All About Work

Hey y'all! (still haven't lost my Southern touch, y'know?)

Two weeks ago, I started working at Butterfly Studio Salon on 5th Avenue. Although it graces the profile as a high-end salon with an affluent range of clients, the staff are some of the most down-to-earth New Yorkers I've ever met. Clients feel at home the moment they walk through the doors. The atmosphere is chic and cheerful, a nice balance between comfort and classy. 

The waiting area consists of vibrant orange cushions and a small fish pond with two Kois named after some of the product lines we carry (Shu Uemura and Kerastase). Clients can busy themselves with snacks, beverages and magazines while waiting to be attended to. 

I work 3 days a week at the front desk as a receptionist, greeting clients, scheduling appointments, answering phone calls, making beverages and ensuring that everyone (including the hair technicians) are happy. It's been great so far. I'm learning more about the products and services. My coworkers are amazing. Every now and then, I get various drinks requests from the clients. Most of them are fine with water or sparkling water (doesn't take a minute to prepare those) but sometimes they want something more, like a decaf cappuccino with skim milk on the side, or an iced coffee with "one-quarter soymilk and three-quarters black coffee without sugar but a packet of Splenda." They think we're Starbucks. Haha.

Honestly, I don't even drink coffee, much less know how to make it. When I first started, I felt like a lost lamb thrown into the world of coffee-making (I still do). Thankfully, my coworkers are understanding and patient enough to teach me how to make (and style) the drinks the right way. I learned that you shouldn't just serve hot tea in a cup with the teabag floating visibly. What you should do instead, is stick the teabag in a teapot with hot water, and serve that along with a matching black teacup. Presentation is pretty important. Okay, so we're not Starbucks. Starbucks doesn't care about presentation. We're technically an in-house cafe.

My morning routine goes something like this: I wake up, do my morning devotion, shower and dress, pack my lunch for the day, attempt to style my hair, and bolt before I miss the 9.55AM bus. 15 minutes later, I get to the subway station, rush down several flights of stairs and hop into the train that takes me to 23 Street, where I get off and grab a muffin or a granola and try to scarf it down as I cross the streets to get to work. I don't have time for a proper sit-down breakfast anymore, but I should probably wake up earlier so I can make myself a bowl of cereal or oatmeal.

These days, I try to cook a big dinner the night before and pack the leftovers for lunch so I won't have to eat out during my 30-minute lunch break. The last time I stepped outside for a quick lunch, I ended up shelling out $10 for Spanish rice, grilled turkey and vegetables. Some of you are probably thinking, "Ah but $10 for a meal is a very good deal!" It might be, but unless I'm making some big bucks, it's going to be pricey eating out all the time. I allow myself to eat out with friends every now and then, but when I'm alone, I cut back on all that because I'm reminded of my rent, bills and groceries. 

I love this job. Apart from the fact that it pays my rent and bills, it's always a joy working with a talented group of fun, friendly people. It's a humbling position, one that requires me to be extra polite and accommodating, and it also teaches me to multitask in hectic situations. It's a great experience and I wouldn't trade this for anything else. If I can put a smile on someone's face, it's totally worth it. This job is a blessing, and it's why I'm able to stay on in New York at least until the end of the year, or early next year.

Well, that's my part-time job. The real reason I came to New York was to gain some experience in journalism or magazine-writing. I interned at Fashionista for a few months, but that ended on the last day of May. 

Today, I went for an internship interview with Seen Heard Known, an interactive digital quarterly magazine that prides itself on fashion, lifestyle and other cool events around the city. The magazine is free and available for download across Apple, Android and other platforms. Log into your iTunes or Android Market and search for "SHK Magazine." Do check out the latest issue, "Summer Needs No Explanation." I assumed it was just like any other magazine, but I was wrong. It is interactive. It's a magazine in motion. The words dance across the screen, buttons are ready to be pushed to reveal more pictures and text, music rings through your earphones. The interface embodies beauty, elegance, creativity and innovation. I was mindblown. It's basically an app with beautiful graphics and lively, engaging content.

When I looked up the address last night, I realized that SHK's office is just A FIVE-MINUTE WALK from Butterfly Studio! They're both located in the same thriving area of the Flat Iron District, right beside Madison Square Park, where the long lines form every lunch hour for the famous Shake Shack burgers (There's even a Shack Cam on its website that lets you view how many people are currently standing in line.)

I met with the managing editor of SHK and she briefed me on the responsibilities and so forth... and to cut the long story short, I GOT THE EDITORIAL INTERNSHIP! I'll be starting with SHK at the end of August :) Yay! 

God is awesome. I've been praying about a journalism/writing internship ever since my last one ended, and over the months, I've learned to surrender my dreams and desires to Him, trusting Him to lead me where He wants me to go. There were some rough patches in between, but it was through the hard moments that I was reminded once again of His unfailing love and mercy. He listens, He understands, and He provides. :) Praise God!

Exploring The West Village On Foot

The best way to know a city is to travel by foot. Yesterday, I strolled through Chelsea, one of my favorite neighborhoods in Manhattan. 

The area was void of the usual Manhattan buzz. No blaring sirens and impatient honks, no random yelling, no crowds. It was so peaceful that I could actually hear the birds singing above me. Such a perfect Sunday morning. 

When brunch time rolled around, I met up with Jacqui and Erika at Tipsy Parson for one of the best brunches of my life. Jacqui had visited this restaurant a few months ago, and she kept talking about how awesome it was. And she was right, it was a great experience. Everything, from the quirky interior to the polite waitress to the delicious meal, was worth the try.

Fluffy Belgian waffle, lemon-cornmeal pancakes and a buttermilk biscuit... dee-licious! I sat down last night and blogged about my brunch, so feel free to read the review on my food blog :)

Erika

Jacqui and me

After a hearty meal, we walked a few blocks to the High Line (another one of my favorite spots in Manhattan). 

He sculpts fresh ice into popsicles and icees

Then we left the High Line and walked along Horatio St (still in the West Village) to look for Jacqui's favorite vintage boutique, Darling. After nearly 30 minutes of searching, checking Google Maps and pacing back and forth, we found it! 

I haven't visited a lot of vintage stores, but I like the non-mainstream sophistication that they emanate. Unfortunately, these clothes were pretty pricey even after a markdown. Most of them were previously owned, which summarizes the concept of vintage stores. One person's trash is another's treasure. 

Walked some more and passed Two Boots, the pizza parlor featured in one of the episodes of Sex and the City. 

Our next and last stop was Magnolia Bakery, an adorable cafe located on Bleecker & West 11th Street. I was so happy to see that the famous banana puddings were now available in mini cups, instead of the original big pints. Now I didn't feel so guilty.

Upon entering, we were greeted by the sweet aroma of cakes and and my heart literally melted at the sight of these freshly-baked cupcakes resting by the window. 

Situated across the street from Magnolia Bakery was Bookmarc, Marc Jacobs's bookstore. 

We bought banana pudding and ate at a park nearby, while being entertained by a jovial pianist with a strikingly good voice. 

Graced with a vintage appeal, the West Village is one of my favorite areas in New York. It was a joy exploring more of the neighborhood and discovering classic gems like Magnolia Bakery, Darling and Tipsy Parson with Erika and Jacqui! 

July Fourth

Yesterday was Independence Day in America! I spent Fourth of July in New York last summer, caught in a sea of people to watch the annual fireworks. This was my second Fourth of July in New York, but this time I did things a little differently.

I headed to Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens to meet some friends from Times Square Church for a picnic. It was a perfect day for a picnic in the park, as thousands of other New Yorkers and tourists set up their spots on the grass and proceeded to grill meat on their portable stoves, blast cheery music from their radios and watch their children chase each other around the trees.

 The Wikipedia Globe 

It felt great to enveloped in nature again, to sit beneath shady trees and indulge in the various delicacies prepared by some talented church members while basking in summer's glory. I had a mix of pasta, fried rice, potato and egg salad, and baked mac&cheese. Needless to say, everything was spectacular!

Jon & I 

We ended our picnic with a round of praise and worship. The surrounding people looked at us in amusement, wondering why 30+ young adults were singing praises in the middle of the park. 

The evening ended beautifully and I left to attend a rooftop party in Manhattan to catch the fireworks. Unfortunately, my phone died just before the fireworks erupted, so I wasn't able to get any shots of the show. The fireworks were gorgeous, though. I wish I could have recorded the whole thing.

Madison Square Park & West Village & Brooklyn

 The great thing about NYC is the endless array of events that occur every weekend. There's always a concert or party going on, or an art exhibition, or a parade or a flea market featuring fresh vegetables and homemade jams from the countryside. Whatever the day is, something's always happening in the city that never sleeps.

A few weekends ago, Erika and I intended to explore the West Village before heading to Brooklyn for a free music event, but we happened upon a huge BBQ party in Madison Square Park and dropped by to check it out. More photos on my photoblog.

It turned out to be the 11th Annual Big Apple BBQ Block Party that extended all the way through Madison Square Park and into the surrounding streets. The streets were lined with vendors from all over the nation. Smoke curled from the grills and the strong smell of BBQ and beer hung in the air.

After that, we hit up the West Village (one of my favorite parts of NYC). The West Village exudes a vintage culture that is sophisticated and timeless.

New Yorkers take style to a whole new level. This guy's hair was too cool to ignore.

Tried my first donut from The Doughnut Plant. Peanut Butter & Jelly.

We checked out Chelsea Market, one of the famous spots in the West Village. The market was a big food and fashion gallery, containing some of the most exquisite bakeries and boutiques in New York.

Next, we visited The High Line. The High Line is a great place to spend your evenings. It's an elevated park that runs through the west side of Manhattan. I even saw a guy making popsicles from scratch!

Explored a little bit of the Meatpacking District, one of the really cool, urban areas in the West Village. Infused with a selection of restaurants and bars, the people flock to the Meatpacking District for gourmet food in the day and rooftop parties at night.

They were filming a car commercial. If I'd gone a few weeks earlier, I could've seen Spiderman in progress.

Our next and last stop of the day was Brooklyn. We wanted to attend a live music event that was going on at a bar called Pete's Candy Store. Well, on our way to the place, we stopped by a random open party that also had a live band and lots of food, but didn't exactly stay around long enough to figure what the whole thing was about, or whose party it was. 

Then we left and continued our quest for Pete's Candy Store. I love Brooklyn. Sometimes when I'm there, I feel like I'm in a different world, one that celebrates an earlier period. The buildings are older, Brooklyn-ites appear more laidback and less hurried, and the shops have a different vibe about them, something more mystical and retro than the modern-day Manhattan shops.

Infused with a nostalgic charm, Brooklyn's individuality is reflected through its  vintage architecture, contrasting textures and the unique personalities of its residents.

Well, we did find Pete's Candy Store. Unfortunately, it wasn't what we'd expected. No live band. No music. Just a group of people who appeared to be downing drinks at the bar and exchanging conversations among themselves as though they'd known each other for years. The bar's backyard held at least 20 people or so, and I saw a lady walk up to another woman to wrap her in a hug while she gushed, "Susan! Congratulations on your new job! This is great!"

I glanced at Erika and we both wondered the same thing: Are we crashing a private party...?

Anyway, it was all so weird, so we got up and left. Lol. But I didn't leave without getting some pictures of the place. The backyard was actually quite pretty.

And that concludes our eventful weekend! :)