Time Out! (New York)

WOAH, wait, wait....Time Out -- New York??

Much to my surprise (and excitement) Time Out New York Magazine decided our New York City apartment was stylish enough to make it into their yearly "Apartments" Issue. 

Here are a couple of photos from the recent shoot:

Since the article came out I have been asked by a few people how we made our apartment come together in such a short period of time (about 5 months time.)

And while I didn't have an exact answer for this question because I, myself, was a little baffled that we even found time to hang a couple of posters, let alone fully furnish our apartment, in that amount of time but I would have to say that we found our decorating method through the idea of buying or thrifting anything we loved and just called it 'eclectic' 

And while this can also be considered the beginning signs of someone ready for an episode of "Horders," we found our inner self control once we felt a room was "finished" and stopped purchasing.

As far as thrifting is considered in New York City, it did take a little adjusting. For one, as far as price is concerned-- not all thrift stores are created equally. Although, they can offer very similar products the prices vary greatly. I recommend finding about 3 or 4 stores that you feel are priced competitively and stick to those. Leave the fancy "vintage consignment" stores to those who are willing to pay the price.

Also-- don't be afraid to check out the various flea markets at your disposal!

 Personally I do enjoy the Brooklyn Flea but what I enjoy even more are the plethora of 'stoop sales' that line the streets on your way to the flea market. Often, the clothes and home decor are just as cool and about a fraction of the price!

Here are a couple of my own Brooklyn stoop sale spoils:

Beatles artwork: $5.00 and Vases for a buck a piece!

But my best piece of advice when thrifting is for home decor is to be adventurous! If you find a piece and fall in love with it, don't hesitate, buy it! You can always find a use for a piece you love and you'd regret it if you let it slip away. (However, there is a special "re-think it" clause for those in the 'Hoarders' category.)

How have you turned your place into your "home, sweet, home"? I'd love to hear about other ideas!

-xoxo.

Always the bridesmaid...

....well, not always the bridesmaid, but most certainly never the bride. And that is totally fine by me...at least for now :-)

As fall begins to creep in the wedding season comes to a close. For me that is. This summer has been a very wedding filled summer for me because two of the people I hold most dear were married. One of my best friends and my brother. It has been a little hectic at times but it has always been well worth it and both weddings where truly gorgeous.

My best friend and beautiful bride, Erika

'What I Wore' for Erika's Wedding:

Dress: David's Bridal

Clutch: Thrifted

Pearls: A bridesmaid gift from a previous wedding

Hair Accessory / Flowers: Flower shop :) 

My brother and his lovely bride

'What I Wore' for my brother's wedding:

Dress: Urban Outfitters

Necklace: Thrifted

Clutch: Vintage Gucci - Thrifted (also one of my proudest finds) 

Shoes: DSW Shoe Warehouse

I think one of the reasons I loved both these weddings so much was because of the beautiful simplicity reflected in both the ceremonies and the receptions. I feel too often people lose sight of what makes a wedding special when colliding expensive, lavish cakes with gold, gilded event halls and finally throwing together hundreds of people to enjoy this expensive party.

I think there is a way to do a classic, simple wedding that still is special and beautiful...without breaking the bank.

Here are a couple of photos from, Ruffled, a great wedding blog that show some of my favorite wedding ideas:

I think these are the most beautiful vows I've ever heard

"Let the winds of the heavens dance between you"

Congratulations to both my brother and my best friend! I haven't a doubt that both of you will live long, happy marriages!

-xoxo.

The Melting Pot

One of the beautiful miracles of New York City is the uncanny ability to find the most amazing and delicious food at any time of day for any craving you may have.

So you want Ethiopian / Thai fusion at 4am on a Tuesday? Done.

Or maybe a slice of pizza for $1? Done. Anytime. Anywhere. Guaranteed.

But, if I had to narrow down my "best New York eats" to my top three, I would have to go with the following (in no particular order):

1. The Hummus Kitchen

I am fast becoming a sucker for a good brunch. It's a great excuse to catch up with friends and day drink (who could ask for more, right?) And I have recently fallen in love with this restaurant for brunch. The Hummus Kitchen in Hell's Kitchen has the most amazing Mediterranean cuisine and both delicious and unique drinks (I highly recommend the Lemon Arak).

Also -- the restaurant's namesake leaves little more to be desired. They do, indeed, have fantastic hummus!

 2. Fish

When most 9 year old kids ponder the question "What's your favorite food?" they respond with the normal response "chicken nuggets, corn dogs, mashed potatoes, etc" But not this one. My favorite meal of choice growing up? Raw oysters on the half shell.

So, when I found this restaurant with my Dad in the West Village, all of my childhood memories came flooding back. Fish is a great hole in the wall raw bar with some spectacular dishes. They seem to be best known for their "Red, White, and Blue" Oyster special. Basically, you can have 8 oysters and your choice of either a house red wine, white wine, or a Pabst blue ribbon...for 8 bucks! Not too shabby.

Oh! and "All you can eat" Blue Crabs

3. Hudson Clearwater

Unfortunately, for my final pick I am sans photographs, but this restaurant still deserves mentioning. I went to this restaurant a couple of months ago with a friend from work and it still sticks out in my memory as one of the best restaurants I've been to in quite a while. The restaurant itself has a very "hipster speakeasy" vibe and the food is out of this world. I highly recommend this restaurant if you are looking to catch up with friends over cocktails (specifically the "Lolita") and have a nice meal.

But, at the end of the day I would have to say that regardless of where you go it's the company that you keep that truly matters and sometimes all you need is a kitchen and some of your best friends (and wine) to make a night truly special!

farm grown homemade caprese

 Fresh Atlantic white fish and sauteed veggies

Pasta and Salad (And best friends!)

xoxo.

This is to be my symphony

I'm officially a New Yorker! 

It's a wonderful thing...a city with constant hustle and bustle can bring such calm. I feel like I finally belong. Already this city has taught me so much about what brings happiness. It's not the lights or the glitz and the glam, but the moments in between. The laughs between roommates who become best friends, the breathtaking horizon of the skyline at dusk, the strangers who become teachers, and, most importantly, the person you find inside yourself with each adventure. 


Just a little update :) Stay tuned 

“To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury; and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable; and wealthy, not rich; to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly; to listen to stars and birds, to babes and sages, with open heart; to bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasion, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious grow up through the common. This is to be my symphony.” ~William Ellery Channing


xoxo.