Happy Fathers Day to the best dad in the world, my dad & all the amazing dads out there! 💙
History of Juneteenth
Happy Juneteenth!
Today is Juneteenth, this year marks the 155th Anniversary of the end of slavery in the United States.
I will be honest and am sad to say, I did not know much about Juneteenth until recently.
I thought I would share a little bit of what I learned about of history for those who are unaware of what Juneteeth symbolizes:
On June 19, 1865, the last of the slaves in the United States, located in Galveston, Texas were set free when Major General Gordon Granger arrived with the news that the war had ended.
The freedom of the last slaves came 2 1/2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Why? There were not enough Union soldiers to enforce the Executive Order, and it was only until the surrender of General Lee and arrival of General Granger and his troops were they able to have enough force to overcome the resistance.
While I did not learn about Juneteenth until recently, it is never too late to learn more about the history and injustice all those years ago. I am happy to be part of a state that values the rights of all and has made Juneteeth a state holiday.
Black Lives Matter
Black Lives Matter 🖤
Devastated by everything that is happening and has happened this past week - this was taken while visiting Lake Street, #Minneapolis where the riots began 💔
#blackouttuesday
Happy Memorial Day!
Happy Memorial Day! 🇺🇸
Thank you to all those who lost their lives serving our country!
Happy Mother’s Day!
Happy Mother’s Day to my amazing mom and all the moms out there!!!
Quarantine Life: COVID-19 Antibody Testing
Today I went to CityMD to get tested for the COVID-19 Antibody. Currently, the there are 2 tests available for COVID-19:
PCR (Nasal Swab): This test will detect if you are actively infected with the COVID-19 virus.
Serum Antibody IgG (Blood Test): This test will detect if you have had prior exposure to COVID-19 and have built an antibody for the virus.
I thought it would be a good idea to get the antibody test for COVID-19 given that:
I had some symptoms back in March, thankfully nothing too severe though
If I have antibodies, then I can potentially donate plasma to help those who need it
Check-In Kiosks
The entire process was fairly simple and quick. I entered CityMD, registered & checked in. (I was very impressed how easy the kiosk was to use, it even had an ID card holder to scan your ID & insurance card to streamline the process!)
The RN called me in after ~5 minutes of waiting, took my vitals (temperature, blood pressure & pulse). The doctor arrived shortly after, drew my blood and I was out!
The process was very quick, granted I went during lunch hours on a Thursday. I should have my results back in 5-7 days!
For more information & FAQs on COVID-19 testing, I would recommend visiting the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/testing/index.html
Thank you to all of the doctors, nurses and front line responders who are working tireless to keep our city safe!
You truly are #NewYorkTough!
Happy International Pageant Day!
I have competed in quite a few pageants, but my first international pageant was the Miss Galaxy International pageant, where I represented the United States as Miss US Galaxy!
I am so honored to have competed in such a great pageant system and more importantly to represent the United States!
I am always asked by friends:
“What is it like to compete in an international pageant?”
Competing in a pageant is definitely a unique experience, I mean there are very few competitions where you will be interviewed in a formal setting, then asked to strut down a runway in a swimsuit and finally asked to gracefully take in the stage in an evening gown! It can be a bit nerve racking, but I thrive on competition and LOVE it!
While pageants may seem simple to some, there is actually a lot of work that goes into it from interview prep to getting in shape for the swim/fitness portion. I feel that pageants really showcase all aspects of women, from intelligence and social awareness in interview, poise and elegance in evening gown and confidence and fitness in swimwear.
I loved the Miss Galaxy International pageant, particularly the global and community aspect of this pageant. Meeting wonderful women from across the globe, learning more about them and creating a bond and sisterhood was such an amazing opportunity and I am so happy I was able to take part in this! I truly felt that Maria Torres, the international director of the pageant really did a great job in running this pageant and making us feel like a family.
I encourage anyone who has an interest in pageantry to give it a shot, what do you have to lose? I was hesitant about my first competition, but gave it a shot - and have never regretted it!
Support for COVID-19 Frontline Responders
Hi Everyone!
As many of you know, COVID-19 has become a global pandemic, NY has been hit the hardest and is currently the epicenter for the US with over 120,000 cases.
Unfortunately, many of our frontline responders (medical professionals, NYPD, FDNY, etc) do not have the protective personal equipment necessary to support the growing pandemic.
I hope you will join me in raising funds to purchase masks, hand sanitizer. gowns and food for our frontline responders throughout NYC who are need of support.
Donations can be made here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-covid19-frontline-responders
100% of donations (less donation fees) will go directly to support our frontline!
Thank you!
Happy π Day!!!
Happy π Day!!!
Today some friends and I ventured to Four & Twenty Blackbirds in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, NY. They had some delicious pies, including a Caramel Crumble Apple Pie, Birch Beer Pie and Matcha Custard Pie!
Happy International Women’s Day!
Happy International Women’s Day! 💜
I am so excited to be part of The Ambition Project. Only 3 in 10 women are proud to call themselves ambitious. Let’s change the way we talk about ambition.
To me ambition means not being afraid to go for what you want! What does ambition mean to you? 👊
Happy Leap Day - meet my BOYFRIEND Daniel!
Meet my boyfriend Daniel Kurkowski!!!
Yes, I leap day-ed Daniel today and he said YES!
I made Daniel watch Leap Day (not my favorite movie, but very fitting for the day) and I asked him to be my boyfriend after!
Daniel tried to lock me down super early on and, I was a bit hesitant, but not anymore!
Daniel is so much fun and I can’t wait to spend more time with you and see where this journey takes us!
Daniel and I earlier tonight before we made it official!
Falscara Master Class
Last night I went to the Kiss Falscara Master Class hosted by celebrity makeup artists Carolina Gonzalez, who was super sweet and a great instructor!
The new falscara (false eye lashes) go underneath your natural lashes vs the traditional lashes that go on top of your lashes. To put on the lashes:
Apply the “Bond” similar to how mascara is applied
Apply lashes on the under side of lashes
Apply the “Seal”
The concept was fairly simple, but for some reason took me a while to get them on. Ladies - if this happens to you, it could be because you have long pin straight lashes like myself and Carolina! Simple solve, curl your lashes before applying your lashes - if I could do it, so can you!
While it took me a while to get the lashes on, I LOVED the outcome of how they looked. There was also no worrying about eyelash glue showing or about applying the strip incorrectly as these lashes attach on the underside of your lashes.
The rose water falscara eye remover made it very easy to remove the lashes with just one swipe to dissolve the Bond & Seal.
My verdict - i would recommend!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Happy Valentine’s Day from the happiest place on Earth! 💕
Happy Lunar New Year!
Happy Lunar New Year! 新年快乐! 恭喜发财!
I wish everyone a happy, healthy & prosperous Year of the Rat!
Happy 2020!
Happy New Year!!! 🎊
Cheers to the beginning of a new year and a new DECADE!!!! 🥂
Wishing everyone a wonderful new year filled with happiness, love and prosperity! 🎉
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!!!
Wishing you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting
Last night I had the pleasure of attending the 87th annual Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting ceremony with my younger sister. This is one of the most iconic symbols at Christmas and in NYC.
This year’s 77 ft tall tree originates from Florida… upstate New York. weighing approximately 14 tons, 46 feet in diameter and about 70-75 years.
While it was freezing, it was very surreal to see the tree lighting in person!
Giving Tuesday 2019
This year for GivingTuesday, I donated toys to Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to give to children during the holidays! 🎁
Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 as a day to encourage people to do good, celebrated the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.
Toys for Tots is a non profit organization run by the US Marines that collects and delivers toys to less fortunate children.
Happy Veterans Day!
Happy Veterans Day! 🇺🇸
Thank you to all who served and are currently serving our country!
Dia de Muertos in Mexico City
I had the amazing pleasure of taking part in some festivities for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in Mexico City this year!
Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday to celebrate and remember those who have passed away. This holiday is celebrated on October 31 to November 2nd.
Candy Skeleton & Pan de Muerto
For Dia de los Muertos, families will create an ofrenda, which is kind of similar to an alter/shrine created for those who have passed away. The ofrendas feature a photo of the deceased and includes the 4 elements, water, wind, earth and fire in the form of papel picado, flowers, sugar skulls and candles.
Catrina is the skeleton figure that is often associated with Dia de Muertos, who honors and protects those who have passed away.
Check out some of the amazing ofrendas designed by my team in Mexico City this year!
