GREAT TO FINALLY MEET YOU!

I had a dream that I met all of my favorite bloggers and had what felt like a family reunion!

 from l-r: Stephanie, Carlee, Lindsey, and Marianne

Well, it really wasn't a dream but it felt like it given how fast everything happened.  Leaving Atlanta at 6:40AM, arriving in New York to spend the day with Candice (my high school friend) and a gaggle of wonderfully talented and beautiful people, attending a taping of The Nate Show, then dashing back to the airport to catch a 8:00pm flight the same night felt like life was happening at lightening speed. Good thing I had my camera and these pics to remind myself that it was, in fact, real!

Pictured with Candice Cook

Rhoda and Sarah

  Pictured with Cristin

The meetup reminded me of when I was in elementary school and would write my pen pal in Japan. The difference here is that I got a chance to meet (and even hug) my pen pals in person.

LaKeitha, Rachel's Fab Friend, and of course Rachel!

Aside from cheering each other on in our design endeavors, sharing in family joys and woes, we've all established a kinship that brings happy feelings when one of us is mentioned.

 Pictured with Nicole

Jade and Kate

 

 On the set of The Nate Berkus Show with Tamara

Last but not least, do you see this lady below? That's Janell Beals, the woman I featured in the Tastemaker Tuesday a couple of weeks ago.  She's kind of a big deal, you see and the word is getting around. Janell taped a segment at The Nate Show and from what I heard, she knocked it out of the park!

image courtesy of Janell Beals

 Run over to Janell's blog to read about her experience! It was truly a breath of fresh air!

A Georgia Peach Takes a Bite of the Big Apple II

Thank you for your comments and emails regarding Part I of my New York weekend trip and now for part II:

On Sunday, we headed to Brooklyn for a fantastic church service at the Brooklyn Tabernacle...
In 1997, the Brooklyn Tabernacle purchased the dilapidated Loew's Metropolitan Theatre and three adjacent buildings.  According to Architectural Record's Building Type Study, the architect faced the challenge of unifying the facade of the building as well as unifying the interiors of each building.  Here's a fun fact:  A tattered piece of fabric found during demolition provided the color scheme for the interior decorative paintings as well as the custom fabric designs for the seating and acoustical panels.

 images via Brooklyn Tabernacle

I would me remiss if I failed to mention that the Brooklyn Tabernacle is the home to the six Grammy Award winning Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.  The choir consists of untrained voices from various multicultural and socio-economic backgrounds. And their voices...angelic and resounded through the cathedral as well my heart. I will definitely return here on my next visit. Also while in Brooklyn I visited the home of a new design client!  I'll keep everyone updated as the project progresses.

Lastly, I recommend everyone to visit and donate to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center.  At the 9/11 Memorial Preview Site the admission is free and visitors can learn about the plans and progress of the Memorial and Museum currently being built at the World Trade Center site.

images taken by Monique G.

It's amazing to me how the twin towers stood tall in what seems such a small lot. While we still mourn the lives lost, the museum helps visitors to also stand tall and creates feelings of optimism regarding the future.  Please click here to visit the website and to view the renderings for this bittersweet memorial.

Thank you readers for your recommendations on places to see/visit while in NY. I may not have had the opportunity to visit them all, but there are on my list for the next time!

A Georgia Peach Takes a Bite of the Big Apple

A few days before I left for New York I decided to perform "The Big Chop!"  It was a surprise to some and a flashback for others who have known me for years. I've already received quite a few emails from you all, my readers, in support of my new 'do!  Thanks for the love!

My best friend Keshia happens to be on assignment in New York and invited me up for the weekend.  I hadn't realized until I was on the plane that it was my first time being away from my children overnight!  This trip was long overdue.  I arrived to New York just enough time to get changed and prepare for dinner.  Our reservations were at Tao New York, touted as the largest and most popular Asian restaurant in New York City.  According to their website, Nicole Kidman, Tom Cruise, Madonna, Jay-Z and Beyonce amongst other celebrities are frequent diners here.  Even with reservations we waited a bit but were seated quickly before finishing my first cocktail.  Here's the scene in the first floor dining area.  Tao's towering 16 foot Buddha, fountains, koi pond, live DJ and saxophonist truly set the atmosphere and prepare you for the ultimate dining experience.

The food was definitely not your average neighborhood takeout.  It was absolutely delicious! Tao was still promoting their Restaurant Week Menu offering a three course meal for $35.  On my tab was the freshest Crisy Tuna Sashimi, Chilean Sea Bass, and Banana Bread Pudding.

 having cocktails at Tao

After dinner we had the greatest intentions to hit this place, but headed back to the W Union Square for a nightcap at Olives.

Day 2 started with breakfast (yes, we're eating again) at Pastis in Manhattan's Meatpacking District. I have a special affection for all things French so I was in heaven when we arrived at this place.

 

these images were captured by Monique (Aren't they gorgeous?)

This french bistro, another celebrity hot spot, has generous portions and is moderately-priced. The decor is French Provençal and could have very well been in the middle of Paris' St. Germain-des-Pres District.

The food was great! On my tab: Brioche French Toast with Fresh Fruit and Maple Syrup.  If I had known I'd be talking about food this much, I would've taken pics of my meals!

From Pastis, we ventured further into the West Village for a little shopping. If you love tailored yet girly frocks, suits, and coats you have to stop into Roni Boutique on Bleecker Street. Bob, our stylist, was a shopper's best friend. And if you happen upon a red brick wall while shopping, please by all means have an impromptu photo shoot!

Before we headed to SoHo for more shopping, we couldn't pass up a stop at Magnolia Bakery on Bleecker Street. If you are a Sex and the City fan, this is where Sarah Jessica Parker satisfied her sweet tooth for yummy cupcakes.

I'm a bit pressed for time today so I will have to leave you here with part 1 of my visit to New York City. Tomorrow I'll return with part 2.  Until then, click here to check out an interesting article about how a cupcake and "Sex and the City" turned Bleecker Street into prime real estate! Ciao!