2 Summer Spots to Grab a Drink in Brooklyn

Okay, Okay...I'm a bonafide Manhattan girl through and through but as of lately I've been crossing over the Brooklyn Bridge to the dark side.

To my surprise I've been spending more time in Brooklyn and honestly? I haven't been hating it. I've discovered hang outs near the water are perfect for taking in the New York City skyline and if I can't be in Manhattan I might as well be staring at it while watching a gorgeous sunset right? 

By no means am I declaring myself a Brooklynite but will admit these warm weather spots are perfect for day drinking and being around your favorite people. Round up your squad and head to these Brooklyn hang outs. 

Brooklyn Barge

I had been hearing about Greenpoint so was excited when a friend wanted to visit Brooklyn Barge. A ride on the E train then transferring to the G train (yeah...there's a G train and it was my first time ever on it) and we were in Greenpoint, BK. Way less hipstery than Williamsburg (thank goodness!) we walked into an industrial looking area to find people filled picnic tables, wine, beer and food. It was super crowded but keep your eye out for a few seats and mark your territory in a location where you can fix your eyes on the view of the water and the NYC skyline. If you start to feel hungry, there are cards with a website and your seat number on the table. Go to the website and order your nosh from your seat. #innovation  

Time Out Market 

When I was in Portugal I stumbled into the award-winning Time Out Market Lisboa. If you want to see the market in Lisbon, trip peep my travel vlog. I quickly fell in love with the curated eateries located in the two story space. Immediately I wondered - why doesn't New York have one of these? Not too far into my Google search I discovered one was indeed coming to New York and would end up in DUMBO, Brooklyn. The market is situated right along side the Brooklyn Bridge and it blows the Lisbon Time Out Market out of the water. Live music, tones of people watching, and amazing eats all under one roof. I was sold after drinks on the roof and taking in the sunset.

I'll definitely be heading back to Brooklyn this summer. Will you? 

A Piece of Paris and A Little London

From my first "Bonjour" to my last "Au revoir" I took in as much Parisian culture as I possibly could during my time in France. 

Oh the baguettes. 

Sandwiching Paris between flying in and out of Heathrow airport was one of my brighter ideas of all last year. For some time now, my mom had been talking about going to Paris. Not sure where she got the idea...and it doesn't matter since whisking off to Paris is always a good thought!

As a birthday gift, I decided to gift her a trip to London and Paris. Bada Bing and shout out to my job at an investment firm. 

A little nerve racking because I've only ever rolled solo abroad. #independent. So having another person to plan for and take into consideration was kind of a challenge! When I travel by myself and I mess something up or get lost it's not a big deal because I just fail in peace and no one really knows. womp womp. But with my mom coming, if something doesn't go smoothly she would also experience it. The stressss...

All in all, it turned out to be a fabulous trip with just a few minor hiccups but the highlight was definitely Paris and all of it's romantic and swanky glory. 

I will say, London's streets and neighborhood names are extremely reminiscent of New York City. Well, I guess it is the other way around. NYC basically took a bunch of names from London and voila! You have Greenwich, Kew Gardens, Chelsea, and Soho. But the attitude in the city of Paris feels more New York. You know, that I-don't-care-about-you-because-I'm-fabulous-and-everyone-wants-to-be-here, kind of attitude. 

The aesthetic of Paris is completely captivating and wandering around was my favorite thing to do and something I want to do more of. I'll be watching airfare because I think I'm ready for another trip back to the city of lights. 

The Epic Palace of Versailles in France

Me + Arch de Triumph, Paris

Taylor Poppins in Notting Hill in London 

Living Life in London 

A stunning sunset in Paris

Delicious Crepe from Au P'tit Grec in Paris

Me in my Apartment 

Tea and Croissants @ Cafe De Flore in Paris 

You better know what and where this is 

Paris

Most amazing woman I know and me  

Luxembourg Garden, Paris 

Sips tea in London