My first post...From the airport

This is it.

"It" being several things.  It's my fist blog entry - that one I think is obvious.  It's the first day I'm away from my husband DJ in 6 weeks - He's starting on a new journey of his own today and I'm so excited for him.  It is also...Well, you know when you feel like you are at the start - the very beginning- of what you know in your gut is going to change everything.  Well.  Here I am.   I definitely feel it. 

In the past 6 weeks DJ and I have packed up our picturesque house
in Wayne, Pennsylvania and moved it home to Halifax, Nova Scotia.  We have set up our new apartment, with much help from my amazing Mom and Dad.  I have thrown an awesome bridal shower/cocktail party for my cousin and close friend (also, thanks Mom). And then I packed up what I thought I might need for the next 6 months of life as I prepare for my next chapter in New York City.  I'm reminded of Will Ferrell's 'Buddy the Elf' journey into the big apple...'And then, I walked through the Lincoln Tunnel'.  Ha!  Not exactly, but I think the feeling of awe is the same.

I'll be studying Classic French Pastry Arts at the International Culinary Center.  It's on Broadway, in SoHo.  I know.  Amazing, right?  We rented a small apartment close to the school that I'm really excited to make into a cozy, pink haven where I can put my feet up after a day of buttercream whipping and fondant rolling!  DJ is going to be coming down to stay every other weekend...Right now I am at the airport by myself, but I will see him a week from tomorrow.  That seems far off to me right now because we have had the most lovely time this summer.  The space between his last job and his new job allowed him the month of July off.  There were lots of beach days and bbq's, walks to the waterfront and drinks on the patio.  It was so much fun and I'm sad that that part of the summer is over.  But looking ahead!    

I fell in love with NYC before I even got there the first time 5 years ago.  DJ and I went down around Christmas and we had fun touring around.  I was amazed by the energy - nothing stopped!  Living in Philly, we got to New York quite often.  Every time I went I felt that same energy.

Me in NYC at Christmas for the first time.  I was mesmerized! 

In April I went up by myself and took a one day class for fun at the ICC.  Cream Puffs and Eclairs.  Amazing!  I knew immediately that this was the place for me.

My enthusiasm for baking grows with every new recipe.  I know this is the right path for me and having support from family and friends and my amazing husband makes leaving a little easier...Well...A little less hard.

I've come a long way in the past few years.  This was my first cheesecake:

Notice the strategic placement of whipped cream to cover the many cracks in the too-wet surface.  I think it tasted ok, but my presentation definitely needed work!!

One of my latest pursuits - miniaturizing Sarabeth Bakery's Ruby cake into these sweet little baby-bundts swirled with raspberry jam and chocolate.  Much better!  And lots more to come...

I plan to post my journey as it happens...From my creations in the kitchen to my adventures around the city.  I'm so excited to get out and start exploring!  I hope this will be a place my friends and loved ones can come to check on what's up with me - in between visits to see me!!!

xox L