A Little Bit Of Everything

Sometimes I feel like I'm always playing catch up with blogging. I need to get better about posting on a regular basis.

Last Thursday I went on a boat cruise on the Hudson with the soon-to-be graduating NYU MBA class. Nick and I weren't sure in the beginning if I would be able to attend because the tickets were reserved for the graduating class. Luckily a few opened up and I was able to attend (I later found out I was one of six non-stern people).

This was actually my first boat cruise. It was a clear day and you could see the sunset... the only downside? It was so cold. I have started to curse New York weather... I mean, really? It's the middle of May! So we only spent a few minutes outside taking some pictures before we had to return the warmth of inside.

We had a really great time. Nick had a great time just relaxing with his fellow classmates. It was quite a party. I am always surprised, even though I shouldn't be, how loud and crazy the class can get!



 


What a view!




Nick was out in Montauk for the weekend with the class again. The entire class spent the weekend on the beach relaxing. It was a chance for everyone to spend time together before everyone went their separate ways. Nick sent a few pictures and I am incredibly jealous he was able to spend the weekend at the beach with the nicest weather we have had to date. It is now expected that he takes me to what looks like to be a beautiful weekend escape!


This was the picture Nick sent me once he got off the train. Yeah, I was jealous!

I met up with Jenienne on Friday night for a girls night out. We met on the Upper West Side at Wine and Roses. It was this great wine bar that had some amazing food! I had one of the best glasses of wine I've had in a long time. We started with the meat and cheese platter and it was delicious. We then ordered the bruschetta (I really can't get enough) and the filet mignon flatbread pizza. That was unbelievable good! It was thin crust topped with filet mignon, gorgonzola cheese, and caramelized onions. I had such a great time with her - she is one of my favorite people in the city. I couldn't ask for a better friend!



Saturday was a day of cleaning, errands, etc. I am finalizing our trip to London... phone company, credit cards, packing list, etc. Everything that goes along with traveling out of the country. I also purchased Nick's graduation gift (post on that later in the week). So nothing too exciting.


All my clothes for London - I might need a bigger suitcase?!

And today is Sunday - Mother's Day.

I really have the best mom in the world. She is loving, beautiful, and selfless. As I have grown older she isn't only my mom but a great friend who I can count on and confide in. She has helped shaped the women I've become today. And for that I am grateful. I love you!



 

Happy Mother's Day!

Busy Weekend

After work last Thursday I went to Jenienne's apartment for a Stella and Co. party. I've become interested in jewelry lately. I mean heels, jeans, simple shirt, and a statement necklace/earrings is a great outfit. So I was super excited about attending this party. Not to mention Jenienne has an amazing apartment!

The person who was throwing the Stella and Co. party was Jenna... I'm always surprised when I meet another Jenna. It doesn't happen often. She was fantastic and the jewelry she brought was gorgeous. I had a hard time deciding what I wanted but ended up with some beautiful earrings, necklace, and bracelet. I had Nick's graduation in mind so now my outfit is complete!





I wished I could have stayed longer but I had dinner plans with the NYU girls. It was the first time since last Fall that we all were able to get together.... it was also the last. I'm extremely sad about this. I love our happy hours, dinners, weekend trips we were all a part of. It's extremely difficult when you move to a whole other world and I say "world" because there is no other place quite like New York City. It can really beat you down and you need some amazing friends to keep you sane especially when your husband is too busy with class, interviews, and internships.

We met at Mercadito in the West Village and had a delicious Mexican meal. I ordered the shrimp tacos and it was a great choice. We talked and caught up on what everyone has been doing and future plans. I am sad to say that Jen and Ariane will be leaving us. I am really going to miss those two. It's a great group of amazing, intelligent, and caring women... and that's hard to find in the city.  Jen and Ariane, I expect a lot of trips back to the city to visit!


Love these girls!

Friday night Nick and I had a date night. He met me at the office and we walked across Central Park to Luke's Lobster, Seriously, we love this place. However, I think the location on the Upper East Side is a lot better than the Upper West. Afterwords we headed to the theater because we had purchased tickets to see The Avengers.




Let me tell you about the craziness we experienced! Our movie was for 8:20pm (we had already purchased tickets online). We decided to head over in that direction and walk around a bit. That's not what happened. There was already a line around the block for the 8:20pm movie... and these people had tickets! We couldn't believe it. So what else was there to do but get in line and wait for 45min. Note to self - never again see a movie opening night... I forgot how awful it is.

The movie was really great. I didn't have a lot of expectations going in but I came out thoroughly entertained. I wasn't just entertained by the movie but Nick and I had a few good laughs because of the people who were in the theater. There were some die hard fans. I can't remember the last time I saw people screaming, jumping in their seats, and clapping at practically every scene. It was hilarious

Saturday held two festivities...Cinco de Mayo and Kentucky Derby! We met up with Nikki, Chris, Anik at El Rio Grande for some good ole Tex Mex food. Chips, guacamole, queso, fajitas, and margaritas makes for a delicious Cinco de Mayo lunch. We arrived right when the restaurant opened at 12pm and when we left it was just starting to get packed. I can only imagine what that place looked like later on into the afternoon.



We ran a few errands after lunch and then headed back to the apartment to get ready for the Kentucky Derby party. I had bought a hat that morning - it will now be the hat a wear to every Kentucky Derby party in the future. Unless I find myself at a royal wedding anytime soon!



The party was at the Shipley's apartment... they always throw great parties! It was so festive. Juleps, little sandwiches, cupcakes and of course Kentucky Derby hats and attire. Nick and I did bet but unfortunately none of the three horses we bet on were in the top 3. It was a great afternoon with some great people.





By the time we got home we were exhausted! Sunday was pretty much a lay on the couch and watch TV day. Even though it happened to be the nicest day of the weekend we stayed in and relaxed.

Lots of events coming up with Nick's graduation a week away. It's hard to believe... and then to London!

Orange.Highlighter.

Yesterday we had an incident. Well, I'm not sure "we" is appropriate since Nick caused this incident. I'm still not quite sure how he managed this or didn't know he was doing it...

You see, our couch has orange highlighter marks on it. It's not a little mark that can be cleverly disused. No, this mark is large, ugly, bright, and right in the middle. No pillow or throw can hide it. Yes, lucky me. This is a problem for (I admit it) a slightly anal person. I liked things neat and clean and well orange highlighter on my couch just does not work.



Could you live with this?

This isn't so much of an issue for Nick... he says, "babe, you can hardly see it." Men. So now we have begun the discussion on buying a new couch. I want one... he doesn't want to spend the money. No surprise there.

I plan to win this battle. Pictures will be posted soon of our beautiful, brand new couch.

Tony's

Last night Nick and I had dinner at Tony's. It's a new restaurant to the Upper East Side. It just happens to be literally around the corner from us so we decided to check it out.

It is a family-style Italian restaurant. I met Nick there after work around 5:30pm and it was already busy. Definitely a plus sign. The downstairs area was warmly light and all of the staff members were welcoming and friendly.

We both ordered a glass of wine and started with the stuffed mushrooms. We decided to be adventurous with our appetizer choice (we thought the mozzarella sticks sounds amazing too). If I'm being honest we were a little disappointed with the stuffed mushrooms. It had very little taste and the mushrooms were too thick.

Our main courses were excellent. We opted not to do the family-style. They did have the option to place a half order. I ordered the ravioli napoli (cheese ravioli in a marinara sauce) and Nick had the spaghetti and meatballs (always). It was excellent. The ravioli sauce was just perfect and Nick's meatballs were excellent!



Next up, dessert. Now I love strawberry shortcake... always have. They had it on the menu but it was a family-style dessert. The waitress explained it could feed 3-4 people. We didn't care... bring on the massive strawberry shortcake. It.Was.Huge. I think we ate about half of the desert before we had to stop. It was delicious though.




 

I think we found a great new Italian restaurant that is literally 50 steps from our apartment! 

Playing Catch Up

I've been a little MIA from blog posting. Sorry about that... more important things are taking up my time. Like Game of Thrones (but we will get to that in a minute).

Two weeks ago we had some great friends in town, Grant and Jill. We went to high school together but surprisingly didn't become friends until Jill and I attended nursing school together. Crazy how things work out. They were in town exploring the city for a few days so we met up for dinner on Friday night.

We took them to West Village... since that's the coolest area in the city. We grabbed dinner at my favorite pizza restaurant, Keste. Luckily we didn't have to wait for a table (this place is known for having quite the wait). The pizza was delicious and the company was even better. We hadn't seen them in a few years so it was great to play catch up. Afterwords we headed to our favorite gelato place for some dessert. Grant and Jill both enjoyed both places so the night was a success!

We showed them our tiny, tiny NYC apartment. They thought the kitchen was quite funny!


Jill and me

There wasn't much else to that weekend. Nick was in Philadelphia for a bike race so I spent some time just relaxing, reading, and watching movies.

This past weekend the weather was hit and miss. During the day on Friday is was apparently gorgeous but towards the end of the day it started to get cooler and more cloudy. I met Nick for dinner after the most crazy, busy day at work. I was in need of some unhealthy food. We decided to walk across the park to Shake Shack. A good burger was just what I needed to refuel. And it was perfection. Sometimes you just crave a really good burger. We made our way down to Jacques Torres for some chocolate chip and chocolate peanut butter cookies. A perfect way to end a hectic day!

Saturday the weather was absolutely gorgeous! Nick had a relatively quick race in the morning and I headed to the gym for a little while. Once we were both back and showered we decided to get out for a bit of shopping.

We headed downtown to Century 21. You can find some really good deals there. Nick found this button down work shirt that was some high end designer brand from Italy (I forget the name) for like $60 when it's originally $200. I say that was a great find! Nick actually had a few other purchases and I found a really cute clutch.

We headed to Union Square for some lunch at Grey Dog. Such a great little place! And well run which makes it high up on my list. Nick ordered breakfast for lunch (sausage and egg croissant) and I went with the BLT sandwich. I have to say that Nick's sausage and egg croissant was amazing. The egg, melted cheese, and fresh sausage was to die for. My mouth is watering as I write this. Also, I have to say they have some of the best raspberry lemonade I have ever had!



We made our way over to DSW afterwords and I lucked out with a brand new pair of wedges! They are quite cute. Last we headed to Nordstrom Rack where Nick lucked out with 2 pairs of shoes. I know... but his two pairs of shoes did cost what I paid for one. It was a successful day of shopping!

We stopped at ChickaLicious before we headed home for dessert. Molten chocolate cake and apple crisp... both with ice cream = heaven!


Mine (Nick said he thought mine was better - shocking since he loves molten chocolate cake)


Nick's

Sunday was a bust. It rained all day so we spent it on the couch watching Game of Thrones. We are seriously in love with this show. Everyone needs to check it out! You will love it!

Happy Monday!

Happy Birthday To Me!

The Big 2-8! Last Saturday was my birthday. Nick and I had a amazing day in the city. The weather was pretty perfect... a little cool but clear, blue skies.

We had brunch at EJ's Luncheonette. This is one of our favorite diners and their french toast is delicious! They make it from challah bread and it's so fresh. I had the traditional french toast and Nick ordered the crunchy. A side of scrambled eggs and cheese grits later and we were stuffed!



We walked our way through Central Park over to the West Side. The park is so pretty right now. All the flowers are blooming and people are out on the lawn enjoying the sunshine. I can't wait for the warm weather!



We made our way to the Natural Museum of History. There was a space exhibit, Beyond the Planet, that Nick and I wanted to see. We decided to do a few of the "special" exhibits that included the butterflies and creatures of light. We went to the butterfly exhibit first and this exhibit turned out to be so much better than we expected.

You could actually walk through their enclosure. There had to have been hundreds of butterflies flying around us. If you were lucky enough one might even land on you... which we were told had been termed "butterfly kissed." I was lucky enough for that to happen...right on my finger. They were pretty impressive. Some butterflies were almost translucent and neon and others were massive. I'm pretty sure I would have freaked out if one of those landed on me.





Next up was the creatures of light exhibit. We weren't too impressed with this one. It was really crowded and just didn't offer that much. So, when the time came for the space exhibit we were quite ready. The Beyond the Planet exhibit was fascinating. It started with the first introduction of the space program and Sputnik and then went to present day. The most interesting part was where future space exploration is headed. It had displays about living on Mars and all the futuristic gear/transport vehicles.

Space has always been something both Nick and I have been interested in. We have had quite a few debates on anything from the start of the universe, planets, black holes, extraterrestrial life, etc. We've talked about it all! We love astromony and after seeing the exhibit it really has made us want to go to Cherry Spring State Park in Pennsylvania. It's one of only a few parks in the US that has been certified by the International Dark Sky association. You can guarantee that there will be a post about that adventure in the near future!

Next we headed to Washington Square Park to observe, not participate in, the NYC Pillow Fight. Apparently this is a pretty big deal with cities all over the world participating. It was definitely interesting... it wasn't as big as I would have thought but we were right there at the start and it does go on for a few hours. It felt like for every one person with a pillow there were 10 people taking pictures or video recording. Just another day in the city!



We grabbed a quick bite to eat at Bareburger. All grass fed animals and I have to say it was one of the best burgers either one of us have had. We sat outside with the crazy 50mph winds! It definitely made it hard to eat (also the reason I didn't take a picture).

We headed home to relax a bit before we headed to dinner at Blue Water Grill in Union Square. Dinner was really good. It was a seafood restaurant and the seafood was extremely fresh. We sat downstairs in their jazz room. They had a band playing and the whole place was lit by candlelight and low lightening. It was heaven. And we were both very full when we left.

It was a wonderful birthday day! Thanks to everyone for all the birthday wishes and a big thank you to Nick who helped me have a wonderful day in the city!

My Solo Weekend

This past weekend was pretty quiet. Nick was at his cycling race in Penn State. I decided to skip this one... 7 hours in a small bus with mostly guys didn't sound too much fun.

I came home from work on Friday night and was welcomed with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a very sweet note. I won't go into the details of the note...some things should be kept personal ;)! My husband can be so sweet and full of surprises sometimes. It definitely was a great start to the weekend. I spent the night relaxing on the couch, watching TV, and reading my novel. Heaven.


Pretty!

Saturday morning I had a pretty early wake up call. I had my CPR renewal course. 4 very long hours of material that I believe could be covered in 2 hours. However, the instructor of this course was probably the best I have ever had. He made the material fun and engaging. My kind of instructor. Before I knew it the class was over. I am now officially re-certified in Basic Life Support (so glad I don't have to do that for another 2 years)!

Saturday was a nasty, cold, and rainy day. I made my way up to Bloomingdale's and did a little shopping before heading home for the evening.

Sunday was still cold. Seriously, I am ready for the warm weather to come and stay! Sundays are my lazy day. I went to the gym for about a 45 minute workout and then relaxed at home. Nick came home around 6ish that night. He proceeded to tell me about his amazing weekend...

He WON FIRST in the road race. So proud of him! This road race consisted of a 21 mile lap with approximately 9 of those miles being up a mountain. Not my idea of fun but Nick sure does love it! He also won 3rd in his time trail... such an impressive rider I married. He seems to have found a true passion!

Unfortunately no pictures of the races... we are going to have to work on that!