Nine Months Later...

This past weekend I was recognized as a "local" by someone loitering out front of my apartment building trying to sell Statue of Liberty tickets to the mass of tourists that were scurrying by. I immediately laughed it off and texted one of my favorite people, "You would never guess what just happened!"

But does this mean I've made it? Am I a New Yorker yet?

Maybe, maybe not. The city is a lot less scary now. I walk straight through groups of tourists because, well, they'll get out of my way. I give subway directions to strangers now. I walk so fast I'm practically jogging. Regardless, I still say y'all, and my southern twang comes out after a few drinks.

So, just know, Old Friends, I miss you. Always will. I always want to hear from you, you mean the most to me. Maybe I'll come home one day. And New Friends, I'm so thankful for you for making this city my home, and helping me become a "New Yorker", or something like that.

Dogwood Travels:ATX

I'm learning that NYC is just as fun of to escape as it is to explore. I decided at the beginning of the year that no matter what happens, 2015 was going to be the year that I finally go out and travel (at least more than usual). Not to mention, "say yes to five things out of my comfort zone" is on my 101 in 1001 list which is why I decided to buy a last minute ticket and board a plane to the Lone Star State!

Not to brag, but I have some of the coolest friends! One of my best gals from college moved to Austin to work at a start-up a couple months back, so I figured why not visit in the summer while I had some free time to see what all the fuss is about Texas' summer heat?

Turns out our friend Wil also decided to visit at the same time, so it was great to have a mini reunion! It's always so great to surround yourself with comforting familiar faces. And of course we convinced Jeanie to let us be #basic and drive around South Congress and eat at Torchy's Tacos.

By the end of the trip I didn't want to see another taco or bowl of queso (I think I went a little overboard in the cheese department this weekend). But because we didn't get out on the water this time, I didn't get to stop at Whataburger, and I gave my Texas family super short notice (sorry, y'all!!), I'm just giving myself another excuse to go back! 

What are your favorite Austin spots that I can note for next time /tell Jeanie to explore?

Birchbox 31-Day Challenge

Did you make any resolutions this year? I sure didn't. 2014 was great, but I know 2015 is going to be even better! I'm kickstarting my year with a little challenge - the Birchbox 31-Day Challenge. 

I'm a little late getting started (and I'm headed to the gym right after this to get started on day numero dos), but I'll be doing one challenge a day for the next month! We're talking fitness challenges, nutrition challenges, and beauty and wellness challenges! And they're not your typical "eat zero bread for a week" challenge - let's just say you make your own salad dressing one day and energizing yoga poses another. 

This is going to be so fun! All these tasks seem so simple, and it'll be a great way to broaden my horizons (and your's too?) and start the year off right!

You want to take the challenge, too? You can find the assignments here. Oh, did I mention they also have daily prizes? Also, make sure to join the conversation with #BirchboxChallenge on social media!