PICTURE SHOW: NYC HAPPY HOUR SUNSET BOAT CURISE, ROCKWOOD MUSIC AND LIFE

Happy Labor Day, Everyone!!!

Just a quick week wrap up in pictures...it's been a busy week on so many fronts and one of my best friends from college was up visiting from North Carolina for the weekend!

Pictures of us are on her camera, so, those will be coming later, but pictures from our adventures were on mine for the most part via my Instagram.

We went on a sunset Happy Hour cruise along the East River, which was fun and got to see all the NYC landmarks in all their glory on a beautiful evening.

Among other adventures all over the city in 2 very full days, from Washington Square Park to the Financial District by the Freedom Tower, Little Italy, SoHo, The Village and more!

I promise some affordable fashions, reviews and DIY will be on their way soon...I just need a little time to get things sorted out and in order in my life first!

Thank you for your patience! ❤

Happy Labor Day...Empire State Building all decked out in red, white & Blue this weekend!

Digging the awesome wallpaper!

To commemorate our time in NYC for the US Open with a little drawing and initials

at a pub in that posts $1 all over the walls.

Rockwood Music Hall

Greg Holden and his FANTASTIC show at Rockwood Music Hall...such a great guy!

Our artist Katie Costello performing and killing it at Rockwood Music Hall!

Smiling through the uncertainty and prepping for our artists showcase at Rockwood.

Happy Hour sunset boat cruise with beautiful Manhattan as our backdrop!

Pretty fire starburst clouds as the sun sets.

NYC...a moment that took me away from life in the middle of the water for a moment

and reminded me just how lucky I am to live here.

Brooklyn Bridge Blur

Their she is...Lady Liberty!

Throwback Thursday: My incredible family in our family Christmas card picture last year!

A perfect brunch mimosa on Stone Street.

Freedom Tower standing tall on Saturday evening.

Washington Square Park Arch

Go Yankees...so great seeing Jeter back in the lineup!

Happy 40th Anniversary to my extraordinary parents on September 1st!

SATURDAY SAYINGS: "GIVE IT AWAY" BY GREG HOLDEN...A LITTLE MUSIC THERAPY

Happy Saturday, Everyone!

Life has really taken me on a whirlwind of emotions and experiences this months and this week has really tested my strength in positivity, but I going to keep smiling and believing! :)

Sorry I have been away, but I promise to be back in full swing very soon, and truly appreciate all of you and your kind words, especially on Instagram, you are all so supportive, thank you!!!

Thursday night Greg Holden, one of the artists with whom I feel fortunate to know and work side by side with, performed at Rockwood Music Hall and what a show it was, so great!

So, instead of Saturday Sayings this week, I'm sharing his performance and song, which I think spread an uplifting and inspiring message of its own.

Greg Holden performing at Rockwood Music Hall on August 29, 2013.

It provided a much needed night of music therapy for me, and he sure puts on such a fantastic live show!  More important, he is one of the kindest, most positive, genuine, give and talented people I know, and I am so, so proud of him!

I videoed his performance of "Just Give It Away," a song he wrote about simply letting go of your worries and anxieties in life that hold you down, which was pretty must speaking right to my heart, and it is such a great song!



Greg Holden performing "Just Give It Away" at Rockwood Music Hall.

PICTURE SHOW: A WEEK OF LIFE IN AN INSTAGRAM + FREE MUSIC DOWNLOAD

Happy Monday, Everyone!
I hope you had a lovely weekend!  Here are just a few pictures from the past week or so via my Instagram.
I plan to post an affordable fashion post and fun DIY project very soon!  Until them, thanks for all the sweet comments and messages, and I'll be back from Whatever Wednesday!
Also, check out our artist Greg Holden, who wrote the very popular song "Home," he's offering 4 of his songs as FREE Download Sampler to enjoy and sample his news songs!

Remembering to smile, even when skies are gray.

Oh how I love getting cards and letters in the mail!

Moving day was a bit of a wash out!

Pretty cotton candy sky in Marlboro, NJ.

Though I'm not a big beer drinker, I had to try one at The Ginger Man, which is known for the best beer in Manhattan!

Abstract art we created as part of my new weekly mentor volunteer program I'm doing with kids in Harlem.

Fun CD wall art at work, created out of multiple, mini CD racks.

Throwback Thursday: Charming wedding on Pawleys Island

Washington Square Park Arch on a gorgeous NYC evening.

My birthday surprise...sparks sure flew! ;)

Just click link for a FREE music sampler download from Greg Holden,

a talented artist and great person with whom I work.

SATURDAY SAYINGS: STAND...A SIMPLE SONG OF INSPIRATION

Happy Saturday, Everyone!

I got back super late last night from helping a great friend move into her new, beautiful home, and although it was a whirlwind and I may be a bit tired with sore muscles, I had a fantastic time helping her and the little ones, and simple sharing that time with them, a true highlight for me this month!

Continuing to look on the bright side of things and smile, as I do daily in life, but it has been a bit of a rough month, so, I thought I would share a video of inspiration this week, in the form of little quotes via a lyric video...all we have to do is remember to simply stand! :)

My friends are a constant source fun and adventure, I really am so lucky in that department, and my family is the most incredible source of love and support a girl could ask for, I am incredibly thankful to have them!

I want to sincerely say, "Thank you" to each of them...for me personally, they are the ones who keep me standing through the ups and downs in life! ❤



"Stand" by Britt Nicole  ...Thank you, Terrific Tara, for introducing me to her.

LINK UP: WHATEVER WEDNESDAY - MY OBITUARY...WAIT, WHAT?!?

Happy Wednesday, Everyone!

OK, so, as many of you know, Wednesdays are all about "whatever," hence Whatever Wednesdays, and a different top, on just about anything, is created by someone each week, sent out on Monday and we write and post about it on Wednesday.

This week, the topic gave me a bit of that "Oh, my" feeling with a side of anxiety, not going to lie.  It kind of, sort of, really troubled me, but you know what?  I truly enjoy being a part of these link-ups, and I say, let's go for it, and I went ALL out...even looking up obituaries to figure out what you put in them!

Plus, it is a fun way to get to look back on your life and realize all you have done, but also be reminded me that life is short, so, I had best get to doing all the other things I hope to as well...since I lucky that this was only a mock obituary!

Are you ready?  I'm not sure I am, but this week's topic is to write...

  M Y   O B I T U A R Y

Liesl Kyle Ehardt, a SAG-AFTRA actor, best known for her role as Leslie on "American Dreams" (NBC), Lindsay on "Eve" (UPN) and small, but often re-played Emmy-Award winning episode and TV show "Monk" (USA), though her favorite role was always being an Aunt to her three nephews, died today.

Acting was in her blood, literally.  She was a distant cousin of Zita Johann, an established screen and stage actor from the 1930's who starred in "The Mummy" opposite Boris Karloff and on Broadway opposite Clark Gable.  She bared such a striking resemblance to her cousin, especially in her large, dark, almond eyes, that their relation was unquestionable. 

It was in Zita Johann's large almond eyes and profile that you could see her relation to Liesl Ehardt. 

 

Liesl revisited Zita's role in "The Mummy" playing Zita as Helen Grosvenor in "Kreating Karloff."  This was always an honor for her since she respected Zita as an actor and felt they held so much in common. Including views on Hollywood and a love for children, especially, working with those who have special needs and were underprivileged.  In 2011, she wrote the Afterward in Zita Johann's autobiography, Guest Parking.

Liesl Ehardt playing Zita Johan as Helen Grosvenor in "Kreating Karloff."

Aside from being an actor, she was a blogger.  Starting  Fabulous Fashions 4 Sensible Style (a life, design and style blog) in 2009, where "'Kindness is always fashionable' and free!" was her very fitting motto. 

In addition, she was a graphic/layout/web designer, nanny, music promotor and lover of all things creative.  Enjoyed singing, crafting, photography, affordable fashion, children, rainbows, buffalo and sending cards covered in stickers.  

Born in Norwalk, CT, on August 17, 1979, to what she always referred to as "extraordinary parents."  Her mother, former Pan Am Stewardess and teacher at the renowned Berlitz School in Paris, and father, retired President of Exxon (Al Khalij) in the Middle East, instilled good manners, education, respect towards everyone and the belief that she could do anything she set her mind to.  

They always supported her dreams and goals, while never comparing her to anyone else, which gave her a very loving and stable foundation.  She always said, "If everyone could have the parents and upbringing that I had, the world would be a much better place."

Early on, she found herself traveling to many exciting places, some of which others only dream.  By the age of 8, she was fortunate to have traveled around the world twice, visited 6 of the 7 continents and 49 of the 50 states. While having resided in England, the U.A.E. and United States, where she took  Arabic and French in school and was exposed to different customs and cultures at a very young age.

Though she considered being an elementary eduction teacher, since children always related to her so well, she obtained a BFA in Acting degree instead, from the University of NC at Greensboro, and participated in NC School of the Arts summer program in Filmaking.

When done with school, she moved to NYC before heading cross-country to LA LA Land, her term for Los Angeles, where she spent almost a decade of her life pursuing acting.  

Liesl Ehardt on set and along side actor Jordan Bridges on the feature film "A Good Funeral."

After securing co and guest-staring roles on popular TV shows, recurring roles on soap operas and  parts in feature films, commercials and video games, and testing out hosting in a network development pilot "Clean Your Room," she moved back to NYC, a place she much preferred over LA. 

Since a very young age, she was always aware that she had been dealt a very lucky hand in the game of life, which she never took for granted and felt very fortunate to have.  This was why "paying it forward," was so important to her.  

She always tried to make time for people, even strangers, felt kindness, humor and patience were some of the most important qualities to possess, and believed so strongly in the power of a smile.  In fact, it was the one thing she said she "could never live without!"

"Sometimes those who deserve your kindness and patience the least are the ones who need it the most" was something she always said and stood by.  Actively trying to stay positive and see the best in everyone and every situation that crossed her path, sometimes to a fault, and even when that wasn't easy.

Since she was little, and after a family trip to Kenya, she always hoped to one day volunteer in Africa helping children.  So much so, that while growing up, until she could make it happen, she chose to sponsor a young girl from South Africa by sending her allowance and writing letters to to her each month through a special foundation.

She had a passion for teaching and working with children, and her lifelong dream was to open, and be an active part of, her very own children's charity foundation, and hoped that being an actor might give her the platform she needed to do so.  

Liesl Ehardt mentoring students and kids, which was always a true passion of hers.

However, her years in Hollywood left her unfulfilled, and  feeling as though it wasn't doing anything to benefit others, being mostly a surface, superficial and sometimes selfish industry, that she took a break from it all, moving acting to the back burner.

While seeking a new direction, and trying to gain back what a bit of what she lost while in LA, she stayed true to an element of her dream, and began volunteering at an arts foundation in the Bronx, Queens, Harlem and Brooklyn.  This is where she got to put her creative background to better use through a mentor program with abused and underprivileged children who in turn inspired her.  

She would want to be remembered not by what she did and accomplished in life, but rather by her smile and what she did to try and make other's lives just a little easier and brighter.  

Everything she did was in hopes of making even the smallest bit of difference in someone's life and the world.  Ultimately, putting a smile on someone else's face is what put a smile on hers. 

LIFE: MY 24 GOING ON 34 BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION IN NEW YORK CITY

Happy Monday, Lovelies!

Saturday, August 17th, was my birthday, but I'm not really one to tell people it is my birthday, and I definitely don't make a week or month of it, like some.  That said, my friend Jenny always insists on putting together a little gathering, which is very sweet of her!

This year, we did a low-key evening at a wine bar called Lelabar, in one of my favorite areas of NYC, the village, followed by a new spot called The Winslow.  I suggested we not do dinner and just meet for a couple drinks because I didn't want people to have to spend a lot of money or any if they didn't want to.

I'll admit, I'm flattered when I get carded or people think I'm younger than I am.  Like in NYC where everyone seem to always think I'm 24, which I credit to my parents and what must be good genes, but as of last night, one would need to add a decade to that number!  Oh my! ;) 

Let's just say when a number of guys asked me what birthday I was celebrating, their reactions and comments were priceless when it was a much higher number than anticipated.  

Here are a couple classic things they said to me, and yes, these are exact quotes purely for your entertainment...

GUY 1:

"Oh nooo, we all thought you were 23, maaaybe 24!"

GUY 2:

"Oh.  Congratulations, I guess?"

GUY 3:

"Ooooh, ooo-kay."

(...as he slowly backed away with that deer in headlights gaze! LOL!)

"...Wait!  Do you have kids?!?"

(...because I suppose they assume everyone my age does.)

My Response:

"No, but I love them!"

His Response:

"Oh good...that you don't have them, because that would be such a burden...but you are at that age."

(...as he walks away.  Good to know he thinks that about kids.  Next!)

GUY 4:

"I guess you're pretty sexy for your mid-30's"

(...ummm, thank you?  For real this time, next!  Please.)

OK, enough of that, hope it gave you a giggle! :)  

Thanks guys, I realize you think I'm too old, and have now discovered a definite downside to looking younger than you are. Especially, when most men prefer younger ladies and I enjoy them to be in my decade...le sigh.  

That said, I didn't take offense at all, was super nice to them, and just laughed it off...before heading back to my nursing home, of course! ;)

Let's move onto the picture show of this post, shall we...

Ta-da, I'm as ready, in what my friend labeled my "popsicle dress" that night, which I found quite fitting, to head out for a low-key evening with friends to celebrate!
Vince Camuto Maxi Dress: TJ Maxx 'Off The Runway' Section - $69.99

One pre-birthday 'Sweet Liberty Smash' cocktail at Henry Public in Brooklyn Heights, the day prior, that felt like a big kid snow cone! :)

Some Happy Hour wine and cheese at Lelabar in the village to start our evening.

My lovely friends: Rekha, Morgan, Melody, Moi, Jenny, Beth & Jocelyn

Loved the ceiling and how they hung the glasses and wine bottles above the center bar!

Washington Square Park Arch looking beautiful on our gorgeous evening walk!

After some wine, we headed to The Winslow, which just opened and is owned by someone we know...it is such a great, new spot if you find yourself in the area with fantastic food and service!

Trying a peach flavored beer, which tasted like a refreshing sweet sparkling peach juice, yum!

My Fabulous Friends surprised me...now that's a candle!!! :) Perfect picture caption from one of my favorite movies all via my younger sister: "Flames, flames on the side of my face, heaving, breathing..."

All smiles after making a new wish when blowing out a birthday candle for the first time in years!

Thank you to all my friends and family who thought of me and send me something special! ❤

I LOVE all my cards, which have always been my favorite part, and they now take over

my desk/work area and make me smile! :)

(Images taken on various phone cameras and some via my Instagram.)