Social Life...: New York, New York... Part 1..

It's time to play catch up with some blog posts that I have seriously been slacking on.. A few months ago we headed to New York, New York for a mini vacay.. I had never been to New York as an adult (except for a six hour layover which was enough time to grab lunch and do a little shopping in one of the neighborhoods) and I was SUPER excited to check out this east coast town.. Now I'm a west coast girl through and through but I could seriously spend some semi-long term time in the city.. Over the course of our 5 day trip I finally figured out how to use the subway system and could navigate my way around like a pro! I was made to live there I concluded!! We did so much while there and it was so easy to get around that you could knock out 20 things on your "to do" list and not even realize it.. Get ready to get bombarded with pictures.. I in fact have to break up this blog into two parts otherwise the pictures would get a little cray, cray...

Waiting for my train to come.. with my Missoni in tow.. you may remember from my blog post back a few months ago about how I was pining for the luggage.. I got it!!

Empire State of mind...

Our hotel was right across the street from Madison Square Garden and Penn Station.. couldn't have asked for a better location! Oh yeah and you could see Times Square down the road too..

A few of my friends from high school moved to New York to pursue their dream of opening up a restaurant/bar.. It's been opened for about a year now and highly coveted in the New York restaurant scene.. I'm not even kidding when I say the food was some of the best I've had.. It's called Hudson Clearwater and it's behind this little inconspicuous door which first enters into a garden like area.. up the steps is the cutest intimate restaurant.. I'm so proud of them and rave about their food.. and drinks.. Reunion!!

That night they introduced us to a true speakeasy-like bar.. During the day it literally dubs as a barber shop... but at night through the door which is actually the entire wall that moves to the side, you enter into the hot spot... So insane!! I present the Blind Barber...

He thought he closed his eyes...

Late night taxi cab confessions...

For our first official brunch, I made reservations weeks in advance for the Beaumarchais in the meat packing district on the recommendation of a friend of mine.. Here's a hint if you decide to go.. around 3pm the shades are drawn and bubbly is flowing.. the Beaumarchais turns into a day club! It's cruise ship french themed.. Pretty awesome is what it is...

I decided the $5000 La Debauche was a little more my taste...

Taking a stroll through the meat packing district... In style of course...

We happened to stumble upon... Times Square!!!

Chris surprised me with one of my Birthday presents to a Broadway show!!! WICKED!!! It was AMAZING!! I highly recommend this show if you are in New York.. All I can say is "toss, toss".. you'll get it when you see it...

Looks like Chris found the Cosmo issue he was in!! Check out the reaction from the dude in the back.. NOT amused...

Soooooo... for my other Birthday present, these were all secrets kept until last minute by the way, we headed to Brooklyn..

So much creative artwork along the way to see...

The River Cafe!!! I actually had never heard of this restaurant before but Chris used his research skills and found a restaurant "with a view" as he said... He did good.. I repeat.. he did good...

Yeah... I'd say that is quite the view.. of NEW YORK CITY!!! Actual view from our table...

The Brooklyn Bridge dessert...

Artsy picture taking...

With all the walking we did, I tried bringing flats with me everywhere and then switch into my heels once we got to where ever we were going...

Since we were on California time we couldn't sleep at a normal time.. So after dinner we tried going to the 9-11 Memorial.. Apparently you have to make reservations.. during daylight hours to visit.. Whoops.. maybe next time.. at least we tried!!

Blends right into the New York life..

Columbus Circle..

Carnegie Hall...

Central Park...

I loved this view.. so iconic from so many movies...

Just hanging out.. on our very own rock.. Prime real estate in the park...

My Mom worked for Elizabeth Arden for years when I was younger.. Seeing this made me think of her and the opportunities she put aside to raise my brother and I instead.. sighhhhh....

This illy espresso shot was so necessary during my stroll through Soho... Geared up for some shopping!! It was the last day in New York and I had to get in some shopping and one of kind "anything".. I did a little damage.. kind of a pro at that.. I'm not proud.. ok, yes I am...