Spending a week in New York with two BFFs was just what the doctor ordered. Routines need to be broken every once in awhile and I’d been feeling really restless, caught up in a routine of all work and no play. Even though our main reason for being together was our workshop, Kat, Gala and I slipped plenty of fun into our packed schedules. These were a few of my favorite experiences during my time in New York…
FAVORITE OLD SCHOOL HAUNT: YAFFA
Yaffa holds a special place in my heart. I stopped in on my first night in New York in 2001 and it’s been a favorite ever since. I love that it’s remained nearly unchanged since I first saw it twelve years ago. The walls are covered in multiple patterns of wallpaper and there are golden statues, gaudy art and animal prints everywhere. Very Liberace on acid.
FAVORITE COFFEE SHOP: NINTH STREET ESPRESSO
The morning I flew into New York, it was crazy humid and didn’t let up for the whole time we were there. We just used it as an excuse to stop for lots of iced coffees. Ninth Street Espresso was right around the corner from our apartment and I loved the basic menu, black and white decor, tasty coffee and treats.
FAVORITE SETTING: PATINA
Patina is a furniture rental business tucked away in Bushwick and there’s just no way to do it justice with a handful of photos. I walked in and was immediately floored — the massive space was full of intricate vignettes, painstakingly curated with the finest in couches, candy-colored typewriters, golden skulls, rotary phones and globes. I’ll share more of the interior soon.
Back in October when we did our first New York workshop, Patina had contacted us a few days before, offering up seating and their beautiful venue. Sadly, we’d already lined everything up and had to pass. Lame! So when we launched this New York date, we knew we had to partner with them. We’re still gushing about how great they were to work with!
MOST INSPIRING: BLOGCADEMY NEW YORK
New York was where we held our first ever workshop so to make our way back for a second time was really exciting since we’d made so many changes. Each group of women we meet is so different but one thing holds true: we leave feeling completely invigorated and inspired by their personal stories.
With the crazy humidity and two whirlwind, action-packed days, we were slayed by the end. Haha.
FAVORITE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE: BITE LIP LAB
On Monday, I posted about my obsession with Bite. I’d first noticed the packaging at Sephora and soon after, found out that they had a pop-up shop in Manhattan. Well, the experience was everything I could have hoped for.
I have a full post coming soon (we brought photographer June Cochran along to document the experience!) but here’s a little peek. I felt like I’d entered a mad scientist’s lab…dedicated to mixing perfect lipstick shades.
FAVORITE CLUB NIGHT: ON TOP AT LE BAIN
Two years ago, my friend Bianca took me out to a club night I’ll never forget: as the elevator snaked up to the top floor of The Standard, I felt like I’d entered a time machine back to the 90s. New York’s finest club kids, swathed in face paint and platforms ruled the dance floor. As I made my way through the crowd, I noticed the jewel of the space: a hot tub with a disco ball spinning above it. At that moment, dancing to house music in a hot tub overlooking the city seemed perfectly normal.
Photos by Bianca Alexis
This time was no different. Bianca, dressed in a white spandex catsuit, swung by and her friend Tash, reminiscent of the Statue of Liberty juxtaposed with Lady Gaga joined in on the fun. We made our way across the astroturf-covered rooftop to the crepe stand (alcohol and crepes, what a nice mix!) and took in the sights.
If you have a free Tuesday night and a glam costume you’ve been waiting to debut, make your way to On Top. You won’t regret it.
FAVORITE PLACE TO CHILL: WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK
Every time I walk through Washington Square Park, I feel like I’ve been transported to a colonial setting in a storybook. It’s so beautiful this time of year.
MOST REWARDING EXPERIENCE: OUR MEET-UP
A highlight of our week was getting a group of the girls together from our original Blogcademy class for lunchtime and funtime at The Smith. It was awesome chatting with the grads and hearing how their blogs and lives have progressed since then. Love them so much!
FAVORITE PASTIME: WINDOW SHOPPING
When I’m in New York, I never buy a whole lot but that doesn’t stop me from doing massive amounts of window shopping. This dress is still on my mind…
MOST FUN: PATINA PHOTO SHOOT
The girls at Patina had an idea to do a full photo shoot while we were in town and with five unique sets and a crew of close to 10 people, they pulled out all the stops. Honestly, I was blown away with all the planning and coordination it took.
It’s always hard to say goodbye to New York. We flew to Minneapolis yesterday afternoon and spent the night soaking up the sights on a friend’s pontoon as we floated across Lake Minnetonka. We can’t wait to explore more of the city today and teach over the weekend. Have a great one! xo
