Sign on the Dotted Line...

Well, we just re-signed our lease for another year. And, I'm very glad we did. It means we won't have to move to another apartment (yes, I've lived in five apartments in six years up here) or pack a box this September. I actually do love our place. However, when you re-sign on the dotted line, they include the full year price of the apartment. It's not that I don't realize how much we are paying, it's just that I didn't actually calculate our yearly rent, at least put it down on paper. Holy Shit. Oh. Boy. I think I got a grey hair just looking at that number.

In other apartment news, we have new neighbors on our hall! And, guess what? They are from North Carolina! Cue the beach music! They are about my age, went to Charleston and Davidson and have a very cute dog. The girl is from Chapel Hill and I hope that we are friends. More importantly, I hope she is a Tarheel. Sometimes, I'm a little overexcited about meeting Southerners in the City, so I'm trying to play it cool. Though, I've never been good at that. I secretly just want to jump up and down and say, "Welcome y'all!! We are going to have so much fun!"

Our dogs met for the first time yesterday and though they were unsure at first glance, they made the elevator ride down together with tails wagging. I'm going to make a welcome basket for them this weekend with my favorite neighborhood things. Is that cheesy? Yes, I know. But, I'm the queen of cheese.

And, because every post needs a picture. Here is one of Bailey. She sleeps in the strangest and most uncomfortable (at least to me) positions. Here she is on Tuesday night.

Hot Child in The City

I love summer. There's just something about this time of the year that is more carefree, relaxed and just fun. I've been out most nights this week enjoying the company of friends, so I'm looking forward to relaxing a bit this weekend. We've had a bit of a heatwave in the city, but I'm not complaining. I'll take heat over the cold any day. When I think of summer, I also think concerts (we're going to Al Green!) and catchy songs. The other day, I found this article, featuring the top summer songs since the 1960's. It's been interesting to go back to hear what were the big hits when I was younger. What will be this year's? "Call me Maybe?" "Wild One" hmmmm?

On Monday, The Husband and I started a summer challenge. Each week, one of us will cook dinner and pick a movie to accompany our meal. This Monday was my first go round. I picked "Wet, Hot American Summer" for my movie and paired that with an all-American meal: Cheeseburgers with caramelized onions and spicy mayo, served with fries and a summer salad of cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, avocado, basil and a light lemon dressing. For our drink, we sipped on a light rosé. It was delicious and simple - the best combo.
Can't wait to see next's week's selection. Bring. It. On. Any plans for this weekend?

Also, hey Ben! (told you I'd include you soon).:)

Family Reunion at the Beach

I just got back from North Carolina (specifically Topsail Beach) to celebrate my grandparent's 60th wedding anniversary. There were 23 of us in total to celebrate the anniversary (and engagement of my cousin and his fiance). We are so lucky to have a family as close as ours, who all get along so well together. I always cherish time with my cousins and think they are some of the best folks I know.

I'm going through all my photos today and tomorrow so will be back with a more robust recap soon. Until then, here are a few.

My aunts gave the girls these - aren't they cute? They came in handy in the hot sun.
We also had tee-shirts made. We are corny like that.
This picture was taken more than 20 years ago.
And of course, we had to take an updated shot.
It's rare that we all get a photo together, so the last night we walked out to the Sound for a photoshoot with the grandkids and great-grand kiddies.
Thanks to B and Pop B and all the aunts and uncles for a wonderful week! We are so blessed.

Back with more photos soon, y'all.

Where do you summer?

I can safely say that I could summer in the Hamptons. But, as I mentioned yesterday, only tourists say Hamptons, so more specifically I could summer in Amagansett or East Hampton. Last weekend, three of my close girlfriends (former work buddies) took the train out to Amagansett for the weekend. You know you're going to have a fun weekend when despite that fact that you forgot a cork screw for your bottle of wine, a neurosurgeon on the train breaks out his "tools" and opens it for you.
Yes, that did happen on our way out there.

We stayed at Blake's in-laws amazing home (Thanks Overbys!).
This was my view each morning and it really is the most picturesque place.
I also took advantage of their outdoor shower. I have always said that I want one in my home. Doesn't matter if I live at the beach or not. Nothing is better than this.
Blake played hostess and toured Marisa and myself around to different beach streets like this one.
Where, wouldn't you know, Martha Stewart lives. I was the girl who got out of the jeep to take a photo of the sign. You can't take me anywhere.

We shopped in East Hampton, where we scored some major deals at J. Crew. If you are in the area, check it out. I haven't seen deals like that in awhile. We also brainstormed our next business venture, hoping to take us from PR girls to beach house owners. Stay tuned on that front.
And, before I forget, I need to explain just how beautiful everyone is out there. It's like Ralph Lauren meets a southern fraternity at Chapel Hill. Beautiful. People. Everywhere.

On Saturday night, we ate at the Meeting House in Amagansett with ten or so new friends and then walked across the street to the bar, The Talk House where we danced to the 90's band, Bayside Tigers. For those of y'all who've seen Rubix Cube in the City, it was just like that but with 90's music. In fact, Rubix Cube played there on Friday. We are planning on seeing them again at the end of June at Canal Room. So good.
Sunday was spent on the beach, recovering from the tom foolery the night before. We didn't want to leave and once we arrived back to Penn Station Sunday evening (with no beautiful people in sight) we knew the weekend was over.
A big thanks to the Overbys for letting us stay at their lovely home. And, for any of y'all doing a summer share, I'm very jealous. Next year ladies?

Be Happy Where You Are

It goes without saying that NYC can be a tough place to live. There are days when this city can beat you up and spit you out, and others when you count your blessings that you get to live here. For the past year, and more like two + if I'm being honest, I have wanted to move back down south. I want the house, the yard, the family close by, the cheaper living cost, the space, the southern accents, the slower pace, yada yada yada. I do. I want it. Especially when I see it happening all around me to friends and colleagues. When I moved up here six years ago, I never thought I would be here more than two years. Two turned to four, turned into today and I'm still here. Six years later, five apartments, four neighborhoods and two jobs. But that's life for you. You can't plan it. Period.

But, with all that said, I am here and I'm going to enjoy it. I have been realizing that more and more. I don't want to look back and think that I should have done this, that or the other. Because, I'm sure if I ever do move, I will miss this place something bad. I have always been a city girl (since I was very little) and this is where I'm suppose to be. This is my story. I really do love this city. I guess I am a New Yorkah, just with brighter clothes.

I had my first Hamptons summer experience this past weekend. Or as I was told, East Hamptons experience, since only tourists refer to it as the Hamptons. :) I'll be back tomorrow with photos and stories.

Thanks for stopping by.

Big Apple BBQ

If y'all are looking for something fun and southern to do in the city this weekend, you should check out the Big Apple BBQ presented by Southern Living. I've been way back when I first lived in the city and it was fun. Crowded, but fun. If you decide to go, I recommend going early.

Ed Mitchell from Raleigh, NC (my hometown) will be there. Though, my favorite BBQ is from Eastern North Carolina and unfortunately they don't have anyone going this year. My favorite BBQ place in the city, Dinosaur BBQ in Harlem, will be there so check it out! I promise you'll love it.

As for me, Southern in the City is off to the Hampton's tonight with two of my girlfriends. We plan to catch up, relax, explore Montauk and visit a vineyard or two. I'll be back Monday with pictures and a recap for y'all. Have a good one!

Photo from Big Apple BBQ.

Summer Fridays

Hope y'all had a great weekend! I had my first summer Friday of working from home last week and it was delightful. Bailey dog and I walked to Central Park to enjoy the weather. We people watched, checked email on blackberry and did some light reading.
Over the weekend, I finally framed a few pictures and snapped some photos of my new console table (thanks Pinterest/Liz!). What do you think? The color goes great with my living room curtains. 
And since it's summer, I thought I'd share what most buildings look like these days (this building is directly across from mine).
If you are in the air conditioner business, you should come to the city. Just about every apartment window has these units. And here's another shot looking towards the West from my window. I would love to live in that white brownstone.
We ended the weekend with shrimp from Hatteras in NC, a good glass of red and my favorite beach napkins.
Speaking of the beach, we're headed down south for a family reunion next week! I can't wait to spend time with family and get my toes in the coast of North Carolina.