Agenda

My mom and Katie are coming for a visit TONIGHT! This is the first time two of my family members have come twice in the same year! The weather will be in the low 60s which seems perfect for strolling, having an iced tea on the roof, fighting the crowds in such wonderful locations as SoHo and Bloomingdale’s, and dining al fresco at various establishments.

Just in case anyone wants to keep tabs on us all weekend, here are some highlights.

New Upper East Side T.J. Maxx

It’s underneath the Queensboro Bridge and unlike any other T.J. Maxx I have ever patronized.

It stocks a lot of the same brands that I find in Oklahoma, but there is one striking difference: the runway section.

I did not buy the $399 Dolce and Gabbana dress I saw there a few weeks ago, but just knowing there is such a thing as discounted D&G, I found pretty cool.

Chelsea Market is a wonderful collection of boutiques, chain stores, restaurants and bakeries, and event spaces housed in the former Nabisco Factory.

Amy’s Bread has the thickest brownies I’ve ever seen, and the addition of a two-story Anthropologie makes Chelsea Market a place I want to be.

It’s on the west side, though, so I really don’t go there except when company’s in town. So it’s a special treat for me too!

EATaly is Mario Batali’s newest dining experience: an entirely Italian market, cafe, and restaurant.

I’m excited to experience the pizzeria as well as browse the high-end culinary offerings. But I can hardly wait to stand in line and deliberate at the gelateria.