Pink Saturday Salutes the Flowers of Spring

 

Fifty Shades of Pink

On Monday I was walking on Madison Avenue enjoying the sun and warmer air of spring. I made sure to walk past my favorite florist and I was well rewarded for my efforts. There were flowers everywhere spilling on to the sidewalk and practically into the  street, and they were all beautiful. I knew I had found my photographs for this week's Pink Saturday.

I'm not sure what the origin of is for these lilacs, but they are beautiful. It's about a month too soon for lilacs to be blooming in New York, but these are a welcome harbinger of what we have to look forward to. 

It's also too soon for tulips to be fully in bloom here, but I can be content with these beauties for now. I love the local tulip festival, but this year I (think) I will be away. I wonder what I'll find blooming in England and France. 

Sometimes I have difficulty finding photographs I want to use for Pink Saturday, but in addition to these fabulous flowers I found a movie shoot that would have been a good choice, too. Melissa McCarthy was filming a Christmas movie in the neighborhood and she was attired in hot pink. The movie is yet unnamed, but when it's streaming or in theaters, you saw it here first. 

I hope you've enjoyed a glimpse of springtime in New York. We've had some colder than spring weather, but mostly it's been lovely. Spring is my favorite season and every year I'm reminded once again about the joy of warmth and blooms and longer days, and all the promise that lies ahead.  

As ever, thanks for visiting and good wishes for the week ahead. 

Pink and (Blue) Saturday

 

This Pink Saturday we're going window shopping on Madison Avenue

I love window shopping and Madison Avenue is my favorite street to browse. Last week I had an errand in the neighborhood and while I walked to my destination pink (and blue) called out to me. I knew I had my photographs for this week's Pink Saturday. 

We're back at my favorite florist. Lots of pink flowers and a few with shades of blue. 

I found this pink scooter at one of my favorite window shopping stores, Pink Chicken.

The mate to our pink sheep, surrounded in blue. 

I'm a fan of blue pottery and glass and this display caught my eye. But I knew it was No Spending February. I didn't even set foot in the store, so I wouldn't be tempted. 

I hope you've enjoyed our fun window shopping experience. Yesterday was a busy Saturday with synagogue programs and today I spent at leisure. I caught up on at home activities and took a long walk in Riverside Park. The day started out sunny and perfect for walking, but the sun "retired" and the wind came off the Hudson River. It's not quite spring yet in New York City. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and good wishes for the week ahead. 

Pink Saturday Goes Window Shopping

We're going Pink Saturday window shopping on Madison Avenue

Is anyone as surprised as I am that it's January 8, 2023 already? I knew that the first week of January was flying by, but seeing the date written out came as a shock to me. I was going to post a final set of pictures of New York at Christmas. But Three Kings/Epiphany has passed and I think Christmas 2022 is now firmly in the past. We're securely launched into the new year. 

Instead we're moving forward with yes, spring clothes, from my latest window shopping on Madison Avenue last week.  I saw a number of pink outfits at very high style stores. Though they're not for my super-casual lifestyle, it was fun to window shop.  

The retro pink pants suit at the top of the page and this pretty dress are both from Alexander McQueen. I wish I had an invitation to a garden party this spring.  I would be so tempted to buy this, or at least ask the price.  

 

I love hot pink and this dress at Valentino caught my eye.  

Here I am in my own hot pink jacket at Jonathan Cohen. This blue jean jacket is a lot closer to things I might actually wear, but I'm sure the price tag isn't close to my lifestyle.

I just finished the first week of My Journey of 1000 Miles with 21.8 miles walked for this week. I'm feeling good about it and I'm grateful for very non-first week of January weather which made walking outside so pleasant. Is anyone else tracking miles? 

As ever, thanks for visiting and wishes for a great week.

Pink Saturday Visits Roller Rabbit

Last week I discovered Roller Rabbit. Yes, the name of this store is Roller Rabbit. 

New York City had the most fabulous weather last week and I took advantage of it every day. On Tuesday I strolled down Madison Avenue for the first time in a few months. There were lots of walkers and people eating outside. It was the perfect day for it, sunny, but not too hot. Before I'd gone a block these pink and white pajamas caught my attention. I missed the monkey mascot on the pajamas, but fortunately the friend with whom I was walking pointed it out. my first thought was that it was a cute outfit, and my second thought was that it was perfect for a Pink Saturday post.

I was totally unfamiliar with Roller Rabbit, but it's a national chain of stores. It's a little pricy, but I'm going to be on the lookout for sales. I've fallen completely in love with 

their Monkey Nights Pajamas. I didn't go inside on Tuesday, but I may need to make a return visit soon. 

I was attempting to get a photograph of the holiday window, but got more of a reflection of everything going on in the street.

We stopped in at the gourmet food market down the block from Roller Rabbit and I noticed these pretty pieces of cake. I was tempted, but stopped before I even thought of the calories. Fourteen dollars a slice! It's not the first time I've been shocked by a price in New York City, and it certainly won't be the last. 

Our gorgeous weather ended yesterday with rain and continued with rain (and thunder and hail) today. I did get to Weight Watchers yesterday and am getting used to the revamped Weight Watchers program. Is anyone else in Buttercupland a Weight Watcher member? If so, how are you doing with the new program? 

As ever,  thanks for visiting and wishes for a great week. 

Pink Saturday: Pretty in Pink and Blue

 

Not part of the A to Z Challenge, but my favorite picture in pink (and blue) this weekend,

perfect for Pink Saturday

I have -- as in most years past -- fallen totally behind in the A to Z Challenge. I have no reason, or actually no excuse. I am much busier than last year, when most of my life consisted in being in my apartment, walking and washing my groceries, but not too busy to blog. I may not get to "Z," which is a shame because I have a fabulous post for it, but I fully intend to get back on the A to Z Challenge horse tomorrow.

I spent the afternoon at the Metropolitan Museum, and what a difference a month makes. On my visit last month I was the only person in a number of galleries and happily had the entire collection of Van Gogh paintings all to myself. That was a morning during the week, but this Sunday afternoon was totally different. There is still timed admission, but there were people everywhere. In a total (fabulous) surprise I had the pleasure of seeing a college classmate in the gift shop. We've been in touch through the year, but to actually be face to face and hug hello was a gift. 

Jane and I spent time in the decorative arts galleries and they were less crowded than other areas, but the solitude that was so special in the last few months is now in the past. I am delighted that visitors to the museum have returned and come Christmas I will not be standing alone by the beautiful museum Christmas tree. 

A much less crowded Metropolitan Museum of Art in March

After our museum visit we walked through the rain to a favorite sandwich shop in the area. The sandwiches were as good as  I remembered from an earlier visit this year and on the way we passed this beautiful display at a florist on Madison Avenue. I wasn't planning any redecoration, but the color scheme makes me want to think about redoing my kitchen. After all of the construction for the gas lines last summer and fall, I'm not about to start anything major, but new dish towels and serving pieces might be just what I need to spruce things up. Is anyone else thinking of decorating or other home changes?     

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care.  

It's Madison Avenue Monday

 

No, it's not Pink Saturday, though this neon pink wreath would be a perfect addition to Pink Saturday, and I'm sure I was thinking of an all pink post when I took this picture. But the weather has been drab and dreary in New York today (and a lot of the rest of the country) and I thought we all could use a bright pick me up. 

Love this sweet blender ornament and the smiling avocado in back of it. 

 

The welcoming committee for one of the Madison Avenue florists 

It's not a particularly clear picture, but it's a photograph of the lights actually being put up in the trees. I hope to do a return visit to see the  trees lit up for the season. 

I hope these pictures have helped to brighten your evening. I know that when I focus on the happy moments (and memories) I'm more cheerful and upbeat. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care!

Pink Saturday Celebrates Pink Christmas

LoveShackFancy, the perfect windows for Pink Saturday at Christmas time

I spent a wonderful Friday afternoon walking down Madison Avenue, window shopping and taking pictures. I thought I had my pictures for this Pink Saturday post, and then I got to this window. The store is new -- so admire anyone opening a new retail business in New York these days -- and the windows were both spell-binding and pink. I scrapped my original plan and I present the prettiest in pink Christmas windows. 

A detail from the tree, including the beautiful bow on the top

I had never heard of LoveShackFancy before seeing the store, but a little research gave me the website. There are clothes, bridal outfits and home goods, all very evocative of the South of France and lovely. I didn't explore the store, and honestly, it's pricy for me, but so fun to see the windows. 

The sidewalk decorations were as pretty as the windows.

Who doesn't need a bubble gum pink nutcracker?

I don't have a garden, but if I did, I'd get this garden bench. 

This is beyond my decorating ability, but for the crafty citizens of Buttercupland, I'm including a detail from the outdoor decorations.  

My highlight of the day today was a long walk on West 57th Street, from Eighth Avenue to First Avenue with my friend, Jane. It was perfect walking weather and we even got to meet up with our friend, Pat, on First Avenue for coffee out of doors. I got fun pictures for a post later in the week, a chance to catch up with two friends and walked over four miles. It was a great conclusion to a weekend of thankfulness. 

I don't have many plans for the week ahead. There's a big storm forecast for tomorrow -- maybe even a tornado (in November!) -- so I don't think I'll get to walk very much. I'm planning to write cards, get a few packages wrapped and ready to mail and read the new Sue Monk Kidd book. What are your plans this week?

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care. 

Madison Avenue Pink Saturday

I took a very unplanned, but equally restorative, staycation this week. I'll write more about it in a post later this week, but one of the things I did do was a long -- almost three mile -- walk along Madison Avenue. I didn't do any buying, but I had a good time window shopping and taking pictures for Pink Saturday. There were some fabulous pretty-in-pink sights all along the street.

Vive l'ete -- Long live summer!


One of my first stops -- window shopping only, no calories -- was at one of my favorite places, Laduree. The macarons were, as always, tempting, but I had miles to walk and pictures to take and I kept walking.

I'm sad to say I don't remember which major designer had this pretty bouquet grace his/her window. I loved the bouquet, but I also liked the reflection of Madison Avenue in the window. If you look carefully, you can see my sneakers in the reflection, bottom center of the photograph.

   Thank you, Missoni, for an all pink window. Generally the designer windows are too high style for this senior citizen blogger, but I like the floral dress. I think it would be just right for a summer garden wedding.

 

While we're thinking of weddings, here is a photo of a pale blush -- or is it gold? -- gown in the Vera Wang window. Madison Avenue goings on and the photographer are reflected in the window.

 

This is only for window shopping and definitely for Pink Saturday.

 

I'm definitely back from my staycation state of mind. I'm blogging, doing errands and in a little while I'll be back in the gym. I did a lot of walking outside, but gave myself a few days off from formal exercise. Now it's time to return. Sleeveless dresses definitely call for some time with weights. 

 

I hope you're having a sweet Sunday. As ever thanks for visiting, and take care!

I Would Write a Sonnet Pink Saturday

If I was a poet -- which I'm not -- I would write a sonnet about spring in New York City. Long awaited, finally here and absolutely gorgeous. I'm a blogger and not a poet and instead I'm going to join my friends at Pink Saturday to extol the virtues of a walk along Madison Avenue yesterday, a perfect spring morning.

 Blossoms at the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola, Madison Avenue

 

My only goal for yesterday was going to my annual checkup first thing in the morning. I saw a new physician at a new practice and had no idea how long to expect to wait. No waiting and a good visit -- fingers crossed for the lab results -- and at 10:00 a.m. I had a beautiful spring day and no plans. I thought about going to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which was just a few blocks away, but I hated the thought of going inside. So I didn't. I walked, took pictures and enjoyed the day.  

 

 



Tulips, cherry blossoms and a memorial to firefighters lost on September 11.

 

My walk took me past some of my favorite stores...

 

 

I didn't stop to try anything on, but I loved the bright colors.

 

I spent the most time looking at this window. I have a few books on my reading list -- always do -- but I found a few more I'd like to add.

 

I fought temptation -- and this time I won -- but the black and white cookies kept calling my name.

 

After walking to Seventy-second Street I made my way to Michael's to buy supplies for a mini-craft project. I am happy to announce that I am half-way through and pleased with the results. I hope to finish next week and I'll share what I've done in a post.  

 

My cold/allergies are still giving me a kick, but otherwise the good news is that I'm sleeping on a New York schedule again. We've got another gorgeous spring day today and I hope it's as pretty where you are, too. 

 

As always, thanks for visiting and take care!



Barneys Windows Pink Saturday

For this week's Pink Saturday fun we're returning to Madison Avenue. We're visiting one of my favorite stores for looking, Barneys. It's very chic, edgy and pricy, but they have some fabulous things, especially interesting jewelry, and it's a great place to visit. I buy very little jewelry -- I have lots of things I rarely wear -- but I enjoy looking a lot and Barneys is one of places I most enjoy looking.

I spent a long time last Sunday enjoying Barneys windows, which included an ice skating performance and a dance performance. It was so much fun, especially the dance performance, that I plan an encore visit.

Let's stop at Barneys and see the fabulous windows and decorations.

I love the design and dazzle of this window...

...and the detail of this decoration.  



   

But I especially liked the two performances. The ice skating in the store window was terrific and the changing colors of the lights were lovely. 

 

Although the ice skater is mostly hidden I like the pink lights...

 

  ...and the purple lights.

 

 

 

 One of my favorite moments of this season was the dancers. I loved the bright lights, the dancing and the music.  

 

 

Fabulous performer and performance!

 

 

My stop at Barneys has been among the most fun I've had so far this season. Tomorrow -- hint, hint -- I'm going to another performance that should also be a lot of fun.

 

Hope your weekend is lots of fun, too. As ever thanks for visiting and take good care.  

Laduree at Christmas Foodie Friday

My choice for the first Foodie Friday in December is an old friend, Laduree. I'm not a frequent shopper here, or even a particularly infrequent shopper, but I am a devoted looker. If there was a branch of this beautiful store closer to where I live I might become a frequent shopper. Fortunately for my waist and pocketbook, I am not close to either of the New York stores.

I walked by last Sunday, during my Madison Avenue stroll, and I was very tempted to sample one of the beautiful and delicious macarons. To describe  them as sweet and colorful almond filled cookies doesn't give an accurate description of these loveliest of treats. I'm not just in awe of the macarons themselves, I love the décor of the store and the packaging. The store was crowded -- very crowded -- and that deterred me from a caloric splurge.

The Christmas décor this year did not disappoint me. The theme was one of my favorite ballets, "The Nutcracker," and it was entirely lovely.

 

The theme for this display is lavender and silver. It's not the traditional Christmas colors, but the look is so festive.

 

The beautiful and elegant Nutcracker window...

 

...in greater detail. 

 

The Laduree signature macaron cake

 

 

I may need to make a return trip for a macaron treat, but I will probably wait until January. During December I am going to focus my dessert choices on foods that are only available at this time of year. Happily I can visit Laduree any time of year and won't a macaron and a cup of tea help to cheer up a dreary January day?

 

There's a fun, fun weekend ahead at one of New York's favorite places of the season. It's a surprise, but there will be pictures.

 

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care.

 

 

 



It's Christmas Time in the City -- At Home on Madison Avenue

One of my goals for this month is to finish up my list of medical appointments I need to do. I completed one today, have one scheduled for next Monday and have a third to schedule. As the three  appointments are in different areas of the city I am adding a photographic visit to my agenda for all three. I am not excited about the two remaining appointments and knowing I will be taking pictures after each sweetens the experience.

I started my photo walk today at Madison Avenue and East 86th Street, and walked to East 96th Street. Yesterday's post featured some highlights of Madison Avenue from East 59th Street to 72nd Street. Our area today was quite different. It still has many elegant stores, but there is also a grocery store, several less formal restaurants and a pizza shop. It is much more of a neighborhood shopping area, and somewhere I actually look inside of stores and not just in the windows.  There was also a number of beautiful children's clothing stores with some of the prettiest outfits imaginable.

I love these sweet dresses for little girls and know any princess would be delighted to wear one this Christmas. They had a "Nutcracker" look to them, as did the dress below. This second store's theme was "The Nutcracker," and this look is inspired by Clara, the girl whose dreams set the stage for the ballet.

   

This is one of my favorite windows. I especially like the traditional smocked outfits and the red wagon for decoration.

 

 

 

 

My favorite window on this walk is the bear ensemble. I love the typing bear and the little one peeking out of the drawer on the right. I didn't capture it, but they are animated. If the somewhat clear day hadn't turned to semi-sleet -- the famed winter mix -- I would have attempted video to share. 

 

 

 

Even though there was winter mix today there was one especially bright note on the street, a lovely florist. This was the first time I've seen the paperwhites and they brightened up a dreary weather day. 

 

Despite the weather it was a good day. My appointment went well, I enjoyed my walk and our prayer class tonight was so thoughtful. My goal for the day is to wrap one gift and that's my project after I finish this post.

 

Thanks for coming along on our Christmas walk today. Thanks, too, as always, for visiting. So grateful for all of my blog friends.