a few of my favourite things

My favourite parts of being in New York are the simple things. Generally, I just love walking through Central Park, trying to see a new street or neighborhood every day, people-watching on the subway, going out for drinks and meals with the various people from my life who are in New York and mixing in some museums, landmarks and markets. Tough life?

Because of my blogging slackness here's a mash-up of some of the more interesting things I've been up to, parts of New York I love and photos I have taken lately. My favourite things...

Lily
This list isn't in an order, but Lily does come number one. I don't know what has happened to me - I got all mushy somewhere. I just love hanging out with her.

     

   

Lily can't take her eyes off my* dress. (*Dress is Liz's)

 

   

 Having a chat with Dad

Babycakes
Gluten free heaven. This place is phenomenal, how they make such delectable sweet treats without animal products, refined sugar or gluten is beyond me. But they do, and they succeed.

 

Best Cupcake NYC 2006

Stonewall
It was a real thrill to go to Stonewall, explain it's history to Beau and soak it in from the walls. Liz's friend was part of a traveling queer, multidimensional performance art show called Heels on Wheels, which had just returned to NYC from touring. The show was upstairs, which is much nicer than downstairs purely because the people were nicer. There was puppetry, music/stand-up, strip-teasing, miming/dancing and more. Loved it. Also, it was only my second time drinking spirits in NYC - they free-pour. I felt very "culcha-ed" from the whole experience.

TriBeCa film festival
I was very generously loaned a pass to TriBeCa Film Festival, so Beau and I headed over to the Chelsea cinemas on a gloomy day to check it out. We saw the documentary Gone, which I highly recommend. A very sad story of a mother's hunt for her lost son. It was cool just to take-in the film festival, which went for over a week across a number of locations in NYC. Tickets are only $8 anyway, bargain. Again - "culcha-ed"

F.A.O. Schwarz
Liz and I went to F.A.O. Schwarz 'for our cousins' - but also I loved it. I wish I was younger and not gluten-free to really get the most out of it, but I was still amazed by the store. There was the piano from Big, life-size Lego sculptures, make-your-own Muppets and of course the candy pick 'n' mix. I took photos - again, 'for my cousins'.

 

 

Spring Flowers
Spring has sent my hay-fever into overdrive, and my nose bleeds every day. Every day! It's like being five again. However, New York is blooming with tulips and green. I'm just sad Mum isn't here for it - she loved the flowers coming out.

Playing Ladies at Bloomingdale's and The Plaza
Liz and I had the greatest Ladies-who-lunch day. First, we went for a long and brisk walk through Central Park, a new route as always that took us past the Seal Show at Central Park Zoo this time. Then we walked down to Bloomingdale's, which I'd not been to, to try and spend the last of Miss Louise's money. Of course, we spent large chunks of our own money too, ended up with our make-up done and never made it past the first floor. Well, we were delighted with our purchases - particularly the lipstick Monica apparently wears in Friends - our Little Brown Bags and our freshly-done eyes. Obviously the next stop was The Plaza, where we popped down to the Food Court for a glass of sparkling wine, a cheese platter and macaroons. A Thursday afternoon well spent.

The People
Everyone is so friendly here, and out-of-their-way helpful. Strangers make kind comments, or share a joke, or help you out when you're clearly struggling at the laundromat. Having an Australian accent helps, too, and I wonder if the warmer weather puts people in a good mood. And sure, there's a few million people here so you get some good and bad like everywhere else, but overwhelmingly a very friendly place. Whatever the reason, I love it.

Chelsea Markets & The High-Line
Gluten free nutella crepes, Easter Eggs and Anthropologie. 'Nuff said.

 

 

How cool is this? Unfortunately it was raining when I went there, so I still need to get some photos of the High-Line proper.

Monday's New York Times Crossword
Because it is the easiest one, we get most of it and it gives me a sense of achievement for the rest of the week.

P.S. Did anyone else watch the Royal Wedding? Liz and I got up early, had a cup of tea and oohed and ahhed. Me = mushy.

 

This says 'Congratulations Wills & Kate'. Aw.