Charisma in Bklyn is moving!!

Hello everyone!

I recently moved my blog to WordPress. For those who don't know, WordPress is just a different blogging platform.  

I will be posting frequently at my new blog address so please visit.   All of my previous posts are now on WordPress.  I will keep this blogger account active for a while, but I will not update posts. 

Hope you visit!

Charisma in Bklyn's new address!


HAPPY NEW YEAR!  =)

xoxo,
Kay

Self Reflection

Self love is vital to living a fulfilling, wonderful life. Whenever I need a pick me up, I go to Gala's blog for inspiration.  "I believe in searching for the magic in every day. Once you've trained your eye, you can’t help but delight in seeing the small & extraordinary things that surround us."  In her blog, Gala advocates for self love with a rarely unique voice.

Now that we're in the holiday season it is very easy to forget about taking care of yourself. Sometimes, you have to pick up your feet, power off your phone and think of the things you are most grateful for.

I'm going to start off by making a list of things that make me smile. I won't commit to doing this every week because that probably won't happen.

  Drinking a cup of coffee, when I am in no rush, let's me plan for the future. Not 5 years into the future but what I'm cooking for dinner or my plans for the weekend. I do a lot more planning and a lot less doing which is pretty frustrating. It's a habit I'm trying to dispel.

  Reading a new magazine floods my brain with outfit ideas and blog post discussions. Again, I plan but don't execute. I guess it's a work in progress.

  Even when things get overwhelming, I know C is there for me with a listening ear and words of encouragement.

  Nature. Trees, especially during Autumn, make me feel a sense of calm and wonder.

  My curiosity constantly challenges my surroundings and makes me want to see what else the world has to offer. In return, how I can contribute to make this life better for myself as well as others.

  Opportunities. I've been fortunate to have opportunities presented to me.  It's always been a matter of deciding what's right for myself.

I challenge you to create a list of things, large or small, you are grateful for. Don't let anyone determine the definition of importance. It's your list!

xoxo
Kay

My top 5 holiday looks

This my favorite time of year.  There's something about decorating my Christmas tree while listening to holiday music and sipping hot chocolate (or tea, or coffee).  It instills a feeling of comfort and hope for the future.  Below are some of my favorite holiday looks.  The holidays are perfect to add a little glitz to your usual routine.  I'm so glad it's Thursday.  I have a lot to do this weekend.  We're having a post Thanksgiving dinner with our friends at the apartment.  I'm very excited.  Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Scarlet lips

Source: google.com via Kayla on Pinterest

Red lips add instant glamour.  Here is a simple red lip tutorial for long lasting color

Sparkly eyes

Source: humfashion.com via Kayla on Pinterest

Practice is key when working eye makeup

Festive nails

Source: soshine516.tumblr.com via Kayla on Pinterest

Velvet Dress

Source: chicwish.com via Kayla on Pinterest

Glitzy Bracelets

Source: buckle.com via Kayla on Pinterest

                       Instantly dresses up an outfit

100 things (part 6)

Good morning and Happy Sunday! Here is part 6 of my 100 things I love series.  Check previous posts here.  I can't believe Thanksgiving is this week.  It's my favorite holiday.  I love getting together with the fam and having delicious food.  My next post will be about the things I am thankful for.  Have a lovely week!

Chandeliers

Source: Uploaded by user via Babushka on Pinterest

Decorating for the holidays

Source: thecinderellaproject.blogspot.com via Rachel on Pinterest

Baking

Source: photoxyz.com via Raoul on Pinterest

Las Vegas

Source: flying-high-again0.blogspot.com via Lupita on Pinterest

Drinking tea

Source: weheartit.com via creavera on Pinterest

Purple chairs

Source: Uploaded by user via Teresa on Pinterest

Wrapping gifts

Source: countryliving.com via Shaunelle on Pinterest

Popcorn

Source: ginicagle.blogspot.co.uk via Lp on Pinterest

Soup on a cold day

Source: photoxyz.com via Delaine on Pinterest

Chapstick

Source: moustachefever.blogspot.com via miguez on Pinterest

How to Make Sofrito

I grew up watching my grandma mix aromatic ingredients including garlic, peppers, onions and other ingredients to make this yummy cooking base.  We don't use store bought sofrito in our house.  Sofrito is used when making rice, soups, beans, meats and other dishes.  Below is my own recipe I use to make sofrito.  These ingredients are just enough to make a small container.  You can easily double or triple the ingredients to make more.  Sofrito should be refrigerated if used within a week.  If you plan on using it later, place container in the freezer.

Ingredients: 

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil 
• 1 red pepper, cut into small chunks
• 2 green peppers, cut into small chunks
• 1 large onion (red or spanish), chopped
• 1 head of garlic, peeled 
• a large handful of cilantro or parsley

Put all ingredients in a blender and mix until it forms a creamy paste.  It should look like this: 

Below are some tasty recipes for Puerto Rican dishes using sofrito.  Enjoy!

Arroz con gandules (Rice and pigeon peas)

Habichuelas Guisada (Beans)

Carne Guisada (Beef Stew)

Ways to lower stress

"Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you plant." Robert Louis Stevenson.

I've been researching a few ways to lower stress levels.  Let's be honest, almost everyone suffers from stress at one point or another.  Stress is actually a good thing.  According to Elizabeth Svoboda, at nbcnews.com, the stress hormone helps regulate blood pressure and the immune system during a sudden crisis, whether a physical attack or an emotional setback.  Clearly, this is important to our body.  When the stress hormone doesn't know when to stop producing, it can become a problem.

What can we do to stop the madness??

1. Rest. Sleeping is so underrated. Good things happen for your mind, body and skin while you're asleep. If you don't get enough hours at night, try taking two 15 minute naps throughout the day.

2. Drink black tea. It's supposed to have a calming effect on your body.

3.  Hang out with people who make you happy.  Being around people who make you laugh is priceless.  Read this article on how laughter produces endorphins (feel good chemicals).

4. Get spiritual.  According to livestrong.com, meditation is a proven stress and anxiety reliever.  I'm signing up for free meditation classes in Greenwich village very soon.

5. Keep healthy habits.  Eating balanced meals, exercising and setting time aside for your hobbies are all good habits to upkeep.  All work and no play is not a recipe for success.

I'm going to try to take my own advice.  I wish you all a happy week!

What are some ways you alleviate stress?