Weekend

Setting the mood. Adventure. Classic. Saturday ritual. Hearts all over. 

It started with a catch-up at a Middle Eastern restaurant in Bay Ridge by candle-light and was followed by a different, delightful catch-up at Levain Bakery on the Upper West Side. Soon, macaron cravings led to a French-inspired walk in the West Village, a raspberry macaron, and a re-watching of Amelie. Coupled with some weekend rituals, I would say this weekend was delightful.

Twenty Six

I greeted twenty-six about four hours early, with a cheery yellow cup of peppermint tea and a candle-topped Belgian Chocolate Mousse Cake. Even as I sat alone in the cafe, I felt loved, and was touched by all the care and attention I received from my co-workers, family, friends, and others this weekend.

It is good to be twenty-six.

The Breakfast Club

From my long weekend at home. Eighties music and movies, sunshine yellow ceilings, and playful and just plain interesting words. A great place to catch up with a friend, and one of a few future breakfasts, I'm sure.

Nights Out

Some shots from the weekend that balanced work with fun.

Love, Love, Love

Valentine's Day is a lovely occasion for meeting with a friend. Love was in the City today, and around me, in so many different forms, no matter how I or other people chose to celebrate it. Love, Love, Love.  

Patience

Patience is waiting in long grocery store lines during a snowstorm, making French Onion Soup from scratch, and making and saving vegan maple cookies for later.

Missing summer? I uploaded more photos from a summer weekend in Williamsburg. I also uploaded more photos from my summer trip to Governor's Island, as well as more from my June stroll through Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. 

Longing for fall? I uploaded more photos of Prospect Park that I love, as well as some more photos of Carroll Gardens. 

Happy Birthday

For my 25th birthday celebration, I decided to steal a page from "Afternoons & Cofeespoons," and share cake with friends.

It'd be nice if my camera didn't struggle so much with indoor lighting, but that wasn't one of my birthday wishes...Thanks for  a lovely time!

Coffee & Theater

Their green tea wasn't much to write about (my mom and her friend had lattes), but maybe their plays will be better. Something to do in 2013?

Almond Cake with Cranberry Sauce

Note: These photos were taken on 12/10/11, but are being posted now because they only now fit with the expanding themes of my blog. - AV 03/02/13

Smitten Kitchen did not fail me for a birthday, not one delicious bit.