June: Two Faced

I hope you guys had fun last month shining and meeting new people. I know I did and I will continue to scout for strangers and I know you will too. This month is all about the Gemini and the importance of versatility. Letting your personalities loose may scare some people and you may just be called two faced  but trust me, it will improve your development.

 Remember that shady term? I sure do! Growing up my friends and I took the word seriously. Whenever someone showed a side of themselves we never saw before they were harshly called TWO FACED. To this day having two sides isn't expected or shall I say accepted. Funny, after the storm of reality TV and political scandal, people still find it hard to believe people could have different personalities.

I find it's best to be yourself even if it upsets some people. If you hide who you are, you'll be around people who don't know you and when you finally decide to show your true side you'll be nothing more than a total stranger. Not to mention if you're not being yourself, your probably doing things that you don't like which hinders your growth.

Quit playing it safe people! It's time to spice it up and put on different faces for different occasions. Being the same person all the time is just too damn tiring. Let that other sides of you break out, there is no need to keep them locked in. Who ever doesn't like it can kiss your backside!

xoxo Madame Q

Memorial Weekend!!!!

The girls and I at the first day of Sex and the City2 last Memorial Day Weekend

Last Memorial Day Weekend at the beach. We had so much fun!

Nothing better than a Brooklyn Barbeque! 

I'm super excited to be home in NYC, the weather is beautiful and there is plenty of things to do. Each year the girls and I spend Memorial Day weekend together and boy do we have fun. We hit plenty of scenes: parties, cookouts, cultural events and of course shopping. Most importantly we bond and build memories that will last a life time. Be safe but daring this weekend and of course do it all in style!

Memorial Weekend Must Haves by madameq featuring flat shoes

chow
xoxo Madame Q

Out&About

This spring/summer I plan on being out more, remember were shining? There's nothing like exploring the world with loved ones and sociables, you feel so unstoppable and limitless. Lets try taking over the world together! Hey, why not? I hope this new section: Out&About will inspire you to head out and be busy bodies. Nothing is worse than watching time go by and leaving you behind. Lets move with it!

Stay Connected...

So much more to explore so stay tuned!!!

xoxo Madame Q

MAY You Shine!

May you shine and let the world know who you are. Grab your most loved carryall, striking pair of shoes, besties and hit the scene. Spring is here and with summer on it's way, it's the best time to be out and about networking to create new ventures.  Go out and talk to total strangers, find out what they do and why they do it. Trust me, you'll meet some interesting people, you may find a new friend, business partner or the love of your life. Hey you never know! Don't be afraid of teaming up with people who are doing it different than you or even bigger, you'll learn so much more.

Remember haters will always hate especially when your on the right track. So... do you and let them hate!

Chow

super heroes by madameq featuring snake handbags

xoxo Madame Q

April Showers

pics from polyvore.com

In the month of April we in NY always expect lots of rain but as annoying as it can be, it's much needed. What's growth with out it's most valuable source? Just like the earth we need the nourishment in our own personal lives in order to be at our best. We can go up and down in emotions in a heart beat. Just as things seem so right they can be so wrong and there you are starting from scratch again. Hey it's life but how we learn form our troubles and experience matters most.

My friend Althea's new br wall. Fun and uplifting!

This month I'm focusing on the best place to experience at home, work and play. Trust me if my home does not have the proper energy flowing, everything else dwindles down. This spring I'm adding bright colors and cool decor to keep my spirits high. A simple plant or throw pillow will make a difference in my space. When is the last time you spiced up the color in your home or added an accessory? I bet it will brighten your mood.

Living alone has it perks but I sure miss my family from time to time. My family is the core of who so staying in touch keeps me grounded. My sisters crack me up with their personal stories and although we tell each other from time to time, we love each other dearly. My 6 yr-old nephew lifts my mood elevator all the time with his foolish yet charming personality. He knows what he wants and how he wants it. Kids these days!

Staying organized and focused on my vision at work will keep me aligned with company goals and my associates needs. When is the last time you cleaned out your work mail or connected with your people? Exactly! We all know time management is key and without proper communication well stretch ourselves thin. Stick to the game plan!

What's hard work with out a little play time? Call up your besties and have a girls night in. A best way to unwind, talk trash with a glass of red wine and some great snacks while watching your favorite movies or shows. It doesn't matter if you fall asleep with glass in hand, we all have long weeks and your true friends always understands.




P.S.
This month were dancing in the rain, we need the cleansing to focus on new experiences. Fearlessly of course!

xoxo Madame Q

The Hungry Girl Chronicles!

I've always been a slim girl but because of my recent unwanted lost of 10 pounds, I'm 26 and I think I look 14. Now you're probably thinking... "Oh please" but seriously I need to eat healthier because I'm starting to disappear. I work in a fast paste environment and my schedule changes from day to day. Sometimes I only get to eat once and it can be anything from a slice of pizza to a cheese burger and fries. I have a good ole hearty meal twice a week (not cooked by me). I'm no expert but I know this routine is no good.

I find living alone makes it a little more difficult for me to eat good also. For example whenever I go grocery shopping a lot of the food goes to waste. Whenever I do cook it's only for me and sometimes a friend, again food goes to waste. I feel so guilty about it because there are too many people starving in the world. Now I just stock up on juice and buy my food on the go. I must change this habit fast!

Whenever I mention gaining 10-15 pounds to my friends who are bigger than me, they laugh because they think I'm fishing for compliments. I want to be able to fill out my dresses again with the natural curves I have. I know many people who go up and down in size, I'm one of them but this time I can't except it. It's definitely time to get it popin in the kitchen!

My first step is to grocery shopping. I'll talk to an expert after my trip to the grocery, I want to see if what I buy on my own will help first. Then I'll contact a few professionals to get their advice and then compare both list. Wish me luck!

One of my favorite fruits... I've been longing for these babies!

Please stay tune for more on the Hungry Girl Chronicles for interviews with health experts on how to maintain healthy weight.

xoxo Madame Q

Spring Must Haves: White Collared Shirts

Hero: White Collared Shirt by madameq featuring red skinny jeans

I'm not going to lie, I use to only wear white collared shirts at work, church and other formal occasions. Now you can catch me enjoying a nice sandwich and smoothie on a mid saturday afternoon in a crisp one, with blue jeans, a bright color scarf and well you get the picture. The white shirt has found it's way in my everyday wardrobe it's simple yet fabulous. It gives your look downplay when set with sporty pieces and sets the stage for your statement accessories to take their place.



xoxo Madame Q

Spring Cleaning Process: The R Factor

The R Factor by madameq featuring denim shorts

A few years a go I came up with the R Factor which means, reuse, to revamp to be reworked. Yessss! While going through the spring cleaning process you will find things that can be saved. Like an old pair of pants can be made into an awesome pair of shorts. An old skirt can reworked as a fabulous shirt and the ideas are limitless. Hopefully some of you have started the S.P.C and have your things sorted to what you'll use, save and donate.

There is always another pile of belongings that sticks around and we all know it all too well. The MAYBE pile! You know.. maybe it will fit in a week, maybe I'll like it again, maybe this trend will return. I crack myself up sometimes at all the possibilities I come up with just to keep a certain item. Thanks to the R Factor some of my 'maybes" becomes fabulous yeses and the rest you'll add to the donate pile. More than anything we'll save money and some old favorites.

xoxo Madame Q

Oh No... I Can't Find Anything to Wear!

When ever the seasons change I have a hard time narrowing down what I want to give away, keep or store. Not to mention finding something to wear spontaneously is impossible because my closets always look like they're at war. With that said, ladies and gentlemen I think it's time for some serious spring cleaning. I did a little but need to get on with the process.

 It's always good to go through this matter with a friend someone who understands you're ever evolving style and keeps it real. You know it's easy for us to keep everything even when we know its a tragedy to our style, too small or worn out. So I call over my old time friend,  the fabulous Julissa Escobosa, a stylist and blogger, to help me get right for the season.

We came up with some steps for the Spring Clean Process (S.C.P) but decided to give you two at a time. That way your thoughts don't go all over the place and trust me doing too much at one time will overwhelm you and you'll never want to finish.

First Think about you're style and what it is you want to focus on this spring. It can be edgy chic, tribal boho or classic. What have you, narrow it down so you'll know what to donate, keep and store.  This will help you fill in the gaps with new pieces after your process is complete

Second Look at your closets and other storage spaces to see if you need to add or take away. Keep in mind less is more so be very selective.

Later this week I will post some of springs must have looks to help you with your selection process. Everyone has different styles so all looks may not work for you but I'm quite sure you'll find a piece or a few you may want to keep or add to your wardrobe.

Let us begin!

Stay tune for more on S.C.P!
xoxo Madame Q