stay healthy out there!

{image source, not my lungs}

So after being sick all weekend, I wasn't really getting better this week. I never really felt terrible, but I had this cough that just wouldn't quit. I went to work and tried to tough it out, but by Wednesday, I was at the end of my rope and begged my doctor to fit me in for an appointment. During the exam, she found that I had a really high fever, infections in both ears, and was pretty concerned when she listened to my lungs. So after a breathing test and chest x-ray, she decided I've got PNEUMONIA! What?! Who gets that?! All parties were pretty surprised. Anyway, I got a shot of antibiotics and more to take at home, and I've been placed under house arrest for the next few days.

The biggest bummer of this sickness is the timing. Weeks ago, Jenn and I had booked a weekend "sunshine and warmth" trip to Austin, Texas to escape the grey, cold end of winter in NYC. Now I can't go and I am very sad :( Once I have healed, I'm going to have to come up with some sort of escape for my sanity.

So now I'm spending lots of time watching TV, trying not to go too stir crazy at home. Please send healthy vibes my way! I'm hoping to kick this thing soon and have more interesting things to post about!

chocolate chip muffins and doing lots of nothing

Ugh. I've been sick all weekend. I stayed home from work on Friday and have spent the last three days switching back and forth from my bed to the couch all the while hacking up my lungs. I'm hoping to be on the mend for the upcoming week (or at least halfway functioning with some help from dayquil). Needless to say, the weekend was less than productive. Besides the whole sick part, it was kind of nice doing absolutely nothing. No plans, no goals, no ambitions.

I guess I can't say I did nothing. In unprecedented fashion, I watched six (SIX!) movies and every single episode of Perfect Couples (such an underrated and sadly cancelled show). I also watched the majority of the Oscars last night. If I knew Michelle Obama was going to announce the Best Picture winner, I might have rallied until the end. Needless to say, my new TV got a workout while I have been recovering.

I guess I wasn't entirely useless. I made those chocolate chip muffins up there. After quite a few baking fails lately, I was due for a success and they turned out pretty well. I found the recipe on the Joy of Baking.

Ingedients:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 large eggs
2/3 cup milk
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups flour
2/3 cups sugar
2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips (+ a handful for sprinkling on top)

Preheat oven to 375 degree Fahrenheit (mine runs really hot so I knocked it down to about 350) and grease your muffin tin or use paper liners.

In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Fold together all the wet and dry ingredients (including the butter). Be sure to not over mix. Fill up 12 muffin tins with the batter, sprinkle a few chocolate chips on top, and pop in the oven for about 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Enjoy!

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My friend Amy from Old Sweet Song is considering a move from the West Village to Brooklyn and is on the hunt for the perfect neighborhood. Check out my guest post on her blog today convincing her to move to Gowanus! Thanks for having me, Amy! 

want it, need it, have to have it | oxfords

one | two | three | four | five | six

During the winter, I wear tall boots just about everyday. It's so boring, but they keep me warm and allow me to get use out of my extensive supply of dresses even during the coldest months. I'm hoping, wishing, praying that those days are soon coming to an end for the year and I can inject some variety into my footwear. Before I can joyously break out my sandals, I'm on the lookout for a closed toed option that's a little more interesting than ballet flats. I want a cute pair of oxfords that will go with pants and skirts/dresses. Here are a few options I've found so far. 

Which do you like best? I think two and five are my favorites. Any other shoe suggestions for between seasons?

westminster kennel club dog show

While preparing this post, I've been singing Lady Gaga's "Boys, Boys, Boys" in my head. However, instead of the regular chorus, I've changed it to "Dogs, Dogs, Dogs". This should give you some indication of my level of crazy (in general but mainly about dogs). I love them. I plan runs through the park based on the max amount of puppies I can see. I'm that girl that awkwardly sticks my hand down as I pass your dog on the sidewalk, so I can pet it nonchalantly. TMI? Anyway, I am counting down the days until it makes sense for me to have a dear sweet pup of my own.

Ever since I moved to NYC, I've wanted to go see the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden and this year I finally broke down and got tickets! And dragged Kurt along! Prepare yourself for a photo overload!!!!!

valentine's day

I hope you all had a great weekend! Besides an awesome 90s dance party at the Bell House and a lovely ladies brunch at Jenn's house, my weekend was pretty low key. Kurt is on his annual ski trip with the guys, so I've been catching up on sleep and watching lots and lots of TV (currently burning through the latest New Girl episodes...hilarious!). So instead of a weekend recap, here's a VALENTINE'S DAY RECAP!

the other side of the world | flushing, queens

A couple friends, Chris and Pilar, spent a year living and working in China during college. They developed quite a taste for the cuisine and are constantly searching out authentic Chinese restaurants around the city. They often venture to the far reaches of the boroughs to find the best meals and typically end up in super ethnically concentrated neighborhoods. For Chris's birthday, they got reservations for a large group of us in Flushing, Queens. I kid you not, stepping out of the subway station made me feel like I was in a different country.

kendi everyday in nyc

Jenn and I recently headed up to the Lincoln Square Gap for an event featuring the fashion blog Kendi Everyday. I'm a relatively new follower to her blog but really appreciate her funny, sweet commentary with each outfit she posts. I'm hoping to incorporate some of her fashion ideas into my own daily wardrobe. We'll see how that goes :) 

weekend recap | snow storm and tv edition

In case you didn't hear, the Northeast got some snow this weekend. NYC was definitely spared more than the rest of New England, but we got quite a dumping on Friday. (I've been wearing my snow boots for days!) Sadly it couldn't be during the week and at least give me hope of a snow day from work. So is life. And apparently someone at the Weather Channel has decided to start giving every breeze that comes across their radar a name, so this bit of weather was called Nemo. Weird, right? Anyway, here are a bunch of photos of the snow and the rest of the things that happened this weekend.

ballet a la sufjan

 I have a confession: I'm not a huge fan of Broadway plays. I don't know what it is I don't like about them. Maybe it's the random act of breaking into songs or the over-zealous acting. Those shows have just never been my cup of tea. On the other hand, I love dance and ballet performances AND I love Sufjan Stevens. When I heard there was a New York City Ballet featuring his music, I was immediately searching for tickets. I found some reasonably priced seats for a Saturday matinee and dragged invited along Kurt, Jenn, and Christian.

cook-off | super bowl dip competition

Did everyone watch the Super Bowl on Sunday? I was pretty uninvested in the game, so I dedicated most of my attention to the commercials, the half time show, and the game day food. Jenn organized our latest cooking competition, the Dip-Off. Pretty fitting for a football game right? 

young house love | book signing

Jenn and I met Sherry and John from Young House Love!

night at the museum | our global kitchen

Jenn and I recently attended a "tweetup" at the American Museum of Natural History to get a glimpse of their new exhibit, Our Global Kitchen. An after hours evening at one of my favorite museums with free drinks and chocolate? What is not to love!? Sign. Me. Up!