Following Rabbits Blog — do it

The weather has been pretty great here in New York, aside from a rogue rain shower here and there. I work on Madison Avenue near Bryant Park, and it seems everyone has been taking advantage of what the park has to offer both during lunch and after work. The lawn has opened up for picnics and sun-worshippers, and the Cafe at Bryant Park Grill is hopping every day at happy hour. There are several Wichcraft locations spread out over the park for you to grab some lunch at, and there's almost always an ice cream truck nearby. There is tons of seating- both in the sun and along the perimeter under the trees. It's really a beautiful little piece of the city, and must be enjoyed. So pack your lunch, sunglasses and a book, forward your phone to voicemail for an hour, and go take a time out at BP.

Last week I had a wonderful birthday surprise- I won a silk flower pin from Simply Luxurious! This blog is packed with fabulous home decor, fashions, recipes, and little bits of wisdom to help you live luxuriously. I habitually read it for my daily dose of lovely! The giveaway was sponsored by Michele Syre, of The Blue Online Marketplace- a collection of boutique items all curated in one webstore for you to shop.

This silk peony is made by Dulken and Derrick, of SJP fame. It's fixed with a pin on the back, and is a gorgeous addition to a dress or jacket or as a hair ornament. I love having one big accent accessory in my outfit, and this is perfect. I'm thrilled to have won this- BIG thank you's to Simply Luxurious & The Blue Onion Marketplace!

I talked to a friend of mine on Monday who was saddened by my not being out for my birthday. He promised to take me out for a belated celebration, and we settled on today, since he had the day off. I took a vacation day from work, and met him at MOMA at 11. I've never been, so it was nice to have the whole afternoon free to check it out. Definitely the most intriguing thing was Marina Abramovic's exhibit- The Artist Is Present. Seemed like a pretty intense experience, sitting with her. We were at the museum for a total of 2 1/2 hours, and only saw about 5 different people sitting with her. We didn't see anyone cry though, which was kind of disappointing. 

This chandelier was incredible! All broken dishes, vases and teapots with silverware... very cool.

classic Andy Warhol

If you've seen Blue Man Group in Boston, this painting is hilarious to you. Otherwise, probably just a painting.

And my fave! van Gogh's Starry Night

Was a really good time! Jav also took me to The Modern, a really great restaurant inside MOMA for birthday lunch. Wow was it fab! I'll have to save that post for tonight because I'm off to see Kate Nash at Bowery Ballroom.

I was sorta dreading this birthday... this is the first year I didn't have any family around or a big birthday dinner planned. I guess it's a bit childish, but doesn't everyone kinda want their birthday to be a big deal?? All things considered, I'm a super lucky girl and have only a year-long-relationship-turned-garbage to be down about. Everything else is fab! Really! I have an ahmazing apartment with a crazy view of the city, my family totally rocks, I'm having a blast with my blog and creative projects, and even though most of them don't live here in NYC, I do have a lot of really great friends! I went into work feeling pretty down this morning, and there was a card on my desk from Brian. He made a contribution to my Paris fund, which is very much appreciated! I got lots of texts, calls and FB wall messages, then Evan called and sang happy birthday to me at lunchtime, which made me smile big! And I got flowers delivered from my dad...

And the mail was delivered and my calling cards from Happy Girl Greetings and pouches from SeabreezeStudio arrived...

And then I went out for a beer at Ginger Man with my co-workers...

(That's Mojo with his "umbrella drink" haha!) 

I stopped at a flower shop in the subway and bought myself some lilacs. (My neighbor has some growing in her yard, and every time I pass by and breathe in that lovely scent I seriously consider a midnight recon mission to her yard with my best scissors...)

Then I stopped at Magnolia and got myself a cupcake and candle. (I also got some cookies in case I had any visitors tonight, but no one stopped by... more cookies for me!)

Then I got home and checked my mail and had a birthday card from Emma, who is absolutely the sweetest!

(BTW Emma, that sounds like a phenomenal idea!)

And Lily helped me blow out my candle and make a wish...

Then a friend of mine (absolutely horrified at the news that I was home alone tonight and my ex found someone new to entertain him on Saturday night) made plans to take me out on Thursday to the MOMA, birthday dinner, and to watch some baseball. Happiness! I've been far too focused on the tiny negatives and have let them ruin my whole attitude. Here's to a 27th year filled with happy people who care about me, creative adventures, amazing travels, and new experiences! Yay!

Wouldn't it be silly fun to have a mini-me? Well for about $20 you can make your own this weekend. Yoodoo designer, Sarah Lu, will help you create a little Yoodoo doll in your (or your boyfriend's or cat's) likeness. Sarah will be on hand from 2-4p on Saturday at the International Center of Photography Museum. (They also have a Paris photo exhibit going on. Woo!) Once your Youdoo has a cute little mug ironed on, you get to be crafty and sew, paint, and draw to your heart's content. (Make a fun dress for yours, don't forget your boyfriend's tattoos.) It's too quirky to not go check it out... can't decide if mine will be sporting an L2R tee or Johnny Cupcakes. Might have to do a sick collabo and incorporate 'em both. Send me photos of yours if you go!