NYC photo diary

New York City is a crazy, exciting, magical, and stressful place. I've only been twice, and both times I left feeling like there was so much more that needed to be done! Here are a few tid-bits from my trip with the beau and family--we ventured to Radio City Music Hall to watch the Rockettes, took in a couple Broadway shows (one of which Paul Rudd was in, and it was phenomenal), ate some delectable food, walked up and down 5th many times, and visited Grand Central Station...where we then took a train, which took us to a lesser known place called Yonkers to visit the beau's favorite restaurant, Texas De Brazil (which was well worth the crazy trip).

But I have to say one of my favorite things we did (despite the longest line ever and freezing during the wait) was visiting the 9/11 Memorial.  It was unlike anything I'd ever imagined; there was an eerie lingering stillness about it in which the sadness crept in, yet a calmness among everyone around us.  I could literally feel the American pride pouring out of each and every person visiting the site.

We also visited a wonderful place for Christmas brunch on the Lower East Side called Essex. If I lived in New York this place would be a go-to for brunch. It was roughly $26 per person, which included a meal and unlimited mimosas, screwdrivers, or bloody maries. WIN. I ordered the lobster Benedict (obviously), and it was even better than it sounds.

Overall our trip was a blast, and I can't wait to go back and try some new restaurants and see new areas of the city! What are you favorite stops in New York?
xx

score

[vince sweater {sample sale score}, j.crew shirt {outlet score}, j-brand jeans {outlet score}, boots- nordstrom rack, rebecca minkoff bag, necklace- gift from the beau's mom, ring- jewelmint, polo ralph lauren glasses]

So, I know I just returned from New York + Colorado (I promise I'll get photos up soon), but I'm freezing. I mean, is this even L.A.? I did not sign up for 30 degree weather when there's no option for snow. Thank goodness the rest of the week looks a little better.

This entire outfit was a discount purchase--I got this awesome sweater at the Vince sample sale (sidenote: probably the most overwhelming experience of my life), and everything else was from an outlet or Nordstrom Rack.  Even my bag was a major discounted score from this blogger's closet. I may have a shopping addiction but at least I can hunt down the sales! My mom would be proud because she was the exact same way. Which somehow makes me feel completely fine with this whole shopping addiction thing.

I hope everyone is having a fabulous week. I'm back in full swing at work and have some exciting things to share here over the next couple weeks as well!
xx

foodie friday: the belmont

I can't believe it's been so long since I've shared my indulgences with you via Foodie Friday! The good news is I actually have been eating out far too much (okay, that's not so good news for my wallet or bod), but that means I have lots of good foodie action to bestow upon you.

Holli and I got crazy this week and stayed on the Eastside after work for drinks and dinner. For happy hour we tried a new place called The Phoenix, which I'll feature soon. And for dinner we tried The Belmont.  Honestly, I was apprehensive about The Belmont at first because when we asked for a cocktail/wine list, our server said they didn't have one: "we have a malbec, a cabernet sauvignon, a chardonnay..." Obviously this lack of choices wasn't so thrilling to learn, but I gave their sole malbec a try anyway and it didn't disappoint.

Really all I can say about this place is that it's dark, cozy, and has a menu full of scrumptious, down-home American dishes. Their drinks aren't anything to write home about (but they're pretty cheap); what The Belmont is good for is just simple + excellent food.  It's an inexpensive, no-fuss kind of place, and the service is great too. Frankly I think L.A. could use more spots like it!

Not To Be Missed
baked mac and cheese (YOU MUST order this, there's crab and bacon in it people!), southern friend chicken, cheeseburger, grilled artichokes (we didn't actually the burger or artichokes, but hear rave reviews)

Seriously, go and try the mac and cheese. You'll leave on cloud nine, I guarantee it!
xx

raising the bar

When I was searching for a Christmas present for the beau this year, I stumbled upon a beautiful rustic wine rack on Etsy.  I ended up not getting it for him because I was afraid it would be too big for his apartment, and I've come to regret that decision ever since! 

We've recently been discussing purchasing a great wine rack together, and I've also decided we eventually need a bar cart and vintage liquor decanters. I figure for two people who love their wine + cocktails, we should have some jazzy storage, no?

xx

photos via etsy + glitter guide

organization inspiration

I spent the majority of my free time today on the internet browsing for organization inspiration. I thought since it's a new year, there would be tons of it out there, but all I found was one on pretty bathroom things and a slew of closet organizing tips (that's the one thing I have down). Now that it's late and my brain has officially stopped functioning, I finally found a few practical and a couple whimsical pieces that have my wheels turning.

Clockwise from top:
1. Souk soaps// 2. Ball mason jars // 3. safari clothing hooks// 4. decorative trays// 5. wire basket //6. wood hangers// 7. calendar
xx

fresh start

Happy New Year, my friends! I'm back from the ultimate vacation--a week in New York; a week in Colorado; the weekend in San Diego. I completely unplugged (except for instagram...can't help my obsession). The beau and I relished the time with our families, and then packed up his apartment for his move to a new place as soon as we returned.  Needless to say, even though I had a long + amazing vacation, I could still use a bit of relaxation!

I've never been one to set "resolutions." I always thought it sounded like a good plan, but I never actually stuck to them and it became such a cliche that I've shied away from the practice in recent years. However, the new year does always mean a fresh start, which I like.  I do always try to set at least a couple goals for myself and make a major effort to stick to them. They're usually pretty broad, like: spend more time with family and friends.  But this year, I'm pulling out the big guns. I'm ready for some big changes, and I intend to see them through. An important one for me is getting organized and really maintaining that organization. I tend to go on a crazy organization spree for like a week and then I get lazy and it pretty much stays that way most of the time. No more! 

photos via middle child complex

What resolutions have you set for yourself this year? I'll share more of mine in the coming weeks. Would love to hear your tips for staying organized and inspired!
xx

double tuxedo

[french connection blazer {last seen here}, j-crew shirt, j brand jeans, nine west booties, kate spade bag, michael kors watch, david yurman bracelet, rings- madewell/vintage, polo ralph lauren glasses]

I know I've said this before, but I'm not one for trying out crazy trends. Colored denim? Sure. Chambray shirts? Sign me up. But I typically stray from anything too outlandish.  So when I saw this look, I was surprised to find myself wanting to give it a try. Canadian tuxedo + tuxedo blazer? Gettin' crazy over here, I know. New year, new Paige.  Or at least some more creativity.

I hope your year is off to a great start!
xx