Flights of Fancy

This weekend I got myself some paint supplies and dreamed up a few feathers!

New York, New York!

Today was a great New York day! There was a crisp chill in the air, people were smiling, I got a massage AND I rode the "Boardwalk Empire" train! Woohoo!

(more great pics on Flickr)

Scene Stealer

This week we started dress rehearsals for a new production of Anna Bolena (aka Anne Boleyn). The costumes are amazingly beautiful. They were made in London and are 100% historically accurate. That means many layers, no snaps, zippers or even buttons- and a lot of lacing up of bodices. Its been great to have the whole building buzzing with people and to finally be on stage. Also, it doesnt hurt to be dressing the little lady who is sure to steal the opening scene: the future Queen Elizabeth...

Back in the Opera saddle...

Um, I kinda cant believe its been over a month since my last post. Boo on me! BUT, I was enjoying my summer vacay so much I just coudnt spare a minute for typing. So sorry. I spent three weeks in NC seeing family and friends and it was delightful!

I was truly depressed about returning to the city but I was also excited about starting my second season with the Metropolitan Opera!! This year Im thrilled to be one of 13 "steady extras", which basically means I am a full season dresser rather than being hired per opera like I was last year. I think my contract says Im guaranteed at least 250 performances... in an 8 month season! Phew!

This is my second week back, and since its still pre-season its just day work for now. I've been moving a lot of racks, unpacking crates, filtering laundry and dry cleaning, sewing in pit-pads, and repairing hem lines. Its been kind of nice to be 9-5 for a while and be able to come home and have dinner with the hubs. Im savoring this since it will go right out the window when performances start next month.

Also, we've been cleaning and purging from old boxes in storage- and every now and then my boss makes me dress up. Ah, sigh.

Firework Cookies

When I saw the July cover of Martha Stewart Living I knew I wanted to make those cookies!



We will be (briefly) joining Eric's family this weekend I thought these would be a great addition to our trip. My only hesitation was that I'd never even made cookies from scratch before let alone decorate them so intricately. But I guess you have to start somewhere so I gave them a go.



Putting the dough together was a cinch and I went a head and rolled it out right away, between parchment paper, before chilling it.



This morning I got to baking and decorating.



I think the only real problem I had was getting the consistency of the icing right.



As you can see in the picture some of them bled over.



But all in all, I think not so bad for a first time decorator!

I also have to tell you about NY Cake. Martha Stewart recomends them in the magazine and since Im here in NYC I had the privledge of just popping over to their store. WOW! If you love to bake and you're in NYC, GO TO THERE !!

Working on Swan Lake tutus :

Magnolia Prints

Totally OBSESSED with my new prints by Kari Herer (via Decor8)