Shut Down

So, in the next 48 hours, I'll be experiencing this:

and this:

and lots of this:

I will be tuning out the wide web of the world, and tuning into my friends & family as we celebrate love, Vegas style.

Congrats, Jen & James!

Deal Hunter

Checked out the new Century 21 at 66th today.

I wasn't the only one.

What's in a Name?

I like to think so.

The Sandwiching Hour

Just a sensible 2am assembling of chocolate chip cookie peanut butter ice cream sandwiches.

You know, as you do.

The peanut butter ice cream recipe was inspired by this baker chick.

It's so easy and so decadent. Even at 2am.

Shocked, I Say! Shocked!

I'm really concerned. Chocolate is like the gateway drug.

Wait...there's more:

I'm shocked.

And disgusted.

And quite honestly, worried.

Someone needs to step in and do something.

Thank you, US Weekly, for bringing this serious matter to the wider platform it requires.

Sweet Thangs

Some sugary musings:

Starbucks is getting more and more ridiculous with their latte prices. I guess I will have to get my buzz from bite-sized treats, such as this well composed yummy:

Salted Caramel Sweet Square - Starbucks

More reasons to love Seattle:

Gray Salt Caramels - Fran's Chocolates

I never thought working in East Asian international migration rights would introduce me to French confections, but life surprises you. How has it taken me this long to have a macaroon?

Bouchon Bakery

Try all of the above - your dentist will love you.

My Little Monkey

So, THIS costume didn't work out too well. At least it was free.

Now I have my eyes set on this:

Sock Monkey Dog Sweater - FetchDog

Adorable, but not free.

Street Scene

New York City, you puzzle me.

No matter how much plastic covers it, I would never buy a mattress off the street.

Yet, people buy them. A lot.

To further make my point, look what these sleeping aids sat beside:

I'm glad we agree.

A few blocks down, another mystery presented itself:

Just so you know, the sidewalk is not always open like pictured above. In fact, I didn't know that it could do that.

Guess what was on the other side...?

Why, hello there! Sneaky...he's like the Wizard of Oz.

Supposedly, this is a phone board. Very Macgyver. I hope he knows which purple wire goes to which purple wire. I just see a lot of purple.

It's all about the sidewalks.

80s Dilemma on the A Train

Sorry, dude. If you can't even solve it with a GUIDE, you are hopeless.

Mr. Rubix

Movin' Right Along

Remember how I stated that THESE were the perfect road trip food?

Well, this is the perfect road trip tunage:

Muppets: The Green Album - Amazon.com

Are we there yet?

A Good Looking Couple

Yellow & Grey appear to be the new Black & White. There is something very pretty about pairing colors that are associated with such opposite emotions. Unexpected, multi-seasonal, and bright, yet muted.

Market Tote - Banana Republic

Brooklyn Print - cb2

Stripe Sheet Set - West Elm

Out of Office Flats - Seychelles

BDG Mitered Stripe Pocket Tank Top - Urban Outfitters

Diamond Ikat Citrine Pillow - Dwell Studio

A happy couple, indeed.

Sirious Blogging

I wish I could somehow exist and pay the bills by reading blogs all day, every day.

I can't (although I do give it the old college try), but maybe you can? And maybe I can live vicariously through you?

One blog that is a daily read is:

 http://siriouslydelicious.com/

She will make you laugh. She will make you cry (from laughing...or cutting onions). She will make you hungry.

Luckily, she gives many an idea/recipe to appease your hunger.

She will also give away cool cooking related goodies, such as the current Sur La Table gift card!

Siriously Delicious - Sur la Table Giveaway

That's pretty fancy.

Are you convinced yet? Visit www.siriouslydelicious.com and follow her on Twitter (@siriouslydelish).

Go forth. Blog on.

No Idea

I bought these:

Cocoa Nibs - Theo

I have no idea of their use and purpose, but I love Theo chocolate and I love the word nibs. So there was no escaping the purchase. Wish me luck.

Zig Zag

Apparently, the Missoni for Target line sold out in retail stores in a matter of minutes. The collection was pretty cute. Especially the scarves and baby clothes. As of typing this blog (way past the witching hour, thank you very much insomnia/anxiety/Type A personality), Target.com is still crashed. But do you know what isn't crashed? Ebay, where hundreds of savvy sellers have pillaged their local Targets only to rush home and list the items on Ebay for 20 times the price. Smarties. (Hint, hint: If you are paying that insane price, you might as well look for an actual vintage Missoni piece)

But I have to say, I wouldn't mind a set of these wheels:

(link to come when Target.com gets its act together)

That way, when it is parked in my living room (hey, it's New York - we have no space!), it will at least look semi-chic. Plus, extra seating. ;)

With zigzags being all the rage, this guy should have struck a deal with Target, as well:

Help Me Help You

I'm looking for new clients. FYI: I often come with cupcakes.

Savvy, dependable, trustworthy, & creative personal assistant. College graduate & NYC resident for 10 years. Hand over your To Do list! Household errands, shopping, administrative duties, organizational projects, accounting, email, phone, & letter correspondence. Wonderful with children & animals. Having traveled the world for business & pleasure, I have extensive experience researching & booking travel arrangements, especially on a budget. Technically adept with gadgets, PCs & Macs and knowledge of all things web-related. Outstanding communication skills. Special knack for lifestyle details, from finding the "just right" baby gift to locating your favorite artisanal soy lavender candle. Always discreet & thoughtful. Resume & references upon request. Email: lucysorensen@gmail.com with any inquiries.

You Rule

For you scholars starting classes.

via DesignSponge

I love every inch of this. Pun intended.

The Big Apple

In New York City, things tend to be BIG & RED.

From giant "medium" sodas...

...to street art...

...to Uptown mannequins.

Big & Red & so New York.

Zoe Way

She's back!

My favorite venti Starbucks sipping, white robe wearing, new baby toting, eye rolling stylist.

Rachel Zoe

Bravo's The Rachel Zoe Project returns for its fourth season tonight.

I'm "obsessed" with her line of work and the passion she has for fashion. Let's go, Zoe!

Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head

The forecast for this week:

At least I won't be tempted to play hooky.

Sad clouds!

Pic-A-Nic

Nothing is as leisurely as a picnic. Savor these weeks of perfect weather with your own version of take out.

Brooklyn Bridge Park (photo: Etienne Frossard)

Here in NYC, Fort Tryon, Central Park at West 92nd Street (especially when the cherry trees are blossoming), or the Brooklyn Bridge Park are all favorite patches to park my blanket.

Any old sheet or tapestry will do, but how special to have an eco-friendly, handmade one such as those found on Etsy:

SewnNatural shop on Etsy.com

Now it's time to dress the part.

I'm feeling red & patterned, with a side of vintage.

Lucy in Disguise Honky Tonk Dress - Shopbop

 Floral Woven Romper - Forever 21

Marvel at the Malt Shop Dress - ModCloth

Maybe a floppy straw hat, as you do.

Basic Straw Floppy Hat - Urban Outfitters

For food transport, there are so many options in all price ranges. You can go modern...

Salano Picnic Cooler Tote - Target

...or do a little hunting at your local Goodwill.

I'm fond of these over-sized linen napkins. It's a nice reminder of what you should be doing.

Picnic Napkins - Terrain

A reusable sandwich wrap doubles as a placemat:

roundbottombaby shop on Etsy

And how about these biodegradable, compostable, & stylish "dishes" made with renewable materials?

Wasara Products

On to the sipping and munching.
Homemade lemonade is divine. If you stick it in a thermos swished with a little vodka and raspberries, it becomes out of this world.

And for you non-lushes, I suggest a craft soda, like Reed's. I'm a fan of the extra ginger beer.

Reed's Brews

A well built sandwich always satisfies. Consider using vegenaise since you will be sitting in the sun (hopefully). Fresh & light salads like this one are also to go winners:

Tomato & Cantaloupe Salad - Real Simple

For me, summer dessert is always pie and/or ice cream. Since the ice cream doesn't stand a chance, let's stick with the pie and let's make it handy.

Cherry Hand Pies - www.spoonforkbacon.com

What to do while digesting? A crosssword puzzle, great conversation, or a travel-sized board game will do.

Troll Ebay for a cute vintage set, like this travel backgammon.

Vintage Travel Magnetic Backgammon Case - Ebay

If you want to lighten your load, I suppose Words With Friends on your cell phones would also be quite entertaining.

Eat. Drink. Be Merry.
Outside!