a little game day multi-tasking...

Watching game day with hubby and looking one last time at New York Fashion Week photos.    Below, a few more behind the scenes shots from one of my favorite weeks in New York...

xo...

ki

(1 & 2: Tory Burch, 3: Donna Karan, 4 &5: Michael Kors, 6: Marc Jacobs, 7: Oscar de la Renta, 8: Bill Blass)

 A few backstage shots from New York Fashion Week...

So many lovely things to see.  Wish I was there...




xo...
ki

(sources:  1&2: Jason Wu, 3: Erin Featherston, 4, 5, 6: Prabal Gurung )

Once upon a time--ten years ago to be exact--there was a sweet southern girl who dreamed of moving to New York City.  For as long as she could remember she had dreamed of living a big city life in the greatest city on earth, so she worked, worked, worked as hard as she could, hoping that a little southern charm and a lot of blood, sweat and tears might help her reach her goal.  As her time in college started to draw to a close, this dream began to take shape, and she realized that she might actually have a chance to make her dream come true....
But then one day she awoke to a strange and unreal sight on television...a devastating, horrible, surreal vision.  It didn't look real.  This couldn't be right.  Why?  How could this happen?  Tears started to run down her cheeks...Why would someone do this to her future home?  The home of millions?  The center--as far as she was concerned--of the universe.  Her heart broke for her future city and the people affected there and across the country.  It was a horrible day that she has never forgotten...that no one will ever forget.

This painting is by native New Yorker and family friend, Peter O'Neill.
It now hangs in the NYC Fire Fighters Museum.
Visit his site for more info and a lot beautiful artwork...

Ten years later, I have been living my dream of a big city life in the greatest city on earth for almost nine years.  I have had the incredible and amazing opportunity to watch this city rebuild, grow and become an even greater city, but on this day it is hard not to feel the sadness and fear that I felt--that we all felt--on that day and to ache for the ones who lost their family members, loved ones, friends and neighbors as a result of that treacherous act.
I just wanted to take this moment to thank New York City for being everything that it is.  Passionate.  Strong.  Beautiful.  Tough.  Resilient.  Amazing.  For the past nine years, New York has given me more than I could have ever asked for...my dream job, my best friends, my husband, and very soon a son.  So in spite of the terrible tragedy that people across this country will spend the day remembering, I can't help but also spend the day thinking of all of the wonderful things that New York is and has become in the past ten years.  It is a true testimony to the strength and the courage of not only this city but also our country, and I am forever proud be a citizen of both.

My sincerest and deepest thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who have been affected by the 9/11 tragedies.

xo...

ki
     

Super fun...

Being from the South generally means that you grew up a college football fan.  As a child it was a rare occasion that I heard my dad and his friends talking about which NFL team had the best offensive line, or who they thought would go all the way that season.  However, this same conversation applied to SEC football could be overheard everyday of my life...college football was real tradition, and I grew up knowing nothing but that. 

As a result I know very little about professional football and have never followed a team (sorry Falcons).  But now that I live in New York I am learning to embrace professional football and have even started to follow a couple of teams...sort of.  

Anywho, it has become somewhat of a tradition for D and I host a little Super Bowl party, and this year was no different, complete with a lots of food, drink and plenty of merry making among friends.  We had quite the spread, if I do say so myself, and no southern child in the city gathering would be complete without a few touches from home, including fried chicken and biscuits from Hill Country Chicken...

and deviled eggs a la moi...

It was just what the doctor ordered after a long, dark and cold January...for those few hours we all forgot how cold and damp New York has been and just enjoyed each other's company and watched the game.  A perfect Sunday, no doubt. 

Here's the deviled egg recipe for all of you who asked last night.  Super simple.  I mean, ridiculously simple... 

ingredients:

6 hard boiled eggs

1/4 cup light mayo

1/2 teaspoon dry ground mustard

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

paprika for garnish

Split the hardboiled eggs in half and carefully remove the yokes from the whites.  Mix the yolks with all of the ingredients except paprika.  Fill the egg whites and garnish with paprika. (I put the filling in a ziploc and cut a corner out, creating a little pastry bag.  It's faster than using a spoon.)  

They can be refrigerated for up to one day.  

et voila...the easiest deviled eggs ever!  This recipe easily doubles and triples (or in yesterday's case, quadruples...)

Enjoy!

xo...

ki

Where did the time go?

This month marks my 8th anniversary in this big big city...
Eight years ago, my plane landed in the middle of a snow storm and I dragged one big suit case into the 92nd Street Y, where I lived with BFF for the next six months until I (notice that was singular, as in not "we") was evicted, and we were forced to find an apartment in three days.  Two very nice men (who have remained good friends to this day) took pity on the two of us and leased us an apartment that we lived in for several years to come.  We had no furniture, cable, pots and pans...anything really.  One suitcase each was the sum of our belongings...I slept on the floor for six months before getting a mattress and BFF slept on an air mattress for a year...things were definitely not easy.

It's a funny thing...I love it here.  I call New York my home, but I have definitely had a fight getting here.  I wish all the time that there had been someone to tell me a little bit about their story...Warn me that it would be a little tough; people would be mean occasionally; I would be so frustrated that I would be considering jobs in California...but that inevitably New York would find it's way into my veins, and that one day I wouldn't be able to live without this incredibly annoying, overwhelming, impossible at times city.

So to that, I have decided to ask a different southern child to tell a little bit about their story, questionnaire style, each month in hopes that future southern children (or west coast, mid west, Canadian, Australian...whatever) will see that we all come to New York in the same boat.  It's not an easy one, but it is the most amazing experience that anyone could ever hope for.   In an effort to break the ice, I'll be taking the questionnaire first, so without further ado, introducing...

The Southern Child Questionnaire

Hometown: Born in Huntsville AL and raised in Albany GA...I consider them both to be home.
I moved to NYC January 2003. (can't remember the exact date) That day was freezing and snowy, and I was wearing stilettos and very lightweight peacoat...everything else was a blur.
My best NYC memory is...I have a lot, but a great memory is when I turned 26, D took me to see the Nutcracker at Lincoln Center and then to the River Cafe for dinner.  It was one of those quintessential Christmas in New York nights...it even started snowing on our way home.  
My worst NYC memory is...Probably just being so broke the first year that I never knew if I'd make it to my next paycheck.  I remember crying a lot, but somehow I always managed to make it...I never bounced a single check.
My funniest NYC memory is...Where do I even start?  There have been so many funny stories...it's hard to pick one. Maybe living with BFF in the 92nd Street Y.  What wouldn't be funny about two very naive Southern girls living in a Hebrew dormitory among the most diverse group of foreign exchange students you could imagine?  BFF's temporary roommate (before I arrived) kept sushi grade tuna in the mini fridge in their teeny weeny dorm room.  There was also a girl who bathed in a bowl in the community showers everyday, and to make matters worse, carried that stupid bowl around like a three year old carries a security blanket.  It was so weird!  I could go on...From top to bottom, it was the strangest six months of my life!
My favorite thing to do in the city is... well, if you asked me a few years ago, I would have said going dancing with my girlfriends.  We had so much fun! But now, probably trying new restaurants and new types of cuisine with D...I could try a new place everyday for the rest of my life and never run out of options.  
My preferred method of transportation is walking..I walk everywhere.  Subway if I absolutely have to.
What do you miss about home?
Nanny's cooking, the weather, my car...
What's your favorite Southern saying?
"Bless his/her heart, ..." I still catch myself saying it all the time.
I never leave home without a little umbrella in my bag--leaving home without an umbrella basically guarantees that it will rain--my cellphone, and something to read on the subway.
I never yelled at someone until I moved to New York.  It took six months for this person to push me to my absolute limit, and I threw up afterwards.  I don't like to be mean, and a good southern belle doesn't yell...it was so traumatic.
My favorite meal/restaurant in the city: sushi.  It's the first thing I get when I return from a long trip.  Nobu Next Door is my favorite neighborhood spot, and Sapporo East is the best cheap sushi in the city.
My favorite meal/restaurant at home: a home cooked meal from my maternal grandmother, Nanny, complete with creamed corn, fried okra, green beans, fresh tomatoes, and pecan pie for desert.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Oy...I don't know.  I didn't think I would make it three years in New York, and here I am.   I have a feeling I'll be right here, but as long as I'm still designing, painting and writing I'll be okay anywhere...
Any last piece of advice?
Buy a coat!  Invest in something warm and durable.  You will spend more time in this than anything else in your closet.  Trust me...

If you would like to take the questionnaire or would like to nominate a friend in the city to participate, please email me at asouthernchild@gmail.com.

xo...

ki

something to ponder...

Earlier this week I had the honor of attending an event so special, so meaningful that I haven't stopped talking about it since.

Uh Oh...here goes talky talky...

Yep.  Here's a picture of my work table (aka the dining table) for those of you who don't like to read my ramblings...

I suggest stopping at the picture if you're not in the mood to read.

Anyways, I will only spend a moment giving you the back story and then to the point:

I was at the United Nations on Monday night for something called the International Quality of Life Awards.  I have had the honor and privilege of attending this event almost every year for the past eight years, and it truly is the highlight of my year.  It is a rare occasion that we--the citizens of this very big world--have an opportunity to celebrate and honor those who have somehow impacted the lives of others through their hard work and unique vision.  Can you imagine a better way to spend a Monday night?

What's even more impressive is that this event is hosted by the College of Human Sciences at Auburn University, the college from which I graduated.  The very women and men who taught my classes, advised me, organized my curriculum, and have supported me as a young professional, are the very men and women who founded this event in 1994.  This little event (it's not so little anymore) has grown and grown over the past decade and a half, now drawing a very impressive international crowd.  I am practically glowing as I  type this...

On top of having the yearly opportunity to reunite with the people who I truly believe gave me wings to fly in this big city, I always make the most amazing new friends.  I've met journalists, CEOs, governors, musicians, artists...really amazing and inspiring people.  This year one of my new friends said something that really stuck with me long after the awards were over:

He said to me, "If we don't support young talent we give up our right to complain about mediocrity..."

I have thought about this all week and I started wondering what would happen if we all paid life forward by supporting someone and encouraging that person to reach his or her goals?  What would happen if every time someone did something nice for us, we did something nice for someone else?  What if rivalry or jealousy did not exist and we only wanted to support and cultivate new talent?   Maybe that word "mediocrity" wouldn't exist...

You never know...

I just wanted to take this opportunity to extend a very big thank you to all of the people in my life who have encouraged me, cheered for me, educated me and raised me (Mom and Dad...you deserve the biggest thank you).  I only hope that I can pay forward all of the advice, love, and support I have been fortunate enough to receive in my lifetime.

Happy Friday

xo...
ki

partaaay...

So I haven't mentioned it because I don't really like to make a big deal out of them, but Wednesday was my birthday...

I'm not the biggest of celebrators...I sort of have to be forced into my birthday parties.  I don't know why that is because I always end up having a great time...but anyone who knows me well will tell you that I become incredibly whiny and grouchy just before my birthday and then magically excited when the party actually commences. (BFF is probably laughing out loud right now...she has had to endure this ritual more than anyone.)

Well, this year was no exception.  I did not want anything to do with a party.  Not even a little one...
But D has never been one to take my whining seriously, so he planned a party anyway.  Under the guise of a quiet dinner for two, he lured me out of the house and into the fantastic Gottino, where I was met by about twenty of our closest friends and spent the most amazing evening eating, drinking and celebrating...

There was so much food and wine...it was absolutely dizzying.

Everyone got dressed up for the occasion...

(Kay's fabulous bracelet and RGA's dapper pocket square)

And BFF (D's partner in crime) made me cupcakes!!!

I have to give a very big thank you to Gottino's most amazing staff (the nicest guys I've ever met)...  

They even gave me a present!

Another very big thank you to all of my friends who so very kindly came out to celebrate with me, in spite of my recent grouchiness, whining and eye rolling :)
Your love and friendship is the reason New York City has evolved from a crazy little post-college experiment into my home of eight years.  You are and always will be my family!    

And an even bigger thank you to my most loving, caring, wonderful boyfriend and bestest friend, D.  You never cease to amaze me and make me feel more and more loved!
Don't know what I'd do without you...

xoxoxoxoxo...
ki

city sights...

Even though the first day of winter is still a few weeks away (it's December 21st, if you were wondering...), today it feels like Fall is saying goodbye to New York...

The weather is windy, wet and grey, and the air feels like it is changing.  After walking home in something I can only describe as a monsoon just moments ago, I started thinking about some pictures I took in October during a stroll through Central Park.  

Central Park
October 2010

I just needed to look at something pretty while I dried off...
So beautiful.  Some days New York is one of the most beautiful places on Earth (At other times, it will attempt to drown you on your way home from Starbucks...)

Good bye, Fall...I'll miss you.

xo...
ki

ciao bella...

I'm so very excited to see Bella Foster's first solo exhibit, Interiors, when I get back to the City.

Influenced by Henri Matisse (one of my favorites) and others, she uses her wonderful sense of imagination to depict interior spaces containing some of her most favorite objects...

I love the bright, bold colors and patterns in her paintings...

Can't wait to see them in person.

For more details, visit artsince69.com.  

Also, check out this great article in Felt and Wire about the artist and her process...

xo...

ki

if only I were in the city this week...

xo...

ki

Wednesday night book club...

In lieu of packing on Wednesday night (procrastination is my biggest and best talent), my pal Pam and I went to Thistle and Clover in Brooklyn for a party honoring Creative Girl: the Ultimate Guide for Turning Talent and Creativity into a Real Career by the multi talented number one CG, Katharine Sise.  

She invited along her creative girl panel of experts, including Abigail Lorick (Lorick), Jen Ford (Lucky Magazine), Noelle Hancock (My Year with Eleanor)...just to name a few.  Each and every one of the CG's so very kindly answered questions and gave friendly advice to all the other aspiring creative girls in attendance.  It was a great evening full of girl power and lots of pretty things (my favorite)--Lorick's fall 2010 line is to die for, by the way.  I came home so inspired and ready to do everything I've ever wanted to do....

click here to see more pictures from the event...

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Yesterday, I missed my connecting flight home due to major weather issues so I spent about five hours in the Atlanta airport. Normally this type of news would have sent me into some sort of Rosemary's Baby meets The Exorcist head spinning hissy fit, but I was so engrossed in my new book that I didn't even notice.  She hooked me on the first page...so much so that I want to share that first page with you (I actually flagged about a million other things to share, but page one is a good start for today):

Creative, adj.

1. having the quality or power of creating

2. resulting from originality or thought, expression, etc; imaginative

3. originative; productive

Creativity, n.

1. the state or quality of being creative

2. the ability to transcend traditional rules, patterns, relationships, or the like, and to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc; originality, progressiveness, or imagination

3. the process by which one utilizes

Creative Girl, person.

1. female of any age, ethnicity, or religion with creative urges 

2. a female with creative, imaginative thoughts

3. a female who craves a life full of creative fulfillment

   
   

That's it.  

Probably not what you were expecting, and you are probably are wondering why that spoke so strongly to me.  Here's the reason: I think everyone is creative in some way...we all have things we do with style...Creativity is not just about being an artist.  Creativity is also about thinking outside the box; teaching something in a new way; cooking delicious food; or running a household with style...

I read these definitions and started thinking about all of the wonderful women I know that fit at least one of those descriptions...BFF and her business partner are creating an entirely new way to dress for work; my mom can make any room beautiful with almost no effort; my Nanny is the best cook I know and doesn't own a single recipe; my sisters have both dedicated their careers to supporting and working with children and families, a true talent that requires creativity and a lot of selflessness.  I could go on and on... 

So this is just a little shout out to all of you creative girls out there and a very big thank you for bringing your little creative twist to the world.  The world is a better place because of you!  

Please visit http://www.katharinesise.com/ to learn more about Katharine Sise and Creative Girl.

xo...

ki 

thinking about...

Autumn in Central Park and all of the beautiful colors...

  

october 27, 2010

I wish I could bottle this perfect orangey-red and paint with it...


xo...
ki

it's "just a party" party?

Last night D and I were invited to a cocktail party at kiki de montparnasse in Soho.  We rarely go out during the week unless it is work related, so we jumped at the chance to throw on our party clothes and change up our usual weeknight routine.  

I realized on the way to the party that neither of us knew what the party was for...I guess I assumed it was for Breast Cancer Awareness Month (I heard that a few of the other lingerie shops had thrown little functions) or maybe to show a new collection.  It didn't really matter.  We were just happy to be out and about.

Inside the exotic little shop, literally every single person was wearing black except for me.  I was in red, which when everyone else has on black feels like the exact opposite of black.  I obviously did not get the "black only" memo (cue: lots of staring).  

They were serving very fancy cocktails...mine was infused with the "essence of rose" for 100 days, whatever that means, and D's had cucumbers in it and was rimmed in absinthe or something to that effect.  I seemed to be the only person there that thought the drinks were a little ridiculous, but anyways...

It was lots of fun.  Everyone was really friendly (I was even complimented for not wearing black a time or two), but I still wasn't sure why they were having this party. (Maybe I didn't get that memo either.)  It definitely wasn't for Breast Cancer Awareness...there were no pink ribbons anywhere (unless they were on a bra or a pair of pasties, which by the way, I openly laughed at, horrifying D.)  It wasn't a presentation of new merchandise, and it wasn't a Halloween themed party either.  Well, there was a girl dressed as a French maid, but I think that's normal for this store...  

I finally asked a salesperson what the party was for, and she stared at me blankly like I was an idiot.  Fortunately, after being on the receiving end of these stares for eight years, I wasn't phased...  

"Is it for anything in particular...You know, like Halloween or Breast Cancer research???  It's October, so I just thought it might be for something..."

"No.  It's not for anything."

"Oh.  Ok. So...it's just a party?"

Blank stare. "Yes."

"Alrighty.  Um, thanks.  Well it's a great...I mean, really nice party.  Lovely..."  

(Gah...stop talking, retard.)

Well, now that was awkward, wasn't it?  

Maybe D is right...maybe I do ask too many questions....

xo...

ki

city sights...

Sunday D and I had brunch at the famous Little Owl.  As we waited outside for a table, I snapped a couple pics of our surroundings...

It was another perfect October day.

I took a few more once we were seated. 

(much to the embarrassment of D...he said I looked like a tourist.)

I love the mismatched table tops the crowded shelves in this teeny weeny little restaurant...

it feels so homey and comforting.

The food is delicious too...I love their brussel sprout home fries :)

I am so grateful for this wonderfully friendly October.  Every weekend has been picture perfect.  

Two years ago it snowed in October.  I remember because my old apartment on Perry St had a fireplace and D tried to build a fire.  Someone (I'm not blaming anyone, but it wasn't me) accidentally bought damp wood and instead of a cozy fire, we ended up with the perfect conditions for a BBQ pit.  The thick hickory smoke blanketed my little 500 sq ft loft.  My curtains smelled like baby-back ribs for a year...

  

I hope November is just as friendly...

(fortunately, we don't have a fireplace anymore if it's not)

xo...

ki

I'm soooo glamorous...

Earlier this week, my dear friend Ally had me over for breakfast.  Even though it was cloudy and damp outside, I opted to walk as I normally do.  I was in my usual uniform: skinnies, blazer, boots, and a hat...kinda casual, kinda cute.  I stopped at Dean and Deluca and picked up a cup of coffee and red vlevet cupcakes for my gracious host and then casually made my way up to her beautiful apartment in the East Village.  

We had the best breakfast.  She fixed everything you can possibly think of...bagels, scrambled eggs with heirloom tomatoes, yogurt with berries and granola...it was an absolute feast!  But in spite of the great meal and company, I was a little uncomfortable.  It had nothing to do with my host...she was amazing.  My jeans were bothering me...or maybe it was my shirt.  I couldn't put my finger on the problem, but my whole outfit seemed to be bothering me.  I  eventually decided that it was because I have been in my baggy work clothes all week, and I had forgotten what it feels like to be in something that actually fits.  No big deal...I was having a great time anyway.  

-----------------------------------------------------------

Back home, I took off my blazer and hat in our entryway and caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror...

There was a bright pink thong folded over my waistband and fused to the back of my jeans by a very powerful case of static cling! 

I just walked past my doormen, through Soho, into Dean and Deluca, up Broadway to E 12th St, where I stayed for almost two hours, and then back through Washington Square Park, down Mercer Street, across Soho, back past my doormen, and shared an elevator with my neighbor...and the whole time, I had a hot pink thong hanging out the back of my pants! 

How is that even possible?  Only in New York is the static powerful enough to cement something to your backside for over three hours.

No wonder all of the men I passed were smiling at me.  I just thought I was looking cute for a change...

ick.  gag...

  

I am sooooo glamorous....  

Ladies of New York, let this serve as a warning:  the cold weather static is back in force! Check your pants before you leave the house!  

xo...

ki

pretty little things...

Pretty cappuccinos taste so much better... 

my very pretty cappuccino
Cafe Minerva, W Village

xo...
ki

a million reasons to love Amex (even more)...

Actually, it's just one...

But "one reason to love Amex" isn't a very enticing title.

Anyways...

Last night I accidentally, sort of, (I really didn't mean to) crashed an American Express happy hour thing. 
About a week ago, my dear friend Jen placed a gigantic bracelet order, and I promised to have them to her by the end of the week.  Yesterday morning the bracelets had been wrapped, tagged, and packed, and were ready to be delivered.  Even though Jen works downtown and we are surprisingly nearby during the day, we could not work out a time to meet, so Jen mentioned that she would be going out for happy hour after work at the new W Hotel Downtown.  I think her exact words were "I'll be going to happy hour around 6 if you want to swing by."

At 6 o'clock I set out in the pouring rain that was being blown sideways by the wind and headed to the W.  I normally walk everywhere everyday, especially when the destination is nearby, but last night I decided to take a cab because:
a) there was a monsoon underway, and
b) I had just spent an entire week perfecting 11 bracelets for my friend who is an unwavering supporter of everything I do, attempt to do, and dream about...and the last thing I wanted was for the bracelets in question to be destroyed by the elements, finally proving that she shouldn't really be that supportive, and I am, in fact, not really something to write home about. 

Well, there were no cabs last night.  None.  Not one.  Anywhere.  

So I walked, using my body to shield the bracelets from the sideways rain.  I kept thinking with each step, rain slapping me in the face, "take me, but don't harm the jewelry!"  By the time I walked up to the hotel entrance I was a sad, soggy mess, but at least the bracelets were dry!  My plan was to dash upstairs, make the delivery, hug my friend and head out. 

That clearly didn't happen...

I walk out of the elevator and into this room filled with people in suits, and ties and nice sweaters, looking very pulled together...and dry.  Jen comes over to greet me, and at least 50% of the room turns around in tandem and takes in the slightly homeless looking person with whom she was talking...that's when it dawned on me:  this wasn't happy hour with the girls....Jen's girlfriends don't work downtown.  This was a work happy hour!  Jen works with American Express.
Oy vey...
I quickly took inventory of what I was wearing: faded black jeggings, vegan lace-up boots (as in not leather...it was raining, people), a very slouchy over-sized striped tee, and a very wet black wool cloche (that's a hat for those of you who aren't well versed in fashion terminology).  Wet matted hat hair and a dripping umbrella completed the look.  I didn't even have on mascara, for crying out loud. 
I must have looked like a maniac.
(Ugh. My mother would just die if she knew that I went out in public looking like that.)
At that point I began contemplating my options:
1. throw the bracelets at Jen and run. I could get the money later.
2. back out slowly without making eye contact...no one would even know I was there.
3. freeze and blend in with the furniture like those bugs that try to blend in with leaves to escape predators....
But Jen convinced me to stay for a glass of wine and promised that we could go sit in another area where I would be less "conspicuous".  Well, that lasted for about five seconds and then I was pulled by Jen (and Larry...mostly Larry) into the happy hour with the whole motley crew, where I stayed for at least two hours.

So here is my reason that I love Amex even more now:  They are just good people.  Hard workers, yes, that goes without saying, but even more importantly, just plain nice.  Family men, wives, mothers, twenty and thirty somethings laughing together and sharing stories...the type of people you want to know and be around.  Without a moment's hesitation they very kindly invited me (a complete and rather strange looking outsider) to stay and mingle with the group.  (I can't say I would have been so inviting if I had seen me...woof.)  It speaks volumes for the office culture and the company as a whole...   

It was a great way to cap off a very long and exhausting work week.  I needed to have a little fun and I always love making new friends. 
Thanks to all of you for taking in a wet jewelry-peddling gypsy off the streets and allowing her hang around for a little bit!  

Hope to see you all again soon!

Happy Friday! 

xo...
ki

I've never been happier!

How did I not know that there is Pickle Day?  

And, this is the Tenth Annual Pickle Day, which means there has been a pickle celebration every year since BFF and I moved to New York...We love pickles! (when we first moved to NY it was the only grocery we could afford.)

I'm always the last one to know about everything...



Actually...if lil' Miss B was here to join me at the pickle tastings, it would be even better. 

That kid, like her oldest sister, loves a good pickle (maybe even more...she can polish off a jar in an afternoon if you aren't watching her).  She actually yelled from the bathtub one night when I was staying with her, "I want a pickle when I get out of the bath!  Go get my pickle ready!!!" 

Such a delicate flower...

Anyways...

(back to the present...)

D is heading South for more football this weekend and I have been mulling over entertainment options for Saturday and Sunday.

Well, that's taken care of now.

Ha!

click here for International Pickle Day information 

xo...

ki

city sights...

Another beautiful evening in New York today.

Below, a few shots from Hudson River Park...

Battery Park City North Cove

 Nelson A. Rockefeller Park

pier 34, TriBeCa

Sweet dreams...

xo...
ki

city sights...

It is a perfect fall day in New York.  The sky is a vivid blue; the air is crisp and fresh; and (thanks to our Indian Summer) the leaves have not quite started to fall...

Earlier today I walked along the West Village's tree-lined sidewalks, dappled with morning sunlight, and snapped a few pictures along the way.  The year is quickly winding down and these precious fall days are numbered.... 

They deserve to be documented... 

and shared with friends....

Hope you are enjoying your weekend.

Go outside and have a little fun...

xo...
ki