The Concrete Jungle

This weekend, we made a quick overnight trip to NYC for work, mixed with a bit of play.  Back before our little one joined our road trips, we used to visit the city in style- great shopping, luxurious meals enjoyed with friends, leisurely strolls exploring our favorite neighborhoods.  This trip proved to be a bit different.

Luxurious dining gave way to quick meals at a great little diner that was super kid-friendly (they even had stroller parking!).  Window shopping gave way to hours spent at various Central Park playgrounds.  It's a bit funny really, because our typical weekend in Providence usually revolves around breakfast at our favorite diner, and plenty of playground time- so it seemed rather silly to travel all the way to NYC just to repeat our regular habits...but there you have it...traveling with a toddler changes things!

Luckily not all was lost- my adorable husband gave me an afternoon (well, two hours to be exact!), to squeeze in a bit of shopping.  When it comes to NYC shops- I have my tried and true favorites- so I knew right where to go.  First stop, Purl Soho where I picked up some gorgeous Nani Iro flannel!

Next up, a leisurely stroll through ABC Home, my all time favorite store.  Their displays are incredibly inspiring, so even though everything is completely out of my price range, I always leave brimming with ideas for my home.  I especially love how they mix textures, and patterns- simply stunning!

Finally, before my time ran out, I grabbed a quick lunch at the gorgeously renovated ABC Kitchen, where I dined on an amazing lentil soup, crusty, warm bread and homemade cherry citrus soda.  I used to hate dining alone, especially if I didn't have a book or magazine handy to keep me occupied.  But ever since Vijay was born, dining alone is the greatest luxury in the world- I don't bring anything to read, I just rest, relax and enjoy actually tasting my food as opposed to shoveling it down!

With the clock ticking, I rushed back to find my boys, and spent the remainder of my time in NYC at the playground- content to watch little Vijay pretend to be king of the concrete jungle!