Reflection

2013 is coming to a close and I've been thinking a lot about the ups and downs of this year. There have been the highest highs and the lowest lows, but what I feel more than anything at the end of it all is changed. Profoundly changed. At 32 I am just beginning to feel like a grown-up. I think it can be hard at my age without a husband or children to feel as if your life is really your own. It is easier to remain the child to your parents and the dutiful sister, cousin, niece to your respective relatives. But your life is absolutely what you make of it and when you decide your ready to make change, change will happen. It's actually pretty extraordinary. So working towards the life that I want to live is where I find myself at the close of 2013. I am hopeful that 2014 will be filled with so much that I can't even imagine. I hope you have a wonderful and safe New Years.

Wardrobe: Christmas Day

In my house Christmas morning is all about the comfy sweats - my cousins sometimes even break out the holiday pajamas. But come the afternoon, when everyone arrives, and we sit in the living room around the Christmas tree waiting to open presents, dressing up is a necessity. I tried one year to get away with jeans and thought I might be shunned by my family so quickly ran back upstairs and changed. They key is practical - for chasing children, playing with toys, trying on the latest gift for everyone to see - but presentable. I'm thinking something like this:

dress, sweater, flats, necklace

Happy Weekend

Officially on holiday break (HOORAY!) and so excited to spend some time relaxing and hanging out with the extended family. I hope you have plans to relax, unwind and enjoy the holiday season.


Stuff to make you go "wow!": With only one more day left to see this amazing exhibit, I am heading to stand on line first thing.

Stuff to help you detox: No, not your diet, you're digital dependency. Here are some great ideas to help you unplug for the holidays.

Stuff that will make you say yum: Really wanting to test out this recipe (the whole blog is pretty awesome and worth exploring).

Stuff that will make you pause: I am a huge fan of photojournalism. I think it's an incredible skill to be able to capture a culture, an event, a moment, in a truly authentic way. The New York Times has a Pictures of the Day section that always captures my attention.

image from here

Explore: Patagonia

I have a pretty long list of places that I'd like to explore around the world, but near the top of that list is Patagonia. While there are many ways to do it... and some backpacking should definitely be involved - Hotel Salto Chico would be my accommodation of choice. Situated right in the middle of Torres del Paine National Park, the views really don't get any more spectacular than this. Any vacation that can have you horseback riding, climbing glaciers, kayaking in crystal clear waters, and wine tasting.... I'm in. 

Waiting game

So I've decided that waiting is just not my thing; Patience is not on my list of virtues and "in due time" is not a phrase you will ever hear me utter. I'm more a fan of "keep it moving." For the past couple of months I have been in the interview process for a new job at a nonprofit that I absolutely love. It has taken two months and four rounds of interviews and I am still waiting. I feel like I am about to climb walls. Everywhere I go I feel claustrophobic and every time an email pops up in my inbox my heart flies out of my chest. This is no way to live! And with the holidays coming, all I want to do is sort my life out. Start the new year with a new plan - whether it's planning to start a new job or a planning to find one. Either way.

I wish I could be more zen. More go with the flow. I've tried, but I like to make things happen. I see so many of my friends in jobs that are sucking the life out of them. It's absolutely hard and scary to admit that to yourself and put yourself out on the line to find something else, but I really think it's worth it. We spend so much of our lives working that being unhappy seems like such a waste of precious time. My goal is for this to be the case:

state of mind

Listen Up

Youth by Daughter is a song you've probably heard, but it just found its way into heavy rotation on my iPod again so I thought I'd share

Believe

I found this today on pinterest and it struck a chord with me. It made me immediately think of two people in my life who I would have never met had I not taken a chance and who have both changed the course of my life in significant ways. They are people who have made me feel supported and who have pushed me beyond what I thought were my limits. I absolutely believe because of them (you know who you are).

Last minute gift ideas

This year I was surprisingly ahead of the curve and did all my Christmas shopping early, but that hasn't stopped me from scouting the internet for other great gift ideas. Here are a few from some some of my favorite stores:

Backpack, earrings, scarf, key ring, blanket

Listen Up

I can't get enough of the voice of Valerie June...

Happy Weekend

This was kind of a crazy week for me. Aside from the fact that I was completely convinced on Tuesday it was Thursday (talk about setting yourself up for disappointment!), I've just had a lot going on between work, school and life. I have been trying to put myself in a position to make some changes in the next few months, but as always that means putting yourself out there to an often uncomfortable degree. So that's where you'll find me... sitting out on my limb trying to make things happen. In the meantime here are a few things that caught my eye this week:

Stuff to make you think: Ever wonder how Google masters innovation? Here a their nine principles

Stuff that will make you saw "wow":  This Volvo commercial is kind of insane and it was shot in one take!

Stuff that will capture your heart: Ruthie's blog is one I came across not too long ago. I was captivated by the kindness in her words and images. She just posted a little bit about her personal story that is as touching and inspiring as it is heartbreaking. If you have some time definitely worth a read.

Stuff that will make you wish you were throwing a Friendsgiving: Maybe you already are! This post had me longing for my college days when a bunch of us got together before we all went home and made the best potluck Thanksgiving meals ever.

Stuff that will make you drool: This recipe for roasted pear and cranberry chocolate chunk scones sounds amazing! p.s. check out local milk on pinterest.

Where to?

Next up on our tour is Chicago. I am a big fan of Chicago - it's got a great city vibe with all of the kindness and gentle pace of the Midwest. There are of course the brutal Chicago winters, but a good down coat and some mittens and you're all set. 

I was actually really surprised to see prices in Chicago were totally reasonable. I love the look and feel of this space. I don't have a totally modern aesthetic, but I like the idea of making something with industrial bones into something warm and homey. I mean who doesn't love a good brick wall and wood ceiling? The building itself has a really cool vibe too. Check out more about this property here.

Wardrobe: Thanksgiving

I'm not really a get decked out for Thanksgiving kind of girl. I mean I want to look presentable for the family that I haven't seen in awhile, but really I just want to eat a lot of food and not have that uncomfortable feeling that happens when the waist of your skirt start digging into you (ladies, you know what I'm talking about). My family is not quite ready to accept blue jeans for the occasion, but I've managed to slip past with a black pair before so I'm going to give it a shot again (extra points if you make them corduroys). With a pair of nice shoes and a big necklace nobody will know the difference AND I will get to eat my food and watch football in comfort.

Sweater, jeans, necklace, boots

state of mind

Images from here, here and here

Before they pass away

British photographer Jimmy Nelson spent three years documenting 31 remote cultures that are on the verge of disappearing for his book titled Before they pass away. Check out some of the absolutely stunning images. He hopes the book will stand a record of the disappearing world.

Happy weekend

Things that caught my eye this week:

Stuff to make you think: I'm always in search of meaning in my work. These ten principles are meant to help you "work on purpose"

Stuff to help you get out and explore: This list of 27 surreal places to visit is amazing. They are all now on my bucket list. Have you visited any?

Stuff to freak you out: Or at least it freaks me out. Crazy to think that this could be the future of working remotely.

Stuff to buy: Every week Sevenly teams up with a charity to help bring awareness and funds to a cause. Every Monday a new set of products are released and $7 from every purchase goes towards that cause. Very cool.

Where to?

Next up on the Where to? tour is Seattle, Washington. Truth be told I've actually never been, but in my head - and from what I've been told - it would be an amazing place to live. Granted, the rainfall can be a bit of a downer but as my dad says "there is no bad weather, only inappropriate gear." So let's pull on the rain jacket and some wellies and check out this amazing home on the water. It definitely needs some work, but with a little white wash on all that heavy wood and a new kitchen (putrid yellow is not good anywhere. ever) I think this could be amazing.

state of mind

pictures from here, here and here

Listen Up

The awesome Allen Stone....

wardrobe: Cold weather

Ok so it's cold in NYC today. REALLY cold. I spent this morning rummaging around in my closet looking for my stash of hats and gloves and realized how easy it is to bundle up and look ridiculous (which is my usual state walking the dog early in the morning) all in the name of warmth. While I fully support that effort, I think it's also entirely possible to stay warm and still look good.

Sweater, Mittens, Hat, Jeans, Coat, Boots

on the nightstand

I'm a sucker for a true story. I love to read about people's lives, their passions, their struggles... At any bookstore you will probably find me in the biography section. These three books are currently on my nightstand and I am wanting so much to find the time to read or flip through them (a full time job and the pursuit of a Master's degree leaves little time).

1. I Am Malala. I am actually struggling to find the words to describe her. She is the young Pakastani girl who believed so passionately that girls' access to education that the Taliban began to see her as a threat and in 2012 she was shot in the head while on a bus returning from school. If you have never heard her speak, check out this recent interview with her on The Daily Show. She's an incredible young girl and this book, I have no doubt, will be inspiring.

2. Forty Chances.Finding hope in a hungry world This book is by the lesser known Buffet, Howard. But is very much inspired by a challenge set by his father Warren's commitment to philanthropy. Howard Buffet set a challenge for himself, to spend 40 years and over $3 billion helping the billion individuals around the world who lack food security. This book tracks that journey.

3. Humans of New York. If you live in NYC and are not following HONY on his blog or facebook, shame on you. Only kidding, but seriously you're missing out. Brandon Stanton has been capturing the heart and soul of New York for the past three years. It is the best reminder that everyone you pass by on the street, get shoved next to on the subway, buy your coffee from in the morning... everyone has a story.

Sadie my lady

I want to introduce you to Sadie, my beautiful 1 1/2 year old Havanese. I never really thought of myself as a small dog person - I grew up with one that was about 45lbs - but I had to weigh the fact that I live in a studio apartment with wanting a dog and wanting a dog won. So Sadie became a member of my family about a year ago. Not being particularly adept at keeping things alive - plants, goldfish, to name a few - my mom was fairly concerned, but hopeful that somehow taking care of a puppy would flip my maternal instinct switch and her dream of grandchildren would soon follow (for the record, not happening any time soon). I have managed to keep Sadie alive and pretty well behaved and have found an enormous amount of comfort and happiness from this little furball. These pictures are from a recent trip out to west hampton - a place I love in the off season. Sadie and I spent a cool November day running around on the beach. Pretty perfect.

simple happiness

I am a sucker for unexplored places. Places not named in a countries top ten tourist attractions. Places that don't have a Starbucks or better yet no tv. Don't get me wrong, I think giving the developing world access to technology, has it's benefits. But I am a lifelong search for a happy medium. We live such complex lives full of constant stimulation and I am a person who tries to find happiness in simplicity. Cultures and communities that have little often find their joy elsewhere and I think it's inspiring to see.  This photo essay about Nantwala in Central Uganda is as beautiful as it is touching.

State of mind

Flowers from here, if anyone knows other sources please let me know

Happy Weekend

A few things that caught my eye this week:

Stuff that made me laugh: This is a great post from A Cup of Jo about the editorial process at The Onion

Stuff to help you enjoy the weekend: 'The art of weekend rest' is full of beautiful ideas to relax, unplug and enjoy your surroundings from Kinfolk.

Stuff that I want to eat: This recipe  is a yummy take on one of my favorite foods (probably not what you think)

Stuff I want to do: I am hoping to make this adventure a reality in the spring

Image from here

Where to?

This is the start of a new series called "Where to?" Each week I will pick a city and house/apartment currently on the market. We are not going to reach for the stars here - there will be a budget of 450k (which goes a long way outside of NYC!). These posts are not just about the real estate though. As I think about some of the changes I want to make in my life, moving is among them. Building a life somewhere without the edge and pressures of NYC. Don't get me wrong, I love this place and it will always be home, but I think it may just be time to move on. So this is a little bit like playing dress up - I am trying on these cities to see which may fit.

First up, Austin Texas. I went to school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (go badgers!) and I have often heard a comparison drawn between Madison and Austin. I am not sure about the summer heat or the country music, but I love being in creative communities and am always willing to listen or learn if someone has something to share. 

I took a quiz at it told me that Central Austin (Brentwood, Crestview, Allandale) was the right neighborhood for me - just close enough to downtown to enjoy what Austin has to offer but far enough away to have a house with a yard. 

With a little bit of help, this house I think could be spectacular. It's 3 bedrooms, 1 bath. The backyard is what had me sold and with Austin weather that's basically another room in the house. 

Wardrobe: Basics

I've had somewhat of a wardrobe epiphany recently which can be summed up into one word: simplify. I have had so many of those moments over the years where I find really cute clothes that don't look terrible on and they end up in my closet, the only problem is they are cute clothes for someone else. They just aren't me. I wear them on occasion but never really feel great in them. So I did what any girl would do who has a wardrobe crisis, I dumped everything in my closet onto my bed and sorted - donate (to family and charity) and keep. I was left with the realization that what I love is simple and often black - these are the clothes I feel good in and my paired down closet has made it TONS easier to get dressed in the morning. Halle-freakin-lujah! Here are some of my favorite basics:

Where to get it: sweater, jeans, boots, scarf

Travel Far, Live Well

Project Bly is essentially a curated global marketplace of beautiful goods and their stories that have been collected from all over the world. They travel the way that I love to travel, which is to get off the beaten path, explore and get to know the real heart of a city. As the holiday season approaches, this site is a great place for gifts that are sure to delight and inspire.

Dream a little dream

I have this dream of owning a cabin one day in the middle of nowhere, with beautiful views and total seclusion so when I heard about Cabin Porn I felt like I had found my happy place. A collection of some of the most beautiful, interesting, bizarre, wonderful cabins you've ever seen.

Adventures

The tickets are purchased, the itinerary is in the works... I'm officially heading to Japan! My brother is spending the year living in Kyoto and studying at the Kyoto Institute (so cool!) so I have decided to take advantage and head halfway around the world the day after Christmas to explore a country that, to be honest, I know very little about. I love this part though, the anticipation and the excitement that comes with getting to explore someplace new.

Image from here

breakfast of champions

I've recently become a breakfast person and one of my favorite things to do on the weekend is get up early and try a new place for breakfast. I'm not into the hustle and bustle of brunch time in NYC, but if you can make it before the crowds you might just find a perfect way to start your day.

The Butcher's Daughter is committed to local sourcing (which I love) and has such warm and inviting space. The smashed avocado toast is amazing and somehow I always end up feeling healthier leaving.

The Smile is a perfect place for breakfast in the winter. It's a warm, rustic space that's great to settle into with a paper in the morning.  The menu is limited, but the house-made granola is fantastic.  Just a side note, they don't open til 10am on weekends so if you can try it on a weekday for early morning calm.

Birthday recap

My plan for my birthday was to basically ignore it, but fortunately for me I have wonderful friends and family who would not let a birthday pass without some celebration and for that I am truly grateful. A trip to the farmer's market, some beautiful flowers, a heavenly massage, a dinner out with the girls and some shopping with mom rounded out an incredible weekend. 

top from here; jeans from here

Monday's Music

A little music for your Monday. While it's not a new release, I recently stumbled upon Passenger (aka Mike Rosenberg). He is a Brit with a hauntingly beautiful voice that I can't get enough of. This song is one of my favorites but the entire album, titled All the Little Lights, is worth a listen. Enjoy!

Happy birthday to me

So it's my birthday. I am the ripe old age of 32 today. It's a little crazy to even write that. It's been a whirlwind of a year - health scares, starting graduate school, trying to find my place in this great big world (although that's a continuous process, I know) - but I'm excited to start a new chapter. In a lot of ways I feel on the verge of a lot of change. Maybe it's moving, maybe a new job, maybe finding a new passion.... but I'm full of anticipation for things to come.

I have an insane sweet tooth but this apple cake and a cup of tea would hit the spot this year.

Recipe can be found here 

Something I need to remember...

State of Mind

Images are from Here, Here, Here and Here

Happy Weekend

It's finally back to feeling a little bit more like fall here in NYC and I'm excited to get outside, head to the farmer's market and enjoy a low key birthday.... all while trying not to get run over my the marathoners that have invaded the City.  Good luck to all those running!

A few things that have caught my eye this week:

Stuff that I want to wear: This ring is insanely cool

Stuff that I love to read: This is such a great, easy way to get informed about what's going on in the world

Stuff that I want to eat: This cake looks amazing, but really anything with cream cheese frosting has me sold 

Stuff that will make you think: This article tells you about the ways your brain plays tricks on you

Bucket List - Part 2

Surfing was not all that made it on to the bucket list - next up was the flying trapeze. Trapeze School New York has classes that will take you across the west side highway and onto a platform above the Hudson River. The view is spectacular and I highly recommend giving it a try at sunset. Although fair warning, don't make plans afterwards. EVERYTHING hurts (what is it with me and activities that beat you up?!).

Last up was kayaking on the Hudson. I've been kayaking before, but the Hudson seemed like a pretty intimidating place to be paddling around - between the boats and the not-so-clean water, it was definitely a challenge, but so beautiful to see the City from that perspective.

Bucket List

An impending birthday seems as good a time as any to re-enter the blogging world and catch all of you up on what's been going on around here. First of all, I made a bucket list - kind of a short term one - of things I wanted to do before I turned 32. Well 32 is just around the corner and I'm proud to say I accomplished most (not all - because let's be honest, life gets in the way of tons of fun plans).

First up, learning to surf. Ok so there is a steep learning curve for the sport so maybe I should have changed it to 'attempting to surf,' but I got up on a surf board so I get to check this one off the list. My very brave friend Colleen agreed to join me for a week in Nicaragua for some yoga and surfing. Trust me, you want yoga on the itinerary if you are surfing for the first time - you use muscles you didn't know you had! Here are some photos from our adventure:

Look how far we haven't come

A new UN ad campaign sheds some light on what the internet really thinks of women. It's so incredible to me that in truth we have not come far at all with respect to equality for women (p.s. Leaning In is not the answer - but that's another subject for another time) Click here for more images. 

Food for thought

Growing up in NYC and the surrounding suburbs, I always had this notion that where I lived was different. I didn't understand inequality or status or class (although when I switched from public to private school and girls in my class were getting horses for their birthdays - as in to own, to ride - I couldn't figure out why I couldn't have one too). But I was lucky enough to travel and that made me start to pay attention and allowed me to explore things outside my world. NYC is full of dichotomy and contradiction, but I think many walk around every day with their eyes closed to it because if you see it don't you then have a responsibility to do something about it?

Outdoors in NYC

First of all apologies for going MIA for a few weeks. I had some personal stuff come up and well I'm a poor multi-tasker apparently

Anyway, I'm back and kind of excited about something that showed up in my inbox this morning. I'm a big fan of Discover Outdoors so when I read they were putting on a week long festival full of adventures, classes, films and more, I got really excited. Outdoor Rise will take place from June 17-23 and is chock full of exciting stuff. I for one will be kayaking on the Hudson, an adventure that is equal parts exciting and terrifying (being that close to the who knows what that is floating in the Hudson River... ick), but I'm told the views are spectacular and really I can't think of a better way to spend a lunch break.

Happy Weekend

Stuff that will make you think: In this interview Bill Gates talks about his thoughts on the state of our education system and where it should go.

Stuff that makes me happy: That this company exists

Stuff I want to eat: This recipe caters to my love of artichokes

Stuff I want to do: Can't wait to head to Williamsburg and go here

To all those in Boston, please stay safe.

Changing the world makes you happy

I'm not sure this comes as any surprise but kudos to Harvard Business School Prof Rosabeth Moss Kanter for putting it down on paper. In an article titled "The Happiest People Pursue the Most Difficult Problems" she gives several anecdotes about individuals tackling enormous social problems. These social entrepreneurs are happier then your average Joe because they are able to walk around every day knowing that what they are doing is making a difference.

"People can be inspired to meet stretch goals and tackle impossible challenges if they care about the outcome. I'll never forget the story of how a new general manager of the Daimler Benz operations in South Africa raised productivity and quality at the end of the apartheid era by giving the workers something to do that they valued: make a car for Nelson Mandela, just released from prison. A plant plagued by lost days, sluggish workers, and high rates of defects produced the car in record time with close to zero defects. The pride in giving Mandela the Mercedes, plus the feeling of achievement, helped the workers maintain a new level of performance. People stuck in boring, rote jobs will spring into action for causes they care about.

Heart-wrenching emotion also helps cultivate a human connection. It is hard to feel alone, or to whine about small things, when faced with really big matters of deprivation, poverty, and life or death. Social bonds and a feeling of membership augment the meaning that comes from values-based work."

A pretty good case to go out and do some good - even if it can't be your job every day. 

state of mind

the perfect getaway

One of the things I love most about the weather turning is the promise of weekends away and hiking in the neighboring Catskills. Phoenicia is a small quintessential American town in an ideal location about two hours outside of the city and in the heart of a beautiful landscape. It is also home to The Graham & Co., a retro inspired and perfectly styled cool hotel in a place that you wouldn't necessarily expect to find it. If I could live here, I would.

Innovation for good

On the occasion of its 100th anniversary, The Rockefeller Foundation is reflecting on its past  and working with the global community to highlight the innovations that will affect change for people in need over the next 100 years. They are asking the global community to nominate innovators whose work is improving the lives of poor and vulnerable populations. Three nominees will receive the Next Century Innovators Award and one of those awards will be based on your votes. I just looked through some of the nominees and it's so inspiring that there are so many people around the world doing such innovative work for social good.

Happy Birthday Mom

Today is my mom's birthday - and a significant one - so I want to take a moment to tell you a little bit about her.  My mom and I have a special relationship. I grew up as an only child and my parents divorced when I was young so it was the two of us through thick and thin. Through the years she has managed to not only be my mother, but my friend and a woman who I look up to and respect a great deal. She has shown me what it means to be a successful woman and has done it with a combination of grace and toughness that so many women strive to for. She is the most kind and generous person I know and I am so proud that she is my mom.

Mom,  I am so excited for you and all the wonderful things that the next year is sure to hold for you. 

Happy birthday! I love you to the moon and stars and back and a zillion times more.

image via style me pretty living

how do you think about work?

via workisnotajob

Beantown stay strong

There really are no words. I lived for a short time only a few blocks from the blast site and there is something about Boston as a city - it's so idealistic, so beautiful, so approachable - that makes this so wrong. I left my office yesterday in NYC and on the walk to the subway in Grand Central I found myself nervous - scared even. I know there are people around the world who live like this every day and I remember the time after 9/11 when all our lives were confronted with the realities of terrorism, but it still scares me. There are more questions then answers at this point, but we stand strong, we do better and help one another. That's all all we can do. My thoughts and prayers are with those in Boston.

Ruminating on Tattoos

I've been thinking a lot about tattoos recently - I feel like I'm having my teenage rebellious stage at the age of 31. There is something about marking your journey that appeals to me. I am a person who loses myself sometimes - I get caught between this corporate new york life I live and the simple, creative life of doing good that I seek. As I take steps to make changes I like the idea of a permanent reminder. I love location on the first picture and the calligraphy of the second. 

both images via Cup of Jo