Picture yourself wandering around Columbus Circle. You've just arrived from the airport and now you're forced to lug your >50 lb bags around the busy streets in search of your hotel. No, not your new apartment, (a place to call your own, a sanctuary away from all the craziness occurring outside your window), but a hotel, because buying an apartment in NYC is impossible and you simply haven't had the time. And so here you are, on your first day in your new city, unsure of where you are and booked indefinitely at the 6 Columbus until you square your life away.

Moving to a new city is difficult for so many different reasons. First of all, all the familiar hangouts you felt privy to from home (the hidden coffee shop with the best cappuccinos in town, the hilly spot with the clearest city view, the lounge you got free drinks at because once you befriended the bouncer), suddenly seem so far away. They're useless to you in a new city, where it's going to take a lot of time reestablishing your roots. And what about friends? Who do you call after you've just had the worst day of your life and all you need is someone to listen to you vent? Especially in a big city, the concept of rebuilding a solid social network seems like a daunting task for anyone. Basically, moving anywhere new is generally not an easy feat.

Well the above story of the lost soul wandering around Columbus Circle was me, just one week ago. And for the past seven days, I was convinced it would be the hardest transition I'd ever have to make. Moving from Los Angeles to New York City is something copious amounts of my peers have done. However, none of them warned me how big NY would feel in comparison to the communal districts of LA. At first, it felt like I'd been dropped into a giant, compact crystal ball that constantly shakes around. Was I doomed to live the rest of my so-called "new life" trying to get my bearings?

Well just the other day I was taking the subway uptown (the subway being a whole new issue in itself), and as the doors opened, a conspicuous man with a beard and a banner began screaming nonsensical absurdities into our car. He finished his rant with "I'm not coming in this time, no room for me in there, onto the next car, remember what I said, yadda yadda yadda..." The doors closed and everyone else  went about listening to their ipods and reading the paper as if nothing had happened. Now, I understand these things are a normal occurrence here, and I'm in full agreement of just ignoring the majority of them altogether. However, I still found the whole scenario odd considering I'd rarely dealt with NY subways, or for that matter, bearded men who believe 9/11 was God's way of warning us to repent our sins. So I began to laugh--awkwardly, silently, and totally unexpectedly. Suddenly, I made eye contact with another girl around my age standing a few feet away from me. She smiled at me and rolled her eyes, and I did the same, both of us acknowledging the humor in situation. And right then i realized, I was going to be okay. NY wasn't scary at all. It was bright, alive, chock-full of opportunity, and, as is the case with any big city, a whole lot of crazies.

I could be having the worst day of my life—I sleep through my alarm, I spill hot coffee on my shirt, I get on the wrong train, and perhaps, I lose a leg, etc etc. However, no matter how horrible my day is, there is one thing, and one thing only, that makes everything all better.


Cupcakes. I love cupcakes. I love them more than any other pastry, and maybe even more than certain people. I love the way they look, I love the way they smell, I even love the way the feel when I dip my fingers in the frosting for a taste. I love cupcakes so much, I'm even a sucker for the shops that sell them. I appreciate the colors of the walls, carefully chosen to compliment the colors in the case. Or the always smiling employees chosen to emulate the sweet nature of the cakes. I basically love it all. And because I'm so involved (obsessed) with the grandiose cupcake world, I've decided to share with you a few of the best places around NYC to pick up a sweet little treat, either for someone you love, or just for you.

Magnolia Bakery- 401 Bleecker St, (212) 462-2572: This charming little pastry place serves only the best of sugary goodness to its patrons. Each cupcake is baked and frosted with love, and even the simplest buy, such as the vanilla cupcake covered with chocolate frosting, is sure to make you smile.




Amy's Bread- 250 Bleecker Street, (212) 675-7802: Known for their extra fluffy texture, these cupcakes are almost too cute to eat. In recent months, their red velvet has taken over as cupcake king with a perfect cream cheese frosting concoction to balance out each bite. It's just small enough for one, just big enough for two, and sweet enough for everyone.




Buttercup Bake Shop- 973 2nd Avenue, (212) 350-4144: Often times, it's creativity that takes the cake. In this case, however, the two are combined to create an ever-so-tempting treat you'll want to cup it in the palm of your hand forever. Seriously though, if you end up at Buttercup, try one one of their Devil Dogs. At least, if you like chocolate smothered with cloud-esque wisps of meringue and sprinkles of cocoa powder. But then again, who doesn't?




Crumbs- 321 Amsterdam Ave, (212) 712-9800 and 37 E 8th St, (212) 673-1500: Moistness that melts in your mouth. This cupcake joint is now sprinkled all over the city in multiple locations. With flavors like Cookie Dough, S'mores, and Raspberry Swirl, these cupcakes might just win for most original. For a little taste of everything, try the irresistible sampler set—12 minis in assorted colors and flavors.



I hope these suggestions serve you well. I know they have for me, many many times.