concrete jungle where dreams are made of.

(the Prada flagship store in SoHo. 3 stories of retail heaven).

("If I could find a real-life place that made me feel like Tiffany's, well than I'd buy some furniture and give the cat a name").

(The Plaza. I can't afford to stay there, but it reminds me of so many of my favorite movies).

(in front of Babycakes NYC bakery, my new favorite place in the whole world).

(cobblestone streets lined with pubs, perfect for mid-afternoon pick me ups).

I was lucky enough to spend a week in New York City at the end of August, and even after being back in Toronto for a couple of weeks I still cannot stop gushing about how truly alive and wonderful that city is. Every area, whether it be SoHo, Meatpacking District, Greenwich Village, or the Lower East Side, has it's own little sense of community, it's own hidden gems, it own 'locals' that know all the great drinking haunts, the best shops, the most popular restaurants, and where to buy the best cupcake.
This having been my second visit, I was able to forego a lot of the typical tourist attractions, and focus more on experiencing the exciting nightlife the city has to offer. I loved spending days and nights, walking down cobblestone streets, buying jewelry from street vendors, exploring Central Park, and dining al fresco with only the sounds of the city as your soundtrack. It's also so amazing to walk around and see sights from your favorite movies and television shows in person. It really makes New York feel like the most magical place in the world.
The highlight for me was definitely Babycakes NYC bakery in the Lower East Side, where I ate vegan, sugar-free and gluten-free cupcakes, cornbread and cookies without feeling the guilt, or inevitable stomach ache that would accompany baked goods from anywhere else. And of course, seeing the real life Tiffany's that made Audrey Hepburn a star was enough to keep me smiling for days. It's true what they say about New York, dreams can really come true there. It's hard not to love that city, and it's even harder to leave.