Domino Archive!

While wasting time at work, I ran across someone's twitter feed saying that Domino Magazine (one of my favorite decorating publications which folded recently) was back. Too good to be true!!! Well, it sort of is. The magazine is not coming out with any new issues, but brides.com (weird) has taken ownership of all the old content and is putting it on their website in an archive. Find it here.

I really like all the new online magazines I'm coming across like Lonny and Southern Flourish, but there is just something undeniable satisfying about the print version. I miss you domino!

Note Zooey Deschanel :) I can't wait for She & Him!!

Futbol and Farewells

I'll admit it. Soccer doesn't exactly excite me. It is fun to watch but maybe only 15% of the time. I totally respect the sport and realize the athleticism it requires and am slowly learning the rules and strategy, but I almost fell asleep at a bar while watching Germany vs. England and Argentina vs. Mexico on Sunday. However, I like Kurt and Kurt likes soccer, so I'm trying to get into the World Cup. Plus, most soccer players are pretty easy on the eyes as illustrated by Germany's goal keeper (above). What a cutie!

Apparently my zeal for the sport also translates into my prediction skills. I am currently in 17th place in our World Cup bracket challenge of 18 people...oh, wait, 18th place didn't even fill one out. Yes, that means I am in last place. Luckily, Kurt is keeping me company down there in 16th place! :)

After a thrilling morning and afternoon of soccer and helping Silvia move into a new apartment, we went and met some friends for drinks. Unfortunately, our friend BStar is moving back to Indiana this week, so we got together to give him a proper send off. Our evening began at Flatbush Farm. It has two sections; One is a restaurant which uses only local and fresh ingredients. It is kind of pricey, so we always end up next door at the Bar(n).

They have a great backyard which is perfect in the summer. Not too many places have that much space. I also love their string lights. They had Edison bulbs where you can see the filament. They are kind of pricey but definitely achieve a look. If I ever have a yard, I would like to string those all around (hint hint, homeowners).

From the farm, we headed to Mission Dolores. It used to be an auto shop but the owners converted it to a bar with an amazing courtyard. During the summer, we like to hit up as many outdoor locations as possible. It's hard to remember what sitting outside is like during the long cold winters!

After a few rounds of Tell Your Favorite BStar Stories, we attempted a group shot...harder than it looks. This was my favorite of about 10 photos. From left to right: Jenn, Kurt, me, Adam, BStar, Erik, Erin, Andrea, Kristin, and Silvia. We're going to miss you, Brian! I hope you find what you are looking for.

Brunch and Boats

After my trip down to Alabama in April for a lovely celebration, I decided I needed more Southern girls in my life. There are several Auburn alumni here in NYC and I never see any of them! I emailed sweet LeeAnne, an interior designer who was my neighbor in Auburn, and she set up a brunch with a few other girls at Penelope's Cafe last Saturday. The food was delicious! I highly recommend the rose mimosa as well :) It was great to be around giggly girls again and hear all their funny stories. We covered everything from mouse drama to HGTV fame to weddings (of course!). I love a good dive bar and beer but sometimes it is nice to put on a dress and hang out with ladies. I hope we do it again soon! Hopefully I can convince them to trek out to Brooklyn...

After brunch, I took the train to downtown Manhattan to catch the ferry (I love boats!) to Governor's Island. Courtney is (happily) getting married in November but (sadly) leaving NYC at the end of July. One of her bridesmaids Lauren threw her a Going Away Party/Bridal Shower picnic.

Lady Liberty in the distance!

Governor's Island from the ferry.

We had a nice spread of sweets and fruit at the picnic. I was stuffed from brunch but still managed to fight down a cupcake or two. The only thing we were missing was some boxed wine. Do these girls know how to throw a party?! :)

Courtney requested we bring her one of our favorite recipes in lieu of a gift. I gave her a shrimp and grits recipe that is to die for! Makes me hungry just typing about it....

I really like Governor's Island. It's such a contrast from Manhattan and Brooklyn because it is completely deserted. They sometimes have activities on the weekends but it is strange to think the buildings sit empty the rest of the time. There is a plan to redevelop the island and make it more of an attraction but I like the fact that is this hidden gem where you can escape the crowds. I hope to go back with bikes soon and ride around without worrying about traffic.

I wish I had been there Sunday for the polo event (where I hear Prince Harry fell off his horse). Maybe next year I'll be ready to rub elbows with the royals! :)

(Penelope's Cafe photo courtesy of NY Mag and Shanna Ravindra. I didn't want to be that awkward girl taking pictures while people are eating. Plus, it was much more crowded when we were there.)

Free Beer, Great Music

Well, the beer wasn't free, but the music was great! Kurt and I had a concert filled weekend. I've been trying to take advantage of all the cultural activities NYC has to offer, so we bought tickets to see one of Kurt's favorite artists for Friday night and also realized a really great band I like was playing Saturday. Unfortunately, going to lots of concerts is expensive, so I'm taking a musical hiatus after we see She & Him next week!

We went to Webster Hall for an early show on Friday night to see Sage Francis. Kurt describes it as underground hip-hop. I couldn't really understand much of what Sage was rapping about, but I hear a lot of it is socially and politically charged.

Board shorts with a sport coat is a good look :) I didn't get a good picture of her, but the girl that sang with Sage was awesome. She had a really great voice and complemented him really well. You can see her in a review of their new album here.

It was an interesting show. A lot of the songs were catchier than I expected them to be and the crowd was really into it. Who knew Kurt had decent taste in music? :)

Then we went to the Bowery Ballroom Saturday night to see Voxtrot. I've been following them for a few years and periodically checking if they were touring. They are from Austin, TX and would occasionally do shows there but never made it to where I was, so I was so excited that they were finally coming to NYC. Come to find out, it was their last concert ever! They are breaking up! :(

But it was still an awesome show! They don't have an incredibly huge body of work, so I knew pretty much all the songs really well. I'm a fan of the Bowery Ballroom too. It's not a large venue and they have a great mezzanine level where we usually stand. You don't have to fight the crowd and can see really well--which is a blessing for a short girl. The only downside is not being able to grope the lead singer when they dive into the crowd at the end of the show :( I'm so sad that Voxtrot is no longer but glad I was able to finally see them!

Look forward to a post about She & Him next week. I have a crush on Zooey Deschanel and it should be an awesome show!

New Kicks

I got my Tom's Shoes today! I'm hoping they will be comfortable enough to traipse around Europe in but won't make me looks like a tacky tourist in sneakers. And how awesome is the company? For every pair of shoes they sell, they donate one to a child in need. I feel like I've done my good deed (especially since children make my heart turn cold, right Jen?).

I got them in the grey because I figure they will go with a lot. I feel like I am beginning to catch the disease all New Yorkers eventually fall victim to. I swore I would never do it, but I find myself drawn to neutrals and (gasp!) even black! I must be too far removed from the South. I need some color and pattern stat!!!