FEATURE FRIDAY 7.19.19

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Feature Friday July 19

We made it to another Summer Friday! My morning definitely started out slower than usual. #latenight You know you’re in your 30’s when, you wake up and have to add drops of electrolytes to your water in effort to feel human again. But a good time was had by all, so you know…totally worth it! Let’s just say I’ll be a little less out and about this weekend, haha.

Here’s this week’s roundup of Beauty faves + Lifestyle articles + Things I’m loving lately, Events happening around the city and MORE.

LIFESTYLE + POP CULTURE

  • Queer Eye Season 4 drops today on Netflix. I love this show and cannot wait to see the new season.

  • This iPhone app allows you to scan beauty/skincare products in effort to learn about the ingredients and potential toxic chemicals within them. It also offers suggestions for cleaner beauty products. I’m definitely intrigued to learn more about clean beauty.

  • Nordstrom Anniversary SALE is LIVE for public access, TODAY. And runs thru August 4th. NSALE is great for stocking up on Fall clothing, outerwear, activewear, name brand denim and shoes. The SALE is known for heavily discounted name brands and makes for the perfect time to start your Christmas shopping.

WHAT I’M LOVING LATELY

  • I recently ordered a pair of Blue Light glasses for under $20! Stylish and functional and best of all, my eyes don’t get as tired being on the computer all day.

  • I’ve been using this Brazilian cream for cellulite and to tighten my skin. It smells AMAZING and I’ve noticed a difference with my legs and bum.

  • New favorite bar - The Happiest Hour down in the West Village. They have a long list of specialty cocktails and it’s a great place to make new friends. I already can’t wait to go back!

HAPPENING IN THE CITY

  • PIER 17 has a NEW Summer Pop Up, The Lookout that offers bites, curated cocktails and views of the city. Located in the Seaport District. Open daily 3pm to late night.

  • NYC Summer Ice Cream Blizzard Sunday 10am-5:30pm at Grand Bazaar Market on the UWS

  • PINKNIC outdoor festival with live music, food vendors and lots of Rose. Pink and white attire encouraged.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

XO, Rae

15 FREE THINGS TO DO IN NYC

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Photography by: Lauren Lucile Creative

Photography by: Lauren Lucile Creative

If you’ve ever visited New York City or lived here, chances are you’ve experienced just how expensive the city can be. Although New York City gets a bad rap for being costly, I think it’s important to note that here are in fact a ton of FREE things to do! I often remind friends/family that a trip to the Big Apple, doesn’t have to break the bank. So I decided to do a round up of my favorite things to do in the city that don’t cost a thing. And wether you live here or plan to visit one day, this list will help you save some money while enjoying all that the city has to offer.

  1. Staten Island Ferry - Hop on for a quick roundtrip across the Hudson River to see Lady Liberty. Make sure to grab a beer at the concession stand to take with you for the ride.

  2. Yoga class in Bryant Park (May-Aug)- No better way to de stress than Yoga with a view.

  3. Washington Square Park - Located in Greenwich Village, the perfect place to sit and people watch. Don’t forget to capture a photo in front of the infamous Square Arch and Fountain.

  4. Brooklyn Botanic Garden - FREE admission every Friday before Noon (March-November) and Winter Weekdays (December-February)

  5. Brooklyn Bridge - Some of the best views of the city can be seen walking across the bridge. Best times to go are early in the morning or at sunset.

  6. Dumbo, Brooklyn - You can easily spend a day exploring Dumbo, seeing the sights and capturing photos with amazing waterfront skyline views.

  7. The Plaza Hotel- This ICONIC hotel is a must to see in person. You can typically walk through the ground level and take in the beauty that is, The Plaza. The flower arrangements located right inside the entrance are worth the trip alone (they change per season).

  8. Central Park - Stroll through the park on your own or book a FREE guided tour of the park. Make sure to stop by these famed spots. (Bethesda Fountain, The Mall, Gapstow Bridge, Wollman Rink, The Pond, The Bow Bridge and Strawberry Fields just to name a few).

  9. New York Public Library - Located in the heart of Midtown, this historic landmark is a must see. Make sure to stop by the newly renovated Rose Reading Room.

  10. Grand Central Station - Explore the hustle and bustle of this NYC transportation hub. You’ll likely recognize many spots inside from scenes of movies. And don’t forget to find the Whisper Gallery.

  11. Movie Nights Under the Stars - During Summer months, you can pack a picnic and see a movie from several parks and rooftops in the city.

  12. Museums - Lots of museums in the city are FREE all year long. And several have specific days/times that offer FREE admission.

  13. The Highline - An old railroad track turned elevated park which runs from Hudson Yards to Chelsea. Wake along the park, take in the city views and enjoy the landscape and outdoor art installations.

  14. Explore a New Neighborhood - The best way to see the city is simply to walk the streets and take in the sites. You never know what hidden gems you might discover or the people you may meet along the way.

  15. 9/11 Memorial - Open to the public daily from 7:30am-9pm. Visit ground zero, view the memorial fountains and see the Survivor Tree.

What are your favorite cost friendly things to do in NYC?! Any other places or attractions I should add to the list?

XO, Rae

FEATURE FRIDAY 7.12.19

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Photography by: Lauren Lucile Creative

Photography by: Lauren Lucile Creative

It’s FINALLY FRIDAY! It has been ridiculously HOT in New York this week. I’ve honestly spent more days camped out in front of my air conditioner than I have going out. Anyone else relate?! But the weekend is upon us and there are many great things happening, including some of the biggest SALES of the year.

Here’s this week’s roundup of Beauty faves + Lifestyle articles + Things I’m loving lately, Events happening around the city and MORE.

LIFESTYLE + POP CULTURE

  • Mercury is in retrograde from July 7th- July 31st…here is everything you need to know.

  • Amazon Prime Day is actually going to be TWO days this year, starting at Midnight July 15th thru July 16th. This SALE is usually geared toward discounts on kitchenware items and electronics.

  • Nordstrom Anniversary SALE starts July 12th-18th for card holders and goes LIVE to the Public on July 19th-August 4th. N SALE is great for stocking up on Fall clothing, outerwear, activewear, name brand denim and shoes. The SALE is known for heavily discounted name brands and makes for the perfect time to start Christmas shopping.

WHAT I’M LOVING LATELY

HAPPENING IN THE CITY

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

XO, Rae

FEATURE FRIDAY 6.28.19

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Photography by: Lauren Lucile Creative

Photography by: Lauren Lucile Creative

HAPPY FRIDAY and HAPPY PRIDE!! It’s definitely starting to feel like Summer in the city. And I’m excited for all the festivities this weekend. I’ll be attending the PRIDE parade on Sunday with some of my friends. And this will actually be my first time going to the NYC Pride event. I can’t wait to support my friends and just be a part of such a meaningful event. Are you celebrating PRIDE this weekend?!

The beaches are officially open here in New York, and I’ll be heading out to the beach on Monday for some much need SUN. Next week on the blog, I’ll be sharing my ‘Beach Bag Essentials’ for Summer. Stay tuned for a full list of items!

Here’s this week’s roundup of Beauty faves + Lifestyle articles + Things I’m loving lately, Events happening around the city and MORE.

LIFESTYLE + POP CULTURE

  • Kim Kardashian announced she is launching her own SOLUTIONWEAR a.k.a. shapewear line, Kimono. And while some are saying that she may have missed the mark with the name. I think it’s still pretty genius of her to create her own line. I mean she is the QUEEN of wearing shapewear under her clothing.

  • The MTV popular series, ‘The Hills’ returned to the network this past week. And so far, it seems it still has the audience begging for more. It airs every Monday at 10/9c.

  • One of my favorite clean beauty brands, TULA just released their NEW Face Filter Blurring & Moisturizing Primer. It’s made with probiotics, turmeric and chia seeds that help even skin tone and redness while also releasing “glow particles” to give your skin a radiant glow. I’ve already placed my order and I’ll let y’all know my thoughts after I use it for a week or two.

WHAT I’M LOVING LATELY

  • I recently partnered with Rocksbox, a monthly jewelry subscription. #ad And I only wish I would have discovered it sooner! I love having new accessories each month to wear and and the option to purchase items at a discount, if I find that I really love them. Use PROMO CODE reinventingraenycxoxo to receive 1 month FREE www.rocksbox.com

  • I’ve been making less trips to my local Starbucks, and drinking this at home instead.

  • My go-to moisturizer for Summer. And ULTA is currently having a BUY 2, GET 1 FREE SALE.

HAPPENING IN THE CITY

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

XO, Rae

FEATURE FRIDAY 6.21.19

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Photography by: Lauren Lucile Creative

Photography by: Lauren Lucile Creative

Happy 1st day of SUMMER, y’all! I can’t believe how fast this year has already gone by. But I’m definitely looking forward to another Summer in the City. Crazy to think that this will be my 5th Summer in New York City. I’m excited to discover new gems, make memories with friends and be more in the moment and enjoy Summer to the fullest.

I’m also planning to write more when it comes to the blog and explore new content ideas. Which brings me to today’s blog post, a NEW series called: ‘FEATURE FRIDAY’. Each week I’ll be sharing a roundup of Beauty faves + Lifestyle articles + Things I’m loving lately, Events happening around the city and MORE.

Let me know what you’d like to see included on future FEATURE FRIDAY posts!

LIFESTYLE + POP CULTURE

  • I recently discovered this amazing digital Magazine, DressLikeMe. And I’m honored to be included in a fashion feature on their site this week. You can read the full article here.

  • I can’t get enough of this NEW artist. I LOVE her lyrics in her music and especially love that she is all about body positivity.

  • Blogger/Influencer Marissa Fuchs has been on the most extravagant scavenger hunt for a proposal that ended up being her actual wedding to her longtime boyfriend, Gabe. But rumor has it, that it was all pre-planned and actually pitched to companies prior as part of a PR stunt. The verdict is still out, but it was definitely intense watching the past 48 hours. You can watch it all unfold on her Instagram stories highlights.

WHAT I’M LOVING LATELY

  • If you’re planning on being in swimsuits and dresses this Summer, you will need this. It’s a GAME CHANGER for us Ladies with thick thighs.

  • I’ve been wearing this Amazon Dress on repeat lately. It’s under $25 and comes in several colors.

  • The NEW Netflix romantic comedy, ALWAYS BE MY MAYBE, is hilarious & perfect for a night in this weekend.

HAPPENING IN THE CITY

  • My favorite luggage brand, CALPAK is hosting a pop-up in Soho this weekend. Click here for more details.

  • The NEW Time Out Market New York in Dumbo, Brooklyn is a MUST this Summer. With over 20+ food vendors, a rooftop bar and spectacular views of both Dumbo and Manhattan. There is sure to be a crowd but I promise the views alone are worth it!

  • Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen LIVE at the Beacon Theatre Friday and Saturday evening. Click here for tickets.

  • SOULFest NYC x Athleta is hosting a Yoga crawl on the Upper Westside. Click here for more details.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

XO, Rae

20 THINGS NOBODY TELLS YOU ABOUT LIVING IN NEW YORK CITY

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20 things about living in NYC

After living in New York City for 4.5 years now, I  have learned a thing or two when it comes to everyday life in the city. Overall, I’ve had pretty good luck here. But that’s not to say that there hasn’t been hard days in between. Living in New York City requires you to accept the good with the bad.  And honestly, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Prior to moving to New York City, I read countless articles and blogs about what to expect when living in the city. And I even got some advice from my best friend. Although I did find some of my research to be helpful. It’s one of those things where some people will only share the lows living in New York and others will ONLY share the highs. But the reality is, nothing can prepare you more than experiencing it for yourself.

So, if you’re considering making the move to NYC, or maybe just curious about what it’s REALLY like to call this city home. Here is some insight on living in New York City. 

Photography by: Lauren Lucile Creative

Photography by: Lauren Lucile Creative

  1. Your apartment will NOT be like the ones you’ve seen on tv shows. It will be small, very small. Think full size bed up against a wall, small. 

  2. You will always be running 15 mins late. Train traffic is a real thing.

  3. During your commute, you’ll learn how to master walking, texting & eating a meal all at the same time. You will master ‘on the go’ life.

  4. Everyday is an adventure on the Subway. Whether it’s a homeless person begging for money, Showtime performers or drunk people yelling at you. Honestly, some days you don’t even notice it as much.

  5. Summer in the city is hot, humid and sometimes smelly. But we embrace it anyway because we have waterfront views, rooftop cocktails and beaches galore to cool off at.

  6. Even in a city of 8.6 million people, there will often be times you feel extremely lonely and isolated. Everyone experiences this at some point and time.

  7. You will fall in love with the city over and over again when you least expect it.

  8. Doing your laundry is no longer a luxury, but rather a chore. And requires lots of quarters. 

  9. Living in a walk-up apartment is fine until you have to go grocery shopping or carry your laundry, or move In/Out. Actually it’s not fine, it’s a lot of stairs and heavy breathing mostly.

  10. You will cry on the Subway at least once. Some people will even say that you’re NOT a real New Yorker until this happens.

  11. You’ll know you’ve made it when you have an elevator, doorman and laundry in your building.

  12. Dating in New York is like playing the lottery. But hey, just think of all the fun stories you can tell your friends and FREE drinks you can consume.

  13. Nothing will get you more excited than finding out the NEW Trader Joe’s is opening up in your neighborhood.

  14. Friendships are harder to maintain in the city and often revolve around meeting up for brunch or cocktails. Everyone is constantly busy, therefore it takes a little more effort to hang out in person regularly. 

  15. You will jump at the opportunity to escape the city at any given chance. However, you will be even more excited to return.

  16. Friends and family will frequently give their unsolicited opinion on how they could NEVER live in New York City. But you better believe they will want to stay with you when they come to visit.

  17. The Subway is the best way to get around New York. Unless it’s late night, spend the extra money on the cab or Uber.

  18. In New York, it’s all about WHO you know. Never turn down an opportunity to network or meet new people. You never know when you might need to utilize that contact.

  19. Only in New York, can you feel like you’ve traveled the world by just visiting a new neighborhood or a different borough.

  20. NYC will constantly remind you just how expensive it is to live here. (Hello ridiculous rent, overpriced cocktails and expensive groceries) But you’ll do it anyway. Why?! Because you live in the greatest city of all, that’s why.

Photography by: Lauren Lucile Creative

Photography by: Lauren Lucile Creative

Photography by: Lauren Lucile Creative

Photography by: Lauren Lucile Creative

I hope this helps gives a little more insight on everyday life in the city. Living in New York really is an experience like non other. Even on the hard days, you’ll look up at the skyline and immediately feel like it’s all worth it, just to call this place home. 

 "Once you have lived in New York and it has become your home, no place else is good enough." — John Steinbeck

XO, Dana Rae

Related articles:

5 REASONS WHY LIVING IN NEW YORK CITY IS AMAZING

12 RULES OF LIVING IN NEW YORK CITY

YEAR 1 OF LIVING IN NEW YORK CITY

YEAR 2 OF LIVING IN NEW YORK CITY

YEAR 4 OF LIVING IN NEW YORK CITY

15 THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK CITY IN SPRING

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Spring 2019 NYC guide

Hello April! Who else is excited for warmer weather months?! Spring in New York City is pretty euphoric. New Yorkers slowly start to come out of hibernation from Winter once we get that first glimpse of warmer weather. Think days spent at Central Park, bike rides, rooftops, dining on patios and more. And just like any season, there is always a ton of things to do around the city. I’ve rounded up the best ‘15 Things to do This Spring in NYC’. So whether you live here or you’re planning to visit in the coming months, I hope you find this list helpful!

  1. Macy’s Flower Show - FREE and open to the public from March 24th-April 7th

  2. Stroll through Central Park - The park comes to life during Spring months and there’s nothing better than seeing the blooms up close in person. You can even take a walking tour to see the Cherry Blossoms.

  3. Hudson Yards - This newly developed area recently opened to the public. High end shops, restaurants, public garden and a NEW landmark called the Vessel. You can climb all 154 flights of stairs to see unique city views from each landing. It’s FREE to access, however you do have to reserve tickets to enter the Vessel.

  4. Cherry Blossom Festival - April 27th-28th at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. This event is known to sell out, make sure to reserve tickets ASAP.

  5. Bryant Park - Stroll the park, grab coffee and find a seat amongst all the tulips in bloom.

  6. Yankees Game - Spring baseball season is underway. Go Uptown to the Bronx to see the Yankees in action.

  7. Dine from a rooftop - Eataly in Flatiron has a new Spring inspired rooftop garden including a new seasonal menu and cocktails.

  8. Drink from a rooftop - Rooftop Season is one of the best perks of living in the city. Grab a cocktail with a view at one of these popular spots: Refinery, 230 Fifth, The Roof, Cantina & PHD Terrace

  9. Smorgasbug - The infamous outdoor food market is expanding into the Financial District this Spring. It opens to the public on April 12th and every Friday thereafter through October. Hours: 11:30am-7pm

  10. Brooklyn Bridge - Walking the Brooklyn Bridge is a MUST during warmer months. Best way to see the Manhattan skyline. And makes for the perfect Instagram photo.

  11. Food Truck Fest - Saturday April 13th. Located at Grand Bazaar Market on the Upper Westside. There will be 15 gourmet food truck vendors along with other local vendors.

  12. Frida Kahlo Exhibit - A new exhibit located at the Brooklyn Museum. It’s the largest US exhibit of her personal items, clothing and art. Definitely recommend purchasing tickets in advance, several dates are SOLD OUT already. Exhibit runs through May 12th.

  13. Dine al fresco - Many restaurants in the city open their cafe for dining outside in April/May. A few of my favorite spots include The Mermaid Inn, Cookshop, Boat Basin Cafe and Tavern on the Green.

  14. NY Beer Fest - The 2nd annual Beer fest will be located at Citi Field in Queens and feature dozens of craft breweries.

  15. Explore a new neighborhood. There’s nothing better than walking amongst the tree lined streets of the city and seeing the Spring blooms everywhere.

What are you looking forward to doing this Spring? Comment below.


XO, Rae

5 THINGS TO DO IN NYC THIS FALL

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Hello, November! We are post Halloween festivities which means we are on countdown till Thanksgiving. Anyone else excited for the Holidays?! The leaves are in peak foliage all around the city, which means there is still plenty of Fall to enjoy in New York. And like other seasons, there is no shortage of things to do. Here’s a round up of places to go, things to see and events happening around the city.

Central Park Fall 2018

CENTRAL PARK FALL FOILAGE

Fall wouldn’t be complete without a walk through Central Park to peep the leaves. There are so many areas to see the leaves change during peak season. A few of my favorite spots are 86th & Central Park West, 72nd & Central Park West near Strawberry Fields, The Bow Bridge and of course the iconic Bethesda Fountain & Terrace and The Mall. And if you don’t feel like walking, you can rent Citi bikes or even take a carriage ride through the park. Here is a map of NYC Fall Foliage.


CIDER WEEK

From November 2nd-11th, several events take place all over the city bringing you classes, cider tastings and more in celebration of New York’s orchard based cider. You can click here to find events near you. Cheers!

Arlo Orchard

Arlo Hotel Orchard

Located in the Arlo SoHo hotel’s courtyard. A pop-up complete with apple picking, pumpkins and photo ops galore. Stop by for an Instagram worthy photo or sip Fall inspired cocktails every Thursday at their “Happle Hour” from 4pm-7pm.

MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE

November 22, 2018, the 92nd annual parade will start at Central Park West and West 77th Street and head down Central Park West and travel east along Central Park South to Sixth Avenue. From there the procession will travel south on Sixth Avenue from West 59th Street to West 34th Street, ending in front of the Macy's in Herald Square. And if you would rather avoid the crowds the day of Thanksgiving, you can opt to see the floats being inflated the night before. Located at the Natural History Museum on the Upper West Side. Public access is at the entrance on West 79th Street and Columbus Avenue. Both events are FREE and open to the public.

West Village Grove Courtyard

West Village/Grove Courtyard

The West Village is known for it’s charming streets. And it’s no exception during the Fall months. You can usually spot several Fall inspired decorated stoops while walking around the neighborhood. There is also a hidden gem known as the The Grove Courtyard, which is unfortunately not open to the pubic. However, you can see the well landscaped courtyard through the iron gates just on the other side. The tree lined streets of the West Village with it’s picturesque brownstones makes for the perfect area to take an afternoon stroll on a crisp Fall day.

What are your favorite things to do in the city during Fall months?

XO, Rae

YEAR 4 OF LIVING IN NEW YORK CITY

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YEAR 4 OF LIVING IN NYC

October 10th, 2014 at 3AM was the start of a new chapter for me as I became a resident of New York City. Living here the past 4 years has brought me so much happiness, forced me out of my comfort zone and has given me experiences to last a lifetime. It still feels surreal to call this city home. And it has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my adult life. My love for New York City has only grown with each year of being here. So, in honor of celebrating 4 years in New York City, I’m sharing a round up of all my favorite places in the city. Whether you live here, visit often or are planning to travel to New York for the first time, there is something for everyone! I hope you will enjoy these places as much I do.

You can take a look back at YEAR 1 and YEAR 2 here.


BRYANT PARK 2018

Favorite Park:

Bryant Park is an oasis to New Yorkers placed smack dab in the middle of one of the busiest intersections of the city. It's a great place to eat lunch, work remotely or grab coffee with a friend. And Bryant Park hosts a ton of FREE events in the park throughout the year including yoga, movies in the park, Broadway shows and a Winter village during the holidays.

 
Jacob's Pickles

Favorite Bar:

Jacob’s Pickles located on the Upper West Side, known for it's comfort food and craft cocktails. With it's cool industrial vibe and their killer playlist of r&b and throwback jams, it's a great bar to grab drinks after work or on the weekend. And also makes for a great first date spot. It’s also one of my favorite places to bring friends when they visit. It reminds me of home with it’s southern comfort food and ambience.

 
brunch maison pickle

Favorite Brunch Spots:

Brunch is pretty much a requirement of living in the city. And with so many restaurants around, it's hard to narrow down to just ONE. So here are a few of my go-to brunch spots.

Maison Pickle-The sister restaurant to Jacob's Pickles serves up the best French toast amongst other brunch favorites. Located on the Upper West Side.

Foragers Tabe- This farm to table restaurant serves up a rotating menu per season. My go-to is their smoked salmon tartine. Also, make sure to check out the market attached to the restaurant. Located in Chelsea.

Clinton Street Bakery- This brunch spot always has a line out the door and for good reason. They are known for their pancakes, which are AMAZING! Make sure to go early especially on the weekends and bring cash, as they do not take credit cards. Located in the East Village.

 
BLUESTONE LANE coffee

Favorite Coffee Shop:

Bluestone Lane is an Australian-style coffee shop & cafe. Outside of my usual Starbucks runs, this is my go-to coffee place. They have a wide range menu of both hot & iced coffee options. And there are several locations throughout the city.

 
book culture

Favorite Book Store:

Book Culture is a quaint neighborhood bookstore located on the Upper West Side. Along with books, they also have an assortment of stationary and unique gifts. I always love to stop by here when I'm in the neighborhood.

 
gapstow bridge

Favorite Spot in Central Park:

Central Park has so many scenic views and iconic spots. My favorite is the Gapstow Bridge near 62nd street. This picturesque spot includes views of The Plaza Hotel and surrounding buildings that align 5th Ave. It's always one of the first spots I walk through as the seasons change.

 
Upper West Side

Favorite Neighborhoods:

Upper Westside is where you can find me on most days running errands or grabbing groceries. I love that Central Park is nearby and there are so many shops and restaurants in the area. And it’s home to some of the city’s most popular places i.e.; Natural History Museum, The Bow Bridge in Central Park, Tavern on the Green and so many more.

West Village is also a favorite of mine. With it’s charming streets, unique shops, hidden gems and iconic streets. It never gets old exploring this popular neighborhood in the city.

 
Grimaldi's pizza

Favorite Pizza Places:

Grimaldi's in Brooklyn is a must. Italian style pizza in an authentic environment. Usually there’s a line out the door to get inside, but it’s definitely worth the wait. And the Brooklyn Bridge is within walking distance.

Artichoke Pizza in Chelsea is a great local pizza spot. Very casual dining. And their Margherita pizza is delicious.

Two Boots Pizza or Bleeker Street Pizza for those late nights out when you just want a slice before the cab ride home.

 
Dumbo Brooklyn

Favorite Tourist Attraction:

Dumbo, Brooklyn is my favorite place to explore and bring friends when they visit from out of town. Although it’s known for being an iconic spot, it never feels too touristy. This part of Brooklyn is still up and coming and has so many local shops, restaurants and some of the best waterfront views of the city. A few places to stop at: Jane’s Carousel, Brooklyn Roasting Coffee Shop, Grimaldi’s Pizza, Atrium Dumbo (for oysters & cocktails) and Cecconi’s for dinner.

 

I would love to hear about your favorite places, restaurants and things to do in the city! Tell me in the comments below.

XO, Rae

FALL BUCKET LIST 2018

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It’s the second week of October, which can only mean one thing...bring on pumpkin everything! This is my favorite season, especially living in New York. Everyone is trading in their iced coffee’s for PSL’s and for the first time in a long time, you need a light jacket during the day. Each year, I like to savor the season and make a bucket list of items to enjoy Fall to it’s fullest. So, today I’m sharing my Fall Bucket List for 2018.

You can read my previous bucket lists here, here and here.

Fall Bucket List 2018


1. Central Park is always on the top of my list. I love walking through the park seeing all the leaves changing colors. A MUST if you live in New York City.

2. Spend a cozy night at home watching movies. Here is this year’s Hallmark lineup.

3. Bake pumpkin bread from scratch. Although the mix in a box from Trader Joe’s is equally good.

4. Drink spiked cider from one of my favorite rooftops in the city, Birreria at Eataly. Each year they transform their space for the season. And this year’s theme is a Fall-inspired Italian Countryside.

5. Go apple picking at an orchard in upstate New York. And of course, eat apple cider donuts.

6. See the Broadway Musical Wicked. This has been on my bucket list since moving to New York and I just haven’t gotten around to going. Making it happen this year!

7. Visit Bite Beauty Lab here in the city to create my own custom lip color for Fall. Perfect for a Girls’s Night Out!

8. Start practicing daily GRATITUDE in a journal. Fellow blogger, Callie Dauler created a journal just for this purpose and I’m really hoping she restocks them for the Holiday! (hint, hint)

9. Plan a getaway to the mountains. Colorado is beautiful this time of year and I’m over due for a trip to see my family there.

10. Celebrate my 4 year Anniversary of living in NYC on October 10th. Still feels surreal that I get to call this place home. Here’s a recap of YEAR 1 and YEAR 2.

pumpkins
boots and flowers
apple cider donuts

What’s your favorite thing to do during FALL?!

XO, Rae