Colorful Camera Straps

I carry my camera with me a lot, but would you believe I still have the boring, black, name-brand strap that came with it? These cheery straps from iMoShop are far more exciting.

Luxurious Lunch at Eleven Madison Park

I don't even know where to begin to describe the lunch Jonah, my parents and I had at Eleven Madison Park. For starters, it lasted about three hours. We had five courses, plus a surprising number of amuse-bouches and a couple of pre- and post-dessert treats, all courtesy of the kitchen. Things just sort of magically appear at the table. We each selected a different dish for each course, so we ended up with 16 different plates, plus the must-have roast duck glazed in lavender honey, presented and carved tableside. What can I say, we went a little nuts, but it was one of those best-of-your-life meals. Even the rolls were exceptional.

The menu is simple, just listing the main ingredient for each course, cauliflower, snapper, pear, etc. Other than that, you don't really know what you're getting, although it's thoroughly explained once the plate hits the table. The staff was knowledgeable, accommodating and friendly. It's innovative dining but not too stuffy. A good example is their spin on the egg cream, a drink usually found in New York City diners.

I think the best thing I can do is direct your eyes to all the beautiful food above, full of color, texture and, trust me, amazing flavor.

Pretty as a Picture

The windows at Anthropologie's flagship store in New York have me craving spring. The colors, the splatters of paint, the canvases I want to hang in my apartment and all those happy clothes. It's hard enough to work a block away from Anthropologie, now I have this to contend with.

Valentine Cocktail: The Hummingbird

I think this flirty pink drink is perfect for Valentine's Day. It's light, citrusy and bubbly, my favorite qualities in a beverage. The recipe is courtesy of St-Germain, makers of the French elderflower liqueur. I just substituted a sparkling rosé for the champagne to achieve the delicate shade of pink.

The (Pink) Hummingbird
Recipe courtesy of St-Germain

2 parts Brut champagne or dry sparkling wine, rosé if you prefer
1 1/2 parts St-Germain
2 parts club soda or sparkling water

Stir ingredients, mixing completely. Serve cold or over ice in a tall glass. Garnish with a lemon twist or peel.

Happy Valentine's Day! Thanks for indulging me in my Valentine's week projects! In case you missed it:
a heart tee
amaretto mousse and heart-shaped cookies
a sweet pretzel for your sweetheart
cards and a carrier

Weekend in Photos

It was such a good weekend. My parents were in town, and we had an amazing meal at Eleven Madison Park. I may just have to break it down plate by plate later in the week because it was that good and I photographed every one. We headed into Queens to check out the Jim Henson exhibit at the Museum of the Moving Image. It was fun for my inner Fraggle Rock-loving child, and the rest of the museum was unexpectedly entertaining. There were the requisite Magnolia cupcakes and City Bakery hot chocolate, and some down time spent playing Hearts. I love when the people I love are together.

Valentine Cards and Carrier

I've got two more simple Valentine's Day DIYs for you. First, this tote bag. You need a canvas tote bag (I found one with a cute red handle here), fabric paint, painter's tape, a foam brush, fabric, and fabric glue. Lay strips of tape across the tote and paint in the gaps with gold fabric paint. I'd suggest lining the bag with something, like a paper bag or cardboard, to ensure the paint doesn't seep through to the other side. After the bag has plenty of time to dry, remove the tape. Cut hearts out of the fabric of your choice, I went with a gold faux leather, and attach them to the bag using fabric glue. A little more drying time and you have a Valentine-themed tote bag to carry around all the cards and chocolate you'll be receiving. I've been calling it my Valentote.

To make the card, I just turned to my collection of washi tape. Use some heavy paper or card stock and decorate with the tape however you like. There you go, homemade valentines and a bag to deliver them in.