Hello, NYC!

Well, I've done it.

I've graduated college, spent a summer in San Francisco, and moved across the country to NYC to start a new life and career.

There have certainly been a lot of changes lately, and I hope it explains my absence after my last post in July. Luckily, now that I'm getting used to the East Coast hustle and bustle (and I've accumulated some baking supplies in my tiny kitchen!) I can get back to one of my favorite hobbies when I get some free time.

I have a number of posts in the works, so stay tuned for updates!

In the meantime, I would love any suggestions in the comments for markets, restaurants, and other places where I can eat, explore, & enjoy in my new city! Do you have any favorite hot spots or must-sees?

XO, Lindsay

A College Essentials Checklist: What to Take

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the Bay Area Colgate send off for incoming freshmen students. It was so fun to see all of the eager (and slightly apprehensive!) students and parents, and to remember how excited and nervous I was at my own send off only a couple years ago.

In the spirit of "back to college," I decided to compile a list of my college essentials.

A few things you shouldn't leave behind when you pack up this fall, and a couple of fun extras:

1. At least one nice dress is a good thing to have on hand in case you go out to dinner with professors or are attending a social event or formal. This Cynthia Steffe ruffled dress is a great option for both dressing up and more casual looks.
2. You'll want to bring a good weekly planner to stay organized. I prefer one with a soft cover that has a lot of space for me to write notes.
3. Cheap tie-on curtains are an easy way to customize an otherwise bland dorm room.
4. If you attend school in the snow belt like I do, you'll need to invest in rain boots and snow boots that will keep your feet warm and dry. Hunter boot and L.L. Bean are both reliable options.
5. Most dorms require you to walk to a communal bathroom - this monogrammed wrap towel with velcro will keep you covered in style! And shower shoes? An absolute MUST.
6. It's important to have a sturdy book bag that can take the weight (ahem my 3000 page Shakespeare book). A nylon bag like this MICHAEL Michael Kors Back to School Tote will stand the test of time.
7. Throw pillows are another quick way to personalize a dorm. This duo will keep your room looking cheerful and bright.
8. Don't be the girl with an ID lanyard around your neck. This Vera Bradley zip ID case will keep your ID handy and save your from the inevitable freshman faux pas.
9. Have a fitted blazer on hand. You never know when you might have an improptu job interview or will want to dress up for a class presentation.
10. Since you won't have mom around to wake you up anymore, an alarm clock is absolutely necessary! Plug in your iPod to this iHome alarm clock for a more enjoyable wake up call than a blaring buzzer.
11. Finally, of course you need to show some school spirit! A comfy hoodie representing your campus pride will be a library staple.

What do you think? Are there any other necessities for a smooth transition after high school?

Welcome...

...to my new blog! After blogging my study abroad adventures in Barcelona and across Europe at Sigame a España, I was inspired to keep a blog following my other experiences at home here in the U.S. Now that finals are over, I plan for this blog to help document the sweetness of summer before my senior year of college as I "Eat, Explore, and Enjoy" in Minneapolis and San Francisco over the next few months.

"The Sweet Talker" has been inspired by a number of blogs over the past couple of years, namely The Pioneer Woman, CakeSpy, Joy the Baker, My Baking Addiction, Oh Joy! and Cupcakes and Cashmere (do you notice a trend here?). I hope that I can follow their footsteps to provide entertaining blog posts that are both a visual treat and fun to read.

It might take me a couple of weeks to get this blog really swinging, but stay tuned to see where my culinary and everyday endeavors take me!