Eataly New York

Eataly NYC. I finally made it a priority to understand the hype. It's a supermarket, a restaurant, a marketplace and I think even a school (seriously. I'm not making a joke here.) It is filled with a variety of different meats, cheeses, bread, pasta and wine to buy, to taste, or simply drool over. It's quite the experience! I also love that Madison Square Park is located right across the street, which makes for a perfect dining atmosphere to accompany the perfect food.



{photo via vittlemethis}



{photo via meltingbutter}

Successful Saturday

With this long weekend, I lost track of which day was Saturday (what a remarkable feeling!) All I can say, is when I saw this random sign posted on 24th Street, I couldn't help but think it was speaking directly to this weekend.

I wish everyone a relaxing Memorial Day.
k.o

Harvard Graduation Speech

Yesterday, I came across Amy Pohler's 2011 Harvard graduation speech. It was full of laughs, but also had a key message: "as you navigate through the rest of your life, be open to collaboration."

I hope everyone has a nice Friday and is able to enjoy the long weekend. Thank you to all who made that possible!
k.o

Top Gun Fleet Week

It's Fleet Week here in NYC! If you are free on Friday night, check out the free viewing of Top Gun at the Intrepid. Start time, 7:30 PM. Totally perfect.

Design Dreaming

Since I have limited space in Manhattan, I find myself lusting over beautiful, simple, breezy decor.

I wish everyone a beautiful, simple and breezy day!
k.o










{photo via inside the loop}

Wednesday Wisdom

Just a little reminder... (I need this one right now)




{photo via inside the loop}

Tourist Lane

Now that I'm working in Times Square, I have an appreciation for this improv'd scene.





Separate walking lanes for New Yorkers and Tourists? Yes, please :) Unfortunately, shortly after creation, the city erased all hopes for this new division.

Homemade Pop-Tarts

When I was in college, I lived off of Strawberry Pop-Tarts. I thought they were fantastic, because after you finished one, there was another one waiting for you. Glorious!

I was looking through some recipes and found one for homemade pop-tarts! I can't wait to make, bake and package.

k.o






{photo via cupcakes and cashmere]

Successful Saturday

This past Saturday was strange. It could have been the possible Rapture of 2011, but every time I turned a corner, I saw something stranger than the last.

This successful Saturday was made possible by:



Giant Head sculpture in Madison Square Park - The internationally renowned artist says the white fiberglass resin work was inspired by the Greek mythological nymph Echo. She could only utter other people's thoughts but not her own.

23rd Street Station - A nice (yet, strange) man informing me this was the stop where I will be"saved and safe" on judgement day.

5th Annual NYC Dance Parade and Dance Fest - This annual celebration of eclectic dance styles from around the world boasts tens of thousands of dancers and spectators and presents more than 75 styles of dance.

I hope everyone had a nice weekend! I start my new job today and am both excited an nervous :)
k.o

Everything is Coming up Daisies

When I arrived at the Fargo airport last weekend, my niece greeted me with a bouquet of daisies. It sincerely made my weekend, and one of the first things I did when I got back to the city was buy a replicate that could be a reminder of the cute and kind gesture.

I hope everyone enjoys their weekend!
k.o

Following Rachel Dry to Paula's

It has become a tradition to go to Paula's Cafe while I'm visiting in North Dakota. Paula's is located in Mayville, North Dakota and I can't say enough good things about this restaurant! It's charming; in a simple, understated manner.



The Washington Post has a great article "Following Steinbeck to Fargo" by Rachel Dry that is completely read worthy. Not only does she describe her visits to Rugby and Fargo, North Dakota, but also her side-tracked stop to Mayville, where she dined at, none other than, Paula's Cafe.

Bed and Breakfast - Midwest Style

The older I get, the more attracted I am to B&B's. While sitting at the airport waiting to fly back to Manhattan, I started to flip though a Midwest Living that was sitting in the nearby seat. I found myself eagerly thumbing through their listing of favorite B&B's in the Midwest.

Chicago, Illinois:

Flemish House (Gold Coast) - I used to pass by this everyday while living in Chicago. It's quaint and in a perfect location.



Duluth, Minnesota:

AG Thomson House Historic Bed and Breakfast Inn - Duluth is gorgeous. While in undergrad, I would drive up there in the Fall to see the leaves change. It has a historic, romantic feel that leaves you rested.



Minot, North Dakota:

Dakotah Rose Bed and Breakfast - I've never been to this B&B, and the only time I found myself in Minot, North Dakota was while attending state basketball games. However, these pictures have me planning a visit soon.



I wish everyone a great Thursday! My schedule has been all out of whack lately, but it's a good thing. I hope everyone has some line change-ups that make things a little better.
k.o

Wednesday Wisdom

Just a little reminder...



{photo via inside the loop}

How Fargo of You

While chatting with my sister, she asked me if I have read the book "How Fargo of You" written by Marc de Celle. I hadn't, so I immediatly looked it up. I couldn't stop laughing at the reviews! Turns out, the book is marketed to both people who live in Fargo and for those who wonder why people do. {North Dakota: The few, the proud, the extremely attractive.}

If you want your copy, you can buy one here.



I wish all the best today!
k.o

Successful Sunday

This past weekend deserves a sequel. I spent this past Sunday lounging around the farm and taking in the serene scenery. It always seems to amaze me how this life fits me just as well as city life.

This successful Sunday was made possible by:

Lounging by the coulee.



Sunset over the fields.



View from lying in the grass.



Walk on the gravel road.



I hope everyone is having a great day!
k.o

Successful Saturday

This past weekend, I was home on my farm in North Dakota. I couldn't have asked for more gorgeous weather! I spent the entire weekend outside with my family exploring, taking bike rides and setting up impromptu baseball games. One of my favorite things about this successful Saturday was all the random things I found around the farm.

This successful Saturday was made possible by:

Our old bathroom ;)



Clever signs that get to the point.



My great-uncle's initials carved in the barn.



Farm art made by my Dad. He calls it his "Thinking Chair"



I hope everyone had as wonderful of a weekend as I did!
k.o

North Dakota Tourism

Did you know?

North Dakota has recently been ranked the friendliest state in the U.S., according to Cambridge University!



While looking at the ND Tourism website, I also found out these interesting agriculture facts:

ND produces enough soybeans to make 212 billion crayons each year!



ND produces enough sugarbeets that produce enough sugar to sweeten 27 billion gallons of Kool-Aid.



The world's largest french fry feed is held every year in Grand Forks, during Potato Bowl USA. In 2006, a new worlds record was set with 4,620 pounds of french fries that were served at the French Fry Frenzy. Around 10,000 people were served. About 113 gallons of ketchup were used as well.



I hope everyone enjoys their Friday! I'm ending a chapter today with a career change and spending the weekend in wide open spaces!
k.o

Morning Light Bubbles

Simply magical. Odin Hole Standal of Norway, wrote:

"We went out early one morning and tried to make giant soap bubbles. The sun was rising above the mountain behind us and I managed to capture the sunrise in the reflection of a bubble floating out the fjord."





Such a beautiful, wonderful, idea. I wish everyone one of those this week.
k.o

Cartoon Humor

{photo via cup of jo}

Wednesday Wisdom

Just a little reminder...



{photo via etsy}

In Your Dreams

I've always been a huge fan of Fleetwood Mac and even a bigger fan of Stevie Nicks. She just dropped a new album "In Your Dreams" and I love it (x2).



Here's a review from the New Yorker I had fun reading.

"She says the mood around the recording reminded her of Paris in the twenties or San Francisco in the late sixties."

Rock On, Ancient Queen!
k.o

Accidental Pizza

There are certain types of accidents I love. Pizza accidents are one of them. While standing in front of my fridge, holding the door wide open, I couldn't figure out what to make for dinner. I suddenly saw mozzarella, refrigerated dough, oregano, mushrooms and tomato paste shining like little beacons of light.

Just add olive oil :)
k.o

Successful Saturday

At first, I was concerned I didn't have a successful Saturday. I slept in, dropped off dry cleaning, stopped for a cappuccino, made calls to my brother and old college roommate, sifted through the clearance rank at Anthropologie and succumbed to the power of a pedicure.

I paused, and wondered what I really accomplished. And then I realized, this was indeed a successful Saturday. I just wasn't looking at it right:

So instead...

I caught up on sleep, supported small local businesses, helped organize a trip for my brother to visit NYC, caught up with a good friend, indulged in pretty florals, and took care of my feet.



Sleeping in is an art. Southern Living describes how to answer your inner voice-wake up when you want to.

The 3/50 Project - Learn more about how to save the brick and mortars our nation is built on.

Forget Facebook. It can never touch a good phone call. Here's an interesting article on Facebook and relationships.

The new line at Anthropologie is drool worthy.

Pedicures - See? It's a pharmacy fact. Read more about pedicure/manicures and their benefits. {I wonder if this makes them tax deductable?}

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend!
k.o