NEW YORK CITY
No matter how well you think you know it, there’s always somewhere or someone new to discover. In my twenties, I moved to the city. It was one of the best times of my life. There was always something magical about walking the streets and observing the opulence of the town. I remember feeling a sense of awe every time I looked up at the towering skyscrapers and the hustle and bustle of the city streets. It was a place of endless opportunities and limitless possibilities, and I felt like I was at the center of it all. Every day was an adventure, and I couldn't wait to see what the city had in store for me next.
It's been quite a journey for me. A decade ago, I was living my best life in the city. But now, as a suburban mother in Georgia with a successful career in the tech industry, I rarely get the chance to revisit my favorite spots. However, I've made a promise to myself to document every detail of my latest experiences. These moments are a reflection of my youth, a proof that I lived and existed here in so many ways. Whether I was grabbing a coffee with my friends in SoHo or taking a train to Brooklyn to explore a new exhibit, I was present in every moment. It's those experiences that make life worth living.
THE NEW YORK TIMES
When I was in college, I envisioned myself working as a journalist for The New York Times. After switching my major from Criminal Justice to English Literature, I discovered my love for writing. Blogging quickly became my favorite hobby, and I even ran two blogs during my college years as well as had a Tumblr.
Through blogging, I was introduced to the art community and connected with other talented artists. I particularly admired women bloggers like Vashtie Kola and Dopest Ethiopian, who were ethnic, creative, and making strides on social media. Their stories inspired me, and I became interested in being a paid blogger. I wanted to emulate them and their success.
In 2010, I started my first blog, Twenty Year Old Artist From Chicago, and followed it up with Chocolate Cake, High Heels, & Cameras in 2011. These blogs were a way for me to express myself and document my journey into womanhood. They are very special to me. Although I never landed a job at The New York Times, I was fortunate enough to visit their office recently. Part of me still holds onto the hope that one day I will work there.
In the meantime, I will continue using this platform to connect with others and share my experiences. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog, and enjoy this special New York piece.
ONE DOLLAR PIZZA
If you're planning a trip to New York, make sure to indulge in a slice of pizza! Trust me, it's seriously the best. I highly recommend checking out 2 Bros Pizza - their St. Marks location in the East Village is my personal favorite. And the best part? They serve hot $1 pizza all day long! It's an absolute must-have for me every time I'm in the city.
“Melting pot Harlem-Harlem of honey and chocolate and caramel and rum and vinegar and lemon and lime and gall. Dusky dream Harlem rumbling into a nightmare tunnel where the subway from the Bronx keeps right on downtown.”
Summer Renaissance
BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S
Introducing the Blue Box Café by Daniel Boulud, a charmingly elegant café located within The Landmark, Tiffany's 5th Avenue flagship store.
I had the loveliest breakfast with my best friend Kaiya at Tiffany's. It was such a nostalgic moment as we reminisced about our college days and one of our favorite movies, Breakfast at Tiffany's. I remember watching it together in our dorm room and now as grown women and mothers, we found ourselves meeting up at the iconic store. It was such a fitting activity for our friendship, and I was grateful for the time spent catching up with her.
Bronx
The Bronx holds a special place in my heart. It was where I first rented a room in New York, and I remember taking the 6 Train from downtown to Cypress Ave. every day. I lived with two uptown women in a walk-up apartment building, and although I have both good and bad memories of the Bronx, I always make a point to revisit my old neighborhood. It's a reminder of how much I've grown and how much I've preserved throughout the years.
ROMANTICIZE YOUR LIFE
I've come to realize that romanticizing my life doesn't necessarily mean creating a fictional world full of mythical creatures and vibrant colors. For me, it's all about finding joy and satisfaction in the simple things. Waking up early to savor a hot cup of coffee, listening to a carefully curated jazz playlist, or diving into a new book are all small pleasures that make life worth living.
Over time, I've learned to appreciate the little things in life, like the comfort of fresh sheets, the tranquility of stillness, and the luxury of a slow morning. Life is happening right now, not in some distant future. And the only way to fully experience it is by being completely present. When you're fully engaged in the moment, that's when you're truly living.
Late night catch-up at Omar’s Kitchen and Rum Bar with my bestie Kaiya.
THE BROOKLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY
New exhibit ‘The Book of HOV’ pays homage to Jay-Z at the Brooklyn Public Library. If you haven’t had a chance to catch this installation, you still have time. The exhibit has been extended to December 4th.
RAS PLANT BASED
A pioneering Ethiopian gem in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. This is one of my favorite East African spots in the city. Every plate is a canvas and every flavor a narrative.
I had a glass of TEJ (honey wine) and ordered the PIASSA (savory beetroot, brown lentil, yellow split pea, mild chickpea, and crunchy zucchini).
Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Flatbush, Brooklyn
I've come to realize that romanticizing my life doesn't necessarily mean creating a fictional world full of mythical creatures and vibrant colors. For me, it's all about finding joy and satisfaction in the simple things. Waking up early to savor a hot cup of coffee, listening to a carefully curated jazz playlist, or diving into a new book are all small pleasures that make life worth living. Over time, I've learned to appreciate the little things in life, like the comfort of fresh sheets, the tranquility of stillness, and the luxury of a slow morning. Life is happening right now, not in some distant future. And the only way to fully experience it is by being completely present. When you're fully engaged in the moment, that's when you're truly living.
New York has romanced me unlike anything else.