It seems like 2016 just started; and yet, school is about to end. I can’t believe I only have 6 weeks to squeeze in everything I want to do in Spring in NYC. Better start…..yesterday! Here is my list. (For last year’s list, go here).
1. Go see Hamilton (again).
Yowsers, I can’t stop raving about it.
Last Friday, I had the opportunity (and privilege) of visiting and touring the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. To say I was blown away is a true understatement. It took my breath away and has preoccupied my mind since. Mind you, I did not live in NYC during the 9/11 attacks, nor did I know anyone who was directly affected. As a result, I had never been overly emotional about it. But visiting the museum changed everything.
The power of the tallest building in the United States, The Freedom Tower. An eerie view from the memorial looking up to the sky.
Sorry for the silence on my end — went to Paris for our 7th anniversary — ate, shopped, slept, walked, parlez francais-ed, and came back to NYC. All in the span of 3 days. Holy jet-lag-where-am-I-what-language-should-I-speak. So much fun!
In Paris, even their cars are more elegant and chic.
Even with Thanksgiving behind us, there is no such thing as TOO much pie! Especially pie from Four & Twenty Blackbirds. Located in the Gowanus section of Brooklyn (439 3rd Avenue), this pie shop was founded in 2010 by sisters and pie makers Melissa and Emily Elsen. And my oh my, do they know how to bake! So scrumptious and delicious. So many choices to choose form.
Outside the pie shop with old school gothic lettering.
I love Etsy. And I love pop-up shops. So while I was on a three hour day-date with my better half last weekend in SoHo (best three hours EVER), I couldn’t have been more excited to stumble across the ETSY HOLIDAY SHOP!
The sign outside of the store. This is what immediately got my attention.
For those of you unfamiliar with Etsy, it is a website that allows local artisans and merchants to sell handmade or vintage items to a broad community. It is a great one-stop shop for anything homemade, and it is a terrific place to find unique gifts. The holiday store does a great job of bringing that web concept to brick-and-mortar. As described on the site, “Imagine a magical place where you can shop directly from the collections of guest curators, meet the artists and collectors of the marketplace in person, learn to make something with your own two hands, and enlist the help of a whole squad of Etsy experts for your gift list. It’s Etsy in real life!” So true, and so magical. But unfortunately, the shop is closing this Saturday (December 8th)…. so go now!
There is nothing more beautiful than a fresh, crisp orchid in the house. Problem is, orchids from florists tend to be expensive – easily between $100 and $200. And if you are anything like me, no matter how well you try to care for the orchid, their life expectancy is a month, 6 weeks at best. So, if you live in New York, the flower district on West 28th street is the best deal in town! Not only are there beautiful fresh flowers for you to choose from (all event planners go to 28th street to get their flowers for events), but they sell the most affordable and beautiful orchids in the city! AND THEY DELIVER!
Rows upon rows of orchids in every color, size, and style.
Although most of the stores in the flower district deliver, it also makes for a fun early morning adventure to see all the colorful flowers, holiday plants, and New York Flavor.
My little buddy on our search for the perfect flowers and orchids.
