Cultureeeeee

     One of the biggest ongoing jokes in my family is my ever growing lust for "culture."  Mom and Dad like to poke fun at the weird art exhibits I like to visit but in the end, I can usually convince one of them to go with me.  Last week I was particularly excited about a performance at Memorial Theater.  While North Carolina generally puts on view large art exhibits or big name artists at its performance centers and arenas, many smaller or more nice artists don't make the cut.  Anyways, last week in one of my most boring classes (sorry professor), Business Associations, the professor recommended going to see Taylor Mac preform.  The professor, who is from New York, said he had seen him before and found him highly entertaining and a great "cultural experience."  As soon as "culture" came out of his mouth, I was in.

     I am pretty lucky as a UNC student to be able to attend any performance at Memorial Hall for just $10 so I bought two tickets and then let my parents argue over who didn't have to go.  I swear, it was just like the episode of Modern Family where Gloria and Jay are trying to subtly come up with reasons why they couldn't go to the live reading of Moby Dick with Manny... Anyways, after bickering between each other, my mom decided to suck it up and come with me.

     Well... in as few words as possible, the performance was unlike anything I have ever seen before and thoroughly entertaining.  Taylor Mac is a flamboyant, outlandish, honest, and refreshing drag queen who rocked my world that night.  The performance was titled "1910s -- A 24 Decade History of Popular Music."  So, the performance that I watched was about two hours long and he sang songs from the 1910s while also giving a historical synopsis of the era.  I learned many facts about WWI that I did not before, while also laughing, cringing, and awkwardly doing what he instructed the audience to do.  It really is very hard to describe without actually viewing it. But, in 2016 he will perform for 24 hours straight, a recap of popular music from the beginning of the United States until that year.  This performance will take place in NYC and I can only hope that I might get to view it.

     One of my favorite quotes of his from that night: "perfection is for assholes."  For some reason I had a very easy time identifying with that statement.  As a struggling law student it feels like everyone around you is striving for perfection; as  a woman, I feel that everyone strives for perfection as they stare at the photoshopped images of others; and as a human in general, aren't we always tying to be the most perfect version of ourselves?

     Maybe we shouldn't focus so much on perfect, but if so, what should we set our sights on?  Just being better?  Reaching our goals? After all, isn't perfection impossible anyways?

     As one side note, this performance is not for anyone who dislikes being uncomfortable, pushed, or who is not open-minded.  He does make crude jokes and ones that can easily clash with those who are more conservative.

Happy Monday y'all! 

S&S

     Even though today is Monday, not Sunday, I thought this would be a good way to start my week.  With a nice pair of shoes and sunglasses.  I have been lusting after these Ray Bans for months now because I love aviators and I love color.  So these cool reflectors are really a 10 in my book.  You can buy the "Flash Lenses" here!  I am torn between the red/orange and the green/blue ones.

                                    

 

     The sneakers I came across in a friend's apartment actually, and have been going back and fourth about actually buying.  I do not own any shoes by Ted Baker but if I start it will definitly be with these.  I have now found them online for $93, but the voice of reason in the back of my head keeps telling me that floral printed high-tops are not exactly work attire.  Snatch them up at this great price here!

Paint me Purple

     I am normally not a huge fan of the color, but when I saw one of my friends wearing it on her nails, I fell in love.  I also usually get pretty annoyed at how expensive Essie is, but this my friends, is well worth it.  The name is "Sittin' Pretty."

     The color comes off in almost a ultraviolet/neon glow.  It look 5x better on than in the bottle and 10x better in real life than in my pictures.  Also note the top coat I use--its is THE BEST.  I painted my nails 20 minutes before I went to sleep woke up with none of those awkward sheet marks or smudges.  So for any of you ladies who also happen to paint your nails at the most inconvenient of times, you could buy it.

S&S

     I am going to start a new post theme titled "S&S."  What do the "Ss" stand for you ask?  Why, two of my favorite things: sunglasses and shoes.  Or sunnies and shoes... I haven't quite decided which has a better ring to it.

     Either way, I love them, yet as a law student I do not quite have the income (or really any income) to support my love.  So instead I will post pictures and links of them.  Today my two pics are Nera shades by Raen and Jack Purcell Cross Stitch Leather sneakers from Converse.  This summer I purchased a pair of Raen shades from a friend and I am obsessed.  Great fit and nice lenses.  As for the sneakers, I wear my white converse with everything and this black pair could serve as the perfect sidekicks (haha).  You really can't go wrong with a pair of Converse and these fancy leather ones add a nice little something extra.  The detail of the leather laces make this pair stand out to me even more.

Hope you enjoy!
Oh! I just realized that I am publishing this on Sunday so I guess I should title these posts
"Sundayss"... or something like that. 

The Best of Summer 2014

     As my stay in NYC officially came to an end two weeks ago, I have compiled my "best of" list for all the things/places/foods I ate.  I hope you enjoy!

Coffee Shop: Perk Kafe

      To be honest, I didn't visit many coffee shops this summer, but Perk was close to me and and off 3rd Avenue so it was never overly crowded.  And the coffee was delicious as well.  I was a big fan of their iced expresso.

View: Williamsburg--Preferably a rooftop, a la Northern Territory

     The drinks are pretty awesome and the view is hard to beat.  I also just opened their website and their food looks pretty bangin' as well.  I guess another trip will be in order!

Quick Bite: Little Collins

     I LOVE LITTLE COLLINS.  I cannot say enough about this cute little Australian coffee shop.  The food, the decor, the coffee, the accents... what more could you want! Not to mention it was dangerously close to my office. 

Favorite Meal: tie between Sweet Chick and North River Lobster Company

     Sweet Chick had me because their chicken and waffles combo is pretty awesome.  The waffle is light and fluffy and the chicken is perfectly fried and salty.  My only qualm is that there was no kind of topping like fruit or butter (but I guess I have a high standard from Dames).  North River Lobster is amazing fresh seafood and the restaurant is a boat! 

Favorite Workout: Aqua Studio

     Just as expensive as Soul Cycle but way more fun.  Although I wouldn't make a habit out of this place, I would definitly go again.  I love any excuse to get in a pool! 

Best Pizza: Di Fara Pizza

     Welllllll worth the long trip into Brooklyn.  And the long wait.  Just bring a bottle of wine and a great friend. 

Ice Cream: Davey's. Hands down. No competition.

     Just like Little Collins, this place has no competition.  Their Chocolate Chocolate is one of the most deep and satisfying flavors I have ever tried.  Be sure to also try and catch their special chocolate babka at some point. 

Best Place to Run: The Reservoir at Central Park

     Although I could only run for a month until my knee gave out, I love every day of it.  In the early morning there were few runners and it was unusually peaceful. 

Shopping: Artists and Fleas at Chelsea Market 

      I have visited the Williamsburg one as well, but for some reason I really like the Chelsea one better.  There were too many things to buy and I didn't have enough money!   

Drinks: the mojitos at Rare View

     Maybe I'm allowing the great view to cloud over their $15 price tag, but the mojitos are always on point. 

NYC Landmark: Grand Central

     I think that sometimes New Yorkers can take for granted just how beautiful the city is when they are constantly hustling and bustling their way through.  There are so many historic and beautifully crafted buildings in this city and this summer Grand Central Terminal stole my heart.  I walked through it almost every single morning on my way to work and noticed something beautiful and new about it every time.

Weekend/Day Getaway: Governor's Island

     Governor's Island has the old town feeling of Charleston but without the 90% humidity.  Walking around and exploring the whole place was a relaxing and fun way to spend the day.  I need to try to make it to Gov Ball one day... 

Bar: The Jeffery

     The vibe is super relaxed and its a casual and cosy environment.  Aside from the amazing list of craft beers that they serve, they also have some delicious sandwiches and chips.  Great spot for you and a couple of friends to drink brews and veg out.  It is also very uniquely designed in that there are two entrances and is in a "U" shape.   Must go back sometime soon! 

And finally, best dessert: again a tie, between Levain Cookies and Chocolate Babka French Toast from Russ & Daughters Cafe

     This place is heavenly.  If the smell seeping out the door isn't enough to entice you, the taste of their dense half-baked cookies should do it.  I would consider living on the UWS just for this place.