PICTURE SHOW: NYC HAPPY HOUR SUNSET BOAT CURISE, ROCKWOOD MUSIC AND LIFE

Happy Labor Day, Everyone!!!

Just a quick week wrap up in pictures...it's been a busy week on so many fronts and one of my best friends from college was up visiting from North Carolina for the weekend!

Pictures of us are on her camera, so, those will be coming later, but pictures from our adventures were on mine for the most part via my Instagram.

We went on a sunset Happy Hour cruise along the East River, which was fun and got to see all the NYC landmarks in all their glory on a beautiful evening.

Among other adventures all over the city in 2 very full days, from Washington Square Park to the Financial District by the Freedom Tower, Little Italy, SoHo, The Village and more!

I promise some affordable fashions, reviews and DIY will be on their way soon...I just need a little time to get things sorted out and in order in my life first!

Thank you for your patience! ❤

Happy Labor Day...Empire State Building all decked out in red, white & Blue this weekend!

Digging the awesome wallpaper!

To commemorate our time in NYC for the US Open with a little drawing and initials

at a pub in that posts $1 all over the walls.

Rockwood Music Hall

Greg Holden and his FANTASTIC show at Rockwood Music Hall...such a great guy!

Our artist Katie Costello performing and killing it at Rockwood Music Hall!

Smiling through the uncertainty and prepping for our artists showcase at Rockwood.

Happy Hour sunset boat cruise with beautiful Manhattan as our backdrop!

Pretty fire starburst clouds as the sun sets.

NYC...a moment that took me away from life in the middle of the water for a moment

and reminded me just how lucky I am to live here.

Brooklyn Bridge Blur

Their she is...Lady Liberty!

Throwback Thursday: My incredible family in our family Christmas card picture last year!

A perfect brunch mimosa on Stone Street.

Freedom Tower standing tall on Saturday evening.

Washington Square Park Arch

Go Yankees...so great seeing Jeter back in the lineup!

Happy 40th Anniversary to my extraordinary parents on September 1st!

LIFE: MY 24 GOING ON 34 BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION IN NEW YORK CITY

Happy Monday, Lovelies!

Saturday, August 17th, was my birthday, but I'm not really one to tell people it is my birthday, and I definitely don't make a week or month of it, like some.  That said, my friend Jenny always insists on putting together a little gathering, which is very sweet of her!

This year, we did a low-key evening at a wine bar called Lelabar, in one of my favorite areas of NYC, the village, followed by a new spot called The Winslow.  I suggested we not do dinner and just meet for a couple drinks because I didn't want people to have to spend a lot of money or any if they didn't want to.

I'll admit, I'm flattered when I get carded or people think I'm younger than I am.  Like in NYC where everyone seem to always think I'm 24, which I credit to my parents and what must be good genes, but as of last night, one would need to add a decade to that number!  Oh my! ;) 

Let's just say when a number of guys asked me what birthday I was celebrating, their reactions and comments were priceless when it was a much higher number than anticipated.  

Here are a couple classic things they said to me, and yes, these are exact quotes purely for your entertainment...

GUY 1:

"Oh nooo, we all thought you were 23, maaaybe 24!"

GUY 2:

"Oh.  Congratulations, I guess?"

GUY 3:

"Ooooh, ooo-kay."

(...as he slowly backed away with that deer in headlights gaze! LOL!)

"...Wait!  Do you have kids?!?"

(...because I suppose they assume everyone my age does.)

My Response:

"No, but I love them!"

His Response:

"Oh good...that you don't have them, because that would be such a burden...but you are at that age."

(...as he walks away.  Good to know he thinks that about kids.  Next!)

GUY 4:

"I guess you're pretty sexy for your mid-30's"

(...ummm, thank you?  For real this time, next!  Please.)

OK, enough of that, hope it gave you a giggle! :)  

Thanks guys, I realize you think I'm too old, and have now discovered a definite downside to looking younger than you are. Especially, when most men prefer younger ladies and I enjoy them to be in my decade...le sigh.  

That said, I didn't take offense at all, was super nice to them, and just laughed it off...before heading back to my nursing home, of course! ;)

Let's move onto the picture show of this post, shall we...

Ta-da, I'm as ready, in what my friend labeled my "popsicle dress" that night, which I found quite fitting, to head out for a low-key evening with friends to celebrate!
Vince Camuto Maxi Dress: TJ Maxx 'Off The Runway' Section - $69.99

One pre-birthday 'Sweet Liberty Smash' cocktail at Henry Public in Brooklyn Heights, the day prior, that felt like a big kid snow cone! :)

Some Happy Hour wine and cheese at Lelabar in the village to start our evening.

My lovely friends: Rekha, Morgan, Melody, Moi, Jenny, Beth & Jocelyn

Loved the ceiling and how they hung the glasses and wine bottles above the center bar!

Washington Square Park Arch looking beautiful on our gorgeous evening walk!

After some wine, we headed to The Winslow, which just opened and is owned by someone we know...it is such a great, new spot if you find yourself in the area with fantastic food and service!

Trying a peach flavored beer, which tasted like a refreshing sweet sparkling peach juice, yum!

My Fabulous Friends surprised me...now that's a candle!!! :) Perfect picture caption from one of my favorite movies all via my younger sister: "Flames, flames on the side of my face, heaving, breathing..."

All smiles after making a new wish when blowing out a birthday candle for the first time in years!

Thank you to all my friends and family who thought of me and send me something special! ❤

I LOVE all my cards, which have always been my favorite part, and they now take over

my desk/work area and make me smile! :)

(Images taken on various phone cameras and some via my Instagram.)