I figure that the easiest way to do the rest of this is via photo-essay, so, enjoy! 

Our view from Subway stop numero uno on our way into the city.

With this look, I'll be going pro-league soon.

Steph (my favorite fashionista) and I. Seriously, homegirl works on fashion week. She Knows what's what.

Marcus and Steph on our jaunt in Union Square Park with beer-in-a-bag. This was about 15 minutes before we decided that should take a midnight ride on the Staten Island Ferry. Which may or may not have been the best drunk-decision ever.

This vehicle would be the purveyor of sustenance one block away from our apartment at 3 AM. And by that I mean, they had fresh hand-scooped (in front of you!) falafel. Life changing.

Ferrara Bakery @ 9 AM on Saturday morning. This is what exhaustion mixed with love looks like. It's also what the most delicious vanilla latte in the history of the world looks like.

Marcus doesn't eat breakfast or treats. You had better believe we devoured those. Absolutely life changing. I would have snapped a picture of what we actually ordered except it didn't even stand a chance.

I really thought Dalmatians at Fire Stations were an imaginary thing. This is not so.

Part of the Mom Kat walking tour. Once you roll out of Little Italy, you're supposed to take a Subway to Grand Central Station. Instead we walked from Canal Street to 70th-ish. There were sights to be seen.

Grand Central Station. The ceiling inside defies words or photos.

Rockefeller Center. Lindsey felt it in her bones, and so we turned left, walked two blocks and found ourselves here. At this point, everything was surreal.

On Saturday, Marcus and I walked through Times Square at 3 PM, 8 PM and 2 AM (So, technically Sunday morning on that one. For the record, as Erin tipped us off, it is absolutely dead at 2 AM.). It was literally and physically dazzling.

This combo was Pomegranate with Animal Crackers, Chocolate Chips, Slivered Almonds and Raspberries. Other combos sampled over the weekend (since you know, I hit it three times) were Chocolate with Chocolate Crunch Balls, Slivered Almonds, Strawberries and Coconut, as well as Coconut with Mango, Slivered Almonds, Chocolate Chips and Coconut. Don't hate on me haters.

This is literally the only restaurant I can remember the name of - it's called Wonjo. It's a Korean place and they're in Midtown on W 32nd. This was the pickled-assortment (including raw crab?!) that appeared before our pot of Bibimbap. It's the first time in a long while where Marcus and I have had absolutely no idea of what to do with the food that was presented to us. Highly recommend.

Naturally because this trip was a delightful mix of planning and cosmic synergy, while we were waiting for the hypnotist show from hell to begin, I turned around and laid eyes on this. The only way you'll understand what effect this had on me, is if you studied Journalism. For your sake, I hope you did because for me, it was awesome in the most ferocious of ways.

The Cloisters are the Medieval Art arm of The Met in Washington Heights. They opened in the late 1930's thanks to the Rockefellers. You can really only get there by train and it takes ~50 minutes.

They had a couple of different frescoes like this one (and yes, they were all transplanted) - I just thought this one was hysterical because even though Camels are STILL a novelty to most of us, this must have just been the craziest thing you could have on your wall in medieval times. Frescoes were merely decorative - they didn't transmit information through allegory or symbolism in the manner that tapestries did.

The building is modeled after a medieval cloister. Basically all of the pillars in the entire place (with the exception of a few replica pieces to fill-in) have been taken from ruins in Europe.

They also transported and re-built entire rooms and spaces. This is the Chapter House from the Benedictine abbey of Notre Dame at Pontaut. This structure stood in France in the 12th century. Unreal.

Basically every time we turned a corner or walked into another room (I mean, half of it was outdoors), my jaw just dropped.

The colors on these plates were so beautiful it was painful. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of the tapestries they have in their collection. But they were astonishing. And they gave me the energy to go on until we can see The Lady and the Unicorn tapestries at Musee de Cluny en Paris.

This is the image I came to The Cloisters to see. It makes Central Park look embarassing, skimpy and extremely under-done.

Every plant species in the gardens of the Bonnefont Cloister (there are multiple cloisters in The Cloisters) is a plant/herb/tree that was found in medieval gardens. It was absolutely fascinating to see the number of different wild plants people relied upon in those times for food/medication/spirituality.

It was the kind of perfect morning that makes your heart hurt.

If I could only choose one place to return to in New York, I'm fairly certain this would be it. What you can't see from here is that just beyond the pillars, you're overlooking the Hudson River.

Y’all are lucky I came home.

I thought tonight I would get to share all manner of trip photos with you, but apparently I’m in a fight with my phone.  As we were leaving the airport last night, I was busy e-mailing them to myself (Marcus was driving…basically, he always does) and only half of them came through.  So, I’m in the process of figuring out how to get the other half of the pictures from my phone to my Gmail account, (which seems to not be working at the moment via my phone…possibly because of all of the turning on and off that went on with the planes) THEN I can dish the deets of our trip.  I swear-to-God, if it’s not one thing with this phone, it’s something else.

In the meantime, I will allow you to ponder my hipster-hood with one of the photos that did make it through. 

And to think I was nervous about fitting in!  Steph was so kind as to teach me this new way that they’re draping their scarves over there and even though you almost strangle yourself in the process of getting it wrapped correctly, I am rather fond of this new look.  Confessional: That is a PBR you see me brown-bagging in Union Square Park.  I used beer as an accessory.

It really was the best trip, and I’m so thankful that Marcus was the voice of reason and decided that we would be returning on Sunday rather than Monday – I seriously needed the extra night of sleep and the day to get our “normal” weekend errands (read: Grocery Shopping) taken care of.

I also got to sneak in a dinner with Leah (she was in-town from San Diego because of a wedding) at Sunset’s which included one of my favorite coconut crusted chicken salads (delightful) and a cup of French Onion Soup.  A few weeks ago, I saw it on the menu somewhere and realized that I hadn’t gotten to enjoy that delightful mix of cheesy, brothy goodness in a LONG time.  Suffice it to say, between the two, it was the perfect way to say goodbye to summer and hello to fall.

Tomorrow, we return to the real world.

To help ease the transition, if you’re looking for a way to procrastinate the morning away (or need a new read) you can also check out my guest post on Two Minneapolitans.

Maybe I passed out on the terminal floor this afternoon at La Guardia and ended up drooling all over my hot pink travel pillow.

But it was totally worth it.

I’ve been reading like a professional lately, much to Marcus’ astonishment.  There’s nothing that I love more, really.  And it means that I’m finally putting our living room to good use – being able to read in peace was a huge reason for me fighting not to have a TV in there.
 
Obviously, because we all care, if you’ll be so kind as to let me nerd-out for the moment, this is what I’ve read in the past few weeks since joining-up at the good old library.
 
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
 
I know that I’m two years late in reading this one.  Basically, it’s Tuesdays With Morrie sans-Mitch Albom.  I’ll be so forward as to say that I think we were all getting a little tired of him (Mr. Albom, not Morrie) anyway.  It was a super-fast read for me and frankly, sometimes we need books like this to “parent” us and show us how to get our act together.  Or to live more.  Or something like that.
 
Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez.
 

 
This story is heartbreaking and empowering all at once.  It’s not as dark as Princess by Jean Sasson, but it definitely made me count my blessings.
 
In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan
 
This one really shouldn’t require an explanation.  But y’all know how I feel about Michael Pollan’s rule for food/eating/health: Eat food.  Not too much.  Mostly plants.  If you’re a human who ever goes grocery shopping, or cooks food, you need to read this book. I could wax poetic about all of the reasons why it’s so important to know this sort of stuff, but really, that’s why you need to pick it up.  If you enjoy this one, Pollan’s Food Rules is an excellent follow-up read, and definitely a worthy pocket-book to purchase and keep around the house.
 
The Girls’ Guide to Hunting and Fishing by Melissa Bank
 
It’s been awhile since I’ve read one of those fiction-y-type books that’s been written from the first person perspective with a super self-aware main character.  For some reason, I found it to be reminiscent of The Royal Tenenbaums.  Whatever that means.  I didn’t mind it, but it isn’t one that I’d ever pick up again.  For what it’s worth, you won’t be bored.  But definitely do this one with a glass of wine.  Or two.
 
I’ve still got quite a few books on my “holds” list, but I’m always looking for more to add (since some take longer to get than others)!  What are you reading right now?  What is the best book you’ve read in the past two years?

We will be enjoying LOTS of this.

Photo from Concierge. 

Obviously I’m on my way to the airport right now (!), and thanks to some end-of-the-day inspiration on Wednesday, I’ll have some cute ‘fits to sport while in The Big City. 

I also have a nice looking-set of mitts thanks to a DIY manicure sesh last night. 

Since I like to take “technology” breaks when I’m on vacation, I made sure to line some fun stuff up for y’all to pick over for the next few days.  I know I’ll be on Twitter, but beyond that, I make no promises.  We have to live life as it happens. 

And, to put you in an Empire State of Mind, Slate answers the hard questions for us…Check out Where To Buy Gold Lame Leggings If American Apparel Goes Out Of Business. 

Friends, we are saved.

While I was wrapped in a blanket in the basement, Marcus and Lindsey were having a blast in D.C. 

Note: Marcus has been out-of-town since Monday and returned home today.  When he’s out-of-town, I try not to mention that little tidbit on the blog, because then the world knows that I’m busy kickin’ it up Home Alone-style.  Not so safe. 

You see, when Marcus goes out to West Virgina for work, he’s able to choose what airport he flies in and out of, since there’s no way to get where he’s going without driving for at least two hours.  D.C. is pretty much always a choice for him, so he brought one of Linds’ suitcases (that got left-behind during the move) out for her, and I instructed her to plan an Excellent Adventure for the two of them.  Even though Marcus has been doing the West Virginia thing forever, he really hasn’t seen any of the city yet, so they went to the National Mall and visited all of the monuments.

I was jealous of this for all manner of reasons, obviously.

BUT, they also hatched a plan.  It’s only $40 for a bus ticket to NYC from D.C.  And since Marcus and I had no plans to make this trip a “romantic getaway” (we know too many people we’ll be visiting + spending time with in the city), she’s coming up for the weekend!

Tonight in the midst of packing and watching Sex and the City, I Actioned a Caprese Sandwich.

Delish. Highly recommend.

And raided the beer fridge.

The six-packs you see there aren't actually what we have, they just...serve as storage.

Enjoyed: A Blueberry Ale of ambiguous origins (the label came off in the cooler at the cabin) and a Stone Soup from the New Glarus  Brewing Co. (Abbey-style).  I’ve been craving beer for the longest time and since I didn’t want to open another bottle of wine (since we’re taking off tomorrow…I feel this is a valid reason), it was definitely time.

This lady has got to get back to packing – my goal is to not overpack for probably the first and only time in my life.

I will bravely accept my fate.

But before we wrap this up, it seems only appropriate to share a tale.

So, in September 2007, there Lindsey and I were, sitting on my twin bed in the sorority house, confronting the issue of what the hell I was meant to be doing with myself during the High Holidays besides projecting Beauty and Magic.

Naturally.

And Linds’ biggest advice was to avoid sitting by his father at.all.costs.  You see, at her temple, during the Yom Kippur services, they all hold hands at the end to enter the new kingdom together.  And God forbid, we would all just be sitting there during services, having a peaceful moment and then suddenly I would find myself holding his old man’s hand.

Naturally, I ended up sitting next to David, and then proceeded to sit on pins and needles waiting for that one part where we were all going to be hand-holders. 

It never came.

Thanks, Linds.

Flats by Seychelles
Shoulder Bags by Brahmin

I’m not going to show you black stiletto pumps or strands of pearls today because they are the things you should always have ready-to-go.  Why? Besidse the fact that they alwawys look lovely, half of the time, fashion experiments fail.  This is more of a, if you got to go hunting in someone else’s jewelry box to find something Exciting and New and Totally Not What You Usually Go For-thing.

When bedazzling your bod for others, I’m of the belief that you’re allowed to choose one trendy piece and the rest should really be as classically-styled as possible.  I know, I know, I’m totally crimping your style, have no idea of what I’m talking about and you will totally Show Me when you prance into services all tricked-out.  Or I’ll laugh my ass off  (which really isn’t in the spirit of Rosh Hashanah) because you will look like Seventeen Magazine vomited on you.  Look at it this way: One piece of “fashion” jewelry (or other accessory) can be paired with other, classic pieces for a polished look.  More than one piece generally cheapens the look and you start to run the risk of wearing clashing trends.  Not cute.  Not classy.

Despite this fact, today was just the loveliest Tuesday.  I got to go out for happy hour after work with Michelle (Marcus’ sister) and Tiffany at Cooper’s.  Since actual happy hour has become an endangered species in my world (due to the half-marathon training), and I’ve been meaning to get together with both of them for SO long, it was a real treat.  While I have to keep my eye on the ball until October 3rd for the 10 Mile, I’m really looking forward to being able to have a more-flexible evening social schedule.  Plus, I think that happy hour is The Best Way to try out new restaurants and see if I’d actually want to go back for dinner.

To get into the New York Spirit this evening (Three wake-ups!  Or two sleeps, depending on your perspective.),  I enjoyed a few old episodes of Sex and the City.  I’ll be honest, I missed this show the first time it went around, so I have no real attachment to the actual storyline.  Thus, it makes no difference to me that I watched Episodes 10 & 11 from Season 3.  Thank you, HBO On Demand.

Speaking of TV, I’ve added, The Real Housewives of D.C. to my trash-TV repertoire.  After the Salahis crashed the State Dinner, I couldn’t help myself.  Lest you all think that I come home and immediately crash in front of the television, you should know that I designated this show as a treadmill-only show.  Does anyone else have recommendations for shows that are easy to watch while you’re exercising?  This is my first experience with running in front of a TV.  I have to confess, I like it FAR more than I had thought that I would.

I won’t pretend that’s not a totally insane thing to do.  Because it definitely is.

My future-self will appreciate this in January when it’s freezing, miserable and the snow has soaked through my Uggs.

I feel that it goes without saying that it’s going to be a rough transition back to buying vegetables at the grocery store.

Ironically today, even though I thought that I was on a hiatus from treat-excess, a co-worker brought in cupcakes from Byerly’s  as a belated birthday treat for moi, and naturally because I try cupcakes of All Varieties, I ended up eating the frosting off of a chocolate one and a vanilla one.  LIKE I COULD EVEN HELP MYSELF.

Some of you may wonder why I go frosting-only.  Frankly, I find that most sheet cakes and cupcakes are Inferior Product – they’re dry, taste “off” or are incorrectly proportioned to the amount of frosting they’ve been given.  In these circumstances (which are most of them), I prefer to only eat the frosting, because that’s most often the part of the cake that the bakery gets right.

I also realized today, that I should probably make some sort of calling card for the Minnesota Blogger Conference.  Because if someone cares to know who I am, stopping the clock to jot things down will be awkward at best.  Even though I am that girl, I like to pretend that I’m not.  I did a bit of research and after finding that most printers want you to order in a minimum batch of 250 (yeah, right), you can order in batches of 50 off of Shutterfly, using one of their pre-fab designs.  It took me 15 minutes, and they will appear on my doorstep.

It’s crazy to think that in four more wake-ups (as my parents used to say, and still sometimes do), we’ll be getting ready to hop on a plane to New York!  I’m ashamed to admit that on the fashion-front I’m embarrassingly unprepared.  I don’t want to look like That Campy Midwestern-er, so I should probably get to work on Visioning the sorts of outfits and styles I’ll want to be Sporting.

Last night we finalized our accommodation arrangements – we rented a studio in the Flatiron district via Airbnb.  I found out about this site last year  and have been wanting to try it ever since.  Naturally, I’ll be sure to give you all a full report when we return.  If it turns out well, then we might have the opportunity to use the site again this winter.  But I think I’ll wait to reveal that vacation until our return.  I’m a firm believer in concentrating on one fabulous adventure at a time.

p.s. Because I owe you all big time, check out the new Pizza section!