Brooke in New York: lifestyle

Showing posts with label lifestyle. Show all posts

Upper East Side, NYC Studio Apartment Tour

Tuesday, March 8, 2022

I've had a few different apartments in the city. From Midtown to Chelsea, and now the UES. This is the first apartment that is all my own (besides my puppy and his 200 toys). I don't have to worry about things being too girly for the boys or my many belongings taking up shared space.

Since people always wonder what a NYC apartment really looks like, I snapped some pictures of Barbie's Dream Studio to share. Surprisingly, mine's pretty big! Not pictured is my closet which is borderline walk-in (thank God!) but a little messy.

Bed side:

Fluffy, comfy, cozy. This is my little cloud!

My nightstand is a satin stool I got at work a few years ago when they were selling pieces from store displays. It’s one of my favorite things ever!

My grandpa collected wine crates to make furniture out of. My dad & I built this one on our own. The bottom boxes hold dog toys and bandanas and the top has jewelry, perfumes, sunglasses, and hair accessories.

Living side:

This is where I work from home every day. My coffee table lifts up into a desk. Wayfair has a lot of these!

I always have a cuddly pup next to me and usually there are at least 20 dog toys scattered across the floor.

I still have my winter decor on my mantle, but I don’t know what I’ll do for spring yet!

My sherpa chair was my first big home purchase for this apartment and it’s perfect for Sunday morning coffee sipping. Featuring my cute little hometown pillow.

I have an IKEA cube shelf dividing up the room so it feels like the living area where I work all day and the “bedroom” are separate spaces. Here, I keep all my pretty things like my thrifted Chanel sneakers, fancy Coach pillow bag, and collectible Barbies.

I’ve had a denim rack in all of my apartments because I’m just obsessed!

Detail shots:

Shop: Sherpa pillows

Kitchen & Bath:

Not much to say here, these rooms are pretty tiny but I try to keep them cute!

Bathroom fully styled by Target of course!

Shop:

Same curtain

Similar woven basket/decor collection

For links to more - check here!

Instagram @brooke.in.ny

Home Inspo & Favorite Pieces

I moved into a studio apartment in NYC not too long ago (get the tour) but still haven't gotten around to making it 100% what I want. Although, I don't think anyone really gets to that point in NYC. But being in one room all day as I work from home, it definitely has to have a good aesthetic. My mind is always changing so I rarely commit to buying anything major or picking a theme.

Right now for spring, I'm looking at keeping my cozy neutrals but adding pops of color. Here are some of my favorite home items that I own and what's on my wish list!

One really easy way to switch up your interior is getting couch and pillow covers. They're so affordable and can be switched for different colors, materials, and prints by season. My real couch is a medium/dark grey but for this apartment I wanted a ‘cloud couch on a budget’ so I made-do with this cover from Amazon!

Favorites:

Faux fur rug (more colors & sizes) 3x5 was $37
Linens & Hutch sheets/duvet *They always have big sales. I got all my sheet sets and duvet covers for 70% off on 2 different occasions.

Wishlist / Inspo:

Vintage Barbie & Ken Prints $30+ - my fave

I have been wanting one of the vintage Barbie & Ken prints for years now and finally feel confident that this is the one I want!

East Olivia Forever Florals $55+ *Vase included
Customized navy scalloped blanket $78 *Brand has more design & color options
Pink throw blanket $25
Flounce Trimmed Shower Curtain $25

April showers bring May flowers, spring cleaning brings redecorating!

Instagram @brooke.in.ny

February Picks

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

February was a short, but good month. I went to a country concert with my best friend, ate some good food, drank espresso martinis (faves at Cafe Cluny), and enjoyed the few warm days we had. I also found or re-discovered some favorites and wanted to share!

1. Kiss imPRESS nails

My friend had these on one day and as someone who always paints their own nails and gets frustrated when they break or chip, I had to try. I'm now obsessed! They come in so many colors, designs, and shapes. It's super easy to apply them and cut down/shape to your liking. Some will last over a week, but the hand or fingers I use more will lift up after a week. They're stick/press on so I bought Kiss brand brush glue for when they start to lift up to prolong their life and re-use sets. I just purchased some new colors to try so stay tuned for more! You can also find these nails at drugstores, Target, and Amazon.

2. Everyday stud earrings

The Mejuri diamond mini studs were a gift that I have worn and loved every day since.

I also love little symbol studs like these lightning bolts from a small boutique. They're similar to STUDS brand and Mejuri also has a pair for super quality!

3. Sherpa slides

These cozy-chic shoes are only $20 (or less if you can find them on sale)! I have the cream color and they have held up really well through fall. They are just as comfy as you would think and even warmer! I'm excited to bring them back for spring because I wear them with everything. They're true to size and also come in grey, tan, and pink!

4. Basic tanks

I love these tanks from Target (more colors) and have black, grey, white, army green, and just ordered navy. They're super affordable ($8!) and perfect to lounge in or dress up to go out.

3 pack of all basic colors!

5. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

I use this on my body and face every single day! It's thick, but not too thick, and not greasy. It makes my skin feel extra moisturized and refreshed. The ingredients are really great too which is why I like using it for my sensitive face! I also use the FAB cleanser everyone loves.

6. Sephora zinc mud mask

I have quite the variety of masks to choose from when I need one, but this is my go-to. Ingredients are clean and it actually helps my skin feel detoxed and helps with breakouts. It's only $24 so I think it's at least worth a shot if you're looking for a feel-good and do-good mask!

7. Rae Wellness Complexion Supplements

I struggle with breakouts that are not too bad, but bad enough where it makes me insecure. I've tried different skincare products and just have given up on that hit or miss trial life. I saw these for only $14 and read such great reviews from people similar to me. I haven't taken them for a full month yet but I do feel that my skin is a little clearer and definitely smoother and softer when taking them consistently. You can also get these at Target!

Instagram @brooke.in.ny

2022 Moodboard

Thursday, January 20, 2022

New Year, new blogging.

I've had this same blog since 2015 (wild!) and it has certainly changed vibes over the years. Once I graduated college, I started a very busy corporate job and

had the lovely stress of moving apartments in NYC a couple of times. While I was still shopping a lot and styling outfits for work or different occasions, I lost the energy and motivation to take 'good enough' pictures, writing posts, etc. but the interest and creative ideas were still there.

What I'm starting now is taking this re-branded blog as a casual hobby, which is what it has always been. Losing the pressure of needing professional photos or getting a lot of follows/views. It will be nice to have a creative outlet again and be able to put all my ideas and finds somewhere.

I like to create wallpapers every once in a while to remind myself what my goals (big or small) are and of overall inspiration for life, home, and style. Here is my moodboard for the upcoming year and some of my goals and ideas for it.

⋆ Self care, and more of it. Lemon water, skincare, sleep.
⋆ Enjoying more of the little things. Flowers, iced coffee, wine.

⋆ Drink more espresso martinis!
⋆ Take more time off. I never used to use my PTO if I didn't have anything planned. Just to sit in my apartment and watch TV? I might as well work. However, I felt like I deserved to use up all my PTO this year so when it was hitting the deadline, I took off weeks at a time for no planned reason and it felt really great! I got to sleep more, cuddle my dog more, and reset. I will definitely be taking more days here and there just because.
⋆ Travel more, anywhere. Just getting out of the city more whether that's more time Upstate, more beach trips, or whatever.

⋆ The quotes speak for themselves.

I also like to make a few versions with different feels and color schemes to use depending on my mood. Here's my pink, girly, bright one and some mobile wallpapers I currently have set on my phone.

Making Cold Brew With Scotty P

Monday, January 6, 2020

I'm now officially drinking coffee like a Gilmore.

Whether you're a GG binge watcher or not, all coffee lovers can appreciate a good cup of caffeine and Scott Patterson (AKA Luke Danes) has brought that from Stars Hollow to the real world.

Scotty P's Big Mug Coffee has an assortment of sustainably-made blends in both ground and KCup styles. I was gifted the Breakfast Blend and before I even opened the bag my room smelt like coffee heaven!

Like the site says, the Breakfast Blend will greet you like a warm, happy puppy and we all know I love those! I'm a 'buy a $4 iced coffee every day' type of gal so I was excited to try out a new cold brew recipe with Scotty P's in hopes to save some $ this new year!

There was one summer when I made a huge jar of cold brew every day and would be bouncing off the walls, it was so good. Then there's been times it just doesn't come out well at all so I try something new...like adding ice cream!

Before you start, you'll need a jar or container for brewing and another for your final product. Also, find yourself a measuring cup and fine mesh strainer!

Ingredients:

☆ Coffee grounds

☆ Water

☆ Ice cubes

☆ Creamer, or in my case, cookie butter ice cream!

☆ Sweetener/Sugar (optional)

The most important thing about making cold brew is the water to coffee ratio which will make or break you. I've learned from the experts that the lucky numbers are 4:1 (4 parts water to 1 part coffee).

Steps:
☆ I combined 16 oz of water and 4 oz of coffee into a large mason jar

☆ Leave uncovered at room temperature for 12-24 hours

☆ Strain through fine mesh into another jar/glass

☆ Refrigerate until cold (overnight)

☆ Add desired ingredients

☆ Enjoy!

Bonus points!

The team over at Scotty P's really takes the time to make quality product and fresh blends for every order. Did you know there's such thing as coffee cherry? It's a nutrient-rich, antioxidant superfood included in Scotty P's coffee. Your purchase also helps clean up the environment and create jobs in countries that source this healthy coffee. You can read more about the mission here!

Make sure to follow Scotty P's on socials for all the latest launches!
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Pinterest

+ Can't forget about Scotty P himself!
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook

Gift Guide For Your Budget

Friday, December 13, 2019

Two more weekends to shop, shipping cutoffs, and last minute sales. It's officially the most stressful time to shop for gifts, or maybe the most fun! Being a true Libra, I get very excited for any gift giving. I love putting together bags and baskets of super cute (and affordable) things that make me think of my friends and family members. I've rounded up some of my favorite items scouted during my shopping trips that won't break the bank. Plus, some things that are actually my go-to gifts and currently wrapped up for someone. I hope this helps you find the perfect gift or at least plant some ideas. Happy Shopping!

1. Monogram Bistro Tile Mug - $12
2. Bliss Mint Chip Face Mask (ice cream for your skin!) - $13
3. Little Words Project Bracelet - they have so many words/phrases to choose from! - $20-25
4. Heatable & Scented Stuffed Animal - $17
5. Zodiac Pocket Book - one of the best and coolest purchases I've ever made) - $10
6. Chainz Hoops from EVRY - $22
7. Monogram Agate Coaster - $16
8. UGG Chenille Cozy Socks - $20
9. Mario Badescu Multi-Taskers Gift Set (two of my daily essentials) - $18
10. Ban.do Sticker Books (so fun!) - $12 each

1. Cotton Sleep Mask (can be monogramed!) - $26.50 with monogram, matching PJs below!
2. Fuzzy Striped Slipper Slides - $49.50
3. Boucle Fringed Blanket Scarf (comes in multiple cute colors!) - $48
4. Don't Get It Twisted earring & ring set from EVRY (my current obsession) - $35
5. Monogram Candle - $28
6. Simple Initial Necklace - $40
7. Sherpa Fleece Throw Blanket (so many colors!) - $39
8. The 'Your Best Friend Be Like...' Candle - $29
9. Zodiac Mix Stud Set (on my wish list) - $48
10. Lou & Grey's new DIY charm jewelry. Pick out a necklace or earrings along with a set of little charms to mix and match. I just got the medium hoops and the gold symbol charms pictured and have been wearing them every day! - $18-34

1. Vintage Pajama Set (there's a color for everyone) - $98
2. Teddy Tote (also comes in white, so cute!) - $78
3. UGG Fluff Yeah Slides - $100
4. Cloud by Ariana Grande - everyone's obsessed with this whenever I wear it! - $62
5. Lou & Grey Signature Soft Joggers (a must have and comes in so many colors) - $69
6. Kendra Scott Birthstone Necklace - $50
7. Mini Beauty Fridge - $60
8. Zodiac Medallion Necklace - $55 or Bracelet - $45 (I love both, I couldn't choose!)
9. UGG Leather/Knit Tech Gloves - $75
10. Voluspa Candle Set - $75

NYC Apartment Glow Up

Sunday, August 25, 2019

About 2 months later, my room is complete! I recently hopped down 10 flights in my NYC version of Rapunzel's tower for a much bigger space, and it has a closet! I did some redecorating from my last apartment so I thought I'd share. Stay 'til the end to shop it all!

My favorite thing ever is this denim director's chair my family saw at a garage sale back home for $5 and thought it was so me!

My best friend Rachel is the sweetest and gave me a gift card to TJ Maxx to get something cute for my new place. I saw these geo marble paintings and had to get them!

I wanted my room to switch from bright pinks and corals to cool tones but some things will never change, at least for now. I'm still using my favorite comforter ever, this jersey cotton one from Tommy Hilfiger that is like a cloud! I've also kept my little 'display shelf' going and finally found a way to have all my statement earrings nicely in one place instead of thrown in a box.

And then there were upgrades...

A new clothing rack was much needed and since I now have a closet for all of my clothes, I kept it to all my jeans and denim pieces, with simple tops and of course, Tommy tees! Another upgrade was the insta-famous Ikea mirror that's only $50 and I'm so happy with it. Perfect for those OOTD pics.

I lost my city lights view but can still peek around to see what's going on outside and my Saratoga water bottle vase adds that little piece of home. The final touch was my new inspo wall featuring my favorite Instagram gals, Emma (@emmaleger), Sophie (@sophiesuchan), and Nits (@nitsanraiter)!