Spring celebrations

butterflies

flower show at Macy's

Easter bunny

car show

drinks 

seaport 

ATC things that fly

My friend VA is an avid artist trading card (ATC) designer/creator and had participated in various ATC trades. As a result, she has an impressive collection of cards and several extras from sets for trading. I liked this card below themed "things that fly". In return, I needed to make one that fit the same theme.

I came up with my card idea below while I was browsing my origami books for the convention countdown. It fits the flying theme and is also seasonal. The hummingbird is created by Robert Neale and folded from harmony paper. The color change hydrangea (creator Fujimoto?) is folded from small rose patterned paper.

more process descriptions after the jump...

Two gardens two weekends

Brooklyn Botanical Garden

Magnolia

Cherry blossom http://www.bbg.org/discover/cherries

Duke Farm http://www.dukefarms.org/

Orchids

Spring Time in NY

Even though people always sing about autumn or Christmas time in NYC, every season is NYC is quite special. After a snow/wintry mix passed through the city this past week, the sky cleared up and we got spring temperatures for the weekend. It’s not surprising many people sought cure for their cabin fever by embracing a sunny spring afternoon outdoors. Leave behind those heavy winter coats and snow boots, bring out colorful wind breakers, and welcome spring to our city!

Hudson Pier 45

http://www.hudsonriverpark.org/explore-the-park/locations/pier-45
Pier 45 West Side (cross at Christopher)

I usually visit the Hudson River Parks in the summer for their outdoor concerts or movies. I’m glad I dropped by pier 45 today because the open space and sun light were divine. Nothing quite as fun as walking for miles in the sun. We may not have a beach on the west side, but we are proud of our walkaways and piers.

You can explore the entire collection of parks on their site. While lounging on the pier, I tried out the panorama function on my phone.

Coffee break

Le Pain Quotidien Chocolate bread with cherry jam and ricotta. Masala chai latte. I would recommend the chocolate bread again (seasonal special until April). I’ll probably stick to coffee/lattes next time instead of the chai. Note that the location I went to is steps away from the south end of High Line park. Look for a communal table inside, or get take out at the store. I also saw a booth of theirs outside but not sure if it’s the full menu or just coffees/pastries.

Apple Store West 14th

http://www.apple.com/retail/west14thstreet/

Apple fan or not, most people appreciate the aesthetics of Apple stores in Manhattan. From the iconic cube near Central Park, the fantastic sky light in SoHo, main concourse area in Grand Central Terminal, to this one within blocks of High Line. When you’re there, check out the view of busy streets/cafes from the 2nd and 3rd floor.

High Line

http://www.thehighline.org/

14th Street to 30th Street (check site for entrances) near 10th Ave.

Most people probably already know about this rail yard-turned-nature park. Everyone (locals and visitors) all came out from hibernation and gathered here to walk along the High Line. I found some flowers and berries poking out of snow (pictured).

Williamsburg Rainy Day Adventures Part 2

You may recall from a previous entry, I visited V. in Brooklyn during a downpour in March and I had wanted to plan for another trip when it’s warmer and sunnier out. Well, the weather was not cooperative when I made my second trip last weekend, but at least we had a good time nonetheless.

Soundtrack
this entry was written with Beirut playing in the background. feel free to check him out! Go Brooklyn.
http://www.myspace.com/beruit

Park
With recent spring weather I thought it would be nice to volunteer with my company to beautify local parks. The weather turned out to be freezing and rather windy but luckily I had good company. I found out that I really enjoy using rollers for painting (I really should take advantage of this and paint my walls or something). 

Coffee
My park event was supposed to end in the afternoon but due to weather and our efficient use of time, the leader dismissed us early. Instead of waiting in the cold for lunch, I opted to head out and meet up with V. earlier. A cup of whole foods breakfast blend coffee with soy later, I finally recovered from hanging out in the cold all morning. Reading up on colorful CB2 catalogues made me wish I had an empty apt to decorate. Sigh.

Brunch
Creative food place with fantastic decor, a very Brooklyn soundtrack and ridiculously well-dressed and fine-looking crowd. Another reason to come back to Williamsburg even if it’s pouring. 
http://www.traifny.com/

This place had good coffee in cute cup/saucer sets and we ended up drinking way too many cups (my entire week’s quota was filled up).

course 1: Starting off, V. had a greens dish with figs and I got a pineapple section with pomegranate molasses and grated lime (superb, and we were literately licking the plates for the last drop of pomegranate molasses). Just looked up a recipe, it actually doesn’t look that difficult. Since I already make pomegranate juice from scratch, this is nothing. alternatively we should just get a bottle from Trader Joes or Whole Foods.

course 2: Egg-in-a-nest with portabella and truffle cream. If you order this, take a whiff and prepare to die from happiness. Mushroom lovers, this is a must! Egg-in-a-nest means they cut a round hole in your toast and put in a fried egg. It looks much prettier than it sounds.  

course 3: bacon donuts with coffee ice cream. I think Williamsburg must love donuts because last time we had some nice cinnamon sugar donuts at the other brunch place. Anyway, bacon bits on donuts was interesting but I loved the combo of bacon and coffee ice cream. does anyone really get anything done after a 3 course brunch?

Chill out
The weather turned out even worse after brunch, and while we walked through the rain on my last visit, we weren’t as motivated to check out anything this time. Super Mario for the Wii actually looked quite difficult. I’m glad I don’t have time to play games anymore (except for the occasional phone games).  I ended up finishing my latest book on my phone (yea nook mobile app) while waiting for the rain to die down. This made me realize just how important a comfortable couch with good natural lighting is. I never seem to have both at my disposal. Something to consider when I look at available housing in the future.

Next time
-waterfront (even if it rains, this is getting ridiculous, truly)
-concert! (already on the calendar for June)
-dinner (instead of brunch, although I expect huge crowds)

Branch Brook Park Cherry Blossoms

Every spring DC gets droves of tourists hoping to catch pink or white cherry blossoms. When I went to school there I was lucky enough to catch it without too much chaos. Having graduated a few years back, I haven’t gone back since the crowd factor always holds me back. My relatives in NJ offered a local alternative: Branch Brook Park. The park boasts 4100 cherry trees. More than even DC! If you go, maybe you should consider public transportation. Bring a picnic and enjoy the weather!

Park site: http://www.branchbrookpark.org/

Map of cherry tree locations: http://www.essex-countynj.org/branchmap.pdf

My dad and I drove around the park for a while and found that the northern part (in Belleville) had more trees but was difficult to park. The southern part (in Newark) had a better backdrop with the gorgeous cathedral, lake, and bridge but not as many flowering cherry trees. We were about to park on the street like everyone else but then saw a police car writing up tickets… In the end we parked near the Prudential Lions and took a bunch of photos before jetting off.

Some photos (wallpaper too) from my trip:

Other Links:

Beautiful Photographer’s Site
http://www.stylepeterson.com/category/branch-brook-park-newark-nj-cherry-blossom-festival-photos/

Spring in NY

After so much snow this season, it seemed like the dreary winter would never end. After I got a few good weekends of skiing and finally started to enjoy the winter snow, temperatures skyrocketed in NY and we’re in spring! Vernal Equinox is tomorrow Mar 20 2010 at 1:32 PM EDT
Sometimes I forget spring existed because it never takes long for street wear to turn from winter puffers and boots to short shorts and flip flops.
I will attempt to remember some of the events below in spring, although I get the feeling I will probably be writing the summer guide (outdoor concerts!) in a few weeks.

Assorted Spring Events:
//Flowers
Cherry Blossoms in Brooklyn Botanical Garden (April/May)
http://www.bbg.org/exp/cherries/
Cherry Blossom Update at the garden: http://www.bbg.org/exp/cherries/map.html

DC Cherry Blooms (early April. yes, DC is not that far, people!)
http://www.nps.gov/cherry/cherry-blossom-bloom.htm
Old Westbury Gardens, Long Island (Opens April 10 for season)
http://www.oldwestburygardens.org/general_information.htm

Tulips at Hofstra University, Long Island (May)
http://www.hofstra.edu/Community/Fest/Fest_dutch.html
//Outdoor Activities
Coney Island (some rides open late March/April)
http://www.coneyisland.com/

Opening Day for Baseball! (April 4-5th)
http://mlb.mlb.com/index.jsp

Street Fairs (Spring/Summer)
http://www.nycstreetfairs.com/sched.html

Manhattan Henge (May 28)
http://www.manhattansunset.com/

Big Apple BBQ at Madison Square Park (June 12-13)
http://www.bigapplebbq.org/

Jersey Shore (come live it before the summer crowds!)
http://www.seasideheightstourism.com

//Indoor Activities
Tribeca Film Festival (late April)
http://www.tribecafilm.com/festival/

Museum Mile Festival (June 8)



//Other Links
My Free NYC Guide entry. Hit up free museums and gardens on select days.
Time Out NY Going Out Guide.
Time Out NY Spring 101 Things To Do