There’s a lot to be said for good friends. I met my beautiful best friend this summer working in Manhattan. Our meeting was not by chance and she is one of those amazing “forever friends.” We were able to jet to the city for New Year’s Eve and we had high hopes for a perfect few days.
Usually; I have words, plenty of words to properly express myself. Well I still do, but sometimes my words aren’t the best. Today, I will let someone else give you a better image of the serendipitous account of meeting my best friend Natalie. One weekend off this summer, I pranced up to Maine for rest. In the library of my house, I found a beautiful book of poems. I was in tears of awe when I read the first page. This poem is the perfect description of Natalie coming into my life.
The Arrow and the Song
I shot an arrow into the air
It fell to earth, I knew not where;
For, so swiftly it flew, the sight
Could not follow it in its flight.
I breathed a song into the air,
It fell to earth I knew not where;
For who has sight so keen and strong
That it can follow the flight of song?
Long, long afterward, in an oak
I found the arrow, still unbroke;
And the song, from beginning to end,
I found again in the heart of a friend.
Henry W. Longfellow
Nat, I love you dearly. I sent up a prayer, asking for a friend; and my sweet Jesus, sent me you. Thank you for being the sweetest best friend. I am thankful for every giggle thus far, and looking forward to endless adventures. Xo
Our first meal in the city was at Oregano in Williamsburg. It was just a quick stroll from our air bnb and we were welcomed with carbs. Nat and myself found ourselves drowning in pasta! They were accommodating with their gluten free options and I was thrilled that there was a desert I could dive into. Nutella pizza with a gluten free crust, sign a sister up! We loved Oregano and returned to order take out as we were getting ready for New Year’s Eve! GF FRIENDLY
My heart can still be warmed by the memories of walking into this shop. Nat and I were gushing over the cool colors and handmade beauty. We chatted with the fabulous owner of the shop and attached cafe, who was a hard working, cool as shit french woman. Splendid. New York is filled with insanely cool people. Creative & motivated peeps bring me so much joy! This place is a must for your future visit. Located in Williamsburg.
A little Williamsburg stop. Boozy Chai. The food was sub-par at best, but I am absurdly picky so don’t trust my judgement for everything. They did have gluten free options, but I was just happy with this clever cocktail creation! Natalie had some gluten on her plate and it looked amaze! My fave non-alcoholic chai in Brooklyn, is found at Toby’s Estate Brooklyn.
SoHo is wonderful, but you must tactfully avoid the masses.
Clic Bookstore & Gallery is one of my favorite stops. Oodles of inspiration. Discovered one of my favorite photographers, Jean Philippe Piter, at Clic this summer.
Fave almond chai in Manhattan. Love their breakfast and snack options (gluten free friendly) but I was not wild for their lunch options. Follow their beautiful insta and if you’re in the city venture to their brand NEW restaurant and bar in TriBeCa!! I can imagine it is stellar. GF FRIENDLY
After New Year’s Eve, we were in dire need of avocado toast. Summers was the perfect AM solution. The toast was delish and I was uber thankful for their gluten free bread! I as well indulged in an almond chai latte & a ginger turmeric shot to ring in the new year. Not only was our breakfast quality, but the vibes were heaven. You quite literally, step into summer with cool tunes and smiling faces. We loved Summers so much we went twice! GF FRIENDLY
All iphone pictures taken by myself or Natalie. NYC 2015/2016.
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