Summer Colours Week: Yellow

Today's yellow for Poppytalk's Summer Colours Week.

This is my favorite yellow thing I've seen so far today. Just a nice, old tin.

Have you seen anything yellow today? Are you playing along? If so, leave a link to your blog in the comments so I can check it out! 

A Weekend In The Big Apple

I had a fun-filled (and exhausting) weekend in the one and only New York City (slideshow below). I ducked out of work early on Friday to catch a train to a train to a bus to NY. My bus left at 3:30 (my friend, Brooke, was travelling with me) and we arrived outside Penn Station at 8:30 - an hour late. We met her boyfriend, Mike, there and then waited for Eric's bus to show up! He got there at 9:30, as scheduled, and we all piled into a cab to the West Village where Mike (Eric's classmate) is subletting an apartment while he completes his summer internship. After dropping off our (too-heavy) bags, we explored the neighborhood a bit and got a late dinner at Surya.

Eric and I spent Saturday with my friend, Justin (he visited Boston recently). We went to Brooklyn to meet him and his girlfriend, Sarah, for brunch at Cafe Luluc. Hello delicious pancakes. I'm not sure what made them so good; something about the crispiness. I was full after one, but I ate the entire outer edge of the second. Afterward, Justin showed us around his adorable neighborhood which I believe is called Carroll Gardens. He and Sarah were so sweet. They invited us into their home, showed us the roof deck, and then took us to not one, but two, parties! We went to their friend's lovely Manhattan apartment to watch the US vs Ghana World Cup game (bummer) and then we walked a few blocks and went to a rooftop shindig on 6th Ave. Holy moly, talk about a view! To the right was the Statue of Liberty and the left, Central Park (in the distance). Plus, amazing views of both the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building (my personal favorite). After a bit, Eric and I decided to walk back to the West Village to meet Brooke + Mike for dinner. The first restaurant we went to had such poor service that we left (after 10 minutes nobody had even offered us water and it was easily 90°F and humid out). I'm glad we did, because we ended up eating at Móle, and the food was seriously delicious (we did end up waiting for over an hour though, because the hostess wasn't very good at estimating how long it would take for a table to be ready - she said 15 minutes). After dinner, I wasn't very good company because I was completely exhausted after our busy, busy day, so I went to bed early.

Sunday we had brunch with Brooke + Mike at The Diner and then we just tried to keep cool. We spent some time at High Line (an elevated train stop that has been converted into a park) and we walked through some of the Gay Pride festivities. Brooke was catching an early-ish bus back to Boston and Mike had to get some work done, so Eric and I had a few hours to ourselves in the afternoon. Even though we got to see each other two weekends in a row, we didn't have much time to just be alone, so it was wonderful to just sit and talk. Before I was ready, it was time to say goodbye again and go our separate ways.

P.S. It's Summer Colours Week over at Poppytalk. Today is pink (I think I have 3 pink photos in the slideshow). Check out all participants in the Flickr photo pool and join in the fun! 

Hidden

I took this picture waaaay back in April. When I walk past this gate, I always wonder what's hidden away up those stairs. 

In my imagination it's something magical. Like a secret garden or fabulous playground. 

I'm taking off early today for what promises to be a super fun weekend. I'll tell you all about it next week! Happy Friday + happy weekend! 

Pink Orchids

Do you like orchids? I do! They're sort of mysterious, and there are sooo many varieties; it's fascinating. I learned about them (though I've forgotten most of it) when I read The Orchid Thief several years ago.

I got this three-stemmed bouquet at Areej + Uzair's wedding (second night). They were on the cocktail tables, and they were so beautiful. At the end of the night people were grabbing up the big rose arrangements from the dinner tables, but I made a beeline for one of these little vases.

*Need some inspiration for your Thursday? This week I'm daydreaming about the surprises I've been finding on my daily walk. Check it out on today's Lost in Thoughts. 

Areej + Uzair's Three-Day Wedding Extravaganza

Where to begin, where to begin? This is going to be a long one, but I have so much to tell!

On June 11, I attended my first dance practice for this event. Yes, I said dance practice. I was terrified and felt ridiculously uncoordinated, but I persevered (and had some wonderfully patient teachers to help me). On the 12th I visited florists with the bride and helped tie ribbons on party favors for 350+ people. On the 13th,  three of us choreographed a surprise dance (with Areej's help) for the Saturday reception. The week leading up to the wedding was full of dance practices and restless sleep, because I was worrying about said dances.

Friday, the 18th, Eric surprised me by getting home at 11:30ish - he woke up at 5:00am! - three or so hours before I expected him. It was so wonderful to be able to spend time with him before I had to leave! At 3:30 I went to the florist with Areej's cousin, and then we headed to the hotel to put the arrangements together. Eric met me at the hotel at 6:30, as the other guests were starting to arrive. The night was a bit of a blur because all I could think about was the dancing. There were about 160 people the first night (Mehndi). We performed after dinner, and it went by in the blink of an eye; I didn't even mess up!

Saturday, Eric and I woke up early and went to breakfast and spent some time outside. At noon, eight of us met to finalize our plans for the surprise dance that evening. We figured out formations and taught the dance to four of the people, including Eric! Amazingly, practice went really well and we finished earlier than expected (Eric was a really quick study!). That night, the eight of us surprised 350+ people with our four minute dance, and I think we were a big hit! The best part was how much Areej and Uzair liked our show.

Sunday was the third and final night (Walima). (Eric had six hours of driving, so he didn't go, but I did get to spend most of the day with him.) I wore a black dress and a pink shawl from Pakistan that Areej gave me when we were roommates in college. After two nights of wearing gorgeous clothes from Pakistan, I felt under-dressed and plain, but I wasn't the only girl in American clothes. That night, there were sweet and funny speeches that made me tear up a little.

During the three nights, I felt like I was in a movie (perhaps because at any given moment at least 40 people were taking pictures!). Everything was beautiful, colorful, and intricate. There was amazing food, and I think I need a new playlist of Bollywood songs, because they are so catchy! The first night I borrowed an outfit from Areej (orange, because she knows that's my favorite), and the second night I wore an emerald green outfit that was made in Pakistan specifically for me! Watch the slideshow below for more photos of everything. 

I've been looking forward to this since the engagement party in May 2009. Now, more than a year later, the wedding has come and gone. It was beautiful, and I'm so thrilled that I was able to be there. For me, almost all of it was new and exciting; what fun!

To Areej + Uzair: May your future be filled with love and laughter. ♥

Surprise Balls

My brother's birthday was May 31, and my sister's is tomorrow. A few days before Max's birthday I learned about Gina Namkung's surprise balls on Poppytalk. Inside layer upon layer of crepe paper there are little prizes and trinkets that fall out as you unravel the ball. They're so amazing! My absolute favorite thing about getting gifts is the unwrapping, and a surprise ball is all about the unwrapping. To me, it's the ideal gift. So I set out on a mission to make them for my siblings. 

First, I went to the toy store and got prizes and candies to wrap up. Then, I went to the party store to get crepe paper and a few little extras (like chicken stickers -- how totally awesome! -- and star confetti). Then I wrapped and wrapped and wrapped and wrapped like a mad woman, wrote a birthday card on yellow heart, and shipped it off.

I planned for the package to arrive mid-way between their birthdays so they could open them at the same time. They arrived last week. I was on the phone with them while they unraveled and discovered their little treasures. There was a lot of laughing; I think the surprise balls were a success!

*Today's Lost in Thoughts is full of loveliness. 

At The Flower Shop

On Saturday I went to a few florists with my friend, because I'm helping with the floral arrangements at her wedding reception on Friday. One shop we visited had the most beautiful flowers.

Unfortunately, the owner was rude and less than helpful. We ended up getting everything we needed elsewhere, and it was a much more pleasant experience. But I can't stop thinking about that other place; I want to spend all day there surrounded by gorgeousness (without the crabby lady, of course).

These photos (more on flickr) were all taken with my new used point-and-shoot. It's the same as the one I broke, but it's light blue. Let's hope this one doesn't suffer the same fate. I should probably mention that it was more affordable to get a used replacement than to get the other one fixed. Thank you ebay.

*New personalized contact cards in the shop today. Fun, fun, fun!

Photowalk In The South End

On Sunday while I walked to the brunch place to meet my friends, I took a few pictures. I don't really spend much time in that part of Boston, and I liked the change of scenery.

I've always liked looking at my surroundings. When I have a camera with me, it makes it possible to share my observations. It doesn't always work out (sometimes a picture is blurry, some things just can't be captured on camera, and sometimes the moment isn't right for picture-taking), but on occasion everything just falls into place.

A Lovely Entryway

Most days, I take a 2 or 3 mile walk after work. I really need it after sitting at a computer for 8 hours. I have a few different routes, but I usually pass by this house at least once.

The gated fence and trellis are just too sweet! It looks like it leads to a magical home, and that makes me so happy. Look at those hot pink roses peeking through the fence on the left. Adorable.

I took this picture a few days ago, before it got all cloudy, rainy, and dreary.

Want more fun? Lost in Thoughts is full of playful inspiration today.

Brunch In The South End

You guys, I had a busy, busy weekend! As you know, I spent Saturday at a wedding. And Sunday I went to the South End to meet my friend, Justin, and his girlfriend. They were in town for the weekend, visiting from NYC.

I've known Justin since elementary school, but I haven't seen him since 2001 when we graduated high school. We weren't really friends in school, but last year we reconnected via Twitter. Seriously. The internet's pretty amazing, huh? Turns out, we actually have many common interests.

Anyway, the real life meet-up was fun! I was introduced to his girlfriend and the three of us had brunch at Masa. It was cool to catch up in person. Afterwards, I gave them a quick tour of the public garden and the common downtown.

*The picture was a little blurry so I Polaroid-ized it. I think it's definitely an improvement. I felt self-conscious photographing them while they were trying to eat and accidentally focused on their arms instead of their faces. And only took 1 picture. Haha.

More Photos From The Ceremony

On Sunday I promised more photos from my friend's wedding ceremony. So, here's one of the bride and groom + a little slideshow with more pictures.

Colorful, no? Awesome!

*Head on over to the ELM blog and check out the brand new customizable party invitations!

A Small Ceremony

Last night, my college roommate got married! She and her new husband are Islamic, so everything about the wedding was new to me. It was touching and beautiful and so wonderfully colorful. The ceremony was small, and most of the guests were family. I feel so honored that I was included.

I love weddings because they're so joyous. The parents walk around proudly after the vows are complete. Marrieds tell stories of their own weddings and nostalgically remember what it was like to be newlyweds. And the brand new couple - well they just look at each other in amazement and wonder. It's all just so sweet. Culture and religion may change the words that are spoken or the clothes that are worn, but they don't seem to change the bond the new couple feels or the happiness that surrounds them on their special day.

The receptions - there are 3 - are in a few weeks. More fun, great food, and learning are in my very near future; I can't wait!

Soon I will put some more photos from the ceremony on flickr. I also need to add some photos from her Bridal shower. I'm so behind on that!

Cloudy In Newport

Last weekend I was in Newport, RI for my college roommate's bachelorette getaway. It was a fun time. As always, Newport was gorgeous, even though some clouds did sneak in on us.

See more pictures from the weekend right here.

Fun Fountain

In case you're concerned after my last post, I just want to let you know that I feel better than I did on Tuesday. That first day was just hard. But I've been working and making dinner and going for walks and working some more and talking to Eric, just like always. But now our talks are on the phone. It's even been exciting to learning about his new apartment and hearing about the office.

As I said, things here are carrying on pretty much as usual. And since it's June, that means it's starting to get hot in this apartment (where I live and work). The heat usually starts in the late afternoon, and when it's muggy like it is right now, I want a splash of cold water.

Maybe I'll just have to make a trip back to this fountain.

Or hop in the shower.

*Check out Lost in Thoughts today; it's inspired by Eric's adventure in Philly.

Summer Internship

This morning, Eric got in his car and left for a 10 week adventure/internship in Philadelphia, PA. Right now I'm sad and lonely, but I'm also really excited for him. I'm staying in Boston and I'll be having one or two little adventures of my own.

This weekend I was in Newport for a bachelorette party and Eric was with his parents, so it was a good thing yesterday was a holiday and that we could spend it together. We got up early and walked to Minot Rose Garden (which has exploded with flowers) and then headed to Zaftigs for a late breakfast. When we walked out of the restaurant we thought there was a fire or something. We were sort of right. What we were seeing was smoke from forest fires in Quebec!

We decided to head to Arnold Arboretum in the afternoon to have a look around. We walked all around the park and headed to the top of Peters Hill to get a view of the smoke.

It was my first time at the Arboretum, and it was a pleasure. We had a great day and took our time looking at all of the amazing trees. And we took pictures of each other.

All day I just kept thinking about what we were doing at that moment, so that I wouldn't think about Eric's departure. But the time came anyway, so I'm extra happy that we had such a great day yesterday. I'll just keep thinking about that.