Halloween is ba-na-nas.

I could literally die over it.



Have a safe & happy Halloween!

xo,

RZ

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She embraced the 80s.

Looking at these photos, I learned a few things about myself.
1. My awkwardness in front of a camera started at a very young age.
2. My mother has a terrible sense of fashion or she absolutely hated me & enjoyed making me look stupid.
3. I really wasn't that cute.

*Update. My mom read this post and felt that it needed an update. She doesn't want "the whole world" {she obviously doesn't know how unpopular this blog is, but I appreciate the vote of confidence} thinking that she dressed me badly {although she totally did -- sorry mom!}, and asked that I update this post.

Velour sweatsuits made a comeback, you know.
My grandmother picked this one out. I am at her house here.

Dress? Check. Patent leather party shoes? Check. Sweatbands? Check.
I'm so glad this photo doesn't look forced. I obviously loved my sister.
I obviously added the sweatbands but am supposed to mention that they were not her sweatbands. Happy, mom?


See? I loved her so much that I wore wallpaper? MOM! Come on!!
My grandmother supposedly picked this one out, but she is not alive to dispute that claim. This outfit also closely resembles my mom's kitchen wallpaper at the time this was taken. I don't know what to say.


Socks over my pants with velcro shoes. And then there's the sweater. Good lord.
I dressed myself here. But mom -- you bought the sweater! Just saying...

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Central Park & last day in NYC.

Are you sick of my New York photos yet? Last one...for now.

The beautiful trees had me falling more & more in love with NYC.




See my new camera lens from B&H Photo?
I got a refurbished one in perfect condition and saved $100!




Woody Allen lives in the building behind me.




The Boat house from 27 Dresses.


Sitting in Central Park after shopping at Bendels.


Recognize this fountain from the opening of Friends?


Let me take you down, 'cause I'm going to Strawberry Fields.

Home to Steve Jobs, Steve Martin, Bono, and Donna Karan.

Early Sunday morning, I ventured out for a 40 minute run. I ran along Park Avenue and then headed over to 5th avenue along Central Park. I love running through Chicago, but there is nothing like running through NYC. After my run, we headed to Soho, Chinatown, and Greenwich Village. We shopped at Topshop & Kate's Paperie, had lunch at Balthazar, and enjoyed walking the streets of NYC, which was what I loved most.

Soho was very quaint with a big city feel. I loved it.




The most charming little cafes.


And street vendors.

And cobblestone streets.






And beautiful churches.

I still cannot believe I finally made it to New York. It felt nice to come back to Chicago, but I miss NYC. There is a longing for the day when I can walk those streets again.

A big thank you to my friend Jill who invited me on this trip!

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The city that never sleeps.

Saturday morning we headed to Top of the Rock, then 5th Avenue, the Plaza Hotel, and finally, to Central Park.

Rockefeller Center




I would stop & take photos while crossing the street. This is one of my favorites.

I loved Bendels. I bought a key chain, and a few products from this line.




The Apple Store. {It's under the glass cube}


The Plaza Hotel. Home of Eloise & the Eloise Suite {designed by Betsey Johnson}.






How adorable is this little Eloise shop?

That evening we saw Avenue Q & visited Times Square again.
{Click here to listen to my favorite song}

These posts are making me miss New York!

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I'm in a New York state of mind.

I met Jill at the Newark Airport and we took the train in to the city. We hopped in a cab and headed to the Waldorf Astoria thanks to Jill who had two free nights there. Such a gorgeous hotel!

You really cannot beat staying on Park Avenue.

Dylan's Candy Bar






I bought the regular & Christmas versions of this mug.






Lunch at Fig & Olive was so good! I highly recommend this restaurant You can also order their olive oil online.


On our way to the theater.

Friday night, we saw Wicked. It was so much better than I could have imagined. If you are ever in a city where Wicked is playing, you must see it!!! Beautiful, funny, & smart. A phenomenal show!

Everyone told me I'd love NYC & that I'd want to move there, but I had no idea the urge would be this strong. I love Chicago but there is something about NYC. I actually feel a little ache in my heart and long to go back. I have to live there someday, even if only for a few months or a year.

Some folks like to get away
Take a holiday from the neighborhood
Hop a flight to Miami Beach
Or to Hollywood
But I'm taking a Greyhound
On the Hudson River Line
I'm in a New York state of mind

- Billy Joel

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