Blooms, Brunch & Bunnies

My weekend started at Kate Spade and ended with takeout Thai food and Grey's Anatomy, so I guess you could say it was a success. But it's everything that happened in between that made it so special.

Life update: I have officially joined the Kate Spade Madison Avenue sales support team. We all know New York is expensive, and when I made the decision to move back to the city, I knew I'd need to supplement my income with some part-time work. Well, I think spending a few hours on the weekend surrounded by all things glitter and bubblegum pink is a pretty good way to make a little extra money. (And maybe a few additions to my wardrobe??)

Another great way to be frugal in the city: Groupon. Now that I'm living in one of the most expensive cities in the country, little luxuries like manicures are at the bottom of my budget priority list--except when you come across a two-for-one mani-pedi deal for less than $25. Now I can afford that. So after my morning appointment at Kate Spade (filling out all of the HR paperwork), I got a little pampering in the form of a manicure and pedicure at Val-El on First Avenue. It was heaven, more so because I wasn't expecting any such indulgence until this summer (if even then). Oh, also, they do those paraffin wax hand treatments...#swoon.

Saturday was chilly but beautiful, the perfect afternoon for a walk in Central Park, my first since I've been back. I met up with a friend and we strolled in and around the park for the better part of two hours. We saw all the familiar sights: the Bethesda fountain, street performers, the row boats, hundreds of tourists (of course), and lots and lots of runners. Hopefully, when the weather gets a little warmer, I'll be one of those runners--joggers, more like, because I'm slower than the tortoise.

Which leads to Sunday....HAPPY EASTER!

It was so wonderful to be back at Trinity Baptist Church for Easter Sunday. It was lively and colorful and musical and uplifting and packed to the gills with ladies in Easter hats and festive dresses. Oh, and the choir was on fleek (I've never used this term in my life, but this seems like the appropriate moment). Seriously, every single one of the choir members should be on Broadway! (As my friend pointed out, the soloist for "Amazing Grace" sounded like one of the lead singers from The Lion King. Talk about talent!)

After church, my friend and I treated ourselves to brunch at Seraphina. Coffee, mimosas, eggs Benedict...need I say more? And as an extra-special bonus, we were seated a table on the second floor with a view overlooking E 61st Street. Beautiful!

All that Easter Sunday excitement wound down after brunch. I did my usual Sunday things: grocery shopping, meal prep for the week, cleaned the apartment (as best I could), and ordered take-out Thai food to eat while I jumped into the first season of Grey's Anatomy. (I know, I'm like 10 seasons behind, but something tells me it won't take long to catch up!)

I'll leave you with part of a verse that stuck with me after Easter service: "...we may too live a new life."