New York State of Mind

This past week I had the opportunity to go back to one of my favorite cities.  There is something about this place that I just can't get enough of.  I think it's because there are so many things to do  and see in New York that it just never gets boring.  Another reason I absolutely love the city is for the architecture.  I mean where else can you get modern mixed with brick, mixed with brown stone, mixed with steel all on one block?  When I visited this time around, I went to my must go-to's, but also had the chance to explore a bit as well.  Some of my go-to's include; Totto Ramen, Momokufu Milk Bar, Chelsea Market/ The High Line, SoHo, Brooklyn Bridge, and of course Times Square.  I could rant and rave about things to do, but I think pictures are worth a thousand words.  Enjoy(:

xoxo, E

50 Things To Do By Yourself

I recently read an article about spending more time finding out who you are and really delving into the things you enjoy doing.  To aid in this journey, these were the tips that were given...  Personally, I really enjoy this list because sometimes doing things alone can prove to be more beneficial than doing these same things with other people.   Enjoy.

  • Start your own vegetable patch in your garden. Or plant them in larger planter boxes if you don't have the space.
  • Bake something that you have never made before.
  • Spend a day at a museum or art gallery.
  • Meditate - sit, be still and devote time to listening to your breath.
  • Review and update your "goals" list.
  • Have dinner on a your own in a nice restaurant - take time to really enjoy the food.
  • Read your favourite chapters from the books you love.
  • Go to a farmer's market, basket in hand and stock up on fresh, seasonal, organic produce. 
  • Go for a walk - in nature, outdoors and enjoy breathing the fresh air.
  • Make some popcorn, add your own toppings (be creative!) and have a movie marathon.
  • Listen to an album from start to finish without doing anything else. Or find a playlist that resonates with what you are feeling.
  • Go out for a long Sunday brunch. 
  • See a film at the cinema on your own - you won't have to share your popcorn.
  • Do a grocery shop at your favourite organic grocers and splurge on something you don't have very often. 
  • Start a herb garden that will sit on your windowsill. This is perfect for small apartments. Also, most herbs are quite hardy and will last throughout the year.
  • Create a mixed tape or playlists for all your different moods and occasions. 
  • Take your bike for a leisurely ride and go your favourite cafe.
  • Rearrange your wardrobe and discover old clothes again. 
  • Clean and organise things around your home. 
  • Visit the florist and pick out a bunch of flowers for your bedside table. Use your good vase!
  • Create a calming space in your home for working on your hobbies or projects.
  • Create a beautiful meditation or spiritual corner.
  • Take all your old clothes, books and furniture and donate these things to charity. Make room for the new by clearing out the old.
  • Paint, draw, sketch, write - let your emotions and intuition guide you to with this one.
  • Make a terrarium from a selection of succulents and moss. 
  • Go somewhere in the city that you have never been before. 
  • Go to a gig, enjoy the music and dance like crazy.
  • Read up on your horoscope.
  • Send a handwritten letter to a friend, lover or family member.
  • Create a Pinterest board to help visualise and bring your next adventure to life. 
  • Make an Acai bowl, topped with fruit, yogurt, super foods and granola.
  • Light a candle, take a relaxing bath - try adding some essential oils and herbs like sage, camomile or peppermint!
  • Journal. Write up a list of things you would love to do, declare your dreams and intentions or simply empty out all your thoughts into your notebook.
  • Do a face mask. 
  • Roll out your mat and do yoga to rejuvenate, energise and relax. 
  • Think of 50 questions that you want the answers to.
  • Do a juice cleanse for the day. 
  • Rearrange things in your room using Feng Shui to bring more light, flow and harmonious energy to your space. 
  • Give an old chest of drawers some fresh paint or replace the door knobs in your house with vintage ones.
  • Give yourself a mini retreat weekend - eat healthy food, go for a massage, spoil yourself and really relax!
  • Sleep, doze or power nap as much as you need to. 
  • Sip a cup of tea and look out the window.
  • Go to the park, pack some homemade sandwiches, bring a picnic blanket and a good book.
  • Catch up on all your favourite blog posts.
  • Travel. 
  • Give yourself a manicure - try a different styles like Leopard prints, marbling effects, dots etc.
  • Wake up early to see the sunrise. Or make time at dusk to catch the sunset.
  • Go for a jog or walk by the beach. Breathe in the salty sea breeze and watch the waves lick the shore. 
  • Study. 
  • Take a photo to depict each hour in your day.
  • Make a gratitude list. 

Monterey Bay Aquarium

          Two weeks ago I had the chance to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium while I was down in Carmel for the holidays.  Whenever I have the chance to visit a museum, aquarium, or exhibit of interest, I always jump at the chance.  Personally, I really enjoy walking around and learning about the different things that are on display.  Initially, I visited the aquarium the day after Christmas.  Let me tell you- IT. WAS. PACKED.  Granted, I went around 12 p.m., however, there were SO many people it was barely enjoyable.  Each and every exhibit was filed with people.  More than that, there were so many children, it was ridiculous.  After trying my best to brave the crowd for about an hour, I finally gave up and left  I decided to go back the next day right when they opened.  Granted, there were still a lot of people, however, I was able to walk around and see everything that I wanted to see before the huge crowd came once again.  Overall, the exhibits were pretty neat and I enjoyed myself.  I'll let the pictures I took speak for themselves.  Pure, amazement.