Top 10 things you need to do in New York City

New York City: The Big Apple. The City of Dreams. The Concrete Jungle. You get what I'm saying. In actual fact, I was in NYC less than two months ago. It was the first time I'd ever been there, and I absolutely loved it. I love the hectic feeling of being in a city where you're a complete stranger to everyone else. Okay, I'm getting off topic. My point? Since New York can be pretty crazy at times, it's important to have a plan as to what you want to see or do while visiting. Most people, like me, are pretty clueless as to what they want to see/visit/experience while in The City. Don't stress, though - I've done most of the work for you and compiled a list of the top ten things you "must do" while in NYC. Read on.

10. Buy a hot dog from a street vendor
I don't care what kind of attitude you have towards hot dogs (unless you're a vegetarian/vegan, then by all means ignore this), but most people know that hot dog vendors are an iconic thing in New York. In actual fact, the (one) hot dog I ate while in New York was probably one of the best I've ever had.

9. Walk through Times Square
Ahh, Times Square. You'll all probably agree with me when I say that it is absolutely insane. The arrangement of different shaped posters and electronic signs is so beautiful that you may get distracted while walking and end up bumping into another person.
On a side note, I wouldn't recommend walking through Times Square if you're claustrophobic. However, the top deck of a tour bus is a good option.

8. Shopping on 5th Avenue
No matter your budget, shopping on 5th Avenue is almost guaranteed to make you feel 10x more glamorous than usual. For me, walking down an unfamiliar-yet-extremely well-known street (that word may be a little downgrading) is pretty special. You don't even need to purchase anything; just surround yourself in the glamour of beautiful stores (from designers who you may never have even heard of) and soak in the atmosphere - trust me, you'll appreciate the memory after you've left.

7. See a Broadway Show
Yes, Broadway shows are quite expensive. However, I recommend you see a show if you're an international visitor - when else are you going to get the opportunity to go, so just do it! :) My family and I saw Wicked while we were there, and it was honestly the best musical I've ever been to.

6. Go on a river cruise
You can interpret the word 'cruise' however you'd like to, depending on your budget. Basically, it's a good idea to go on a river tour around Manhattan (under the Brooklyn Bridge) and ultimately having a good view of the Statue of Liberty. Have your camera ready!

5. Visit the Empire State Building Observatory
No matter which viewing platform you go to, the view from the top of the Empire State Building is stunning. It's a great way to see Manhattan from above, since you can spend as much time as you'd like analysing just one part of the city. Just a warning, though - it was 0 degrees C (32 degrees F) while I was up there in April. Don't underestimate the temperature at that particular altitude, in addition to the wind chill!

4. Walk through Central Park
There aren't many parks this large that are so close to the CBD of a major city. It would have been lovely to lie in the grass while I was there, however it was pretty cold at the time. The ice skating rink is beautiful, too - can you imagine it in winter? While walking through Central Park is nice in itself, the horse and carriage rides were probably the major highlight for me. How can you resist going on a trip through Central Park via horse and carriage? I've included photos below, just in case you're missing the point here :)

How relaxing does this look?

   

3. Go on a bus tour
It's probably the best way to get to know where everything is (How many blocks is Times Square away from your hotel?). Plus, most companies have hop-on, hop-off tours arriving every fifteen minutes to each stop. I probably enjoyed the Midtown and Downtown tours the most, while I didn't enjoy the Uptown and night tours to Brooklyn as much (although they were still interesting).

I definitely recommend Gray line tours

2. Ice Skating at the Rockefeller Center
When I first laid eyes on The Rink at the Rockefeller Center, I actually gasped. It's the most beautiful ice skating rink I've ever seen. My first assumption was that it was probably incredibly expensive to use, but I was actually quite wrong! I mean, it's expensive for what it is; however, it won't break the bank! Plus, you'll get a good deal if you purchase a conjoined ticket that lets you go up to the Top of the Rock, too!

It actually looks exactly like this

1. Go to the Top of the Rock
In my opinion, this is no doubt the number one thing you need to do while in New York. I mean, the observatory of the Empire State Building (refer to 5) is pretty cool, but isn't the centerpiece of New York the Empire State Building itself? The Top of the Rock has a perfect view of this iconic building, in addition to holding about three observation decks on consecutive floors. That way, it doesn't get too claustrophobic come sunset (trust me, everyone wants a good sunset photo).

Yes, it really is this stunning. I recommend going at dusk for some sunset/night shots

In case you didn't already know, I'm Australian. This means that neither my family or I were extremely interested in various historical sites. However, if you're an American (or interested in American history), you may want to consider visiting locations such as the Twin Towers Memorial. 

Wow, that was my first ever travel post! Which surprises me, because I've always loved travelling and want to share my experiences with you all. If you liked this, please let me know! That's all from me for now, so I'll talk to you all next time xx

Finding the perfect outfit

Hey, everyone! In case you haven't read my latest blog post, I queued this particular post while I was overseas, but for some reason it never got published. I wanted to post it now, so you can all read it :). I know I've been taking a few posts from my second tumblr lately, but this post surprisingly got a lot of notes. Other than that, read on :)

So you’ve got something coming up, but have no idea what to wear? Join the club. Hopefully, after you read this you’ll have all your future worries sorted!

1. Decode the invitation. Take note on any dress codes mentioned, as well as how formal the invitations look. If the invitation is on Facebook or there is no invitation at all, find out who else is coming and try to ask them for their opinion.

Black tie = a long or floor-length dress

2. Pick your outfit. It doesn’t matter how long this part takes, as long as it gets done. There’s nothing worse than throwing clothes all over your room in an attempt to find something to wear at the last minute! Just make sure your outfit matches the theme/dress code.

3. Accessorize! I know you’ve probably heard it a hundred times, but it’s true: accessories really do make an outfit. They can be used to dress up or down, so make sure you pay close attention to this step. (Remember, if in doubt, dress up)

4. The finishing touches. For just a casual party, make sure your hair and make-up isn’t too high maintenance. Limit your touch-ups to 2 max, because you’re there to have fun, not to be constantly worrying about smudging your eyeliner!

 xx

Taken from: My second tumblr

"The Basics"

Okay, so I know what you're thinking: uh, Katrina, why haven't you posted in like, 3 weeks? I know, I know, I can explain! I've actually been overseas, and I queued 2 posts (including this one) to publish while I was away. The problem was, I only realised blogger didn't post them until I got back and one of my friends asked why I hadn't posted anything over the holidays (shoutout to Yemi!). So I'm sorry if I've been seeming inactive lately, but I'll definitely try and get back on top of things. For now, enjoy this post :) xx

Have you recently bought something incredibly cute, but have nothing to wear it with? Already owning all the basic clothing items can save you heaps of time and money when it comes to wearing a new piece with your current wardrobe. Want to know what all the basics are? Read on.

- White and black t-shirts (help with making statement shorts stand out - ones with pockets are extra cute!)

- White and black singlets (great for sheer tops and wearing under normal shirts when it’s cold)

- Trench/winter coat (make sure you try to get one that’s waterproof! And it's a good idea to splurge on a trench coat, as you're likely to keep it for a few years.)

Perhaps you could channel your inner 'A'?

- Denim blue and black jeans (you don’t have to get skinny jeans - choose any sort of cut you want! Thick denim is especially helpful for those chilly days)

- Jeggings (they're so much more comfortable than jeans - great for flights and road trips)

- Nude coloured underwear (never wear white underwear under white clothes - it will show through!)

- Boots (if they aren’t your thing, you could always get booties. It’s best to get leather ones and spray them with waterproof spray.)

If in doubt, dress up...

- Everyday sweatshirt/jumper (get a dark coloured one, so it won’t easily stain and look dirty)

- Casual dress (something that could be worn to the pool or out to lunch)

- Formal dress and shoes (so you don’t have to panic whenever you get invited to a formal dinner)

- Black blazer (for job interviews or any time you need to look formal)



- Everyday earrings (small-ish in size, and at least made of sterling silver so they last longer)


- Swimmers/bathing suit (this is obvious, but I’m saying it anyway)


I’m pretty sure I've covered everything. Since I'm currently overseas and away from my beloved laptop, I'll mainly be using popular posts from my second tumblr until I get back xx

Taken from: My second tumblr

TBT: Forgotten memories that made our childhood

Since it's well and truly 2014 now (what? 3 months have already passed??), I've had the time to really consider how time has literally been flying over these past few years. I mean, it only seems like 6 months ago when I was permanently curled up in front of the TV after school, rather than constantly freaking out about what needs to be done by when. And if your memories of 2004 are still pretty clear in your mind, think about this: 2004 was ten years ago. TEN! So I've been seriously throwing it back lately, because I've come to realise that my childhood was actually pretty great (just about everyone's was!).

I've compiled a list of my favourite childhood memories into a kind of archival-style post. Read on for a throwback into the early 2000's *gels hair*.

Drake and Josh
I'm going to start with a classic: Drake and Josh. What made this show great is that it appealed to everyone at the time it was airing, from introverts to extroverts, and little kids (me at the time) to teenagers. Plus, you can watch any old episode and still find yourself in stitches from laughing too hard!

N Sync
Does the name sound familiar to you? Because I was sure I'd never heard of N Sync before until I listened to  songs like Bye Bye Bye for the first time in about six years, all the while wondering how I had forgotten about them (and the much younger Justin Timberlake). I can almost guarantee you'll remember one of their songs if you just take the time to listen to one of them.

The Jonas Brothers
While I understand that not everyone liked the Jonas Brothers, I know that I'm not the only one who was completely obsessed with them about five years ago. Ever since I heard SOS, I was hooked (oh, and Nick was my favourite, by the way). Although, my infatuation with them only lasted for about 1-2 years, as seasons 2+ of JONAS/JONAS LA were a bit of a letdown for me.

Mmm, that hair! ;)

Every now and then, I'll listen to a few of their songs just to bring back memories :'). And although the Jonas Brothers are old news now, a lot of people don't know that they released a song called Pom Poms just last year. And while they officially broke up last October (*sob*), they'll always have a special place in my heart.

Disney Everything

Sorry, I couldn't help myself...

No, I'm not talking about relatively new Disney movies such as Tangled and Frozen (although those movies were amazing), I'm talking about the classics. Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid... They're still great movies, even now we're older and our interests have changed multiple times since then. And whenever I'm having a lazy weekend or down day, one of the classic Disney princess movies is guaranteed to cheer me up.



Miley Cyrus (the early days)
When I was about 10 years old, Miley Cyrus was my idol. I completely loved her, and eagerly awaited new episodes of Hannah Montana to be aired every week. When people started predicting that she would eventually go wild, I didn't believe them - I mean, why would she? And although I was no longer a fan by the time she turned eighteen, I wasn't surprised that she was still completely normal. And then she cut her hair in 2012, and shocked the world multiple times in 2013...

This was actually my favourite hairstyle in 2008

And while I don't agree with some of the decisions she's made in the past few years and the image she currently portrays, I'm glad she was a good role model while I was growing up.

High School Musical
Did you know that the first High School Musical movie was released eight years ago? And while you may not be fan of the twelvie-style fangirling that was happening at the time the trilogy was being released (I definitely wasn't), you're likely to fall in love with the romantic side to these movies. Cue late-night sing-alongs with your best friends!









She's the Man
I think everyone can agree with me when I say that She's the Man is one of the greatest teenage movies of all time. Even though this came out when I was eight years old, I still loved it and continue to love it today.

And the early 00's movies I haven't appreciated until now...
- Mean Girls
- White Chicks
- Bring it On
- Legally Blonde

If you've seen any of these movies, you'll know just how quotable they all are.

Never break the rules

Okay, that's all from me for now! I'm trying to get back in the habit of posting regularly, so keep checking back here every so often. I'll talk to you all soon, bye xx

I'm just a little clueless...

So I was going a little crazy while attempting to study/finish homework/start on assignments last weekend, and I thought I needed a little break. Since I'd heard a lot of good things about this particular movie, I decided to watch ...Clueless. Oh. My. God. This is actually my favourite movie at the moment, I'm not even joking.
Before I go into detail about what this movie has taught me, I thought I'd share my favourite Clueless quotes with you all. Read on.

[driving up to a huge house]

Cher: "This is where Dionne lives. She's my friend because we both know what it's like for people to be jealous of us."

Amber: "Was I the only one listening? I thought it reeked."

Cher: "No, I believe that’s your designer imposter perfume."

"Ugh, as if!"

Amber: "Ms. Stoeger, my plastic surgeon doesn’t want me doing any activity where balls fly at my nose."

Dionne: "Well, there goes your social life."

Mr.Hall: [as Travis goes to jump out window] "And could the suicide attempts PLEASE be postponed until the next period?"

"Christian said he’d call the next day, but in boy time that meant Thursday."

"So okay, I don’t want to be a traitor to my generation and all but I don’t get how guys dress today. I mean, come on, it looks like they just fell out of bed and put on some baggy pants and take their greasy hair (eww!) and cover it up with a backwards cap and like, we’re expected to swoon? I don’t think so."

"He does dress better than I do, what would I bring to the relationship?"

Mel: "What the hell is that?"

Cher: "A dress."

Mel: "Says who?"

Cher: "Calvin Klein."

Cher: [wondering why she feels so horrible because of Tai and Josh; looks in a store window] "Ooh! I wonder if they have that in my size."

Cher: "If it’s a concussion, you have to keep her conscious, okay? Ask her questions."

Elton: "What’s seven times seven?"

Cher: "Stuff she knows!"

"I was just totally clueless."

Okay, I'm done (but seriously, this movie is like the Mean Girls of the 90's!).
Just about all of us are a little clueless about something (or everything), and during our teenage years especially. I actually think this is a pretty good thing. I mean, life wouldn't exactly be exciting if we knew all about anything and everything. This is the beauty of life - no one truly knows what is going to happen in the future, so this definitely gives you the right to take chances. Discover new things! No matter how 'crazy' your ideas may seem, you should definitely attempt to put your (not too extreme) ideas into action by doing whatever you can to make your dreams into a reality.

Still not convinced you should share your ideas? Maybe I should give you an example. I'm guessing you're all familiar with Richard Branson (or heard of any business beginning with 'Virgin'). He single-handedly began quite a large number of his own businesses - some failed; others are now extremely successful. My point being, Branson had an idea. No matter how many times he got knocked down or was laughed at, he didn't stop giving up and is now one of the richest people in Britain.

So no matter how clueless you may be right now, someday everything will make perfect sense. So make the most of it! xx

When you don't like change...

If you've read my favourites' posts from mid-2013, you'll probably know that I love Lauren Conrad and everything she's written/appeared in - her TV show, her fictional books, as well as her Style and Beauty books... Don't even get me started on her personal website and The Beauty Department! She's a very talented woman, who happens to have made some comments that have stuck with me. I won't mention all my favourites just yet (maybe in another post?), because I'd like to talk about one particular quote right now. I've included it below...

“And lastly…why did you move to L.A.? Besides your job, why L.A.?”

Jane thought for a minute. “To be uncomfortable.”

Dana and Wendell looked at her, a little confused.

“My whole life I’ve always been safe, boring…comfortable,” Jane explained. “I’ve had the same friends my whole life. I have a great family. I grew up in a beautiful place. I was really lucky, but I came to L.A. to get out of my comfort zone and do something different.” 

(Conrad, L. LA Candy, 2010)


It's a well-known fact that almost every human doesn't like the idea of change. And why would you? Things are (mostly) perfectly fine as they are, and it's quite common to become hesitant when it comes to changing things up. Things are familiar, routinely...comfortable for you. Which is why it's good to remember that stepping out of your comfort zone may be just what you need in life. I mean, how else will you get to see everything the world has to offer for you?

And as for stepping out of your comfort zone? Well, the choice is up to you! Just do whatever makes you feel uncomfortable (in a good way), such as changing jobs or taking up a new hobby. And I don't know if I should be asking this, but I'm going to do it anyway: Do you really want to have the exact same life in 20 years as you do now? If the answer is yes, then that's completely fine - actually, that's great! However, if your answer is no, then you may want to think about trying something different every now and then.

If you don't like something, change it. If you've decided what you'd like to try, but are scared, click here for a post I recently published that's all about making decisions.

No matter how much you deny it, you're probably hesitant when it comes to trying something different. But this is completely okay! The best thing to do is to accept that at some point, change is going to happen. Focus on the positives of these changes, and you'll be able to handle anything. xx

Valentines' SOS

So Valentines Day is tomorrow! I personally don’t have any plans (except for the usual), but I know a lot of you do. The key thing to remember when putting your look together for a Valentines date is to keep it as soft and natural-looking as you can. Here are some tips on planning your look with minimal stress...

Hair - don’t spend heaps of time on it. Today isn't necessarily the day for tight ballerina buns and multiple cans of hairspray (unless, you know, that's your thing). Braiding your hair then taking it out after a few hours will result in soft, touchable curls - a great Valentines' idea. Remember to try to have a relaxed look, so wearing your hair out with nothing done to it is completely fine, too!

Makeup - this needs to be really natural. This means minimal foundation, long eyelashes (If you have brown eyelashes, use brown mascara if you can), and soft pink lips and cheeks. If you can, red lipstick is a great idea. Also, I'd try to stay away from eyeshadow unless it’s mostly shimmery/nude colours.

Clothes - try to wear something that suits your everyday style. This could be a floral dress with flats, or a knitted jumper with jeans and heels (if it’s cold). If you don't like wearing pink, but would like to dress in traditional Valentines' colours, opt for something like a red bag, pumps or baby pink nail polish. Just be yourself - really!

Jewelry - wear your normal earrings/bracelets that you would any other day, but just add something a little different (a statement necklace? An over sized ring?).

Okay, so this is actually one of the prettiest Valentines' Day outfits I've ever seen...

[Photo Source: Windsor Store]

Don’t get upset if you don’t have a special someone to spend the day with. Valentines Day is all about spending time with your loved ones, not necessarily your boyfriend. After all, what’s better than watching rom coms with a bunch of your friends, with lots of popcorn and ice cream? Happy Friday everyone! ;) xx

Taken from: My second tumblr (I've added a lot more to this post since I initially wrote it last year)

Next Week: When you don't like change...