July 4, 5 + 6

Last week was very relaxed in my world! It was a three-day work week for me, as it was Independence Day last Thursday and our boss decided to give us Friday off. You can be sure that I took full advantage of my four-day weekend, though I ended it feeling a little bit under the weather (as I still kind of am today). Here's what went down over the last weekend!

Pat + Ian || Burger steak, pineapple juice + peach mango pie

July 4

For the first time in the three years since I've moved back to the US, I did nothing on the 4th of July! I basically just spent the day being mostly a couch potato, reading, talking to my mom and playing Nancy Drew on the computer. My friends Pat + Ian convinced me to go out for a little bit, which resulted in an iced chai tea latte (for me!) and a quick dinner with Danica at Jollibee in Queens. When we got home, we all relaxed a little before Ian made some burger-meatball hybrid that was utterly delicious. We could also see/hear fireworks from our little apartment, which was quite nice!

Nancy Drew! ||  (L-R) Ruth, me, Danica, Cindy, Brittany, Jay + Lemeki at Maharlika

July 5

If I thought I was lazy on July 4, I was even lazier on July 5. I basically woke up really late, read a book or two, went to grab some Dunkin Donuts and then played more Nancy Drew. I spoke with my mom a bit as well! My friend Danica had decided to have her birthday dinner that night, so I ended up traipsing to the city (in spite of the heat) to meet up with her and our other friends Ruth, Cindy, Brittany, Lemeki + Jay. We ended up having a nice dinner at Maharlika, a place that serves Filipino cuisine in the city. It was my first time there, so I ordered a classic - tapsilog! It was delicious, and you can bet I'll be back soon for another visit!

Triple cheese omelet || Banana split waffles || Strawberry + chantilly waffles

the awesome stage design || Rachel + I

Sweet cream + cookies ice cream from Ben & Jerry's

July 6

For months now, Rachel and I have been anticipating this day. We met up for a quick brunch at Petit Abeille, where we had yummy waffles + an omelet to share. (You might recognize this place from when I went here with Estelle, Jamie + Vi!) This was followed by a quick jaunt to Barnes & Noble Union Square, where we worked on a blogging project and indulged in a bit of shopping. (In case you were wondering, I got the following books: a paperback copy of For Darkness Shows the Stars, The Distance Between Us and How Zoe Made Her Dreams (Mostly) Come True). 

Then it was time for Matilda! I've been excited to see the show since I first heard it was going to be on Broadway. Matilda is my favorite Roald Dahl book, and some of my best childhood memories are attached to it. I remember constantly eating orange popsicles while I hid out under the desk in our kitchen and read the book over and over again. I used to read it at least once a week! I was also obsessed with the movie, and still watch it whenever I find it on TV. 

I'm happy to report that the musical is delightful! The characters were definitely brought to life in a way that's familiar and new at the same time, and I'm particularly fond of Matilda and Trunchbull. I loved the set, and how they brought certain scenes to life! I also liked how they made the stage production very different from the book or movie, which gave it a life of its own. The children in the cast are so very talented; I was really amazed at how professional they were in playing their roles! It's so worth watching, and I'd gladly go again.