RAINY ADVENT

The holidays in Chicago are always filled with buzz — this time, a little more rain and undertones of gloom. Still yet, it's my upmost cherished time of the year and what else could be a better hike up to Christmas other than my dear family. (By "family" I mean "family + wombmates" — aka, childhood friends that I've literally known for 20+ years! It's a uniquely mind boggling reality, one that still surprises me twenty some years later and counting.) Though the brutal chills have me committing oaths never to visit home in the winter ever again, moments of reflection calm me down into one blob of a feeling, that is, grateful. This gem of a place I call home, the indefinable relationships, and the every day sights of little succulents planted next to my coffee — all these things deposit in me fresh inspiration and gratitude.  Chicago, depressing weather and all, I love you. Happy Holidays. 

1. Arthur and California + Soy Latte

2. Plant + Garage

3. Nice Interior + Buzz Killer Espresso, Wicker Park

4. Charlie + DIY Christmas cards

5. Wicker Park spaces + Helen Kim

6. Selfie + Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

HAPPY DAYS

 It's as they say — our 20's is the time for ceaseless self-discovery. And in these times of sheer joy, or, "The return," more commonly known as my homecoming to Chicago, I take a moment to recognize that I am absolutely head over heels for capturing moments. Editing photos, being in inspiring spaces, and then of course bragging (and I am so convinced I have fair bragging rights) just how exceptionally awesome (and good looking) the people in my life are makes me so, so happy. I really should structuralize all my blog output. How? Oh boy. But for now, I will sleep with a smug smile.

NEW YORK CITY . 2

Here's another set of photos from NYC. If I were to summarize my trip outside of "total jaw-dropping inspiration," the last photo packages it pretty well — "Figure out what you want. Say it loud. Then SHUT UP." Precisely. New York City kept it real, no doubt. Its resounding authenticity forced me to face the unknown, figure it out, and go for the grabs. Infamous for its grind, NYC definitely allotted space for self-reflection, but no pity parties. Zip. And that my friends, leads me to say that I am certainly allured, curious enough, and pretty sure I'll be back next year for something special — insert teenage squeal. Until then, lets dream on.

1. Toby's Estate, Brooklyn

2. Soho, Manhattan

3. Harlem Apartment

4. Two Hands

5. Stumptown Coffee

6. Roberta's Pizza

WILLIAMSBURG

I was told by I don't know how many people to check out Williamsburg in Brooklyn during my trip, and if I can recall correctly, every single one of those people were quite assertive in that I would "LOVE IT." Love it, I did. Naturally, everything in me rebels against overtly commercialized and/or trendy areas, but Williamsburg is one of those things you can't help but embrace. It is quirky and refined, bold and everything stylish. (Think Wicker park in Chicago but bigger and more extravagant.) It's like the oddball out that has somehow became hip and happenin'. One thing to note: please do not be taken aback at the multitude of tall bearded men in beanies and...vests...and gruff. Just sayin. Enjoy otherwise.

HARLEM

The most intriguing thing about New York City to me is the variety of subcultures depending on location. Harlem (where I'm currently staying) is so different from say, Soho or West Village. Impressions? People seem more down to earth (or "nicer" is really what I mean here) and the local shops are less intimidating than the high rises downtown. Definitely a pocket of ease in this crazy city.

TWO HANDS NYC

Supposedly the abundance of "cute brunch spots" in NYC makes a morning chow down like this one just a negligible norm. Yet for a someone who's been paying $20 some dollars for poorly fixed pancakes and eggs in Korea, I find myself insatiably craving for more! My friend Sparky and I had the egg avocado toast (there are several avocado toast options) and the acai berry bowl, which to my surprise was much bigger in portion than I had anticipated. The perfect touch was the soy cappuccinos — the best. Food aside, you'll notice the beautiful white brick walls, the airy space if it's not too crammed and, trust me when I say this, ultra beautiful people with accents (because accents make people 10x cooler) sipping their afternoon coffees. Delightful!

NEW YORK CITY . 1

My first day in NYC has been nothing short of exquisitely inspiring. You can sense the artistry of culture and innovation deeply embedded into its streets. NYC is a beautiful, vibrant city. Definitely not for the faint in heart, a Seoul citizen knows a hard-knock-kind of life when they see one. First impressions? BIG. New York is certainly big with gigantic buildings, vast possibilities, and — best of all — people with monster ambitions. The down the list are: Flavorful, fast-paced (still a notch below Seoul in my opinion), and seemingly authentic. What I love most about New York is the people, especially the ones, and this seems to be the general majority, who don't seem to give a damn about what people think of them. Thus, instead of trend-following prototypes duplicated into hundreds, you have a city of diversity which beholds fascinating personalities and eccentric style. 

And at same time, there's this uncanny feeling of "the daily grind" which gives room for slight discomfort. If you're intuitive, the feelings you might carry towards this city may be twofold. But in general, my heart has been overly stimulated by fresh inspiration. It's 3am and I am unwinding with this post, mercy. (I must stay on top of the blogging, lest my photos overwhelm me and never make it to cyber space). Check in regularly for NYC updates. In the meantime, here are some of the places pictured above on day 1:

1. Museum Mile 

2. Double Dutch Espresso (Harlem, NYC)

3. Sushi Yasaka (Upper Westside)

4. Urban Outfitters NYC

5. Home cooked 

CHICAGO . 1

It's a funny thing how it is when you come to a place called home. No matter how long you've been gone, it almost seems as if you hop right back on where you left off....minus the fact that I'm kind of clueless about all the grown-up areas of exquisite dining and city life that I've yet to explore. (Thank God for  true-Chicagoan friends!) 

Week 1 in Chicago has been fairly low-key. With every year that passes, I feel like the jet lag mountain gets harder to climb. Two days have stretched out into a week of feeling sluggish. But then again weariness never seems to overcome the love and determination I have for good food and fellowship. Never. And so, as much as my physical body has been on the line, I've been having a sweet time. Impressions? I can't say I've been enjoying the weather, hey there polar vortex, it's too cold. Way too cold. But the food is so satisfying and the relationships run deep as ever. Wicker Park, I love you and Chicago downtown you never cease to inspire me. 

It's quite a tease being here for a week and packing my bags to fly out again. Keep up with me as I head out to NYC tomorrow! City of dreams, I am finally coming for you.