San Diego (July 15-19)

 

IMG_2336 IMG_2335 IMG_2271 IMG_2272 IMG_2284 FullSizeRender-3 IMG_2329 IMG_2330

I generally don’t love San Diego, as I find it a bit sleepy. That aside, I was there for a conference for nursing work. I actually had my first research poster as part of the conference, which was the main reason I was there. But being fresh from NY a week before, I had 4 days to get the poster set. I got it done though and I was happy with the outcome.

Besides the conference, I managed to get my fill of some really great food which included Oscars,  Juniper and Ivy and Extraordinary Desserts.

After the conference, I headed north to San Fransisco for a few days.

ELENA:)

 

Thursday Feb 11: Caravan Studios & CDM by Jessica Lynn

IMG_9388 IMG_9406 FullSizeRender-3 IMG_9405 IMG_9396 IMG_9391 FullSizeRender-4IMG_9462

 

I had the opportunity to roll out of bed at The Gregory Hotel and check out the Caravan Stylist Studio. In conjunction with Blogger Babes, I was treated to hair and makeup before facing the rest of the day which included a great presentation from CDM by Jessica Lynn.

Hidden in the townhouse portion of the hotel, the Caravan Stylist Studio is by appointment throughout the day to actors, actresses, musicians, bloggers, editors and other creative people such as photographers, djs, etc. for hair, makeup and wardrobe services in return for social media love. Across the hall is the lovely Kahrianne Kerr‘s (Iowa Farm Girl turned NYC fashion designer/artist and author) studio which also houses the Save the Garment Center display of garment district maps.

After my bronzy eye was applied (Pixi Beauty and Pop Beauty) and my hair curled (OGX Beauty), I headed out to drop off my jewelry from CINER I had borrowed for Wednesday event along with my fabulous skirt from Viva Aviva (I am contemplating purchasing it!). Back at the hotel for a quick change, I picked up my cute fashion illustration by Kahri, tried on a Six:02 purple pair of Nikes and then left to attend the CDM by Jessica Lynn. 

I thought that CDM had a great combo of LA and NYC influences in a wearable colours and designs. At the presentation, we were treated to Selfie cookies. I didn’t eat mine until I got home – but so delicious!

Walking down the very cold 27th street to meet a friend for coffee, I stumbled on Duran Sandwiches. The pleasant Tom greeted me and told me all about his shop and his offering of European open face sandwiches.  He seems so genuine and kind, I hope his business does really well.

At night, after stopping in at a Guerlain event at Bergdorf Goodman, I went all the way downtown only to have to turn back around once my phone was somewhat charged. I made a friend on the subway when my phone died who told me he knew I was Canadian. It was a really chilly night and was more than happy cut the night short and retire to pizza and a warm bed.

ELENA:)

 

 

NYC in December

IMG_8682IMG_8683

I can’t believe that there is 5 days until Christmas!!!

I used the last of my vacation time to venture off to NYC in early December and I thought you might want to know a little about my adventures. This is a short summary with more details to follow!

TUESDAY: Checked into The Renwick, (a cool new boutique hotel on east 40th in between Park and Lex) and went to visit my friend Nizim from Labeling Men and had dinner at Bill’s Food & Drink on 54th. Bill’s Food and Drink is one of Chef John Delucie’s restaurant. Bedford & Co is his latest venture at the Renwick which is slated to open very very soon! (Comment: Actually it’s not going to open until spring 2016) Things to note – my room had a lovely floral arrangement from Uprooted Flower Truck (NYC’s first flower truck) to brighten my stay and I got to snack on some yummy ginger people made by Sweets by Olivia (which only lasted a night!).IMG_8612IMG_8602

WEDNESDAY: Hair and makeup with Anthony and Bianca for a Flytographer shoot in Soho. I got to wear my new Christmas/Birthday present to myself, a Proenza Schouler cashmere coat which I love. (More photos in a future post). Uber was crashed when I needed to rush to an important meeting at the Surrey Hotel but I managed to get there eventually after walking 20 blocks in heels and paying $30 for car service. Sheesh. Dinner at Marta with a friend from BluBird Vancouver.

THURSDAY: A breakfast meeting at Le Pain Quotidien followed by an amazing tour of Ciner manufacturing (future post coming up) was on the schedule. In the evening, I surprised the creative fashion illustrator Elaine Biss at her French Connection event. After, I got to meet Alexis Bittar at his holiday meet and greet. Then finally, to my trainers delight, I got to eat a chicken burger at Fuku.

IMG_8647 IMG_8669IMG_8673   IMG_8667

FRIDAY: A breakfast meeting at The Smith (I totally recommend) and a stop in with Editor-In -Chief, Courtenay C. Hall from Bella New York Magazine. I made a pit stop at Century 21 of course and had a few moments uptown to take some photos of beautiful Bergdorf window displays before heading downtown to dinner at Hundred Acres.

IMG_8680 IMG_8678

SATURDAY: A stop into Creeds Collective Pop Up Shop which was conveniently located across the street from the brunch spot Santina under the High Line.  I managed to pick up some salt water taffy from Salty Road from Brooklyn. With an hour to spare to leave to airport, I went to & Other Stories new 5th avenue spot and bought a pair of booties.

ELENA:)

Day 7: Today in Tokyo

After a really early flight from Manila, we were off to Tokyo! Yeah! I love Tokyo. So different than any other large city around. There are even subtle differences, for example…. a little boy on the train wanted to see out the window. Normally, at home the boy would jump on the seat and away we go… but not here. The boy took off his shoes to kneelon the seat to see out the window. Amazing respect for the environment.

So many people everywhere. So busy. It’s acutally kind of nice.

We checked into are hotel and settled into our very small room. We aren’t at the Shangri-la anymore! But this is Tokyo…. why would we stay in our room?

For dinner we met up with some of my friends friends at an izakaya. Not so smokey thank goodness…. the food and the company was outstanding. Bacon wrapped scallops with asparagus, Caesar salad with noodles and egg, and Cassius cola.

We sat and talked for hours about the engagements and popping the question. Their stories gave me shivers. It’s interesting to talk to couples from all walks of life of how they got together. For the longest time i thought that i should hold off on marriage until i complete some of my goals (get my own TV show, buy my first place etc. etc.), but since the breakup was i really reconsidering my stance on everything, including marriage? I don’t know. Actually… i do know what it is. I think that I’m kind of worried that because i have become so goal orientated things that want in the future (marriage, 1 or no children) might pass me by. Funny thing is, i want it all and i have no doubt in my mind that i will get it all. So this feeling that i have is almost like a passing cloud.

It’s almost midnight here…. tomorrow is shopping (therapy) better rest up.

ELENA:)