Weekend with Bryan

This was Bryan's first weekend back since November, and parts of NYC were not so welcoming. The two hour car ride from the airport almost had him back at the airport going home before starting! Me working until 10.30 that night and the snow canceling all our plans, we finally decided to make the best of things and ended up having a great weekend! We got to spend quality time together laughing and cuddling. Oh how I miss my hubs...

We mainly did things around here because of the weather. We did venture to the West Village for dinner one night where Bryan told me that he had the best scotch he'd ever had-so I took a pic

He literally was sighing after every drink!

We decided to hit the movies and see the Descendants. Only had to pay $13.25 a person for what I would describe as a "Indy"flick. CRAZY. Good thing it wasn't in 3D.

 It was fun to see a movie here. I live around the corner from this place, walk past it daily, but I have never been. It is a small, narrow but tall theater. Our show was on the 5th floor, the bathrooms were on 2 and the concessions were on 3. This pic is old, but thought it gives perspective on how narrow the place is if you can imagine it is not any wider than those doors.

We also tried a few new places for breakfast. First was a local chain that is the ultimate french bistro.

Bryan tried to hide, sorry for the shoulder. They have breads, quiche, waffles, omlettes-I had a butternut squash and gouda frittata. Yum. Bryan had the oatmeal with real, plump oats. It was a little bland for me, but they had brown sugar or berries to supplement!

We also tried a new bagel place (after walking past one). Ordering was an experience, coffee was ok, bagels were really fresh and his bacon looked like a flat, mashed turkey type. His French toast tasted like the spices from the person before us-their omelette! Not our best NYC food experience.

I mention the one we walked past because I had to try it. I am oh, so glad I did and I am definitely taking Bryan here next time to make up! This place, BagelWorks is one of my best local finds! In true New York fashion, I am officially a bagel snob and this place makes the cut.

 Cream cheese anyone?

 I watched the guy making these and then dump them into these huge bins. This cabinet is as tall as my shoulders!

Here is what I get-everytime. An everything bagel, toasted with cream cheese. Makes my mouth water just looking at it!

Fashion

Few things I have learned here...

One-Fashion is everywhere and everything. I read a blog and she has a column-how to blend in in nyc- and it is essentially dedicated to fashion. Don't wear tennis shoes unless you are exercising, messy hair is good, be proud of your assets, if you see something crazy-don't stare-that's their fashion! I love it.

I have to say that even on a small scale on my daily walks with J, I see this. People have what I call dress up clothes on, taking their dogs out for their business.

So, this is Naomi Watts who lives more south, but I think a perfect example. She is dressed up and still has the doggy poo bag accessible!

I walk past a storage unit place everyday and this is their new window display.

The dress is made from the boxes. They are actually the same window, but I was too close to capture the big picture. Everything is fashionable!!

Obama

The prez came to town the other day for a campaign stop. Heard the ticket was around $38,500 just to get in the door! Here is a link on Huff Post

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/20/spike-lee-hosts-president-obama-fundraiser_n_1218479.html

and the pic all over the net

So, there reason I am blogging about politics today is because I learned Spike Lee lives down the block from me. Which means that, when his buddy comes to town (the prez) my street closes down!

Here is how it started, these people started putting the metal barricades out a couple days before!

 The cops were in groups of 5ish every 15 feet. Maybe a bit overboard?? Can only imagine the cost to the city.

 These two pics are the official motorcade

NYC Favorites

This week I am picking my HUNTER BOOTS as my fav. I love these things more than words can describe! They are not only pretty cute and fashionable, but they are necessary here. No one told me how much it rains here when I moved. Apparently, there is a statistic that it actually rains more here than Seattle. I think more so than how much it rains, is how inconvenient it is when it rains. You are forced to be in all the elements-no matter what! For all the perks of having no car, the weather is the one where I wish I could drive to work to avoid occasionally.

Back to the boots, these are one of my best investments thus far. I think I wear them at least once a week. I love to wear them with jeans, with leggings, with work out pants-doesn't matter, all outfits work. They are extremely comfortable and always keep my feet warm. Love these guys

No surprise that mine are black, but they come in all colors and even Jimmy Choo snakeskin. Worth checking out for anyone who needs a new rain boot!

In addition to rain, last weekend we had our first snow! It was gorgeous. The snow was so soft as it came down and we had enough of it that is actually stayed. This is where is started...

 And, where we ended. Think it ended up being a couple inches total.

 My guys loved it!!

 Bryan with his Giants gear enjoying the cold. By the way, we checked his weather back home while he was here-in the 70's!! Nice trade-huh??

Fun times here!!

No words necessary

Unreal...Have to admit I stoled this pic from a friend, but thought it was worth reposting!

days off

Yesterday we had the day of from work, so we decided to tackle NYC. What better than the Museum of NYC (http://www.mcny.org). This museum is

The Museum of the City of New York: Where the Past Informs the Future

The Museum of the City of New York celebrates and interprets the city, educating the public about its distinctive character, especially its heritage of diversity, opportunity, and perpetual transformation. Founded in 1923 as a private, nonprofit corporation, the Museum connects the past, present, and future of New York City. It serves the people of New York and visitors from around the world through exhibitions, school and public programs, publications, and collections.

Above is from their website...

Ed, Krysten and I...

They have a few exhibits right now that are really cool. The first is Kevin Roche-who basically designed every building in NYC that you know of as well as buildings in several other nations. He uses architecture to build incorporate the environment.

There was an exhibit about police here and what they see/do/how they live. All through photographs from one man.

There was the big exhibit on "the grid" of NYC and how it was created and established. Only city to have numbers going both directions. Central park was supposed to be east, but the rocky land in the center was cheaper-so they bought that instead! They have photos of things from the past, drawings of life in the 1800's here, they have legal documents, architectural drawings of the plan-it was all amazing!

BUT-my favorite exhibit was of Cecil Beaton (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cecil_Beaton). I had never heard of him, but now I am consumed. This man was amazing. He was a photographer (vogue/conde nast), artist, costume maker (my fair lady), journalist (vogue), self promoter and had a crazy social life. He dated Greta Garbo for a bit-one of his few heterosexual relationships, fought with Truman Capote, photographed Marilyn Monroe. All absolutely fascinating! I think I may even try to read his diaries...

These old buildings are amazing! The stair case was 5 feet wide and made completely of marble. Here is one of the foyers.

 Cute little foreign couple!

Here's a view of Central Park from the museum's window.

After scouring the museum, we of course had to eat a hearty lunch. So we headed to Fig and Olive (http://www.figandolive.com/). This place is really cute, and very mediterranean, and there is even one in LA.

 So we had the tuna tartare and fig app plate to start. The fig spread was by far my fav. It was sweet and tart and oh so smooth. Plus, mixed with goat cheese-almost the perfect combo!

 Check out all the olive oil

Here's my fig and olive salad. Thought I got a pic of the figs in it, they are huge-bigger than quarter size. This salad was a great mix of lightness, filling and taste explosion- all in one. I am a big fan of this place, figure I'll take a few of you here! Definitely worth checking out their website at least, but don't look when you are hungry...

So after a full day of city life, we had to take a break. Mike and Gaby and one of their friends-Ben, and I all met at Manny's on Second.

This upper east sports bar is a hidden gem. It is huge for NYC standards. (i didn't bump into my neighbors) It has a bazillion t.v's that are not too big that the pic looks terrible. And, great patrons.

They had so many tvs that they could have the football games on, the hockey games on and a few other random choices of the people in the bar and everyone was satisfied. The best part of Manny's were the wings and beer. 20 wings for around $10 and $12 pitchers. What a steal in this town. We watched the entire 49ers game and last minute victory. Stayed for a bit of the Patriot route, and then we headed home to call it a day! Just another fun filled day here

New Post-Favorites

I am going to start posting one thing I have fallen in love with since being here-each week. Think most of these are applicable to anyone or anywhere. Hope you love this as much as I do!

First-My Longchamps bag

Here is what they look like online. (you can buy them anywhere-longchamp.com/bloomingdales/norstroms)

And in real life...

This bag is perfect for someone who has to live out of this. Honestly, you can fit anything inside, they have a cell phone pocket and a zipper-good for subways, busy streets, crowed places. They are weather proof and uber durable. By the way, the little button you see is because they fold down into a small pouch about the size of a small wallet.

Mine is always overflowing like the pic, but has held up to all the wear and tear I've given it. 

This is my favorite NYC treat #1!!

Running

Think most of you know that I am training for a half marathon. To me, this is one of those distances that is totally "do-able" for the average runner. I used to fancy myself a runner, but work has definitely gotten in the way of any consistency. I used to love the release, the outlet, being in nature with nothing else to bother you-not a care in the world. My perspective has shifted unfortunately, and each time I pick it up I enjoy running so much-but I think about the million other things I am sacrificing to have this time.

Moving to NYC has brought me back to my base. I love running again. Here I have the time (enough at least) and don't feel like anyone it being let down by me taking time for me. What a good feeling. Although, I have to say-it is not as easy as it once was. Guess when you get off the horse, it takes a bit to become a savvy polo player again!

My first long run was made easy by the beauty of this city. Central Park on the weekend is a sight to see. I have never seen so many people with the same goals in so many different shapes and forms. Here are some pics!

 In the far corner-it's the CNN building. It says the time and that it was 53 degrees here in NYC in January. I'll take that all winter!

 Crazy shots, I'm sure they had a purpose when I shot them. Can't remember now...

Here's is what running looks like.  This was the slow side, at points, there were over 30-50 people all around me running on these roads.

So this weekend, the temp dropped significantly. It is currently 16 degrees as I am typing. I really hate the treadmill, but was considering doing the long run there. I kept fighting it, but after taking J to the dog park for 30 min and my hands were numb and cheeks burning-thought inside was much smarter.

Next question-how do I pass the time on a treadmill??? UGH. Well, thanks to Itunes I bought Contagion. Good movie. Watching this, made the time pass so fast. I would highly recommend this technique if you live in a cold climate, are training for a half and have A.D.D:) Until next week!

NYC Randoms

A few randoms-the pigeons I posted a while ago, I have solved the mysterious single tree issue. I was walking Jackson a couple days ago and see a strange (not abnormal here) lady acting weird (again, not so abnormal). Picture bag lady, as she is literally carrying 4 bags with her (sort of abnormal-3 or less is ok). I follow her down the street and watch as she quickly dumps the contents of one bag and walks away quickly. I had to see, so we quickly turn around and come up on the contents-probably 3+ bags of bread chopped up into pieces smaller than a dime. Literally, as we get there-so do the pigeons. Mystery solved-guess she had dumped bread around the bottom of that tree that day.

Next, this sketch was made on an ipad with an app and a finger (plus nail). Had to share...

Pretty amazing!

Couple funny and cute pics of my little guy, by the way it's getting cold here-16 this am...

 So worn out that he missed the bed a bit

Sweet little guy

 My other sweet guy sent me these. He is so thoughtful and good to me. It is getting harder to be apart, but he takes the time to stay connected.

Birchbox round 2. Look at some of the goodies-an exfoliating moisturizer, a blue eye-liner, perfume, pomegranate soap and a tasty little larabar! I'm loving my gift!!

Matchmaker

Anyone watch the Millionaire Matchmaker?? I hate to say, but I love it. One of the most memorable episodes for me was an overweight girl who was the millionaire who started her own business. She was successful in work, but not play-so she asked for Patty's help. Unfortunately, she got caught up in the "hotness" of one guy, chose him, and had a terrible date. The editing was bad, but it made her look a fool and him like a money grubbing guy. She tells him after multiple drinks, that she'll buy him a ducatti and maserati...awful.

Here's a clip

► 3:04► 3:04

www.hulu.com/.../the-millionaire-matchmaker-robins-... So, why do I write all this, well I found out the other day she is my neighbor!!!! I was coming home from lunch with a friend and I see her on the street corner hailing a cab. I point her out to my friend and we both agree it is her. I have to investigate why she's on my side of town and figure out her work and twitter address have zip codes by me. I am so excited, I even tell Bryan. I'm out walking J and telling Bryan (who just puts up with me and listens to me go on and on) all about seeing her. As I get to the point to talk about her show-a cab stops next to me and who gets out-but her. I watch her walk into the building next to mine and just laugh. I have a pseudo celeb living on my block!! Too fun

Flatiron

I had a little time last weekend to wonder the city and had been dying to try Eataly. I popped out of the subway to look forward and see a gorgeous park, looked up at the flat iron building and looked left and there was my place.

 The dog park

 Madison Square Park

 William Seward statue

Flatiron Building

I am always amazed at how much is packed into this little city-space wise...

Eataly-this is Mario Batali's brain child. I think it is hard to describe, as every time I read about it, I couldn't picture what it truly looked liked. Here is their manafesto if you care to read http://eatalyny.com/how-to-eataly/manifesto

From the outside it looks like any other restaurant/store front in NYC. It is two store fronts from the outside, so you get a sense it is large!

Then inside, it has an open feel with areas of the store sectioned off by food and counters. From the front-at your left is a deli, to the right are racks of things on sale, then desserts. Essentially, the store has everything-true restaurants where you sit and eat, there are walk up cafe type restaurants, there are deli's with counter space to eat, there are multiple sections of groceries-including meat, pasta, cheese, things for sale-cookware, sauces etc. As you stroll through, one section just flows into the next.

 Imagine 6+ rows just like this

 One of the first come first serve cafes

 One section of fresh meat

I had to take this pic as I chose to eat at the panini shop. I had the sopresseta-as you can see they even show what part of Italy the sandwich comes from! The sandwich was amazingly fresh, perfectly toasted and made my mouth water.

A necessary stop for anyone who loves Italian food.