Bright Lights, Big City (Craftin')

I decided to get crafty this weekend after recently seeing this cute as can be tutorial on Pinterest.

*Disclaimer* -- Please disregard my casualty lightbulb while scrolling through these pics...

I definitely needed something above my bed, but I couldn't quite figure out what.  I used to have this over my bed, and loved the combo of earthy meets bling, but sadly it had to stay in Texas.  In comes the dilemma -- what goes above my bed?  I wanted to play up the use of gold as my accent color, and  I also knew that I needed light in my room, so this was the perfect combo.

Yes, this is true city crafting... Spray painting on my fire escape!  Well, it's better than on the sidewalk in front of my apartment, right?

Aren't those some pretty bulbs?  I picked up this strand at a great shop on 60th street that has nothing but string lights, lightbulbs, festive lighting, etc.  My mom would be in heaven with their assortment of Christmas lights that I am told are available year round.

This step is where one bulb met its match, sigh.  Oh well, when the 'K' is off you don't even know!

And here we have it, the final product!! I am in love.  Although I will say that this probably won't be my permanent above bed art due to how heavy all the electrical is-- it's taking a toll on that cute paper mache K.  Plus, those bulbs get hot, like you can't even touch them hot!  Not too interested in sending my tiny little apartment up in flames..  But for now, this will do!!

Never Alone

As a recent college graduate from TCU in Fort Worth, Texas who has just recently relocated to the Big Apple,  I tend to miss my best girls from time to time-- okay all the time.

I couldn't have been any luckier to find such a close group of girls that I could truly be myself with {the good, the bad, and the ugly}

Now that I'm doing city livin' on my own, away from these great gals, I truly realize what friends are and know that friends like them are few and far between.

So here's to us, and the greatest four year! Many, many more to come!

You can find a few of these ladies on the world wide web, check them out here and here.

Balthazar Lovin

If you know me, then you know I have a serious obsession with this New York City gem-- Balthazar.  Let me set the scene for you when I first entered into this ongoing love affair.  January 2005, a long snowy weekend in the city with my mom and grandma.  One taste of the most fabulous french toast, and I was in heaven.

Fast forward 8 years and more 'mature' taste buds and we've moved on from breakfast to wine.  We bought a great bottle of Pinot Gris and enjoyed every last drop over our extended dinner date.  

If you ever go to Balthazar, follow this one recommendation-- French Onion Soup.  There's no going back once you have tried this, the best $13 you will ever spend.  I even have the Balthazar Cookbook, a very thoughtful Christmas gift, and I am determined to attempt this soup and eventually perfect it.  

Thanks to a couple of sweet gifts from sweet friends, Joel and I were able to spend a perfect evening at our new city spot.  He now fully understands my cravings for this place and can't wait to come back come September.

That smile screams 'I love Balthazer' don't ya think?

Here's a couple of shots from last summer when I spent the summer in NYC.  My roommate, close friend, and fellow Balthazar lover would love to pop over on a weekend night, grab dessert and a drink, and people watch.  No better way to spend a Saturday night in my book.

 So the next time you're in the city make a 9pm reservation at this SOHO eatery and simply enjoy.

Happy Heart

Check out a couple things that are filling up my heart lately.

Sweet flowers I received a week ago. Such a sweet and unexpected surprise.

A driving range? In the city? Yes-- thank you Chelsea Piers!

A fun 'good luck' card for a long time friend who is heading to South Korea tomorrow!

My heart is so full after spending a (too short) weekend with my guy!

My room is finally coming together.  These pillows really tie together my color scheme.  

Williamsburg Wandering

One of my favorite things to do on the weekend is to venture over to the Brooklyn Flea market in Williamsburg.  The neighborhood of Williamsburg is really hip and completely reminds me of Austin.  It's also nice to get off the L train to a much more quiet and less crowded area.

One of the best parts of going to the flea is the gorgeous view of New York City.  It doesn't get much better than this!  I snapped a few shots of some vintage Dooney and Bourke bags and some miniature succulents that reminded me of a couple of my sweet friends, Nicole and Madi!  The flea also has a bunch of food stands with an fantastic variety of interesting food.  From gourmet grilled to cheese, to street corn, to this great Mexican chicken sandwich called 'the cemita' you can't go wrong!

While at the flea I scooped up these gold wheel bins for just $5 each -- a steal I couldn't turn down!  I turned these bins into wall art to fill some empty wall space I had.  Combined with a great coral frame I got as an apartment warming gift, some Ikea frames, and Texas and New York prints from former horned frog Alex Matthews Designs, this corner of my room is looking pretty complete!

Mediterranean on My Mind

Last month I went on the trip of a lifetime!  As a graduation gift, my grandma took my sister and I along with my great aunt, and great uncle on a twelve day Mediterranean cruise!  This is my second cruise this year, and cruising is quickly becoming one of my favorite ways to travel.  I love to be able to see so many places without having to pack and repack!

 Check out this quick recap of my favorite sights of the trip-

The ship itself was amazing (check it out on the top right).  My sister and I had a blast on board.  Between the fabulous dinners, giant strawberry margaritas, and stunning ocean views who wouldn't love it?  Plus somebody cleans your room three times a day and leaves chocolate on your pillow -- why doesn't somebody do that for me at home in NYC?!

Check out a quick recap of some of my favorite places:

-- Temple of Poseidon --

-- View from the city wall around Old Dubrovnik --

-- The pretty, pretty beach in Mykonos (my favorite stop we made) --

-- The amazing architecture of the Acropolis --

-- A view down a channel in Venice while on a gondola ride --

I had a great time spending time with my more than entertaining family, especially my Aunt and Uncle who I don't usually get to spend as much time with!  Now I definitely have the itch to travel and can't wait to see more of the world!

Garland in July

Since moving into my new apartment exactly two months ago today, I have been on a decorating mission!  Unfortunately, in the past I would generally craft the majority of my wall decor, but I was absolutely convinced that that wasn't an option in the big city.  Oh boy, I was very wrong!

I saw garland tassel for the first time a couple years ago on one of my favorite blogs. I thought this was a super chic way to dress up a bare wall.  Since then, I have been seeing this cute craft more frequently on the web, and even for sale going for as much as $130!

I knew this was something I could do to jazz up my bedroom.  I followed an easy online tutorial and voila, my first city craft was created!  I was even shocked to discover that there is a Michael's in the NYC!  I haven't had a chance to make it over there -- instead I popped into the Soho Paper Source near my work to pick up these supplies.

Slowly but surely my room is coming together!  My little corner of the city is feeling more and more like a home.

In Honor of My iPhone

About three months ago I had a tragic {iPhone} accident.. We are talking shattered glass and all.  I waited it out and today was the day -- I was upgrade eligible.  In honor of my new pretty, shiny, and white iPhone 5, here are some cases I am currently craving (although I am no longer craving case #2, scooped that cutie up yesterday in prep for my purchase) 

1//2//3//4//5//6

The Parks

One of my favorite things to do in the city is to explore the outdoors!  What better way to do this than to visit all the city parks?

How lucky am I that I live directly five blocks East of Central Park?  That's right, I walk out my door and go right and I hit The Met steps!  Too bad I don't actually get to see Blair and Serena, then I would be a true Upper East Sider.

Central Park is a great park to truly explore and enjoy.  I have gone multiple times since I have moved here and am constantly seeing new things.  It is so fun to go on the weekends and check out the street performers!  One of my favorites, who is there every weekend, has been deemed "the bubble man" who creates larger than life bubbles!  He knows the families and children by name and mesmerizes kids and adults alike for hours. 

It is also interesting to see all the different landmarks around the park.  I recently downloaded a Central Park app that tells me info about every statue, grassy area, and pond! 

On my to-do-list for Central Park:

1)  Check out a concert in the park

2)  Have a picnic dinner at sunset

3) Eat at The Boathouse

4)  Ride a tandem bike

5) Sail a model boat in the Stuart Little pond 

(or the pond where Jenny Humphrey started dealing drugs, whichever you prefer)

Give My Regards to Broadway

After making our way down to the Financial District to the pop up TKTS booth on the corner of Fulton and South Street, Abbey, Luke and I chatted with the friendly TKTS employee who persuaded us to see Once! Not only has this show recieved 8 Tony Awards and has been deemed the best show on Broadway, but we heard that it had Mumford and Sons style-esque music so we couldn't say no...

Here are a few pics from our fun night on Broadway!  Check out our great seats -- I have never had bad seats when I get tickets from the half price ticket booth stands.  Plus, we looked up the going face value online and the seats were originally almost $300.. definitely worth the trip downtown!

The music was fabulous -- totally folksy and fun.  I have never really had an appreciation for the violin, but now I definitely do.  The venue was great, during intermission they even had a bar on stage!  The musical itself was beautiful and totally brought a tears to the eyes of many in the audience and left me in awe

City Adventures

Today was a day of adventures. I felt like my friends Abbey and Luke, who are visiting me for the weekend, and I were all over!  here are a few shots of some places we went. 

Spent some time bumming around the West Village.  Went to my favorite pizza spot, Joe's Pizza on Carmine, then headed over to Washington Square park to do some people watching.  Ended our tour with a stroll on Bleeker street and popped into Cynthia Rowley's new candy shop, Curious.

I was in doggy heaven in this pup boutique on Christopher Street.  I had been here before and couldn't resist dragging my friends in while my heart melted.  I want one of my own! Only requirement.. it stays under 4 pounds!

We rounded off our city tour with a pit stop to The Standard Biergarten in the Meat Packing District.  We took a few minutes to enjoy some tasty drinks.  Mine was so refreshing and easy to make! Note to self --future blog post on making this 3 ingredient taste of paradise.

Meeting the Locals

In an effort to spruce up my tiny Upper East side space before two of my favorite people come for a 4th of July visit, I went on a mission for flowers.  I feel like flowers always make a space feel lived in and welcoming.  After opening my trusted google maps app and typing in "flower shop" I was off to the corner of 86th and 1st to Hybrid Florist, just a few short blocks from my apartment. 

I got these beautiful single stems of Hydrangeas along with some complimentary Baby's Breath and greenery.  I quickly popped these into some new Ikea finds and I instantly felt at home.  This sweet shop will easily be my new go to flower spot; with the friendly workers (who threw in a pretty white rose free of charge!) and wide variety of florals you can't go wrong!

Well, hello there!

Welcome to my corner of the blogosphere, so glad you found your way here!  My name is Katie, a recent New Yorker and college graduate trying to navigate through life in the Big Apple and sort through postgrad life one day at a time.

This space has been created to share my favorite local finds, quirky do-it-yourself projects, and other style and life musings.

Follow along, it should be fun!