lime coconut cookies

Pinned it. Made it.

They were good, but I don't think I'd make them again.

summer jams

I'm rediscovering the beauty of the outdoor concert. So far, I've seen Wilco, Lee Fields (above), Patrick Watson and Neko Case - all awesome.
© photo by me

aiga/ny 30

I stopped by AIGA/NY on my lunch break today to see their poster exhibit commemorating 30 years of the chapter. I can't find very many images online, so you'll just have to check it out in person.

ocean grove

Ocean Grove is barely separated from Asbury Park (We took a small bridge, above. I'm the one in the hat.), but it couldn't be more different. For starters, it's a completely dry city, with a strong religious history. It feels much older and much more quaint.

The town centers around a large auditorium, originally built to establish a permanent Christian camp meeting community. Surrounding the auditorium are tents (although I use that term loosely) - seasonally based structures that you aren't allowed to purchase (the church owns all the land), only lease for a period of 99 years. The tents are super cute:

The town also boasts a number of lovely victorian homes...

 ...as well as some delicious coconut flavored Italian ice.

Thanks for the tour James!
© all photos by me

asbury park

My friend James, a native of the Jersey shore, was nice enough to give Jeff and I a tour of the area. We started in Asbury Park with a walk on the boardwalk followed by pizza and beer.

© all photos by me

reading, watching, listening

Reading: The Fortress of Solitude by Jonathan Lethem

Watching: John Adams

Listening: Wilco

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fashion police

Do you watch Fashion Police? I'm borderline obsessed with Joan Rivers (and they have segments called "Guess me from behind" and "Starlet or Streetwalker").

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

texas, briefly

 (breakfast)

 (swimming) 

 (prep)

 (results)

(after the rain)

(home-cooked)

© all photos by me

lone star

Image from here.
Taking a quick weekend trip to visit family in the lone star state. Looking forward to crossing item number 8 off my summer activity list.

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summer activity list

Once again, in no particular order:
1. Stay a night at the Boatel (yup, exactly what it sounds like).

2. Visit Ocean Grove (below) and Asbury Park.

3. Try all the sno-cone flavors at Handsome Dan's (I had the Earl Grey Cream last weekend and it was delicious).

4. Tour the battery at Sandy Hook.

5. Have an overpriced cocktail at a fancy rooftop bar.

6. Eat key lime pie by the water in Red Hook.

7. See the Brooklyn Cyclones play in Coney Island.

8. Barbecue in someone's backyard (not my non-existent one, obvs).