Open House New York - TWA Flight Center

I trekked my way out to JFK to check out the TWA Flight Center designed by Eero Saarinen for my second OHNY adventure.  I was so excited for a chance to go inside because I did a commercial design project (a children's hospital) in design school with Eero Saarinen as my inspiration architect, and the entire lobby/ playground/ walkways with the TWA Flight Center in mind.  Although the architectural designs were started in the 1950's and finished in the 60's, it still feels current and modern.  His furniture designs - the ever popular Tulip Chair, Tulip Tables, even the Womb chair, still very current and specified in so many new designs.  I had a great time exploring the space.

I would feel like such a jet setter walking through this to get to my flight.

Waiting area

Information desk

Soaring qualities of the design

 Definitely in need of renovation... but can you imagine how great it could be?

Nice little nook to hang out

"The shapes were deliberately chosen in order to emphasize an upward-soaring quality of line."  - Eero Saarinen.

Can you picture the terminal it it's heyday?  Jackie O fashionistas walking around in their fabulous outfits and oversized sunglasses...

(Images property of Daily Decorum)

Open House New York - Park Avenue Christian Church

I was so excited when I opened my copy of Timeout New York and saw a pull out of Open House New York 2011.  Basically, for two days last weekend, the general public was granted access to 84 different sites that depicts New York's distinctive architecture, engineering, design, planning, and preservation.  My first stop:  Park Avenue Christian Church - since it was only a few blocks away.

This particular location caught my attention because it was inspired by one of my favorite sights in Paris, France - the Saint Chapelle.   I wrote about it briefly here.

The church was built in 1909 - designed with Tiffany stained glass windows, a buttress supported structure, and a 56 rank organ.

If I knew someone getting married in New York, I would nudge them this direction :)  It's such a beautiful church, and a vintage-y themed wedding would pair perfectly!

(Images property of Daily Decorum)

Fall is Here!

I had an amazing weekend enjoying the cool, crisp Fall air in upstate New York at Stone Barns (only about an hour away from Manhattan) Fall Festival.  Perfect fall weather, delicious eats, educational programs, and beautiful grounds to walk.  Can you tell I had a great time?

The drive up was so nice with all the green surrounding us.  It's amazing how green New York is just a few miles out of the city!

Adorable entrance to the Fall Festival.

Whole roasted pig, which we got to taste in the form of...

This guy right here - delicious pork sandwich.

Educational:  we learned how to pickle vegetables and make apple butter.

Farm fresh produce makes for vibrant photos.  I love beets!

Delicious desserts...

Sheep hanging together.

I would love to go back for a couple of programs they offer and to try their restaurant Blue Hill.  I will definitely make this an annual event!

Governors Island: Brews Blues & BBQ

I went on my first trip to Governors Island a couple weekends ago, and I must say, I was pleasantly surprised.  The intention was to go and enjoy some Brews Blues & BBQ on their "beach," but it wasn't much of any of the three.  Do yourself a favor, pack a picnic lunch, head over to Picnic Point - eat and relax while taking in the views.  Rent a bicycle and explore the island, stroll through the quiet streets with beautiful homes and random pop-up shops.  I thought it was a waste of great space, so many empty homes... that is, until I came back home to look at the new site plans.  I hope everything goes according to plan, I would love to see the Liberty Terrace, South Prow, and Parade Grounds (in particular) come to fruition.

The "beach" - it makes me laugh...

Empty, beautiful historic homes

I can see myself sitting on the porch with a refreshing Coca-Cola

Peaceful

A chance to escape to the New York City heat wave.

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty

The Alexander McQueen:  Savage Beauty exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art was by far the most unique and creative exhibit I have ever seen.  I couldn't believe the genius of [Lee] Alexander McQueen - his fashion creations were a form of art.  And his creative/ production designers who served as the exhibition's creative directors did such an amazing job with the interior design with the space.  They transformed a part of the Met into a theatrical walk down the course of McQueen's life.  It really was a once in a lifetime opportunity to see his beautiful collection.  It was wild to see the dates on some his works... 2010, so recent, so tragic.  

Photos from The Met:

I really wish you all could have seen this magnificent exhibition.  There was no photography allowed, but of course I managed to get a few shots in!  I'll share more with you later... 

Recent Purchase - Picnic at Ascot

I got my most recent purchase a couple of days ago :)  A picnic for four cooler on wheels from Picnic at Ascot!  It's perfect - comes with four place settings, a roomy cooler with dividers for drinks, and the best part:  removable wheels!

Bold Picnic Cooler for four - in navy blue with a gingham print

Zipped up

Along with a picnic blanket tote that folds up in red London Plaid

I thought the navy blue gingham pattern on my picnic set would look cute with the red plaid.  Perfect for picnicking at Central Park!

(Images via picnicatascot.com)

Brooklyn Flea Market - Fort Greene

I took my very first trip down to Brooklyn for the famed Brooklyn Flea Market!  It was definitely fun, a lot to see, a lot to eat, there were so many food vendors, I feel like all we did was eat!  I would go alone next time to whiz through all the junk and find my treasures.  There was a gorgeous secretary I wanted - to use as a giant jewelry box/ vanity, perfect condition, all the little drawers working smoothly - but the horror... how to take it home??  Next time, I'll definitely take a car!  Some highlights:

Liddabit Sweet - Yummmm!  Delicious PB&J Candy bar, and various caramels.

Rick's Picks - bought a jar of the People's Pickles, and can't stop snacking of them!

Milk Truck Grilled Cheese - the classic grilled cheese with perfectly buttered and toasted bread, and oozy gruyere cheese!  Oh, and their black and white milk shake... yummmm :)

Blue Marble Ice Cream - delicious strawberry ice cream, simply put.

Red Hook Lobster Pound - now this was the only disappointment.  The lobster roll... yes this picture looks good, but Luke's Lobster does a better lobster roll.  I crave it!

All in all, it became a foodie trip to the flea market.  I'll know what to expect for next time though!  Oh, a great thing about this flea market, they don't charge you an entrance fee like the ones in California!