May 2013
1 post
The 20-Something Midlife Crisis
Like most mental health crisis, I’d thought I was the only one afflicted.
Unique to my situation, I also thought that New York City was playing a heavy hand in it, and only some people people in my circumstances wouldn’t understand the city’s influence.
In both ways I was wrong.
It started in two ways: one because I was waking up in the morning feeling constricted and...
December 2012
8 posts
5A's (NY Mag) Year in Culture
This week, New York Magazine’s “Year in Culture” hit news stands. As culturally diverse women, Alison and I of Apartment 5A believe it is our duty as NYC bloggers to respond to the article, which broke up culture into (somewhat) distinct categories: Music, Movies, Art, Theatre, and TV.
We know about that shit.
So here’s what we had to say about each category, including...
October 2012
2 posts
Sandra.
Lower Manhattan’s black out. (Photo courtesy of CBS).
Last September I sat in my bed (that was on the other side of the room back then), and called Alison. Was she on her way home? This Irene nonsense was starting to get a little intense. If we were going to float out of our apartment I fully intended to do it partner style. I bought groceries, I filled up our tub and our pasta pot with...
19 tags
Brand New Barclays, Jay
A few weeks ago, New York Magazine ran the headline: “Brooklyn is Over.” Or maybe it was, the writer wondered, thanks to the plunk down of the architectural behemouth, Barclays Center. (Among other things its been called.)
Regardless of any ethical dilemmas Barclays suggests, (of which I am not qualified to comment on,) I have to say I’m not sure the Center is set to ruin the...
September 2012
6 posts
6 tags
Almost Famous
I’ve been listening to an English guy’s covers on You Tube since last winter. I had the privilege of sharing his talents with some friends, especially this summer when I went to Paris and London. All the ladies loved Conor Maynard’s (English guy in question) music and before I knew it I was back on American soil and in Conor’s arms. Well, it didn’t exactly work like...
In Another Country
I have never been a religious person and I never will be. It’s not always easy either. Many times I have wished, and sometimes still do that my parents had raised me with some type of moral compass that pointed in the God direction. They didn’t.
I consider myself spiritual, but I do not believe in a religious figure that is concerned with human problems. People kill each other...
5 Things We Loved at Fashion's Night Out (Sept. 6,...
Fashion’s Night Out is one of the best reasons to live in New York. Designers, stores and neighborhoods team together to celebrate everything that is fashion. From goody bags to great deals, to celebrity appearances and DJs in every store front, there’s plenty to love no matter what your style. Here’s some of the things we loved….
These glasses at Oliver Peoples.
...
18 tags
Shameless Plug
So I’ve really needed my hair done. When I say really, I think you underestimated how dry, grown out, and tri (tri as in three) tonal it was. I got my first dark to light ombre in January and loved it, but it was in some dire need of an update. Thanks to Yukari at Dlala (Dah-lah) salon in Alphabet City, I am back to my regular, experimental self. I’ve had every color of the rainbow,...
A Head Start and a Domestic Partnership
In case anyone was wondering, the fastest way to feel as though you and your same sex roommate are in a domestic partnership is to fill out a questionnaire about your lifestyle. As I was doing so last night, (for a number of various reasons), I realized the following: that Alison and I do indulge in an active weekend lifestyle, enjoy documentary television during the week (getting the lez vibe...
August 2012
2 posts
Things You Only Learn in the City and From Reading...
Maybe it’s watching all the new students at NYU that has me nostalgic, but I realized there’s a few things I’ve learned here in the ole city. This time last year I was a ball of nerves, preparing to enter into my year long grad program. Now that I have my Master’s there’s a possibility I’m smarter in two ways: professionally and this way-
Things That You Only...
July 2012
10 posts
Turkey Meatballs for Poor People
It’s been awhile since we’ve uploaded a recipe to the blog. Thought we’d hit you with two of our favorites, one new (this one) and an old favorite (to be posted soon!) We always substitute ground turkey for hamburger around here, it’s leaner and has (what I think) is a more complex flavor. And that annoying/gross grease that you have to deal with when you’re cooking...
Mrs. Kontos-Robert's Neighborhood
Living in New York quickly trains you to be aware of people around you. Most of the people will be creepy. Or leering at you. Or too hot to notice you. But that’s all okay, because half the fun is people watching. It’s true what they say, people watching in New York could be an Olympic sport. (A fitting reference considering tomorrow’s opening ceremonies, eh?) Some of the best...
“I feel like a delusional invisible person half the time. So, I need to learn...”
– Hannah Horvath (via lovelyladyvalerie)
A Beautiful (Albeit Unemployed) Mind
I’m officially a part of journalism’s favorite social group: The unemployed, well qualified young adult. In May, I sat at Lincoln Center with the rest of NYU’s Silver School of Social Work graduates and was told how influential my career choice is. In fact, I have a favorite economy related joke about entering the work force that I tell people when they ask me “What’s...
June 2012
1 post
Things We Love (June 28, 2012)
1. Cafe Habana (17 Prince, btwn Elizabeth and Mott)
I had the pleasure of joining a fellow social worker out for dinner tonight, and she suggested this place for some Cuban food, tucked amongst the shops on Prince Street. Though not a small restaurant, the seats are stuffed into every square inch (my long legs barely fit into our corner.) But the meal was wonderful, flavorful, comforting and...
May 2012
5 posts
Weekend (Wear) Update-Met Gala 2012!
Hello All!
Monday was the grandest of all galas, the most spectacular of all parties, and for some reason I wasn’t invited? Hmm rude.
It was the MET COSTUME INSTITUTE GALA! And literally…I mean LITERALLY…just blocks away from our Upper East Side stomping grounds, at the Metropolitan Art Museum. Since it is a fashion gala, everyone invited is always on their A—Game (well…usually everyone). I...
Met Gala Runner Ups
So this is Wynne’s selection of Runner Ups from WWU, people who look good but were not chosen by Alison, the real WWU fashion selector. To see all the looks and decide which ones were your favorites, go here!
Ed Westwick, in Prada. GG for lyfe.
Amy Adams in Giambattista Valli
Rhianna in Tom Ford
Marion Cotillard in Christian Dior
Caroline Trentini in Olivier Theyskens
...
White Pizza for Poor New Yorkers
We haven’t included a Recipe for Poor People in awhile, so I decided to share this little number I whipped up this weekend for a friend that was in town. I had a feeling these ingredients would jive together, and boy did they ever! This pre-made pizza crust is my favorite, not only for how easy it is, but because it can’t seem to decide whether it’s a crispy crust or a flaky...
April 2012
6 posts
Old (and gritty) New York →
Some photos of New York’s amazing, and sometimes dark past from the Daily Mail’s website.
& (AND) →
Chelsea Kardokus, a student at Ball State University in Indiana recently wrote, designed and published & (AND) a small magazine exploring multiple facets of typography at work today. Kardokus spent last summer in NYC working as an intern for the Wall Street Journal, and when she’s not creating in graphic-journalism ways she’s laughing, shopping at Urban Outfitters and planning her...
NYC Photo Blog you MUST see →
There are many photographers living and working in New York, but take some time to admire the work of Alberto Reyes. His blog features photos of NYC from every angle, and lucky for us they’re all beautiful. His take on his city might inspire you to go out and capture your own surroundings—remember you don’t have to live in New York to see things just a little differently.
Check...
The Brooklyn Flea is back! →
The Brooklyn Flea is back! Dates have recently been added to all locations as the spring weather gets more beautiful! Here is the link to the cool vendors that sell their wares at the 3 Brooklyn Flea locations. From homemade marshmallows to handcrafted jewelry and the impressive collection of vintage clothing the Flea is known for, there is a little something for everyone. See ya there!
Which...
9 tags
A Train Ride
I only wait two minutes for the train. This is good, because I’ve already left my apartment four minutes behind schedule. I have planned to get a muffin, scratch that, a yogurt and juice from the shop across the street from Washington Square. That is, if I get to Washington Square in time. I’ve been reading a book on journalism and I like it. I steal every available moment on the train...
March 2012
21 posts
Lucky Mag reviews Penguin Women's 2012 →
Can’t get enough of the whimsical new women’s line from Penguin Women’s? Lucky Mag can’t either. Get more pictures of the spring showing, along with a closer look at all the pieces. Here at New York Instant, we can’t get enough!
What do you think of Penguin Women’s 2012? NewYorkInstant@gmail.com
Weekend Wear Update~Penguin Women's
Well hello, all. It has been a while since I have done a Weekend Wear Update…excited to be back! Although I have been gone for a while, I make my triumphant return with some exciting news…Original Penguin women’s line is back! I know, I am as excited as you are.
This morning we had a launch party (complete with mini pop tarts, brioche egg sandwiches, and {not so mini} mimosas) and...
