Back in NYC

Since this blog is named Sandy In NYC I don't like to talk about my time in other cities. But since my last weekend in Vegas was sooo much fun I will share some tidbits.

Once Tommy sends me original pics of us, I can post some visuals. Until then a list:

• Seeing my Dad, brother, cousins and aunt was really nice. I really miss my fam.
• Mandatory visit to In-N-Out by taking a cab there and sneaking in a cab back (cabs in LAS aren't allowed to pick-up rides anywhere but designated taxi stations)
• Lost $$$ in the casinos...watch Kevin lose even more
• Kevin had a backpack with a built in speakers and jamming out to it in the airport, shuttle and hotel room
• Staying at the Aria--lovely new hotel
• Getting bottle service at Haze and watching B.O.B perform less than 5 ft away
• Losing my wallet at PURE and having Tommy pull out his ID and saying that it was my wallet
• Looking for my wallet in the bathroom with the attendant and getting a text from Kevin that said "I got it"
• Watching my cousin get his dance on with older women
• Experiencing a wonderful break from then ever-ending, cold, dreary NYC winter and laying out by the pool
• Spotting my dad walking in the Bellagio with a whiskey in one hand and lit cigarette in the other because he was up from playing blackjack (he quit smoking 2 years ago...)
• Seeing my aunt hovering her hand over Kevin's back in pure anxiety because he bet $$$ in roulette
• Sitting at a table with all of my fam and gambling like it's going out of style
• Getting all the way through security and to to the airline gate only to find out that I had showed up a day late for my flight. Waiting on standby for an hour before booking a hotel room, new flight and spending a night alone in Vegas. Oh, and calling in to work only to have my team be disappointed that I was taking an extra day because of a date mistake and not because I had gotten arrested or anything juicy and wild.

I know, I know, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. So think about what I am not telling you...hahaha, just kidding!

Baked

I know I said I would post about Vivian and Mattie's visit. But I actually don't have any pictures. Since I'm a visual person, I feel that lack of pictures will not make an enjoyable post so I'll just sum up the visit into a brief, few sentences:

We had an itinerary that outlined the times and places we would eat at, every other activity was more or less on a whim. Vivian had this ridiculous cough and it was freezing cold so we had to bundle more than we had originally thought. But it was a great, relaxing time where we got to roam the city by day and settle around Glee episodes, making home-made oreos and  eating take-out by night. Love.

Moving on. I have been hankering for cinnamon rolls. (Fun fact: when I was younger I had a cockatiel that I named Cinnemon. Yes, you read right, I didn't know how to spell cinnamon correctly at the age of 8. Well, I still spell it wrong all the time and have to catch myself constantly. This is coming from a girl who thought that San Diego was spelled Sandy-Ego. Talk about egos...Here is my defense to all this: English WAS my second language, bwahahahaha!)

Anyways, cinnemon cinnamon rolls require a lot of time. Which I don't have since I've given up baked sweets for Lent... Thus I'm making a King Cake for tomorrow in honor of Mardi Gras and to satiate my sweet, yeasty cinnemon-sugar craving.

However Joy the Baker has tempted me: Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread

I cannot, absolutely cannot make that because I will eat it. No doubt. And because I don't have a loaf pan. But come Easter, nothing can stop me.

I could give up shopping on Amazon for Lent. Maybe...we'll see! Actually I gave up baked goods. Baked sweets to be precise.

I really want a Kindle.

I ate too much dinner. Well, I either at too much or too fast. Whatever the it was, my stomach is stuffed.

I'm going to Vegas on Thursday and I am EXTREMELY excited.

Sorry this post has no pictures. I might do a random picture post. Sometime...

Jackie's brother came into town this weekend to visit her and other peeps. Lauren's mom will be here this week, along with her two littlest siblings. Then the week after Jackie's cousin will be here. So many people.

And to all my friends and family who have not visited...ya'll are missing out!

Peace,

Sandy

Snow Daze

NY Public Libary on 5th Ave

I know I don't win for most original post title but it fits so well. Being from Texas, I never saw a lot of snow. Duh. I mean, when it "snowed" it was really icy rain and I remember waking up early to turn on the news, praying that school was cancelled. Since I've moved to the NE, I've realized that one, icy rain really is dangerous and two, snow in NYC is dirrrty.

Outdoor subway platform in my commute

It's been snowing, substantially, every week since Christmas. To me, this is what living up north is all about, to people who've lived in the city for the past 10 years, this is unusual. Apparently it doesn't snow all the time, like it has been. This year, it's been abundant. Blame it on global warming causing more severe storms. Who knows.

Walks to work can be fun.

Three scenarios when I wake up to a snowy day:

1. I wake up. I get dressed. I'm almost out the door and decide to look out the window. It's snowing. I sigh, exasperated, and tweak my outfit to work around my snowboots. The thing about snow is that it is silent! Unlike rain. But snow melts when it lands on your lashes and cheeks. I still haven't decided on whether I want to carry an umbrella out or not when it's snowing.
2. I wake up. I look out the window and the world is blanketed in snow. The sun is high and clear. Everything looks fresher, crisper, clearer. I bundle up excitedly and leave for work. Everything looks beautiful. Until later, when everyones tracks and the dirt of NYC taints the snow. And it's grimy and piled on the sides of the walkways. At least it hides the trash. But when it gets slushy and melty, it seems that all the corners are puddles of muddy slush. Bah!
3. I wake up. Because of a big storm anticipation,I call my work's hotline, even before I get out of bed, cross my fingers and hope that we get a snow day. That has yet to happen.

One of the neighbors has this snow plow machine that makes mountains!

 Regardless of what seems like a list of inconveniences about snow, I rather enjoy it. It's nice to have a real winter. My favorite part is being able to see my breath so well.

What is all this snow good for? SKIING! My roommates and I (and Yesenia) signed up for a Texas Exes (Hook'Em!) day trip, ski at Windham Mountain, this past weekend. It was a great site. Lots of trails. The day was beautiful, clear and sunny skies. All lifts were open and trails freshly groomed. We had a blast even if we did have to wake up at 5am. It was a great day.

Taking a break to blow my nose!

About skiing. I've only skiied like once before. And I wasn't bad at it. I'm just...reckless. I guess you could say I started running before I learned to walk. Or walking before I learned to crawl. Regardless, I can balance, go fast and such but I cannot, for the life of me, stop aptly. Or at all... But I love skiing and can go on blue trails now. YAY! Anyways I want to make skiing a more constant thing in my life. I mean, if my brother can own a snowboard and live in Texas, I sure as hell can go skiing more than once a year.

Readysetgo! (Jackie wanted to snowboard)

And what else does snow entice one to do? Cook stews, soups and other hearty items of course! And what better way to make hot, delicious meals worthy of a snowy, freezing day than in a wonderful dutch oven. I decided to treat myself to this baby:

Staub. 5.5qt. Graphite

I am in bliss. I've wanted a dutch oven ever since I started reading Pioneer Woman and this desire burned even more when I became smitten with Smitten Kitchen. Braised meats? Deep, flavorful soups? SIGN ME UP!

Yes, I did get grey and not dijon. Why? I am lucky enough to have a friend who's mother works at William Sonoma. Thus I was limited to the colors they carried but I got half-off so I'm not complaining. Plus I think that grey compliments yellow rather nicely so I guess I'll just have a grey and yellow kitchen in the future. It's chic!

To all my readers: keep warm!

-Sandy

*Just wanted to say that many of the snow photos and all the skiing ones are courtesy of L!

Busy blues

I'm home sick today. I kinda did it to myself because I went to work yesterday while under the weather. Why did I do that? Because I wanted to go to trapeze school. (this will be explained in my next post!) So here I am, at home, attempting to do some work while eating steel-cut oats and ice cream.

Been busy since I've come back. Gabby is in town! She's been here for the past weekend and will leave on Friday. It's her vacation. She actually left for Boston today though, to visit some family.

And since I owe ya'll a post but I am not feeling to well but have a best friend who's on vacation and has a blog of her own we'll just recap my weekend through her eyes.

Wintry Weather Weekend

Did I mentioned it's super cold here? Maybe not like Chicago but it's pretty blustery.

OH! And I will be on the CBS Early show this Thursday. Tune in. See if you can catch me decorating cookies!!! My network TV debut!!!

Weekend in DC!

Hippo in Smithsonian

YAY! I'm coming home so so so so soon. Get excited Austin! I am absolutely ecstatic!

Crochet of the coral reef in the Smithsonian

 Can't believe my last post was November 1st. Time has really gone by. I've mentioned it before but when you're working all day, 5-days-a-week and you're just living for a weekend it all just whooshes by. I can't believe I've been here for 5 months already.

Sculpture Garden in DC

Of course my job doesn't help with this flyby sense. I'm constantly planning for the future. Deliverables are due by this date and that. We need to think about next fiscal year (which is April). Deadline is at Christmas. blahblahblah. At this rate my life is like an oilslick!

I went to DC last weekend to visit Mattie. I had a grand ol' time. Shop, ate and walked around Whole Foods for the first time since I moved. Gosh, I miss that place. I am determined to start going regularly despite my horrid first impression with the one in Union Square (abolutely ridiculous line, and all I wanted was a snack!).

The mess we made in the kitchen

Anyways, Mattie and I made a delicious dinner. It was the most simple and perfect roast chicken (which is now my go-to recipe for guests. I made it for Chris and my roommates last night--awesome). And vanilla roasted pears with REAL vanilla beans. It was so nice to go back to a 'normal' pace. Slower, unhurried and just about lounging around and doing nothing. We did get to go the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, which was nice.

Smitten Kitchen...vanilla roasted pears

Voila!

Apple A Day

South Norwalk, CT

 Apple picking. Apparently it's a big deal up here. And common. Of course, I had never heard of the past time being from Texas and all. But last week, I was lucky enough to get to go and catch the tail end of the season. It was glorious...to be able to ride a car through winding roads in the Conneticut countryside which were paved with autumn's gold and scarlet leaves. It's truly fall. The most beautiful fall I've ever seen. Shelby, Chris, Jackie, Lauren and I went to Blue Jay Orchards.

 Once upon a time, in the beginning of my career, I co-founded the Apple-A-Day (henceforth known as AAD) with my supervisor. It was a joke between me and him. And we let others in on it. Then I started bringing in apples for each member. And each member started paying dues. And then I penned a weekly newsletter. And that newsletter became bi-weekly.

 Yes. I created an club at work. What started out as fun, became a real thing. The simple concept of an apple a day (keeps the doctor away). I had an even dozen members, included myself. I had to cap membership since I did not want to be buried under bushels of apples, that I would have to lug to work everyday. But there were honorary members, those who knew of my faux passion for apples and those who enjoyed the quick wit and sarcasm I displayed in the newsletters.

However, I am sad to report, that with the end of apple season, and the turn of a new month, AAD is no more. Well, in the sense that I will not be personally placing an apple on each member's desk in the morning. And that dues will no longer be due. It might be the end of an era but there is always the future.

What to do with my apples? Well, I have been eating them...Jackie made applesauce. I made...nothing...so far.

But I have been on a baking bonanza.

Samplings of my shenanigans:

Easiest Banana Softserve

Brownie Roll-Out Cookies

Brownie bear...

Attempt at Baby Jesus Cake

Less than picture perfect snickerdoodles

Roasted Eggplant Soup

Sunshine likes to watch TV on the laptop too!

Cheers,

Sandy

Hufflepuff

I visited Chris at Yale for the first time this weekend. It was a lovely trip, out of Manhatten on the North Railroad, going through Connecticut. The leaves are beginning to turn into warm golds, bright red and the sun sets a bit earlier, leaving a soft, hazy glow that wraps around everything. It is truly fall.

I've been wearing boots and trenches and scarves, not only because it's fashionable, but because I really need to as the weather turns crisp and brisk. It'll be my first real fall and I am enjoying every bit of it. I am not in Texas anymore. For real.

Yale is beautiful.

Every time I visit the older college campuses of America, especially up here, I can't help but sigh and wish that I realized the beauty of going to college not in Texas. Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed and am extremely grateful for my experiences and opportunities from school. But the beauty of UT does not strike me the way the old schools do. I wish I could be more articulate about my thoughts but my brain has become decidedly lazy. And that's a subject for another post.

Inside the courtyard of Timothy Dwight

Another view inside same courtyard.

Yale has a residential college system that is like the house system in Hogwarts. That's Harry Potter for those of ya'll who do not get the reference. (Read the series if you have not. Life changing.) And they all have a residential area, complete with a courtyard.  You're put into a college as a freshman by random assignment. And each college has a master and it's own budget, yadayadayada. Read more about this here.  I wish I had that. I also wish Harry Potter was real.

Chris and I got in a tiff because he said that if Harry Potter was real and I was at Hogwarts I would be a Hufflepuff. Which of course makes me huff. But I took this sorting hat quiz and it turns out I am...Not the biggest bummer in the world, at least I'm not a  Slytherin.

 The Halloween Holiday was in the air...

In other news I've been busy in the kitchen. Many treats to come. Nom nom nom.

SUNSHINE!

A visitor from below

I realize it's been a while since I've written and I know every one of my readers (yes, all 4 of them) is dying to know what's been going on. Well, I've been extremely busy at work and when I'm not at work I'm either taking time to myself or immersing myself in my new hobby of cooking and baking.

Cooking and baking has always been a hobby for me but somehow, in the past 2 months, it's grown exponentially. Thanks to Gabby I am absolutely obsessed with smitten kitchen. The surprise me feature has me on my toes! I've e-mail myself about 2340842 million recipes to make so far.

This past weekend was very lovely. Mattie came to visit, arriving by Bolt Bus from DC. I wanted to take her to my favorite Hummus Place but it was closed...for Yom Kippur. A holiday that never even crossed my mind! I blame the fact that I grew up in Texas for this oversight.

Anyhow, our weekend was filled with beautiful weather, Subrina, arts and UT football. We ate bagels (YUM, however that is a box I should not have opened because now I want them AOTtime, my new favorite: everything bagel...!!!), had a picnic in Central Park, went to the Met, saw Easy A and ate thin crust pizza.

Oh wait...here is my weekend in pictures:

We had a delightful lunch at Nick's Pizza.

The Metropolitan Museum's current rooftop exhibit: Bambú. It was pretty awesome.

View of Central Park from the Met rooftop. Imagine the perfect weather that enveloped me as I took in this scene.

Right before Mattie left, we spontaneously stopped at Bouchon Bakery for macarons (we both got caramel, DELICIOUS). On a whim, we had looked it up after seeing a father and twins relish delicacies from this place during our picnic in Central Park.

All in all, I hope Mattie can agree that I am the hostess with the mostess. After this weekend I am determined to make macarons one day and I am in love with this fall weather. And I miss my friends and family from home even more now.

Crisp New Start!

I hope to blog at least once a week. Here goes...

The end of summer has come. I always associate the end of summer with Labor Day weekend. My roommates still believe in not wearing white after...whatever.

I had a great summer. Got a job, graduated, chilled out, saw Vietnam, whirlwind move to NYC, started my job. My summer in NYC has been filled with Central Park, running, Amazon.com, buying furniture, a fascination with food blogs and baking.

It's funny. I've become more of a homebody/Suzy homemaker now that I have my "own" place. Being in NYC is fun but it hasn't been all the scene and be seen that I thought it would be. I've just come to a compromise that I'm going to be here for a while and so I have a lot of time to check out all the cool places and shops such as Momofuku's Milk Bar or Cafeteria. Oh...and I need the funds to be able to afford these things. Of course I would have more funds for these things if I wasn't so intent on building a storage of ingredients and arsenal of cooking utensils.

On to the pictures as we all know I'm a visual person.

Chris and I had my belated birthday dinner at Vesta in Astoria. It's a very small, intimate wine bar and trattoria. They have wine on tap (I got a crisp, refreshing riesling) and PEI mussels in the most DIVINE sauce. I had the most amazing thin crust, huge personal pan pizza that was topped with pancetta, arugula, apples, potatoes, carmelized onions and goat cheese. And the rest of their food is all about the local CSA. Love it love it love it. And for dessert we had a delectable house specialty: baby jesus cake. Some divine concoction that was a date cake with a caramel sauce accompanied with light, freshly-whipped cream.

Pics of the past week:

Jackie made a tres leches cake. Her first time!

My bruise from a memorable night. I took this picture today, this is after a week of healing.

Found my food processor on the 29th floor of my building. I work 16 floors from that. And I'm obsessed with making banana soft serve which is simply frozen banana!

A guy from my team who also eats healthy told me about this cereal or muesli. I love it and eat a serving with my yogurt every work morning! It's from the UK, like him.

Friday night dinner to start off the long weekend. Mad Men, wine, seared salmon. Lovely.

I got this in memory of a time at a wine bar I had with my friends. I drank the whole bottle...in one sitting.

Maybe ya'll will get a post tomorrow. I have nothing planned!