windows at bergdorf goodman

Not quite as spectacular as last years, but still pretty breathtaking.

© all photos by me

central park zoo

In what must have been the extreme opposite experience of our trip to the Bronx Zoo, we visited the Central Park Zoo on a most picturesque summer day. Although much more convenient, the Central Park outfit rather paled in comparison to the Bronx.

© all photos by me

the big cats

We did take a small break from our meat eating to visit In-Sync Exotics, a refuge and education center for exotic felines. The non-profit rescues and cares for exotic animals after their owners can't or don't want to anymore. Each cage displays the history of its inhabitants, which are really fascinating. 

©all photos by me

jane's carousel

Jane's Carousel opened this summer in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Built in 1922, the carousel was originally installed at Idora Park in Youngstown, Ohio. In the early 80's a local couple purchased the carousel and began the long process of restoration in their Dumbo studio. Twenty-seven years later, the carousel is open to the public, housed in a Jean Nouvel pavilion and overlooking the Manhattan skyline.

©photos by me.

bronx zoo

Since Jeff already got his birthday wish, the rest of the birthday celebration was pretty much in the bag. We spent a cold and snowy day at the Bronx Zoo, where we practically had the whole place to ourselves - apparently not many New Yorkers are eager to be outdoors during inclement weather. They really missed out, as it was pretty spectacular to see a polar bear in the snow.

More photos here.
All photos by me. 

windows at bergdorf goodman

Incredible.

Photos by me.

bears

Some bears I saw on 37th Street.

horace the pig

Not sure what I like more - the fact that this cutting board is in the shape of a pig, or that his name is Horace.
Yoostore chopping board via Design*Sponge.

towel animals

If you've taken a gander at my Flickr stream, you may have noticed the bevy of towel animals. These were done by the housekeeping staff on the ship - a different animal every day!

Want to make your own? Click here for instructions!

everglades holiday park

After we debarked from the ship, we took an airboat tour of Everglades Holiday Park.

We made some new friends.

After the boat tour, we had a delicious Cuban lunch, followed by some beach time back in Ft. Lauderdale.

...and then it was back to LA!
More photos here.

duck crossing

 

While walking though my neighborhood yesterday, I noticed a family of ducks crossing the street. The mother looked both ways, then crossed. I followed them across to make sure no cars came their way, completely mesmerized.