Those expat feelings...Nathaniel Hawthorne

Talking about life as an expat reminded me of this beautiful text written by the American author Nathaniel Hawthorne in the book "The Marble Faun". I came across this text for the first time in 1997, when I went to my first overseas experience in London. Back then, I was sixteen and went to England to do my A-Levels (the British equivalent to America's high school). OMG!!!! It was yesterday lol

"The years, after all, have a kind of emptiness, when we spend too many of them on
a foreign shore. We defer the reality of life, in such cases, until a
future moment, when we shall again breathe our native air; but, by and
by, there are no future moments; or, if we do return, we find that the
native air has lost its invigorating quality, and that life has
shifted its reality to the spot where we have deemed ourselves only
temporary residents. Thus, between two countries, we have none at all,
or only that little space of either in which we finally lay down our
discontented bones. It is wise, therefore, to come back betimes, or
never."

Bear in mind this text was written in 1860....One wonders nowadays how some expats feel with families becoming more and more international and the world becoming smaller and smaller? :) It is indeed a roller coaster journey, full of different feelings. It makes me feel so alive though!!!!

I like thinking that home is where your heart is as well. And I try to keep mine in the present. And the present for me at the moment is in New York. It is very hard being away from family. But sometimes I feel closer to my family being far away. Does it make any sense? 

I know things can change tomorrow. But tomorrow is another day, isn't it? 

By the way, I am so happy to be part of the Expat Women community. The stories are so beautiful and inspiring!!! I will have to dedicate a post to talk about this amazing community I have become part of. Thank you lovely ladies for sharing such amazing stories with us :) Definitely worth a visit if you have not been there yet.

 Have a lovely Saturday!!! xxxxxx

 

Job Hunting in NYC - Fingers crossed!!!!!

Since I have received my beloved EAD I have been job hunting like a headless chicken! I am literally all over the place! Can't wait to find a job and finally start a real life in New York. It has been nearly 2 weeks and so far nothing very exciting has come my way :( Hope it will change very soon...Fingers crossed people!!!

I am aware the current economic situation is not great, but we can't give up, can we ;-)? I am cold calling, networking and also having crazy business ideas to do something on my own as a Plan B. The fact I am competing with people who have experience in the US makes a massive difference too. So far I am using sites such as Career Builder, Monster and Craigslist. If someone else has any other suggestions I would be delighted to hear from you :)

In London I was working as a Recruitment Consultant for the last 2 years. Ironically now, I find myself in the other side. I am desperately wishing that a lovely Recruiter will take a shine to me and will decide to help!!!!!

Also, this week I have been to the The New York Public Library career center. They offer free advice, workshops and loads of information about different industries. It is worth having a look if you are in the job hunting process in NY. The address: 188 Madison Ave at 34th St; 212-592-7000.

Just need a direction :)

Hope I will have good news very soon!!!! Can't stand being just a housewife anymore :(

I am sure the best thing is going to happen in the end.

Hope you all have an amazing weekend!

Love,

xxx

An expat's life...Chapter 1

The only thing I have always known about my life is that I would like to be part of the world and not stuck in the same place all my life. Same places, same people, same chats, no!!! Thank you very much...During the long chats I have with my sister, who lives in London, and with some of my expat friends, we wonder, why we feel so attracted to this life outside our country of birth.

Do not get me wrong. I love being Brazilian - I do not wish I had been born anywhere else in the world. But I also love having my heart set in the world - and my heart is part Londoner. Probably in the future will be a bit American and maybe who knows later on Asian, African!!! lol In the end, I believe we become a product of many places.

Maybe it is a reflection of our upbringing as we never really had strong roots. My dad was born in one state in Brazil (Sao Paulo), my mother was born completely on the other side of the country (Rondonia). Somehow, in this crazy life, they met, got married and moved on to another life in Recife where I spent late childhood, most of my teen years and early 20s.

In a way, my parents have always encouraged us to travel from a very early age. They could have gone by themselves, but holidays for them were never the same without us :) I am very thankful for that and will always be. Thank you mum and dad for the amazing opportunities. Maybe, that is why I have turned up to be like that. Curious about life outside my comfort zone, curious about different people, cultures, curious about the world we live in. Nothing excites me more than hopping on a plane and arriving in a destination I have never been before.

I do admire though and respect those people who are very happy spending their whole lives in the same place, going on holidays to the same place, meeting the same people all the time, talking about the same things. It is so much easier!!!! lol

But for sure, I know that is not an option for me at all. Mainly now, married to an English man and living in New York. From here, just God knows....Maybe Asia, maybe Mars, maybe England again...
the world is so big!!!!!And thankfully I have found a partner who would like to see it all as much as I do :)

I know I am very lucky to have this amazing opportunities. It was my choice,  no one's else and I could not imagine my life any different. On this road, I have made very special friends  that I could not have met otherwise. Also, living far away from Recife, I still have kept very dear people close to my heart, no matter where I am. I believe in that saying "you do not make friends, you recognize them". Very happy to recognize mine - they know who they are :) Thank you amazing people for being part of my life.

It is not easy getting out of your comfort zone, taking risks, but most of the time they are worth it. If I had not risked moving to London in 2005 for the second time I would not have met my better other half and be here now. Dreams, that is what life is about, following your dreams...When you go after them, they find you. Even if it takes a while :):):)

NYC, here I am living my dream :) What a beautiful night!!!!!!Never seen a sky like that!!! With all these shades of blue :)

Hope you enjoy!

Loads of love xxxxx
 

NYC - cupcakes' capital of the world!!!!

Cupcakes follow you everywhere in New York. Even the Sex and The City tours started having a stop at Magnolia Bakery. They are cute, delicious, yummy, go beautifully with a coffee or tea. It is just so hard to resist!!!

In order to experience what this cupcake city has to offer, I decided to start my own cupcake rating system :) Just have to make sure I keep hitting the gym nearly everyday, otherwise I will become a balloon with so many cupcakes!!!

Here we go:

1. Little Cupcake Bakeshop - These have been my favorite so far. They have a very wide selection of different cupcakes!!! You can find them in 3 different addresses: 30 Prince Street, 9102 Third Avenue

Brooklyn and inside Bergdorf Goodman. Believe me, to be inside BG, they have to be very good!!!!

2.  Baby Cakes - Dairy and Gluten free and natural/healthy cupcakes (if possible at all! lol) -  The location on Lower East Side is so cute and vintage. Since I saw a post on Garance Dore's blog about Baby Cakes' owner (see here) the name was stuck in my mind. Wandering in the Lower East Side I finally found it and had my first and unforgettable Baby Cakes cupcake. When you order you cupcake they ask if you have any allergies. Brilliant!!! 248 Broome Street

 

3. Eleni's -   This has to be one of the most tempting shops. The presentation is so beautiful. The cookies make beautiful gifts as well for all sorts of occasions. It is located inside Chelsea Market (75 Ninth Avenue) and on 1266 Madison Ave (between 90th and 91st).

4. Magnolia Bakery  - Definitely the most famous by far for out-of -towners and Sex and The City addicted. To be honest I expected much more from Magnolia Bakery. It is very good, but not that amazing comparing to many others. They are all over the place....401 Bleecker Street, inside Bloomingdale's, 1240 Avenue of Americas (Rockefeller Center), 200 Columbus Avenue, and Grand Central Terminal. 

5. Dean and Deluca - In spite of not having cupcakes as a speciality, I loved the Banana with Nutella cupcake I had at Dean and Deluca. So yummy!!!!!! Plus the amazing cappuccino (one of my favorites so far...). They have 6 different location in NYC: Soho 560 Broadway at Prince Street, One Rockefeller Plaza (between 5th and 6th Ave.), 1150 Madison Ave (At 85th Street), 620 8th Ave Retail Space B,  235 West 46th Street (Between 7th & 8th Ave) and 156 West 56th St.

6. The Buttercup Bakeshop - It is very tiny and located in Midtown Eats, where we were staying as soon as moved to NYC. I can say I started my cupcake experiences in the city there as it was so close to our flat. Such lovely cakes! 973 2nd Avenue (Between 51st and 52nd Streets)

7. Burgers and Cupcakes - No it is not a joke. There is really a place called burgers and cupcakes in this city!!! lol Very healthy, I know. It happens to be very close to my flat, and I had a lovely marble cupcake with peanut butter that was out of this world!!!! The burgers were not bad either. 458 9th Ave (36th St. & 9th Ave.)   

Having cupcake craving feeling now!!!! lol I am sure this cupcake list will get longer and longer as there is still so many cupcakes to try :)

Hope you enjoy! If you have any tips about cupcake places in NYC, please let me know!

Love xxx

Magnolia Bakery

Baby Cakes

Baby Cakes

Baby Cakes

Dean and Deluca

Little Cupcake Bakeshop

Little Cupcake Bakeshop

Little Cupcake Bakeshop

Little Cupcake Bakeshop

Elenis

Buttercup Cake Shop

New York Public Library - Carrie's wedding venue!

The New York Public Library is one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever been to. No wonder Carrie wanted to tie the knot with Mr Big there!!!! :) The striking Beaux-Arts building in white marble is the headquarter of the largest public-library system in the world. I have become a member and can't wait to go to some of the free activities they offer. I will have to make a post about them next...

You can explore the building by yourself or you can take one of the free tours (Monday to Saturday 11am and 2pm, Sunday 2pm). The tours last one hour and give you an all round explanation about the building.

After the tour you can have a coffee at Bryant Park, which is behind the library or you can walk up on Fifth Avenue towards Central Park (the library is located between 40th and 42nd Street with Fifth Avenue).

Hope you enjoy! Love xxx

P.S. My apologies for the crap photos - had to use my nearly dead phone!

Il Laboratorio del Gelato - the most unusual ice cream flavors in NYC

If you love ice cream, and boy, there are lovely ice cream places in this city, Il Laboratorio del Gelato has to be on your list of places to go and experience the most unusual ice cream flavors you will possibly ever see.
Earl Grey, Green Tea, Ricotta, Basil, Olive Oil, Sour Cream are among the nearly options...Take your pick!!!!! Amazing and delicious :):):)
It is located at the Lower East Side (in front of the famous Katz's Delicatessen) and you can watch the ice cream and sorbets being  made as there is an open plan kitchen.

Il Laboratorio del Gelato: 188 Ludlow street  (at east houston)

East Village rocks :)

Another brilliant place to go for a wander. Every time I walk around East Village, I feel 10 years younger!!!! There is such a great atmosphere there. People seem so laid back and down to earth. Besides, it reminds me a lot of East London :) There are great independent and quirky shops and restaurants - which are supposed to be some of the cheapest you can find in Manhattan.
The East Village has been home to many artists, politicians and literati. The musical Rent was inspired in what happened in the area in the end of the 80's, when artists were struggling to make ends meet and HIV, drugs and high crime were in the scene to made things even worse.
It is an area full of students as NYU (New York University) owns many buildings around.

St Marks Place and 3rd Avenue with the Chrysler Building in the background

St Marks Place

One of the cute shops in the area

St. Marks Place and 1st Avenue

Tompkins Square Park - dogs playground

Tompkins Square Park

4 months living in NYC :)

Yesterday we celebrated 4 months living in this amazing city :) I have come to the conclusion the more I walk on these streets, the more I fall in love with New York. It is so exciting to know there is still so much to explore and that we haven't even started...
The celebration was even more special because we had dear friends visiting from the UK. It was one cupcake after the other!!!! Have to write a post about them very soon :)
Very happy to see the blog growing everyday too!!!! It has been read in nearly 40 countries around the world!!!! Thank you very much :) Very happy to share with you all this new period of my life!
Have a great week everyone. Job hunting is my name this week!!!!!

Photo: Sugar Daze cupcakes

The Chelsea Hotel - a piece of living history

When I go grocery shopping at my beloved Trader Joe's, I usually walk by the legendary Hotel Chelsea. Once home of many musicians, writers, artists and actors. Among them: Mark Twain, Tennessee Williams, Patti Smith, Bob Dylan and Janis Joplin.
It was there that Andy Warhol, Edie Sedgwick and Candy Darling made the underground film Chelsea Girls, based on the lives of young women who lived in the hotel.
The hotel is a designated New York landmark and it has been closed for guests since last year, when it was sold to a New York developer. The nearly 100 residents were allowed to stay while it is undergoing massive renovations.
Would love to go inside and have a look at it!

Hotel Chelsea: 222 West 23rd Street

Greenmarket at Union Square

I love wandering around the farmer's market at Union Square - the largest and most popular in New York. There you can find all sorts of organic products such as apple ciders, candles, honey, wine, cheese, cakes, flowers, cakes, breads, etc - pretty much anything produced around Long Island, the Hudson Valley, Pennsylvania and New Jersey! During the busiest months (between June and September) there are around 140 vendors selling their products there.
The greenmarket opens on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8am to 6pm.
Hope you enjoy :)

Dine in Brooklyn - Brooklyn Restaurant Week starting today

If you are in New York between the 19th and 29th of March, do not miss Brooklyn's Restaurant Week, called Dine in Brooklyn.
Nearly 200 restaurants are taking part. You can have 3 courses dinner for $25, lunch for $20.12 and brunch for 2 at $20.12. It  does not include tips, tax and drinks.
Make sure you book beforehand :)

I have been to a few restaurants during the New York Restaurant week and overall it was great experience! I need to make a post about it actually...

Hope you enjoy!

Love

xxxxx

My EAD has been approved!!!! So happy :):)

At last, amazing news!!!!!!! After 3 months, 1 week and 6 days I finally received an email from USCIS saying my EAD (Employment Authorization Document) had been approved :):):) It means that I can finally start job hunting in America. Hooray!!!!!! Could not be happier :):):)

I realised I have not explained how/which visa we had in order to move to America....Well, my husband was transferred from the London office to the New York office on a L1 Visa (Intracompany Transferee Executive or Manager). There is more information about this particular visa here. As spouse I was granted the L2 Visa, where I am allowed to work in the US. However, what I didn't know prior our arrival here was that I would have to apply for the EAD. And that the EAD average processing time would be 3 months...If you are relocating to America, beware!!! Whilst my husband went to work straight away, I had to wait all this time.

It was very hard for me (believe it!!!!) to stay all this time without working. As I explained before in a previous post "How the blog was born...", all this situation made me start writing in order to keep my sanity lol I am very glad I did, because this blog has become my therapy!!!!

As I am talking about bureaucratic issues, I have to  mention the Social Security Number (SSN) as well. In order to apply for a job or to start building a credit rating history in this country you need to have one. Applying for the SSN was very straightforward and quick. It took 10 days from the moment I applied to the moment I received the card home.This website will give you further information.

Basically you need to fill out form SS-5 and take it to one of the Social Security office in the city you are living. I had to take my passport with the I-94 form and my marriage certificate.

Now, with my EAD + Social Security Number I am ready to start earning some American dollars!!!! lol Fingers crossed!!!! 

I am more than happy to help with any questions.

Love

xxxxxx

Department stores in NYC - shopping till you drop!

New York and shopping are two words that go together. And shopping at department stores is great if you feel like shopping for a wide range of goods and do not have a lot of time to spare while visiting the city.  Under one roof you can find pretty much anything.
In New York, just like London, you are going to find a department store for every budget and style. Besides, many of these stores offer in-house discount cards for foreign visitors. Ask at the information desk and make sure you bring your passport along. For sure, I know Bloomingdale's, Lord & Taylor and Macy's give you 10% discount at least.

Barneys: 660 Madison Avenue - It has been considered the trendiest New York department store for a while and they have a very well edited selection of clothing, shoes and beauty. It someone asked me what would be the equivalent in London, I definitely would say Harvey Nichols. Sleek, luxurious and edgy. 

Barneys

               
Bergdorf Goodman: 754 5th Ave - In my opinion it is the most beautiful, opulent and old school department store in New York. Apparently, the favourite destination of the wealthiest New Yorkers. The shoe room is absolutely magnificent! I think it is the local Harrods :) On the top floor there is the famous BG restaurant with an incredible view of Central Park. The store was built where the Vanderbilt Family mansion was on 5th Avenue. 

Bergdorf Goodman

Bloomingdale's: 1000 3rd Avenue - Bloomingdale's suits all different pockets. The atmosphere reminded me a lot of Selfridges in London. Apparently it is seen as a bit frumpy has been by the locals. On the other hand, still attracts loads of attention from out-of-towners. There is a Magnolia Bakery on the ground floor if you feel like having one of the famous cupcakes :)

Bloomingdale's

Century 21: 22 Cortland St - There is also an unit on the Upper West Side (1972 Broadway). If bargains are your thing, you should give it a go. You will find everything from men's and women's apparel to housewares up to 65% off retail everyday. It is very busy and you need loads of patience to scout good deals.

Century 21

Henri Bendel: 712 Fifth Ave - It is a younger store full of quirky accessories and amazing make up. If feels more like a boutique. Definitely a girly girl's paradise. The building is stunning was well. It used to be the Coty perfume building.

Henri Bendel

Lord & Taylor: 424 5th Ave - Had never heard about Lord & Taylor before we moved here. But was glad to find out about it as it is quite peaceful comparing to other department stores. It is America's oldest store and the building on 5th Avenue is beautiful. They seem to have great deals most of the time as well. Its selection suits a classic crowd.

Lord & Taylor

Macy's: 151 West 34th Street - To be honest, If I can avoid shopping in Macy's I do...It is just so big and so full most of the time. Macy's is the biggest department store in the world occupying a whole block. The houseware selection is very good. The store's logo with the red star was inspired on the owner's tattoo, a former sailor.

Macy's

Saks Fifth Avenue:  611 Fifth Avenue - One of the most famous department stores in New York. It was opened in 1924 and had moved with times, always carrying its reputation and quality. It is very renowned by the cosmetic lines it stocks. The selection for clothes is beautiful, the shoe department is amazing and some people say it has its own zip code. One of my favourites :)

Saks Fifth Avenue

Hope you enjoy :) xxxxxxxx

Photos: Disclosure