This was an easier way to post my photos of the day which was so delightful - looking forward to doing it again.
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| This free greeting card created with Smilebox |
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Ireland & Italy For A Day
Today I spent the day with Leslie in the city. I had not seen her since our last get-together in May, 2010 so this was long overdue. I love driving into Manhattan on a Sunday morning because there is plenty of parking on the streets! Although a chilly day, after our brunch and a walk through the abundant Eataly which was simply amazing...we sat in the park across the street. Choosing a sunny bench, we were very comfortable and caught up on the last 10 months. We ended the day by returning to Eataly and having gelato. Coconut and Dark Espresso for me. Pistacchio and Stracciatella (chocolate chip) for Leslie. I was so in awe of the creaminess & smoothness that I forgot to take a photo!
This was an easier way to post my photos of the day which was so delightful - looking forward to doing it again.
This was an easier way to post my photos of the day which was so delightful - looking forward to doing it again.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Pretty Underneath
I wanted to post the card I made Nikki...but didn't want to do it before she saw it in person.
Inside was indication that I am treating us to a Spa Day of her choice...
Yesterday I met Winnie by Union Square to cash in on some of my birthday coupons. First stop...DSW to use the $5 they sent me. I know $5 doesn't get very far but they got me in the store. I looked through every department: handbags, wallets, scarves, boots, sneakers, shoes and more shoes. Nothing was $5 but there was also nothing that I wanted to add much more money to. I ended up getting a pack of socks because I can always use the socks. I had to add $6!
Onto Big Daddy's a few blocks away to take advantage of my free burger and shake. I ordered a bacon cheddar cheeseburger but realized now that was way over the top and I should have just ordered a regular burger. The reason is the coupon of a free burger and shake is valued at $18. A regular burger is $12 and a shake is $6. Free.
Ordering the bacon cheddar burger cost an additional $2. And that was added to the bill. Okay. There is a nice selection of milk shakes and although not a huge fan of shakes, I ordered "The Milky Way" - chocolate milk shake chocked-filled with caramel and boy - was it scrumptious and decadent! The shoestring fries that came with the burger was crispy and perfectly cooked. I was so full that I forced myself to take the last bite of burger. The catch to this "deal" is there is a 2 person minimum and so Winnie had to pay for her meal. I will "repay" her when her birthday rolls around but I thank her for allowing me this treat. :-)
We went on to Victoria's Secret to use my $10 birthday gift card even though I swore I wouldn't shop there anymore. It's a long story having to do with their credit card. The problem is I happen to really love their panties! I've tried to switch brands but nothing matches up. So armed with my $10, I was hoping to get a pair or two. They are costly...$7.50 each. Maybe I would be lucky and run into their 5 for $25 which is still more than I wanted to pay. Most of the ones I own now were "free" from promotions but they were getting worn and needed to be updated. Lo and behold, VS was having a "Panty Raid" - 7 for $25.50! I quickly ran to the bin that held the ones I like the best...cotton hi-leg. And it was a smorgasbord!! I was so happy. And then using my $10 off - made up for DSW!
Celebratin' continues on.....
Inside was indication that I am treating us to a Spa Day of her choice...
Yesterday I met Winnie by Union Square to cash in on some of my birthday coupons. First stop...DSW to use the $5 they sent me. I know $5 doesn't get very far but they got me in the store. I looked through every department: handbags, wallets, scarves, boots, sneakers, shoes and more shoes. Nothing was $5 but there was also nothing that I wanted to add much more money to. I ended up getting a pack of socks because I can always use the socks. I had to add $6!
Onto Big Daddy's a few blocks away to take advantage of my free burger and shake. I ordered a bacon cheddar cheeseburger but realized now that was way over the top and I should have just ordered a regular burger. The reason is the coupon of a free burger and shake is valued at $18. A regular burger is $12 and a shake is $6. Free.
Ordering the bacon cheddar burger cost an additional $2. And that was added to the bill. Okay. There is a nice selection of milk shakes and although not a huge fan of shakes, I ordered "The Milky Way" - chocolate milk shake chocked-filled with caramel and boy - was it scrumptious and decadent! The shoestring fries that came with the burger was crispy and perfectly cooked. I was so full that I forced myself to take the last bite of burger. The catch to this "deal" is there is a 2 person minimum and so Winnie had to pay for her meal. I will "repay" her when her birthday rolls around but I thank her for allowing me this treat. :-)
We went on to Victoria's Secret to use my $10 birthday gift card even though I swore I wouldn't shop there anymore. It's a long story having to do with their credit card. The problem is I happen to really love their panties! I've tried to switch brands but nothing matches up. So armed with my $10, I was hoping to get a pair or two. They are costly...$7.50 each. Maybe I would be lucky and run into their 5 for $25 which is still more than I wanted to pay. Most of the ones I own now were "free" from promotions but they were getting worn and needed to be updated. Lo and behold, VS was having a "Panty Raid" - 7 for $25.50! I quickly ran to the bin that held the ones I like the best...cotton hi-leg. And it was a smorgasbord!! I was so happy. And then using my $10 off - made up for DSW!
Celebratin' continues on.....
Friday, March 18, 2011
My Day Filled with Favorites
It's been a great start to celebrating my birthday starting with brunch with Nikki on Sunday. Thursday, the Sister's Birthday Club met at the 42nd St Regal Stadium Cinemas and attended a pre-screening of "Limitless" starring Bradley Cooper. This was Winnie and my 19th free movie screening! I enjoyed it very much and even more because I had my "girls" with me.
The next morning, we met again in Queens bright and early to what is becoming an annual trek to Tanger's Outlet out on Deer Park, Long Island. It was a gorgeous day...warming to the 70's. I had received my $10 Tanger's birthday gift card and redeemed it at Le Gourmet Chef...one of my favorite stores and picked up a jar of the Raspberry Honey Mustard dip and Kathy found an insulated picnic tote reduced to $9.98 from $19.99. I even had a 20% discount coupon for it! Love when that happens. I shopped at Old Navy, the Gap and on Winnie's recommendation...my newest favorite place...The Christmas Tree Store. And there was nothing Christmas in there! Just a whole bunch of fanastic finds at fabulous prices. Kathy & I could only say "O-M-G!!". We'll calm down and the next time will be less in awe and more in focus!
Connie, Kathy, Me & Winnie
I was treated to one of my favorite meals - sushi - back in Queens where Tony joined us and then was able to drive the ladies back home.
I came home to find one of my best "presents":
Thanks to all involved...you make life good! ♥
The next morning, we met again in Queens bright and early to what is becoming an annual trek to Tanger's Outlet out on Deer Park, Long Island. It was a gorgeous day...warming to the 70's. I had received my $10 Tanger's birthday gift card and redeemed it at Le Gourmet Chef...one of my favorite stores and picked up a jar of the Raspberry Honey Mustard dip and Kathy found an insulated picnic tote reduced to $9.98 from $19.99. I even had a 20% discount coupon for it! Love when that happens. I shopped at Old Navy, the Gap and on Winnie's recommendation...my newest favorite place...The Christmas Tree Store. And there was nothing Christmas in there! Just a whole bunch of fanastic finds at fabulous prices. Kathy & I could only say "O-M-G!!". We'll calm down and the next time will be less in awe and more in focus!
Connie, Kathy, Me & Winnie
I was treated to one of my favorite meals - sushi - back in Queens where Tony joined us and then was able to drive the ladies back home.
I came home to find one of my best "presents":
Thanks to all involved...you make life good! ♥
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Let the Celebratin' Begin!
A lot of stuff going on this month...March! Birthday month! But on Friday,the 11th...I had a list of stuff to do. I started with the 10am purchase of Yankee tickets! Got a few sets so I am happy. Nikki...keep May 10th open!
Then armed with a boat-load of coupons, headed to Lexington & 53rd St to meet Winnie and got my BOGO burrito at Chipotle before the coupon expired which was the same day. It was great! I can honestly say I remember the first time I visited a Chipotle. Nikki and Eric, both at NYU at the time, took me to the one on 8th Street. Showed me the way to order. Nikki went with the burrito with carnitas and Eric swore that the tacos were the better deal.. And for whatever reason, I have never diverted from the carnitas burrito even though I have also heard the argument in favor of the bowl. It was an interesting process and I remember feeling intimated with figuring what I would, could or should order. Nikki speaks quickly and I felt stupid but I kind of went with the flow. Now it's all old hat.
After Winnie & I filled our tummys...I finished mine, Winnie packed half away...we went to the Container Store. I had received an email from them with a birthday freebie. My first from them. I spoke to Kris to see if it was worth going for it and she told me it was a mini Container Store tote. Being a collector, I had to get it! Kris was working in the store but was too busy to see me so I only got to speak to her on the phone. I picked up 2 storage bins that fit on a shelf which were items I had been wanting to get after seeing them on some daytime show. When I presented my email, the cashier immediately wished me a Happy Birthday and went off to get the prized tote. It is not for public sale and only for birthday people which makes me like it even more! It was big enough to carry my two bins and the various other things I picked up afterwards.
Next stop was H&M next door. Unfortunately I didn't have a coupon of any kind for this establishment but I liked a couple of bracelets and bought them. I haven't been to H&M in a long while and it made me nostalgic of days when I would take Nikki there since it was, at a time, her favorite store.
A block away was Sephora and I picked up my birthday gift. This year the gift is a nice size bottle of Philosophy Shampoo, Shower Gel and Bubble bath. Apparently I am 5 points away to getting another freebie but this will have to wait. And this is feeling like memory lane because I also remember going to a Sephora for the first time. It was in San Francisco and Nikki had heard of this company but I never did. It was fantastic! I was trying on all these different cosmetics especially lip glosses and came across Nars pots of color. I liked one in particular but felt it was too expensive and walked away. But of course, I thought about it afterwards and had to go back to get it thinking I would never have the chance again. I didn't know it would become this huge chain!
Our plan was to get back to a Baskin Robbin where I had a BOGO coupon for a cone. There was a location on 53rd & Lex but Winnie mentioned she wanted to come back to Queens with me to pick up some items for her mom and so we got our ice-cream cones at the B&R on Queens Blvd & 63rd drive. Praline n'Cream for her, Nutty Coconut for me.
We ended up in a couple of more stores which included a Rite Aid for me before Winnie headed back home. I went on to CVS to get my free bottle of soda. I chose Fanta and now all my freebie coupons were used up. That felt Good!
Today. Sunday. Soooo lovely! Nikki invited me to an early birthday brunch since she will be away on my birthday weekend which is also her birthday weekend. She made reservations for Morandi on Waverly Place. Brunch is probably my favorite meal - ever.
I drove to Brooklyn to pick her up knowing the subways on the weekends are a mess. She asked for a short pit stop. A doughnut place named “Dough” where she picked up 2 doughnuts for me. Their famous “Hisbiscus” doughnut which Nikki informed me is their closest thing to a jelly doughnut and the other - my favorite flavor,coconut.
When we got to the city, there was a wonderful parking spot on Waverly that was a block and a half away from the restaurant. Morandi is all brick and wood beams. Really rustic and very Tuscan. It is also part of Balthazar and Patis, those trendy chic-chic places but the wait staff was exceptionally friendly, attentive and down to earth.
Nikki heard that their sweet bread basket was “it” and ordered one. Anything we couldn’t eat, we could bring home. Nikki also had been eyeing the fried artichokes. I ordered the Focaccia “occhio di bue” which was: sunny side eggs, pancetta and pecorino on a slice of Focaccia. Nikki’s choice was Fazzoletti de ricotta - warm crepes filled with lemon ricotta and strawberries. My desired cup of coffee came with a small pitcher of warmed milk. It was strong and oh-so-good!
The bread basket came with a dish of butter and apple butter but the pastries were so delicious, they didn’t need any embellishments. Although the croissant was extra yummy spread with the apple butter. We were not able to eat it all and Nikki took the rest to share with Tom.
Below: Doughut hole and olive oil cake
The fried artichokes were crispy and tender.
My dish, besides being artfully presented was delectable with the pancetta lightly cooked in small strips as opposed to the diced I am always use to seeing.
I had a taste of Nikki’s crepes and it was light and lemony.
We topped off the brunch with some Baskin Robbins ice cream in sugar cones. I think I can safely say…I am sweetly satisfied. For now. Thanks...Nikki, girl!
Then armed with a boat-load of coupons, headed to Lexington & 53rd St to meet Winnie and got my BOGO burrito at Chipotle before the coupon expired which was the same day. It was great! I can honestly say I remember the first time I visited a Chipotle. Nikki and Eric, both at NYU at the time, took me to the one on 8th Street. Showed me the way to order. Nikki went with the burrito with carnitas and Eric swore that the tacos were the better deal.. And for whatever reason, I have never diverted from the carnitas burrito even though I have also heard the argument in favor of the bowl. It was an interesting process and I remember feeling intimated with figuring what I would, could or should order. Nikki speaks quickly and I felt stupid but I kind of went with the flow. Now it's all old hat.
After Winnie & I filled our tummys...I finished mine, Winnie packed half away...we went to the Container Store. I had received an email from them with a birthday freebie. My first from them. I spoke to Kris to see if it was worth going for it and she told me it was a mini Container Store tote. Being a collector, I had to get it! Kris was working in the store but was too busy to see me so I only got to speak to her on the phone. I picked up 2 storage bins that fit on a shelf which were items I had been wanting to get after seeing them on some daytime show. When I presented my email, the cashier immediately wished me a Happy Birthday and went off to get the prized tote. It is not for public sale and only for birthday people which makes me like it even more! It was big enough to carry my two bins and the various other things I picked up afterwards.
Next stop was H&M next door. Unfortunately I didn't have a coupon of any kind for this establishment but I liked a couple of bracelets and bought them. I haven't been to H&M in a long while and it made me nostalgic of days when I would take Nikki there since it was, at a time, her favorite store.
A block away was Sephora and I picked up my birthday gift. This year the gift is a nice size bottle of Philosophy Shampoo, Shower Gel and Bubble bath. Apparently I am 5 points away to getting another freebie but this will have to wait. And this is feeling like memory lane because I also remember going to a Sephora for the first time. It was in San Francisco and Nikki had heard of this company but I never did. It was fantastic! I was trying on all these different cosmetics especially lip glosses and came across Nars pots of color. I liked one in particular but felt it was too expensive and walked away. But of course, I thought about it afterwards and had to go back to get it thinking I would never have the chance again. I didn't know it would become this huge chain!
Our plan was to get back to a Baskin Robbin where I had a BOGO coupon for a cone. There was a location on 53rd & Lex but Winnie mentioned she wanted to come back to Queens with me to pick up some items for her mom and so we got our ice-cream cones at the B&R on Queens Blvd & 63rd drive. Praline n'Cream for her, Nutty Coconut for me.
We ended up in a couple of more stores which included a Rite Aid for me before Winnie headed back home. I went on to CVS to get my free bottle of soda. I chose Fanta and now all my freebie coupons were used up. That felt Good!
Today. Sunday. Soooo lovely! Nikki invited me to an early birthday brunch since she will be away on my birthday weekend which is also her birthday weekend. She made reservations for Morandi on Waverly Place. Brunch is probably my favorite meal - ever.
I drove to Brooklyn to pick her up knowing the subways on the weekends are a mess. She asked for a short pit stop. A doughnut place named “Dough” where she picked up 2 doughnuts for me. Their famous “Hisbiscus” doughnut which Nikki informed me is their closest thing to a jelly doughnut and the other - my favorite flavor,coconut.
When we got to the city, there was a wonderful parking spot on Waverly that was a block and a half away from the restaurant. Morandi is all brick and wood beams. Really rustic and very Tuscan. It is also part of Balthazar and Patis, those trendy chic-chic places but the wait staff was exceptionally friendly, attentive and down to earth.
Nikki heard that their sweet bread basket was “it” and ordered one. Anything we couldn’t eat, we could bring home. Nikki also had been eyeing the fried artichokes. I ordered the Focaccia “occhio di bue” which was: sunny side eggs, pancetta and pecorino on a slice of Focaccia. Nikki’s choice was Fazzoletti de ricotta - warm crepes filled with lemon ricotta and strawberries. My desired cup of coffee came with a small pitcher of warmed milk. It was strong and oh-so-good!
The bread basket came with a dish of butter and apple butter but the pastries were so delicious, they didn’t need any embellishments. Although the croissant was extra yummy spread with the apple butter. We were not able to eat it all and Nikki took the rest to share with Tom.
Below: Doughut hole and olive oil cake
The fried artichokes were crispy and tender.
My dish, besides being artfully presented was delectable with the pancetta lightly cooked in small strips as opposed to the diced I am always use to seeing.
I had a taste of Nikki’s crepes and it was light and lemony.
We topped off the brunch with some Baskin Robbins ice cream in sugar cones. I think I can safely say…I am sweetly satisfied. For now. Thanks...Nikki, girl!
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