Foodie Friday: NYC Edition

Bestie and I are waking up this morning in fabulous New York City.  I'm not sure if there is a better place for foodies!  We are both looking forward to eating our way through the weekend (and of course a little shopping too!) In an attempt to fight our Type A personalities, we hadn't made any reservations!

That was until I heard that New York Restaurant Week had been extended (Until September 5th if anyone has plans to visit before then!)  I couldn't pass up the opportunity to book a great meal at a great price and quickly began cross referencing reviews with the list of restaurants.  In between searches I saw The Palm Court at The Plaza on the list!

via Luxist

Unbelievable, but in all my trips to New York I have never stepped foot into The Plaza.  Today we will be lunching at a true New York landmark!  They also offer a fantastic afternoon tea, but I really didn't think my friend and our host for the weekend, B, would really care for that ;-)

As for the rest of our noshing, it will be a mix of fulfilling cravings (Sushi), NYC classics (pizza, street food), hyped foodie destinations (I hear this milkshake could change my life), girls' Sunday brunch a la SATC and whatever else catches our eye!

Come back next Friday and I will fill you in on all of the yummy details!

Semi-Wordless Wednesday

Linking up again this week with Mrs. Daphne over at Flip Flops & Pearls  for Semi-Wordless Wednesday!

Chocolate and humor...does it get any better?

Amidst our busy Summer schedule, I was talked into volunteered to provide dessert for our church's weekly Wednesday night dinner.  I wish I had time to make something a little more "homemade," but the ginormous box of Ghiradelli brownies caught my eye at Costco.  {Big Bear may have said "Chocolate, please!" all the way to the car}

I also had to share a recent Homegoods find...these adorable cocktail napkins (another obsession of mine!)

Hope you are having a fabulous Wednesday and get the chance to enjoy something a little sweet today!

Guest Post: Big City Surprise

 Please enjoy today's post from my Bestie! Come back next week for a recap of our big city adventure!
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Hi, y'all.  Thanks for indulging me in this little guest post situation!  Sometimes I pretend like I want to be a for-reals writer in the far-fetched distant future, so I'm happy to expand my musings beyond my own little audience (in a highly controlled break from my nesty little comfort zone, mind you.  wink.). A smidgen about me -- I'm not quite as fully southern charmed and preppy as Amy -- I'm an odd mix of a dash of preppy girlie, a little bit gangsterific, a tad geeky, and a big ball of rosy-cheeked sarcasm and laughter.  I'm also edging toward the end of my 20s, and hoping to hold on to some foreverness myself.  Oh, and I'm a single mama to the cutest, sweetest, most devilishly advanced with workin' my nerves, little 3 year old boy.  

So, Mrs. Forever 29 (also known as my bestie since our college roomie days) and I are ready to pack up our southern pearls, hand the little ones off to daddies, and hit up the big glamorous New York City.  Even though the trip plans sort of sprung up out of the blue, relatively last minute (WHAT the what?!  total crazytimes considering the powers of our TypeA situations combined.), it's actually very fitting.  The last time I visited the big city was also with Amy!  Young college girls, we scored some e-savers, jetted off to stay with Mr. Banker, her then-boyfriend (or maybe fiance?), in his oh-so-free ridiculously awesome right-in-the-middle-of-the-city studio.  It was ahhhh-mazing times.  We shopped.  We noshed.  We walked around and just experienced it.  And ever since, I've been clamoring to get back.

This year, I was lusting for an NYC trip so hard, I decided I would just go on my own, if the right deals popped up.  And then some circumstances came up that made Amy want to visit a friend who lives in Brooklyn.  I raised my hand as a very willing travel companion, and before you know it, these two crazy planners have figured out child care, frugal flight options, and how to share a google map on places to get our shop on.

This is where it gets spooky & weird, y'all.

With giddiness of anticipation tangible in my entire body, I headed out for some mundane shopping locally last weekend.  As an afterthought, I tucked into the TJ Maxx last minute, looking for some apparel items for an upcoming event - not related to the trip.  I score some clothing finds, then head to run the usual rounds through home furnishings to see if anything strikes my decor fancy.  Lo and behold... I turn a corner, glance at the framed prints along the back wall, and this small print catches my eye, and just speaks to me, and within a fraction of a second, I knew I had to have it.

 Perfection!

I'm fairly particular about the style of art I like - which is probably why I have almost nothing other than framed photos hanging on my walls.  I'd say I prefer simple illustrations and prints though.  This particular one had the perfect silverleaf-ish frame (which is exactly the style I'm using in my bedroom table frames), and had a very simple black pen outline drawing of... wait for it.... hold on... nuh-uhhhhhhh...... the NYC skyline.  It was like it was just sitting there, meant for me.  My style, meaningful, and possibly a good luck charm for our upcoming trip?  I can't even describe the perfection of the moment.  

I snatched it up with a quickness.  As I walked to the front to get a cart, a lady zoned in on it, and got all aggressive with trying to figure out if she could score another one, or the one I snagged.  She tailed me for a while, scoured the art section, and gave me the inquisition on everything I knew about it.  Back off, store stalker!  

You know what really speaks to how much I was instantly in love with the piece?  I didn't even glance at the price tag until I was in line to buy it.  At a mere $25, it was a super fabulous find.  I hung it over my bed that same day, and have been smitten with it since.  It's beautiful, it's me, and it reminds me of a place I've loved visiting, and fun times that lie ahead.

Perfect in Bestie's lovely bedroom!

Vacation will never be the same again...

We enjoyed some fun just hanging out...

 Walking on the beach...

 Seeing Little Bear take in the beach for the first time

 And then...there was A LOT of this:

dragging a thrashing, screaming toddler from whatever activity his heart desired.  At this moment it was that he wanted to get in the water in a fishing only area.  Other tantrums included removing him from the aquarium gift shop, keeping him from boarding a yacht docked at the waterfront and several times as we needed to leave the beach.


"Vacation" with two young children is nothing short of exhausting!  For the past two years we have had a great time and been able to get tons of pictures.  It's hard, at least for me, to keep my expectations low and understand that every year is going to be very different.  I feel bad that we took 300 pictures of Big Bear's first time at the beach and only 40 of Little Bear.  I know putting together our annual beach trip photo book is going to be a challenge.

But I did love (and hate) seeing my fearless toddler having a blast getting pelted by the waves. And how happy my little infant was running his fingers through the sand. Sharing ice cream while watching a movie. We did make some awesome memories...and will try to forget about all of the tears!

Semi-Wordless Wednesday

Linking up today with Flip Flops & Pearls for Semi-Wordless Wednesday!

I found this printed canvas at *shocker* Marshalls last week.  I love this and these are definitely a few of the many "family rules" we will have in our home!

Foodie Friday

We are in the middle of our big travel month, so I thought I would talk about road trip/travel food!  Do you have little rituals for eating when you travel?  We definitely do!  It depends on where we are going, but here are a few.

For me, any trip must start with Starbucks!  For Mr. Banker it is usually McDonalds for a biscuit if we are leaving in the morning.


We always seem to be driving a LONG way, so a stop for lunch is a must!  Cracker Barrel is kid-friendly, so we have stopped there many times.  Even on kid-less trips it is a great spot!  We stopped in Dublin, GA for lunch on the way to St. Simons Island this week.


I had country fried steak, hashbrown casserole, mac & cheese and okra.  Those sides are what I always order...or sometimes I will just get a veggie plate and have those sides + fried apples.

Mr. usually orders breakfast, no matter the time of day.  Pancakes & country ham were his choice on this trip.

Certain restaurants/foods seem to have more appeal if you can't get them locally. A few of our favorites are  Cook Out a North Carolina chain that is delicious, Bojangles is also good road food and from my sister and BIL Krystal!  You can also have traditions to go to certain restaurants when you return time after time to a destination...for us one of those is Shark Shack in Atlantic Beach, NC.


Tell me about your favorite road trip food or vacation spot restaurants!

Cherish this moment

 

A few nights ago I was feeding Little Bear his bottle before bed.  I could see he was slowly falling asleep and I was so excited!  He hasn't fallen asleep in my arms for weeks, no probably months.  I tried to be happy about him doing so great sleeping through the night and soothing himself to sleep.  But it was hard and it made me sad when he would get squirmy at bedtime, just wanting to be laid down. 

This night he fell asleep and I was determined to soak it all in.  We sat and rocked and snuggled for a good 30 minutes.  In his soft, light blue pajamas I wanted to remember everything about how he felt in my arms.  He was squeaky clean just having had a bath and smelled like lavender shampoo.  He was comfy and peaceful.  

On Monday I put him down for nap, but he just wasn't settling down.  With the memory of our rocking together fresh in my mind I quickly went to grab a bottle.  That's right, I broke the rules!  Feeding schedule be damned, I wanted some more snuggle time!  I know I have a lifetime of snuggles with my sweet boy, but I'm especially thankful for these quiet moments we can share right now!

Summer Staples

I'm looking forward to packing for vacation because I'll get to pack my "fun clothes!"  Staying Working at home with the boys means function over form when it comes to clothes.  Here is what I live in during the Summer months.

Though I'm not trekking out to the pool everyday I was needing a new suit.  I'm in love with this one that I just found and it is perfect! Mine is navy

Lands End Canvas

I was trying to get free shipping, so I picked out a new cover-up too.  This one fits great, has pockets and looks more like a dress.

Lands End Canvas

Most days I just want to throw on a tee or tank.  Old Navy is a great place for cheap tees and tanks.  I try to use these to embrace trends through color, like this neon green tee!

Old Navy

ON is also the go-to for flip flops!  I love LLBean and J Crew critter flip flops and of course my Bonannos and Jack Rogers. But I really find myself grabbing my navy flip flops most often.  They are always comfortable and washable!

Old Navy

This look can get pretty boring, but with a grabby 7 month old it makes it hard to rock the accessories.  I finally bit the bullet and bought some Chewbeads.  I purchased the Jane in white, turquoise and pink.  And I can definitely see myself ordering some more colors for Fall.

via here

Everyday I either wear my J Crew chino capris (that they no longer make :( ) or their 5 inch chino shorts.  This length works best on me and I have found a similar fit in Lilly Pulitzer Callahan shorts.

J Crew

Come back later this week and I'll be sure to post some of my vacation OOTDs.

An Afternoon in Atlanta

I had an appointment in Atlanta (I live about 30 mins outside of the city) yesterday afternoon, so I took the opportunity to do a little running around town afterwards :-)

I had something to return to Marshalls, so I took it with me.  I have always found good shoes at the Marshalls on Piedmont and this visit was no exception.  Seersucker. Bow. Flip Flops. YES!

I also can NOT be in the vicinity of Phipps Plaza without popping in to Belk to shop their Lilly Pulitzer.  I think they have the best selection!

I tried on a few things...was able to confirm that I can not pull off the 3 inch Walsh shorts or the Wiley tube top.  I wasn't loving the cut of the capris either.  But I did grab that super cute pink and green striped sailor sweater for 50% off!

Then it was across the street to Borders.  Except the Borders went out of business!  Oops; guess I need to get into the city more often!

On a happy note, Pinkberry was right there!

I tried the Salted Caramel with Heath Bar that I have heard chatter about on Twitter...it was fantastic!

Then it was back to my little suburb and typical weekly grocery shopping.  I did throw some good beach reads into my cart!

What did y'all do on Sunday afternoon?

Dukan Update

Sooo, I'm moving on to the third phase of the Dukan Diet.  I didn't reach my goal yet, (I lost 10 pounds and had 3 to go) but I want to amp up the working out, so I need more carbs.  Mr. Banker and I are going to give the Insanity workouts a try.  Anyone used this program?

 

Mr. is "in training" for this Tough Mudder race that he and a bunch of our friends signed up for next Spring.  This girly girl is NOT interested in a muddy race, but I will be planning the after party! 

 

 sooooo not me!

Foodie Friday!

Time to talk sweet tea, y'all!  I really didn't grow up with sweet tea in our house, but once I hit high school and the goodness that is Bojangles I was hooked!  I know everyone has their opinion on sweet tea or are strictly in favor of un-sweet (gross!) and their own recipe.  Over the years I've come up with my own preferred concoction.  I made some for my Junior League Provisional committee meeting that I hosted this week (it's been all JL, all the time here lately!) They were all fans of my special blend, so I thought I'd share it with y'all.


I prefer Luzianne, decaf family size bags.  I boil about 8 cups of water in my tea kettle and then steep 2 bags for about 3 hours.

 I also like it SWEET, but without calories, so I add 1 cup of Splenda sweetener to the pitcher after steeping.

Grab a glass, fill with ice and enjoy!

  

Funny side story: Mr. Banker *tried* to steal some tea as soon as I poured it in the pitcher.  I yelled and said "I have to take a picture for the blog!" He sassed back a sub-par imitation of moi, saying "You can't have any of my blog tea!" Oh the things our husbands endure for the sake of blogging!

The Help!

photo credit IMDB

I am BEYOND excited to have the opportunity to see a screening of The Help tonight with some of my Junior League friends!  I really don't read as much as I should, but I picked up The Help last Summer and couldn't put it down.  So needless to say I was thrilled when I learned it was being produced as a movie!

Emma Stone is a wonderful up and coming actress and I hope she will keep it classy (like my other fav Reese!) I wonder if I will want to re-read the book after the movie...but I'm sure I will want to see the movie again!

Busy July!

I hope y'all had a wonderful 4th of July long weekend!  We took it easy and mostly hung around the house.  Which was nice because we are going to be on the move the rest of July.  I have 3 back to back trips!

First up, St. Simons Island, GA!

Mr. Banker will be attending a conference and I'm tagging along.  I have never been, but am so excited!


Part 2: Atlantic Beach, NC

Big Bear at Atlantic Beach-August 2010

We will then take our annual trip to Mr. Banker's family cottage (read: 1940's fishing shack).  Mr. grew up going there every Summer, so we wanted to continue that with our boys as well!


And then, on to the city that never sleeps!

Bestie and I planned a last minute trip!  We'll be staying with my friend in Brooklyn that I'm dying to see and she'll be able to check out her company's NYC office and see a few friends as well.

I'm sure after all of this my travel bug will be squashed for a little while.  I would love to hear your favorite places to do, see, eat, shop in these areas!  Also post with your Summer destinations...Mr. and I are always looking for great places to add to our destination wish list!

Happy Independence Day!

via pinterest

Hope y'all enjoy the day and your freedom to celebrate!

Foodie Friday!

Now that we are in the full swing of Summer, let's talk about some sweet, cold treats!

At a Junior League committee meeting last year, part of our ice breaker was telling what flavor of ice cream we were like and why.  Well that was easy for me! My favorite ice cream is Ben & Jerry's New York Super Fudge Chunk!

Chocolate ice cream, white AND dark chocolate chunks, pecans, walnuts & chocolate covered almonds.  Very much like me because I LOVE NYC and I can't get too much of anything- more chocolate, more nuts, bring it on!

I was intrigued when I recently read about the Target-exclusive flavor Volun-Tiramisu.  I may have frequented 2 Targets to find this ice cream...but it was definitely worth it!  Tasty, tasty if you like Tiramisu!

Another thing we love in the Summer is Rita's Italian Ice!  Mr. Banker has always been a fan of Italian Ice.  I had never heard of it until I met him.  We love our town center area that has a Rita's AND a Five Guys.  All the Rita's flavors are great (even the sugar-free ones!) but you can't go wrong with Mango!  Definitely our favorite flavor!

Any other sweet, cool treats I should try?