Hey there, besties! ✨
It’s Flor here, back with another slice of my NYC life to share with you all. If you’ve been following along on my social channels, you know I’m all about showcasing the real, unfiltered magic of living in this incredible city. Today’s post accompanies my latest YouTube video (embedded below), where I took you along for what turned out to be the most rejuvenating day filled with good food, great company, and some fun little additions to my winter look.
The Day’s Agenda
Winter in New York has been playing its usual tricks on us—giving us a few teaser spring days before pulling us back into the cold. But honestly? I’m not mad about it. There’s something about bundling up in layers, clutching a warm drink while navigating these busy streets that just feels quintessentially New York. And as someone who would happily live in fall and winter all year (unpopular opinion, I know), I was ready to embrace one more cold day.
My schedule was packed with four delightful activities:
- Lunch with my friend Austen (who some of you might recognize from previous collabs)
- An event with hair care brand Amika (whose products I absolutely adore)
- Coffee with my friend Chantal (my vlogmas buddy!)
- Getting permanent bracelets together (sounds scary, isn’t!)
Want to see it all unfold in real time? Check out the full vlog here:
Lunching at Ruby’s Cafe
The day kicked off with lunch at Little Ruby’s Cafe with Austen. If you haven’t caught our previous collaborations, Austen is one of those friends who just gets the content creation life—the highs, the lows, the absolutely bizarre moments that come with putting yourself out there online.
Ruby’s has this perfect ambiance that’s both Instagram-worthy without trying too hard and comfortable enough to actually have a meaningful conversation. We caught up on life, work, and the latest NYC gossip while enjoying some incredible food. Their avocado toast (yes, very millennial of me, I know) is actually worth the hype.
Hair Transformation at the Amika Event
After lunch, Austen and I headed to an event hosted by Amika. If you’ve watched my unboxing videos, you know I’m a long-time fan of their products. There’s something so special about brands that understand both quality and aesthetics—their colorful packaging is like a little dopamine hit every time I reach for my hair products.
At the event, I got these adorable braids and bows styled into my hair, which gave me serious Y2K nostalgia in the best way possible. There’s something about embracing playful styles in your thirties that feels rebellious and freeing. Who says hair accessories are just for teens? Not this millennial!
They also sent us home with the most generous gift bag filled with products I can’t wait to try and share reviews of (so stay tuned for that!).
Coffee Break at «Do Not Feed Alligators»
After parting ways with Austen, I met up with Chantal at an aptly named coffee shop called «Do Not Feed Alligators.» First of all, how amazing is that name? It’s these quirky, unique spots that make New York feel like nowhere else on earth.
Chantal (who you might remember from my vlogmas content) creates similar NYC lifestyle content, so our conversations always bounce between comparing creator experiences and just enjoying friendship away from the camera. There’s something so valuable about having friends who understand the unique pressures of creating content while also being able to just be present and enjoy a good coffee without documenting every second.
Permanent Bracelet Experience
The final adventure of the day was something I’ve done before but was excited to share with Chantal—getting permanent bracelets! I know the term «permanent» sounds intense, but these delicate little chains are simply welded closed on your wrist without clasps.
There’s something so special about the ritual of choosing your design and watching as it becomes a semi-permanent part of your daily look. I opted for a dainty chain with tiny bow charms—a little nod to the hair styling from earlier in the day. These bracelets have become increasingly popular among millennials and Gen Z, and I think it speaks to our desire for meaningful accessories with stories behind them, rather than just fast fashion pieces that come and go.
The Importance of Friend Time
By 6 PM, when the winter sky had already been dark for hours (one of winter’s less charming qualities), I headed home with my new bracelet, my braided and bow-adorned hair, and a heart full from quality time with friends.
Sometimes in the hustle of city life and content creation, it’s those simple moments of connection that recharge me the most. Having uninterrupted conversations, trying new places, and simply existing in the company of people who understand you—there’s no substitute for that kind of soul nourishment.
As women navigating our thirties in this digital era, I think we sometimes forget to prioritize these friendship moments. We’re juggling careers, possibly relationships or families, personal goals, and for some of us, building our platforms online. But those few hours spent laughing over coffee or trying something new together can be more restorative than any self-care product could ever be.
Final Thoughts
Days like this remind me why I fell in love with New York in the first place. It’s not just the iconic skyline or the endless restaurants and cafes—it’s the way the city facilitates connection, creativity, and new experiences around every corner.
Whether you’re a fellow New Yorker or someone dreaming of visiting someday, I hope this glimpse into my day inspired you to seek out your own perfect day—whatever that looks like for you. Maybe it’s exploring new cafes, meeting up with friends you haven’t seen in too long, or trying something new like a permanent bracelet.
If you enjoyed coming along with me on this winter day in NYC, don’t forget to check out the full video! And as always, I’d love to hear in the comments about your perfect friend date ideas or if you’ve ever tried permanent jewelry yourself.
Until next time, Flor 💖
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