I Can Relate

Currently watching "Answer Me 1997."  Even though I was living half a world away, certain themes and trends of the late nineties were universal.  Economic woes, the internet boom, crushes, social awkwardness, the stress of getting into a good college, "in" versus "out" fashions (I never got to buy a pair of Guess? jeans), and music that seemed to always reflect your life, exactly.

{Via} 

{Via}

{Via}

It's fun to view the past through the lens of a more secure future/present.  Sometimes, I don't think people ever outgrow their fears from high school.  Luckily, I'm finished with my education now, married to a wonderful man, have an interesting and stimulating job, and am ready to start my own family.  Weird how quickly I went from the child to (almost) parent stage.  So, its nice to look back and see what we (all) have been through.

"Answer Me 1997."  Part "Wonder Years," part "My So Called Life."  Highly recommended.

6 AM in New York City

This is what you may find.  DH and I took the dogs for a brisk walk in our "extended" neighborhood, right near the High Line Park in Manhattan and Chelsea Piers.  We like getting up early, even on the weekends, when the population density feels lower and we can feel free to explore.

After getting some crisp air in our lungs and enjoying the views from the Hudson River Park (minus the goose poop - thank you, Parks Department), we came upon this twenty foot sculpture, that looked like a dystopian Disney cartoon.

If anyone knows the artist, definitely let me know.  I haven't been able to find any information online thus far ...

One thing I really enjoy about living in NYC are all the public art projects.  With so much going on all the time, it's nice to see something that helps one live in the moment, and reflect.

Greetings from Annapolis, Maryland!

Or rather, belated greetings ^^.  Sorry for my absence, DH and I have been super busy with work and exams.  Last week, we attended the wedding of a close friend from college, and the Mister acted as best man.

The wedding was held in Annapolis, Maryland and we couldn't have asked for a more gorgeous day, or a more lovely historic setting.  Tons of grand old trees, wood framed homes, sweet little cafes and cobblestone streets.  Plus, there was the water, of course and all the local residents in their preppy finery.

- Here's our trip, in pictures -

Smooth brick paved streets -  my high heels thank you

Spectacular oak tree 

An historic mansion 

At City Hall: Groom on the left, my hubby/the best man on the right

The groom showing me his whimsical wedding socks.

The lovely bride and her bespoke dress from Neiman Marcus.  Great idea - Dyson mini fan to cool off and and keep the makeup looking fresh.  Bouquet is by the bride's sisters.

Bride with groom's family 

The exchanging of the vows  

The bride's family flew in from Germany, including the littlest member, who was really well-behaved.   

A walk to the photography session.  The photographer was a lot of fun and had so much energy!   

Greasy spoon diner for DH and I between festivities.  We had some amazing crab cakes here! 

Tired but happy best man

Happier best man

Reception at a restaurant on the water.  About forty people attended - the perfect size for an intimate but lively gathering. 

Happy to spend time with our friends 

Groom and best man again 

Table settings 

Menu 

The Mister chose this tasty treat.  I had fish stuffed with more crab meat.  Both were yummy.

Vegetarian Kosher Dim Sum and Work Update

It's a beautiful day in (our) neighborhood 

Kept the length, got rid of the layers, which didn't look very "professional." 

Still trying to catch up from last weekend, guys!  Sorry for the late posting.  After my haircut last Saturday, we had a fun time getting vegetarian kosher dim sum at Buddha Bodhai in Chinatown. Though neither the Mister nor I are vegetarian (or Jewish, obviously), we enjoy eating at Buddha Bodai, because we convince ourselves that we are being healthy, "green," and budget-friendly since dim sum is so inexpensive.  The weather was gorgeous, and it was nice to walk home through SoHo and the East Village after a somewhat "heavy" meal.

Bite-sized soy "rib tips" with bell peppers in a black bean sauce . "Shrimp" shumai in the background.

Broke one of my cardinal eating rules with this one.  Carb on carb action with fried crullers wrapped inside rice flour shells.  Dipped in a sweet soy sauce. 

Sticky rice steamed in banana leaves.  The leaves impart a beautiful fragrance on the rice, which contains soy "meat" and different diced vegetables.

Unwrapped

Savory turnip cakes 

Rice porridge with different types of finely chopped mushrooms 

Fried tofu, great crunch on the outside, soft and silky on the inside

As we passed by Cooper Union (can't believe they are charging tuition now!), the Mister and I headed into a new Muji branch, and I picked up a cute purse organizer in a grey gingham pattern. Super useful for lightweight summer totes that may not have a lot of pockets built in.  I really liked this particular organizer because it has a main zipped compartment that is perfect for even an oversized wallet, and the organizer has handles that can be tucked in, to risk the minimization of being pick-pocketed.  

BTW, Muji is an awesome Japanese design store that sells everything from basic furniture, to clothing to household goods and personal accessories.  They feature clean, simple designs that are relatively affordable, and market their products as being "anti-label."  I think there are four or five branches in the city now.  

Love this thing 

Zippered compartment 

Handles out, also tucks into the pocket below with the button 

Total width is about three inches, but folds flat

In work-related news, more changes abound, which I am not at liberty to talk about.  Let's just say, someone made my co-worker, a seasoned and very competent attorney cry for two days in a row.  Afterwards, she came to me in my office, which made for a very awkward dynamic, due to the atmosphere at the agency right now.  I wish I could have been more sympathetic, but I really didn't know what to do or say.

Nonetheless, I made "my numbers" for the month, and additionally, had three site visits in two days, while enduring many hours of travel on public transportation.  I braved the housing projects, encountered some (helpful) NARCs tattooed from head to toe in the middle of the South Bronx, and had to interview a very obese disabled man with hygiene issues in his home, in the far reaches of Queens.  The only problem was, he wasn't wearing any pants when I first arrived. Managing to keep a straight face, I gave Mr. X some time to get dressed, and the visit was a successful one.  I also had to take measurements and pictures of the facade of his building, as well as the common areas for an ADA case I am working on.  

So, it's life as usual with work playing a major role in our day-to-day.  Next week, a good friend is getting married, and right after that, the Mister is taking his boards. Then, we're planning a short (and budget friendly) trip to the Vanderbilt Mansion in Long Island.  Can't wait for the beginning of summer!

Austerity Plan Update

Since January, DH and I have reduced our credit card debt by 2/3!  Part of this is due to our austerity plan, which I told you guys about in this previous post.  Here's what we've done in the last month or so to cut down on spending.

1.  Not using the car on the weekends, except for a monthly shopping trip (necessities only in NJ). This saves on gas and tolls, which in NYC and surrounds is $$$$.
2.  Changing garages.  DH put in a lot of effort to switch garages.  Our old one is way too expensive, and the "manager" gave him a hard time about canceling the contract.  In fact, she sounds like one of the nastiest people we've ever encountered living in Manhattan, and that is saying a lot.  Two hundred and fifty dollars saved per month.
3.  Not getting clothes dry cleaned anymore.  Sure we miss those beautiful, crisp creases, but this saves so much money and is better for the environment.  I make sure to take better care of my clothes, so I have to launder them less often.  We are still in the market for an iron and ironing board so that I can do some ironing on the weekends.
4.  Canceling Netflix.
5.  Trying to cancel our magazine subscriptions, i.e. New York Magazine and Wired.  There is absolutely no way to get in contact with a live person at Conde Nast (or any customer service subcontractor) to cancel Wired.  In fact, for a tech magazine, it's rather ironic that we had to wait months before our first issue was delivered.  While DH and I were getting this magazine, we found the writing to be "puffy" and the layout to be non-intuitive and jumbled.  Such a sensationalistic tone, too!  We had been using the issues as disposable coasters, and when I tried to cancel our subscription, an online format made it seem easy, but a couple of weeks ago, I just got another issue.  This made me really angry!  I'll have to spend valuable time this week canceling for good, and I will certainly keep you guys posted.  (05/13 update: appears to have been canceled, or I got a partial refund ...)
6.  I haven't bought a single article of clothing since fall when I got some pieces at TJ Maxx to extend my work wardrobe.
7.  Getting rid of the storage unit.  My parents were kind enough to clear out some room in their enormous basement, so that DH and I didn't have to spend the extra money every month, on a remote storage space in Long Island City.  After his Boards, the Mister and I will pack everything up, rent a UHaul and drive it down to MD.  Even with renting a truck, this will save us almost two hundred dollars a month.  This will make moving easier too, when the time comes.
8.  I haven't been to a salon in many, many moons, and I had stopped getting regular manicures/pedicures sometime during law school.  Being a bit attentive every day goes a long way.  For example, to maintain the shape of my brows, I simply look and pluck every day, instead of having a beautician do a "makeover," I just have to keep the shape after a rare waxing.  (I am, however, treating myself to a cut and color tomorrow for a wedding in early May!)

It's amazing how much money we've "saved" just by being a bit more careful in our day-to-day habits.  I'm really proud of the Mister (and myself).

I had a piggy bank exactly like this one as a kid.  I never put one cent in it, because I was told money had germs on it, and I wanted to keep my piggy bank clean.  I was really OCD.

Signs of Spring, Signs of Hope

DH and I took the dogs on a long walk this morning along the East River Park, which is 57 acres of waterfront property stretching from Inwood to Battery Park City.  The air was crisp and the sun was out.  We saw a lof of early spring flowers, a little battered by the winds, but none too worse for wear.  The dogs enjoyed the fresh "sea" air, salty and pungent, while the Mister and I enjoyed the city views and the light sparkling off the waters.

We walked home through our "backyard park" and enjoyed a hearty breakfast to start the day - scrambled eggs, ham and cheese croissants, fresh melon and strong coffee.

Take 1 package of Pillsbury mini croissants, add ham and cheese,  roll and bake for 9 minutes at 350 degrees.  So easy and delicious!  This "recipe" would also be great with frozen spinach, thoroughly defrosted and drained, feta cheese and a splash of lemon juice, as a stuffing.  

How do you like to start Sunday mornings?