Scenes from the weekend.

My dad was in town visiting, so we had a jam-packed weekend full of New York City sights and restaurants. Brian and I took him to some of our favorite spots like Queens Comfort and The High Line, and also explored some new places together.

On Saturday we strolled through the Central Park Zoo and listened to music at Blue Note Jazzfest. That evening we had a great meal al fresco at New York Dog House- my Far East Dog was so delicious! On Sunday we drove over to Fort Tryon Park to explore The Cloisters, a branch of The Met dedicated to the art and architecture of medieval Europe. The museum space was absolutely beautiful. I especially loved the rings and rosaries downstairs near the Treasury, along with the gardens and large wooden doors throughout the space. The Cloisters had been on my summer bucket lists for a few years, so I was happy to finally make it there! I love that after twelve years in the city there are still so many new places to explore. How was your weekend?

Heat Wave

Our day at Canobie Lake Park this year was especially steamy, with temperatures nearing 100 degrees all afternoon. We braved the heat, lathered up the sunscreen, and cherished every minute spent in the shade. We really struggled the first hour we were there, and considered leaving after sweating more than we have ever sweat before, but after an hour in the dark, air conditioned theater with a Katy Perry show we were refreshed and ready to power through. We had a blast riding all the attractions, devouring the most delicious fresh cut french fries, and treating ourselves to fried dough for dessert.

I was so excited to ride the ferris wheel, which Brian operated back when he was 17 years old and lived near the park. He explained the mechanics as we waited in line, and boasted about his ferris wheel experience to the girl loading up the ride. I think he was pretty excited, too. We got to ride right as the sun set, and had amazing views of the park and the lake as we circled up and down. It was the perfect way to end our day at the amusement park!

Weekend Getaway to Providence

Last weekend, Brian, Emily, and I went on a quick getaway to Providence, Rhode Island. It was so nice to get to spend time together exploring a new city.

We arrived Saturday afternoon for the matinee performance of Les Miserables at the Providence Performing Arts Center. Les Mis is Brian's favorite show, so I was very eager to see it for the first time. Emily knew most of the songs from the soundtrack and did a great job sitting through the show. The cast was amazing and I really enjoyed all of the music and the story.

For dinner that evening we went to Federal Hill, where Italian restaurants line Atwells Avenue. After circling the area a few times to find a parking spot, we decided to dine at Trattoria Roma. We chowed down on brick-oven pizza, meatballs, calamari, baked gnocchi, and veal. We were stuffed by the end of the meal, so we took our cannoli and fruit tart back to the hotel to eat later on.

Sunday morning began with several games of Candy Land. Emily somehow managed to legitimately win every game, while Brian ended up stuck somewhere near Gumdrop Pass or the Gingerbread Tree every time. He just couldn't win.

After our continental breakfast at the hotel, we drove to Roger Williams Park Zoo. I was pleasantly surprised at how quiet it was there for a weekend morning. We practically had the zoo to ourselves.

After seeing a few animals in the Fabric of Africa section, we walked over to the Elephant and Giraffe Pavilion to see the elephants get their weekly bath. It was amazing to watch the elephants follow voice commands and move their bodies so gracefully while getting brushed and cleaned. We also got an up close and personal look of the zoo's three giraffes, who were eating in the same building. 

We had quite a wild time at the zoo.

Brian and I really liked the anteater exhibit. I mean, how crazy do those anteaters look? We loved watching them stroll around and break up logs looking for lunch.

Emily has become quite the little photographer, and asked to take pictures with my camera several times while we were at the zoo. It was so cute to see her little hands try to hold the lens and snap pictures. She took the picture of us below; it is one of my favorite shots from the day!

After our trip to the zoo, we drove across the park to check out the carousel. As soon as we set foot in the carousel building, I felt like I had stepped back in time. Quarter candy machines lined the walls, fifties tunes played from an ancient stereo, and the smell of freshly popped popcorn filled the air. I loved it. We rode the carousel twice before heading back outside.

Roger Williams Park was the perfect place to spend our Sunday afternoon. It was absolutely beautiful, and I can't wait until our next visit there.

I really loved Providence, and already have a list of places I want to explore on my next visit there (Local 121 for dinner, the East Side for afternoon coffee and shopping, and Prospect Park for a view of the city). Looks like I will be planning another getaway come spring!

Making Strides.

Sunday was a very inspiring day. Lindsey and I walked into Central Park at 72nd Street and were surrounded by a sea of pink. More than 35,000 people came to the park to make strides against breast cancer. 35,000. It is just amazing to me that so many friends, family, and survivors can come together in one place, cheer each other on, and walk together in hope. Hope to save lives, hope to find a cure, and hope to fight breast cancer. 2.65 million dollars was raised from the event, and I am so happy that I got to be a part of it. It truly was inspiring.

We had a great time participating in such an amazing event. Thank you, thank you, thank you to my friends and family that donated to my fundraising efforts! If you would still like to make a donation, please visit the American Cancer Society website.

Double the dates, double the fun.

New York City was blessed with the most gorgeous weather this weekend. The skies were blue, the air was dry, and the temperatures stayed in the eighties for most of the days. Brian and I decided to take full advantage of the fall summer weather with two dates in our favorite city.

On Sunday, we headed to Williamsburg to check out the Brooklyn Flea. I had been to the market several times on Saturdays in Fort Greene, but had never been to the Williamsburg location. As soon as we reached East River Waterfront, I was giddy with excitement. The views were a-mazing. We grabbed lunch in the Flea and then walked to the park across the street to eat and admire the scenery.

After lunch, we strolled through the stalls at the market browsing home goods, clothing, and antiques. I loved seeing glimpses of the Manhattan skyline in between merchandise. Afterwards, we shopped in Artists and Fleas, a market a block or so away from the Brooklyn Flea. I picked up some new necklaces and have a wish list full of potential future purchases after our visit.

For dinner, we dined at the new Brooklyn location of The Meatball Shoppe. It was just as good as the first time we ate there last spring, and I thoroughly enjoyed my pesto chicken and spicy pork meatball sliders.

On Monday, we had our second date of the long weekend in midtown Manhattan. We met up for lunch at Dig Inn, a restaurant on Madison Avenue that offers a variety of seasonal items. I stumbled across it after an appointment, and knew that the seasonal offerings and fresh veggies would entice Brian. We both really liked our meals, and next time I am definitely splurging on a shake... the machine was broken today!

After lunch, we walked over to Financier in Grand Central for dessert. We picked up some macarons, a linzer tart, and iced coffee before making our way to Bryant Park.

This picture is so us- me standing outside a bakery trying to sneak a picture (reflection in the sugar bowl), and Brian just not having it. Typical. 

All three desserts were delicious, and getting to sit outside in the sun and enjoy them with great company made the whole experience absolutely fantastic. It was really all I could ask for on a day off from work.

See what I mean about great company?

Brian always knows how to make me laugh. It is one of the many reasons why I love him.

Three day weekends really are such a treat. There is nothing better than having time to get all of the normal weekend things done, plus enjoy two wonderful dates.