another quick getaway to nyc. when i say quick, i mean very short and sweet. my flight was suppose to leave on friday morning, but who knew? snow was to fall in alabama and georgia. come thursday night ALL flights for friday were canceled from birmingham. so if i could somehow make it to home, finish packing, then to the airport, through security [which involves almost stripping these days] and board my plane in one hour and twenty-seven minutes i could leave thursday night. that was the only option, give it a try, or not go. so off i went. well i made it, and the airport stress which tripled coming home when they could not get the plane door to close  was well worth the headache of travels. the colors of the city are sure to brighten your day…

valentine’s balloons and all! 

not the mention to super white snow that had gracefully dumped itself on the city two days earlier was still lingering on the streets. 

i pulled on my rain boots, and only slipping once, braved the icy sidewalks towards west side highway + 18th street to meet at new blog friend who i posted about a few days back. remember this post, “love in pictures”, well i met up with the talent behind those pictures. we are pretty sure that we are meant to be best friends forever. 

oh but i was slightly interrupted on my way to meet her quickly slipping into chelsea market, in my attempts to defrost…I grabbed a warm bowl of soup at hale & hearty, and saw a valentine’s treat: 

but i made it, yeap to the pier 59 studios to meet ana….we sat and chatted over coffee. i took a quick run through tour of the space, and saw a sneak peek for what i was in store for that night. yeap it was the studios 15th anniversary, and federico pignatelli and fern mallis [credited as the creator of ny's fashion week] where having a celebration of creativity, inspiration, and artistry held at the pier 59 studios. i was invited to join in on the fun, and quickly accepted the invite. 

there was fire.

and cheetahs.

and fashionable art.

photoshoots.

tigers.

and one of the coolest things was large format 20 x 24 camera (i failed to snap a picture of it for you to see). but it was awesome!

there was also snakes (eww!), music, drinks, fashionable guests, party favors and it all took place in a really fab space! And oh my stars, how could I forget our dinner prior to the par-tay. we dined at mr. chow in TriBeCa. It was to Y-ummy, with an intentional capital “Y”.  we had vegetable dumplings, beijing chicken with walnuts, ma mignon, sauteed baby bok choy and steamed brown rice. go here if you get a chance. the decor is worth checking out too if you’re in the neighborhood. 

Day 2: headed on the 2 to brooklyn to explore the brooklyn flea. 

it’s held in the landmark former Williamsburgh Savings Bank, and the architecture of the bank is a site in and of itself. especially check out the bank vault door in the basement. the foods down here, so you surely will not miss it. it must be about 8 feet thick. talk about tight security!

on my my favorite vendors was a lady that designed+made jewelry. i couldn’t resist, i bought two necklaces. but the main reason why i bring this up is because of her creative display. the picture does not do it justice, but she displayed her jewelry on mother-of-pearl squares. it was a beautiful contrasting background to her jewelry pieces. 

after stopping here, more vendors, and more vendors and more vendors fill the old bank…lots of goodies to explore. everything from food and desserts to vintage boots and jewelry. 

for now, thank you God for safe travels, and brining me back home! laundry is a mile high, and i’m exhausted. travel is FUN, but super taxing on you all at the same time. night-night bloggers!