New York City Top 15

How was New York City you ask? A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. Impossible to capture my time in NYC without writing a short novel. Certainly impossible to capture in a Top 15. But here I go anyways:

1. New York City Streets

The movement, the people, the garbage, the misery, the affluence, the food, the culture and the beauty. It's a culmination of the best and the worst of the human condition.

2. The Guggenheim Museum 

In my opinion, skip the MoMa (Museum of Modern Art) and go straight to the Guggenheim. My time spent inside this museum was enough to have such a strong impact on me, that I can actually see myself changing the way I make art as a result.

3. New York City Architecture 

Jaw dropping inspiration is everywhere.

4. Central Park

Nothing short of stunning.

5. Upper East Side Homebase

How lucky am I? Instead of having to stay at a hotel (which is both expensive and somewhat impersonal) I had the opportunity to stay in stylish and cozy studio in the upper east side with a "real-life New Yorker". Amazing.

6. Cheap Pedicures

There's nothing like a pedicure and foot massage to restore my tired, little feet back to health. Notice my prominent veins? Ouch. The cheapest manicure I saw advertised was $8. Really? I wish.

7. Hedwig and the Angry Inch on Broadway

Since I never saw a single episode of Dexter, I don't have any idea how weird it is to see Michael. C. Hall dressed in drag. I can only imagine it would be pretty awesome. What a show! By far one of the best experiences I had in NYC.

8. Times Square

Feel like getting rescued? Head over to Times Square. For $5 Spider-Man will be more than happy to pick you up in his arms. But only after he asks you how much you weigh. I kid you not. No upside-down kissing this dude.

9. New York City Subway

Intimidating, packed, noisy, smelly and absolutely thrilling all at the same time. Where else can you run into Moses begging for change as he sings at the top of his lungs?
 

10. Late Night Sushi, Late Night Pizza, Late Night Movies, Late Night Everything.

One of the best things about New York City: You can have anything you want, anytime you want delivered right to your door. And so we did.

11. The Box

Right to left: The wolf, the eagle and the owl. Late night dancing and general tomfoolery at The Box.  Chatting it up with some NFL football players? No big deal for this crew.

12. Empowered Friends

The best part of the trip? Hanging out with two empowered honeys for four days. The conversations and experiences we were able to share contributed to some intrinsic changes within myself. I am forever grateful they live their lives in a way that is both fearless and inspiring.

13. China Town, Canal Street

"Gucci Gucci, Louis Louis, Fendi Fendi, Prada. Basic bitches wear that shit so I don't even bother." (song lyrics) But the truth is I do bother. Find your sensational designer knock-offs here.

14. Shopping

OMG the shopping. The shopping!

15. The Frick Museum

To be able to see artwork inside a 19th century mansion rather than in a stark museum was an epic to say the least. I had a moment with a terra cotta sculpture of Diana the Huntress. We chatted. She taught me things.

Ok I can't help it, just 3 more:

16. Brunch at Maison Kayser

We ate there twice in four days because it was so damn delicious. The coffee alone was on an entirely different level. Those Parisians really know what they're doing. 

17. AMC Theater  

A movie theater where you have to reserve your tickets for your very own Lazy Boy experience. Hello awesome! I can't imagine watching Gone Girl any other way.

18. Drinks at The Penrose 

Wow. I can't believe this is my life. I feel so damn cool when I am surrounded by a cool atmosphere and even cooler friends.  I heart New York City all the way.