Pink Saturday Goes to Macy's

 

Remember me to Herald Square...

Finally -- after a month of thinking about it -- I made a return to Macy's. Not only did I brave the subway, but in perhaps, the greatest act of bravery for 2021, I went bathing suit shopping, followed up with a stop at the summer linen sale. I found both a well-priced bathing suit and a new pillow, and I lived to blog about it.   

As the spring passes into summer things feel more and more "normal," and a shopping and lunch day at Macy's with my college friend, Jane, felt like a return to the pre-pandemic days. The only notable differences were that we wore masks and the store was less crowded. 

Between a long stop in bathing suits and our very successful visit to sheets and pillows -- the latter will be the subject of a post later this month -- we made a quick stop in the pajama section. There was an array of cute pajamas that were enticing, but I had no energy after trying on bathing suits. But this one especially caught my eye. 

Yes, Wednesday is for Pink Pajamas and 

Pink Saturday is for blogging.

We made it a totally fun day and included lunch at Macy's. Only one restaurant is open out of the dozen or so that were open pre-pandemic and we splurged a little on a delicious Italian lunch in a very elegant dining room. The food was great and the ambience was terrific, but the view was spectacular, starting with Herald Square above. 

I turned my head and this iconic view of the Empire State Building was my reward. 

I enjoyed the first day of the holiday weekend with virtual services  this morning, coffee with a friend and a trip to the gym. Tomorrow is a cookout with friends -- fingers crossed for some sun -- outside of Manhattan. 

I love my blog makeover and will be doing a post about it later in the week. It's been on my to-do list for literally years and I'm glad to have moved it off the list. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and have a great Fourth! 

And I Lived to Write This Blog Post, Part II

On November 29 I braved a trip to Macy's at 34th Street...and survived!

There were twenty-six days until Christmas and now it's December 26. I didn't see any Christmas trees at the curb today, which I usually do on December 26, but the tree stand down the street is gone and the aroma of pine is only memory. But it's still Christmas in New York in Buttercupland. I've got two other posts of Christmas sights in New York City to share before the end of the year and one post of holiday reflections. I hope you'll stop by for the lights and decorations. 

   Loved this jolly Santa in Macy's window

Herald Square Plaza reflected in the neon lights

Boy meets Santa Dog

I spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with friends of long-standing. We had our traditional dinner out on Christmas Eve and I enjoyed window shopping and holiday lights in their neighborhood as we walked to and from the restaurant. Presents, brunch and afternoon dinner with gracious and fun friends. We settled in for movies at night and our viewing included Klaus, a new Christmas movie on Netflix. The movie's theme is that one act of love and kindness can influence an entire town. I have a feeling I will be seeing it again for years to come. Has anyone else seen it?

I appreciated all the kind good wishes to my last post and hope that all of Buttercupland enjoyed holiday celebrations that warmed their hearts. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and have a fabulous Friday. 

Pink Saturday Goes to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

 

Before the Elf is on the Shelf

For the last twenty five years I've wanted to see the balloons in the parade before and while they're being inflated. I live less than a mile away, but in the past work, cooking, cold and snow or simply inertia have kept me away. I decided that this year would be different. I had done my cooking, I don't work anymore and though cold, it was clear. I stopped by on Wednesday night and the balloons were "closed" for security concerns. But Thanksgiving morning I was up and out after 7:00 a.m. and finally I was able to see the balloons before the parade began. 

One of my reasons for making this balloon excursion was to take photographs to use in a blog post. I did a post with one picture on Thanksgiving Day and then the novelty of the Christmas decorations pushed Thanksgiving out of my mind. When I saw the poster below in a subway station this week, I realized I'd was time to do my Macy's Parade post and what better time than Pink Saturday!

 
 

 

The balloon lineup on West 77th Street, shown with their handlers. Each balloon has a group of "handlers," who are trained to keep the balloons from going astray.  



 

Besides the handlers, there are hundreds of clowns -- not a bit scary -- who walk alongside the balloons and add to the fun. The Half-Baked Holiday Clowns graciously posed for the camera. There were many cute costumes, but this group was my favorite.

It's another clear night in New York City. After this post is completed I'm off to visit one of my favorite holiday sights. I'll leave the destination for a surprise, but I definitely need pictures at night.

Thanks for all of the get well wishes. My cold is better and there's only a cough or two now and then. I think/hope I will be ready for the gym on Monday.

Please be sure to stop by and visit Pink Saturday. It's always a fun visit and this week one of my photographs is being featured. Thanks, Beverly!

As ever, thanks for visiting and have a great rest of the weekend.

 

It's Christmas Time in the City -- A Visit to Macy's

 

I was all set to share Pepe's cheerful good looks today for Monkey Monday, but I had the opportunity to visit a most well loved Christmas "M" and I've postponed Pepe's appearance. I literally was passing Macy's at 11:30 this morning and it was too good a photographic opportunity to pass up. Happily I met another monkey during my visit, so we will still have some Monkey Monday fun, as well as the Macy's decorations. 

 

Today I had one of the medical appointments on my list, a cardiac stress test on East 34th Street. It's the farthest reach from Macy's, but it's still on 34th Street. I made a quick change in my planned route to get to see this...

 

 

...and this.

 

The details of world landmarks was wonderful. I'm dreaming of seeing so many of them.

 

 

I also learned about Macy's Believe campaign. For every letter to Santa that Macy's receives -- up to a million -- a dollar will be given to the Make a Wish Foundation. There were desks throughout the store and children were writing letters to Santa. 

 

 

The store was crowded, but it wasn't overwhelming or impossible to get around. I treated myself to lunch -- love department store lunches -- and had a great time looking at the Christmas candy assortment. So many treats to pick from.

 

 I didn't buy anything, but this was definitely my favorite for looking. It's too pretty to eat.

 

Here is our Monkey Monday picture. I couldn't resist taking a picture of Curious George all dressed up in his pajamas and surrounded by friends.

 

 

I hope you had as much fun as I did on our visit to Macy's. George and I wish you sweet dreams and a terrific Tuesday. As ever, thanks for visiting.



Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Saturday

It's time for this week's Pink Saturday post. While the look is still Pretty-in-Pink, the focus is on a serious topic, Breast Cancer Awareness. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I like to think of this as breast cancer awareness and prayers for a cure month.

During a visit to Macy's last week I found the ultimate Pretty-in-Pink sneakers, complete with pink ribbons. They are part of a collection that benefits Christina Applegate's Right Action for Women. This group helps provide screening assistance to women who are at increased risk for breast cancer.

I loved the look of these running shoes, as well as the knowledge that a donation will be made to a great cause. Alas, they didn't fit my complicated feet. 

Though they are not part of the breast cancer awareness program I liked the look of these sneakers, too. 

Pretty in pink and orange, too.

The high point of this weekend has been seeing Love Letters with Carol Burnett and Brian Dennehy. It was sweet, touching and sad and I enjoyed it a lot. Each month the cast changes and next month Alan Alda and Candice Bergen are featured. I'd love to see how they interpret the parts and will be on the lookout for discount tickets. Yes, I liked it that much. 

   Next month, Alan Alda and Candice Bergen 

Wishing my Canadian friends a very happy Thanksgiving and wishes, too, for everyone in America enjoying a long weekend. 

As always thanks for visiting and take good care.   

Buttercup, Before and After

When I read that Zyrtec would be sponsoring a makeover for those of us with allergies, ALLERGY FACE, I raced to the computer to sign up. This special afternoon was part of Macy's Flower Show and more fun than I could have imagined. I've had allergies since I was in grade school and I am always looking for anything to cover up my allergy-related dark circles. I also knew that at this point in our endless winter I could definitely use some pampering and a new makeup look for spring.

Let's count this as the before picture. I will spare you my dark circles and pink nose. Today was cold and windy and I was looking wind-tossed when I arrived at Macy's.

I worked with two makeup artists, Jamie Greenberg, #JamieMakeup, who consulted on my color choices and the incomparable Joseph, who worked a miracle with my dark circles and winter worn face.

Jamie and Joseph, makeup geniuses!

To say I was pleased is an understatement. I am beyond pleased. I am elated, and I am especially eager to try out my Benefit mascara.

Joseph and I and a glimpse of the Flower Show

Buttercup, After. Can't have a prettier background than the Flower Show. I will be featuring more pictures of the Flower Show in a later post this week. 

I spent the rest of the day celebrating my friend Mary's birthday, and didn't even mind the cold walking home from the bus. Alas, like Cinderella I'm turning back to "before" as I wash off my makeup for the night. But I've got my beauty tips from Allergy Face to turn me back into a princess tomorrow. Many thanks, Zyrtec, Jamie and Joseph!

As always, thanks for visiting. Wishing you all Cinderella moments!  

Please Note: I did not receive compensation for this event, but did receive products for my participation. My opinions are all my own. 

Spring Clothes Dreaming Pink Saturday

Though I took these pictures almost two months ago I didn't dream I'd ever be able to wear the clothes. The winter arrived almost immediately and pushed all thoughts of pretty cotton clothes far away. But today is a glorious fifty degrees and I am dreaming of spring clothes, all pretty and lots of pink.

I think I need the pink tote bag and the pretty in pink pullover shown on the model in front. 

I never wear orange -- doesn't do much for my complexion -- but this dress is making me think about giving it another try. Anyone here able to wear orange? 

Across the street from Macy's on West 34th Street is a new Crocs store. I need to make a return trip to see if they've opened yet. I didn't get a chance when I was in the neighborhood earlier this week. 

I know it's supposed to snow again next week and that means more time in boots and gloves and no time in pink spring outfits. But for today it's a Pink Saturday and I'm celebrating!

It's really spring today and I am loving it. I got my walk in this afternoon and I'm meeting my friend Mary later for dinner and a play in an Off-Broadway theater in the West Village. 

As always, thanks for visiting and I hope you're having a pretty in pink Saturday, too. 

Molto Bene, Grazie!

Very well, thanks!

I spent my third day of retirement -- middle of the afternoon -- at Macy's exploring. Usually I am very focused and look exactly where I need to look and quickly exit the store. But I wasn't tired and I had plenty of time. On the sixth floor I noticed a fabulous gelati counter and stopped for an afternoon snack.

I chose almond crunch and pistachio. Both were very good, but I am an almond fan and would have loved another serving. I guess I'll have to come back another day. 

They also serve other desserts -- I had my eye on a cannoli -- and sandwiches and salads. There is also a full restaurant that looks so enticing. I felt for just a little while that I was in Italy. It was a great feeling for just a quick subway trip. 

Everything looked delicious. The restaurant is in the background. 

I could definitely get used to retirement. It's going very well, thanks.

Wishing you a Friday that goes very well, too.