A (brief and seasonal) GUIDE TO NEW YORK CITY

As some of you may know, my sweetheart is coming in from the UK this week! I've been so busy with all kinds of preparations and plenty of other busy stuff, that I haven't had much time to think about or plan for our time together in New York! Well, with just two days until he's home, I thought I would post some of my favorite places that I'm hoping to visit together. 

Hot Chocolate @ City Bakery

One of my favorite things to do during the christmas season is stop in at City Bakery on 18th street for a cup of their delicious hot chocolate and house-made marshmallows! It's the perfect respite from a busy, bustling day of holiday shopping. Plus, it's right next to...

Shopping @ Paper Presentation

My absolute favorite paper store in the world! It's the perfect place to stop to get any kind of supplies, especially for making handmade holiday cards.

Ice Skating @ The Standard Hotel

I haven't actually been here yet, but it looks promising! With a Kaffehaus serving warm drinks like apple cider, I can't really ask for more. More details and updates to come!

Dinner @Van Daag

 I had my birthday dinner here with some friends about a month ago and LOVED it! I cant help but want to share the deliciousness with Aak. One of my best friends had some of what I think was the most delicious options on the menu: a bowl of wild mushroom and farro with a walnut pistou. I had a bowl of their delicious smoked butternut squash soup. The bread basket is also a must, which we had served with savory ginger butter. I just noticed they have changed many of the options with the winter season, and I can't wait to try the new additions to the menu! Did I mention that their Akvavit and Genever cocktails are to die for?

Melancholia @ The Angelika

I'm so excited to see this film and have been waiting a while to gather up the courage and the right company for it! I also love the Angelika theatre on Houston street, it's a lovely place to see a movie! 

Drinks @ Weather Up

This speakeasy-style bar is one of my absolute favorites. Replete with dim lighting, endless subway tile, and some of the best cocktails ever, it's a wonderful place to wind down after a long day. I especially love their "Keep calm, carry on" option. Just tell your bartender what flavors and spirits you're in the mood for and they'll whip up a surprise libation! Wonderful!

HAPPY WEEKEND

I really must apologize... I've been positively awful at updating my posts here lately. Really, I don't have much of an excuse. I almost want to say that there's been too much to say and that I've had trouble distilling it all, but really, time has just been flying! I hope to get to say a bit more about all of the incredible things I've been up to, but in the meantime, here's a brief update of some of the things I've been doing. I just started a full time job, which has also taken me away from writing a bit. Hopefully, as I get more used to my new schedule, I'll be able to balance all the work I have to and want to be doing! As for today, it's a gorgeous autumn day in New York. Lucky me, I work right by the High Line (literally steps away!) and so I get to see, what I think, is New York at it's most beautiful. If you haven't been yet, you must visit. Absolutely must! They recently expanded the park and it's more beautiful than ever. And on the rare days that it isn't raining, it's the perfect place to stroll and step away from manhattan's chaos! I hope to take some snapshots of my own soon, but here are some images from the High Line's website. They don't even do the park justice!

Some beautiful brown grasses growing on the side of the path. I love the combination of structure and wildness that is pervasive through the High Line's architecture and landscaping. The combination of constructed elements with the unbridled quality of the plants is just gorgeous!

Another beautiful shot! Expect some images of my own soon!

In other news, I just want to share some other great things I've discovered/ really gotten to explore recently. First off, a gorgeous publication called Kinfolk Magazine. I can't wait to order myself an issue! This self proclaimed "guide for small gatherings" seems to be overflowing with gorgeous ideas, images, and inspiration. Here's a little peek from the magazine's latest issue, posted on their stunning Journal page:

Be sure to check them out!

Also, I recently came back to a blog I had happened upon some time ago, but hadn't had the opportunity to look at in-depth: Lobster & Swan. Not only do they have a perfectly quirky name, the whole blog is filled with gorgeous ideas and photographs. Be sure to take a look here! I'm positively OBSESSED with the items in the most recent October Survival Guide...

Look at the post on Lobster & Swan here.

Alright, alright. This hasn't been the most original post I've done to date. But stay tuned! I'll be posting again soon with some details about some recent festival visits, fall recipes, and more outings and activities! Have a beautiful weekend!