAKE A DIFFERENCE. As always, I so appreciate all of you and you will never know how much all of your kind words, emails, texts, and feedback has helped me get through this very difficult time. We really are stronger together!!!
Following is the list of organizations that we were able to contribute to during the Covid 19 crisis…
South Shore Hospital Health Foundation
Let Love Grow Thank You Westchester Essential Workers
St Vincent’s Hospital Westchester Nurse Appreciation
Thrift & Tell Covid 19 Charity Giving
NYC Restaurants Hospital Workers Food Fund
Private Donations to help NS Lifestyle Reader’s Families in need via Facebook