Of the moment // 11.6.15
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! 
Although I’m currently traveling in South Africa, I still wanted to share a few highlights from New York City: we are in the final stages of autumn’s last hurrah with colorful foliage, and we are slowly but surely settling into our apartment (aka pictures are finally hung!). Even though I’m so stoked for all the travel that I have coming up, I’m missing my home in Brooklyn something fierce: a lot of energy has gone into making it the place in which I want to spend the most time, and I can’t wait to get back to it.
New York City
Off the 103rd Street entrance on the west side, there is the most gorgeous little lake, bridge and waterfall. It was especially gorgeous when all of the leaves were on fire, but I think it would be wonderfully romantic under the first snowfall. I rarely get up that far north in the park, but I think I might have to make more of a habit–it’s so much more serene than the spots closer to the tourist chaos of 59th Street. I had a nice little cross-park walk up here on Sunday on the way from Mile 22 to the marathon finish line: my boyfriend ran his very first marathon in 4:35, and I was able to spot him at three different points!
Fixed Life Envy: Sleeping Spaces
I was super inspired by this bright and airy Brooklyn home tour on Cup of Jo–even though my boyfriend thought it was TOO bright and white (to which I responded: is there even such a thing?). That said, I loved her point about creating a serene oasis that feels like a hotel room. We opted for the white percale Venice set from Parachute: even though it takes some work to keep it clean, I feel like the simplicity of the white sheets create this wonderfully relaxing and refreshing space (akin to the amazing sleep I always get in hotels). Bonus: they are so soft and comfortable!
Looks
They say that fashion goes in cycles, but there are some things that just never go out of style. Case in point: black Converse sneakers. I remember being so stoked to get my first pair when I was 12 or 13–and my dad telling me about the Chuck Taylor high-tops that he wore in high school. Fast forward 15 years (and who knows how many pairs in between), and they’re still my go-to weekend shoes.
Fixed Life Envy: Working Spaces
This is my new favorite light-filled corner in our apartment, and such a delightful little nook to set up with my laptop and a cup of coffee. I’m especially stoked to have my Knowlita prints hung! I bought the limited edition Coffee Cups of Brooklyn as a pre-celebration purchased when it launched, I didn’t want to hang it until we moved in together. We regularly got coffee at Oslo, had brunch at Colette and biked to Brooklyn Roasting Company–no matter where we end up, it’s such a nice reminder of where we started. We used Framed & Matted to frame both prints, and it was super easy–and way more affordable than a traditional framing shop. I love how clean they look hanging up on the white walls!
Reads
Since we’re traveling in Nelson Mandela’s footsteps on this trip, thought it was only fitting to read Mandela’s autobiography: Long Walk to Freedom. I honestly didn’t know too much about his life, and I’ve been completely intrigued so far.
Words
“There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.” -Nelson Mandela
I’m currently in South Africa! Follow along with this weekend’s adventures in Johannesburg via Instagram.
