5 Years Happily Married
📍 Upper East Side, NYC

5 Years Happily Married

Tee || Skirt || Heels (Similar) || Tote Bag || Sunglasses || Earrings || Lip Color

As David and I celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary, we wanted to make it an evening filled with love and cherished moments. With a plan in place, we decided to take the train into the Upper East Side to revisit the neighborhood we called home for our first 2 years of marriage. Join us as we recount the highlights of this memorable and enchanting day.

Wine at Poppi in the Upper East Side

We began our anniversary celebration with a visit to Poppi, a charming wine bar in the Upper East Side. The intimate setting and curated wine selection set the perfect stage for a romantic toast. With glasses of saugvignon blanc in hand, we clinked them together, reminiscing about the beautiful moments we’ve shared over the past five years.

Coffee To-Go in Central Park

As the night unfolded, we decided to have a little caffeine pick-me-up before dinner. Ralph’s Coffee on Madison Avenue is always a favorite, no matter the day of year. I was elated to find my favorite drink, the Espresso tonic, back on the menu. This refreshing drink is only available in the summer, so order it while you can. With the to-go cups in hand, we strolled through the park, finding a quiet spot to sit and people watch. David and I are always on the go, so finding these moments to do nothing at all always feels extra special.

Sitting Piano-Side at Bemelmans Bar

Before dinner, we were delighted to snag a seat near the piano at Bemelmans Bar for a quick round (or two) of cocktails. Earl Rose graced the piano with his melodic tunes. Seated piano-side, we were swept away by the timeless classics and enchanting melodies that filled the room. It was a truly mesmerizing experience, and we relished every moment of this enchanting performance. We were tempted to cancel our dinner reservations and spend the entire night with the wonderful staff at Bemelmans. There’s no other place quite like it!

Dinner at Brasserie Cognac

Finally, we stepped into the cozy embrace of Brasserie Cognac, a hidden gem in the Upper East Side. This French restaurant exudes warmth and charm, creating the stage for an unforgettable dinner. As we sipped on cocktail and wine, indulging in classic French dishes. The quiet ambiance allowed us to focus solely on each other, making this anniversary dinner an intimate and cherished memory that we will forever hold dear.

As the night came to a close, we headed back to the train for a quiet ride back to Connecticut. Our 5th wedding anniversary was a celebration of the past, a toast to the present, and a promise of a beautiful future together.

Love from NYC,
Katie

Thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about my travels and style, be sure to visit throughout the week! Be sure to check out my exclusive adventures in NYC and New England. 

32nd Birthday in the City
📍 Upper East Side, NYC

32nd Birthday in the City

Button-Down || Shorts || Sneakers || Tote Bag || Sunglasses || Earrings

As I turned 32, I knew I wanted to celebrate my birthday in the city that never sleeps, embracing the vibrant energy and endless possibilities that New York City has to offer. From Downtown’s chic happy hours to the elegant Upper East Side, my birthday weekend promised to be a magical experience. Join me as I take you through every moment of my special celebration, filled with dining, jazz beats, art appreciation, and a touch of classic NYC glamour.

Part 1: Downtown Delights

Happy Hour at Bar Pisellino

Kicking off my birthday celebrations in style, David and I gathered at the charming Bar Pisellino in Greenwich Village for a delightful happy hour. The intimate ambiance and Mediterranean-inspired cocktails set the perfect tone for the evening ahead. Sipping on Negronis, we laughed, reminisced, and gave appreciation for being back in the Northeast.

Dinner at Frenchette in Tribeca

For dinner, we ventured to Tribeca and dined at the critically acclaimed Frenchette. The restaurant’s warm ambiance and delectable French fare made for an unforgettable dining experience. From the rich escargot to the mouthwatering duck, each dish was a celebration of culinary artistry. This was our first time visiting Frenchette, but I know it won’t be the last. I’ve been raving about it anyone who would listen.

Jazz Night at the Django

To cap off the night in Downtown, we made our way to The Django, a hidden gem in the heart of the Roxy Hotel. The sultry jazz beats and cozy setting transported us to a bygone era of sophistication and allure. Sipping on expertly crafted cocktails, David and I got lost in the music. This is definitely one of our favorite places to celebrate special occasions and will always have a special place in my heart.

Part 2: Upper East Side Elegance

Early Hours at the MET

On the morning of my birthday, we were back in the Upper East Side, a neighborhood that will always feel like home. To begin the festivities, we started at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, drawn by the allure of a new Van Gogh exhibit featuring his mesmerizing cypress paintings. Last year, we had the privilege of exploring Provence, the region that served as inspiration for some of Van Gogh’s most famous works. I think this made the exhibit even more meaningful. Definitely visit if you find yourself on 5th Avenue this summer.

Birthday Bellinis at Sant Ambroeus

After the MET, we made our way to the renowned Sant Ambroeus on Madison Avenue for some breakfast cocktails. This has become a bit of a tradition for me. I love standing at the bar with my drink, chatting with David, but all the while watching very stylish people come and go. To mark the occasion, we toasted with classic Bellinis, the perfect blend of prosecco and peach nectar. It’s the perfect place to cool down before venturing out again into the June heat.

Lunch at Dorrian’s

Okay, this one is kind of a guilty pleasure. David and I both our frequent lunches at Dorrian’s. Although it’s sometimes known as a “preppy” late-night hangout, it’s much more laidback for the lunch crowd. This iconic neighborhood pub has been a staple since 1960, and stepping inside felt like stepping back in time. Sip on a great, but no-frills Bloody-Mary while you snack on their Bacon Jam Burger. It’s become one of my favorite combinations!

Cocktails at Bemelmans

Since it was almost time to catch the train back to Connecticut, we made our way to Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle for one last stop. My closest friends know that this is my favorite spot maybe in all of New York. I just soak up the one-of-a-kind murals from Ludwig Bemelmans and the sheer history of the space. Seriously, if these wall could talk. We chatted with our favorite bartender, Johnny, as I had my signature round of drinks. I start with the JFK Daiquiri and end with the Jackie O. It’s not an ode to the Kennedy family isn’t intentional, although definitely appreciated. I just love both drinks!

My 32nd birthday in the heart of New York City was a true celebration of life, love, and the boundless opportunities this incredible city offers. From Downtown’s chic cocktails and jazz nights to the elegance of the Upper East Side’s art, cuisine, and cocktails, each moment was filled with joy and beauty. As I reflected on the past and looked forward to the future, I felt grateful for the memories created and the love shared with those who joined me on this unforgettable journey. Here’s to another year of adventure and embracing the magic of NYC!

Love from NYC,
Katie

Thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about my travels and style, be sure to visit throughout the week! Be sure to check out my exclusive adventures in NYC and New England.