Of the moment // 8.5.14
One of the reasons why I blog is simply to have the space to write: getting things “on paper” helps me to process my feelings and organize my thoughts. I also love having a record of my life over the past few years: a place that holds all of my stories, my photos, the ups and downs of travel. But sometimes, I also just want to remember and share the little things that brought me day-to-day joy. Every Friday, I’ll give you a peek into the book I currently can’t put down, a great restaurant discovery, a fun new product or an inspiring quote: a few things that I think you might enjoy before we all take off into the glory that is the weekend!
Once a month, I get together with four of my best girlfriends in the city for drinks and dinner: it’s very ending seasons of Sex and the City, with live-in boyfriends and engagements, great jobs and cute dogs, and just enough drama to make for a good story. When we got together earlier this summer, it was crazy because none of us had “news”: our relationships were great but stable, we were at the same jobs and the same apartments, gearing up for weekend getaways but nothing too exotic. We got together last night after I’ve had one of the most chaotic weeks ever, and my friend’s response: at least someone finally has some news! Fingers crossed I’ll be able to spill all the beans next week, but rest assured: it’s all good news.
Wanderlust
I can’t believe I haven’t mentioned this until now…but I’m going to Nicaragua in October! I’ll be on a yoga retreat that’s being led by one of my favorite Greenhouse Holistic teachers–and I’m rooming with one of my favorite ladies from yoga teacher training. I am SO stoked for a week of nothing but yoga, surfing and taking long walks on the beach. Bonus: bonfires, chakra work, chanting! I’m also thrilled to head back to Central America AND check my third new country of the year off the list.
Looks
I headed to the U.S. Open on Monday night on a double date: so fun! I love playing tennis, but this was the first time that I’d ever seen professional tennis in person. It’s SO athletic and so enthralling! The U.S. Open complex in Queens is fancy, too: we stopped by the Chase lounge for (free) drinks and appetizers. We also splurged on the Honeydeuce cocktails: Grey Goose vodka, Chambord, sparkling soda and honeydew melon balls that looked just like tennis balls! I sported my brand-new Nike Frees: basically, the first time I have worn sneakers in YEARS.
Drinks
On Sunday, my friends came over for the all-day affair of smoking meat in my courtyard. No joke: they arrived at 6 a.m. to start the ribs and the brisket! We kicked off the morning with mimosas: the boys stuck to regular orange juice and champagne, but the ladies sampled sparkling pink lemonade or grapefruit juice with champagne. A little sweet, but delicious!
C’est Ma Vie
I’m going to be a bridesmaid–for the very first time! I came home from Avalon to a package full of confetti and this incredible invite poem. So excited for all of the festivities and to celebrate one of my favorite couples–they’re actually the ones who we double-dated with to the U.S. Open AND who came over to smoke meat on Sunday.
Jewels
I received my very first Rocks Box this week, and I am already obsessed. For $20 a month, you get an endless rotation of new jewelry: Rocks Box sends you a box with three pieces and you can either keep and buy any pieces you really love OR you can send it back for a new set after you wear them. I am already tempted to keep this fantastic necklace–I’ve worn it every day since it arrived! The rings and the earrings are fun simply since they’re so different from anything I have, so I’m working them into a few different outfits before I send things back for the next round. I so rarely buy new jewelry, and this is a fun way to constantly refresh my look.
Reads
For my September book clubs, I just finished reading The Boys in the Boat (two thumbs up!) and am currently in the middle of The Thorn Birds. I actually already read The Thorn Birds when I was living in Melbourne, but I’m rereading it with the group–and it is still so enthralling! I also feel like I can appreciate so much more after driving across the Nullarbor: it’s hard to understand just how harsh and empty most of Australia is until you’re in the middle of it. As soon as I finish The Thorn Birds, the September issue of Vogue is calling my name!
Blooms
Serious fern envy from this window box in the West Village. 
Words
“Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” -Terry Pratchett
This weekend, I’m laying low: a birthday party, my favorite yoga class, triple date brunch, perhaps a visit to the Bronx Zoo. What are you up to?
