1/50 NYC Adventures: Fifth Avenue

50 Adventures On Foot.

It's been weaved in the the fabric of all New York fantasies. Thoroughly Modern Millie belted, "So I can buy my clothes at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman too." Holly Golightly nibbled on croissants and dreamily gazed into the glassy windows at Tiffany & Co. Eloise never failed to stir up mischief at The Plaza and Blair & Serena blew their vast trust funds at Henri Bendels. These events, while perhaps partially fiction, are forever emblazoned upon the impressionable memories of young, starry-eyed New Yorker-wannabes (believe me, I should know.) And these events all culminate on New York's famed 5th Avenue.

This is my first installment in what could turn out to be a year worth of posts devoted to New York City adventures. My lovely cousin Amber was in town last weekend for a quick 48 hours of city bliss, and we took our time, laughing over manicures and toasting with teacups. Cheering to our frolicking, city fun. We took an afternoon to explore the darling, prestigious stretch of Fifth Avenue, which meant a lot of wandering through fahncy-schahncy stores, pretending to be wealthy ladies of leisure. It was a blast. On Fifth Avenue between 49th-60th Streets is a gallery of historic, fashionable New York centerpieces. All the luxury brands are neatly tucked in a row, from Louis Vuitton to Chanel, Gucci to Prada, almost too many to name. The iconic Apple Store, the Plaza Hotel, FAO Schwarz & Tiffanys captured our special attention for the afternoon. We wandered, took photos, snuck upstairs in The Plaza and lounged on a plush chaise lounge, whilst (obviously) pretending that at any moment, a prince would appear and ask us to dance.

// FAO Schwarz; yes, that is a man made entirely of Legos! My niece and nephews would have been enraptured. //

// The Plaza Hotel, under a bit of (frou-frou) construction. //

// The Plaza enjoys an array of chandeliers, FYI. //

// The Plaza; the grandiose entrance. //

// Tiffany & Co. Where I maybe tried on a $140,000 piece of jewelry. Maybe. //

// 5th Avenue, New York, NY //

City Walk.

5th Ave, you are one righteously treasured city street. You deserve a medal for achieving all-time dream status for millions of people all over the world. I will gladly pound your pavement anytime. Luxurious shopping spree, anyone?

*This post is part of a series of 50 New York City Adventures.

Favorites: Pretty and Bitter + Handful of Goodies

Monday Mashup.

Happy Monday! I am happy to be back in my cozy apartment in Cambridge. Stevie and I went for a run last night, and I just have to say... wow. It was painful for the entire 2 miles. And not just because I was running, ha. I know that 25 degrees isn't that cold, but it was windy along the Charles River and my body just hurt the entire time. Since I practically got frost bite while taking the above photos, I just had to share them. Pretty and bitter all at once.

Favorite Things.

I have a few inspiring links to share. Hopefully these little goodies will help you power through the week Everyone likes free music, hot recipes and gorgeous art work, right? Enjoy!

...Warm Me Up: Winter Kale and 2-Bean Soup

My dear friend Natalie whipped up this recipe. I made it last night after the God-awful run, and it really lifted my spirits. It's super healthy and packed with protein. I love having a friend who creates delicious, fit-fueling recipes!

...Pantone Color of the Year: Emerald

I missed the big unveiling of this year's color, but I read about it on Closet Memoirs' blog. I'm just feeling inspired by all these emerald items. Great gift ideas, right? Valentines Day is on the horizon...

...Desktop Decor: Rebekka Seale Artwork

I am obsessed with Rebekka's blog. She is an artist that gives away free desktop calendar art each month. Her style is happy and warm. Get January's calendar here.

...Easy Listening: Crate & Barrel Playlist

After being gone for a month, I had a lot of mail to catch up on. Is it just me, or are Crate and Barrel's catalogs extremely cool these days? There was a link in the back of the mag for a free easy-listening playlist. It's been on repeat in our household. Get yours here.

...My Famous Kin: Tiffany & Co.

I just had to share this little bit. My sister is so pretty it's silly and her husband isn't too shabby, either. (You should see their baby. Its ridiculous.) They are featured on the Tiffany & Co. site in the "What Makes True Love True" photo gallery. How famous are they? Their wedding photo was chosen as part of this Valentine promotion. Bonus: You can send a free, personalized post card to someone you love. Get yours here!

Happy, happy Monday.