NYC: 8 Things to Do This Winter

At the start of any fresh year, I would normally list out my resolutions and goals. Sometimes they’re practical but usually, they’re a little too ambitious and one too many. This year I won’t be sharing my 2020 goals but instead continue to work on my finances, my home, creativity, and wellness.

Keeping that in mind, I’m sharing eight things anyone and everyone can participate during this warm winter.

1. Go Ice Skating
There’s an ice skating rink in nearly every borough so there’s no excuse to not venture out to one. Plus, getting in the rink is so much fun! It’s the perfect date idea, good for groups, and a sure-fire way to make memories and laughter. Pro Tip: Bring your own skates so you can avoid paying rental fees + it’s a bit more sanitary.

2. Take a Day Trip to Belleayre Mountain
Put on your Heat Tech layers, ski coat, and take a day trip up to the Mountains for a day filled with skiing or snowboarding. Compared to Hunter Mountain it’s less crowded and more affordable. If you’re a beginner, like me, you could rent equipment and practice on the Bunny Slopes. And once you tire out head to the Ski Lodge for a drink or two. Spoiler alert: you will need a car for this.

3. Warm Up with Ramen
This city is filled with amazing cuisines, one of them being Ramen. The spots I love are pretty small and can quickly fill out so I highly recommend showing up at least 30 minutes before the doors open for dinner. It’s recommended, because of the size of most ramen restaurants, that you dine solo or bring a friend but more than three people might cause a longer wait. A few spots I recommend: Ippudo, Totto Ramen, and Mu Ramen.

4. Cheer on the New York Rangers
There’s something wild about Hockey. I’m not sure if it’s the crowd, the chanting, or the fighting but whatever it is - it’s working. My partner and I have tickets to catch a game later this month and I am SO EXCITED.

5. Join a Studio and Participate in Their January Challenge
At the start of every year, all fitness studios start their membership challenges. Pick one and commit! It’s a great way to learn all the poses for a class, meet new people, and get into a healthy habit. A few studios I love without a doubt are Barre3, Y7 Studio, Fhitting Room, and SLT.

Not ready to commit to a full month just yet? Then sign up for a Classpass membership for studio flexibility.

6. Spend the Day Visiting Local Breweries
NYC has been blessed with a micro-brewery renaissance and it’s freaking amazing. We no longer have to ride out to Hudson Valley for a good pour! Instead, hop on the 7 or L train and have a DAY with friends. Some are even situated next to other spots, ahem, the LIC trifecta.

7. Have a Spa Day at Spa Castle
Spa Castle is somewhat of a local gem in Flushing, Queens. It’s a couple of floors that house saunas, specialized massages, various pools, and an eatery. They regularly host discounts on groupons but as an insider, it’s best to visit during the weekday when there’s less foot traffic.

8. Spend the Day Reading Indoors
And for those days that are blistering cold…skip the outdoors and stay indoors curled up with a good book and a weighted blanket. Goodreads and NYPL regularly release lists of must-reads or you can pick up the book I’m currently reading now, The Sellout by Paul Beatty.

If you loved this post then you might enjoy my other NYC posts!

NYC: 10 Things to Do This Fall

It’s time to whip out the PSL, over-the-knee boots, and all of the sweaters. Fall has arrived in NYC - even if the weather slightly disagrees from time-to-time. Below, is a round up of my favorite autumnal things to do in New York that won’t all revolve around Halloween. Check it out! And if there’s anything I’ve left out let me know in the comments.

1. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
In my honest opinion, there’s no better way to take in the skyline. Beat the crowds with a cup of Joe in tow and get there early, like 10 am early. You’ll thank me later.

2. Take a Day Trip to the Apple Orchards
Grab your friends for the drive up, or take the MetroNorth or a bus service, and get ready to pick a bushel of apples from Apple Dave’s Orchards. There’s a tasting room full of their yummy cider, tons of outdoor space for picnickers, and family friendly.

3. Head to Central Park
The fall foliage is breathtaking - bring your camera. Once you got the shot take a tour of the lake on a row boat.

4. Eat Everything Pumpkin!
I absolutely mean this. Head to the farmer’s market each weekend, buy all things pumpkin, and eat to your little heart’s content. There’s a few farm-to-table restaurants in NYC that include pumpkin in their seasonal menus. Go there and eat that too.

5. Get Yourself a Pumpkin at the Queens County Farm
It’s kid-friendly, has a corn maze, and is reasonably close to the city. I would check their calendar for events too!

6. Take Yourself out to a Ball Game
Do yourself a favor and see The Mets play. Not The Yankees… The Mets. The crowd is friendlier and the air is filled with magic.

7. Celebrate Oktoberfest
There are so many German beer houses in NYC it would be totally unacceptable to not spend one Saturday day drinking in them during Oktoberfest. Remember, have your favorite ale in your left hand and bratwurst in your right. Prost!

8. Cheer on the NYC Marathon Runners!!
Maybe I’m bias, but it’s so inspiring to watch runners of all shapes and sizes chase their dreams to the finish line. This marathon touches all five boroughs so why not make a day out of it. Gather friends, create some funny, wacky signs, and cheer them on!

9. Treat Yourself
No seriously. It’s Spa Week in NYC and most luxuriating services average around $50 which is a steal! (However you should tip on the original price and not the deal price.)

10. Feast of San Gennaro
This is definitely my favorite fall festival in NYC for one reason alone - cannolis. Well, there’s also live music, amazing fresh pasta from the local restaurants, and the class festival rides.

If you loved this post then you might enjoy my other NYC posts!

After (Art) School Special: Lydia Hudgens

Curiosity and creativity go hand-in-hand. And as we get older, we start to lose that need to question everything or create for that matter. We no longer want to swim against the grain but instead, want to blend in. But why?

In order to produce unique, new ideas one has to be open, curious, and stay creative. Let your imagination run free. 

And with that, I welcome you to my newest series that will spotlight some of my favorite people who continue to push their own boundaries when it comes to creating. Photography, installation, designing, painting - anything and everything. 

First up to the podium is Lydia Hudgens.

I've known Lydia for years now. I started as her photo intern years ago and the rest is history.

You may have seen her name receive photo credit for an image whilst scrolling through your Instagram feed. But what you may not be so familiar with is her personal portfolio. It has a completely different vibe - moodier, bold, and with a hint of homage to film. Fuel your fascination with our Q&A below.

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Lydia Hudgens
San Francisco -> Brooklyn, New York
Academy of the Art University for Fine Art Photography

Who inspires you and how did they influence you? 

Lately, I've really been into really quiet photographers. Artists like Erika Astrid, lililand, sabrinasantiago, paradisonyc and Christina Emilile (the last being a close friend and an amazing minimalist photographer). I've shot street style for so long, so photographers like this interest me directly because it's so different than the fast speed that I've come accustomed to shooting. It's quieter, more thoughtful, poignant and I respond to it. 

What do you want viewers to take away from your work? 

I want to start going in a more thoughtful direction with my work because the photography I personally enjoy is quiet, almost brooding and nearly always serious. I want people viewing my work to think, not only about the shape and fabric of the garment I'm shooting but the story I'm trying to convey. I'm working on rebranding currently, so this is the direction I'll be starting to gear my personal work towards.

What is the difference between beauty and vulgarity? 

I think it's a fine line honestly. I see some photos where the subjects are clearly naked but they're more poignant and raw than someone completely clothed. I personally loved photographing the human form for years so I find beauty in the skin, regardless of the shape - whether it be fat, thin, muscle-bound, etc.. People can find something vulgar in any image but generally that vulgarity is personal. Something about the photo causes them distress but that response differs from person to person. It's not necessarily a negative but can become one if it's voiced online - an issue that is becoming more and more normal in this day and age. People feel like they can hide behind their computers and pick other people apart and it's honestly disgusting. If you don't like something, look elsewhere. It's not for you.

Black and white or color?

Both!

Do you miss film?

Yes, 100%. I shot film this weekend and will start incorporating more into my work. Unfortunately, it's very pricey so that's the only hurdle but I have been seeing more and more brands paying photographers to shoot film so maybe there's hope it'll have a resurgence!

If you could take your art / photographs in any direction without fear of failure or rejection, where would it lead? What new thing would you try?

I may have already mentioned this before but I'm rebranding myself and created a new photography account @LydiaHudgensPhoto. I think people have sort of pigeonholed my work to bloggers and I know I have the bandwidth to do so much more. So that's what I'm working on - expanding, experimenting, slowing down, etc. Getting back to my roots! 

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Hope you enjoyed the first After (Art) School Special installment featuring Lydia Hudgens. Be sure to give her Instagram account a follow at @LydiaHudgensPhoto. My goal is to have these installments have their own consistent schedule, but until then you can stay up-to-date on all my blog happenings on Instagram and Twitter!