Groceries in the city are a WHOLE new thing. I brought this bag of my beloved Trader Joe’s favorites across the city!

This week kicks off week three of living in New York City and I honestly am beyond happy. I was searching for my dream job for a long time and it is unreal how genuinely excited I have been since I’ve arrived. Don’t get me wrong – there are things that are exhausting about living in the city, but I hope my sense of giddiness doesn’t fade away. I have picked up some fun tips, themes and stories over the last few weeks, so here are some things I’ve learned.

One of my FAVORITE things about the city are the flower bodegas on every corner. This shop on Lexington and 62nd is one of the best I’ve seen.

People Want to Help

Everyone who has moved to the city has tips and stories they will want to share with you. Whether it’s to try a different route to work (aka: the bus is such a nice change from the subway!) or to never step foot into Trader Joe’s on the weekends (I learned that mistake the hard way), people want to give you insight. The first weekend I moved here I went to a housewarming party for one of my best friends, Audree, and the second I said I was new to the city our whole convo changed into stories of New York.

I made this salad on my Instagram Story the other day and it was such a great salad. Roasted golden beets, balsamic Brussels sprouts, farro, gorgonzola cheese, dried cranberries, arugula and a simple vinaigrette.

There’s So Much Food to Eat

You all know I love my Sunday meal prep and have been doing it religiously for years. It has been more difficult than I expected to stick to my pre-made food because there are so many amazing options at your fingertips in the city! I am learning to find a balance between my home cooking and eating out because I still want to enjoy all the amazing food in the city while staying budget conscious and healthy with my home-cooked meals.

It’s still iced coffee season here with 80 degree weather, even though it’s “fall” already.

The City that Never Sleeps

In the city that never sleeps, my body has needed more sleep than ever. Day to day life here is exhausting! I have been walking about three miles a day during the work week and up to six miles on Saturday or Sunday from just exploring or running errands. Listening to my body and actually going to bed early has been super important to get enough rest.

I can’t believe I live in the same city as my BFF Audree from the fashion blog Simply Audree Kate! She’s introducing me to so many of her friends and connections in the city.

Interesting People Everywhere

One of my favorite things about the city is learning about people and hearing their story. People have moved here from all over the world, have super cool jobs, have unique passions and interests, and are so interesting! I love that you can meet new people and also learn about something new.

My friend invited me to The Outsiders event with Get Up and Ride, Socialight Entertainment, and Clif Bar!

Say YES to New Things

There are interesting people everywhere and just as many fun opportunities to meet them if you take advantage of cool events. Yesterday my friend invited me to a bike ride from Brooklyn to the Bronx…and back!! We stopped in Long Island City, Astoria and finally at the Bronx Brewery for some beers and pizza. I met people from all over the city and got to see new parts of New York all in a matter of hours. I can’t wait to keep going to The Outsiders rides with Get Up and Ride.

I would have never expected to bike 20 miles in one day, but boy, was it a gratifying feeling.

Stay tuned for more NYC updates as I keep exploring! In the meantime, follow along on Instagram and Facebook.

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela