the beauty lover

summer feeling

2013-05-23T11:28:00.004-04:00

It is warm and humid in NY. SUMMER :)

Mary in Wonderland

2013-05-20T16:18:00.003-04:00

Comptoir des Cotonniers Trench

Zara Boots

pretty little secret

2013-05-17T16:52:00.002-04:00

I won't tell you where it is so when you find it, you will get this amazing feeling :)

NYC really is an amazing city <3 p="">

Soft Rock

2013-05-13T11:38:00.000-04:00

The wonderful Freja. I am such a fan.

FREJA BEHA ERICHSEN IN SAINT LAURENT PRE-FALL 2013 CAMPAIGN BY HEDI SLIMANE

knick-knacks

2013-05-11T17:47:00.000-04:00

Hello guys! I have been very absent but I have been very busy...
This post will be about random things I want to talk to you about, hence the name.

From monday through wednesday I was a volunteer in an EU-UN Seminar, so many hours there prevented me from doing much else. The good thing about these seminars and fairs is the people you meet. All the volunteers were young europeans that are in NY doing pretty much the same as I am - in the trade and investment agency or their country mission to the United Nations. I also got to meet companies: portuguese, european and from the UN. It is always enriching in some way even if we were just organising the event (from managing the one-to-one meetings to the coat check).

The one-on-one schedule for one day

I discovered the Eric Kayser in NY :) (here it is called Maison Kayser, by the way). It is far from home (NY) but it reminded me of home (Lisbon). I actually have a great bakery close to my apartment in the Essex Market called Pain D'Avignon, so no need to go far up into the Upper East Side for great bread and croissants. Ah! Here, they say croissants as it is an english word, very funny.

You know Rockefeller Center right? Or course you do. One of the buildings has only 7 or 8 stories and a great rooftop with a garden and I had the privilege to go there for an European Tourism event. You are not that high but the surroundings and the rooftop itself are very pretty.

Dear USA: I can get anti-biotics from the counter whenever I want but I need to have a doctor's prescription to buy my contact lenses?! *sigh* I'll have a friend bring them to me from Portugal, then.
Oh, and there is this amazing thing that you can incorporate on the cans when you make them so you don't need a can opener :) I'll show them to you one day. To compensate me you have the amazing peanut butter cups ♥ ♥ ♥

love
Maria Ana

weekend inspiration

2013-05-05T11:24:00.000-04:00

Have a nice Sunday! :)

kiss

crazy week

2013-04-26T21:15:00.001-04:00

Hello! I have been absent for a while but it was crazy...

The roadshow we had at work started in New Brunswick, then we went to Boston. On thursday night, where the shooting took place. In Cambridge. MIT. That's right. Not only were our thoughts with the people that were killed and injured, we were also a bit afraid and under lockdown. Everything was cancelled and we tried to return no NY early but the flight was delayed that it was in the air and turned back. After 12 hours I was at home. But my luggage was not.

I had to wait for it until 10p.m on saturday when I had a flight sunday morning. In Chicago everything went well and I even managed to visit the city.

I am glad to be home again and to enjoy a weekend in the city :)

kiss!
Maria Ana

Chicago!!

2013-04-18T11:24:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone:) how are you? Is anyone in Chicago? I'll be there half a day and I would love to hear some tips:)

NYC weather

2013-04-13T09:53:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone! How are you?
This week I saw this article about why NY may not be the greatest city in the world and one of the topics (and first I think...) was the weather. There's winter and summer. I realised that this week. Tuesday was 28ºC during the day and an amazing 25ºC at night and yesterday was so cold! 6ºC! Schizophrenic... The other topics I don't remember so maybe I thought they didn't make a lot of sense or I disagreed with.
It actually was so hot that day that the day after I went to buy some sandals as I could not survive without a pair and I didn't bring one. Well they are now sitting on top of my closet with my boots smiling at them in triumph. But, anyway, I wanted to show them to you.

I did not know which ones to get, but I realised I always have white sandals, so this time I opted for the black ones. (Sorry my feet look appalling but I was not prepared!!)

Aldo sandals here.

love

Maria Ana

Washington DC

2013-04-09T10:33:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone:) how was your weekend?
I went to Washington DC and loved it. I had no idea it was so cute. I did not expect the small buildings and houses. I expected a city with skyscappers and all.
The zone of the The Mall is imponent but it was not my favourite. What I loved was the feel of the city. In one moment you are in Paris. Amsterdam. London. Brussels. The old part of town is like being in a village. I think it is smaller than my beloved Lisbon. Including in population. I have to study the subject;)
This time of year is that of cherry blossoms as well. Thousands were given to Washington by the japanese and these days they are blooming. It is beautiful!
Georgetown is gorgeous. So picturesque:) We saw an open house but did not have the courage to entre... Maybe next time! We also went to Georgetown University and it has to be an absolute privilege to study there. The space and buildings are amazing.
I will be back for sure!

Love

Maria Ana

Washington DC

2013-04-04T13:35:00.000-04:00

This weekend I am heading to Washington DC to visit the city and see the fabulous cherry blossoms.
The cool "you's" could give me some tips :)

Pleeeease

Kiss
Maria Ana

The Slipper Room

2013-04-02T05:00:00.000-04:00

Hello!
How was your Easter darlings? :) Mine was great, I went to the Brooklyn Flea (and loved it! ) and on friday night - The Slipper Room.

Living on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, home of the burlesque theatres and venues I wanted to see a show but I hadn't plan to go that day. We went to have dinner at The Meatball Shop - veggie option with tomato sauce and mashed potatoes was on spot! - and then we entered the door in front that happened to be The Slipper Room. I did not know what to expect but I left the place with aching cheeks of so much fun I had. It is a variety show with of course burlesque numbers, stand up, acrobatics and so on. What I saw I am not going to tell you, you have to go and see for yourself. Be prepared and go open minded, it is FUN.

And the place is very pretty:)

Oh, you have got to love the Lower East Side.

Good friday

2013-03-29T10:57:00.003-04:00

Hello everyone :)
I work for a portuguese company so today is a holiday! yey! The weather is so nice, I just want to go out, take a walk and read a book on a bench or on the lawn.

On wednesday I had my first bad experience here, my phone was stolen from my hands, I ran after them but they probably hid because after a turn I couldn't see them anymore and there is no way someone would vanish like that. Anyway, it is bad but it is just money, I'm fine and that is what matters. I hope their fingers fall off :)

Have a happy friday and if you have a free day like me , enjoy!!

my NYC life in pictures

2013-03-25T16:44:00.000-04:00

I was talking to a friend and she was telling me that I am not posting enough photos, which is true, so here are my last 10 days or so :)

Two wednesdays ago we went to Fat Cat, a very particular jazz bar. You have live music and all these games from chess to ping pong. It is such a relaxed place, I really enjoyed it. The 3$ cover is completely worth it.

I started this thing with Starbucks - every time I go I will say a different name;)

This time it was real, some friends call me Mia.

We went to MoMA on friday evening. Huge line outside (around the block!) but in no more than 10 minutes we were inside. Anyway, we have to return, as by 8p.m. it closes and I still had so much to see!

Some MoMA pics.

That same day we went to a party. The real american party, in someone's home and with the red plastic cups! Ahah, I wanted to bring mine with me but I left it in the bathroom. Damn it! We met the singer of a new band that performed in Portugal. How small is the world?

The picture after the party. My cheeks were hurting of so much laughter.

Next day I went to a brunch in the home of a friend of a friend. It was a perfect winter day, it snowed non-stop while I stuffed myself with bagels. Perfection :)

The Lisbon picture at their home:)

On sunday I went to SoHo, bought the cutest t-shirt in the world! (I'll show it to you when I get to dress it...) and took this picture because we use this expression in portuguese and I thought it was fun :)

True story on the subway. (Not tube;))

Cute buildings on 14th Street

The classic winter picture in NYC.

Last friday I was Violet

I went to the Garbage concert!! I love them, really! :) Check a little bit out:

Saturday we went to the High Line, the old train route which is now a "high" park. You get to walk the line and see the city from another perspective.

My roomies and I waiting for the rest of the group and catching up the sun.

Pick-a-boo Empire ;)

And yesterday was a lazy sunday, as sundays should be. Great Brunch and not much else. Oh, I went to run on the Williamsburg bridge and that is some difficult bridge, I should tell you! When you realise you are on the same level as the 18th floor maybe? (My bum hurts today ^^)

Kiss

Have a great week!

weekly inspiration

2013-03-24T11:48:00.000-04:00

Have a nice sunday! :)

love Maria Ana

the food talk - what I miss

2013-03-21T14:23:00.000-04:00

In Portugal, we have all this conversation about our food being awesome and everyone loving it but for me it is not the case. I don't like it very much because it is too heavy and always has loads of meat or fish. The two things I do not eat. The only thing vegetarian in the portuguese menu is the omelette. And, be careful, if you don't say anything it might come with shrimp or sausage. Yep, it has happened.

Every Portuguese that goes abroad always carries with him food. He cannot help it. Luggage with smell of cod, chourizo and smoked ham is completely normal.
Well, I, that never eat traditional portuguese food, don't miss those types of things.

And yes, there are vegetables and fruit in the USA dad... :) Very good, actually. I am eating the same things I eat there. The supermarket is not only frozen food aisles.

But (there is always a but, right?) there are some things (not necessarily portuguese) I can't find here that I miss. A LOT.

1. First and foremost the best cereals in the world - Jordans Cereals. This english brand makes the best cereal in the world. Seriously. If you can get your hands on a packet, get it. (And bring it to meeeeeee.)

2. The yoghurt that goes perfectly with the Jordans. The creamy lemon Adagio, in the glass container. 125g.

3. The "palha" fries. "Palha" means straw. It comes from them being very very small fries. When I went to the portuguese supermarket I wanted these more than anything but couldn't find them... I'll look better next time.

I use these to make this:

This is leek "Brás-style". The original recipe is with cod, I make it with leek and it is even better. Leek, "palha fries", egg (almost raw like in the original italian carbonara), olives and parsley. In 15 minutes max you have this. Tcha-raaaaaam.

4. Simples cookies. The ones made with flour, water and salt. That's it.

If you need my address to send me these lovely things, let me know ;)

love

Maria Ana

spoon

2013-03-19T15:34:00.001-04:00

I told about this place in this post but I had to make a post just about it.
Spoon is this cute, wood tables and glass containers place in the Flatiron District - 17 W 20th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues.

My friend Margarida took me and my flatmates there for brunch, it is her favourite place, and I loved it. We did have to wait an hour to get a table as it is a no reservations place and a group of 5 is even more difficult, but it was worth it. We had been to a party the night before so we were starving! Everyone chose an egg dish and, as far as mine was concerned, it was delicious with the eggs perfectly poached. You know when you touch them with your fork and all the gorgeous interior just melts, not "runs"? Oh my :) I was so hungry I completely forgot to take a picture........

The atmosphere is also very relaxed which is perfect for a lazy day like Sunday.

Take a look at their website if you wish: http://www.spoonnyc.com/

And the menu: http://www.spoonnyc.com/static/documents/brunchmenu7-8.pdf

They also serve lunch and dinner, of course :)

Love

Maria Ana

weekly inspiration

2013-03-17T17:58:00.002-04:00

love

maria ana

first month balance

2013-03-13T18:12:00.002-04:00

So...first month balance.

Of course I am a few days late. (But mind you, I am a punctual person).
I thought that by now I would have a routine and be stuck with it. Wrong. I went running twice and did yoga only once. I miss it so much! But where, where should I do it? Maybe I need to wait for the weather to be good enough to do it in the backyard? Embarrassing.
I always have somewhere to go and, as far as I know, I am only here until August so I want to suck it all in and enjoy.
I am enjoying living with two males, no problems so far and we have the Madmen routine before bedtime. I like it.
Everything here has peanut butter in it and I love it. Would you stop it? :)

We finally went out to dance! Yey! I love to dance and I absolutely don't care too much about what is going on around me but here it is a complete sociological experience... The girls dance with their backs towards the boys. What? Eye contact anyone? And it is wayyyy too sexual for us europeans, we were a bit shocked...
We saw Lucy Liu on our brunch on sunday at Spoon. I have to tell you more about this place on another post.

Work is going well, we have a biotechnology road show to organise and it is filling most of my day.
Oh, and I am in love with the Chelsea market :) I am so bad with remembering to take pictures...

And that's all folks!
kiss
Maria Ana

welcome home...

2013-03-12T09:41:00.003-04:00

My loyal leather jacket did not fit on my suitcase, so I needed to get one of course :)

This is a faux from zara.

Welcome.

(Now I need to buy a hanger...)

kiss

Maria Ana

the snow whites and my ºC and ºF theory

2013-03-08T14:08:00.002-05:00

Today, NYC woke up to a white scenario. Gorgeous! I firmly believe that new yorkers are already hating the snow as it is already March but, sorry guys, I am loving it :)
Of course you have to change your attire and there is the ice on the streets after the snow and you have to do the penguin walk - you know what it is? When you have to put your legs completely perpendicular to the ground so you don't fall. Sooo cool! (cof cof). And FYI in 3 days it will be 15ºC, so this is probably the last day of real winter.

Oh, and regarding the Celsius and Fahrenheit thing, I have this theory: Dear countries where Fahrenheit is used, it makes no sense. Really! I understand inches, miles, pounds, etc but when it comes to temperature Celsius is better. The water freezes at 0ºC and boils at 100ºC, you get it? Han, han? It is so much easier and natural. Think about that and let me know :)

kiss
Maria Ana

fully unpacked

2013-03-05T09:51:00.001-05:00

How was your weekend and start of the week every one?

I went to Newark on saturday as I had told I would and it was a peculiar experience. Hearing your language everywhere in a different country is weird especially if you come from a very small country. The fish market, cafés and restaurants look exactly the same as the ones in Portugal. Salted cod fish and the typical pastries... Our amazing Olive Oil! (in my opinion the best in the world, first place ex aequo with fellow Italy). My friends took me and their italian friend and he also loved the trip :)

Saturday night it snowed but I failed miserably at filming or photographing it, so sorry about that! There were flurries everywhere, even inside my eyes, but none made an appearance on film...

And yesterday, we finally moved in! :) My friend, who I am sure loves me, right Guida? :), must be happy as well, because even though we are very good friends I was at her place for 3 weeks now, and I know it is always a bit disturbing on a person's routine. Can't thank you and Luis enough - thank you :)

love
Maria Ana

have a great weekend

2013-03-01T14:28:00.000-05:00

Have a great weekend everyone! I plan on going to IKEA, having dinner with friends, brunch, going to a flea market and going to Newark to the portuguese community and buy 1 ton of marvellous olive oil :)

Enjoy!!

spring awakening

2013-02-28T10:06:00.001-05:00

A spectacular mix of colours, patterns, textures and shapes.

Styled by Anastasia Milovanova / Model Victoria Tuaz / Photographer Nikolay Biryukov

All settled

2013-02-26T09:25:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone!:)

These days were crazy trying to find an apartment for us from Inov. They are expensive or unfurnished or in a not-so-good area but... We finally managed to find one for one group and another for us. I am moving to Lower East Side right by East Village, where I will be close to lots of restaurants, shops, markets and so on.
I love the area. It somewhat reminds me of Europe with small buildings, cute cafés and a laid-back atmosphere. On March 1st we move in. 2 guys and me, let's see how it goes:)
Yesterday, as the flat issue was no longer an issue, I finally started my work at AICEP, being the first objective organising a biotechnology roadshow. I hope it will be challenging in some way!
Also yesterday I discovered a good bakery which makes olive's bread, yupi:) it is amazing, really good! It made my day, I am crazy about bread.
And.... I went for a run. I think I had never stopped doing sports for so long (a month) and I really needed it. So good. I went with my friend and we ran by the river with the most amazing view to Manhattan:)

Kiss
Maria Ana

P.S. Oh, and did I mention the building has a backyard?:)
P.P.S. My instagram: @maria_ana

More from my days...

I told the girl my name was Maria with the portuguese accent and this was what I got;)

I rode the bike and...well, you get it.

Sorry mom :)

I finally had the time to go to central park