looking back

Ever stop and think about where you are currently in your life, how you got there and where you came from? That's the type of spell I was under all weekend. I believe it was the juxtaposition of being surrounded by old and new friends who have come from such different places in my life. I've been calling this stage of my life the 'between' because I am literally between the good and bad and the hard and easy. I keep finding myself in situations where I feel like I'm either in a fairy tale or a horror movie. I've realized that somethings change and then some people never do. I was taken to the beautiful 21 Club for dinner with an amazing group of new friends. It's funny how things change, how you get from one place to another and how far you have yet to go. As I quickly approach my 25th birthday, there will be much more change to come. My gift to myself is working on positive change, with positive situations and people around me. Goodbye bad karma, out with the bad, in with the good.

white out

Finding a balance between white space and information is a daily design problem that needs solving. A recent project involved putting together a look book for a new fashion brand out of New York. The photography is beautiful, the models are exotic and stunning and the clothing is detailed and tailored to a 'T'. The only problem is the communication and explanation of why white space is necessary and vital for the line to speak clearly to the viewer. Pulling the viewers eye back and forth, across and up, and back again to the center. I've learned that explaining white space to a non design mind is like teaching Portuguese to a three year old. So what to do; sacrifice the book and my design knowledge or try to politely explain that I know what I'm doing, again. I wouldn't climb across an accountant's desk and try to tell them how to do their job. So please, don't climb across mine via email. Trust me, I won't let you down.

cuba in february

It seems to be a bit of a trend here for my weekends to end up at specialized, themed restaurants and bars. This past Saturday was spent tucked away in the lower east side of Manhattan at the rum social club, Cienfuegos. I was turned on to the spot by my roommate's boyfriend, Tom. So we climbed into a cab and off we went. Greeted by a life-size Virgin Mary bronze fountain, stadium wall seats and swanky bartenders, I felt like I was transported to Cuba in the mid summer. After a quick "Brooklynite" at the bar, a smooth mix of honey, rum and lime, we went upstairs to our table to enjoy a Isla Punch bowl and Cuban hors d'oeuvres. Not only were the drinks and food absolutely wonderful, the decor of the place was out of a dream. From the owners of Death & Co and Mayahuel, this place is another hit. Like Pravda, the door is strict so arrive early (no reservations taken) and know that this place is worth the wait. I can't wait to go back!

exs & ohs

I never gave Valentine's Day a thought but this morning as I made my way into work and looked in the 20+ cafes, pharmacies and stores decked out in red and pink, I couldn't help but laugh at myself decked out in all black. What a terrible mistake to make! It's an odd feeling to not have someone to snuggle up to today but at the very same time, it's weirdly refreshing. Not because I'm getting all 'single girl power' on myself but because I found that Valentine's day was actually more upsetting when there was someone there and the day fell flat because there were zero surprises or extra kisses waiting for me. I'm a simple girl; no flash, no rose petals, no little blue boxes needed. But a funny card and a trip to the movies goes a very long way. So now I wonder, how will my very first single Valentine's day pan out in (dare I say it…) around 7 years! I'm going to treat myself to a cupcake covered in pink frosting and red and white sprinkles later (thanks to my wonderful roommate) and dive into a new read. Low key and perfectly fine with me. To everyone else, Happy Valentine's Day! Kisses from NYC - hope you all have a wonderful day! xx

Сюрприз! (Surprise!)

Time has gotten away from me again. Between my absurd hours at work, moving and social outings, I've been ignoring this blog. During all the craziness of the past few weeks I was able to successfully plan a surprise birthday for my best friend. The party happened at Pravda, a russian vodka bar in Soho with 14 of our closest friends. It's nearly impossible to pull one over on him and if you know me, I'm terrible at keeping secrets. With the two combined, it's amazing this party even happened. I highly recommend you visit Pravda at least once. I'll be going back for sure in the near future. Dine on the Zakouski platter and sip on any of their wonderful martinis (extra dirty vodka martini for this gal). Make sure you call ahead though, the place fills up quick and the doors is strict.

déjà vu

Do you believe in reincarnation? I think in a previous life I lived in Paris, wore gowns, drank champagne, ate macarons and lived in a gold gilded chateau. I dream of the chance to up and leave to move to Paris. Funny how this is a dream yet I've never visited. I just feel like it would be much more my pace.

this is the life

One always cuts into another, sometimes they blend and sometimes they are like water and oil. I've met some of my very best friends through design. I can say that about 85% of my friends are indeed, designers themselves. It's an odd bond over late nights, creative director swap stories, design nightmares and (hopeful) successes. But when does it because too mixed? When do you but your foot down and say, enough. Sleep for 17 hours straight, fill up on food (because heaven knows you don't get a lunch break) and finally see your friends/boyfriend/girlfriend/lover because you've been pulling 15 hour days and you haven't seen the light of day in 3 weeks straight. Is that part of this creative lifestyle? Did I ask for this when I applied to graphic design in college? Does one happy client equal relief from seven who have the "only child syndrome"? Is this why designers burn out at a mere 35 years old? All of these questions swim around in my head this morning as I get in at 6AM only to work another 15 hour day without the hope of relief, food, sleep or a social life for the next three days straight. But at least I'll have a rocking portfolio, right?….

newbies

I just can't get enough of this photo. New friends are just so much fun. :)