New York: Day Two

Because I'm exhausted trying to catch up with laundry, chores, posting, etc., I'll just jump right in here with day two rather than start waxing poetic about the trip.
Last Thursday was another amazing pre-BlogHer day which was spent traveling around the city on one of those double-decker buses (a first for me) with a bunch of other bloggers on Kodak's Big Apple Bus Tour.
Kodak had sent us nice point-and-shoot cameras, the Kodak EasyShare M580 to be exact. Though I'm used to my Canon Rebel Xsi DSLR, I found the Kodak camera to be a great little traveling companion. The photo quality was good, especially in bright, outdoor light. I'm not used to not having a viewfinder to look into, so the digital screen took some time to get used to, especially in bright light when the LCD panel is obscured.

All said, I did manage to get some amazing photos on the bus tour.
The color quality was fantastic!
We started out at Caroline's Comedy Club, which was smaller than I expected but cozy and dark.
We enjoyed a lunch of salads, sandwiches, and amazing cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery. They even had the little "share" button on them, like on the camera. (note to self, no need for a flash for shots this up-close).
After lunch, we hopped on the buses and set out for some photographic inspiration.
The Empire State building above, Times Square below.
The Flatiron Building, one of my favorites in New York.
A sea of yellow cabs and a blogger's arm.
Wall Street and the Financial District.We stopped in Battery Park for a bathroom and drink break, and Naomi and I strolled an outdoor market.
Didn't buy anything, though Naomi came back with some bubble tea.
We then headed back towards Midtown along the East River. It was such a fun trip, despite the hot and humid temperatures, and I'm so grateful to Kodak for inviting us and providing us with cameras.
Despite missing my DSLR, it was great to have a camera that can be easily stowed away in my purse and that still takes pretty good shots.
After the Kodak tour, we headed back to the hotel to get washed up (I mean, gosh just look at that messy head of hair, not to mention sweaty back!). Then we began the ominous task of party hopping. We started out at the Social Luxe Lounge, which was incredible.
It was held in the swanky Arena event space and had great music, good food, and lots of stuff going on from makeovers to awards to henna tattoos.
Even my son liked the Social Luxe Lounge tattoo that I brought home for him, just like mama's henna.
It was all nicely put together, though a bit too crowded for my taste, especially while trying to tote around the enormous and cute swag bags, which were filled to the brim with wonderful products. And we waited forever in line to get in--it was just moving so slowly at check-in. I really liked the binder and other office-type stuff provided by Avery, their main sponsor. They cleverly packaged things in a little polka dot box with tags like "Ouch" on a mini first-aid kit and "Ew" on hand sanitizer.

After some time at Social Luxe, we headed to an event at the Martha Stewart Omnimedia headquarters. Based on what I blog about, you might have guessed that I'm a huge Martha fan.
Unfortunately, we got there too late to actually see her, but lots of the staff was there. I recognized a lot of names from the magazines and shows. The amount of cookbooks on their hallway shelves was mind blowing.
And I loved seeing all the Everyday Food magazines lined up on display outside of one of the offices.
The space is in an old building in Chelsea, with great city views.
It's just down the street from the television studios, which I visited when I was pregnant and Mr. Geek and I went to a show (me skipping, him sulking).

Empire State Building lit up for the evening

At the party, the MS people had some tables set up with crafts, food, products and other displays throughout the space
and an awesome calligrapher who would write a special date for you on a postcard.
I really believe that Martha is going to take over the universe. I mean, who else has amazing craft ideas, recipes, paint, and even a Sandals resort affiliation for their brand?
These folks really know how to put on a party.
Who would've thunk an oreo cookie cake? Martha et al.

Amongst the delightful treats, I scored a basil lillet slush...OMG!
So so so good, and I'm making these once I figure out what the heck lillet is.

Sqeal! I love these two cooks from Everyday Food, Lucinda Scala Quinn and Sarah Carey.
Sigh. Why is everyone so much more photogenic than me? Blame hoofing it via subway and taxi in the high humidity.
What a dork...I think I'm allergic to smiles.

So that's it, day two. Exhausting but exhilarating. I tumbled into bed, dreaming of paper punches, cookie cakes and lillet.
Disclosure: I received a the Kodak EasyShare M580 as part of participating in the Kodak Big Apple Tour.