bits from NYC

 left new york yesterday where spring has finally arrived! this city marvels me as an observer of urbanites living in their places where not just the built environment influence our behaviors but also the weather. one of my first days in nyc on a solo walk was greeted by rain and snow, not something this Cali-native is used to but i survived anyway. in fact much of the free time i had was walking around neighborhoods i particularly like in an attempt to understand who lives there and why. i guess as an urbanist you try to make the connections of people, place, and the type of development that's propping up. my last day in new york was a whole days walking journey around the city. in observing this city while holding the hand of my love in these spaces, i knew that i would be happy here. two months away from being in the greatest city. 

can't wait.

spring break in nyc this weekend!

spring break is here and i cannot wait to head to nyc tomorrow to be able to trade ten days of gorgeous west coast sunshine for the some chilly east coast weather. this trip is all about spending time with the boy, sleeping in, getting acquainted with my new home, getting a thesis paper done, and establishing work and social connections. sounds like a handful but i'm crazy excited to make this move happen soon and am so grateful for the support many of my readers and friends have shown me in making this transition. although i may be new to the scene in nyc, i'm very enthusiastic to explore and let the city teach me. i'm also interested to get involved in the nyc bicycle scene as well and contribute to its community in any way i can as a volunteer, educator, planner, or organizer. one thing that i've learned over the years blogging here is that you can't make a difference without a connected community with a goal in mind. everyone is essential to the goal even if there are special individual interests. and as far as being part of a community with women already established in the community, i'm really looking forward to meeting some you while i'm there and hearing what you have to say.

can't wait to share with you all the good things coming this way. happy spring break!

photo: Ovadia & Sons

Handmade Handbags and Packs for Cyclists

 In a world full of factory made goods shipped thousands of miles, it is certainly refreshing to find a master craftsman producing custom to order handbags of superior quality with the needs of cyclists in mind. SF made Motley Goods synthesizes the tradition of gleaming brass and bull denim with superior performance materials like cordura and vinyl. Features include laptop sleeves, waterproof design, and bold patterns equally pleasing and eye-catching. The designs range from tote to pannier, backpack, satchel, to innovative basket bag -they are certainly elegant, but make no mistake, they are built for everyday use by cycling enthusiasts. So grab yourself a bikesnbits cruiser and a beautiful bag made especially for you. 

getting acquainted

this is the last photo i could remember taking with wendybird. it's a ride from the grocery store from noticing my green tote shopping bag. i think about this bike everyday, how it would make my life so much easier if i had her back cause i truly depended on this bike for many things, my transportation and even online community. with the school year almost over and moving my life in a new city with the love of my life, i'm looking forward to starting a new adventure with a new bike.

i'll be in NYC at the end of the month and would love to start making friends with ladies in the bike community, many of which i met through this blog. would love your guidance of roughing the streets and gaining resources to getting acquainted. could you help me? thanks!

words

 "I believe this is important for everyone – to trust what YOU love, not love what everyone else is loving. Rather than focusing on what others have, we should focus on what makes us happy and unique. What makes US special and not like everyone else. In a world of changing trends and styles, find what makes you smile and have the confidence to love it no matter what anyone else says or thinks. Love YOU for YOU – life will be so much easier."

words to live by, right ladies?

(via)

specialty coffee subculture

in the bay area, we love coffee, like a lot. this video on the specialty coffee subculture captures the spirit of many roasters and coffee shops featuring our very locally grown Blue Bottle, Handsome Coffee Roasters in L.A, and LAMILL Coffee. i've worked in the coffee business for many years and know so much about the processes of getting coffee from the farm to the cup. it's no surprise that the founders of these companies take pride in their work.

awesomely designed valentine's cards

finding the perfect valentine card for your loved one can be a major challenge if you're not one to go for silly declarations and bright colors. knowing myself and my loved one, we like design that is simple with a touch of uniqueness and maybe a little humor. here's just a few of my favorite from some talented designers. 

Geometric Heart/Love Sick/Love, We're So In It

over the weekend

this past weekend i spent a lovely weekend in LA. if there is one thing i learn upon going back home often, is that it's constantly changing, neighborhoods are seeing a boom of parks, green spaces, walkable streets, and public transit is becoming more accessible and frequent. my dad works in the field of landscape architecture and always has a new space to share with me that he had worked on. i always say "everything i know, i learned from my father" and in this case, it's definitely true that my interest in urban development comes from him. if you ever get a chance to visit L.A. take a walking tour of downtown. it's the most exciting place to see historical buildings, new parks, and life happen.

latest obsession

i'll be the first to admit that i'm that girl rummaging through my bag to find my wallet and phone while a line builds up behind me. i don't really carry a purse, my backpack is only bag i carry these days, and i'm usually holding a card (student ID) or phone in my hand. i've gotten into a bad habit of losing both as city living can be a little chaotic until i found this wristlet by Michael Kors. it's one of the greatest inventions that deserves a round of high fives and a must have if youre one of "those" girls, like me.

public spaces: SF

san francisco is full of really great attractions, yet, most tourist i've meet have sought to do the usual Fisherman's Warf, MOMA, Golden Gate Park, Golden Gate Bridge etc. as an urbanist, i'm constantly on the lookout of interesting and cool things to do, sharing my favorite bits and pieces of the city that make it great (to me). just recently the planning department of SF mandated to open private spaces to public spaces. this means that once privately owned terraces, courtyards, and parks are now open to the public, although detailed in how one gains access. when i found out about these spaces i went on a tour to a few spots in downtown SF, first stop was One Kearny off of Market Street. on the 11th floor is a terrace where you can picnic if you bring your food and gain a gorgeous view of downtown (like the photo above). 

it's quite the tour and worth the effort in finding these cool new spots. if one was to ever make a tour of the city, i say this should be part of your itinerary. here's an entire map dedicated to this tour by the SF Planning Department.