these are a few of my favorite things: brooklyn edition

I've been so swamped lately, and running around the city like a crazy person until all hours of the night, so I really haven't had quality time to spend with my blog, which makes me unhappy. 

This morning, I was looking through my back log of things to share with you, and I came across a few pictures that I'd taken that really had nothing to do with anything else, save for the fact that they were all taken in Brooklyn, and that I liked them.

All the more reason to share them with you, right? RIGHT!

I love this photo. I took it on the highway (I was clearly in the passenger seat... don't take highway pictures while driving kids!) with a super clear view of the Manhattan skyline and these ah-mazing rain clouds hovering over the sunset. I love it. 

I think my favorite thing about it is how big the clouds are, and how small it makes Manhattan look in comparison. The biggest city ever never looked so tiny. It sort of blows my mind.

Ain't no graffiti like BKLN graffiti. Taken in Williamsburg, I think around my buddy Lala's birthday.

I don't know why I like it, but I do.

But this one.... This is my favorite of them all.

First of all, I wouldn't recommend calling either of these numbers. They're likely to put you in touch with the evil ex-girlfriend of whoever put up the sign. BUT, I couldn't figure out how to blur the phone numbers without ruining the awesomeness of the rest of the picture, so... dial at your own risk.

Here's some of the things that we can infer from this sign that I found posted on the entrance to the Nostrand Ave A/C train station (on a sign for the new USA series Common Law):

"one nite stands only" - clearly he's in it for the long haul.

Two Brooklyn area codes, so he's likely local and not a transplant. 

"Females only" - This is a man that knows what he wants.

offers date ideas such as: A cigarette meet date, dutch dating, soda date, or a walk date.... I don't know what most of that means.

His ideas of fine dining: McDonalds, Wendy's, Popeyes, Subway

Dates that sound like a decent idea if they weren't on a sign: The aquarium, the zoo, cake and ice cream date.

"meaning may be romance"... I think with an advert like "one nite stands only", the chance of "romance" is probably higher than "may"

Does any of this sound like a good idea to any of you?

Until next time. Keep it Klassy, like we do in Brooklyn.

father's day weekend/tuesday reviewsday

 You guys. This weekend was so jam packed. I literally didn't take a single picture.

That's a lie. I took one. This is it:

Some pretty dismissive graffiti as seen in Park Slope 

oh! And this one:

There is a coffee called Jet Fuel.
I don't think anyone should drink this.

They really have nothing to do with anything that I did this weekend at all.

My mom and dad got into town late on Friday night. We spent most of the weekend eating - which is a favorite thing in this family. Honestly, we just leave food out on the counters at all times and graze like cattle. It's totally different from what I'm used to, because I never really get to eat during the days normally - except for regular meals - because I'm all runrunrungogogo all the time. But it was nice to have the weekend to be a little lazy and spend time with my people.

My dad was definitely in "fix up the nest" mode. He installed some lights over my sink (which I had no idea that I needed until they were there), rigged up a towel bar in the guest bathroom, and hung my new jewelry case (this fancy, wall mounted, mirrored, vintage looking thing that my mom got for me. Totally amazing from Kirklands - where she works! Check it out here.) up with B. I should've taken pictures of these processes, but I was too busy eating Eat N Park Smiley cookies and laying on the couch with my mom and the cats.

Saturday, we went to Lowe's and did laps of the inside of the building until I thought I would drop of starvation (note: eating your weight in Smiley cookies and iced tea doesn't store up calories for a long trip to the hardware store. I know, I was shocked too.) Then we went home, dropped my dad off, and my mom and I went on a little excursion to Manhattan for errands like Target and Marshals. You know, really important stuff.

We were all so done when we got home that we ate chinese take out together at the kitchen table instead of going out to eat for dinner. I then proceeded to pass out on the couch, sleeping on my moms shoulder, while we watched Robert Downey Jr's Sherlock Holmes for the second time. I could not be woken up. Eventually I zombie walked back to my bed and passed out on top of the covers. I do not remember any of this. Ben also tells me that I said sleepily, "I need a cookie." before falling face first onto my pillow. Clearly Saturday wasn't my most attractive day, but luckily I was surrounded by people that would like me anyway.

Sunday, we hung around for most of the day. We went to Coney Island (I am SUCH an idiot for not taking pictures), specifically to Nathan's, and ate (some more!). My dad was happy with his hot dog and soft shell crab sandwich. Ben and I ate cheese fries and ice cream.We couldn't find a parking spot, so we ended up just hanging out in an illegal parking spot with the windows down, watching cops not ticket anyone and eating our amazing beach food.

For the finale of our weekend, we went to father's day dinner (I know, you're fully shocked that we still had room to eat more food. I am too. It's a miracle.) at a VERY sweet little Park Slope find called Scalino. It was SO GOOD. SO GOOD. I actually said, "This sauce is made from the tears of angels, it's so good." My mom proceeded to tell the owner what I said, and I couldn't tell if he was rolling his eyes or genuinely tickled by my fancy metaphor. The meal was ridiculous. I would tell you about everything I ate, but I think we tried one of everything on the menu. And, for four of us, the bill was only $150. Seriously. In New York, this is practically a miracle. If you're local, go to Scalino. And take me with you.

A brief word about my dad...
My dad is great. He's smart, fun, and affectionate. He knows SO MUCH stuff about so many things. He's warm, and funny. I've just spent an entire weekend with him, so I'm a little spoiled. Thank you for putting things up for me, showing me how to do things that I never would've thought to do. Thanks for teaching me about baseball stadiums, Sherlock Holmes stories, and how to be real person. I appreciate it more than I ever say. I love you a whole bunch. <3

A brief word about my husband...
You're a great dad. I love you. Thank you for sacrificing your time and working so hard to provide for us. We all love you. Even Sookie. No one emailed me and told me that you were the worst today. ;)

Happy Father's Day guys.

This sort of became an epic post.

The short story is, I wish they could've stayed longer.

...

Also today...

I hit 50 GFC followers. I cannot believe that 50 people care to read what I write. Thank you friends. It means a lot.

I'm participating in this little GFC bloghop sponsored by The life of a not so ordinary wife and a bunch of other fab gals.

I'm also fully planning to do a Tuesday 10 today... just dragging a bit from the wicked weekend.

charm(ing) sunday

Happy Monday, dear ones.

 What's happy about Monday? Absolutely nothing, really. Worst day of the week. BUT, I have an adventure to share. Let's let that try to brighten up our return to corporate America, shall we?

 Remember when I raved about my new favorite etsy shop, Brooklyn Charm Shop? Well, I finally went!!!! It was last Sunday, but it took me a week to find the cable to hook my phone up to my laptop. As usual, I'm a disaster, but I'm so in love with the jewelry that came out of the trip. I guess it all balances out eventually.

The shop is tucked off of busy Bedford Ave in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It was easy to spot though, because the front is so bright!! The shop is small and quaint from the outside, but just you wait until you get inside.

It's so beautiful. The minute you step in, you're totally surrounded by metals, stones, and beautiful things. Walls of chains, tray after tray after tray of charms. I was so overwhelmed and in awe of the sheer numbers that I had to do two full laps before I could commit to any single item.

There was a center table full of charms, rings, necklaces, bracelets... anything and everything your heart could desire!

It was crowded when I was in there, at least 20 other women (B was the only male in sight!) picking through trays and creating treasures. Most of the price tags and signs were handwritten, and while I usually don't like that in a retail setting, I loved it here. Reason: It didn't feel like a retail shop at all. It felt like your grandmothers attic - a safe, warm cocoon full of treasures that it would take an entire afternoon to sort through, and you will enjoy every single minute.

The decor was perfect. When isn't a unicorn appropriate? Never. Unicorns are always appropriate.

And they artfully paired bunnies and skulls. This is my favorite place on earth.

Getting ready to check out... my tray with treasures!

They will put your creations together for you, which is an excellent perk. I chose a large floral pendant to start, and quickly added a pearl drop right on top! It took me awhile to finish it out. I first thought that  a small turquoise rose charm would be perfect, but then I found this tiny brass White Rabbit, and I was in love. He's just the touch it needed! Put everything on a 24" chain and voila!

I am obsessed. This perfect little charm necklace matches (practically) everything I own and I've worn it almost every day since I bought it.

My other amazing find was this cameo ring. It's my new signature. An olive green background highlights the cream grecian cameo that I can't get enough of. And it was only $12. Seriously. Ah-Mazing.

(Additonally, please excuse my hilarious and juvenile manicure. I was feeling whimsical last week.)

Also, big props to B for being my photographer, and taking me out to lunch after shopping.

Overall, I absolutely LOVE this shop, and I fully intend to take advantage of the classes that they offer. For $40, you get a 90 minute class, all of your materials, loaner tools, and a skill to take with you. That's an absolute great deal. If you're local, you should check out the class schedule here, and let me know if you want to go to a Sunday class with me sometime. 

Oh, and I took this picture that will be the header for ANY Brooklyn post I ever write. So typical, Williamsburg. So typical. And so damn hipster. 

I love you, Brooklyn.

brooklyn charm(ing)

So, you know my Tuesday night gig? Well, I got called in to fill in for another sitter last night, and one of the little bits (the girl, K) asked me to help her find a french fry charm that she can buy for one of her friends birthdays. (Leads on french fry charms anyone? I have until Friday.) So, of course, I took to etsy to try to find her a local NYC shop to buy her charm!

I haven't had any luck finding the french fry charm yet, but I did make a great find that I can't let just stroll on by without saying anything. Run, don't walk, to Brooklyn Charm Shop.

Holy cow, you guys.  

Best. Shop. Ever.

I immediately went through their entire shop on etsy and fell in love. I then mapped out how I'm going to get to their physical location (on Bedford Ave at 9th Street in Williamsburg) from my apartment and when I'm actually going to have time to get there.

I was totally sad to see on their facebook page that I missed a FREE charm necklace event on Sunday. I was doing nothing on Sunday. I could've been in Williamsburg making a killer charm necklace. Bummer.

Anyway, here are a few things from their shop that I'm totally in love with...

I would totally get this with Pennsylvania [heart] New York

Custom Swarovski crystal rings
that you design yourself!
They give you guidelines, but the color at the number of stones
is totally up to you!

DINOSAW!!!

Dinosaw is apparently a HUGE piece of theirs, and I must admit that I'm totally obsessed. Here's what they say about Dinosaw on their shop: 

"This amazing, rambunctious little monster of a DINOSAW will saw your leg off, bite your head to bits, and scratch your eyes out. No, just kidding, he will just look really cute on you, and make for a great conversation piece at any party!"

Dinosaw even has his own facebook page. No joke. I effing LOVE that.

Here are a few more of my faves:

kitty cat charms! LOVE.

this gold gun bracelet reminds me of KS.
she'd LOVE this.

I used the censored pic, because this is a family show.
who am I kidding? So not a family show.

This is the perfect jewelry shop for me - coupling totally bizarre charms with beautiful crystals, and throwing in a well placed swear engraved on a locket. Seriously folks. Amazing.

Brooklyn Charm Shop's official website is here, but the etsy shop is where you'll fall in love. Take the plunge!

*I was not paid or given free jewels for writing this little love song. All my own opinions. Can't freaking wait to buy things and wear them everyday*

pretty girls and pretty things

As a self titled pretty girl who likes pretty things, I think we have a real find here!

My friend Katrina has an incredible eye for nature, sparkles, and little things that are generally lovely (not a lot of things are genuinely lovely anymore, so that's a big deal in my eyes). These days, she's making hair combs, and she *gasp* asked me to model for her! How fancy!

The Tink - made from dried flowers - $12

The Meadow - made from dried flowers and a faux butterfly - $20

The Butterfly Swarm - faux butterflies - $22

Her etsy shop Flickerbelles (cutest name ever!!!) will be growing in the next few weeks, so keep an eye out! And I will post more of my amazeballs modeling photos as I get them.

But seriously folks, support LOCAL artists!