A lesser known fact about me: I grew up in NYC! Well, between NYC and Italy…and some other towns for a few months at a time mixed in (Showbiz family). As a born and raised New Yorker, I really consider the city to be a part of the fabric of my personality, of my aesthetic, and of my grit as person and business woman. Growing up there taught me so much about life, and about myself…even if it’s taken me a few years to really distill what those pearls of wisdom are at their essence. I get asked a lot what it was like growing up in the most dynamic city in the world, and there are so many versions of the answer to that. My best answer is that it made me who I am today. I thought it would be fun to break it down even further, and share with you guys the top nine things that growing up in NYC taught me about life AND myself…
One of my favorite things about NYC is that success doesn’t have just one way of being measured. Or ten. Or a hundred. New York City is a world of hustlers, of self-made entrepreneurs, and of people learning through osmosis as much as from a textbook or manual. Meeting people across all industries throughout my life in NYC showed me firsthand that what you get in life is what you put in. And that no University, course, or degree means that you’re owed anything in the real world. That’s been invaluable for me and really influenced my work ethic. I was lucky enough to receive a stellar education thanks to my parents, but I never rested on it. I am just as proud of my ability to read a room, of my sales intuition, of my drive, and of the confidence that has come from navigating a bustling city from a young age.
It’s become a cliché to say at this point, but that old saying that you see the best from New York City when the city has to work together could not be more true. I was a teenager on 9/11, in high school in Brooklyn. I survived that horrible day along with my family, but many did not– including people I knew and was close to. What I remember more clearly than the terror of that morning was the strength, the kindness, and the bravery of strangers. New Yorkers banded together to raise each other up, pitch in whenever possible, and to continue to do so for the months and years following that devastating day. I have continued to watch New Yorkers at their best during other crises over the years. Passing out waters for free from Delis in a blackout, hosting strangers during a natural disaster, coming together in peaceful protest or solemn prayer. These moments have always made me so proud of where I come from. Kyle always says that I’m at my best when Sh*t hits the fan, and all I can say is that I learned it from New York! LOL.
If you could see what I am able to fit in to a regular sized purse, you would give me a medal of honor. Ha! Most New Yorkers don’t have cars (heck, most don’t drive at all), but New Yorkers are also some of the busiest bees around. End result: we bring it all with us! Imagine what we suburbanites keep in our cars for the day: water, lunch, kid stuff, gum, makeup, gym bag, snacks, packages to mail, bills to pay, work materials, etc. New Yorkers keep that on their person all day long. I am now a packer extraordinaire and I have NYC to thank for it!
The thing that makes me the most disappointed about not raising my kids in NYC is the daily multicultural melting pot they will miss out on. Living in NYC and being surrounded by so much diversity, both ethnic and socioeconomic, was such an important lesson and one I carry with me today. It also informed my aesthetic! I feel like I pull stylistically from a lot of different cultural influences, as do so many people I know who grew up in NYC!
Walking around NYC my whole life, I grew up doing ongoing food tours of Manhattan. Unofficial of course. LOL. I would eat about five meals a day, since it’s impossible to walk by a delicious hole in the wall or hot dog stand without stopping for a bite. I actually lost weight when I moved to LA, regardless of the fact that I wasn’t walking nearly as much, based on the lack of accidental food purchases alone. I still eat constantly when I go to NYC to visit now.
You can tell a New Yorker by their walk. It’s something you can’t teach, and that a true New Yorker never really loses: that fast paced, always moving forward, gust of energetic purpose. Stop to tie your shoe on the sidewalk in NYC and you will probably get trampled. This is probably the least attractive aspect of New York City to tourists, but the metaphor behind the NYC pace of life is one I’ve grown to admire: Always move forward, no matter what.
When I was a teenager, I had an extremely busy life that was packed full of things I absolutely had to do exactly when I absolutely had to do them…according to fifteen year old me of course. LOL. Because I was buzzing all over the island of Manhattan, I had to figure out a way to get around quickly and with very little money. My solution: roller blades. I would wear roller blades EVERYWHERE, and would carry sneakers in my bag to change in to when I got where I was going. People would look at me like I was absolutely nuts…but guess who made it from the meatpacking district to the Lower East Side in less than twenty minutes??? FOR FREE. Chew on that, Haters!
The true beauty of NYC is that it’s a living, breathing organism that has an energy and life of its own. You really never know what’s going to be around the next corner, and that has taught me from a young age that anything is possible. There have been countless times that I’ve been having a terrible day, and an interaction, chance encounter, fascinating experience, or some beautiful small moment of kindness that I witness from across a busy intersection has totally changed my day. There is a certain level of openness and excitement there that I try to tap in to in my everyday life, even where I live now. My best prescription for a tough, sad, or bad moment in life is to take an hour just to sit in a busy place in New York City and observe. I promise it works.
NYC is a tough place to date, but doing it taught me one of life’s hardest lessons: just because there are lots of fish in the sea doesn’t mean that somebody better for you is right around the corner, waiting for you to walk towards them. I think a lot of people in the city have trouble committing, because it’s a city full of adventure, excitement..and OPTIONS. I was there too, and I get that impulse. But when you life there for a few years, you realize that the people that aren’t for you are a lot like each other… all in that same “not for you” category. LOL. Just because you can have somebody different doesn’t mean your should…or that it will make you happy! I’m so glad I was able to learn that lesson at such a young age…especially since I got married in my mid twenties and ended up feeling actually ready to settle down.
Are there any other born and raised New Yorkers reading this?! I’d love to hear what NYC taught you that you still draw from today!
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A couple weeks ago, Kyle and I went in to the city for a really epic date night at Nordstrom’s party for the Fall Collection of their 1901 brand. The party was in a spot I had heard about but never been to– even as a born and raised New Yorker! The Grand Banks Schooner, on Pier 25 was the most picturesque and cool spot to party. They serve dinner and drinks on the boat, and it’s so charming and romantic to see the city skyline and watch the other boats go by as the sun is setting. We had a total blast. I’ve definitely added it to my list of faves! Being there inspired my to write up a list of my favorite NYC Date Night spots that Kyle and I both love. There is a mix of high and low– super exclusive to hole-in-the-wall. I love them all. Let me know if you love any of these places as much as I do– and please add your faves in the comments below!
This is the most delicious Italian, chic and fab restaurant– and my fave right now! If you go, order the off menu dessert “The Italian Job”
I’m obsessed with this tiny Italian restaurant, which is dark, cozy, romantic, and has some incredible food. For extra street cred, book a table in the wine cellar!
I had my fifth birthday dinner at this restaurant (yes I was a five year old sushi lover) and I’ve adored it ever since. The sushi is so fresh, and they have great value for lunch options as well. My favorite thing to order here is the Chirashi bowl, or whatever they have that’s the freshest! It’s a very small restaurant so a Rez is needed for sure.
This is Italian seafood restaurant is our favorite place to dine before seeing shows on broadway since it’s so close by! I’ve been going for special dinners since I was a tween, and the food is dynamite. Their menu of Crudos is spectacular. They also make a perfect Negroni.
We came here for my birthday drinks this past year, and Kyle and I loved it so much! I haven’t had the food, but the cocktails are yummy, photogenic, and imaginative. Plus it’s right next to the Highline and a couple museums to walk off that buzz. LOL.
This was my birthday dinner with Kyle this year and it was BEYOND. It’s very expensive, very exclusive, very perfect, and a once in a lifetime kind of experience. I was blown away and think it’s definitely worth the money. It’s an epic anniversary spot too!
I love this cozy and cool restaurant hidden a way down an alley on the Lower East Side. You will definitely feel like you’re eating with the cool kids! Cocktails are great here too.
If you’re going for a low-key, cute and yummy date that is quintessentially New York, go for the Corner Bistro! The burgers and fries are insane, and the bar has so much history. Last I checked it was Cash Only, so come prepared!
I adore this farm to table asian restaurant! The food is so inventive and delicious, and the decor is very chic as well. A must try in the West Village.
This spot is a NYC establishment, and still so chic. It’s stepped up British fare, with delicious classics like steak, oysters, and a beautiful wine list. A great, special birthday meal. I especially love to eat here during the Holiday season as it’s so festive!
Such a great fish restaurant, with a sleek and cool vibe. Excellent sushi too!
The most delicious modern soul food– this place makes Harlem a destination for cuisine! We loved eating here and then bar hopping in the neighborhood.
Brooklyn’s other fabulous Italian joint. This place is really intimate, really elegant, and has great food. What more is there?
I grew up going to this Italian/Japanese restaurant as a kid, and I still love going for date night! It’s Italian tastes with a Japanese aesthetic. They are known for their parmesan drenched spaghetti dish that they make for you table side.
A solid sushi spot, and a great place for a date!
Everything from the noodles to the fried chicken at this restaurant is delicious. It’s hard to get a res, but try the chef’s tasting menu if you can!
I’m pretty obsessed with Korean Food, and this is my fave I’ve found so far in NYC. I always order Naeng Myun, Mool, and Kalbi. They bring the Panchan (side dishes) for you to explore as well!
This is the most elegant “hole in the wall” I’ve ever been to. I love how the whole restaurant is styled, down to the glassware and napkins. I used to live above it and from time to time I would treat myself and sit alone at the bar for dinner. So yummy!
This is an amazing little find in South Slope, Brooklyn! Not only is everything on the menu ridiculously delicious, but bottles of vino are also well-picked and super affordable.
Most people are familiar with it’s sister restaurant, Roberta’s, but there’s a hidden gem through the back of this industrial compound in Bushwick and it’s Blanca! Named after Chef Carlo Mirarchi’s mama, Blanca is a 22-course tasting menu restaurant boasting a consistent two Michelin stars year after year. There’s only 12 seats though, so book your reservations far in advance, and definitely get wine pairing!
Another Brooklyn favorite, Leuca sits at the base of the William Vale hotel, and serves up some serious cocktails and Southern Italian fare from Chef Andrew Carmellini. If you’re not in the mood for a full meal, grab a seat at giant marble bar in one of their seriously gorgeous mustard-velvet bar stools and share a plate of the Tuna Crudo.
This stylish restaurant sits at the base of the Brooklyn Bridge and has the most epic view of the East River. If it’s warm enough, grab a table outside and snuggle up to your date while nibbling on pizza.
If you love xiao long bao, otherwise known as soup dumplings, then the only place to go is Flushing, Queens. This gem of a restaurant is nothing fancy, but boy is the trip worth it. Order a couple rounds of the house specialty and you’ll thank me later.
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Photographs by Julia Dags.
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A week ago, I took Marlowe on our very first Mother Daughter trip. To say that I had been dreaming of that moment from the very day I found out I was pregnant with a girl baby is a gross understatement. I was pretty much dreaming of it since I was a little girl myself! Marlowe has been such an amazing Big Sister recently, and had just finished up her preschool year, so I wanted to organize a big treat for her. She and I have always been really close, but recently as she’s grown up a bit I’ve really been having so much fun spending long periods of time hanging out just the two of us. I have lots of work coming up this Summer, and so I thought it would be great for us to spend some quality girl time and enjoy a little semi-staycation in NYC before I get too busy!
And there was nowhere for us to spend it BUT the Plaza. When I was a little girl, I was obsessed with the “Eloise” books. I just adored her spunky attitude, the glamour of her life at the Plaza, and the hilarity of her fierce independence and adult-like adventures. When I was in 4th grade, we did a pen pal program at my school. We could pick any “known” person and write them a letter, and our teachers and principal figured out how to mail it to them. I chose Kay Thompson, the author of “Eloise”. I wrote to her, and she actually wrote me back! We ended up exchanging a couple of letters, which I WISH I still had. My Mom probably does still have them someplace, knowing her. LOL. When I knew I was having a daughter, “Eloise” was one of the first books I bought for her bookshelf! I was so excited to introduce Marlowe to the Plaza Hotel, and to the world of old school New York City glamour.
First up was pamper time! I took Marlowe to the Rita Hazan salon for a trim and a blowout. I go there to get my own hair done, and everyone was so excited to meet my mini! It was really sweet. Marlowe got a blowout and a beautiful headband braid in her hair. Then, we got our nails done! I told Lowie she could pick out the color, and we would both get the same one. She was sooooo excited by that, and picked a really pretty hot pink! She knows my favorite color is pink, and I thought it was so sweet that she purposefully chose a color that she knew I would like.
After our pamper time, it was time to check in to our room at the Plaza! I had called ahead of time and organized a little surprise for my girl…when we walked in to our room, there was huge bouquet of white and pink balloons waiting for her! She actually gasped. It was the cutest thing ever. And the rooms were even more beautiful than I could have hoped. The bed was so luxe and beautiful and very old world glamour. Our room had very high ceilings and a little balcony. And the bathroom was stunning! Marlowe exclaimed that it was the fanciest bathroom she had ever seen– all white marble and gold accents with a very pretty soaking tub. We unpacked a bit together. Then, we went exploring! The Plaza has an awesome food court in the bottom of the building– if you can even call it a food court. It’s composed of amazing, chic restaurants and cafés, and even places you can sit down for a cocktail. I bought Lowie a classic Black & White New York cookie, and we headed to the Eloise gift shop. I had heard the Eloise gift shop was great, but I didn’t realize HOW great. I was blown away. If you love Eloise, visiting this shop is an attraction in itself. There are the cutest (like, actually cute) Eloise branded clothes and accessories, dolls, books, and toys for purchase. There’s even a room with comfy chairs in the back where kids can sit and watch the Eloise TV show. I treated Lowie to an Eloise tee shirt and hair bow, and a stuffed animal of “Weenie”, the pet dog from the story.
Next up, we went upstairs to have Tea at the Palm Court! The Palm Court restaurant and tea room is about as grand and gorgeous as it gets. There are actual palm trees inside! I booked a traditional tea for me, and a special “Eloise Tea” for Marlowe. It was so adorable– the Eloise Tea came with either hot tea or lemonade, and a selection of sandwiches and sweets. There was even cotton candy! The presented her with a very gorgeous tea cup that had Eloise printed on it to drink her tea from. I couldn’t even believe how detailed the entire experience was. Once of Marlowe’s best friends met us for tea, and Marlowe told me later that having Eloise tea with her friend was her “Peak” of the whole trip! I definitely want to go back for a champagne tea experienced with a slightly older companion at some point. LOL.
Afterwards, we went back up to the room to rest for a while before heading out to dinner! I told Marlowe she was allowed to pick anywhere she wanted for dinner. Her answer: “Sushi, of course!” I almost died laughing. Benihana was right near the Plaza, so I asked her if she felt like hibachi for dinner, and we could get sushi with it if she wanted. She was PUMPED. We have a hibachi restaurant in Westport, but it really is nothing compared to Benihana, so I was excited for her to experience the real deal. The whole day, it had felt so cool to simply hang out with my daughter. To talk, ask each other questions, and enjoy a unique experience together. It was actually our very first time ever doing that, and she is definitely at the right age now to soak it all in. That mood continued in to dinner. We had the absolutely greatest time. I leaned over at one point and whispered in her ear “Hey, should we pretend it’s your birthday so we get a candle in your dessert??” Her eyes went so wide and she looked so excited. She leaned in and whispered back “YES!” A half an hour later, our hibachi chef asked if there were any special occasions and I told him it was Marlowe’s birthday. She started giggling and put her hands over her mouth. When dessert came, they had a candle for her and everything, and the whole table sang. She thought it was hilarious, and we were both laughing so hard and having so much fun sharing in the secret. When we left she said “Mom that was SO funny when they sang me happy birthday when it wasn’t even my birthday! You’re crazy!” LOLOLOL.
Like anyone else, I’m a regular Mom who gets frustrated and spread thin, and can get overwhelmed by my kids and then feel guilty once they’re asleep. I can’t tell you how great it felt to have a whole day with my daughter where we just took it one step at a time and had FUN. There was no stress, no rushing off to do a million things, it was just an easy breezy pace and a lot of laughs. It felt like such a milestone for me as a Mom, and I really hope that she enjoyed that time together as much as I did. We took our time walking home from dinner, and near the hotel, we passed a store with hundreds of glass and crystal tchotchkes in the window. We stopped and looked at all of them for a while they walked on in silence. After a minute Marlowe said: “You know, Mom, I think that Fragile Store is my favorite one in the whole city!” Haaaaaa. Oh man, what a riot this kid is. I’m definitely writing down the term “fragile store” so I can repeat it to her when she’s a grownup.
When we got back to the Plaza, they had left a piece of chocolate cake and a bottle of champagne in our room! I was so surprised and actually called Kyle thinking he had organized it– But he didn’t! (In retrospect, he definitely should have taken credit…) I thought that was so thoughtful and sweet of them, and Marlowe got a second dessert. Then she definitely had the energy to take a nice long bubble bath in “the fanciest bathroom ever”. I read her Eloise while she soaked. We climbed in bed together, in matching jammies (hello, have we met?) and ordered a movie. We were both exhausted from a full day and it wasn’t long before she was asleep!
The next morning, we ordered room service, and I let her make the phone call. It was SO Eloise-esque and so hilarious. I wish I had filmed it. After a great morning, we headed home. The trip was quick (barely 24 hours) but it was just the GREATEST. After always admiring the Plaza, but never having stayed there, I was a bit worried that it wouldn’t live up to the fantasy I had of it in my mind. BUT IT DID. The whole experience was exactly as I had hoped. The building is beautiful, classic, and amazingly preserved. It was as luxe as I had envisioned it, and the staff and environment was so friendly and welcoming. You can tell that they absolutely adore all the little Eloise-loving girls who visit there and really take pride in making their experience special.
By the way, this entire thing wasn’t sponsored in any way (I wish) but it was a bucket list moment that was worth every penny spent and I am SO Happy we did it! I had so many requests while we were there to write a post detailing the whole trip so that others could recreate it with their little girls, and I hope I’ve done a good job of that for you! If you’re thinking about creating a special memory with your little one, I hope you have the most amazing visit ever!
I’m really hoping to make it an annual trip with Marlowe as she gets older, so please let me know if there are any Plaza must do’s or special experiences to test out!
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Photographs by Carter Fish.
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Ladies and Gents! I’m so excited to tell you about an awesome event for an even greater cause. For me, 2017 has been all about owning my truth, seeking help for some mental health issues I was experiencing after Major’s accident at the end of the year, and finding a way to help others struggling in a similar way. One thing I learned is that not enough people have access to conversation and information about mental wellness in the pregnancy and motherhood space until it is too late! We should be talking about these things all the time, because living in the life transition that Parenthood brings is HARD. I’ve been trying to find a way to combine these things for a while in to an interactive experience that could enable me to do two things I love: support mental wellness in the parenthood space AND hang with members of the REZTT community!
Well, the time is now!
I’m so excited to have teamed up with Little Spoon to host a panel discussion + Q&A on a topic near and dear to my heart: practicing self-care and maintaining positive mental health during a time of constant change: pregnancy and parenthood.
This charity event will be held Wednesday, June 7th from 7:00 – 9:00 pm in Chelsea. Ticket proceeds will benefit the Seleni Institute, a nonprofit committed to de-stigmatizing and transforming mental health and wellness with a focus on pregnancy and family development.
Little Spoon is an organic babyblends food delivery company that delivers exciting and healthy nutrition for your little ones right to your door. As a working Mama with minimal time to make my child’s baby food, I love and appreciate everything their company stands for! And when we are feeling overwhelmed, they are there to literally take something off of our plate…and put it on our baby’s! Ha!
Join me and four experts in the wellness world as we delve into the challenges that come with pregnancy and parenthood, and all of our personal tips and tricks on how to stay sane and incorporate the self-care we need to balance this delicate time in our lives. Here are the bios of the other speakers, so you can get an idea of what our evening will be like!
Michelle Muller: Moderating the panel, Michelle is Co-Founder and Chief Mom of Little Spoon. Michelle is a compassionate wellness advocate with over seven years experience in the health-wellness and food and beverage spaces. She is the proud mother of three sons: Pearce (10 yrs), Rylan (7 yrs) and Brandt (6 yrs). Michelle is a certified yoga instructor and writer, having written content for several high-traffic wellness sites. She also enjoys volunteering with Covenant House and mentoring with Venture For America.
Drew Ramsey: A psychiatrist, author, and farmer, Drew is one of psychiatry’s leading proponents of using dietary change to help balance moods, sharpen brain function and improve mental health. He is an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and in active clinical practice in New York City where his work focuses on the clinical treatment of depression and anxiety. Using the latest brain science and nutritional research, modern treatments, and an array of delicious food he aims to help people live to their happiest, healthiest lives.
Jena Booher: A maternal mental health expert who studies the perceptions, behaviors, and relationships between mothers in the workplace and their fellow colleagues and managers. Jena is currently finising up her PhD in Psychology with a focus on how to improve gender diversity in the workplace.
Regina Conceição: A University of Massachusetts, Amherst Women’s Studies graduate and certified DONA International doula, Regina’s expertise expands beyond typical birth doula and into postpartum and lactation certifications. Regina is a Child and Family Specialist at Columbia University’s Head Start Perinatal Support Program, a Doula Consultant with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, By My Side Support Program in Brooklyn and a midwife assistant with a homebirth midwife based in Brooklyn. In 2007 Regina gave birth to her own doula business, A Passion for New Beginnings and joined Kinyofu Mlimwengu and Mut Ra-t and together they gave birth to Trinity Wombkeepers Red Tent circles last year. Regina believes all women deserve to be supported by a doula if they choose, regardless of their economic situation.
I can’t wait to dive in with you all, and I truly hope to see you there!
xoxo,
EAM
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Last week I was lucky enough to participate in something totally fun, very of-the-moment, and bursting with Style– the Reed Krakoff for Kohl’s launch day! If you didn’t know, Reed Krakoff is a designer who used to head up Coach (swoon) and is now designing a super-chic and super affordable (double swoon) collection that you can buy at Kohl’s! The collection includes fab ready-to-wear items, but is primarily focused on an exquisite array of handbags that is sure to have you rushing to Kohl’s to snatch one up before they’re sold out. For the launch of the Reed Krakoff Collection, Kohl’s organized a Bloggers’ Day of adventure– and invited me to come along for the ride.
A small group of Bloggers all met in the morning at Grand Central, where Kohl’s had set up a Reed Krakoff Collection pop up shop. They were giving away tons of handbags and accessories to lucky passerby, and had a fun photobooth set up as well. I got to choose a bag, and picked out this ultra elegant (and perfectly neutral) one that I just adore– I’ve worn it every day since! I also was all decked out in a top and skirt from the Reed Krakoff Collection– I was drawn to the vibrant pink color and the energetic floral pattern of the skirt. Both items were extremely comfortable and forgiving for my pregnant belly– and they’re not even Maternity!
Once at Grand Central, each of us Bloggers was paired with an amazing Photographer– and the adventure started from there. I was so lucky to be paired with Pierre, a crazy-talented Street Style Photographer who shoots his subjects all over the world. Our only instruction was to see where the handbag could take me– and to enjoy the city and all it has to offer! Good thing for us, the weather that day was absolutely gorgeous– and it really energized and inspired us to have a productive day. The day actually felt a lot like The Amazing Race or something– everyone out and around the same city at the same time for the same purpose– Ha!
We went first to Union Square, where I have so many great memories from growing up. When I was really little I played in the playground, and then as I grew older we would hang out and lounge around in the grass and on the steps facing 14th street. I have always especially loved to visit the Farmer’s Market there, and so we set out to see what beautiful things we could find to bring along on our journey. There were just so many stunning flowers– the perks of Spring, I suppose. After exploring a bit, I bought a bunch of yellow daffodils and stuck them in my purse to take along on our adventure.
Next up was Brooklyn! I actually went to High School in Brooklyn, and many of my coming-of-age, formative years were spent there. We decided to check it out– revisiting some of my old stomping grounds as well as exploring all of the new things that have popped up since I was last there. I just love the DUMBO area of Brooklyn, in the shadow of the Manhattan Bridge, with gorgeous views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the New York City skyline. The area has gotten so built up in recent years, with gorgeous parks and lots of cute stores and cafés to check out. I was so nostalgic the entire afternoon– sitting in places I had spent so much time in as a teen, where I had dreamed of what my life would be like when I was a “real grown up”. It was so surreal to be sitting there with my son in my belly, and my daughter and Husband at home patiently waiting my return! It really is amazing where life takes us.
The day ended with a delicious dinner with Reed Krakoff and the entire Kohl’s team– it was so nice to catch up with the other Bloggers and hear where their adventures had taken them. I had such an exciting and invigorating day– it was so unusual and and thrilling to be challenged to an adventure! I can’t wait to hear about all the unexpected adventures the Reed Krakoff Collection bags take you on!
** Many thanks to Kohl’s for sponsoring this post! As always the thoughts and opinions expressed above are entirely my own.
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