The Freedom to be Happy

June 30, 2021

A happy consequence of these past few years has been the time to step away from all of life’s distractions and really focus on ME. I spent many hours reflecting on personal and professional goals. About 5 years ago, I stepped away from my full-time job as a Development Specialist for a non-profit agency to pursue the blog. Giving Chicks And Salsa all my attention really allowed me the freedom to challenge myself in a way I had never done before. I had to be specific about my goals and direction. Without discipline, I knew I would end up disappointed. So on this journey, there were some pivotal lessons that I have learned that I wanted to share.

Don’t Fear Tomorrow

I used to fear the future chronically. I took a risk, and the destination was unknown. Learning lesson #2 is what made me look forward to tomorrow rather than fear it.

Ride The Wave

From my first post to my first collaboration to the start of Digital Chicks Media, any time an opportunity was presented, I said yes and turned wherever the tide took me. This ended up being a rewarding and winning strategy.

Own Your Story

I had heard about owning your story when I attended the Style Collective conference early on. In paving my own path, I got to know my story better than ever. I had become my own boss and made every little and big decision along the way. Being intimately involved with my destiny made me own that story in a way I never had before.

Shop this One Shoulder Top Here | My TShirt Dress is Linked Here | My Straw Bag is from Amazon and is Linked Here

It may sound cheesy, but manifestation works, and it took a global pandemic to make me step back to see what I wanted from my life clearly. This post would not be complete without a shout-out to my favorite and life-changing book, The Celestine Prophecy. This book is more than a novel; it is a blueprint on how to pay attention to the signals in the universe. The book so accurately describes nature’s way of putting us on a path that once you see the signs, there is so much that the universe reveals to you.

If you made this far into my post, I hope you found some of this in some way motivational or inspiring. Thank you for being part of my tribe.

Your Chick,

Rina

Chicks Picks:

Lifestyle

The Pop Up Life is the Best Life

June 28, 2021

I chase life through experiences; I always have. I love to ride whatever wave comes my way. As I get older, I get more passionate about these experiences and share them with the ones I love most, my family. Atlanta has been home to me for almost 10 years, and this city never fails to disappoint. There is always something literally POPPING up. There is always something exciting to see and do, from the Winky Lux installation to Slime City, the Selfie Museum, the Van Gogh exhibit, and now Candytopia.

The excitement of a temporary installation is totally different from traditional museums that you put on your list to visit eventually. I need the pressure to get things done in life and at work (I live for deadlines).

With so many things to do in Atlanta at any given time, be sure to check these two Pop-Ups happening now before they are gone. The Illuminarium is next on my list!

The Illuminarium

Step off the beltline and into an African Safari experience like no other! This immersive Safari is something that the whole family is sure to love! For tickets, click here.

Van Gogh

I HIGHLY recommend this experience to everyone. The Van Gogh exhibit is a truly a unique artist profile has an immersive exhibit that is unlike anything I have ever experienced and a well-coordinated virtual reality experience. Get tickets for this event here.

Candytopia

This family-friendly pop-up was a HUGE hit with the kids. After reading this review, I knew I had to take them. This was a fun visit with a very Willy Wonka vibe and statues made 100% of candy. They also have a photosystem set up with QR codes that allow professional photos taken during your visit to be sent directly to your phone for free. To learn more, visit https://tickets.candytopia.com/event/candytopiaatl

Here is my video with a few other (not pop up) Atlanta favorites.

Also, if you are looking to shop, check out my post on Shops Around Lenox here.

Your Chick,

Rina

Chicks Picks:

Fashion

Step Up Your Game With Your Jewelry

November 19, 2020

Between my new “Jewels of the Week” series on Instagram and launching my Stella and Dot boutique, it has been all about the bling with me. I love basics like a white or black shirt with jeans (or something fun like leather pants). But a statement earring or necklace can really take any outfit up a level for any occasion.

Shop my Jewelry Here | Shop my boots Here

From classic hoops to bangle stacks, I have shared many of my favorites over the years on my LikeToKnow.It profile.

Most people who know me are not surprised by my affinity for jewelry, especially since my Mom is a jeweler (the apple does not fall far from the tree)! Since becoming a brand ambassador for Stella and Dot, not only have I made money and scooped up many of the latest styles for less, but I have also become part of a community of women that are like-minded. We prefer quality over quantity and love supporting other women. If you want to learn about becoming an ambassador, click here.

Become An Ambassador and Earn CASH and Jewelry

With the holidays around the corner, jewelry is a MUST own and also they make for great gifts. Please check out my Stella&Dot store, I donate most of my commissions to a local nutrition program that is feeding kids every day who are learning from home (nearly 1600 students).