Through My Lens : Recently

Nail Polish Top Coat

Before I start this post, I have to mention that Bloglovin' may've eaten my blog at least temporarily. I made a request to have them update my URL since I switched to a custom domain because you can't do it yourself. Well they told me that they moved my page and followers but they didn't tell me where and it seems to be missing. I'm hoping that this issue will be resolved soon but it's been a little distressing to say the least. Update: My blog is back! Thank you Bloglovin'

I may have bought this Paul & Joe Beaute Top Coat because it comes in such a gorgeous bottle but it actually works pretty well and provides a shiny chip free finish to my nail polish.

Diptyque Jasmin Candle, C. Wonder Candles
The Diptyque Jasmin candle was a birthday present I received. I picked up the two astrology candles at C. Wonder's going out of business sale for $10. I'm an Aquarius and my husband is a Sagittarius. They all smell lovely.
Peter Thomas Roth skincare set
The Sephora Beauty Insider birthday gift this year is a choice between a Peter Thomas Roth skincare set or a NARS lip pencil set. The colors of the lip pencils weren't really me so I chose this one. I'm really more into skincare than makeup lately.
Comfort food
Colder weather calls for heartier comfort food like shepherd's pie which is great since the recipe has a good mix of vegetables including parsnips which I'm quite fond of. I've been making this every other week lately and it makes for tasty leftovers too.
Pastrami Sandwich
The famous pastrami sandwich from Katz's Delicatessen. My husband and I usually split this along with some of their pickles because it is that big and that filling.  And yes it's every bit as good as it looks. This place attracts tourists and locals alike for good reason.
Shake Shack, burger, angus burger
We visited Shake Shack to try the new ShakeMeister burger. It is a classic Shack angus beef cheeseburger topped with crispy marinated shallots and Shack sauce. It was good but a little on the salty side. I prefer the regular burger with everything (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles) or Shroom burger more. This burger is available at all Shack Shake locations (except for JFK) for a limited time.
NYC Winter, Snow in NYC
Two snow photos that I forgot to include in my snow day post last week. This is how the garden downstairs that I've often mentioned in my Floral Friday posts looks when it's covered in a blanket of snow. This view is prettier from my terrace than up close.
NYC Winter, Snow in NYC
Depending on how much it snows, we sometimes get a dusting of it on the north corner of our terrace even though it's covered. During the big blizzard of 2010 we actually got 5" of snow across the entire balcony. 
NYPL, New York Public Library Fifth Avenue, New York Public Library lions
I took my mittens off to snap this shot of the famous Fifth Avenue location of the New York Public Library and my fingers felt like they were frozen by the time I was done. No joke it was that cold. Anyway this is such a beautiful building that I always have to admire it when passing by. No surprise that it's a national historic landmark. 
Mantra
Spotted on the wall at Banana Republic.

70 comments

Anonymous said...

I'm a fan if Diptyque candles and Paul and Joe products. I don't think I have ever eaten at Shake Shack but I'd love to one day.

Natalia | Look-A-Porter said...

So frustrating about the feed disappearance - hope it will be fixed promptly. I've dealt with Bloglovin girls in the past and they've always been very helpful, so lets think positive. The Paul&Joe polish is just gorgeous and I love the candles very much, too. Such lovely treats! x

Nequéren Reis said...

Imagens maravilhosa e saborosa amei, tenha uma semana abençoada.
Vídeo Novo: https://www.youtube.com/user/NekitaReis/channel

Lilli said...

Morning Rowena! So sorry for the trouble, I thought was weird, in fact, this morning to not see your usual monday update on bl. Fingers crossed for you, I know it will be fixed soon. Btw, there must be so cold in NYC, the snow is gorgeous but I think also the troubles. The snap of New York Public Library is beautiful and those fries made me so hungry, looks so yummy!:) Im into skincare stuff more than make up at the moment too, those products seem good. Happy Monday dear! xo

Elle Sees said...

sometimes i buy things just for the packaging! glad you had good results from it!

Kelsey&Kenecha said...

Hope you get things fixed soon, it must suck!

Loving these photos. Those candles are so nice and all that food looks so good :D All such beautiful photos as always :)

http://floralsandsmiles.blogspot.ca/
twitter.com/floralandsmiles

The Dainty Dolls House said...

The nail polish is so cute, love the bottle too :) All the food has made me hungry, haha :) I hope you can get bloglovin fixed, I know that can be annoying!! Happy week to you my dear xx

Tales of Whimsy said...

That sandwich looks awesome.

Lenya said...

Beautiful pictures, Rowena. Hope they'll fix it asap.
xox
Lenya
FashionDreams&Lifestyle

Hoda Katebi said...

Oh no! Hope your blog issue with Bloglovin is resolved very soon! In the meantime, at least you have what looks like amazing candles (are you an Aquarius? Me too!) and yummy food! Also, I'm really excited to be in Morocco right now and out of the horrible snow storm in Chicago right now! Stay warm and safe! xx

<(') Hoda | JooJoo Azad

Anonymous said...

Where is all that pastrama going with that sandwich?? :-) I've never seen this much meat on a sandwich before, haha, I can see why it attracts tourists.

Unknown said...

Ahh that sandwich looks amazing - nothing beats a good blue steak!! I had left over blue steak on rye bread with mustard, rocket and tomato for lunch today........ but it looks crap compared to THAT!!

Aw I love those candles too! I need one for me!! :)

http://mystery-girl007.blogspot.com/

Stanislava E. said...

Hey there! I noticed yesterday that there was a problem with your blog on Bloglovin, but I thought it was temporary. Sometimes my posts don't show up and I have to write them e-mails to solve the problem. Anyway, glad I saw your post on FB. I am a big fan of "Through My Lens" on your blog! You always have some interesting photos to show! What zodiac sign are you? I am curious to know! That ShakeMeister burger though...I am so hungry! Have a lovely day, Rowena! xo

Anonymous said...

We would have bought that top coat for the bottle too, and we are way too hungry now, everything looks so yummy!!

xx 365Hangers

Shireen L. Platt said...

My hubby bought me two custom domains recently as part of my birthday gift and I have been thinking of switching it too. However, I have been really worried about all the changes and how am I going to update bloglovin and all. Reading your inconveniences are making me more worried. :-(

Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

Ivana Split said...

Wonderful photographs of the snow covered New York...I especially love the one of the New York library...such a stunning place it is!

I hope the bloglovin situation will be resolved to.

I'm also more into skincare lately.

Jane said...

i think i was able to get all your blog posts on my bloglovin feed!

Beauty Editer said...

Love this so much.

xoxo;
BEAUTYEDITER.COM, BEAUTY BLOG

Eleonora said...

I love so so much scented candles! So nice even in summer!
Lucky you that bloglovin' has solved the problem!


http://follementefashion.blogspot.it

Marcela Gmd said...

Lovely post!!! nice photos!!!
Have a good week, dear Rowena!!! g+ and like's for you!!!:)))

Besos, desde España, Marcela♥

Anonymous said...

Your photos never cease to amaze me Rowena, they are so pretty!

Anonymous said...

Those candles look really nice!

Raindrops of Sapphire

Unknown said...

Hope you fix soon bloglovin.. Sorry fornthe trouble..love The nY scenary and that candles

Ciao ciao

Unknown said...

These photos are so great! The food photography is definitely making me hungry! :)

Unknown said...

That food looks delicious ...sooooooooooo yummy !!!
xoxo

www.sorananistor.com

Oh to Be a Muse said...

Congrats on getting a custom domain. That's great news! And I love the nail polish bottle and the C. Wonder candles. Those inspire me to do a quick DIY craft.

$25 gift card to shop the mint on my blog!
www.ohtobeamuse.com

Paola Lauretano said...

I love the packaging of your top coat and the candles are amazing!
I hope your plobelem with Bloglovin is resolved very soon....
Have a great start of the week!
Kisses, Paola.

Expressyourself

My Facebook

nancy @ adore to adorn said...

I love Diptyque scents! They are so sophisticated. It really made me feel so adult when I first got them. =)
And the Shake Shack photo!! YUM!! I want to go back there! I've only been once! hehe
xo,
nancy

buffalo journeys said...

That pastrami sandwich is making me hungry.
Beautiful photos, especially the snow scenes!

Vanessa N said...

Ugh, Paul and Joe's packaging always suckers me in--really it's not that accessible over here! Also, THOSE ASTROLOGY CANDLES LOOK AMAZING. Is each sign scented differently?
I'm a big fan of shepherd's pie, but it never comes out right when I make it from scratch.
P.S. IT FINALLY SNOWED IN TORONTO! 22CM, YASSSSSSS!!!! (Got to see my dog do bunny hops in the snow since the snow is taller than her)

Margaret Dallospedale said...

OMG
So chic details Rowena
Lovely candles
Kisses
Maggie Dallospedale Fashion diary - Fashion blog

ALLIE NYC said...

I love those candles, they are expensive but worth it!

Allie of ALLIENYC
allienyc.com

Michelle said...

That top coat bottle is gorgeous! I didn't even realize what it was until I read that - thought it was a crystal knick knack or something. Very pretty! I'm an aquarius too and I'm going to check out that candle!

xo, Michelle
Neon Rattail

Unknown said...

The Paul and Joe Polish packaging is really pretty. Idef would have purchased just for the bottle also :) A shame about the problems with your domain....hopefully it will get sorted soon.

Keisha xo
www.chrysalisgals.blogspot.com

MorganWolf said...

Beautiful pictures! Love the food picture ugh I'm so hungry now hahaha. Also, you have the prettiest blog theme I've ever seen, wow!
manicpixiegirl

little luxury list said...

Mmm Shake Shack. I almost always make a trip to the Shake Shack by the WFC when I'm back in NY. I miss eating and shopping in NY. I heard the in store C. Wonder sales were great and wish I was there to grab a few things@

xoxo,
little luxury list formerly Chic 'n Cheap Living

Midnight Cowgirl said...

The pastrami sandwich looks amazing! Now, I'm hungry :)

My Garden Diaries said...

I'm so glad they resolved your issues friend! I have different things going on over at blogger so I know the feeling! And yes...that is the prettiest nail polish bottle I have ever seen! But man you get me every time with your meals that you all have! They look AMAZING!!! And that sign is perfect! Loving seeing things through your lens as always buddy! A wonderful and creative week to you!!! Nicole xoxo

Anna said...

Yum, I love food! :3 Also, that cucumber eye gel?! That looks very interesting! That top coat? I'd buy it for the bottle too lol.

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Rowena,

So glad that you have your blog issues back up and running.
The nail varnish bottle and the candles are lovely.
hope you are enjoying the week
hugs
Carolyn

Leslie said...

Yum;) I like shepherd's pie and it's the perfect winter comfort food. Diptyque makes lovely candles although I've been wandering over to the Jo M. counter and like them too:) Great photos Rowena and I'm glad the blog is working again. I believe we've all had issues and one time or another.

Christina @ Happy or Else said...

My old mentor used to have that "never never" plaque in his office. It cracked me up. You are such a fancy cook!!! LOVE the terrace shot!!!

The Modern Page said...

nice post!

GARCONDAILY.COM / MEN'S FASHION BLOG

trishie said...

I'm a sucker for pretty packaging too. That Paul and Joe nail bottle certainly is gorgeous!

Unknown said...

Awesome collection of pics. I love those astrology candles (I'm a little bit of an astrology nerd)! Do you know if you can get those online? :)

Jackie Harrison said...

The images are perfect and the food looks so vibrant.Great job with the pictures.

Elisa @ Crazy, Amazing Life said...

I am such a sucker for candles, and I love the astrology candles you bought! The Dyptique candles smell diving, but I am allergic to synthetic fragrance oils and they make my throat itch, otherwise you can be sure I'd have them everywhere because I love their classic simplicity!

Ileana said...

Such beautiful pics! Loved the banana republic wall!
xoxo

Novelstyle

JeannLiew | Luminnej said...

Wow! That Paul & Joe top coat does look divine, the bottle that is *_^ I would have tempted to get it myself too!!

That Thomas Roth set looks interesting though I have not tried the brand. We have the brand over here at our sephora as well. Am sure you will let us know what you think in your future post!

That public library looks lovely.

Gosh, you do stay quite high up! I used to stay in a condo. Now come to think of it, it's quite daunting due to the height *_^

Hope you are having an awesome week. Keep warm! My friend.

Jenmarie said...

So glad everything with your blog on bloglovin' was sorted out :) I love those new candles you got. The shepherds pie also looks so delicious and like you ordered it from a restaurant. What a professional you are :)

BEAUTYEDITER.COM – Beauty Blog said...

Awesome photos. Have a great Wednesday! :)

love;
STYLEFORMANKIND.COM
Facebook / Bloglovin

Jana said...

Wow love your pictures and your blog!

Jana
Life of Jana

Corinne said...

Ahh, it's always a bit scary when you move your bloglovin about, I've had to do it a few times and it always goes a bit funny!

Corinne x
www.skinnedcartree.com

Unknown said...

Nice pictures! I really want the Jasmine Diptyque candle.

Georgia www.lumublog.com

sonia // daring coco said...

Wait C.Wonder are out of business? That's so sad. I've only really seen their products on Shopbop but have been smitten with their designs and pieces. I've got a few on my wishlist, waiting for me to buy them and I think the time might be now :o(

Sxx
www.daringcoco.com

María Pilar Bernal Maya said...

oh, all that snow!
kss
new post: http://tupersonalshopperviajero.blogspot.com.es/

jackie jade said...

great photos - hope you're staying warm with all the cold and snow!

oomph. said...

shepherd's pie...reminds me of school days and school lunches. i miss it and need to learn to make this.

Kelly said...

Such pretty pictures! Love your blog, starting to follow you now!

Kelly | www.Elegantic.nl ♥

Lyosha Varezhkina said...

yummy food and great candles!

Lyosha
Inside and Outside Blog

miss b said...

What a gorgeous top coat bottle and I absolutely love Diptique candles. Shepherd's pie is probably my all time favourite winter comfort food! Glad to hear the problems with your blog have been sorted out.

Nnenna said...

I've always wanted to try the Diptyque candles, but I've held off since they're pricy. One of these days I will treat myself! Also, the picture of Shake Shack crinkle fries is making me pretty hungry right about now.

Jessie said...

I love the astrology candles! I would love to find something similar, such a lovely idea!
Jessie @ Ivory Tower Diaries

A Very Sweet Blog said...

I'm so glad it got resolved Rowena! Maybe that's why I didn't see this post. LOL I still have to try Paul & Joe cosmetics. Always thought their nail lacquer bottles were pretty! That pastrami sandwich and burger look SO SCRUMPTIOUS! I'm salivating! HaHaHa Awesome picture of the New York library!
http://www.averysweetblog.com/

j said...

The nail polish bottle is beautiful, I've never heard of that brand before but I do keep saying I need a good top coat. :) I can't wait for my free birthday gift from Sephora, I wouldn't care about the lip pencils so I'd go for the skin stuff as well {I wouldn't know what to do with the pencils, really}.

It's so pretty outside your window with the dusting of snow. It must be nice to look out the window at the snow and know someone else is cleaning that up.

lisaxbeauty said...

Would love to see snow one day, theres no snow where i live!


lisaxbeauty

honestly, b. said...

I'm obsessed with that "never give up" lettering on the wall! Also, that shepherds pie looks amazing. I've never made it before, but I think it's time I try!

Jo said...

I love reading these posts. Those candles are the prettiest! Do you have the shepherd's pie recipe by any chance. I don't think you included the link. Thanks Rowena!

xo Jo

http://www.whiterosesandcoffee.com/

Happyeverafterbride said...

I wonder if the Shakeshack in London also has the Shake meister? Will have to drop by to check it out! :)

Unknown said...

Loved the post ! The pictures turned out great and it looks like you had a lot of fun
charizma lawn / eye makeup tutorial / abaya fashion