Art Space and a new table...

I started a new tradition. Each time I leave my favorite place [insert Nags Head] I stop by Art Space and buy a new table to take back with me to NYC. You might think that's crazy. But, I love taking something back with me that reminds me of the beach; something that I can look at everyday. Who cares if our apartment is only 700 sq. feet?! I make it work! Though, I believe The Husband thinks I'm secretly trying to turn our place into a beach house. Well, actually, I just want a beach house!

I posted about Art Space last year, when I bought the cute little green table that lives in our hall. I couldn't wait to go back and see what new furniture and artwork they had.

One of my favorite Christmas presents (which sits over the cute little green table) came from here too, painted by the talented Katy Caroline. (sorry, only have iPhone pictures). I think she has painted every dog in our family and on our block.
Katy [below] also hosts the popular, "Sip and Dip" parties on Thursday nights where you can sip on wine while learning to paint. We weren't able to go this year, but maybe next!
I have yet to determine exactly where my new table will live (called creamsicle), but once it finds a permanent home in our apartment, I'll post pictures.
If y'all are down in OBX, I highly recommend stopping in. For more info, visit: http://www.obxartspace.com/

Nags Head 2011

It's funny how quickly you can revert back from vacation mode to worker mode. I've been back from my favorite place in the world (Nags Head) for less than 24 hours and it's as if I never left...except for the fact that I'm tan. At least I have that, right?

We had an amazing family (x2) vacation last week. The weather, though hot, was sunny and thankfully I was able to dodge the record heat in NYC. Newark, NJ at any time is gross, I can't image it at 104 degrees.

The Husband and I are beyond lucky because for a second year in a row, we were able to spend our vacation with both families. My family was down the first week and his the second so we split our trip into almost half and half with each.

We ate, drank, walked, talked, played, danced, relaxed and most of all enjoyed each others company.

Oh yeah, I spotted Beyoncé the chicken in Nags Head too. Have y'all read this story? It's pretty damn funny so I just had to get a picture. Beyoncé was $$$, so I didn't bring her home but I did purchase a cute table from here that I will share later this week.
Thanks to both our families for a great time! Cheers to some great memories...

No Green Thumb

I mentioned a few months back that I was attempting to be a gardener. I was so naive back then. I figured that starting slow (i.e., 3 pots) would be the easiest and best way to go. Last week, I went to go water my 3 little pots and saw this:

Dead, dead and dead. Damn.

I really tried with these. I even kept the basil plant alive for 2.5 years. I even talked to them on occasion as my 10th grade science teacher said plants love it. What about now, Mrs. Fowler? Maybe it's the window sill or may not, but there is no hope bringing them back. I couldn't even look as I threw them in the trash. The Husband says I probably water them too much. But what does he know?

I'm going to attempt this again. The summer ain't over yet and I'd like to have fresh mint, basil and thyme before Labor Day. If any of y'all have tips, send 'em my way!

Long Beach Island

Sometimes I forget that Manhattan is an island, an island which is less than 2.5 hours away from many beaches. Now, this southerner is a Carolina beach kind of girl. To me, there is nothing better and no place that makes me happier than OBX.

Yet, after two trips to Long Beach Island (LBI) in NJ, I'm becoming a big fan (don't worry OBX, you're still number one). Unlike other parts of the Jersey Shore, LBI is less "Snooky-like" if you know what I mean. The beach itself is beautiful and quiet. We are fortunate enough to have a great place to stay too thanks to The Husband's cousins, Carl and Julie. We spent last Saturday and Sunday relaxing by the beach, enjoying the fresh air and even a boat ride through Oyster Creek, where we grabbed cold beers and fresh crabs. Doesn't get better than that. The restaurant and boat town, reminded me a of a sleepy little place down South.

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves...











Thanks again to Julie and Carl for a great weekend!

Food Trucks and Such

Happy July y'all! The summer is flying by. Hope everyone had a great July fourth weekend. The Husband, Miss Bailey and I traveled across the bridge to Morristown to get some R&R with Uncle Jim and Aunt Liz. We spent a lot of time by this...
and ate lots of yummy food like that...
As always it was great to get away from the city for a bit and feel the grass under our feet. Bailey reminded us that she is in fact a country dog and ran until she couldn't.

Yesterday I watched a new show on the Cooking Channel called Eat Street. I love the idea of food trucks - quick and inexpensive food that's unique. I've yet to find a great one in NYC (mainly because they haven't come close to my whereabouts). One of my favorites though is this one.

After doing some digging, we found that many food trucks park themselves outside what used to be known as Tavern on the Green on the Upper West Side of Central Park. In fact, one even serves alcohol. Who'd a thought? Most of the food truck locations can be found via Twitter. Check out this article on where to find the best food trucks in NYC.