the friend exodus: why is everyone moving away?

Yesterday was the first day of Spring-- although I don't feel it quite yet, I am so relieved. What a long winter it had been! This week was especially rough and bittersweet because Abby told me she was definitely going to be moving back to Philly this summer, after two years of living together. I had been expecting it -- both her boyfriend and her family live in Philly -- but it's always hard when close friends move away, especially my roommate who is like a sister. (Don't leave, Abby!)

While I'm always thrilled for my friends who start new adventures outside of New York, it's hard to adjust to life as usual in the city without having them here. I see things that I'd like to go to and that they would love, but they aren't available. Some of my dearest friends moved away this past year: Neetu to India, Danny to Syracuse, and Emily to Nashville. Other friends will be moving to San Francisco and Miami by end of year. While I love playing the role of cheerleader to their new adventures, I selfishly, wholeheartedly wish that those adventures could be in the city.

Makes me wonder if it's harder to move away to a new city and start a new journey, or is the greater challenge actually in coping with the feeling of being left behind? Would you rather move to a new city and not know a single soul, or would you rather stay where you are while everyone leaves?

(Photo via here)

what are your plans this weekend?

I know it's only Wednesday (hump day), but I'm already really looking forward to my first weekend back in New York in what feels like forever (after SF, Bahamas, and Philly visiting my family). My goal is to be outside as long as possible since the weather is improving (thank goodness!). On weekends, I have a habit of power-walking through Soho, West Village, and East Village while chatting on the phone or listening to a podcast, people watching, and taking photos. I actually just stumbled upon the above photo of a restaurant called Freeman's which I had instagrammed 2 years ago while on such a walk! Isn't it so cute? I love how off the beaten path it is, tucked away in Chrystie St.

I'll also be catching up with my friend and former L'Oreal colleague Adam at brunch, meeting another friend Adam (funny coincidence) for coffee to plot out his career path (which sounds so devious, no?), attending a Crunch workout class, and working on my application to a theology seminar. What's your weekend looking like?

(Top photo via Nicole Franzen, bottom photo of me taken by my friend Danny in Soho)

beach getaway: the bahamas

Only two months ago, I vowed to take more trips in 2014, so it was very fortuitous that I was able to make a pretty last minute visit to the Bahamas for a "Spring Break" of sorts. New York has had the worst winter (from Snowstorm Hercules to Titan - that's 13 snowstorms!) of my 7 years of living here, so naturally my friends and I were itching to get away. We found a great deal on CheapCarribbean.com for a 4-night, 5 day stay at the Melia Nassau resort and booked it immediately. What resulted was one of the laziest and most relaxing vacations I've ever had :) Here are some photos taken from my iphone (edited on VSCO Cam and Instagram).

 

One of the biggest luxuries was just taking in the sun. Growing up my family never went on beach vacations -my parents were more into historical, cultural trips (Colonial Williamsburg, for example); in fact, my first ever resort experience was in 2011 in Puerto Rico. I love the easygoing nature of the resort life, but don't think I can do it for more than a couple of days since I get antsy. But it was so, so nice to lay on the beach reading, nap by the pool, chill out in the Jacuzzi, and take lots of piña colada & strawberry daiquiri breaks. 

Some trip highlights include enjoying local cuisine at Andros Fish Fry, Poop Deck, and Bahama Grill. We mostly ate grilled seafood and lots of conch -- which I had never had before. I think I ate my own weight in conch salad, conch soup, conch fritters, etc. Oh, and grouper fish too. We also went out with some of the other guests at night to check out the local bars and clubs, including Aura at the Atlantis, Via Restaurant & Bar, and Señor Frog's (touristy, but so fun). 

I think my all-time top three Bahamas moments were taking a long walk down East Cable Beach (approximately a mile) during sunset; getting an evening tour of the magnificent aquarium in the Atlantis from new friends from our resort; and of course meeting some of the guests at the Melia and hearing their stories: a telecomm entrepreneur from Ohio, a musician who is the nephew of Sydney Poitier, a group of guys from Fort Worth, Texas on a bachelor party trip, etc. And of course, hanging out with everyone in our group: Liz, Abby, Sarah, Irina, and Kris. Lucky to have shared this experience with you guys! xoxo

trip to Beacon, New York

On MLK Monday, Tina, Kim and I hopped on the Metro North to visit a teeny little town upstate called Beacon. We checked out the contemporary art museum Dia, ate delicious sandwiches at Homespun, and walked up and down Main Street taking in the crisp air. I've only been upstate twice before (Catskills hiking and Hunter Mountain skiing) and hope to visit more often. Even though I was pretty exhausted from not sleeping well the night before, I'm so glad we had our little adventure.

(Photos by me. See a few more photos of the trip here.)

holiday gift guide #4: 9 gifts for the foodie extraordinaire

Cheers to our foodie friend who always initiates brunch at fabulous places, whips up the most amazing chocolate chip blondies, and always has the best cookbooks lying around. She is such a blessing because she loves eating out and in. Here are some gifts that would fit her to a T...

Because this will always be on the top of her list: KitchenAid Artisan Design Series 5 Qt Stand Mixer - Azure Blue, $349.99

Because she could hang this on all her future Christmas trees to come: Cake ornament, $7

Because she deserves it: Cocktail Hour Every Month subscription, $280 for 3 months

Because she thinks owning a cookbook stand is a sign of real adulthood: Oak Cookbook Stand, £26

Because she would devour this cookbook: The Epicurious Cookbook: More Than 250 of Our Best-Loved Four-Fork Recipes for Weeknights, Weekends & Special Occasions, $20.04 hardcover

Because she is always buying smoothies after her workouts: Cuisinart 7-Speed SmartPower™ Blender, $100

Because the smell of oranges invigorates her: Voluspa Cut Glass Jar Candle- Goji Torocco Orange Scent, $26

And the smell of vanilla relaxes her: Philosophy 'vanilla birthday cake' shampoo, shower gel & bubble bath, $16.50

Because she of all people needs to own this film: Julie & Julia, $7.49

holiday gift guide #3: 9 gifts for your creative kindred spirit

What would we do without our creative friends? Life would certainly not be nearly as fun. Here are some gift ideas for your creative kindred spirit who taught herself how to use Illustrator, always knows about the latest museum exhibits and art installations, and travels to countries by herself just for her own inspiration's sake.

Because she almost bought a set at Anthropologie and always regretted not getting them: Quartz coasters, $68

Because she's a global citizen: Lem Lem Ishi scarf, $84 (handmade in Ethiopia)

Because she would so use this next time she bakes: Wilton Hello Kitty Cake Pan, $12.49

Because she loves to surround herself with inspiring photography: Umbra Clothesline Flip Photo Display, $30

Because she has a quirky sense of fashion: Lips Striped Cream Jumper, $20.96

Because she'll always be nostalgic of her time in London: Streets of London iPhone 5/5S Case from ModCloth, $31.99

Because she's all about international snacking: Green tea Kit Kat 12 pack, $12

Because she appreciates the little details: Jonathan Adler Mr. & Mrs. Muse Mug, White, $24

Because secretly she'd love to lounge around and read all night (and so would you): Ralph Lauren Super-Soft Terry Kimono Robe, $62

holiday gift guide #2: 7 gifts for your favorite dude

Next up on the holiday gift guides are gifts for your favorite dude who taught you everything you know about wine, immediately adds you as a plus-one to his fun work events, and runs outside with you even when it's freezing and the only clean clothes he has are shorts.

Because he drinks way too much Starbucks: Bodum Eileen French Press Coffee Maker, 12oz, $30

Because he's clueless about skin protection: Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20, $17

Because he's really getting into golf these days: The Match: The Day the Game of Golf Changed Forever, $12.02

Because he's passionate about his Movember mustache: Great Mustaches Mug, $11.50

Because he loves his bourbon whiskey: Maker's Mark Bourbon Flavored Gourmet Cherries, $7.95

Because he's been searching for the perfect lightweight wallet: Jack Spade Leather Credit Card Holder, $65

Because he's been upping his fashion game lately: Richer Poorer Socks Holiday Gift 3-Pack, $32

holiday gift guide #1: 8 gifts for your stylish best friend

I'm so excited to kick off a series of holiday gift guides, starting with some ideas for the amazing women in our lives. Without further ado, here are some gifts for your stylish best friend who always shares her plate at brunch, remembers all of your crushes, and buys you tequila shots on your birthday but "forgets" to tell you the embarrassing things that happened as a result.

Because she walks everywhere in the city: Clarisonic's Pedi Foot Transformation set, $199

Because she's so petite she could buy from the boy's section: Boy's Fisherman Cotton Cable Sweater, $86

Because she appreciates the simple but personal things: Set of 6 Rustic Leather Boxed Coasters from West Elm, Personalized $65

Because she would find this hilarious (and she has a lot of scarves): Umbra Dress Scarf Holder, $15

Because she's always wanted one sitting on her desk, but never got around to pulling the trigger: Diptyque 'Noisetier - Hazelnut' Candle, $60

Because she appreciates the joy in beautiful stationary: Vintage Telephone Notepad 2 pack from Rifle Paper Co., $15

Because she could rock this so hard with her bubbly personality: Bubble Umbrella in Venetian Paisley from Vera Bradley, $40

Because she values her mind (and yours) more than anything: Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, $9.99