Hello, NYC!

Hey guys! Wow! It's been so long since I posted, but I hope you can understand. See, I just moved to New York a week ago and I've been settling in to my new surroundings. Seriously, I haven't gotten a break! There's so much to see and do! I've been around the block, back to school, across the bridge, working nonstop... and let me tell you, it feels so darn good to be here! In a way I feel accomplished. Sure, there's plenty I need to still do like get my degree going and working in the business, etc. but moving to NY has always been one of my life goals so finally getting to do so makes me feel like I can do anything. I mean, if thousands of people do it daily, why can't I, right? I just wanted to share with you guys a few pictures and a quick round up of what I've been up to. Most of these pictures are from my phone because since I've been running quite a few errands, I'm not carrying my Canon around that much just to be more swift.

Anyways, I've only been able to see just a tiny bit of the city. I moved to Astoria, Queens so I'll be commuting to my Parsons everyday by train which is in Manhattan. As for my new neighborhood, I'm absolutely in love. I have so many things nearby and it's so tranquil and friendly. 

Little by little I've been getting my things set. I've been sleeping on an air mattress so I'm so stoked I'll be getting my mattress here tomorrow. I'm excited to get my room ready too. It was painted that strange purple color and since I can't afford to change it right now, I'll just stick to it and work with what I've got! Got some storage units put in and everything's fitting in perfectly. 

Yup, that's it! I finally made it! All of my classes will be in the now famous David Schwartz center. I was touristing around Times Square last Wednesday and I decided to go to campus and check out my classrooms. The guard didn't let me pass because this section of the uni closes during the summertime for yes, you guessed it... Project Runway. So I decided to walk out and linger around the benches up front to catch my breath and rest after hours and hours of walking (no wonder people in NY stay fit!) and all of a sudden...

NINA GARCÍA! Yes, she is beautiful! I was so starstruck that I immediately called out her name and when she looked at me, the only thing that came out of my mouth was "You're gorgeous!". She said hi and thanked me for the compliment. She was impeccably dressed and styled. What a way to start off my New York adventure!

Of course, Times Square is just a block away from my campus so I had to do the tourist thing and check it out since I couldn't go last time I came to NYC.

Can you spot me? I'm the one with the Monster Black Banane Taipei! 

The Fashion District! Recognize the Oldenburg?

One of the first stops I HAD to to once I arrived in NY was Inglot. For this, I saved up a few extra dollars. After years and years of wanting to experience the freedom system first hand, I finally got to make my own little palette. Once I test them out a bit more I might do a review on them but for now, I'm pretty much sold on these!

I got 5 eyeshadows and a concealer. Love the magnetic casing. Very nifty and handy!

Also, most of my subway stops have been to Union Square. Loved seeing all the fresh produce and colors at the Farmer's Market! How many radishes and carrots do you think are pilled in there? Wow!

Today was my school's open house so afterwards, I decided to take a stroll and of course, I had walked by tons of times by Lush but never really saw it until today when the sign was turned on. I immediately ran around the block and dashed into the store! I've had Lush products before but I had never been to a shop so it was like a candy shop to me! First thing I did was go in for an Emotional Brilliance reading! Basically, you relax and as soon as the wheel of colors stops spinning, you choose the three colors that call out to you the most. The sales associate will then flip over the tabs and read the significance behind each color's name. What he or she will tell you will be basically something that describes your personality or something that others see in you, admire from you or envy of you. I think my choices are very fitting due to the circumstances I've been in lately and I loved my choices!

I got "Feeling Secure", "Decisive" and "Control". I think these are more than fitting, they're dead on. I didn't purchase any of these because at $22.95 a pop, well... I've seen better quality products for less and they weren't something I really needed so I passed. I did get some other really cool goodies for less than one of these. It was fun to try it out, nonetheless!

The girls at Lush were so amazing, they even threw in two soap samples with my purchase! In the Box I got a Butterball Bath Bomb and a Honey I Washed the Kids Soap. I also got an Eau Roma Water to refresh my face during the day. So stoked to try these out!

Oh yeah! And my roommate took me to The Studio at Webster Hall for a fantastic show. We saw the Denzels! LOVED their music! I had a blast!

Anyways, that's just a quick round up of what's been going on on my first week here in NY. I still have SO MUCH TO SEE! I've been meeting up with friends from around the city, catching up, touristing and visiting my local food joints. The food here is insane. I mean, seriously... woah! I'll be meeting some new acquaintances as well and grabbing some very much needed materials over at Mood soon! Yay! My mom's also sending me my sewing machine soon so I'm so ready for it to arrive here before classes start. Orientation is just next week! 

So all in all, if you're interested in switching backgrounds and moving to NY I suggest you do. I'm in love with this place. I feel like I'm definitely going to test my potential here but I'm ready for that and I have been for a very long time. There's so much to see, hear, taste, feel, do, and experience that I promise you will never be bored. Any of you ever been to NY and never wanted to leave? 

Travel essentials (NY edition)- What's in my suitcase?

Travel essentials by desiree-velazquez-rodriguez featuring a long black dress

So, the final countdown for my liftoff to New York is here. Only two more weeks, and we all know how fast that goes! I've been organizing what I'll be taking with me to New York because when it comes to traveling, the key is to keep everything essential so you don't go overboard with your suitcase weight limit. Nobody likes to pay extra or have to pluck things out of their suitcases at the last minute!

I thought I'd share with you guys some of the pieces I'll be taking to New York so that you can get some ideas on what to take on your future travels. I always tend to overpack, but this time I'm getting down to the basics because after all, I'll be living there so I can go adding some more statement pieces as I go (including a few made by me!). You all know my addiction to black and gold, so it must be no surprise to see this somewhat mono-ish color palette. Of course, you can adapt it to your own taste. This is just what I'll be taking. The pieces shown are not exactly the ones I own, but pretty darn close.

I always start off with some basic tees and blouses. Things you can match up with any bottom or outwear piece. Button down blouses are excellent because you can dress them up or down. I always take with me a structured blazer that has versatility and a little something extra. A few days ago I finally snagged my dream leopard print blazer (just like my idol, Alison Mosshart) at a fantastic sale price at Zara. This is actually what I'll be wearing to on the plane because of its attitude, look and comfort factors and because it can take up some space in my suitcase so I'd rather carry it on myself. Also, I love wearing denim jackets because I can pair them with just about anything, especially a nice maxi dress to tone it down for a cool day. A little black dress is key for traveling because it is probably the most versatile dress ever. You can play it up with great accessories and simply add a nice pump and you're set! I also like to carry some nice knit sweaters just in case the weather calls for it. A few lightweight skirts and I'm ready to go! I like chiffon pieces because the material is airy and takes up no space in the suitcase. A little steaming when you unpack and you're set!

For accessories, it it important to take control because this is one of the things that can overweight your luggage easily. I like to go with maybe two or three really good necklaces, a couple of cocktail rings, a pair of flats, boots, some pumps (not shown) and maybe a pair of sandals if you're the sandal wearing type (not so much me). What handbags you'll take are crucial because you'll be carrying them around all over the place. I'll be taking my Leather Satchel Co. which is the bag I'll be using for school. It's still at the workshop so it'll be arriving soon and it's tricolor and very similar to the palette above so I can use it with practically everything. I'll also be taking my favorite BCBG python print clutch because it is very small and easy to pack and I can use it for special events. For beauty, plan your favorite looks. I find that taking a good eye palette works best (Too Faced Naked Eye palette is my favorite!) and a few lip colors like a good nude, red and pink would suit any look and a good peachy-toned blush is a universally flattering color.

I'll be playing around with this list and maybe adding a few more pieces but basically this is the gist of it all. Remember these key factors:

• Pack plenty of neutral pieces so you can mix and match because of their versatility.
• Keep accessories to a minimum so you don't add extra weight to your bag.
• Pick pieces with materials that are easy to care for so you don't end up walking around with things that need a little maintenance. Cotton pieces are great for that.
• The little black dress is your best friend.
• Plan your beauty products so you can take as least possible because this can also add extra weight to your bag.
• Take a versatile handbag. A neutral colored one is the best way to go. I recommend black or brown. 
• Pack travel sized beauty product essentials. If you stay for longer, you can always purchase refills when you arrive or run out. 
• Keep an open mind and have fun!

Just Two Left...

Just two more months and the biggest turning point of my life will occur. I've had weeks of insomniac nights just thinking and making numbers in my head, calculating my next moves, my budgets and the quantities of money I'll be burying my soul into to receive the coveted education that Parsons will give me. Just about two more months to prepare. If I've seemed a bit absent minded with a troubled face to anyone, you now know why. I sometimes catch myself saying my goodbyes already but I do it because I know the treasures I leave behind: my family, my friends, the foundations of who I am today.

I've been moving my things from my apartment in Río Piedras back home little by little. It's slowly starting to look as it did when I moved there: bare and with spare essentials. The large amount of my work that has been accumulated in the span of two years I've brought back to my house. All of my printmaking, all of my drawings, all of my large scale work, all of my acrylic plates, all of my woodwork, all my paintings, my portfolio, my soy inks and all of my black covered sketchbooks... back home. As of the moment I only have a few materials from my stash at hand just to I could bare with my remaining projects. My closet is slowly being emptied. What's to give away will be given and what I only need is still cluttering it. Trash or keep? Drawers are being emptied and boxes filled and carried out.  

I've already begun making a selection of what will I be taking with me to New York. My suitcases have been selected and I'm still figuring out what essentials I'll take with me. It's my life summarized into a couple of suitcases. I'm taking only what I need to commence my new life. 

It's been a whirlwind of decisions and there are still so many to be made. I'm nervous and afraid. I can't deny that I'm am. I've worked up my courage to take this step and it's been years since I've been wanting it. I've wanted to leave this island since I can remember and face a new scenario. It's been my plan all along to gradually move into where I am right now. For now all I can rely on is my strong will, my eagerness, my experience, my education and my wit to move me forward. I'm ready to earn the thick skin Parsonytes (what my boyfriend calls Parsons alumni) are known for.

So, all that said I know that once I post this, it'll be time to leave already. Two months vanish in a blink of an eye. I need to keep focused. Most importantly, I can't let myself down. Sure, disappointments are bound to happen but as my dear friend Jani has told me before, those are just dust specks in a glass of milk. Simply remove them and keep on drinking that big ol' glass o' milk called "Life". When I'm finished I'll basque in the joy of my hard work paying off only to keep on working harder because in the end, one should want to be better than the last time always. 

I'm on my way, Parsons!