From the South with Love - Part II

While My Hero was in Charlotte for a football tournament, my parents took advantage of the extra space in my apartment as well as the much needed time with me.

Of course I was late getting off work. Thank goodness my kind neighbors let them inside my building so they didn't have to wait outside in the cold. Welcome back to NYC! After a rejuvenating night's sleep, Mom was ready to shop, shop, shop. Dad was mentally prepared to trudge around with us and "ooh" and "ahhh" over our findings. First stop and the longest, but most successful was Lilly Pulitzer. The rain didn't slow us down. We then toured FAO Schartz to see if there was anything of interest for my nieces... We then ventured downtown to see all the home goodies at Fishs Eddy...creepy hand-molds and all...where we also met up with my girl friend, Ace of Spades. Before venturing home, we toured through the floral oasis inside Macy's Annual Flower Show After an exhausting day, we headed home to rest and snuggle with Rockstar who fell in love with Dad. That's not an easy feat with this little guy. I was going to get a picture of them leaving in the taxi, but all of our eyes were filled with tears so I missed the moment. My Hero and I are so blessed to have such a loving family who welcomes the adventure of coming to the north and understanding our appreciation and love of NYC.

From the South with Love - Part I

My Hero's mom and sister recently made a trek to Yankyville. During their time here, they went everywhere and tasted nearly everything. My Hero toured them around the city throughout the day while I worked and we all met up for dinner.

From the top of the Empire State Building...

To hanging out in Times Square...

To eating pizza at Two Bros. in Chelsea...

The trip was a great success! We shared the love of NYC with two Southerners. They'll be back!

RAM 'EM!

Who says 33 is young and inexperienced? Well, I think Coach Shaka Smart has proven the naysayers wrong. He and the players have proven that skills, determination and heart can carry you a long way. That's right, Kansas! I'm talking to you, Duke! The Rams' success to the Final 4 this year may be a Cinderella Story, but I choose to believe otherwise. Sure, my bracket is demolished, but I don't really care. Everyone else's is too. Both of my Carolina teams are out of the playoffs, but I can still hang onto some Southern pride in this Yankee town by routing for VCU. I have pride. I went there. It may not have been for a degree, but instead to get my teeth beautifully straightened (Thanks, Dr. I), but that's not what I tell most people. My brother obtained his masters through this university and I cheered him on as he crossed that stage. See, I am connected. We all know my blood definitely runs GOLD...ummm...hello, Tiffany. I am connected.

Thankfully, My Hero and I won't have to watch the Final Four as a house divided. He has already asked me who I would cheer for if VCU and Carolina played one another. My heart is with VCU, but my soul is with Carolina. Tough question. Would I rather be disowned by my side of the family or by my own husband? Either way, I would lose. I skillfully changed the subject and averted his attention otherwise...I might have actually started cooking something which made him blackout for a few seconds. HA!

You're Invited!

WHAT: Grab your gear and cheer for the RAMS!

WHEN: Saturday, April 2nd

TIME: 6:00PM

WHERE: CBS

P.S.

If you want to look like you know what you are talking about, don't say "Virginia Commonwealth." Simply say "VCU." Got it?

A Must See

I had the pleasure of viewing the documentary about the extraordinarily talented Bill Cunningham this weekend - Bill Cunningham New York. This man is a fixture in the fashion world; not for his own sense of style, but for the fashion that he captures in his lens. His genuine interest is the clothes. The beautiful people just happen to come along with the stitchings. For nearly nine decades, Mr. Cunningham has processed roll after roll of film with gorgeous clothes from the flamboyant to the absurd to the downright gorgeous on New Yorkers ranging from aristocrats, socialites, and regular people. His candid photography for the New York Times is astonishing and has the power to put a normal human being in fine clothes on the map.

This film is a must-see for anyone who has even a 1000th of an inkling in fashion. It is definitely for everyone who has a passion for life and determination to just do what they enjoy, being great at what you do, and not losing yourself along the way.

If you loved The September Issue, you will love this documentary as well.

The Wall

I found this platter in Charlotte months ago and fell in love. At the time, I had already moved to Manhattan and was feeling a little home sick for things of the south. The platter has the wonderful skyline and monuments of the city and put my heart a little at ease when I saw it.

After returning to NYC, I looked up the company that manufactures the plate and found that they carry a platter for Richmond, VA and Manhattan too. WHAHOOO! CHARGE IT! My order arrived a few days later and they were hung...well...ummm...another couple of months later. Sadly, I managed to pick the one wall to hang them on that required cement nails. It just took me forever to purchase the nails. After much ado, here are the results:

BEFORE

AFTER

DETAILS

Before & After

Living in a pre-war building in NYC definitely has its perks and, well, not-so-perks. Most older buildings are walk-ups and they don't have laundry rooms. On the upside, the buildings are made really well, most have gorgeous wall molding and we just so happen to have TWO walk in closets, which is nearly unheard of in this city especially in a studio apartment.

As it just so happens, our building does not have a laundry room, so My Hero has so graciously accepted the dirty-clothes-duties. He schleps nearly 5 blocks to the laundry mat on his day off to sit and guard our clothes as they rotate in public machines OR he drops them off at the cleaners conveniently located right outside our building (I opt for the latter choice).

I am amazed every time we pick our clothes up from the cleaners. Every time. You see, when we drop them off, they are a jumbled mess inside the bag like this...

But when we pick them up the next day, they are a perfectly cubed column that would blend well into a game of laundry Jenga. Amazing.

Eye Heart Valentine's Day!

I absolutely L.O.V.E. Valentine's Day! I have loved it for as long as I can remember. You don't have to go overboard with flowers, candy, jewelry, cards, stuffed animals, etc...well...kidding. It's nice to have another reason to spread love on your family and friends.

This was my best Valentine's Day yet. My Hero had the entire weekend off from work (which is a rarity) so we planned away!

We started out Saturday morning with some snow on what was supposed to be at least a 40 degree day. The flakes were nice and light and didn't stick as we headed to Tiffany! No purchases were made, but My Hero got links taken out of his watch so he could finally wear it. Then we headed down towards SoHo for a Chocolate Tour!

Our group consisted of about 10 people, all New Yorkers, as we were lead through the streets of SoHo and the West Village. Our first stop was Kee's Chocolates. Our pallets were initiated with black rose chocolate.

Our next stop was Vosges Haute Chocolate where we were delighted with a piece of dark chocolate with Mexican vanilla bean and a piece of milk chocolate with candied violet flower. I actually preferred the violet flower. The interior decorating of purple, black and crystal exuded good taste and welcomed a purchase by several in our group.

A short stroll later, we were whisked inside MarieBelle New York where we tasted a piece of cinnamon chocolate as well as a piece of pure Mongolian chocolate. I was a little disappointed since I thought we were going to sip hot chocolate here which is what I feel this company is best known for. Since we didn't, I got a few individual packages for later. If you get a chance to stop here, you must admire the packaging of the products all over the store. This company does it right. It's so consistent and a real treat for your eyes just in case you don't have a sweet tooth. There is also a small cafe in the rear if you need to sit for a bit to enjoy your treats.

Our bellies were getting full as we headed to our next destination, Vesuvio Bakery. My Hero was beginning to feel a little green from all the sugar, but he felt a bit better in this "green" bakery when we were handed a bag with a delicious chocolate-on-chocolate cookie inside. I've past this small store front numerous times, but have never been inside to hear the story. This bakery uses wind energy for all their baking and packages everything in recycled materials. Even the materials used to build the shop are 100% recycled. We were only able to eat a smidge of the cookie and save the rest for later. Sorry for not having pictures to share, but the store was teeny-tiny and very tight with our group inside.

Our final stop was the famous Jacques Torres for Wicked Hot Chocolate and a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie. We were a little early so the sweet treats weren't quite ready for us. We took in the scenery and watch the bakers at work. Everything is made fresh right on the premises. This was the largest operation we visited.

Following the tour, we needed to put some real food in our stomachs and soak up some of the sugar. We couldn't think of anything better than a piece of New York style pizza from Famous Ben's Pizza. Mmm. Mmm. Good.

BEST. VALENTINE'S DAY. EVER.