Located in Chelsea, Roth Bar offers a truly unique atmosphere to enjoy a drink or bite while also getting a taste of art. I stopped by to check out the spot and enjoy a housemade soda and the space made quite the impression! The bar is filled with a sculpture that was designed entirely by salvaged materials by Björn Roth, Oddur Roth and Einar Roth (relatives to the Swiss artist Dieter Roth).

The bar is located inside the Hauser & Wirth gallery in Chelsea and was actually a really cool space to take a break in between gallery hopping. It's definitely not your average coffee shop or bar! Take a look at some of this sculpture! If you can think of it, it's was probably in here -- lights, old TV screens, wires, candles. Let's just say a game of I Spy could get realllllyyy interesting in there!

Beyond giving your eyes a whole lot to take in, the bar is actually fully functional as well. Serving up locally sourced seasonal bites from Great Performances such as Delicata and Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk and Garam Masala, Forest Mushroom Flatbread with Roasted Onion and Prosciutto-Infused Spinach. They also offer a wide range of coffees, teas, housemade sodas and cocktails!

I opted for a refreshing blackberry housemade soda and it was just what my afternoon needed! Although I'm definitely going to have to come back to try some of their new artisanal cocktails as well. 

Starting this month (holy moly it's June!), they will also be showing a series of films chosen by the gallery on the rooftop with refreshments available for purchase. Which, let's be honest, who doesn't love a good rooftop viewing in the summer?! 

It was a really neat spot that I'd definitely recommend if you're looking for something a little different or for a place to sit and relax a little while you're getting your art on in the neighborhood. For more information on the location or to visit yourself, visit the link below.

Wohweee, it has been a whirlwind of a trip back on the west coast! My 10-year reunion was this weekend so I decided to make a trip out of it, which has been nice! Well, except for the minor detail that I've pretty much been sick with a nasty cold the whole time.. dang you recirculated airplane air! Even so, it's always so refreshing to get out of the city and have a change of pace back home.

My reunion has been in the works for awhile now -- I may have had a slight heart attack when I got invited to the Facebook Group this Fall. To be totally honest I didn't know if I wanted to come because high school wasn't exactly my favorite chapter. After I found out one of my besties was making the trip from Idaho though, I threw all that hesitation out the window and booked a flight.

The truth is growing up can be tough, hindsight is always 20/20 once you've been through it right?! Since this weekend has been all sorts of nostalgia I thought it was the perfect time to look back and share some lessons I've learned over the years that I wish I could have told my little high school self!

Don't Spend So Much Time Trying to Fit In

You'll spend so much time trying to fit in.. but why?! Instead of trying to wear the perfect clothes, listen to the right kind of music, and like the right kind of movies, just embrace who you really are. The people you're trying so hard to have an impression on today will be a distant memory in a few years so instead focus on growing up and growing into your own skin. Your unique traits and personality will be what will help you get ahead in the future so embrace it!

Have Fun and Put Your Friendships First

The people who love your quirks and embrace you for who you really are? Love them hard. A lot of your friends from high school (and even from before) will become lifelong friends. Forgive each other after petty fights and move on. These people will be your rocks now and in years to come, even when your lives take completely different paths. Soak in as much time with them and make as many memories as you can.

Follow Your Passions

Don't let anyone talk you out of following your passions because it's not the "cool" thing to do. If there's something you love, go for it! Don't be afraid to try new things to find what those passions are too and even more important what you don't love. Trying new things out now will help guide your decisions for your future.

Enjoy the Moment

You don't have to be in such a rush to grow up. Although hey, you'll do some cool things in the future. Try and slow things down and live in the moment. Oh, and appreciate not having to pay bills because that part of growing up won't be as fun later.

Don't Be Afraid to Speak Up

You're going to deal with your fair share of... for the lack of a better word... crap. Don't be afraid to speak up for both yourself or for others. It won't always be easy but it's the right thing to do. 

You'll Get Through it Just Fine

There will be so many moments that will feel like the end of the world, but guess what you'll make it out on the other side just fine. Life will always have its ups and downs but just remember high school is only one chapter of your journey.

Even though I didn't love high school, I have to say our reunion really reminded me of all of the good that came out of those years and how far so many of us have come. I have to say I had about a 1,000 times more fun than I even thought I would too. We only had about 60 people from our 350+ class come, but I think that kind of made it even better actually because the people who really wanted to be there wanted to catch up and see everyone.

Funny enough I connected with a lot of people more this weekend than I probably even did in high school. So that was a fun and little unexpected bonus too. It's so cool how you can reconnect and find people you have a lot in common with after a few more years of living life. So here's to embracing our past, appreciating the journey along the way and reconnecting!

It's time to head uptown because Harlem has a food festival you are not going to want to miss! I'm talking to you about the 3rd annual Harlem EatUp! festival! I'll let you in on a little secret too.. I got an early look because we actually designed the website at Bold & Pop and NYC, you're in for a treat. 

Founded by one of NYC's fav chefs, Marcus Samuelsson and Herb Karlitz, President of Karlitz & Company, the festival focuses on highlighting some of Harlem's best. I'm talking some seriously delicious bites, drinks, art and music! You'll recognize some familiar faces this year too! The likes of Carla Hall, Geoffrey Zakarian, Donatella Arpaia, Roger Mooking and much much more will all be there!

The really awesome part about the festival is there's a little something for everyone too. The Dine in Harlem dinner series, where acclaimed chefs partner up with some of Harlem's favorite restaurants for a dinner party experience.

If you're ready to get your feast on, then the Ultimate Grand Tasting is just what you're looking for. Can you say all-you-can-eat?! This 21+ event offers bites from Harlem restaurants, paired with fine wines, beer and cocktails. Then there's also the Harlem Stroll Marketplace and Main Stage which are free events where you can pay-as-you-go. There's also a Kid's Zone, live culinary demos and performances -- remember that there's something for everyone part?!

You definitely don't want to miss this year's line-up! For more info on the events be sure to check out their website! 

Photo Credit: Harlem EatUp!