Orange All Around

even though the majority of my nyc wardrobe tens to be blacks, whites and greys, i've been working to incorporate more color into my pieces. and especially with the weather getting colder, i thought it might be a nice change to sport a summery shade yesterday for i meeting i had downtown.

i was really excited to finally wear this dress. my mom bought it at marshall's and gave it to me this past summer. unfortunately at the time it was a bit too tight, but i loved it too much to let it go. so what do you know, i tried it on today and it zipped up completely. so stoked!

i think i'm definitely going to keep wearing some brighter colors this upcoming winter. if anything, i think it just makes the day a little brighter!

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Linking Around

yes, one week closer to thanksgiving. i cannot wait! until then, check out some fun links from around the web. and if nothing puts a smile on your face, i guarantee lily allen can. this woman knows what she's talking about: "it's hard out here for a b––––"

this couple puts all of their fights on twitter

you've been eating apples the wrong way

these pug puppies will make your day brighter

is this what the "morning after" is like for you?

50 life hacks to simplify life

this woman loves her man's beard (she's in the background)

20 ways to add sriracha to your meals

lobsters don't die or age ... and other true facts!

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Sweater Dress

nyc is expecting some snow flurries this morning. i feel like we just started fall, and now winter's trying to set in?! i guess it also doesn't help that the hallmark is showing holiday movies every weekend and we're already being bombarded by christmas commercials.

but alas, you can't fight the changing seasons, so you've gotta dress for them! one of my favorite winter go-to outfits is a long-sleeved winter dress with black leggings and knee-high boots. you just can't go wrong. it's so easy to put together, and you still look put-together!

what's your go-to winter outfit? stay warm chicas!

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My Inner Leopard!

i've always been intimidated by animal print, but always admired those who've worn it proudly (prime example: the ladies from jerseylicious). i've noticed that a lot of my favorite fashion bloggers have been sporting some animal print, but in minimal amounts, specially targeted to their shoes.

britt & whit:

ramshackle glam:

sunny and turquoise:

so i finally decided to try out a pair of my own leopard print heels, which i ordered from lulus. and i've gotta say, i love them! i wore them out friday night, and felt an extra pep in my step. i strongly suggest that if you're a little wary of animal print too, to start out with one small item, like a pair of heels or a belt. fierce!

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Let's Eat Cake

i'm a foodie, it's no secret. so when the day comes when i get married, food will be a major component. in fact, i would be more concerned about what's being served during the reception than the wedding cake itself. that is, until i saw this gorgeous wedding cake on 100 layer cake.

the simplicity. the flowers. it's so chic and elegant without being over the top. let's all just admire its beauty, shall we?

image credit: 100 layer cake

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Bethenny In Your Business

have any of you been watching "bethenny"? i'm loving that she's featuring entrepreneurs on her show weekly, giving them exposure and offering advice so they can take their business to the next level. and in some cases, she's making business dreams come true. on her halloween episode, she needed candy jewelry for her costume. the task was left to an assistant in the wardrobe department. bethenny loved her items so much that she called the ceo of it's sugar and they're planning to sell and distribute her candy jewelry line. amazing!

in her quest to help other entrepreneurs, bethenny recently launched a contest where the grand prize winner will receive $20,000 to fund their business idea. it's a long shot, but i've decided to submit an entry about my drinkware. surprisingly, they'll be choosing a winner within a week after the contest closes this month.

i've been needing some motivation to work on my drinkware line, and this is just what i needed. even if my idea isn't selected, just knowing that i'm pitching the idea is enough to put a much-needed fire under me. i'm really exited to start working on my product idea again, will let you know who ultimately ends up with the grand prize. wish me luck!

image credit: bethenny.com

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Time Flies

I can't believe it's been more than a month since my last post. So much has been happening, it's hard to figure out even where to start. So let's see:

1. It's definitely been an adjustment to living alone again. Z and I both worked from home on a regular basis, and I really miss having someone to work alongside with. I'm a solo entrepreneur without employees or interns, so now that I'm living solo, it can get lonely at times here. I don't mind working from coffee shops, but their wifi is so unreliable, so I find myself working from home more often.

2. I've been self-employed for 18+ months now, which I think is a major achievement. But at the same time, I'm constantly having to keep an eye out for new business. I was pretty disappointed and frustrated this past week when a longtime client decided not to renew their contract at the very last minute, and another recurring client informed me that the upcoming November project I was to handle for them was no longer happening. Which means I suddenly was down two payments that I was expecting in the coming weeks. Luckily I have some new business pending, but most of these never happen overnight.

3. As I was saying previously, being a solo entrepreneur can have its downsides at time. And with major recent life changes, I'm having to re-evaluate my work and career. I've recently been interviewing for jobs, and have been talking to some major players. The opportunities sound great, and if the right one comes along, there's a very good chance that I'll phase out of self-employment and re-enter the workforce for a few more years. At the end of the day, nothing is ever permanent. I can always go back to working for myself in the future, but at this time in my life, I really have to do what's best as a single woman living in NYC.

4. Relationship-wise, I do miss Z, but ultimately feel we made the right decision at this point in our lives. I'm glad that we're both adults who have been able to stay in touch and amicably talk about what worked and didn't work during our 2+ years together. In the meantime, I'm mainly helping friends celebrate their engagements and upcoming weddings (even 2 of my childhood friends are getting married next summer - very exciting!). I certainly wish that I wasn't starting over again at 31, but I'm very happy that my friends have found partners to spend their lives with.

5. And during all of these changes, I'm extremely thankful for having such amazing friends. They've been there to talk with me over cocktails, they send texts and make calls to see how I'm doing. It really means a lot, especially since we're all trying to figure out our lives when it comes to work, love and friendships. It's a constant struggle, but it really helps when you have awesome people supporting you, and knowing that they'll stick with you through the tough times.

I hope to be able to start posting again more regularly. Hoping you all have a great weekend!

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Linking Around

you guys, i wore boots outside. boots!! i cannnot believe how quickly the weather changed. but on the plus side, my favorite fall products are aplenty - like pumpkin beer and pumpkin spice lattes. yum! this week started out on a tough note, but luckily there were some seriously awesome links on the web this week that made it better. check them out below!

the chipotle ad "scarecrow"

instagram is the new fashion muse

a man's take on what women want to read

why gen y is unhappy

meet snl's 6 newest cast members

vintage crime scene photos superimposed on modern nyc streets

daft punk releases new video for "lose yourself to dance"

loving these dainty necklaces and rings - and so affordable!

if cher from clueless had instagram

the science of a broken heart

how the real housewives have made america better

the unofficial goldman sachs guide to being a man

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Life via Instagram

i finally joined the world of instagram a few weeks ago, and i'm loving all of the amazing pics that are on there. i'd like to start posting photo-based posts as a fun way to show what's going on in my life. i've scattered some of earlier pics throughout the blog, so this round is limited, but will be sure that the next one has way more! you can follow me on instagram at kandidkendra. and since i'm looking for people to follow, post your instagram handle below, or send to me in an email at kandidkendra@gmail.com!

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Motivation Monday

this monday isn't like others that have passed. it's a mix of changes, both good and bad. but i think it's relevant to today's post because the only way to keep moving forward is to be stay motivated. whether you want to get in shape, find a better career, secure a raise, start a business or even move to a different city or bigger space, you always have to keep your eye on the horizon.

all of my monday motivation posts so far have been geared toward work, business and career, but i want this one to be about personal life as well. relationship-wise, i'm starting over and back on the singles scene. and work-wise, i'm still self-employed and hoping to maintain this status at least through the end of the year. i'm so thankful for all the amazing people i've met through my career and my entrepreneurial journey as they're the ones who've helped me sustain my business when i had doubts (i can't believe it's already been 18 months!).

i always say that everything happens for a reason. being solo has lit an extra fire under me to make ends meet (Z moved into my place back in fall 2011, and we recently moved into a 1 bedroom apt in May - larger space means higher rent!), which can definitely be a challenge when you're living in one of the most expensive cities in the world. to be honest, if i have to get a desk job next year to cover extra expenses, it just has to be done. that doesn't mean that my dreams of being self-employed will be over, and i also feel better knowing other entrepreneurs (like the founder of Eclectic Star) are feeling the same way.

and as far as dating and future relationships, we'll just have to wait and see. i'm open to whatever positive changes the universe wants to send my way - both personally and professionally. i'd love to know how you stay motivated when life throws you curveballs. or if you're seeking some advice, a former client has some great tips that'll help!

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Linking Around

yes, another week accomplished! and if you had to endure working during fashion week, you definitely deserve to enjoy a nice, relaxing weekend. so let's get this awesome friday started with some cool links from around the web. check them out below!

we all got pranked by jimmy kimmel with the viral "twerk fail"

lisa frank is real!

how mobile has changed the dating landscape

nyc basic tips and etiquette (for both residents and visitors)

semi-homemade ramen noodles

jimmy fallon's parody of breaking bad

there's going to be a harry potter movie spin-off!

julie chen admits getting plastic surgery to look less asian

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Fall Fantasy

there's just something about fall in the air that gets me thinking romantic thoughts. some of my favorite moments include:

> arm-in-arm strolls through the park
> cafe dates over chai lattes, pumpkin spice lattes, and hot chocolate
> jumping into piles of leaves
> nights in watching favorite tv shows or new movies (thank goodness for netflix!)
> crossword puzzles in bed
> fondue (cheese or chocolate) dinners
> casual sundays watching football, eating wings and drinking beer

i'd love to know how you enjoy the fall season. leave comments below or send me an email!

image credit: layoutsparks

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Weekend in Pics

graffiti artists painting a wall in queens

happy monday kandids! we're now into the full swing of september, and there's no denying that fall is upon us. while i'm sad to see summer go, this is one of my favorite seasons, and i'm already getting excited with some fall-weather related items (like skinny jeans in boots, pumpkin-spiced lattes and spiked apple cider).

so of course i made every effort for this past weekend to be our last summer hurray! on friday, i spent time with my friend glen, who i met while working together at hearst. nothing's better than a much-needed catch up over $5 heinekens and aboslut vodka cocktails.

happy hour at opal bar

saturday i saw some of my most favorite people to celebrate our friend chris's birthday. i met chris a few years back when he moved here from england. nyc has been a great way to meet people from all over the world, and i couldn't be more thankful for that. we spent the day at moma ps1, as you can see from the pics and video below, we took full advantage of the day.

not many pics of me on my blog, but i'm the one wearing white!

on sunday, i headed to one of my favorite bars, the pony bar. they seriously have one of the most amazing sandwiches ever - it's fried oysters and bacon! it's become my go-to pub meal

and lastly, i just want to send another special message to my dad and maternal grandmother, who both celebrated their birthdays on friday. i love them both so much. have a great week everyone!

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Linking Around

it's friday. go enjoy the weekend. nuff said.

supermodel gisele bündchen carries a tune for h&m

daria, sailor moon and other cartoon characters at new york fashion week

loving cameron diaz's nyc pad

beauty guru michelle phan on her growing empire

married couples should remember to date

the increasing popularity of "wags" (the wives & girlfriends of world-famous athletes)

awesome burning man festival images

how a wedding looks from the groom's pov

5 best moments from jon stewart's return

an australian politician explains why he supports gay marriage - and it's awesome

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Mentors

i'm so excited about today. it's the second time i'm co-working with friends, and we'll be on the lower east side this time round. it's so refreshing to work along side other entrepreneurs who you can brainstorm with and who help keep you motivated. some of those featured in this crew include the founders of guesterly and pulse roasted chickpeas (if you haven't heard of them yet, it's only a matter of time until you do).

i'm really wanting to take advantage of my fellow co-workers today as i've been presented with a fantastic opportunity to get advice from one of my top picks for mentors (hint: she's based in chicago, got married this year and just recently became a mother). after speaking with her team, my next step is to prep a business plan that i can present for her review, which will hopefully lead to getting advice that will make me the next sara blakely (but for drinkware instead of hoisery).

i've had mentors before, but this woman in my eyes is a super big deal. i really feel like with her help, i could go beyond levels i thought was possible. so i have a question for you kandids. who's your #1 mentor you'd like to get advice from, and if you could, what would you ask them? or if you've gotten advice from a top mentor, what was the best piece of advice they gave you? please share in the comments below or email me at kandidkendra@gmail.com!

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Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall

here's to the first official sign that summer's coming to an end. enjoy the day to its fullest!

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Linking Around

um, so where exactly did summer go? kids are back in school already. say what? i feel like i blinked and woke up in fall. and with labor day weekend coming up, there's just no denying that the cool weather has already started to settle in. as for me, i'm spending time with family and planning to hit up some bbqs in the city. nothing lets you hold onto the last rays of summer like a grill and a cold beer. congrats to the lucky ones with a 3-day weekend, and for those ready to kick-start the weekend, check out some fun and interesting links from around the web below. i promise, it'll help the time go by!

what it's like to audition for snl

the women behind google glass

how victoria beckham went from spice girl to fashion mogul

a green power ranger in japan helps people in the subways

50 ways to make money

maya angelou appears in new cole haan campaign

12 great comedian quotes for when your job makes you want to cry

great tumblr of awesome people reading

don't wash your raw chicken before you cook it

you've been using these 18 everyday products wrong

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Alabama Slammers

i was never a big fan of jello shots. not only did they look a mess sitting in those little white dixie cups, but the kool-aid plus too much vodka was just blech. but a while back, i came across a book called the jelly shot test kitchen. the author basically took cocktails (think long island iced teas, cosomos, manhattans and lemon drop martinis) and turned them into jello shots! so far everyone who's had some of the batches i've made have really liked them, so on friday, i decided to bring some to my friend's' bbq.

getting the bottles ready

the orange juice base mixed with gelatin

the final product

i went with alabama slammers, which consists of orange juice, vodka, sloe gin and southern comfort. these shots took about 15 minutes to make and were a big hit. you can check out the full recipe below!

recommended pan: 1-pound loaf pan (approx. 8"x4"/ 20x10cm)

orange layer
3/4 cup/ 180 ml orange juice
1 1/2 envelopes knox gelatin
1/4 cup/ 60 ml southern comfort
1/4 cup/ 60 ml vodka
1/4 cup/ 60 m slow gin

grenadine layer
1/2 cup/ 120 ml pomegranate syrup
1/2 envelope knox gelatin

create orange layer: pour orange juice into a small saucepan and spring with the 1 1/2 cup envelope portion of gelatin. allow the gelatin to soak for a minute or two. heat over very low heat until gelatin is dissolved, stirring constantly, about 5 minutes. stir in the southern comfort, vodka, and sloe gin. pour mixture into loaf pan. place in refrigerator to cool while preparing grenadine layer.

create grenadine layer: pour the pomegranate syrup into a small saucepan and sprinkle with the 1/2 envelope of gelatin; allow to soak for a minute or two. heat over very low heat until gelatin is dissolved, stirring constantly, about 4 minutes. remove from the heat and transfer to a bowl. remove the orange juice mixture from the refrigerator (mixture will still be liquid). droop spoonfuls of the grenadine mixture at regular intervals into the orange mixture. repeat until all the grenadine mixture has been used. do not stir. carefully return pan to refrigerator and chill until fully set, several hours or overnight.

to serve, cut into desired shapes. makes about 18 to 24 jelly shots.

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