New York Is My Playground

Clover necklace--object of window-shopping affection.

Today I took the bus in to meet Kate, a colleague in town from Chicago. She's a first-time mommy--her adorable Henry is 5 months old. It was great to see photos on her phone and catch up....and to witness the change from PR executive to thoughtful mom/PR executive. Motherhood changes us, stretches our hearts, expands our reach.

We met at the BG Restaurant on the 7th floor of Bergdorf Goodman. We shared fabulous spring dishes: asparagus soup; lobster mac and cheese; and chicken Milanese salad. So yummy. The dainty parting treat: 2 tiny lemon madelines in white pleated paper cups.

As Kate is an out-of-towner, I wanted to show her the Tory Burch dept. on five. Then I stayed a bit longer, to stroll through Tory, Diane von Furstenberg and Milly. Then back to the 7th floor, to browse the chocolate department, candles, stationery and peek at the bridal salon as I walked by. Also looked into Van Cleef & Arpels windows. Beautiful Clover necklaces. Wondered how rich I would have to be to ever have one. So classic, so lovely. Would look so great over black ribbed turtleneck sweater.

Winding my way back to the Port Authority on a sun-splashed Friday afternoon, a few sweet stops:

• MacKenzie-Childs on 57th Street. Wild, whimsical, garden-party fun. Bought a little garden in a bag for ten dollars--mini snaps. I love snapdragons.
• Mangia on 57th. For iced moccachino and people watching.
• Magnolia Bakery on Sixth Avenue. For window gazing only--as a baker with brightly dipped hair stacked a layer cake with pink cream filling.

Back in New Jersey, my heart and lungs filled up with New York. Good night.

TCOY

1. Boot camp in the park.
2. Walked 30 minutes plus in NYC.
3. Had fun with Patsy and her children seeing the play "Curtains" at Glenfield Middle School. Our friend Helen's son Lev had the lead.
4. Tierney's with H. and friends to hear Angel's Garage band.