Centsational Style

New York City has such a fantastic vibe, so much to see and do, I love the energy, the sights and sounds, so it’s always exciting to return. My most recent trip was for two purposes, to attend the Better Homes and Gardens Stylemaker event and to meet up with my little sister for a long weekend of fun!

First up, a quick recap of the Stylemaker event, I had never attended before but was delighted to be on the list this year, they are a welcoming bunch of people and very kind to host this event each year for design and food bloggers.

I’m reminded when I attend an event of creative bloggers like this that behind each design or decorating or food blog is a real person, and it’s so nice to see their faces, hear their voices, and connect in person! It started out with breakfast at the hotel so we could all meet and greet.

I got a chance to chat with Cassie and Megan and Gwen and Emily, such fabulous ladies!

I spent time with Jen from Rambling Renovators, she must have said something funny (can’t remember what) – it was delightful to hug her and see her again!

We had workshops to attend all day on building your brand, also flower arranging and tablescaping, all the things we love about BHG. That is Stephen Orr on the far right, the new Editor in Chief of BHG, and full of energy and humor, it will be exciting to watch where he takes the magazine.

The event ended with rooftop cocktails and everyone’s flower arrangements on display.

Here is Emily Clark and my fabulous roomie Melissa from The Inspired Room – this is our third event in NYC together in the past six years, it’s always nice to spend time with her! We enjoyed beautiful weather and an amazing view of the sunset over Manhattan.

Thank you thank you BHG for including me among the attendees, it was a wonderful time! Above images – photography credit: Avi Gerver.

The next few days I spent frolicking around Manhattan and Brooklyn with my sister, we stayed at the Warwick Hotel in midtown where we always stay for our sister trips.

The hotel is elegant on the inside decorated in an Old Hollywood style and close to everything which is why we keep coming back. Great bar, restaurant, and service!

I’ve been to NYC many times but had a few more favorite moments on this most recent trip – these are all cell phone pics I left my fancy camera at home!

I try to take an early morning run in Central Park on each visit, this time I took a turn around Strawberry Fields and was charmed to find someone had arranged fresh strawberries in a peace sign on the iconic John Lennon memorial.

Eataly is one of my favorite stops, the marketplace of gourmet food is not to be missed! We enjoyed a plate of roasted vegetables, pasta, and white wine at Le Verdure, divine!

We always go to a show, this year it was Something Rotten at the St. James, very funny! We loved every minute, I’ve also heard that Hamilton is another one to see right now, so I look forward to that when I return!

Each day we walked 8-10 miles in various neighborhoods, I found myself photographing artwork and patterns that inspired me, you never know what sights will delight around every corner. When asked what inspires me, my answer is “travel, being outdoors, museums, artists” and NYC has all of it in one spot, the City is such a visual treat.

We spent a full day in Brooklyn (Ms. Limestone has a great tourist guide). We walked Prospect Park and ate at Smorgasburg which is this huge food scene, it was crowded but worth it, wow amazing food venders! We sampled Lobster Rolls and Pork Tacos, so much food with flair, a great event for foodies!

We kept walking all the way down to the waterfront, along brownstone lined streets, sipping in cafes, admiring the suspension bridges, doing a little shopping, savoring chocolates, it was the perfect last day!

Thanks BHG and NYC for showing me a good time!

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