Loving the little things.

I am loving everything about writing my weekly little things posts. First of all, I have met so many new bloggers through the Little Things link-up. Yay! Thank you to all of you who left comments on my posts and followed my blog; it truly means the world to me! I have also loved searching for the little things in my life that make me happy. I am noticing more, slowing down, and appreciating the things that I might have usually missed in my daily grind. Here are some little things from my week that brought me joy...

Instagram love. What is there not to love about Instagram? This week, I enjoyed searching through old photos and making them new again on my iPhone. Want to follow me on Instagram? My username is daina_a

A downtown breakfast. I met Angela at NYU in grad school, and we became fast friends. After we graduated, she returned to Ithaca to teach high school and I found my new home at a school in Brooklyn. Although we do not get to see each other often, we have managed to stay in touch through quick emails here and there and lots of snail mail that brightens each other's mailboxes. I was so happy I got to catch up with her over breakfast when she was in town last weekend. We met up at The Grey Dog, a small restaurant on our old NYU turf. We each ordered the Grey Dog breakfast and had no problem chowing down on our eggs, french toast, sausage, fruit, and home fries. It was delicious!

After breakfast, we strolled through Union Square and browsed the seasonal fruits and vegetables at the Green Market. I am really looking forward to Angela's next visit this holiday season!

Meaningful subway reading. Cat fights, breakups, and makeups. This is what makes the world go round. I mean, did you know that celebrities feed the meters? And use porta-potties? And buy pre-made sandwiches? If not, please check out US Weekly immediately. It is the best, most brainless way to spend an hour long commute when you can barely keep your eyes open.

My first peppermint mocha of the season. Ever since I worked at Starbucks in high school, this has been my favorite fall/winter treat. I eagerly await the seasons to change in anticipation of my peppermint mochas. Last weekend, I welcomed fall with boots, a sweater, and my double tall non-fat no whip peppermint mocha. Oh, it was good.

An unexpected treat. Sahba, one of my lovely friends at work, delivered the most yummy treat to mine and David's classroom on Wednesday morning. And it seriously made my day. It was the perfect example of how a small act of kindness can go a long way. We noshed on the perfect sweet and salty chocolate all afternoon, and I have been craving more Chocolove bars ever since. Yum.

The displays at Anthropologie. As if Anthro merchandise wasn't appealing enough? I am impressed with their displays every time I shop, especially at the large locations in Rockefeller Center and Chelsea Market.

Manicure therapy. Manicures are like a drug, a really good drug. They calm me down, make me feel relaxed, and then make me happy for days to come. I am loving my Suzi Says Da! dark brown nails and am already planning my next color choice... Ski Teal We Drop? Lincoln Park After Dark? Hmm...

Life Underground. I can't help but smile when I walk through the 14th and 8th Avenue subway stop, which is home to Tom Otterness's Life Underground. I have expressed by admiration for Tom's work here and here and here. His playful sculptures are scattered throughout the city, and although some of the messages behind them are serious, they make me happy every time I spot them. 
Cherry cream scones. I couldn't pass up a trip to Amy's Bread when I was in Chelsea Market for a sample sale. I treated myself to a cherry cream scone and savored each and every bite. It was so good. My mom and I used to start our days of sight seeing at Amy's Bread in Hell's Kitchen when I lived in the neighborhood, and these scones always remind me of her.

I hope you had a great week full of little things that made you happy! Happy fall!