Versatile Blogger Award

I'm very honored to say that I was nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award by Elsa Mix & Match! I feel so appreciative of this because I've had this blog for less than 6 months and I am so proud to see how far it's already come. The blogger community truly is amazing. I sincerely appreciate all of my followers and the comments that you leave.  I'm so happy that you like my blog so much and that it's helped you in any way! 

The rules are as follows:

-Nominate 15 fellow bloggers that you recently discovered or follow regularly 

-Let them know you have nominated them

-Share 7 random facts about yourself

-Thank the bloggers that have nominated you

-Add the versatile blogger award to your blog 

My Nominations: 


CupcakingAround
FashionBananas
FashionToast
FashionWithEllie
GypsyInTheCity
HellNotesForBeauty
K.I.S.S.
LaceNLeopard
LeopardAndSalmon

LoveToLove

NiaFashionista
NYTrendyMoms
PooLovesBoo
SweetStylesByMelissa
TheDaileigh



Some of these blogs I have been following for awhile and some I recently came across.  I think all of them are really cute with great info.  Keep up the great work!! :)

7 RANDOM FACTS ABOUT ME:

-I've been singing my whole life. You can hear some of my music on www.reverbnation.com/nataliecaez

-I have 2 songs on iTUNES (Search Natalie Caez)

-I studied communications & journalism in college

-I used to host my own radio show 

-I was enrolled in dance class at 3 years old

-I've done modeling & had a lot of different shoots for fashion/editorial/glam/creative photos

-My family is from Puerto Rico 

Happy Thursday lovies <3 

"Bingo Culture" Series Image Selected By The Worldwide Photography Gala Awards For the 3rd Annual Julia Margaret Cameron Award To Be Shown In Paris in 2013

I woke up to a nice surprise yesterday morning.

Each morning, I sip my coffee and scan my emails on my phone. Not thinking much about it (or anything really at this time in the morning), I opened up an email announcing results to the 3rd Annual Julia Margaret Cameron Award by the Worldwide Photography Gala Awards.  As I read the email, I completely forgot that I entered this contest back in December.  I browsed the names of the selected winners and then I thought I saw my name.  There had to be something in my eyes so I put my phone down, rubbed my eyes hard and drank more coffee before I looked again.  Just to be sure, I clicked on the link to the selected winners and there was my image, "Christmas Bingo In Colorado" selected as 5th place in the Documentary and Editorial category!  Shortly after that, I realized that because I am a finalist, my work will be shown in Paris in 2013!  I am completely honored.  Although I have circled the country for three years in my car, I have never been to Europe, so perhaps this is a good excuse to go.

Just last week, I was informed that this image was also selected by juror Holly Andres to be included in the Portraits exhibit at the Black Box gallery in Portland, Oregon.  If you are in the area, the show will run from June 1st through the 22nd. I'm so thrilled to be a part of it.

Little did I know that what began as a curiosity of the game of bingo and the urge to document the players and culture, that ultimately, it would be so well received.  

If you are new to my blog, here's a little background with my statement on this ongoing project: 

"... While traveling in Maine, I discovered a Bingo hall and it provoked a curiosity about a subculture that I was aware of but hadn't given any thought towards.  What I discovered was a community of dedicated players who travel to the same place, set up in the same spot, and bring along the same good luck charms with the hopes that this will be the day they win big.  It’s a place where hope and despair come hand in hand throughout the night as the mind lets go of everything but what numbers are being called. Each location I encountered would bring in a true sense of community, each with their unique set of personalities and characters.  As I continued my travels and visits to Bingo Halls across America, I realized I was looking at a cultural phenomenon that will be lost to future generations."

To see more images from my "Bingo Culture" series, click HERE 

To see the images that were selected by the Worldwide Gala Awards for the 3rd Annual Julia Margaret Cameron Awards, click HERE

I am grateful to be able to share with you, all of the wonderful people I meet each time I enter a bingo hall.  They have been nothing but supportive and appreciative of my efforts to document the game they love so much, because we both know it's about so much more.

A Little Snakeskin

Hello loves!  An outfit like this is great if you going for something chic and classy.  Depending on where you work, and with a few minor adjustments I think this would also work well for the office or an internship.  It kind of has a business vibe to it also.  OR you can just wear it out for dinner and drinks, like I am!

Top: Express 

Pink Trousers: H&M 

Shoes: Forever21

Belt: H&M 

Clutch: Gypsy Warrior 

Lipstick: MAC Nicki 

I finally took these pink pants out of the closet.  Only wore then once when I first got them at the beginning of the year I believe.  I remember I got them on sale at a great price too.  I love the color and especially the fit.  I paired them with this sleeveless top that drops down the front as you can see.  It adds a little sex appeal but still remains classy which I love. 

I'm wearing my favorite belt and I used this to bring everything together.  Since these pants are high waisted they look better with a belt in my opinion.  I have on these peep toe sling backs again.  I remember when I first got them I had a little trouble walking in them and now thankfully there's so issues :) To funk this up a little I'm using this snakeskin envelope clutch.  I love how the print looks with the pink & black.  Also added on this new spike necklace that I recently got from Forever21.  I really love it!  Spiked accessories are great. 

 I also have on this big chain ring from Gypsy Warrior.  No arm candy today.  I decided to go light on the accessories since my necklace is the main piece.  My hair is kind of big today, well big for me at least.  This is how it ends up when I don't blow dry and add in a little mousse and hair spray. I love big hair and secretly wish that mine was curly! 

Yesterday I mentioned that I was going to switch up my polish, so I'm wearing Dream On by Sinful Colors.  Have a great night! 

XOXO

Mint & Floral

So happy the weather cleared up today!  Got the chance to take some pics outside quickly before heading out for a few.  I put this together so fast, just something really casual and simple with a little color blocking.  I've been itching to wear these shoes since I got them and I really liked this combination.  Hope you like :) 

Tank: Love Culture (Old)

Mint Jeans: H&M

Floral Shoes: Forever21 

Bag: H&M

Lipstick: MAC Sweetie 

I really love mint right now and unfortunately this is the only mint item that I own!  I've been searching for more pieces in this color and haven't found anything yet, but I am sure I will soon.  I love the way they look with these floral print shoes.. there's a mix of pink shades, white & green.  I really like mint & pink together. 

I went with this simple pink tank that I got a year or 2 ago and I've always held on to it.  Can't remember the last time I wore it but it definitely came in handy tonight.  Wearing my gold Merona watch from Target, white F21 bracelet and a few gold bangles.  Earrings are from Aldo & necklace from H&M along with this little shoulder bag.  

On a side note, it felt good to get out of the house because I have been absolutely HOOKED to the novel series 50 Shades Of Grey... have any of you read it? I'm almost done with the 2nd book.  One more to go! 

I picked up a new nail polish color "Dream On" by Sinful Colors... it's a nice purple shade so I will be switching up my polish tomorrow.. goodbye to neon melon for now! 

XO.

Rainy Day Essentials

Another rainy day in the NJ/NY area. The most common question from girls on days like this is how can I still look cute/trendy in the rain?  I got a request asking this very question so I thought today would be the perfect day to make this post.  I created a Rainy Day set with a couple of different items, their prices & where they can be bought.  But of course everyone has their own style and these are just my suggestions. If you like certain items but not the colors or styles then that's fine of course, I just hope this give you some ideas that maybe you haven't thought of yet :)

Some of these seem pretty obvious but you would be surprised at how many girls don't own a good pair of boots for the rain.  There's so many different style rain boots now and they come in many colors and prints too.  I got mine from ebay last year for only $25.  I switch off using either my rubber boots or if the rain is not that bad, I opt for my combat ones.  I just picked these 3 different styles to show you.

I lose umbrellas all the time, so I found the best way to stop doing that was to buy one of these mini umbrellas from H&M that I can just keep in my bag all the time.  That way it's always with me in case it starts to rain.  They have different colors & prints too.  If you prefer a larger umbrella but want a different style, these bubble shape ones are really cute.

Another good way to protect your hair from the rain is going with a wide brim hat, depending on the material of course.  Or you can also wrap your head in a decorative scarf as well like the one above.  If it's a rainy day and I don't have anywhere special to be, I usually just throw my hair into a bun.

Trench coats are great for the rain because they're stylish and also protect you from getting wet like this one.  Or if you prefer, you could also go with an actual rain coat like the one from Forever21.  Not all rain coats are ugly, you just have to search for one that you like.

I wear leggings a lot in the rain and they're the simplest thing to pair with my rubber rain boots.  As I mentioned I got my boots last year.. before that I never had anything to really protect my feet from the rain and I would always get soaked.  Not a smart move I know.

I'm sure there's other things you could get as well but these were the first ones that came to mind.  Stay dry! :)

Lower Blood Pressure Naturally

Recently, Chris Kresser published a series on dietary salt (sodium chloride) and health (1).  One of the issues he covered is the effect of salt on blood pressure.  Most studies have shown a relatively weak relationship between salt intake and blood pressure.  My position overall is that we're currently eating a lot more salt than at almost any point in our evolutionary history as a species, so I tend to favor a moderately low salt intake.  However, there may be more important factors than salt when it comes to blood pressure, at least in the short term. 

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Printed High Low

Happy Sunday! First I want to say thank you to all of my new blog followers! I really appreciate you taking the time to come to my blog and subscribe :)

Last night I went out to celebrate a friends birthday so I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to wear this new high low dress that I recently got.  I took photos at this old train station near my house which was kind of cool.  Like I mentioned the other day, I really love switching up the scenery for these photos.

High Low Dress: Cotton On 

Shoes: Forever21 (Old)

Belt: H&M 

Clutch: Mandee

Lipstick: MAC Full Speed 

I'm not sure if any of you watched my Cotton On haul, but in the video I showed this dress and talked about it a little bit.  I really love the high low/asymmetrical style pieces and they're really cute for spring and summer time.  You don't always have to wear a mini dress or skirt when going out to lounges or bars.  It's fun to switch it up! I paired it with this thin black belt that is great for dresses like this.  Sometimes without a belt your shape can get lost in the material so this is a good way to pull it all together. 

 These peep toe sling backs are a little over a year old but they went perfect and were more comfortable than I remembered. I didn't want to go with a black clutch, so to add a nice pop of color I opted for this coral one.  And to go a little further I went with coral lipstick, one of my favorites from MAC.  I love adding a little pop of color to an outfit, especially when it's not expected.  I think it went really well. My nails are still Neon Melon so that also added more color.  I didn't have time to change them. 

 I have on a silver cuff that is super old, can't even remember where it's from.  And my ring and earrings are from Aldo.  I didn't want to overdo it on the accessories.  Now that my hair is growing more and more I was able to curl it a little bit again.  I love doing my hair this way! Also, my eye makeup is from the Naked Urban Decay 1 pallet. 

Hope you all had a great weekend!! :) 

xx