Sunday Funday in Bryant Park

Happy Sunday Funday everyone! Apart from Hillsong NYC on Sunday, I love nothing more than spending time with people I love around a table eating food. Before heading to church last Sunday, I gathered a bunch of ladies together for a bite to eat a Le Pain Quotidien near Bryant Park. I've feature Le Pain before, but I am again because it truly is the best casual place in the city to show up with a big group of people, not have to wait, and to get quality healthy food at a decent price. 

Sometimes, when I'm out to eat with large groups of people, I love to just sit back and listen to the chatter of conversation and the joy of laughter. This is part of what life is about...living in community, encouraging and celebrating others, finding humor in the bits and pieces, and comforting when things are a struggle. 

I ordered the Tuscan White Bean & Prosciutto salad filled with arugula, diced tomatoes, scallions, shaved Parmesan & basil croutons. It is so so so good.

We then played "pass the camera", and I forced the ladies to take pictures of their food. They all did a beautiful job, I'm salivating looks at these pictures!

This was a frittata special. All frittatas and quiches come with bread and a side mesclun salad.

Smoked Salmon Tartine with avocado, scallions and dill.

Vegetarian Chili.

Small Green Salad - organic mesclun or arugula with seasonal vegetables (not so small).

Curried Chicken Salad Tartine with diced tomatoes and scallions with a side of harissa-cranberry chutney.

Soup of the Day.

Grilled Chicken & Mozzarella di Buffala Tartine with diced tomatoes, arugula, herb dressings and a tomato salsa.

After lunch we stepped outside to snap a few shots in Bryant Park.

If you didn't already notice, we are rocking our matching sunglasses. Obviously we are ready for sunshine and warmer weather!

A little #ootd.

I love to mix and match patterns and textures with clothing. I'm a huge fan of things just having to "go", not necessarily having to "match". Have fun with your fashion and always do you!

Happy Sunday Funday from these beauties and me!

What did you do this Sunday? I'd love to hear, and get some ideas for places to eat and things to do!

xoxo
d.eileen

St. Balmain...Brooklyn Baby

When I said it is the year of babies, I was not lying. I had another baby shower this past week for my sweet friend Katie. It is her first baby, and I was so excited to celebrate her and her family. 

The shower was at St. Balmain in Brooklyn. This new coffee & tea spot is in preparation to open as a full restaurant in the near future. It is a great spot to pop in for a top quality coffee beverage, and I suggest you try one of the Bondi Bikkies.  The crowd is always local, and the baristas are super friendly; they actually know how to make coffee and care that you enjoy your beverage. The decor is clean and simple with rustic woodsy accents. I learned, from friends, that Balmain is a suburb of Sydney, Australia...for those who were wondering where the name came from. 

Heads up...this is going to be a happening place in the summer; the outdoor back deck is significantly larger than the inside of the restaurant. I'm already envisioning evenings sipping Rose this summer, as the sun sets, perched at a small table with friends on the back deck of Saint Balmain. Hope you'll come join.   

The ladies started to arrive and eventually there was a lot of estrogen in the room.

It was a champagne, tea & treat themed party, with an abundance of sweets. I'm surprised I didn't get a cavity from all the candy and pastries I consumed. There was this chocolate-raspberry tart that I probably could have finished by myself...num num num num.

The soon to be Mama loves a Shirley Temple, so of course they were on the menu. Along with Champagne and Mimosas for us not with child.

She's such a pretty pregnant lady.

Katie & Matt decided to not find out the sex of the baby, so she got a lot of white onesies, which will always come in handy, and then one that read "gender-neutral baby shower gift"...classic.

I'm so excited to meet this little one. I was blessed to be able to attend Katie & Matt's wedding last summer, and feel so fortunate to be apart of the celebration of this new little person. Katie is such an example of poise, grace, faithfulness, and trust. She is an example for my life and I'm grateful for the person God made her to be. 

xoxo

d.eileen