This tune is the perfect combination of upbeat and chill. Press play and lean back, or use it to elevate your Sunday study session. I’m opting for the latter as the entire day will be spent at the library working on several projects. I don’t mind it though, one day off is more than enough to relax and recharge.
Have a good one! Xx Hanna
6.30 am: the alarm rings and I snooze for about an hour. That extra hour feels very good today. Next, breakfast. I heat up some berries and mix them with the chiapudding I made last night. I catch up on emails, and projects before I head of to school. It’s Friday so I only have one lecture. At noon the bell rings and I rush to the Subway, trying to avoid the heavy rain showers. The 6 train is on the track and I run down the stairs so I don’t miss it. Made it. Before I head to the office I buy a yoghurt and some fruit, remembering it’s almost 5 hours since I had breakfast. I get to work, write a bunch of reports and emails, and enjoy the company of my coworkers.
The hours pass and suddenly, it’s 7 pm. I check my texts and see an invite for drinks, but I a walk home. It’s been a hectic week and I need to rest. I put on some Franck Ocean and start walking. The fresh air feels good. I walk past busy bars, and crowded restaurants, fascinated by the fact that there is room for all these people on one, relatively small, island. 8 million, that’s a lot.
I turn a corner and see the Empire State building light up. I smile, thinking of how lucky I am to live her. To pursue my dream. I get home, make dinner (I’m starving. Note to self; get better eating habits), and watch some series with the roomies before I continue my research project. I text my friends and set tomorrows plans- both brunch and dinner is on the agenda, and I cant’ wait. It’s been forever since I’ve been social, and I need it.I put on a mask and go to bed. Happy and exhausted. Friday, you’re quite nice.
Xx Hanna
The other day I was stressed out and had a quick therapy session with a friend- you know those long conversations where you contemplate every aspect of your life, what’s going on and what’s going to happen. When heading class, I finished our conversation with a short sentence: “honestly, I’ve reached the point where I just don’t care.” My friend looked at me and laughed, “Hanna, you’re officially a New Yorker, welcome to the club”. I laughed, because what she said, was so damn true.
I’ve been quite a few places in the US, and I think it’s safe to say that New Yorkers aren’t like regular Americans- they’re a special kind of people; a special breed that thrive on the diversity of this energetic city. Becoming a New Yorker doesn’t happen after you’ve visited Times Square or shopped at Macy’s. On the contrary, a New Yorker avoid those areas at all costs. And to be honest, I don’t know how to define a New Yorker per se, but what I do know is when I realized that I had become a part of this fantastic community.
When people, including the taxi drivers, started asking me directions, and I knew exactly what to answer
Speaking of transportation, when I realized that an empty subway cart is not a blessing, it’s a curse.. What is that smell?
When the sight of three people walking down the curb annoyed me on another level – Step up, speed up, or get out of my way!
When I started jay walking. Definition “An inability to give a care about when streetlights and signs say it is ‘safe’ to cross the street”
When the local Starbucks started to remember my order – Grande skinny dirty chai latte, hot, coming up.
When I found a 2 bdr for $3500 dollars, and thought it was reasonable.
When I mastered the art of avoiding eye contact with everyone at the subway. Because doing so, may cause very uncomfortable situations.
When going to bed at 1, and getting up at 6 became OK. It’s true what they say, this city never sleeps. (I’m so tired right now..)
When doing 5 things at once became the norm, not the exception. You’re expected to get good grades, have an internship, attend events and have a social life.
When I realized that I’m no longer afraid to speak my mind. Not that that has ever been an issue, but this city really does “toughen” you up. After you’ve lived her for a while, you get really sure of yourself, without being arrogant, of course.
Every day, when I walk these streets, I feel like I’m home. I guess it’s true what they say, being in New Yorker is a state of mind; an empire state of mind.
(The two first pictures are from google)
Is it to early to push play on my Spotify Christmas list? I just did. With a chai latte in my hand, and New York Times in the other, I’m sitting at the library listening to Michael Buble’s “Baby It’s Cold Outside”. In all fairness, the temperatures did drop below 20 Celsius yesterday. And even though I’ve been loving this summer heat, I can’t wait till the temperatures allow coats, scarves, boots, and gloves. Nothing beats fall fashion!
Other than that, my days are hectic like always. We have tons of assignments at school, various presentations and exams are starting to pop up. Positive note – the days go by very fast and before I know it, it’s December!
How’s your week ? Xx Hanna
I am a firm believer that dress up begins at an early age, and never truly ends. I was three years old when I picked out my first outfit, and I still remember the feeling. Excitement and creativity but simultaneously frustration; I wanted to wear everything in my closet. I ended up wearing a dress, a hair-bow and rainboots that reached above my knees. Even though it wasn’t the trendiest outfit it kindergarten, I liked it and I loved the feeling it gave me. A lot has changed since then, including my sense of style, but I still wake up every morning excited to experiment with colors, fabrics, shoes and jewelry.
Today, however, was not one of those days; I felt tired, sluggish and overwhelmed by assignments, deadlines and obligations. Nonetheless, I ignored the voice in my head and dressed for the mood I wished to be in. Nothing says happy and energized like a feminine skirt, and a fierce, leopard blouse. And that’s all it took for me to go from a staying-at-home-wathcing-netflix mood to a ready-to-seize-the-day attitude. Fashion is to me what music is to Beyoncé – empowering. Clothes empower me in a way that nothing else can, and I hope that that feeling never goes away.
Xx Hanna
Sometimes you go for a run along East River, eat your veggies and do all of your assignments. Other days, you have oatmeal for breakfast, thinking your going to have a great, healthy day. But then you skip lunch, have pizza for dinner and ice-cream for dessert. Ben and Jerry’s Brownie Batter Core, to be exact. As you might have guessed, today was the latter – and I don’t even like Ice Cream.
Despite the depressive diet choices, it’s been a great day with school, fun and fashion – just the way I like it. After three business lectures, I stopped by Zara and & Other Stories, to update my wardrobe. I found a couple of great pieces that I couldn’t leave hanging. Sometimes, they just speak to you, you know? Either way, if I’m going to be able to shop as I do, I’ve realized that I need to spend less on everything else. $100 on food a month? Challenge accepted.
Anyways, I should probably stop rambling and go to bed. My body aches of exhaustion and I’m in desperate need of some beauty sleep before this weekends adventures – I have lots of exciting plans, and I can’t wait to tell you about them!
An old picture, as my current situation isn’t very bloggable. Xx Hanna
… has officially begun! After two morning lectures at Pace, I ordered an Uber and rushed to Chelsea studios at Pier 59. Feeling as fresh as I could after a long (and hot day) I found my seat and got ready for the show. I love the pre-show vibe. Everyone is dressed up, photographers are scavenger hunting for good outfits, and the room is filled with excitement and anticipation. When people are seated, usually 20 minutes late, the lights dim, the audience hushes, and the only sound are the click’s coming from all the cameras. The music starts and the models showcase the pieces. Instantly, an undeniable magic captivates everyone in the room.
Even though I’m not working any shows this year, I’m lucky enough to attend a few. My first show for the week was Fashion Palette – Australian Swim/ S/S 2017. Great show with some great, mostly basic, designs. We’ll definitely see a lot of swimsuits, camisole dresses and bright colors next spring.
Xx Hanna
Trees in bloom, outdoor dining, and runs along the river; spring is slowly, but surely making its way to New York. Allergies aside, this is definitely my favorite season;no fear of neither hypothermia or a heatstroke…
Even though the last few weeks have been beyond hectic, I’ve managed to sneak in some lunches in SoHo. The Egg Shop, Rintintin, Butcher’s daughter and Two Hands are some of my favorite places. The latter just opened a new restaurant in Tribeca; we went there yesterday, but ended up at Sarabeth’s as their line was endless – as is to be expected for Sunday Brunch.
Bag Zara / Tee Kenzo / Trench Gina T/ Jeans FRAME/ Boots Bianco
The photos are by my sweet friend Annis (@akamera). I love the light!
Talk soon. Xx Hanna
Loving these new jeans from FRAME denim. Definitely a style I’m going to start investing in – goodbye skinny, hello flared! Another thing that made my day, is the New York weather. Yesterday it was cold and snowy, today it’s cool, crisp and snow free. Life is just so much better when you can wear boots and coats that doesn’t make you look like an overweight Eskimo…
Xx Hanna
HANNA AASEN 