Glad I'm Not a Teen in 2017

 

 



I am a self-confessed social media addict and have no shame in admitting that I am never off my phone. I like to think that I am fairly aware of whatever the current internet trends are but recently I heard a term that I had never come across before, 'Instagram Baddie'. Most of you have probably heard this before but I was genuinely clueless. Upon further inspection (i.e. trawling through Google and Urban Dictionary) I realised that I did know what an Instagram Baddie was, I just didn't know that there was an actual word for it! To break it down (in my wildly uncool language) an Instagram Baddie is a term used to describe the beautiful people on Instagram who have perfect hair and makeup, designer clothes and pretty much everything else that vaguely resembles a Kardashian. If you use social media, there's no doubt that you have come across people like this before. Scrolling through my Instagram explore page, amongst my suggested posts of chihuahuas and drag queens, I see photo after photo of beautiful young girls, some of who are only fifteen or sixteen.

This got me thinking about how influential social media has become in recent years and how different things are compared to when I was a teenager. Although I'm not exactly the Crypt Keeper (I'll be 24 this year!) my teenage years can be summed up in an array of choppy layered hairstyles, smudged black eyeliner and Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse. Compared to teenagers nowadays, my style seems like an absolute shambles but I can't help but feel glad that I got to live out my awkward teenage years in a slightly more simpler time. Here is why I'm glad that I'm not a teenager in 2017...

 

Social Media

When I was a teenager (I'm talking fourteen or fifteen) social media was still in it's early days and certainly was not the glorious hub of communication that it is today. Before the days of dog filters and Whatsapp groups, Bebo and MSN were the big ballers of social media where friendships lived and died by the prestigious ranking of the 'Top 16'. Self-image was portrayed to the world in an over exposed webcam photo which was edited beyond recognition with sparkly writing and flashing frames. Although these seem like Mesolithic cave markings compared to the Vogue-style selfies that dominate the internet today, there is a part of me that is thankful that my spotty teenage self has not been preserved in any sort of HD image.  

 

 

 

Nowadays, teenagers have a world of communication at their fingertips and there is an app for almost everything. Back in the day, before everyone had mobile data and more than 15 cent credit, MSN instant messenger was the most high-tech form of communication that we had. Hours were spent thinking of the most perfect tagline (usually some sort of cringey song lyric) before you heard the familiar 'ping' sound as your crush came online and you waited like a shark in shallow water for them to write to you.

 

 

 

Although the internet has progressed so much since, I couldn't be happier that my teenage years happened before Snapchat came on the scene. There was a pleasant sense of simplicity as you chatted with your friends using actual words (and those little MSN emoticons) as your spot covered, hormonal little ass was hidden behind a computer screen. These days, those awkward back-and forth conversations are exchanged through selfies and somehow I don't think that the old 'can't talk, my webcam is broke' excuse would cut it in 2017.

 

Hair & Makeup

In 2017, when everyone and their dog claims to be a 'MUA', it seems like makeup has taken over the world. There is a constant stream of new makeup trends and just when we think we know it all, a new product comes along and we wonder how we ever lived without it (I'm looking at you Beauty Blender). There is no denying that social media has played a huge role in the evolution of makeup, with bloggers and YouTube gurus sharing their skills through online tutorials. Nowadays, anyone with internet access is able to get beauty tips from the pro's and teenage girls, who should be in their peak stages of spotty, greasy awkwardness, are going around like contoured, cut-creased goddesses. Throw it back to when I was a teen, when makeup consisted of black-lined eyes, spider leg mascara and foundation that was either too light or too dark for your skin tone. Highlighter was unheard of and eyebrows had not yet achieved the social status they hold today. When it came to brows, you either rocked a uni-brow or over plucked them to the point that they looked like sperm cells.

 

 

 

 

It's not only makeup that has witnessed a revolution in recent years, hair has also seen a dramatic change with long, shiny locks replacing the once prestigious style of the spikey mullet. What was it with the early 2000s and layers? Seriously, it seemed like every hairstyle consisted of some formation of layers and/or highlights. When I was a teenager, the coveted hairstyle was the 'scene kid' hair or 'mullet', identified as either depending on what sort of group you were in. This style was made up of a mass of short layers on top with two thin pieces of hair hanging down either side. People backcombed their hair until it looked like a dead animal and it seemed like the more unnatural  it looked, the better. These days, layers have been tossed in favour of long, Kardashian style hair and teenage girls look like the just walked straight out of a L'Oreal ad.

 

 

 

Looking back now, we really didn't have a clue and, without guidance from beauty gurus, our makeup tutorials came in the form of watching our equally clueless friends smearing on their dream matte mousse in the school toilets. There is no denying that teens look a lot better now than they did then, but there is a part of me that's slightly relieved I missed all of this. Although I am eternally grateful for the technique of contouring, which has made me look less like the moon face emoji, I am glad that I didn't have to worry about all that when I was a teenager. As far as we were concerned, we slathered on our foundation with our fingers, straightened our side fringes and that was as good as it got. I long for a time in my life when I didn't feel obliged to apply twenty different products to my face before I left the house. My white foundation and black lined eyes may have made me look like Michael Myer's Halloween mask, but I lived in blissful ignorance.

 

 

Fashion

I know that every generation looks back at their teenage fashion and asks 'what the hell were we thinking?', but seriously, what the hell were we thinking?! Unlike today's fashion, which is dictated by social media and it's trend-setters, we really just wore a mish-mash of shite. Remember those weird slip on shoes and colourful beads? What was that all about? Where did these trends come from?! I know that some of them stemmed from the early days of social media, like the whole 'scene kid' look, but there were some fashion styles that really just existed in a league of their own. Ra-ra skirts with leggings underneath, hair bows, Ugg Boots, the 2000s really was an absolute dog's dinner when it came to fashion.

 

 

 

Flash forward to the present day, where fashion bloggers reign supreme and celebrity endorsements dictate the latest trends. Scrolling through my Instagram feed, I see photo after photo of beautiful, stylish young girls who look like they just stepped straight off a private jet from Paris Fashion Week. These days, wearing designer labels is considered the norm whether it be clothing, shoes, jewellery or makeup. Social media has broken down the barrier between celebrities and us common folk and now their lifestyles don't seem like something that is completely out of reach. With the likes of Kylie Jenner and Ariana Grande as the teen idols of today, keeping up with the trends can end up costing a fortune. When Yeezy runners, Gucci watches and YSL bags are what's on trend, it ain't cheap to be 'on fleek'!

 

 

 

Body Image

Every generation has its trends and the concept of the 'ideal' body shape is something that has changed a lot over the years. In the 50s, they had the voluptuous curves of Marilyn Monroe, the 90s saw Kate Moss and her supermodel posse flaunt the 'heroine chic' look and in 2017 the coveted body shape seems to be that of a bloody cartoon character. I may sound like such an old witch when I say this, but what is the story with the bizarre tiny waist/big arse combination that seems to be so on-trend right now? The Kardashians brought big bums into mainstream fashion and they make no secret of the fact that they use waist trainers to achieve their hourglass figures.

 

 

 

 

 

I know, people can look however they want and I'm not condemning anyone who chooses to do this. It would be incredibly naïve to think that everyone should be happy with how they look and shouldn't want to change their body shape but all I wonder is how safe all these new 'weight loss' techniques really are? You can't go through your newsfeed without being bombarded with  advertisements for these new 'skinny minny, big booty' diet teas which claim to give you your dream body. Now call me sceptical, but somehow I don't think that sipping on a cup of green sludge is going to give me an arse like Kim K.

 

 

 

I wouldn't say that I'm 100% happy with my body (hardly anyone is) but, on some level, I like to think that I have some sort of cop on. I have no desire to run the guts out of myself by drinking magic weight loss potions but there are plenty of people who feel that this is something they need to do. I don't want to tar everyone with the same brush but it is an unfortunate fact of life that teenage girls can be very impressionable. It's a time in your life when you feel so awkward and everyone is trying to figure out their own self-image. So if you're feeling like a boiled shite and some beautiful toned fitness model flashes up on your Instagram telling you that if you drink this tea you can look like her then of course you're going to be curious. I'm incredibly lucky that I managed to make it through my teenage years without ever having to worry about a 'thigh-brow' but unfortunately things are very different these days. I wish I had some divine words of wisdom to end this post with but, after writing this, I feel even more confused than I did before! Looking back on my teenage years, we really did think that we knew it all. Our mullet hairstyles and patchy tan were the centre of our universe and our selfies lay untouched by Instagram filters. Every generation has it's trends and while most of them fizzle away into the past, there are some that manage to stick around. I'm sure that some day, when I'm eighty five and my wrinkles are highlighted to the max, I will fondly look back on when I was in my twenties and realise that I looked just as shite as I did in my teens, only with better eyebrows.

 

 



What I got in New York: Sephora, Tiffany & Co, Disney Store & More

 

 

 

It goes without saying that if you love to shop, New York is the place for you. The city has such a wide variety of shops and pretty much anything that you could want, they have it! From the more high end brands of Macy's and Bloomingdales to the outlet malls where you are bound to pick up a bargain, New York really has something for everyone. When it comes to shopping, I'm more of an online kinda gal. I don't care for spending hours trawling around shops and when I do go shopping, I usually have some idea of what I want so I can try to get in and out as soon as possible!

Before travelling to New York, I had a list of a few things that I wanted to pick up while I was there. These were mainly makeup products from Sephora but, while walking around in the city, a few other things managed to catch my eye. I am not rich, by any means, and I don't want this post to come across as bragging. A lot of hard work and saving went into this holiday so I was able to treat myself more than I normally would...or probably ever will again!

 

 

 

Sephora

•  Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette

 

This was a product that I was unsure of for quite a while. Although it was hyped up so much in the beauty community, I was worried that all those red shades combined with my lack of makeup skills would lead to me creating a look that embodied the symptoms of conjunctivitis. However when I saw it in the store, I really liked the look of it. The palette contains a variety of warm shades which are extremely pigmented and complimentary to all skin tones. This palette cost $42 and I definitely think that it's worth the money as the quality is excellent and you can create so many looks, for day or night, using these shades. (Even though I mostly end up wearing the same look every day!)

 

Check it out here: http://www.sephora.com/modern-renaissance-eye-shadow-palette-P409118?skuId=1820406&icid2=products

•  Anastasia Beverly Hills DIPBROW Pomade

 

This is a product that I had wanted to try for ages as my friends had been raving about it. In Ireland, Anastasia Beverly Hills is only available to buy online and I was unsure what shade to go for judging by the colour samples provided. There were so many different ones and I knew that if I chose one myself I'd probably end up looking like Groucho Marx. I decided to wait until I was in Sephora so I could try out the tester shades and get advice from one of the makeup artists. In the end, I went for the shade 'soft brown' as my natural eyebrows are quite dark so I didn't want anything too harsh. I've been using this every day since I bought it and I'm really liking it so far. It has a lovely creamy consistency and is very easy to apply. When it comes to this product, a little goes a long way and you only need to use a small amount when filling in your brows. This cost $18 and, I've been told, it takes a long time to use up so it's well worth the money!

 

Check it out here: http://www.sephora.com/dipbrow-pomade-P384060

 

• Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation

 

 

This is another product which I had been wanting to try for a long time. Recently, Kat Von D's makeup line became available to buy online from Debenhams in Ireland but I was unsure what shade to go for as there are so many to choose from. This foundation is $35 which is on the pricey side so I wanted to be sure that I was getting the right colour before buying it. One of the makeup artists in Sephora tested a few shades on me and in the end I went for '44 Cool'. I've used this foundation a few times since I bought it and it's definitely one of the best foundations I've used. It matches really well with my natural skin tone and gives excellent coverage without feeling too cakey. I've been wearing this with the Kat Von D Lock-It Setting Powder which works really well and makes my makeup last a lot longer than it normally would.

 

Check out both products here: http://www.sephora.com/lock-it-tattoo-foundation-P311138

 

http://www.sephora.com/lock-it-setting-powder-P409988

• Kat Von D Tattoo Liner

 

 



One of the cult products from the Kat Von D range, this liner is well worth the hype. I bought this eyeliner for the first time back in September and it's still going strong. While I was in New York, I picked up another one as I accidently (conveniently) forgot to pack old one. I am the absolute worst when it comes to applying eyeliner but this is very easy to use and gives a really neat, precise line. For some unknown reason, my left eye always gets really watery and my eyeliner usually starts to smudge as soon as I leave the house. However, this liner really has stood the test of time when it comes to my leaky eye! At $20, its not the cheapest on the market but I would highly recommend this for anyone who struggles with eyeliner and wants a long lasting, easy to use product.

 

Check it out here: http://www.sephora.com/tattoo-liner-P245205

 

• Benefit CORALista Blush

 

 

This was another product that I was re-purchasing for the second time. It's a cult classic from Benefit and the subtle coral shade looks great on so many different skin tones. In this world of extreme contouring, blush is something that is often forgotten or deemed a bit grannyish. I'll admit that there was a long period of time where I wasn't bothered about wearing blush at all but I'm very glad that I bought this again. It comes with a handy brush and by sweeping a small amount across the apples of your cheeks, gives the skin a healthy boost of colour.

 

Check it out here: http://www.sephora.com/coralista-box-o-powder-blush-P229206



•  Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara



 

When it comes to makeup, I am a shameful culprit of keeping things for way longer than I should. They said that you should change your mascara every three months but I genuinely couldn't remember when I had bought thelast mascara that I was using. I decided it was time to do myself a favour and pick up a new one while in New York. There are so many different mascaras on the market, both drugstore and high end, but one that I had heard a lot of good things about was the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara. This was $23 which is probably the most I've ever spent on a mascara. I can't even give a proper review of this as I haven't used it yet. I had eyelash extensions done the day before I went away so I'm still clinging to the last of the remaining lashes. I'm hoping that this mascara  this will give my stubby natural eyelashes a well needed boost when the lash extensions eventually wither away.

Check it out here: http://www.sephora.com/better-than-sex-mascara-P381000

Mac

• Velvet Teddy & Brave



I had not intended to shop at Mac while in New York as, unlike Sephora, the same products are available in Ireland for basically the same price. However, there was a Mac shop right next door to our hotel so it would have been rude not to go in for a look! Even though I had swore I wasn't going to buy anything, I did end up picking up two of my old reliable favourites, Velvet Teddy (left) and Brave (right). Velvet Teddy was bought as a gift for my sister but I got Brave for myself as I was literally trying to scrape the last bit out of my old one. Brave is a lovely, wearable nude which is moisturising on the lips and great for everyday wear (hence why it looks so grubby in the photo). These lipsticks cost $17 each as well as a $3 tax.

Check them out here: http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/13854/310/products/makeup/lips/lipstick/lipstick#/shade/Velvet_Teddy

http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/13854/310/products/makeup/lips/lipstick/lipstick#/shade/Brave

Tiffany & Co

 

 

This was one of my most expensive purchases in New York. I had always admired Tiffany jewellery and really wanted a nice keepsake from New York. Including tax, this necklace cost about $170 (I can't remember the exact amount and I think I deliberately 'lost' the receipt so I wouldn't have to remember my shame). Its a really nice, simple piece which I keep trying to justify by telling myself that it will go with everything!

Check it out here: http://www.tiffany.com/gifts/gifts-for-her/return-to-tiffany-heart-tag-pendant-GRP01461

Kate Spade

 

 

Kate Spade was not a designer that I had heard much about before but when I was in Macys, I completely fell in love with her designs. Her range of jewellery and accessories offers a quirky take on classic pieces which really stood out to me. This watch was part of a 25% off offer that day but it still worked out at about $160 which certainly isn't a bargain. I had originally planned on getting a Fitbit watch but, as usual, I chose style over sense!

 

Check it out here: https://www.katespade.com/products/leading-lady-metro-watch/KSW1210.html

Alex and Ani

 



Another impulse buy, as we just happened to stumble across an Alex and Ani shop one day when we got lost! This Frog Prince charm bracelet is part of their Valentine's Day collection and I just thought it was so cute. This is definitely one of my favourite things that I picked up in New York and I've been wearing it ever since. This little guy cost about $38 and is a nice addition to any Alex and Ani collection.

 

Check it out here: http://www.alexandani.com/frog-prince-charm-bangle.html

 

Alex and Ani also have a new range called the Liberty Copper Collection which, they claim, contains genuine copper from the Statue of Liberty. I saw some of these pieces while in New York and wasn't really mad about the design but they may be of interest to those looking for a nice gift or keepsake from New York.

 

Check it out here: http://www.alexandani.com/collections/liberty-copper.html

 

Pandora

 

 

 

 

This charm was bought as a gift for my mother to add to her Pandora bracelet as something special from 'The Big Apple'. This is actually Snow White's apple from the Disney Collection but there are a range of charms which are exclusive to New York City and available in all Pandora stores in New York. Including tax, this worked out at about $72 ,which is frankly a ridiculous amount of money to pay for something the size of a toenail, but it is a really pretty piece for Pandora collectors.

 

Check it out here: http://www.pandora.net/en-au/products/charms/791572en73

 

Urban Outfitters

 

 

I bought this in Urban Outfitters, completely unaware that it was a Stone Cold Steve Austin t-shirt. I know very little about wrestling and, despite the dead giveaways, I just thought it was a t-shirt with a cool skull design! This is from the brand Junk Food and it was $39. (A ridiculous price to pay considering they probably sold these t-shirts in the market for about a fiver in 1999!)

 

Check it out here: http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=41530114&category=BRANDS

 

 

 

 

Although it's one of my most boring buys from New York, this belt is probably one of my favourites. I had wanted a Western style belt for so long and genuinely just never got around to buying one. This belt was $28 and I have gotten so much wear out of it since I bought it. It looks great with jeans, dresses and adds a nice detail to any outfit that's a bit plain or boring.



Check it out here: http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/uk/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=5772316701002&category=WOMENS-BELTS-EU

 

Sketchers

 



Definitely something that's not for everyone. I know that some people refuse to wear Sketchers because they think they're ugly but, trust me, you are missing out on the joy of sheer comfort and bliss. For a long time, I had considered getting a pair of Sketchers to wear to work as I spend the day on my feet and I genuinely have the knees of an 85 year old. I had somehow always put off buying a pair as I thought they were very expensive but while I was in New York I decided that I may as well invest in a decent pair of shoes considering I'd already spent an extortionate amount on makeup and jewellery. These were $65, which is expensive, but they are worth every penny as they are so lightweight and comfortable.

Check them out here: https://www.skechers.com/en-us/style/14901/skechers-gowalk-4-all-day-comfort/bkgy

The Disney Store

If you are visiting Times Square, the Disney Store is a must-see. The store is absolutely fantastic, for young and old, and offers a wide range of toys, clothes and other Disney memorabilia. One of the most popular collections in the Disney Store is the Tsum Tsum collection. This design is of Japanese origin and interprets traditional Disney characters as cute, cylindrical shaped blobs (that's the best description I could come up with). My boyfriend bought this medium sized Minnie Mouse Statue of Liberty plush as a gift for his sister and it worked out at about $25. There are three different sizes, small medium and large, and this particular Tsum Tsum is available exclusively at the Times Square Disney Store.

Check it out here: http://disneytsumtsum.com/i-love-new-york-mickey-and-statue-of-liberty-minnie-tsum-tsums-released-online/

While we were there, there was also a deal running on the Tsum Tsum plush toys where you could buy one and get a selected one for $5. Unfortuntely, the New York Tsum Tsums were not included in this deal but there were many others which would make a nice gift for any Disney lover in your life.

 

 

Of course, it would be physically impossible for me to leave the Disney Store without getting something for myself. After much deliberation, and I mean about an hour inspecting every Tsum Tsum and plush toy in the place, I eventually decided on this little angel, Flower the skunk from Bambi. Although I will probably end up on 'Extreme Hoarders' some day, consumed by a pile of Disney toys, I just couldn't resist!

 

Check it out here: https://www.disneystore.com/plush-toys-flower-plush-bambi-small-9-12/mp/1421543/1000267/

 

Souvenirs

 

 

I love a good tacky souvenir and New York is full to the brim of all the cheesy shops that you could possibly need. No holiday would be complete without some fridge magnets and key rings to take home and these are just a few of what I have left as I have already given some as gifts to family and friends. One thing I will say is that souvenirs can be an absolute rip off so it's often better to purchase them from shops outside of the centre of Times Square as these are usually the most expensive. I made the mistake of buying key rings from one of the larger souvenir shops, which cost me about 3.99 each but then came across the same ones for 99c in a smaller shop down the street!  

 

 

 

 

And of course, I couldn't come home without a present for Chilli. This NYPD vest was $14.99, an expensive price to pay for a dog outfit but worth every penny just to see how bloody cute he looked!

 

 











My First Trip to New York City

 

Like so many other people, it was always a dream of mine to visit New York City. Since I was a child I have been fascinated by New York and everything it has to offer. I suppose when you grow up in a small village in Ireland, where the most exciting event is Wednesday night bingo in the local pub, the bright lights of NYC seem like a long way away. Just over a year ago myself and my boyfriend decided to get our shit together and finally start planning for the holiday we'd always wanted. It goes without saying that New York can be an expensive trip which, if you are a peasant like me, requires a lot of hard work and saving. From sightseeing to snacking, New York has so much to offer, and at all different prices, which allows you to cater to your own budget. No matter how much or how little you spend, your experience in New York will be truly unforgettable and worth every penny.

Getting there

We decided to fly to New York on February 4th and return February 8th, giving us five days and four nights in NYC. Having compared prices on a few different airline sites, we chose to fly with Aer Lingus as the price and flight times suited what we were looking for. The flights cost us roughly 1000 for two of us, which is more or less what we were expecting to pay when travelling at this time of the year. January and February are the cheapest months to travel as they are off peak, unless you are travelling in or around Valentines Day which can cost almost double for flights and accommodation. (I'll settle for a night of Valentines Day bingo in the pub thank you very much!)

After you have booked your flights and accommodation, you MUST apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) This is a form that you fill out online which gives you clearance to travel to the USA. It is a good idea to apply for this at least two months before you travel. The ESTA costs about $14 and is valid for two years. Check it out here: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

The flight from Dublin Airport to John F Kennedy Airport took just over six hours which was fine as there were plenty of films and tv shows on the in-flight entertainment system to keep us occupied. (If you want to relax and enjoy your flight without sobbing uncontrollably then I recommend not reading 'A Dog's Purpose') Being the sweaty pig that I am, a long flight like that can lead only to one thing, the dreaded 'swamp ass'. (You know, when you've been sitting for so long that your arse begins to feel like the Everglades) Unfortunately, swamp ass is pretty much unavoidable but it's a good idea to take a few trips to the bathroom to minimise the swampiness.

 

 

Accommodation

 

There are thousands of hotels in New York so it's worthwhile to take the time to sit down and do your research. Sites like Trivago and Trip Advisor are useful when comparing prices, reading reviews and finding a price which suits your budget. Hotels that are located in the more central areas of Manhattan are more expensive but there are many more to choose from if you are planning on staying outside the 'touristy' spots. Because it was our first time in New York, we decided that we wanted to stay at the very heart of the hustle and bustle in Times Square. We stayed in the Crowne Plaza which initially worked out at about $550 (we paid extra for a room with a city view) Although this doesn't seem like an extortionate amount, we were also charged around $200 in extra charges for services like wifi, access to the gym and use of the phone. Unfortunately you have to pay these extra charges whether you use the services or not. (I just ate a burger the size of a small dog, do I look like I want to use the gym?)

 

 

 (View from our room on the 44th floor)

 

 

I would highly recommend the Crowne Plaza if it is your first time in New York and you are looking to stay somewhere central. The room was comfortable and spacious and we had an excellent city view. As it is located right in the middle of Times Square, it is within walking distance to restaurants, shops, bars, theatres and attractions such as Rockefeller Centre, Grand Central Station and lots more. Staying in Times Square has it's pros and cons. As I've mentioned, it's in a great central location and there is so much to see and do but it's also very loud and busy which some people may not like. As Times Square is the centre for tourist activity, it is full of promoters trying to sell you tickets to attractions, comedy shows and tours. It is also full of, for lack of a better word, nutters dressed up in crazy costumes who try to get you to take photos with them. If they ask for a photo the best thing to do is politely decline as they will expect a tip afterwards and you may end up having to fork out a large sum of money with nothing to show for it only a blurry photo with an Elmo who looks like he just went ten rounds with Conor McGregor.

 

 



 

 Attractions and sightseeing

 

There is so much to see and do in New York that it is actually overwhelming. When you're there, you are constantly looking around (and looking up!) trying to take in the views of the city. As there are so many attractions in NYC, it's worthwhile to do your research before travelling and plan an itinerary of what you want to do while you're there. Something which I found very helpful was a Facebook group called 'NYC The place to be' It's a closed group which has over 18,000 members who share information and tips on travelling to New York. It's a great place to get first hand reviews and information on everything that the city has to offer and is really handy if you want to ask any questions as other members are usually quick to respond. This is a closed group so if you will have to make a request to join and be accepted by an administrator before you are able to view the page. This group gave us lots of information about different attractions which allowed us to plan our itinerary and figure out what we wanted to see.

 

If you are planning on visiting several attractions then it's a good idea to check out some of the passes that give you access to the attractions of your choice. You can cater these passes to suit your own itinerary and visit as many attractions as you like. There are many different websites offering a wide range of passes so it can take a while to decide on one that suits you. In the end, we chose the Go City Card which gave us access to Top of The Rock, The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration Museum as well as two days on the hop-on-hop-off bus tour all using the handy mobile app which was scanned at each attraction. (We had also booked the Harbour Lights Cruise on this pass but, being the idiots that we are, didn't realise that it wasn't running during the time of our trip!) Check out http://www.smartdestinations.com/ to create your own pass!

 

• Top of The Rock

 

 

 

Top of The Rock is the observation desk at the top of Rockefeller Centre which looks out onto a spectacular view of the Manhattan skyline. We decided to do this at night time so we could see the city lit up and it was definitely worth our while. The view was amazing and, in my opinion, a must-see for anyone visiting New York for the first time. The Rockefeller Plaza is also home to the NBC Studios, Radio City Music Hall and a large outdoor ice rink.

 

 

 

 

• The Statue of Liberty and The Ellis Island Museum of Immigration

 

 



 

 

These attractions came as a package deal on our Go City Pass and gave us access to the Liberty Island Ferry and entrance to the museum on Ellis Island. The ferry leaves every half an hour or so and is a short ride away from Lady Liberty. If you are interested, you can also pay extra to visit the museum or access to the crown (which needs to be booked in advance) but, in my opinion, seeing the statue is more than enough. You can walk around the island for as long as you like and it also gives you a chance to get another great view of the Manhattan skyline.

 

 

 

Just another short ferry ride away is Ellis Island which once functioned as the gateway for immigrants entering the USA. The Ellis Island Museum of Immigration was one of my favourite parts of the trip. The building is steeped in history and is home to thousands of artefacts including travel documents, diary entries and photographs which once belonged to the millions of immigrants who arrived there from all over the world. The museum focused on the history of America as a country which was founded and shaped by the immigrants who came there in search of a new life, bringing with them the traditions of their home countries. (A very relevant theme considering recent circumstances...)

 

 



                         

 

• One World Observatory 

 

 

One of the must-see attractions in New York is the One World Observatory which is located on floors 100 and 102 of the One World Trade Centre (the tallest building in the western hemisphere). The One World Trade Centre is also located next to Ground Zero and the 9/11 Memorial Museum.

 

 

There are no words to describe the view other than spectacular. As a first-timer in New York, this view is what made me realise how big the city really is. Photos don't do it justice and it is definitely something which needs to be seen to be believed. We decided to visit OWO during the day so we could get a clear view of the city but, like TOTR, it does open at night time to provide amazing views of the city lights. Purchase your tickets at https://oneworldobservatory.com/

 

 

 

 

 



•  School of Rock

 



 

 

 

 When in New York, it's almost impossible not to be tempted into going to a Broadway show. There are so many shows on offer, which are advertised everywhere, and you are bound to find something to suit your own tastes whether you want a loud, booming musical or something a bit more light-hearted. When planning our trip we decided that we wanted to see School of Rock and wrote it into our itinerary as something to do on our first night (when we knew we would be too wrecked to do anything else!) If you can, avoid buying tickets online and instead wait until you get there where you can pick up cheaper tickets at the theatre box office or at the TKTS stand in Times Square (located behind the red steps in Duffy Square). We managed to get tickets for School of Rock at the Winter Garden Theatre for $59 dollars each which wasn't cheap especially since all they had left was 'partial view' tickets. When they told us the tickets were partial view I instantly had visions of us watching the show through binoculars from a bin behind the theatre but our seats were actually in one of the booths right beside the stage. (You know when you're at a show and you look at the people in the booths and think 'Well they must love themselves', that was us!) At one stage, some of the actors came up into the booth next to us and were leaning over to high-five us! Although at times it was hard to see the back of the stage, we still managed to get a fantastic view. I would highly recommend School of Rock to people of all ages. It's a hilariously funny show with an amazing original score and the dynamic between the kids and the adult actors was incredible from beginning to end.

 

Free Sight-Seeing

 

 

Although some attractions need to be booked in advance, most of the sights of NYC are completely free and accessible by walking, bus or subway. Walking around the city streets is a sight in itself and there is so much to take in everywhere you look. Buildings such as The Empire State Building, The Chrysler Building, The Flat Iron Building, The New York Public Library and Grand Central Station are all must-sees as well as a stroll through Central Park.

 

                         

 

       

 

If you want a great view of the Manhattan skyline free of charge then the 230 Fifth Rooftop Garden Bar and Restaurant is a great spot to visit. Access to the rooftop terrace is free and there are heated plastic domes which you can sit in while you enjoy a drink from the bar. (Unfortunately those aren't free!)

 



 

 

• Museums

If you are in or around Central Park, you might also be interested in visiting some of the fantastic museums that New York has to offer. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History and the Guggenheim art museum are all located close to the park and the great thing about them is there is no set entrance fee and you can pay as much or as little as you want to! We went to the Met and the American Museum of Natural History and both were very interesting and provided a nice change of scenery from trawling through the busy streets all day.

The Met is the largest art museum in America and is home to a wide variety of paintings and sculptures from Ancient Egypt to modern and contemporary work. The building itself is spectacular to look at and it's so big inside that we barely got to see all of it!

 

                            

 

The American Museum of Natural History is also worth a visit if you're interested in science and nature. It hosts a wide range of exhibits including 'The World's Largest Dinosaurs' exhibition which is definitely worth checking out if you want to release your inner Ross Geller. Like the Met, this museum is huge and very easy to get lost in so make sure you hold onto your map! As we went quite late in the afternoon and still had a few other things planned for that day, we unfortunately didn't spend a very long time here but what we did manage to see was fantastic!

 

 

 

Shopping

 



 

It may sound shocking but I actually don't like shopping very much. Although I like buying things, I find the psychical act of shopping quite stressful, especially when it comes to clothes! Before travelling to New York, I had a few things in mind that I wanted to buy. As we are deprived of Sephora in Ireland, I mostly wanted to pick up a few makeup bits but other than that, there wasn't much else that I needed. There are so many shops in New York that you really don't know where to start.

 

For the most part, a lot of the shops they have are the same as what we have in Ireland and the UK. I didn't really see the point in buying clothes in places like H&M and Forever 21 in Times Square when I could buy the same things in Dublin for pretty much the same price! (Gone are the days when those who visited New York came home with fifty Abercrombie and Fitch hoodies!) If you are looking for some bargains then outlets like Woodbury Common and Jersey Gardens are your best bet. We were considering visiting the outlets on our last day but eventually we decided against it as we didn't really fancy spending an entire day shopping as it was our first time and there was still a lot that we wanted to see.

 

Macy's is worth a visit as it's pretty much an attraction in itself. The department store is home to lots of high end designers such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton as well as (slightly) more affordable brands like Adidas and The North Face. Right across the street from Macy's is the largest Victoria's Secret Shop in the world which is also a must-see even if you don't buy anything! Tiffany and Co is another historic shopping destination if you are in the market for a special keepsake from NYC.

 

 

If you are looking for something a bit different, areas such as Greenwich Village and the East Village are home to some quirky boutiques and thrift stores where you are bound to pick up something more unique

 

Food

 

Ah food...my reason for living. Like many others, I grew up watching a lot of American films and TV shows which lead me to become fascinated by the food. Before travelling to New York, I was dreaming of pancakes and pizza and I am happy to say that it really did live up to my expectations! If you love food then there is no denying that you will love New York. It is home to every type of food that you could possibly want and there is so much choice on offer that it can sometimes be overwhelming! Before travelling, we had gotten some good recommendations of places to eat in NYC so we had a few restaurants in mind that we wanted to visit. For the most part, I just wanted to immerse myself in all the cheesy chain restaurants and try the food that I had heard about in TV shows (like breadsticks in Olive Garden!) Apologies in advance for the lack of food pictures. I'm not one for photographing my food as I'm usually ready to dive straight in as soon as it's put in front of me!

 

One restaurant which I had heard a lot about was Ellen's Stardust Diner, located in Times Square. This rough and ready 50s themed diner offers a traditional American diner-style menu of burgers, fries and milkshakes but it is the entertainment which sets this place apart from the rest. If you like musical theatre then Ellen's is the place to be as the talented wait staff perform musical numbers as they walk around the restaurant and stand on top of tables. Ellen's is great fun and I found the food to be really tasty however, if you are in any way claustrophobic then this probably isn't the place for you. The restaurant is usually very busy and the tables downstairs and pushed quite tightly together so at times it can feel like you're right on top of the person next to you. If you enjoy musicals and singing then you will love it but if you want to eat your dinner without a waiter shaking his arse in your face while singing 'Greased Lightning' then maybe consider somewhere else!

 

Another place that we really enjoyed was Southern Hospitality, a bar and restaurant in Hell's Kitchen which was founded by Justin Timberlake (no, we didn't see him!). This busy restaurant offers a range of authentic American BBQ dishes such as ribs, steaks and burgers as well as a lavish cocktail menu. We visited Southern Hospitality on the night of the Super Bowl and, although the place was packed, we didn't have to wait long for a table and the staff were very friendly and helpful. Unfortunately, I don't have a photo to prove it but trust me when I say the pulled pork brisket was DIVINE. Our meal was reasonably priced, as far as New York prices go, and I would definitely recommend Southern Hospitality for anyone looking for some hearty Southern style cooking.

 

While in New York, I developed a full blown obsession with pancakes. I'm the type of person who develops an emotional attachment to food and will continue to eat one particular dish until I get sick of it. During this trip, that was pancakes. In Ireland, pancakes aren't really a big deal and they only get their time to shine once a year on Pancake Tuesday. America, however, is the mother ship of pancakes. Most places offer pancakes on their breakfast menus but I found myself completely obsessed with the pancakes from Applebees. On our last day, we pushed the boat out slightly and I had pancakes in Junior's which were also amazing so, all in all, I was very content for my food intake to consist of 80% pancakes while in New York. 

 

 

 

When in New York, there are so many options for food so you will never be stuck for somewhere to eat. If you would rather avoid the touristy places like Bubba Gump or the Hard Rock Café then you can always venture to Little Italy or China Town for a more authentic taste of what New York has to offer. Eating in New York can be pretty pricey and you will end up spending a large chunk of your spending money on meals each day. Daily we spent roughly 20-35 on breakfast and 50-80 on dinner. Lunch wasn't really a big deal as we were usually out and about so just tended to grab a slice of pizza or a sandwich. When on the go, there are a wide variety of spots to pop in for a bite to eat such as Ray's pizza (see below for it's heavenly goodness), various cafes and diners and, if you want to save your dollars, old reliable McDonalds. If you're travelling on a budget then it's worth saving your money for a nice evening meal and grabbing breakfast and lunch from a convenience store or deli.

 

 

 

The whole concept of tipping is something which, in my opinion, is blown completely out of proportion. Before travelling to New York I got the impression that I was meant to tip literally every person who passed me on the street! However, when you're there, it's something that you just get used to. When you receive the bill at the end of your meal, at the bottom of the receipt there are suggested amounts for tipping so you have an idea of what you should pay. This can be anything from 10-25% so the amount you choose is entirely up to you!

 

An Unforgettable Experience

 

There is so much to say about New York and it's hard to put into words just how amazing the city really is. While writing this post, I'm trying so hard to include as much as I can without it turning into a big rambling spiel. New York really is the kind of place that has to be seen to be believed. Although there are so many famous attractions to visit, the most enjoyable thing for me was just walking around and taking in the sights and sounds of the city. I would suggest wearing comfortable shoes and clothing as you will walk the legs off yourself from morning to night! It is genuinely the city that never sleeps and the atmosphere is indescribable. There is such a fantastic buzz and it really is unlike anywhere that I have ever been before. Everything is so big and bold that when I finally returned home to my little village in Ireland I felt like I was entering the desolate, post-apocalyptic warzone of Mad Max. Although there were many things that we didn't get to see and do during our trip, we still enjoyed every minute of it and we will definitely be returning with a newfound love for the Big Apple.