New York Highlights

We had such a great time in New York! It was cold and raining for the first three days, which we adored because it allowed us to wear sweaters and coats- a rare pleasure. Here are a few highlights from our trip:

Food: The Shake Shack {great view of the flatiron building, pretty good food}, Le Maison {amazing crepes, tried my first raw oysters}, The Hummus Kitchen {YUM!}, Grimaldi's Pizzaria {worth braving the tourists and the long line}, Max Brenner's Chocolate by the Bald Man {our favorite restaurant of the trip}, Le Pain Quotidien {healthy, hearty fare}, Brother Jimmy's BBQ, Crumbs Bake Shop {sugar overload}, and countless corner delis and sidewalk vendors {I became addicted to the peanuts.}   

Shopping: Among others, we hit Fred Perry, Ben Sherman, Topshop, H&M, Century 21, Filene's Basement, Fishs Eddy, West Elm, 5th Ave {had to see Tiffany's}, Canal Street {didn't buy anything- found we have an aversion to knock offs}, a few vintage stores and the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market.

Sights: I loved walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. We spent some time in the park just soaking in the view and pinching ourselves. :) We also saw Ground Zero, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Grand Central Station, The Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, but spent most of our time walking through nearly every single borough of Manhattan. 

Activities: Rode bikes through Central Park, spent an afternoon in the MoMA {loved the Tangled Alphabets exhibit!} tried to get into a Rangers game at Madison Square Garden, scored amazing seats to Wicked, took a ride in a NY Cab, and attended the Tribecca Film Festival {Geena Davis is really tall in person}

By the end of our trip, we felt like such a couple again. It was hard not to be reminded of backpacking through Europe, or road tripping on our honeymoon. We are lucky: we travel really well together, and have had many opportunities to do so. If luck holds out, this won't be our last. :)

Take Me Out

Our weekend in a nutshell:

• Welcomed J home from his week in Honduras, where he was a cameraman for a documentary on Mark Mabry's next project.
• Went to a Franz Ferdinand concert. {those of you who have asked about my running playlist know I'm a big fan.} It was awesome, and over far too quickly.
• Watched Seven Pounds and Doubt. Both excellent. The former is a perfect example of the kind of movie I love- drama, sorrow, and inspiration wrapped in a messy little package. Am forced to admit that Will Smith can, indeed, act.
• Wrote a list of things to do and places to see in New York this week. Realized that it is far too much to cram into five days. Laughed when Little Miss C asked if we were going so we could ride in the Cash Cab.
• Watched as baby L decided to make walking his primary mode of transportation. Couldn't resist exclaiming, "You are so cute!" every time he toddled by.
  

Posting will resume next week once I return from New York City. Ahem. I'm going to say that again. New York City. Yeah, I'm excited. :)

Forget Facebook...

.... would someone just send me an invitation to ffffound? I'm so addicted.

Call me thrifty

Once I found myself outnumbered by my children, clipping coupons became a pain. In order to simplify my life, I stuck to shopping at just two stores. I was familiar with their prices. knew when things were on sale, and never had to hunt through the isles wondering where something was. That changed this week. Out of necessity, I've been searching the paper for deals on strawberries so I can continue to make jam. Yesterday, I filled up a cart with $75 worth of produce and only paid $22, all thanks to coupon clipping! It may just become a new hobby.

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Another idea

I may just have a black and white Easter next year. Mer Mag's Easter buckets are especially appealing, although her report of the day's events are enough to give me an ulcer. 

A little late...

.... but better than never. I'm filing this one away for next year-- it's one of those utterly simple ideas that make me wonder why I didn't think of it first. {These eggs are pretty clever, too.} Isn't holiday decor always better in black and white?

{found via This is Glamorous} 

Vanity Fair

It'd be worth losing a rib or two if I could wear clothes like this everyday. Gorgeous.  {By the way, if you're reading this Jewel-- Emily Blunt always reminds me a little of you.}

My Lord, My Redeemer

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" John 14:27

Now, more than ever, I am so grateful to know that He is risen. He is my constant. He is my comfort. Because of Him, I will live again. The afflictions of this life "shall give {me} experience, and shall be for {my} good."

Reason to rejoice, indeed. Happy Easter.

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"Gee, Dad, I never thought of it that way!"

Isn't this the coolest little science kit you've ever seen? If I could afford it, I'd buy it under he guise of 'homeschooling supplies', though it'd likely take up residence somewhere prominent so I could admire it regularly. *sigh* They really don't make 'em like they used to.

{Speaking of science, I've been pouring over Insultingly Stupid Movie Physics. It's hilarious and educational!}

April Showers

I wish I'd thought of this! Little Miss C is very in to weather lately, and makes us watch the forecast every day. I think this version is both entertaining and much more aesthetically pleasing. Plus, my my mom is going to love it. :) {Found via Marvelous Kiddo}

No Pain, No Gain

With my marathon behind me, I've become rather lackadaisical towards my running regime, only to discover that {surprise!} fitness is like everything else-- I'm either actively progressing or inevitably sliding backward. Yesterday, I went on a four mile jaunt that left me winded and feeling old. 

Our trip to NYC is looming near, and I've been envisioning a long, scenic run through Central Park. I've always wanted to run through Central Park. Stopping to gasp for breath and work out a side stitch has never been part of that picture.

Time to get back into marathoning shape. Or at least half-marathoning shape. :)

As I ran this morning, I tried to distract myself from the drudgery of the first two miles. {Whether I run five miles or twenty-five miles, I've never learned to enjoy those first two. They're always plodding and painful.} I found myself recalling a study that I heard about on Science Friday, wherein scientists explored the reasons behind the fact that humans have the capacity to re-live emotional pain, but not physical pain. 

I'd never really thought about that before, but it's true. Something as simple as a song on the radio can make my mind instantly recall the emotional turmoil I went through years before. If I allow myself to dwell on it long enough, I can actually cry over it all again, put myself into a funk, and force myself to re-process the emotional pain before moving on. However, watching a video of myself giving birth does not make my body re-live the physical pain I was feeling.

Which is probably why I've been able to have more than one child. 

I'm sure they made some kind of amazing conclusions about why our bodies have evolved in such a way, but what I've taken away from that brief broadcast is a mantra for running: it hurts now, but will be forgotten tomorrow. 

Oh, and sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will hurt me even years later. 

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Soak up the Sun

Spring is in full bloom around here. I can't seem to enter a grocery store without leaving with a bouquet of vibrantly colored tulips. Today, the warmth is tempered by a cool breeze and I find I long to wear a fabulous hat, carry a cheerful bag, pack a picnic lunch and take off on a short road trip. I'll conveniently blame my inattention to household chores on the distracting weather. :)

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