here's to hope and promises

you may recall that a few years ago i boldly swore off resolutions

 i said that making a solution is a much better fit to life in the long haul!

that it was more promising to commit to yourself and to change just one thing

 and see how much it could impact your life.

i stand by that, still to this day!

i believe in a solution to everything and anything

make them once a week, once a month even!

anything you can do

to be a better you is the ultimate commitment to greatness!

in the last year my life has changed drastically

but i wholeheartedly never gave up believing in myself 

i continue to set goals, to achieve what i have always wanted for myself

even with the most unfortunate of circumstances, i never stopped trying

quitting wasn't and won't ever be in the cards for me!

so if there is anything i can take from 2014 

it is to always have hope and keep your promises

you will see everything come together

you will find that your true strength is deep within you

a set back, is only a launch into something great

so let's do this 2015

<3

Be Merry!

whether you were naughty or nice this year...

keep the spirit of the holiday in your heart <3

so much of the last minute chaos has definitely had us all a little anxious 

but now it's time to kick back and make memories with the ones we love!

indulge in your favorite treats, have an extra glass of wine

 and sleep in if it's permitted!

catch up with you all after the new year!

Christmas time in the City

Something I have always loved about the holiday season

is the grandeur that becomes New York City!

The streets are 100% more crowded, the tensions are always high 

and everyone is rushing around a bit more then normal...

but every few steps there is something more beautiful to be seen!

I promise you, just look up and around you!

I gave you my personal list of favorites last year

but here are just a few more

( some more under the radar then others ) 

for you to check out this weekend and some that are even open, after the holidays!

1) Go to Rolf's - enjoy a drink or indulge in some German delicacies

but the site you are there to see  their enermous and over the top Christmas display!

 ( which is up until February 28! )

2) Stroll along 5th ave and catch a glimpse  of all the gorgeous window displays

3) If your feeling brave, head on over to Macys and walk through Santaland!

Maybe even take your picture with the man himself!

4) Go skating at Wollman Rink in Central Park 

5) Walk through the winter village at Bryant Park....

Do some light shopping, grab a bite or skate there too!

6) Union Square Market is probably my most favorite place to visit!

It is filled with tons of little unique shops sure to meet your every need!

from gourmet treats, handmade goods, art and much more.

Unfortunately, this market closes on Christmas Eve, so get there!

Hope you are able to make it there to any of these spots!

Be sure to post them on Instagram, use #SecretsInTheCity

Happy Holidays <3

Secrets Holiday Gift Guide ( 2014 )

here for your convenience, all in one location

all editions of the Secrets Holiday Gift Guide

just click & go :) <3

The Tweens

Everyone & Anyone

The Ladies

The Guys

still can't think of anything refer back to 
the guides of years past...

2013 
(men/ women)
2012
(men / women)
2011
(men & women)

Holiday Happenings...

Where to skate : ❄️🎿

You can't turn down a good workout, 
and you will be left with lots of laughter, memories & maybe a sore or two after falling 

Where to see the man of the month : 🎅📷

There is still plenty of time to visit with Santa 
before he heads back up to the North Pole to do final inventory for the big day!

Where to celebrate the season : 🎄🎁

Fortunately there is still this weekend and lots of local fun to be had, towns lighting their trees and menorahs and holiday parades and bazars! 

Where to see fabulous lights : ✨🏠

Of course the most beautiful sight to see is the glimmering and sparkly lights!
Why not get in your warm comfy clothes, make some hot chocolate in to go cups, hop in the car  and check out some of the masterpieces on houses and displays!

Gift Guide : The Ladies

Year after year, we rack our brains for what to get for our moms, our gals, our sisters,
we try to listen to subtle, hopefully dropped hints. (often missed!)

But this year I thought, these items are classic and pretty swoon worthy. 
Not but the best, for any fabulous lady that you love!
These items are versatile, can be customized and very much so affordable!

*Especially the Kendra Scott Kiri necklace! 
I must admit, all of these items, are on MY Christmas wish list!

Remember any of the years past, gift guides still have the most awesome gifts to give!
( 1 / 2 / 3 )

So if you are simply out of ideas...

This gift guide is for you!

( * click on the image to direct you to the items site! * )

Gift Guide for The Gal by secretsofs featuring Kendra Scott

Gift Guide : The Guys

I must admit, it is super complicated to find the perfect gift for the guy in your life!

He can be a creature of habit, he can seem like the easiest, most laid back guy 

and would love anything you give him! 

Truth is, most guys are incredible grateful for a pack of underwear, 

a new tie (of 20 if yours is anything like my Mr.) and some new socks!

But that's the kind of easy that makes you wanna throw your hands up and quit. 

Or, you could have what I suffer from... 

And want to spoil him and top yourself year after year!

Remember, that any of the gifts from years past ( 1 / 2 )
still make for an awesome gift as well!

So if you are simply out of ideas...

This gift guide is for you!

( * click on the image to direct you to the items site! * )

Gift Guide for The Man by secretsofs featuring a christmas gift certificate

all that glitters

of course, one of my favorite things about the holidays is coming together!

crafts, cooking and baking is the best way to do that...

(MORE ON THAT LATER)

it's fun, a little messy and makes for a ton of memories too ;-)

since it's still the easiest, most affordable, most unique

and 

 ultimately the most long lasting gift to give...
(i love seeing them on peoples trees year after year)

i present (again) the GLITTER ORNAMENT

here are the past 2 years of tutorials on how to make them perfecto!

GLITTER ORNAMENTS 1

GLITTER ORNAMENTS 2

*here's a really awesome secret for ya...

i still have the same bottle of mop & glo - told you it's reusable! 

happy christmas crafting

<3

5 things...

5 on friday is my favorite thing to share with you all

however, there are a couple of tasks 

that i need to accomplish before i can enjoy any lust worthy items!

my list has been growing longer

and obviously, my time to get the list done is much shorter

luckily i have an entire weekend with not a single thing booked!

and who doesn't crave a nice "do whatever weekend"

so that is exactly what i shall be doing this weekend

and in no particular order this is what i gotta get done :

laundry, meal prep, posts, recipe hunting and testing, 

a little sleeping in (okay a lot)

some errands and maybe some christmas shopping 

(if i can brave anything past target!)

but the most tedious tasks, crafts and new DIYs!

can't wait to show you all the goodies i encounter <3

what are you up to this weekend?!

Guide Guide : For Everyone & Anyone

a gift for everyone on your list, literally! 

and they are CRAZY affordable, check them out for any of 

the guys, the gals, even the kids (no matter their age) 

they are sure to  love any (probably all) of these gifts!

*remember all links to buy are highlighted directly to the site!*

the thing that tends to get lost the most, is our keys!
help em keep them!

give  a great leather keychain 

(even a personalized one)

 that will make their keys look chic!
* i promise you will love everything else on the leatherology site too!

everyone is fan! be it going to a game or concert, maybe even the broadway lover!

give them the BEST coffee table book - their own!

ticket stub diary is great for all ages - add some pictures from the event to boot!

*a great way to give someone concert tickets as well ;-) 

we all love our smartphones & we all love our instagrams...

why not combine the two and

make an awesome case for our phones 

with YOUR (their) own pics!

couldn't be any more unique!

this is maybe my favorite thing EVER!

this bracelet is infused with elements 

from the highest and lowest points on the earth.

a great reminder to stay balanced and keep a good chi around you at all times!

this is also one of the gifts, on my list!