Trends: The Cronut

Trends are powerful. And, they challenge our desire to be unique. I like to have my own style, but when I go shopping I sometimes have an urge to buy something because I see other people wearing it. But then I can't tell if I like the top or shoe, or if I want it because it is what everyone else is wearing. I might cave and buy it, convincing myself it's what I really want. Other times, I remember that I am trying to be the best possible me and not the me that's just like everyone else. 

On the flip side, trends don't have to make us less special. Doing what others are doing can be fun, and maybe it will lead us to try new things or learn something new about ourselves. 

One trend that surprised me this summer in New York was the 'Cronut' craze. The first time I walked past the Dominique Ansel Bakery on Spring street, I noticed a long line of people standing outside. I was instantly curious about what they were waiting for. Sure enough, that special something was the bakery's own invention. The Cronut was invented in May of 2013 by chef Dominique Ansel. It is described as a Donut-Croissant hybrid. Each month the bakery features a new flavor that has kept customers interested for the past two year. Some start standing on line as early as 7:30 for the 9:00 am opening.

I passed the bakery every morning for a month before I decided to try it. 

As I waited online, I realized I had no idea what to expect. I googled 'Cronut' and went into the bakery to seen them in person, but I had no idea what it would taste. This month's flavor is rum caramelized banana with brown sugar ganache. I don't love bananas and I have no idea what 'ganache' means! 

It was totally worth waiting for. It wasn't too banana-y and wasn't too sugary. The dough was light and flaky like a croissant, and with every bite custard oozed out. I loved it and ate the whole thing.

I am not a food critic, so I can't help but wonder if the reason I have such rave reviews is because I was just following the trend. Just like shopping for the trendy top, did I actually like it or did I convince my self I did?

xoxoxo

Nina

Song stuck in my head right now: Hasa Diga Eboi - Book of Mormon

Helpful Tips: 5 Ways To Survive NYC Rush-Hour

I am lucky enough to be spending this summer in New York City. I'm staying with my Grandma in New Jersey, but my internship takes place in Soho, so there is a lot of commuting involved on a daily basis. It's taken me about two weeks, but I have finally come up with a few strategies that are key to having a more efficient and enjoyable morning (and afternoon) commute. Some of these tips and tricks apply most directly to commuters in New York, but I hope that they may also be helpful in any other situation where you need to be get through the mess that is rush-hour. 

1. Timing is Everything

Plan ahead and leave yourself plenty of extra time. If your commute consists of taking the subway be especially aware of your timing because you never know when your train might be delayed or just take forever to get to your destination. Better safe than sorry. Once you get off the train, if you have extra time, then you can slow down your pace and maybe even grab a cup of coffee. 

2. Avoid the First Car
During rush-hour in the middle of the summer, the worst place to be is in a crowded subway car. In order to avoid this hot, sweaty and sticky situation, try walking along the platform till you get to an emptier car and enjoy the AC.

3. Don't Initiate Awkward Eye-Contact 

One thing that I love doing is people watching and there is no better place than New York to do so. Unfortunately on the subway, looking at somebody sitting across from you leads to some pretty awkward eye-contact. The way I avoid doing that is by paying attention to people's shoes instead. What people wear on their feet is really interesting because their shoes show a lot about the person's personalities.

4. Decide First, Then Dine
Grabbing lunch in the city is one of my favorite activities, but long lines and small spaces require a lot of quick decisions. I am particularly indecisive when it comes to food, so before my lunch break I have already decided my plan of action. I go online and find the place I want, find the online menu, and deliberate what to eat before I get to the cafe. This enables me to make a speedy order and get in and out of the cafe as quickly as possible.

5. Push For Your Path
During rush-hour, everyone has the same agenda, to get to their destination as quickly as possible. But when everyone is rushing around it makes it pretty hard to find a clear path on the sidewalk. The only way to walk the streets of New York without bumping into everyone is to look straight a head and just go. Don't worry about making room for other people because nobody else will worry about you. If you have to push your way through then just push.

xoxoxo

Nina

Song stuck in my head right now: Blue Moon - The Marcels

Favorites: My Lunches in SOHO

Chobani SOHO

On the corner of Prince and W Broadway is a cafe that serves food all based with Chobani yogurt with a Greek twist. I got Chobani yogurt with peanut butter, peanuts, grape jelly, and sliced grapes. Sweet and savory at the same time.

The Cupping Room
Slightly on the expensive side if your just going for lunch alone, but super delicious. It was mainly brunch food so I got Eggs Florentine with fries. 

Hampton Chutney Co.
South Indian inspired food. Their main dish is their super long Dosas, but I opted for a tomato, mozzarella, and avocado salad with tomato basil dressing (basically a tomato basil mozzarella sandwich but as a salad).

The Frog's Crown Bakery
Serves empanadas, pastries, and other Latin dishes. It's an adorably small cafe with minimal seating, and decorated with many "frog prince" painting and sculptures. I ordered two empanadas that were perfectly filling.

Vive La Crepe
Who doesn't like crepes? I normally go for nutella crepes but the savory crepes at Vive La Crepe looked so much more appetizing, and I sure wasn't wrong... but I'll probably go back for some nutella ;)

xoxoxo

Nina

Song stuck in my head right now: Creep - Radiohead

Life Update: The First Week of My First Job

As I arrived to my first ever internship job, I realized how unprepared I was. It’s not that I wasn’t able to work, it just wasn’t what I was expecting. When I got to the building I expected to enter a giant office space and walk up to the assistant’s desk to introduce myself as “the new summer intern” (I had practiced my speech the whole morning commute). unfortunately, when I was buzzed into the office I found myself staring at an empty desk wondering who to look for, and that threw me off course for the start of the day. Until a woman came up to me from around the corner and introduced herself as Katie (I later found out that I misheard and her name was actually Kane). After that it was smooth sailing. 

The office is much smaller than I expected so it wasn’t hard to find my way around. It only took me two days to learn the names of the 8 employees working there, and the office is very casual so no need to stress about what I wear every day. I showed up to work the first day in my most put-together professional and stylish outfit, but after meeting Kane who wore jeans and a striped T-shirt I felt very out-of-place. 

I was expecting to be assigned work that would allow me to do some photography (since that is what I signed up to do), but it wasn’t until the last day of the week that I got to work with any physical images. 

The first day consisted of cutting paper, entering data into excel sheets, and making lunch runs. Not really the most exciting first day, but I really enjoyed meeting my colleagues (one is British!) and learning bit by bit about the company and about the fashion photography industry. The next day was a bit more interesting because I did some research on potential clients for one of the photographers we work with. Did you know that every brand and company works with specific advertisement agencies to create each of their ads? I had no idea how much work goes into one advertisement. 

Every day I learned something new about the photography industry and each day the work that is assigned to me is more and more interesting and hands on. I am also realizing that sometimes in order to get the more interesting work I have to be more proactive. Sometimes it is hard for me to speak up and ask one of my colleagues for extra work if I have nothing to do, but this week has really brought me out of my comfort zone and that helps me get the most out of this internship as I possibly can in one month. I am very excited to work more and learn more from this internship.

Another great part about working there is that I get to go out for an hour long lunch break in Soho and find cute cafes every day to eat lunch at (hint hint - next week's post). It is such a great area to work in.