Weekly Highlights: September 30- October 6
This week was all about friends, which feels like a lifeline when navigating life in New York City. Spending time with people you love can make the concrete jungle feel like home. This week was filled with park-hopping and a special meeting with someone who has inspired me for years.
Park Hopping Adventures
This weekend, I visited three unique parks/ gardens: Domino Park, Tompkins Square Park, and a hidden gem, the 6th Street and Avenue B Garden in the East Village.
- Domino Park: The sun was shining, and so many people were out, lounging in the grass, walking along the waterfront, or grabbing bites from nearby food trucks. With views of the Williamsburg Bridge and Manhattan, it’s a perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon with friends. There's something special about seeing so much life in one place.
- Tompkins Square Park: This park has a distinct vibe, always bustling with local energy- you may even stumble upon some live music as I did! Whether it’s bands or impromptu performances, there’s always something happening here. One event I’m excited about is their upcoming Halloween Dog Parade :) I highly recommend standing in front of the Hare Krishna Tree in the park. There’s something magical about that spot—its energy feels peaceful and spiritual.
- 6th Street and Avenue B Garden: This hidden garden might be my favorite weekend discovery. It was full of people sharing food, celebrating birthdays, and sneaking in romantic moments under the lush greenery. The garden felt like a secret oasis, surrounded by colorful flowers and cozy seating areas—definitely a place I’ll return to when I need a quiet escape.
Meeting One of My Biggest Inspirations: Tea with MD
The other major highlight of my weekend was meeting the incredible Joyce Park MD, known to many as Tea with MD. Dr. Joyce has been one of my biggest inspirations, and her blog helped guide me when I was considering launching The Amaranthine Collective. She was an early trailblazer in the skincare space, sharing her expert insights as a dermatologist in a relatable, accessible way.
You can find her on Instagram @teawithmd, where she continues to share her skincare wisdom, especially about the latest treatments. Dr. Joyce has built an impressive career balancing her life as a board-certified dermatologist and influencer. Meeting her was such a full-circle moment, as her work paved the way for me to feel confident in sharing my skincare expertise through my blog.
ISDIN Skincare Event
I met Dr. Joyce at an event hosted by ISDIN, a skincare brand that’s been making waves recently. ISDIN hails from Barcelona, Spain, and has gained a strong following for its science-backed products. Their sunscreens have become cult favorites for their lightweight feel and impressive protection. Some of their most popular products currently include the ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica sunscreen, known for sun protection and skin repair, and their Melatonik serum, which combines antioxidants and melatonin to revitalize the skin overnight.