take me there :: junior's

What do you do when someone comes to visit nyc and they haven't been here since 1953 {or another year in the 50's… I can't remember exactly, those are the details that I'm not so good at}? take them to junior's in times square… well really just take them anywhere because new york city is like a whole new world since then. and that's just what I did when my granddaddy came to visit. who wouldn't want a piece of classic ny cheesecake in ny? but then Granddaddy just ordered the pineapple coconut cake… that's ok though, it was just a yummy to me! And I can never pass up a good sundae {with a guinness on the side}. 

If you have visitors in town, take them and if you've never been, take my advice… just go. It's fun to be cheesy like a tourist. trust me.

{and if you are the tourist, live it up! I'm jealous.}

"to live is the rarest thing in the world. 

most people just exist."

{oscar wilde}

take me there :: swakop

Since I’ve been thinking about a year ago lately, I thought I would take you to where I was a year ago :: Swakopmund, Namibia. highly, highly recommend that if you ever get the chance to go, go. it’s this little seaside town that borders the desert with all kinds of random german influences. I laid out on the beach, sipped sundowners while watching the kite boarders in the sunset, went to the local museum, ate camembert and chutney on the patio, watched volleyball games from the picnic tables, sang karaoke with the locals, went four wheeling on the dunes, took springbok shots with the crew, at mexican food and pizza, went sand dune surfing, drank lots of cider, went shopping a lot and took so many pictures. there is so much to do in this little town. it’s simple and the perfect getaway. there were mostly south africans and europeans on vacation there and I would completely and totally go back in a heartbeat. everyone is so friendly and welcoming. I hope I do get to experience it all again one day.

"shining light from our own position may not illuminate 
or conquer the entire world 
but it can be a guiding friend to others in need."

{unknown}

take me there :: warm weather in the air

As if I haven't said it enough already, I am so ready for warmer weather. Looking back through some pictures I took in Camuy, Puerto Rico this past fall and remembering this moment right before an afternoon downpour. We quickly ducked into El Fogon de la Abuela Restaurant and watched the storm pass. Anyone that lives south of Georgia understands those afternoon storms. Sometimes they happen in South Carolina or North Carolina but not like in South Florida {and occasionally in the islands}. There's a downpour of summer rain around 3pm, almost without fail, everyday. The smell right before the rain hits is one of my most favorite things in the world. And the storm usually lasts just the perfect amount of time for an afternoon nap and then it's gone as if we never even knew what the rains were. Oh, how I love that feeling. I am so ready for those summer afternoons. Are there any feelings that you just can't live without?

"some people feel the rain, others just get wet."

{roger miller}

take me there :: mardi gras

Last year I had the opportunity to experience Mardi Gras for the first time. Fat Tuesday New Orleans style. It was beyond awesome. Wishing I was there again but instead here's to looking back at last year. Do you guys celebrate Fat Tuesday?  

"THROW ME SOMETHING MISTER!"

“mardi gras, baby. mardi gras. 

time when all manner of weird shit cuts loose and parties down.” 

{sherrilyn kenyon}

take me there :: chelsea market

If you find yourself in New York City and you want a day indoors, head over to the Chelsea Market. It's full of books, kitchen goods, homemade crafts, food, wine and more food. I spent a few hours there last week when it was raining/sleeting/snowing outside. It was the perfect late lunch including happy hour drinks and then easy to walk around and make the most of a dreary afternoon.

:: Lunch at The Green Table :: Dessert from Doughnuttery ::

 :: deciding if I like all the sugars mixed on the mini doughnut :: 

and it's still out there for a decision

"I always try to leave a place still wanting to see more."

{pamela barsky}

take me there :: honeymoon beach

As I mentioned yesterday, it is freezing here in NYC so during weeks like this I am dreaming of any place other than here. Specifically warm weather beaches {as I'm sure you are quickly learning… as if you didn't already know}. One of my favorite places in the world is Honeymoon Beach on Water Island in the Virgin Islands. I lived there when I was younger and as an adult, I try to visit as often as possible. The bonus of it all is that my Dad just moved back there full time, so visiting will be even that much sweeter in the future. 

Honeymoon Beach :: lunch at Heidi's Honeymoon Grill - late afternoon drinks at Joe's Beach Bar - Monday Night Movies on the Beach {and the ferry does late runs from St. Thomas for movie night} - live music on Sunday nights if you live on the island and/or can get a boat ride back to St. Thomas - snorkeling - volleyball and other activities are always coming up. If you are staying on St. Thomas for more than a couple days, it is worth the day trip over or even stay a night over at the campgrounds. 

Always welcome to email me with any questions! I just love it there.

Time Flies When You Are Having Rum!

take me there :: cali grapes

Winter is legit and it is officially here. I almost can't think to write. It's beyond freezing outside. Literally. So I'm leaving you with some photos that I took in Cali a few months back and it helps to keep those warm thoughts in my head. Here's to warmer weather coming sooner than later!

"Sorrow can be alleviated by good sleep, a bath and a glass of wine."

     

 {thomas aquinas}

take me there :: park city

As I mentioned yesterday I was in Utah recently and this included my first trip to Park City. I loved it. Wish I could've stayed longer. We drove over just to grab some lunch {we ate at Flanagan's} and to enjoy a little day trip of walking around downtown. I hope to go back when more is happening. Now I understand why all the people flock there during season. And I will definitely visit again for a longer vaca in the months or years to come. I'm not much of a skier but there is always a ski lodge with spiked hot chocolate calling my name. Anyone else been to Park City? Any recommendations?

"In Utah, there are no bad things in the water there.

 It's just smooth, really beautiful."

{steve guttenberg} 

take me there :: st. thomas

St. Thomas is a place for shopping and beaches. The snorkeling is easy and the waters, beyond beautiful. Their jewels sparkle like the sea on a smooth sunny day. A few spots that I checked out during my last visit weren't as typical as I usually do but I'm so glad I did. We tasted Bones, their local rum {note the distillery is only open when cruise ships are in town}, sipped on St. John's Island Summer Ale at Tickles and smoked hookah at the Hubbly Bubbly lounge and by the way, their food is delish. Side Note :: if you like to take drinking vacations {which I do} then you are in luck in St. Thomas :: see the $8.99 price for a bottle of rum? not a special price, that is it all the time… on the other hand mixers like soda will run you about $5 and up. Island priorities, they have some good ones. 

"Searching is half the fun: 

life is much more manageable when thought of 

as a scavenger hunt as opposed to a surprise party."

{jimmy buffett}