Just try and save room for dessert

Well sadly I'm still sorting through all our NYC pics, but I thought I'd start with our first stop when we arrived...Carnegie Deli.  I know, I know, some of you that know Manhattan are probably thinking 'touristy,' but for me I had to take B here.  It is a 'must-go' for my family.  Every trip to NYC we would always go to Carnegie Deli.  I remember being in the fifth grade and ordering a bagel with cream cheese, and it came with literally an entire block of 8 oz. cream cheese.  They are know for their portions. :)

We arrived and were shuffled back to our table which included two other couples.  It's quite the tight squeeze in the place and intimate conversations are definitely not had here. ;)  My favorite part is definitely the bowl of pickles they plop down for you to munch on as you wait.

 B took in the menu and eyed the other patrons and was a bit overwhelmed.

He settled on the turkey and cheddar...

But I was so wishing he would have gone for the Reuben!

Being the vegetarian that I am, I was quite content with my double decker grilled cheese.  Yum!

And to truly capture the New York deli experience, we had to order a potato knish.  It was amazing!

All in all a fun and filling ;) experience.

 Sadly though we did not save room for dessert. 

 How incredible does this look??

Next time!

Home cooking

Well we are back from the Big Apple and had quite a big time.  Forgive me for my delay in posting but I was worthless last week.  We had the best trip, and I love NYC probably more than most, but wow it took it out of me!  Being preggers coupled with LOTS of walking and LOTS of late nights, I was pooped when we got back.  Luckily I was champ during the time we were there. :)  Would you believe I have not even uploaded my pics yet!  I promise that is my homework for tonight.

In the meantime, here's a little something to wet your appetite.  So B is in Atlanta this week for work, so this weekend I sent him off with a yummy home cooked meal (since the bun in the oven arrived, there have been very few meals made in our real oven!).

I found these fabulous recipes from my friend and former college roommate's website.  Jenny is amazing!  Check out her blog Everyday Occasions.  I opted for the grilled bruschetta as our app to start.

This was such a hit!  So simple and so delicious!

I was dying to try her grilled herb shrimp as well, and it did not disappoint.  Paired with my roasted Brussels sprouts and fingerling potatoes, it was a delectable dinner.



Some exciting news to share...

Well we're headed off to the Big Apple!  I'll be back on Monday with some fun posts from our adventure.  But in the meantime, here's some fun news to share...

We are SO excited! :)

One for One

I love TOMS.  I think the shoes are unique and fun without trying too hard.  I adore the fact that the company is all about giving back!  Buying shoes is always a treat but how nice to know that with my new kicks someone else in need is getting a pair as well.

In addition to my gold and red flats, I just purchased this new pair for summer.

I am so excited though to learn that TOMS is now offering sunglasses!

Have you checked out the new line?  Do so here.  Every pair purchased will help TOMS give sight to one person in need—through medical treatment, prescription eyeglasses or sight-saving surgery.  How cool!

I want to go back, back to Cali, Cali

Planning our trip for next week has me thinking about our vacation last year.  What a trip!  B and I headed out West to California and took in all that San Francisco, Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley had to offer.  We had the most incredible time!

Started the trip off with some dim sum in San Fran's Chinatown

Followed by Bloody Marys and oysters at Fisherman's Wharf.

Dinner at Oola

Incredible and inventive drinks!

Hands down the best thing I ate the whole trip...potato chip wrapped scallops (with garlic fries of course).  Yum!

First stop in Napa, Frank Family Vineyards. 

Phenomenal Zins.

Dinner at Willie's Seafood and Raw Bar in Healdsburg.  Delicious lobster rolls!

Our B&B in Healdsburg - The L&M Motel

It is the cutest, converted roadside motel that takes you back.  Campfire, croquet and...

S'mores!

My favorite!

Lunch at Coppola's Rustic.  Amazing!

One of the highlights of the trip - Seven course food and wine pairing at Mayo Reserve.

Highly recommend!

Dessert! Blueberry, creme fraiche and basil trifle. 

We stayed at the El Dorado Hotel in Sonoma, right on the plaza.

Perfect for walking to the Farmer's Market on the Square.

Cheers to unbelieveable trip in California!

Cannot wait to see what our NYC adventure brings...

New York State of Mind

I am counting down the days to next Wednesday.  B and I are headed to New York, and I am SO excited.  B has never been, and it's been years since I was last there.  Now I'm just torn trying to finalize our itinerary.  So many sights, so many restaurants, so many shops...so little time.  I don't know how I'm going to cram everything I want to do into our short trip.  I guess that is the beauty of an NYC trip though...no matter what you do, how much you plan or how little you plan, sometimes the greatest experience is one you just happen upon.

Of course we do have some 'musts' on our list. 

#1 Yankees Game

Cannot wait to see the new stadium!

And of course, this guy... :)

 

#2 My old stomping ground

#3 Yum!

Aside from pretzels at the game and a creamy treat at Shake Shack, trying to determine where we will indulge in some fine dining.  Is anything more overwhelming than trying to pick between all the fabulous eateries this amazing city offers?  I'll keep you posted on what we choose!