Sushi, Margaritas & Cupcakes

Once our friends left on Wednesday the three roomies had less than 24 hours before our newest visitors came. Fran's 21st birthday was on Sunday the 20th so her two friends from school came in for the weekend. Thursday night I went to get drinks with LaDawn, my friend Anna's big sister in her sorority, after work. She has interned in New York during college and now lives here. LaDawn is a NYC superstar and knows all of the great places to go! I was so happy for my worlds to collide when meeting her, she was so helpful and sweet! We had happy hour at Mercadito Grove and the margaritas were only $6. Let me tell you, I will never take South Depot's $5 margaritas for granted again because here in New York you can't get one for less than $12!

Friday was a summer Friday again (as always) at work, whoop whoop! There were two Momofuku birthday cakes there for the girls' friends and I wanted to badly to take a little bite. Ugh, so tempting. I began my day on Friday by going straight to Alison Brod PR, which is the PR company that Dannijo uses. They're awesome! I loved getting to go to their office and picking up the jewelry and handbags. I also got to take a cab with the jewelry from ABPR to Dannijo, so, with my cup of coffee in my hand, I took the cab from Park Ave to Meatpacking and for a moment I felt a little fabulous for a Friday at 9:30.

Friday afternoon I went to visit Susanna at the Tarte sample sale. The line was INSANE! A YouTube star named Bunnie was there signing autographs and I don't know who she is, but teeny boppers apparently love her and were wrapped all over Broadway in a huge line to see her. Luckily I got to go right up to the door and say, "I don't want to meet Bunnie, I just want to shop." It was a pretty funny sentence. Susan was a superstar salesperson and apparently needs to switch her major to marketing.

Also I got Baked by Melissa because how could you not?

To begin the celebration for Fran's 21st we went to Sushi Samba in the West Village and had the best sushi we've had so far in the city. I got to make my own roll and the spicy mayo was the greatest. I might have even looked over and seen Fran spooning it into her mouth, it's okay, it's her birthday she can do what she wants. Since we didn't actually get our food until midnight, we just hung out at the restaurant then found a donut place, Holey Donuts, which topped off the night.

Saturday my family came and I was on cloud nine! I will write about that in another post. I was with them the entire day until dinner at 9:30 at Buddakan for Fran's actual birthday dinner. Friends from Atlanta came to visit and it was a fun birthday dinner filled with too much food. Obviously the three roomies got sappy and had a birthday photo shoot because we really are all so thankful for each other here in the city. Feel free to "awww." After dinner we went out to The Standard, aka Fran's stomping grounds, and ate Georgetown Cupcakes while walking there. Classy. (it's because we weren't allowed to eat them at Buddakan).

Happy 21st Fran!

Friends & the City

Thursday, July 10th was a big day in many people's lives. Susanna, Frances & I greeted Anna Claire, Betsy Kate, Alyssa, Bailey and Ginny to The Big Apple! How much of a tourist did I sound like calling New York the Big Apple? It's fine.

Our friends were here for 6 days! It was incredible and packed with so many good times. This post might be overwhelming, and if you don't make it all the way through I don't blame you, because I think we hit every spot we wanted to hit. Thursday at work I was so anxious because I knew my friends were meeting me at Dos Caminos in Meatpacking and I would finally get to see familiar faces.

Oh, let me tell you about how great work was though on Thursday! We celebrated Jasmina's 21st birthday. Everyone from downstairs quickly ran upstairs and we all yelled "Surprise!" when she walked in. It was a "mandatory team meeting" that was randomly called. It was good I tell ya. Everyone had champagne and cupcakes and as if I don't already love it there so much, moments like this happen and I just look around and am beyond happy.

Fun fact, now everyone at work knows about my strange eating habits. It went down like how it normally does, people yelling out food choices and me most likely responding, "no." Basically I only like 5 things: pizza, cupcakes, icecream, french fries and pasta. Yeah...

Dos Caminos was a bad experience - they overcharged us all, especially Bailey who accidentally got charged $124. Good news though, Dos Caminos gave us a bottle of free champagne and it made everything better! We then walked to The High Line and showed everyone where Fran & I work in Meatpacking on West 14th. All of us ended the night getting Baked by Melissa. Thursday was also a fun day because Ann Marie met Jodie and Danielle at an event at Liberty in London. My worlds totally came together in London & it was too funny!

Friday at work flew by and then you will never guess where we went afterwards. Coney Island. Susanna, Betsy Kate, Bailey, Anna Claire, Alyssa & I headed on the L to Coney Island, aka the last stop on the subway. Coney Island is a strange experience that I don't think I would ever want to have again, but I would never have traded that Friday night. The beach and boardwalk with the rides reminded me of Ocean Shores in Rocket Power. Let me tell you, all I ever wanted to be when I was younger was Reggie in the camo pants.

Coney Island surprisingly had a lot of rides to offer, yet it was a little disgusting thinking of who had been in the rides before us. The roller coasters were NOT messing around. Steeplechase was a fun one, you rode on horses. I know you're probably giggling right now. The other roller coaster was another story and I saw my life flash before my eyes. It was like your usual superman ride where you're on your stomach but I was not in the ride tight enough and I thought I was about to be free falling over the good ole Coney Island.

Two of my favorite rides were the swings and the Electro-Spin. You could see the entire park plus the beach and it felt so nice to see that view. It was away from tall skyscrapers. I was also having FOMO that I was missing my family's beach trip.

Coney Island was good until the sun set and fog overtook the entire boardwalk. We were waiting for the fireworks but quickly ran back to the subway when the hobo karaoke got a little weird and we couldn't even see the ocean anymore. Ran so fast.

Saturday morning we were up and at it going to The Plaza for brunch in the bottom. I had a Nutella crepe and was in heaven. Fran, in her natural ways, had sushi for breakfast. The Eloise store in the bottom of the Plaza is any little girls' dream. So much pink. So much frill. It's a good thing I wasn't allowed to go in there as a child, or I would have been Veruca. Once we had our Eloise fill, we continued on to be children again and we went into FAO Schwartz. I had never been in there before and I really did love it. So many Barbies, baby dolls, dress-up clothes and HUGE stuffed animals.

Afterwards then we walked around Fifth & went to FAO Schwartz, Lindt, saw St, Patrick's Cathedral and more. Finally we made our way to Dylan's Candy Bar to get some candy and candy drinks. We sat in cupcakes and it was a total tourist move, but it was too good having a rock candy lollipop in a mango tango drink. To wrap up the Upper East Side we went to the steps of the Met to once again pretend we were all Blair and Serena, and to the Central Park reservoir to pretend we were Charlotte from Sex & the City. 

Saturday night we went to dinner at Mira Sushi, then went to The Standard. Instead of going up to the rooftop we went to one of the places in the front which was a cute restaurant where we sat and talked, and Fran met up with us after dinner with her other intern friends - face paint included. This was (cheesy I know) definitely one of those moments where I was thankful for these friends and that they were able to come to visit us in the city.

Sunday morning Betsy Kate, Bailey, Anna Claire & I went to church at Hillsong, I was so happy to finally go to one of their services! The building is absolutely beautiful and the worship songs were some of the new ones. We all loved it! Oh, and they give you a cookie as a snack. Victory.

For lunch we all went to The Smile, always a favorite. I tried the waffle for the first time and the other times I've been to The Smile apparently I've been missing out. We shopped around SoHo all day, looking at Free People, H&M, Paige, Bloomingdale's and Piperlime. Obviously Betsy Kate and I bought the Sincerely, Jules t-shirts from Piperlime and black matte Birkenstocks. To hide from the rain that hit that afternoon, we ran into Laduree SoHo and had a little afternoon snack. What more could I want than ice cream with a macaron on top?

 

Sunday night we had dinner at Angelo's in Little Italy and all appreciated red wine & pasta (not that we already didn't) for Alyssa. This was one of the best pastas I've ever eaten. Way too much food in one day, but it's fine.

Monday was a work day for Susanna and I, but that didn't stop anyone from running around the entire city. I had to run a few errands at work. I was on cloud nine at work because I finally wore my Celine Dion shirt. That afternoon on my way home it was a torrential downpour so Erika and Elizabeth walked me to the subway with their umbrellas and it was just adorable. Bonding. For dinner Fran found a new place for us to try, Cafeteria.
 They had mac-n-cheese spring rolls so I was happy to venture to a new spot. The mac-n-cheese spring rolls didn't disappoint and they were one of the greatest appetizers I've ever eaten. I'll never not love mac-n-cheese.

After dinner we got a phone call from Anna Claire saying that her flight was cancelled because of the rain so instead of her leaving on Monday, she was going to be leaving on Wednesday just like everyone else. What a bummer, extra days in the city! Susanna went back to the apartment to let her in while the rest of us went to Momofuku which we had been dying to try. They have soft serve icecream that was flavored like cereal milk. It was one of those things that I couldn't stop eating it, but I actually don't think I liked it. Next on the list is to try their birthday cake!

Tuesday, a day off! Finally we slept in. Our plan was to go to breakfast at Cafe Gitane but it was way too crowded & so we tried The Butcher's Daughter. This was my happy place. No meat, only vegetarian options and most even were vegan. I got a kale salad with green apples and sunflowers, literally my two favorite foods. Almost everyone else got the avocado on toast which was my worst nightmare, but they said it was delicious.

When we were sitting outside eating more rain struck. This time it was basically flooding and cabs were splashing us from the streets. As soon as we could we got into a cab and came back to the apartment, instead of shopping in SoHo like planned, and everyone went to get high tea at Bergdorf's, but Fran & I stayed back. Napping never felt so good. The rain cleared up a little, but it was still sprinkling. Around dinner time we went to Chobani, Birchbox, Laduree and then ended up at a mexican restaurant. Chips and salsa, all I need. Anna Claire and Susanna went to the Of Mice & Men stage door after dinner to see James Franco.

 Birchbox SoHo

 Fish tacos

Fran was splashed by a cab aka hobo water everywhere

It was sad to see our people leave on Wednesday morning but we had a great time with everyone being here. This made me so thankful for one more year in Oxford with everyone, even though I do love working in the city.

Teen Vogue & Chris Colfer

If there was a day when I was on cloud nine, I would have to say that Tuesday, July 8th was definitely one of those days. It was my day off and Susanna & I had quite the day planned. Susanna was getting her hair done at Fekkai, which was convenitenyl located at the top of Bendel's, can you imagine how fab she felt?! It was totally another Blair Waldorf moment for her. If you don't know, Susanna is Blair Waldorf. She met Leighton Meester and got her to sign the back of her phone and also a macaron box.

Okay, now back on topic, while Susanna was getting her hair done I decided to go and journal in Central Park. Bad idea. Hobo sighting and he plopped himself down right at my table. He was dressed in granny panties, a Statue of Liberty tie and a bucket hat, along with the two teeth he had on the bottom of his mouth. I tried to act calm but I'm sure I looked a little out of place sitting their with my big sketchbook that I use as a journal, workout clothes on, a big purse beside me, and I'm sure a little bit of terror in my eyes.

Thankfully the NYPD in Central Park came up so fast, literally faster than anyone could imagine, and escorted him out of the park. This really has been my only encounter with a hobo here that has made me feel a bit worried.

I moved to a new location that was closer to people and the streets to finish my journaling. This was my new view:

Afterwards I went into the Plaza food court which is also where the Eloise store is. Five-year-old me is in heaven in that Eloise store and I want to buy everything. It's probably a good idea I was never taken there as a child because I would have totally pulled a Veruca and demanded everything. Susanna met me there once she was blonde and beautified, she was on cloud nine.

In the afternoon I was beyond nervous. I was going to Teen Vogue at 3 p.m. to meet with the Social Media Manager of Teen Vogue. "3 p.m. 9th floor, I'll meet you at the doors." Dying. I had so many feelings I was freaking out on the inside. If you're wondering how this got set up, here's how: In October when I went to the Teen Vogue Fashion University, a panel of Teen Vogue directors spoke. I loved hearing about the social media of the magazine from Drew Elovitz. When I was applying for internships in January I emailed her to ask, and unfortunately Teen Vogue/Conde Nast ended their internship program. She told me though that she could tell I really loved social media and that we could meet up during the summer. I remember reading this email to Ali and Ann Marie, practically screaming.

So once the summer rolled around I emailed her again to stay in contact and boom, I got the opportunity to go to Teen Vogue and chat about social media and the magazine. So many feelings! The little meet up was only about 30 minutes, but it was awesome! She offered me advice, told me about her job, we chatted about Teen Vogue and about Dannijo. It's funny how for the longest time I thought to myself "Okay, I like writing and I like the age of 7th/8th graders and Freshman/Sophomores, so maybe I'll be a high school English teacher." I was in heaven at Teen Vogue because my love for writing, social media and teenage lifestyle/entertainment/fashion was all talked about in one place and moment. I was so grateful to have gotten to go!

And to think that this was only half-way through my Tuesday! Our night time activity was a meet & greet with Chris Colfer, Kurt from Glee, at Barnes & Noble on Union Square. Susanna is a HUGE Glee fan, and I watched the first 3 seasons. Kurt is by far one of the greatest characters on the show. The night before we met him, Susanna showed me this video and my love for him increased more:

We stood in line starting at 5 p.m. but plot twist, the entire 4th floor was already packed and we had to wait on the 3rd. After waiting for about an hour and a half on the 3rd floor, we were allowed to go up to the 4th before he came out to sign the books. Who knew he wrote a book, and 3 books at that?! These two nice adults even gave us their seats inside the special roped off area, s'kind!

At around 7:15 Chris Colfer entered and the teeny boppers went crazy for him! He is just as I imagined. To start off the book signing, he read an excerpt from the book & also did a Q&A. Susanna and I were in love. His voice, his clothes, everything - he is adorable.

Based on "The Boy Next Door" Susanna planned what to say to him when we went up to get our books signed. Of course we went up together! She said, "I was hoping you would have worn your gold pants from 'The Boy Next Door.'" He laughed so hard and said that he didn't realize how tight the pants were until afterwards and that he burned them, then he gave us both a high five. *swoon* (Yes, I know he has a boyfriend, whatever). Meet Chris Colfer: check. It was a success.

So good job Tuesday, you were great! July 8th will go down in the books. Susanna's hair appointment at Bendel's, my meeting at Teen Vogue, and our high-fives with Chris Colfer.. too good!

Fireworks, Rainy Brunch & Souvineers

The debate of staying in New York vs. traveling to either: home, D.C. or Turks & Caicos (we can dream, right?). New York City won and we were all so happy we made that choice. I'm sure if you've seen the movie Something Borrowed you remember the scene where they talk about how the city clears out for the Fourth of the July. The rumors were true and the city was empty -- it was eerily quite, but we kinda liked it.
Thursday the 3rd was a half day at work; we got off at 1 pm.The day wasn't too busy because no one was needing jewelry at magazines or for photo shoots the day before the 4th. I had to stay after a little to wait on handbags being delivered from Elle. Towards the last 30 minutes of our day the office was so fun and talkative. I just love the people I work with. Everyone was picking out jewelry for the weekend, talking about plans, offering advice & laughing and listening to music. Life is good at Dannijo let me tell ya.

 Bergdorf's neighbor, The Plaza, not too shabby

Life got better interning at Dannijo when I went to Bergdorf's. After work I met with Susanna at the apartment and we went to Bergdorf's to look at the Dannijo jewelery sold there. The 5th floor was magical. Yes, that's right, magical. I talked to the sales ladies there and got some great feedback. It was so fun!

Thursday night we all debated going out but with the torrential downpour that hit the entire city, we decided to be teenage girls and lay around, eat and talk and giggle. Cute roomies we are. We were resting up for our long weekend ahead to celebrate!

Friday morning it was rainy and cold as we ventured to brunch at the Tipsy Parson. I was way too excited for this and let me tell you, it was a let down. The food wasn't that great and the biscuit was not my grandma's homemade biscuit. The company, as always, was priceless. We went shopping in SoHo for a bit during the rain, then headed back to get ready for the night because PTL it stopped raining finally.

 At night to watch the fireworks we went to The Standard rooftop. It was incredible. We could see the Empire State Building lit up red, white and blue to one side, and Freedom Tower on the other. Also we could see all sides of the city's fireworks. It was definitely a moment and I sat up there thinking how incredible this summer has been so far and how thankful I am to have been offered this opportunity. I think sometimes I get wrapped up in this city and I always need to remind myself when I forget I'm in New York, that I am here and this is just unreal.

 Au revoir, Jamie!

Saturday morning we said goodbye to Jamie for the rest of the summer, our bebe dolphin and lead singer, and also Frances went home for the weekend. Susan and Chan, play time in the city. We decided to do a little redecorating and surprise Fran, and also our new roomie that was to move in the next day. These are the things we bought to hang in the room: an American flag, 3 photos of Barack Obama (yes, that's right), Laduree cards, a Coney Island map, a MoMA brochure, Baked by Melissa cupcake cards, a Columbia map, The Smile card, and Georgetown cards.

In the afternoon after buying the most random $1 goodies from Times Square, Susanna and I went to Columbia and pretended to be students. Except by pretending to be students we mean that we got no where because all the buildings were locked. We did get to layout on the grass though which was nice.

The 4th was unexpected in everything we did but we had a great time! It was said to see Jamie leave, but we all had a great 6 weeks together as Jamis and the Intramurals, our girl band. As much as I wanted to travel for the Fourth of July, I'm glad I stayed in the city because who doesn't love this place?! Once again, a New York weekend for the win.