Tuesday, October 11, 2016

YEAR 2 OF LIVING IN NEW YORK



On October 10th, 2014 at 3 A.M., I crossed over the George Washington Bridge and into Manhattan. Moving to New York was never something I saw myself doing, but when life brings you opportunities, sometimes you have to take it and RUN! It's hard to even believe that it's been 2 years already. I still feel like I just moved here but also strangely feel like I've been here forever. That's the thing about New York, once you live here you instantly become attached. My first year living in New York was one to remember. It was full of amazing experiences and growth. And year two has been just as memorable. Here are some of my favorite memories over the past year. 






Walking in a Real Life Winter Wonderland. This past February, NYC literally shut down for an entire day due to 24 inches of fluffy white snow that covered the city. At the time, I had a friend in town visiting who had never seen snow. So, after being cooped up inside all day playing games, drinking and even having a build your own snowman contest, we were more than ready to get out of the apartment the next day. So, we bundled up and headed out to Central Park. It was breathtaking. I've seen snow many times in my life, but this was something magical. 



Standing at The Top of The Empire State Building. Seeing all of New York City from 86 floors up above, gives you all the feels. It also, gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "views for days". It reminded me of how lucky I am to be able to call this concrete jungle, home. 





Sunday Funday in Brooklyn. This Summer, my brother visited NYC for the very first time. I was excited to get to show him around the city. But I also wanted to show him life outside of Manhattan. And Brooklyn is the next best borough. We first walked across the Brooklyn Bridge, then grabbed pizza at Grimaldi's and finished the day drinking beers at the Brooklyn Brewery. By far, one of my most favorite days.




Taking My Mom to The Color Purple on Broadway. Once I knew that Heather Headley would be taking over the role of Shug, I knew I had to see this show. And what better show to take your Mom to during a girls weekend?! It was one of the best shows I have seen thus far. After the show, I pulled my Mom quickly aside and stood to wait for the cast outside. We got to have our playbills signed by all of the main cast including Heather Headley and Cynthia Erivo. I was freaking out (on the inside of course). Sharing that moment with my Mom was amazing. 





Seeing Alicia Keys perform in Rockefeller Center. I may have had to wake up at 4:30 A.M. to only stand in the back of the crowd behind a street light pole. But to hear Alicia Keys sing LIVE made all of it worth it. Not to mention, I got to share the moment with my best friend. We bonded over Alicia Keys music over a decade ago and I'm pretty sure we will dance to 'No One' one day at my wedding. 




Witnessing my best friend propose to his boyfriend. That dinner, those words and the tears shed will always be a night to remember. I can't wait to plan their wedding and stand next to my best friend as he says 'I Do'. Love is Love. 






Finding New friendships. Moving to a new city means meeting new friends. And although there are millions of people here, it almost makes it harder. Everyone is busy with work and the city hustle, so it's not often you find long lasting friendships. But I have been lucky to meet some amazing people and I am so glad I get to call them friends.


I never could have imagined all the things that would come with living in New York City. Every day still feels as exciting as the next. I can't wait to see what the next 365 days brings!



 XO, Rae

Friday, October 7, 2016

FALL BUCKET LIST





It's finally cool enough in New York City, where you need an extra blanket on your bed at night. I love how the city changes with each season. And FALL is no exception. As the leaves start to change in Central Park, we pack up our shorts and tanks, break out the sweaters and trade in our iced lattes for PSL's. There is so much in the city to look forward to in the Fall. Here are a few things I have on my bucket list to capture the most of the season. 


1. Walk through Central Park to see the Fall foliage with a Pumpkin Spice Latte in hand.

2. Bake Pumpkin Bread. It's one of the few things I'm actually good at baking.


3. Take a trip to upstate New York with friends. We actually have this beautiful house from the 1800's booked for an upcoming weekend. Can't wait!


4. Visit a festival and sip apple cider. 

5. Carve pumpkins. You're never too old to celebrate Halloween, right?!





6. Find a new favorite Fall scented candle at Bath & Body Works.

7. Ice skate in Bryant Park under the stars. 


8. Drink copious amounts of wine with my best friend. She is visiting NYC for the first time, next month! #girlsweekend

9. Take new headshots for the blog. Any suggestions for local NYC photographers??

10. Launch my lifestyle brand Rae Created. Eeeeek!




What are you adding to your Fall bucket list?  Comment below. 




XO, Rae