Of the moment // 11.7.14
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!
My mantra for my first week back in the city: live less out of habit and more out of intent. After a week of rejuvenating sunshine and utter relaxation and a crazy healthy lifestyle (sunrise walks on the beach, morning yoga, Reiki and breath work, and fresh vegetarian meals), it’s been a little tough to readjust to dirty subways, fluorescent lights and too much screen time. I also feel like it’s end-of-year social crunch time: the next two months will just FLY by with parties and shopping and too-short days, and it’s already overwhelming. Alas! I’ve been intentional about morning meditation, cooking healthy and not-too-processed meals, and making time to read my book and enjoy my morning walk. Trying to bring a little bit of that yoga retreat goodness into the every day!
Looks
There are some mornings where I wake up and look in my closet and just feel like ARGH I HAVE WORN ALL OF THESE THINGS A MILLION TIMES. I had one of those mornings this week, but mixed and matched and threw together an outfit that made me feel very happy and fall-ish and showed off my newly earned Nicaraguan tan. And then I wandered through anthropologie (a lunchtime guilty pleasure!) and just thought: I don’t NEED any of these things. I don’t NEED a neon sweater, or a pretty new dress, or a multi-patterned skirt, or even another pair of boots. I already have so much in my closet! It’s funny how that happens, but honestly, I’m continually working on making the most out of my wardrobe: that doesn’t mean having the most things, but rather, having enough things that work (and spark joy!).
Eats
My friends Kate and Austin are basically the world’s best hosts, and they invited my boyfriend and me over for our favorite double date meal: mussels! I get a little weird about cooking seafood at home, but Austin always makes it looks like no big thang (their last supper club theme was even Come Sea Food–they are also very good at puns!). So we sipped on white wine, ate a giant pot of mussels, and soaked up all of the garlicky wine deliciousness with hunks of crusty bread. Grateful for friends like these in the hood.
Streets
These chalk hearts have been popping up all over SoHo, making me smile every time I see another burst of color. I don’t know if anything can ever replace yarn bombing as my favorite form of “temporary” street art, but chalk art might just come close. You musn’t be afraid to dream a little bigger, darling!
Reads
My boyfriend’s roommate is a big fan of Western novels: he recommend Lonesome Dove to me earlier this year, and I think it’s one of my favorite books I’ve ever read. He recently told me about These Is My Words, and I haven’t been able to put it down. I’ve been intrigued by the American West ever since I was a kid playing Oregon Trail, and this book puts so much into perspective on how tough life was for the original pioneers. Highly recommend!
New York City
One of the things that constantly amuses me is the endless number of New York City guides. There are guides to “quiet” New York, and “design” New York, and the city with kids or in the middle of the night or completely on foot. The best part is that there is always something new to discover here, even if it’s just a new way of approaching HOW you see the city. To that end, I kind of love Boohoo’s new guide to New York City: you choose a place in five categories (shopping, culture, places to eat, bars and outdoor) and then it gives you tips on what to wear for each location. I found a bunch of new shops and cafes that I want to check out–and got some fun shopping inspo!
Words
“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.”
~ William Hutchinson Murray
We had a last-minute change of plans this weekend, so I’m unexpectedly staying in Brooklyn! I’m looking forward doing some yoga, exploring a new neighborhood and grabbing dinner with my new roommate. Maybe even some goal setting and Christmas present shopping! What are you up to?
