*

A Friend Comes to Town

2012-01-17T15:01:00.009-05:00

Love to see Naomi, Josh, and their darling Eleanor every chance I can get! And holding little Eleanor is such a delight. Just like old times, Naomi and I chatted about life over scones and tea. Love and miss her. Also, she just may be the prettiest pregnant girl ever.

Photos by Josh from the West Village before Christmas.

Take a Photo: Portrait of a Cat Named Maude

2012-01-09T13:19:00.004-05:00

Maude. Also known as "the girl" or "girlfriend." She spends the day with me, which I love. She also lets me photograph her, patiently sitting (ha!) while I fumble with f stops and shutter speeds.

I do love those whiskers. And her chirps and chatter.

p.s. learning how to use my camera better is part of my 2012 resolution to live with purpose and joy. If I'm going to continue blogging, I think I'll blog about these types of efforts.

2011 and 2012

2012-01-05T13:10:00.006-05:00

2011 was a good year for us. Dan continued working hard as an RN, I finished all my coursework, passed my oral exam, and had my dissertation proposal accepted (just before Christmas!). We traveled to London, Lake George, Utah, Cape Cod, and Switzerland. We served in our Church, biked around New York City, watched too many friends move from Harlem, and said goodbye to my Grandpa Art and our family dog Gunther.

I'm not sure how much or if I will blog this year. The original dialogue and exchange with friends and family has seemed to have dissolved and I'm not sure it's worth the time and energy to blog (publicly) for myself when I could be journaling or attempting to be creative. Anyway...

My goal for 2012 is this: Live purposefully. Live joyfully.

We hope 2012 will bring more travel, organization, progress on a dissertation, an ICU job for Dan, good food, health, new experiences, and time well spent with friends and family. All with purpose and joy.

Happy New Year!

{photo in Cape Cod by Jamie Wride}

Lugano

2012-01-03T12:06:00.000-05:00

On our way back from Milan, we stopped in Lugano to spend the afternoon. Lugano is a lovely Italian-speaking, lake-side town in Switzerland. We ate a delicious pasta lunch and wandered around the town, taking in the lake views and Renaissance frescos.

Milano, Part II

2012-01-02T09:00:00.002-05:00

Milan is a large city, but the public transportation of buses, metros, and cable cars is very easy to navigate. We spent our second day in Milan shopping, eating gelato, and viewing Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper at the Santa Maria delle Grazie. Based on accounts I had read, I was prepared to be underwhelmed and suspicious of the art restoration (James Beck was my Professor at Columbia), but I loved the experience. Only a small group of people are allowed into the monk's dining hall at a time, and I feel like we had the fresco all to ourselves. It was larger than I expected and beautifully lit. We had a great time in Italy, but in some ways were relieved to cross the border back into Switzerland - no more trash, graffiti, and late trains! But no more gelato...

Santa Maria delle Grazie

Castello Sforza

Milano

2011-12-31T13:07:00.002-05:00

While in Switzerland, we took a train south to visit Milan, Italy. The Duomo is magnificent. And the best part is they let you wander on top of the roof! Such a wonderful perspective of the architectural detail and city. We spent the rest of our time visiting the famous 19th century Galleria Vittoria Emanuele--which I was excited to see, as I teach the building to my students--and the many wonderful art museums like the Brera and Ambrosiana. I recommend visiting Europe in the fall - you won't have to battle tourists every way you turn!

The Galleria

Our fabulous guide, Greg.

Merry Christmas from the Clarks

2011-12-25T09:00:00.000-05:00

On Our Ninth Date of Christmas

2011-12-23T23:47:00.000-05:00

We stayed in while I nursed a cold, ate homemade chicken-noodle soup, and watched Home Alone.

On Our Eighth Date of Christmas

2011-12-22T23:43:00.004-05:00

We went to the Doughnut Plant to try their special holiday doughnuts! The Marzipan Star is amazing.

On Our Seventh Date of Christmas

2011-12-22T12:35:00.000-05:00

We read one of Dan's favorite children's books and made chocolate-chip cookies. I had never read The Biggest Bear before. The story and illustrations are so sweet.

On Our Sixth Date of Christmas

2011-12-21T12:01:00.003-05:00

We went shopping for a toy drive that a friend of ours coordinated with ACS and our Church. We had a really great time picking out toys for each age and gender, wrapping, and delivering the gifts.

On Our Fifth Date of Christmas

2011-12-21T11:56:00.001-05:00

We wandered the holiday shops at Union Square, ate hot noodle-soup at Republic and did some Christmas shopping.

Hiking in Switzerland: Braunwald

2011-12-13T22:26:00.000-05:00

Heavenly!

Recipes Lately

2011-12-13T11:31:00.000-05:00

Aside from the meatloaf incident (and roasted peppers - which are sooo good) here are a few recipes we've tried lately and have loved:

Fennel, Prosciutto and Pomegranate Salad (we ate this multiple times in one week - yum)

Lentil and Sweet-Potato Stew

Butternut Squash Risotto

Cumin Seed Roasted Cauliflower with Yogurt (one of my favorites - will be making for Christmas)

Creamy Broccoli-White Bean Soup

Live From the Red Carpet!

2011-12-12T08:29:00.000-05:00

For Young Women in Excellence this year, we had a genuine awards show to celebrate the YW's achievements, complete with a red carpet, photos, and black envelopes for us to read "And the award goes to...."

Bern

2011-12-09T08:27:00.000-05:00

I was very excited to visit Bern as my Muhlestein ancestors are from nearby Toffen. Bern is beautiful! We wandered the streets and market, watched the bears, drooled in the Mammut store, ate at tasty Tibits, and visited the Paul Klee museum. It is the most kid-friendly museum I have ever been to: the lowest level of the museum houses a huge children's art center, and throughout the galleries, canvases are placed at a child's eye level.

Klee Museum, designed by Renzo Piano

On Our Fourth Date of Christmas

2011-12-08T21:12:00.002-05:00

We went to the opening reception for "The Greatest Grid: The Master Plan of Manhattan, 1811-2011," curated by a Professor of mine, at the Museum of the City of New York.

The Greatest Grid: The Master Plan of Manhattan, 1811-2011

C. Bachman, New York, View looking south from Union Square, 1849.

On our way home we passed through the tree lot on our corner (one of my favorite things every December).

Meatloaf for Money

2011-12-08T20:25:00.003-05:00

Our texts today:

Dan: Will you make meatloaf tonight?

Me: Absolutely not.

Dan: Please?

Me: I don't make meatloaf.

Dan: puuuuuuhhlease!

Me: Ewe.

Dan: I will pay you.

Me: Done.

I never thought I would do it. I made meatloaf. And was totally grossed out the entire time (you have to mix it with your hands).

But Dan paid me. And he was so happy.

Totally worth it.

(Meanwhile, I had this for dinner).

Zurich, Switzerland

2011-12-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

In October, we traveled to Switzerland to visit family and see the beautiful country. We love Switzerland; it was such a wonderful trip. We spent our week riding trains, hiking in the Alps, wandering picturesque cities, visiting churches and museums, and of course eating chocolate, fondue, and Dan's uncle's fabulous cooking. Our hosts were sooo generous. Nate and Greg live just outside of Zurich, which was the perfect jumping off point for our trip.

Nate and Dan

Me and Nate

9/11 Memorial

2011-12-06T06:38:00.000-05:00

On Our Third Date of Christmas

2011-12-05T20:52:00.005-05:00

We went to see The Muppets. I was so skeptical, but it was absolutely delightful. Mahna mahna! Afterwards, we walked to Macy's to do some Christmas shopping and see the windows.

photos via iphone

For Sale: Pentax K10 D

2011-12-03T14:03:00.009-05:00

The perfect Christmas gift!

Specs:

Pentax K10 D

2009 dslr

shutter life: 100,000 photos

Pentax SMC DA 18-55 mm lens (uv protected)

battery charger

computer cable

two 4 GB sd cards

$450 o.b.o.

Everything in excellent condition

Most photos on this blog were taken with this equipment.

contact forsalebymarci(at)gmail(dot)com

(a few more things for sale as well... at forsalebymarci.blogspot.com)

On Our Second Date of Christmas

2011-12-02T15:00:00.000-05:00

We decorated our Christmas tree and listened to Christmas music.

On Our First Date of Christmas

2011-11-30T20:56:00.011-05:00

We kicked off our annual "Dates of Christmas" with a stroll down 5th Avenue to see the windows. NYC is beautiful this time of year.
The Tiffany windows are fabulous.

And of course the stunning Bergdorf Goodman windows...
My favorite detail. Look at them eating cake!

Dinner at the Biryani cart (our first time).
Free chocolate-coconut cupcakes from Sprinkles for dessert!
A fabulous first date of Christmas.

Martha's Vineyard in September

2011-11-28T13:11:00.002-05:00

Goodbye to the Gardners

2011-11-26T12:47:00.000-05:00

Another family moving... the Gardners for a foreign service gig. Good news is, they just learned that their first assignment is New York! Hooray! We hope they consider Harlem again :)

A true Harlem party isn't complete without fried chicken and waffles.

Pinning the shades on the secret-service agent (Jason).

Dan's Summer Races

2011-11-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

Almost every summer Saturday, Dan raced with Overstock.com in the Central Park cycling races. The park is so beautiful in the morning!

Rowan Turns 1

2011-11-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

I love Ro and can't believe he's already one. His party last month was so darling: popcorn, cotton-candy, root beer, and lots of other yummy food and treats.

Kandice as a Bronco's fan

The High Line via iPhone

2011-11-19T19:45:00.000-05:00

The Young Women Go to Sister Act

2011-11-14T08:40:00.000-05:00

Thanks to some very generous donors, the Young Women of our church were able to see their first Broadway show: Sister Act! It was wonderful.

Utah Mountains in Autumn

2011-11-11T11:39:00.000-05:00

Katie and I went on a drive up Emigration Canyon while I was in Utah in October. The leaves were gorgeous! We snapped away.

India Party

2011-11-09T22:15:00.010-05:00

Too many of our friends left the city this summer, including Margy and Oliver. We celebrated their friendship and move to Kalkata (read about their adventures here and here) with an Indian-themed party in August. We rounded up saris, bendis, prayer flags, incense, played Bollywood films, and made a dancing elephant garland and Indian food. Ashley even painted mehndi on us!

Ashley (our India expert) wrapping Margy in a sari.

Rubi, Ashley, me

Kimmy and Ava

A HUGE thank you to everyone who helped - especially to Ashley, Rubi, Candice, and Lauren.

Ellis and Jordan

Oliver, Kim, and Ryan

Grandpa Art

2011-10-09T21:15:00.001-04:00

My sweet red-headed Grandpa Art passed away this morning. I'm grateful to have seen him last week and for the opportunity to go home again to be with family and reflect on his incredible life and influence.

In his own words:

Life’s Victory

I was a striver all my days to give meaning to my life before “death’s inevitable victory.” This required no mean effort to separate wheat from chaff, good from evil, and appearance from reality. Could I strive to the very end against human folly, and against moral and natural evil?,--against the forces of sloth, waste, futility, and frivolity that so plague our lives today,--and all this without lapsing into despair? This was the grand question! I sought to be sensitive to the fates and sufferings of others; to sustain a passion and a love for life; to seek continuously to create something of value never before on the earth,--a smile, a firm handshake, a note, a sincere comment, a verse, a paragraph of meaningful prose, a poetic expression where a deep feeling went in frantic search of a word and found it, to show another they are loved, and to act with decisive courage on a noble impulse. If I could do this, my faith and my intuition assured me I could not fail. Fail in what? To fulfill and to affirm the life that is my won, in this glorious venture of the human struggle, my very own trek through the mortal Valley of Hell!

Arthur C. Wiscombe, The Notebooks,

Volume 12:677. Bountiful, Utah

February 1, 1998

Bride & Bridesmaids

2011-09-30T12:32:00.001-04:00

(Photo by Miyo @ Busath)

More Wedding Details

2011-09-29T23:00:00.000-04:00

My handsome date :)

Sign-in table.

Flower-girl wands.

Favors.

Sister's Wedding Dinner

2011-09-28T12:00:00.000-04:00

Brother Nick

Bride, sister Jess

Ro!

Sadie and Grandpa Art

Sister's Wedding Details

2011-09-28T01:00:00.005-04:00

I have a lot of catching up to do. First, some details of my sister's beautiful June wedding. Jess chose yellow, grey, and white for her colors and I love how they were incorporated in the decorations and clothing. The cake topper is from my Grandparent's wedding over 60 years ago. The incredible fans (made from wallpaper! with spray-painted backs) were all handmade by my talented sister-in-law Sadie. She also did all the lovely flowers (and yes, we are trying to convince her to start her own business).

I Passed!!!

2011-09-11T18:34:00.007-04:00

I passed my last qualifying exam for my PhD! Wahoo! Sitting in front of three professors for a two hour oral exam was really intense. I'm so relieved it's over. I can have a life again!

Next up: the dissertation. Dun dun dun.

Thank you husband, family, and friends for all your support. I am grateful to be studying what I love.

The Neglected Blog

2011-07-12T22:29:00.003-04:00

I can't bring myself to blog.

I'm studying 8 hours a day for my second qualifying (oral) exam.

September 8th is coming way too quickly.

Road Biking with Nick and Sadie

2011-07-10T12:09:00.002-04:00

Nick, Sadie, and I biked up the old road to Snow Basin in June while I was in town. It was an insane workout but so beautiful! I love those mountains.

A Wedding Gift For Sister

2011-06-30T12:06:00.004-04:00

A gift for Jessica and Ryan that I worked on...

Before (found at the D.I. for $7)

During

After

And helped them get started on decorating their front room.

I Couldn't Resist

2011-06-06T00:22:00.004-04:00

Sister is one beautiful bride. The wedding was gorgeous!

I'll post details of their reception in a few weeks.

Unplugging

2011-05-29T21:00:00.000-04:00

I've just arrived to a most wonderful place with driveways, backyards, wide open spaces, beautiful mountains, and lots of loved ones.

After spending the last three weeks on the computer in finals (with plenty of i-net surfing procrastinating) I'm feeling the need to step away from technology and unplug for a while.

See you in July!

Somewhere on the Lower East Side

2011-05-25T20:28:00.000-04:00

Diana - Winter in NY '10

2011-05-24T14:28:00.003-04:00

Aren't you glad it's Spring?! Winter in NYC is so gray. I'm pretty sure the above photo was taken the day I postponed my jury summons again. I have had the worst luck with jury duty (middle of the semester, out of town, etc.) and have to go down to the court house again tomorrow to beg for yet another postponement (I'll be in Utah for sister's wedding).

From the FDR.

Street Art in El Barrio

2011-05-23T11:00:00.000-04:00

By De La Vega

Movie Night on the UWS

2011-05-20T12:57:00.000-04:00

I spy with my little eye - Dan on 72nd street.

NYC dogs are the best.

I Spy...the Roosevelt Island Tram

2011-05-19T14:34:00.000-04:00

Peonies Can Help You Get Through Finals

2011-05-17T08:03:00.001-04:00

Makes the view much better. Thanks husband :)

I can't wait for finals to be over.

Just 9 more days...

Diana - Us in El Barrio

2011-05-16T10:00:00.000-04:00

Some Diana photos of us last summer (just barely got developed...). Viva El Barrio!

Laughing at Walmart

2011-05-11T11:51:00.000-04:00

Dan and I had a great date in New Jersey. Walmart is crazy.

Bike Ride

2011-05-10T12:42:00.002-04:00

Dan and I biked 25 miles on Saturday: over the George Washington Bridge, up the Palisades, and back (with a stop at the Little Red Lighthouse). It was glorious and green!

Dan on the GW Bridge.

My Mom

2011-05-09T16:08:00.004-04:00

{Grandma Joy, aunt Renda holding baby Melissa, Jacen, my mom, and my aunt Jamie}

My mom is fabulous (and I love these old photos of her). She puts her all into everything she does, whether it's teaching literature, telling a story, entertaining and throwing parties, or spending time with loved ones. And with such beauty and grace! And while I miss all my siblings and friends in Utah, I must admit that I miss my mom the most (we still both cry a little when we have to say goodbye to each other at airports). She is an inspiring woman, one that I try to be like each and every day.

Happy Mother's Day Mama!

{Little Jamie, my mom, Grandma Joy, and aunt Cheri}

Sister is Getting Married

2011-05-05T23:51:00.001-04:00

My baby sister is getting married next month and I can hardly believe it. The talented Leo Patrone took Jessica and Ryan's engagement photos on Antelope Island and I love how they turned out. They are a very handsome couple, don't you think?

Pink Petals

2011-05-04T23:15:00.003-04:00

I am so sad the petals are starting to fall...but they sure look pretty like this too.

Running Along the East River

2011-05-03T17:12:00.000-04:00

Tea Party

2011-05-02T20:30:00.000-04:00

These three ladies kindly watched Maude while Dan and I were in London. So to thank them, I had them over for a little tea party complete with: dresses, sugar cubes, and scones with jam. It was one delightful afternoon.
Margo loves Chamomille.
And this little one arrived with an armful of flowers for the table. Love her.

London: Kew Gardens 2

2011-04-29T12:14:00.000-04:00

More photos from our day at Kew Gardens.

The Palm House

A break for tea time at the Orangery

London: Kew Gardens

2011-04-28T14:15:00.001-04:00

We spent our last day in London at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. It was spectacular.

The Temperate House - world's largest Victorian surviving iron and glass structure. Gorgeous! By Decimus Burton, 1898.

Interior.

Cherry blossoms and the Temperate House. You can see the Pagoda in the left distance.

King William's Temple

Kew Palace and Queen's Garden.

A Few More Items Added

2011-04-27T11:00:00.000-04:00

http://forsalebymarci.blogspot.com/

email inquires to forsalebymarci[at]gmail[dot]com

PS - Naomi is selling some of her fabulous clothes on ebay.

A Storyboard

2011-04-26T16:35:00.000-04:00

Caitlin (of Caitlin Wilson Design) graciously answered a question I submitted to Style Files with this gorgeous storyboard and a collection of inspiration sources. While I've been happy with how our upstairs has turned out (still tweaking things here and there) our downstairs bedroom area has stumped me. I love the huge persian rug we inherited but knew the bedding we had competed with the pattern. I can not wait to get to work on this bedroom Spring makeover.

I've known Caitlin since our days working at Anthropologie in Salt Lake City (both anxiously awaiting our missionaries return) and our mothers were actually sorority sisters in college! I've loved watching Caitlin's interior design company take off these past few years. She has such a great eye for mixing traditional and modern, and I always love the fabrics she chooses (I can't wait to see the launching of her own fabric line).

Thank you Caitlin!

Easter at the Conservatory Gardens

2011-04-25T15:02:00.000-04:00

On our way to Easter dinner we stopped at the Conservatory Gardens in Central Park. I don't think I've ever seen it so beautiful. Happy Easter! Happy Spring!
It's ok to match on Easter, right? (It was actually unintentional - I promise).

For Sale By Marci

2011-04-22T08:00:00.001-04:00

Friends - the sale is officially on. Go to forsalebymarci.blogspot.com to see many of the items available and/or shop online or come by in person tonight from 5-7 or tomorrow from 11-1.

Email inquires to forsalebymarci[at]gmail[dot]com.

London: Notting Hill

2011-04-20T14:00:00.002-04:00

Notting Hill is absolutely charming. It was the perfect place to stay and just steps from fabulous food like Ottolenghi (I can't stop thinking about the salads and need to just buy the cookbook already) and Hummingbird Bakery, and of course the amazing antiques market on Portobello Road. I want to live here. Noelle, let's swap lives a little longer, ok?

Tea cups on Portobello Road. I love tea time.

Bath Time with Rowan

2011-04-19T16:00:00.000-04:00

These pictures just make my heart happy. Love them.

London By Bike

2011-04-18T15:00:00.001-04:00

In front of Buckingham Palace

Without doubt, renting Barclay's bicycles for a day was one of the best things we did in London. We lucked out - American credit cards, which lack the chip found in EU cc's, won't work on the machines (Naomi and I ran into the same problem in Paris last summer) but a very kind Brit took pity on us and rented the bikes for us (it's 1 pound to rent the bike and free if you use it in 30 minute increments). We followed the first half of Noelle's route, from Notting Hill, through beautiful Hyde Park to Buckingham Palace, and on to Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, London Eye, and ending at Borough Market. From there, we walked to the Tate Modern and finally across the Millennium Bridge to St. Paul's Cathedral.

London Eye

Houses of Parliament

Big Ben

St. Paul's Cathedral

DC with Missy

2011-04-16T14:40:00.000-04:00

My cousin Melissa's little boy Rowan has one of the most expressive faces I have ever had the pleasure of watching. He is a delightful little 6 month old and has brought so much joy into the family. Melissa is over the moon to have him in her life. We had a splendid time together on morning runs through Alexandria, wandering Old Town, making sugar cookies, playing with Ro and talking talking talking.
He always sits with his feet crossed. So cute!
Old Town.
Melissa and Ro. She's runs 6 miles with him almost every day!
We also had time to pick up darling little flower accessories from Coco Penny for my sister's wedding and view a private screening and Q&A of Helen Whitney's new film "Forgiveness," which will air in two parts this and next Sunday (10 pm, PBS). Greg Prince hosted the event in his stunning Tuscan-styled home in Maryland. Watch the film! It's very moving.

Thanks Melissa for being the perfect hostess and letting me tag along and see your incredible life in DC. Ro - I miss you so.

Today in Central Park

2011-04-15T14:41:00.004-04:00

Central Park is gorgeous right now. Go go go!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

More London

2011-04-14T19:00:00.002-04:00

I must admit that we did zero planning before our trip - very unlike me. But that's because we had the suggestions of a local. Noelle graciously emailed us helpful maps and lists of her favourite restaurants and suddenly, our trip was planning itself around food, neighbourhoods to wander, art, and architecture. We made sure we didn't over do it, so that we could thoroughly enjoy our time together. And - bonus - all of the major art museums in London are free (what a relief, as London is a $$$ city).

Above - the gorgeous bend of 19th century Regent's street (I LOVE the bright red double-decker buses against the stone).

The incredible Liberty department store. Oh my!

Elgin Marbles (from the Parthenon) at the British Museum.

DC with Naomi

2011-04-14T07:00:00.000-04:00

After London, I had about 24 hours in NYC before taking off to DC to visit two special ladies and their darling babies: my cousin Melissa and baby Rowan, and Naomi and baby Eleanor. Such a treat! Naomi has been an incredible friend these past few years, during joyful moments and especially during some tough moments. I love her to pieces and love seeing her as a mama. We had a great time catching up, eating fabulous food in DC and Georgetown, making dinner together, and taking a nice Sunday walk around capital hill (with Kingsley of course - such a ham!).

{Photos 1 & 3 by Josh}

For Sale: Home Items and More

2011-04-13T23:59:00.001-04:00

After a very successful spring clean, I've decided to sell a bunch of (mostly anthropologie) home and clothing items, including those pictured here. Come on by next Saturday, April 23rd from 11-1 to shop, or inquire via email by leaving a comment below (email addresses won't be published).

Pillow - SOLD

London: Victoria & Albert

2011-04-13T18:18:00.004-04:00

Sigh. I love London. We had such a fabulous trip, we both agree - one of the best. A huge thanks to our friends Noelle and Matt for letting us stay in their darling Notting Hill flat (I was green with envy). London has such an amazing energy, very different from New York. Of course, I had a long list of art and architecture to see... beginning with the Victoria and Albert Museum, without doubt the best decorative arts museum in the world. I love how everything is grouped by material: glass, iron, textiles, etc. Gorgeous!

London Love

2011-04-04T08:20:00.002-04:00

Dan and I are seeing the sights of London - loving every minute. Such a pretty city.

One Spring Day

2011-03-30T08:00:00.000-04:00

Photos from that gloriously warm Friday two weeks ago. Dan and I hung out near the East River, soaking in the sun and eating bagels from Bagel Bobs on York Ave. Spring is such a tease.

Have I mentioned how fun it is to hang out with Dan mid week (as long as my hw is done)? I really like the nurse schedule.

The YW Throw a Baby Shower

2011-03-29T09:36:00.000-04:00

Three of our Young Women leaders are pregnant right now, and the sweet YW of our ward wanted to throw them a surprise baby shower a few weeks ago, so I helped them get it organized. I think they did a great job! And I think the leaders were surprised :)

S'mores.
Baby food games.

Favors.
We had a great time laughing, eating, and asking the mothers and mothers-to-be their thoughts about motherhood.

And all three are expecting baby boys! Above, Candice and Jihea; below Erica (and Mella).

How to Have a Good Weekend

2011-03-28T08:00:00.001-04:00

Take a yoga class.

Visit Kiosk with a friend and buy colorful German chalk.
Shop a Paperie sale.
Eat delicious tacos.
Scheme on a mini-Spring bedroom makeover (to be continued).

Visit Martha's pop-up pie shop.
Run into friends in Union Square (who throw fabulous pie parties).
Become inspired by said friends and shop to make your very own first pie (success!).
Eat dinner with husband at a lovely cafe.
Get groceries at Trader Joes.
Ride the bus all the way home.
Listen to inspiring words.
Snuggle on the couch.

But go easy on the street-sold kettle corn. It could make you sick.

Lovely New York

2011-03-25T11:05:00.001-04:00

I love the way architecture unfolds throughout the city.

Near Union Square.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Greenpoint 2

2011-03-16T11:29:00.000-04:00

We loved wandering Franklin Street in Greenpoint.

And look who can put her hair in a mini pony!

Greenpoint 1

2011-03-16T08:25:00.002-04:00

Dan and I drove out to Greenpoint a few weekends ago to try the donuts at Peter Pan. They were traditional and delicious and I loved the shop: it felt like stepping back in time.

Were they better than the Donut Plant? Probably not. But for $1 a piece, they are wonderful and we definitely recommend them.

(Plus I didn't have to wait in a 45 minute line like at the DP's new 23rd street location only to have the creme brulee and coconut sell right in front of me).

She Loves Paper Towels

2011-03-11T07:07:00.000-05:00

Guilty.

Parachuting Ninjas

2011-03-09T08:00:00.002-05:00

Rubi and I hosted a baby shower for our friend Candice this past week. She's expecting a little boy next month, loves the color orange, as well as ninjas (see proof here). Solution: parachuting ninjas.

For favors we made surprise balls and for a little game had frozen ice-cube babies for the drinks, to see who's water would break first.

Ice-cube babies, surprise balls, and fringy streamers found via Oh Happy Day - love that blog.

And Kim made these adorable and delicious mini pies. I can't get over those little latices.

Out of Hibernation

2011-03-08T08:00:00.005-05:00

Whoa. I'm anxious for Spring and am so glad it's March. Thank goodness for all the great reasons to celebrate in January/February (I'm convinced they get us through those dreary months): both of our birthdays, Valentines Day, and our wedding anniversary.

I spent a lot of the winter hibernating, staying in cooking, reading, watching movies, and, beginning my last semester of coursework (hooray!).

I think the blog will be coming out of hibernation too.

After 8 Years

2011-03-08T00:58:00.007-05:00

I did it. I took my first ballet class in over eight years.

A few months ago I bought a groupon for 10 ballet classes at a local studio. I waited until the very last day to redeem it. I was terrified to put on those shoes, tights, and leotard, and stand in front of a mirror. Worse still, what if I had forgotten everything? What if I was terrible?

I'm so glad I did it. I was surprised at what my body remembered (left pirouette? no problem) and what had obviously been lost (développé? barely to 90 degrees). But mostly, I enjoyed the challenge of it all, and dancing just to dance.

Note: my calves we so sore the next day, I could barely walk! Whoops.

Five Years

2011-02-25T23:30:00.001-05:00

And the best five years of my life. Happy anniversary my love!

Weekend with Mom

2011-02-21T11:14:00.001-05:00

I love it when my mama comes to town. In true mother-daughter fashion, we ate delicious food, wore each others clothes, shopped (especially for wedding inspiration for my little sister), and loved loved loved seeing City Ballet's Swan Lake.

Utah for New Years

2011-01-13T22:13:00.005-05:00

My brother Michael and I at the top of Little Cloud, Snowbird

I rang in 2011 surrounded by family in Utah (Pearl gave me my New Year's kiss). It was a wonderful trip; skiing with Michael and Abbie, definitely a highlight. And like always, I got sick and brought back a terrible cold/cough. But it was worth it :)

On Our Twelfth Date of Christmas

2010-12-30T09:00:00.001-05:00

We spent a lovely Christmas Day together.
Just look at this photo of baby Dan his parents sent me! Adorable.
Sweet Maude.
We made my aunt's traditional festive red jello salad. And for dinner - king crab legs!

On Our Eleventh Date of Christmas

2010-12-29T12:00:00.000-05:00

We decorated gingerbread cookies together and passed them out to the Young Men and Young Women at Church.

On Our Tenth Date of Christmas

2010-12-28T12:00:00.000-05:00

We read Christmas stories like The Snowy Day and The Tale of the Three Trees.

On Our Ninth Date of Christmas

2010-12-28T00:35:00.000-05:00

We video chatted with our family, watched my nieces perform the nativity, and even danced the hockey-pockey (a Muhlestein family tradition) with everyone!

I love technology.

Snow Day!

2010-12-27T15:41:00.004-05:00

Beginning yesterday, it snowed for 17 hours strait in NYC. Poor Dan was the only nurse who could get to his floor at the hospital this a.m. (barely - the three feet of snow in front of our door from a snow drift proved a challenge).
I'm following the MTA's advice - I'm staying home.

I love NYC in the snow!

On Our Eighth Date of Christmas

2010-12-24T16:00:00.002-05:00

We went to the Train Show at the Bronx Botanical Gardens on Christmas Eve. Abosolutely enchanting!

Look at mini Rockefeller Center!
It was so refreshing to be surrounded be green.

On Our Seventh Date of Christmas

2010-12-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

We made homemade snow globes!

On Our Sixth Date of Christmas

2010-12-23T20:00:00.001-05:00

We shopped, wrapped, and delivered sub-for-Santa gifts.

Last Night at YWs

2010-12-23T11:39:00.006-05:00

We took the Young Women to see Rockefeller Center and the windows on 5th Avenue (they'd never done it before - and yes, they've grown up here). It was freezing but wonderful. Love these girls and the other leaders.

The Sak's windows are darling. I love NYC at Christmas!

On Our Fifth Date of Christmas

2010-12-22T15:11:00.000-05:00

We drove to Brooklyn's Dyker Heights to see the extravagant display of Christmas lights (music included!).

I love these dancing bears.

On Our Fourth Date of Christmas

2010-12-21T12:34:00.002-05:00

We snuggled up on the couch and watched Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (how long has it been!?) and sipped on some steamed milk with cinnamon and cream. Delightful.

"You can mess with a lot of things, but you can't mess with kids on Christmas."

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On Our Third Date of Christmas

2010-12-17T08:30:00.000-05:00

We got two apples pies from McDonalds. And ate them.

They tasted really, really good.

It was a short date. Because I'm still in finals.

The end.

My Maude

2010-12-15T08:00:00.001-05:00

It's been a while since Maude showed her cute face via blog.

Thanks for looking pretty and sitting still Maude. You're helping me learn how to use my camera.

Now if only she could help me learn photoshop... any tips? I don't know where to begin.

Those paws like that kill me.
Loves looking out the window.

Cragsmoor, NY

2010-12-13T07:30:00.001-05:00

Catching up from fall: we drove upstate to beautiful Cragsmoor, NY, an artist colony from the late 19th century.

Dan, my faithful research assistant, helped me in the library (designed by a Mr. DellenbaughI'm currently researching, as was the above church).