Top 16 of 2016

2016 is quickly concluding and it is time to reflect on the nouns (people, places, and things) that I have been introduced to, been to, or tried out which have made this year amazing. 

16. Dior Hydra Life Jelly Sleeping Mask:

If you know me, you'd know that my skin type is dry and sensitive and this mask has been a life saver. It is so hydrating (as you can see in its name). I put it on during my nightly skincare routine and wake up with smooth, glowing, moisturized skin. I have also used this as a base for my makeup primer on days that I was super dry and needed extra hydration. This product is definitely worth it's hype!

15. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes:

As an avid reader, this category was very difficult for me to choose a favorite. After much contemplation Moyes' novel was the obvious choice.  It did everything a great book does, it made me feel all the feels and really made me think. A page turner that allowed me to get a new perspective on life, I highly recommend it! (PS if you do read this make sure you have Kleenex handy.)

14. Urban Ears Plattan Headphones:

The top item that I have used the most in 2016 has definitely got to be these awesome headphones. These headphones have been my travel companion and gym buddy at the same time. They provided to be a comforting, cushiony pillow on long flights and streamed clear music pumping me up during my workouts. 

13. See by Chloè Fringe Booties: 

An unexpected, impromptu purchase at Saks Fifth Avenue these booties have been my ride or die this year. I've used and abused them so much yet they still look like they are brand new! Perfect pair of shoes that are casual and chic at the same time. 

12. The Body Shop Olive Shower Gel: Have I mentioned that I have dry skin? This "liquid gold" transforms your skin, nourishing and smoothing it with olive oil that has been hand-picked and cold pressed from southern Italy's Cilento National Park. Plus, it smells really good!

11. Dolce&Gabbana Light Blue Eau de Toilette Spray: 

I guess you can now see my obsession with Italian scents...This feminine and fresh Sicilian citron fragrance includes hints of bluebells, jasmine, bamboo, white rose, cedar wood, Amber, musk and Granny Smith apple (yum). This magical bottle evokes a sexy confidence with just a quick spritz. Need I say more? 

10. Equinox:

Okay, I'm a little biased (I worked for the company for 3 years) on this one but whatever, it still is one of my favorite places to be. There is no question as to why this gym has been raved about and rated to be the top in America. It's clean, has awesome classes/instructors, always upgraded machinery, incredible amenities (shout out to Kids Club!), high-end spa, steam room, personal training, Pilates, high quality items at The Shop, I mean the list is endless! This gym is so motivating and at the same time creates an ambiance that is calm and rejuvenating.

9. Chanel Wallet on Chain (WOC):  This is probably one of the greatest purchases/splurges I have made this year. A timeless, luxury piece that is the definition of quality. This is more than a handbag and has honestly become a necessity in my wardrobe. As Coco would say: "A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous,"  and  this WOC does just that!

8. Kat Von D Shade + Light Eye Contour Palette:

A staple in my makeup collection this palette provides me with the most beautiful, blend-able, creamy, pigmented matte eyeshadows. I always have this out on my vanity when I do any makeup look. It has a range of cool, neutral, and warm shadows that are able to create versatile looks from natural to smokey. A must have for beauty lovers!

7. GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment: 

When your complexion is looking not so blemish-free and textured this is your go to! It is designed for practically every skin type from normal to oily to combination. This product can be used as a full facial mask or spot-treat pesky breakouts. No one has perfect skin, but GLAMGLOW makes it look that way.

6. COVER FX Custom Enhancer Drops: 

I present to you the most innovative beauty product of 2016. With the glowing, "Seen From the Heavens" look being all the rage in 2016, these drops were constantly flying off the shelves at Sephora. The brand developed a variety of enhancer drops that illuminate or bronze the skin. My shade of preference has got to be Moonlight which imparts a soft, silver glow. I use it not only as a highlighter but even an eyeshadow. Perfect for that inner corner highlight! This product just slays, period.

5. The Glam & Glitter Blog AKA Tamara Kalinic:

The best and hands down my favorite fashion and beauty blogger has got to be Tamara Kalinic of theglamandglitter.com. Tamara has great style (both in fashion and writing prose) and is so admirable. She has a similar life philosophy and taste in high-end luxury products like I do. If I could steal anyone's closet (and have everything magically be my size) it would most definitely be hers. Although my look is more on the modest side, her choices in clothing, handbags, and shoes inspire me. Tamara has a genuine nature (watch her YouTube videos) and is effortless, and I admire her for that. Tamara is for sure one to watch!

4. Jaclyn Hill: 

If you are a makeup addict like I am and do not know who this beauty guru is where have you been? Let me introduce you to the president of the beauty world. Whatever Jaclyn says,

goes. Jaclyn Hill has over 3 million (getting close to 4 million) Hillsters subscribed to her on YouTube. She creates amazing content for her channel, her 'gram is always posted with mesmerizing makeup looks, and her personality is so real. She's kind, relatable, and honest. I think all of her subscribers could say that they are living, breathing, and sneezing for Jaclyn Hill. 

3. Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm: 

OMG. Guys. This balm is bomb! It is the most lightweight and easiest way to remove makeup. It doesn't dry out my skin (like most cleansers tend to do) and rinses off everything! I mean, EVERYTHING! Do you know how hard it is to find that kind of combination? I've been searching for it for years and ta-da here it is! This balm literally melts off your waterproof mascara and dissolves your full-coverage foundation after a long day and leaves you with fresh, soft, glowing skin. A girl simply couldn't ask for anything more!

2. Myself: 

One of the people I have been loving this year is myself. That may come across as sounding arrogant or selfish, and although that is not the intention here, I really do not care for negative remarks that may follow. As one of my icons, Lucille Ball would say, "Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world." There surely is no doubt about that! What I've realized is that part of loving yourself is seeing yourself in positive terms both physically and mentally. Be kind to yourselves, nourish your bodies with healthy food, exercise, wear things that are your style, flatter your figure, and make you feel good about yourself. 

And last but certainly not least...

1. Jerusalem, Israel:

"Jerusalem of gold, and of bronze, and of light," is how the song goes and how it rings true. After spending three weeks of my summer in the Holy Land, the undeniable Jewish State, I discovered who I am and who I want to be. I learned about new things, and found about things I was always curious about. Being on a program called JEWEL with like-minded individuals was so beneficial for me and for the group as a whole I believe because we were all there to support one another. We connected and bonded not only with each other, but with the country. We planted our roots in Jerusalem, and this is what we came for. There is no place I'd rather be.

So, that concludes my top 16 of 2016, hope you enjoyed reading! I'm sure you've found out more about me, like how I incorporate song lyrics (credit to Rihanna/Calvin Harris and Clean Bandit/Jess Glynne for the last two sentences). Let me know what your top favorites of 2016 are in the comments below.

Happy new year everyone! May this year bring you health, happiness, and success in all of your endeavors. 

Keep smiling,

Kimberly Malka

C

LBD

Everyone knows a little black dress (more commonly referred to as its abbreviation, LBD) is essential to every woman's wardrobe.  Not only is the color black flattering, it is also versatile. 

Many people have the preconceived notion that wearing a LBD is "playing it safe," "predictable," or "boring" but, I'm here to change that! It's time to reframe this garment from basic to "bam!" As a person that likes to take healthy risks in life, I can guarantee you that a LBD is in fact quite the opposite. It's advantageous to women because it can be dressed up or down with different shoes, accessories, and/or shades of lipstick.

Whether you're attending a casual dinner or a formal event you can never go wrong with a LBD. Why? Because it's a classic choice.

Take a look below at how I dressed up this Diane von Furstenburg LBD with lace sleeves for a beautiful wedding I attended last night. This look went from simple to stand-out with the added fox fur coat, patent leather Brian Atwood TriBeCa heels and Chanel WOC. 

Glam was on fleek with a smokey eye brought to you by my latest makeup obsessions: the Kat Von D Shade & Light Eye palette, and the Tarte Tarteist Pro palette, KIKO Extra Sculpt Volume mascara, TheBalm Schwing liquid liner. Paired with a satin finish nude, mauve-pink lip (Mac Cosmetics Faux lipstick), this LBD was black tie ready. 

The best way to rock an LBD whether you're being chill or fancy is with confidence. Be confident in yourself! Happy girls are the prettiest. You attract what you put out in the world, so a beautiful girl pouting with a designer bag does not look better than a beautiful girl wearing a not-so designer bag. Smile (both inside and outside) and let the world smile back to you. 

So, what do you think? What's your favorite way to wear a LBD? Let me know in the comments down below!

Keep smiling,

Kimberly Malka

Secrets

Writing this blog never seemed like a feasible idea to me. There was always some excuse hindering me from reaching my potential. Excuses that were coming directly from me. Mainly they began with "I can't,"  or "what will people think?" 

I have realized that to be happy in life you really need to do what you're passionate about, and that's what I am doing here on KimberlyMalka.blogspot.com!

After studying abroad this summer in Jerusalem on a program called JEWEL, I attended a Self-Discovery Seminar and from then on my life was changed. I was incredibly inspired and thought that it would be beneficial to share these "secrets"  with all.

Starred, underlined, and highlighted in my journal, the following ingredients to a happy, better life are listed.

Firstly, do not live an "I should have" life. Take worthwhile, healthy risks. Do not live your life with regrets. 

Secondly, be grateful. Humble yourself and count your blessings. Recognize how much you have in life, do NOT focus on the have-nots. Gratitude is the secret to happiness. 

Thirdly, your whole experience of reality comes through your mind. So think positive thoughts and allow the Law of Attraction to bring only good things. 

Fourthly, your purpose in life is to reach your potential, not your father's, nor your friend's, nor the Queen of England's. YOUR potential. Work on your negative character traits and become the best version of yourself.

Lastly, make the world a better place by positively influencing the world around you. Have integrity, be a nice person, and spread that!

From personal experience I can genuinely say that these tools applied to daily experiences have improved my quality of life. This blog is much more than just fun posts on fashion and beauty, it's the writer in me honing in on my creative energy and doing what I love. I've finally found what it is that I should be doing and how I should be doing it, and let me tell you it feels amazing. 

Finish this sentence: I should have _______. 

Fill in the blank and go for it! 

Keep smiling,

Kimberly Malka

*Credit to Rabbi DB Cohen for this amazing class and all the coordinators of the JEWEL program. Shout out to my JEWELIES, for continuing to inspire me every day. Missing you all dearly!

Saturday Night Fever

Saturday night is the best night of the week to go out with friends. Think about it: Saturday mornings you get to sleep-in and rejuvenate, then you can take your time getting dressed up and putting your makeup on (side note: one of my biggest pet peeves is being rushed), and you don't have to wake up early the next day for work. It's a win-win-win situation. 

Last weekend I was hitting up NYC wearing this high-low combination which is my favorite way to get dressed. I love mixing high-end items with more affordable pieces. Wearing a Chanel bag with this lacy burgundy top from Zara makes this outfit go from ordinary to extraordinary. 

The lacy top gives this look a feminine, sexy, yet elegant touch. The belt hugs the waist creating a more defined hourglass figure. The opaque black tights are practical (kept me warm walking blocks to my car) and classy.  The skirt, made from scuba material is fashion forward and goes with everything. 

Luxury accessories with trendy clothing is my MO when it comes to getting dolled up, what's yours? 

I'd love to hear from you in the comments section below!

Keep smiling,

Kimberly Malka

Outfit Details:

Top: Zara

Skirt: Nadine Fashion Group (Milan, Italy)

Belt: Max & Co.

Bag: Chanel WOC

In Her Shoes...

I'll get straight to the point: I'm a "shoeaholic!"

I recognize that I might have a slight addiction, but at least it's shoes and not something harmful. 

My life motto is all about loving people, not things and using things, not people. Shoes have been put here for all of us to wear and enjoy. Shoes are not meant to sit in a glass case. They should only be admired in person when on your feet, not in your wardrobe.

I'm a big believer in investing in shoes. Shoes were made for more than walking. They can carry you with grace, or make you (literally) fall flat on your face. They are so critical to an outfit because they can either give you a confidence boost, make you feel beautiful, and give you that extra pep-in-your-step, or make you feel uncomfortable, insecure, or "schleppy." 

One of my favorite designers this season has definitely got to be Jimmy Choo. Everything from the heel height to the detailing is perfection. This season's sparkle is everywhere and I'm loving every single second of it! Jimmy

Choos are the perfect pair of party heels. 

While shopping in La Rinascente in Milan, I saw the most beautiful display of Jimmy Choos (see picture below). It was like a piece of heaven had floated onto earth. The shoes were delectable creations placed on silver trays and crystal cake stands, covered with macaroons, fruits, flowers, and chocolates.  It was the perfect combination. A girl cannot simply ask for anything more!

Take a look at my shopping day featuring this amazing Jimmy Choo display on my YouTube channel video "Milano Vlog | November 2016 | Kimberly Malka."

Link: https://youtu.be/GxNgVexQxtk

Please don't forget to like and subscribe! 

Keep smiling,

Kimberly Malka

Words

After a long hard day of work all one would like to do is kick their feet up and relax. However, this is not always feasible. 

We all have responsibilities that extend beyond our careers including (but not limited to): taking care of children, additional part-time jobs, grocery shopping, and working out just to name a few. 

I believe that we stretch ourselves too thin. Personally, at the end of an exhausting day the last thing I want to do is more work. I just want to relax. By the time I get home from work, run my errands, and head to the gym, I still have to prepare for tomorrow. It is so overwhelming that the slightest comment from a loved one, like asking a quick favor, can put me on the brink of a mini, [mature] meltdown. 

Sometimes the lack of a comment asking how your day was replaced by an immediate "favor" can get that knotted feeling in my throat. I must stress the following to all: it's not just what you say, but how you say it. Words hold so much power, and at the end of the day I want have an easy conversation about how everything went.

I am so fortunate to have two incredible sisters as my support system. We speak the same lingo and understand each other. All three of us recognize the value of presenting our thoughts not only by using words in a specific way, but also with a particular tone of voice. It is such a great feeling to know that my sisters are there for me, only a phone call away. So, thanks to my two big sisters - my lifelines - who literally keep me calm, cool, and collected. 

Keep smiling, 

Kimberly Malka

Worth It

Does anyone hate adulting as much as I do? Having a career and balancing personal life can be quite stressful, especially when you are a teacher.

I'm a special education teacher for children with severe disabilities in a 12:1:4+ setting (12 students maximum, one teacher, four plus teacher assistants/paraprofessionals). All of my students are nonverbal, most of them are in wheelchairs, and a few of them have a private one-to-one nurses with them 24/7.

I love my students, but I struggle with working with the Common Core Learning Standards, and I absolutely abhor giving my students local and state exams that are most definitely not suitable for them. It's so frustrating for my students, and for me as a teacher. Sometimes I just wish I could go back to my care-free college days where I didn't have to worry about what my teacher rating will be (based on testing), health insurance, and my pension, however, there are those moments that make teaching worth it! 

Today, a nonverbal student of mine with multiple disabilities generalized a skill across a different setting! After my student drank a sip of her water in the cafeteria during lunch she manually signed "cold" AND vocalized "cooo" because of the icey water temperature! We work on understanding the weather and seasons every single day during our morning meetings in the classroom, so I was thrilled to see her apply this skill into another environment. I didn't even ask her a question, not did I prompt for a response, she just naturally commented. It's such an amazing feeling to have knowing that when she is cold she will be able to express that and gain what she needs, whether be a blanket or a jacket. This is an incredible milestone and I couldn't be more proud!

What I'm discovering now is that even though the lows can be very low in this strenuous career I have chosen, I must admit that the highs are extremely high. 

I'm currently floating on Cloud 9.

Happy adulting! :)

Keep smiling,

Kimberly Malka

A Year Later...

Exactly one year ago, it happened. The moment I always feared: the passing of my namesake. 

Exactly one year ago, I was by my grandmother's bedside holding her cold hands as she took her last few breaths. A touch I never wish to feel again.

Exactly one year ago, I heard the deep soulful cries from my loved ones. Sounds I have never heard, sounds I never wish to hear again. 

Exactly one year ago, I had the responsibility to reach out to my family to notify them of this unfortunate occasion. A responsibility I never wish to have again.

Exactly one year ago, I saw those tall men come and take you away from us. A sight I never wish to see again. 

*

A year later, and I can still taste your zesty rice. A flavor I will always remember.

A year later, and I can still smell your moisturizing hand cream. A scent I will always remember.

A year later, and I can still feel your warm embrace. A most loving hug and kiss that I will always remember.

*

365 days ago, you left us, Bibi.

You left us. 

After 101 years of your graceful presence,

You left us. 

Always in my heart. 

Please smile today in loving memory of grandmother Malekeh. 

Love,

Kimberly Malka

Changes

Every now and then one needs to innovate themselves to bring back that vibrant energy they have been lacking in their daily lives. For some it may be wearing a new perfume, for others it may be getting a new hairstyle. Personally, for me it was both (throwback to buying three perfumes in duty free at the airport 🙈 #sorrynotsorry), but let's talk about the latter in this blog post!

Life has it's ups and downs. Sometimes it's great, and sometimes it's not so great but, that's okay. What matters most is how we pick ourselves up when we fall down.

After a stressful few months, I've been in a rut. It was time for a change. In order to do so, I began with my outer shell. While in Milan, I stopped at a local hair salon on Via Arzaga called Flavio & Flavio. My long, knotted hair was losing its "oomph," so, I chopped it.  I showed Flávio himself what I wanted, a bob - shorter in the back, longer in the front. 

After the cut I felt like a new and improved version of myself. I started to get my "mojo" back again. 

Isn't incredible how an external modification can help improve your internal feelings? 

Have you ever made a change to your outward appearance and have it impact you positively on the inside? 

If so, tell me about it! 

Keep smiling,

Kimberly Malka

Milan

Everyone has 'Their Place.' 

'Their Place' where they get to escape to. 'Their place' where they are able to press the refresh button and rejuvenate. 'Their Place' where when everything seems like it's crashing down, helps them come alive again. My place is Milan. It might be due to the combination of having freshly baked cookies made by grandma, my sister right by my side, the unreal cappuccino, super amazing fashion, cuddling with cute little cousins, and a calming atmosphere filled with genuine people. When I am in Milan I feel at peace. Would I ever move here? Who knows? 

This place is special to me. It holds a place very near and dear to my heart. I have a fear that if I were to live here, it would lose its zest and charm. A New Yorker to the core, I need to be constantly moving, checking things off my checklist and having a daily routine. I can't help but wonder (thank you, Carrie*) if Milan is my haven, can it also be my home?

What's your Place?

Keep smiling,

Kimberly Malka 

*Thanks to Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City (I told you I'm a New Yorker) for that incredible one-of-a-kind line.