Lessons Learned

It's been a while. Nearly 6 months have passed. A half a year ago, I was packing up my NYC studio, fastening my angel wings, and crossing my fingers for the best. It's crazy how much has happened. Two weeks in Cali --> two weeks in Florida --> two months in New Zealand. 


You guys saw... I did it all! Milked my first cow, zorbed, scuba dived Poor Knights Island, completed the Tongariro Crossing, got attacked by a seal (haha okay, I exaggerate :)), spotted my first whale in the wild, walked the charming streets of Christchurch before the horrible crisis, hung out with endangered penguins, bungy jumped the world's first site, survived the epic 5-day Milford Sound hike, rode helicopters through glaciers, skydived Abel Tasman, killed the Christmas turkey, and even found time to fall in love. 1, 2, 3... catch me while I collapse! Talk about a trip of a lifetime! No words, no blog, nothing can ever express how amazing this trip was. I learned a lot about myself on this adventure. Great life lessons that have changed me forever. Some silly, some serious, some make me sound like a complete idiot. Makes me wonder why I even bother sharing these things :)...


Lesson Learned #1:
I'm more like my daddy than I thought. I'm a lot more simple. Let's just say, I no longer dream of a million carat diamond. I actually prefer something more low maintenance. My taste has change. My priorities have definitely changed.


Lesson Learned #2:
I will have a garden one day. Not only does it bring fresh, organic food to the table, but it brings a family together. Growing and maintaining a garden is such a brilliant family activity. 


Lesson Learned #3:
When people ask what I like to do during my spare time, I can now add star gazing and bird watching to my list. And, I'll make sure to say that with a lisp. 


Lesson Learned #4:
Traveling alone is phenomenal. You think clearer. No distractions. No noise. You are more able to take in every little detail.


Lesson Learned #5:
The Kiwi way of life is one that I look up to. It's upbeat, happy, with no worries. Life is all good. They are my kind of people!


Lesson Learned #6:
A cold beer never tasted so good, until after a hard day of work out in the sun! I'm talking hard core manual labor. It has changed my appreciation and taste of beer forever!


Lesson Learned #7:
Never thought this before, but I could totally live abroad.


Lesson Learned #8:
Age really aint nothing but a number! I've met countless youngins in their early 20's who are mature and successful beyond their years. One thing that they all have in common- they didn't go to college but instead went straight into their professional careers. Makes me wonder... What did my 5 years at the University of Florida really teach me? Did I really need it to succeed in life or was it more of an excuse to stall growing up?


Lesson Learned #9:
I'm 20% city girl, 30% country girl, and 50% beach girl! And, my metabolic age is 23! ;)


Lesson Learned #10:
I'm such a kid at heart. I don't think I'll ever lose my goofy, giggly, girly side! 


Lesson Learned #11:
You know I'm 100% comfortable around you, if I snort in front of you.


Lesson Learned #12:
I love to travel, but I hate feeling like a tourist. 


Lesson Learned #13:
NYC has the world's best nail salons. Hands down! They are #1 in quality, price and even color selection! 


Lesson Learned #14:
I really do love fashion. I miss my closet more than anything!!! Lord help me.


Lesson Learned #15:
When you know, you know. It's not something you can explain or anyone else will ever really understand. <3

Breaking Up with NYC :(

It hasn't really hit me yet. Can't believe today is my last day with the city. It's been 4 years of pure amazingness, and I can't quite grasp that it's really coming to an end. Moving here, I had no idea how much growing up I had to do. I thought I knew it all... had life all figured out. I remember telling a good friend, "The NEXT guy I date, I will marry. I just know it! You watch." haha I couldn't have been more off.  So young, so innocent, so naive, so spoiled. The city was exactly what I needed. It challenged me. Gave me thicker skin. Allowed me to meet all walks of life... Crazy people, mean people, free spirits, billionaires, mentors, mobsters, assholes, followed by 10 million more! Even the bad ones, I'm thankful for because they helped me learn more about life and myself.

I've done this twice before- just picked up and left it all to start a new chapter. I did it when I left Pace to go to UF. I did it again when I left UF to move to the city. And, now I'm leaving the city to travel the world. Each time I move, I ball my freaking eyes out. But what's different with leaving the city is that you're never really ready to leave this place. It's more than just a city. The girls weren't lying on Sex & the City when they said, "The city is like your boyfriend." Boy, do you have your ups and downs with it. One day you'll love it, the next day you'll hate it. One moment you're sweaty and miserable in the subway. The next moment the air feels crisp and clean, and you couldn't imagine a more perfect day. It's weird how you build a relationship with this place. It's unlike no other.

I wanna make a cheers to the most amazing city in the world! I'll never forget landing at LGA with nothing but 2 suitcases, no friends, zero money, and not a clue what I was about to be thrown into. I'll never forget sleeping head to head on a couch with my best friend. The most stressful time of my life- the mice invasion in our first UES apartment. Gus Gus and Calvin, may your carcasses rest in peace. My Devil Wears Prada boss that I was able to break down and soften up. The Triple Threat. Dinners at Graffiti, Extra Virgin, The Little Owl. Crazy nights at Cain. Saturday mornings dancing with my kids. The World Series. Helicopter rides. Spa days. Shopping like it was my job! First date panic attacks. My Mr. Big. Girlfriends always being just a phone call away. Slowing down. Finding peace and beauty amongst the chaos. Flying out of the city so excited to get away from it all. Flying back into the city, seeing the breathtaking skyline, and realizing how much you've missed it all. Threatening to move out of the city every Winter. Watching the city come back to life in Spring. Having a nervous breakdown after the busyness of Summer. Falling back in love with the city by Fall. And repeat...

You'll always have a special place in my heart. I <3 NYC.

xoxo,
Kat

Dear Single Man

Dear Single Man Trying to Win over a Lady,

In case you have forgotten, here is a list to remind you of simple things that women like.

1. Call a girl, do not text.
2. Make a dinner reservation, don't tell her to pick a spot.
3. It's not about how much you SPEND on a gift, it's about how much THOUGHT you put into making it.
4. Keep things interesting. For example, do not let your first 10 dates be ordering takeout and watching American Idol in your bedroom. Love the show but would rather learn about you in a variety of settings!
5. Decisiveness is oh so freaking sexy. 
6. Hooking up with her is not a race. Take things slowly. That'll turn a girl on more than anything.
7. Be a gentleman. Open doors, serve her food first, ask her how her day was... Chivalry, look it up.

Just for now, I'll stop at #7 since it's good luck... :-)

Pottery Barn Party

I've always been a huge fan of Pottery Barn. I was just flipping through their May issue and came across so many cute party ideas. It's amazing how one magazine can become the theme of an entire reception...

These vintage glass bottles can be used in replace of the traditional guest book. Provide white scroll paper so guests can write a message, sign their name, and tie it with a string or ribbon.

At most receptions, the greeting tables have frames filled with the couple's favorite engagement photos. Change things up a bit and hang your pictures on clothesline with pins. 

These mini chalkboards are a cute way to label each table. Or, they can even be used to display the dinner menu.

Need lighting? Hanging lanterns add the perfect amount of drama and immediately sets the mood. 

For an outdoor reception, giving little potted plants as party favors is adorable and refreshing!

Fill these drink dispensers with lemonade, ice tea or your special punch. It's the perfect way to give your party a warm country home feel.

Inspired by the BBG

Recently during a trip to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, I came across one of the most beautiful settings I have ever seen. The Cherry Walk is a massive green field bordered by four rows of Prunus 'Kanzan' cherry blossom trees. The field was in full bloom. Absolutely stunning. I literally laid on the ground underneath a tree for a good 30 minutes just taking in how beautiful my surroundings were. 

The walkway was completely covered by petals. Groups of families and friends were spread out along the grass without a worry in the world. Looking up sun shined through the branches backed by bright blue skies. Random petals slowly fell as the wind blew. It was simply the most perfect day of the year. 

As I laid there, I couldn't help but picture how gorgeous a wedding ceremony would be between the trees. Take a look at the photo I took below and picture this with me. First, let's clear the field of all the people. Let's place antique white chairs to form the aisle. Not one chair should be alike. A typical matchy-matchy wedding just isn't my taste. Why not throw in a few random rustic love seats as well? Even the seating can be charming. The only other big piece I'd add to the scene would be an old blue double door at the front of the aisle. The door would be a unique, simple way to frame the bride and groom. The blue would accent the sky, and the glass on the door would allow guests to see the long stretch of cherry blossoms. If lighting is needed for a late afternoon ceremony, I'd have the wedding party carry lanterns instead of bouquets. And wahla! A charming wedding is made. :-)

Proposal Daydreaming in the 12th Grade

I'll never forget how hard I studied for my senior year biology class and how fascinated I was about topics like the cell membrane of the red blood cell! 

Ha, let's be real. 

I was a horrible student. Hardly listened, definitely never studied... Instead, I spent the entire hour of my second block daydreaming about the most perfect proposals. I remember like it was yesterday whispering ideas to my friends in between lectures. Considering how young and inexperienced I was in love, I actually came up with a few pretty good ones:

Puppy Love. Boyfriend quietly places new pet puppy on couch, where his girlfriend is taking a late afternoon nap. He steps out of sight. Mid-dream she wakes up, her eyes slowly focus, and she sees the cutest puppy in the world playfully kissing her face. She immediately smiles, jumps up, and hugs the puppy. So happy but confused as to where the puppy came from, she notices a tiny red card hanging from the puppy's neck that reads, "Puppy Love." She holds her heart and smiles. Her boyfriend appears out of no where in front of her, gets down on one knee and proposes. :-)

It's A Perfect Day. Horseback riding through a vineyard, he leads you to a surprise picnic set for two. A bottle of wine, cheese, and grapes sit perfectly placed on the blanket. You kiss some, you laugh a lot, you can't imagine a more perfect day. Until... 

Spa Bliss. You just finished one of the most stressful work weeks of your life, and your ever so sweet and thoughtful boyfriend treats you to a full spa day because you deserve it! :-) One mani, pedi, facial and glass of bubbly later, you find yourself at your final treatment- the full body massage. Midway through the most relaxing massage of your life, the masseuse asks you to flip and face down. You are in pure bliss and can think nothing else other than, "I love my boyfriend. He's so amazing. I love my boyfriend. He's so amazing!" You're motioned to flip back around. You sit up, open your eyes, and notice that the room is now filled with red roses and candles are everywhere. Just to your right, wearing a suit, with a rose in hand stands the love of your life!

Secret Spots in NYC that Make My Heart Smile :-)

New York City, arguably the most romantic city in the world. And, I'm lucky enough to live here. I find it charming simply stepping outside of my West Village apartment. My local deli's flower stand to my right, the garden where Miranda said "I do" to Steve across the street, the blue spring skies framed by the city's rustic architecture above... every morning makes my heart smile. Beauty like this is everywhere in the city... you just have to pause for a moment to realize. Here are a few of my most favorite secret spots.

• Central Park Boathouse. I've spent a handful of sunny days having a bellini at the restaurant, followed by a boat row on the lake. Not many people even know that you can also reserve a gondola ride, complete with a singing Gondolier and a complimentary bottle of wine. The perfect combination of fresh air, a mid-afternoon buzz, and a peaceful perspective of the city.
• Sunset Sail on the Schooner Adirondack. Such a hidden gem. I found this through Goldstar events. For not even $20, you can sail the New York harbor with unforgettable views of the Statue of Liberty and the rest of Manhattan. We always make sure to pack a cheese and meat plate to share. Wine and beer are complimentary while aboard. It's hands down one of the most intimate ways to watch the sunset over the city's skyline.   
• Queens County Farm. I know it's hard to imagine Queens being romantic, but you'll be pleasantly surprised after a trip to Queens Farm. I went last Fall. So adorable. They had a corn maze, hay ride, pumpkin picking, sack races... totally brings out the kid in you! I hadn't laughed or smiled that big in a while. Just check out their website. There's adorable events for every season, and it's literally just a train ride away. Not gonna lie, I'm kinda upset that I just missed their Easter Egg Hunt...