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Wow, time has flown by and since my last post I’ve been to NYC and back.  It was only a three day trip but ”we packed it in with a crowbar!”  Lucky for me, I had two great tour guides at my side.

So, this is part one of a three part series.  Since this is a lengthy journal entry some of you that don’t know me may be thinking…”there is no way I’m reading all of this!”  And that’s cool.  So, I’ve created a short summary of links to sights we visited. Enjoy! 

Day One: Summary
Bouchon Bakery for lunch
McNulty’s Tea & Coffee
The Highline Park
Times Square
FELA on Broadway
Bar Centrale

Day One: Long Version

View from the rooftop balcony at our hotel

E and I flew from St. Louis to LaGuardia last Thursday and arrived in the city around lunchtime.  We checked into the hotel which has a great view of Central Park and enjoyed a nice lunch across the street at Bouchon bakery (a Thomas Keller joint). It was simple but delicious! After lunch we hit the subway and stopped by McNulty’s Tea & Coffee in the west village.  It’s been around since 1895 providing unique blends of tea and coffee but another reason from seeking this place out was that my partner-in-crime also shares the same last name.  From the West Village we headed northwest to the Meat Packing District which is the starting point of The Highline.

Images taken while walking The Highline

The Highline was once an elevated train line that has been converted into a walking garden. Straddling the Highline is The Standard Hotel which was completed in 2008 but looks like its been around since the 50’s.  Designed by Polshek Partnership its a beautiful piece of modern architecture. 

Street Art by Invader.  Found in Chelsea.

From the Highline we walked through Chelsea were I came across some street art by the french artist appropriately name Invader.  He has installed mini mosaics, like the one above, all over the world.  Many of his pieces have been destroyed or stolen.  My husband first saw his work when we were visiting family in Newcastle, England back in 2007.  That’s how I recognized this little gem!

 
I swear I wasn’t drunk at the time that I took this shot but with all the people, noise and signs, I felt drunk! 

We continued on through Times Square which was very overwhelming even in the daytime.  I’m not a fan of huge crowded areas but it was great to see how much pedestrial space there is. The Red Stairs are an interesting way to hide the TKTS kiosk even if you can’t get anywhere near them!

Once we made our way through Times Square we headed back to our hotel with just enough time to clean up for our first night on the town.  We met up with John, a friend of E’s, who lives in the city and headed to the theater district to see FELA.  We weren’t allowed to take pictures inside the theater but it was a fantastic production about the Nigerian musical genus Fela Kuti.  I didn’t know anything about Fela before seeing it but once it was over I wanted to hear everything he ever made! 

After FELA we headed to an unmarked place called Bar Centrale.  Only in New York would a place want to discourage visitors!  Anyway, the food was very tasty and their wine list was impressive but not over-priced. It was a small, quiet place and a great way to unwind!

Tomorrow, its onto day two of the trip.  That’s all for now!

Mother’s Day took on a whole new meaning this year.  So, for myself and the Grandmothers I had a photographer over to the house to take some pictures of Ian.  I cashed in a special groupon deal and I was pleasantly surprised by how well Jr. did.  If he wasn’t smiling at the photographer, he had his fist in his mouth and he captured our little guy perfectly.  It was pretty clear that he has photographed many babies!

Given the outfit he’s in, it does look like a school portrait but he looks cute all the same.  The best Mother’s Day gift anyone could ask for!  

What did you do for your Mom this Mother’s Day?

“Hey Mom, check it out…I can put my whole fist in my mouth!”

Since Jr. is at daycare that also has a gym, I’ve been heading to the fitness center twice a week before picking him up.  I’m not a huge fan of the treadmill so I’ve been loading up my iPod in hopes that it will magically distract me from feeling like a hampster on a wheel. It’s not work-ing but it’s better than no music at all. I can’t be the only person that has to stare at my feet to prevent a disasterous fall.  Or am I?

Anyway, here’s what I’ve been listening to while running and if you have any other suggestions, I’m all ears…get it….oh hush!

Top left:  Broken Social Scene; Top right: The XX;  Bottom left: Broken Bells;  bottom right:  Vampire Weekend

For the past month I’ve been humming and hawing over getting myself a Nook.  That all ended last week went my husband came home with a large Barnes and Noble bag and said “I have something for you…”

It was another one of his “Just Because” gifts or perhaps it was a way of gettin’ me to shut up about the thing.  Either way, I was thrilled.

 My Nook with handmade felt sleeve. New cover coming soon!

I’d done some research on the Nook and here are the three main reasons I like it more than the Kindle:

1:  Color Touch screen: Since the introduction of touch screen technology I have become spoiled. I instantly took to the Nook’s touch screen navigation and the UI (user interface) is much more intuitive than the Kindle.  It didn’t take long to adapt to the new way of operating the Nook.

2:  Library Access:  This is a very cool feature that the Kindle doesn’t have and that’s access to the St. Louis County Library.  There are tons of brand new ebooks for loan at overdrive.slcl.org.  The pdf formatting however only works with the Nook and Sony’s eReader and does not work on the Kindle. That said I haven’t downloaded anything yet and it may require a USB upload but that beats have to return a hard copy.  I always get fined for late returns.  Oops!

3. In-store Offers:  There’s a Barnes and Noble close to my house but if I take my Nook into any location I can download exclusive offers and free content. I also loved the fact that I could go to the store and play around with the Nook before I bought it.  Something you can’t do with the Kindle.

Anyway, if you’re thinking about getting an eReader, it’s worth looking into what works for you and if you’re crafty you can even make your own cover. There’s a great tutorial at Where the wild things craft.

My first ebook selection thanks to the advice of HMW is The Help.

One of the many projects I made while preggers is now paying off.  Some others never really worked out like the knitted pullover.  Note to self:  When making baby gifts be sure to make something like a blanket or in this case a toy where sizing isn’t an issue.   

I made this out of cotton as I assumed the first place this would go, once Jr. could grab things, is in his mouth.  Sure enough, one second after this was taken, he was sucking on the frogs leg.  Ha, how European of him!

Also, the texture of the crochet stitch seems to sooth his gums since he’s also teething. Next up: This little creature!

Lion Brand Elephant pattern found here

Woohoo.  I’m able to post pictures again.  What a relief.  I was having some issues for a while.

I’m so excited that Spring is FINALLY here!  Being cooped up indoors all winter with Jr. has not been good for him. Now that its nice out he loves going for long walks in the stoller and with all the flowers and trees in bloom I’m able to get some pretty shots.

I took this one last weekend with Ian in my arms.  He was so busy checking out his surrounds he didn’t make the slightest move!

Wow, where has the time gone?  It feels like just yesterday that I was posting the first photo of Jr. and now over 2 months later, I’m preparing for the daunting task of returning to work.

That’s right, my 12-week leave is almost over.  I’m excited, sad and nervous to return but it’s a choice that I have made.  I love what I do and know that my work is appreciated since getting a promotion before going on maternity leave.

It’s such a blessing that we have family close by and that my Mom will be able to watch the little guy for a few weeks before I go back full-time.  The company I work for has a “phase-back” program.  It allows new Mom’s to return to work part-time for four weeks in order to make an easier transition.  It’s a wonderful perk!

Before long, I’m sure that I will be back to my crafty ways.  Mostly making cute kid stuff I’m sure but for now here’s a look at the ever changing little man.

Well, he’s here and he showed up on his due date no less.  The man is punctual!  Ian David is just over a week old and we’re thrilled to bits!  This photo was taken before we left hospital by a professional photographer that works on-site. Pretty genius idea really.  Anyway, the whole family is doing great and we’re looking forward to spending our first Christmas together. Wishing you and yours a happy holiday!

www.Bellababyphotography.com

Wow, have the days since Thanksgiving just flown by!  Jr should be here any time and until then I’ve been craftin-it-up with some easy projects that can be completed in just a few hours for obvious reasons.

First up are these adorable crocheted loafers.  The pattern is by Hook Candy.  They work up really fast and make a great holiday gift for any new mom or mom-to-be.  The yarn I used is Red Heart’s new Eco-ways and the little buttons are genunie leather for an added dapper look!

For my niece, I whipped up this cute little reversible apron to go with some Easy Bake Oven accessories I purchased for her this Christmas. The fabric is part of the Wild Thyme fabric line by Carolyn Gavin.  Since my niece is only 8 I’m pretty sure she’s not reading this (I hope) so I thought I would share a pic before it gets wrapped.  The classic apron pattern is free and can be found here.  I made the child’s size but there’s also measurements for an adult size.  It was another quick and easy project.  The “B” monogram was made with felt and hand-stitched to the front before sewing.

My current and probably final craft project for a while is this knitted basketweave blanket.  Also a free pattern found on Lionbrand.com its being made with Vanna’s Choice in Silver Blue and Linen.  I chose to alternate the colors to make it a little more interesting. It’s only 18 by 24 and will make for a nice small car seat blanket.  Which given the impending winter will come in handy.

What are some of your favorite quick and easy craft projects this holiday season?

It’s hard to believe that Turkey Day is upon us once again!  I hope you will be enjoying time off with family and friends.  Here are a few great recipes that will be part of our family dinner this year. A couple I’ve made before with great results & a new appetizer. 

1. Roasted Turkey recipe. We’ve been using this recipe for the last 3 years and it never disappoints! Forget the whole turkey and just use fresh turkey breast. This option is quick, easy and very juicy. Carving a whole turkey is so over-rated!

2. Chocolate Bread Pudding with Bourbon Pecan Caramel Sauce. I made this dessert for a dinner party back in February and it was a big hit.  It’s so easy and the best part is, it can be made a day ahead of time.  I’m always up for a time saver!

3. Sausage stuffed mushrooms. A new recipe for this year. I saw it being made on an episode of The Barefoot Contessa and it looks really good.  I haven’t made a turkey day app so this will be a nice change.

What are some of your favorite Thanksgiving recipes?