If I can make it there, I'll make it... anywhere?

NYC Poo with 'tude

Last weekend I experienced an ultimate New York moment. I am proud to add the experience to my list of quintessential New York City happenings, even though it is disgusting and something only a New Yorker could boast about... Last weekend I encountered a giant poop on the subway.

Yup. A poop. On the floor. Of a public subway car.

Are you laughing or painfully cringing (or maybe a little bit of both?!)

Most experienced NYC subway riders know that if a train pulls into the station and you notice 1 car significantly emptier than the others, there is something going awry in said car. The A/C isn't working, a person is behaving or smelling strangely, the possibilities are endless, but the result is the same - people avoid the car. Well on Sunday, I stepped quickly onto a subway car and immediately realized that the car was only half full and that half was pretty much all on one side. uh-oh. Directly across from me was a man, sitting casually on a bench all to himself, with a bandana across his nose and mouth. Double uh-oh. I notice a strange smell, not overwhelmingly unpleasant, but not great. I look right, a bunch of people... I look left, no people except bandana man. I look left and down... GIANT SH*T ON THE FLOOR. AHHHHH!!!! It is too late to exit the car, the doors have closed. I can't go right bc this is the last car of the train. To evacuate the premises I will need to go around the doodie and through to the next car. I do not pass go (but I do pass the poo!) as I scurry quickly (noticing that it looks like it came from a freakin horse and has clearly been sitting there for some time) to the door and into the next car. I briefly look back. I kind of regret not snapping a picture. I cringe and then smile, then go back to my day getting just a little bit excited to retell this story as soon as I get home. Welcome to New York.

Hump Day Distractions

JAM packed!! Get it!?! HA!

No time for messing around... let's get to the distractions!

* "If a woman needs it, should she be spanked?" (circa 1950 men, you cray cray!)

* Guess who turned 3 overripe bananas into her first loaf of banana bread last week!? This gal! Check out the delicious recipe I used HERE.

* Never thought I'd be a charm bracelet gal, but THIS one is absolutely... charming :)

* Do not try to photograph the octopus sir!!

* Spaghetti 19 different ways... I'll take one of each please!!

* More incredible images from the NYC 2nd Avenue subway line construction project (check out previous pictures HERE... the progress is amazing!)

* So uhhh, when can I move in? #DreamHouse

* Maybe this is a beautiful start to the end of the Mommy Wars?

* If you're gonna close school due to snow, THIS is absolutely how you should do it.

Hump Day Distractions

So cute!

Today is Wednesday. There is another blizzard headed towards NYC. The fervor with which I'm praying for a snow day definitely rivals every school-age child on the eastern seaboard. I just realllllly don't want to have to put in 5 full days this week. Is an office closure so much to ask!? While I pray to the storm gods, here are some goodies from around the web. Enjoy!

* It's not so much that I like or want this suitcase, it's that I NEED it. (NEEEEEEEED it!)

* Ohmygoodness these dancing pink flamingos are 100% going to make your day!

* 3 ways to take your scarf wearing to the next level.

* I am exceptionally sad about the loss of Philip Seymour Hoffman and thought this was a beautiful tribute.

* Thinking about making an investment in this gel manicure alternative (which is well reviewed by the extremely trustworthy Belle of CapHillStyle)

* Dear Canada. NAILED IT!!!

* Do I have to pick just one cheese to use this!? (via exPress-o)

* As an OCD subway platform positioner, I would really like to see this idea take off.

* Also... the doors are apparently made of cardboard!?

* Just when you thought life couldn't get any better than the Doritos Locos Tacos...

Slow Down. Relax & Enjoy.

Breathe it in. Enjoy your day.

This morning I got down to the subway platform just as both the Local and Express trains were entering the station. The Express train, my usual preference, skips 14th and 23rd streets and gets me to work in just 3 stops while the Local hits those in-the-middle stations, taking a few extra minutes (or more if there's "train traffic ahead"). I immediately went on auto-pilot for the speediest train, but noticed out of the corner of my eye that the Local was nearly empty and offered plenty of seats as compared to the Express which was the picture of "how do NYC'ers do that each day?" sardines in a can awful. I paused and thought of the good book in my purse (Beautiful Ruins, I'm 40 pages from done and it's great!) and with a smug "I'm doing this for ME" sort of smile, strolled on to the Local, took out my book and snuggled into a seat for 9 glorious minutes of self-indulgence. Here's wishing you a long weekend filled with tiny treats, relaxation and time to slow down and enjoy!!

Also, in case you're wondering what to whip up for the 2 awesome football games on tap for Sunday (old guard and new guard, Manning vs. Brady, young QB showdown!!) here is the triumphant (and very overdue) return of the Feed Your Football Face Recipe of the Week (x3 because I think I owe ya!!)

Jimmy Fallon's Crock Pot Chili

Jimmy Fallon does a lot of awesome things. I'm going to assume making chili is one of them. 

Pin it HERE, full recipe HERE.

Crispy Ravioli

This is gonna be so easy and SO good. Turn store-bought ravioli into a bite sized treat!
Pin it HERE, full recipe HERE.

Brownie Batter Dip! YUUUUUUM.

I am a big fan of dessert dips and this one is likely to be no exception. Basic ingredients and easy prep too!

Pin it HERE, full recipe HERE.

Be sure to check out all the previous "Feed Your Face" posts HERE.

And finally, sending mountains of well wishes to SeektobeMerry's Birthday Girl, Ms. (parent)thetically speaking. May this be the dawn of your brightest decade yet!! xox

Hump Day Distractions

Holiday Cheer. (hehe)

I think the most important thing to tell you right now is that last night I had bread that had bacon baked INTO it. You heard me, bacon embedded within fluffy, perfectly toasted, freshly baked bread. Blue Ribbon Bakery Kitchen, you are a sly little devil... And because maybe you aren't going to be distracted by the idea of bacon bread all day the way I will, here are some goodies from around the web to get you through Hump Day.

* This actually, kind of makes me want a pair of hamburger earmuffs for myself!

* Absolutely horrible and still completely hysterical... gotta love a good pun.

* THIS is the way every "year-in-review" holiday card should be done (ps- MILF/DILF much!?)

* I think I need THESE golden beauties...

* Lego creations by state, because toys aren't just for kids (be sure to click the individual images for the witty captions and a chance to buy each print for only $22!!) (via HonestlyWTF)

* A might tasty winter pasta recipe.

* A fantastic gift for your favorite New Yorker (eghm!!!)

* And speaking of New York... I'd never noticed the little black and white striped signs on subway platforms before, but now I always look.

* I must ride THIS swing.

* And lastly, we've seen some of these before, but they are just SO good. 

Hump Day Distractions

Nailed it.

This is one of those Wednesdays that had me waking up in disbelief... "It can't possibly be only Wednesday... it's got to be at least Thursday by now!" Do you feel me? Alas, Wednesday is the best we can do so here are a few distractions from around the web to get us through the day and safely to the other side of this BEAST of a week!

* Everyone is sharing this video because it is so.damn.awesome. If you haven't already watched WestJet absolutely rock the Christmas spirit, watch it now (and grab a tissue!)

* This is the best map of the NYC subway system I've ever seen. Thank you Super Bowl!

* What a pretty version of this song (sorry about the annoying pre-roll!)

* Any ladies out there have THIS hair gadget? Tell me straight, do I need it? (I might need it)

* A super interesting article about ACL injuries if you're a knee geek like me.

* Omg coolest bicycle accessory EVER. 

* Miles Redd is my fav. Somebody tell Dr. H to buy me THIS.

* I wish it would rain tacos too (and other hil-ARIOUS kiddie notes).

* First of all, that sketch is divine. Second, this list is so true.

* Remember when it was autumn and colorful and beautiful?

* BUBBLE BUTT PUP!!!

* and because THESE naughty dog notes never get old (thanks sis!)

ps - in case you were wondering, I was right. Bespectacled, sequin owl was found under the stuffed elephant at the bottom of my hamper. HOORAY!!

Want to see something amazing!?

Facing south in the 86th St. cavern (where the station will be)

Little known fact - I am an absolute geek for mass transit systems, especially NYC's. I actually love riding the subway each day (save for a few sardine-in-a-can rush hour mornings) and find cruising on a city bus to be a genuinely relaxing way to get around town (such good people watching!) Given this love affair, you can imagine my excitement about the city's current major construction project - the building of a brand spankin' new subway line! Planned and occasionally worked on since 1929 (!) "The Line That Time Forgot" has been a mythical promise to the subway-less east side of Manhattan for decades (even getting mentioned as a real estate perk in this past season of Mad Men!)

This is happening under 86th street... right NOW!

This week, the MTA, led members of the press 160 feet below street level for a tour of portions of the Second Avenue Subway, which led to these amazing photos of the 65-foot-tall cavern that will become the 86th Street station.

What is this? A subway station for ANTS?

The first phase of the Second Avenue Subway is slated to open in December of 2016 with a projected daily ridership of 200,000. These people will all be coming over from NYC's current 4, 5, and 6 trains, which FYI have a daily ridership greater than Chicago and Boston's subways combined!!!

Northbound tunnel between 72nd and 86th (as seen from 86th)

The 96th Street cavern

The total cost of the 8.5-mile 2nd avenue line is expected to be over $17 billion (NYC doesn't mess around). If you want to geek out a little harder, visit THIS great Gothamist article for more pictures and information.

Hump Day Distractions

Walken is always watching!

HOORAY, we're halfway there!! This has been one of those strange weeks where the days are going a bit slooooow but the week overall seems to be just moving right along. Keep on moving!! Here to take you to the other side are some goodies from around the web. Happy humping:)

* For all my fellow lovers of bold and beautiful color, a very cool photo collection. (via notetoself)

* Sound like a pro while watching the Bruins and Blackhawks battle for the Cup!

* I think that I need these elephants on my body (spotted on Pinterest Monday & CupofJo Tuesday... must be super cool right!?)

* The 2nd avenue subway line is really, actually happening (right beneath us!)

* Precisely the reaction I would have (it gets good starting at the :20 mark, be sure to watch to the end)

* For me it would be Grandma's swedish meatballs and Nanny's stuffed cabbage. (via exPress-o, I think!)

* Looking for some healthy(ier) crunchy treats? I love THESE and one of my girlies is diggin THESE.

* The most impressive 140 square feet you ever did see.

* Peter Griffin is that you!?! (could this actually be real!?!)

* Ron Burgundy is coming to the 80s... YES.

* As my sister said, not sure why this isn't animal abuse, but I'm kinda glad it isn't! (13 and 15 BLEW MY MIND!!!)

* A highly elaborate prank.

* And last but not least, animal pictures that will absolutely make your day!

Nap it out.

Girl was on to something!

Why don't grown ups get nap time? I demand an answer! Despite the fact that nearly every adult I know complains of constantly being tired or "hitting a wall" around 3pm, taking a daily siesta has failed to make it across the Atlantic. Instead we are forced to head bob at our desks (you know you know the head bob) and pass out between stops on the subway (so unsatisfying!) Dr. H claims that the reason we don't get to nap is because it would mess up the stock market. I for one, think the world would be a better place if we all took a chill pill and went down for our afternoon naps.

This weekend I challenge you to take back the afternoon nap. I have grand Sunday plans to conk out on the couch 50% "watching" television and 100% leaving my laundry in the dryer downstairs for too long. It's going to be glllorious! I wish you all a happy weekend and happy napping!!

Image via Pinterest

Where's the no pants party!?

A No Pants Subway Ride. This weekend in NYC there was an organized event known as the "2012 No Pants Subway Ride". This large-scale public event involved people of all ages, genders and body types picking specific times and routes and simultaneously taking to the subway sans pants. Apparently in its 11th year, the event has thousands of participants.

For a solid 60 seconds, Dr. H and I actually pondered participating. We checked out the facebook page and videos from past years and wondered out loud if we were really so bold as to stand in a crowded subway station in our underwear as part of an improv group's hysterical stunt. I thought: "standing in your underwear isn't particularly different than a bathing suit bottom and it is unseasonably warm for January..." There could be something very thrilling and memorable about participating in an NYC oddity like this. The idea didn't seem that crazy.

Ultimately Dr. H and I opted for dim sum and football (more on our addiction to dim sum in another post). Maybe next year we will be motivated to pants-less action. Would you participate in a mass pant-less public foray? Did you see any undies on the subway yesterday between 3-5pm!?

Image via Pinterest (and public props to my awesome Sis for being the first one to bring "no pants" to my attention)