Sweatshirt || Jeans || Flats || Clutch || Sunglasses

I may currently be in New Orleans, but I’ve had so many new restaurants and adventures this past month I couldn’t help but share! After a “mild” first winter, the city has come back alive and I’m all for it. In the Upper East Side, in particular, there are gorgeous blooms and blossoms around almost every corner. Spring also means welcoming back outdoor dining and the sidewalks are packed with diners. Here’s what I’m currently loving in the city.

• Ferry over Subway (FDR Drive & 34th Street, Murray Hill): On the first truly beautiful weekend of the year, we wanted to go explore Williamsburg and see what all the hype was all about. Instead of taking three different trains, we opted for a much more scenic route and hopped on the ferry. For about the same price as a subway swipe, you can see the city from a new perspective and breath some (mildly) fresher air. Since they serve drinks on board, making it a booze cruise is also an option.
• Spoon Table Bar (40 East 33rd Street, Murray Hill): Before we took our maiden voyage on the ferry, we popped into this little brunch spot in Murray Hill. I’m not sure what brought me to this particular spot, since I heard about it from a quick google search, but I’m already a fan. Their breakfast menu covers all the classics, including my go-to huevos rancheros, and their Bloody Mary was top notch.
• Fette Sau (354 Metropolitan Avenue, Williamsburg): This restaurant came highly recommended from a friend and he has some pretty great tastes. Since I didn’t even bother to look at the menu before going, I assumed we were heading to a French bistro. Even the sign outside, with its dainty pink, neon script, was pointing in that direction What I absolutely didn’t expect was a former garage turned BBQ joint. As a southerner, the food was incredible and gave me one of those surreal feelings of food contentment. Pro Tip: Be sure to end your meal with their brownies, you’ll thank me later.

• Maman (239 Centre Street, Soho): If you are looking for a sweet and thoughtful spot to have your Sunday morning brunch, then look no further. Everything about this restaurant really speaks to me, from it’s blue and white decor to the insanely good food. Even the iced coffee, which I swear has hints of lavender or something floral, was noteworthy.
• PJ Clarkes (915 3rd Avenue, Midtown East): Always go with the original! Although this has turned into a chain around the city and parts of the northeast, the original location is still standing at 55th Street and 3rd Avenue. In fact, it’s been in that exact spot since 1884. Some big names have wandered through for a meal including Nat King Cole, Buddy Holly, and Jackie Kennedy. Don’t let the age fool you though, it’s one of the best burgers I’ve had in the city and requires frequent trips.
• Freehold (45 S 3rd Street, Williamsburg): Let me start by saying that this bar wasn’t quite my scene, but I still had a great time anyways. It honestly reminded me of a lot of the bars that I’m used to in Tampa or Tallahassee. It was crowded, with lots of young professionals, and fancy drinks. All of that being said, it had a really great outdoor space and very diverse cocktail list. We actually got there when it first opened for the day and grabbed a seat at the bar, but when we left, the line to get in was around the block. Clearly, this was the place to be on a Sunday afternoon.

As always, please feel free to let me know of any great restaurants in the city. I’m Manhattan based, but we’ve heard a lot of amazing things about the food scene in Queens. I can’t wait to keep following my stomach in the Big Apple!

Love from NYC,
Katie

Blouse || Pants || Wedges || Scarf (similar)|| Handbag

Now that Winter is finally over, I can look forward to my weekends again. There will be no more bunkering down, trying to figure out how to stay warm. Instead, I have a spoil of riches to try and find out what to do. I’ll give you a hint, it all involves spending as much time outside as possible. In a word, Spring in New York has been magical so far. Through the extra crowds of people, there is a fresh sense of optimism that I had never experienced here before. It’s helped me understand why anything can truly happen in this city.

My NYC Spring Bucket List has grown more and more by the day. Everyone has a different opinion on what the best experiences are and I’m ready to take them head on. In just a week, I will be on Spring Break from school and this teacher feels like she’s going to have all the time in the world. There isn’t a more perfect opportunity to take advantage of what this city has to offer. Here are some of my top picks!

• Walk the Brooklyn Bridge: Is it cliché? Probably… But it’s still something I absolutely want to experience for myself. It’s hard to think of this city’s highlights without mentioning this landmark. It’s the perfect excuse to be outside, get some exercise, and see the city from a new vantage point.
• Go to see a baseball game: David and I both have family ties in Queens, meaning we should probably cheer on the Mets. Still, Yankee Stadium is just a few stops away on the 4-5 Train and is a lot more convenient to get to. Whichever we pick, I’ll be sure to root, root, root for the home team.

• Take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry: Launching near Bowling Green, in the Financial District, I have heard from many people that this is the best way to take in the city and see the views. This is especially true at dusk, in the Spring.
• Have a cocktail at the MET Rooftop Bar: I never need an excuse to enjoy a drink outside, but to be on a rooftop bar at my favorite museum in the city sounds like heaven. Opening in just a few short weeks, this spot offers unobstructed views of Central Park and the skyline. Cheers!

• Pack a lunch for Central Park: Doesn’t this just sound so romantic? I love the idea of wrapping a homemade sandwich and packing up an old-school style picnic basket and blanket. The weather will be just perfect to find a quiet grassy area of the park and enjoy some prime people watching. Sparkling wine is not required, but highly recommended.
• Visit a Botanical Garden: Whether it’s visiting the one in Brooklyn or the Bronx, I’m happy either way. They both offer several festivals and events throughout the season and are realitively easy to get to. I may be the worst at keeping plants alive, but I always appreciate someone with a green thumb and the fruits of their labor.

Even in the city, nothing says Spring to me like bringing out the gingham. I was so happy to dust off these gingham pants from J. Crew for a new season. Even though they laid dormant for all of Fall and Winter, they are one of my favorites. I kept the bulk of the outfit monochromatic, per usual, but experimented with a pop of color and print mixing with this nautical themed scarf from Tuckernuck. Since it already meshes so well with the bulk of my wardrobe, it will become a staple piece throughout the Spring and Summer.

I hope you all are loving your Spring so far. If you have any other favorite seasonal activities, especially in NYC, be sure to let me know in the comments below!

Love from NYC,
Katie

Sweatshirt || Jeans || Sneakers || Crossbody || Trench

It has been way too long since my last NYC Update! Earlier in the week, I shared my recent struggle with homesickness (here), but don’t think that means I’m sick of city living! Far from it! I love taking in all that the city has to offer and using my precious weekends to get out and explore. Now that the weather has finally turned for the better, getting up into the 60’s, I’m ready to get back out there.

I may not have a set plan for the weekend, yet, but there are some bullet points that I definietly want to hit…

• Find a new coffee spot downtown: On Saturdays, we are very committed to grabbing our morning coffee from nearby Birch. They have shops all over the city and just so happen to have a delicious cold-brew on tap. One of my goals for the weekend is hop downtown to find a new little cafe to enjoy some coffee and scone. Why should I limit myself to only one neighborhood?

• Take a LONG walk through the park: The flowers are starting to come back and the grass is getting greener. That means the conditions are nearly perfect for a long stroll and picnic in the park. I love the thought of grabbing an oversized blanket and sandwich to-go from Serafina to just sit and people watch.

• Have brunch somewhere new: With new resturants popping up everyday, it’s hard to keep up with what’s the lastest place to dine. I’m not looking for anything that is particularly fancy or instagram worth, I just like finding spots with a fun vibe and good food. Just like my coffee shops, this probably means going downtown to SOHO or Tribeca to give new neighborhoods a try.

• Find fashion inspriation for Spring and Summer: I’m still on my Lenten shopping freeze, but that doesn’t mean I had to give up window shopping, too. Since I already have quite a few trips lined up over the next few months, I’m starting to make mental planning lists for each location to give you fun and current content.

Okay, as I type this out, I realize that this weekend isn’t that wild and crazy, but most times the best weekends aren’t! If you have any new suggestions on where to brunch or have coffee, be sure to let me know in the comments.

Love from NYC,
Katie