Don’t you love how friends of friends can instantly become your friends too?  I do. And, that’s how I felt when I met Nur-E Rahman, the designer of Knotty Gal, a collection of colorful necklaces, bracelets & earrings made from very simple, straightforward materials (cords and metals, knotted together) with a very deep, meaningful mission.

Nur-E and I were introduced by a mutual friend, who felt that we’d connect. We met up in Tribeca, cracked open her trunk of jewelry and spent most of our time gabbing away like we were old friends. And, then, when it came time to talk about the collection, I learned that Nur-E and her mom started Knotty Gal just last year to raise money for a girls’ school in Bangladesh founded 50 years ago by her great grandfather. Most of the students there, more than 1,000 today, come from very poor families.

The Knotty Gal necklaces and earrings are bold, so they’re strong enough to be worn alone.  The bracelets, ranging from oversized cuffs to chain link cords, are ideal for layering.  A few of my favorite pieces, shown here, are the Lazy Sunday and Good as Gold necklaces and Carpe Diem earrings. Like a lot of good things in life, Knotty Gal grabs your attention based on what you see, but, it’s what’s behind the collection that really counts. Who says that you can’t make the world better through your accessories?!

Necklaces: Lazy Sunday & Good as Gold; Earrings: Carpe Diem, all by Knotty Gal.  Sunglasses: David Yurman.  Top: Forever 21.

Photos by Jennifer Liu Photography.

Here, 5 favorite things on the journey: some carried from home and others brand new, discovered along the way.

Celestial, symbolic hoops by Satya (c/o). Sun: vitality, leadership and life. Moon: nourishment and protection. With sundresses and mini skirts, a pretty and hopeful pairing.

Hammocks: the best place to take a nap…ever. These were waiting for us at our hotel, La Cascada, in the hippie beach town of Montezuma. Take me back now.

Bumble and bumble hair products: travel-sized versions of my frizz-free essentials, straight blowdry balm (apply a quarter-sized dollop pre-blowout) and Bb. texture hair (un)dressing creme (for just air drying).  Without these, all I have to do is step off the plane and my hair goes wild!

Morning smoothies from The Greenhouse (aka: my “Shake Shack”).  The embodiment of Costa Rican living: daily concoctions of fresh fruit, veggies and ginger blended beachside by a laid-back, luscious guy who never stops smiling.  Pura vida!

And, these guys. From Korea to Canada, Finland to the Flatiron. Here’s to international love.

During the holidays, it’s easy to gravitate toward the myriad black pieces in my closet.  They’re easy to throw on after work before a cocktail party and a no-brainer to accessorize.  I stumbled upon this little red dress while shopping with friends, originally thinking that I’d wear it to the Creative Time Fall Ball at Output a few weeks ago.  I wound up going more funky that night (a form-fitting, multi-color graphic print), but, I’ve since worn this to a number of fun, festive events around town.  I’ve felt a little more daring (and, P.S. guys notice girls in red!)  So, this season, it’s goodbye (for now) to the LBD.

H&M Dress, Lady Grey Bracelets, Ivanka Trump Pumps, Angela Frascone Purse, essie “Chinchilly” Nailpolish.

Photos by Lindsay M. Koffler Photography.

Top: Forever 21, Denim: LOFT (similar here), Heels: Jimmy Choo (old), Rings: RAGEN (right) and vintage (left), Sunglasses: David Yurman (similar here).

1) Run hard at the 100 on 100, my (quickly upcoming) 100-mile relay race through the heart of Vermont on 8/17.
2) Challenge myself in semi-scary, new ways: starting with the Zip Line at Summer Streets this Saturday, it’s time to go big or go home.
3) Beat the “30-day countdown” birthday blues.  I share my big day with Beyoncé, so, this year, I’m trying to rock it with her same sense of confidence and gratitude.

A last look (for now) at the jewels by RAGEN.

That birthday list just keeps getting longer…

Even though I’ve lived in Manhattan for 10 years, I’m kinda still a Jersey girl at heart.

One of my favorite places to spend a summer afternoon is the mini golf course on Pier 25 in Tribeca.  As a West Chelsea resident, I’m a HUGE fan of Hudson River Park–it’s where I run, walk my dog and mellow out from the sometimes overwhelming hustle and bustle of the city.  This is one of the park’s little-known sporty treasures.

My jewelry is from a new collection called RAGEN.

Founded by a friend and finance girl turned designer, the pieces range from super sparkly and attention-grabbing (her Luscious Lips ring is a favorite) to delicate, ladylike and layer-able.

Necklaces from the Miles collection.

Crescent Moon necklace, from the Celestial collection, and Arrow Ring.

Pin your favorites directly to Pinterest (hover your mouse for my new Pin It! button).

And, stay tuned for more.

Dress: Mossimo for Target.  Heels: Vintage.  Nails: Essie Rose Bowl.

Jewelry images by Shante Carlan.