{TGIF Peeps}

Happy Weekend Peeps!!! I'm so excited that today is Friday....is it sad that I live for the weekends and my own free time? I was talking to a co-worker yesterday and said that if I had 3-day weekends every week, I would be a much better employee, lol, don't you agree? I really don't have any plans (other than going to IKEA to take some shelving back, and to purchase a TV cabinet) that are set in stone yet, but that's the beauty of living in NYC - there's always something to do and usually it's just a stone's throw away. One thing I know for sure that I want to do is get some exercise in - running at the Hudson, a yoga class, a bike ride through Central Park, maybe walk across the Brooklyn Bridge... something. I've been walking to work all this week, instead of taking the train, as no matter which I decide to do it's 20 minutes. A 20-minute walk, or a 20-minute total train commute. As the weather has been mild this week, I've opted to walk and I love it. Everyday I'm finding something new, and try to take a different way each time. So while I'm getting a lot of walking in during the day, I need to get back to a full exercise regimen in the evenings. Other than that, doing some cleaning and decorating around the house, I'm going to allow the weekend to play itself for me....let's see what I get into....as usual, follow me on Instagram!


- Check out this DIY cone studded bracelet, I so want to make this - just need to find the studs...
- I think I found the tattoo I want to get - so simple, hidden, a little chic - what do you think?
- I am so in love with this saying....can I get a WORD?
- I haven't had a chance to check out the new issue of Rue yet - but I'm sure it's amazing as usual. Definitely going to be a weekend read with some wine...
- I finally purchased my Mid-West shirt - gotta represent my roots in the NYC
- Uhhhhh....yea, I'm going to see this {forgot to add this to my weekend plans}

Enjoy your weekend Peeps!

{You're Never Fully Dressed Without...}

...a dress!!! As I mentioned in a previous post, the only thing that you really want to wear in NYC is dresses. They're effortless, they're cool, you can keep them casual by wearing with flats, or dress them up by throwing on some heels and extra jewels. Now one would think that finding dresses to buy in NYC would be a breeze - but honestly I haven't had a bit of luck. Either they fit all wrong, way too expensive, or have that extreme high-low thing going on that I'm quite tired of seeing. So....I'm gonna have to stretch my budget a little and stick with my old standby - the place that never lets me down - the clothes that always fits....Anthropologie!!! I found several pieces that I really like, and while I did try to find the look for less, I failed and now I give up...I'm taking the plunge - here we go:

Simple pieces that will go a long way...

{Looking Forward To Having A Party}

So the apartment is coming together and yesterday we purchased a couch {yay!!!! no more sitting on the floor or sharing the one chair we have}! It's a sleeper couch, so you know what that means... after this Saturday, all of our out-of-town peeps have an open invitation to come visit. You purchase your plane ticket and you won't have to worry about a hotel - how can you pass that up??? We've been talking about how we can't wait to have people over for a party, and now that the place is just about put together, a dinner party just like what Tobe over at Because It's Awesome, is what we have in mind - food, friends, music, candles, wine...

Cute right? So when are you coming???

{The Everyday Bag}

Another lesson that I've learned while living in New York is that you need a waterproof/nylon everyday bag to tote all of your stuff around the city - an extra pair of shoes, an umbrella, phone, sunglasses, makeup, snacks...literally everything. I've been searching for the right bag that was big enough, had pockets, a zipper, a little fashionable, and was smoosh-worthy {ie. not stiff}. While searching for well over a week, and hopping from store to store in the city, I stumbled upon this Tumi bag on sale at Zappos and quickly swooped it up {and thank goodness I did, because now it and all colors are sold out}. 

It's literally going to be my catch all bag. What do you think?

{TGIF Peeps}

TGIF Peeps!!!! Yesterday my boss said "why don't you take tomorrow off as a Summer Friday?" and after my usual response of "word?" she laughed hysterically and said "word"....I'm rubbing off on peeps already, lol. So today I have the day off and I have a few things planned. I need to go get a rug for my bedroom and there's one at Crate and Barrel that I'm going to get - then I need to buy some dresses as I can't explain to you how hot it is here - pants just won't do - and finally, I must get some ice cream. Oh - if you haven't guessed - the spending strike has been lifted...for the most part!

Tomorrow - while I don't have set plans, me and my sisters will probably spend some time at the Highline soaking up the sun and enjoying the view. I also wouldn't mind getting in a yoga class. This weekend is NYC Pride so I'm sure we'll go to a neighborhood bar to grab drinks and watch all the drag queens strut their stuff down the street. Oh don't feel left out - I'll be taking pics!!

Sunday, we'll be heading upstate to my sister's engagement party with her fiance's side of the family. I'm so excited that I am here and able to attend this day with/for her. Other than that, I need to get some laundry done and hopefully a little relaxation.

What's on your agenda this weekend?

{Solstice in Times Square: Mind Over Madness Yoga}

Wow - what an amazing evening I had last night!!!!!! As I mentioned yesterday, me and my sisters went to a yoga class with the most amazing yoga teacher in NYC - right in the middle of Time Square. Taking a class with Dana is such an experience - yes you're doing yoga, but you're also dancing, laughing, praying, throwing glitter, and truly being inspired. Lucky for me her yoga studio, Laughing Lotus, is just 4 blocks away from me and I can't wait to take more of her classes - heck, I may just sign up for a monthly membership. For all my peeps who plan to visit me - bring your workout clothes because this is an experience you must have while you're here in the big city!!

So we were kind of close to the front of the stage, because Kendra was working the event all day and was able to snag us a great spot - but it's still kind of cool that the yoga instructor came over to us to help on our poses {3 sweaty chicas amongst thousands of yogis} and was willing to take a pic....while everyone else was in downward dog. Love it! Namaste...

{Life Lessons I've Learned During 1 Week of Living in NYC}

So I've been in New York for 11 days and already I've learned a lot of lessons. Nothing can prepare you for all of the experiences you will have, you just have to jump in and go with the flow...

“The inspiration for Amber C. Jones’ first scratch-and-sniff book was under her nose. It was the smells of New York City — the pizza, the bagels, the pastrami and the garbage.Her self-published book is called New York, Phew York.” The 20-scent, 40-page children’s book could be available as soon as the holiday season. The self-published book will cost $34.”

• You can do and be whomever you want to be, dress however you want to dress, love who you want to love,......and... smell however you want to smell (lol)
• Patience is a virtue
• People do smile at you here (especially when you're walking a cute puppy)
• People do speak, hold open doors and even the elevator for you
• Every day is an adventure on the subway - from the people, the entertainers, the heat, the smells, and the amazement of watching mothers carrying their strollers up and down the stairs...no one day is ever the same
• With all of the walking and cooking at home, this week I've lost 3 lbs!!!!!! woot woot!
• Not all NY agencies work their people like Hebrew slaves
• This city never sleeps
• At least 3 times a day smoke will be blown in your face
• There is a freakin Home Depot in the middle of the city - who knew?
• Shake Shack is a religion
• Building construction doesn't stop at 5:00, or 6:00, or 7:00, or 10:00, or even midnight - but boy oh boy will the apartments across the street from me gonna be lovely
• Traders Joe's is my hero as they don't hike up the prices here in NYC, just because they can. What is $2.49 anywhere else, is $2.49 in NYC. Boom! The other morning I stopped by this cutesy little store called Bread and Butter for some breakast and bought a very small bowl of fresh fruit, 1 Chobani greek yogurt, and a small bag of granola. Guess what my total way? $17 freakin dollars. I vowed to never go back. The lesson here is stick with Traders...
• Carry a little cash with you to buy fresh fruit off the corner. It's sweet, it's local, and it's cheap
• Purell is my bff
• Sunday brunch in NYC is not a sit down, eat breakfast and drink a mimosa - it's literally a daytime party. Everyone gets dressed up, there's a DJ, heels, mingling...all that. If you're ever in NYC and are asked to brunch - remember this post.
• Every single block in every single borough has at least 2 sushi restaurants
• Seamless is the bomb dot com. Literally food at your doorstop at any time of the night or day
• Laundry service = they wash and fold and you pick it up. Can you say - yes please?
• Any store in the city delivers
• Chelsea Market is amazeballs...and 3 blocks away from my apartment
• So is the Highline...and 3 blocks away from my apartment
• The ferry to IKEA was a lot of fun, sitting on top is the only way to go
• Comfortable shoes are a NECESSITY....dot org
• Light dresses during the summer is all you will want to wear - anything else is just too hot
• Speaking of hot - heat in NYC is no joke. 90+ degrees, plus concrete, plus 100% humidity, plus unair-conditioned subway stations, plus a bagillion people = a special experience. This may be the only thing that I'm not loving about NYC right now...
• And my favorite lesson so far - it's amazing living in NYC with your sisters

And that's just after 11 days. I can't say it enough - I'm loving New York and really don't understand why it took me so long to get here. Tonight we are going to a yoga class right in the middle of Time Square - thousands of yogis all in one place. While it's supposed to be 95+ degrees out today, it's still going to be a blast. Plug into Instagram later on....

Enjoy your day loves!

{If You Surround Yourself With Things You Love...}

Hey Peeps - I wanted to check in with you! All is still going well, and I'm starting to get back into somewhat of a routine. This past weekend I did a lot of shopping for the apartment and was able to find a lot of pieces that will provide us the storage we need. A lot of you have been asking for me to post pics of my new place, and I promise I will - but give me just another week or so as we put the finishing touches on it {and of course keep checking Instagram as I will be posting prelim pics this weekend}. My focus this week is the bedroom, and to give you an idea of the size, see the pic below. It's teeny tiny, but the way I have configured my bed, it has given me a lot more space. When I first walked into my bedroom, I knew there was NO WAY ON GOD'S GREEN EARTH my queen-size bed was going to fit, but to my surprise {and the promise that sister gave me that it would fit} it did!! I'm excited to show you - so stay tuned and stay with me...

I know I haven't gotten back to my daily postings, but I promise I will next week. My hiatus has definitely gone a little longer than I was expecting, and I apologize - it's been a little hard focusing on the blog, the apartment, the job, etc all at once. Thank you for all your kind notes and emails - your support is always amazing. Enjoy your day loves!

{Just a Little Glimpse of Progress}

Hey Peeps! Just wanted to check in and give you a little update. My new job is going well so far, everyone seems to be really nice and happy that I'm there. My first day, even though me and my sister did a subway dry-run the day before, I got all turned around and ended up on the wrong train...twice. But thanks to the app HopStop, I was able to get back home....phew! After I got home me and my sister decided to go explore our neighborhood some more and we found lots more cute little restaurants and shops that we will be visiting very soon. I honestly can't wait to get the apartment together, so we can have people over to show off our neighborhood - I'm literally in love with it. Speaking of getting the apartment together - the only space in our apartment that is half way put together is half of the kitchen.

While it's small, everything is new and fresh and we have a lot more cabinet space than we thought we would get. In time we plan to add ghost stools to the end of the counter where you see the overhang. The key to our apartment is to go up for storage {notice the baskets on top of the cabinets - we are storing cleaning supplies, plastic containers, and a few appliances up there} and this weekend we are making an IKEA trip to get shelving for the entire apartment. Once the shelving and storage units are in place, we can FINALLY get these boxes unpacked and out of the living room. I promise to keep posting pictures as we get the space together...

{Home Sweet Home}

Hey Peeps! I've arrived in NYC and today is my first day at the new job! I certainly don't feel that I've had enough time off to get everything organized at the new place - literally it looks like a tornado ran directly through the apartment - but I'm excited to get back to a normal routine.

{Pic 1: My block - W. 17th St, Pic 2: Cute little bakery at the corner on my block, Pic 3: My new "car"}

After about an 11 hour road trip, and lots and lot and LOTS of traffic - I made it to NY around 9:00 PM on Friday and immediately began to unpack the truck....in the dark, but with the movers that I hired, along with my sister, we were able to get everything cleared from the truck around 10:15 PM. Once the last box hit the floor, we decided to go grab something to eat - and it wasn't until then that I realized how in love with my neighborhood I am. Literally, everything is within walking distance. Starbucks, a gym, banks, Pottery Barn, Williams and Sonama, lots of cute restaurants and bakeries where you can sit outside and do some major people watching - all right here on my block. And that's just my block - once you walk a few blocks west you're at Chelsea Market and the Highline (amazing views of the city and the Hudson River). A few blocks east is West Elm, cute thrift shops, Trader Joes, Home Depot, Container Store, Bed Bath and Beyond, TJ Maxx, and so so much more. I'm seriously loving the convenience of everything around me.

I promise to eventually get back up to daily blogging, but until I can get this apartment in some time of order (finding storage for our space is going to be my other full time job) I'm going to be in and out here on the blog. BUT follow me on Instagram as I will be taking pictures of my journey all day long.

Stay with me....

{One Woman and U-Haul}

The other day I was having a conversation with a childhood friend of mine, and of course we were talking about my big move and how I was preparing for it. She said to me - "so are you getting Two Men and a Truck to help you move?" and I replied "nope, try one woman and a U-Haul" - and we both laughed hysterically. In reality $3000 vs. $600 just seemed a lot more practical...and using that money to go back into the big shopping spree I'm ready to have now that the move is almost over, sealed the deal - lol!

I simply wanted to check in and let you know that I'm still alive, and haven't yet been buried under boxes. This week has been extremely stressful and emotional and it seems that every second was consumed by my move {hence my disappearing act this week}. This afternoon I will be loading up the truck with all my goods {a lot more stuff that I had originally planned, but I can throw things out once I get there} and then early tomorrow morning I will be on my way to New York City - me in the driver's seat and Addison {my dog} next to me. As a heads up - I will go missing again on the blog until next week, but follow me on Instagram and Facebook over the weekend to get updates and a live stream of pics. 

THANK YOU lovely readers for your well wishes and good thoughts - please continue to send up prayers that everything goes smoothly with the drive up. I honestly can't wait until next week to get back on schedule writing my first post from the Big Apple. Until then...

{TGIF Peeps}

- The Glitter Guide pinned my neck and bling!!! 120 likes and 797 repins - woohoo!!!

- DIY Alert: Ankle Strap Ballet Flats - genius...

- DIY Alert: Zinc inspired letters - I definitely want to do this in the kitchen...

- Oven Fried Pickles - ummmm, making these...

- This is one of the many places I want to go to once I get to NY. Looks amazing and right up my alley...

- Non-link: We will find out if we got approved for an apartment in Chelsea today. Keep your fingers crossed for us!

Enjoy your long weekend Peeps!!!