Hear the Money Rustle

UNIQLO Black Blazer (similar)
Urban Outfitters Striped Layered Tank
Gap Destroyed Denim
Forever 21 Cap Toed Heels (similar), Bracelet

I took off work this past Monday to spend some more time with Eric before he headed back to Chicago. One of the last areas of NYC that we had to tackle was the Financial District. We walked up and down Wall Street, took in the insane amount of tourists in the area, and grabbed a quick lunch at a local pizza parlor. The best part was stopping by the Charging Bull and watching people pose with its testicles. (Did I really just write about testicles on my blog?) Touching certain parts of the bull is supposed to bring good luck to the visitor and the testicles are a symbol of its virility. I decided to pass on that specific ritual.

After we exhausted the area, we scrambled onto the East River Ferry to explore Brooklyn, specifically the DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights neighborhoods. It was actually my first time riding a ferry in New York City and I found out there are actually ferries that travel all the way to parts of New Jersey, including Sandy Hook Beach (the first Jersey beach I ever visited). I guess I know how I'll be spending my summer!

A Rainy Concrete Jungle

Sammydress Chambray Shirt (similar)
Madewell White Tee
American Apparel Polka Dot Skirt
ASOS Sandals (similar)

My second day exploring the city with Eric was overshadowed by rain clouds and puddles, making it very hard to wander around without ducking into a random store every few seconds. After a quick and scrumptious brunch at my all-time favorite Dim Sum place, Nom Wah Tea Parlor, we proceeded to wander around the Chinatown and Little Italy area huddling underneath a flimsy, leopard-print umbrella we picked up along the way. Wandering around Little Italy just reminded me that I need to spend more time nomming on Italian food.

Because of the rain, we abandoned our plans to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and opted to knock some touristy stuff off Eric's to-do list (i.e. Rockefeller Center, Times Square, etc). Then we had the most delicious Peruvian food (Pio Pio is a must if you're visiting the city) and then headed back home to dry off and call it an early night. An easy Sunday? Definitely.

Street Fairs, Bike Riding, and Drunk Bowling

Modcloth Orange Button-Up Dress (similar)
Cream Dress c/o Studio 12.20 (similar)
H&M Belt
Pyramid Necklace c/o Gogo Philip 
Wedges c/o Wayfair (similar)

During his first full day in the city (Saturday), Eric and I did a tremendous amount of walking. We walked to the point where exhaustion kicked in and we found ourselves taking naps every time we managed to sit down. I might have overachieved when it came to planning our New York City adventures.

Stop one was stopping by the Hester Street Fair in the Lower East Side. In a quick summary, it was a cute little, hipster street fair full of small food, clothing, and accessories businesses. We got to taste some incredible olive oils and my eyes kept drifting towards the expensive vintage dresses and sunglasses. My wallet held me back though (although the oven-baked margarita pizza was screaming my name).

After getting our fill of the Lower East Side and exploring the nearby parks, Eric and I rode the subway up to Central Park for some bike riding. In order to save a few dollars, we opted to rent our bikes from a sketchy guy standing on the side street who led us two blocks away from the park. Our wild imaginations had us preparing for our ultimate downfalls, but it ended up being just fine and if anything, just a little bit sketch.

Once again, Jen wears appropriate footwear for a day of walking, bike riding, and rock climbing.

Our next stop was to wander through the International Food Festival which was a little underwhelming. Eric and I expected to encounter the culinary experience of the Gods but it was simply food stands from a variety of restaurants in New York City (the same exact food festival that pops up multiple times throughout the year on random city streets). Nevertheless, we gorged ourselves and I even got to try Caramelized Fried Chicken ice cream from the Coolhaus truck, which was simply incredible. And no, it wasn't as disgusting as it sounds. It was actually a fried chicken party in my mouth and I only wish I had seconds.

Finally, we ended our evening by meeting up with a handful of my co-workers. After stopping by Martin Parr's latest exhibition, walking down the High Line, and grabbing dinner in the East Village, everyone headed over to Williamsburg to The Gutter. What's The Gutter? Two words: Drunk bowling.

If there's anything I want you to take away from this blog post, it's that nothing is better than drunk bowling.

Trouble Will Find Me

ASOS Green Polka Dot Dress
Forever 21 Denim Jacket
ASOS Sandals

It's finally the weekend! My friend Eric is visiting me in New York City for about a week and his flight landed last night. I can't wait to show him around the city which will consist of reckless nights, exploring each neighborhood, and eating all the food. All of it. We started off his adventures by hitting up a bar last night (Merrion Square in the Upper East Side) that serves a free burger with every drink and a free basket of wings with every pitcher. Needless to say we took advantage of both deals. Then I demanded that we drunkenly saunter home to enjoy The Princess Diaries.

That's right. We definitely know how to have a night out on the town.

Have a great weekend, everyone! :)

Things Are Tougher Than We Are

Urban Outfitters Mustard Cardigan (similar)

H&M Black Maxi Dress (similar)

Madewell Sandals (similar)

Forever 21 Skinny Belt

Over the past two weeks, the company I work for has been moving to a new and improved office that is twice the size of our old office. We've been growing like crazy (more than doubling our size in a year) and it's definitely nice having more windows and more room. We're still using both offices since one of the floor is still under construction, but I can't wait until we can finally settle in and decorate. My favorite thing about our new location is that we're only a block away from Madison Square Park, which means lots of walks in the park in order to get some fresh air. Oh, and not to mention the Shake Shack in the park. Noms. 

Nothing Breaks Your Heart, You're Fireproof

Orange Pleated Dress c/o Lulu*s
Forever 21 Denim Jacket
H&M Heeled Loafers (similar), Chain Necklace

I'm in a bit of a rut today and I can't seem to cut it loose, so I'm going to keep this post short and get some sleep. Hopefully I'll wake up tomorrow morning and have a little bit more of my life figured out.

The only thing settling my nerves right now is The National's newly released album. They're actually allowing you to stream the entire album on iTunes for a limited time if you guys want to check them out. I remember being obsessed with them my freshman year of college - a few friends and I road tripped up to Boston to see them perform live and it was incredible. Hopefully I'll be seeing them live again at Bonnaroo in exactly a month. So excited.