Astoria In Heels
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Astoria In Heels

Career

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How I Am “Having it All” On My Own Terms!

How I Handled Returning to Work After Maternity Leave

What Exactly is Maternity Leave?

Hello! I’m Andrea, a corporate working mom of two little girls and wife of a wonderful husband. We all reside in Astoria, Queens NYC and enjoy exploring the neighborhood and taking part of all it has to offer. I am here to help moms navigate life as a mom and a full time working women without sacrificing style. In addition, this blog serves as a place for me to share my experiences as a women of color working in a male dominated field and how we can empower women to take the lead in the workplace!



Latest Posts

How I Am “Having it All” On My Own Terms!

November 12, 2019

How I Handled Returning to Work After Maternity Leave

November 6, 2019
StyleChest personal styling

Finding My Office style with StyleChest.com

November 4, 2019

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  • COME TO YOUR OFFICE...NOW??? . You know about those days at the office when you can do everything right but they can only seem to remember that one project that didn’t go well. I enjoy what I do, but those are the days when I rather be lying on a beach doing absolutely nothing. . A scenario like this has happened to me before and now I am better able to get through these type of discussions. It’s important to be prepared and not get caught off guard. To share a time when this happened to me, I had a project that I knew was not executed as well as planned but I felt as though other parties had a fair share of accountability in the matter. If I am relaying information to a group of managers, you would expect them to communicate it down to their team. Unfortunately, my boss felt it all laid on my shoulders. The managers were not held accountable for their teams involvement. I already figured out her managing style (and preferences) so I knew what was coming and was prepared. Negative feedback is always hard to hear, especially when you believe some of it is unwarranted and you aren’t certain what is behind that person’s motives. Nonetheless, I have learned over the years how to listen and respond to feedback, whether negative or positive. Either way, it is a key part of professional growth. You can only go up from here. Six tips on handling negative feedback at work: 1. Listen first, do not jump to react. The way you react and respond will affect how you are perceived. 2. Understand what the feedback is and what the concerns are. Take that back to determine how you are able to address those concerns. 3. Access the feedback and clarify any points you feel need to be addressed but do so in a calm manner with concrete support. End on a positive note. 4. Learn from it and implement any changes you’ve identified to rectify the situation. 5. Determine if the feedback was constructive, were you given pointers on how to improve and succeed. If it is completely figure pointing, then that is not constructive and instead condescending. 6. Don’t dwell on it, keep it moving. Remember that this is your job and it is not an assessment of you as a human being.
  • ALL BLACK EVERYTHING... I am a big fan of color in my wardrobe but then there are days when you just want to wear all black. As the weather gets cooler I find myself gravitating towards this palette more. It is a very “New York” style to wear! Four reasons I like an all black outfit: 1. It’s elegant and chic. Black looks good on everybody and it’s very simple to dress up an all black outfit. Black is always appropriate for the office and it can go from the office to dinner easily. 2. It makes getting dressed in the morning easier. No worries about matching, a black pair of pants or skirt can be thrown together with any black sweater or blouse and out the door in less time. 3. Black outfits allow you to be creative with the details. From buttons to zippers, these details on black clothing stand out and are statement makers 4. Simple changes can take you from casual to fancy in an instant. Whether it be jewelry or shoes, these pieces will make an all black outfit quickly adapt to the setting. . . . . #astoriainheels #iamaworkingmom #workingmom #corporatemom #workingmomkind #mommyblogger #chicbusymoms #heygorgeous #bossbabe #womeninfinance #nycmom #styletiptuesday #allblackoutfit #momstyle #corporatestyle #momtips #workingmomstyle #goalgetters #iamtheeverygirl #sayyestosuccess #bossbabetribe #astoriamoms #astoriaqueens #fallstyles #furlabag
  • MY BIRTHDAY GIRL! Happy 3rd Birthday to my precious Chloé. I can’t even believe how big you’ve grown. I am in awe of you everyday. Your abundance of joy and love fills me up with immense gratitude, you made me a mommy and taught me a love I never imagined before. Your smile melts my heart and I just want to protect you from the world. You’re the sweetest and best big sister I have ever seen. You have such a big heart and are so cute when you hear Céline cry and tell her it’s okay, not to cry. The way you get so excited to eat cake shows me how much you are just like your mommy 😉(sweet tooth for life)! Chloé, I love you so much and want to hug and kiss you all the time. You are so loved by your papa, little sister and me and by anyone who meets you! You will always be my little girl! #3yearold #mommyandme #astoriainheels #iamaworkingmom #workingmom #corporatemom #workingmomkind #mommyblogger #3rdbirthday #havingitall #ig _motherhood #thepursuitofjoy #motherhoodunplugged #childhoodunplugged #childrenofig #bourgiebabies #parenthoodvibes #celebrate_childhood #astoriamoms #caribbeanmom #fulltimeworkingmom #nycmom
  • IS IT ALL A DREAM... . . . Yes!!! Dreams, what are those, I don’t sleep long enough anymore to dream😂. I’m very happy it’s Friday and the idea of a long bath with a constant flow of rose petals sounds delightful and luxurious! . Reality is, this week was stressful and full of anxiety over planned meetings and deadlines and it’s finally over. Worked from home today, digesting news I got from my manager yesterday and was busy trying to complete everything before five, took Céline to the doctor for her second set of shots, and still getting everything ready for the girls birthday party tomorrow. It’s a juggle and honestly, I’m exhausted but it will all get done, because it has to! Looking forward to celebrating my little girls tomorrow but happy right now that the work day is finished. Why was this Friday so busy??? How was your Friday? . . . . . . #astoriainheels #iamaworkingmom #workingmom #corporatemom #workingmomkind #mommyblogger #nycmomblogger #womeninfinance #empowerwomen #hustlewithease #bossbabelife #createandcultivate #thesocialsociety #goalgetters #sayyestosuccess #bossbabetribe #momstyle #girlmom #womenempowerment #discoverunder10k #stylecollective #workingmomlifestyle #astoriamom #caribbeangirlswhoblog #lifeasamom #bossmom #momtruth #worklifebalance rosemansion
  • JUST HERE...”HAVING IT ALL”...ON MY OWN TERMS! . Can women have it all, a full time career while being a mom and wife while also maintaining a social life? Why are we constantly asked this question and when will everyone realize that ”having it all” is going to look differently for each person. It’s time to redefine this phrase based on what each of us are striving for. . I’ve decided to redefine “having it all” for myself, specific to my current priorities and values. I want a valued role at a respected company and I want to spend quality time with my family. Sure, some days are harder than others and can be tiring trying to accomplish both but I’m okay with that. When I first moved to New York, I was working at JP Morgan. I attended a women’s luncheon with senior level woman speaking about their career progression. One was asked how she balances family and career. She responded that she lets her kids know that she won’t make it to every birthday! At that exact moment, I knew, that’s not what I wanted for myself. There is no way I am missing my child’s birthday for work and this does not mean that my version of “having it all” is any less valid! Having it all for me is more about prioritizing than balancing. It honestly feels like a juggle some times. After work, I still try my best to make it to social events with friends occasionally and I do fun events with my daughters on the weekends. That is what “having it all” looks like for me, working hard while still spending quality time with friends and family. Redefine it based on what you want! What does “having it all” look like for you? . Read more about this on my new blog post!!!! Yes, the new blog is up!!!!😊😊 . . . . . . #astoriainheels #iamaworkingmom #workingmom #corporatemom #workingmomkind #mommyblogger #nycmomblogger #womeninfinance #empowerwomen #hustlewithease #bossbabelife #createandcultivate #thesocialsociety #goalgetters #sayyestosuccess #bossbabetribe #momstyle #girlmom #womenempowerment #discoverunder10k #stylecollective #workingmomlifestyle #astoriamom #caribbeangirlswhoblog #lifeasamom #bossmom #momtruth #worklifebalance #bestfamilyphoto #workingmomwednesday
  • I BAKE...SOMETIMES When I first moved to New York, I was baking desserts all the time. Nothing too complicated, I kept it to simple recipes for cakes, cookies, pies and they were always chocolate😁. I would even make small lava cakes for dinner. I don’t bake as much anymore and not because I don’t have as much free time but because about three years ago, we found out my husband is gluten intolerant. He has completely removed it from his diet due to the extreme discomfort he feels after having it. Fortunately I found gluten-free cake and brownie recipes that were easy enough for me to make but it’s still hard for him to not be able to enjoy the same foods he once did. . Recently, I found Red Lobster gluten-free cheddar bay biscuits mix! I couldn’t believe it. I remember having biscuits at Red Lobster as a kid and getting full off of these before the meal would arrive. I have been able to make gluten-free dessert recipes but I’m not that talented in the bread department. These were actually very easy and fast to make, perfect for a busy mom. These biscuits tasted amazing, they are fluffy and cheddar filled treats. I am thrilled when I find gluten-free recipes that we can share as a family. I feel awful when the rest of us are enjoying a baked good and Ricardo can’t join in. It is important to me that we share meals together. This is time to laugh, smile and enjoy one another. We all enjoyed these biscuits together for a Saturday morning breakfast...as a family! . . . #glutenfree #gfcheddarbaybiscuits #cheddarbaybiscuits #contest #complimentary @Influenster.eats #workingmom #workingmomkinf #bossmom #bossdad #dadlife #glutenintolerant #thisisparenthood #biscuits #glutenfreerecipes #daddyandme #familytime #nycmommyblogger #caribbeanblogger #caribbeanmom #womeninfinance
  • I’M SPILLING THE TEA! It’s been a long time coming and every year I start to plan this but life takes over. I have been working on updating my blog and curating the story I want to share. I have friends that tell me I make motherhood and work look easy. I am truly appreciative and grateful but want to let everyone in on all the other parts that you don’t see. Balancing a corporate career in finance as a woman, as a woman of color, is hard enough and then throw in two small children, who look to you for everything, makes it not always as easy as it looks. There will still be style options and mom life with my little nuggets but I will incorporate more tips and stories about pushing forward in your career. I want to focus on how women can “have it all”...we just have to redefine the term for each of us and our specific wants! My career journey has been anything but easy and I’m sure others can relate. I’ll share more of my work experiences and how we as women can support each other to change the corporate culture and make way for greater advancement of women. Let’s not just talk about it...let’s be about it! . The new site is coming soon! . . #inclusionanddiversity #womeninfinance #nycmom #nycmommyblogger #workingmom #workingmomlifestyle #corporatemom #momstyle #bossbabelife #discoverunder10k #momsofinstagram #thejuggleisreal #workingmomofcolor #hustlewithease #createandcultivate #thesocialsociety #goalgetters #iamtheeverygirl #sayyestosuccess #bossbabetribe #girlmom #womenempowerment #discoverunder10k #stylecollective #badassmom #worklifebalance #workstruggles #whatsyourpurpose
  • YOU FIT ALL OF THAT IN THERE? . Summer is over but carrying around these two doesn’t stop. We have begun the potty training with mama (more on that later) but in the mean time, we still need to pack enough diapers/pull-ups, wipes and other essentials for two. I have a few diaper bags that I love including this one from @keababies . Talk about roomy! I can throw so much in there and not worry about it closing. Not only is this bag spacious, but it is durable and stylish. Sometimes, I need to be hands free and it’s a backpack kind of day. . Here are a few more great aspects of this diaper bag: 1. Insulation - great for bottles or toddler snacks 2. It comes with a thick changing pad - other bags I have seen have a very thin and flimsy changing pad 3. Side pockets on each side - one has a slit for wipes 4. Back zipper that allows you to reach inside and grab the items at the bottom of the bag . This has become one of my favorite mom items. See the link in my bio for more info. What’s your favorite mom item? . . #keababies #keaparent #girlbossparty #theeverydayproject #momlife #workingmom #workingmother #corporatemom #diaperbags #momessentials #nycmomblogger #nycmom #womeninfinance #womanofcolor #ig _motherhood #thepursuitofjoy #motherhoodunplugged #childhoodunplugged #girlmom #womenempowerment #discoverunder10k #dailyparenting #mommusthave
  • NO CASUAL FRIDAYS HERE Professional dress codes in the office have changed a lot over the years. They are not as rigid and plain as they once were. Employees are wearing more than just black and navy to the office. Some offices have even adopted a causal dress code and jeans have become acceptable. While I do like jeans, I prefer not to wear them in the office, except for the occasional Friday. Regardless how casual it gets, I prefer to wear business casual everyday. I feel as though I’m always fighting an uphill battle in this male dominated field so I dont want to give anyone any reason to not take me seriously. In any case, I like to have fun with my work attire, whether with color or seasonal trends. The hard part is finding the time to go shopping for work clothes. That’s where @mystylechest saves the day! I always thought that personal styling was out of my reach but @mystylechest is affordable and fun! I created a profile online, answered questions about my fit and style and then went to the showroom in Brooklyn. I worked with a real person to try on all the pieces she picked out for me. You only pay for what you keep. You could also have the clothing sent to you and try them on in the comfort of your home. They accept one time appointments and walk-ins too! I always need new looks for the office and you know I like anything that makes my life easier! . . . #personalstyling #mystylechest #workingmom #workstyle #corporatelife #queensmom #astoriamoms #havingitall #womeninfinance #careerstyle #corporatestyle #workingmomlife #corporatemomlife #mommyblogger #momlifestyle #momhack #thejuggleisreal #workingwomen #workwearstyle #mystyle #lookbook #hustlewithease #bossbabelife #momstyle #bayridge #nycmomlife

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Instagram post 2181801645443188392_264144999
COME TO YOUR OFFICE...NOW??? . You know about those days at the office when you can do everything right but they can only seem to remember that one project that didn’t go well. I enjoy what I do, but those are the days when I rather be lying on a beach doing absolutely nothing. . A scenario like this has happened to me before and now I am better able to get through these type of discussions. It’s important to be prepared and not get caught off guard. To share a time when this happened to me, I had a project that I knew was not executed as well as planned but I felt as though other parties had a fair share of accountability in the matter. If I am relaying information to a group of managers, you would expect them to communicate it down to their team. Unfortunately, my boss felt it all laid on my shoulders. The managers were not held accountable for their teams involvement. I already figured out her managing style (and preferences) so I knew what was coming and was prepared. Negative feedback is always hard to hear, especially when you believe some of it is unwarranted and you aren’t certain what is behind that person’s motives. Nonetheless, I have learned over the years how to listen and respond to feedback, whether negative or positive. Either way, it is a key part of professional growth. You can only go up from here. Six tips on handling negative feedback at work: 1. Listen first, do not jump to react. The way you react and respond will affect how you are perceived. 2. Understand what the feedback is and what the concerns are. Take that back to determine how you are able to address those concerns. 3. Access the feedback and clarify any points you feel need to be addressed but do so in a calm manner with concrete support. End on a positive note. 4. Learn from it and implement any changes you’ve identified to rectify the situation. 5. Determine if the feedback was constructive, were you given pointers on how to improve and succeed. If it is completely figure pointing, then that is not constructive and instead condescending. 6. Don’t dwell on it, keep it moving. Remember that this is your job and it is not an assessment of you as a human being.

Instagram post 2181052330953152827_264144999
ALL BLACK EVERYTHING... I am a big fan of color in my wardrobe but then there are days when you just want to wear all black. As the weather gets cooler I find myself gravitating towards this palette more. It is a very “New York” style to wear! Four reasons I like an all black outfit: 1. It’s elegant and chic. Black looks good on everybody and it’s very simple to dress up an all black outfit. Black is always appropriate for the office and it can go from the office to dinner easily. 2. It makes getting dressed in the morning easier. No worries about matching, a black pair of pants or skirt can be thrown together with any black sweater or blouse and out the door in less time. 3. Black outfits allow you to be creative with the details. From buttons to zippers, these details on black clothing stand out and are statement makers 4. Simple changes can take you from casual to fancy in an instant. Whether it be jewelry or shoes, these pieces will make an all black outfit quickly adapt to the setting. . . . . #astoriainheels #iamaworkingmom #workingmom #corporatemom #workingmomkind #mommyblogger #chicbusymoms #heygorgeous #bossbabe #womeninfinance #nycmom #styletiptuesday #allblackoutfit #momstyle #corporatestyle #momtips #workingmomstyle #goalgetters #iamtheeverygirl #sayyestosuccess #bossbabetribe #astoriamoms #astoriaqueens #fallstyles #furlabag

Instagram post 2180340359786319872_264144999
MY BIRTHDAY GIRL! Happy 3rd Birthday to my precious Chloé. I can’t even believe how big you’ve grown. I am in awe of you everyday. Your abundance of joy and love fills me up with immense gratitude, you made me a mommy and taught me a love I never imagined before. Your smile melts my heart and I just want to protect you from the world. You’re the sweetest and best big sister I have ever seen. You have such a big heart and are so cute when you hear Céline cry and tell her it’s okay, not to cry. The way you get so excited to eat cake shows me how much you are just like your mommy 😉(sweet tooth for life)! Chloé, I love you so much and want to hug and kiss you all the time. You are so loved by your papa, little sister and me and by anyone who meets you! You will always be my little girl! #3yearold #mommyandme #astoriainheels #iamaworkingmom #workingmom #corporatemom #workingmomkind #mommyblogger #3rdbirthday #havingitall #ig _motherhood #thepursuitofjoy #motherhoodunplugged #childhoodunplugged #childrenofig #bourgiebabies #parenthoodvibes #celebrate_childhood #astoriamoms #caribbeanmom #fulltimeworkingmom #nycmom

Instagram post 2178011251584687091_264144999
IS IT ALL A DREAM... . . . Yes!!! Dreams, what are those, I don’t sleep long enough anymore to dream😂. I’m very happy it’s Friday and the idea of a long bath with a constant flow of rose petals sounds delightful and luxurious! . Reality is, this week was stressful and full of anxiety over planned meetings and deadlines and it’s finally over. Worked from home today, digesting news I got from my manager yesterday and was busy trying to complete everything before five, took Céline to the doctor for her second set of shots, and still getting everything ready for the girls birthday party tomorrow. It’s a juggle and honestly, I’m exhausted but it will all get done, because it has to! Looking forward to celebrating my little girls tomorrow but happy right now that the work day is finished. Why was this Friday so busy??? How was your Friday? . . . . . . #astoriainheels #iamaworkingmom #workingmom #corporatemom #workingmomkind #mommyblogger #nycmomblogger #womeninfinance #empowerwomen #hustlewithease #bossbabelife #createandcultivate #thesocialsociety #goalgetters #sayyestosuccess #bossbabetribe #momstyle #girlmom #womenempowerment #discoverunder10k #stylecollective #workingmomlifestyle #astoriamom #caribbeangirlswhoblog #lifeasamom #bossmom #momtruth #worklifebalance rosemansion

Instagram post 2176742856692187930_264144999
JUST HERE...”HAVING IT ALL”...ON MY OWN TERMS! . Can women have it all, a full time career while being a mom and wife while also maintaining a social life? Why are we constantly asked this question and when will everyone realize that ”having it all” is going to look differently for each person. It’s time to redefine this phrase based on what each of us are striving for. . I’ve decided to redefine “having it all” for myself, specific to my current priorities and values. I want a valued role at a respected company and I want to spend quality time with my family. Sure, some days are harder than others and can be tiring trying to accomplish both but I’m okay with that. When I first moved to New York, I was working at JP Morgan. I attended a women’s luncheon with senior level woman speaking about their career progression. One was asked how she balances family and career. She responded that she lets her kids know that she won’t make it to every birthday! At that exact moment, I knew, that’s not what I wanted for myself. There is no way I am missing my child’s birthday for work and this does not mean that my version of “having it all” is any less valid! Having it all for me is more about prioritizing than balancing. It honestly feels like a juggle some times. After work, I still try my best to make it to social events with friends occasionally and I do fun events with my daughters on the weekends. That is what “having it all” looks like for me, working hard while still spending quality time with friends and family. Redefine it based on what you want! What does “having it all” look like for you? . Read more about this on my new blog post!!!! Yes, the new blog is up!!!!😊😊 . . . . . . #astoriainheels #iamaworkingmom #workingmom #corporatemom #workingmomkind #mommyblogger #nycmomblogger #womeninfinance #empowerwomen #hustlewithease #bossbabelife #createandcultivate #thesocialsociety #goalgetters #sayyestosuccess #bossbabetribe #momstyle #girlmom #womenempowerment #discoverunder10k #stylecollective #workingmomlifestyle #astoriamom #caribbeangirlswhoblog #lifeasamom #bossmom #momtruth #worklifebalance #bestfamilyphoto #workingmomwednesday

Instagram post 2173083086454150709_264144999
I BAKE...SOMETIMES When I first moved to New York, I was baking desserts all the time. Nothing too complicated, I kept it to simple recipes for cakes, cookies, pies and they were always chocolate😁. I would even make small lava cakes for dinner. I don’t bake as much anymore and not because I don’t have as much free time but because about three years ago, we found out my husband is gluten intolerant. He has completely removed it from his diet due to the extreme discomfort he feels after having it. Fortunately I found gluten-free cake and brownie recipes that were easy enough for me to make but it’s still hard for him to not be able to enjoy the same foods he once did. . Recently, I found Red Lobster gluten-free cheddar bay biscuits mix! I couldn’t believe it. I remember having biscuits at Red Lobster as a kid and getting full off of these before the meal would arrive. I have been able to make gluten-free dessert recipes but I’m not that talented in the bread department. These were actually very easy and fast to make, perfect for a busy mom. These biscuits tasted amazing, they are fluffy and cheddar filled treats. I am thrilled when I find gluten-free recipes that we can share as a family. I feel awful when the rest of us are enjoying a baked good and Ricardo can’t join in. It is important to me that we share meals together. This is time to laugh, smile and enjoy one another. We all enjoyed these biscuits together for a Saturday morning breakfast...as a family! . . . #glutenfree #gfcheddarbaybiscuits #cheddarbaybiscuits #contest #complimentary @Influenster.eats #workingmom #workingmomkinf #bossmom #bossdad #dadlife #glutenintolerant #thisisparenthood #biscuits #glutenfreerecipes #daddyandme #familytime #nycmommyblogger #caribbeanblogger #caribbeanmom #womeninfinance


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