Weekend Adventures: Williamsburg, Brooklyn

I wanted to spend a day exploring Wiliamsburg because I have heard there is a lot of great food to try and I wanted to visit a new neighborhood. Going to NYU I often find myself getting in the same routine. I like to stay by school because I know which restaurants I like best and I can easily navigate the area. At least once a month I like to challenge myself by visiting another neighborhood to get a better sense of New York City and its boroughs. I feel that I am living in New York City and I should take every advantage to see as much as I can especially when it is only a subway ride away like Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
You may know Williamsburg,Brooklyn as hipster central but there are many more sides to discover of this popular neighborhood with all things old and new. So take the L train to Bedford Ave. and discover Williamsburg on your own!
I visited Williamsburg through different sites but also through my palate. Brooklyn has a vast amount of cuisine spanning from street food to chocolate made from the best cocoa beans in the world. Williamsburg is known as one of Brooklyn's "foodiest" neighborhoods so come with an empty stomach because it will be more than full when you head home!
Right as you get off the train you will find Oasis. They have a great selection of Mediterranean food that is easy to eat while walking around. I recommend the Falafel, it was delicious and a perfect snack for my weekend adventure.


While walking around Williamsburg keep your eyes open for street art. It could be stickers under your feet stuck to the ground or it could be a mural of a squirrel by ROA. ROA is a very well known street artist who many paints in black and white. He also usually paints animals that are native to the area, like a squirrel for Williamsburg. If you want to see more of ROA's work here is a great site!


Now that you have had a falafel and have taken in the street art, I recommend dessert at Mast Brothers. A Mast Brothers Chocolate bar was listed in The New York Times "A History of New York in 50 Objects."It stated "Brooklyn never hit bottom as deeply as the Bronx, but it began hemorrhaging its population in the 1950s in a mostly white, middle-class exodus. Today, the borough is booming again, inching toward its peak population of nearly 2.7 million in 1940, as young couples gentrify neighborhoods that not long ago were considered marginal at best. Brooklyn has also become a global brand, most identified with artisanal businesses, like Mast Brothers Chocolate of Williamsburg, which opened in 2007."- Lucas Jackson/Reuters"

Mast Brothers' name comes from the sail boats that bring chocolate to them. They pick the cocoa bean that every chocolate bar is made from. This gives each bar distinct flavors. There are free samples of all the chocolate so make sure you choose the right one.... or ones.

My favorite part of Mast Brothers is that everything is made in Brooklyn including the paper the chocolate bar is wrapped in.

After filling your stomach with some lovely delights I would head down to The Sketchbook Project. The Sketchbook Project is a growing library of sketchbooks made by everyday people and well known artists. Anyone can buy an empty sketch book and decorate it however they would like. Once it is filled you return it to the library and it becomes part of the collection. The coolest part is that you can check out the sketchbooks by creating a library card in just minutes! So grab a cup of coffee and relax into a beautiful sketchbook. Oh, and did I mention it is all free?

If you are in Williamsburg on a Saturday and aren't sure what to have for breakfast, lunch or dinner, head to Smorgasburg. Smorgasburg is open from 11am-6pm on Saturday and has over 100 food vendors. It does get a bit crowded and sometimes the lines get a bit long. Here is the video of the wait at Smorgasburg at Mighty Quinn's BBQ tent vs. going the Might Quinn's location in the East Village.
While at Smorgasburg I had Dough which makes wonderfully delicious donuts! These donuts are not your average morning treat. I had the hibiscus donut which was not just a perfect shade of pink, but was also to die for. So whether you prefer sweet or savory Williamsburg has it all and this was a great way to end the day.
Here are directions

I had a fantastic time exploring Williamsburg. I got a library card for the Sketchbook Project and found a new love for chocolate at Mast Brothers. I loved visiting a new neighborhood because it reminds me that I live in a place that has so much to offer. One of my favorite parts about living in New York is that so many different things are so easily accessible. In Williamsburg I found a great mix of food to try and street art to take in. I am sure I will be visiting again soon.

Where are your favorite places to go in Williamsburg?


Alana

Weekend Adventures: Roosevelt Island

As you may know I contribute to the Tisch Special Programs blog. I wrote this post for my fellow students and now I am sharing it with you! 

Now that nice weather is becoming more common so should your adventures though the city!
This past weekend I traveled to Roosevelt Island. It is located between Manhattan and Queens. Roosevelt Island is part of Manhattan but it wasn't always that way. It was first called Blackwell Island after a wealthy Queens family that owned it. They grew an orchard on the island and would spend their summers there. Having money trouble, the Blackwells sold the island to New York. It was then named Welfare Island and was home to insane asylums and prisons. In the 1970s, it was turned in to an alternative place for New Yorkers to live.
I recommend taking the tram to and from the island. The tram was originally only built temporarily because there was no subway to the island. All it takes is a MetroCard to board the tram. Or if you decide to take the subway, take the uptown F train and get off right before the Roosevelt Island stop. Getting on the tram will count as a transfer (so there is no additional fee).

Once you get to the island you can grab a bite, go for a run or just relax on the grass of the FDR Four Freedoms Park at the south end of the island (about a 10 minute walk from the tram). There is also the possibility to see a film set because a lot of different movies and television shows shoot on Roosevelt island. Law and Order: SVU was shooting an episode there when I visited.
The island is about 35 city blocks long and to walk to the north end would take about 20 minutes. If you don't feel like walking then you can take the island bus system which is free! Once you make you way up to the north end, you will reach a Gothic-revival light house that was built in 1872. Also located at the north end is a mid 19th-century Octagon that was first built as an island retreat. A visiting Charles Dickens enjoyed the building calling it "remarkable" its flying spiral staircase "spacious and elegant" as it came up from an illuminated glass brick floor. The octagon was then converted into a hospital and now has been renovated and can be visited by the islands guests.

Roosevelt Island is a lovely way to spend an afternoon if your parents are coming to visit or if you want a different view of the city. Discover it for yourself for only $2.50!

Are there any New York spots you would recommend for the weekend? Please comment below!

P.S. The island is also home to an abandoned smallpox hospital.

Happy Earth Day

Today is a day to celebrate the earth. So I enjoyed being outside and wearing a skirt for the first time in a long time. After having a successful sustainability weekend I have a few facts I would love to share especially today. You can help the earth by using a reusable water bottle! We watched a documentary Tapped which can further explain why it is beneficial for your heath and the world. So be kind to the earth by using reusable water bottles (BPA free).

Here are some of my favorites all of which I own:

Bright pink CamelBak: The straw is a very convenient feature, making it much easier to drink on the go.

Green Nalgene: This is great for long distances or if you are going to be out all day. It can hold 32oz. Also my favorite feature of this bottle is that it glows in the dark.( I am a huge fan of things that can glow in the dark)

mint J.crew:Unlike the others this bottle is made of glass. It is super stylish and right now 25% off at J. crew.

Enjoy your Earth Day and stay hydrated!

Just ordered my cap and gown.

It is happening, I am graduating. I just ordered my cap and gown and can't wait to decorate my cap! Theses are some of my inspirations.

Love the chevron print of gold white and lavender.

The only AST paddle I found with NYU colors.

Love this beautiful pattern mixed with a monogram.

Sparkle!

I like the idea of a quote..

I want to do something with film

I can't wait to start on mine but I have a lot time time to decide.

Nail design

I recently purchases the Essie Spring Box Mini Four-Pack and could not wait to utilize the colors! Since it is still a bit cold in New York I painted all but my index the "Hide & Go Chic" blue. 

1. I started out with the Essie base coat, it makes removing the polish very simple.

2. I meant to paint my ring finger "Fashion Playground" but I painted it so well with the "Hide & Go Chic" I decided instead to live the mint for my index finger.

3. For the glitter detail I used the Nail Art Polish from Forever 21. It has a very thin brush so I didn't even need tape and just did it free hand. The silver is on the outer part of my nails.

What is your favorite nail color this season? 

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AΣT's Sustainability Ball!

This weekend AΣT is having our first Sustainability Ball! We are so excited to be raising money for Pine Mountain settlement school. Since AΣT's colors are green and gold and I thought it would be fun to be green and dress the theme! I also thought that I could kill two birds with one stone, I can use these outfits for Easter this Sunday. I love pastels and also want to keep it bright and springy!

1{Topshop mint} I am in love with this color.

2{Pastel bib necklace} These colors complement each other beautifully!

3{Kate Spade studs}I am a big fan of studs it is a great way to add color without it taking over the outfit.

4{Forever21 bib necklace}I like that it looks like lace and is made out of metal. Also Forever 21 is having an online sale by two pieces of jewelry get one free!

5{Lilly Dress}It is hard to see in the picture but this dress has strokes of gold in the design, also there is a pop of color in the back. The zipper seam is pink!

6{Kate Spade bracelet}Adds a bit of fun!

7{Marshals purse}Navy and blue just go together.

8{Kate Spade purse}A stylish upgrade to the traditional Easter basket.

9{Kate Spade bracelet}minimalist and can be worn over and over and not get old.

10{Kate Spade purse} White with navy is a great update for spring.

11{lavender wedges} I think I am obsessed with lavender, my room at home is lavender and my closest lavender supply is only growing (pants, dress, dress)!

12{Nude wedges} If I wear a heel I like it to be somewhat bearable. Wedges are great because they add support so I can dance the night away!

13{Topshop green} I try my best to wear fitted pieces, love the bold color!

14{white heels} I know the streets are too dirt to wear white shoes just yet but I add to add it because of the bow.

This is the concept I am going for, I will post soon on what I actually wear!

SIX WEEKS till Graduation!

I started this blog when I was a freshman at NYU now that I am a senior and about to graduate I wanted a lasting memory of my time! So I have skipped all the in between. Here is a quick recap.

• I am minoring in producing
• I work for the Tisch Special programs blog
• I studied abroad in Prague and wrote a blog (not all is lost) 
• I am a member of Alpha Sigma Tau and was treasurer
• I got my first New York Apartment!
• I spend most of my free time enjoying New York
• Or spending time watching Netflix and HBOGO
• Became obsessed with pintrest...
• Got my first iPhone
• I still love to thrift shop more then ever!

So my goal for this blog is to write about my last weeks as an undergraduate and of course thrift shopping.

My lovely paddles!

Thrift Shopping

The Sopranos and Italian Delights 

New York

Exploring with sis, she goes to NYU with me!

My New York Apartment

Challegnes of a Thrift Store Shopper

Hello future Thrift Store shoppers!

I love going to thrift stores because there are treasures inside just waiting for me to find them.  I am not here to lie to you by no means are thrift stores heaven on earth. If you can't stand any of the following things you may want to reflect before you move farther. 

Some not so great things about thrift stores,

• Often unorganized
• Often no changing rooms
• Having to search to find your size, it may be missed labeled.

There are ways to resolve some of these problems.

When going to a thrift store and looking for pants I recommend wearing a dress.It becomes much easier to try on them on. Also some thrift stores have a no-return policy so it is best to try them on at the store. 

I personally find these challenges more of an adventure then anything else. When you do find your treasures for a great price it is totally worth it. 

Shopping in New York

I really enjoy shopping. I really don't like spending a bunch of money on things I won't wear.  I have had to learn this lesson over and over again. There is only so many items that Buffalo Exchange is going to buy from you. 

My first year in New York I would go to Bloomingdales, Urban Outfitters, Anthropology and many more. When I went I would only shop in the SALE section (I am living on a students budget). I could still go to some of my favorite stores just not spend as much money. This worked out quite well except sometimes I was buying things that I didn't necessarily love.

First Rule of shopping that I use,

1. You Got to LOVE it! 

Unless you are going to a wedding that requires a green dress and it is the day before and you only have black or pink dress, don't settle. You wear the dress once and take it to Buffalo Exchange a year later. They don't buy it and you end up donating it at the Salvation Army.

I enjoy normal department stores and nationwide chains of clothing stores but there is something to say for thrift stores!

I did a lot of thrift shopping in California and brought my love for it here to New York. They offer some of the best prices for the highest quality items that you will find anywhere. 

Second Rule:

2. If  you pay $100 for a jacket you better wear that jacket 100 times. 

Unless it is a fancy affair I try to get the most value out of my clothing. If I spend $15 bucks on some thing I try to wear it at lest 15 times. I have decided that $1.00 a wear is a fair price. 

So not having a very large budget the thrift stores seem to be my best bet for finding clothes I love for a price that is right. I supplement it with other shops here in New York as well. 

I am going to elaborate in my next post about what it take to be a thrift store shopper.

Hope this helps,

Alana 

P.S. By no means am I saying to never shop at Urban Outfitters ever again, but I am offering an alternative for the days you only got $10. 

Blog Back in Session

YO!

Hello to anyone who may be reading! I know it has literally been years since I have had a post but that is changing today.

Let me reintroduce myself, I am a second semester Junior at NYU in Ticsh for Film/ TV. Since my last post I have done several internships in Film and TV and study abroad in Prague see blog!

Coming back to New York after being away for so long has made me love it that much more. It has made me love it so much that I want to share it.

Also I have been doing a lot of research trying to find the perfect fashion blog for me. So far it doesn't exist. I have found a few but like Goldilocks none have been just right. A lot of them are focused on super high fashion and heels. I am not very tall and should probably wear heels more often (according to most blogs) but I am a flats kind of girl.

One of may favorite fashion blogs is Put This On. Unfortunately for us girls it focuses on men's fashion, despite that I still find it an awesome resources. They have a great video series that goes along with the blog which I can recommend!

I definitely don't have all the answers about women's fashion but I am happy to share what works for me.

 To start off in my next post I will discuss Thrift shopping, New York style.

 Enjoy the day!

Alana

P.S. My digital camera broke in Prague so the pictures will be minimal for the time being.

6 Days left of my Internship!

So I have 6 more days of my internship and I am not ready for it to end. Everyday I wake up excited to go! From the people to the daily lessons, I am having a wonderful summer. Today since we were on Stage and there wasn't to much for me to help out with, I asked questions. The answers I got would surprise you. I went to different departments and spoke with people I usually don't talk to. I found out a lot about the crew and I haven't even asked everyone on my list.

Some people were born into the "biz" and others had a passion that could not be deterred. Some have dreams of being directors while others would love to own their own restaurant. The one thing they all had in common was that they love the challenge of change. From being on set for the past eight weeks not one day has been the same. There is always something different happening. Everyday comes with challenges. It can be as small as who does a pair of socks belong to and as big as someone needing to be escorted off set.

Today I learned a very big lesson, one I sort of hoped I would never have to. Today something horrible happened. I feel that the details are to personal to share but the lesson is not. When something really bad happens one of the most important things to do is to let everyone know together. So everyone involved is on the same page. It may not always be easy but this is life and things happen.

My life is not going exactly as planned, it is going better. I have a Mom that loves me, an internship I love,  and I go to NYU!! I have friends that care about me and I am going abroad in 10 days. Today I remembered to never take anything for granted. If I want to get to know someone I am not going to wait. I am going to live life!

I will write soon,

Alana

Forever and a year.

It has been to long since I have last written.  Almost a year and a half has passed since my last entry. 

In that time I have…

• Worked on a film in the Tribeca Film Fest!
• Finished my sophmore year of NYU
• Wrote my thesis film
• Took Sight and Sound Film with Rick
• Had my first kiss
• Worked at the PPC
• Baked a lot of cupcakes
• I am working on a real TV show as an intern!!!
• Also I am studying abroad next semester at Prague!

So a lot has happen and I will try to do a better job of keeping this more up to date!

CAMPING at NYU??

Fire Tower

 I know that it sounds odd but believe it or not I went camping!!! NYU housing had a freshman camping trip which took five people from each freshman dorm. It was a blast! We left Saturday morning from third north and got to Beaver Pond in about an hour and a half. The first day we set up our tents and then went on a three mile hike to a fire tower. It was worth the hike the view was awesome. Later that day I played some football on the sand near beaver pond! I actually caught the ball at one point, I also was tackled but I never let go of the ball (it was touch football)! In the end our team won! For dinner we had some pasta with some of the Ra's grandmas secret sauce (Prego) . Later that night we told scary stories over the camp fire while eating smores! Also I tried a new creation it was a smore but instead of chocolate we put Reese's peanut butter cups so good!!! In all my girl scout days I had never tried that. It was a little hard to fall asleep because it was so cold but in the end I had a great time. It was nice to get out of the city and look up and see the stars! I got to see the big dipper and many more! We got back to the city away from all the green on Sunday afternoon. It was a great experience going outdoors and meeting new people!

On the Hike

End of day one

The woods!!

Where we laid our heads!

bugs!

Fridays in New York!

So last friday was Fashion Night Out. It is an event put on by Vogue magazine. Before we looked in to all the shops that were participating. A group of friends and I went to the Whopper Bar. Which is basically burger king. The only big difference is the have a pizza Whopper! I didn't get one my my friends tried it out!

First reaction

Before 

After 

They seemed to enjoy it! I tried a piece it wasn't that bad, it was just kind of odd!

After we went to the Whopper Bar we walked around time square. There is a large American Eagle Outfitters that has a huge screen that shows pictures. We decide to go in and get our picture taken. I got a scarf that was 20% off because of fashion night out! It only took about 5 minutes for our picture to come up on the big screen. 

All of us on the big screen!!

Fashion night outfits!

PRADA FASHION NIGHT OUT

There were so many people there!