The Big Move

So Sunday I will finally move to my new home in Brooklyn. I am actually excited. Sandy (one of my new landlords) invited me over this past Sunday to the Flatbush Fair which was held in the neighbourhood that I am moving too. It was very fun. There was music, vendor, wine tasting, wine sorbet (wine seems to be a theme there) , produce, etc. It is nice in someways to live in an area that seems so different from this urban mecca and yet I am only a 15 minute or so subway ride to downtown Manhattan. But it is a very Cleveland Heightish (for those you in Ohio)/a more kept up Heritage Hill (those of you in Michigan). Lots of green space which is nice to see I must say.

In other news work is busy but good. The students keep me busy and on my toes but they are really such a fun group to work with. In addition to working with the students I have also been learning more about the fashion industry. I have been attending some of the students' courses and special events to wrap my head around what it is they are actually doing in their studies. I am also getting ready to go on a "field trip" up fifth and madison avenues to explore the difference in quality in clothing.

Last week I went to Broadway Blessings which is an annual ecumenical prayer for a successful season on Broadway. Actors sing, read prayers, and perform. I was sitting across the aisle from Marian Seldes and Frances Sternhagen who were amazing when they performed. They are both big stars on Broadway. Many of you may know Marian Seldes from the film Mona Lisa Smile (she was the President of the college) or as Mr. Big's mom on Sex and the City. Frances Sternhagen was also in Sex and the City as Bunny, Trey's mother.

Shona Tova! (Happy New Year) Yes I now get both Christian and Jewish holidays off.

This weekend I went to my first sample sales. They have really great deals but get there early or you will be stuck with size 5 shoes or sizes 11 shoes being the only ones left on the racks. :(
I did a little (mostly window shopping). I had tea sandwiches at Bergdoff Goodman's cafe which were quite tasty. Then it was a trip to Takashimaya which is a Japanese, uber expensive department store. I do not (unfortunately...because what they have is cute) by clothing there but they do have a garden tea room and gift hut. It is my new favorite place to buy a host or hostess gift. Esther's friend Mark had invited some friends over for wine and hors d' oeuvres the other week so instead of bringing a bottle of wine I brought these Sesame Crackers that were in the shape of Japanese Dolls and some Hazelnut Buttercookies. Both were big hits. So this weekend I picked up some Ginger Cookies and some Egyptian Chamomile and Black Currant Tea (which Esther and I will sample later this evening). I then went to the other extreme in Asian department stores which is Pearl River Mart in SoHo. It is AMAZING. This store sells traditional Chinese clothing, kitchen and home goods, groceries, cosmetics,and party favors at ridiculously low prices. They have a website but it does not do the store justice. If you are familiar with NYC you will understand why it is so ironic that this store is in SoHo. SoHo which stands for South of Houston street is an area of downtown that is nothing but store after store of expensive designer clothing.

Last night I went to my favorite part of the city which is the West Village. I love it because instead of high rise apartment and office buildings everything is 18th and 19th century brick homes and brownstone townhouses. Christopher Street is this eclectic area full of antique stores, tea and spice shops, and how shall I put it leather stores (by leather I mean riding crops and bondage wear not coats and wallets). Bleeker Street has a few designer stores that have creeped in but is mostly full of independent restaurants and shops. One of my favorite things to do is go to Magnolia bakery and get a cupcake (because they are the most amazing cupcakes ever) and people watch in the Bleeker Street Park. Esther and I met up later in the village and saw the film "I want someone to eat cheese with" it was cute. IFC is a very cool movie theater that plays independent movies, classic movies, and older foreign films.

One of the things I love best about this city is you never know where the day will take you. :)