New York State of Mind

I think I could be a New Yorker....
I absolutely love that city!
The art, the commotion, the history, and all the cultures.
New York is the heartbeat of America!



I was in New York right before Christmas.
What a magical place to visit during the holiday season.
Come take a peek at my second trip to
The Big Apple
 in a 2 week period of time! 




Pinch me
 I must be dreaming...
We aren't really staying HERE!





Yes, we are!
As soon as I walked into the lobby,
I was greeted with the hustle and bustle of the holidays!
I felt like I was in an old  Hollywood Movie.





So grand!
From the trees to the lightening...
I just could keep track of all the delicious details.





Under the tree displayed tons of old trunks and suitcases.
I thought this was clever.
At home, I have a travel tree.
It is a small, tabletop tree full of ornaments for our trips.

Wouldn't it be fun to display the tree coming out of a suitcase?




Tiny packages are wrapped an tucked all in the tree.




Played by the famous Cole Porter.
The painting on the piano took by breath away!




These large urns were glittery and ornate.
Garlands were wrapped and ornaments hung from them
They were strikingly beautiful displayed in the main lobby.





Here is why I was so fortunate to go to New York.
I packed myself in my husband's suitcase
 for a special dinner
with a special customer.




The restaurant was abundant with beautiful flowers.




The table was elegantly set for the dinner.
The lightening just made the room glow!




Here we are!
Cute husband and me....
(necklace Swarovski snowflake
like the star on top of the Rockefeller Center Tree,
Dress BCBG from Saks Fifth Avenue-
it was $100 cheaper at Saks than it was from Dillards.)




The view was outstanding.
  The restaurant sat under the Brooklyn Bridge.
It was right on the river over looking Manahatten.




Besides the lovely flower and the delicious food...




I got to spend time with Kumi!




and check out the dessert!
It was too pretty to eat!
Yes, that is the Brooklyn bridge made of chocolate!

I hope you enjoyed see my trip to the East Coast.
Tomorrow I will show you what I did in a day in a half!

Today--we are snuggled in our PJ's enjoying Mother Nature's Blast!
No schools opened...hot soup on the stove.
It is looking like a fabulous day!
I will take some photos and post the soup recipe.
It is yummy and super healthy!





Georgetown Cupcakes-Mmmm Good

Not very long ago,
I was on a plane to D.C.
with the cute husband.

He took me to a Monday Night football game-
Redskins verses Eagles

The Eagles stomped the Redskins-
I was alittle sad for my Redskins, 
So what would make my day?

CUPCAKES
GEORGETOWN CUPCAKES! 

Now, the truth of the story is
I was hoping,
crossing my fingers and my toes,
and whining to my cousin, John-

I needed to go to Georgetown Cupcakes.
I was too close not to have a tasty treat.
I went before the game....

My sweet, cousin met me in Georgetown.
Googled the address,
Sent me directions, and
Stood in a very long line to make sure I got my cupcake.

Yes, He is a keeper!

In return,
I gave him and my cute husband
a pass to the bar
so they wouldn't have to stand
 in a line for "a girly cupcake".

I waited patiently for my treat!

When I approached the counter,
I ordered the most sinful chocolate cupcake they had!
Yes, those were my exact words.....

It was awesome!

For the boys, I purchased Red Velvet cupcakes
because I thought they sounded manly. 
They came with a heart on them...
Snicker, snicker....

The night we went to DC Cupcakes,
they were filming their reality show.

I felt like I won the lottery.

A Taste of Paris

This is Kumiko. 
Isn't she beautiful? 

I met her in New York.  I was at a dinner party with my husband.  I didn't know anyone there.  She was so warm and welcoming.  After talking, we found out that we have a love for cooking and crafting in common.  I had such a lovely evening because of her.

(I just had to point out the necklace in the photo that I am wearing, it is from a thrift store $2--it made me giggle when I saw this photo)

Well, Kumiko and her husband went to Paris.

Sigh! I have always dreamed of visiting Paris. 

My sweet, new friend, Kumiko brought me a treat from here:

Check out their website HERE!

Yummy!

These beautiful containers hold tea. 

Every morning, I start the day with a large green tea!

I can't wait to try these.  One is called Marie Antoinette!

The tea came with an elegant box full of cookies!

Kumiko spoiled me with pastry from Paris.

I will get to see Kumiko in a few months and I just can't wait. 

No, I am not heading to New York but some place a little closer.

wink wink

On a Happy Note...

This has been a rough summer-

but on a happy note. 

Shane and I went to Bermuda.

I will post more photos tomorrow. 

It was beautiful and a nice break from reality!