Intentional Happiness: NYC Edition

August 12, 2010

Is anyone else a complete dolt about forgetting their camera back at the hotel room while on vacation/away? I’m so ditzazoid that it’s maddening. And yes, I do have a lovely new iPhone, but any of you who’ve ever seen my freakshow shaking hands knows that my iPhone pictures=Megablur.

However, I was with-it enough to tote my camera along one afternoon while in NYC…just one. I suck.

I’m not going to talk about BlogHer (I promised, remember?) and I happen to know that a lot of you who did attend are kind of Down right now (we’ll be okay, sisters) so I thought I’d share some happy with you this weekend. Because those of you who went to BlogHer last weekend? It’s over. You’re home. Home with the people who really know you–the important part of you–and love that you. The flawed creature you are, the mother you are, the companion and friend you are, the punchline-forgetter-of-jokes you are. The only you that matters.

So I’m sending out some happy to you. You who visit here and take the time to read these words –which aren’t always elegant or profound or funny–but my words just the same. Thanks for being you, and if the strangers of the world don’t see the you that is truly inside? Let them remain just that…strangers.

But on to HAPPY, people! Let’s get some !!! in da house, shall we?

!!!: Stumbling on The Fat Witch bakery in the Chelsea Market. Even the snarkiest of witches has to melt at the sight of these. Plus, an endorsement for brownies for breakfast? Hell yes.

!!!: Drooling over fresh fish of all kinds; we landlocked stiffs are totally missing out.

!!!: This kid at the Milkbar in Chelsea Market, devouring his ice cream. I asked him to smile, but, like a typical New Yorker, he wanted nothing to do with me.

!!!: A cranky-looking bread baker who actually wasn’t; after I snapped this shot he gave me a toothy grin. I think New Yorkers have a helluva racket going on…they want us to think they’re nasty, but inside? Butter, baby. Shhh…don’t tell.

!!!: Lunch at Del Posto with a dear, dear friend. How cute is this salad with an eensy pansy in it? Great meal, great company.

!!!: Proof positive that Miss D. is a way better artist than me– at the tender age of 8.

!!!: A “Welcome Home Mommy” sign and a song-and-dance routine to go with it. My cup runneth over.

Umm, I think that’s a hot dog in the picture–true proof of my culinary greatness, ja?

To those of you who took the time to talk to me at BlogHer–it was so nice to meet you and chat and sometimes cry (usually me). To those friends that I missed, I am so sorry, and I wish I’d had more time and different circumstances so that we’d have met. The loss is purely mine. Have a joy-filled weekend, friends.

What brought you !!! this week? Check out Momalom and BadMommyMoments for more !!! moments.

{ 50 comments… read them below or add one }

gigi August 12, 2010 at 7:03 pm

perhaps my favorite BlogHer post so far! I love the pansy on that dish…someday, I’ll get to New York and eat myself sick. :)

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Corinne August 12, 2010 at 7:04 pm

We’ll always have our Starbucks moment :)
And yes… we’re home! It’s over! Deep breath and big sigh…

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Becca August 12, 2010 at 7:31 pm

Ah, the happy moments! The outside of the conference moments! I am definitely sad we didn’t get more time together. More quality time. Heart to heart time. But I’m up for little piddly blog meet up next year! And I’m definitely glad for the moments we did share. Xo

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jen August 12, 2010 at 7:34 pm

Love the welcome home banner!! It does look like a hotdog.

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Bryan August 12, 2010 at 7:59 pm

You did it again, everybody is asleep and I hear the siren’s song of a TKW post when I really need to be working on my own. The welcome home seems to be the best!

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Stacia August 12, 2010 at 8:12 pm

That pansy reminds me of the Sex and the City episode where the girls have lunch at the edible flower restaurant, which begs the question … Did you try the pansy? And what did it taste like??

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Sherri August 12, 2010 at 8:20 pm

I just love iPhone photos (need to bite the bullet and get off my anti-AT&T soapbox and GET ONE – hubby loves his :-). Anyway, your photos are great – love the little moments you’ve captured – the welcome home being your favorite, I’m guessing.

I’ve read a couple of Blogher recaps ….think it so nice that you’ve thanked your readers… though love to visit here, so… keep it up! Nice job.

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Kelly August 12, 2010 at 8:30 pm

I, too, must know. Did you eat it?

This post was so much fun. I’ll be ready and waiting for the oatmeal walnut chocolate brownie recipe you re-create!

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Belinda Munoz + The Halfway Point August 12, 2010 at 10:26 pm

I love everything about this post, Kitch! It’s pure !!! I even feel better about BlogHer and I didn’t go! And Miss D.’s art is bangin’! Who doesn’t love a fruit plate?! And did you bawl when you saw that welcome home sign? And my super most favorite? The breakfast brownie!

Btw, I have the same theory about New Yorkers. They’re like crabs (the crustacean kind); tough exterior, tender interior. Who doesn’t love a New Yorker?

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jc August 12, 2010 at 10:47 pm

YEAH MOMMY, WHERE’S SUPPER? !!! I’m picturing that the dance routine resembled the kitty dance for food around the bowl. Good thing no one starved while the cheff was outta town!

I loooove pansies. Not in my food though.

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theUngourmet August 12, 2010 at 11:49 pm

I love the cute little pansy in that salad. The welcome home where’s supper note is super cute too! ;)

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ck August 13, 2010 at 2:15 am

Big love to the Fat Witch’s culinary delights!

(And I owe you a coffee, TKW. Maybe I’ll head out your way to meet you for one?)

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Jana August 13, 2010 at 3:48 am

I love seeing pictures of your exploration of New York! (And I love bakeries.) Great post, Kitch!

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Phoo-d August 13, 2010 at 5:41 am

Ah Brownies for breakfast! Thanks for all the !!!, it was fun to see the photos and highlights of an awesome trip!

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Christine LaRocque August 13, 2010 at 5:45 am

Okay…how is it that everyone else seemed to catch you somehow and I didn’t? I’m heartbroken :-(

Okay, I’ll get over it, because posts like this make me melt like butter, baby. Really.

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Heavenly Housewife August 13, 2010 at 5:46 am

How wonderful. I just came back from NY and had the most amazing time. I didn’t get to chelsea market or the fabulous del posto, but I did go to Mario Batali’s Otto, I just wrote about it.
I cant wait to go back to NYC, i think its gotta be the most awesomest place evvvvvaaaaaa.
*kisses* HH

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Erica@PinesLakeRedhead August 13, 2010 at 5:48 am

All the other BlogHer posts I’ve read have made me glad that I didn’t attend. But now after reading your and seeing your photos, I wish I could have strolled through Chelsea Market with you. Have any plans to come to Florida?

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Jennifer August 13, 2010 at 5:54 am

Your kids are really awesome. That was super sweet.

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Wendi @ Bon Appetit Hon August 13, 2010 at 6:07 am

Milkbar???? I would have been like a kid in a candy store in Milkbar. So glad you had !!! moments to greet you at home.

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TKW August 13, 2010 at 6:41 am

Stacia and Kelly–no, I couldn’t eat the pansy. It was just too cute to munch on.

ck: you found me out! That’s exactly why I bought you a coffee–so I could extract my pound of flesh later on. Your flesh, in my kitchen, with a pound of feta between us. Ah, a girl can dream, right?

Erica, no plans to go anywhere for quite a while. But if I’m ever anywhere near you, I’ll be looking you up!

Or maybe we’ll just have to organize PiddlyBlogHer 11…

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Pam August 13, 2010 at 6:48 am

Great pics! That bakery got my attention and the little guy is a cutie! Sounds like you had a great time!

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Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday August 13, 2010 at 7:30 am

HAHAHA, I love the kid with the ice cream!

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soccermom August 13, 2010 at 7:35 am

First I have to say I love you new page look. It is awesome!

2nd it sounds like I missed an amazing time at blogher. Maybe next year Ill make it.

third, I am so glad to have found you, because of you my family has had the experience to try new foods and meals.

The sportsman thanks you also.

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Gale August 13, 2010 at 7:46 am

Piddly BlogHer ’11? What would this be? Our own little blogging get-together. Oh, how I’d be on board with that!

So jealous that you ate at Del Posto. How was it? All you dreamed and more?

As for things making me happy this week? My son has requested to help fold laundry. (Adorable.) He also learned to say “potty.” And I get to have Sinagpore Noodles for dinner tonight. What more could a girl want?

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Futureblackmail August 13, 2010 at 8:03 am

I have never been to Blogher and don’t think I’ll be going. I can imagine that I would spend the whole time realizing that I’m on a different, much lower, level than other people and I hate for it to be soooo obvious. ;)

I’m glad you got out and about and were able to take in some of the things that make NYC truly awesome.

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girlichef August 13, 2010 at 8:26 am

…true proof of your culinary greatness- snort!!! Sounds like a fun trip…but I bet that welcome home was even sweeter. Very cool plate (?) …better artist than I, too ;)

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SuziCate August 13, 2010 at 9:18 am

Brownies for breakfast, my kinda joint!!!!

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Contemporary Troubadour August 13, 2010 at 9:42 am

Sounds like BlogHer was intense. I’m glad there was !!! — there and at the end when you got home.

And hey, I imagine a hot dog assembled by your expert hands would definitely be tastier than anything I’d dream up. You have your daddy’s tutelage :)

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Ink August 13, 2010 at 10:27 am

Why no BlogHer post? I want multiple BlogHer posts! Have no idea what that’s like and would love to hear ALL about it. Do they have panels, and did you present? How many people that you previously only knew on blogs did you meet IRL? How did you decide to go to BlogHer in the first place? I, for one, want to hear everything. Yeah, I’m demanding like that. ;)

LOVE LOVE LOVE the plate!!! Go, Miss D!

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Mrs.Mayhem August 13, 2010 at 11:11 am

Love that welcome home sign. No one can cook a hot dog like mom.

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Evan @swEEts August 13, 2010 at 11:46 am

Adorable pic from your kids.. even though I cook and bake all the time hotdogs are still fabulous ha and a brownie for breakfast is quite possibly the best idea ever!

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Melissa August 13, 2010 at 1:11 pm

Brownie for breakfast? Oh yes please!

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Jane August 13, 2010 at 1:17 pm

Ok. I’m back to being green with envy about *not* attending Blogher. I don’t care. Meeting you and sharing a coffee or a witchy breakfast brownie? Totally worth it!

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Maria August 13, 2010 at 1:20 pm

Kitch, I had my camera in the car on the day that my children had the most fun in our favorite spot . As for plans for a piddly BlogHer, count me in….

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Emily August 13, 2010 at 2:32 pm

One thing is for certain with me… I NEVER forget my camera… EVER. Some of my friends hate it… I always have it in my purse, on the ready for a good photo op if one comes up! And on vacation? Oh man! It never gets put away! ;)

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Cheryl @ Mommypants August 13, 2010 at 2:44 pm

Sorry our paths didn’t cross at BlogHer, but hopefully we will meet sometime! I didn’t even bring a freaking camera. Thought my iphone would do just fine. Can you say pixelation?

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Terresa Wellborn August 13, 2010 at 2:58 pm

Mmmm, brownies for breakfast? I don’t need a nudge at all for that one.

Glorious picts. Looks like an adventure to relish & remember. I (heart) NYC to pieces.

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Aging Mommy August 13, 2010 at 4:15 pm

Being the anti-social type I am and in fear of women in numbers greater than 2 or 3 I have no desire to go to BlogHer. BUT I am very jealous at the thought of those wonderful restaurants as we are living in a culinary desert here and I miss great food. That plate your daughter made is absolutely wonderful, something to treasure for always. Glad you had a good time in NYC.

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Alexandra August 13, 2010 at 4:20 pm

Oh! that posterboard for mommy.
Must be framed and hung for all times in the kitchen!

Adorable beyond words….just adorable.

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Velva August 13, 2010 at 7:30 pm

I am hoping that you will write about BlogHer. I can’t seem to get any of my favorite bloggers to really share about the conference. Are you gals a secret society now ? (smile). I am hoping next year to attend Blogher 2011 in San Diego.

God, I love NYC. It’s like standing in the middle of the world. There is nothing else like it in the world ( okay, so maybe I am pushing it a bit now). Still love the place.

It’s great to go away and it’s great to come home. No doubt the folks that love you missed you lots. Welcome home.

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Allison @ Alli 'n Son August 13, 2010 at 8:02 pm

That salad looks to die for. Yum, yum, yum!!!

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Monet August 13, 2010 at 9:23 pm

I just found your blog…and I’m truly delighted! I adore NYC, and seeing all of your pictures brought back so many good memories. Isn’t the Chelsea Market so much fun? I look forward to following you…have a wonderful weekend

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Privilege of Parenting August 13, 2010 at 9:58 pm

What lovely spirt you bring, KW. I just love to tune in to your wavelength; and as a former New Yorker I agree that the surly is just so much surface and you’ll find heart and friendship and sometimes even one’s great love just below that crust… like a perfect creme brulée. Namaste

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TKW August 13, 2010 at 11:56 pm

Velva and Ink–email me and I’ll be glad to answer any questions you have. xoxo

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TKW August 14, 2010 at 12:15 am

PIDDLYBLOGHER 11 is happening, folks. I’ve had so much feedback, it’s mind-blasting (Annie, that’s for you *wink*) Please email me if you are interested and have any input as to location/budget concerns/logistics would be really helpful. And if anyone has mad organizational skills, I’d love some help…I need help in that department. Off to bed with tonsil/adenoid/snuffleupagus girl…kid crashes our bedroom at least 3x a week. snooooore

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Christine @ Fresh Local and Best August 14, 2010 at 7:28 am

It was great to meet you and the ever so sweet Annie. You’re such a fun gal! I’m glad that you guys enjoyed the Chelsea market and Del Posto!

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Tiffany August 14, 2010 at 7:53 am

That is hands-down the best welcome home sign I’ve ever seen!!

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Liz @ Peace, Love & Guacamole August 14, 2010 at 9:32 am

“…the punchline-forgetter-of-jokes you are.” This made me laugh!

And I adore that welcome home sign!

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grace August 14, 2010 at 2:13 pm

yes–the fat witch! that’s one of the most memorable part of my nyc experience as well. also, that kid is adorable—your picture perfectly captures his attitude. :)

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Linda at Bar Mitzvahzilla August 15, 2010 at 12:07 am

Aw, you’re a fine photographer, TKW! And, you’re right, Miss D. is a fine artist! Now you can get down from cloud 9 and start cooking those kids some hotdogs!

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