It's taken me a long time to write this post, but I'm finally ready to share. Last weekend, my husband and I moved to my hometown of Pittsburgh and if you follow my blog, you know it's been on mind. I think it was around this post when I really got the itch to come back. I miss Brooklyn terribly and I'm a little teary-eyed just writing this post, but being so close to my family crushes any inkling of second thoughts.

I've already unpacked 40 boxes and I'm four days in to a new job. I've visited Target five out of my seven days so far and I even snuck in a quick bite at Arby's! Today, I'm finally getting my bearings and ready to start a routine - join a gym, start cooking again and focus on my work.

I spent ten incredible, life-changing years in NYC; made lifelong friends, became an independent woman, kicked ass in my career and met the love of my life...who knew a one-way Amtrak ticket would turn out to be the best decision of my life. To celebrate the end of one-hell-of-a-decade, I thought I would impart a few words of wisdom for the next eager PR girl determined to start a life in the city that never sleeps:

1. Research the hottest restaurant and get a side job as a hostess. Why? COMIDA also known as Family Meal. Not only do you get a sick paycheck to afford those late-night taxis, but you eat for free. I probably wouldn't be where I am today without my Nobu days. The perks of a NYC hostess make life a whole lot easier - trust me.

2. Learn your North, South, East and West. Ladies - it's NOT THAT HARD. This simple knowledge will save your iPhone battery life for days.

3. Hiring a man with a van is sometimes the best option to get you from Point A to Point B. You're going to move every year - it's a fact - and counting on your friends for help is questionable. Thanks to Craigslist, you can hire movers on the cheap and tip them with the toaster or lamp you no longer want after everything is said and done.

4. Work your ass off - it pays. Show up to work on time, listen when people talk, take notes, find your voice and speak up.

5. Never leave your apartment without an umbrella. There's nothing more painful than paying $20 for a shitty umbrella on the side of the street. If I could go back in time and listen to this advice, I'd be rich!

6. Make friends with security guards. This tip relates to number one since your new BFF as a hostess will always be the man to your right guarding your every move. Without the Vinnie's and Tony's of the world, I would have never had the chance to score VIP Letterman access for mom or enjoy home-cooked meals at some of Brooklyn's best block parties.

7. Avoid empty subway cars - it's never a good sign.

8. At some point, you will forget how to go about everyday life on your own. You will pay someone to do your laundry, clean your apartment, cook your meals when you didn't have a chance to pay someone to deliver groceries and and even cut your nails. Resist this urge for as long as you can! I can tell you now that the transition to life without these conveniences is rough!

9. Thread, don't wax. My brows have been burned by the city, so take note.

10. Keep your head up and stay positive. Depression will happen - most likely on the first of the month - but when you're hating life, just look up at the skyscrapers and know that you've already made it. I call this the Mary Tyler Moore move. It takes guts to take on NYC and nothing comes easy, but the person you become and the people you meet will forever shape your future and your future will, no doubt, be bright.

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If there's one thing that motivates you in NYC, it's your friends. I've been lucky enough to live in this city for almost ten years and I probably wouldn't have made it as far as I have without the inspiration and drive that is a byproduct of a friendship made in the concrete jungle. Everyone is hustling, everyone is focused and everyone is chasing a dream.

Dreamcatchers is a series that has been on my mind for over a year now. It's dedicated to the interesting people in my life who inspire me everyday. I'm so excited to officially launch and introduce Amanda. Amanda and I actually went to high school together, but we weren't close. It wasn't until a few years after college (when I discovered she had moved to Queens) that we became friends. She's traveled all over the world, taken risks that have changed her life forever and never lets anything get in the way of her dreams. She's a talented painter with a cool personality and someone everyone should know. So, without further ado - meet Amanda.

What does it feel like to do what you love?

It can be equally as fulfilling as it is excruciating. It's tough on the days when you doubt yourself, but I can't imagine not doing it. One of the best parts is the inclusion in a community of people who share the same love; they are my second family.

When did you realize that painting was your true passion?

I knew when I was young that I would be in the arts. In undergrad I took an intro to painting class and that was it. All throughout college, I painted during my free time in my dorm room. After I graduated and moved to NYC, I rented a studio and painted on nights and weekends when I had the chance. Eventually I made the decision to pursue a Master's Degree at the New York Academy of Art. It changed my life.

What advice do you have for people who want to take that leap to pursue their dreams?

My advice would be to have an alternate skill or career path that you can do simultaneously to support yourself.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Other than the history of all visual artists, I've always been fascinated by other interpretive arts: film, music and dance especially.

Where do you get your motivation from?

I've been motivated for as long as I can remember. My parents instilled motivation in me from a young age. They raised me to be very independent, but were always extremely supportive of my goals and ambitions.

Who are some of your favorite artists?

There are so many! Closest to my heart is the Francisco Goya - Francis Bacon - Jenny Saville lineage. I was lucky enough to meet and take a master class with Jenny during grad school. Euan Uglow and Edward Degas are also up there. I'm currently looking at Edwin Dickinson in the studio.

How would you describe your personal style?

Hmm… Part grandma, part "boyfriend" with a touch of gypsy? For everyday casual, I like to mix more feminine things like floral patterns with a little more masculine items like combat boots. My jewelry is mostly brass. And I have an unreasonable amount of scarves in my collection, mostly from my travels. For formal occasions, I love the 30's - 40's style silhouettes. Pearls and kitten heels.

What is your typical beauty routine?

I cleanse with my Clarisonic Mia, and moisturize at night with either Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate or organic coconut oil. For cosmetics, I usually start with Kiehl's BB Cream to even out skin tone, especially under my eyes. Then Bare Minerals blush or bronzer. Some kind of liquid eyeliner (currently Revlon Color Stay). And Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Black Honey. My favorite makeup remover is LUSH's Ultrabland.

Do you have any upcoming projects?

I have a few shows booked for 2015, two of which are solo exhibitions. Next spring I'll be away for the Eric Fischl Teaching Residency at West Nottingham Academy, where I'll be teaching classes and working in the studio. I'm pretty excited/nervous!

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