Wednesday, March 28, 2012

City Girl

There’s something about the chaos of New York City that calms and centers me. The anonymity of assuming a faceless role amidst a crowd of diverse culture causes me to feel like I’m home and, most refreshingly, normal. What is it about this place that makes my skin goose bump and causes my brain swim with inspiration?

It's safe to say I'm still head over heels for concrete and smog. 

My most recent fix, *ahem*, adventure is as follows :

Central Park in full bloom.

St. John the Divine



Favorite book store. Went there twice. Bought four books to add to my already forty pound bag.

Sometimes I go to Tiffany's and contemplate getting a cereal box ring engraved.

Redeemer Art Exhibition


Lunch at Bryant Park with my NY family.

BK <3

Brunch in Spanish Harlem at Yo In Yo Out


What is left of the Occupy Movement violently protesting in the wake of Trayvon Martin's death. Hundreds of police vs. a motley crew of hippies. Unorganized would be an understatement.

I'll be back. :)

Monday, March 26, 2012

12th South




(Dress : Forever 21 / Shoes : Leifsdottir / Jacket : Forever 21 / Sunglasses : Ray-Bans / Purse : Francesca's)

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Early Springing

Windows down. Trees in full bloom. Put those tights away! Frolic through a field and cheerfully hum 'The Sound of Music.' That's what Jewls and I did last last week at Percy Warner Park :)










(Shirt : H&M / Skirt : J. Crew / Sunglasses : Jewls)

Sincerely, RR





Saturday, March 17, 2012

Liesel Elena





(Shirt : Old Navy / Jeans : American Eagle / Ear ring : Homemade from Ezer Kenegdo / Rings : Israel, Turkey, American Eagle / Purse : Marc Jacobs / Jacket : Charlotte Rouse)

This is Liesel. She is beautiful. At this point, you’re probably thinking “Wow, all of Rachel’s friends are gorgeous,” and you would be absolutely right. Telling their stories has become a bit of an addiction. Liesel is dear to my heart for many reasons, the primary one being that she possesses an undeniably infectious hope throughout all circumstances. (Not to mention her hippy/chic/urban style.) This girl knows exactly how to mix label and vintage. I stole Liesel away yesterday afternoon to pick her brain about an upcoming move to London through a ministry called YWAM (Youth With A Mission) and also about past international adventures through this organization.

R : Tell me about YWAM in a nutshell.

L : It is a faith-based ministry that seeks to bring people back to life. The first community was started in Switzerland in 1965.

R : What intrigued you about the ministry?

L : I was unsure about the next step to take out of high school and fed up with people my own age who had no long term perspective on life.  YWAM brought together all nations and generations, so every place I lived gave me new families of mothers, brothers, sisters and fathers.

R : How many places did you live or visit?

L : Spain, Switzerland, I unknowingly walked with protestors in Greece, Turkey, Rome, post-revolution Egypt and Israel.

R : Wow, what was your favorite story from all of those adventures?

L :  Cairo was one of my favorite cities. It was like living in a fantasy world. Everywhere you looked there were men with guns and women with their faces hidden under headdresses. I was sick of living in a perfect, clean world everyday, and in Cairo I found a family of real desperation. Being desperate in America is seen as pathetic, but being desperate in Egypt meant waking up every day.

R : Would you say it changed you?

L : Egypt was the breaking point of my life. I was able to speak to a heartbroken Muslim man about the revolution and find freedom in our differences, and hold a helpless baby at the Mother Teresa Orphanage.

R : It sounds like you identified with their helplessness.

L : I was always fearful as a child, but after going to the orphanage I realized what it meant to fight for your life. I couldn’t be quiet anymore.

R : Tell me about your excitement surrounding London and that culture of art and fashion.

L : My heart aches and burns for so much. So many things that I want to do and now I can finally speak the language and meet people. Talk to anybody I want. I’m not doing ‘ministry,’ I just want to hang out with people.

R:  A more subtle approach?

L : Yes. Christianity is beautiful. But when you use that word, sometimes people choke. I want people to know that I actually want to get to know them. I want to find the person who is hidden. The black sheep. I always go looking for the person no one’s talking to. Bringing them out of the darkness they’ve put themselves in. I want to go walking and find someone who intrigues me. I’m not going to immediately institute Jesus into every conversation, but invite them for a drink and love them for who they are.

R : And the fashion? How excited are you for the street styles of this city?

L : I am excited for the diversity. Walking past people who have money and people who don’t. Old ladies and observing their fashion on the train. Even the lady with an entirely purple outfit, but still appreciating her personality. I want to look at the heart behind personal style. I can’t be influenced by someone else’s style until I know their heart. I want to be a bright light in an industry that seems so dark.

R : Do you feel changed and encouraged by this decision to move?

L: Yes. If I'm still moving and living and breathing, I have hope. No one is left behind.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Wingardium Leviosa

Going along with the magical theme of our trip, naturally we made it a point to stop by Harry Potter World. Despite not having the Weasley sweaters that we had been pining for, all of our wizarding dreams came true.


Hogsmeade!


Undesirable # 1.

Candy & a Remembrall!


Butterbeer at The Three Broomsticks, of course!




Sunday, March 11, 2012

Disney Secrets As Told By RR : Part 1

If you are not aware of my family's crazed obsession with Disney, then you don't really know us. Since our initial love was declared in 1997, we have returned many times, never quite growing up enough to not enjoy it as children. The Lolly and I participated in our ritual dancing around the castle, taking pictures, singing along to whatever fabulous showtune/Disney song was playing on Main Street, and then doing bell kicks. (When I say ridiculous, just believe me.)

When it comes to properly experiencing Disney, one must be ready to power walk through crowds of obese children and their equally large parents. Having extensive practical knowledge of the place ourselves, we managed to tackle all four parks in just one day. Needless to say, this was a record and we were immensely proud of ourselves. Our 2012 journey is as follows :

Make sure to pack light. Security is tight up in here and you don't want to waste any time with a heavy load while you're supposed to be frolicking around Magic Kingdom!

(sigh)


This is after we danced around the bridge singing The Trolley Song from Meet Me In St. Louis.


 

This kid danced with us.


Lala's castle to the left. MY castle in the process of being built to the right. WOOT. Neighbors.




This is our fountain. It is magical and we always make a wish upon it when entering Fantasy Land. 


When eating in Disney World, don't buy ANYTHING not in the shape of Mickey Mouse and avoid food that cannot be taken with you while waiting in line to ride Splash Mountain.


We also went to Epcot. Be sure to eat dinner in Italy and ask for Luca. (Also don't go before 11:00 am, because you won't be able to travel past Viking country.)


When visiting MGM, do NOT miss out on Fantasmic. It is a huge firework/lights/water show that begins at 7:00pm every day. You also have to take a picture under the 'Singing In the Rain' lamp post.


How Disney makes my heart feel, in a nutshell. More secrets to come tomorrow!

Sincerely, RR











Saturday, March 3, 2012

Happy Birthday, Beautiful.

It is impossible to imagine my life without this girl. A flower child from the very beginning, Lala has brought me so much love and joy. Having a sister has been the very best blessing, and I am beyond thankful that she was born twenty years ago! Cheers to you, my sweet Lolly. I am filled with thanksgiving at the thought of sharing the rest of our lives together and being crazy Aunt Rachie to your five British children.





(Dress : Gino's Boutique / Shoes : Shii)