Autumn Sundays

Current Obsessions...

2012-01-27T13:28:00.012-05:00

Seven little things I have a BIG crush on.

1. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

2. Gray paint

Via The Decorologist

3. Cupcakes and Cashmere

4. Good Karmal

5. My new Asics

(Now for putting them to use...hmmmm.)

6. Shazam (Only the coolest app for phones, ever.)

7. The Impossible Project (For all old-school photo lovers.)

Hope you enjoy.

**Of course, the Asics and Karmal sort of cancel each other out, don't they? Oops.

To You and Yours Dear Reader...

2011-12-22T16:27:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to take today's post to wish all of you a very merry, happy, wonderful — whatever you celebrate. It has been an honor to take all of you along for the ride these past two and half years. I couldn't ask for more supportive readers. May your holiday season be filled with joy, warmth, and the comfort of loved ones.

My New Years resolution? Not to take life so seriously all the time. It's a short ride, yanno? Which brings me to one of my favorite quotes:

"Being young is so greatly overestimated...any failure seems to total.

Later on you realize you can have another go."

—Mary Quant

May your days be merry and bright.

I'll see you all in the New Year.

Cheers,

Kate

Dunkable Cuteness...

2011-12-21T14:32:00.002-05:00

Kind of a Big Deal...(Video)

2011-12-16T16:29:00.004-05:00

I can't believe it has actually taken so long for me to write this post. Without further ado, MY BEST FRIEND GOT ENGAGED over Labor Day Weekend! We had a fantastic college-buddy reunion up in Portland, Oregon and badda-bing, badda-boom, my kindred-soul-sista is hitching her wagon to Mr. Six-Foot-Seven-Kevin's.

The whole event was well documented by the rest of us as we stood with tear-filled eyes and shaky legs. After all, we had been hiking for like a hundred hours straight when Kevy-pie decided the moment was right. Hmm, must have been the gorgeous waterfall.

As fate would have it, I'm actually the one who set this modern day Bonnie and Clyde up. That’s right, you’re looking at her. We were seniors in college, on an unusually warm fall evening, in Old Town Orange, California. A perfect night to say the least. We headed over to a local bar to celebrate the recent release of friend’s new album. Kevin, who was also there for the release party (or to pick up chicks, we’ll never really know) happened to catch a glimpse of Karla as she entered the room. Unable to contain his desire for her soft skin and luscious...er...too far? Oh this blog is rated PG? Got‘cha.... Kevin, unable to catch his breath, approached our musically inclined friend and asked about this gorgeous woman who had caught his eye. Fast forward ten minutes and Karla had pulled the ultimate Cinderella. Gone as gone could be, Karla was well on her way back to our apartment to catch some shut-eye. When I caught wind of Kevin’s admiration for my best friend, I pompously stepped over to his rather large, 6’7 frame, tilted my head all the way back to (attempt to) look him in the eye and promptly stated, “So...you like my friend eh?”

And just like that, I was grilling this post-grad stud muffin about his intentions for my beloved sister-from-another-mother. And let me tell you, his intentions were nothing but dishonorable. But again, this is a family blog.

After putting him through a gauntlet of questions, I decided with looks that could kill and charm to spare Karla had better give this guy a shot. On the back of a bar napkin I wrote down her digits and sure enough he called a few days later. I’ll never forget the night he came to pick her up for their very first date. I introduced them promptly and as I sent them on their way, I couldn’t help but break the ice with, “If this works out, you two owe me big.” An embarrassing moment then, now a reality.

A few years later, Karla was going through some drawers in their shared apartment and found the very napkin that I had scribbled her number on. Kevin had held onto it all that time. So when it came time to pop the question, it only seemed right that he wrote “Will you marry me?” on another napkin, to mark the start of their next chapter together.

2011-12-14T06:35:00.001-05:00

Just my favorite photograph of my favorite boy. Thought I'd share.

There's so much about this captured moment that I love.

It just, sort of, melts my heart.

Paul at the family cabin in Harrison, Michigan. Circa 2007.

All Who Wander...

2011-12-13T10:55:00.001-05:00

Every summer when I was a little girl, my parents, one a teacher and the other a guidance counselor, would take my brothers and me on a cross-country adventure. They’d remove the middle seat from our 1984 Dodge Caravan so our humongous dog Pepper had room to lie down and off we’d go. From Pennsylvania’s Amish Country to Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming and from the Badlands of South Dakota to Niagara Falls, by the time I was fourteen I’d seen it all. The list is extensive. We pulled a second-hand, pop-up camper behind us and found campsites in nearly every state. Looking back, it was the best time of my young life.

Setting out for our first cross-country trip

The impact of those traveling summers lives on. The lessons in culture and diversity that we gained from experiencing so many walks of life are invaluable to say the least. Of all the blessings my parents afforded us, these are the ones I am most grateful for. We learned the importance of accepting diversity. We learned to appreciate Mother Nature and learned how to get our hands dirty while setting up the campsite each night. We learned compromise, sacrifice and patience (being stuck in a car with two brothers would do the same for you, trust me). Needless to say, I fell in love with traveling at a young age.

So naturally when college rolled around I took my small-town self as far as I could go and settled in Southern California, on the coast of Orange County. I spent those four years seeing as much of the West Coast as I possibly could. From Yosemite and San Francisco, to Santa Barbara, L.A. and down to San Diego, I cherished each adventure and when I look back I can’t help but remember the sunshine and, most importantly, the laughter between friends. I suppose if those are the only two things I end up remembering about my time in California, that will be enough.

In the spring of 2008, my junior year, I sailed around the world on Semester at Sea. It’s a story that you’ve heard me tell a million times but it is one that changed my life forever. Me, my backpack and a few other strangers who eventually became my family at sea—taking on the world; literally. We left from the Bahamas and twelve countries and 108 days later made our way through the Panama Canal and up to Miami. In doing so, we joined the 1% of the world’s population who have actually circumnavigated the globe.

Vietnam

Mauritius

Table Mountain, South Africa

Since then, I’ve traveled some (Jamaica, Bermuda, the DR) but the itch is back. The backpack I once carried through the South African bush now travels with me through a concrete jungle, taunting me to pick up a go. Go anywhere. It’s funny how certain things from childhood permeate into our adult lives in a way that truly defines us. At age seven my parents buckled me into an old minivan and taught me the value of different cultures and today I’m all the wiser because of it. Travel is one of life’s best educators and, let's be honest, it's a crap-load of fun too. I think J.R.R. Tolkien had it right when he said, “Not all those who wander are lost.”

Friday, I'm In Love...

2011-12-09T07:36:00.007-05:00

Enjoy the weekend y'all.
Yummmmmm.

The Perfect Pair...

2011-12-08T07:13:00.000-05:00

Don't these Starbucks coffee mugs make you want to just curl up with a good book and a cozy blanket? The Tall is all mine and, generally, all I can drink while my coffee-crazed boyfriend can take down three Ventis in one sitting. A perfect pair to say the least. Cream and sugar anyone?

Sha-va-sa-whaaa?

2011-12-07T05:49:00.003-05:00

Let's talk about yoga for a hot second. Or hot yoga for a cold second? Regardless...I've been taking some classes here and there, both hot and regular, and I have to admit that I love it, or more, I love the way I feel after. But during? Let's just say that if the yoga instructor sits on me one more time, I'm not getting back up. Who knew that a bunch of downward facing dogs and other poses I can't pronounce could leave me sore for a week. A WEEK! I'm pretty sure I found muscles in places that I didn't know existed.

Photo credit: Chris Cordasco

And am I the only one who can't keep the breathing rhythm? Is it truly necessary to inhale and exhale so damn quickly? What about when my stomach is rearranged under my pelvis in one of those godawful pretzel positions and I can't really expand my lungs? What then? And in this position, am I really suppose to be all zen and relaxed or is that just code for, "Don't pass out?" Which is, if we're being honest, more often than not, close to happening.

You know what my favorite pose is? Shavasna. For many reasons, but mainly because I can pronounce it and also because it involves taking a nap...er...I mean, laying completely still in a flat, normal position. I have friends that can practically dislodge their rib cages and somehow twist in a way that leaves me wondering where their bodies actually begin and end. Suddenly legs are coming out of arm sockets and arms are coming out of ears — it's all pretty intense. I, on the other hand, revert back to child's pose nine times out of ten, which is supposedly the easiest, but I'd rather be considered a light-weight than stuck in pretzel formation because what's her name with the jingling ankle bracelets and tribal tattoos sat on me again. No thanks instructor (if that's even your real name), I'm all set.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm due for a nap...I mean...a shavasana.

Eli...

2011-12-06T10:07:00.000-05:00

Dear Eli,

My darling friend, you're looking good. So nice to dine with you on such a warm autumn night. Thank you for filling my evening with simple talk and funny moments. Of all the things I like about you, I must say, the way you decorate your glasses takes the cake. The U.S. Postal Service would be proud to know its labels help you identify your favorite pair of eyewear from the countless others you refuse to part with. As for me, I appreciate your sense of style and your lack of inhibition. Stay golden my dear friend.

Sincerely yours,

Kate

A Weekend of Wonderful...

2011-12-05T09:17:00.005-05:00

Finally, a weekend of rest and relaxation, and boy was it a good one. From slow strolling to sweet indulgences, we meandered through Central Park, strolled over to the Museum of Natural History, and then continued onward to Rockefeller Center to see the Christmas tree. Bagels, chocolate chip cookies and warm tomato soup made for an entire weekend of sweet treats and good eats. I couldn't have asked for more.

[Friday's sunset over the Hudson.]

[Chess in Central Park.]

[I won.]

[Quick photo at my favorite spot in NYC, The Literary Walk.]

[The perfect ending to a perfect Saturday.]

Be Still My Heart...

2011-12-02T11:39:00.012-05:00

Meet Leonardo.

Room & Board

I think if I sat in this chair I'd smile obnoxiously. For hours. I love: that it’s low to the ground, that it’s wide enough for my derrière and then some, (wishful thinking?) and that the folks at Room & Board are calling the color "Blossom." Oooow. What a perfect pop of color. Dear Santa...I’ve been good.

Happy Friday.

Found: The Perfect Food....

2011-11-28T22:08:00.006-05:00

True statement: If calories and vitamins didn’t matter, I’d eat Funky Chunky all day, all night, with a slight pause for only the occasional breath of air. I’m not kidding. Does it look like I’m kidding? If you are wise dear Reader, you will buy this product and never look back—unless of course, it's to hand me some.

There’s something in the way the various types of chocolate wrap around the smooth edges of the pretzels and popcorn kernels, something in the way the caramel globs the pieces of pecan and cashew together, something in the way the giant chunks of goodness feel in your fingertips…. melting… slowly… oh.my.word…I’m drooling. That’s embarrassing.

You’re welcome in advance. Happy Holidays.

Landing the Job...

2011-11-28T12:46:00.007-05:00

November 19th I attended the New York Women in Communications 2011 Student Communications Career Conference at the oh-so-chic, Grand Hyatt in Manhattan. The keynote speaker was the always-poised, Ann Shoket, Editor-in-Chief of Seventeen magazine, and the message was clear; enough about the recession—GO FORGE A WAY!

After graduating into the worst economy since the Great Depression, this was surely a motto I could get behind. Throughout the day, I managed to jot down some important tid-bits of info that I wish someone had told me when I embarked on the full-time journey of finding a full-time job. Launching your career is some of the hardest work you’re ever going to do but it’s also some of the most rewarding.

So without further ado...here are 10 little ideas that make a BIG difference.

Interview at the edge of your seat. Don’t slouch back. You’re to be engaging, not comfy.
Your cover letter needs to be personalized—tell your story—in three paragraphs. Don’t give any of that generic crap-oh-la.
Find a person to send your info directly to. Do some leg-work and come up with a name. No more To Whom It May...blah blah blah.
Come with a story (possibly the one you touched upon in your cover letter.) Know who you are and why you’re there.
Never underestimate the power of print. Write a thank you card by hand, send it in by snail mail, make it mean something. (Follow up the next morning with a quick thank you email as well.)
Check your tone and volume. Are you screaming during the interview? If so—cool it. Are you whispering? This isn’t nap time babylove, speak up.
Don’t like, use the word like, like so much, that like, your message gets like lost. Speak well.
Human interest will never go away—make yourself relatable.
Do your homework. Know who you’re meeting with. Know the company. Know the history.
Be patient with yourself. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. There’s no testament without first the test.

So go forth...forge a way.

FAT...

2011-11-18T12:35:00.005-05:00

Paul and I were running late for work this morning and as we scurried along to make the train, we just happened to catch this artist's rendition of a local playground sign. We immediately busted into a crippling belly laugh and couldn't help but think, "Hey, it could be worse, we could be this guy." Here's to taking in funny moments, even when you don't have the time to. Life's short.

Happy Friday.

What He Knows For Sure...

2011-11-18T12:25:00.006-05:00

Love this.

When I was getting out of the service, this old marine major said to me, "What do you want to do with your life?" And I said, "Well, I think I want to go into television, but I don't know if I have the talent." He took his two shoes that he was shining and he smashed them together and he said, "Don't you know you can have anything you want in this life? You've just got to want it bad enough! Now, do you really want it?" I said, "Yes, sir, I do."

-Regis Philbin, as told to Bill Zehme at Esquire magazine

For the entire interview, click here .

Happiness Throws A Shower Of Sparks...

2011-11-10T12:34:00.008-05:00

"I have sometimes been wildly, despairingly, acutely miserable, racked with sorrow, but through it all I still know quite certainly that just to be alive is a grand thing."

-Agatha Christie, English writer

My mother called last night. She asked me why I wasn’t blogging as much. I gave her some spiel about how busy I am. Which I am. I could count on one hand the number of free hours I have each week to just sit and write. Between working at Good Housekeeping and having a second job (student loans anyone?) and joining New York Women in Communications, and keeping tabs on Eli, and searching for a new apartment, and falling in love (she says as she gazes off into la-la-land) and trying to find time for fitness, food and even fun...the list goes on. As I’m sure it does for all of you too. I often have to pencil in time just to pee. TMI?

But in addition to all of that, it’s just that....well....I’m really….(another pause for drama)…happy. That’s not to say that I only write when I’m sad. In fact, writing is one of my greatest joys. I’ve been filling journals since I was seven years old. But take a minute and think back to that scene in Sex in The City where Carrie and Charlotte go shopping for Carrie’s new desk. While they’re walking around the store Carrie asks Char why she hasn’t been running—her favorite hobby. Her response has to do with how she’s pregnant and so completely happy that she doesn’t want to do anything that might jinx it. So, much like Charlotte, I’ve been treading lightly. Two and a half years ago I graduated from college and set off with one mission in mind. To work for a Hearst women’s magazine. And today, as I sat in my editor’s office 28 floors above the world, I realized that I had done just that. What once seemed utterly impossible was literally all around me. In addition to working at a career I love, I’ve also managed to make peace with city life and—dare I say it—fall in love. I’ve been so afraid of jinxing the greatness around me that I haven’t written for fear that the minute I acknowledge everything, is the same minute it will all disappear. Silly, I know but extreme happiness can be a fragile thing.

But after a little deliberation and a quick chat with mom, I’ve decided that best thing you can do when you’re feeling blessed and lucky is to speak kindly and give thanks aloud for the many things that make life wonderful. So here it is, my thanks aloud. I am truly blessed. And happy. And grateful that hard work does pay off. Thank you God.

So yes, you essentially just read a blog about why I haven’t been blogging. But at least I blogged? This has been a wonderful and very helpful therapy session. I knew I really liked you Readers for a reason—send me your bill.

Fear Nothing...

2011-10-10T22:06:00.008-04:00

Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.

—Steve Jobs

Fear keeps us stagnant.

There is a difference between being still and being stagnant. Being still allows us to hear, reflect and reassess our situation. There is a time and a place to be still. Remaining stagnant however, means we have the opportunity to move forward but we let our fears paralyze us. Being stagnant is a toxic form of stillness. It's crippling and as a result we miss out on opportunities of greatness.

Fear of failure is a powerful thing. As I sit here, I'm typing this post on my Macbook—the result of one man's fearlessness. So thanks Mr. Jobs for kicking ass and taking names, for forging a new path, and for not allowing failure to occupy a place in your heart. Oh—the things we could accomplish if we'd smother our fears with our ambitions. "There is no reason not to follow your heart."

Autumn...

2011-09-23T10:08:00.002-04:00

Happy Autumn.

Let the leaves change and the warm apple cider flow.

Boy Meets Girl....Girl Makes Moves

2011-09-12T22:44:00.011-04:00

So I met a boy.

And he's pretty rad.

And love makes you do silly things.

See below.

(Reed is a mutual acquaintance of ours. This tactic is called, playing your cards right.)

**Tune in next time for more on the adventures of Kate and Paul.

Kate Goes For A Run With Irene...

2011-08-27T13:32:00.006-04:00

Dear Hurricane Irene,

Bug off. Or should I say, blow off? You totally ruined my morning run. I was up early, really trying to fit in a little huffing and puffing before you showed up all uninvited and pushy. Sure, I saw you coming in, as I rounded the top of the Reservoir and looked south, over the city. I saw the faces of other joggers as the ominous clouds got darker. I saw everyone pick up their pace, I saw panic on their faces, and then as if it were the Armageddon, I saw the sky opened up and there I was, running

(re: drowning) for my life. Not cool.

Sincerely soaked,

Kate

Give Thanks...

2011-08-03T22:07:00.005-04:00

I think sometimes we get caught up in all the things we want, or don’t have or think we need in order to complete our happiness. I too am guilty as charged.

So, in an abundance of want and desire and dissatisfaction, I think it's super important to express gratitude for the many things we do have. I’ll go first…

A List Of Gratitude

I’m thankful for pillows. Whoever thought up the pillow is a genius and my bed is all the more comfortable for it, so thanks pillow-person.

For popcorn, because sometimes it’s dinner.

For babies, because I can nibble on their chubby feet, double chins and chucky arms for a while and then hand them right back to mom.

For the repeat button because sometimes hearing that song once just isn’t enough. Know what I mean?

I’m thankful for my parents. Goes without saying really, but there are so many terrible parents out there and God seriously blessed me with two of the greatest. I often wonder why and how I got so lucky.

For days of rest when I can sleep in, sip my coffee slowly, and go for an extended run in the Park.

I’m thankful that time really does heal (or at least lessens the pain of) all wounds.

…The right to work and earn my own lifestyle.

…Rainy weekends made for movie watching.

…Bookstores.

Your turn. What would your List of Gratitude include?

Empire State Of Mind...

2011-07-24T23:26:00.006-04:00

As I stood on top of the Empire State building last Tuesday night, I couldn’t help but think of all the great love stories that have ever been written, lived, or lost in the city that slept below me. Romance is to Manhattan what glamour is to Hollywood and if nothing else, that is what I love most about this city.

The summer air felt warm without being distastefully hot and I could feel the humidity heavy on skin. As my eyes stretched passed the concrete and out into the midnight hour, my mind couldn't help but wander.

Love—the exact element of life that keeps us living—has played itself out here in cafés and coffee shops, park benches, and street corners, time and time again. This city houses some of the greatest love stories of all time and in my opinion, specifically Central Park is unapologetically the most romantic place on earth. When I walk through it every night after work I can’t help but think of When Harry Met Sally, Serendipity, One Fine Day...the list goes on. It's here the romance lies--in the American Elms that line the Literary Walk, in the boats floating around the still waters, and of course, in the horse-drawn carriages that meander through the quiet paths at night.

From the Empire State building, it was interesting to stare down on a crossroad—an intersection—of so many lives, all moving in different directions, yet all trying to get to the same place. It’s daunting to see the number of windows and rooftops, all telling their own stories—their own love stories. It’s a true testament to human nature. We long to be individuals among the masses. We live and love for each other more so than ourselves. We define our existence by existing next to one another. We live for love and here, among the yellow taxis and the grey-suit, corporate world; we continue to search for it.

“Do You Ever Get Claustrophobic Way Up There?"...And Other Dating Woes....

2011-06-24T13:02:00.008-04:00

Story time.

Once upon a time (i.e. this morning) a girl named Kate (that’s me) skipped merrily out of her apartment and down into the subway, fresh-faced and ready to take on whatever the universe threw her way. As she transferred trains with her head phones in and Florence and the Machine's “Dog Days Are Over” synchronizing the pace of her steps (the dooooog days are ovvvaaah...step.step.step. The dooog days aaaaare doneeee....step.step...you get it.) She noticed a tall, come to find out 6’7, handsome man with stubble so perfect it made her knees weak.

The two future soul mates (okay—slight exaggeration) stepped onto the train at the same time. Mr. Perfect Stubble, being the giant that he was, sort of pushed peppy Kate as she tried to find a comfortable place to stand in the packed subway car. Kate naturally didn’t mind because hey—look at that stubble! He quickly apologized and Kate quickly shut off Florence and those God forsaken Dog Days and replied with a brisk, “No worries.” Smooth Kate. Real smooth. (Are you guys taking notes yet?)

Kate stood there as too much time passed and the chance of striking up a free-flowing conversation faded into the noise of the morning commute. Suddenly she realized that indeed, this was the best she was going to look all day. So with her freshly applied makeup and somewhat well styled locks, she raced against the humidity that was rapidly entering her hair follicles. She looked up at Mr. Perfect Stubble Giant man and said... “Do you ever get claustrophobic way up there?” Yes folks....WRITE.THAT.DOWN. That was my opening line. I wanted to melt into a puddle and slip down into the subway tracks in that very moment. Until of course, Mr. Stubble replied with a warm and friendly, “Sometimes—but you know, it’s worth it when a little old lady needs help getting things down at the store.” MELT.MY.HEART. Great stubble and a good-deed-doer?! Pinch me, I’m dreaming.

And so, one obnoxiously flirtatious subway ride later Kate found herself smiling and saying “This is me” as she motioned towards the approaching platform. There was a pause as the train came to a screeching halt, which is always a demonstration in good balance, and suddenly Kate was carried away in the shuffle of a.m. commuters who could care less about her overly flirtatious morning love affair. He said, “Wait!” Just as the subway doors were closing and Kate spun around only to be pummeled by exiting passengers (graceful, I know.) It was too late. Those powerful, shiny silver doors closed and off he went into the drizzly Manhattan morning.

No, no number exchange, and maybe through some twisted Manhattan fate they’ll meet again but until then, Kate walked away with something more. Confidence. Every challenge during the day would seem less scary then striking up a conversation with the Perfect Stubble Giant Man and she was encouraged to know that maybe there were still some great fish left in the sea. In the meantime, if you see a 6’7 man with perfect stubble who wears a suit and works in real estate…dibs.

Have a great weekend y’all.

Fertilizer For Your Grass...

2011-06-24T00:19:00.002-04:00

I once read that the grass really is in fact, greener on the other side. Scientifically speaking, (because I got a A- in 6th grade science) it’s due to the angle that you are viewing the blades from. While standing on your own side of the fence, you’re looking straight down, and thus you see less of the green blade and more of the space (read: dirt) between each blade. But when looking over at your neighbor’s luscious greens, you see each blade from a side angle and very little of the space between. So alas, I think if you adjust your stance and perspective, you’d see that things are not necessarily better on the other side, and much like life itself, a little adjustment can put everything into a greater perspective.

Here’s to adjusting your view and fresh mowed lawns in the sweet summertime.

Happy Friday.