Anniversary Weekend Snapshots

Hi friends! I hope you’re all having a great week so far.

Gosh, life is crazy right now. It’s not the “busy” crazy that I’ve known for years, but a different crazy where I’m trying to navigate what my days are “supposed” to be right now. Unfortunately, logging in here on the blog has taken a bit of a backseat while Scott and I have been in explorer mode and transition into living in New York City.

There’s so much that I always feel like I have to update you on, but I don’t feel that sharing our every meal in the City or outing would benefit your click over. I’m sure I’ll get back into the swing of things soon, but for now, I’ll do my best to catch up with what I think you might want to see when I can!

Today I’m linking up with Katie and Erin to share the latest Weekend Snapshots. Here we go!

 

5 Year Anniversary Dinner 

Scott was originally supposed to work on Friday night, but when he got the option to call off (it’s been super slow this summer), he took it and surprised me with a dinner reservations at Marcony in Midtown East on Lexington.

It was a weekend night in a big city, so we were one of the few people dining at 6 p.m. We had our choice of sitting outside, downstairs, or on the balcony upstairs. We chose the balcony, and it was neat to be surrounded by wine bottles and enjoy dinner with a view of the restaurant.

While it may seem like Scott and I get out a lot, it’s a rare occasion that we dine out, just the two of us, and enjoy a meal that includes everything from appetizers to desserts. We usually keep things simple and split an entrée with a salad or side. This, however, was a special occasion, and I was told to order anything I desired. It was nice.

We started with a round of specialty cocktails (both were extremely refreshing and delicious), and toasted to five years of marriage! We chatted about how quickly time has flown by and how much we have already experienced together. Lots.

(picture saved from LIL Snapchat)

Scott chose Marcony after a co-worker suggested it to him. Italian restaurants are my favorite for nice nights out, and this one fit the bill perfectly. While the space gives off a Mediterranean feel, the food is authentic Italian. Our server, Vincenzo, was extremely knowledgeable and kind. He also constructed the beautiful glass chandelier in the middle of the restaurant!

We started with a melon gazpacho from the specials menu (incredible) and roasted sugar beets and fennel salad. We also might have had a full bread basket. The pesto dipping sauce that comes with it is amazing!

While it’s not the healthiest, my all-time favorite dish at an Italian restaurant is spaghetti bolognese. Naturally, I ordered Occhi di Lupo Bolognese with spaghetti noodles, and Scott picked the veal off of the specials menu.

I tasted a few bites of his, and it was very, very good. Mine, however, was out-of-this-world delicious. I finished every single bite and would have licked the plate if it was socially acceptable. So tasty!

After splitting the tiramisu for dessert, we left the restaurant feeling full and happy.

We spent the rest of the night bouncing around night spots and ended up meeting up with a couple of friends who were in town for the weekend. It was so fun!

We had the definition of a lazy Saturday. We slept in, eventually ate breakfast, and caught up on the last few episodes of Big Brother. After months of living in our apartment, we finally enjoyed a full morning and afternoon snuggled up on our (new) couch in the living room. You know you are at least thirty when a flipping couch delivery excites you to no end!

But really. #itsthebest #adulting

 

Slightly Stoopid Concert – Coney Island

Scott left for work later that afternoon, and I took Roadie to the park before getting ready for a night out in Coney Island with my friend Hillary. Some of you might remember that she took me to see Rebeultion not too long ago.

Her brother used to tour with them, so she’ll get backstage passes to their concerts as well as other bands they’ve toured with when they come into town from time to time. Not too shabby!

We arrived later than we realized and caught the end of SOJA. I love that type of chill, reggae music. It always reminds me of summer days on the beach, and that is never a bad thing.

After their set, we went backstage and thanked the respective parties for our tickets. It was fun to meet a lot of the artists in SOJA and Slightly Stoopid! It was H-O-T outside, so we appreciated being able to get out of the crowds and listen to the live music from the wings.

Thanks for a great night, Hillary!

Parker & Quinn – Midtown

Our Sunday started with morning train ride to Midtown to attend service at Hillsong NYC. We had plans to meet our friend, Michelle, at church, and it was a great message that hit home to all of us in the seasons we are in.

After church, we walked over to 39th Street for brunch at Parker & Quinn, which is a restaurant attached to the Refinery Hotel. The atmosphere was very rich and enchanting!

We started with complimentary homemade donuts as an appetizer (Michelle knows the owner!), and they were ridiculous in the best way.

Everything on the menu looked incredible, and I stuck to my normal go-to of an omelet that came with a side arugula salad.

Scott and Michelle both ordered a breakfast sandwich, and all of us split a side of the bacon and cheese grits. Oh my. We had so much food, and all of it was so, so good!

Sundays that start with a church service that resonates with me followed by brunch with friends gives me such a full heart!

We have known Michelle for years (we all worked together at the Orlando Magic circa 2007), and I’m so grateful to be able to reminisce and catch up with friends from home right here in New York.

 

Back to Coney Island

Our friends who were in town visiting from Detroit came to Brooklyn to spend the day with me and our borough yesterday.

Scott had to work, so I led the way towards Coney Island, and it was a great day. After the beach, we hopped back on the train and I quickly showed them around Prospect Park before it started pouring down rain on us. It was quite the adventure!

 

***

 

Living in NYC has sure been a whirlwind so far. Being married to an entertainer has us going every which way as much as possible. We’re certainly in exploring everything we can! I haven’t mastered getting on a “normal” schedule like I have in the past quite yet, but I’m hoping that new job opportunities on the horizon help get me (and us) there.

For now, there’s always something to do or someone to see. While I miss logging on and chatting with you guys on a regular basis, I am trying to unplug a little and enjoy the phase of life that we are in right now while I can.

I need to wrap things up and run some errands before babysitting this afternoon, so I won’t dive into that subject right now, but I think it would be good to share more about what I’m doing these days, my thoughts (and tips?) on finding a job in an extremely competitive market, and learning how to stay motivated when life gets flipped upside down. I told you, it’s deep stuff! Let me know if you’d be interested in hearing about it …

I guess that’s it for now! I just want to thank you for checking in today. I’m going to go ahead and throw a disclaimer out there … tomorrow’s subject might just be for the ladies.

See ya then!