tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49195249631580491032024-03-13T17:03:01.162-04:00Southern in the CityLiving Life as a Yankee with a Southern SoulSouthern in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809065520777365019noreply@blogger.comBlogger316125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919524963158049103.post-59204522524769944012014-05-14T10:00:00.003-04:002014-05-14T10:06:00.527-04:00The Big Run My blog has become one of those blogs that I hate. You go to it, see the post is old, get mad the blogger hasn't taken the time to update it and leave frustrated. Am I the only one who does that when I visit one of my favorite bloggers? I actually get frustrated they haven't taken the time to write. But, I'm guilty of doing the same thing here on <i>Southern in the City. </i><br />
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Not sure what sparked me taking the time to start typing today but maybe it's because I'm about to do another thing that I hate - talk about running. Friends who run (well anyone really who runs at all) I've noticed, love to talk about it. That too, unfortunately, I'm guilty of as of late.<br />
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Maybe it's because I've never trained for a race before (or run this far) but I'm proud of my accomplishment. 2014 is the year of trying new things for me. On Saturday I'll run the <a href="http://www.nyrr.org/races-and-events/2014/brooklyn-half">Brooklyn Half</a> and I'm anxious, excited, nervous, proud, etc. I know it's not a real marathon but dang it, it's probably the longest I will ever run. <br />
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But, one thing I haven't turned into is one of those people who loves running. I still hate it as much as I did in the beginning. You people are crazy who say you actually enjoy it. However, I want to finish what I started and I plan on doing that this Saturday in BK.<br />
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Because I talk about running so much now, you can probably expect post-race pictures next week and hopefully, just maybe, I'll have a few more posts this month so you won't come to this blog and leave frustrated:)Southern in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809065520777365019noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919524963158049103.post-61389797218926240212014-02-25T10:46:00.001-05:002014-02-25T10:47:38.381-05:00A quick hello...I haven't written a post since January. And, when I look back, my last two posts were about snow. So I figure I needed to say hello and write about something a little more interesting because the snow thing has been happening every week now.<br />
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To start, I signed up for the <a href="http://www.nyrr.org/races-and-events/2013/brooklyn-half-marathon">Brooklyn half marathon</a> in May. This year I'm "trying new things" and I figure why not attempt to run 13.1 miles (ugh, just typing that makes my body hurt)? I started training but it's slow. If I actually get through the training and run the thing, I will report back.<br />
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I'm traveling a lot for work and headed to Austin for SXSW in two weeks. Any of y'all headed there?<br />
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I'm also daydreaming of outdoor spaces and warmer weather. I saw these on <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/">Apartment Therapy</a> today and got inspired and excited for warmer weather...there I go talking about the weather again...<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos from <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/">Apartment Therapy</a>.</span></i>Southern in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809065520777365019noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919524963158049103.post-29462545794042382462014-01-22T16:29:00.000-05:002014-01-22T16:29:24.774-05:00Snow in New York CityThis winter has been a harsh one for the Northeast. It's cold, then warm-ish, then cold, then snows and repeat. We've had more spouts of snow this year than in others (or at least that I can remember). Last night we got another dump (almost a foot). Despite it being unbelievably cold, it was beautiful. On my way home, the city was hushed by the soft snow falling. No trucks, no cabs, just a few people walking around, hurrying home to get warm. <br />
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I decided to set my alarm this morning and wake up before sunrise to snap photos in Central Park. I layered in my warmest clothes and packed a couple hand warmers (thanks, Dad) and headed to the park. About a block later, I couldn't feel my face and my legs felt like two blocks of ice. Never-the-less, I walked to the reservoir and around the Great Lawn and took a few photos of "my backyard"<br />
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Looks like more snow this weekend...<br />
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Southern in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809065520777365019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919524963158049103.post-71729191636992693852014-01-03T16:14:00.001-05:002014-01-03T16:14:07.164-05:00HerculesLast night the winter storm Hercules hit the North East and damn it's cold. Right now it feels like zero...zero.<div><br></div><div>No snowday/stay-at-home day for me though. I made the trek to Times Square this morning and it's still so quiet. I love how snow quiets the city.</div><div><br></div><div>Someone even had time to make a quick snowman...</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-S-E41pNDrog/UscoHd_cIpI/AAAAAAAAE4U/DmNqv6yknP4/s640/blogger-image-1885193356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-S-E41pNDrog/UscoHd_cIpI/AAAAAAAAE4U/DmNqv6yknP4/s640/blogger-image-1885193356.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eE0Nb_10Uxg/UscoCZcCkTI/AAAAAAAAE4M/j2PPpSpgwN4/s640/blogger-image-1140441942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eE0Nb_10Uxg/UscoCZcCkTI/AAAAAAAAE4M/j2PPpSpgwN4/s640/blogger-image-1140441942.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>What's it like where y'all are?</div>Southern in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809065520777365019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919524963158049103.post-13986141317863024912014-01-02T16:56:00.001-05:002014-01-02T17:00:42.088-05:00A Little AdviceNow, I'm technically just a few days into my 30's, but that's got me thinking about what I've learned. You know, because I'm so older and wiser now. ;)<br />
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I've made many <i>many</i> mistakes so far, and plan to make many more. As cliche as it sounds, they've all gotten me to where I am today. Good or bad.<br />
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So here are a few things I've learned along the way. (Don't worry, I won't list 30 because who has time to read that many?)<br />
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<b>Embrace Change. </b>I've never been good at this but I have learned that most change is refreshing, welcoming and gets you to the next phase of wherever you are. If you aren't changing, you aren't evolving and that's the main point of life, right?<br />
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<b>Celebrate Your Hard Work.</b> Get a promotion? A raise? A "good job"? Just happy where you are? Celebrate it. There are so many people doing awesome things, it's easy to get wrapped up in the "they are doing something cooler than me" syndrome. No matter what you do, do it well and celebrate it. As long as you are proud and do the best job you know how, that's all that really matters. Don't let others' jobs and "my life is awesome" social media posts (I hate Facebook btw), get you down. If you work hard celebrate it.<br />
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<b>Be Nice and smile. </b>Because you just should be and a smile will get you further than a frown.<br />
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<b>Go to Bed.</b> In most cases, a good night sleep (and hot shower I should add) can cure anything. Whether it be a hangover, a fight, a headache or a bad mood - getting a good night's sleep is key. For most of my 20's I fought this because I didn't want to "miss out", but now I realize that I didn't really miss out on anything and if I'm awake and alert, I can deal with things better. Also, as I've said before, nothing good happens after 2 a.m. Ever.<br />
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<b>Enjoy Your Friends & Family</b>. Sure, family can be annoying at times but they love you. They are legally yours and love you no matter what you say and do. No one can show you unconditional love like that, except for maybe a dog. Also, let friends into your heart. Be cautious but welcoming. I've found that as the older I get, the harder it is to meet friends. But, as my mom says, "make a new friend everyday." My friends (from college and NYC) are my rocks and my loves.<br />
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<b>Don't sweat the small stuff. </b>When I set out doing this #30onthe30 Challenge, I knew there was a good chance that I actually wouldn't write all 30 posts. And, shocker, I didn't. But, you know what? I got damn close and I'm proud of that.<br />
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<b>Exercise More. </b>Yeah, I don't do this at all. Just making myself type it. HA!<br />
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<b>Try something new. </b>The older I get, the easier it is to fall into a routine. This year, I'm making myself try new things. I'm going to push myself and if I fail, so be it. I'll share along the way though!<br />
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Thanks for the birthday love this week and for reading my <i>almost </i>30 posts. Turning 30 hasn't been nearly as hard as I thought it would be.<br />
<br />Southern in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809065520777365019noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919524963158049103.post-22096094384340691702013-12-30T13:16:00.003-05:002013-12-30T13:24:34.724-05:00Doubt, and then JoyIn keeping with the guests posts, here's another one that I'm stealing (borrowing) from my mom. She is one <a href="http://writemuch.blogspot.com/">talented writer</a> and I thought it would be appropriate to include the below, since I wouldn't be here today without her...<br />
__________________<br />
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<b><i>Doubt, and then Joy <o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<i>Thirty years ago in mid-December, I sat, staring at the
dying Christmas tree. We’d bought it at Thanksgiving, tying it to the top of
our tiny Ford Escort and hauling it the 300 miles from Birmingham, where my
brother lived, to Perry, Ga. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>My husband growled when I told him I wanted to do this.
Surely there were Christmas trees in Perry, where we lived. looking at my
eight-months swollen belly, he knew he had better comply. By the time we got it
into the house, neither of us admitted how badly the tree had been beaten on
the trip. We wound the lights around its branches, hung our meager ornaments,
wrapped the small number of presents and put them under the tree. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>And then the needles began to fall off. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>I tried not to think about my parents’ tree, filled with
bright white lights, the small bells that had belonged to my grandmother, the
glittery birds we had given my mother one Christmas. I couldn’t travel, fat
with baby as I was. It would be my first Christmas away from home.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>How had this happened? How had I found myself just four
short years our of college, hundreds of miles from home, married and expecting
a baby, when I was clearly a baby myself?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Oh we were ready for the baby, who was not due until
January, but still. The nursery sat, freshly painted, the crib filled with
borrowed bumper pads, pillow and soft blankets. The small dresser had been
carefully filled with powder-scented drawer liner, itty bitty diapers and tiny
t-shirts, the few footed things I’d bought that could dress girl or boy. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>I was tired of waiting. Tired of the body and the swollen
feet, the back aches and the indigestion, and I was ready for it all to be
over. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>But I was not yet ready, to be a mother. How could I mother
anyone, when I still so needed to be mothered myself? <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Each day, I waited, pacing the five rooms of our tiny house,
fingering the blankets, folding the tiny clothes, imagining the kind of mother I would
be. Silently I admitted only to myself that when this baby of mine started to
cry, I would likely cry louder myself.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>What kind of mother?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Would I be patient and kind like my own mother, or more true
to who I already was — insecure and overly emotional. Would I bring laughter
into my child’s life, or would my incompetence at the job bring only pain? <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>I wasn’t very good at trusting God, even though in these
last three years He had flat out filled my life with joy and grace. Why
couldn’t I understand that God would equip me with what I needed to care for
this child, even if I didn’t yet know how?
<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Had my own mother wondered these same things herself?
(Probably not one minute when she was expecting me, third child that I am. But
maybe with the first two.)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Before church on Christmas Eve, we took our picture in front
of the tree, the room lit only by the twinkling lights. My large red maternity
dress blocks most of the tree, so it’s hard to tell just how dead it really
was.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>I kept a journal while I was waiting — the only time in my
life when I have done so faithfully, and five days before Christmas, 1983, I
was at least ready for the holiday: “waiting, hoping, crying is all there is
left to do,” I wrote. I’m sure I cried myself to sleep that night, my poor
husband probably wondering just who he would have to parent when the due date
came around.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>At church that night, I’m certain I thought not one thing
about Mary. My prayers were likely about asking God to keep my childbirth experience
relatively pain free and short. My petite sister had a few months earlier given
birth to a nine pound baby boy, and had sworn to me that she would never do
THAT again. (She did, just three years later.)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>But if I had, that year, thought more about the Christmas
story and less about own Christmas away from family, I would have seen a
certain kinship with Mary. Swollen body, surely, but both of us
mothers-in-waiting, hopeful of what our children would come to be. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Christmas morning turned out to be one of the happiest in my
memory, even still. I picture our tiny family — husband, dog and me — listening
to Christmas music, sitting on the sofa, covered in blankets. We cooked
together (well, the dog didn't... he just ate) — something we have rarely done
since — so happy we were, knowing that Christmas would come again, with any
luck, within a week. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>The next day, we threw the tree out. The weather turned so
cold that our washing machine froze. The cleaning lady didn’t show up, so I
spent the next few days on my knees, not praying, but trying to get the house
clean enough for my mother to visit. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>I know for a fact that I went to bed crying on Dec. 29th,
telling my husband that I was sure he wished he’d married that girl, the artist
he knew in college, instead of fat, miserable me.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Within hours, Christmas started coming again, and the
present was a healthy baby girl. Beautiful and wide-eyed. Ours. And we could
hear the angels singing. Don’t they sing at every child’s birth? <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>What joy God filled our lives with from that day to this. I
learned to mother. And though there were days I knew I made mistakes, I look at
my daughter now and know God gave me the tools I needed to raise her up right.
In a couple of weeks, our post-Christmas baby will be 30 years old. 30. I have
no words, except thank you, God for filling my life with such indescribable
joy</i>.</div>
Southern in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809065520777365019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919524963158049103.post-4992484352174237032013-12-30T12:10:00.001-05:002013-12-30T12:10:41.797-05:0030 So far...So far, turning 30 isn't that bad. Everyone keeps telling me how great it is, so I'm going to embrace it (albeit with some trepidation). Maybe they are all lying...<br />
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Since I have 10 more blog posts to write between now and the end of my birthday <a href="http://southernncity.blogspot.com/2013/12/30-day-challenge.html">(#30onthe30 Challenge</a>), I thought I'd post a few guest posts. Because there is no way, I'll reach my goal without them. First being from my sweet sister-in-law, Britt.<br />
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<em>Happy Birthday! I wanted to write something hopeful and inspiring to you today (we'll see how I do). I remember really hating turning 30 (feeling hopeful yet?). It sure felt like my life was going too fast, but I have something to tell you about that. The 30's were the best years of my life! </em><br />
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<em>Here is a recap of a few of the great things that happened to me:</em><div>
<em>-went to the BVIs for the second time with a great group of friends</em></div>
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<em>-moved to a beautiful little place called Bermuda</em></div>
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<em>-had two beautiful boys (definitely the very best thing that happened in my 30's)</em></div>
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<em>-getting to tell the Grandparents-to-be (this is truly another highlight)</em></div>
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<em>-gained a sister :)</em></div>
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<em>-celebrated 10 years of marriage to the most amazing man</em></div>
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<em>-went to France and Spain on an amazing trip with my MIL</em></div>
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<em>-moved back to America</em></div>
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<em>-went to on a fun trip to Vegas with my hubby</em></div>
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<em>-bought our first house</em></div>
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<em>Those are just the highlights. That list doesn't include so many random and awesome days spent with friends and family. For me, the thirties were when I really started getting comfortable in my own skin. It is a wonderful time! So instead of thinking about how fast time has gone, think about all of the amazing and wonderful things that are yet to come.</em> </div>
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Southern in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809065520777365019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919524963158049103.post-54163490206298657042013-12-29T22:11:00.001-05:002013-12-29T22:11:46.545-05:00Cheers!Cheers to getting home safely to the city, putting all the Christmas decorations away, cleaning the apartment (with my new vacum - thanks mom & dad), relaxing on my couch, and my last few hours of being 20-something...<div><br></div><div>The fact that I cheered to my new vacum just confirms the fact that I'm getting old.<br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IzazYA0mMUE/UsDkFUNRjiI/AAAAAAAAE38/B0ZA2MM_a5E/s640/blogger-image--1160537277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IzazYA0mMUE/UsDkFUNRjiI/AAAAAAAAE38/B0ZA2MM_a5E/s640/blogger-image--1160537277.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div>Southern in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809065520777365019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919524963158049103.post-57081923817853543182013-12-29T14:08:00.001-05:002013-12-29T14:08:29.542-05:00RainIt has rained the entire car trip back to NYC. Not just a light drizzle but a downpour.<div><br></div><div>Here's how the driver feels (the passenger is blogging and the other passenger is sleeping in the back...)</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BkqLtlbiEzI/UsBzKl5U3xI/AAAAAAAAE3s/-vWZgpolzfk/s640/blogger-image-2088648599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BkqLtlbiEzI/UsBzKl5U3xI/AAAAAAAAE3s/-vWZgpolzfk/s640/blogger-image-2088648599.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Southern in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809065520777365019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919524963158049103.post-13829922621215711132013-12-29T11:42:00.001-05:002013-12-29T11:42:54.841-05:00Love these dudesTime with the nephews is always fun and special. We got to spend a few days with these guys who make me laugh and smile so much.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aKAGHlRtO4c/UsBP97VxXVI/AAAAAAAAE3Q/7428IGsDKpw/s640/blogger-image--1460730740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aKAGHlRtO4c/UsBP97VxXVI/AAAAAAAAE3Q/7428IGsDKpw/s640/blogger-image--1460730740.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vnaKB66DIBw/UsBRC3vg_9I/AAAAAAAAE3c/EDPorhVryWU/s640/blogger-image--260248605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vnaKB66DIBw/UsBRC3vg_9I/AAAAAAAAE3c/EDPorhVryWU/s640/blogger-image--260248605.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oFU4_73Dzcw/UsBPyKRbN-I/AAAAAAAAE3I/iGuIHTIOQkM/s640/blogger-image-15463308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oFU4_73Dzcw/UsBPyKRbN-I/AAAAAAAAE3I/iGuIHTIOQkM/s640/blogger-image-15463308.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Southern in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809065520777365019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919524963158049103.post-16118315430087010582013-12-28T13:30:00.001-05:002013-12-28T13:30:51.882-05:00Barbecue...North Carolinans are competive in three main areas: beaches, basketball and barbecue. <div><br></div><div>The latter is probably the biggest topic up for debate as barbecue varies so much between east and west. Chopped, pulled, vinegar, red sauce, etc.</div><div><br></div><div>As I type this, I'm anticipating the eye rolls from people when I say that I love all types of barbecue in NC. (Yikes, I know).</div><div><br></div><div>Eastern barbecue is my families favorite because yes, you guessed it, they're from there. It's vinegar based and delicious. We had a taste on Christmas Eve from B's Barbecue in Greenville. It's best with vinegar poured on top.</div><div><br></div><div>Whenever we make it to the Charlotte area, we have to stop by Lexington barbecue. It's so tasty and this part of the state serves it's sandwiches with slaw. My fave!</div><div><br></div><div>Maybe it's because I live in NYC and don't get to have barbecue whenever I want, or maybe it's because I was raised in Raleigh and we were more neutral in our tastes of pigs. Either way, I love NC barbecue and miss it already, no matter which kind.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6X1hNLPGA9U/Ur8Y2QkNANI/AAAAAAAAE24/v0wb-WtvuH8/s640/blogger-image--1082722312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6X1hNLPGA9U/Ur8Y2QkNANI/AAAAAAAAE24/v0wb-WtvuH8/s640/blogger-image--1082722312.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WyALARUDqgA/Ur8YBRdwBeI/AAAAAAAAE2o/xTWtkbrFEeM/s640/blogger-image-1916876437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WyALARUDqgA/Ur8YBRdwBeI/AAAAAAAAE2o/xTWtkbrFEeM/s640/blogger-image-1916876437.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YnXOv0LMjI0/Ur8X2kHQhAI/AAAAAAAAE2g/HxAKD1OFRHM/s640/blogger-image-474467582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YnXOv0LMjI0/Ur8X2kHQhAI/AAAAAAAAE2g/HxAKD1OFRHM/s640/blogger-image-474467582.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_ZNxhglvuSg/Ur8YugNDbGI/AAAAAAAAE2w/gwh2mZzFvSg/s640/blogger-image-1561788311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_ZNxhglvuSg/Ur8YugNDbGI/AAAAAAAAE2w/gwh2mZzFvSg/s640/blogger-image-1561788311.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Southern in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809065520777365019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919524963158049103.post-76420662717807792492013-12-27T11:50:00.004-05:002013-12-27T11:50:47.260-05:00Mister RogersI don't know anyone my age who didn't grow up watching (and learning) from Mister Rogers. Last night before heading to bed, I read this <a href="http://mashable.com/2013/12/26/mister-rogers-quotes/?utm_cid=mash-com-fb-main-link">article</a>. I'll remember these on days that are a bit harder to deal with than others.<br />
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My favorite one being this one. I think it gives me something to look forward to with my 20's ending and my 30's beginning next week.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo from Mashable</span></i>Southern in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809065520777365019noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919524963158049103.post-70873727433581795262013-12-25T14:02:00.001-05:002013-12-25T14:02:13.680-05:00Merry Christmas Y'all!We are currently driving down 85S towards Davidson, NC. I realize that I have quite a few posts to write between now and Monday for my #30onthe30 challenge. Yikes!<div><br></div><div>We had a wonderful and special time in Raleigh this year. Now for round two. </div><div><br></div><div>Wishing y'all joy and happiness!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-B1YQ4UIM0o8/UrsrrwEWCVI/AAAAAAAAE2A/DKanZ6TVYz4/s640/blogger-image-727474758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-B1YQ4UIM0o8/UrsrrwEWCVI/AAAAAAAAE2A/DKanZ6TVYz4/s640/blogger-image-727474758.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Southern in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809065520777365019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919524963158049103.post-38622355907241686682013-12-23T16:03:00.003-05:002013-12-23T16:03:50.515-05:00We're in NC!We're down in NC for Christmas and will be here through the weekend. This everyday posting thing is hard work!<br />
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More to come but until then, I'll leave you with a cute random dog in the snow because naturally it's 75 degrees here and my dog is sleeping.<br />
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Southern in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809065520777365019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919524963158049103.post-14472956076675941072013-12-20T12:12:00.002-05:002013-12-20T12:14:16.552-05:00Rolf'sI feel like the city is being taken over by tourists. One of my favorite billboards ever was one I saw in Times Square that read, "Be nice to the tourists because one day you'll be one." I try to remember this every time a wall of people stop in the middle of the sidewalk to figure out where they are going or when they try to navigate the subway. I also happen to work in Times Square (which, is going through construction) so add that tourists' confusion and it makes for a fun walk in the morning. Be nice to the tourists...<br />
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On Tuesday, we met our NC friends at <a href="http://rolfsnyc.com/www.rolfsnyc.com/Welcome.html">Rolf's</a> in Murray Hill. To say this place was crowded is an understatement. Apparently it's the place to go during Christmas because it's covered in Christmas lights and ornaments. Ralph is a German restaurant so we had the traditional potato pancakes, weinersnitchel, bratwurst and beer.<br />
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If you are in the city for Christmas, you should definitely check it out. Know that even if you have a reservation you may have to wait an hour. Also, it's been freezing in NYC lately but now I'm hearing there is a heat wave coming. We're suppose to break records on Sunday.<br />
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Southern in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809065520777365019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919524963158049103.post-36251326803081766682013-12-17T18:14:00.003-05:002013-12-17T18:16:12.133-05:00The Columbus Circle Holiday Market<div style="text-align: left;">
Each Christmas, one of my favorite things to do is go to the <a href="http://urbanspacenyc.com/columbus-circle-holiday-market/">Columbus Circle Holiday Market</a>. They have these Christmas markets all over the city, but because I live on the UWS, I'm partial to this one.</div>
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They have tons of local artisans (even one shop from Cornelisu in NC!) and you can find anything from wooden ties (so hipster) to soap to beer making kits. It's a perfect place to go if you are looking for unique gifts for the holidays.</div>
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Oh, and the food. I love the food. This year's favorites were the meatballs (and the Korean tacos). We also had grilled cheese and warm bagel bites.</div>
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Have y'all been? Check it out - they're open until Christmas Eve - one more week!</div>
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Southern in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809065520777365019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919524963158049103.post-7518461771708356562013-12-16T15:56:00.000-05:002013-12-16T15:58:21.379-05:00The First Big SnowI didn't post on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Whoops. This #30onthe30 <a href="http://www.southernncity.blogspot.com/2013/12/30-day-challenge.html">Challenge</a> is hard. But, I'm here and by the time I turn 30, I'll have 30 posts up I promise.<br />
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NYC got the first "big" snow of the season. And by big, it was really only about 3-5 inches but it stuck on the streets and was pretty (for a few hours) so I took some pictures to share.<br />
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We're supposed to get more tonight and tomorrow. It's fun now, but come February, this snow thing is going to get cold, I mean old.<br />
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Southern in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809065520777365019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919524963158049103.post-89443194597381034702013-12-12T17:25:00.002-05:002013-12-12T17:26:10.063-05:00Holiday Party DressesI'm getting ready to head out to a work holiday party and have another one next week. Fortunately I have few oldies that I can re-purpose this year, but just in case I want something new for next week, I saw these at <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/index.jsp">Anthropologie</a> and loved. My favorite is the black polka dot!<br />
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What are y'all wearing to your parties this year? Southern in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809065520777365019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919524963158049103.post-23644452615093037482013-12-11T12:17:00.002-05:002013-12-11T12:21:47.721-05:00Christmas Gift IdeasChristmas is in two weeks and if you are like me, you probably still have a lot of shopping to do. I plan on getting the majority of mine completed by this weekend (online and at the <a href="http://www.southernncity.blogspot.com/2012_12_01_archive.html">NYC Christmas Shops</a>).<br />
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If you are in need of some inspiration, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">Etsy</a> is always a great place to find unique, one-of-a-kind gifts that are special because most are hand-made.<br />
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Here are a few that are affordable and would be fun to open Christmas morning...<br />
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Who doesn't love artwork? Perfect for a little girl's room or kitchen. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/116820629/original-watercolour-painting-print?ref=br_feed_49&br_feed_tlp=art">Here</a>.<br />
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And <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/66009495/angling-a-study-original-oil-painting-of?ref=br_feed_27&br_feed_tlp=art">this one</a> caught my eye<br />
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I love <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/107609344/no-1-infinity-scarf-mustard-yellow?ref=sr_gallery_41&ga_search_query=scarf&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_ref=auto1&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=scarf">this scarf</a> and the seller has other great colors to pick from. <br />
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And for the men, what about monogram <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/121724424/monogram-cufflinks?ref=br_feed_22&br_feed_tlp=men">cufflinks</a>?<br />
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Or a custom leather <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/163811826/custom-leather-camera-strap-personalized">camera strap</a>. <br />
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And don't forget your <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/159762831/personalized-custom-chevron-dog-collar?ref=br_feed_47&br_feed_tlp=gifts">pets</a>!<br />
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Happy shopping!Southern in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809065520777365019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919524963158049103.post-22879221361136041662013-12-10T22:56:00.001-05:002013-12-11T10:36:09.272-05:00Celeste<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tonight we had a delicious dinner with good friends at a place I've walked by hundreds of times, but never visited on the UWS - <a href="http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/celeste/">Celeste</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's authentic Italian in such a cozy spot. Perfect on a cold Manhattan night like tonight. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Like many places here it's cash only (boo) but was delicious. Oh, and I recommend getting the artichoke salad!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What's your favorite week night spot?</span><br />
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<br />Southern in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809065520777365019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919524963158049103.post-87948836681032458832013-12-09T22:21:00.001-05:002013-12-09T22:21:17.517-05:00TravelingWhat I learned this evening: traveling<font face="Helvetica"> </font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">on the subway at rush hour with a roll bag is not cool or fun.</span><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Good weekend home in NC. </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">And glad to be back in the city too. It's cold y'all.<br></font><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yLn67v8iuLg/UqaIq7hwFqI/AAAAAAAAEv0/YRywv7fnCK8/s640/blogger-image-882790000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yLn67v8iuLg/UqaIq7hwFqI/AAAAAAAAEv0/YRywv7fnCK8/s640/blogger-image-882790000.jpg"></a></div><br></font><div><br></div><div><br></div></div></div>Southern in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809065520777365019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919524963158049103.post-68463855592440360482013-12-08T21:44:00.001-05:002013-12-09T12:39:22.749-05:00FurbishThis weekend I was in Raleigh. My little brother just bought a house, so big sis wanted to come and check it out, help decorate and daydream of a future home for her. My brother's house is cute, lots of potential. I hung a few curtains and helped place pictures. So much easier being decorator, dictator, for someone else. But, I'm so proud of him and can't wait to see all the memories he makes there.<br />
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While in Raleigh, I was able to do some shopping with my mom and we stopped by my favorite Raleigh home store - <a href="http://furbishstudio.com/">furbish</a>. Everything is just so cute...patterns and prints everywhere. If you are in the area, check it out.</div>
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Back to the city in the early morning...</div>
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P.S. I know that I missed two days (Friday and Saturday) during my #30onthe30 challenge, so this week I will post two extra in addition to everyday. What am I'm I going to blog about?? Yeah, that wasn't rhetorical, I have no idea...</div>
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Hope y'all had great weekend!<br />
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Southern in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809065520777365019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919524963158049103.post-744980028115428922013-12-05T21:14:00.001-05:002013-12-06T10:56:50.600-05:00The Sound of MusicCurrently I'm drinking some wine, watching Sound of Music (Carrie Underwood version) and singing along. Are you? The singing is good and the acting is meh. I keep waiting for Stephen Moyer to bite Carrie and turn her into a vampire.<br />
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Now, that would be good. </div>
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Southern in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809065520777365019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919524963158049103.post-90064280509929895682013-12-04T22:03:00.001-05:002013-12-05T11:56:02.740-05:00Jacobs Pickles UWSOne of my favorite spots on the Upper West Side is <a href="http://jacobspickles.com/">Jacob's Pickles</a>. It's southern cooking (as close as you can get up north) and they specialize in anything pickled. It's always packed but the wait is worth it.<br />
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Favorites are the pickled jars (tomatoes, beets, cucumbers, etc) - so good! The fried green tomato biscuit is also top notch.</div>
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The beer selection is impressive and if you want beer to go, just pick up a growler of your choice. </div>
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Happy eating y'all! Cheers.<br />
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Southern in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809065520777365019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919524963158049103.post-56955557335673062812013-12-03T20:55:00.001-05:002013-12-04T10:17:08.192-05:00Billy Joel and MSGThe piano man is playing again in NYC. Today he held a <a href="http://nypost.com/2013/12/03/billy-joel-announces-madison-square-garden-residency/">press conference</a> at Madison Square Garden to say that each month he'll play one concert indefinitely as long as crowds want to see him. And, who wouldn't want to see him? It's Billy Joel after all.<br />
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One of my favorite things to listen to on the way to work is Alec Baldwin's podcast "Here's the thing." Alec interviews celebrities, musicians and artists on their life stories. Most of them are really fascinating to hear and Billy Joel is one of those. If you're at work today or commuting, play <a href="http://www.wnyc.org/story/225651-billy-joel/">this one</a> of Billy Joel and I promise you'll love.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photo from Wikipedia. </i></span></div>
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Southern in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809065520777365019noreply@blogger.com0