From Paris, with Love

This past weekend when I was home for a bridal shower, I managed to find some time to attend the culminating events of the first ever Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts, which brought a glimpse of Paris down Broad Street. I came with my boyfriend Alex, my mom Anna, and my little brother Mark all in the hope to experience a little 1920’s class of Paris (think La Belle Epoque). The night’s events ended with a brilliant aerial show by La Compagnie Transe Express that left all 150,000 attendants down Broad Street mesmerized. 

Empire State of Mind

Now that the weather is warming up in New York there is only one way to celebrate at night: rooftops. Last weekend I made it out to the rooftop bar at the The Empire Hotel for a friend’s birthday. 

For your viewing pleasure (click): Jay-Z "Empire State of Mind"

All That Jazz

Mr. Dizzy Gillespie & I

A few weeks ago my boyfriend Alex and I went to listen to jazz at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola (Jazz at the Lincoln Center). The city backdrop brought us back to a forgotten era in New York; an era run by Sinatra, a time when the K-mart in Astor Place was actually the Wanamaker Department Store, and Zabar’s was less commercialized (thanks Adam Gopnik for that tidbit). The music was great, the location was beautiful, and the Caramel-Bacon Popcorn was an interesting treat. 

Good Friday

Mocha

I have a quiet love affair with quaint coffee shops. The rustic feel, the warm drinks, and the sweet pastries have a welcoming feel any time of year. Last Friday was a dreary New York City day that left me craving the Mocha drink at L.A. Burdick’s. Pure dark chocolate mixed into espresso is a combination I can never resist. I came with my books but found myself people watching most of the time. 

What are your favorite coffee shops?

View outside-Typical April Showers

Cute little mice chocolates

Penguin chocolates

Inside

A few of my favorite café moments....

    

My friend Deena at a coffee shop in Boston

"I Can Wear Leopard Glasses"

Advanced Style: Age and Beauty on Nowness.com.

I stumbled upon this fantastic video on TheGlamourai and was absolutely in love with it.

I hope everyone else who visits this page and watches the video is as delighted by these bold ladies as I was.

Be Bold; Wear Leopard

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Meet Mark

Meet Mark!

When I was little the only present I would ask for was a little brother or sister. Finally, when I was 11 years old my little brother Mark was born. Watching Mark grow up has been a very interesting thing to observe. When he was two he liked to watch videos of himself as a baby, when he was five he had a tendency to try and climb trees only to one time fall from a branch and knock out a tooth, when he was ten he realized he needed a cell phone.

Mark is in 5^th grade now and no doubt the coolest kid in his class (also the most handsome, back off ladies!). He also is very smart (although not a fan of doing his homework) and works out math problems in his head faster than I can.

So ladies and gentlemen, meet my little brother Mark.

Such a cutie; first day of 1st Grade

Growing up and waiting for a drink at the bar

Jet ski in Jamaica

It's A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood

At "The Best Chocolate Cake in the World"-turns out it's far from the best.
Picture courtesy of Sukhie 

Walking to class one afternoon I realized how many beautiful details I pass on a daily basis and rarely stop to notice. New York will never cease to amaze me; each and every block.

4th Avenue and 11th Street

10th Street and University Place

"When one door closes, another opens..."

University Place

Kevorkian Center

Mr. Oscar's Silver Cousin

                                  

 

                                                      Mr. Oscar and I

This weekend was the 83^rd Annual Academy Awards which I diligently watched to see my favorite actress Natalie Portman win the well-deserved Best Actress award. While Mr. Oscar himself is a gold statue, I dressed as his silver cousin (twice-removed) for my University’s 22^nd Annual Violet Ball. The event was held in the atrium of our main library showcasing school spirit at its finest. 

Getting ready to walk the "red carpet"
Photo courtesy my friend Deena Sami (the great journalist/reporter)

The atrium

My dearest friend and fellow pseduo-blogger, Sukhie

 

                                                     Hair and make-up compliments of moi