ZOOLOGY

Last Sunday was a cold, but clear day, so we headed uptown to go to the Central Park Zoo.  I feel very conflicted about zoos.  I love seeing the animals so closely, yet I feel bad for them, taken out of their natural habitat to be put on display without room to roam in the wild.  Also, though I am sure the polar bears and snow leopards have been loving this very cold winter we have been having, I can't imagine them dealing with the humid heat of the New York summers.  That thought makes me sad.  Nonetheless, Annabelle got a kick out of the sea lions who were barking and trying to throw each other into the water.  She also loved the penguins.  Nate and I mostly enjoyed watching her expression as she watched the animals...and the statues in the petting zoo.

MY FUNNY VALENTINES

So I promised an update on the V-Day dinner, and I must say it was superb, but unfortunately Nathan and I can't take the credit.  After work, I charged over to the Chelsea Market to pick up our fresh lobster. The seafood market was packed to the brim - apparently we were not the only ones who thought lobster would make a special Valentine's treat.  People were lined up, poised to get their hands on a red hot lobster fresh from the steaming pot.  Hmmm.  We had planned on steaming the little dude ourselves, but there they were, in all their glory: freshly steamed lobsters, with a nice fish monger offering to crack them for you.  I quickly assessed the situation and decided that I might as well buy the freshly steamed/cracked variety rather than take the time to do it myself.  Anyways, we had "cheaters lobster" and it was delish.  Don't be fooled by the pic below - we threw the lob back in hot water just to heat it up before we ate (I think Nate just wanted to use the lobster pot!)

Annie E had a nice Valentine's Day as well, though she slept through the lobster festivities.  She started off her day playing with her red and white puppy that Nani mailed to her and wearing the V-Day hat that I knit for her for the occasion.  She then spent the afternoon with her little friends at her playgroup where they had a mini Valentine's party.  xo

POP UP PARK

 What do New Yorkers do when it is too cold to go outside to the park?  They bring the park inside!  Some very clever folks decided to renaovate a Nolita gallery space into an indoor pop-up park.  This temporary green space was equipped with fake grass, trees, bushes, a pond, a chirping bird soundtrack and forest wallpaper.  The park also featured giant bean bags for lounging and park benches.  Sort of cheesy, but brilliant at the same time.  Nathan, Annabelle and I went to check it out on Sunday.  All kinds of people were there enjoying this FREE open space.  There were folks reading the paper, picnicing, kids running about, and other people just cruising in and out to see what it was all about.  We grabbed a vacant bean bag and chilled.  Annabelle seemed to enjoy playing on the floor somewhere other than the apartment.  Unfortunately Sunday was the last day for the pop-up park.  Hopefully spring will be here soon.

VALENTINE

Love is in the air, of course, because it is Valentine's Day!  Although it feels like a fairly typical Monday at the office, I am thrilled to get home tonight to celebrate with my two Valentines.  Three years ago today, Nathan and I tied the knot at City Hall.  Though we consider our October 20th wedding in Mexico, our official anniversary, the City Hall marriage is where we made it all legal in the States. We like to joke that it is the 3rd anniversary of our 2nd marriage.  Funny to think how much has changed since we were newlyweds in the big city. Tonight we will celebrate by attempting to make an extra special lobster dinner.  Neither of us have ever attempted lobster before, so it will be a true test of our culinary expertise.  I will be sure to report how it turns out!  Wishing you all a very Happy Valentine's.  Kisses.

FRAMED

Since purchasing my iPhone last May, I have been snapping digital "Polaroids" left and right through my Polaroid app.  Even so, nothing quite compares to the nostalgia of a true Polaroid taken from a Polaroid camera.  There is just something about the click of the shot, the hum of the film processing, the white-framed black square film that emerges from the camera, and the sheer anticipation as that black square turns cloudy and then slowly reveals itself while you wait. The photos almost seem magical.  The slightly muted colors and soft focus make every subject appear youthful and happy, without wrinkles or blemishes.  The photo itself evokes a sense of nostalgia and makes you pine for "the good old days." There is also something very real about Polaroids.  You can't just click a button to delete them and chances are you paid enough for the film that you wouldn't toss your photos anyway. 

Long before the emergence of iphone apps, Adrienne has been taking Polaroids the traditional way.  While everyone I knew was toting around palm-sized digital cameras, she was hefting around an old Polaroid capturing truly artistic shots in her own eclectic style.   She has developed quite a collection over the years.  When I stumbled upon this post from You Are My Fave, I could not help but think what a wonderful way to display some of the best.  Wouldn't it be great to have breakfast in this kitchen while gazing endlessly of this frame of memories. Polaroids make me happy.

SNEAKY RAYS

Heading into February we are experiencing the NY cabin fever that inevitably sets in every year.  The snow has not melted since Christmas and yesterday was one of those extra yucky days of "freezing rain."  We were stuck in the apartment and I began to see why the idea of indoor playground has become so popular.  After holding off as long as possible, I buckled when I saw an online coupon for a month pass to City Tree House, which is an indoor gym for babies.  For days like yesterday these are essential.  Annabelle is not even mobile yet, but I see how important it is for kids just to get out of the apartment to play.

Today, however, for the first time in a long time, the temps crept up into the 40s and there was a beautiful blue sky.  For the first time in weeks Frosty, the icy-snowman in Abingdon Square, began to melt.  We went for a couple walks and enjoyed the sunshine.  We even were able to sneak a few rays from the living room couch.

CENTRAL PARK

FROSTY FRIENDS

 

So far this winter we have already had 5 snow storms and its only January.  It is shaping up to be one of the coldest winters yet for the Ellis clan. This morning WNYC FM informed us of a cold weather advisory to stay indoors.  Temps tonight are expected to drop to just 7 degrees and winds are expected to gust at 30 mph.  Burr-skis! 

Yesterday we bundled up and headed uptown to the American Museum of Natural History.  Annabelle really seemed to enjoy it, especially the Hall of Bio Diversity that features all sorts of sea animals and life size replicas of underwater life.  She also was intrigued by the polar bears, owls, reindeer and snow cats that we have been reading about nightly in her favorite book, Frosty Friends.  It was awesome to see her start kicking her legs and babbling when we approached something that peaked her interest.  It was if she was saying, "Hey, I know you guys!"  We can't wait to take her up to Bronx Zoo to see the animals in action once it gets warm enough.

VEGAS PART 2

From where I am blogging from my room in the Mandalay Bay I have a clear view of the Las Vegas airport.  I can see planes arriving and departing on the vast stretch of dessert sand.  I am happy to say that in a few hours I will be on one of those planes heading back to New York on the redeye.  It is a beautiful sunny day here in Vegas. Unfortunately I will not be able to enjoy it.  Funny thing about these work events, they keep you so busy that you never have the chance to step outside for a breath of fresh air.  I have been making the walk through the casino to the convention center and back to my room so many times, I think I could do it my sleep if it were not for the constant clinging and ringing of the slot machines.  Last night they had the annual "Bash" party where 9,000 hairdressers and corporate staff come together to celebrate. For this party, the company goes all out, hiring entertainment followed by a DJ to show their appreciation for our customers.  Last night Train played and we all got our groove on to Drops of Jupiter.  Good times, though two years ago we really had a dance party (see photo below).  One of the guys in Creative captured this rockstar moment of mine and ended up in the year end slide show...oops.  I guess what happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas.

Anyway.  I am thrilled to get back home to see my baby girl, and Nathan too!  He has been holding down the fort and doing a great job.  Now back to work for a few more focus groups and classes before we head out!