New York Public Library

I went to the New York Public Library today - it is stunning. It has all these murals which depict different aspects of literacy and lots of gold leaf. The reading rooms are very inspiring; lots of old leather tables and high ceilings - I think I will take my laptop there some day (also because it seems quite cool, another mid-summer location to add to my list.) It inspired me to become learned (about something.)

http://gonyc.about.com/od/photogalleries/ig/New-York-Public-Library/Moses-Mural.htm

Regina Seunghae Choi

This is one I liked - especially the copper jewellery.

www.regina-s-choi.com

Although it looks like her website is still under construction.

Edge Noho

I came across this shop, which has lots of small designers in it.

http://www.edgeny.com/

Some of the jewellery was really delicate and pretty, but not too expensive.

New York showtimes for Sex and the City

New York is crazy for Sex and the City - here are the showtimes for one cinema on Sunday:

10:15am 11:00am 11:45am 12:30 1:15 2:00 2:45 3:30 4:30 5:15 6:00 7:00 8:00 8:30 9:15 10:15 11:15

I just walked past a cinema which is sold out until 1.40am!

I've also just seen four girls in high heels with flower corsages on their dresses and in their hair - wonder where they were going!

Today I walked down the street where Carrie's apartment is. I wasn't sure which one it was, until I saw some steps with a chain across and a notice saying "this is private property." I wonder if that wasn't drawing more attention to it, rather than keeping people away. One thing's for sure - Carrie could not have afforded an apartment in this location.

One lucky duck

I've just been to a really small little vegan juice bar/takeaway. It's one of those raw food movement places - everything is prepared under 118 degrees (assume that's Fahrenheit.) I had a smoothie made with mangos, raspberries, lemonade and agave - never heard of that before, it's some kind of natural sweetener.

I thought about being more brave and having something made with stevia and nut water, but the drinks are pretty expensive (mine was $10) so thought it was a bit of a risk for ingredients I had never heard of or tasted before. Maybe next time, though, as my smoothie is very tasty.

http://www.oneluckyduck.com/

Looks like they have a whole restaurant too; Pure Food and Wine - I haven't spotted it before but it's just round the corner.

http://purefoodandwine.com/

Tea shop names I like #3 - Tea and Sympathy

This one is in Greenwich Village. I haven't been there as I haven't had any food cravings for anything British yet - it sells lots of British food - like treacle pudding (that frequent staple of my diet) and bangers and mash. But I have looked inside and it looks cute.

http://www.teaandsympathynewyork.com/home.php

Tea shop names I like #2 - Teany

I have been here, but not yet on this trip. It is a really cute little vegan cafe on Rivington St, owned by the musician Moby. It has a massive menu of teas, with lots of information about their health benefits etc, and teas in nice tins to buy as gifts.

Their website has a useful 'tea finder' where you put in the characteristics or benefits you want the tea to have, and it gives you suggestions.

https://www.teany.com/

I bought some cake here when I went in December - not so sure about the vegan desserts, but the tea was really nice, served in a cute little teapot.

Tea shop names I like #1 - Teariffic

I haven't been here, but saw it in Chinatown this morning, and I liked the same.

http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/3/182209/New-York/Chinatown-restaurants/Teariffic.html

Pie by the Pound

I just had lunch at a really good fast food place called Pie.

I think they are doing themselves a disservice by calling it Pie, as what they sell is more like pizzas. I've walked past it lots and never gone it because I haven't felt like a piece of Pie!

The owner/manager pounced on me as soon as I went in, able to tell I was a new customer. He let me have a pretty generous sized sample, and he wasn't too pushy.

The pizzas are sold by the pound, so you just tell them what size you want and then you pay by weight. This was one of the best pizzas I have ever had - it had a flat, wholewheat base, and really fresh ingredients - the sample I had had cubed tomato and mozzarella - it was really good.

I actually had a chicken salad for lunch, as I didn't realise you could have any size slice you want - I just saw the plate of the person in front of me - it was huge. And it was hot outside, but this place was just the right temperature. I am storing up mental notes of cafes with air conditioning (not fans - that just blows the hot air around) before it gets much hotter.

This is the website - unfortunately it doesn't have any pictures, and I didn't have my camera.

http://www.piebythepound.com/

More doggie fashion

Oh, and I forgot to say, they actually said "Ruffles and florals are really big for dogs."

This is similar to the dog 'honeymoon' tracksuit they showed.

Coincidences? Or something more...

I have had so many great things happen to me since I came here.

First, I found my apartment in the West Village really easily, after only being here about two days. It wasn't even for rent as a sublet and I just e-mailed the girl on the off-chance she would rent short-term - and she did!

Then I have booked things, or found things to go to, which have ended up being about 4 streets away from me. Tonight I am going to an evening class and they don't tell you the location until you've booked - and it turns out it is about a 10 minute walk away. Same with a creative arts thing I went to, which was even closer.

Then, Wendy put me in touch with CaSandra, a friend of hers who is staying in the exact same place as me at the minute for the same length of time, and we are meeting for lunch this week.

Then Juliette gave me the details of a friend of hers who has just moved to New York. I e-mailed her today and she replied to say she lives in the West Village. Well, guess where she lives - in the exact same street I am moving to, 5 doors away.

Doggie Fashion

This morning I actually watched a segment on the Today programme which was fashion for dogs for weddings.

Not only did they have outfits for the rehearsal dinner, ringbearer and bridesmaid outfits, but they also had honeymoon outfits (a Juicy Couture tracksuit.)

You can watch the fashion parade here - believe me, it's worth a look.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24843670/

Pedicabs

Whole Foods is offering free pedicab rides today, if you spend $25 or more. I briefly considered it, as it would be fun, but don't think I can quite justify it when I live two streets away. I think I can manage to carry my shopping.

Leafy streets

I really like living in the Gramercy Park area of New York. Everything is really convenient, and there are lots of nice leafy streets like this one.

Balduccis

http://www.balduccis.com/

I may have found a grocery store I like even better than Whole Foods. It's in an old converted bank - a beautiful building.

Cute house

Gramercy Park

I am making my aim to get inside Gramercy Park. It's the last private park in New York, and you can't get a key unless you live in the square around it. Also it's pet free - another bonus. I tried wearing my best frock and trying to make eye contact with any men I could see inside - didn't work. Photo is taken through the bars.

Yard Sale at East 18th Street.

There was nothing to buy at the Yard Sale I saw advertised on Sunday - but it was actually held at a historic house - see below.

Pinkberry

I've been to this great frozen yogurt place called Pinkberry. I was surprised they only had three flavours - coffee, green tea and original, but they have lots of fresh fruit toppings.

The amazing thing is, this is the only frozen yogurt I've ever had that actually tastes like it's yogurt which has been frozen. I worked once on a frozen yogurt stall, and it was basically a sugary syrup before it was frozen. This one is yummy!

http://www.pinkberry.com/

Prospect Park

Yesterday I went for a picnic in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, with Megan and her friends. It was very warm and a really nice afternoon.

http://www.prospectpark.org/

Nice shoes

Yesterday when I was walking along in my sandals, some guy said 'Nice shoes' to me.

Either
a) I didn't hear correctly - I was on the phone and can't hear that well from the other ear - he might have said 'Nice toes' (also unlikely, in need of a pedicure.)

or
b) Americans have a different sense of style where they appreciate my footwear.

or
c) He was joking. (although I was wearing trousers, I think the sandals are less offensive that way.)

Yard Sale

I have just seen someone putting up a sign for a yard sale tomorrow in the next block up! I was surprised - I thought you would need a yard to have a yard sale. I think I will check it out even though I don't have much room in my luggage for new things. I have seen quite a few good things in thrift stores here, decent furniture etc. - pity I have nowhere to put it.

71 Irving Place

http://www.irvingfarm.com/index.cfm?c=3&s=1&pg=irvingplace.cfm

I can't believe I've been living so close to this little coffee shop for so long and not discovered it until just now - it looks really full of character.

New York Burger Company

I really like this burger place I've found; it's fast food, but you get to say how you want your burger done, and it's got sweet potato fries. Plus, one thing I love is that you can get mini burgers! They are about half the size of a normal burger - but sometimes all you want is a bite!

http://www.newyorkburgerco.com/

It won a prize too, for best NY burger.

Missed opportunity - again

Today I tried to go to a showhouse place at 66th St, with 30 rooms designed by top NY designers. Except, when I got there, it finished on Friday. The doorman gave me a brochure anyway. And I saved myself $30.

Then I walked another 30 blocks north to the Jewish museum to see this Andy Warhol exhibition:

http://www.thejewishmuseum.org/site/pages/onlinex.php?id=184&live_stat=warholtenportraits

Actually, the permanent exhibition was more interesting. I watched a really interesting documentary profiling Jews today in different parts of the world. The museum is free on Saturdays because of the Sabbath, so I saved myself $15 - so in total, I've saved $45 today.

Then I kept walking to the top of Central Park, (110th St) and walked west and down through the Upper West Side. I walked for 2 hours looking for somewhere I would like to eat. In the end I had to admit defeat, and stopped at the Upper West Side Magnolia Bakery for a key lime cheesecake. Then, on my final way home, I passed a street fair and have just had some delicious barbequed sweetcorn.

Karaoke

I have no karaoke talent. I sang Beautiful by Christina Aguilera, quite difficult to sing.

I also tried to add to the list:
"Coming Around Again" by Carly Simon, and
"You're the Inspiration" by Chicago.

Somehow the machine didn't like my suggestions.

Vintage button bouquets

I've seen a couple of this type of thing for sale - flowers made from old buttons. If anyone wants to make some for the Eco Fair, let me know...

New York - London telescope

There's a huge telescope at Tower Bridge in London where you can look through and see the other end in New York.

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/05/22/scope.project/?imw=Y&iref=mpstoryemail

Does anyone want to come and wave at me some day before 15th June?

http://www.tiscali.co.uk/telectroscope/

If you come up with an idea to 'fast track' you might even be able to jump the queue (although their suggestions are marriage proposals or business meetings, don't think I'm likely to have either of those.)

http://www.tiscali.co.uk/telectroscope/cn/visit/index.php

Last words

Earlier I watched a segment on the news with this really beautiful woman who is a presenter on the Today programme. She was talking about her father, who recently died from cancer.

His last words were, "I can feel the winds changing. It's time to turn this ship around."

That made me cry.

Pretty in the City

This is a Brooklyn-based blog I really enjoy. It's not always so NY-centric, but it does demonstrate the New Yorker's obsession with dogs! (more on that later, I'm going back to photograph the dog gym and the sign for 'professional pet portraits' I've seen.

http://www.prettyinthecity.blogspot.com

Martha Stewart Wedding

Last night, Katie, my new flatmate (from June 1st) told me she had been to an actual Martha Stewart wedding on Sunday. Martha Stewart was a guest at the wedding, and it's going to feature in Martha Stewart Weddings in the next few months.

Martha Stewart is kind of like Nigella, only bigger, with a whole range of magazines, books and tv shows - and a prison record, for fraud. She seems to have bounced back from her prison stay though.

When I was in Pittsburgh, I wrote down some 'recipes' for making Christmas gifts from a holiday edition of her magazine. I'm going to try and make candles. Well, I have the instructions at least.

http://www.marthastewart.com/

On Sunday, the bride and groom rode off on white Muji bicycles - I thought that sounded really cool. Muji is one thing where the UK is just one step ahead - not many Americans have heard of it.

Movie

Last night I saw a movie being filmed on Barrow Street, West Village. I couldn't see anyone famous, and they were filming a scene inside a car, so I really couldn't see anything. I stood on the corner and watched for quite a while from under a tree, because I was out without my umbrella again and it was raining really hard.

Joely Pittman

At the arts thing I went to on Monday night, there was also a girl with a really haunting singing voice (at least I thought so.) It was a church event, so she wasn't singing her own stuff, but her voice was so beautiful I thought she must be a professional musician. I've just looked her up, and sure enough, it looks like she is. If you get a chance, have a listen (although I've no idea what her own music sounds like.)

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=54466924

The McSweeney's reader

PS Just read the below Times article and chuckled at this:

"The ideal McSweeney’s reader (or writer) lives in Brooklyn, wears interesting T-shirts, has a blog he works on in coffee shops, and knows it’s cool to oppose globalisation but uncool to go on too much about it."

Just to clarify, as I sit here writing my blog in a coffee shop, the blogging doesn't take long, and I am actually spending a lot of time working on the Eco Fair (more than I would have anticipated.)

Another missed opportunity

Also didn't get in quick enough to see Dave Eggers talking in Brooklyn last night.* Alas. But I just found this article online so it's given me a small fix.

http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/article3277269.ece

Dear all, if you haven't already, you must read this book - it is pure poetry. I will even lend you my signed copy (if you don't want to buy it in hardback.)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/What-Dave-Eggers/dp/0241142571/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1211401094&sr=8-1

*This morning I have bought Time Out as soon as it came out, so I don't miss any more opportunities (although my Dave Eggers moment may be over, pretty sure he lives in California.)

Vosges Chocolate

Last night I tried Vosges Chocolate - the one I had was chocolate with green tea in it. It was quite fragrant, and it really did taste like green tea. I really liked it, but think it is more of a one-square-at-a-time chocolate.

http://www.vosgeschocolate.com/product/macha_tea_exotic_candy_bar/exotic_candy_bars

Whole Foods

I love this Whole Foods on Union Square - I have eaten there almost every night. They have a really good hot food deli where you pay for food by weight. They rotate the theme, this week they have Mexican and Indian. Almost every day I have all of the below:

quinoa with almonds
orzo with spinach
green beans with chili
baked tofu
wholewheat dumplings
and another things I can't pronounce or remember the name of.

It's all very tasty.

Miffy

I can't find anything about this statue on the internet, but the thing I liked which you can't quite see is that she is crying - there's water coming out of her eyes. It's on Park Avenue somewhere near all the banks.

A poem for me - in Barney's window

Not quite relevant, but it was funny to see it. Again - any idea how to take photos through glass?

Artist Power

http://washingtonsquarepark.wordpress.com/2008/04/06/artists-being-evicted-from-union-square-park/

A lot of artists on Union Square are displaying these signs - I think at some point someone was trying to evict them. It wouldn't be that much of a shame I think - most of the art is terrible.

Union Square Farmers' Market

There's a Farmers' Market on Union Square four days a week, with lots of local produce. Does anyone know why you would buy fresh pollen?

The Apprentice

The Apprentice has not crossed my mind since my last blog post two weeks ago. I can't believe it! I quickly checked the website to see if my favourites are still in - Raef and Lucinda. Phew!

Amish

I was looking out of the window most of the way - looking for the Amish in Lancaster County. I've been fascinated by the Amish for a long time, ever since I first heard of them about 10 years ago. Someone took me to a cafe in Boston who are run by a community who are a bit like the Amish I think. Looks like this is the website for it.

http://www.commonground-cafe.net/

I like the idea of a simple like they lead (albeit while I am living it up in New York City.)

http://www.800padutch.com/amish.shtml

I'm also interested in Mennonites, which is a similar kind of thing, and I've been to some seminars here:

http://www.menno.org.uk/

They really believe in peacemaking, and they've even been involved in Northern Ireland in some way (or some NI clergy I know have been to study at Mennonite seminaries in the US.)

Unfortunately I did not see any Amish from 14,000 feet.

Sunset from the propellor plane

Does anyone know how to take a decent photograph through glass? This is my view out of the plane from Pittsburgh to New York. I was trying to catch the way the orange of the sunset reflected off the propellers* - didn't quite manage it.

A nice man who I was sitting beside offered me money for a taxi from the airport to NYC when I told him I was deciding between a taxi and a bus. Don't worry, I had enough, I didn't take it, and he was going the opposite direction anyway (my mother thinks I am not streetwise.) He just said he had daughters and he thought a taxi was safer at night. I don't know what it is about people and buses - I've never had any problems.

On Monday night I went to this thing and the girl had some beautiful photos she had taken out of her plane flying over the Grand Canyon - I'm going to see if she has a website or something as they were really stunning photos (with no glare.)

* I do not like propeller planes one bit - there were only 4 seats across.

Blog my rhododendron

From the mouth of a technophobic aunt..."Blog my rhododendron!"

Karaoke

On Friday night I am going to karaoke at Sing Sing!

http://www.karaokesingsing.com/index.html

I've always wanted to have karaoke friends, but never quite managed it until now. However, I don't have a karaoke song - any ideas?

Rain

It has rained all day. I don't like to be hindered by such things as umbrellas, so I went without, thinking I didn't mind a bit of drizzle. I got totally drenched. I'm running out of clothes too - I mostly brought summer dresses!

Dave - and Zoe

I forgot, I did meet one of Dave's friends. We went to pick up Chris, and first thing Dave said was "Zoe's out." Well, I didn't know who he meant, until he went and talked to the dog for about five minutes before he even rang the front door bell!

Thank you guys!

Thank you Irene, Dave and the guys for a great trip! I had a great insight into the American life, and now I feel I know the whole gang:

Irene - Mary and Debbie
Chris - Trevor, Mitchell, Tim, Bobby, Michael (although not now he doesn't speak to girls), Pam, Shannon, Mallory (who Chris quite likes we think except she's Bobby's ex)...
James - Christina, Shane, plus 20 other friends he could get round at a moment's notice...
Dave - don't think he has time for friends, he seems to be on constant pick-up-the-kids or drop-them-off duty..!

Lots of love, Lynne

A day in the life....

1. 8am Yard Sale - we drove around the neighbourhood to three different yard sales - these are our hauls. All for $9.

2. Dad making pancakes for Chris and his cronies - who come and sleep over every weekend.

3. Chris and his cronies emerge from their pit.

4. A true American mom in her Martha Stewart corner; wearing her soccer pin (USC brooch acquired at yard sale), making handmade napkin rings with jewels for the wedding shower this afternoon, with pancake syrup on the table and the 24-hour weather channel on in the background! On top on the cupboard are paper flowers - a skill shared by Irene and my mum.

5. Wedding shower of someone I have never met, the fiancee of Irene's friend Mary. Mary is a bit of a character - she doesn't need to work, but got herself a job at the stadium selling hot dogs so she could watch the Pittsburgh Steelers for free!

http://www.steelers.com/

It's an American tradition to make a bouquet out of the wrapping paper and ribbons from the wedding shower presents, and then carry them at the rehearsal dinner. In case you want to know how...Irene was in demand again to make her paper flowers.

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Ribbon-Bouquet-for-a-Wedding-Rehearsal

6. Where are the kids? Nowhere to be seen...off hanging out at 'Community Day.'

Buddy - RIP

Sadly, I have to admit I had never heard of Buddy the dog until his recent demise (aged 13?). If you have, feel free to pay a tribute here.

Sex and the City

All of the advertising for the film that I've seen focuses on Carrie - no wonder there are feuds among the cast. I think New Yorkers are kind of over it...this is this week's Time Out. In case you can't read it, it says '1,965 ways to enjoy your New York, guaranteed Carrie-free.'

Don't think the Brits are over it yet though:

http://travel.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/travel/destinations/usa/article3898621.ece

But if you do want to avoid the SATC scene, then check here (I can attest to this, I've stood in a queue for 30 minutes every time I've gone to Magnolia Bakery.)

http://www.timeout.com/newyork/articles/features/29576/how-to-avoid-the-sex-and-the-city-movie-madness

Grand Concourse, Pittsburgh

Yesterday we had a very tasty lunch in the Grand Concourse, a restaurant in a converted rail station - it was really stunning, high ceilings with lots of 1930s style glass. Somehow I don't think economy class passengers used this entrance to the platform. There are better pictures here:

http://www.muer.com/

Craft Stores

They are everywhere! Americans are obsessed with making things - even in Ithaca, where there's not too much happening, there were two massive craft stores in the mall.

http://www.michaels.com/art/online/home

Pittsburgh Folk Festival

Last night we went to the 52nd Annual Pittsburgh Folk Festival. There were food stalls from lots of different nationalities. The kids went for the very original choices of fish and chips and Chinese..it was an interesting experience. Dave's comment after we had been there an hour and a half (waiting for the 'Grand Parade') - "That's an hour longer than I thought we'd be here." Not everyone's idea of a fun night out - but I enjoyed it! And Irene wants to take up Irish Dancing.

Andy Warhol Museum

Yesterday we went to the Andy Warhol museum. It had some really interesting things, including time capsules - he kept over 600 boxes full of ephemera - lots of letters and Christmas cards. This was my favourite exhibition; helium filled clouds.

http://www.warhol.org/

Pittsburgh wildlife

Chipmunk in his usual spot.

We also saw a hummingbird yesterday, the first of the season. Dave got his special hummingbird feeder out - it's filled with nectar, not seeds.

But not all the time

James on his way to work at the golf club.

Me on the zip wire.

Relaxing in the garden for some