BELLA’s latest edition honors frontline workers and guess who was included? This Beauty issue is for sale here.
ELENA:)
This piece took me forever to write. I thought it was going to be about communities – but that changed. Glad I got it done though. Read it here.
ELENA:)
I have to admit – I only found out about Sophie’s Closet through Instagram when designer, Kenneth Jay Lane gave a shout out to the online store. I clicked on the handle and I was hooked like a magpie to a shiny piece of metal. Sophie’s Closet is an online mecca for rare, vintage (read: Chanel, Dior, YSL!) and contemporary jewlery from both established and up-and-coming designers.
Not only is Sophie’s Closet a great shop (I just purchased the last Joanna Laura Constantine Gold Double Leaf ring), but I feel like founder, Sophie Katirai could be my friend. We have so many similarities! – Huge love of jewelry/accessories, MBA grads, and have both travelled a fair bit (yet – I can’t say that I’ve lived in 6 countries).
I really wish that I was able to visit showroom when I was in Dubai (which seems like ages ago). But I guess that means I need to plan another trip!
Check out Sophie’s Closet on Twitter/Instagram: Sophiescloset and don’t forget to ‘Like’ Sophie’s page on Facebook too!
ELENA:)
Ever since i graduated and published my book, The Love List. People have been on my case for what’s next. I have heard countless suggestions from friends and family who seem to have opinions on what my next move should be.
It’s funny because i began to realize that the more you do, the more people have opinions/thoughts on what you’re doing. Very rarely do suggestions come out when a person is going through the motions of everyday life. In fact these are the times when people aren’t really living.
So this is to let you know, that i will be OK. I will be more than OK – I’ll be great. And in true Elena fashion – I will keep on surprising you. 
So please save your box thoughts for yourself.
ELENA:)
In reflection, 2013 was more about celebration for me. I had a great fair themed birthday, went on a few trips, published my first book and graduated with an MBA.
Now what? I believe 2014 will be all about building on the foundation of 2013 and taking everything further. New job, launching my book in other cities, getting back into traveling. All stuff like that.
I’ve become smarter with matters of the heart. Doesn’t make it any easier though. I’ve consciously said goodbye to three individuals within the last few days. It goes back to my string vs ribbon concept. I was stringing them along because they were 50% or more of my list. But in some way or another – they weren’t right. And holding onto them and wishing that certain facts were going to change isn’t going to help either. Waste of my time.
The little time I had left, because I was so busy accomplishing two huge goals that the year zipped by.
I think I want to be forthcoming with all that I have accomplished this year. Really relish in it. Not bragging. But owning it.
I also need to be gracious and more kind to everyone.
I can’t wait for 2014 to start.
ELENA:)