Happy Halloween!

Whew, definitely an eventful couple of days in New York thanks to Hurricane Sandy. I hope everyone is safe after the devastation and destruction that this storm left behind. Luckily, I made it out okay—aside from heavy winds and minor flooding, the Upper East Side was left relatively unharmed. I continue to be impressed by New York City emergency services, and their unfaltering efforts to keep this city safe. 

With that, I want to wish everyone a Happy Halloween. It's a bittersweet day to celebrate, but a bright spot at the end of this terrible storm.

(Image via Note to Self) 

Wine and cheese party

 

What a clever idea for a wine and cheese party! I love the use of chalkboards to label each dish, and better yet, make suggestions for what wine pairs best with the food. It's such a creative idea, and a fun way to personalize a party with friends at home. 

What do you do to add a special touch to an evening at home? Would love to hear your ideas!

Plus: More chalkboards here and here and here.

(Images via Rock UR Party) 

Stand under my umbrella

I'm in awe of this art installation in Bulgaria: 400 umbrellas strung up in the sky to help raise breast cancer awareness. Such a beautiful (hot pink) sight, all for such an important cause.

Speaking of umbrellas, looks like we might need one with Hurricane Sandy due to hit New York today. To everyone affected on the east coast, stay safe! 

Also, a flashback to Hurricane Irene. :)

(Images via BuzzFeed)

The weekend is here!

At last, happy Friday! What do you have planned for the next couple of days off? The Halloween festivities start this weekend—I'm always amazed at how big this particular holiday is in New York. People love it! To mark the occasion (a bit early), I'm finally going to see The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Have you seen it before? I never have, and after Glee's rendition last year, and watching it in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, it's become a must-do! Here's to a wonderful (and relaxing) weekend ahead. To get it started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

The best burgers.

Such a glamorous party!

Joy takes New York (see me here and here).

Fall apple crush.

Hello, love.

Last minute costume ideas.

Gorgeous, delicate flats.

DIY party hat fascinator.

An amazing Paris travelogue.

Good food (and cheers to spontaneous lunch with a friend!).

(Image via Pinterest)

Broadway Must-See: The Heiress

Fall theater always gets me — there are so many incredible shows to see, it just gets tough to narrow the choices down! This past weekend, I saw the one that's been at the top of my list all summer: The Heiress. It stars Jessica Chastain, Dan Stevens, David Strathairn, and Judith Ivey, all of which gave terrific—and chilling—performances throughout the heart-wrenching show. I was blown away by their talent, and ability to move so easily between the stage and the screen. I highly recommend (especially for those Downton Abbey fans!).

Are there any new Broadway plays you're hoping to see this season? What about recent shows you've loved?

(Image 1, Image 2)

Party lika Pippa

Now that we're only a few days away from the release of Pippa Middleton's Celebrate, I'd love to know: will you buy this book? I have to admit I'm pretty intrigued—I've checked out her family's company blog Party Times (which Pippa is known to write) on more than one occasion, and I think all the advice there is really good. For more about Pippa's book, read her interview with the Mail on Sunday here.

What's your go-to source for entertaining advice? I'd love to know!

(Image 1, Image 2)

Paris in the Rain

I know I just recently blogged about Paris, but these photos from Little Brown Pen caught my eye. Nichole's series about Paris in the rain is lovely, and perfectly captures the energy of a city where the moody weather changes on a dime. In fact, the rain came to be one of my favorite parts of my trip—I loved waking up to a downpour, or ducking into a cozy coffee shop when a short-lived storm passed by.

I'm actually missing Paris a lot, and already itching to go back. In the interim, I decided to join the French Library in New York to keep French culture top of mind. I'm going to my first event tonight. :)

One more: Have you listened to this Regina Spektor song? It talks about Paris in the rain. It's amazing!

(Images via Little Brown Pen)