I <3 NYC: Junk Journal

I'm a born-and-raised New Yorker—though technically, I grew up on Long Island, so I still don’t feel like a "real" New Yorker just yet. One night, I actually came up with the "Five Pillars of Becoming a New Yorker." They’re a mix of funny, silly, and maybe even realistic ideas on what it takes. But that’s for another time.

Growing up just a train ride away, I always felt excited about going into the city. NYC was linked to special occasions for me, whether it was Comic Con, a Broadway show, or playing tourist with out-of-town friends. By middle school, I knew I wanted to live here someday. So when it came time to apply to colleges in 2022, my top two choices were NYC schools. Getting into FIT—my dream school since I was a kid—was surreal. I was beyond thrilled to move to the city in 2023 and finally live the life I had always imagined, surrounded by ambitious, creative people.

One of my favorite parts of living in NYC is the sheer variety of everything around me. I love having so many options: cute cafes, thrift stores, quirky stationery shops, and all the hidden gems around every corner. Washington Square Park feels magical at night and peaceful during the day. I love reading in Central Park, sitting by the pier after dark, and just being able to walk everywhere. The people-watching here is top-notch—I get inspired by everything I see, good outfits and bad ones alike. I've met amazing friends, gone to unforgettable concerts, and had late nights filled with fun and spontaneity. It’s a city that inspires me constantly.

As much as I love being here, I sometimes feel overwhelmed by all the choices and the pressure of figuring out who I want to be. It’s scary, but there’s something inspiring about searching for that answer in New York City.

Recently, I made a video that captures my love for the city, like a keepsake. I chose to do it through a type of art called junk journaling. For those who don’t know, junk journaling is a creative way to repurpose materials and small mementos to make a scrapbook that’s more about capturing moments than following a strict layout. It’s about keeping little tokens from everyday life—concert wristbands, dried flower petals, ticket stubs, you name it. 

Basically collect shit and put it in a book.

So, here’s my video, a bit of junk journaling about what NYC means to me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmyz0tdk-aw

XO, Mia

Digital Diary: 10/16-10/23

Dear Diary (people of the internet),

Let me introduce you to my best friend, Mac (or Macy, but I call her Mac). You can call her whatever you want; she won't mind. She flew in all the way from Florida to visit me for the week, and it’s always a treat when she’s here because it gives me the perfect excuse to explore the city and check out all the places I've been meaning to visit. Plus, we get to revisit my favorite cafes and spots that I’m usually too busy or lazy to go back to because, well, life (homework, RA duties, swim team, you name it). So, yeah, having her around is the best.

I had a blast planning our itinerary for the week! I’m talking color-coded, bolded, italicized, different fonts—the whole shebang on my Notes app. It was an absolute joy to plan all the things we'd do together. The list had everything: cafes, restaurants, stores, friends I wanted her to meet (I was too lazy to do this on her last two visits, oops), sights to see, and new places we’d try out together. It was all there, down to the time stamp (lowkey).

It's only Saturday as I write this, so we’ve still got a few more days of fun left, but let me give you a little rundown of what we’ve been up to so far (not necessary to read, but it's fun key details):

Wednesday 10/16:

- Picked Mac up from JFK

- Built my couch (kidding, I don’t have a couch... or do I?)

- Trader Joe’s run

Thursday 10/17:

- I made matcha’s → she loved it

- Strolled around the West Village

- People-watched at Washington Square Park

- Korean corn dogs in K-Town

- Brown sugar matcha at Nana’s Green Tea

- Pizza at L’industrie 

- She met my childhood bestie

- Baked cookies together

Friday 10/18:

- Apollo Bagels 

- Waited (almost 8 hours!) in line for her favorite band, Inhaler

- Got a pocket-sized book I’m obsessed with: “Women” by Chloe Caldwell

- She met my hometown bestie

- Got into the concert and had a blast 

- Tried (and failed) to get a setlist or guitar pick for her

- Ended the night as two tired, happy girls

Saturday 10/19:

- Hung out at Chelsea Flea

- Devoured the best matcha and onigiri at my fave cafe, Kijitora EAST

- Took advantage of a photobooth in Brooklyn film camera store

- Popped into a bunch of thrift and vintage shops

- Chef’d up dinner at home

- Baked banana bread for dessert

It’s been a fun and fulfilling week with Mac so far, and there’s still more to come. But who knows if I'll remember to add more key details of the next 3 days… (yep too lazy to add more details)

CURRENT TIME:

I just wanted to write a cutie digital diary here to document the trip and brag about my recent days, haha.

By the time I post this, she’s already on her flight back home, and I'm missing her company in my dorm. 

Mac, this one’s for you! 

Love you always, and visit soon 💖 

XO, Mia

Pocket Books

Let’s talk about pocket-sized books—not handbags, but actual books that fit in your back pocket. I love them. This past weekend, I stopped by McNally Jackson bookstore near Pier 17 and stumbled upon a staff pick: “Women” by Chloe Caldwell. I can’t quite remember why I picked it up, but it was probably the clean, simple cover that caught my eye (yes, sometimes you can judge a book by its cover). After reading the back and skimming the foreword, I was hooked. I bought it on the spot and started reading right away. 

It’s such a good read! I’m not a fast reader, but I’m already halfway through this 139-page novella. It’s engaging, easy to get into, and I love Caldwell’s writing style. So yes, I highly recommend this book. 

But let’s get back to my main point: bring back pocket-sized books. First of all, they look cool tucked into your back or coat pocket. Plus, they’re super convenient and hot. Instead of pulling out my phone during a long subway ride, I can reach for my book. Standing in line for matcha? Out comes the book. Bored waiting for the concert to start, get that book out. Instantly makes any person sexier. Even if you don’t want to carry it in your back pocket because your phone’s already there, maybe ask yourself why you’re so attached to your phone. Get a grip. A grip on a good pocket sized book!

Anyway, I’m loving my book, and I love it even more that it’s pocket-sized. So do yourself a favor: pick up a pocket-sized book, or better yet, grab a copy of Women by Chloe Caldwell. Trust me, it’s worth it.

#notsponsored

XO, Mia