So remember that time I mentioned late night walks with the city as backdrop in that post I wrote about loving NYC (aka yesterday's post)? Remember how inspiring and dazzling I claimed it to be? Well, I forgot to mention that sometimes, some really weird things can happen as well.

Walking around my neighborhood late at night is one of my favorite things to do. I have a favorite block and everything. For the most part, walks around my neighborhood are pretty uneventful. That is until they're not.

I walk up the street, listening to my playlist for such purposes. If there is something more extreme than tunnel vision, I have it. I look straight ahead, but not really looking at anything at all. Just thinking - about what I want out of that evening, the next few days, my life. I remember this because it would've taken something pretty unique to break me from my revere. As I pass over a vent, my playlist switches songs, and in the lag between one song and the next, a sound floats up to my ears. I immediately identify it as the notes of a saxophone. Grow up with a jazz-crazed father, and you learn to make out an instrument by the blow of a single note. But where was this music coming from? I check Spotify to see if it had switched stations. Nope. Beneath my feet is a subway vent and when I turn my ear to the ground I hear it more clearly. The closer I get to the vent, the louder it becomes. I want to memorialize the moment, to record the melody streaming from underground (to post on IG, which of course I did). So there I am squatting over a subway vent with my cellphone hovering above it on one of the busiest streets in the city. Not my finest moment. And then this happens.

Listen closely :)

Did you hear that? While I am, you know, squatting over the vent like I'm trying to piss on a subway train, someone bends down near me and asks me "What's down there?" 

After I tell him about the music, he says "Oh yeah, you're very astute." He then proceeds to tell me (not on the recording) that he is a studier of music and all things of beautiful and artistic. 

"Be careful with your phone, but be sure to capture magic," he says before he stands up and walks away. I smile because, quite frankly, it was a sweet gesture, and continue to record. 

Fifteen seconds later, I hear "Are you available? Are you available?" being repeated over my shoulder and growing louder. I stand up and whirl around and the same man is standing in front of me. Now, I can see him clearly: he's in tattered jeans, stained with work, a plain white tee and work boots; there's a bag slung over his arm and he runs his free hand over the surface of his crewcut. He's cute in that sweet sort of way, and he's staring at me while he waits for an answer. Not nervously or expectantly, just confidently.    

"For what?" I respond, not impolitely. Now, he looks a little nervous, "To grab something to eat," he adds, "On me. There's a place just around the corner."  

"I'm not really available. I'm sorry," I wince in discomfort, because I'm awkward and I don't know how to let people down easily. He seems unperturbed, "Oh, you just came from the gym, right?" I look down at my ensemble. I've unknowingly dressed myself in gym clothes. Should I tell him the truth? That I'm in a committed relationship and I'm not interested? Should I say it like that, or should I just say 'I have a boyfriend. Sorry.' and smile wistfully? Or should I just lie?

Um, yeah," I say, and smile awkwardly, not wistfully, "I was just walking home." I attempt at looking sorry, which I am, but I'm not sure it registers on my face. I opt for the latter choices in my inner monologue. You've never seen him before, you'll never see him again, I think. Why shut him down?

"It was still wonderful to meet you..." he waits for me to fill in my name, "Kari. If only for a moment. Next time?"

Sah-woon. I nod dumbly because I don't know how else to react, and watch his retreating figure. He bops down the street in this really endearing way, the gait I'd imagine for a character with stories to tell, and it makes me smile. As I walk home, I think about not only how gosh darn sweet that was, but how much courage that took. (I also glance over my shoulder to make sure he's not following me, because sweet or not, let's be real.) I wonder briefly what it would've been like if I had been in the position to say 'yes'. Would we have hit it off? Would he continue to say things that made me smile? Would he be able to make me laugh? Would we have ended up going our separate ways or would I have seen him again? Would we get married in 2 years and raise children in Northern New Jersey? (Just kidding.) The point is he put himself out there, so he won't wonder. I won't either, but it made me think of how many other things I wonder about because I didn't put myself out there. Just a thought.   

I wish I could have captured that moment. I probably should have titled this blog "Capture Magic." But where's the fun in that?

10 Reasons You Should Live Here

Showing up late to Monday's class. A day late. But it was a holiday so I get a little slack, no? Okay.

So, I'm tired of all the New York City hate that I've been seeing recently. There, I said it. Blah blah blah, smelly garbage, blah blah blah, bumper to bumper traffic, blah blah blah rude morning commuters. Of course, everyone's entitled to their own opinions, but let's not pretend they're aren't some pretty freaking fantastic things about this dear ol' city as well. In case you can't think of any (or have never been here), here are 10 personal reasons that I'm in love with this town. *Cue Sinatra's "This Town"*

Sparkling city streets

If you follow me on Instagram, you've probably seen this already.

Certain streets or certain parts of streets in the city sparkle. I'm assuming it's due to adding glitter in the cement mixture before they lay it down. That makes little sense. You know what? I don't care why! When life hands you sparkles, you don't ask why. You graciously accept. Why, thank you! I'm walking on sunshine...

Hungry? Something's open. All the time. 

Even at 4am when you're in need in carbs to soak up all that liquor. And by "all the time", I mean all the damn time. Most restaurants close at around 2am on weekends with places like Cafeteria, The Coffee Shop , and diners open 24 hours. Pizza shops are omnipresent and there's always one open within at least 3 blocks of my house. There's a bodega on pretty much every corner and they won't close down until after midnight, after which you can head to the local 7Eleven for all your needs from hot dogs and doughnuts to toilet paper and tampons. I ordered a slice of apple pie á la mode last night (morning) at 3:30am. It was glorious. 

The city is the perfect backdrop for your life

, especially late night walks. The views are spectacular. If it's after dark, there's a good chance you'll find me wandering the city streets like a vagabond. Exhibit #1: the video above, taken during a night escapade. After about 8pm, the entire city is illuminated in a blaze of twinkling lights and neon signs. The tallest buildings cut into the star-filled sky and storefronts shine 10 blocks up the avenue. When it's really late and the roads are pretty clear, I'll stop in the center of the street and just stare right down into the Financial District. Sometimes, like when I've been away for a little, as I emerge from a tunnel into the city's purview, I'm completely dazzled by it all.

Inspiration! Inspiration all around!

Not only is it inspiring to me (I come back from late night walks strangely ready to take on the world, or the latest chapter of my novel), it has been for so many other people. New York is the place where you chase dreams and then dream bigger. Frank Sinatra serenaded it, Langston Hughes emerged from it, Jay Gatsby thrived in it, the Beat Generation met in it, both hip hop and punk rock took its first breaths in it, and "The Raven" by Edgar Allen Poe was published in it. Don't believe me? Check out this list of songs inspired by New York.

Despite the bagillion of people, you can just disappear. 

Yeah, sure. Stats say there are 1.6 million people in Manhattan alone. And I admit, my biggest pet peeve is someone standing on top of me in the coffee line or on the train (which I admit is sometimes inevitable but a true New York knows how to give you personal space somehow!). But there's something so unique about the ability to go unnoticed in the city where so many people live. For instance, I just met one of my neighbors this past weekend. I've lived in the same place for four years. People aren't rude, but they give you your space. They politely say "hello" after they've seen you a few times, a quick "thank you" when you hold the door, and then carry on about their day. Maybe it's because they're busy, I don't know. I do know that there are over a million people on this island.You can spark up conversations of course, make friends easily enough, but if you want to fly under the radar, you can without much difficulty. 

'Intriguing' conversations on your 5 min ride to work. 

Some of my most interesting conversations have been with cabbies. And I didn't have to wait an hour for it. I was on the receiving end of quite a few phone calls this week of an annoyed boyfriend in PA waiting over an hour for a cab ride. I. Can't. Even. Imagine. Here, stick your hand out and you'll usually get run over by a yellow taxi or two. And then you'll have strange conversations with drivers about how many drunk girls he's picked up that night or the ingredients of boogers under the car seat and wonder if you got into the right taxi to begin with.

Fuuumm! You can get anywhere for $2.50 and in a snap.

On the occasion you can't get a taxi and therefore aren't blessed with intriguing awkward conversations, you can hop underground to a network of subways that will get you anywhere you need to go. New York City's got the most efficient train system in the United States, challenged only by the London Tube, in my experience. With new routes being laid every few months, you can travel from the very top of the city into the bowels of Manhattan in about 20 minutes. I've left my apartment and arrived at my destination in the time it takes most people to get out their pants on.

The Broadway! (and such)

Probably one of New York's biggest landmarks outside of The Statue of Liberty, Central Park and maybe 5th Avenue. Most days, it's a freaking mess to travel through and I curse myself for forgetting take an alternate route, but it's magical. The lights blaze brightest here, all day everyday. A actress isn't an actress, a show isn't a show until it's been on Broadway. 

Aside from all the musicals and plays, the city is full of culture. That massive park mentioned up there? It's the most filmed location in the world. And even Blair Waldorf knew the only acceptable place to eat lunch was on the MET steps. NYC is the birth place of the Harlem Renaissance, jazz, hip hop, and American modern dance. It's the "Capital of Baseball" and houses the headquarters for the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL and MLS. And the New York Philharmonic, one of the five leading American orchestras, is based here. You want culture? You got it.  

Couture. You'll dress up or ship out. 

Speaking of culture, NYC's about couture as well. We all know about the infamous New York Fashion Week where designers kill to show their collections. But more than just that, people here dress. At least 85% of the people you encounter on your morning commute or down in the Village will be dressed well. (The other 15% is me, running to Bed, Bath and Beyond before it closes in a Penn State hoodie and soffee shorts.) What effect does being surrounded by beautiful people have on you? You want to step out in your best duds too. As you should :) 

Click here for fashion week street style - the best of both worlds. 

They might film a movie right outside your door. 

Of the four years I've lived in my apartment, it's been the set of some movie or t.v. show nearly a dozen times. No lie.

Just this weekend, it was Christmas in August, as movie set directors took over my lobby with artificial snow, 4 pounds of garland, lights and a tree. And I had to walk around Seth Rogan to get into my front door. Not that I'm complaining! Sure, it's a little annoying to have to stand on the street for a few minutes with tonight's takeout because they're recording a scene, but it's also pretty damn cool.

There are probably 100 more 'normal' reasons to love the city, but these are a few of the ones that I fall in love with everyday. Sure, it's not perfect, and some days, like yesterday during MadeInAmerica, I want to scream and board myself up in my apartment. But it's the only place I really feel alive; it's home.

What about where you live makes you feel at home? Tell me below in the comments!

Photos: 1-mine; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6-mine.

My New York City Love Affair ❤: La Maison du Macaron

One not-so-glorious afternoon, I wobbled down 23rd Street after a cold and painful run along the Chelsea Piers. It was freezing and not made any better by the now cold sweat sharing my workout coat with me. I thought I was going to fall right there on 23rd, frozen still, the day before Thanksgiving. Within a sea of walk-ups and random pharmacies and pizza parlors, I thanked my lucky stars when I spotted a cute little shop that looked like it sold some sort of hot beverage and yanked the door open with my frigid little fingers. Not only did I find something to warm me up (a piping hot cup of hot chocolate!), but I discovered something deliciously yummy that made braving the cold, yet again, a bit less miserable.

Located on 23rd street between 6th and 7th avenues, these may be the best macarons I've tasted. Ever. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted with the warmest chorus of "hellos" from the 3 women working that day. They were bustling about with a fresh batch of macarons but made sure to let me know they'd be with me shortly. The first thing I noticed was the wide array of colors/flavors. It probably took me 10 minutes just to choose which ones I wanted to try, but everyone was so patient, describing flavor after flavor and then repeating a few (hey, it was a lot to take in!). I don't recall all the flavors I chose, especially because she threw a few extra macarons in my bag that I should try because of their popularity. I do know that I loved the Rose and Salted Caramel flavors, even though truly each one was amazing.

On top of the plethora of macarons, La Maison du Macaron also has lots of desserts, including eclairs, tarts, brownies, lemon meringue cookies, and muffins. I was so distracted by the macarons that I didn't even bother with any of the other treats. But I can imagine that everything from this shop is just delicious.

I could've just grabbed my little bag of macarons and ran out the door. But the dread of the waiting cold air and the excitement to taste one of these gems lead me to sit for a while. The shabby chic decor reminds me of photos I've seen of Parisian coffee shops. It's quaint and cozy, but my favorite part of the decor is the cute twist on classic paintings. I thought it was so clever :)

My New York City Love Affair ❤: Lady Mendl's Tea Salon Afternoon Date

Although I'm only just finished season 2, Downton Abbey is one of my favorite shows ever. I usually don't enjoy period pieces whether they be television shows, films or books. But there is something about this series that transports me into the early 1900s in way that makes me wish I were part of it - and even convinces me I am at certain times! I just adore the British accents, formal dinner dress code, and somewhat subliminal humor and punchlines.

The closest most of us will ever get to life at this country estate in Yorkshire is afternoon or high tea. And to most people's surprise, New York City has a few wonderful tea salons. Google "high tea nyc" and over a dozen little shops will pop up. It would be a sin to visit the city, and not stop in for a spot of tea at one of these places. So, what's a girl to do when one of her best friends is leaving the city to embark on a wonderful adventure in Chicago? Afternoon tea, tarts and a bit of harmless gossip, of course! Lucky was I to procure the company of the lovely Jac of City Girl Finding Her Place In The World for a real life 'blate' at Lady Mendl's Tea Salon in Gramercy.

That luxurious floor length fur? Oo, kill 'em!

Elsie de Wolfe, better known as Lady Mendl, was famously known for her innovative eye for decor in the early 20th century, and affectionately referred to as "the first lady of interior design". She redesigned the homes of her impressive clientele, which included the Vanderbilts and Henry Clay Frick, bringing their spaces from the darkness of prior years into the light of the new century. Her design aesthetic was feminine and delicate, and focused on light, fresh colors. Lady Mendl was also a prominent socialite in both New York and Paris, having been considered the "best dressed woman in the world" by some. She sounds like fantastic company, don't you think?!
Lady Mendl's Tea Salon sits on the ground floor of the Inn at Irving Place, an adorable hidden walk-up on a quiet block in Gramercy. It is decorated in a style that seems reminiscent of her classic tastes, and feels cozy and delicate, as though the perfect space to chat and laugh with my girlfriends until we can hardly breathe.

 The only thing one has to choose at Lady Mendl's is what tea you'll be taking, as everything else is prix fixe. Over the times that I've visited, I almost always go for a white tea, staying away from the darker stuff (White Peony is my favorite!). Jac & I both had rather light teas with hints of jasmine, and alternated pots often so we could sample each other's (although we each liked our own best!). Once you order your tea, your server comes back promptly with a pretty big pot full of fresh brewed tea. No two teapots are exactly alike here, adding to the shabby chic feel of this little gem, but all are floral printed (as are the plates and other china). Apparently, they will refill your pot should you happen to drink it all, but I've never been able to finish mine quick enough. But it's the thought that counts, right?

My New York City Love Affair ❤ : Central Park

If there's one thing that you need to know about me, it's that I live New York City. I'll often refer to Manhattan as the city or New York proper - not because I think the other boroughs are not "proper" or anything but simply because I can't help it. I'm on of those city girls that never wants to leave it and can't imagine why anyone else would. I was born and raised in various places in New York (although always within 15 minutes of Manhattan), yet spent a great amount of time right here in the Big Apple. Some of my favorite memories include: creme brulee at Chez Josephine's (still easily the best in town), trampsing through the levels at the gigantic Barnes & Nobles and the AMC Loews Cinema movie theater in Lincoln Square, Phantom of the Opera nearly every year (and being quite scared), jazz concerts at Birdland with my dad, Saturday dinners at amazing restaurants where my parents and I were regulars, playing in the women's section of Paul Stuart while my dad shopped upstairs in the men's department, trips to the skate park in Riverside Park, filet mignon at Ruth Christie's, weekly hair and nail appointments, roaming through the Upper West Side at 12 and feeling like a true grown-up because I got to do it alone.

Because of all the wonderful memories I have and the spectacular ones I look to create, I've developed  a sort of love affair with the city. This series is inspired by Carrie Bradshaw and the Sex And The City season five opener. A single Carrie decides that she going to indulge in the pleasure of her great love - the unpredictable yet countlessly entertaining New York City. At the end of the episode Carrie's voiceover says "If Louis was right, and you only get one great love, New York may just be mine. And I can't have nobody talking s#!t about my boyfriend."

This is my way of bringing little bits of the city I love so dearly to you through my eyes. And so ensues the first "My New York City Love Affair ❤" post.

If there's one place you simply must go in Manhattan, it's Central Park. Located in the heart of Manhattan, it spans 3 avenues and 50 city blocks, which makes it frustrating to maneuver around by car (you can only drive through at designated spots) but amazing to visit. There are countless things to do and see as the Park features a zoo, a carousel, boat rides, multiple bodies of water, a skating rink, many playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts as well as baseball diamonds and other famous landmarks. I truly think the Central Park is just one of those places you must visit at least once in your lifetime.

One of the most romantic things to do is rowboat on the Central Park Lake. Not only are the views absolutely beautiful, but sitting on a little boat with the man you love, watching him row you out across the water really tugs on the heart strings. I swear I nearly cried watching C seated in front of me with his shirt sleeves rolled up determined to get us moving. As sappy as it sounds, I think I learned to love him more that day.

Wednesday In Photos

Only photos.

So this post is late, but it's only because I was out all day collecting the photos for this post. So without further ado, here's my Wednesday in pictures:

This song gets me hyped for cardio!

The yummiest salad: romaine lettuce, steamed crab meat, grape tomatoes, vidalia onion dressing.

Herald Square, mid-afternoon.

Sitting in traffic for 45 mins. Angry. 

But finally made it!

Mani/pedi! (excuse my horrid feet, ugh). 

Worst part about the Nail Salon? Drying time. I can never keep still!

I feel like she looks better with each passing year. How is this possible? #FountainOfYouth

Did you know that Olivia Wilde is a pretty amazing writer? If you have this month's Glamour mag, check her piece out! It's all about being 30 and awesome, but it totally applies to us all.

A really bad photo of the Upper West Side. I promise it's so much prettier than this.

Left: fall OTK riding boots at Stuart Weisman.
Right: F-amazing Alaïa dress. Then again, I pretty much love anything Alaïa.

Salted Caramel Mocha at Starbucks. I adore fall Starbucks drinks!

Aldo shoes & Sperry stockroom.

Happy Wednesday (Thursday) everyone!