A couple Saturdays ago, while Aron was at a surgical course, Hudson and I went on a whim to the ABC Home Store on Broadway to meet a very fancy Santa. I felt surprisingly emotional once we turned the corner and saw all of the children dressed in their special holiday outfits, Santa getting his beard pulled, and parents giddy as they simultaneously entertained and snapped photos of their children. All of these firsts… first Christmas, first Santa, first tree… it can definitely pull on the heartstrings of sentimental types like myself and I regretted that I hadn’t waited for a day Aron was off work.
I was also surprised by how well Hudson did and how much he, too, seemed to enjoy watching all of the chaos! Sometimes he seems overwhelmed in crowds, but this time he seemed fascinated! Another parent took the photo of him on Santa’s lap in case I needed to distract him, but he was perfectly content to sit with the big, bearded fella (unlike his mom, years ago). What a little champ.
Of course the most famous Santa in New York is probably the Macy’s Santa. Has anyone braved the lines? Thinking about it makes me want to go and re-read David Sedaris’ absolutely hilarious (and irreverent) account of his stint as an elf in Macy’s Santa Land–“The Santa Land Diaries.” If you haven’t read it yet, check out Barrel Fever
Our own little young MC was looking ready to bust a move with some street performers–in half of his new Polarn O. Pyret stripes set–the other day in Washington Square Park. He fit right in! PO.P (one of our sponsors) sent him the matching top and bottom for Christmas jammies, but we’ve been using them as separates all week. I really do love the Swedish company’s children’s clothes and am excited that they are opening up two brick-and-mortar shops in New York–one in Tribeca and one on the Upper West Side. Their saying that “there is no bad weather, just bad clothing” is something my friend Amy first said to me when I was moving to the East Coast, and I try to keep it in mind all winter. (DesignMom wrote a much more extensive post about the brand that made me curious about their clothes a while back.) This weekend is supposed to be sunny, but quite chilly. Time to start pulling out the right clothing.
Also, Aron asked me to marry him six years ago today! Surest “Yes” ever. Have a cozy weekend, all of you!
Here are some of my recently starred items (and a couple of other things):
It can be so wonderful following Stephanie down the rabbit hole.
Joanna makes the best gift guides! One day, when we have a yard, I want the glow-in-the-dark bocce ball
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I do think our neighbors might kill us, but holy geez this is the sweetest thing ever.
Liz shows you 10 ways to DIY a glass ornament; of course I want to make time capsules. (Even though I already save and document everything.)
An apres-ski igloo? Awesome.
If I ever make space for trivets, these will be the ones.
Also, if I were ever to get around to making an advent calendar, this… Priceless post-its. (via Abbey)
I’ve been wanting a new Castor&Pollux wallet, but now I’m also eyeing their maggie bracelet for future wish lists. (via Joslyn and momfilter)
Jamie’s trip to Disneyland produced some awesome photo-videos. (What are those called?)
Such cute family photos!
Congrats to Will on his West Elm feature and thank you so much for mentioning us!
And, finally, here’s how the whole thing goes. Because if you’re like me, you’re now stuck on “Ok Smarty, go to a party…”
A little while ago, Aron and I spotted a new Italian food shop on Great Jones Street: Il Buco, the beloved and generally hard-to-get-a-table-at restaurant around the corner, had opened a market with a coffee/wine bar, gelateria, and bakery in the front, and a casual restaurant in the back. Actually, when we first stopped in, they were still working on the (now open) restaurant. But we left with our curiosity piqued.
We returned this past weekend for a 1/4-pound of proschiutto and brought our camera along. They offer samples of many items–like their own imported olive oils and vinegars, and cheeses from the case. This time they had samples of the most delicious preserved oranges and a pecorino. And the first time we were in we tried a pear sorbetto (the flavor was so true), which was made along with flavors like grapefruit-and-Campari, and salted caramel.
Everything I tried, actually, was wonderful. It seems like a really nice space to stay and share an Affogato, or to pick up a sandwich to-go. Places like this are bittersweet, however: they bring you just close enough to Italy that you can taste it, but then they take your plane fare.
