This winter has been loooong. I found myself in Times Square this week, dealing with cold temps and running late, but held back by a sea of people crowding the sidewalks with no pathway through. I saw a free cab and a clear few blocks of road, so I hopped in, thinking, it’s OK. I only have about eight blocks to go. Why I thought it would be faster? I don’t know. It was a rookie mistake, even though I’ve lived in New York for—count them—six years now(!).

Anyways, the whole experience made me think of this post I recently read about that love/hate relationship with the city that we all frequently feel. Mary Phillips-Sandy brilliantly lists the things to do (and what not to do) when New York is bringing you down. She says: 

Go for a long walk listening to whatever music you feel is good for walking in this city. But…Avoid Times Square unless you’re on a side street and there’s a light summer rain falling (advice I wish I had earlier in the week).

You can read the whole piece here. 

What about you? Do you ever feel like you have a love/hate relationship with New York?

(Image 1; via Kottke.org) 

What do you think of all the French (and foreign language) t-shirts that are popping up just in time for spring? The two options above are both from Madewell. I think they’re pretty—and chic, too. It makes for a fun pop of culture with your look, don’t you think?

PS—A dog sweater!

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Now that my trip to France and Italy is coming up soon, I’ve been starting to make mini-lists to prepare. Top priority right now: Master my SLR camera so that I can come back with lots of gorgeous pics. It’s harder than you think! 

Luckily, there’s Skillshare, a company with classes that teach almost any skill you could ever imagine wanting to learn. I signed up for a photography course, and I love it! It’s really simple, too: It’s all online, with videos that teach you each step. Then, there are projects at the end of every lesson so you can practice what you just learned and share it with your virtual classmates. Really cool, right?

So, I’m brushing up on my photo skills and getting ready for my trip. Do you have any photo tips or advice?

PS—My first attempt with the SLR.

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Have you read the book “Cooking Up a Business“? If not, you should! Written by Rachel Hofstetter—a former food editor for Oprah magazine—it’s full of advice for food lovers with entrepreneurial aspirations and ideas. Rachel herself explains in an interview with I Want Her Job that her book should come with a warning sticker on the front: “Warning—you might be inspired to start your own business!” After reading it, she’s totally right.

I’m thrilled that, tonight, Rachel is joining New York Women in Communications and the Young Professionals committee to share her own experience and entrepreneurial expertise. Tickets are still available, and it should be an incredible night. 

Do you ever feel that pang of a good idea? Or that itch to start your own business (food-related or not)? If you do, you should read Rachel’s book!

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Happy Friday, my darling readers! What do you have planned for the next couple of days off? Matt and I are going to a New York wedding—we can’t wait! There’s something so magical about getting married in the city, don’t you think? Here, to get your weekend started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

Do you hand write recipe cards? These are so cute!

Ryan Gosling as cardio fantasy.

A yellow coat!

Betty Draper approved.

House tour (plus, a room with glass walls!)

How to prep for Paris.

30 ways to style your bedside table.

The coolest person on Instagram.

Travel fantasies.

Neon art.

(Image via Pinterest)