a trip to the kingdom with pictures

i'm officially in withdrawal from my london vacation. it was an amazing time that would like to repeat often from the travel, food, culture, day trips, shopping and lounging in hyde park. all of the negativity created by the lack of sunshine and bad food choices from 2008 was wiped clean with this most recent excursion. we arrived to a long line at border patrol, grabbed our bags and snagged a ticket for the heathrow express. the mass transit system really is great but quite expensive - just an FYI. a very nice man was willing to help carry my bag up the long flight of stairs from the tube notting hill station. love me some brits and their courtesy. perfect beginning of our time in the united kingdom.

...sidenote, love that this land is literally a called a "kingdom". how cool is that? i was visiting a kingdom with numerous palaces. apparently all of those disney princess movies did work their magic on me...

here's a run down on what we did over the six days we were in the united kingdom:

went to the national museum. took an evening ride on the double decker tourist bus. ate some pizza express in notting hill. bought some groceries. arrived at london eye at opening time to wait in line for about 15 minutes. took lots of pics from the eye. found the awesome skate park full of graffiti. took more pictures. boarded a boat for our tour down the thames. took another ride on the tourist bus. ate dinner at a whole in the wall indian place. saw les miserables with alfie boe where i cried multiple times. hopped on a train to bath. fell in love with bath. took a lot more pictures. rode the tourist bus. ate at jamie oliver's italian restaurant - yum. enjoyed some ice cream in the bath abbey square. bought a magnet. went to the jane austen center to worship at her altar and try to remove the stank of singledom. twirled and danced within the assembly rooms. ordered pizza hut meat pepperoni lovers pizza on our return. ordered an amazing english breakfast with fruit, tea, hot chocolate and bread basket at the wolsley where the women next to us ordered a traditional breakfast including baked bean. hmmm. caught a train to oxford. took a ride on the tourist bus. walked around christ church college and magdalen college. absolutely stunning colleges. did some light shopping including a t shirt. took more pictures. ate at wagamama noodle shop. devoured left over pizza for dinner. took bus to harrod's department store. ate an overly priced breakfast on the fourth floor. wandered around. bought some macaroons from laduree. bought my christmas cards. netter bought earrings from tiffanys. jealousy developed. went to kensington palace gardens. sat on a bench to eat macaroons and enjoy the sunshine and atmosphere. learned the seven princess' names during the enchanted kensington palace tour. took some more pictures. waited in line for afternoon tea at the orangery. decided i want to move to london while drinking lemon ginger tea and eating an orange scone. dropped purchased and headed back to london eye for night viewing. took a whirl on the fastest carousel i've ever ridden.  walked across the thames to hitch a ride on a bus to picadilly. found huge tourist shop where picked up flex's christmas present and a few other trinkets. found a red phone booth for optimal picture taking. toured the royal mews which was awesome. joined light crowds at buckingham palace for more pictures. saw the most awesome mullet ever. stopped at EAT for lunch on the go. hopped in a cab to paddington station for heathrow express to airport. hung out at heathrow until flight back to the land without the word "kingdom" in it.

i know how lucky i am to be able to take these trips to far away places. even as a youngster i wanted to be adventurous and traveling was really the best way for me to feed the independent beast. i have never regretted any time spent in my travels. and am thankful that the opportunity is always there to pack a bag and head out for the next destination.

photography class in central park

a couple of weeks ago i did a photography class with my buddy cara.  the instructor wouldn't let us shoot on any preset modes like "landscape", "portrait" or "sports".  instead we were only allowed to photograph using the aperture and shutter speed ranges.  it was so fun and very informative.

we then had to shoot a saxophonist playing under a bridge, poet's walk and the sun shining.  here are a couple of my favorite shots i took.

do you like?

heading on a jet plane

london here i come!  t-minus eight hours until my plane takes off for the land of the brits.  i'm very excited. 

last night i prepped my ipad and iphone for the journeying.  made the decision to include entertainment that was written, sung, set or performed by the natives.  my ipad only has british movies on it currently.  i filled it up with my jane austen fix of persuasion, pride & prejudice as well as jane eyre, the king's speech, les miserables 25th anniversary concert (which is technically french but produced by a brit so it's allowed).  the fabulous miniseries of north & south along with little known movies like the duchess and young victoria.  have grand plans for adele, snow patrol, coldplay and keane to sing to me.  my plan is to do as much british immersion as possible and watching and listening to these british artists starts the trip off right. 

i must confess that my boyfriend dwayne johnson's movie fast five also made its way onto the ipad.  so for my purposes, dwayne is an honorary british citizen.

i'm hoping to share pictures as often as i can while trapsing the tube stations, harrod aisles and roman baths.  until next time, cheerio govenor!

this week's simple moment

i'm bucking pinkymcg blog trend and only mentioning one simple moment this week.  this moment has been on my mind a lot recently as i walk the streets of my adopted home town.  a large number of my friends are leaving the city for locations distant and often considerably warmer during the winter.

the mass exodus from NYC seems to have begun in may with gooch moving to dallas to pursue her dream job.  then came clare taking her talents, VW beetle named daisy and contagious laugh to utah.  and then the ward friends are systemically leaving to go to london, san francisco, utah, baltimore, toronto, australia, miami, etc.  it seems that each time i walk through the doors of church there is another family who has recently announced that they are moving out of the city.  enough already!

i definitely don't judge these friends who are choosing to take their life's journey down a path away from the concrete jungle.  i'm just sad.  the simple moment of life in new york city is that eventually almost everyone leaves.

the only way i've tried to stem the pain of separation is to give these moving friends a charge to always think in the back of their mind when they meet an LDS single man - "is this guy a possible good match for my totally awesome friend pinky?".  if the answer given by their mind to that question is "yes" then it will make the long, short or miniscule time we spent together in nyc completely worth it.

thank you utah photographer

a lovely woman in utah took pictures of my brother coyote and sister-in-law sunshine's family recently.  sunshine was smart to send me via text a link to the photos on the photographer's blog.  i immediately used my iPhone for the purpose of tracking down the latest from their male heavy family.  these pics of their family were some of the best i've seen in a really long time.  of course i'm biased.  but seriously, how cute are my nephews?  the answer you're looking for (in true utah fashion) is "totally freaking adorable!"

all creative credit to the photographer as well as coyote and sunshine for making such amazing kids.

mckay, blake and jaxon

love reflection of coyote and sunshine making silly faces

the soundtrack to london

need to make a playlist for my journey through that other awesome island...england or the uk.  i've been in a bit of a rut with my listening choices.  as previously stated, my love for my BFF 4-eva adele has not wavered and i'm sure she'll sound even better when i'm walking upon her native soil.

please help me oh friends of mine.  share the wealth when it comes to good music that is propelling you through your day.  i'm open to all types of music minus twangy country, hard hitting hip hop (previously known as "gangsta rap"), and techno (also known as "house").  don't be shy...let me know in the comments section what is good that i'm currently missing because my devotion to adele and maroon 5's moves like jagger is currently blowing up my headphones.

i'm completely willing to give a shout out to anyone who increases the joy in my life by sharing good music.  i might even name one of my future children after you.  now that's a reward to aspire to.

economics, baseball & brad pitt

netter and i attempted to see moneyball on a saturday night two weeks ago.  we arrived at the theater with 20 minutes before showtime and learned the showing was sold out.  bummer.  last saturday we decided we wanted to see the movie so were proactive and bought tickets online as well as arrived at the theater a good 35 minutes before the five trailers began. 

...let me back up real quick before i tell you my impression of moneyball - as an 10/11 year old my family had season tickets to oakland a's games.  my favorite professional athlete is mark mcguire (i still remain true regardless of any doping allegations) who spent the majority of his professional career with oakland.  my field of business is finance.  i think brad pitt is incredibly handsome and endearing plus he generally dresses really well.  i picked up the book by michael lewis and proceeded to read a majority of the book but just couldn't make it to the end...

the movie was fantastic!  probably in the top tier of movies i've seen this year.  i thought jonah hill and brad pitt made a great duo and the baseball wasn't so heavy that i felt i was rewatching ESPN sportscenter.  plus it had the added bonus of making me burst into laughter out loud on multiple occasions. at the conclusion of the movie i immediately called joani to tell her she HAD to see this movie.  i think she would really enjoy it.  the content had action, suspence, emotion, comedy and last but not least, brad pitt!  that's what i call a winning combo.

giving him the benefit of the doubt, it's not working...

this past weekend there was a singles conference for LDS singles age 26 and over here in my own backyard.  it was my first conference ever.  the main motivation for my attendance was my really good BBW (bath & body works) friend T was in town from salt lake.

she and i met up on saturday morning to catch up and talk about our adult lives of home ownership, setting up 401k accounts, making sure we are the favored aunt and plan amazing vacations.  it was so great to spend time with her.  i miss her especially when she shares her insights and life experiences.

during a slight lull in the activities of the conference T ran into a friend and former home teacher from DC.  during the course of the conversation with this dude he mentioned more than once that there is no one to date in new york so he looks forward to moving somewhere to finally find someone to date and hopefully marry.  i wanted to punch him in the face.

let me clarify...i didn't have the immediate reaction to punch this guy because i had suddenly and completely fallen in love with him.  no, my motivation for inflicting bodily harm upon his jaw line was because he obviously needs a swift reality check that physical pain could provide.  saying there are no women to date in new york, whilst standing in front of eligible women who have numerous eligible women friends, was a load of (pardon my language) crap.  what does this guy want in a wife?

i left the conference with a sour taste in my mouth because i know this little philosophy is not exclusive to this dude.  so i ask the single men of the world, regardless of religious affiliation, to please open your eyes and look around you.  i can with absolute certainty promise you that you are surrounded by amazing women who have all the qualities (and probably more that you can ever imagine) you want or desire in a companion.  stop thinking that perfection exists, because honestly, there is a very good chance that you are not perfect so expecting it in a wife is just plain ludicrous.

good luck to T's friend from DC in finding that special someone outside of NYC.  i'm sure he's a great person who has a desire to do what's right and built a righteous family.  i'll try to give him the benefit of the doubt as long as he promises to never again complain about having no one to date in the area he is living like it is a problem not of his own choosing.

was i wrong to have the immediate motivation to punch this guy?  please friends be brutally honest.

welcome october

welcome to the first month of the fourth quarter of the year.  october is one of my favorite months of the year for many reasons.  here are a few:

• new england fall foliage viewing and photography
• baking pumpkin bread, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin scones, pumpkin cupcakes, etc.
• new episodes of primetime tv
• general conference
• football
• crisp cool nights = no air conditioning
• apple picking
• big lug's birthday
• work starts to get really busy
• wearing boots and cute blazers
• three pay periods
• rock center rink goes is open for business
• halloween candy
• christmas gift planning

this october has the added bonus of absolutely gorgeous weather, a singles conference complete with a halal lunch and devotional by member of the seventy, vacation to LONDON and fall photography class in central park with my friend cara courtesy of groupon. 

october really is the final moment of bliss before the misery and woe of freezing temperatures, bus stop closed due to rock center tree, planning biggest annual RS event, barren trees in central park and need to wear five layers to combat the wind tunnels.  thank goodness for thanksgiving, christmas and disney world as event to look forward to once a month from november through january.  if only i had something to plan  to get me through the bleakest month of the year - february.  i'm sure i'll think of something to get me out of town and into sunshine & warmth to combat the february doldrums.

so welcome october.  it's always nice to welcome back an old friend.

oh sweet riley nelson

a facebook friend posted this video today and it just made me absolutely giddy with joy.  as a background, riley nelson plays football for the byu cougars.  he came into the game in the third quarter on friday to lead the cougars past a very good utah state team.  well done riley and his teammates.

feast your eyes on the come from behind with a 96 yard last minute drive skills of riley and most important, his luscious locks.

total BFFs

i love adele.  i think she's an amazing singer.  her music is inspiring and emotional.  would have been more than willing to pay top dollar for a ticket to her concert in the city earlier this year.  but we weren't yet friends at that point.  our relationship developed this past summer.

i love her.  and i don't care what anyone says.  i love her for the singer she is.  i love her for the britishness that she exudes.  i love her for the lyrics she writes.  i love her for her sassyness.  i love her for the style she promotes.  but right now i love her most for the fact she filmed her gorgeous someone like you in paris.



thank you adele.  we are now best friends 4-eva.

what happens when i'm bored

i'm bored; therefore, i buy things for my apartment to change something and attempt to take away the boredom.  trust me it's a good idea.  otherwise the dark side of HGTV watching will send me down a deep dark spiral of wanting to buy a house in some random location just for a change.

what do we think of this duvet cover set for the bed?

expanding my book reading horizons

my good friend jewel and i needed to spice up our social circle so we started a book club.  we invited a bunch of our buddies to read and discuss books written both recently and of yesteryear.  at our discussion last month we chose a book called unbroken by laura hillenbrand based on the recommendation of one of our comrades.  the summary said it was a story about a man who competed as an Olympic athlete in the mid and late 30s then served in the army air corps during world war II.

i have never read or even picked up in a book store or library a book that dealt with the subject matter of war.  it just wasn't my style.  but i'm a team player as they say so i dutifully purchased the book through the iBookstore.  kinda held out until about 10 days left before the date of our discussion.  started to read and LITTERLY. COULDN'T. PUT. MY. IPAD. THAT. HAD. THE. BOOK. DOWN.  lost a lot of sleep over the last 10 nights.

the story was amazing!  and as my friend said during the discussion last night, if i didn't know it was a real story i would have thought the events detailed in the book were straight from someone's imagination.  even reading about all of the atrocities that happened to louie, i was completely inspired by his determination and ability to retain as much humanity as possible while being physically destroyed and stripped of his humanity.

i would urge everyone to read this book.  not only is it well written by laura hillenbrand (author of seabiscuit) but it is a page turner because you want to know what happens to louie.  you care about him and his comrades.  you won't be sorry if you choose to dive into the story of this courageous man from torrance, california.

hoping that october's book the guernsey literary and potato peel pie society is just as good.  

a note to a thief...

to the person who stole my debit card number,

it makes me sad that you stole my debit card number.  there was no need to produce a counterfeit card to joy ride in taxi cabs throughout the city, buy some possibly needless gift cards and supplies from targets in the bronx and brooklyn as well as treat yourself to a coffee and doughnut at dunkin doughnuts.  there really was no reason for you to take about $400 of my hard earned money.  you truly should be ashamed of yourself that your thieving ways caused me to almost hyperventilate and start to shake because of panic and absolute dismay. 

there are only a few things, to me, that each person of the human race should hold dear.  they are honesty and integrity.  mr./ms. thief - you failed miserably on both points when you stole my debit card number.  i really hope that it was worth it to you because i think i was able to catch your thieving ways soon enough to get the card number cancelled before you hit the slot machines in atlantic city or bought that iPad you've had your eye on for the last week.

my final piece of advice to you, the person who stole my debit card number, is to take a moment to evaluate what you are doing.  stop leeching off other people and causing stress and anguish.  and if after the self evaluation you decide that you're all good with the dishonest choices you are making then my next piece of advice is to never open a checking account because i'm pretty sure the people you associate with wouldn't hesitate to do to you what you did to me. 

from,
the person who spent three hours of her day on the phone or in the branches of my bank

ode to HGTV

my friend preppy told me about her recent addiction to watching HGTV.  i thought it was kind of odd but didn't voice that opinion to her directly.  in my mind there were so many other great cable shows to enjoy like AMC, Bravo, ABC Family, Bio, etc.  Who wants to watch shows about how to build a deck?  or what kind of paint and primer combo is best to disguise a red wall?  or heaven forbid, watching men compete in a show about who can make the best bird feeder out of popsicle sticks?  needless to say, it didn't intrigue me but i thought that my friend preppy is a pretty urbane, cultured and sophisticated new yorker/san franciscan so maybe i should see what all of the hoopla was about.  big mistake.  huge.

i have now turned into an HGTV groupie.  it is my go-to surfing channel if i'm waiting for my prime time shows to commence or i need something in the background while i cook or if i'm just lounging on my couch in my 400 something square foot apartment that i pay a rent of 4 digits to call my home.  some of my favorite shows are house hunters international, property virgins, for rent and my first place.  the mistake in converting to the dark side of watching others search for properties is that i have some serious, hard core house envy.  i want to be one of the young whipper snappers that is buying their first home full of three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen with an island and deck in the back yard.  oh and did i mention all of the homes seem to have a dishwasher and laundry facilities?  because they all do.  be still my beating heart.

don't get me wrong...my relationship with new york city seems to be on solid footing.  we still spend lots of wonderful hours together basking in vibrancy, culture, energy and street fairs selling food on a stick.  it's just that HGTV has opened up a new adult world to me full of people concerned about mortgages, location vs. space, and how close is too close to one's parents.  as well as how to compromise on paint colors and how big is too big when buying a new HDTV for the family room.

sometimes i wonder if i could have a long term relationship with a place like los angeles, san diego, phoenix or portland that is just as vibrant, cultured and energetic but with an added bonus of a mortgage full of equity and maybe a yard where my one day dog can romp and play.  i think in many ways it is better to not realize what is out there so you don't know anything but your chosen way of life.  unfortunately HGTV burst that bubble of ignorance. 

this week's simple moments

1.  the un general assembly is in town - 'nuff said
2.  first relief society meeting was a rousing success
3.  took the subway to and from work three times this week :/
4.  enjoyed central park walk late on a saturday afternoon as the sun was going down
5.  taught clare how to use the FaceTime function on her new iPad - hooray for technology that brings people together

new york favorites written by M2 relief society

our ward's relief society fall social was all about how to live, love and enjoy living in new york city.  one of the things we opted to do was ask all of our relief society members to send in their opinion on the best places to see, do, eat, be pampered, people watch, etc. as well as advice for living in the city.  we had a great response so i thought i'd let you know what made the list...(see if you can pick out the items that i submitted as my faves).  Please feel free to share with any friends who are planning a visit to the greatest city.  This list was compiled by real life New York women.

ADVICE FOR LIVING IN NEW YORK CITY:
 Follow the advice of John Lennon to WALK everywhere! It's the best way to get a feel for the city and you can find amazing architecture, people, food, shopping, and helps you feel a part of a larger New York City community.
 Embrace it! There are many things that may seem inconvenient and hard; however, if you focus on the positives they will always outshine the negatives. You will learn & grown here more than any other place. Choose to enjoy every moment!
 Be involved in the ward! Go to any and all activities to make your presence known and develop your New York family.
 Learn the MTA Bus System – it takes you almost anywhere you want to go and is amazing to see the many people, places and architecture pass by your window
 Get a safe pesticide for your apartment like EcoSmart. They’re made with natural ingredients that don’t irritate senses when using them.
 Use your computer – you can order groceries (www.freshdirect.com), diapers (www.diapers.com) and almost anything from www.amazon.com and www.ebay.com. Most online retailers have excellent shipping prices that make online ordering more convenient.

TO GO, SEE & DO:

 MUSEUMS:
o Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) – free on Fridays from 4:00pm – 8:00pm
o Metropolitan Museum of Art – pay what you want
o The Paley Center for Media (previously the Museum of Television & Radio)
o Museum of the City of New York
o Fort Tryon Park and The Cloisters
o Museum Mile Festival in early June shuts down Fifth Avenue and numerous museums are free including the Met & Guggenheim

 PERFORMANCES:
o $6 ticket to movies playing before noon on Friday, Saturday & Holidays at AMC Theaters
o Metropolitan Opera in Lincoln Square – tickets as low as $15
o $20 tickets for select Broadway shows through Hiptix – free registration for those between the ages of 18-35 http://www.hiptix.com/about.htm
o Student Rush tickets to Broadway shows
o TKTS booths in Times Square & South Street Seaport
o Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater
o New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center – tickets as low as $25
o NYU & Fordham showcase fantastic & cheap arts programs & film festivals
o Alliance Francaise (FIAF) for culture events and viewing foreign films on Tuesday nights
o Plays at BAM Harvey Theater in Brooklyn
o Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater offers numerous classes and amazing performances
o US Open Tennis Championships – cheap ticket for a Grounds Pass early in the tournament

 TO SEE/DO:
o Conservatory Garden at Fifth Avenue & 105th Street – gorgeous in Spring & Fall
o The Highline and Chelsea Market
o Green markets for fresh produce, flowers, etc.
o Bike riding and rowing boats in Central Park
o Walking the Brooklyn Bridge and stopping at the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory
o Ice Skating at Wollman Rink or Rockefeller Center
o Free walking tours throughout the city http://www.freetoursbyfoot.com/nyc/lowermanhattan.asp
o Long Island City's waterfront park
o Double Decker bus tours with visiting friends – 2 for 1 tickets available for local residents of tri-state area with web registration and proof of residence https://www.newyorksightseeing.com/local_advantage.php
o Karaoke in Korea Town at Duet 35 – private rooms to sing and dance to your heart’s content http://karaokeduet.com/eng/top.html
o Top of the Rock Observation Deck at dusk
o Concerts at smaller venues - Bowery Ballroom, Terminal 5, Irving Plaza, Roseland Ballroom, Brooklyn Waterfront, Mercury Lounge and Beacon Theater
o Park Avenue Tree Lighting & Singing – first Sunday of December gather outside Brick Church @ 91st & Park Avenue to sing Christmas carols

TO EAT:

 BAKERIES:
o Epicerie Boulud @ Broadway & 65th Street - amazing French pastries like macaroons
o Tonnie's Minis @ Lenox b/w 123rd & 124th - mini cupcakes
o Francois Payard Bakery @ Plaza Hotel & Houston b/w Thompson & Sullivan
o Bouchon Bakery @ Rockefeller Plaza & Columbus Circle
o Almondine Bakery @ Water Street & Main Street (Brooklyn) or @ 9th Street & 7th Avenue
o City Bakery @ 18th Street b/w 5th & 6th – hot chocolate & cookies
o Levains Bakery @ 74th Street b/w Columbus & Amsterdam – 6 oz Chocolate Chip Cookies
o Donut Plant @ 23rd Street b/w 7th & 8th & @ Grand Street b/w Essex & Norfolk – Crème Brulee doughnut
o Magnolia Bakery @ Bleeker & 11th Street or @ 49th & 6th or @ Columbus & 69th – Bread Pudding
o Amy’s Bread @ Bleeker & Leroy or @ Ninth b/w 46th & 47th Street –Chocolate Cake
o Baby Cakes Bakery @ Broome b/w Ludlow & Orchard

 RESTAURANTS:
o Eataly @ 23rd Street & 5th Avenue
o Pio Pio @ First b/w 90th & 91st – Peruvian Combo
o Baoguette @ Lexington b/w 25th & 26th or @ Maiden Lane & Broadway – Classic Sandwich
o Patsy's Pizza @ 69th Street & 2nd Ave or @ 23rd Street b/w 8th & 9th
o Halal Cart @ 53rd & 6th – best after 7:30pm
o Cascabel Taqueria @ Second b/w 80th & 81st
o EJ’s Luncheonette @ 73rd Street & Third – great French Toast
o Dim Sum Go Go @ Broadway b/w Catherine & Chatham Square
o Joy Burger @ Lexington & 100th or @ Washington Place & 6th
o Alta Restaurant @ 10th Street b/w 5th & 6th
o Caracas Restaurant @ 7th Street & 1st Avenue
o Lula's Ice Cream @ 6th Street b/w Avenue A & Avenue B
o Cafe El Portal Restaurant @ Elizabeth Street b/w Spring & Kenmare
o Le Maison Du Chocolat @ Madison b/w 78th & 79th or @ Rockefeller Plaza
o Yorkville Creperie @ York Avenue b/w 83rd & 84th
o Mandoo Bar @ 32nd Street b/w Broadway & 5th - dumplings
o Dos Caminos @ 50th Street & 3rd or @ Park Avenue South b/w 26th & 27th – excellent Brunch menu

TO SHOP:

 SPECIFIC STORES:
o Bloomingdales on 59th & Lexington
o J. Crew on 17th & 5th has the best sale section
o Barney's Warehouse Sale is worth the madness
o Forever 21 in Times Square
o DSW in Union Square
o Polarn O. Pyret for kids clothes on sale - opening a shop on 79th & Columbus soon
o Fishes Eddy for kitchen items - 889 Broadway
o ABC Carpet & Home Outlet Store in the Bronx (not on Broadway) has great deals on carpets, rugs, and modern furniture.
o Tag sale at the Brick Church (91st/Park) every October and April to stock up on used children's clothes, shoes, coats and toys.
o Fairway at 125th has a free parking lot

 NEIGHBORHOODS with GREAT SHOPPING:
o Sample Sales throughout the Fashion District
o Herald Square – 34th Street between 5th & 9th including Macy’s Department Store
o Union Square
o Broadway between Houston and Canal Street
o Chelsea, on 5th and 6th between 14th and 18th featuring Anthropologie, H&M, TJ Maxx, Zara, J. Crew, Urban Outfitters, etc
o Flea Markets in numerous neighborhoods like Hell’s Kitchen and Brooklyn as well as the Garage near Madison Square Park

TO PAMPER:

 MANICURE/PEDICURE:
o Blooming Nails on 90th and Lexington
o Mimi’s Nails on 80th and 2nd – avoid Saturdays
o Make sure your chosen nail salon has massage chairs to allow your pedicure to do double duty. Get a full-body spa treatment for the price of a pedicure
o Many nail salon offer manicure/pedicure combo deals during Monday - Thursday

 HAIR:
o Arrojo Studio @ 180 Varick Street – try to book appointment with Katie
o Cutler Salon in Soho – try to book appointment with Hannah
o Whitmore Hair Salon @ 45 Grove Street
o Hair Farfalla @ Third b/w 88th & 89th Street – great for a quick shampoo and decent cuts

a dream is a wish your heart makes

i've stated before how i pretty much always remember my dreams.  and they are always vivid and generally involve at least one person that i know.  here's a run down of my dreams this week, thus far...

monday night -  a guy i had a crush on many moons ago showed up at church so i ran from floor to floor and classroom to classroom to avoid him seeing me.  was terrified that if i talked to him that i would start to like him again.  that had to be avoided at all costs!  crush hasn't been part of my life for quite some time so i'm always annoyed when he shows up in a dream to remind me of his actual live existence and that he didn't love me back.

tuesday night - was in a hair salon in utah visiting clare.  she had to go take care of a hair care emergency so told me to wait.  a woman close by was waiting to get her hair colored.  the owner of the salon came up to me and started giving me a hard time because i hadn't started her color process yet.  i didn't know what to do and clare wasn't answering her phone so i just started mixing color.  but was terrified of messing up this girl's hair, knowing how important my hair is to me, so i told the owner that i wasn't a trained stylist.  clare walked in while the owner was yelling at me.  she got yelled at also.  not sure why i waited so long in the dream to tell salon owner she had the wrong person doing hair.  i guess wanted to protect clare from getting in trouble.  so this dream once again cements my "good friend" status.  

wednesday night - my favorite band jimmy eat world was on my flight from london.  i happened to be sitting close to the lead singer jim adkins so of course i struck up a casual conversation.  i mentioned that i was bummed they were only doing their "bleed american" shows in san francisco, los angeles and arizona because i couldn't go based on work commitments.  jim told me that fellow toros (our HS mascot) had to stick together so he would put together a special performance of the album for me and my friends in new york within the year.  i promised to be his best friend for life.  i think i got the better deal.  REALLY REALLY REALLY wish this dream will come true!  makes perfect sense that my fave band would be willing to coordinate a show for myself and my friends in appreciation of my years of tireless devotion.

wonder what tonight's slumber will bring...

friday night lights farewell

i've expounded previously about my love and admiration for friday night lights.  the show is a perfect blend of character and football.  it is a story about family - a nuclear family, a sport family and a community family.  the final episode of this great series has already been filmed, edited, broadcast and put on a dvd.  it is one of the best finales i have ever seen.  seriously hoping they do as they have suggested and develop a movie for these characters. 

while watching a completely boring emmy broadcast last night i nearly allowed my tear ducts to work when they called out the name of jason katims for best dramatic writer.  he is the brains, heart and soul of the show.  the best part is he ended his speech with the perfect "clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose." 

the evening got even better when the amazingly talented but long shot kyle chandler was awarded the statue for best lead actor in a drama series.  i literally jumped off my couch and started clapping.  i was so incredibly happy for him because without coach taylor the show would not exist.  he is amazing.

lately when people come over to my apartment for the first time and see my large bookshelf full of dvd and blu-rays they always remark how they absolutely love friday night lights.  i can't tell you the number of times i've loaned out the full series on dvd that i own.  anything to help people embrace the goodness of quality television programming.

i will miss FNL.  i will miss eric and tami taylor.  i will miss the dillon panthers and east dillon lions.  i beseech you to watch this series!  it is truly one that brings out the emotions of life set against a football loving town with amazing scenery, music and heart.

this month's simple moments - written on an airplane

• obsessed with Groupon - bought one for food and one for a photography class
• love my book club - this month's book is called Unbroken
• 69 cent songs on iTunes are awesome
• nail salon lady asked where my friend was while getting a manicure...apparently netter and i are a nail salon attending duo
• la guardia airport has more families flying than jfk - must be the numerous orlando flights
• holiday weekends in new york city are very quiet
• no more A/C usage = smaller electric bills
• bought tickets in a box at carnegie hall for new york pops holiday concert
• allergies are getting bad again
• three days of perfect weather following hurricane irene
• line down the block at abercrombie & fitch and parisian landuree for macaroons, i would have chosen the macaroons
• sat next to a friend from church on my bus to work

trying to coordinate a girls' weekend

it's been over 10 years since myself and my two freshman year college roommates have been in the same room.  i think the last time we were all in the same room was susan's wedding.  a lot has obviously happened in that decade to all of our lives.

while chatting recently with heidi we realized that enough was enough.  it was time to bring the sweeties of m. smith heritage hall back into the same room.  emails about dates and locations have been exchanged but nothing finalized.  this weekend getaway unfortunately is easier said than done with two busy moms' schedules and my work load.  but i know the three of us are determined to make it happen. 

i have no doubt in my mind that when we are all back together that it will seem like we've only been apart for a few months.  that is one of the greatest blessings in life, friendship.  i greatly look forward to partying like it's 1999 again with my BYU comrades heid and susan!

halfway through september

apparently i forgot i had a blog during the first 18 days of september.  my time has not been idle.  seems as the year winds to a close that my "to do" list increases.  not just with my professional obligations but also personal and church.  as i told someone recently, i would rather be busy and accomplishing tasks then sitting around being bored.  got my wish.

• successfully made it through the first tax deadline of september 15th.  just one more to go in october.  
• booked housing for orlando, florida january 2012 vacation
• enjoyed numerous hours of amazing tennis played during the US Open including an epic match between novak djokovic and rafael nadal
• spent labor day with my brother big lug and his family for my niece julia's baptism - she looked beautiful

• started going to the gym at 6am daily - yup, 6am
• planned relief society fall social with my meetings committee
• saw Andrea Bocelli in Central Park  
• became kind of obsessed with my Instagram app
• ate my first cupcake from Sprinkles bakery

that is just a small snippet of my month of september thus far.  finally it feels like fall is in the air.  this means apple picking, photo taking, pumpkin bread baking, breaking out the cashmere sweaters and no more flip flops.  still pretty shocked that we are a short two weeks away from the fourth quarter of the year.  anyone else in a bit of shock by this fact?

this week's simple moments - transportation edition

1.  while sitting on the bus i saw a man drop a jacket, another man grabbed it, ran to the man, and handed it to him with a smile
2.  chose to ride the subway home where i saw a middle aged man in full clown costume and makeup (but without the wig - thank goodness) grab his briefcase and get on the uptown 6 train to read the New York Times
3.  sang along to numerous boy band hits while driving in clare's beloved daisy, which is the perfect vehicle for boy band singing and dancing
4.  wanted to walk home on tuesday evening but wasn't wearing flip flops so alas...
5.  had one of the saddest train rides ever on saturday morning.  the train took me back to new york city after saying farewell to one of my best friends before she moves to utah.  truly hated that train ride.

a little bit of city shaking

about 2pm today there was an earthquake in new york city.  the epicenter was in virgina.  the funny thing was how nervous everyone got.  to me it really wasn't a big deal because i've been through numerous earthquakes based on my youth in the bay area of california.  i was the calm, cool and collected one in the office while the "lived all my life on the east coast" peeps became absolutely unhinged by about 8 seconds of shaking.

around 3pm i went outside to get some air.  was sitting on 6th avenue when a woman came up to ask myself and the woman next to me if we had felt the earthquake.  we both said yes and so she asked where we were when we felt it.  the woman next to me said how she was nervous by the shaking.  i told her i was from the west coast so it didn't match any of the others i had previously been in.  can you guess which one of us the nbc4 news channel lady chose to interview on camera?  i'll give you one guess.

happy anniversary to me

this past wednesday was the 10 year anniversary of my graduation with a BA in art history from brigham young university.  i remember the day clearly.  it was gorgeous.  my family and i had to get up at the crack of dawn for my commencement ceremony and diploma distribution held at the de jong concert hall in the HFAC.  i also remember a man approaching me and offering $150 if i would give him my cap and gown so he could be done with his studies.  there was absolutely NO way i was going to make that trade because the cap and gown i wore symbolized lots of hard work, friendships, conversations, education, social interaction, spiritual growth and independence. 

i'll sometimes say that byu for me was the best and worst years of my life.  i think that is the truth about most people and their college experiences.  i definitely gained an education but what i am most grateful for is the people i met and befriended.  those bonds are as strong as ever even though i rarely if ever see my friends anymore.  somehow the things that drove me crazy about my time there have slipped out of my memory.

my choice to apply to only one school after high school paid off and continues to be a blessing as i watch my nephews and nieces develop a love for byu.  still seems kinda crazy that i am the only byu graduate of my siblings after all of the annual summer treks my family took to worship at the cougareat, deseret towers and richards building.

so thank you byu. my time spent in a relationship with you gave me opportunities to know amazing people, study hard or not at all as the case may be, cheer loudly for the byu cougars in the football stadium, marriott center or fieldhouse, live on my own for the first time, develop an everlasting and extremely special relationship with my grandpappy and grandma jewel, learn about financial responsibility and give me experience to lead me on my life's journey which ultimately led me home to new york city.

a very happy 10th anniversary to me and byu.  i think i'll celebrate with a cupcake from magnolia bakery.

personal realization #6

i have this recurring nightmare...i'm getting married but don't want to marry the man but can't call it off.  it is an absolutely horrible feeling to know something isn't right but not changing it.  or feeling powerless to change it.  well last night i had a variation of this nightmare.  instead of knowing the man i was marrying i was instead marrying by proxy meaning someone else stood up during the ceremony.  i had no idea who i was marrying.  can't imagine making the choice to marry someone you don't know.  woke up thinking singledom wasn't such a horrible scenario after that nightmare variation.

i always remember my dreams.  not sure why that happens.  i will sometimes try to stay asleep so that i can finish the dream.  have remembered my dreams since i was a youngster.  the scary part is that on multiple occasions i've had dreams that have later happened.  i think it is a blessing to help prepare me for something that is possibly going to be difficult.  really truly and sincerely hoping this scenario doesn't happen in real life.

so what does this recurring nightmare mean?  do i want to get married but terrified about my ability to choose the right person?  are my skills to make changes if i feel something isn't right seriously lacking?  am i too likely to make others happy at my own expense?  did my parents' divorce completely warp me regarding marriage and should i get into therapy ASAP?  any thoughts blog-o-sphere peeps?  any takers on analyzing my recurring nightmare?

head on fire portrait

clare took this picture of me from my birthday in the park.  loved the light beaming on top of my head and i wasn't even wearing my tiara at the time.

crossing the pond!

going to london!  we couldn't let the royal wedding derail our plan for a trip to the UK this year.  excited to fly across the pond!  i'm sure october is just as beautiful a month to travel to the british isles as is april.  ready to dive with both feet into the british life.  mostly ready to listen to men speak to me in a british accent and pretend they are mr. darcy, captain wentworth, mr. thornton, mr. rochester, etc.  so now you know the truth...i bought a ticket to london to hear men talk in a british accent.  have no regrets for that choice.

also we bought tickets to see les miserables in the west end because alfie boe is starring as jean val jean.  he was the amazing singer who performed the role for the 25th anniversary concert at the O2.  exceptionally excited to see this man in the flesh performing songs that made me fall in love with theater.  it's ok to be jealous right now.  :)



just a little over a couple of months until our trip.  now just have to find the best and most cost effective 2 bedroom flat we will be renting for the week because it is just a better deal than a hotel room.  trust me. 

still open to any suggestions of great day trip suggestions.  plan to head to bath and possibly edinburgh, scotland.  but netter will be the one doing all the driving.

this week's simple moments

1.  walking past long line of people waiting to buy tickets to a movie - i opted to use the kiosk inside where there was no line
2.  taking a "roller coaster" bus ride home along the torn up/about to be paved madison avenue
3.  putting my rockefeller center priviledge card to good use for a $3 discount to top of the rock
4.  keeping my cool while stuck in a cab veering through horrible traffic on way to see "crazy stupid love" at kips bay AMC theater
5.  water trough set up outside my office for people to fill their water bottles with good tasting NYC tap water
6.  wearing my bright red lipstick twice
7.  making it through one of the longest work weeks of my life
8.  co worker getting me four free tickets to see the Andrea Bocelli concert in central park on september 15th!
9.  no impulse purchases to celebrate my birthday (i.e. no HDTV, chair, pearls, etc)
10.  fake fighting with clare on the street where an older couple said "we need to walk away from them" - it was hilarious and kinda awesome

my birthday through pictures

and there you go...my birthday 2011.  thanks to netter and clare for playing with me for the entire weekend and letting me take their picture over and over again.  you are the best friends a girl can have.

why hello british boys who dance...

i am fully invested in "so you think you can dance" this summer.  been highly enjoyable.  every time i watch these shows i just want to bust a move. 

recently i learned the brits introduced the show to their bbc owned television viewers.  while trolling for routines by our friends across the pond i found the below top 4 guys group routine stood out.  it was choreographed by mandy moore and coincidentily she used a good portion of the routine for tadd and all star lauren's jazz number last week.

love me some men with british accents who know how to shake their groove thing.  am i right or am i right?  behold, for your viewing pleasure...



also because i have generally always enjoyed mandy's routines, i am sharing another standout performed last week by an amazing dancer named melanie (wink wink) and the always hot tamale train rider, neil.  doesn't hurt that the song chosen is a guilty pleasure of mine.