Dear NYC

Whew these last few weeks have been beyond a whirlwind of emotions. An exciting opportunity came up and a big life change is about to happen...there were too many check boxes that checked. So yes, Texas almost four years later I'm commin back atcha! This Spring for me has been super life reflective and I've come to the conclusion that some of the best decisions I've made I don't think I really ever made - props to the man upstairs because you seem to know what you're doing. I'm just along for the ride lol 

Right now I'm writing this en route to find my new Texas home..I still cannot believe 4 years have come and gone. NYC you were never in my plans but second semester senior year you sure became a big one. Most people after graduation have this vision of "I'm moving to (insert) after collage and working at...". College Vic knew she wanted a career in retail and fashion, but never did I think it would lead me on this adventure. I remember working day and night on a project Fall of my Senior year, which sure enough was my ticket to the city where dreams are made of. My first trip visiting the city I figured when in the world would I ever do this again? It was Day 2 and I was already at a career fair trying to picture what my life could be like here.  I was starting to feel like this city would be the ultimate life education - if you can make it here you can make it anywhere right? Lets just hope so ;) Three months later I was interning on Fashion Ave only to find myself four years later trying to keep it together saying bye to my work family in Herald Square. One of my team members (sista) and I would joke about "perfect dream situations" lol it partially worked out just a little differently-bittersweet because you know I love you guys so much! Shoutout to the work fam because y'all are total stars. This has been a crazy ride but I'm so thankful for this once in lifetime moment.

Recent Questions:

Why do I love NYC so much? I mean without a doubt this is truly one of the most incredible cities in the world (biased, maybe a little). The hustle and bustle here gives me life - I have mastered the art of NYC public transportation (TX get on that), can tell you just about where every tiny dim lit wine bar can be found, order a proper cup of coffee, and I can successfully hail a cab. lol but don't worry mom and dad I've learned much more than that...Personally and professionally I've had the opportunity to meet, work with, and learn from truly some of the best. You know who you are and thank you doesn't even begin to cover it.

Am I ready to be back in Texas again? Yes and bittersweet best describes the feeling. I'm so beyond excited to be closer to home, closer to family/boyfriend/friends, and still continue doing what I love. It's like my previous boss and (life coach/friend) has always said you're never going to really ever be ready, sometimes you just have to get ready. Noted - Wise words and Lessons from Laura. 

What will I miss most about the city? Well all you wonderful people here of course!  NYC is a special culture of anyone and everything- You can find just about all walks of life here. Some of my closest friends I've made I would have never known existed had I not moved here alone. Homegirl needed friends and man did I find some really good ones...new friends and strengthened older ones too (hai Aggie girls we stick together). Also my Foodie Hit List. Anyone who knows me knows about this crazy list I have. There are SO many fun foodie places to go to. It's broken out by Cafes, restaurants, rooftops, wine bars, places to see...ah name any food trend, new restaurant, specialty drink, chef, and seriously this city is loaded and home to some of the best. I love experiencing these places with loved ones and each place has a special memory. Lots of them with Chayson, visiting friends, and first/last moments here. So yes I'll miss my NYC list, but when I come to visit. It's on :) 

How did this all happen? It was a complete surprise and I felt like it truly was a yes moment. I told y'all back in January I made a New Years resolution to try to do more. More of what exactly? Everything. I remember having a feeling that this could possibly be my last year as a New Yorker. I can't explain it but just creeping little thoughts that this was it and that anything that happened I needed to be that YES person. It inspired me to start my blog up again. I am SO glad I did. Something in me felt so antsy and I just didn't want to miss out on anything. I didn't know why I felt that way but I knew I needed to just do something. So I laid out big picture ideas and thoughts and decided to have meaningful catch up friend dates (life talks),branch out/meet more people, travel, try new restaurants on my hit list, and overall just say YES. 

I mean guess that yes is what got me here in the first place. Ah and I'm so happy I fought the scary doubtful thoughts and made the move here after school.  I hit my resolution hard this Spring with weekly catch up dates and some with people I had not seen since my first year in NYC (thank goodness), went to fashion week, visited LA, made blog shoots into memories, branched out with other bloggers, found more FitFriends (aka real lol),and even tried new workout classes. Overall, I wanted to come back to Texas feeling excited, zero regrets, and in a way complete. Mission accomplished. 

This is a new chapter in my life - personally and professionally. I'm excited, hopeful, and to be honest a little nervous. As with all happy endings come bright new beginnings and it's never a goodbye but a see you later. New York City will always have a special place in my heart.  To alll the wonderful people I have met here...gosh I could go on and on. Moving towards a fresh start and I am looking forward to sharing my life and fashion/finds with you in Houston, Texas. Don't worry, I still have plenty of back up city snaps/style to share with you until I'm all settled in.

So Heres to - 
Saying Yes, My second home away from home, All the mems (wine nights on my little apt floor), The FitFam, Backstage, Foodie finds + ChefVic mini kitchen,The Hitlist, #WakeupCall #OOTD, Madison Ave and Murray Hill Hood, The people, This city, The love <3 

Thank you family, Chayson, and friends for sticking out the past 4 years with me this was seriously a group effort. Go team. 

Cheers! I'm coming home y'all. 
xoxo 

***HUGE Thank you to friend and Photographer Griffin Ungar - I'll miss shooting with you. Sorry for the million pics here but HOW could I choose only a select few?! These shots are so special to me. You have such an eye and amazing talent. Thanks again!