Together we RiSE 2015

RiSE Lantern Festival | Photos by: Chris Caparro, Erik Borzi Photography, Karen Herndon, Susanna Musotto and my iPhone :)

This post is dedicated to the people (yes, you!) of my past, present and future. In life you go through many friends, lovers, acquaintances, etc. Some are meant to only be in your life for a certain period of time to teach you a lesson, some just passing through, and some are here to stay. Just because when one is no longer in your life doesn’t mean that you’re not affected. We are all connected in ways that every one person you meet is meant to happen for a reason. And for those who are no longer in my life, but yet you take the time to read this. I’m glad you are, because I just want to say thank you for making me who I am today.

Last year, I had the most incredible experience from the RiSE Lantern Festival so it’s no surprise that I’m back again. And this time around with an amazing group of friends. This year, due to the wind, there were many lantern fails. When I say lantern fails, I mean fire hazards such as hair getting singed via Michael Jackson style. Lanterns that burned through the paper and simply didn’t lift up. These lanterns symbolized dreams, hopes and wishes, and you can only imagine how devastating it is for those whose lanterns did not rise. What moved me was the fact that as a community, we see people - complete strangers - helping each other. That simple act of kindness is helping with the lanterns that needed a little extra push. We rise by lifting others. When your intentions are good, life has a way of working out. One thing we all learned from this experience, is the fact that life is full of failures. And it will take many fails along the way to succeed. If you’re lucky enough to surround yourself with good people, you will always have the help and support.

We released our final lantern, sending our wish out that people in this world can be just a little more kind to themselves and to others. Stop the bullying and the negativity. You have one life to life so why not live it positively and fully? Do your best to surround yourself with good people. And if they are bad? Well, even better, kill them with kindness. :)

So on that note, I’d like to end this post with a quote I love….

“Be kind to one another.” - Ellen

xx jt

Tropical Delight

Guess by Marciano hot house hibiscus cutout dress | Photos by: Tina Clara

Look! Look! I got mermaid hair!!! Did I ever mention how I love playing dress up? I enjoy switching up my looks, so this time around, I busted out my hair extensions. Et violà! I went from short hair to long hair...and now I look Polynesian. It’s like magic, no? In all seriousness, don’t be fooled by what you see in the movies, tv, and magazines because everything is fake. Well almost. Many talents in the entertainment industry have hair extensions put in for jobs and events. I’ve seen fake hair used for hair commercials and advertising. Even mascara ads have false lashes on the models. So don’t always believe what you see in the ads.

If you’ve ever wanted to cut your hair, and was afraid to do so. Just do it! What have you got to lose (well besides your hair lol). You won’t know how it’s going to look until you try it. Who knows? Maybe you will rock your new do so hard you’re gonna wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. And in case you don’t like how it turns out? Never fear! Nothing a little hair extension can’t fix or cover. :)

Nothing quite makes a girl feel like a little girl, by wearing a pretty dress and have long pretty hair. I did just that. I had so much fun twirling around in this cute tropical dress with my lovely braided hair extension and “I whip my hair back and forth” and have everyone “just watch me whip, watch me nae nae.” :) xx jt

Laced

Stone Cold Fox Aden romper | Photos by: Tina Clara

I have always loved intricate lace work and romantic pieces. So it wasn’t too much of a surprise that this beautiful Stone Cold Fox Aden romper somehow made it into my closet. The crochet details, bone ribbing that is built inside and the cute bell sleeves gives this romper a very glamourous boho vibe. I typically don’t wear off the shoulder pieces because I have muscular shoulders...(from all those chaturanga dandasanas I’ve been practicing!) I am a macho girl but feelin’ oh sooooo feminine wearing this romper.

In the past, I’ve alway thought off the shoulders should be worn by girls with delicate shoulders and dainty décolletage. Well, times have changed. Strong muscular girls can wear it too. Ta-dah! Meeee! As I’ve gotten older, I have learned to embrace and accept how my body is built and still changing. I was and forever will be an athletic girl. And damn proud of it too!

Embrace and love your body, it is the most amazing thing you’ll ever own. Besides this cute romper;) xx

Lady in Red

Guess dallas maxi dress (similar here and here) | Photos by: Tina Clara

When in doubt, wear red.

Especially knowing when the backdrop is going to be with this beautiful turquoise waters. There’s something quite enchanting about long flowy dresses…and really, any solid colors will do against breathtaking scenic backdrops such as this. Wind blowing, ethereal, mystical, free spirited and simply beautiful. For once, I was prepared! I brought a lot of long flowy dresses...Hallelujah!

You should really try it. You owe it to that little girl inside of you...yes, the part of you that never grew up. Be playful! Live a little! Get/wear a long flowy dress, walk around the beach like an idiot (ha!) and have a friend take a few snaps even if it’s from an iPhone. I did! You won’t regret it.

Maybe I just want to be that emoji of the girl in the red dress from the iPhone. ;) xx jt

Island Life

Ecote crochet-trim racerback tank | Victoria's Secret tie-dye drawstring short | J.Crew panama hat | Photos by: Tina Clara

Oh that island life....now I understand what it really feels like to be an island girl. I was never really into being in the sun on any normal day, but Turks & Caicos was truly the exception. I went there with a spray tan and came back with a real tan. Bare feet! No bra! Going commando and just let it all hang out! ;)

A friend of mine said Turks & Caicos was as close to the proverbial island paradise he has ever been. That and Tahiti. Well, it definitely was paradise. As it was my first time in the Caribbean and I can’t make any comparisons, but LOVED every moment of it. I guess I can safely say I fit right in. Perhaps I’m an island girl at heart? I realized I’m really good at eating chocolate cake every night watching the sunset over the turquoise horizon. Now that’s talent....

Speaking of chocolate cake.....I really want some now.

Ahhh....take me back to paradise. Or feed me chocolate cake....in bed. LOL. I’ll take either. :) xx jt

50 Shades of Blue

Made by Dawn Hiker bikini top and bikini bottom | Natalie B Jewelry body chain | Bracelets: H&M, Forever 21 | Belt vintage | Photos by: Tina Clara

If I was a Bond girl for a day....this is it!

I had the opportunity to go to the beautiful island of Turks & Caicos, thanks to The Ellen Show. My traveling buddy Tina and I decided to pack our bags and jet on out for a long overdue and deserved vacay. Into the BLUE!

My bucket list, before I get old and gray (ahem...already am! LOL) I’ve dreamed of doing a Sports Illustrated swimsuit inspired shoot while I still have the body to do so. Well I can certainly check that off the list! Having caught the flu in February helped me put my body on track. I think I’m close to my high school body and weight. Yikes! My stomach shrunk so I don’t eat as much as I used to. In the process I lost 10-15 lbs. Crazy right? It wasn’t even by choice. It just happened. But one can’t take that for granted, so I still eat healthy and exercise regularly. Everything in moderation.

Ironically enough, Victoria’s Secret models were on location shooting for their catalog at the same time. I had to laugh out loud when the hotel staff were asking if I was one of them. Flattered....but seriously, have you seen how skinny minny and stunning these models are in real life? Believe me, I saw them and they look like teenagers! They are literally one third of me. LOL.

Another bucket list item was that I’ve always wanted to go horseback riding in the ocean. And what more could you ask but to do it in the Caribbean and more on so, in the perfect turquoise waters. Double check that off the bucket list:) That was truly the highlight of my trip because the experience was absolutely beautiful and tranquil. You felt like you were one with the ocean. Riding out into the sea...and not looking back. And that’s the mantra for this trip...is to move forward and not looking back. Life experiences gives you the courage to always look to the brighter future. And it is bright. Only if you choose it to be so.

"If you’re brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello." - Paulo Coelho

So, Hello! :) xx jt