Gourmet Bagel, WHAAAAAA?

Clearly last night we were out very late. And with an awesome twist, I found out that a good friend from High School was coming to the city today, so I was a tad bit excited. I slept a total of 2 hours. T-W-O hours. So as soon as my alarm went off, I headed out the door for my bi-annual Soy Chai Latte. Yes, meaning I only get them about twice a year. I've already been looked at like I had three heads today, for not knowing the fancy sizes, don't you look at me like that too!

After my first couple sips of Chai, I headed out to explore. It was such a cold day today, but so unbelievably gorgeous. Welcome to Columbia's campus when the students are gone on Christmas break. Amazing. Sunday is definitely the day, in general, to explore.

After hitting up a few book stores and lolly gagging here and there, I decided to surprise the hubby with "breakfast in bed". I went to his favorite gourmet bagel shop. Did you just question me saying 'Gourmet?'. New York City people take their bagels SERIOUS.

I'd like to introduce you to 'Absolute Bagels'! On Broadway, right around 108th Street in the Upper West Side. This photo was actually taken as I was leaving. Because that line, was not the same that I stood in. I waited about 10 minutes outside, and 10 minutes inside just to get to the front! But its totally worth it. Such an institution. But beware, if you come to visit its CASH ONLY! (Hubby's was under $5.00) You won't want to miss out.

So this cooler is full of cream cheese. GOURMET Cream Cheese! For example, I got the Hubby Bacon Cheddar Cream Cheese on a Garlic bagel. So many big chunks of bacon and cheddar. Nom Nom.

This is a close up. Those are ALL different kinds of cream cheese!

 They make their own bagels and they are still steaming when sliced open for your toppings. Its so amazingly delish! you must come!

But my FAVORITE part of the day had nothing to do with NYC. It was the little bit of home that my dear old friend so thoughtfully brought me. :*) Rock & Rye Faygo, you just can't beat it.

 Detroit Love. 

Scarlett J

All Photos were taken with an iphone 4.

Getting ready for NYE in Times Square, 5th Ave and seeing Lincoln!

Emerging from the subway into Times Square, you just never know what you will see. Its like Christmas, every time!

 Why is there a band here? WHO KNOWS!

 

Why is there a creepy dude from Predator? WHO KNOWS!

 

Random Chinese people declaring their Democratic party! WHO KNOWS!

Then comes actually looking at the preparations that have started for NYE!! So exciting. First thing I spotted was the addition of speakers, big speakers, EVERYWHERE! 

Above that red rectangle is where the ball will drop in about 25 hours!

You will NEVER see this area empty, except for right now as they are preparing for NYE!

 SNOW! As the rest of the US has been getting nailed with snow, we have gotten nothing but rain. FINALLY we get some decent snow :).

Moving on to 5th Ave/ Rockefeller Plaza:

 Behind all the people, was THE Tree! Supposedly this year it was from Michigan! :) So Proud. 

How BEAUTIFUL is she?! OOOOOh Christmas Treeee, OOOOOH CHRISTMAS TREE!

We wandered around after and came to the Lego shop. Can you believe this display is made completely of Lego's?!

I love all the random Holiday decor around the city.

Finally, the REAL Reason we came to Times Square! My hubby was surprised by the other portion of his Christmas present. Going to see Lincoln! Our theater was on the 3rd floor and the seats were AMAZING. Almost as good as lounging on your own couch at home. I will DEFINITELY be going back. Lincoln was also, BY FAR the best movie I think Spielberg has ever made.  But that's just my humble opinion.

The theater was close to empty! How cool! :) Yay for midnight showing!

Back home we go, but wait! Not without a little NYC entertainment!

What do we see that could possibly be a little out of place.... hmmmm. The guy laying down Zzzzzzzzin' it up? Gosh NYC is amazing :) 

Overall, it was an amazing night! In total, with Dinner at Q'doba and movie tickets we paid $50.00 for tons of fun. Which is a steal for two people in NYC.

Scarlett J

 All photos were taken with an iphone 4, with no editing. Just for fun to document our adventures. 

Progression from clients to friends.

Meet The Mitchell's.

This photo was one of my favorites from their homecoming session back in 2010.  If I remember correctly, baby Leah was only a few days old when her Daddy left for Deployment. I love how happy they are. I love the emotions you get from homecomings.

(Tip: Homecomings are about the easiest thing for anyone to photograph because it all comes so naturally.)

There are times when you meet people and you just know you will become friends. Its easy in the Military. "Fast friends" happen because we have to count on each other more. You don't have family close by, especially in Hawaii, but its amazing when those fast friends become life long friends.  The Mitchell's happen to be one of those clients that turned into fast friends (or vice versa) and then life long friends.

Momma Mitchell is one of those people that no matter how much time passes, I can talk to her about secrets, worries, exciting events or anything else. I love knowing her and watching her beautiful family mesh into Civilian life.

Fast forward 1 year:

When my husband and I came to NYC to check out the city/ Columbia U we stayed with my buddies and I was able to capture one of my FAVORITE holiday images ever. Miss Leah, being Miss Leah. :) As a photographer, I don't think people realize how rewarding it is to see these babies grow up. Now that we are living here, we had some time before Christmas to do a quick holiday session with the whole family.
 

I love capturing the little moments and beauty in this family. I can't wait to see the transformations that happen in the next year.

Best wishes my Loves.

Scarlett J

9 months. Wow. Time flies!

I can't believe its been almost 9 months since the last time I posted ANYTHING on this blog. 

Since this then:

• My husband got into Columbia University and Harvard!           
• We chose Columbia!

•  We moved from Michigan to NYC in September.

• I finished not only my Associates in Photography but 3 months later wrapped up my Bachelors degree in Psychology and History. (WOOOT! It only took about 10 years, but I have 3 degrees and a 2 certificates, not counting the endless student loans lol. ) 

• My husband was chosen to be the speaker at his graduation! He sat next to, and got to chat with, Representative Dingell!!! It was very exciting. 

• Our "baby" Hazel (German Shorthaired Pointer) is now almost 17 months old and HOPEFULLY full grown.

• And we celebrated our 1 year anniversary weekend in Gatlinburg, TN. One of our favorite places. 

• This does not count all the crazy random activities that we were able to do this year like;  going to a Tiger's game, ALCS playoff games, we went to see the Rockettes at Radio City, we saw the Atlantic Ocean the day before Hurricane Sandy hit. We were also able to visit Sleepy Hollow during Halloween time, attend a Bach concert at Carnegie Hall and so many other amazing activities.

It has been a great year and I can't wait to see what more is in store for us next year! 

Below is our "Holiday Card/ Year in Review". Enjoy! 

Scarlett J

Goodbye Packard Plant

The rumor in the city is that Monday (tomorrow) the guy that owns the old Packard Plant in Detroit will start fencing it off for demolition. Such a sad day to lose such a historical landmark.

Packard was a very luxurious car company. The company was started in 1899 and stayed in business until 1958. Unfortunately, not much has been done with the building for the past 54 years. This location has turned into a hot spot for "Urban Hikers" and photographers a like. (Typically I believe those two go hand in hand.)

So today, myself and 3 others enjoyed a rather cold day at the Old Packard Plant saying goodbye and drinking in all the cool stuff that the building still has to offer. The one fact that no one told me, and that I couldn't comprehend before going there is how insanely HUGE this plant is. It just goes on and on. You would never be able to walk the entire thing in one day.

It's such a cool place that was waiting to be gentrified, but it just never happened.

Here are some of the textures that I took today that might help you get a feel of what its like:

Below is a screen shot that I took from Google Maps.  The Packard Plant is about (at least) 10 blocks long!!! Its amazing.

I hope you enjoyed!

<3 Scarlett

Macro Photography @ Driving America @ The Henry Ford Museum.

 Some people would go to "Driving America" to see the cars. I am not one of those people. I couldn't even tell you what the cars looked like. Not because I'm not a car person (because I am), but because when I go into photography mode, I'm totally focused on my objective. Today, it was textures and using a macro lens for the first time. My initial intent was to make textures to enhance my photos. But after showing them to some friends on Facebook, they are rather cool on their own. Cool enough that the idea of selling them by themselves is actually growing on me.

As for what I saw at "Driving America" and how it differed from the old car exhibit... Its pretty cool. Lamy's now serves food, the cars are easier and more interesting to view and everything flows better. Also, the lighting is a MILLION times better than it used to be. I only wish the Airstream exhibit was would be more expansive. They only had one and it wasn't open to look into. :( Booooooooo.

I can't wait to go back and shoot more textures. And I'm way excited about the Titanic exhibit coming at the end of March. As well as the opening of Greenfield Village this spring! WOOOT!

If you haven't been, PLEASE go soon! The Henry Ford
         Yes, Hubby and I both are members. I have been since I was about 18! (Total history nerd, I know!)


<3 Scarlett

(Below are samples of my textures!)

Recommendations for "Jean Friendly" Restaurants (and Bars) in Ann Arbor.

Congratulations to my friends whom are celebrating they're 3rd Wedding Anniversary! (WWWOOOOOOOOOOT!) They're heading out for a night on the town and since we eat out far too much, she asked me what some "jean friendly" restaurant options would be for them.

Here are my top 7 for Ann Arbor, MI.

The Blue Tractor

BD's Mongolian BBQ

Grizzly Peak

Pizza House

Tios Mexican Cafe

The ORIGINAL Cottage Inn

Zingerman's Roadhouse


Also, a couple of my favorite bars that are "jean friendly":

Ashley's
   Great food! Just celebrated my birthday here! Very laid back.

The Alley Bar
    Dark, Intimate, a "nice" dive bar :) 

Connor O'Neills
    Great obnoxious (live music sometimes), energetic Irish bar. If there's not live music, its pretty relaxed.

BTB Cantina
     Have a Burrito and a beer!

There are TONS more to add to this, and maybe someday I'll go on a spree and search for new! But these are probably my fave's.

Enjoy!

<3 Scarlett