Only in New York.

So it’s evident my sister and I ate a lot during spring break BUT we also did explore and walk a lot. I think the best way to get to know a city is to get lost in it so that’s exactly what we did- we explored every nook and cranny of New York (something I usually do anyway). When you take the time to walk around you see things you would usually miss if you took a cab or subway. We must’ve visited every neighborhood in fact and to think we did all of this in just about 4 days…

Let me show you sides of New York you might not have seen before. The places I showed my sister so that she could fall in love with New York as much as I have (and she’s not a city girl.) They say a picture is worth a thousand words so here they are:

(All photos taken by me as usual, this time no filter. Please credit!)

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The Foods we ate in NY- adventure week continued

So after our little adventure to the Brooklyn Bridge, I took my sister to Chinatown (one of my favorite places in New York), to eat some of my favorite foods that she’s never tried before. It’s only natural that after some adventure she tries new foods too, don’t you think? Besides, getting bullied by the weather and walking quite a bit is EXHAUSTING- we were starving.

She liked everything I made her try; I’m glad she’s not such a picky eater. Seeing the look on her face change from reluctance to pure excitement and finally satisfaction was probably one of the most gratifying (not to mention hilarious) experiences.

Here is our adventures in food for the short time she was here. A great week of firsts! (read to a see a lot more photos!)

Xiao Long Bao (小笼包), soup dumplings and scallion pancakes.

Dumplings that not only have a delicious filling but a warm soup inside. It was perfect for the weird weather day.

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On My Mind: F. Scott Fitzgerald

Something I read just yesterday and something I can’t get out of my mind.

Scott, I think we could’ve been great friends. :)

Be that person who changes everything.

The adventures with the sister will continue…. In the meantime Subscribe to the right to get an email whenever I have a new blog post! (because you never know when I will) or find me here

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Voices of the World, as heard from Brooklyn Bridge

So spring break is over and my sister isn’t in New York anymore so really, I’m posting the adventures we had together to relive them. It’s already been more than a week since I posted last. Where does the time go?!

One of the adventures I had planned for her was a trip to Brooklyn to eat some yummy pizza. I even had a whole day planned for her, hour by hour, but of course the day I wanted to go New York decides it it’s going to precipitate some strange mélange of snow/hail/rain (even though it’s supposed to be Spring). We ended up not going to Brooklyn for the full adventure but we still went to the bridge. I mean, it’s not everyday she’s here- Carpe diem, right? Even though the photos look calm as ever, do not be fooled as our faces were exfoliated by the hail and we nearly got blown away.

Nevertheless, I’m glad we went. It’s been about 2 or 3 years since I’ve last visited and even though the bridge essentially looked the same, we happened to find more than just the bridge under repair. (read more to find out!)

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We survived Brooklyn Bridge!

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Macy’s Flower Show

It’s officially SPRING BREAK! My last spring break before I graduate and enter the “real world” where no such breaks exist. I should be doing something crazy, somewhere exotic right?

Not quite. Since my spring break happens to be the same as my 16-year-old sister’s break and I figure I should be getting used to a “grown-up life” where I can’t escape and go home every chance I get (not that I would), I told her to come visit me in New York to join me for adventures. Besides, she has never been to or explored New York before. Shocking, I know.

Some people just do not like the city- she happens to be one of those people saying “It’s smelly, there’s too many people, and I’m scared I’m going to get mobbed/kidnapped.” She claims to be quite adamant about her position; I think she has watched too much CSI.

That being said, I’m determined to change her mind about the city before she leaves at the end of this week.

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“There needs to be more trees. There’s not enough trees” is one of the first things she said to me when we started walking around the city. Luckily for her, the Macy’s Flower Show started showing March 24 and I took this as an opportunity, and reason, to go for the first time and take in the sight. Call me touristy. :P

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Apartment Essentials (aka wishlist)

It has officially been two months since I moved into my first ever New York apartment. I’m all unpacked and settled in now and it’s amazing to see how much has changed with just a new address; I have taken on different responsibilities and a different lifestyle. Even though I’m still a student, no longer living in a dorm is helping me transition from the mindset and life of a student to that of an adult and young professional, a reality that I am getting closer to each day. In the time that has flown by, I’ve been able to think about what I need and would like in my new home so that it really feels “my place” and more importantly, a place that prepares me for success on a daily basis.

Regardless of where you live, here is my list of apartment essentials:

(Click images for product info)

An iPhone charging dock with speakers, radio, alarm clock and (wait for it…) remote!

What better way to start the morning than knowing exactly where your phone is, having it be fully charged and on an alarm clock that isn’t on your phone? I think this would be a great alternative to having my phone beside me at all times. Having to get up to turn the alarm clock off would also probably be helpful in gaining consciousness. I’m actually surprised I haven’t gotten one yet.

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Macaron Day NYC

When I found out that March  20 was Macaron day NYC, I got really excited for a moment but then realized that I probably would not be able to participate in its yummy goodness because of classes and meetings I had scheduled for the day. Still, I shared the link on Facebook so that even though I couldn’t take part, at least other people could. Others also expressed interest and excitement for these delightful french cookies, especially those who weren’t in New York. That’s when it struck me: I’m really lucky to be here in New York where celebrations and events like this happen often and it’s usually just a train ride away.

So, even though I came home late from a long day the night before, I was determined to visit as many of the participants as I could in the morning, before my day officially began at 9 am.

Macaron lovers, those not in New York and those who missed out because of work, this is for you!

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Snow day at Sotheby’s

February may have been Fashion month, but March is Art month. Even though it is indeed about time for Spring, yesterday it was snowing/raining. Either way, my plans included heading to Sotheby’s for a Chinese art tour.

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What hunting for a job (you really want) is like. (in GIFs)

I don’t know about you, but graduation is about 3 months away for me. There really is no better way to describe how job hunting has been like than with gifs, so here goes:

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I realized I’m graduating. soon.

really soon:

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Quotable and notable.

I can’t seem to find who said this quote but it doesn’t make it any less relevant or powerful. I thought it was too good not to share here- it has everything I needed to hear.:

“There are going to be days when you won’t have the energy or drive to get out of bed. There are going to be days when you’re going to want to give up – give up on love, life, or school. The thing is, you’re not allowed to give up. You were given a life and you’re supposed to live it. The truth is the seventy or eighty years that you’re given isn’t long enough to do the things you’re supposed to do. Sure, you’re gonna hit a few bumps along the way, but you’ve got to pick yourself up and move on. Life is unpredictable and things might not always work out the way you want them to, but that’s no reason to give up. You’re here for a reason and someday when you’re not expecting it, you’re going to discover your reason for being here. And when that does happen, your life will never be the same again.”

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photo taken 1/7/13 one beautiful day in central park

That being said, blog posts of my own to come.I’m glad I came across it and I hope it brightens up your day like it did mine!

In the meantime find me here!: :)

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