MY NYC BUCKET LIST (EVERYTHING I DID BEFORE I MOVED)

Before I left New York City and started a new chapter in Atlanta, I had a few things on my #NYCBucketList. Some are things that I hadn’t had the opportunity to do in the city, and others are places I wanted to revisit one last time. But mostly my list included making a final lap around Manhattan to soak up as many New York moments as I could. Obviously with the current circumstances due to covid, I had to keep in mind what’s actually open and accessible. But I’m happy with what I was able to see/do and have those memories added to so many more over the past 6 years.

Everything I did before I moved:

• Make a final loop around Central Park (86th street down to the South entrance near The Plaza Hotel)

• Visit Bryant Park

• Have cocktails at Dante

• Grab coffee at my favorite coffee shops (Bluestone Lane, Irving Farm)

• Walk around the West Village

• Visit Levain Bakery for one last chocolate chip cookie

• Enjoy a day in Central Park

• See a Flower Flash in person

• Walk around the Upper Westside (my favorite neighborhood)

• Take a photo in front of Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment

• Buy some NYC street art to take with me to hang up in my new apartment

• Walk around Little Italy & have dinner at random restaurant (Eat pasta & drink wine)

• Visit Madison Square Park

• Grab one last NYC slice of pizza from Bleecker Street Pizza

• Walk through Times Square and sit on the Red Steps

• Visit Bite Beaty Lip Lab in SoHo (create custom lipstick)

• Go Apple Picking

• Host a final dinner with friends

• Watch the sunset from a rooftop

• Take a weekend trip Upstate with friends

• Dine al fresco a few favorite restaurants * Boqueria, Dante, Boucherie

• Walk the Brooklyn Bridge at Sunrise

  **(Unfortunately, I ran out of time and didn’t get to do this) But I have walked the Brooklyn Bridge many times, including sunset. So I’m holding onto those memories for now.)
  

And on one of my very last night’s in the city I was surprised by friends with a Farewell Dinner Party. We drank lots of champagne, consumed copious amounts of charcuterie and I cried lots of tears!! It was the best night and possibly the best way to end my New York City chapter.

See photos below of all my last moments in the city

It was definitely bittersweet to leave this incredible city behind. But when I look back, I will have such fond memories of every place I went, every person I came into contact with, every restaurant I sat with friends at, every New York moment I was so fortunate to experience. The memories are what I will take with me and forever carry with me throughout my lifetime. Thank you for letting me share these past 6 years with you in New York. I can’t wait to share more, in the next chapter!

XO, Dana Rae

A NEW CHAPTER: WHERE & WHY I'M MOVING

This is difficult to write for many reasons. So much has changed and happened this year. And well, sometimes you have to close one chapter in order to welcome a new one.

It’s bittersweet to announce; I am leaving New York City and moving to Atlanta, Ga.

(it’s hard to even type those words out)

This hasn’t been an easy decision to make, especially during a pandemic. At first, it was really hard to come to grips with the fact that my last year living in NYC was mostly taken over by Covid-19. Being quarantined for months, and not being able to experience the city to it’s fullest is not how I imagined my last year here. But I realized that I’ve had an incredible 6 years here and I’ve been very lucky to call this city home. 

For those of you who may not know, I actually moved to New York City from Atlanta. I never saw myself living in New York until I visited a few times in my early 30s, and gradually fell in love with the city. As a bonus, my best friend was already living here and had been trying to convince me for years, to move to New York. In late 2014, I finally took the leap and made the moved here. At the time I was ready for a change, and New York seemed like the perfect place to experience big changes. You can read more here on my move to New York and my first year living in the city.

Initially, I moved with the intention of living in New York for a year to see how I would like living here. But one year turned into two, which turned into three, and then four and here I am, almost six years later. I never really thought twice about leaving, until this year. I think for many of us, 2020 has changed us and made us re-evaluate certain things in our lives. Especially living in New York City during COVID-19, it has been difficult and makes me wonder what the future holds for the city.

I absolutely love living in Manhattan and enjoy the city lifestyle. But I’ve come to realize that the older I get, the more I crave having a home, being closer to friends and family and maybe settling down one day. Living in New York City has provided me with so many amazing experiences and given me a new outlook on life in general. It helped make me into the person that I am today. And the more I think about it, New York City ultimately gave me everything I never even knew I needed, in a time when I needed it most. I have no regrets about picking up my life and moving here. It still remains to be one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life.

But as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Although this chapter of my life is coming to a close, I am excited for a new chapter to begin. And Atlanta is the next best place for me to do that.

With all that being said, I thought I would go ahead and answer a few questions that I’ve been asked so far from friends and family. Hopefully this helps to give more insight into my move.

WHY ATLANTA?!

For several reasons actually. I’ve aways planned to move back. I just didn’t know when that time would be exactly. I still have 75% of all my belongings in a storage unit there. I didn’t know how long I would be in NYC, so initially I placed everything in storage and have kept it there this entire time. Also, moving back down South puts me closer to my family. I have family in Florida, Alabama and Tennessee, so it will be nice to be within driving distance of them. And several of my closest girlfriends all live in ATL, so I’m really excited to be able to see them more often. Atlanta is also somewhere I see myself living a city lifestyle but also having the ability to slow down when needed.

HOW SOON ARE YOU MOVING?!

My lease ends October 1st, so I’ll most likely move the last week of September. I don’t have a firm date as of now, since I’m still finalizing plans.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR BLOG?!

I will still continue writing for my blog and sharing everyday life on Instagram. One of the reasons I named my blog Reinventing Rae, is because I wanted to share and document how we are constantly reinventing ourselves in life. Whether it be in our friendships, careers, relationships, or just our everyday personal lives. I hope to continue to share my life and expand content in new ways. I’ll still be sharing city life in Atlanta, in addition to beauty and lifestyle. Atlanta has grown so much over the past few years! And I’m excited to get to explore it all while sharing it with y’all. I also plan to create NEW content related to Entertaining and Home Decor, now that I’ll have a place of my own again. So needless to say, the blog isn’t going anywhere anytime soon!

WHAT ABOUT YOUR ROOMMATES YOU LIVE WITH NOW?!

Most of you know that I share an apartment with my best friend, Billy and his now husband Danny. They will continue to live in the city. W'e’ve had a great run all living together. I’ve known Will for over 15 years, and Danny for 7 years. We're more like family than friends. I’m definitely gonna miss them & having our family dinner nights along with all the laughs we’ve shared through the years.

WILL YOU BE BACK TO VISIT NYC?!

1000% YES!! I intend to visit as often as I possibly can. But obviously with current circumstances with Covid-19, I don’t know exactly when I’ll be back to the city. I’m hoping maybe sometime early next year or in the Spring. But for now, I definitely want to visit New York at least once a year.

Over the next month and a half, I’ll be sharing more of the moving process with y’all. I’ve actually already started packing. And next week, I’ll be traveling to Atlanta to look at apartments and finalize everything.

Although I’m sad to leave New York, I’m really excited for what’s to come. And I can’t wait to take y’all along for the journey.

XO, Dana Rae

13 GO-TO BRUNCH SPOTS IN NEW YORK CITY

New Yorkers live for a Brunch induced weekend, filled with shared plates and boozy cocktails. I've spent many of my weekends brunching in the city. In fact, it’s one of my favorite ways to try new restaurants around Manhattan. And I thought it was time to share some of my favorites. Especially since restaurant recommendations are one of the most frequently asked questions for visiting New York. And also one of the hardest decisions to make living here, because there are so many restaurants to choose from. So here is my curated list of Go-to Brunch spots in NYC.

NOTE: This list was created prior to COVID-19. However, many of the restaurants listed are OPEN for takeout, delivery and outdoor dining. Please click on the restaurant name to be directed to their website for more info.

BLUESTONE LANE

Location: Click here for locations

The Vibe: Bright, colorful, casual spot to grab coffee & quick bite. Offers outdoor seating.

What to Order: The Avocado Smash, Banana Bread, Iced Coffee (my fave)

JACK’S WIFE FREDA

Location: Click here for locations

The Vibe: Bistro with Mediterranean influenced menu.

What to order: Green Shakshuka, Mediterranean Breakfast, Cantaloupe Mimosa

JACOB’S PICKLES

Location: Upper West Side

The Vibe: Modern Rustic meets Southern Hospitality. Best seats are at the bar.

What to order: The Buffalo Mac n Cheese, Deviled Eggs & Fried Pickles, Any of the Biscuit Sandwiches

*Note: Portions are generous.

MAISON PICKLE

Location: Upper West Side

The Vibe: Modern casual with a bar that feels very 1920s.

What to order: Berries-n-Cream French Toast, Challah Croque Madam, 24 Layer Chocolate Cake

*Note: Sister restaurant to Jacob’s Pickles

GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT

Location: Upper West Side

The Vibe: Super casual country kitchen.  Offers outdoor seating.

What to order: Mexican scramble, Buttermilk Biscuits & Sausage Gravy, Pancakes (seasonal flavors)

FORAGERS TABLE

Location: Chelsea

The Vibe: Modern Farm to table. Also has a small fresh market connected to the restaurant.

What to order: Mixed Berry Scone, Ricotta Pancakes, Salmon Tartine, Cold brew

SHUKA

Location: SoHo

The Vibe: Mediterranean casual. Beautiful enclosed back garden room with seating available.

What to order: Cinnamon Rolls, Hummus, Chicken Shawarma, Bloody Mary

THE SMITH

Location: Click here for locations

The Vibe: Classic American Brasserie. Offers outdoor seating.

What to order: Vanilla Bean French Toast, The Smith Eggs Benedict, Spicy Salmon Tartare

TAVERN ON THE GREEN

Location: Upper West Side (inside Central Park, near Sheep’s Meadow)

The Vibe: Iconic New York City restaurant. Gorgeous glass enclosed seating area. Offers outdoor seating w/ views of Central Park.

What to order: Brioche French Toast, Baked Vegetable Frittata, Eggs Benedict Florentine

FRIEDMANS

Location: Click here for locations

The Vibe: Classic American eatery.

What to order: Chicken chilaquiles, Mac n’ cheese, Nova Benny

*99% of the menu can be prepared Gluten-free

COOKSHOP

Location: Chelsea (near The High Line)

The Vibe: American Farm to table. Offers outdoor seating.

What to order: Beignets, Frittata, Heuvos Ranchero, Strawbiscus Rickey Cocktail

BOQUERIA

Location: Click here for locations

The Vibe: Authentic Spanish style tapas bar.

What to order: Tortilla Española, Croquetas, Churros, Rosé Sangria or Spicy Shishito Margarita

CLINTON ST. BAKING COMPANY

Location: Lower East Side & Timeout Market in Brooklyn

The Vibe: Casual American restaurant & bakery.

What to order: Pancakes w/ warm maple butter (any flavor) *The best pancakes in the city!

*Note: Cash ONLY at Lower Eastside Location

SAVE this list for the next time you and your friends can’t decide on where to go for Brunch. Or for the next time you’re visiting the city and need some good brunch spots to impress your friends.

PRO TIP: Always make a reservation. NYC restaurants fill up fast especially on the weekends.

Which are your favorite Brunch spots in the city?! Share in the comments below.

XO, Dana Rae

DEAR NEW YORK, I MISS YOU

New York feels like a rush of all of your senses at once. It’s can be overwhelming and invigorating at the same damn time. If you’ve ever been to New York or lived here, then you know exactly what I’m talking about. Most of the reasons I love living in the city are the exact reasons many people despise it. And I’ve come to accept that. I always tell people, New York isn’t for everyone and that’s OKAY. But for those of us who call New York home, it’s everything we LOVE and CRAVE.

Living in New York City during the Covid-19 pandemic has been something that I never could have imagined. And watching the city shutter has been heartbreaking, yet eye opening. A city like New York doesn’t often get shaken, but this pandemic has certainly taken it’s toll. I know the past few months have been difficult for all of us, no matter where you live. But life as we know it in New York may never be the same. And that’s a hard reality to face if you live here.

I’ve been trying to put my thoughts and feelings into words in order to best describe the past few months. And to explain why it’s so different in New York vs other cities. There is no doubt, that the whole country has been affected by this pandemic. But I think most New Yorkers would agree, that it feels a bit heavier here.

I’ve witnessed and heard of so many people deciding to leave the city after experiencing this pandemic. And I definitely understand why. Many New Yorkers don’t have the small luxuries that others do. We depend on laundromats, corner stores, public transportation and being able to roam free throughout the city 24/7. We often don’t have the space to give ourselves, much less a stranger to be 6 ft. away. Living here consists of constant contact with others whether it be on the Subway, a crowded street, a busy Starbucks, a Broadway theater, a favorite watering hole or simply standing online.

Our playground IS Manhattan. So when it’s unaccessible, it makes life a little harder. New Yorkers are so used to having the city at their disposal. And now we’ve had to shelter in place inside our small apartments for months. Which many of us live with roommates. And our only outdoor space consists of a fire escape or makeshift rooftop.

I myself, have questioned if I want to stay or leave. It’s hard to imagine what life in the city will look like moving forward. Especially since we’ve barely begun reopening the city, as of now. But I also know that this city is as resilient as they come. And with time, New York will once again be filled with crowded streets, honking horns, people rushing around and that electric energy we all love so much.

When I look back, I want to remember:

Happy hours on our rooftop

Cheering for the frontline workers at 7pm

Baking with my best friend

Finding joy in cooking again

Sharing daily meals w/ my roommates

Slow mornings & fresh coffee

Rooftop Workouts

Dance parties in our living room

Late night runs to the Bodega for ice cream

FaceTime calls with long distance friends

Afternoons spent at the park

Zoom Happy Hours

…and all the other little things that made this difficult time a little more bearable.

I’m sure that this experience will always stand out over the years in my lifetime. And I want to always remember the good with the bad. Maybe this time will serve as a bigger purpose for us all. A time where we reflected more, had more time to do the things we loved, connected more with friends and family and allowed ourselves to slow down a bit.

What do you want to remember from this time? How have the past few months changed your outlook on life?

XO, Dana Rae

MY FIRST SPEED DATING EXPERIENCE IN THE CITY

Photography by Lauren Lucile Creative

Since moving to New York 5+ years ago, dating hasn’t been a huge priority for me. Being in a long term relationship in my 20s consumed me and I found that I had lost myself in the process. I was so wrapped up in my end goal of getting married and having babies, that I didn’t even see a life outside of that scenario. So when I decided to move to NYC, I wanted to focus more on myself and what made me happy outside of being in a relationship.

Being SINGLE has actually been freeing for me. It’s made me more aware of myself and realize what I really am looking for in a partner rather than what I once was willing to settle for. But as much as I enjoy being Single, I do ultimately want to find someone to share my life with. The hard part is meeting good quality guys. Dating nowadays is so much different than it was say 10 years ago. I mean, where do you meet guys without having to swipe right or spend your weekends at the bars?!

Which leads me to my recent adventure of, SPEED DATING.

A friend of mine had brought up the idea of going speed dating in casual conversation and I’m pretty sure my intial response was something like “sure”. But after she approached me again about it I figured, what the hell? After all, I’m not meeting any men at my local Trader Joes.

Ater a week of back and forth, we decided on a date and time to try a local speed dating event in the city hosted by NY MINUTE DATING. This particular event was geared toward 30s and 40s professionals and would take place on a Friday night from 7-9pm.

HOW IT WORKS:

Cost: $35 paid online prior to event

Location: Local Hotel Bar in the city (varies depending on event type)

Duration: 2 hours total including a 10 minute break. Each date is timed for 5 minutes.

When we arrived, we were immediately greeted by two women from NY MINUTE DATING hosting the event. We were then asked to write our names onto name tags and given a ‘MATCH CARD’ to fill out with the names of each date and circle the names of the guys we were interested in being matched with.

Seating was arranged where ladies were given the chance to choose a table of their liking and remain seated during the entire event. The guys are instructed to switch to the table to their RIGHT every 5 minutes after each date.

Since it was located at a bar, alcohol was available for purchase. Although in my opinion, it would have been nice if they had included 1-2 drinks within the price of the event.

Since my friend and I arrived a few minutes early to the event, we grabbed a drink at the bar and then decided to sit next to each other at two of the high top tables. As more women started to arrive, we noticed that majority of them also brought a friend.

After waiting a few minutes, the men started arriving. And shortly after, the hosts made an announcement to begin the speed dating.

Surprisingly I didn’t feel that nervous, and as each guy moved over to my table next, I felt more and more comfortable. There ended up being 13 dates total. Each one lasting 5 minutes, giving time for only basic questions like; “Where do you live?”, “What do you do for work?”, “What do you like to do for fun?” etc.

As we approached the 1/2 way mark, a guy who immediately caught my attention sat down and started talking, only to be interrupted by the hosts calling out a 10 minute break. As most of the other guys opted to get up and take a bathroom break or grab another drink at the bar, he chose to continue to sit with me. As we sat there and talked for a few minutes, he then all of a sudden got up and said he would be right back. Leaving his empty beer bottle on the table, I thought maybe he needed to grab another one from the bar. But after 2 or 3 minutes, the host came over to me and said “I’m sorry, your date had an emergency.” I immediately thought to myself, “WOW, he actually used that excuse?!” So there I sat, alone for the next few minutes sipping my vodka and texting my friends what happened to have a laugh.

By the end of the last date, I was happy that I had put myself out there. And even though I didn’t feel enough of a connection with any of the guys for a second date, I would still do it again. I mean, where else can you go on 13 dates in one night? Typically that would take a few weeks to accomplish. So not only did I save myself from wasting several nights out, but I also only had to get dressed and put makeup on once. WIN WIN, right?!

So if you’re looking to get back into the dating scene, I highly recommend speed dating. You never know, you may just meet your match.

Have you ever been speed dating before?! If yes, what was your experience like?

XO, Dana Rae

YEAR 5 OF LIVING IN NEW YORK CITY

This month marks my FIVE year anniversary of living in New York City. On October 9th, 2014, I was sitting in a packed SUV of my belongings en route to New York to begin a new chapter. As my best friend, my Mom and I drove those very long 16 hours, I remember having so many emotions. At 3am October 10th, 2014, I crossed over the George Washington Bridge in Manhattan and I knew then, everything was about to change.

Honestly, when I moved here, I only set out to live here for a year. And then without hesitation each year turned into the next. The fact that I actually get to call this city (home), is still very surreal to me. New York is one of those cities that will change you from the moment you arrive. For me, it’s been by far the best decision I’ve ever made. I can honestly say that I have never had a moment of regret being here. I know New York City isn’t for everyone and I respect that. But for many of us, we feel most alive here. And even in New York’s chaos, there is so much beauty within.

In celebration of my 5 year anniversary, I enlisted the help of my friend and photographer Lauren Lucile and did the most EXTRA photoshoot in the middle of Central Park. My vision was really just to portray the love affair that I have with New York City.

Photography by Lauren Lucile Creative

A few thoughts on living in New York City:

• You will constantly find yourself evolving here. Change is inevitable in the city, so you just learn to adapt as you go.

• You eventually learn to live with less, especially living in a smaller space. I honestly don’t miss most of my stuff. In fact, 75% of everything I own is still in storage in Atlanta.

• Friendships can be hard here. It took me awhile to have a solid group of core people I see regularly. Everyone is always busy, not to mention all going in different directions.

• Speaking of friends, I definitely miss my closest girlfriends back in Atlanta! But luckily, our friendships have all stood the test of time and distance. In most cases, it actually has brought us closer together.

• Everyone will want to visit you in NYC. I remember the first three years being non-stop with friends and family in town. But I loved every minute of it. There is something so special about seeing New York City through someone elses eyes for the first time.

• Walking around the city and looking up at the skyline and bright lights still gives me all the feels. The energy here is something you have to experience for yourself in order to truly appreciate the magic of it.

• I miss having a dishwasher & washer and dryer in my apartment. But honestly, you just learn to live without those luxuries. I’ve gotten really good at doing laundry often to keep the piles small and I usually wash dishes as I cook to lessen the aftermath.

• YES! The city is ridiculously expensive. I mean, cocktails will set you back $14-$18 at most places. But it’s a small price to pay to have some of the best restaurants and entertainment all at your disposal.

• Living with roommates is the norm here. Even in your 30’s. Unless you can afford to dish out $2,000-$3,000 in rent alone. Luckily I have the luxury of living with two of my best friends, so it feels more like family.

• Although New York is home to millions of people, it can sometimes feel incredibly lonely. It’s important to remind yourself that you’re not alone and everyone has tough days here.

• I feel like I’ve learned to enjoy my own company more and do things SOLO that I wouldn’t have necessarily done before living here. Some of my best memories over the years, have been times that I’ve explored the city on my own. Nobody even thinks twice about someone sitting at a bar, coffee shop or park alone. It’s actually kinda nice to be alone sometimes and take in the city.

• You will forever be asked by people: “WHY DO YOU LIVE IN NEW YORK?!” And my reply: “Because New York City is the first place I’ve ever lived that has made me feel more like me than ever before. Also, I always look forward to returning no matter how often I leave.”

Honestly, I don’t know if New York will be my forever home, but I know that it feels like home for now. And I can’t wait to see what this next year has in store for me. Cheers to another year in the BIG APPLE!

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:

I ❤️ NY: YEAR 1 OF LIVING IN NEW YORK CITY

YEAR 2 OF LIVING IN NEW YORK CITY

YEAR 4 OF LIVING IN NEW YORK CITY

20 THINGS NOBODY TELLS YOU ABOUT LIVING IN NEW YORK CITY

XO, RAE

FEATURE FRIDAY 9.27.19

It’s the first weekend of FALL, y’all! And the only thing missing, is the cooler temps. Anyone else ready to break out their sweaters and boots?! Me too. I’m also excited for all my favorite tv shows to return. So I can spend my nights cozied up on the couch with a glass of red. I love this season so much. And I can’t wait to do all the Fall things.

Here’s this week’s roundup of Beauty faves + Lifestyle articles + Things I’m loving lately, Events happening around the city and more.

LIFESTYLE + POP CULTURE

• If you enjoy watching the Super Bowl only because of the Halftime Show, you’re in luck! The 2020 Super Bowl Halftime Show performers have been announced and it’s bound to be a performance to remember.

• News broke this week that this Real Housewife of Beverly Hills, will star in the role of Roxy Hart in Chicago the musical early next year. Can’t wait to get tickets to the show!!

• Trader Joe’s just dropped their NEW seasonal items for Fall. And the list is everything pumpkin spice and then some.

WHAT I’M LOVING LATELY

• I’ve been using this in my coffee every morning and it’s sooo good! Especially if you’re looking for a dairy substitute.

• My go-to weekly charcoal face mask. I love that it’s a mask and exfoliating scrub all in one product. Also works great as a spot treatment, if you have any breakouts.

• Essie has launched their 2019 Fall Nail Polish Colors. And it’s pretty safe to say, I’ll be wearing the color: “Easily Suede”- all Fall long.

HAPPENING IN THE CITY

• See artists like Alicia Keys, One Republic, Pharrell Williams and more at the Global Citizen Music Festival. Located at The Great Lawn in Central Park, Saturday 9/28. Starts at Noon.

• Stroll through the Union Square Farmers Market to see all the new seasonal items. Saturday 9/28 8am-6pm.

• NYC Pizza Run is going down at Fort Greene Park, Saturday 9/28. Starts at 11am. Grab tickets here.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

MY FALL BUCKET LIST 2019

A DAY TRIP TO WÖLFFER WINERY

15 FREE THINGS TO DO IN NYC

Recently featured ON:

Advice From a 30 Something - “DECIDING WHETHER OR NOT TO HAVE KIDS IN YOUR 30S”

XO, Rae

FALL BUCKET LIST 2019

Happy first day of FALL y’all! I love this season so much especially living in New York. The city takes on a new mood and every where you look, you can see Autumn coming to life. I love the crisp cool mornings and seeing the leaves change over time in Central Park. It’s a reminder to sow down and enjoy what the season has to offer. And I will most definitely be partaking in all things pumpkin spice until further notice. Today, I’m sharing my annual Fall Bucket List.

You can check out my previous bucket lists throughout the years: 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Fall Bucket List 2019

• Spend a day baking with my best friend.

• Go apple picking at an orchard in upstate New York. And bring home some apple cider donuts.

• Take an early morning walk through Central Park to see the leaves change color.

• Try a new restaurant in the city that has a seasonal menu for Fall.

• Go to a Fall Festival in the city.

• Spend a cozy day at home watching movies.

• Pick out some new Fall scented candles at Homegoods.

• Go to Trader Joe’s and stock up on their seasonal items. All. things. Pumpkin.

• See the new Broadway Show Moulin Rouge!

• Walk around the Upper West Side and scope out all the stoops decorated for Halloween.

• Host Friendsgiving with friends. An annual tradition of my roommates and I.

• Visit Dominique Ansel Bakery in SoHo & try the cronut flavor of the month.

• Celebrate my 5 year Anniversary of living in New York City. I’m thinking dinner & drinks at a fancy spot is in order. Here are my previous blog posts recapping previous years in the city: YEAR 1, YEAR 2, and YEAR 4

What’s on your Fall bucket list this year?!

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

5 THINGS TO DO IN NYC THIS FALL

XO, Rae

FEATURE FRIDAY 8.23.19

Photography by Victoria Saperstein (2018)

Happy Friday from gloomy + rainy NYC. I can’t believe Summer is coming to an end. I can honestly say, this has been one of the best Summers I’ve had in awhile. And I’m kinda sad to see it end. But I’m thankful for the new friends I met, adventures had and memories made over the past few months. What was the best part of your Summer?!

Here’s this week’s roundup of Beauty faves + Lifestyle articles + Things I’m loving lately, Events happening around the city and MORE.

LIFESTYLE + POP CULTURE

• RHONY Bethenny Frankel has decided NOT to return to the show next season. Here is what she had to say about her departure from the franchise.

• Supermodel Ashley Graham recently revealed that she’s pregnant in the most adorable announcement.

• Save this list for your next trip to Trader Joe’s.

WHAT I’M LOVING LATELY

• Recently started re-reading this book and definitely recommend it if you’re in the need of some motivation.

• Sephora SALE is happening again. I’ll be stocking up on eye cream, my favorite CC cream and this lip mask that I’ve heard is amazing.

• I’ve been looking for a collapsible water bottle to take with me on the go and I found this one on Amazon. It’s the perfect size and comes in a few different colors.

HAPPENING IN THE CITY

• Celebrate Summer Friday’s at Kendra Scott in SoHo every Friday in August from 12-2pm. Get 15% OFF your purchase and SIP Champagne and Rosé while shopping.

• Blues BBQ Festival at Hudson River Park Saturday Aug. 24th 2-9pm Eat BBQ from local NYC vendors while enjoying LIVE music.

• Drink brews from the Brooklyn Craft Brew Fest at Brooklyn Navy Yard. Saturday Aug. 24th Grab tickets here.

• Visit the popular bakery Dominique Ansel to try the August Cronut before it’s gone. This month’s cronut has Salted pretzel ganache w/ caramel ganache inside and a salted sugar mixture on the outside. YUM!

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

• 15 FREE THINGS TO DO IN NYC

• 20 THINGS NOBODY TELLS YOU ABOUT LIVING IN NYC

• 10 Classic Spots For Drinking Outdoors in NYC

• A DAY TRIP TO WÖLFFER WINERY

XO, Rae

A DAY TRIP TO WÖLFFER WINERY

Photography by: Lauren Lucile Creative

A few weeks ago, I finally got the opportunity to take a day trip out to Bridgehampton to visit Wölffer Estate Vineyard. This has been on my New York bucket list ever since I discovered Wölffer Rosé a few years ago. I knew the winery was one of the more popular wineries on Long Island, so I was excited to experience it in person.

Being that Wölffer Winery is located in Sagaponack on Long Island, there are a few ways in which you can get there from the city. My friend and I decided to rent a car for the day via Zipcar, which was super easy and affordable. You can also take a train from Penn Station (LIRR) to Bridgehampton. And then it’s just a short Uber ride from the train station to the winery. The other option, is to take the Jitney Bus which travels back and forth from Manhattan to the Hamptons. Either way, it’s totally doable as a day trip.

What to know beforehand:

• Wöllfer Estate Vineyard is Open Daily from 11am-8pm year-round.

• Highly recommend making a reservation for the tasting room. It’s FREE entry and you just pay per glass or flight.

• You can also make a reservation for a Vineyard & Cellar Tour which includes a tasting of four different wines. Cost is $68.50 per person.

• The winery does close from time to time for private events. Make sure to call ahead to confirm availability. Ph. 631–537–5106

• Arrive earlier in the day if possible, as the crowd tends to grow as the afternoon/early evening approaches.

• There is indoor and outdoor seating available for tastings. The patio overlooks the vineyard and has some shade for those warmer days.

What to Sip:

• They offer a few different wine flights for $25 that include four different tastings. Seasonal flights are available.

• Since it’s Summer, we opted for the Rosé flight and loved it!

• You can also purchase wine by the glass or bottle(s).

• I recommend the Wöllfer Estate Summer in a Bottle Rosé or Grandioso Rosé.

• They also have signature cocktails on their menu that feature Wöllfer Ciders and ‘Pink’ Gin.
  

What to do:

• Take advantage of the patio seating that overlooks the vineyard.

• Stop by the shop inside to purchase bottles of wine and souvenirs to take home with you.

• Sit at the bar if you want more of a one-on-one tasting. The bartenders are very knowledgable and can give you more of a personal experience.

• Visit The Wine Stand and enjoy the sunset while sipping a glass of wine.

  *This was by far my favorite part of the winery. It’s located just down from the main winery and they offer wine by the bottle or glass. Once you grab your wine, head out back to sit in the Adirondack chairs that face the vineyard.

If you decide to visit Wölffer Winery, I hope these tips help! I had the best time there and can’t wait to go back again (maybe this Fall).

Have you ever been to a winery? If so, which one(s) have you been to? Any that you recommend me visiting?!

CHEERS!

XO, Rae