The clocks have changed, the mercury has plunged and I’m back on the hot coffees. I think we’re nearing winter. Thankfully when I went upstate last weekend (yes, another escape from the city), the leaves were still holding on. I concluded that, without a doubt, my favorite season in New York is autumn – I’m …
Read MoreTag / Manhattan
October 27, 2014
…went to Tom Fruin’s house
This waterfront home – with unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline and some very colorful decor – is the hottest property in NYC right now. You can’t actually live there (and not just because you can’t afford it), but you can visit – and you really, really should. The plexiglas house, ‘Kolonihavehus’, is the creation of Brooklyn-based …
Read MoreOctober 16, 2014
…popped by Carrie Bradshaw’s
These days you’ll find me binge watching Gilmore Girls Say Yes To The Dress CNN, but about ten years ago, it was all about Sex and the City. Yes, I know a good 70 per cent of the dialogue off by heart. A couple of years ago, some of my gal pals and I won a Sex …
Read MoreOctober 7, 2014
…drank coffee at Central Perk
New York can be an intimidating sprawl when you’re new to town, so sometimes it’s nice to pop to a place that’s slightly more recognizable. My sister Charlotte is visiting from New Zealand and, while she isn’t scared by the size of the city, I still thought it would be good to visit an old, familiar favorite: …
Read MoreSeptember 13, 2014
…saw street art (inside)
You know all those spray-painted squiggles, full-scale artworks or cartoonish stickers you see around the city? Well, sometimes they’re advertising for an artist’s other work. The artists frantically spray those squiggles or post stickers over the city all day, every day, so that they spread awareness for their brand. And it’s worked on me. This is how …
Read MoreSeptember 8, 2014
…cheered for the jousting at the Renaissance Faire
I’ve always said that some time apart from New York can do wonders for my relationship with her; I come back sane again. But this weekend, when I ventured out of the city, I’m not sure I came back all that okay in the head. Welcome to the Renaissance Faire. This annual spectacle is held at …
Read MoreAugust 30, 2014
Things I’ve loved about New York this week
You know what? I’m really glad I’ve been doing these round-ups. Every Friday – the day I reflect on the things I’ve loved about that week – I initially wonder what on earth I’m going to be writing about. Especially because I’m no longer doing a new thing every day (and I still feel guilty about it…). …
Read MoreAugust 27, 2014
…found the secret sound installation in Times Square
If you live in New York, you know something no tourist does: Times Square is to be avoided at all times. It’s a wonder to behold, sure, but it only needs to be beheld once. The problem? Everything. The lights, the crowds, those absolute fraudsters who barely cover their heads with an Elmo mask and then …
Read MoreAugust 19, 2014
…watched a classic movie at Bryant Park’s Summer Film Festival
There was a time when I used to have an opinion on every film showing in the cinema, but I honestly cannot remember the last time I watched a full movie. Blame a busy schedule, Netflix binges or my talent for falling asleep on the couch the minute I sit down, but it has been …
Read MoreAugust 16, 2014
Things I’ve loved about New York this week
From new street art to The Jackson 5 taking over my local subway station, here are some things that have made me smile this week. Seeing The Flower Guy‘s latest work (and recognizing it). Before moving to New York, I knew very little about street art, but in the past few years I’ve taken some cracking tours …
Read MoreAugust 11, 2014
…took part in a lightsaber battle
Whatever you’re into, you can guarantee that New York is teeming with other people with the same interest. So if you fancy dressing as a Star Wars character, activating your lightsaber and battling hundreds of foe in Washington Square Park, you can be sure it’ll happen. Welcome to my Saturday night. I’m not a Star Wars geek, but I am …
Read MoreAugust 6, 2014
…was a hair model
When it comes to haircuts, I’m incredibly British. I always pick something very reserved (‘a bit of a trim, please, not too much’) and when I’m in the seat, I’m far too polite. I usually prefer to have my hair cut at home using a service similar to Beauty Booker hair services. I don’t always …
Read MoreAugust 1, 2014
Things I’ve loved about New York this week
I have been the worst blogger this week, but I’ll be back on form next week! Still, the busy past few days have meant lots of happy New York moments. 1 :: having an hour to kill on 40th street and just knowing that Bryant Park would have some way of entertaining me… and I promptly found myself …
Read MoreJuly 25, 2014
Things I’ve loved about New York this week
Walking to the subway this morning, I thought about how last year I took the time to appreciate New York every single day because of my daily new activities. I still think, ‘Woah I’m in New York!’ whenever I see the glimmering skyline of the city – but I’m definitely forgetting to appreciate things as much as I …
Read MoreJuly 24, 2014
…took a break in the Elizabeth Street Garden
Three years living here and the sirens, smells and cat calls are getting to me. New York, you’re a loud, sweaty sprawl – but I still love you, so what are we to do? People deal with the imposition of the city in their own way – from Soul Cycle classes to unwinding over a glass of wine – …
Read MoreJuly 18, 2014
…checked out art on the Williamsburg Bridge
During Hurricane Sandy, when subway stations were submerged and half the city was plunged into darkness, one of the only ways out of lower Manhattan was walking over the Williamsburg Bridge. A couple of times that week, I grabbed a torch and joined the mass exodus to reach friends’ warm apartments on the other side. It was very dark, very quiet and very …
Read MoreJuly 17, 2014
…visited the Doughnut Plant
Despite what my Instagram feed might suggest, I swear I’m not a doughnut addict. Well… not yet. Ryan and I bought a fresh batch from Baked In Brooklyn to share with his family last weekend – and although they were the first I’d had in years, they convinced me they’re all I should eat, ever. Yesterday, after a trying day, …
Read MoreJuly 14, 2014
…donated books to the Little Free Library
As I’ve been packing up my East Village apartment ahead of moving, I’ve been thinking about where I can donate the alarming collection of stuff I never use. I plan to take most of it to the Housing Works in SoHo, but I thought I’d share my books with the people of New York City. There was only one option: New York’s Little …
Read MoreJuly 13, 2014
Lydia’s List :: Tips for apartment hunting in New York
I love peeking inside other people’s homes, so I was kind of looking forward to apartment hunting this summer. But I soon realized that it can quickly become frustrating thanks to eye-watering broker fees, unanswered emails and learning the real meaning of words like ‘cosy’. It definitely was a few months of chaos trying to …
Read MoreJuly 10, 2014
…met the Rockefeller Plaza’s newest resident
Between searching for new apartments and finding someone to take over mine, I’ve not had much time for many new things recently. One thing I’ve fancied – but haven’t got around to yet – is Jeff Koons’ new exhibit at the Whitney Museum. But this is New York, so there’s always a much quicker, cheaper alternative – if …
Read MoreJune 27, 2014
Lydia’s List :: Ideas for the weekend
My weekend will involve flat hunting (I’m making the move to Brooklyn!), first birthday parties, all-white dinners and a trip to Pennsylvania for some scuba diving. Let’s hope the weekend is long enough to fit it all in, eh? If you don’t fancy jumping into a lake wearing a thick neoprene suit, here are some other suggestions for stuff that’s …
Read MoreJune 25, 2014
…feasted at Candle 79
Among the many things I like about Ryan, I love that 1) he’s a fellow vegetarian, 2) he loves a good feast, and 3) he booked somewhere for our one-year date that lived up to 1) and 2) perfectly. The chosen place – Candle 79 on the Upper East Side – did not disappoint. Honestly, wherever you are …
Read MoreJune 23, 2014
…painted pottery in Tribeca
A little over a year ago, I was slurping drinks in a bar in SoHo when a stranger sat next to me. About three minutes later, I texted Rachel and Meghan saying, ‘I think I’m in love’ – and that was that. Now 12 months on, I decided to make Ryan a gift to mark a year since our first date. I love …
Read MoreJune 17, 2014
…toured inside the Woolworth Building
A few weeks ago, I got an email from a reader suggesting I check out the Woolworth Building. To be honest, I didn’t even know it was possible, thanks to the ‘No Tourists Beyond This Point’ sign outside. But as I discovered, the Woolworth does open its doors to small groups – a new development over the past …
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