With all my energy in the last month going into planning our trip to Italy and some other upcoming getaways, it’s only now hitting me that summer 2018 is just around the corner! Where did May go? Traveling and vacations are always the highlights of summertime for me, but this year I want to do a better of job of making memories at home in New York especially now that we need to start prepping and saving for a wedding. Eeek!

Carly did a cute post on her blog sharing her summer 2018 bucket list, so I thought it would be fun to share mine too! Though I’ll admit… I may or may not be writing this down so I can hold myself accountable and think twice before choosing the spend the night watching Netflix vs actually leaving my apartment to try a new restaurant

Chambray Ruffle Skirt | White T-Shirt | Madewell Tote | Tory Burch Sandals | Similar Watch | David Yurman Bracelets

Summer 2018 New York City Bucket List

Visit an art gallery. I’ve always wanted to do this, but admittedly I’m not very in touch with the art scene. If any of you have recommendations for exhibitions I’d love if you could let me know!

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge. Nick and I did this once our first summer living in the city and of course we chose the hottest day ever to do it. I still remember being drenched in sweat by the time we reached Brooklyn. I’d love to walk the bridge again, except this time on a cool(er) early morning or evening

Eat fun sweets. I always take a screenshot whenever a delicious-looking local dessert pops up on my Instagram feed. At this point my camera roll is full of ice cream-filled Belgian waffles, churros, cookie dough, cupcakes and donuts that look like art. Now I’m not trying to gorge myself every weekend, but there’s no harm in trying some fun treats here and there.

Indulge in rooftop drinks. Where New York lacks in grassy spaces and outdoor eateries, it makes up for it with rooftop bars. It’s always fun to have drinks with a view and I hope to try a new rooftop bar or two this summer.

Go to a food festival or pop up eatery. I feel like I walk by food truck pop-ups and street food festivals all the time, but I never actually stop at them. There are always a ton that happen in the summer here, so I want to research ahead of time and maybe have a date night with Nick or do a food crawl one afternoon!

Check out all the colorful street art and murals downtown. Similar to the rotating door of new restaurants and bars in New York, there’s a constant turnover in street art and colorful wall murals. You’ll see the entire side of a building covered in rainbow hearts one week and then the following it will be painted over with something brand new. It would be fun to spend an afternoon walking around Soho, Nolita and the Lower East Side just seeing what I could find.

Visit Coney Island. I’ve always wanted to visit Coney Island, but for some reason we’ve just never made it out there. I’d love to walk the boardwalk, eat some yummy fried food and explore the beach at some point this summer.

What’s on your summer bucket list? Anything else you think I should add to mine?

The post My Summer 2018 New York City Bucket List appeared first on Katie's Bliss.

I promised you guys a fun guest post would be coming this week! While Nick and I are currently eating our way through Rome, I’m letting my dear friend Carly take over and share her ideas for where to head with your girlfriends in New York City. Whenever I can’t decide on a restaurant or bar, I shamelessly head over to Carly’s blog and Instagram to see where she’s been because gurl alwayssss finds the best spots that are equally as tasty as they are Instagram-worthy.

Hi everyone! My name is Carly Hill and I have the blog Carly A. Hill, where I love to share my travel guides, but especially for right here in NYC! I’m so excited Katie asked me to share a guide over here today and I hope it helps with finding your next spot too! One of the best things about NYC is all the fun spots to try with my girlfriends! Whether you live locally or are visiting for the weekend, this guide is packed with all things perfect to visit with your girls!

Where To Head With Your Girlfriends in New York City

DRINK 

While We Were Young: This tiny West Village spot is usually super busy but the wait is worth it for the Instagram shot!

Sel Rrose: Stop in for oysters, fries and cocktails, they have a great happy hour till 7 pm everyday!

Dear Irving: Glamorous décor, fun music and well crafted cocktails

Tom & Jerry’s: This elevated dive bar is known for their long list of delicious (and strong!) cocktails making it the ideal spot to kick off your night with.

EAT: BRUNCH

Egg Shop: If you’re an early riser, head here to beat the brunch rush and try one of their incredible egg dishes.

Pietro Nolita: This all pink spot (my whole pink restaurant guide can be found here!) is the perfect spot for a great breakfast and capturing your last few vacation shots.

Lafayette: This huge space is decorated beautifully, and also has some of the best pancakes in NYC. Grab some macarons or croissants from their bakery to bring back home with you too!

Baz Bagel: Along with its adorable décor and 80s tunes, this has the best bagels and diner favorites like BLTs, matzo ball soup and egg sandwiches.

EAT: DINNER

Lil Frankies: My favorite pizza and pasta in the city! A must is the lemon pasta, nothing better!

Thursday Kitchen: Fun adult Capri Sun drinks and a mix of Asian inspired tapas plates to share (make sure to order the truffle mac and cheese!)

Old Rose: Another new pizza and pasta place that’s inside The Jane Hotel and gorgeous and delicious! After dinner, head over to the hotel bar for a nightcap.

Tacombi: A fun Mexican restaurant with a few locations around the city, you can never go wrong with margaritas and tacos.

DESSERT AND COFFEE

City Bakery: A must for hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies

Toby’s Estate: Inside Club Monaco, this spot also has a gorgeous flower shop and Strand Bookstore to look around.

Union Fare: With indulgent croissants like birthday cake, fruity pebble and crème brulee.

Flour Shop: This Soho spot has become the must have treat of the year thanks to their sprinkle filled cakes. (See how I attempted my own here!)

For more travel guides, they can all be found here for more of my favorite spots here in the city and around the world!

The post Where To Head With Your Girlfriends in New York City appeared first on Katie's Bliss.

One of my favorite kinds of messages is when I get asked for New York recommendations. There’s so much to see and do here, and while there’s no shortage of travel guides and articles out there with ideas, even I sometimes get overwhelmed with all the options outside my door. It’s a big reason why I created my New York City Guide so I could direct you guys to all of my tips and go-to restaurants, bars and activities in one place. I realized the other day it’s been over a year since I launched the guide with my blog redesign (where did the time go?!) so yeah, I think it was time for a little update.

Ok! So if you head to my guide you’ll see I’ve added a ton of new restaurants and bars to my favorites list, along with a few more tourist destinations and activities I think are worth the hype. I’m finally feeling more motivated to get outside and explore, so I’d love to add an entire section on bakeries, coffee shops and photo spots. Hopefully I’ll have a second round of updates for you guys soon, but in the meantime I wanted to share my initial new additions since I know now is such a popular time to visit the city. It’s been B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L this week and I can’t get enough of the blooming magnolia and cherry blossoms on Park Avenue! Make sure you check out my New York City Guide HERE and let me know what you think or if you have any ideas for what I could add in the future

The post New York City Guide Updates | Restaurants, Bars & More appeared first on Katie's Bliss.

New York in December. There’s really no place like it! Every year I fall more and more in love with the city in all its festive glory. I’ve been getting so many messages and requests asking for recommendations and tips for what to wear when visiting in December so here you have it: The Ultimate New York City Holiday Guide.

I tried to make this as comprehensive as possible including the quintessential tourist attractions (I honestly have nothing against these and shamelessly have indulged in them myself) along with the places and restaurants locals will frequent for their fill of Christmas cheer. Enjoy!

PS if you’re interested in seeing my general New York recommendations make sure you peek at my NYC Guide, which can be found here.

OUTFIT DETAILS // Similar Weather-Resistant Down Coat | Snow Boots | Similar Fleece Pullover

WHAT TO WEAR 

So you’ve figured out what you want to do in New York… Now what to wear? It normally doesn’t snow in December (I can only remember once in the last five years) but it is cold. The temperature can range anywhere from the 30’s to the 50’s but if there’s wind it can feel colder. If you aren’t used to the climate, I’d make sure you bring a reliable and warm winter coat (like a down or puffer) and a hat, gloves, and scarf. Also comfortable shoes for walking is key. In the winter I live in short booties like these (on casual days) and then over the knee boots for when I’m trying to dress up.

COZY LAYERS

WINTER COATS

COLD WEATHER ACCESSORIES

STYLISH WINTER-APPROPRIATE BOOTS

OUTFIT DETAILS // Similar Puffer Coat | Fringe Scarf | Similar Suede Booties | Skinny Jeans | Similar Pom Pom Beanie | Aviators

GO SEE A HOLIDAY SHOW

MY RECOMMENDATIONS…
The Nutcracker
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Saks 5th Avenue Light Show

I’ve seen both The Nutcracker and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and can guarantee you’ll leave each performance feeling all the holiday vibes. I personally prefer The Nutcracker– I grew up taking dance classes and the New York City Ballet is one of the best companies in the world. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is definitely something you should see at least once, but it’s 100% catered to tourists. Radio City Music Hall is huge (bring your glasses if you wear them) and they allow guests to take photos during the show. This is a pro and con because yes, you can take pictures for the memories, but it’s really annoying when you have someone in front with their phone or camera out. If you have kids, definitely opt for the Christmas Spectacular over The Nutcracker.

For some budget-friendly entertainment I’d highly recommend stopping by Saks 5th Avenue to watch the light show. This stunning (free!) light show plays on a loop to festive music every evening on the facade of the 5th Avenue store between 49th & 50th streets.

INDULGE IN A SHAMELESS HOLIDAY PHOTO OPP

MY FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SELFIE SPOTS…
Christmas Tree at the Lotte New York Palace (everyone Instagrams this– go early if you want a photo with no one else in background)
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree (always packed with tourists but one of those things you just have to see– the ice skating rink is right there too!)
Top Of The Rock (one of the best views of New York where you can see the Empire State Building and the entire downtown skyline)
Central Park (so many spots for photos and deceptively large: my favorite places are Gapstow Bridge for a great view of The Plaza Hotel, The Mall for a walk underneath the towering elm trees, and the famous Bow Bridge or lesser known Oak Bridge for beautiful views of the lake.)
Grand Central Station (I find Grand Central so magical and it always takes my breath away especially at the holidays when they put up the Christmas wreaths. It’s worth going just to get a picture from the second-level balcony, but if you have more time check out the Grand Central Market and other foodie spots and shops in the terminal.)
Christmas Tree at the Washington Square Park Arch (equally pretty during the day, but also at night when it’s lit up!)
Cartier Store (you can’t miss the gift wrapped-storefront on 5th Avenue– it’s by far my favorite holiday photo opp)

I have no shame when it comes to indulging in cheesy photo opps and over the years have gathered lots of festive snaps at various decorated spots in the city. It’s convenient that most of these photos opps are located all within walking distance in Midtown. If you’re looking for the perfect shot, my best advice is to always start your day early in the morning before crowds arrive.

OUTFIT DETAILS // Knit Turtleneck Sweater | Wide Leg Pants | Louboutin Nude Pumps | Saint Laurent Tote

OUTFIT DETAILS // Similar Winter Jacket | Similar Fringe Scarf | Similar Beret | Suede Boots

EXPLORE DECORATED HOTEL LOBBIES

THE MOST FESTIVE HOTELS…
The Plaza Hotel
Lotte New York Palace
The Peninsula
The St. Regis
The Baccarat
Gramercy Park Hotel

New York hotels love to go all out with incredible decorations at the holidays. If you’re looking to kill some time without spending money, it’s a lot of fun just walking around exploring hotel lobbies in their festive splendor. The famed Christmas tree in the courtyard that everyone Instagrams can be found at the Lotte New York Palace. The Peninsula also always has amazing decorations adorning the exterior of the hotel which makes for a great shot. Hotels are always great pitstops for bathroom breaks or grabbing a cocktail or coffee too.

Images via Time Out

PEEP THE MIDTOWN DEPARTMENT STORE HOLIDAY WINDOWS

DEPARTMENT STORES WITH DISPLAYS…
Bergdorf Goodman
Saks Fifth Avenue
Barney’s
Bloomingdales
Lord & Taylor
Macy’s
Tiffany & Co.

You can’t come to New York and not peek at the department store holiday window displays. Again, I’d recommend doing this early because the streets can become mobbed with tourists. You can also knock out some of your holiday shopping at the same time

GRAB A FESTIVE DRINK

BARS & RESTAURANTS THAT EMBRACE ALL THE HOLIDAY CHEER…
Rolf’s
It’s a shameless tourist spot, but it’s worth going once for a drink and to get a photo of the ornament-adorned ceiling. I’d try to make a reservation if you can (I attempted to last year but no one ever picked up the phone.) If you don’t have a reservation, I’d recommend going on a weekday or as early as possible. Last year Nick and I went at 11AM on a Sunday and had to wait in line for over 30 minutes.

King Cole Bar at the St. Regis Hotel
Apparently this is where the bloody mary was invented! It’s fancy and pricey, but the holiday decor is always on point and any meal will become a special memory.

The Bar at the Baccarat Hotel
Expensive, over-the-top and worth every penny. The quintessential fancy New York bar, but minus the snobby attitude. Here you’ll find welcoming top notch service and the most amazing cocktails you’ll ever taste. The location is right in central midtown and convenient to many of New York’s festive spots.

The Lodge at Bryant Park Winter Village
Nick and I grabbed drinks and dessert here for the first time last year and were pleasantly surprised by the service and ambiance! It’s a great place to go with friends and family if you’re skating in Bryant Park or browsing the shops.

SERRA at Eataly Rooftop
Every winter Eataly transforms their rooftop into an alpine ski lodge with sheepskin rugs & throws, Christmas trees and festive decor. The vibe is really fun and upbeat so it’s a great place for groups or to grab a drink with your boo. I’d HIGHLY recommend only going for drinks at the bar and to take a photo of the decorations. The food is incredibly subpar and not worth the money especially when there are so many other great options nearby!

The NoMad Hotel Bar
This is hands down my favorite upscale bar in the city year-round. Nick and I go all the time and have never been disappointed. The drinks are expensive ($20 a cocktail) but in our opinion completely worth it, especially if you can grab a spot next to the cozy fireplace. The bartenders (who all wear suspenders & bowties) are extremely knowledgable and every drink is meticulously crafted. It’s definitely a place to go if you want to be impressed and feel super chic in a Great Gatsby-esque cocktail estabishment. There’s a small food menu for bar patrons, but if you really want to go all out dine in the hotel restaurant. We celebrated Nick’s birthday there two years in a row and had some of the best food we’ve ever eaten in New York.

The Rose Bar at the Gramercy Park Hotel
The Rose Bar is another one of my go-to fancy cocktail spots. The hotel itself is beautiful and has a roaring fireplace in the lobby perfect for warming up on a cold night. It is a bit of a celebrity/fashion crowd hotspot so there is a a door policy on busy nights and weekends. To avoid any snootiness or having to wait in line, I’d recommend going on a weeknight or in the evening before 10PM.

The Campbell
A classic cozy bar right in Grand Central station– who knew? The Campbell is a New York institution with a rich history dating back to the 1920s. It’s the perfect place to hide from chilly weather while you’re bopping around Midtown.

Dear Irving
I just discovered this speakeasy-type bar in Gramercy (right down the street from The Rose Bar) and I’m obsessed. It’s tiny and a bit secretive, so you need to make a reservation in advance. The cocktails are amazing and the vibe is so cool– you literally will feel like you’ve stepped back in time! To order drinks you have to press a brass button on the wall next to your table to call a waitress. When I went we ordered a few small bites, which were also very yummy.

Tiny’s
You have to stop in Tiny’s if you’re downtown in Tribeca. Located in a cute historic pink townhouse, Tiny’s has two different bar areas so you can go and post up for a drink or sit down for a meal (they serve brunch too!) The menu and decor is very rustic and all-American. It works as a date spot or a great place to go with your girlfriends!

One If By Land, Two If By Sea
While it may be known for it’s delicious dining and romantic ambiance, One If By Land, Two If By Sea has an equally impressive bar and drink menu. When we went for Nick’s birthday a few weeks ago, I had an incredible mezcal, pear and egg white cocktail that I’m still thinking about. There’s also a live classical pianist playing by the bar, so even if you aren’t going to eat it’s worth stopping in for a drink.

Dead Rabbit
If you’re looking for somewhere with an old school, Irish pub vibe then come here. It’s way downtown in the Financial District but within short walking distance of all major subway lines and the South street Seaport (an up-and-coming neighborhood with great food and shopping.) Apparently Dead Rabbit has the largest whiskey collection in America and Forbes even named it the “World’s Best Bar” in 2016.

INDULGE IN A COZY MEAL

WHERE TO EAT…
Rosemary’s
So so cute during the holidays! Just envision dangling Christmas lights and garland from the ceiling. This is a place to come if you’re looking to cozy up over multiple plates of yummy Italian comfort food.

The Polo Bar
Delicious traditional American tavern fare in the heart of Midtown. To get a table you likely will have to make reservations at least 3-4 weeks in advance and TIP: order the burger!

The Smith
This is always one of my no-fail last minute spots for brunch, lunch or dinner. The food and service is always great and it’s pretty easy to get a reservation since the restaurants are so large. I love how they add seasonal specials to the menu every few months– there’s always something new to try along with the classic faves like the chicken pot pie and lobster roll. There are multiple locations throughout the city too.

The Smile
Love the cozy rustic feel of this restaurant! Think exposed stone walls and wood-paneled ceilings. Equally good for brunch and dinner or a pitstop for coffee (or glass of wine.)

Ruby’s
Super laid back dining with an Australian twist and equally good for brunch or dinner. The menu is very wallet-friendly (by New York standards) and the decor is super cute. I always order the spicy Italian sausage pasta with a side of sweet potato fries

Jack’s Wife Freda
One of my favorite brunch spots in the city year-round. They don’t take reservations so try and arrive early or expect to wait for up to an hour. It’s totally worth it though!

Extra Virgin
Another romantic and magically rustic Italian spot in the West Village.

Waverly Inn
Quintessential West Village restaurant on a tree-lined street with stunning townhomes. It’s more of a special occasion place, so I’d only recommend eating there if you’re willing to spend, but trust me you won’t be disappointed!

The Mermaid Inn
One of my favorite seafood restaurants! There are a few locations so take your pick. Definitely try and go during happy hour when there are $1 oysters and discounted drinks.

The Spotted Pig
Omg the burger and shoestring fries… SO GOOD. Casual laid-back pub with amazing drinks!

Lil Frankie’s
One of the best Italian and pizza restaurants in the city. Super casual and great for groups!

Freeman’s
Rustic hearty american fare with a colonial tavern feel. By far one of the coziest restaurants in the city! It’s a bit hidden away in a small alley so many sure you Google map it.

Claudette
At Claudette you’ll feel like you’re dining in a French country cottage. This is a great spot for brunch or dinner with the girls, just steps away from Washington Square Park and all the best spots in Greenwich Village.

Gato
Super chic Bobby Flay Mediterranean-style restaurant and my favorite spot for tapas. It’s a bit tough to get reservations if you don’t make them far in advance, but if you go early enough there’s a good chance you can get seating in the bar and lounge area where they also serve the full menu.

Boqueria
Really popular (and yummy!) casual spot for Spanish tapas and sangria. There are three locations in Soho, Flatiron and the Upper East Side. The interior is super cozy– just remember to make reservations because it gets packed!

WANDER AROUND THE UPPER EAST SIDE

WHERE I LIKE TO ROAM…
70th Street between Lexington Avenue and Fifth Avenue (my favorite street for townhouse photos)
Madison Avenue between 60th Street & 86th Street (more pretty homes & architecture)
Ralph Lauren Store | 72nd Street & Madison Avenue (great decorations)
Laduree (cute photo opp & macarons)
Anywhere above 59th St between 2nd and Lexington Avenues (amazing townhouses)
Park Avenue (great for cab photos & seeing Christmas lights)
The area around the Metropolitan Museum of Art (tons of beautiful homes & storefronts + great spot to get a photo on the MET steps!)
Bryant Park Winter Village (pop up shops, ice skating rink and food hall)

Clearly I’m easily entertained because just walking around the Upper East Side and looking at townhouses is an adventure for me. There’s no neighborhood in New York quite like the Upper East Side and it’s one of my favorite places to frequent no matter the season. During the holidays everyone decorates their homes, the stores along Madison Avenue get festive and the trees of Park Avenue are adorned in lights– it’s really something to see. If you’re looking for a downtown neighborhood to explore the West Village is super cute, but I find it to be much busier and the streets aren’t always the cleanest.

EAT ALL THE SWEETS

THE YUMMIEST BAKERIES & SWEET SPOTS…
Laduree (a New York staple– a bit touristy but the macarons are delicious. There is a location in the Upper East Side and downtown in Soho)
Levains (the best warm fat chocolate chip cookie– there is normally line but apparently the location on the Upper West Side has the shortest one)
Magnolia Bakery (can’t go wrong with cupcakes or the banana pudding)
Balthazar (yummy french pastries and croissants)
Maison Kayser (another well-known New York bakery with multiple locations)
Dominique Ansel (famous for the cronut, but there are lots of other delicious pastries that won’t disappoint)
Jacques Torres Chocolate (decadent hot chocolate)
The Plaza Food Hall (so many sweet options from cake at Lady M to macarons at FP Patisserie and donuts at Doughnuttery– just go with an empty belly!) 
Doughnuttery (the softest sugar-coated mini donuts– you pick your flavor sugar and they shake up the donuts in a brown bag!)
10 Below Ice Cream (if you aren’t too cold go here for hand-rolled Thai-inspired ice cream)

Image via Martha Stewart

GO ICE SKATING

THE BEST RINKS…
Rockefeller Center
Central Park
The Standard Hotel

I’m personally not big on ice skating (bad balance) but it’s one of those quintessential New York winter activities. There are a few different rinks in the city. The largest ones are located in Rockefeller Center and Central Park, but The Standard Hotel has a tiny one that they open as pop up during the colder months.

SHOP AT A CHRISTMAS MARKET

WHERE TO GET YOUR SHOP ON…
Winter Village at Bryant Park
Union Square Holiday Market
Columbus Circle Holiday Market

I’ll be honest: I’ve never actually “shopped” at a Christmas market. The appeal for me is the different food stalls and all-around holiday vibes you get from exploring. New York has three markets I know of: one in Columbus Circle on the Upper West Side, the Bryant Park Winter Village in Midtown and another downtown in Union Square at 14th Street.

Image via Newsday

The post The Ultimate New York City Holiday Guide appeared first on Katie's Bliss.

This post has been a very long time coming. I don’t know what took me so long to put together a NYC brunch guide — maybe I’ve been having too much fun pigging out?

One of the aspects I love most about dining in New York is the city’s obsession with BRUNCH. I am a total breakfast girl and even now it’s still my favorite meal of the day! Growing up I could never understand people who didn’t eat breakfast…. Like, huh? How could you not want to devour pancakes and bacon on Saturday morning?

So without further adieu, here are the best restaurants for brunch in New York City. Trust me, I know from experience 

JACK’S WIFE FREDA

Hands down Jack’s Wife Freda is my favorite spot for brunch in the city. I’m sure you’ve noticed from my Instagram that I have dined at the West Village and SoHo locations. Both have slightly different menus, but are equally as delicious. It’s one of those “Instagram” favorite restaurants for good reason: the food is as a beautiful as it is tasty. The brunch menu has your standard fare with a Mediterranean twist. I highlllllyyyy suggest the duck bacon, orange blossom pancakes, french fries with green shakshuka sauce and the nana tea.

Neighborhood: West Village or SoHo
Address: 50 Carmine St (West Village) or 224 Lafayette St (SoHo)

Image Credit

ABC KITCHEN

I can honestly say the brunch at ABC Kitchen is one of the best I’ve ever experienced. The food is impeccable and the service is on point — as expected from any Jean George-backed restaurant. The menu is a little pricey so it’s the type of place I come for a celebration or special occasion. Make sure you order the salted caramel popcorn ice-cream sundae! (Yes, I had that at brunch.)

Neighborhood: Flatiron
Address: 35 east 18th street

Image Credit

THE UPSIDER

The Upsider is a recent new discovery that I’m so happy I found. Many of my friends live  on the Upper East Side and The Upsider is the perfect place to meet in the middle in Midtown. It’s really the cutest place and you’ll find yourself wanting to just snap photos your entire meal. So far I’ve tried the smashed avocado toast, house pancakes (larger than my head) and fried chicken. All were BOMB.

Neighborhood: Midtown East
Address: 1004 2nd Ave b/t 53rd St & 54th St

Image Credit

PRUNE

If you love bloody marys then you need to go to Prune. There is a separate menu just for bloodys! Sounds like heaven right? Make sure you get the Dutch pancake if you love sweet brunch cuisine. The restaurant is super tiny and they don’t take reservations for brunch so just be prepared for a possible wait.

Neighborhood: East Village
Address: 54 E 1st St

THE SMITH

The Smith is one of my go-to restaurants for any meal. You really can’t go wrong and I’ve never had a bad experience dining there! There are a few locations, however I frequent the NoMad and East Village restaurants the most. The brunch menu has a large selection of standard American fare including buttermilk waffles, biscuits and gravy, egg white omelettes, pancakes and eggs benedict. There is also a great raw bar and seafood selection (including lobster rolls.)

Neighborhood: Multiple Locations
Address: Multiple Locations

ROOT & BONE

If you love fried chicken and southern comfort food then Root & Bone is the place for you. The chicken and waffles, macaroni and cheese and biscuits are out of this world! The portions are generous so make sure you bring your appetite (duh). The rustic decor is really charming so it’s a good place for snapping Instagrams.

Neighborhood: East Village, Alphabet City
Address: 200 E 3rd St b/t Avenue B & Avenue A

Have you tried any of these restaurants? Any places I need to try for brunch? 

Have You Seen These Posts?
My full, in-depth guide to NYC
Yes, I did a food crawl at the Brooklyn Smorgasburg
My tips for finding an apartment in New York City

The post NYC Brunch Guide | Best Restaurants for Brunch in New York City appeared first on Katie's Bliss.

I recently visited the Smorgasburg in Brooklyn with my family and it ended up being by far one of the best days I’ve ever had in the city. You really cannot beat the combination of good food, family, sun, a great view and a brand new dress! Basically the Smorgasburg is a total must visit if you are ever in Brooklyn. Check out the rest of the post to see all the vendors we (over)ate at plus more photos from the day – Nick actually let me take his photo!!!

Hallelujah he agreed to be in a photo!!!! ^^^

I was wearing…

Everly dress c/o (very similar here for $48) | Jack Rogers sandals c/o (very comfortable) | Bucket bag | Panama hat | Aviators | Pendant tassel necklace | David Yurman bracelets | Movado watch c/o

I cannot stress enough the importance of dressing appropriately when planning to spend a hot day out and about in a large city. Wearing uncomfortable clothing or footwear can completely ruin an experience (it’s happened to me) so I always very carefully pick my outfits factoring in the weather and how much walking I’ll be doing. I’m obsessed with Everly dresses. They are so lightweight and the price tags are out of this world. A cute dress for under $50? You cannot beat it. Unfortunately the one I’m wearing here is no longer available but this one is the same cut with a similar print. They are also have a ton of options on sale for under $30!

In terms of footwear, I love these sandals from Jack Rogers. I’ve heard mixed opinions on the comfort of Jacks. Some people say they are incredibly uncomfortable, others live in them. I fall into the latter and wear my Jacks almost every single day!

Now for the food…

Vendors we visited…

Red Hook Lobster Pound – I LOVE a good lobster roll and this is one of the better ones I’ve had in the city. Not the absolute best (Mermaid Inn is my fave) but it’s definitely worth it if you’re at the Smorgasburg and in the mood for lobster.

Thirstea Cafe – I feel like it’s tough the make a bad bubble tea and on a HOT day there is nothing quite as refreshing as a cold passionfruit tea.

Ramen Burger – This is a must-do, even if it’s just for the experience. I had no clue what the expect when I took a bite, but wow, I’ve never had anything like it! Essentially it’s a teriyaki (or some type of Asian-flavored sauce) marinated burger patty in between two fried ramen noodle buns. So weird yet so good. Tip: Get there early or expect to wait in line at least 30 minutes or more!

Dough – Doughnuts doughnuts doughnuts! If you’re a lover like me then you need to hit this up. Lots of unique flavor combinations!

Home Frite – Okay so I honestly thought this was overrated and not worth the 30 minutes I waited in line. Basically you get a carton of steak fries and a sauce of your choice (they have a ton of options). If you are french fry obsessed then it’s worth checking out but I personally wasn’t too impressed.

Brooklyn Oyster Company – 2 words: Fresh oysters!

Dorset Maple Reserve – I was so thirsty so I sent Nick off in search of a beverage. He ended up coming back with a “Maple Lemonade.” Sounds strange but it was actually delicious!

Rise & Swine – By the time we got to this stand I was already bursting at the seams, but when I saw french toast bacon sandwich on the menu I could not miss out. So gluttonous!

Blue Marble Ice Cream – Of course desert is necessary after consuming an exorbitant amount of calories. Nick and I shared a dip of chocolate and it was totally worth it!

Sunday Gravy – Nick tried out this stand and loved the mini meatball parm sandwich he ordered.
For all of your enjoyment… I’ll leave you with this outtake. My frustration always comes out when Nick refuses to cooperate. It’s a miracle we even got these photos of us in the first place! Special shout out to my cousin Georgie for being our photographer!

Anyone else feel my pain? Why do men get so bratty in front of a camera? Have you visited the Smorgasburg? What are your favorite vendors? 

The post Brooklyn Smorgasburg Food Crawl appeared first on Katie's Bliss.

I was wearing…
Trench coat c/o | Silk blouse c/o | Crossbody purse c/o | Ankle zip jeans | Bow flats | Aviators | Gold watch c/o

You really can’t say you’ve had the full New York City experience without having Sunday brunch. It’s such a weekend staple among New Yorkers (and one that I’m happy to indulge in!) One thing I love about brunching in New York is people actually get dressed up. Now I don’t mean dressed up as in church clothes, but people do try and look their best. I’d personally describe my brunch style as casual but polished. I always gravitate towards jeans, a feminine blouse and cute flats.

Right now HauteLook is running a sale that celebrates brunch style – think small ladylike bags, floppy hats and spring dresses. I’ve been shopping at HauteLook since college and I love that there are new sales everyday, not only on clothing, but also home decor, accessories and beauty products. It’s the perfect place to shop if you want to try out a new trend, but don’t want to break the bank.

Now on to my favorite NYC brunch spot… There are lots of restaurants I’d recommend (full post on all my faves coming soon), but at the top of my list it would have to be Jack’s Wife Freda. I’ve been to both locations – Lafayette Street in Soho and the West Village on Carmine Street. The fare is American meets Mediterranean.  What I love is the twists you’ll find on brunch staples – I always order the orange blossom pancakes or the rosewater waffle topped with Lebanese yogurt. Nick loves the Prego Roll (Portuguese skirt steak sandwich) and Jack’s Breakfast (steak, eggs, grilled tomato and sourdough toast). We also always get a side of fries with shashuka sauce (SO. GOOD.) and duck bacon. Guys, it’s just so delicious you have to try brunch here. Make sure to try one of the cocktails or the mint lemonade too!

What’s your brunch style? Have you ever shopped at HauteLook?

The post Brunch Style + My Favorite Restaurant for Brunch in NYC appeared first on Katie's Bliss.

Things to Know

Most leases will require that you make 40-50 times your monthly rent
Example: to lease a $2,500 per month 1-bedroom apartment with a 40x policy, you would have to prove you have a yearly salary of $100,000. If you are living with a roommate(s) this would be combined – so you would have to prove that you make $100,000 collectively. This is why you don’t see a lot of younger people living alone. If you can’t fulfill the 40x policy then you will need to find a guarantor (normally a parent or grandparent) who agrees to be listed on your lease and will be liable to pay your rent if for some reason you cannot. A guarantor basically acts as your insurance to your landlord.

Be ready to pay a lot up front
You should have saved enough to pay up front your first month’s rent, security deposit (normally the same as your monthly rent), an application fee (can range from $50-$1,000 depending on building) and a broker’s fee (normally 15% of the yearly rent or one month). If the apartment is no-fee then you can disregard the broker’s fee. 

Example: to afford a $2,500 apartment with a broker you should be prepared to pay at least $7,500 up front.

Dishwashers, laundry facilities and elevators are a luxury
You’d be surprised what simple suburban conveniences are total luxuries in New York. Most affordable apartments will not have a dishwasher or laundry facilities. If you are looking at an apartment in an older building, there’s a high chance there won’t be an elevator or central heat/air conditioning. I know people who live on the seventh floor of a walk up building. Garbage disposals are also totally unheard of here.

You’re not going to get everything you want
Unless you have an unlimited budget, be prepared to compromise when it comes to amenities or location. For our first apartment we really wanted to live downtown at an affordable price. Well, to do that we had to live on the fourth floor of a walk up building without access to laundry services or a dishwasher. We chose location over having any amenities. To each his own. 

Be aware of your commute
Everyone uses public transportation in New York. Familiarize yourself with the subway and bus stops near your work and go from there. If you work in Tribeca then you probably don’t want to look at apartments on the Upper East Side (unless you want a 1+ hour subway commute).  When you are considering an apartment, Google map the different route options you could take to work. If you’re looking at an apartment and the closest subway stop is 10 blocks away from your doorstep – maybe you want to keep looking.

Listings can be deceiving
Beware of online listings – sometimes not everything will not be what it appears in a photo. Brokers will try and make apartments sound and look as appealing as possible. Don’t be afraid to ask a ton of questions or ask for additional photos.

Apartments go quick
If you find one you love apply on the spot! Nick and I missed out on an amazing apartment in Tribeca because we waited just a few hours too long to apply. Literally two hours after we had looked at the apartment someone had applied and taken it off the market.

Be prepared for things to come together last minute
You can’t really start looking for an apartment until about a month before you plan to move. Landlords and leasing agents don’t post availabilities months out because most of the time they don’t even know what will be available. Our first apartment we found and moved into within a span of a five days. It was crazy and the most stressful thing ever. I LOVE to plan ahead, but with the way renting works in New York it’s impossible. There is such low availability and when something hits the market it disappears fast. 

The post How To Find An Apartment in New York City appeared first on Katie's Bliss.

I was wearing…
Boohoo midi skater skirt (just $30) | Boohoo crop top (just $16 – runs small) | French Connection leather jacket c/o | Christian Louboutin Pigalle pumps | J. Crew Factory clutch | Ray-Ban aviators | ILY Couture bracelet c/o (on sale)

Creating a comprehensive New York City guide has been on my blogging to-do agenda for almost two years now. Guys, I swear it will happen! (Gotta give myself some credit though… I do have posts on Washington Square Park, Central Park and a West Village food crawl + an FAQ with all my NYC suggestions.)

Until I can get it together and make my own, I’d encourage you all to check out Boohoo.com‘s interactive New York City guide. It’s like they read my mind when choosing the attractions to include – ABC Kitchen, Henri Bendel, Central Park, the Highline! So many of my favorites from my FAQ are there! Essentially you can use the guide plan an entire day’s itinerary of shopping, eating and sight-seeing. Cool right? I wish I could create something just like it for my blog. Hmmm…

Boohoo.com will even give you an affordable outfit recommendation based on the places you’ll be visiting. Speaking of affordable attire, the cost of my Boohoo skirt and crop top totals less than $50. Score!

The post New York City Guide with Boohoo.com appeared first on Katie's Bliss.