I'm in love with a man named Trader Joe

Before you read this post, watch this wonderful Trader Joe's commercial.

After I saw this video randomly posted on someone's facebook a while ago, I decided that I absolutely had to get to a Trader Joe's, so I was beside myself when I learned there is one just a subway stop away from the NYU dorm I'm staying at.

Trader Joe's is a place that's just about as magical as the MSLO office. It's the only affordable grocery store I've found in the city so far, and by affordable I mean dirt cheap for things that are delicious and usually something cool like organic, vegan or gluten free. It also has deliciously random things like this dried mango or crazy kinds of beer, all reasonably priced. Basically if Lawrence were a grocery store, it would be Trader Joe's.

Because TJ's, as AJ and I lovingly call it, is so affordable and filled with delectable things, the lines are ridiculously long, but the 16 or so cash registers let you get through pretty quick. You wait in one of two lines, which usually go to the back of the store, and once you get to the front, you're directed to a register. It's kind of hilarious.

I've always been a big fan of super markets, especially ones of the hippie varieties, but Trader Joe's is really a special place. And the best part is, we're getting one in Kansas right by my house! July 15th will be a glorious day in Leawood, although no one in my family really eats weird stuff like me.

Just to show you how cheap (and delicious) it is...

today I bought Kashi 7 grain crackers, a "Reduced Guilt" mac and cheese frozen dinner, frozen pad Thai with tofu bowl, organic baby carrots, Tofutti Cuties dairy free mini ice cream sandwiches, Greek yogurt with cherry and pomegranate, and TJ's pomegranate and blueberry green tea all for just under $16. What a steal. The frozen meals were both less than $3, perfect for work and cheaper than any other meal in NYC.

I know it's pretty lame to be blogging about a grocery store, but I'm kind of obsessed.

Pinching myself on a daily basis.

I can't even begin to count the number of times I asked myself "is this real life?" in the last two days. The MSLO office is a magical place full of crazy, random, beautiful and wonder things like test kitchens, dogs, prop rooms, staff kitchens (aka pantries) stocked with delicious Twinning's tea, wedding dresses, eggs from Martha's farm and some of the nicest people you'll ever meet. It couldn't be more perfect.

On Monday morning I met AJ (bff from high school who has a digital photography internship, I am SO happy we are experiencing this together!) at the Starrett-Lehigh building in Chelsea to start our first day. The day started with meeting the super nice HR people, gift bags filled with sweet Martha swag like a mug and a rain slicker that I'm going to have to incorporate into a Martha Stewart Halloween costume. Then we ate a yummy breakfast of bagels, fruit and yogurt. After a tour of the beautiful office, we took to the even more beautiful rooftop for a pizza party. The building is right on the Hudson, and the weather was perfect, so I got to watch sail boats as I ate some delicious pizza. After lunch I met Senior Editor Kelly, who gave me a much more in depth tour, and then met Deputy Editor Cara who gave me my first project, which was to make up names to be put on place cards in an upcoming issue. They told me to mix and match friends first and last names, so be on the look out for part of you name in MSW!

My second day was even better than the first. I started the day with a project from Assistant Managing Editor Lindsay, whom I sit next to. (On the other side of me is Managing Editor Talley--sitting between these two has been beyond helpful, and fun!) I helped Lindsey fact check the Gown Gallery, which consisted of emailing PR people from dress design companies. Needless to say, it was very exciting seeing names like Oscar De La Renta in my inbox!

The last project I did was write a charming little piece on something that has to do with the groom's attire (don't want to give too much away!) that will appear in Good Things and online.

I also finally got to try Wichcraft (the pressed ham and cheese is to die for) and spend some quality time with Cara. I can tell we are going to get along great and I am going to learn a lot from her!

I can tell this is going to be such an educational experience because I am doing real editorial work with an amazing magazine. Every day is so much fun and I have already learned a ton. I haven't fetched any coffee, or made single copy, although I really wouldn't mind doing any of that because everyone is so welcoming and kind to me. I already feel like a part of the group.

I feel so at home here. My desk is down the hall from the test kitchen, so I get to smell delicious things cooking all day. The building is in such a fantastic location, the Empire State Building in on one side, and the Stature of Liberty is on the other! It's inspiring.

To make the day even more perfect, AJ and I got invited to go to a super exclusive Melissa sample sale with some other Martha staff members. And yes, it was just like Confessions of a Shop-a-holic. This is not real life.

So I've decided I am never leaving. Sorry Kansas!

My bad ass Martha rain slicker!

Things I've Learned in NYC so far: two days

I arrived in New York City with my mom and sister around 8:30pm on June 3. Since that day, I have been doing the most amazing things and exploring the city non-stop. Expect a post full of pictures soon! The "vacation" ends Monday, but that's when the real fun begins and I start work! I can't believe it's almost here.

Chessie and I outside Eataly, being goof balls.

Here's a quick list of some of the things I've learned so far in the city.

MoMA > than the Met (but the Met is pretty great too.)

Starry Night is even better in person.
The Guggenheim is closed on Thursdays.

The Path train/Hoboken are both wonderful.
Chelsea is no where near West Village (takes me three trains and a bus to get to work! haha)
Meal plans are fantastic.

It's not always cool and rainy in NYC June.

It's ok to ask people questions (like directions) and most New Yorkers are happy to help.

I forgot how expensive the cost of living in New York is.
I am bad at saving money (already knew.)

Postcards make wonderful decorations.

Hydrangeas don't do well in the heat.
Living without AC is impossible nearly impossible, and fans are wonderful inventions.
Sensible shoes are not an option (in other words, my feet hate me, but they'll just have to get over it.)
What it means when you go Uptown vs Downtown
How to read a subway map and navigate the Subway (thanks mom!)
Easy Mac is a delicious and always affordable meal.

I can't survive without a microwave and/or refrigerator.

Living next to a Loft and Gap is DANGEROUS.

Cart escalators are still awesome.

Shampoo, conditioner and body wash are barely affordable in New York (even at the Brooklyn Target!)

The best things in life are free (Target Free Fridays at the MOMA)
I am without a doubt living here some day.
Eataly is NOT just a big, Italian grocery store.

I am in love with this city. (Already knew that too)

My parents are really nice people and definitely love me.

Unlike the last time I lived in NYC, I didn't take any time at all for me to reconnect with the city. I feel so at home here, and I'm lucky to have good friends be making new friends, which makes the transition much easier. I am so blessed.