New Year's Eve

First post of 2014! I know this is a little delayed, but oh well. I love New Year's Eve and all the glitter/shiny/sequins that comes along with it. This year I had a party at my apartment in Brooklyn. It was a good amount of people for the tiny space. I wore a floor length, backless, red velvet dress and some incredibly tall heels, making me feel oh so glamourous. I love feeling like a different person, if only for a night. I don't have many excuses to dress up so I try to take all the opportunities I can. I feel like everyone has a month filled with the birthdays of loved ones. For me, it's January! For the next three days I'll be celebrating my mother's birthday, my boyfriend's birthday and Ukrainian Christmas followed by my brother's birthday later this month. I means that I'm going to try to be in multiple places at once, but I'm excited to celebrate the people I love. I'll try to take lots of pictures!

Hidden Gems

My favorite part about the city is the hidden gems that catch you by surprise. For one of my classes I had to visit a medieval cathedral and I chose this one up near Columbia University. It's a massive cathedral that doesn't reveal itself until you turn the corner. This beautiful church is akin to the beautiful medieval churches I've been studying pictures of in Europe.  I feel like I take advantage of living in the city by not exploring. Between school and being lazy, it's hard to get the motivation to go out in search of all the places New York has to offer. I'm sure I've walked by so many beautiful spots because I have my headphones on and my eyes down. Maybe now that it's spring I'll take the time to walk slower and look around.

A little help from my friends

All pictures from Natalie

These pictures were taken last Friday when a couple friends from home came to stay with me. It's always nice when friends from home and school meet and get along great. I know some of them are blurry, but they were too good not to put in! I have a huge grin on my face in almost every photo. There's nothing like catching up and laughing, all the while being silly. The next morning I went to Central Park with Jimmy, Chloe and Chloe's cousin Megan because I had to write a paper on the Balto Statue. It was the first warm spring day of the year and it was the perfect way to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon.

I took my last midterm before Spring Break today! I have lots of exciting things happening in the next couple days, so stay tuned!

Lovin'

This past weekend I went to Binghampton to visit Jimmy with Danny and Ella. On Friday I took the train from the city to Bard and then Ella drove us and Danny met us there. There is no greater feeling than being able to be yourself completely without reservation or fear of judgement. The weekend went by in a second and I was sad to see it go so quickly. Group stretching, cuddle puddles, late nights and afternoon naps. I spent the whole weekend either giggling or whole-heartedly laughing. It's really amazing to be with people who know you so well. This week is finals and the only thing getting me through it are all the fun memories from this past weekend!

Sunday Sandwiches: Amy's Bread

Chloe and I went to Amy's Bread yesterday for our weekly Sunday sandwiches. It is located on Bleeker in the area known as sandwich alley. The sandwiches are premade, but they are fresh. There are display cases filled with sweets and fresh baked bread. I got a sandwich with brie, apples and watercress. It was the first nice day in a while so I got an ice coffee and we sat outside in a little park between Bleeker and Sixth Ave.

First Week Back

1. Tip jar at the Bean

2. Fancy bikes

3. Dirty chai latte

4. Flannels on Bleeker

5. Washington Square Park

6. Watching Girls and snacking with Chloe

7. Wrap with hummus, spinach, sprouts, chicken and avocado

8. Hanging out with Olivia in her new apartment

9. Cupcakes my suitemate brought back from her job

Since I've been back in New York I've been walking nonstop, hanging out in the lower East side, eating just as much as Italy, drinking coffee in to go mugs and catching up with friends. I'm so excited for the weekend, I'm planning on doing work, exploring the West Village and of course eating.