Sandy Update

Home again today.  We woke up after a scary night of vicious winds and loud explosions to find a fairly calm street.  Hundreds of police cars, fire engines, and ambulances flew by our apartment last night - hope everyone is safe.  

The crane is still dangling by a thread, and a large window across the street from us is shattered into a million pieces.  

We have cabin fever, but think we better not venture out until we know it's safe and there won't be flying debris.  We are lucky to still have power.

Crane still hanging on, but with no sign of workers trying to secure it.

Large glass window of empty store front shattered onto the street.

Glass strewn onto sidewalk

View of shattered window

Midtown Crane

We can see the crane that was knocked over in Midtown from our back window.  Turning the news off now to drink wine and watch Friday Night Lights.  Here's our view of crane holding on by a thread.  Hope everyone on the West Side is safe.

Hurricane Sandy in NYC

Work was canceled for today.  Subways are not running, and  I'm home safe and cozy, anticipating Hurricane Sandy. 

President Obama just made an announcement about Hurricane Sandy being a serious storm that could have a lasting impact. 

Last night, I got nervous about losing power and having our eggs and milk go bad; so I popped a loaf of pumpkin bread in the oven.

Pumpkin bread seems like a good hurricane food.

Current view from our apartment window - you can see some emergency personnel in neon vests hanging out on the corner.

Yesterday as part of stocking up, we got some water at Duane Reade.  We also drank some cheap red wine in front of horror movies (Shutter and The Descent Part 2).  It was a spooky and fun pre-Halloween and Hurricane evening. 

Survival staple: White Cheddar Cheez-Its

We stocked up on wine and candles for when it gets rough.

I think that I must be panicking about bad weather and going into survival mode, because I just bought these Sorel "Sorelli Tall" Boots on Gilt in preparation for blizzards this winter.

Gooey Butter Cake

The last time that I baked a Paula Deen's gooey butter cake, it ended in weight gain and depression.  This time I baked one for my office; so the obesity will be spread out amongst me and my colleagues.  

I baked it in a disposable aluminium pan to cut down on hassle. 

Powdered sugar dressed it up.

Covered and ready to go

In other news, I think I have acid reflux and unfortunately I think it has something to do with drinking too much... So I've replaced

This (La Fiera wine - had pretty much an entire bottle of this on Saturday and it was delish)

with

This (Prilosec OTC - $1Million at Duane Reade)

I've also been drinking some local apple cider (doubt this is good for G.E.R.D) and lighting fall-scented Yankee Candles to get into the spirit of Autumn.

Red Jacket Orchards Apple Cider

Yankee Candle in Apple Cider scent (it came in a two pack with our usual Harvest  candle at Bed Bath and Beyond)

Hope everyone is enjoying their autumn!  

60% Off Ann Taylor Loft

Columbus Day Weekend Sale Spoils

There was a huge sale online yesterday on Ann Taylor Loft and here is what I ended up purchasing and am now waiting for:

Donegal Tweed Skirt

Flutter Panel Front Short Sleeve Top

Lace Pleated Cabernet Skirt

Marisa Cuffed Ankle Twill Pants

Animal Jacquard Skirt

Fishtail by David Burke

Fishtail for Wedding Anniversary

This past weekend was our one year wedding anniversary.  In honor of the paper theme, I got us a Groupon to Fishtail by David Burke and my husband got me a gift card to J.Crew.  

Highlights of the meal:

Stolen Photo of a Similar Starter Sushi Platter

Stolen Photo of Similar Lobster Dumplings

Our photo of Lobster Shanghai and Fries with Jalepeno

The ambience and decor were really nice and the food was good.  Here are some of the J.Crew goodies that I got with my present:

J.Crew Factory Foly Dress

J.Crew Factory Classic Suede Flats

J.Crew Factory Crystal Link Necklace

Woolrich Rough Rider Throw

Rough Rider Throw

We needed a throw for our couch, and I decided I wanted something masculine and sturdy.  The Woolrich Rough Rider Throw is a perfect blend of functionality and aesthetic with warm red tones and a texture similar to a saddle blanket.  Our cats have fallen in love with it.

The Grays sleeping on their dad's legs

Simple Red and Black Geometric Pattern