Now that I’ve officially launched my Substack, I’m exploring what to share on that platform vs my blog. I’ll never get rid of my blog because I own it and I like to look back at past posts. They remind me of how far I’ve come and why I continue to push forward every day. I moved to NYC for a reason. It’s where I want to build a life for myself and my future family. Other than moving to Europe, staying in the tristate area feels like home to me. 

I’m surrounded by so much beauty, creativity and inspiration in this hub, and February is the month of muses. I’m actively choosing to enhance my month with little acts of love and appreciation directed towards myself and my community. This is partly a monthly intentions list and partly an aspirational guide of what February feels like to me. 

One of the best skills I’ve cultivated is using my thoughts and imagination to visualize the energy I want live in and instantly generate it. Even as I sit in bed typing this post, I feel so grateful and inspired and cozy and loved… all without spending a dime or leaving the comfort of my home. 

I believe we’re living under an administration that wants to keep us triggered, traumatized and terrified which is draining. I’m too petty to let that happen, so get comfy and dream with me because our emotional wellbeing must be protected and nurtured in a world that works very hard to dismantle our sanity. 

Now it’s time to sit back, relax and dream of ways to make this month feel ultra sweet. Think of this as your monthly dopamine menu. I hope this inspires you to write one of your own. 

February feels like…

• Fresh flowers
• Playin jazz and curling up with a book instead of a tech screen 
• Treating yourself to a sweet pastry from a chic little bakery 
• Wearing sultry pjs to bed just because 
• Pink and red outfits 
• Wrapping up in faux fur blankets 
• Heart-shaped pizza 
• Candle-lite bubble baths with a glass of wine 
• Long strolls through the museum 
• Dressing up for a jazz club 
• Putting an extra $25 a day into savings and realizing how quickly small steps forward compound into real progress 
• Lots of pasta 
• Game nights with friends 
• Proving to yourself that you can do hard things 

X.O. 

Nia Maria

I’ve never really loved the month of August because in the past, it felt like that last ringing bell of summer. The “Sunday Scaries” of months because it’s the last slow month before the busy season of work and the pressure to change my life ramps up. And yeah, I know fall technically doen’t start until Sept 22nd, but in the fashion world & Corporate America, LDW is pretty much the last hurrah of the season. I am so happy to report that this year, I’m so excited fo August. 

Why? Because I’m keeping promises to myself and romanticizing the f*ck out of my days! I refuse to delay my joy just because of current circumstances cuz the reality is, in a capitalistic society, the flag post always moves. There’s always more to achieve and more to do but I want to be present and enjoy life now. 

In summary, August is the month we water our souls & our dreams instead of watering fear & anxiety - ah I can’t wait!!!!

The August Edit 

I am sooo excited for my next relaxing beach getaway. I just want to wear cute matching lounge sets and play board games and sip on rosé with ice cubes (ice makes everything taste better in my opinion). These are the items in my shopping carts!

I snagged this affordable navy lounge set for the airport because I know LGA airport is gonna be a zoo this LDW! And I want to look cute at the airport. It’s kind of like my dream place to find my next love because traveling is one of my favorite hobbies. I’m planning to pair the lounge set with this navy cashmere wrap because I’m always cold on the plane - and I enjoy pairing my frugal fashion finds with at least one high-quality item. I feel like it adds balance to the look. 

I have this floral pjs tank & pants set and this cherry print tee & shorts lounge set in my checkout carts. I’m waiting until I hit one of my weekly financial goals before I make any more purchases, but I cannot wait to sip fancy coffee on the rooftop that overlooks the beach in one of these sets. When I think of soulful East Coast Summer, I immediately envision myself walking to a cottage coffee shop while wearing these buttery-soft lounge sweats & cardigan with a matching top (that has a built-in bra) because real bras with underwire are off-duty this summer!  

Now this last piece has been on my mind for dayyysss! I’m in love with this feminine polka dot mini dress. I have no practical reason to buy this dress because I don’t have chic plans on the calendar. But…. I might force my friends to do something fancy with me or go on a solo date. This dress inspires me to go to high tea, museum hop, play hookie and be a lady who lunches on random Wednesday. 

 Summer 2025 Muse Challenge 

Summer tends to promise us laid-back luxury. But 2025 has been pretty freaking rocky so far. And I fully admit that I’m constantly in a state of wanderlust, longing for a leisurely, slow-paced, beautiful retreat to a land far far away. But since my bank account is not equipped for a jet-setting summer – I'm determined to create the exciting and rejuvenating experiences from traveling sans the travel.

Now I’m not going to go overboard, but I HAVE to make a change and ebrace the season I’m in. Being terrified of never having the life I want is honestly keeping me frozen in time. So I’m going to create the reality I want little by little. And I’m going to do so without spending a ton of cash.

This is the summer of innovative and frugal fun in nyc with a few splurges here and there. Living in the NYC area is already brutally expensive, so it’s time to make the most of this incredible city and get outside and live instead of watching everyone else live out my dreams on social media. And I’m excited to plan these little weekly adventures and share them with you.

My therapist always asks me “tell me one thing you’re looking forward to each week”, and I’ve come to realize that having even the smallest delight on your calendar to look forward to is what helps me keep going when life doesn’t feel worth it. So I’m challenging myself to the following weekly schedule for 4 weeks to rekindle my zest for life.

My Summer Muses Challenge:

Daily:

• At least one quiet, 15-minute break OUTSIDE (unless it’s raining)with a soothing drink. This can be a tea, ice latte, glass of wine, cocktail, mocktail. Doesn’t matter. What matters is that I’m taking a moment for myself to slow down every day – ESPECIALLY when I’m in the office.
• One fun active or creative activity: on weekdays that will look like a dance class, workout class, reading in the park, going to a painting class or painting outside, cooking dinner & eating on my rooftop, etc. 

Weekly:

• One solo date! I already have a mindful paint & sip class booked later this month. Other solo date ideas I have planned are:
• A trip to the reopened Frick Museum
•  Friday night Jazz at the Morgan Library
• A trip to the Cloisters
•  Pottery painting at Happy Medium
• Finding a new exotic low flow instructor since mine moved away
• One destination-inspired activity a week. Destinations that are calling my name are the South of France, Tuscany, Puglia, Anguilla, Egypt (sailing the Nile to be exact)

It’s not so much that I need to do these activities solo – it's more like, I will do them whether or not someone accompanies me. I’m sooooo tired of delaying my happiness and refuse to waste another summer wishing for what I don’t have.

There is so much more out there in this world for us. We were not meant to just work, pay bills, eat, sleep, repeat. We deserve MORE out of this life.... but no one is going to just hand us a fulfilling life – we have to create it. And we can do so by adding small, budget-friendly delights into our every day. Because we deserve to experience as much healthy joy in the lifetime.

The first day of autumn calls for celebration! This season is so magical! The fashion, the weather, the food, the activities - everything is just filled with extra whimsy in autumn. And I know this is a tad morbid, but none of us know how long we have on this earth. Every single day we wake up is a huge blessing. And I'm going to honor that blessing by finding small or large ways to celebrate the every day. Autumn is the perfect season to easily feel re-inspired by life, and now that I'm a member of Parlor, a version of the lifestyle I've always dreamed about is easily accessible. Here's a peek into some activities and environments I want to indulge in this invigorating season. 

1. Visit a countryside vineyard for a wine-tasting
2. Take a scenic train ride to new city/country (Canada is calling my name) 
3. Attend an art gallery event with bubbly or wine 
4. Go to a NYFW show - signed up for a charity one through Parlor 
5. Dine alfresco 
6. Fall picnic in central park 
7. Explore a castle. Idk why, an enchanting castle is just weighing on my heart so I need to follow through with that wish 
8. Find cute tea cups in an antique store 
9. Buy a beautiful nightgown at a vintage shop 
10. Sip red wine in an outdoor hot tub 
11. Treat myself to a luxe facial 
12. Solo date to the new cafe/book store in NYC. I want to order a glass of wine and enjoy a fun seasonal book - there are so many on my bookshelf that I've been needing to read 
13. Make popcorn and watch a cozy thriller via candle-light 
14. Make charm bracelets in the city 
15. Go to a candle-making workshop in Jersey City 
16. Paint in the park 
17. Check out QC Spa on Govs Island 
18. Dine and dance at Gitanos on Govs Island 
19. Cuddle with baby animals 
20. Volunteer