Yay! We're in New York City at the Roosevelt Hotel on 45th Street. Wille opted for a hotel in Midtown so we would be closer to the sights. For that it was a superb location. Just steps off Madison Avenue and walking distance to many places we wanted to see.
And walked we did. Temperatures in the high 80's. Hot and sticky. We encountered this guy here, there and on roof tops.
It's not like we needed any more exercise but we couldn't resist this shot at Madame Tussaud's. That's one tall Chinese dude.
Back home. Unpacking our NYC loot. Love the mix of fleamarket, drugstore, B&N etc stuff. To do this summer includes rearranging Willes stuff in his room and in storage. All the new stuff will speed up the process for sure.
So happy to see Mini and Bonus when we got back, Mini had lost her bell so she was lurking about stealth-like but Bonus was his true self falling over to the side in the hope to be petted.
And I'm baking! It's on my to do list to bake more and so far I've baked a gazillion of these gooey chocolate cup cakes and some almond biscotti too. We're invited to a Midsummer's Eve party tonight and it's sort of a tradition that I bring the biscotti.
Happy Midsummer's everyone!
Glad Midsommar Benita!
Posted by: Gül | June 25, 2010 at 07:49 AM
Dear Benita, I hope you'll tell more about your NYC stay - especially about the flea markets :)
Posted by: Frau Mayer | June 25, 2010 at 07:53 AM
I' so glad you enjoyed my city! It is nice to see it through your (and Willie's) enthusiastic eyes! I giggled when I saw your NYC "loot".... Froot loops, Fruity pebbles and Q-tips! Such Treasures!!!
Posted by: rebecca | June 25, 2010 at 09:14 AM
I'd love to see what you end up doing with the Texas license plate. It seems like such a unique souvenir for someone from Europe (but definitely not a bad one). ;)
Posted by: Kara E. | June 25, 2010 at 10:05 AM
So....QTips? Are Swedish QTips not very fluffy or something?
My Swedish friend arrives next week, for the first time in the States. I'm really curious about all of the random US stuff that caught your eye or that you can't find at home! Maybe we'll be hitting the drugstore for her?
Posted by: Emily | June 25, 2010 at 11:48 AM
I LOVE the picture of Willie in the wax museum. Great shot, mom! Looks like you had an amazing time! I live in the states and havent been to NY yet! (in my defense- Im alllllll the way across the country in California!)
Posted by: Megan | June 25, 2010 at 12:29 PM
Glad to hear that you had a nice time in NYC. Can't wait to hear more. There's something about coming home from a trip a getting back into all things domestic, especially baking. I would love to see some of your favourite recipes.
Posted by: Nancy | June 25, 2010 at 12:47 PM
Yes, I was curious about the q-tips as well. And you really need to get candy recommendations from your US readers- I think we can lead you to better candy here than lifesavers. We do have some good stuff! Though I understand that each country tends to have their own idea of what good candy is- flavors that they prefer.
Posted by: charli | June 25, 2010 at 01:39 PM
OK, seems as though there is a theme here....future blog post maybe???
I suppose we Americans are interested in what you are interested in and why. In my case, I've not been to Europe. I am wondering if what is standard everyday 'stuff' to me, (or us, see above comments), is unique to you?
It's strange to think that in the world we live in today, with an internet connection, that you wouldn't have magazines and Q-tips and misc. other items at your disposal. But I suppose there are issues like finding them, shipping costs, etc.
So, can you elaborate on this? Maybe it will help counter the jealously I feel when I see some of the AMAZING antique markets and shops in European blogs. I can say to myself, "Yeah, that's a lovely 18th century miniature enamelware lunchbox, but, HA! We have Q-tips and Fruity Pebbles!"
Posted by: [email protected] | June 25, 2010 at 02:47 PM
Glad midsommar, Benita and family!
I'm so excited for my party tomorrow...and the bonus is that my mom found a vintage Swedish costume at an antique store...it's kind of a mishmash of several regions, from what I can tell!
If you ever want a US care package, all you have to do is say the word! There are plenty of things that will fit just dandy in a box to be shipped...
Posted by: Bridget | June 25, 2010 at 02:58 PM
How on earth do you stay in shape?!
Posted by: Sanna | June 25, 2010 at 03:28 PM
Looks like New York was a great time. Must say I love Wille's outfit he looks so posh!! Those shorts are just to cool!! Hope you had a great midsummer we had fantastic weather in Norway but had to put the little one to bed at 7 so we had to watch the bonfire from our window!! Maybe next year she will be able to join in the fun!! Have a great weekend.
Posted by: Siv Aksdal | June 25, 2010 at 06:17 PM
Lovely to have you back. Can't wait for more details about the trip and the Midsummer party. Is the Midsummer party a custom, tradition? Please let us know more.
Posted by: Gosia | June 26, 2010 at 12:43 AM
I'm loving all of these 365 photos. :D So glad to have you back and on a side note, Wille is looking extra handsome these days. :)
Posted by: Amy | June 26, 2010 at 07:23 AM
Running up and down a ladder, eight hours of activity on weekend days and riding my bike to work I guess :)
Posted by: Carlos | June 26, 2010 at 02:29 PM
Dress shirts do that to sixteen year old buys :)
Posted by: Carlos | June 26, 2010 at 02:29 PM
He is isn't he :)
Posted by: Carlos | June 26, 2010 at 02:30 PM
Gooey chocolate cupcake sounds good - is it possbile to post the recipe?
Posted by: kirstie | June 26, 2010 at 04:52 PM
It looks like you had such a fun trip. I'm so glad Willie enjoys time with his mom! I can't believe you were baking two days back--I think it would take me a week to recover and start baking. At least, that would be my excuse.
Posted by: Cherri Porter | June 27, 2010 at 01:32 AM
Dear Benita, New York is always a very fun and exciting city. It looks like you guys had a great time. The cup cakes look great. Will you be sharing the recipe for the cup cakes and biscottis? I would love to make them for my boys. Thanks and hope you had a great weekend.
Posted by: Carmen | June 27, 2010 at 02:09 PM
Here's the recipe for the biscotti http://chezlarsson.com/myblog/2008/11/fathers-day-almond-biscotti.html for the time being. Will need to check if Wille will share our secret recipe for the cup cakes...
Posted by: Carlos | June 27, 2010 at 02:29 PM
Will need to check if Wille will share our secret recipe for the cup cakes...
Posted by: Carlos | June 27, 2010 at 02:29 PM
Here's the recipe for the biscotti http://chezlarsson.com/myblog/2008/11/fathers-day-almond-biscotti.html and the cinnamon rolls http://chezlarsson.com/myblog/2008/08/kanelbullar.html. Will need to check if Wille will share our secret recipe for the cup cakes...
Posted by: Carlos | June 27, 2010 at 02:31 PM
Very impressive!
Thanks for your presentation and I appreciate that!
Keep up your good work. I will come here regularly for news.
Posted by: projectydesign | June 27, 2010 at 11:20 PM
Apparently I'm not the only curious about the "goodies" from the states, including the Q-tips! :) Would love to hear more about your choices and basically I'm just curious to know if those items aren't available where you are, or if the brands are just better? ...
And a comment for your next trip. If I'm reading correctly, your "rooftop/nighttime" picture was taken from the Empire State Building ... if yes, then I would suggest on your next visit to try out the "Top of the Rock" (Rockefeller Center) - three levels of views, both indoors and out, and it's a 365 degree view as well. Go up before dusk to get the whole picture in daylight, and then night! I'll also recommend The Wellington hotel (about a block and a half from Central Park, and a short walk to Times Square) and the Belvedere (another short jaunt to Times Square).
Posted by: Karen | June 28, 2010 at 11:45 PM
We did consider Top of the Rock but hadn't pre-bought tickets unfortunately. We overheard some ladies in the elevator at our hotel that the lines were crazy and that they were taking turns queing. We pre-bought the Empire State Building tickets but next time (yes, there will definitely be a next time) I'll pre buy some for Top of the Rock!
Posted by: Carlos | June 29, 2010 at 02:22 PM