New York City Fall 2018 | Photo Diary

Last week Brandon and I took a mini jaunt over to New York City. We were just feeling like a quick getaway was needed and NYC is always a good time, so we booked relatively last minute. We spent two nights, three days in the city and enjoyed every second of the short time we were there. We had a jam-packed few days-- walking over to Brooklyn, visiting The Color Factory, and hitting up some favourite shops and restaurants. 

WHERE WE STAYED

LIBRARY HOTEL
This time around we stayed in mid-town at the Library Hotel. Usually, we stay in SoHo, so this was a change for us. I LOVED IT! The Library Hotel is literally a hop away from The New York Public Library and Bryant Park, which is just a gorgeous area. There is so much around yet you don't feel like you're in a real touristy area. I loved the location because Grand Central Station is literally down the street which gives you access to pretty much the entire city, there are tons of amazing restaurants, shops and bars close by, and a Whole Foods is just two minutes away by foot. Needless to say, between all the great places close by and the amenities of the hotel, we were in heaven.

First of all, can we discuss the concept? Each floor of the hotel is categorized by the Dewey Decimal System and the rooms are stocked with at least 50 books each! Our room was called The Manufacturing Room which was part of the Technology floor! But let's get real... you're going to love Library Hotel for the daily continental breakfast buffet and the 3-hour wine and cheese reception every night. We basically had wine and apps every night before heading out. It was the perfect calm to our day. After hustling on the streets we would come back, shower, get ready and then enjoy a quiet moment in the lounge. Another gem? The hotel has a rooftop patio bar! Yes! Since we were blessed with summer weather in October, we got to enjoy cocktails on the rooftop with locals and other hotel guests. It was an amazing place to hang out with some good music before heading out for the night.




WHAT WE DID

Sure we did a lot. We shopped in SoHo, walked over to Brooklyn, hit up areas of the city we've never been to, but I'm sure you know all about the classic NYC spots. But here are two of my highlights I just need to tell you about.

THE COLOR FACTORY
We got up to a lot in NYC! Most notably, was The Color Factory. You're just going to have to watch the vlog to see what goes on in there. It's an interactive exhibit of installations of color. It's a collaborative project between artists, creatives, designers, and makers to tell unique stories to awaken your senses. Smell, taste, feel... it does it all! When you walk in you are handed a mochi ball then you're shown a brief video to prepare you for the exhibit. As you go into each room they showcase color and heighten your imagination. Just think-- macarons on conveyor belts, ball pits, balloon dance parties. I love that whether you're an adult or a child you're in for an amazing experience.

THE FACE GYM
When I first discovered The Face Gym, I knew I had to book an appointment immediately. It's not a facial, it's a work out for your face. Think, face manipulation at it's finest. A non-invasive face life. They move their hands so fast and it's relaxing, exhilarating and I left feeling amazing! They seriously use their hands to contour your face beyond belief. They also used natural products on my skin too, which I love!  You know I am a huge fan of lymphatic drainage, and they seriously got rid of all my puffiness in my cheeks (something that I've been working on for a while)! The Face Gym can be found at Saks Fifth Avenue and I highly recommend splurging on yourself and getting some work done (sans knife)! If we had one in Toronto, I swear I'd be there every week!

But really, what's the best way to document all the food, sights and sounds? By VLOG, of course! The vlog is coming in a few days, friends, so stay tuned! In the meantime, here are some more photos and here's what we ate & tips for traveling with a foodie. 

{Bookmarks Lounge}

*Thank you to Library Hotel who graciously offered us one night complimentary. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Truly, a fab hotel in mid-town with some amazing amenities! 

Eve Lom Radiance Transforming Mask in Review

Glowing, supple, radiant skin-- GET AT ME!

EVE LOM is one of the most luxurious skincare lines I'd had the pleasure of trying. I become obsessed with the cleanser which had led me to fall for their face mist, face oil, and now face masks. When I had heard some pretty epic things regarding EVE LOM's latest addition to their collection, the Radiance Transforming Mask, I knew it had to try it out. It promised an intense facial treatment (packed with botanicals and antioxidants) to smooth out your skin, exfoliate, hydrate, and leave you looking fresh. FRESH indeed my friends!


The mask is soft, not sticky, it's light and glides on like a dream. Think of the consistency of aloe gel. I like to apply with a hairless mask brush and get an even layer all over my face. Now here is where you have two options. One-- leave it on for a minimum of 30 minutes, then wash off. Two-- use it as an overnight mask. I've done it both ways. Both times I've had noticeable results.

Pro tip: When using the mask overnight massage it into the skin after applying so there is less residue. I also like to cover my pillowcase with an old pillowcase or shirt in case my face rubs too much into it. Other than that I do not find any issues with masking overnight! I just pull my hair back and sleep normally. If the mask feels too heavy, blot away some excess with a tissue before hopping into bed.


BEFORE
My skin was dull, it lacked any radiance, and it looked extremely tired. Eyes were also quite puffy.



DURING
You can see in the picture with the mask on, the glow is already starting! It feels so light on the face and SO refreshing. Like you've just rubbed cool cucumber-lime gel all over. You could literally leave this on forever. I think that's why I had no issue with leaving it on as an overnighter. It feels like it's tightening your skin as you watch.

AFTER
Can I just say WOW? First of all, no downtime. Some masks leave you red, inflamed and just plain blotchy or irritated. Not even an ounce of this found here, my friends. It must be from the gentle caviar lime which promotes natural cell turnover. The mask is also packed with other natural ingredients like algae extract and hemp seed oil.  Algea to firm and hydrate, and hemp seed oil which moistens in a non-greasy way.  My face was so soft to the touch, was so smooth and hydrated. The smoothness is not just a feeling, my face actually looked blurred... in a good way! Not to mention it was radiant and refreshed and looking pretty dang velvety.

Like I mentioned, I've done the mask overnight, and for 30 minutes, which is perfect to do before a night out! Either way, I'm EVE LOM in love.

S H O P  T H E  P O S T :

NYC Eats & How to Travel With Foodies

Brandon and I both love a good dining experience. Whether it’s the Deux Moulins in Montmartre or a taco stand on the North Shore, we get it done. When it comes to traveling we both love to do the research and hit up some wicked places, not only for the food but for the whole experience. But, I have to say our taste in food can be polar oppositions at times. While he loves a good quality cut of steak, I’d be happy with a do it yourself salad bar with fresh ingreds. And when it comes to travel eats you are also under a strict time constraint. You could be choosing two lunches and two dinners, max. Then you need to decide on all the coffee, pastries, ice cream...it could really never end! So, how can it be done? How can you hit up your favourite spots in one trip, without the other person hating on you for dragging them to Your Butcher’s Daughter for the billionth time? You can most definitely save yourself the foodie fight, and here’s how. 

{Marinara Pizzeria on the Upper East Side-- I got the cauliflower crust, while B got the original}

1. Don’t make separate lists. 

If you make a list on your own you’re sure to set up an argument. Foodies are passionate about where they eat, so having an ok meal on a trip when you are limited in time is not going to sit well. If I made a list of all the delish (to me), healthy places in NYC and told B I had our dining covered, he would despise me for the whole trip! You can definitely take note of some places you're excited to try but do not make a definite list based on your own preference. 

{Los Tacos No.1 in Chelsea Market}

2. Do your research together and come up with a list of mutually agreed upon places. 

This is something we did together and it worked so well! We both sat at the computer and since Brandon is more visual we watched YouTube videos for the best rooftop bars in NYC or the best restaurants pf summer 2018. It helps when you both can see them on screen together and can decide which ones you both are loving. Once we chose a few we looked into the menus to ensure we’d both be happy. We both knew we needed tacos from Los Tacos No.1 in the Chelsea Market, so this was an easy meal. The tacos were easily some of the BEST we ever had. 

{We both heard amazing things of Babbo's (Mario Batali's restaurant in Greenwich). When we saw the menu spoke to both of us it was a no-brainer!}

Tip- make a list of places by area so you’re never forced to make a decision on the fly. I do this so I know if whether we’re in The Meatpacking or Upper East Side, we’re covered.

{Berry Eclair from Almondine Bakery in Brooklyn}

3. Give your travel partner one non-negotiable and accept it. 

You gotta give in. Relationships are all about compromise right? There is no winner in the battle of the foodies. Allow your travel partner one place they are just dying to try out. Sometimes you may actually love it! The last time I brought B to a vegan resto he ended up loving it! So you hate where they’ve chosen? Do not be sour. Remember they are doing this for you, too! Appreciate the experience for what it is. Even if it’s a cheese museum and you hate cheese. Haha—no... but imagine Brandon brought me to a cheese museum!?! I’d die. In all seriousness, embrace the situation and do it with a smile. If you show an ounce of discomfort it will likely ruin their whole experience. Show up in full. 

{Guacamole burger from By Chloe for me, and a slice of Joe's Pizza in Greenwich for B}

4. If it’s possible, do a combo. 

This works sometimes! Do you have a “fast foodie” place you want to check out? Or a food fest that will host multiple trucks? For example, in the Chelsea Market, there are loads of different food vendors. If you both can satisfy your foodie cravings in one meal, but not necessarily have the same thing, go for it! Take it away and have a picnic in the park. Or research two spots semi close to each other where you both can get your fix. We did this while wandering around Greenwich. I wanted me obligatory stop in By Chloe's for the guac burger, and B wanted a slice of Joe's famous pizza. We both got what we wanted (take away for both), and headed to the park to eat. 

5. Realize there is always next time. 

Yup. There’s always next time. Or the next city, with the next best restaurant. Don’t let yourself get down that you didn’t visit all your spots. Just be glad you got a few crossed off your list. 

Was this helpful? How do you guys make it through traveling with other foodies? 

x

{Ralph's coffee truck in Rockefeller Centre}