So I just came back from NYC where I was attending the Inman Connect, a real estate conference where Realtors from all over the country meet for 5 days to talk technology, how to build a better business, and of course, real estate.  I love going to the event because I make some amazing connections and learn a lot of great tools, all while being surrounded by the greatness of NYC.  (During the summer the event is in SF, but since I live in SF that conference doesn’t seem as glamorous.)

You all know I love food, so of course I was constantly scouting out the best eats in food, coffee and dessert.  During a much needed coffee break I took a stroll up 8th Avenue, on my way to Bibble and Sip, where I was going to try out their infamous lavender latte.  I thought that if this latte really was the hit I hear it is, I could learn to make it and offer up guests at my house, something fun and different, and easy to make!

Turns out the lavender latte wasn’t for me…

…but the Earl Gray creme puff sure was!

While strolling up 8th Avenue I passed a restaurant called Thalia.  I didn’t eat there, but outside they had the coolest light display.  They had strung lights, the kind you see everywhere, but strung them 4-in-a-row along the outside of the restaurant.  And that got me thinking…what a cool idea for someone to do with those old clotheslines you often see in the backyards of many of our homes!

While meandering through Greenwich Village on our day off we happened upon a deliciously sexy olive oil shop called O&Co.  They had the most amazing chandelier made out of little bottles of olive oil…so cool!  And I thought: what a fun way to display a collection of shot glasses or tea cups.

One of my FAVORITE places in Times Square is, well, central Times Square!  It isn’t just the energy, but the red tables.  Oh how I LOVE the red tables!  If you are looking for a fun way to add some color and energy to your own backyard consider getting a brightly colored table and chairs, like the Fermob ones found at The Wooden Duck in Berkeley.

Having a party with kids?  Do as Momofuko does and make a cookie with cereal!!  Some of the most creative cookies come out of this bakery, and I have tried them all!

Lastly, the best way to bring a little NYC into your home?  Think outside of the box with color!  Add a little color to spice up a room – ever thought of putting purple, charcoal and orange together?  Check out these painted brownstones I spotted near Washington Square Park!  Or mix and match the chairs around your dining room table to mimic the seats on the NYC Subway.

Ah NYC, how I love thee!  Some leave their heart in SF, but I left mine in NYC.