best day ever

so yesterday, after a long morning/afternoon at a seminar on budgeting (aren't you proud, mom?) and after getting to the post office to pick up my package two minutes after they closed (ugh... probably the collected correspondence journal i just ordered), i decided to do a little exploring around my neighborhood. i don't do enough of this, and there are so many cool shops and restaurants all around the east village and lower east side - i don't know the area nearly as well as i wish i did...if only i didn't have to work a full-time job...

anyway... i stumbled upon two amazing stores...

first up is Wendy Mink jewelry on the lower east side. there is some absolutely incredible jewelry in here, and the store itself is styled so beautifully. Each case has a different color scheme for the jewelry, and a different theme within each. absolutely gorgeous.

then, even though i was running late, i couldn't help but step into the next store when i passed by it. it's called John Derian, in the east village. probably one of my favorite stores i've ever been into. it's hard to describe why it's so amazing, but there are some great decorative items in there. but what steals the show are the plates that John Derian makes. he takes vintage prints that he collects and decoupages them onto the back of a glass plate, platter, paperweight, bell jar, etc... i couldn't resist the one called "tree of life" - with beautiful calligraphy forming the shape of a tree, with the fruits of the spirit hanging off of it, and birds flying nearby. it's now hanging proudly in my room. that's the only thing i bought there yesterday, but i would have taken one of everything in that store... everything about it is beautifully done - from the shopping bag and tissue paper to the sales receipt - i will most definitely be back soon!

details of my plate...

then to top the day off, i went to a She & Him concert at terminal 5... the only way to describe this concert was... CUTE - Zooey Deschanel is the lead singer, backed by M.Ward and others, and it really was just the cutest concert i think i've ever been to.... so fun!

so it was a great day... now i'm so sad the weekend is almost over.