True Life: The story of a frustrated House Hunter

Have you ever tried to look for the perfect house? How long did that take? It seems like it's taking me forever plus a day. It's tough because I know exactly what I'm looking for, and living in a city where the housing market is tight, is just not helping my cause. I'm not asking for the perfect house. I'm even willing to put in some elbow grease and renovate. In January, I thought I found the house I wanted until the sellers pulled the house off the market. Since then, it's been one heartbreak after another. It's frustrating and discouraging to say the least. What's the typical timeline when looking for a home?

My want list:

• Lots and lots of closets
• Minimum of 3 bedrooms
• Minimum of 2 bathrooms
• A window in at least one bathroom
• Large windows that allow in a lot of light
• Small yard

Now that doesn't seem like too much to ask for right? Seems pretty straight forward. Unfortunately, everything I've seen either has no yard, tiny closets, only 2 bedrooms, etc. You get the picture. 

I recently learned that St. Joseph is the patron saint for selling or buying your home. After a little research, I found out it's true. A family friend also told me about it, and as a Christian I can't believe I've never heard this before. 

How it works:

• Ask St. Joseph to intercede for you before the Lord for your requests, including the selling or buying of your home
• Bury or place St. Joseph's statue on the property
• Bury the statue upside down with the feet pointing heavenwards.
• When your house sells or you buy one, be sure to bring the statue with you to your new home and place it in a place of honor as a reminder to thank God.

I googled religious stores in my neighborhood, and ended up finding more than I thought I would. Before making the trip, I called to find out if they had ever heard of this. Of course they had, and they had available kits. And by Kit, I mean a St. Joseph statue, along with a prayer and directions on how it works. 

I realize it sounds a bit crazy, but as a woman of faith, I truly believe. And when I find that house, I'm sure St. Joseph will have something to do with it. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Goodbye July

What happened to July? It feels like this summer has flown by without any warning. Anyone else feel that way? I've been so busy with work, that I almost forgot to enjoy it. Here's a glimpse into my July.

Beach Day: Ocean Grove, NJ

My family and I try to always take day or weekend trips somewhere close and not too far. There's so much around NY, that people don't realize and we try to take advantage when we can. We spent the day walking the boardwalk and strolling through a flea market. Sometimes, those are the best days.

Grand Opening: 5th Avenue

As you know, I travel every week opening stores all around the country. With our biggest opening this year happening in NY, it was nice to be home for a while. A while meaning a month. I'm not going to lie and say this was easy, but it was such a great experience. Especially seeing what you worked on for the last 8 months coming to life. That's definitely a day I won't soon forget.

Rooftop Nights: A POVBroadview Panel

Every month my friend gets a group of working women in NY together to talk about our points of view on how to balance being a woman in the working world. It's really interesting, hearing what other women are going through and knowing I'm not alone. Of course, I don't have kids but listening to their advice and stories are super helpful. It begs the question: Can women really have it all?

Pool Day: Donut Judge Us

I don't get to see my girlfriends as much as I'd like because of my travel and work schedule, so this weekend was pretty special. We spent the day in the pool, drinking sangria and enjoying each other's company. We had a chance to talk. Talk about anything and everything. Those donut floats made it that much more fun!

Happy Birthday: HM.com

One year ago, we launched HM.com for the first time in the US. It's been such an awesome year and we were so excited to celebrate. We had balloons, cake pops, a cake and champagne! 

Friday Nights: Jack's Wife Frieda

It's always a fun night when I get to spend it with my friend Jessica. From college years to life in New York, it's a blessing to have her here. I don't get to see her much but when I do, there's always a memory to be made. This is one of my favorite pictures of us. It captures everything about our friendship. 

Here's to hoping August is just as awesome! 

The Meaning of Life

The first half of 2014 has brought so many ups and downs. I am thankful for every experience, every opportunity and every blessing. After my grandmother passed away, I decided there's more to life than just work, and stress. Every year she would dedicate her time and money to volunteer with a local church in the Dominican Republic. To keep her memory, my family and I decided to keep the tradition. Earlier this month, we headed to DR to volunteer our time. A month before I left, I asked all my friends to donate any unwanted clothes. We ended up heading to DR with 6 large suitcases of clothes. With every donation, there was a great sense of emotion that people were willing to help in the cause. Once in DR, we headed to a small town called Sabana de la Mar, where we fed the poor and handed out the clothes. Clothes that these people would never have been able to buy. It's such an emotional, life changing experience to see how these people live, while we complain about the smallest things. We were bombarded by people who wanted lanyards. Lanyards. Something so small, and so cheap. But to them, it meant the world. Even though they have nothing, they still love life.One boy told me "The meaning of life is to be happy" and I couldn't agree more.

                  

                        

                

                

I'll never forget those moments, and the looks on their faces. I'm already looking forward to next year's trip!