{suitcase tuesday: a manhattan penthouse...}

I'm headed back to New York tomorrow (via Porter Airlines of course!) and will be staying this time at the Mansfield Hotel at 44th & 5th. Sadly, I won't be crashing in the penthouse. But how amazing is the sunken tub?!

It's just a quick trip with a fundraiser tomorrow night (for the Mario Batali Foundation!) and appointments all day Thursday. What's in my mini suitcase? My Nanette Lepore pants, Banana Republic blouse, J. Crew pencil skirt and a gem of a purchase from Spain, my Bershka black leather jacket.

See you Friday!

{PUBLIC announces winner...}

Remember the PUBLIC bike giveaway contest I entered? They've just announced their winner, Lauren Gerrie of NYC. A great entry for your reading (and riding!) pleasure. Congrats Lauren!

Ride-63:00
I am always early.
9th Street Espresso. Iced red eye.

60:00
You arrive. Introductions and firm handshakes are exchanged.

55:00
My iced beverage sits in a cup holder centered on the handlebars of my vintage burgundy Panasonic 10 speed.

We’re off.
Buying groceries for a dinner party my company, bigLITTLE Get Together, is hosting this evening.

50:00
Union Square Farmers Market: Ramps. Ronny Brook Butter. Fennel. Pears. Rooftop Honey

38:00
Bleeker Street between 6th and 7th Avenue.
Murray’s Cheese: Mascarpone.
Lobster Place: Mussels

30:00
First Avenue between 5th and 6th St.
Tinto Fino: Mar De Vinas Albariño. Muga Rosé

22:00
Houston between Orchard and Allen.
Russ & Daughters: Walnuts. Dried Strawberries

15:00
Avenue B between 2nd and 3rd Street.
Sigmund Pretzels: Classic Salt

8:00
3rd Street between Avenue C and D
My apartment.
Lock up.
Unload baskets.
Walk up six flights of stairs.
Unpack groceries and begin to make dinner.

Menu:

Roasted Ramp Compound Butter with Soft Pretzels
Albariño Mussels with Fennel
Whipped Mascarpone with Black Pepper Poached Pears and Honey
Toasted Walnuts and Dried Strawberries paired with Rose

Going to be in NYC this weekend? Check out PUBLIC's Design Ride Manhattan!

{the many magnolias of nyc...}

Am I really seeing little snowflakes out my office window? To think just yesterday I was in warm and sunny NYC where Central Park's magnolia trees are in full bloom.

It was a packed 2 days but my event on Wednesday night at the Essex Hotel was a great success... phew!

I can't say that I would ever stay at the Hudson Hotel again. Funky outdoor bar, but the strobe lights in the lobby and the teeny tiny rooms just didn't do it for me.

I did however scout some amazing venues for my next visits, had a lovely dinner on the August patio, and finally got a taste of my first Magnolia Bakery cupcake. The icing was sensational!

I'll be spending the weekend in my wee art space working on wedding invitations for friends. With magnolias on my mind, I think I'll leave Jane's post open on my laptop for inspiration... aren't these photos gorgeous?!

photos: magnolia tree from my bberry and cupcake from here.

{these lights will inspire you...}

I've been dying to get to this great little bistro in the West Village - August. I nearly had my next event on the back patio - can't you just see a private little cocktail party with appies made by the wood-fired oven, tea-light candles and hanging twinkly lights?

*photos from here.

{devilish design...}

I'm headed back to NYC early next month and this time will be staying at The Hudson. Their own description of "daredevil design" doesn't completely match some of their seemingly serene outdoor spaces, but rumour has it the bar certainly lives up to the hotel's youthful reputation... Looking forward to it!
*photos from here and here.

{morgans in NYC...}

I had another quick jaunt down to NYC on Monday night and stayed at Morgans on Madison. The room was quite stark and the carpets and bathroom a little tired, but the bed was incredibly comfortable! One of the best hotel sleeps I've had in a long time!

{the gorgeous greenwich..}

Here I am in sunny LA (the rains may return tomorrow, boo!). I had a spectacular time in NYC and am already busy planning my next trip in February. Oh, what I would do to stay at the gorgeous Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca. Wonder if I can secure myself a reso at its Locanda Verde restaurant... the handmade gelati is calling my name!

photos courtesy of the greenwich hotel.

{new york to do list...}

I've got just one more day to dot my "i's" and cross my "t's" for my work trip to New York where I get to host some great client events!
Left to do:
*speak to the sommelier at Bar Boulud about serving a bottle of non-alcoholic wine for one guest

*reconfirm reservation and guest list for lunch at Novita

*decide what to wear for dinner at Ouest!
*photos from here, here and here.

{boho chic...}

When C and I went to New York for a day last year, I discovered ABC Carpet & Home and it was love at first sight.

I love the bohemian flare of every nook and cranny and hope I can find a few minutes to blitz through later this month!

Photo from here.

{new year... new york...}

I couldn't be more relieved to bid adieu to 2009 and the frumps it brought to travel. 2010 is looking brighter already and I'm feeling reinvented and invigorated as my new job begins with a trip to new york in a few weeks. new year, new decade, new start!
photo from here