Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Sister's B-day Club 2012
Today, May 1st - kicked off the Sister's Birthday Club's first celebration of year 4. Okay...yes, a little late since my birthday month is March. There were some scheduling conflicts but heck, May & March start with the letter "M". My motto - it's never too late to celebrate! Especially when it's my birthday. I Like It! LOL...So we began the day with attending a taping of The Chew. The theme was "The Greatest Thing I Ever Tasted...Fried!" Oh Boy! Meredith Viera was a guest and another guest, Jonathan Waxman, a chef made these fried "crushed" potatoes that had me salivating in my seat and I don't even like potatoes that much!
It was a fun show and certainly whetted our appetites. The taping was finished by 10am and it was too early for lunch so the ladies and I went to the near-by, newly opened Century 21 department store. Easily killed an hour in there and none of us bought anything! But I did see many things I liked.
I had opted for Dallas BBQ for lunch located on 72st off of CPW (where The Dakota is located). They have a lunch special that is kind of unreal. $9.99 for 2 half chickens, 2 bowls of chicken soup, 2 cornbread and choice of rice, baked potato or french fries.
Winnie insisted that we have a "starter" with the meal being so inexpensive even though I knew the amount of food was tremendous. I decided on Garden Vegetable Tempura on the heel of the "fried" theme - we shared a large order.
We all went with "The Special" and the french fries as our side (again...following the fried food theme)
The cups of soup arrived and it was chocked full of veggies and had a nice chunk of chicken. Very flavorful
I don't know why the shot came out blurry - I think I was in a hurry to eat! There was so much food that we all took home doggie bags. So not only was I treated to lunch...I also got dinner and maybe lunch again!
Me & the girls...they're the best....love 'em!!!
Saturday, April 21, 2012
A Sister & Sushi
April 20th. A month after my birthday and I spent it having lunch with my sister who celebrated her birthday April 3rd. We try to do a co-celebration since we are 2 weeks apart...in dates, not years!
I drove up to Sarah Lawrence and we went to Wild Ginger, a Chinese-Japanese restaurant in town. Evelyn treated me to a sushi lunch. I gave her a bunch of "Smash" items: journals and embellishments that I picked up at Michael's. When I think about it, I am lucky to go to work surrounded by some of my favorite things!
I had 3 rolls...yellowtail, salmon with avocado and eel with avocado. Scrumptious.
We only had an hour together which is much too short. But it's always better than nothing.
I felt a little sad that it might have been my last celebration for the year but then I remembered I still have a "Sister's Birthday Club" lunch coming up soon (May 1st)!! Looking forward to it!! YAY!
I had 3 rolls...yellowtail, salmon with avocado and eel with avocado. Scrumptious.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
E.L.
There is/was a boy. I've known him a long time. Starting in 4th grade to be exact so yes, a very long time. If someone told me then that he would still be in my life now, I would have scoffed...big time.
In 6th grade, I thought I was going on my first date. Even though it was with him, who wasn't my ideal guy, it was still...a date! But he basically stood me up. Not even by not showing up...by walking by as I waited on a corner and saying "no way". Yes...we were 11-12 years old but humiliating all the same...obviously since I still remember it to this day!
But I must have forgiven him because when we were about 15, he asked me out. We went to see The Poseidon Adventure. The only thing I remember about that date besides the movie is that it rained. And I think he had an umbrella with the initials "EL" on it which happens to be our initials. Of course, I coveted that umbrella! LOL! The movie came out in Dec.1972 and that Christmas, he gave me a music box which I still have. But we didn't continue a relationship at that point and I don't remember what happened - it just fizzled out.
At 21 years old, we "hooked" up again but it was very casual although now that we were older, it should have felt more serious. It lasted only a few months. I went away on vacation and came back to discovered that he had someone else on his arm. It was fine with me, and we parted on good terms. Good enough terms that he attended my wedding a few years later - solo.
Then some time in our early 40's, both of us having gone through a divorce and kids, we met up once again. Dated a couple of months but maybe too much water was already under the bridge because once again, we parted ways.
Throughout all these decades, there was one constant. He always remembered my birthday. He didn't always call me but years would go by when out of the blue, I would get a phone call wishing me a happy one.
This year was one of those years. I hadn't seen or spoken to him in over ten years and this past Sunday, he treated Winnie & me to a Sunday dim sum brunch. As a surprise, he presented me with a chocolate mousse birthday cake from Veniero's Pastry Shop! Rich, decadent and very sweet. Both the cake and him. :-) The best thing: my celebrating continues on!
(And more importantly, my name is spelled correctly! :-)
In 6th grade, I thought I was going on my first date. Even though it was with him, who wasn't my ideal guy, it was still...a date! But he basically stood me up. Not even by not showing up...by walking by as I waited on a corner and saying "no way". Yes...we were 11-12 years old but humiliating all the same...obviously since I still remember it to this day!
But I must have forgiven him because when we were about 15, he asked me out. We went to see The Poseidon Adventure. The only thing I remember about that date besides the movie is that it rained. And I think he had an umbrella with the initials "EL" on it which happens to be our initials. Of course, I coveted that umbrella! LOL! The movie came out in Dec.1972 and that Christmas, he gave me a music box which I still have. But we didn't continue a relationship at that point and I don't remember what happened - it just fizzled out.
At 21 years old, we "hooked" up again but it was very casual although now that we were older, it should have felt more serious. It lasted only a few months. I went away on vacation and came back to discovered that he had someone else on his arm. It was fine with me, and we parted on good terms. Good enough terms that he attended my wedding a few years later - solo.
Then some time in our early 40's, both of us having gone through a divorce and kids, we met up once again. Dated a couple of months but maybe too much water was already under the bridge because once again, we parted ways.
Throughout all these decades, there was one constant. He always remembered my birthday. He didn't always call me but years would go by when out of the blue, I would get a phone call wishing me a happy one.
This year was one of those years. I hadn't seen or spoken to him in over ten years and this past Sunday, he treated Winnie & me to a Sunday dim sum brunch. As a surprise, he presented me with a chocolate mousse birthday cake from Veniero's Pastry Shop! Rich, decadent and very sweet. Both the cake and him. :-) The best thing: my celebrating continues on!
(And more importantly, my name is spelled correctly! :-)
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Another Day...Another Wish to Make
As promised, here is a photo-journal of today's birthday brunch with Leslie @ Colicchio & Sons. Located on 10th Ave between 15th & 16th Street, it is beautifully appointed in dark wood & steel. As we walked in and was greeted by the hostess who looked up our reservation, she immediately wished me a Happy Birthday! And so it went...from the wait-staff to the manager, Chase who stopped by - all wishing me a Happy Birthday! Since I love the attention, this was right up my alley! LOL
I ordered the "Taleggio, Prosciutto, Onion and Sofrito Pizza" while Leslie went with the "Goat Cheese & Mushroom Omelet" - replacing the cheese with oven roasted tomatoes since Leslie has given up dairy, sugar & gluten...and it's working having lost 20 lbs!
My Pizza:
Leslie's omelet with side of wood-roasted potatoes:
I had coffee and she had tea. The "bread" item were mini banana & chocolate chip muffins. All so good! I shouldn't have but since Leslie wasn't partaking...I ate her's (they were so tiny!!) :-)
My pizza was cheesy with a sharp pungent flavor...delicious and I cleaned the plate.
At the end of the meal, I was surprised by this: I LOVED it...more importantly...they spelled my name correctly! ;-)
After much careful thought...I blew out my candle. I took my "wish-making" very seriously!
Afterwards, we meandered through Chelsea Market which is located right across the street, stopping at most of the vendors particularly "Artist & Flea" - an upscale type of flea market that had lovely vintage dresses and jewelry.
Then we strolled along the High Line, finding a bench with a great view to relax and chat some more before snapping a pic together to commemorate our awesome day!
(Leslie, who had her hair cut yesterday into a pixie, looked adorable...very becoming!)
I ordered the "Taleggio, Prosciutto, Onion and Sofrito Pizza" while Leslie went with the "Goat Cheese & Mushroom Omelet" - replacing the cheese with oven roasted tomatoes since Leslie has given up dairy, sugar & gluten...and it's working having lost 20 lbs!
My Pizza:
Leslie's omelet with side of wood-roasted potatoes:
I had coffee and she had tea. The "bread" item were mini banana & chocolate chip muffins. All so good! I shouldn't have but since Leslie wasn't partaking...I ate her's (they were so tiny!!) :-)
My pizza was cheesy with a sharp pungent flavor...delicious and I cleaned the plate.
At the end of the meal, I was surprised by this: I LOVED it...more importantly...they spelled my name correctly! ;-)
After much careful thought...I blew out my candle. I took my "wish-making" very seriously!
Afterwards, we meandered through Chelsea Market which is located right across the street, stopping at most of the vendors particularly "Artist & Flea" - an upscale type of flea market that had lovely vintage dresses and jewelry.
Then we strolled along the High Line, finding a bench with a great view to relax and chat some more before snapping a pic together to commemorate our awesome day!
(Leslie, who had her hair cut yesterday into a pixie, looked adorable...very becoming!)
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Birthday Week = Week of Pampering
So okay...I admit it...I LOVE getting rubbed, pushed, kneaded, smoothed out, scrubbed, stretched, buffed and polished! In other words, spa treatments!
After my lovely day spent with Nikki, I had a birthday dim sum lunch treated by Daniel the next day. Always wonderful to see him and catch up.
Then on Friday, I got a much needed manicure but went the extra mile and paired it with a pedi. I am going to a new salon after my old salon went out of business. And like a trusted hair dresser, a good manicurist is hard to find. I had been going to Inga for decades when I was in Forest Hills and CSI. When I left and money started to get tight, I gave up mani's & pedi's. Sad but true. Then my 35th HS reunion rolled around and I wanted my nails to look good and started up again. Found a place closer to home and after a few technicians, finally settled on Grace. I couldn't believe that pedi's were now $18-$20! When I was getting them, they were $10 so I did my own. When Grace closed up her business, I found a new salon also in the "hood" and loved the decor and new fandango equipment. I have been saying...if I opened a salon, this is what the salon would look like! After a false start, I found my new "girl"...Mandy and then I discovered their pedi's are $15 but the real plus was the look of the pedi area. Very plush and elegant. I wanted to experience it even if only once. And what better time than my birthday week.
Photo courtesy of Niki L.@YELP
As I sat in the chair waiting, I was set up for the massage portion and I have tried other massage chairs but this one was unbelievable. It felt as if someone was behind me and was pushing and pressing all the right spots on my sore back. O-M-G! It lasted about 15 min. and I found the controls and had another go at it! I kept thinking I wanted to sit in the chair all day! The pedi was also fabulous especially when the pedi girl wrapped my cracked heels in paraffin...my heels are still nice and soft!
Today - the pampering continued! This time...a 2 hour massage. Yep. 2 hours. Water Lily Spa on Broome and Elizabeth offers 2 - one hour treatments for $100. What a deal! I invited Nikki along and it's a no-frills place but that also means no hard sell for other things. They offer 9 different treatments for this deal. I chose aromatherapy and reflexology. Nikki, aromatherapy and deep tissue. And even better yet...I purchased Spa Wish gift certificates - $100 value for $70! Almost a crime not to take advantage!
Prior to the spa visit, I got my hair trimmed, spent some time with my mom and after the spa, Tom met up with us and we all enjoyed a Vietnamese dinner. (It has been a full day!)
Friday I will meet up with Laura from Home Lines days. We have an annual "catch-up" lunch out on Long Island. Always good to see old friends.
Then Leslie, a virtual new friend (met her in 1999 at a Singles Club Med resort) is taking me for a birthday brunch at Colicchio & Sons. I will be sure to take some pictures. So stay tuned!
After my lovely day spent with Nikki, I had a birthday dim sum lunch treated by Daniel the next day. Always wonderful to see him and catch up.
Then on Friday, I got a much needed manicure but went the extra mile and paired it with a pedi. I am going to a new salon after my old salon went out of business. And like a trusted hair dresser, a good manicurist is hard to find. I had been going to Inga for decades when I was in Forest Hills and CSI. When I left and money started to get tight, I gave up mani's & pedi's. Sad but true. Then my 35th HS reunion rolled around and I wanted my nails to look good and started up again. Found a place closer to home and after a few technicians, finally settled on Grace. I couldn't believe that pedi's were now $18-$20! When I was getting them, they were $10 so I did my own. When Grace closed up her business, I found a new salon also in the "hood" and loved the decor and new fandango equipment. I have been saying...if I opened a salon, this is what the salon would look like! After a false start, I found my new "girl"...Mandy and then I discovered their pedi's are $15 but the real plus was the look of the pedi area. Very plush and elegant. I wanted to experience it even if only once. And what better time than my birthday week.
Photo courtesy of Niki L.@YELP
As I sat in the chair waiting, I was set up for the massage portion and I have tried other massage chairs but this one was unbelievable. It felt as if someone was behind me and was pushing and pressing all the right spots on my sore back. O-M-G! It lasted about 15 min. and I found the controls and had another go at it! I kept thinking I wanted to sit in the chair all day! The pedi was also fabulous especially when the pedi girl wrapped my cracked heels in paraffin...my heels are still nice and soft!
Today - the pampering continued! This time...a 2 hour massage. Yep. 2 hours. Water Lily Spa on Broome and Elizabeth offers 2 - one hour treatments for $100. What a deal! I invited Nikki along and it's a no-frills place but that also means no hard sell for other things. They offer 9 different treatments for this deal. I chose aromatherapy and reflexology. Nikki, aromatherapy and deep tissue. And even better yet...I purchased Spa Wish gift certificates - $100 value for $70! Almost a crime not to take advantage!
Prior to the spa visit, I got my hair trimmed, spent some time with my mom and after the spa, Tom met up with us and we all enjoyed a Vietnamese dinner. (It has been a full day!)
Friday I will meet up with Laura from Home Lines days. We have an annual "catch-up" lunch out on Long Island. Always good to see old friends.
Then Leslie, a virtual new friend (met her in 1999 at a Singles Club Med resort) is taking me for a birthday brunch at Colicchio & Sons. I will be sure to take some pictures. So stay tuned!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
An Absolutely Awesome Day!
And the celebration continues! I made a date with Nikki to meet in the city by Herald Square to try to collect as many birthday freebies as we could! It was a truly awesome day!
First off, I had a doctor's appointment who happens to also be in the area and my report was really good!! Dr Tung and I were very happy and I flew off to meet Nikki on 34th Street. She had already been to Sephora to pick up her b-day lip duo. She also picked up a gift card for me. :-) and presented me 3 cupcakes from Baby Cakes.
(Two chocolate & one Red Velvet)
Then we went across the street to DSW where we looked at shoes and I used my b-day $5 DSW gift and picked up a small ID wallet. On to Macy's. I got a Coffee Buzz Buzz cone at Ben & Jerry's located on the 4th floor. Yep...free. While there, I also picked up some costume jewelry for myself & Nikki along with a very cute color-blocked dress for Nikki. I was able to use my Macy's gift cards that I received from answering surveys on-line. Cha-ching!
We walked along 6th Avenue towards downtown until we reached 19th Street where I stopped into the Container Store and easily picked up my b-day gift from them. A reusable "Happy" tote.
Across the way at Old Navy, Nikki picked up 6 tee shirts while I got a fleecy type sweatshirt and shorts using a $15 off $50 birthday voucher. (Since I hadn't gotten anything for Nikki yet, this was also a birthday shopping spree dedicated to her...)
From there, we went crosstown to City Crab! I had b-day vouchers for Big Daddy's and Dukes but Nikki suggested City Crab and I'm so glad she did!
City Crab's "gift" is a free entree - value up to $40! I opted for the "New England Steamer" pot consisting of lobster, mussels, clams, scallops, King crab legs, shrimp, andouille sausage and corn on the cob. (cost: $33.) Nikki went with the Lobster Cobb Salad. ($22) And yep...$33 came off the bill)What a deal!
And it was FA-BU-LOUS!
My Steamer Pot
Nikki's Cobb Salad
Ready to dig in with my lobster bib
So I did very well...getting many of my birthday "goodies. Doing it with Nikki was a super bonus which made the whole day so wonderful! Fan-tan-bu-lous!! Loving my birthday more and more despite the age thing. LOL
First off, I had a doctor's appointment who happens to also be in the area and my report was really good!! Dr Tung and I were very happy and I flew off to meet Nikki on 34th Street. She had already been to Sephora to pick up her b-day lip duo. She also picked up a gift card for me. :-) and presented me 3 cupcakes from Baby Cakes.
(Two chocolate & one Red Velvet)
Then we went across the street to DSW where we looked at shoes and I used my b-day $5 DSW gift and picked up a small ID wallet. On to Macy's. I got a Coffee Buzz Buzz cone at Ben & Jerry's located on the 4th floor. Yep...free. While there, I also picked up some costume jewelry for myself & Nikki along with a very cute color-blocked dress for Nikki. I was able to use my Macy's gift cards that I received from answering surveys on-line. Cha-ching!
We walked along 6th Avenue towards downtown until we reached 19th Street where I stopped into the Container Store and easily picked up my b-day gift from them. A reusable "Happy" tote.
Across the way at Old Navy, Nikki picked up 6 tee shirts while I got a fleecy type sweatshirt and shorts using a $15 off $50 birthday voucher. (Since I hadn't gotten anything for Nikki yet, this was also a birthday shopping spree dedicated to her...)
From there, we went crosstown to City Crab! I had b-day vouchers for Big Daddy's and Dukes but Nikki suggested City Crab and I'm so glad she did!
City Crab's "gift" is a free entree - value up to $40! I opted for the "New England Steamer" pot consisting of lobster, mussels, clams, scallops, King crab legs, shrimp, andouille sausage and corn on the cob. (cost: $33.) Nikki went with the Lobster Cobb Salad. ($22) And yep...$33 came off the bill)What a deal!
And it was FA-BU-LOUS!
My Steamer Pot
Nikki's Cobb Salad
Ready to dig in with my lobster bib
So I did very well...getting many of my birthday "goodies. Doing it with Nikki was a super bonus which made the whole day so wonderful! Fan-tan-bu-lous!! Loving my birthday more and more despite the age thing. LOL
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Happy Birthday To Me!
Spent the morning and afternoon with Winnie for my big day. The Wendy Williams Show was enjoyable. The warm up guy, Kevin asked if anyone was celebrating a birthday and I stood up along with several others and the rest of the audience sang Happy Birthday to us!
In the waiting area, they have a photo-booth. Winnie & I quickly took the opportunity to try it out but we, kind of, didn't look at the instructions and winged it. Here's the result! (Still...FUN!)
I took advantage of one my birthday freebies. At Ruby Tuesday: Any of their "handcrafted burger" along with 2 sides. Yum! I went with the Premium Cheddar Cheese burger with all the fixings and my 2 sides were onion rings and grilled zucchini....de-lish!
Then the waitress, Maggie surprised me with this:
That's a cupcake under all that icing! (Sweet!!)
Great start to my celebratin'!!!
In the waiting area, they have a photo-booth. Winnie & I quickly took the opportunity to try it out but we, kind of, didn't look at the instructions and winged it. Here's the result! (Still...FUN!)
I took advantage of one my birthday freebies. At Ruby Tuesday: Any of their "handcrafted burger" along with 2 sides. Yum! I went with the Premium Cheddar Cheese burger with all the fixings and my 2 sides were onion rings and grilled zucchini....de-lish!
Then the waitress, Maggie surprised me with this:
That's a cupcake under all that icing! (Sweet!!)
Great start to my celebratin'!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)