With New York, things are never easy. The way I see it, you have to work twice as hard but the payoff is usually twice as big. It’s been a long, interesting week spent with close friends and surprises galore. But, that’s what keeps life interesting. Optimism is so underrated.

Over the weekend Gala and I headed out to Williamsburg in our sequined mouse ears. Gourmet pizza, country music, huge crowds and journal buying made for an enjoyable afternoon.

Discovering secret staircases in Soho with Gilda: intriguing.

I totally love the taxidermy I’ve been spotting in New York; it reminds me of Portland and my brother’s vast collection.

I finally got to spend some more time near Wall Street and I really really like it. The gravestones from the 1600s and 1700s are so cute and charming.

The necessities: a new notebook, business cards for my gym and favorite coffee shop and fancy false eyelashes courtesy of Gala.

Good times with good friends: Bianca and Gala are two of the best girls I know; they’re both dependable Virgos that I can always count on, no matter what. I love them both dearly.

Gala took me out to Max Brenner’s where we proceeded to completely overdose on chocolate concoctions. Not a bad way to spend a Thursday afternoon!

Random brightly painted doors: cheerful.

Another week bites the dust. How was yours?