Happy Friday from NYC, my friends! God, it feels so good to be back in the city. I was last here in January 2020 and have missed it greatly. Jon and I lived in NYC before moving to Amsterdam, and I used to come back very regularly for work. It’s sort of a second home, so it feels great to be here again.
At the same time, it feels pretty weird. Jon and I closely followed everything that happened here over the last year. The city was hit so hard by covid. Race relations and the election were a huge stressor on the city. So many people I know have left. But at the same time, there is an energy to the city as things start to recover. Restaurants are allowing indoor dining and vaccine appointments are plentiful. I’m seeing more mask-wearing here than we’ve ever seen in Amsterdam. As always, NYC seems to have come together in a time of crisis. Of course, it’s still impossible to ignore the Asian hate that has plagued the city as of late. Things are by no means perfect, but I’m hoping the city will come out of all of this alive again.
Jon and I were lucky enough to be able to get our vaccines yesterday. It’s a huge privilege as an American to be able to return to the states and get vaccinated. But it feels really good to know we are doing our part in keeping others safe. Plus this means there will be two more vaccines in the Netherlands available that we won’t need.
I’m looking forward to the chance to start seeing family and friends again. We are going to see Jon’s parents this weekend for the first time in over a year. The other night I got to see my brother who I last saw when we rang in 2020 in Sydney. We made the difficult decision not to risk visiting family at Christmas, and now that family is vaccinated we can see them again. I can’t begin to tell you how happy and fulfilled it makes me.
I hope those of you in the US are able to get your vaccines and safely see friends and family again. And those of you in the EU, I’m praying for swifter vaccine rollouts and the chance to return to “normal” this summer.
Have a great weekend.
Xx, Kelsey
FRIDAY FAVORITES: ROUND 4, WEEK 18
Since we are back in the US, I’ve been buying so many products I can’t get in the EU. I picked up this moisturizer with SPF (it’s rare to find them combined in the EU), these hair vitamins I’ve heard great things about, and this denim skirt.
I have an unhealthy obsession with white dresses for spring and summer. This one (EU), this one (EU), and this one (EU only) have been on my radar. I’m trying not too buy too many, but they’re so cute…
The Sézane summer lookbook has been calling my name. I want everything in the red floral print if I’m being honest.
It’s been great to be in NYC and eat at some of my favorite places again. All my favorites are included in this guide to NYC.
Just picked up this bronzer (EU) in medium to use as a contouring powder. Used it for the first time this morning, and I’m already obsessed. It’s really pigmented, so I know I’ll have this one for ages.
If you like country, I’ve been listening to this album quite a lot lately. Country is always my go-to when the weather starts to get nice.
