New York (July 20-27 2017)

This is the first time I traveled to NY for healthcare work. You may know (or about to find out) that I still work 9-5 at the hospital as a nurse in quality improvement. I think many people take a look at all my photos and articles and think I travel full time. That’s not really the case. I do, however have a flexible work schedule which enables me to afford multiple other luxuries (huge bonus) in my lifestyle and for this I am grateful.

In July, I attended a 3 1/2 day Quality and Safety conference with the American College of Surgeons. I also presented a poster with my coworker on the second last day which is my favourite part of the annual international event. Its a chance where you can mingle with others and see what people are working on.

On the last day, a few of us checked out a taping of Stephen Colbert. He had actor Paul Bettany on, as well as Tyler, the Creator. The whole stage is tiny, the studio was freezing and the house band, Jon Batiste with Stay Human is so great!

After the conference was over I managed to stay a few extra days and get some visits in: Meeting with the good folks at AWAY, amika and CINER, attending the Crown of Light press preview, nails done at Paint Box. And yes, I ate – a lot: Best Pizza, Burger & Lobster, While we were young, The Standard Grill just to name a few. I almost forgot – the rooftops: Loopy Doopy at the Conrad, Arlo Nomad and The Crown at 50 Bowery.

I forgot how much I love NYC in the summer! See you again soon!

ELENA:)

 

New York (Dec 3-7 2016)

I can’t believe that I am so behind on all my posts. That’s ok. This one will be short as this was a brief trip to NY and I actually did not stay in any new hotels.

The first two nights I stayed over with the founder of LifeTold in Queens. A bit of a trek from the city, but still a great visit. After spending a leisurely weekend getting nails done (PaintBox), brunch at Balthazar and shopping, I stacked up my meetings (as per usual) for Monday and headed over to my other friends apartment in the city.

After making a crucial trip to Caravan Stylist studio I was ready to meet and greet! Later in the night I attended three fun holiday parties: RESIDENT Magazine, Fairmont Gold party (possibly this best party I have ever attended in my entire life!) and this real estate broker party (which definitely showed a different side to New York).

The next day, after a interview shoot with T’Zikal (see the interview on my News & Events page) I went to the BELLA NY holiday party which was also very fun.

I headed home to spend the rest of Dec. working away (clearly too busy to post this! Ha!).

ELENA:)

T’Zikal New York

As the weather changes and I pull out my winter coat, I think fondly – not too long ago I was in Bali enjoying my latest favorite spa treatment. The cream hair massage is super. Imagine having a scalp massage for an hour, while your hair is covered in fresh coconut cream and different fresh spices. Needless to say, I had the treatment three different times on my trip. It was incredible.

At home, I struggle to find something remotely similar to the wonderful aromatic treatment I had abroad. I’m hard pressed to find a fresh, ripe coconut ready to be cracked open for my hair treatment at the local grocery and no freshly picked spices at my disposable to build my concoction. In fact, it’s hard to find beauty products on the market that are made without other additives, artificial colors and dyes. It’s nice to see that the use of simple ingredients and traditional techniques can yield fantastic results.

group_sc

 

The T’zikal (derived from the Mayan word meaning sanctified or blessed) Beauty Group from New York City follows such suit by using Ojon oil, from the fruit of Palm Nut Tree. A single tree yields 8,000 nuts which is just enough to produce three cups of pure oil. Once the nut is cracked open, its boiled in a kettle for 5-7 hours and the oil is extracted. What’s so special about Ojon oil anyway? Its nutrient rich in omega oils which help replenish and rebuild hair, leaving it extraordinarily soft and shiny.

On my trip to New York, I got to experience the T’zikal collection first hand and have some fun things in store. Be sure to stay tuned and for more information and where to purchase T’zikal products visit their site.

ELENA:)

Resort Packing List for BELLA LA Magazine

Screen Shot 2016-05-31 at 8.26.19 PM

Unlike my usual jaunts to the city, I really had to figure out what would serve me well in a tropical paradise. Here is my packing list for BELLA LA.

ELENA:)

 

1 2 3 4