Meet the Roommates

Alright ya'll I realized I talk about my roommates a lot on here and I never formally introduced them so, without further ado- I present you with roommate #1 - Morgan.

Major: Strategic Communication
Sorority: Delta Gamma
Funniest Moment: Her constant gathering of ‘literature’ is always entertaining.
Interning at: A really cool advertising company in Brooklyn with clients such as American Express and Forever21
Random Fact: ‘Momma Morg’ as we lovingly call her knows how to do most anything- cook, get out stains, you name it. She also is always well prepared and probably has what you’re looking for in her ‘momma morg bag.’

Morgan is the first person I met upon arriving to New York. She helped me get my bags in the door and was just all around so sweet. We have become fast friends and love adventuring this big city together.
Next up is Lindsay, she is my original planned roommate and we go all the way back to the good ole days of Hollister.

Major: Magazine
Sorority: Delta Delta Delta
Funniest Moment: Walking down the street and all the sudden a bird decides to poop directly on her head. Not so funny at the time, but it’s a good laugh now.
Interning at: A magazine that is among the most read of my age category. Hint: They frequently have articles about sex
Random Fact: Always give her at least an hour heads up before you want to leave, she needs her “time”. 

Last but not least, Jenny. She was the last to arrive and though I had heard her name before (she is a KOMU celebrity) she was a new face, too.

Major: Broadcast
Sorority: Delta Gamma Alum
Funniest Moment: There is a new one every day. She constantly has the best stories to tell and brings them to life so well that all of us are usually laughing uncontrollably by the end.
Interning at: A news organization that is not FOX, CNN, or CBS- working for a certain nightly news anchor
Random Fact: If you make the slightest sound while she is sleeping she will wake up, don’t bother trying to be quiet as a mouse- it still won’t work

I didn’t know what to expect living with two people I originally didn’t know but it has worked out perfect. All of our personalities fit great together and there has yet to be a roommate tiff and I don’t see one in the future. So lucky that I get to share these experiences with these amazing girls!

Roomie Love.

-Allie

Blessed

So its official, I've lived in New York for a month (well plus 2 days, now). It blows my mind because it only feels like I’ve been here a week. But, when I think back to all the things I’ve done and seen it seems like it should have taken longer than even a month. I was talking to my boss about the things I’ve done on the weekends and she told me she has lived in New York her entire life and still not done some of the things I’ve done. I guess it’s a bit like how St. Louis is for me- being around it all the time you take for granted what you have. I’ve lived in STL my entire life and it wasn’t until last year I took a tour of the Anheuser Busch brewery for the first time, which is pretty famous. So I get it, I guess.

For me, I’m not sure New York could ever lose its sparkle. I do not want to take for granted one minute that I have here. I want to see every inch of Manhattan. Being as small as it is, geographically speaking, it wouldn’t seem hard but it is amazing how much can be packed into such a small space.

Every little thing about this city makes me happy. Its the little things that make my day great, like the subway arriving just as I reach the platform or the elevator already there waiting for me in the morning. I received a package from my mom yesterday and I squealed like a little 5- year old in excitement. (I have always loved getting mail, so this is actually not new for me, but exciting nonetheless). The stupid little things that would bother me in Missouri, like a super gross toilet that doesn’t flush well, barely get a passing thought here. Actually, they are more of just a running joke with my roommates and I.

I talked about it in a previous post but this city really does make me feel blissful, unlike anything else. And being so independent has been very eye- opening for me. I don’t need anyone here. I have no obligations to anyone and it is so refreshing. I even use my phone way less! (this is quite an accomplishment, trust me). I am notorious for always having a guy, but not here, and I’m happier than ever. Just a lesson learned that I definitely don’t need someone else to make me happy, I can do it all on my own. In fact, the only way to be truly happy is to be content all on your own first J

Another thing I’ve been thinking about lately is - when is all this dumb luck I’ve been stumbling upon going to end? I have to fall off cloud 9 at some point, right?

Well at the rate I’m going, probably not. Not while I’m in New York at least. I’ve been so blessed with getting to do some amazing things. See Alicia Keys VIP first row, free rooftop party, free VIP at clubs, VIP at Mets game. I am not a Very Important Person, I am just a non-paid intern from Missouri. So, why me? I really couldn’t tell you but I’m not complaining. I’m having the absolute time of my life and couldn’t ask for more.

Living the good life.

Xoxo-

Allie

Whirl Wind Weeks

I just need to admit to myself that I am absolutely terrible at keeping up with this whole blogging thing. It has been over 2 weeks since my last update... Every day I swear I am going to write and then things always seem to pop up. So I cant even quite remember what I've talked about and what I haven't.

These past few weeks have been incredibly busy, but everyday I am loving it here more and more. I have been given a much larger role at work then I could have ever imagined (I'm running the office...alone! ahhh!) It's been extremely stressful but so worth it. It's been a bit of a wake up call of what the real world is like. There is scheduled hours, but you work until the job is done, even if that means getting there early and staying hours late. The fashion world is not always glamorous but it sure is exciting.

My big thing lately is reminding myself not to 'miss it'. Not get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday that I fail to realize all the incredible things around me. Things are constantly happening here- no really though, all the time. Walking down the street there is constantly someone or something famous within sight. I have just discovered that almost nightly there are huge celebrity events right near my apartment at Ciprani Wall Street. With the fast pace and constant sensory overload in this city it is so easy to not realize all the incredible things going on around you. Doing my best to soak it all in and realize the opportunities around every corner, literally.

I'm fairly certain you could live in this city for years and never see all it has to offer. There is just so much. It makes planning out weekend adventures or nights on the town quite difficult because the options are endless. My roommates and I have been pretty successful and found some great places to make memories at. Here is a recap of the places I've been in weeks 2 and 3.

           South Beach, Staten Island via the ferry (which is free and has a beautiful view of the city

                                 The Pier 88 to visit the visiting naval boats during Fleet Week

                              Some trendy bars in Midtown and Greenwich for my friends 21st

Met Clay Walker 

                                                       FOX News and CNN for Tours

Various places for many different movie filmings including 'The Adjustment Bureau' starring Matt Damon and 'Something Borrowed' with Kate Hudson. Can't wait to see these and recognize all the places they were shooting

                      Rodeo with all the girls in the program for margs and mexican food. Delish!

                                                    Central Park exploration to see Balto

                              Sit on the steps of the Met like Blair and Serena in Gossip Girl

                                                                 Dinner in Little Italy

 Went to The Tonys and saw some fab celebs

                              Serendipity after class for their Frozen Hot Chocolate, soo good!

Which leads me to my best weekend yet. It was completely unplanned and we just happened to stumble upon an amazing time. Friday I got to see one of my favorite PHA girls, Ashlen for dinner at Justin Timberlake's restaurant called Southern Hospitality. Then I met up with Melissa, a friend from high school at this great bar on a boat in the Hudson called, The Frying Pan. Finally ended up at this beautiful club called Anja. I wish we had places like these in Columbia, it is definitely my kind of scene. Somehow chandeliers and live djs beat out Big 12, who would of thought right? :)

Saturday I went to this beach called Rockaway Beach that reminded me of Florida. Again, its crazy how NY really does have anything you could ever need. It was beautiful and the perfect escape I needed to catch some rays. That night we went to this amazing rooftop party that had hired their own band and bartender. Free top shelf drinks, anyone? The view was the best part looking out onto the Empire State building and all the rest of the bright amazing skyline. I met someone there that is hooking me up with a 60% discount on a pair of Christian Louboutins. Basically the one designer thing I have always wanted, they are gorgeous! The guys we were with then took us to a club in the meatpacking district where we went straight to VIP and danced the night away.

Sunday began with a visit to the Seaport for some breakfast at the Waffle cart. You can add whatever toppings you want and it is sooo yummy. Then we continued the spectacular  Sunday with a visit to the Highline, an above ground out of service subway line that has been turned into a park. It was so much fun and the views were amazing! It was so refreshing to see so much green. Then we headed to central park to do some rowing in the lake. Cannot describe how much fun and laughter my roomies and I got out of this. The weather was incredible and we could not have asked for a better day. And we spent less than $15 for the entire fun filled day! This includes a full meal in between it all at this little hole in the wall mexican place where we proceeded to get burgers fries and a drink all for $5.95. Trust me, in this city thats pretty incredible.

I have a big day at the office tomorrow so I need to get to sleep. Chances are I will fall asleep on accident while working on something, just like I do every night. Legitimately, every night that I have been here I have never fallen asleep purposely. So much to do so little time!

xoxo-
Allie

City That Never Sleeps

First, let me apologize for my long absence from updating. People can say it a million times, but this city really does never sleep. My schedule is pretty demanding with working 9+ hours a day, 5 days a week. More and more is being expected of me and I am getting bigger responsibilities which is very exciting (sorry thats all the details I can share. I thought that would be hard, but I'm learning that having my own little secret world that I tell no one about is quite refreshing). I absolutely love my position and though I never pictured myself working with the fashion world, it has begun to spark my interest as I continue to learn more. (Don't worry though, sports is still my passion and first love).

Any second I have off work, I am constantly out exploring the wonderful world that is NYC. And when I call it world, its on purpose. The more I learn about New York the more I realize why its inhabitants never leave or want to, anyways. Anything I could ever want is situated on a 5 x 13 mile plot of land:

Ability to see the skyline in one of the tallest buildings in the world? Check
Several beaches to escape to and soak up sun? Check
Incredible parks with mesmerizing scenery? Check
The greatest shopping in the world from luxury designers to little boutiques? Check
Authentic, delicious food from every region you could imagine? Check
Celebrity sightings a normal occurence? Check
Nightlife that could keep even Paris Hilton entertained? Check
Access to the best performing arts shows, just a few blocks away? Check
Sports that could put several other cities combined to shame? Check
Within an hour of tons of other fun cities to explore (philly. jersey shore, boston, D.C.)? Check
A block or two from almost everything else you could think of? Probably, check

But all those fabulous things aside, the absolute best part of the city for me is the feeling it gives me. I feel home. This is the one time in my life where I feel like I am exactly where I am supposed to be. Missouri is fun but I need a place that moves at the same speed that I do. Cornfields, cowboys, and Fieldhouse Wednesdays just don't quite compare to flashing lights, beautiful people, and endless big name events.

Sure, not every part of living here is glamorous but the pros easily outweigh the cons. I tweeted today that the Jay-Z and Alicia Keys song 'Empire State of Mind' plays constantly in my mind. I walk the streets and constantly hear the lyrics in my head, in awe that I am really here. There is one line that perfectly sums up my thoughts about this city:


"These streets will make you feel brand new, big lights will inspire you. Lets hear it for New York." 

Well said, you two. Being here this summer is the biggest inspiration to keep working hard to achieve my dreams. Dreams of living in the city upon graduation with a fabulous job and making it big. Until then, I will be soaking up as much as I can of NY this summer to hold me over for the next year.

- Allie

Big Apple, Big Fun

Today is day 4 of my life in NYC. I cannot believe it's only been that long. I feel like I am already a native New Yorker and have done so much in so little time. But my body reminded me of how busy I've been the past few days, I didn't wake up until 11:30 this morning! Last night was our first time actually 'going out' in the city. We all gathered in my apartment first before heading out on the town. We all went down to the southside seaport and had some drinks outside on the pier. We were surprised to learn that happy hour in manhattan at the place we went lasted until 1 am (bars are open until 5 am here) and got $5 margaritas and strawberry dacquiris (thats really cheap here).  Zaire, Kim, and Keith made a trip to Manhattan from Staten Island to come hang with us and it was so fun to have a big Mizzou crew to do the M-I-Z   Z-O-U chant with as we walked the streets of the city. After they left we were on a mission to find some of the military men in town because it is Fleet Week, meaning all the ships are docked here until next Wednesday. We found a little hole in the wall bar where we found sailors dancing on the bar. It was quite the experience and all of us found ourselves up on the bar with them for a good story to tell. All in all it was great first night. 

Today a bunch of us went out exploring again and ventured into Greenwich Village, then Morgan and I went to Central Park, Grand Central Station, Bloomingdale's, Lexington St through all the street vendors and then back to the apartment. The subway system is really easy to use, once you know which subway stations have which tracks, its a piece of cake. Hopefully tonight we will get to see Staten Island from the view of Zaire, the native Staten Islander.

Tomorrow I am hoping to make a trip to Philly to see some of my fav. Mizzou guys that are in town. If that doesn't happen then we are going to try to work on the apartment because its pretty empty still. We made a trip to Brooklyn yesterday to visit the nearest Target (the prices are the same as in St. Chuck, thank goodness!) and we picked up all the essentials we needed: plates, silverware, cups, soap, dish towel, bread, meat, and a few other snacks. There are so many random things you need that I would never think of. We have a makeshift table that we all stand around that is actually a dresser. We all joke that when we have a dinner party we will push two together and stick a table cloth over it. I have been living off peanut butter sandwiches so there is no need for anything fancy.

Tonight I made myself some chicken nuggets and easy mac for dinner (yes I know I eat like a 5 year old) . I treated myself though with my other cupcake that I bought from the famous Magnolias Bakery yesterday. I ate the Carrie cupcake yesterday (named after Carrie Bradshaw who was a frequent visitor of Magnolia Bakery on SATC) and enjoyed a chocolate with pink icing cupcake tonight. I am now laying in bed stalling getting ready for tonight. I should get up and shower so I will leave you with some pictures to enjoy. They should better explain what I've been talking about.

This is my building where I live. Its pretty and located just across the street from some important federal building. 

down at the seaport with Jess, and Morgan. Behind us is the Brooklyn Bridge

Inside Magnolia's Bakery showing off my cupcakes. The purple one is the 'Carrie'

There is a constant line out the door

In the apartment with my Mizzou boys before heading out: Zaire, L.B., Zaire, and Kimmie.  I am a midget compared to them but in my defense, yes they do play basketball for Mizzou

The whole crew 

And the naval men on the bar

Thats all for now. Thanks for reading.

-Allie 

Day One Wrap Up

I'm finally here! I am currently laying in my bed of our adorable little apartment gazing out onto the beautiful city landscape. This is surreal. I'm not sure my first day here could have been more perfect. Just like I knew I would, I have fallen in love with this city.  This is my 3rd time here and many of the girls in the program are first timers. It's weird but I already feel like a New Yorker. This city has the same attitude as I do: move fast, and sleep when you're dead. I think the girls learned today that this city can chew you up and spit you out if you're not strong willed because it's a whole different ball game here. Everyone is constantly on the move and the are not lying when they say it is the city that never sleeps.

Here is some fun things I have discovered:

1. The rules to driving here is that there are no rules.

2. Tourists are annoying. I've got places to go people, if you're going to stop and take pictures get out of my way

3. Taxi drivers have amazing stories to tell, just ask them to tell you a few and you might make their day

4. Taking a taxi is rediculously expensive, they add fees for almost anything. ($45 ride from the airport made me learn my lesson quickly)

5. People walk everywhere, making it almost impossible to not lose weight here (score!)

6. This city is incredible and all of you need to come visit :)

I will continue to share my learned knowledge of the city as I become a better New Yorker throughout the summer, so stay posted.

For those of you wondering here is a basic rundown of my first day.

Got up around 5 am to head to the airport, ughh

Mom started crying as I left to go through security, heartbreaking

Got the window seat on both my layover to Chicago and to New York, score!

Almost had a 'Taken' experience when some man approached me to share a cab with him. Umm sir, I'm not stupid.

Easily found my apartments and actually unpacked everything right away, mom would be so proud.

Went out exploring and walked on Broadway, went to the southside seaport, saw ground zero and got a Jamba Juice

Got ready and went to the Marriot Marquis and then to Junior's in Times Square with our fabulous program coordinator. The food was delicious, it is a must- do in New York because they are voted best cheesecake every year. Conversation was also quite entertaining, all I'm going to say is 'what's that clicking sound?' haha if you want details ask

Showed the girls around Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and Fifth Avenue

Then to end the perfect day we went to the midnight showing of Sex and the City 2 at midnight. It's so good, go see it.

Now here I am about to have my first day at Gucci, and I could not be more excited! My bosses seem so sweet and I couldn't ask for a cooler job. I will update as soon as I return, but for now I've got to go get ready so I can look fabulous for my first big day!!

XoXo-

Allie

to so here is a run down of my first day

Enjoy some of my pics!

NYC skyline from the southside seaport

apartment pics

    me and one of my roomies Morgan at the Sex and the City premiere!

Final Day In Missouri

In 24 hours I will be unpacking my life into my new apartment/dorm in NYC. I cannot believe the day has finally come. I can finally say I am ready to go. It's been fun St. Chuck, but I am so ready to move on to bigger and better things. This summer will be such a growing experience for me, and much needed. I had to say goodbye to my very best friends tonight (which made me cry my eyes out) but I have a feeling these 3 months will go by quicker than I want them to, and hopefully all my girls will come visit me in the city :)

It was so great to get to enjoy my final day here. Thanks to the constant pushing of my mom I got all my packing done prior to the night before and had all day to enjoy myself. I got to to the gym, lay out with my best friend, get lunch with my mom, have sushi with the fam, and then go out with everyone from high school. It was a perfect day and I couldn't think of a better way to end my time here. My flight is at 7:20 a.m. so I have to be up around 4:30 to shower and put my finishing touches on packing so I have to get to bed. So long Missouri, Hello Manhattan! Many pictures and fun updates coming soon! I will miss you all! 

xoxo

-Allie