New York Whimsy

I'm moving!

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 00:14:00 -0400

Ok, so just my blog is moving. I know it’s annoying, now you’ll have to redo your bookmark, I’m so sorry. What? You didn’t bookmark my blog? We’re fighting!

The site I’m moving to now is much better, and I can do more things with it. Like make a fun header!

Also, you can subscribe to this one using just your email, and it will send the whole blog in 1 email when I post.. if thats what you want.

See you over there!

xo ZZ

http://newyorkwhimsy.wordpress.com/

Would you be? Could you be? Won't you be my neighbor?

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 09:07:06 -0400

Several times I day I walk the block between my place and P&H’s, which is also on the way to the subway, so I’ve memorized practically every step along the way. There’s three restaurants, two laundromats, the building with the smelly trash cans, the place I am always sure to see a rat, the brownstone that always has furniture on the sidewalk on trash day, the doll house store, bakery and the passive-aggressive-note-leaver. Though I guess he/she isn’t that passive aggressive…

Oddly enough, there aren’t any windows close to this sign…? Though maybe that red tape is the window they speak of??

I love walking by the Tiny Doll House store, which is exactly as it sounds. They have the tiny version of anything you can think of and it would take hours to see every single object. Strollers, brick walls, sushi, wood planes, violins, jewelry box, kittens playing, Louis Vuitton suitcases, Tiffanys shopping bags, Harry Potter books - it all comes in size A/M for adorably mini.

Right next door is Orwasher’s Bakery, it seems to always be open, and always handing out samples of bread. I think I’ve tried almost everything there, the black and white cookies, the sourdough, the spelt bread, raspberry, apricot, and strawberry cookies, - the only thing I have yet to taste is the doughnut that is filled with jelly upon ordering.

What’s also nice about this block is that Orwasher’s paints the sidewalk from my doorstep to H&P’s with color chalk drawings, arrows and happy phrases, and I’m always up for a little light reading on my strolls.

Then there is Heidi’s House. The first couple times I walked by it, I thought it was a bar, or a small room you rent out for a party. Turns out it’s a restaurant that is just always full, but I guess its not that hard to fill a place that only sits 20 people. They don’t take reservations, so I had to call right when they opened and put my name on the list. Luckily no one else wanted to eat earlier than us, because there is only 1 table that seats 4.

I don’t know if I was just really hungry, but other than the service that was…unavailable?… the food exceeded my expectations. The bruchetta appetizers used bread from Orwashers with melted fresh mozzarella, perfectly ripe yellow and red tomatoes, onions and a sprinkle of S&P.

We also tried the Dandelion and Burdock. It’s like cream soda, black licorice, root beer - and I guess dandelion. Very strange, but intriguing at the same time.

Peter ordered the 25 minute macaroni and cheese which uses organic gluten free pasta, bacon from properly fed piggies (their words, not mine), chorizo sausage and lobster. It certainly looked good.

Then my meal. Sometime I get a case of “whatever ever someone else ordered, looks better than mine” but this did not turn out that way. It was a special written on the chalkboard, and I don’t even remember everything that was in it, but it went something like: Squid and shrimp salad with fennel frissee with blood orange. Every bite was citrusy, salty, fresh and mouthwatering. I even ate the legs off the octopus, which I never do.

If there is a lava cake or soufflé of sorts, Peter can’t not order it. I’m glad he has no willpower over gooey chocolate, because this soufflé was really good, probably because of all the organic Belgian dark chocolate.

I only wish there would have been a longer walk home to work off some of that food.

And that’s what happening in my neck of the woods.

xo ZZ

Chocolate by the Bald Man

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 08:35:05 -0400

After our lovely dinner at Veselka, we headed to the land of chocolate over indulgence- Max Brenner. It’s a dash of European/Parisian cafe with a heaping spoonful of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Small tables, faux chocolate flowing through pipes above you.

While waiting, we took turns trying to recreate the Bald Man with only one line. Then adding hair to the original.

Hilarie ordered Waffle Fries dusted with chili and cocoa powder, and a Yellow Granita- lemonade blended with fresh mint and ice. Both were amazing. (Speaking of amazing, she’s started her blog back, Check it out. Positively Panicked.)

Peter got the Chocolate Pizza. Double chocolate melting chunks, crunchy hazelnut bits, bananas, peanut butter and roasted marshmallows. It tasted exactly like a heart attack.

Besides the drink, I think my order was the best. Tutti Frutti Waffles. Red berries citrus salad, milk chocolate ganache and vanilla crumbled ice cream. That stuff on top was powdered sugar, and whatever that crunchy stuff is they put on top of blueberry muffins to make them heavenly. In the bowl was individual rice krispies covered in chocolate. Melt in your mouth.

I bet you’re wishing for Taste-a-puter. ( That’s like Smell-a-Vision but for computers). Quick, someone invent that.

Ok, I can’t look at this anymore, it’s making me feel sick and hungry at the same time.

So Many Ties, So Little Time

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 08:30:05 -0400

Bow tie shopping is so much easier than dress shopping. I’m not sure easier is precisely the right word, but it’s definitely better than looking for a yellow dress. As much as I love shopping, it was also less stressful than going on a wild goose chase for a dress that apparently doesn’t exist. And it helps that all the fancy mens stores happen to be lined up on 3 or 4 blocks. All nicely in a row for us to walk quickly in and out of each store, thanks New York- that sure was helpful.

In an hour we went to J Press, Paul Stuart, J Crew, Jos. A Bank, Tie Bar, Saks, and a million other stores. Who knew there were so many beautiful tie possibilities! And so few bow ties! There’s just not as ‘in’ as the skinny tie right now, so every store we went into did have a good, but much smaller selection of bow ties. But still waiting on the verdict of whether they are wedding worthy. Definitely reception ready.

Of course, Peter still home went home with 2. (I guess I had several backups for my dresses). Then on to Cole Haan to buy wedding shoes. I took pictures, and really want to share them- but they’re sort of too exciting that the only was they can be properly revealed is as a groom walking down the aisle. So I’ll try to keep them a secret for now.

Then cousin Julian and his gf Emily came in from University of Connecticut. After a little tour of Peter’s apartment, we headed to Veselka, the Ukrainian restaurant in East Village. It’s the more relaxed, 24 hour version of their other namesake. Started by war refuges in 1954, the owner Wolodymyr Darmochawa named it for the Ukrainian word “Rainbow”.

The menu is filled with a wide variety of handmade pierogies, stuffed cabbage, kielbasa, goulash, and other soul foods. I ordered matza ball soup, a potato and a cheese filled pierogie. Also, a drink named Cherry Lime Rickey- which turned out to be cherry syrup, seltzer, lime juice, and simple syrup. Pretty good.

Peter’s choice was not as good. Chocolate egg cream. Oddly named in that it has neither egg neither cream in it. Originating in Brooklyn, it used to have eggs in it. Now it’s just chocolate syrup, milk and seltzer. Sounds gross, huh? It was. Peter doesn’t waste food - and he drank the whole thing.

We ended the night with a bookstore and a chocolate overdose. I’ll fill you in tomorrow, I’m slipping into a rice krispies coma as we speak…

XO ZZ

P.S. I am aware and apologize for the many missing, mis-used and incorrectly spelled words. I write these quickly and tend to not read back through them. Is driving you crazy yet? Ok… I did that one on purpose. Sorry! I’ll try to be more careful!

Hello, I'll be your driver today, Zoey.

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 08:30:05 -0400

A second-cousin-thrice-removed-in-law was in town this weekend, so we were invited to a day of food, mingling and celebrating a pregnancy.

The morning started off with me super annoyed. I made a reservation with a car rental place only 2 blocks away, the price was right, and they closed late. When I booked it, the site clearly said I could use a debit card to rent the car. Turns out, that only means at airport locations, and I can only PAY for the car with a debit. I need a credit card so that if I ran off to Long Island and didn’t return - I guess they could find me easier?

So we did some calling around and there was another car rental place, same price, same late closing time, only a few blocks away. Only we have to pick up the car on the west side! Twenty blocks away and across the park. Are you as annoyed yet as I was?

We take a cab over there, get the car, (which I now have to use my SSN to rent, is my identity going to be stolen??). This place only has a Town Car left. A 1998 Lincoln Town Car. I was so frantic I didn’t really comprehend what I would be driving until I saw it in person.

It’s now 2:15, and we are supposed to be at the airport at 2:10 to pick up Grandma. There’s nothing more I dislike than being late. Ok maybe public speaking. And roller coasters and heights. Cilantro, too. And being told I can use a debit card and then turns out I can’t. Ok, so there’s lots of things I dislike.

I’m weaving through the crowded, traffic ridden streets, doing my best to avoid bystanders and baby strollers, a la Lindsay Lohan. This was my first time driving in New York City and I was hoping my decision to pass on the $9 insurance was not idiotic.

Don’t worry, it all turned out fine.

Now, onto pictures of the great uncle’s house in Long Island. It’s a beautiful 4 story historic home (completely finished basement and attic). I was given the grand tour by a 10 year old, so a lot of what I learned was which closets were her favorite, how soft the bathmats were, and how excited she was over the newly flattened tv screens.

From someone who wasn’t selling me girl scout cookies, I learned that it’s 100 years old, many of the light fixtures are original to the home, and there is a walk-in vault downstairs- the combination still a mystery.

It’s hard to see what’s happening in this picture. It was that hard to comprehend it in person. Floor to ceiling in mirrors, including the ceiling being mirrored. I love a cooky bathroom.

On the child tour, I didn’t take any pictures, so I ran back through to get as many as I could last minute.

This was in the basement playroom, which had a faux window scene, complete with live hula dancer.

The upstairs informal living room, 1 of 3.

This room was fabulous. In any other home, it would look ridiculous and tacky, but somehow it fits here. What I really loved about the whole home, was the collection of travel souvenirs in the form of lamps, chandeliers and chatskis. I hope my travel items someday blend perfectly into my house. Unlike their current arrangement, as ineffective book ends.

(Paris, Copenhagen, Sweden)

Then we followed the GPS back home, which took us a new and exciting way. Even Grandma had never driven on the Throggs Neck Bridge.

The town car has been safely returned to it’s home, without scratches or dents. I’m so glad I didn’t waste that $9 on insurance! Suckers.

In the Kitchen With Zoey Part 2

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 08:30:06 -0400

I have a secret family recipe, passed down from generation to generation, that I am now going to unveil to you. It’s for homemade miso soup with udon noodles. It’s a quick, easy recipe, that everyone can make with just the ingredients in your home.

Step 1. Go to your local Asian supply store and by a bag of miso soup mix.

Step 2. Empty 2-3 of the packets, add water and boil. I know, hard right.

Step 3. Boil water. Add udon noodles, also from your local asian supply store. Or spaghetti, it would probably be just as good.

Step 4. Combine the miso soup with your boiled noodle of choice.

Step 5. Enjoy. Take caution if you eat this meal in bed, as the bowl will also be hot, and may cause some spillage causing you to burn your ‘table’ (also known as: your belly.)

Your welcome. I’ll probably be left out of the family will now that I have divulged this recipe to the public, so try to keep your delicious slurping to a minimum.

First Day of Spring

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 08:30:05 -0500

Ok, yesterday may have actually been nice too, but I didn’t spend it outside- so it doesn’t count. The 70 degree (yay!!) weather was a lovely change from the freezing days I have still not become accustomed to since leaving Florida. I have enjoyed wearing some winter coats that haven’t come out of the closet in YEARS.

Nothing too exciting today, a walk around Central Park with Peter, Belle and half of NYC- everyone was out with their babies and dogs. Then some laundry, dinner and snuggling with Scout. Amateur cell phone photos to follow…

This dog was so very excited to be at the part. She had some surgery recently, and I think hasn’t been around any action in awhile. She wanted to talk to every man, woman, child and doggy. Of course I pet her and let her lick my face for forever.

(She really got under the covers and put her head on the pillow, no staging from me.)

And that’s it! Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend! What are your plans?

XO ZZ

Ninjas, Bacon Floss, and Naps

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 08:30:05 -0500

Since Peter and I are still unemployed, we can spend weekdays exploring the city, annoying responsible Hilarie who’s training infants to become World Champion Sun Salutators.

The early part of the day, I sat in my tiny apartment watching a stranger fix my leaky sink, clean my rat-poop-filled oven (seriously) and break my dishes (again, seriously). So after all that was over, we headed to Soho to go to the mecca of Asian chatskis. Three floors full of lanterns, tea, noodles, mandarin dresses, stationary, hand-painted fans, and every Fred product you could want.

I filled my basket with Hi-Chew, nori for making sushi, miso soup mix, udon noodles, and sandwich cutters. I’m still regretting not getting those Dill Pickle breath mints.

Or this grapefruit half saver.

Rockin’ ice cubes anyone?

I wish I had these cookie cutters to go with Catie’s baby’s ninja themed room I painted.

Or the amazing cake!

Parker was just a no-name ‘Baby’-bump then, and look at him now!

Ok, I got distracted. Back to Pearl River- Who doesn’t need a tray for olives or cherries with an actual mini trash can to hold the pits. Genius.

Or floss?? You have your choice of salad, coffee, waffle or bacon.

So hungry from all this wandering, Peter picked a restaurant .7 miles away that we were to walk to in the cold, thankfully Hilarie showed up just in time with a suggestion from a friend, and that restaurant turned out to be right around the corner.

Eight Mile Creek. A wonderful, whole-in-the-wall, authentic Australian restaurant complete with Australian server.

The menu had things like kangaroo, barramundi, and rocket and beet salad. I ordered the BBQ artichoke with roasted tomatoes, sautéed edamames and chic peas over a bed of spinach. The presentation was lovely, and it was so scrumptious. I could eat that roasted tomato, edamame thing every night.

Then headed back home where I let a homeless man sleep on my shoulder. I’m so nice.

I escaped just in time…

American Girl Place

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 08:30:00 -0500

During one of our shopping trips this weekend, we walked past the American Girl (doll) store, and decided to go in and check it out. It’s every little girls dream. Three floors of dolls, clothing, furniture, tea room, even a hair salon and emergency room!

One part of the 2nd floor is devoted to the original dolls, each with their own beautiful window display. But there are SOO many other dolls to choose from now. You can basically design your own, down to having the same eye, skin and hair color as you. You can even buy the same outfit as them, and then go into the studio and have your picture taken together!

Anything you can imagine- they have for the doll. Equestrian clothing and a horse, cast for a leg, real cast iron furniture, a dog sled!

Once you’ve got your doll and spent hundred on accessories, you go to the third floor where the hospital and hair salon is. There are a million hair styles to choose from, and cost from $15-$25 for a visit. The Pampering Plus package involves a thorough facial scrub and nail decals. The Spa Deluxe package features cucumber stickers for their eyes (the doll’s!), nail decals, flip-flops, a salon cape and faux face mask. For $14 more, you can get their ears pierced.

Now it’s time for tea.

Just grab a high chair, attach it to the table, and you’re ready for cinnamon buns, scones, fruit tartlets and pink lemonade with your doll.

Oh I wish I was young again. How creepy would it be for me and Hilarie to spend the day here with our dolls? It would make a good story….

Cupcakes and Free Speech

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:30:00 -0500

A few weeks ago, Mumford and Songs (my favorite band at the moment) announced that they would be playing in NYC at Secret Policemans Ball. It just so happened that Liz (Florida roommate) would be flying back through NY on a work trip that same night, so it worked out perfectly for us to go. We didn’t even care what we were going to, we only knew that Mumford would be, at that was enough for us.

Sunday we (Liz, Peter, Hilarie and I) spent the day in Soho, wandering aimlessly in and out of stores. We did pass a Baked by Melissa stand, so I had to introduce Liz to the most delicious cupcakes. Usually I’m not a fan of cupcakes - not enough cake, too much frosting, messy, yuck. But BbM’s are so tiny, full of flavor, and have such variety- you can’t not like them.

Don’t you want a closer look? I knew it…

By row from top left.

Cookie dough, PB&J, Peanut Butter Cup, Cookies and Cream

Cotton Candy, Cinnamon, S’mores, Tie-Dye

Red Velvet, PB&J, Chocolate Chip Pancake, Mint Chocolate Chip

Is your mouth watering yet? Don’t worry, you can order them from anywhere in nation: Baked by Melissa. You’re welcome.

We weren’t allowed to eat them just yet though, first we had to have lunch. So we went to Peter and Hilarie’s discovery Tacombi. What was once a concrete garage, now there is an old Volkswagen (where the food is prepared inside) and hand painted folding chairs, making you feel as if you are dining beach side.

Agua de Sandia- Freshly squeezed lime and watermelon juice.

Seared Veracruzana Fish with roasted tomato, caper and olive salsa and

Crispy Fish, beer battered with chipotle mayo and cabbage slaw.

After lunch and mini-cupcakes, a nice stroll through chelsea market.

Who’s excited for the Hunger Games movies?!

(enjoying a pop-up book at the Chelsea Market bookstore)

Then to Radio City Music Hall we went- for the Secret Policeman’s Ball. Which turns out to more than just Mumford and Sons. It’s the live charity event for Amnesty International, which involves a night full of hilarious skits, gags and comedy sketches. They are trying to make a difference on deadly serious matters by using comedy.

In their words ” All of us can laugh tonight as these talented comics poke fun at government leaders or even offend them deeply— and then go home safely. None of us will be jailed, tortured or killed for expressing ourselves, speaking our minds or laughing.”

It really was a fun night with TONS of my favorite comedians including: Russell Brand, Rashida Jones, Seth Meyers, Bobby Moynihan, Liam Neeson, Jay Pharaoh, Paul Rudd, Andy Samberg, Sarah Silverman, Jon Stewart, Rex Lee (Ari’s assistant on Entourage), Statler & Waldorf, Jason Sudeikis, Kristen Wiig, and Ben Stiller- who did Blue Steel!

They touched on the serious just enough to make you want to join, but not enough to make you sad when actor, director, comedian, and often political prisoner, Maung Thura Zarganar of Myanmar was introduced. A little history on the Burmesian, in 2006 he was banned indefinitely from performing publicly in any kind of entertainment related work, then in 2008 arrested for speaking to foreign media about the millions of people left homeless after a devastating cyclone. For that, he was sentenced to 59 years in prison. He was freed in 2011 in a mass amnesty of political prisoners. But because of his jokes he has spent more than 11 years in prison, and told us that a night like this would be impossible in his country.

Mumford didn’t disappoint, they got to play 3 songs, energetically stomping their feet to the tunes.

Then Coldplay had 15 minutes at the end to shower us with lasers, neon projections, and shots from the confetti cannon.

The Search For The Perfect Yellow Dress

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 17:09:23 -0500

The past 4 days have been nothing but shopping trying to find a yellow dress to wear to the wedding. It’s harder than it seems.

1. It needs to the right color yellow- which is not in this season. Everything is either mustard or neon yellow/greenish. There have been lots of the almost perfect dress in just the wrong shade of yellow.

2. It also needs to be stylish and Zoeyish.

3. Fit in with everyone else’s dresses. Similar fabrics, appropriate for hot Florida, but also night time wedding.

4. It has to be maid of honor and only-brother’s-only-wedding worthy.

So really it’s impossible to find this dress!

Day 1 Started at a sample sale. Since its all last seasons stuff, it was sort of a bust. But a fun experience none the less. They have tons of gorgeous designer dresses for a 1/3 of the designer prices. If only Hilarie said we could wear a floor length, navy blue gown with leather accents- I would have been done the first day.

Then on to two bridesmaids showrooms (by appointment only, oh la la). The first place I tried on lots of hideous dresses, which I didn’t take pictures of, the 2nd one was MUCH nicer. The dresses were gorgeously made, the colors perfect, and they have almost every size in every color- which makes it nice to actual try on what you would order. And they supply gray shoes in my size to try. But still not the perfect dress, a little casual.

Then on to Lord and Taylor, where I did find an amazing dress I’m obsessed with, but there was a little matter of ‘weird wingy things’ on the back. So I had to leave the only size 4 behind in hopes that if I change my mind it would still be there.

The next day I roped Hilarie and Peter into the hunt. I found 2 dresses online at Saks, so we went there hoping they would have them. After going to Saks, Bloomingdales and Macys, none of them had the dresses. Peter and Hilarie were annoyed after the first 10 minutes, I think I’m being a little bridemaidzilla- but really, refer to back to #4- there’s only 1 dress to be worn, and it needs to be right. So of course we needed a little chocolate break to get our perkiness back.

We went upstairs in Saks to the chocolate bar - Charbonnel et Walter. The desserts literally move down the line and taunt you as they pass. Some espresso and three macaroons later- we’re on to more shopping.

So far the tally is 1 returned dress:

Two bought dress:

The dress being a lost cause, we went into The American Girl store. Uh-MAZING! More on that tomorrow. It makes me want to pull out my own Samantha from the attic and go buy her a new outfit and have tea together.

We ended the night by seeing Wanderlust with Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd, which was pretty stupid and hilarious at the same time. The best kind of movie when your brain hurts from too much shopping.

I saw this recipe on Pinterest awhile ago and finally had time to make it today. The recipe...

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 08:30:00 -0500

I saw this recipe on Pinterest awhile ago and finally had time to make it today. The recipe simultaneously sounded disgusting and delicious at the same time. Cold noodles, brown sugar, sesame oil??? What could I be making? Stay with me, it turns out really good.

First, throw an entire package of linguine in boiling water.

While that’s cooking, start chopping up your vegetables. You can get creative here and use your favorites. Giant genetically modified bell peppers are a good option. There’s no way bell peppers really look like this. Did you know they have fish DNA in them to make them more frost-tolerant. Ok, that could just be an internet rumor- but I’m going with it.

Make sure you cut them up into long thin strips, this dish is all about a rainbow of colors.

Onto the cabbage. The recipe called for cabbage, purple cabbage, and spinach, but really just go with what your gut tells you.

This doesn’t have to be as perfect as the peppers, you can chop a little more haphazardly with the cabbage. No measurements on this either, just go with you’re heart. Next, scallions. The whole thing, make sure to get them ombre effect on your cutting board. Hombre is super hot this season.

You can start throwing it all into a bowl. I also added peeled and thinly sliced cucumbers and a can of artichoke hearts.

A little tip: Make sure you plan ahead with this meal so you have time to go to the good grocery store that actually has all your ingredients needed, like cashews and bean sprouts. I’m sure they would have added a nice crunch to this pasta/veg salad.

Are you paying attention? You’re pasta is probably done by now! Throw a piece on the wall to check. If it sticks it’s ready, and when it falls off the wall in a week you’ll know it’s no good anymore. Strain it and stick everything in the fridge.

Now time to make the dressing. Put it all in, I promise the end result is fabulous.

The juice from 1 whole lime.

8 tbsp olive oil

8 tbsp soy sauce

1-2 tbsp sesame oil

1/3 cup brown sugar

3 tbsp fresh ginger

2 cloves garlic

1-2 whole hot pepper/jalapeño- if you desire a little extra umphf

(Try to wait till a friend, sibling or spouse is around to cut the jalapeño for you, so that you can spare yourself from burning your throat, fingers and eyes. ‘Cause really, you’ve done all the hard work, they just need to cut up one measly pepper.)

Cilantro. lots and lots of cilantro. Unless it takes like soap (me) then just chop it up and garnish your guests’ plates with it.

Once you’ve added all the ingredients for the dressing, whisk it, whisk it good. Make sure you use an adorable giraffe whisk or else the recipe doesn’t really work.

Take all that stuff out of the fridge, pour the dressing on, and Voila! You’ve made a delicious and slightly healthy pasta full of vegetables. And it’s virtually impossible to mess this up. Unless you’re me, who has been known to add 1/2 cup of salt to cookies instead of 1/2 tbsp, or that time I forgot to add sugar to the banana bread. It does NOT turn out the same. Trust me.

Next time I make this I think I’ll try it with hot pasta and sautéed vegetables. Mmm its warming my belly just thinking about it.

Any accident free recipes you’ve tried recently you want to share?

Pleasantville in New York City

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 08:30:05 -0500

I’m in love- with a small strip of land named Roosevelt Island. For an island that used to house 1,700 lunatics and inmates, and was called Welfare Island- it’s come a long way.

After bingeing on scones, Peter and I roamed for 20 blocks until we stumbled on the Roosevelt Island Tramway. It’s the cheapest scenic tour of New York ever, at only $2.50. It’s a pretty nice view of Manhattan, Roosevelt Island and the surrounding area on the 5 minute sky high ride there.

(That first strip of land is Roosevelt Island)

Upon arriving, there is an instant change in the atmosphere. With only a few roads, there are no cars trying to run you over, the constant honking is gone - its insanely quiet. There’s plenty of grassy green areas with ducks roaming around happily. And beautiful new buildings for rent with floor to ceiling windows. It’s its’ own little sanctuary, the perfect combination of suburbs right in the middle of the city. And I can’t imagine the crime rate is high, what with there only being 1 rode, 1 train, and 1 tram to get you off the island.

A one bedroom cost $3,000. I guess perfection comes with a price. So we headed back to our cramped quarters, barking dogs, and leaky sinks. At least my apartment didn’t once house those with smallpox… or any that I know of.

You better get an A on this quiz!

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 10:55:08 -0500

I have no idea if anyone is reading this, or if I’m just sending my thoughts out into the intertubes. So let me know. It’s only 2 questions, there are no right or wrong answers. Just do your best.

Quizzes by Quibblo.com | SnapApp Quiz Apps

Tea Time

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 08:30:00 -0500

I’ve been dying to have a proper meal at ‘Alice’s Tea Cup’ for a few weeks now. The first I heard of it, a friend and I just stopped in to grab a scone. But Chapter III is only a few blocks from my apartment, so I was determined to eat there today. I made sure to don my best Alice outfit, complete with curly curls and my cat sweater.

It’s a magical, whimsical room filled with swirly iron furniture, Alice themed murals, and the scent of deliciousness being pumped into the room.

Hilarie and I got to sit on the balcony by the window as we sipped our water from mason jars.

The isn’t any sissies tea shop, you get the entire pot of tea and scones as big as your face. We ordered iced teas, (I’ve already forgotten their names, there was pages and pages of teas), vegan squash soup, hummus sandwich and fries. All wonderfully tasty. I made sure to save room for scones, and ordered the cranberry with orange marmalade drizzled overtop, and a pumpkin one. The pumpkin wasn’t the best, but the cranberry scone was to die for. Even Hilarie who’s not a fan of orange flavored things loved it. It was also served with raspberry jam and clotted cream, a delightful addition to each mouthful.

Another place to add to the list for when visitors come, I think Nashville Aunt Amy will especially enjoy it.

Of course after all that eating, I made Peter take a long walk around the city with me-more on that tomorrow.

Get it Girl!

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:30:00 -0500

I’ve eaten way to much pizza and had not much exercise since I’ve been in NY (not including jumping in and out of taxis, lugging around heavy boxes full of paper, walking around NY, and my daily fourth floor walk up) so I suggested to Hilarie that we try out a Zumba class at her gym.

They gave me a little sales pitch, and then we stood outside the mirrored room until the previous class for over. Hilarie was pumped, I was getting more and more nervous. It also got more an more crowded the closer it got to 7PM. The space we were waiting in was so full of people you couldn’t move anywhere if you wanted, and you could feel the tension rising about whether we were all going to fit in there, and more importantly- to get the spot we wanted. (I’m a stand-in-the-back-so-I-can’t-see-myself-kind-of-girl).

I’m a terrible dancer… and was worried that the class was going to be too advanced, and everyone would already know the steps, and I’d be in the back fumbling and tripping over my shoes. Ok, well that all happened… But it was such a good class. Our male teacher Ronnie, was SO positive and happy the entire time. And not in an annoying Richard Simmons way (though I’m sure many people would beg to differ). He made sure to make eye contact with as many people as he could and point and say “Get it Gurlll!!” His smile was so infectious that I couldn’t help but to peel myself off the floor to do another dance. The room was so hot with all of our bootys shakin’, the mirror fogged up so much that if you were standing front row and wanted to see yourself you wouldn’t have been able to. So if not for the lovely Raldane, I would have been out of there.

Also, doing the Charleston was a new fun twist to a Zumba class.

I know these are dull pictures, but I forgot to bring my phone in until the last minute…

XO ZZ

To Brooklyn and Beyond

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 10:57:00 -0500

Peter and Hilaire tricked me into going to Brooklyn recently. They lured me with “a really good restaurant, we saw it on TV”.

I agreed, knowing that its a long train ride, but hopeful that we’d be sitting and relaxing on our journey there.

I was wrong. Peter had not written down the directions, and phones don’t work in the subway, so we spent a lot of time switching trains, waiting for Peter to run upstairs to use the phone. After lots of arguing about how to get there, Hilarie and I decide to stay on one train, even though we know it’s going to wind all around Manhattan before ending up in Brooklyn.

An hour later, we’re crossing the water as the sun sets on Manhattan.

Finally in the right borough, we have to take 2 more trains, walk a little on poorly lit streets, and out of nowhere, we see ‘Do or Dine’. It only took an hour an a half to get there- and the place is completely empty. I’m beginning to wonder if we have the wrong place…?

It’s small and dark, rap music is blasting and there’s a disco ball swirling above us- lots of Notorious BIG theming happening. The menu has things like: baby octopus over deviled eggs with a side of tiny pickle shoved up the stem of a mushroom, Foie Gras donuts, a Chicken and Woffles (with clove, blood orange, maple sauces), and martinis with chili peppers floating in it.

I’m a very adventurous eater, but I was in over my head. Peter suggested the “a fish and some chips”. Why haven’t I learned by now??

This is what arrived. An entire snapper, deep fried, on a bed of yuzi-frites, covered in a heaping of pickled onions and something(?) with a mohawk of roe. It looked pretty discusting. Turns out it was DELICIOUS! (Fine, you were right Peter). The best piece of fish I have eaten in a while. Seriously. Whatever that pickled stuff was, it was amazing. I even put it on the perfectly crisp fries.

In a fun twist, Peter had “checked us in” on Facebook, and his friend Olga from Antioch, lived only a few blocks away. She met us near the end of our meal, gave us a 10 minute overview of things we should know about NY, the best places to shop, eat and drink, and the best thing she gave us: a personal guide back to Manhattan. She was headed that way too, so we followed her like ducklings - and it was much quicker this time. Like, 45 minutes quicker.

All in all, an enlightening night. Definitely a place to take adventurous friends who visit, if we could only find our way back there.

XO ZZ

It's me, the cat! (Diary of a crazy cat lady)

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 14:05:20 -0500

Oh hey you guys, Hey!!! I’m so happy you’re here. Hey!!! Look at you, you’re upside down! Let’s all scream together ok!! Hey!!!!! HEY HEY HEY!! Ok now that that is over with I’m going to take a people nap. Be right back.

I’m back!! Hey!!!!! Mom doesn’t have anything to say today and thought I should take over and tell you about my day. So first thing this morning I woke up super cheerful as usual. Then I played with moms face for an hour until the big machine fed me. I’m watching my figure so I only ate a few bites. My bestest friend Killer seems like she needs the food more since her belly is bigger and she enjoys it more. So I always save her a little of mine. I love her.

Then while Mom got ready to leave I played with her some more. I jump in the closet, mess up her clothes, and she takes me out. I jump back in, she takes me out. I jump in, she takes me out. Yay!! It’s so much fun. Then I jumped in and mom closed the doors and left me in there for 28 hours. It was dark and I was a little scaredy Scout. Then I ate this green stuff mom gave me. Then I got that green stuff out of me. Then I played with my new cat friend Belle. She’s really nice too, but makes a weird loud noise. I love her though.

Killer here. Go f*&# yourself. I’m not talking to any of you. Who wants to read a cat blog anyway. That’s stupid. But if someone is reading this, help me please. I can’t stand that other cat. She’s always so happy. And that dog that thinks she’s a cat is even worse. Get me out of here. Or at least bring me some food that isn’t diet.

Laundry Day

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 14:44:28 -0500

Today was my first attempt at doing laundry. Last week I knew I wouldn’t have time, so I just had them do it. I dropped it off a few minutes before they closed and they had it ready for me by 7:30 am the next morning. If only they had delivered it… it would have been heaven. (yes, other places deliver, but this one is super close, and doesn’t). And the folding! I have never seen clothes folded so nicely and perfectly! No matter what article of clothing it was, everything was made into one size, beautifully flat, and sealed in plastic. All for a price of $19.50.

(This is not an accurate representation of my wardrobe, just the folding technique)

I already spend enough on grocery delivery (more on that later), taxis, and take out- so I was determined to do the laundry myself, especially because it’s the same place they do it. It’s not like it’s some fancy machine where little elves live inside the washer massaging all the dirt out. But wouldn’t that be nice!

I arrive with my laundry, and honestly I didn’t even know how to open the door to the washer. I’ve been doing my own laundry since the dawn of time, but this was like nothing I had seen before. So I stood there looking at it for 5 minutes, and then I asked the lady next to me what to do. She was very nice and explained where to put the clothes in, where the detergent and bleach go in, and explained the buttons to me. Uh oh, I forgot detergent, luckily I could buy it there. I did all that… but now how do I make it start?? I had to ask for help again. Turns out once you put in the $2.50 it automatically starts itself. Whew glad thats over with.

Another 2 minutes staring at the machine to see how long it takes. My laundry lady was still there to come to the rescue, 30 minutes for all loads.

(The ominous washer machines)

The dryer was a little more self explanatory. There are heat settings, and it says where to put .25. Wow, only .25 to dry my clothes? Thats a steal! Ok maybe not so self explanatory… it was actually .25 for each 8 minutes.

It was an exhausting day. I didn’t shrink anything, and I’m safety home with all my clean clothes. The grand total was $13.50. I think I’ll just spend the $6.50 for them to do. The folding really was worth it.

xo ZZ

Sister Act, The Musical

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 10:38:39 -0500

I was excited for Sister Act. I think too excited. I was looking forward to a live version of the movie, featuring all the songs I love so much.

But no, there was none of that. They didn’t even sing ‘I Will Follow Him’. It’s not Sister Act without that belting out at the end! I thought the entire show was a bit dull, the songs were nothing compared to the ones from Wicked or Book of Mormon. It also needed the sass and fierceness of Whoopi. They have made Deloris too sweet, and a little peppy. Though she was highly against living in the convent, she seemed to be perk up pretty quickly when she went to the choir- there was not really any resistance to her being there. But the audience who hadn’t seen the original movie, seemed to enjoy it more than me. It’s like reading a book before the movie- it can never live up. Ok, enough grumping…

I did enjoy the costumes and sets. The floor was a built in lazy susan that they used in all sorts of creative ways, including running on, slowly changing scenes, and the passing of days.

In a few seconds the entire stage would transform from a bag neighborhood into a gorgeous interior of the convent, complete with stained glass walls, multiple doors, and a balcony. All slowly in front of our eyes, piece by piece they would move across the stage until it all came together.

The costumes! The nuns started out in plan boring habits, that as each song went on had more glitter and color than the one before. And not just any ole sequins- 7,000 Swarovski crystals were used.

Since apparently I have made myself a theatre critic, I’ll give it:

Have a great weekend everyone, mine will include watching as many Oscar nominated movies as I can, and eating lots of popcorn.

xo ZZ