My Weekend

My cousin’s wife (right) and I at Rockefeller Center.

It was a mix of holiday parties and holiday shopping, buying gifts for others and a gift for myself (this sparkly ring from Topshop — you like?). I saw The Princess and the Frog (l-o-v-e-d it!) and enjoyed a few too many glasses of Multipulciano at Brio Saturday night. Finally, it wouldn’t be the holidays in New York without trip to Rockefeller Center to see the Christmas tree. My cousin and his wife surprised me with a visit and that’s exactly what we decided to do. We pushed our way through the holiday crowds, but this was as close as we could get. We had to stand on a bench, but we still enjoyed our photo op!

Long Live the Queen

Blunt and Friend in The Young Victoria.

Tonight I saw an early screening of The Young Victoria, starring Emily Blunt and Rupert Friend. I particularly enjoyed Jim Broadbent’s cameo as King William, but most of my praise is reserved for Blunt. She was captivating as Queen Victoria, and brought new life to what otherwise could have been a slow-moving, period film. Of course, the best part of the evening was the celeb spotting at the screening. Blunt made her own cameo at the film’s start, while Chris Noth and Martha Stewart stayed until the final credits rolled. Me? I was hoping to see John Krasinski‘s face in the crowd, but sadly, Blunt’s fiancée was MIA.

Singin’ in the Rain


The Duckings in the Public Garden, Boston Snowstorm, 2006ish


As a Massachusetts girl, the 10-15 degree temperature difference in New York City (it’s warmer!) tends to be something I consider a pro of living here. Except when word comes of a snow day at home. Then, I think of sledding, and hot cocoa, or just being cozy indoors. I mean, the rain today isn’t that bad. It certainly makes for an easier commute. But some pre-holiday snow would be nice…right?

Lunch Date

Sure, on a good day, I try to pack my lunch. But with my new part-time gig in Soho, I can’t seem to resist a midday bite at Dean & Deluca. For the most part, I keep it simple — I go straight for the soup line in the back. That way, I’m in and out, spending approximately $7 for a large cup. However, today, my normally calculated visit was interrupted by a Golden Star vendor offering me a sample taste of his White Jasmine Sparkling Tea. “It’s light and refreshing,” he said. “A non-alcoholic drink that pairs well with others.” Oops, impulse buy!

(image courtesy of thekitchn.com)

It’s Christmas Time in the City


One of my favorite things about the holiday season in New York has to be the sight of evergreen Christmas trees lined up for sale along random blocks in the city post-Thanksgiving. Why? Because, when walking by, not only are you granted a temporary reprieve from the (aromatic?) scent of New York, but you’re also given a tangible reminder of the spirit of Christmas. The lights, the smell, the red bows tied to the treetops — add a light dusting of snow and I just can’t explain it. I immediately hear Bing Crosby singing in my head.