NYC Part 3

Now for the shopping part of the trip. Quite honestly, none of us girls really went on a big spending spree and purchased a lot. A could of them actually went home empty handed! First, I must mention the super cute shirts that Kara's dad's company made for us. Aren't they adorable? I wore mine on Monday when I was cleaning out my classroom and got a couple of sweet comments on it.
I am the kind of person who is completely overwhelmed when I walk into an H&M or Forever21 store. The H&M was HUGE, but I walked away with only jewelry. On the other hand, I went into Zara, where I haven't shopped in-person in years, and could have purchased many items. I snagged a couple of striped shirts and a green linen tunic (of which I cannot find a picture).
Tibi made me swoon. I've been in the St. Simons store before, but there is just something about being in Tibi on Wooster. Yep, I tried on lots and lots. I adored so many of the prints, but there are lots of blues right now, which really are not my color. This top picture is probably my favorite pattern right now. But, I could not find something that I just loved in it.


I also tried on a dress in this pattern, but it wasn't very flattering.


I ended up getting a solid, classic dress, which is so beautiful. (Thank you Mom!!)


This dress I tried on in a light lavender/mushroom, fell in love, found out it was sold out everywhere in my size, and resorted to having it shipped in charcoal, which is stunning.


I did treat myself to a little iPhone cover. They make them for suckers like me!
And even Em got a little something special from Tibi on Wooster.
I could not figure out what to take home to Bryan, but when I walked in the Saks chocolate store I knew exactly what he would love.


There were also other small things purchased here and there. The Young Designers Market had such fun stuff, and I did pick up a few items. Some are gifts that have not been given yet, so I am not going to post pictures.

NYC Part 2

All I can tell you is to get ready to drool. Tursday night's dinner took place at Arturo's, a splendid little Italian restaurant. Jana and I split a chicken dish with sun-dried tomatoes. It was so tasty that we devoured the whole plate.

After dinner we headed over to the Dove Parlor, where we had reservations for cocktails. We did not spend a single dime. I guess New York men have never seen beautiful southern girls, so the free drinks just kept flowing. (In our heads we tallied it up and they spent well over $1000 buckaroos!!) Drinks were had at multiple locations during the trip, but this was the most note-worthy.

Friday night we ate at Alta, where the tapas were amazing. Of course we all shared, but I ordered the Pulled Pork Empanadas, Angus Beef Sliders in Turkish Yufka Pastry and my favorite, the Warm Crab Salad.

Kara and I spent Saturday by ourselves going to an assortment of places all over the city. We at lunch at Bar Americain, which came highly recommended by her parents. I had the Boston Lettuce, Poached Egg, and Buttermilk-Blue Cheese salad.

After lots of shopping, the two of us girls needed a little pick-me-up. What better place than Saks to have a cocktail?


Our best dinner was saved for last. It was at Buddakan. Sound familiar? If you watched the first SATC movie it is where Carrie and Big have their rehearsal dinner. You know the big, long table? We sat right beside it in the swankiest booth with a full view of the place. You walk down stairs into a large room, with chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Beautiful. The Carrot Dumplings and Edamame Dumplings were wonderful appetizers, and my Hot and Sour Scallops were probably the best I have ever eaten. Just about everyone else had the Kung Pao Monkfish, which was also incredibly delish.

When I go on trips I always enjoy eating new dishes that I cannot find at home. The food on this trip was extremely excellent. Good thing we walked so much!

NYC Part 1

Hello, lovelies! I am finally having a morning at home where I am able to get back to my blogging. On a very happy note, school is out of the summer! Graduation and our end of the year program was last Thursday night. On Friday my mom and I went and picked up a new car for my sister. Monday I headed back to school to clean my room...for the last time. That's right, I am no longer teaching my little munchkins. After much deliberation and prayer, I told my boss two weeks ago that I would not be returning to teach next year. We plan on moving in the near future and I really want to go in a totally different direction, career wise. That's about all I have for you right now, but I'll keep you posted on plans.

Ok, so NYC was completely amazing! There were nine of us girls who went and conquered...ok, not really...but wined, dined, shopped and slept very little. I'm going to hit a few highlights today and talk about the fabulous food tomorrow.

The first picture was taken with the bride-to-be shortly after our arrival on Thursday. We had a little lingerie shower in the hotel, abundant in champagne and cupcakes from the Magnolia Bakery.

Friday morning Kara and I got up super early to go to the Regis & Kelly show. Since we didn't have tickets we had cross our fingers in the stand-by line. Fortunately we were two of the last ones into the audience, but we had to sit on the stairs. Um, until two guests who were sitting in the FRONT row got up and left and WE GOT TO SIT IN THE FRONT ROW!!! So. Much. Fun. It was hard to get good pictures in there with the lighting. Not only did they record the first show, but we pre-taped another and got to see commercials made. Two hours worth!

The Alexander McQueen exhibit at the MET was mind-boggling. If you are familiar with him or his work you know that he was a very interesting fellow. One of the girls commented on how the exhibit was just creepy. Yes, odd, but the dresses were incredible.

Since I had never been in FAO Schwarz, it was a must on my list. I was like a kid in a candy store, I mean a kid in a huge toy store! The Barbie Foosball table is one of five in the world. I took back a bag of candy from the candy bar to my kids as their surprise for being so good while I was on my trip.

First thing Saturday morning Kara and I made a quick trip to the Plaza.

Of course Tibi was on my list of things, too. I had the sweetest girl help me try on a zillion outfits. It was by far one of the highlights.

Here are other pictures that I snapped along the way. Come back tomorrow for a post on the delish food and drinks!