NYC, Day 2

We started out our day with a bang, or rather, a dang good breakfast! We had Belgian waffles from the Wafels and Dinges truck.


[wafels and dinges truck]


[wafel]


[wafel with maple syrup and walnuts]

After breakfast, we made a little gift shop pit stop at the NBC store and a photo op in Rockefeller Plaza.


[myself in rockefeller plaza]


[rockefeller plaza]

We walked down 5th Avenue, making stops in Tiffany's, Henri Bendel and Juicy Couture.


[tiffany's]

We had lunch at a little hole in the wall on the back side of the Plaza Hotel. And I had a Brie sandwich featuring bacon. :)


[brie and bacon sandwich]

Since we were so close to the Plaza, we decided we would stop in and be mesmerized by the splendor that is the Plaza.


[the plaza's rolls royce]

Next stop? FAO Schwarz, only the best toy store, EVER! We spent a considerable amount of time just taking it all in.


[fao toy soldier]


[myself and chris with a giant puppy!]


[jason and clifford, the big red dog]

And now, for the excitement of the day. You know, with me, there is always something. Since we were already on 5th Ave, I wanted to visit the flagship Kate Spade store. We tried hailing a cab in front of FAO, but the cabbies would not (or could not) take us to Kate Spade, because of the direction we needed to go on 5th Ave. So..we walked over one street, and found a taker! We told him both the address and place. IE: 135 5th Ave, Kate Spade. So, we get in, after he nods and speaks something barely understandable, that yes, he knows where it is and he will in fact take us there. We start driving. A few blocks up, everything is still looking good. Several more, it's getting a little sketchy, and I start thinking that the general area did not look like a place that an upscale store like Kate Spade would be. A few more blocks, and it was downright scary. Then, I notice, he is taking us to where 135th CROSSES 5th Ave. AFTER we specified that we were not going to where the streets cross, but to the address. So, I lean over to Jason and tell him that is what the cabbie is doing. So, Jason tells him that he is not taking us to the right place. He drives a couple MORE blocks until he comprehends what Jason just said. He gets himself in a tizzy because we are way far away from where we wanted to be.

OH--by the way, we were in the middle of HARLEM.

So, then, to remedy the situation, he drives us up to the 6 Subway Station, and tells us we can take it back up. To which I replied, 'we are NOT getting out of this car here, you can take us right back to where you picked us up.' So, we start going in the ACTUAL direction of Kate Spade, and he finds another empty cab to take us to Kate Spade instead. All this AFTER he argues with Jason about not telling him the right place and so on, which we did. Anyway, we made it to Kate Spade and to make EVERYTHING right and our troubles worthwhile, I just had to buy myself a new purse. :)


[kate spade]


[kate spade]


[kate spade's fun pinwheels]


[kate spade's pinwheels]


[kate spade]
[my new kate spade belvedere mini mcguire, via katespade.com]

After our first, and only, might I add, cab ride in NYC, we WALKED back up toward the Empire State Building and took the subway to Chinatown. We strolled through Chinatown into Little Italy, searching for a place to have dinner. We decided on Il Palazzo. I think it was a fantastic choice! I had ravioli that were to die for! Dessert? Even better! I ordered zabaglione, which is an Italian dessert made with eggs yolks, sugar and sweet wine. We got to watch my dessert being prepared.



[zabaglione being prepared]


[zabaglione with fresh strawberries]

xoxo,
Heather

NYC, Day 1

Today we arrived in the city!

It was, as any other trip Jason and I take together, an adventure. :)

We left our house at about 5 AM, to still get a full day in. When we arrived in New York, the plan was to go check-in at the hotel and leave all our luggage, park the car (somewhere NOT outrageously expensive) and then have lunch at Katz' Delicatessen, 'Where Harry Met Sally.' We knew the general area that the hotel was in and the GPS was not taking us where we needed to be. Long story short, Jason plugged in the address for Katz' and not the hotel. :) So, we turned around and made it to the hotel, left the luggage and were on our way to Katz' for the second time.

Katz' sandwiches were amazing, but even better than that, they had some amazing homemade pickles. They had all sour, 3 quarter sour pickles and 1 quarter sour pickles. I think the pickles were my favorite, though, the Reuben was wonderful too.






Next stop, Times Square! We took Chris to the monster Toys R Us. And, the best place for New York memorabilia, Grand Slam.



We also stumbled upon the Naked Cowboy!

Dinner was recommended by some of New York's finest. Ultimate Pizza in E 57th and First. Yum!



We got cupcakes from Bruce's Bakery to go and took them to eat in front of Macy's, so we could people watch, before seeing the city from the most beautiful view, atop the Empire State Building.









We had a little late night snack of nachos and Frrrozen Hot Chocolate.





xoxo,
Heather

NYC, Take 3.

Today we leave for New York! :)

On today's agenda?

Katz Deli for lunch

Times Square to take in all the lights

Little Italy for dinner

Empire State Building for a spectacular view of the city

Serendipity 3 for Frrrozen Hot Chocolate

North Beach, Maryland.

This morning, Chris and I met Natalie for breakfast in North Beach. I got up way earlier than I normally do, but I told them I would do it for them, because I love them. :)

After breakfast, which was delicious, we browsed the little boutiques and shops in North Beach. We tried on some dresses and found some blossoming teas.

Then, we headed back home to pack for NYC!

Dinner was quick, easy and delicious. Nachos! Yum!

xoxo,
Heather

View of DC streets from the second floor of H&M.

It didn't rain today! Chris and I got our day out. :)

We made the most of a nice day, by walking the streets of DC and shopping!

H&M and Filene's Basement were our destinations of choice. I have been trying to find some skinny jeans for a while, to go with my booties. I found some studded Kensie skinny jeans, that are perfect. And, I also found a great pair of Juicy jeans with heart pockets that are perfect for rolling up for the summer. And, in true 'Heather fashion,' I got a steal on them both!

We had some chili across from Filene's at Corner Bakery. We ordered our chili with onions. I didn't think anything of it, until the server brought our chili and asked, 'are you from Texas?' I said, 'yes, how did you know?' He replied, 'you ordered your chili with onions.' It made me think about how things you have done all your life seem so normal until you visit/move somewhere else and those things aren't the norm. I was impressed he pinpointed us, though. I will always be a Texan, through and through.

We decided we had done enough damage to our wallets, so we headed back toward the house, where Chris made us a yummy taco dinner that we enjoyed with sangria. :)

xoxo,
Heather

Chris and I got up this morning and got all cute and ready to go downtown. The weather said it was only going to be a light rain. Well, the weatherman was WRONG! By the time we got about a mile from the Metro station, it was POURING! So, we called Jason and asked him if he could give Chris a tour of the newly renovated terminal on base. They just got new floors and a USO lounge, that J was a big part of. So, we are pretty proud. :)

Afterward, Chris and I went to pick up a few little things for dinner at the Commissary.

We wanted to do a light fare for dinner, citrus-sage chicken with fruit, veggies, brie and crackers and a bottle of wine from our winery tours. :) Perhaps the best meal, EVER. Okay, maybe not ever, but any meal with brie is on the top of my list!

xoxo,
Heather

Flowers we bought at Eastern Market for Natalie.

Little Popsicle stick house Anna and I made.

Last night, as Jason and I were in bed, talking about future planes and a PCS, I heard yelling outside.

We live only a street over from a main road in the small city we live in, so it is normal to hear firetrucks and ambulances. However, last night, after hearing the yelling, I heard sirens much louder than normal.

We ran downstairs and stood on our lawn to try to see what was going on, only to see the street parallel to ours was lined with firetrucks and cop cars. On our side of the street, there are only 3 to 4 houses, including ours, so we could clearly see the commotion. Jason and I walked down to the corner lot on our street and watched firefighters in and out of a house on the opposite street.

We found out later that a neighbor's house had caught fire and that the lady who lived there couldn't locate her young daughter to get her out. Sadly, when the little girl was found, she was no longer alive.

If you would, just say a prayer for this family. Thank you.

We went down to Eastern Market this morning, before heading to Joe and Natalie's for a cook-out. Most of today was spent with friends, just relaxing and it was wonderful. :)

xoxo,
Heather

This gorgeous Spring day was spent touring Virginia Wineries.

Our adventure actually started last night, when our plumbing was acting up and we were forced to stay in a hotel, so we could get showers. So, we found a hotel close to the first winery we wanted to visit and got a good night's rest. :)

We tasted and toured about 6 wineries and bought a few bottles of wine and just enjoyed the gorgeous day.

We visited our first Wegman's and bought lunch at their deli area that has all kinds of already made foods. I chose an Indian fare, Chris had a salad and fresh fruits and veggies and Jason had a little of everything. :)

At our last winery of the day, we bought a bottle of wine and enjoyed it, along with a fruit and cheese tray outside on their patio overlooking the beautiful Virginia countryside.

I hope your day was just as pleasant. :)

xoxo,
Heather

This morning Tori went back to Texas. :( I was sad to see my friend go, but our fun times couldn't last forever.

Chris and I relaxed and recovered for most of the morning. After lunchtime, we decided we felt good enough to head over to the Pentagon City Mall. We shopped around for a while. I got a very me infinity scarf from The Limited. It is bright yellow, pink, orange and white. AND, soft! I also got a 2 3/4 sweaters and a hot pink tank at XXI.

Chris also had a surprise for me. Her birthday gift to me was the Kate Spade iPhone case I had been wanting, but the Apple store in Annapolis was always out of. Yay!

After having lunch at Johnny Rockets', we headed home.

We were surprised that Jason beat us home! He was prepping dinner and had big plans in store for the evening. He grilled some steak and veggies on the grill, I made mint sweet tea and we enjoyed our delicious dinner outside. Dessert? Grilled peaches and sorbet. Yum!

Life is good.

xoxo,
Heather

Today, we took a little trip downtown. We hung out and took pictures in front of the Capitol, then walked down to the Washington Monument. Our next stop? The Lincoln.

After our lovely, short day downtown, we went to the house to unwind and relax before heading down to Murphy's Irish Pub to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. A few hours and a few too many drinks later (for myself, at least) we left. And, I spent a very unpleasant night remembering how much I drank. I'll just say, my friends are the best. ;)

xoxo,
Heather

My 24th Year.

Today, I am 24.

We woke up this morning and had breakfast at Blue Moon Diner in Baltimore for my birthday breakfast of their famous Captain Crunch french toast. I am not sure I have had a better breakfast, EVER. Except for the breakfasts my Dad used to make. :)

After breakfast, Tori, Jason and I drove over to the airport to pick up Chris! Jason took a nap in the little lounge area, while Tori and I sat in rocking chairs in the sun to be warm and watch the planes fly in and out. It was nice to relax for a little while.

We met Chris at baggage claim and came back home to relax until my birthday tea party at Joe and Natalie's.

We got all dolled up for the tea party and headed to Joe and Natalie's. My words can't describe how special and wonderful it was to have friends do so much for me on my day. I am so blessed and loved.

xoxo,
Heather

Yesterday was exhausting, so today was spent mostly chatting on the couch in our pjs. It turned out for the best, because we were able to see the president land and stand out on the flight line where the media stands.

After that excitement (and very windy, COLD weather), we took a little trip over to Marshall's and enjoyed a coffee from Starbucks as we browsed. I ended up finding my swimsuit for this summer! It is adorable. Unfortunately, I cannot find a picture that exhibits its cuteness. I will explain as well as I can. It is a one piece, halter swimsuit with a teeny little ruffle-skirt thing above the leg. It is a zebra print, but not a bold one, more like a smaller stripe type with brown and white stripes. And, the top's halter portion is accented by orange stitching. Okay, so it doesn't sound cute at all. I will have to take a photo and post it later. :)

The swimsuit.

Tori cooked a jalapeno tilapia over pasta for us. WONDERFUL. I must get her recipe. :)

xoxo,
Heather

Today, we enjoyed a wonderful message at church.

We dined on chili dogs and half smokes with chili cheese fries at Ben's Chili Bowl.

We walked around Eastern Market and got crepes from crepe man, one of the musts for Tori's visit, in my opinion. :)

And, if that weren't enough...we spent the rest of our day downtown at the Museum of Natural History. We saw gems, rocks, minerals, learned about mammals and bones and other interesting things, before coming back to the house to relax after our very fun, but very exhausting day.

xoxo,
Heather

Tori and I spent today baking.

Hummingbird cupcakes and Doubletree chocolate chip cookie dough.

We all got ready and enjoyed dinner at Delia's Mediterranean restaurant and saw Remember Me in Alexandria.

I recommend the movie. The ending will likely surprise you, and it's nice to have that now and again.

xoxo,
Heather

Today, Tori and I traveled downtown to visit the American History Museum.

We were able to see the newly redone First Ladies' exhibit. Complete with drawings of First Ladies' dresses before they were worn or sown.

The Star Spangled Banner brings tears to my eyes every time.

We saw Carrie Bradshaw's computer from Sex and the City.

We stood right 'outside' Julia Child's kitchen.

We got to see Nastia Liukin's leotard from the Beijing Olympics. Along with Apollo Ohno's speed skates.

Tori participated in the Greensboro lunch counter sit-in. This year marked the 50th Anniversary.

Afterward, we enjoyed a wonderful late lunch at Teaism. We each had a turkey and brie sandwich. I also had chai tea and a salty oat cookie, while Tori had Moroccan Mint tea and a chocolate salty oat cookie. It was fabulous!

That evening was spent at Murphy's with some of the wonderful squadron spouses' and friends of spouses (and Jason). Jason, Tori, and I stayed after everyone left to hear Rocky play.

xoxo,
Heather

This morning when Tori and I got up, we made some homemade granola for snacking on while she is here. It was so easy and fun! I don't have the recipe, but I will try to get it and post it later.

After doing that, we got ready to go to my doctor's appointment that was scheduled for 2. Before I picked out shoes to go with my outfit, the UPS man came bearing gifts. Gifts being my new shoes! Interestingly enough, they matched my outfit perfectly, so I got to wear them.

When we arrived to my appointment, I was informed I didn't have an appointment. I knew that the people in the scheduling office messed up, but they were very rude to me and tried to make me feel like it was my fault. Long story short, Jason had to leave work, go home, get the paper off the refrigerator with all the information that THEY wrote. As soon as he arrived, paper in hand, they were very quick to tell Jason 'their system went down and must have lost my information.' Riiiight. So, why didn't you just make life easier and tell me that? Oh, probably because it was a lie! Anyway, I got seen and so all is well that ends well, I guess.

After our very eventful afternoon, we did a little shopping at Ross, where I finally found the dress I wanted to wear to my birthday tea party. And, Michael's, to buy our tea party hat decorating supplies. We had planned on visiting Marshall's as well, but we didn't quite make it there, as our time was cut into by the appointment dilemma.

We met Jason at the house and ate a very quick dinner, Paula Deen's enchiladas from one of her cook once, eat twice recipes. Delicious, by the way! And, we went to watch Jason's volleyball game, since he is playing on the squadron volleyball team this season. Tori got to meet some of our friends and have a fun little night out, watching the team kick some tail!

xoxo,
Heather

Tori's Here!

Tori is here!

I hopped out of bed this morning, because my friend came today!

I went and picked Jason up at work, and we drove to Baltimore to pick her up. After picking her up, the three of us had lunch at a really yummy Italian restaurant called Remomo. Tori and I each got personal sized pizzas with just a thin enough crust and cheese for a nice lunch. We had many laughs about stories of my family and silly things. :) It was wonderful!

After lunch, Jason dropped us off at the Metro station to head downtown. The original plan was to see the Washington Monument and a couple of other little touristy things, but we decided instead to go to H&M, so Tori could have her first H&M experience. :) I bought some plum colored thick tights for keeping my legs warm in NYC, in case it is still chilly when we go. And, a thick black belt for dresses and skirts.

After H&M, we felt that since it was such a gorgeous day, we should just walk around downtown and enjoy the day. In the process, we found Filene's Basement. We had fun trying on dresses, even though neither of us bought one. I fell in love with these shoes. Unfortunately, they did not have my size. :( I am still searching online, hoping to find them. After Filene's we walked to the nearest Metro station to see Union Station. Of course, while there, Tori had to try my favorite pastry/lunch spot in the city, Au Bon Pain.

After having our treats, a chocolate dipped coconut macaroon for me and a chocolate-cherry tulip for Tori, we got back on the Metro to meet Jason and head to the house.

We got Tori all settled in and then started dinner. We had Sichuan chicken with stir-fry veggies and wine. And, lots more catching up and stories made for an amazing evening.

xoxo,
Heather

Today..

Lord I'm tired
So tired from walking
And Lord I'm so alone
And Lord the dark
Is creeping in
Creeping up
To swallow me
I think I'll stop
Rest here a while

And this is all that I can say right now
And this is all that I can give
And this is all that I can say right now
And this is all that I can give, that's my everything

And didn't You see me cry'n?
And didn't You hear me call Your name?
Wasn't it You I gave my heart to?
I wish You'd remember
Where you sat it down

And this is all that I can say right now, I know its not much.
But this is all that I can give, yeah that's my everything.
This is all that I can say right now [right now], I know its not much.
But this is all that I can give, yeah that's my everything.

I didn't notice You were standing here
I didn't know that
That was You holding me
I didn't notice You were cry'n too
I didn't know that
That was You washing my feet

And this is all that I can say right now, oh I know its not much.
But this is all that I can give, yeah that's my everything.
This is all that I can say right now [right now], I know its not much.
But this is all that I can give, yeah that's my everything.
And this is all that I can say right now, oh I know its not much.
But this is all that I can give, yeah that's my everything.

Yeah, that's my everything
Yeah, that's my everything

Everything........