a day trip to beacon & brooklyn

I turned 36 last weekend. *Gulp.*

Instead of pondering the number and what I've done so far, what I'd like to do, and the feeling that time's a wastin'... I'll just say that at 36 there is much to be grateful for, and it starts and ends with family and friends. 

I spent the weekend celebrating -- on Friday night, our family of 4 went out for sushi. It was the girls first time with chopsticks, and while it was a little comical to watch them maneuver their beginner sets, they did a lot better than I was expecting! Too funny.

On Saturday, my actual birthday, I slept in for a bit (the best present ever) and we hopped in our car for a quick trip up the Hudson to the Dia: Beacon in Beacon, NY (though we recently got a car, this trip is easily doable by Metro North). I've heard about the Dia for years but this was our first visit, and luckily the weather was perfect for a day out of the city. The contemporary art collection, located in a former Nabisco box printing factory, houses some pretty impressive works by Andy Warhol, Richard Serra and Blinky Palermo (the name alone makes me an instant fan).

The space is enormous, and we had a blast just roaming around the halls checking out the collections (please note: I snuck the photos with my iPhone as cameras are forbidden indoors. And yes, I'm still feeling guilty about it!) There is a cafe inside the Dia where you can eat before heading back to the train (in walking distance of the museum), but we opted to drive up to Main Street to check out the town a little and have lunch. We found Homespun Foods after reading about it online, and I have to say it didn't disappoint -- the only drawback being the crowd in the restaurant... hence those good reviews! 

Such a perfect day. 

On Sunday, I headed out for another day trip - Williamsburg! - to check out the Brooklyn Flea with friends and a yummy brunch afterwards at southern-themed Extra Fancy (I owned my SC roots and got the shrimp and grits... so good!). I have to admit I don't get to Brooklyn very often, and when I do, I honestly feel like I'm a tourist walking around. Sad but true. Much like the Dia, I'd been hearing about the Flea for a while and was curious to check it out. The vendors ranged from the hip and cool to straight-out-of-someone's-basement, but we had fun just walking around and taking it all in. And I bought myself a little birthday gift: this vintage necklace (pictured below). Love!

Best of all? Hanging out with friends, who I don't see nearly as often as I'd like. Yup, 36 is starting off alright.