All Star Game Concert in NYC

As part of the All Star Game festivities happening around NYC this week, they were holding a Sandy Relief benefit concert in Central Park. Mariah Carey and the Philharmonic Orchestra headlined the event. I didn't get tickets, but Julie, Abby, and I found a lawn spot next to one of the entrances and listened to the event for free. We couldn't see anything because of the trees and it wasn't always super clear in sound. But we got to hear Mariah Carey sing (she only sang like 4 songs though). And after the concert there were fireworks, which we kind of saw because a lot of the trees were blocking the view.

Apparently, due to a recent injury, she looked like this. LOL. Love the blinged out sling!

Semi Celebrity Sightings

About a month ago I'm pretty sure Rachel Dratch, SNL alum, was at the Madison Square Park playground with her son. It was kinda funny, because I swore it was her and mostly recognized her from her voice. I would glance over at times, trying not to stare, to figure out if it was really her. I think she could sense that I knew who she was. She didn't acknowledge any other kids or adults at the playground and kept to herself. And during a week day, most of the adults are nannies anyway who are from other countries so they wouldn't know who she was. But I did!

The end of June also saw the passing of actor James Gandolfini. His funeral was held at The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, which is right around the corner from me. From my room, I can see the back of the church. It is so large it spans the block from Amsterdam to Columbus. I think it is one of the world's largest cathedrals. Walking home a few days before the funeral took place, I saw the barricades put up all along 110th street, spanning the side of the church. I figured it had to do with more Gay Pride festivities, like the AIDS walk or something. The day after the funeral it was covered in the free subway paper and that's when I realized what all the set up was for. If I hadn't been working, I might have walked down there just to see all the commotion. 

MLB All Star Apples

The MLB All Star events will be held at the Met's stadium this year and there are many festivities taking place throughout the city. At multiple locations there are giant apples placed, one for each team. I have randomly happened upon the Rays and A's apples and need to go find the Giants apple.

Saturday in the park

Abby and I walked to the Boat House Cafe for lunch on Saturday. Don't be fooled by this beautiful photo, it was like 95 degrees and 50% humidity. We were sweating up a storm and took the subway home just so we could have air conditioning.

NYC 4th of July

Abby, Julie and I spent 4th of July together in the city. We had a picnic lunch in Central Park and watched the fireworks on a rooftop in the West Village. The family Julie nannies for was kind to invite us over to their place where we had a great view of both the fireworks on the Hudson River and the Empire State Building light show. On the way home, I had the best pizza I've eaten in New York at Bleecker Street Pizza.

In case you missed the show, here's the link to the light show with the music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtnVLFeBWPE. I feel like the light show was longer but can't find any video that wasn't self recorded by someone.

They have a view of the Empire State Building from their kitchen!!

Celebrating the Big 3-0 in the Big Apple

This past Tuesday I celebrated my 30th birthday in New York. Below are some pictures of the day's activities. It was nice to receive cards and flowers from friends and family at home. Julie also decorated the apartment, so it was very festive when I woke up.

Tyler, the boy I nanny for, and I went to brunch at Sarabeth's on Park Avenue. The eggs benedict were okay, not the best I've ever had. However Tyler really enjoyed his fruit bowl.

The view of the lake at the Boat House in Central Park.

Enjoying my glass of prosecco and the nice view!

I had the swordfish and it was really yummy. The crab cakes here are also fantastic.

Birthday dessert!

Dinner with Amy and Julie!

Happy Canada Day-In New York

The first Canada Day celebration was held in Central Park and my roommate Julie (who is Canadian) was very excited about being around fellow Canadians. I joined her and it was a fun event. A little on the small side, which is not what we expected from the information given online. There was a cooking demonstration that was only one table and a "Taste of Canada" that was only two tables of food for purchase. No Canadian beer was provided (which was what I was hoping for). During the day a ball hockey tournament took place and there was a kids table set up to make crafts. In the evening there was a concert with Canadian artists performing. It was a pretty warm day but nice in the shade. We were there for like 8 hours, but a fun time celebrating Canada!

Today for Canada Day Julie made a jello dessert with strawberries on top. Pretty yummy!

Next up, 4th of July. We're having a pretty bad storm and it is expected to rain for the next few days. :(