I have nothing to say except is it New Years Eve and I walked to the work in a snow blizzard.
Bring on 2010!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Christmas Day
After a much needed sleep-in we awoke to Christmas morning in New York. David brewed some coffee whilst Alex attempted the Curtis family tradition of croissants with creamy mushrooms.
Once we had some food in our tummy it was time to get stuck into Santa's loot!
I was spoilt by David with an excess of hand creams and lotions, along with vouchers for mani & pedi's. David got a new shirt ands shorts, as well as a bundle of practical socks!
From the parents we received an array of homely gourmet goods, including a gift basket from the uber trendy Dean & Deluca, new slippers for around the house, a cappuccino frothier & movie money.
After brunch it was time for some champagne, cheese & crackers and lazing in front of the TV for a few hours. This was also the time for Christmas phone calls from friends & family across the country and ocean!
When it was time, I prepared our gourmet Christmas feast, starting with truffle linguini..........
.........followed by duck breast with roasted potatoes and creamed spinach.
ta -da!
We left enough room for the traditional plum pudding we had bought at Harrods whilst in London, and due to being "over-served" the fire brigade were on standby as we added the brandy for some festive flambé!
Once we had some food in our tummy it was time to get stuck into Santa's loot!
I was spoilt by David with an excess of hand creams and lotions, along with vouchers for mani & pedi's. David got a new shirt ands shorts, as well as a bundle of practical socks!
From the parents we received an array of homely gourmet goods, including a gift basket from the uber trendy Dean & Deluca, new slippers for around the house, a cappuccino frothier & movie money.
After brunch it was time for some champagne, cheese & crackers and lazing in front of the TV for a few hours. This was also the time for Christmas phone calls from friends & family across the country and ocean!
When it was time, I prepared our gourmet Christmas feast, starting with truffle linguini..........
.........followed by duck breast with roasted potatoes and creamed spinach.
ta -da!
We left enough room for the traditional plum pudding we had bought at Harrods whilst in London, and due to being "over-served" the fire brigade were on standby as we added the brandy for some festive flambé!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
OMG............it's O.M.C!!
The best thing about Christmas Eve 2009 was the arrival of Olivia May Caddy.
Making her debut at 11.50pm at 2.93kg she is the first baby for Jocie and Mike, and we are absolutely thrilled for them.
Christmas will be a very special time for them this year, and for many years to come........you see Jocie's birthday is on Christmas Day so it truly is a festive time of year for their families.
Congratulations to you both and we cannot wait to meet Olivia!
Making her debut at 11.50pm at 2.93kg she is the first baby for Jocie and Mike, and we are absolutely thrilled for them.
Christmas will be a very special time for them this year, and for many years to come........you see Jocie's birthday is on Christmas Day so it truly is a festive time of year for their families.
Congratulations to you both and we cannot wait to meet Olivia!
Christmas Eve
After an early mark from work, David and I headed to St Barts on Park Ave for a Christmas Eve service. It was lovely and majestic with the choir, festive trimmings and lots of Christmas spirit!
Then it was off to dinner at Benoit, an Alain Ducasse restaurant for a french extravaganza. On the menu was lobster salad, crab cakes, venison with cranberries, and a dessert of Bouche Noel.
Feeling stuffed it was home to open some stocking stuffers from Candy & Dana, and then a call from Australia and hearing 3 year nephew open his presents over the phone - too cute!
Then it was off to dinner at Benoit, an Alain Ducasse restaurant for a french extravaganza. On the menu was lobster salad, crab cakes, venison with cranberries, and a dessert of Bouche Noel.
Feeling stuffed it was home to open some stocking stuffers from Candy & Dana, and then a call from Australia and hearing 3 year nephew open his presents over the phone - too cute!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Ready, Set, Snow!
On Saturday it snowed..........and snowed.............. and snowed ...........and snowed.
And then it snowed. It snowed so much we were almost snowed in at a friends Christmas party in Brooklyn.
Boys and girls, just because it is snowing there is no need to lose your head, or your fashion sense.
As demonstrated below, a pair of plastic bags can come in very handy when snowed in and wearing expensive boots.
Place foot in bag, tighten securely and enjoy the fluffiness and fun that only fresh snow brings!
And then it snowed. It snowed so much we were almost snowed in at a friends Christmas party in Brooklyn.
Boys and girls, just because it is snowing there is no need to lose your head, or your fashion sense.
As demonstrated below, a pair of plastic bags can come in very handy when snowed in and wearing expensive boots.
Place foot in bag, tighten securely and enjoy the fluffiness and fun that only fresh snow brings!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Mary & Angelique
On Saturday eveing, we had Mary and her cousin Angelique over for dinner. Angelique just moved from Greece to New York City, after spending some time in Australia many years ago.
She works as a model, and signed with a new agency and apartment within the first week of her being in the city. So there was much celebrating to do!
It was also Alex's first attempt at home-made spinach & fetta triangles, which where a huge success! However after 2 hours of filo folding, I do not feel the need to ever make them again.
David took the reigns with main course, making his famous chimmichurri steak & sauce, paired with some good 'ole Texan style corn bread, bean & edaname salad, roasted asparagus & potatoes, all of which had an extra touch of love after Alex burnt her hand on the fry pan!
It was a great night in, especially given Saturday had a high of -2C or 22F - brr!
She works as a model, and signed with a new agency and apartment within the first week of her being in the city. So there was much celebrating to do!
It was also Alex's first attempt at home-made spinach & fetta triangles, which where a huge success! However after 2 hours of filo folding, I do not feel the need to ever make them again.
David took the reigns with main course, making his famous chimmichurri steak & sauce, paired with some good 'ole Texan style corn bread, bean & edaname salad, roasted asparagus & potatoes, all of which had an extra touch of love after Alex burnt her hand on the fry pan!
It was a great night in, especially given Saturday had a high of -2C or 22F - brr!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Oh Christmas tree.........oh Christmas tree
On Saturday we braved the cold and headed out to get our first Christmas tree in New York. David had done much research on where the best trees where, so it was game on!
However the simple task of picking a tree turned into a fiasco once we arrived at the first vendor. Firstly you are spoilt for choice! Noble fir, Norway spruce, scotch pine, white fir, Virginia pine ..........then it was a choice of domestic or imported. Then it was onto the price, some vendors charged by foot, the others by size, the others by variety.
Good grief, I was praying for a local boy scout hall and haggling down the price with a a 15 year old!
After much debate I left the ultimate decision up to David who had the job of carrying it home.
All wrapped up and ready to be decorated.....
Ta -da!
Somehow, despite the tree being up I cant help but feel the need for heat wave and bikini for it to really feel like Christmas!
However the simple task of picking a tree turned into a fiasco once we arrived at the first vendor. Firstly you are spoilt for choice! Noble fir, Norway spruce, scotch pine, white fir, Virginia pine ..........then it was a choice of domestic or imported. Then it was onto the price, some vendors charged by foot, the others by size, the others by variety.
Good grief, I was praying for a local boy scout hall and haggling down the price with a a 15 year old!
After much debate I left the ultimate decision up to David who had the job of carrying it home.
All wrapped up and ready to be decorated.....
Ta -da!
Somehow, despite the tree being up I cant help but feel the need for heat wave and bikini for it to really feel like Christmas!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Top of the Rock
Once the snow had cleared and the sun decide to come out, we headed to see the giant Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Centre. We had watched the lighting of the tree earlier in the week, so it was lovely to see its grandeur in the flesh.
Brrrr!
It was truly a sight to be seen, and with the ice skaters circling below, it started to feel like Christmas.
Feeling festive, Alison and I braved the wind and cold and went all the way to the top of the Rockefeller Centre.
The view is amazing, and I even managed to spot our apartment and work from 67 stories high!!
Brrrr!
It was truly a sight to be seen, and with the ice skaters circling below, it started to feel like Christmas.
Feeling festive, Alison and I braved the wind and cold and went all the way to the top of the Rockefeller Centre.
The view is amazing, and I even managed to spot our apartment and work from 67 stories high!!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Let it Snow!
On Saturday, it was off to see the Christmas decorations on 5th Ave ..... but not before it started to snow!
I cannot tell you what a delight it was seeing the first snow amongst all the decorations, singing and general Christmas cheer that was out and about!
We were so excited it was fitting that we celebrated with a slice of pizza ....
...... 99c per slice, cheap and tasty!
I cannot tell you what a delight it was seeing the first snow amongst all the decorations, singing and general Christmas cheer that was out and about!
We were so excited it was fitting that we celebrated with a slice of pizza ....
...... 99c per slice, cheap and tasty!
Spina
After a long day of sight-seeing and some last minute shopping, it was time for some Italian fun at the East Village Eatery, Spina! Fresh home-made pasta was on the menu, specialising in lobster ravioli and beef ragu. Yummmmmo!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
Whilst Alison had been to New York many times before, she had not been to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. And despite living in New York, Alex & David had not made the visit as yet either!
After a short ferry ride, we arrived on Liberty Island to met Lady Liberty herself - who was somewhat smaller than anticipated and a little bit butch!
One of the best things on Liberty Island was the amazing view of Manhattan in the background!
Afterward it was onto Ellis Island, where new immigrants where bought for inspection and admission to the US. You can trace back families members that migrated to the US, as well as ascertain how many fellow countrymen have immigrated, there are only 55, 000 Australians in the US!
Whilst Ellis Island was operational, some immigrants often waited days or weeks for approval before being re-united with friends and family. Being a new immigrant myself, I am thankful this was not the case upon my arrival!
After a short ferry ride, we arrived on Liberty Island to met Lady Liberty herself - who was somewhat smaller than anticipated and a little bit butch!
One of the best things on Liberty Island was the amazing view of Manhattan in the background!
Afterward it was onto Ellis Island, where new immigrants where bought for inspection and admission to the US. You can trace back families members that migrated to the US, as well as ascertain how many fellow countrymen have immigrated, there are only 55, 000 Australians in the US!
Whilst Ellis Island was operational, some immigrants often waited days or weeks for approval before being re-united with friends and family. Being a new immigrant myself, I am thankful this was not the case upon my arrival!
Alison Arrives!
After a long flight all the way from Adelaide, Alison finally arrived in New York! She spent a few days catching up with family in LA before taking the red-eye overnight and arrived bright & early at 6am!
It was fantastic seeing her, exactly a year to the day since we saw her last, so there was much catching up to do!
As a special treat, Alison had bought a very special bottle of wine from Peppertree Wines in the Hunter Valley, one of Alex &David's favorite, all the way from Oz .
So it was a lovely evening home, just like old times!
It was fantastic seeing her, exactly a year to the day since we saw her last, so there was much catching up to do!
As a special treat, Alison had bought a very special bottle of wine from Peppertree Wines in the Hunter Valley, one of Alex &David's favorite, all the way from Oz .
So it was a lovely evening home, just like old times!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
One year ago today....
Exactly 1 year ago today, we jumped a plane and started our adventurous journey over the US.
Exactly 2 years ago today we arrived back from my first Thanksgiving in the US.
Exactly 3 years ago today, David got down on one knee and popped the big question! I still love you crazy boo!
So much has happened since then and I can barely believe where our lives have taken us, and what lies around the next corner. Life is indeed a great big canvas, screaming for more and more paint to be thrown on it!
Time indeed does fly, but nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely.
Exactly 2 years ago today we arrived back from my first Thanksgiving in the US.
Exactly 3 years ago today, David got down on one knee and popped the big question! I still love you crazy boo!
So much has happened since then and I can barely believe where our lives have taken us, and what lies around the next corner. Life is indeed a great big canvas, screaming for more and more paint to be thrown on it!
Time indeed does fly, but nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Visit from Victoria
On Saturday we got a visit from our friend Victoria. Victoria lived in New York before moving to Sydney (where we met) and recently has moved to Hong King with her husband Andy.
She has been visiting her parents and grandparents in Pennsylvania over Thanksgiving and came in to spend the day with us in the city!
After a light brunch at Chez Curtis, complete with Bill Granger corn fritters, we headed out for a wander around the city. We made our way over to the 5th Ave Christmas windows and onto Bryant Park for the Christmas village and ice skating rink.
It was then a long walk down to Macy's to see the lights and the remaining Christmas cheer from the Thanksgiving parade.
Feeling very cold, we were off to Chelsea for some yummy Italian food at Ill Bastardo.
Despite living so far away Victoria manages to make it back to the USA at least once year, and it is always a delight spending time with her.
She has been visiting her parents and grandparents in Pennsylvania over Thanksgiving and came in to spend the day with us in the city!
After a light brunch at Chez Curtis, complete with Bill Granger corn fritters, we headed out for a wander around the city. We made our way over to the 5th Ave Christmas windows and onto Bryant Park for the Christmas village and ice skating rink.
It was then a long walk down to Macy's to see the lights and the remaining Christmas cheer from the Thanksgiving parade.
Feeling very cold, we were off to Chelsea for some yummy Italian food at Ill Bastardo.
Despite living so far away Victoria manages to make it back to the USA at least once year, and it is always a delight spending time with her.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Thanksgiving
Thursday meant one thing, and one thing only - THANKSGIVING! Being a national holiday everyone had the day off to spend with friends and family, stuff their face with turkey and overload on mash and other forbidden carbs.
As our first year in New York we hosted the Estes-Glenns and my cousin Matthew.
After everyone arrived back from the parade it was time for some champers and to get the party going!
Easy on the sparkling cider boys!
Due to David's allergy to chicken/turkey we served a roast lamb with gravy instead of a turkey. However we did keep it traditional with pumpkin soup, mash potato, green bean casserole, wild rice & mushroom stuffing, pear rocket & parmesan salad, warm dinner rolls, and peas courtesy of Alex, as well as exceptional beet chutney, cranberry & cream salad and pumpkin pie all made from scratch by the lovely Erin.
David doing the honors
With Australian's being in the majority, it was all washed down with Penfolds wine (thanks Matthew) desert included tim tams and mint slice, and all to the soundtrack of Cold Chisel - oi oi oi!
Tuck-in!
As our first year in New York we hosted the Estes-Glenns and my cousin Matthew.
After everyone arrived back from the parade it was time for some champers and to get the party going!
Easy on the sparkling cider boys!
Due to David's allergy to chicken/turkey we served a roast lamb with gravy instead of a turkey. However we did keep it traditional with pumpkin soup, mash potato, green bean casserole, wild rice & mushroom stuffing, pear rocket & parmesan salad, warm dinner rolls, and peas courtesy of Alex, as well as exceptional beet chutney, cranberry & cream salad and pumpkin pie all made from scratch by the lovely Erin.
David doing the honors
With Australian's being in the majority, it was all washed down with Penfolds wine (thanks Matthew) desert included tim tams and mint slice, and all to the soundtrack of Cold Chisel - oi oi oi!
Tuck-in!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Macy's Day Parade
One of the oldest Thanksgiving traditions is the Macy's Day Parade in New York City. It starts on the Upper West Side and ends up on 34th street in front of Macy's.
It symbolizes the start of the festive season and it is a great way to kick off Thanksgiving Day. it is famous for its massive balloons that can been seen from afar and huge crowds. Once Mick, Erin, Davis and Miles arrived in town, Matthew and David joined them and headed over to watch the parade.
Alex stayed at home, with a long to-do list, mostly in the kitchen preparing Thanksgiving lunch and all the trimmings!
It symbolizes the start of the festive season and it is a great way to kick off Thanksgiving Day. it is famous for its massive balloons that can been seen from afar and huge crowds. Once Mick, Erin, Davis and Miles arrived in town, Matthew and David joined them and headed over to watch the parade.
Alex stayed at home, with a long to-do list, mostly in the kitchen preparing Thanksgiving lunch and all the trimmings!
Churrascaria
On Wednesday evening, Thanksgiving eve and the start of a 4 day weekend, we decided to head to Plataforma Churrascaria. It is a Brazilian steakhouse where they bring the meat out on swords and it is carved tableside.
It was lots of fun, very festive and one of the top things Matthew wanted to do whilst he was here in New York. After dinner it was time for some family shenanigans!
It was lots of fun, very festive and one of the top things Matthew wanted to do whilst he was here in New York. After dinner it was time for some family shenanigans!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Big Wong
After the excitement of seeing Mr Big there was only one thing we could do.......theme the day "BIG"!
We had a photo-shoot of all things "big" in Times Square.....
....and then it was off to Chinatown for a late lunch at Big Wong!
Known for fast, fresh and yummy food we stuffed ourselves with shrimp fried rice, egg rolls, chicken ding and beef and broccoli.
Followed by a big big walk thru Noho, Lolita, Soho and ending up in Tribeca, we were ready for more drinks and dinner before popping into bed for an early night!
We had a photo-shoot of all things "big" in Times Square.....
....and then it was off to Chinatown for a late lunch at Big Wong!
Known for fast, fresh and yummy food we stuffed ourselves with shrimp fried rice, egg rolls, chicken ding and beef and broccoli.
Followed by a big big walk thru Noho, Lolita, Soho and ending up in Tribeca, we were ready for more drinks and dinner before popping into bed for an early night!
Big News, Sighting and Rebuttal!
After the excitement of the NBC Tour we took a quick walk around Times Square before stopping at Starbucks. It was there we saw..............MR BIG!!
I barely noticed as he shoved his hand over my shoulder to grab his coffee, and then retreated to a nearby seat to read the paper. Like a pack of nervous school girls David, Matthew and I scurried to the half&half stand to debate if we should approach and ask for a photo.
Being the only woman, the duty was left with me and with a shakily made my way over. The words had barely left my mouth "excuse me, im such a ......." before I got a shake of the head, a hand and the words" im not taking any photographs".
I am starting to understand how Carrie felt season 1 thru 5!
Regardless I took the hint, thanked him anyway, announced I was a HUGE fan, and then was on the receiving end of a very,very firm handshake. La!
I barely noticed as he shoved his hand over my shoulder to grab his coffee, and then retreated to a nearby seat to read the paper. Like a pack of nervous school girls David, Matthew and I scurried to the half&half stand to debate if we should approach and ask for a photo.
Being the only woman, the duty was left with me and with a shakily made my way over. The words had barely left my mouth "excuse me, im such a ......." before I got a shake of the head, a hand and the words" im not taking any photographs".
I am starting to understand how Carrie felt season 1 thru 5!
Regardless I took the hint, thanked him anyway, announced I was a HUGE fan, and then was on the receiving end of a very,very firm handshake. La!
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