Today exactly eight years ago I got on the plane in Hamburg, Germany to fly to JFK, NYC. The plan was to stay for only one year, to learn the language better, to experience the American culture, and to explore the paths of Carrie Bradshaw and Serena van der Woodsen. What I didn’t know when I got on the plane eight years ago, was that I would end up living here and build my entire life in the States.

There is this quote that I stumbled upon this week “New Yorkers are born all over the world, and then they come to New York City and it hits them: Oh that’s who I am.” When I left the airport and saw the tall buildings, all the lights, the masses of people, everyone unique in their own way, I knew that this was the place where I belonged.

My road to permanently living here was definitely not easy, I had so many obstacles in my way and I was so close to throwing the towel and going back home to Hamburg, Germany. BUT because I have the best and most supportive parents and brother ever in Germany, I stayed. I know that sounds backwards, but they encouraged me to keep fighting for my dreams when I felt like giving up. They have always been there for me, and thank goodness to today’s technology What’s App and Skype in particular, I’m able to stay in touch with them all the time. I’m also so grateful for my friends in Germany and all the wonderful friends I’ve made in the states, that have become my family here. I’m so thankful to have such a great support system! I am very excited to see what my future has in store, if it’s living another eight years in the states or if it’s traveling the world, or moving to Paris. Who knows, anything is possible!

My message to you is that sometimes you just have to hold your breath and jump, take the leap. Yes, it will not be easy leaving your family and friends, and going WAY out of your comfort zone can be terrifying, but the best life is lived outside of your comfort zone. Keep on pushing. Take the leap. Learn a new language. Experience a new culture. Travel. Meet new people. Fall in love. All these experiences will shape the strong person you are meant to become. I am so grateful for all the experiences over the past eight years, good and bad, because I learned so much about myself and about how strong I really am. The best life is lived outside of your comfort zone! Take a leap!

I would love to hear more about your stories. What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done outside of your comfort one? Are you thinking about taking a leap, but are second guessing yourself? Thank you so much for reading and I can’t wait to read your stories. xx Joëlle

*This is not a sponsored post*

A day at the beach is good for the soul.” We all know how stressful life can get at times, and therefore it’s really important to also sometimes take a timeout. Usually when I think about a vacation, I think about a relaxing beach vacation. I do enjoy exploring new cities and doing sightseeing activities, but I find nothing is more relaxing than a beach vacation. Soaking up the sun and some Vitamin D (I do that from under my umbrella 😀 ) is good for your health to some extend. Always make sure you also protect your skin from the strong UV rays. You can find out here what sun lotion I use. I am very grateful that I live so close to the beach in New Jersey, mostly known as the Jersey Shore, so when I have time I can just drive to the beach for the weekend 🙂

I really love this tunic dress I scored at H&M. The dress was originally $49.99 and I got it for $15 during their sale. I love a good sale, I am a true bargain hunter. [insert lady dancer in red dress emoji]. I tried finding some good deals for you guys that are similar to this tunic dress. The pictures were taken on the 4th of July and even though it was super hot that day, I was able to wear the dress, because the material is super light. I love how feminine and playful this dress is. The net bag – I really love this trend but I was a little skeptical at first, because how are you supposed to put anything in that bag without loosing everything? So to make this bag more practical, I bought a little rusty/tanish color makeup bag and put it in the net bag to assure my valuables wouldn’t get lost 🙂

I would love to know what your plans are for the summer! I’m looking forward to reading your comments! I hope you all have a great weekend! Bisous, Joëlle

OUTFIT DETAILS:
TUNIC DRESS: H&M (similar, similar, similar)
BEACH BAG: H&M (here, similar, similar, similar, similar)
SHOES: Kendall & Kylie (similar, similar)
SUNNIES: GUESS (here, similar, similar)
BRACELET: Pandora (here)
BRACELET: Alex & Ani (here)

*This post is not sponsored, but I tagged outfit details for you. <3

New York, New York – the city that never sleeps. And like Frank Sinatra said: “If you make it in New York, you can make it anywhere.”

I remember the first time I sat foot in New York City – I was so amazed (and quite overwhelmed too) by the tall skyscrapers, the people, all the lights and just the fact that I was in New York City. A city I’ve only experienced through the eyes of Carrie Bradshaw and Serena van der Woodsen. Wow, I can’t believe it’s been almost 8 years, when I first landed at JFK airport. I remember watching one episode of Gossip Girl after another (hi Upper East Siders) and imagining what it would be like to live in Manhattan. Not in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would build my entire life so close to New York City. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and what’s meant to be, will be. Of course I miss my family and friends in Germany, some days are harder than others, but that’s the price you have to pay when you decide to leave the nest. I’m so grateful to have such an amazing support system and I’m forever thankful for Skype and FaceTime allowing me to see my loved ones from so far away.

Dream big, and if your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough! Move to a different country, learn a new language, try new foods, experience a different culture. Travel is a journey like no other that will change you and bring you closer to yourself. Never stop believing in yourself, and always work as hard as you can on achieving your goals and making your dreams a reality.

These pictures were taken at The Chart House last weekend, when I went out for my Birthday dinner with my girls. Thank you so much ladies for coming again, I had such a great time! Bisous, Joëlle

//

New York, New York – die Stadt, die niemals schläft. Und wie Frank Sinatra sagte: “Wenn ich es in New York schaffen kann, kann ich es überall schaffen.”

Ich erinnere mich noch ganz genau an das erste Mal als ich in New York City war – ich war so begeistert  (und ziemlich überwältigt) von den hohen Wolkenkratzern, den Leuten, all den Lichtern und einfach der Tatsache, dass ich in New York City war. Eine Stadt, die ich nur durch die Augen von Carrie Bradshaw und Serena van der Woodsen gesehen habe. Wow, ich kann es gar nicht glauben, dass es schon fast 8 Jahre her sind, als ich zum ersten Mal am JFK Flughafen gelandet bin. Ich erinnere mich noch, als ich eine Episode von Gossip Girl nach der anderen (hi Upper East Siders) gesehen habe und mir vorgestellt habe, wie es wäre, in Manhattan zu leben. Nicht in meinen wildesten Träumen hätte ich jemals gedacht, dass ich mein ganzes Leben so nah an New York City aufbauen würde. Ich bin fest davon überzeugt, dass alles aus einem bestimmten Grund geschieht und was passieren soll, wird auch passieren. Natürlich vermisse ich meine Familie und Freunde in Deutschland, manche Tage sind schwerer als andere, aber das ist der Preis den man zahlen muss, wenn man sich entschließt das Heimatnest zu verlassen. Ich bin so dankbar, dass ich so ein fantastisches Support-System habe und ich bin für immer dankbar für Skype und FaceTime, sodass ich meine Lieben von so weit weg sehen kann.

Träume groß, und wenn deine Träume dich nicht erschrecken, sind sie nicht groß genug! In ein anderes Land ziehen, eine neue Sprache lernen, verschiedenes Essen probieren, eine andere Kultur erleben. Reisen ist ein Abenteuer wie kein anderes, das dich verändern wird und dich näher an dich bringen wird. Hör niemals auf an dich selbst zu glauben, und arbeite immer so hart wie möglich deine Ziele zu erreichen und deine Träume zu verwirklichen.

Diese Bilder wurden letztes Wochenende im “The Chart House” aufgenommen, wo ich mit meinen Mädchen meinen Geburtstag nachgefeiert habe. Vielen Dank meine Lieben, dass ihr gekommen seid, ich hatte eine tolle Zeit! Bisous, Joëlle

INSTAGRAM // BLOGLOVIN // FACEBOOK

OUTFIT DETAILS:
DRESS: Aqua by Bloomingdales (here, similar, similar, similar)
SHOES: Francesca’s (similar, similar)
WATCH: Daniel Wellington (here)
BRACELET: Pandora (here)
BRACELET: Alex & Ani (here) *AD (because I linked outfit details)

Always be yourself. Unless you can be a mermaid! Then always be a mermaid!”  When I think about mermaids I automatically think about Ariel The Little Mermaid. Imagine being Ariel: how super cool and crazy would that be? Being able to comb your hair with a fork without having to justify yourself? Always having voluminous hair (ALWAYS even under water)? One of the best parts: Wearing a strapless seashell bikini, that always covers it all and NEVER seems to slip? Sounds magical! Well, that’s all it is: magic. Anywayy, let a girl dream. 😀

When it comes to make up, I usually like to keep it more natural especially during the day, but that doesn’t mean that I occasionally will rock a bold lipstick or smoky eye. I love natural and earthy eyeshadow colors the most. A few years ago I bought a beautiful eyeshadow palette at Sephora from Tarte Cosmetics from their ocean collection: it was called Rainforest of the Sea. I used that palette so much, that I ran out of my favorite colors quickly ( I hate when that happens ugh!). Anyway, ever since then I love Tarte Cosmetics. I love that Tarte Cosmetics is also animal cruelty free, vegan friendly, dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic, made without gluten and parabens, and the list goes on. So one day as I’m scrolling through my Instagram feed, I see that Tarte Cosmetics made an announcement of one of their new eyeshadow palettes: Be a Mermaid & Make Waves and I absolutely fell in love with the colors and the palette is shaped in form of a seashell. Being a mermaid fanatic I had to get it as soon as it hit the stores. What is your favorite make up look? I’m curious to read your answers 🙂 Bisous, Joëlle

//

„Sei immer du selbst. Außer du kannst eine Meerjungfrau sein. Dann sei eine Meerjungfrau!“  Wenn ich an Meerjungfrauen denke, denke ich immer automatisch an Ariel Die Kleine Meerjungfrau. Stell dir vor Ariel zu sein: Wie super cool und verrückt wäre das bitte? Du kannst deine Haare mit einer Gabel kämmen, ohne dich rechtfertigen zu müssen? Du hättest immer voluminöse Haare (IMMER sogar unter Wasser)?! Das Beste ist: ein trägerloser Muschel-Bikini, der immer alles abdeckt und NIEMALS verrutscht? Klingt magisch! Naja, das ist es auch: Zauberei: D Wie auch immer, lass ein Mädchen träumen.

Wenn es um Make Up geht, mag ich es normalerweise mehr natürlich, vor allem tagsüber. Das bedeutet aber nicht, dass ich nicht mal gerne gelegentlich einen aufmerksamen Lippenstift oder ein smoky eye trage. Ich liebe natürliche und erdige Lidschattenfarben am Meisten. Vor ein paar Jahren habe ich mir eine wunderschöne Lidschatten-Palette von Tarte Cosmetics aus ihrer Ocean Collection bei Sephora gekauft: Es hieß Rainforest of the Sea. Ich habe diese Palette so oft benutzt, dass sich meine Lieblingsfarben sehr schnell in Luft ausgelöst haben  (ich hasse wenn das passiert, äh!). Seitdem liebe ich Tarte Cosmetics. Ich liebe, dass Tarte Cosmetics auch frei von Tierquälerei ist, vegan freundlich, hautärztlich getestet, hypoallergen, ohne Gluten und Parabene, und die Liste geht weiter. Eines Tages bin ich durch meinen Instagram-Feed gescrollt und habe dann gesehen, dass Tarte Cosmetics eine ihrer neuen Lidschatten-Paletten angekündigt hat: Be a Mermaid & Make Waves und ich habe mich total in die Farben verliebt und die Palette war in Form von einer Muschel. Als Meerjungfrau-Fanatiker musste ich es mir kaufen sobald es in die Läden kam. Was ist dein Lieblings make up look? Ich freue mich schon eure Antworten zu lesen 🙂 Bisous, Joëlle

INSTAGRAM // BLOGLOVIN // FACEBOOK

Be a Mermaid & Make Waves by Tarte Cosmetics (here) *This is not a sponsored post, but I tagged brands as I want to share all outfit details with you. <3

I love blush and neutral colors (I’m sure you’ve noticed that by now :D) but I also have a big weakness for bright and warm colors. When wearing mostly neutral colors I love adding a pop of color as an eye catcher. Orange is one of my favorite colors for Spring, Summer, and Fall. I’m absolutely in love with this Michael Kors purse! When I’m in the city I prefer to have a cross body bag or a backpack, and I love that this bag has regular handles, but also comes with a cross body strap. It’s a perfect purse for the city. Plus it fits a lot of things, and it’s not too heavy to walk around the city.

And btw this is my absolute favorite pair of jeans! I love the dark blue wash, and the fit is perfect. Lately I have been wearing mostly Levis Jeans, this one is the 710 super skinny. Since jeans shopping can be difficult, I like to buy 2 pairs of the dark blue wash, since I mostly wear this dark blue pair. I just love these Levis! Do you have a favorite pair of jeans? Do you like light or dark jeans better? Any jeans brands you love? I look forward to reading your comments.

The pictures were taken at the Met, and that day I went to see the Heavenly Bodies Exhibit at The Met, and wow it was amazing! A separate post about my time in the Met will be following soon 🙂  Bisous, Joëlle

OUTFIT DETAILS:
SWEATER: Bloomingdales (similar, similar, similar)
JEANS: Levis (here)
SHOES: Sperry (here)
PURSE: Michael Kors (similar, similar, similar)
TRENCH COAT: White House Black Market (similar, similar, similar)  

Currently I am absolutely obsessed with off the shoulder and bell sleeves pieces. I absolutely love them! In the beginning I was a little skeptical about bell sleeves, because how are you supposed to eat without getting your sleeves in your food?! Well it can be quite a challenge, let me tell you that. But you can totally manage, you just have to be careful 😀 So, challenge accepted!

I took these pictures in the city with my dear friend, and since it’s the city it can be hard capturing a picture without any cars in the background (I don’t mind the yellow cabs though). This first picture is my absolute favorite one, because it shows how busy the city really is. The city that never sleeps. Like literally. I went to an H&M on Times Square at 22:30 on Saturday! So about the picture, while the cab is going in one direction and the bicycle is going in the opposite direction, I’m in the middle standing still. Everyone is always in a rush nowadays, but it’s also important to take time for yourself and especially enjoy the moment. Take care of yourself, and don’t always be in such a rush. Bisous, Joëlle

OUTFIT DETAILS:
DRESS: Aqua by Bloomingdales (similar, similar, similar)
JEANS: Pistola Denim
SHOES: Aldo (similar, similar, similar)