Keri Elaine

Five Things I’m Excited About

Published on June 19, 2017June 19, 2017 by Keri Elaine2 Comments

Hey everyone!

1. This week I full-filled one of my childhood dreams and bought a polaroid camera. I have always wanted one as a kid since one of my best friends had one. In high school a ton of the Visual-Photography kids would do interesting collages with them. I remember one girl took pictures of a playground at sunset and dusk. She then layered the polaroids in a collage. On the left side it showed the sunset and progressed into dusk on the right side. I always wanted to make a unique collage like that, but with a favorite place of mine. Well Michaels had a sale on the cameras so I picked one up!

2. This adorable pineapple patch I found at Michaels! Am I the only one that goes in there for one thing and comes out 80 dollars poorer with five new craft projects to do? Anyway I figured I could sew it onto a v-neck like you would a logo. Just a little cute whimsical touch.

3. This lavender/periwinkle shade. I love it and I am now looking for a nail polish that is a similar color.

4. I am going on a work trip today-Wednesday to our Corporate office. It is a super conservative area, but I am excited about meeting new people. It will be nice to finally see all the people I have been emailing and talking with on the phone this past year.

5. The cute white layered Parker top I bought on sale from Nordstrom Rack this weekend. (You’ll see it in my what to pack for a work trip post later this week).

Hope you all have an amazing week!

Fitbit and Getting Back into Fitness

Published on June 13, 2017June 13, 2017 by Keri Elaine10 Comments

Happy Tuesday everyone! Since I got back from Miami, I’ll admit I’ve been a bit of a slacker on the gym time. I usually am pretty good about working out in the gym for at least 30 minutes everyday in my neighborhood. If I don’t feel like leaving my apartment, then I’ll do Youtube videos like Blogilates or some of the Popsugar Fitness. I like that Casey makes her Blogilates videos fairly short. So I will often do them at least twice before moving onto another video. Other times I’ll bring out Brazilian Butt Lift and do his killer ab videos. The creater of Brazilian Butt Lift is Leandro Carvalho. In case you have not heard his name, he is the one who trained Victoria Secret Angel Alessandra Ambrosio and we all have seen how amazing she looks! I’ve done his Dvds on and off for years and gotten great results, but I think like most things you have to change it up. Even though Atlanta is nice and warm I just have not been very motivated lately.

So I got a Fitbit. Partially, because my company will reimburse my health insurance for meeting a certain number of steps. If we meet the required amount every month and get two check ups they will pay our insurance for the last month of the year and cover the cost of the Fitbit. (Someone paying me to get back into tip top shape, pretty motivating)! My other reason was my friend has been telling me to get one for over a year now (what can I say I’m pretty stubborn). I know it can be a pretty big motivator when you have been sitting too long. I also like the fact that it tracks your sleep. I think we often feel like we are getting a good amount of rest. When you look at the app and see that you slept for five hours and were restless for about 30 minutes you know its time to make some changes. I started reading about an hour before I’m ready to go to bed instead of scrolling through Instagram. While I love Instagram! The creative photos, family pictures and seeing my friends travel the world, it also was not helping my sleep. I know there have been multiple articles mentioning the correlation between the blue light of your phone and it messing up melatonin your body releases naturally. You can check out an article from the Washington Post on that here.

Part of me thinks it’s just laziness hahaha the other part thinks it has to do with my job. One person recently left so the rest of us have absorbed his job. I love learning new skills and working in other applications, but it can make for some mentally exhausting few weeks. Especially since you want to make the best impression with minimal mistakes. However, we all know when you are doing something out of your comfort zone there are bound to be mistakes. This past Friday, I skipped my usual posting (apologies) and decided to study an old monologue for an audition. I really wanted to put up a post for you all, but wanted to make sure I could give it 100 percent. So instead I practiced my monologue for my audition. Went on Saturday had a blast auditioning, made a few new friends. Then vowed to take myself for a long walk. So thats exactly what I did. Went on a walk/jog for an hour and a half. I think the change of scenery was just what I needed to get back into work out mode. I must admit there is something satisfying about feeling Fitbit buzz and show celebration emjois when you meet your daily step goal.

What are your favorite ways to get out of a fitness rut?

Shoes: Pleasure and Pain

Published on June 6, 2017June 6, 2017 by Keri Elaine6 Comments

SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) is one of the my favorite places in Atlanta to visit. The view of the Atlanta skyline from SCAD is breathtaking. Since it is an arts college they always have interesting exhibits coming through every three months. There are also interesting creative spaces to look at or play on. When I saw they had a shoe exhibit I knew I must go! As a self proclaimed shoe lover this is a dream come true! The exhibition is called Shoes: Pleasure and Pain.

IMAG1292__1496719006_45.25.169.218 — This is the side of the community of refurbished train containers they have in one designated creative space.

IMAG1318__1496719037_45.25.169.218 — The stunning photo mural in the bathroom at SCAD

Sadly you were only allowed to take pictures of this awesome neon sign. However, I can say the exhibit is broken up into five sections. The first one called Transformation. It refers to various stories about footwear. The next is called Status. This one literally has you peeking in on over 100 pairs of shoes from different time periods and countries. The exhibit has many whimsical touches, but I won’t spoil the surprise for you! It was fun to pick out your favorites or try to guess which designer made them. Then there was the Seduction section. Followed by Obsession, which had the word obsession scattered all over like graffiti. The last category was Creation. I enjoyed seeing the steps it takes to make a simple pair of shoes. My favorite part was learning how shoes have been used not just for function, but for status. It’s always interesting to learn what is considered beautiful to each culture.

The Little Things

Published on June 2, 2017 by Keri Elaine7 Comments

Today I went to Trader Joe’s after work to pick up some last minute groceries. When I went to check out, I chatted with the cashier about his favorite items in the store. Just as I went to pay for my groceries he said, “You forgot one thing!” I looked around and asked, “I did, what?” Then he handed me a bag for flowers and said, “You forgot to grab some beautiful flowers to go with that lovely smile.”

It reminded me that the little things like asking someone how their day is going and having a positive attitude can benefit you and them. In a world where we deal with senseless killing, denial about global warming, and disappointment it can be hard to see the bright side. However, that is exactly what we should do. We should take the time to stop and smell the roses. I make it a point to call a friend everyday during my lunch break just to catch up and see what is going on in their corner of the world. Hearing someones voice or making eye contact with the cashier is so much more personal in our tech savvy world.

So, my challenge to you is to ask someone how their day is and genuinely listen. Don’t interrupt with your own stories or woes, just be present. I hope you all have an amazing weekend!

Sleight and Downward Dog

Published on May 31, 2017May 31, 2017 by Keri Elaine2 Comments

This past weekend I saw the movie Sleight.

The genre is a combination of drama, mystery, fantasy and sci-fi. The film stars Jacob Latimore (from Maze Runner) and Dulé Hill (from tv show Psyche). Jacob Latimore is absolutely magnetic. I do not know if it is Latimore’s magic tricks or charisma, but you can’t help but be pulled into the film. The title of the film refers to the sleight of hand magicians use when they preform a card trick. The lead character is a magician who lost his mother at a young age and began selling drugs to take care of his little sister. When really his passion is for being a master illusionist like Houdini. While preforming a trick to earn money on the the streets of L.A. he meets a beautiful waitress (Seychelle Gabriel from Revenge) with her own secrets. Dulé Hill does a fantastic job of preforming the role of a brutal drug dealer instead of his usual lovable sidekick role on Psyche. This film pulls you in and makes you root for Bo who is trying to get back control of his life, while protecting his sister. It makes you realize that sometimes brilliant people do bad things, because they don’t see another option for success. I highly recommend it!

MV5BODllOTA0MjktMGMzMi00NDQ5LWJhODMtZDg5ZmY3Y2FmNGMxXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNjEwNTM2Mzc@._V1_UX182_CR0,0,182,268_AL_ — Photo credits to IMDB and ABC Downward Dog

Downward Dog. Did you think of the yoga pose? That’s the first thing my mind went to. However, Downward Dog is an incredibly funny well written T.V. show on ABC. It’s written from the point of view of a dog named Martin and his life with his owner Nan a single woman working in marketing. Martin deals with separation anxiety from Nan leaving for working and spending time with her friend with benefits. Unlike other shows that have had talking pets (like the show Wilfred which I found so creepy) Martin has the saddest puppy eyes I have ever seen and is incredibly endearing. That combined with his soothing and slightly valley girl twang cracks me up. One of the lines from the show that had tears rolling down my face is when Nan ignored Martin and he says to the camera, “You think a shoe is bad? I will destroy everything you love. Like I will tear your world to pieces”. Any pet owner can relate to leaving your pet alone and coming home to find your favorite shoes, chair or rug destroyed from your beloved pet. I swear I could see my cat saying that after I left him for my four day trip to Miami. It never matters how great your pet sitter is or how much they try to love on your animal, they want their pet mom. Are there any shows or movies you recently saw that you recommend?

Free People Dress

Published on May 23, 2017May 23, 2017 by Keri Elaine22 Comments

Free People has been one of my favorite stores since high school. I love the eclectic bohemian vibe of each store. It’s fascinating to see the different ways they can use yarn, paper clips and firefly string lights to decorate the store. I even remember seeing a mirrored mosaic tile heart shaped collage on the wall of one store. Then there is the beautifully embellished, lace and embroidered clothing. Can it be expensive? Yes, however their sales rack is awesome! You can also find some of the decor they use in the store in a bin on sale (like 20 feet of firefly string lights for five dollars). This wine colored lace dress came in about seven other colors (lavender, black, mint and red for starters). Once it comes back in stock I will be sure to add a link!

IMAG1417 — NYC? Nope, Wynwood walls in Miami

Love the button detailing down the back and eyelash lace!

9 Tips for Visiting Wynwood Art District in Miami

Published on May 18, 2017May 27, 2017 by Keri Elaine7 Comments

When it comes to Miami most people only think about South Beach. Collins Ave is a beautiful art deco dream, full of beach views and a lavish nightlife. Wynwood is her cool eclectic urban little sister. What began as a desolate warehouse district riddled with crime became:

First Fridays! The first Friday night of every month the art galleries are open (for free to the public) to come explore the different exhibitions. Many of the galleries also hand out free champagne! There are food trucks Ms. Cheezious, Monster Burgers just to name a few. People of all ages come out to look at the different wall murals, eat, buy artisan candles, clothing and listen to the live DJs.
Second Saturdays is the same as First Fridays! Usually starts at 6:00pm and starts to end around 10:00pm. If you want to stay and check out the local bars and restaurants you can! I recommend going on First Fridays and Second Saturdays first since there are a ton of people, culture and art to see. Then the next time you go you will be more familiar with the area.
Keep your eyes open for all the fun colorful wall murals. Every corner you turn has a different mural. Some are colorful graffiti, some have modern lines, some are psychedelic, others anime and pop art. There is something for everyone. You can spend hours just talking about the different murals you like.
Go during the day if you can so you can see the different murals and even grab brunch at a coffee shop. (Love Miam Cafe! They have a great tuna salad sandwiched and iced Matcha latte. It is in the black and white striped building).
Bars. There are many urban bars in Wynwood. Wood Tavern is one bar that always has a line unless you come early. They play a good mixture of hip hop, 80’s and reggaeton music. Unlike South beach where you have to pay to sit down, this bar has high-rise style benched seating as well as a few separate sections of benches. The floor outside is made of deck would so I would not suggest heels. Sneakers, sandals or wedges are your best beat. There are tons of bumper stickers covering multiple walls and the drinks are pretty cheap.
Food. Wynwood Diner isn’t your typical dinner. When you step inside it has a cozy industrial bohemian vibe. There is a long farm house style table that multiple groups of two or more sit at (or you can wait for your own table). I like the farmhouse style option, because it forces stranger to talk to one another. You never know they could recommend you a great restaurant or entree. The outdoor area feels like your inside a courtyard garden. Make sure to look up at the ceiling inside since there is tons of lush plant life! The Chicken & Waffles is delicious as was the avocado salad with a side of brussel sprouts. Coyo Tacos has a variety of tacos including vegetarian and vegan options! Their side of guac is pretty big so I would recommend sharing it. They also have their own margarita and it is delicious!
Try to carpool. The parking for Wynwood is usually on side streets or in a lot with prices ranging from ten to twenty bucks. My friends and I would each just bring five bucks and make sure there were at least three of us in a car.
Do be aware of your surroundings. Just like any city there are good and bad people. Wynwood is a lot of fun and there is usually a good amount of police presence, however there are sometime some people who do not seem completely there mentally. While I have never had an incidents we have all seen a beggar by the highway speaking to the air.
Have fun! Miami is a melting pot and Wynwood is the perfect representation of that. The wealthy, middle class, young, old, young professional and college kids all laughing and exploring this area.

All Photo Credits to my beautiful and talented friend Leticia Ras-Anderica!