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my valentine photo outing

I don't know what it is about Valentine's Day, but I love the colors, the sentiment, the candy...the everything. And, I may have gotten a little out of hand this year with my Valentine's cards. (Although, I've been known to get out of hand before with Valentine's Day...like the time I made a life-size cutout of myself with a sign reading "Hug Me.")

But boy did I have fun with this project. I spent the whole snowed-in weekend planning this out. I had Brendan agree (before telling him what my plan was) to be my photographer; I went nuts on the glitter paper at Michael's for these cutouts; and then I spent the better part of an hour trying to decide exactly where I should take these pictures, while even trying out a few different backgrounds and landscapes. In 20 degree weather.

It was pretty much a blast and I couldn't wait to share these cards with my family and friends. Since it's 2013, I decided to settle for an e-version instead of snail mail and send the cards via email. I also decided to share some of my outtakes here...gulp.

First trial with background. No good.

Second background trial. Much better!

More difficult than it looks to hold all of these in place.

City-scene. This was my photographer's recommendation!

Last shot of the day.

and here's to you, mrs. robinson

In order to brighten up the dreary winter days in New York City, I like to do things like paint my fingernails various shades of neon. Actually, I like to do that anytime of year but especially in the winter.

So, what's the color of the week?

This week it's Color Club "Mrs. Robinson", and it's even better and brighter in person.

Plus, I sing the song Mrs. Robinson by Simon & Garfunkel a little bit every time I look down at my hands. Which is also a natural day-brightener.

a few more (& the last of) snow pics

I've probably overdone it with Nemo nor'easter pictures from the weekend, but I really loved taking them and that made it hard not to share them here on the ole blogaroo.

It's no secret that I'm no big fan of winter, but I do love a beautiful snowstorm occasionally, especially after the holidays when there isn't much else to look forward to except plunging temperatures. The white stuff makes the bleak winter months a little more bearable and exciting.

shin-deep in snow.
somewhere...under there...there's a car parked.


yes, this woman is skiing. or, trying to ski.
hi, frosty!
sheep meadow.



traipsing.

I mentioned this already, but I went traipsing through the park in the knee deep snow yesterday, and it was terrific. B and I went off the beaten path and tried to make our own tracks in the snow (since all of the high-profile fields in Central Park were already packed with people). We were only mildly successful on new tracks, but, oh my, it was nice to get outside in the fresh, crisp snowy air.





hi, from central park!

I couldn't wait to get outside and explore the snow today, so me and my trusty counterpart spent the day traipsing through the beautiful citified winter wonderland & Central Park. How glorious!

hunkering down.


























That's right, that's what we're doing here in the city: hunkering down. The snow has started to fall and the flakes are the size of potato chips. No lie, they're huge. And beautiful and sparkly.

I have to say, every once in a while, I love a good snowstorm. I can't imagine how the white, fluffy flakes can be all that dangerous (spoken like a true southern girl), but if they say it can happen, then I'll take precautions. My plan is to do a whole lotta nothing this weekend. Stay inside, be cozy and snap pictures of snow outside my window. If the number of hot chocolates that I've already had this afternoon (um, 2) is any indication of what my weekend will be like, I think I'll be fine.

Stay safe and warm if you're anywhere in the path of this crazy Nemo nor'easter!

#livecolorfully

Kate Spade posted an invitation on their blog for followers to submit photos showing how they "Live Colorfully." My friend Maggie snapped this photo in December as we made a walk down 5th Avenue to look at the Christmas window displays.

I couldn't think of a more fitting photo to interpret how I like to "live colorfully" (um, rainbow everything). If you follow me on instagram or twitter, you've seen that I submitted the photo this morning to the Kate Spade contest. It's for the chance that my photo could be used in an upcoming campaign of theirs. It may not fit their criteria, but here's hoping with fingers crossed...

which fan are you?

I found these descriptions to be hilariously true and accurate. I think - if forced to choose - I fall somewhere between the foodie and the commercial watcher. Although, there are a couple of descriptions that fit the bill pretty darn well for someone near and dear to my heart...



























































































[found here.]

happy birthday Pameleeanne!

Two of my dearest friends in New York City were born two days apart. We celebrated them last weekend over coffee, laughs, and grits. It was delightful: a Tipsy Parson brunch, 4 girls reminiscing about the wonderful, fateful summer that brought us together in the big city (+ the almost 5 years that have followed that summer), and our shared southern roots. It's such a joy to have all of us still in the city and able to celebrate each other every year on our birthdays. LeeAnne's birthday was yesterday and Pamela's is tomorrow. So I'm splitting the difference (er, I'm not actually late, LA!).

wishing them both a big, merry, cheery and fabulous HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

cajun spiced pork chops

If you're looking for a good pork chop recipe, you've happened upon the right place. I discovered this version a few years ago on All Recipes and it has never disappointed. It's quick, easy and incredibly flavorful (but not too spicy, which I worried about with "cajun" in the title). And, to boot, I can bet that you'll already have most of the ingredients in your spice cabinet. You may be able to get by with only buying a few pork chops at your local grocery store or supermarket.



























1 tsp paprika   
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp rubbed dried sage leaves (I usually leave out this ingredient)
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1 1/2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
 4 center cut pork chops

Mix paprika, cumin, black pepper, cayenne pepper, sage and garlic salt on a plate. Liberally coat each pork chop with the spice mixture. (I go ahead and mix these spices with some olive oil too. It makes the mixture stick to the pork chops a little better.)

Heat olive oil and several pumps of non-stick, butter-flavored spray (um, of course I use regular butter - not the flavored spray) in a large skillet over high heat. Place the pork chops in the skillet, reducing heat to medium. Cook until the pork is no longer pink in the center, 8 to 10 minutes.