Brooklyn in Bloom....

So, thanks to a break in humidity and nearly cloudless skies...this weekend was the PERFECT weather to enjoy the great outdoors.  So yesterday a friend & I took full advantages and made a trek to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens to enjoy all the spring beauty of the Cherry Blossom FestivalJ

But first, since we were in Brooklyn for the day (and we...ahem...got off at the wrong subway stop) we thought we'd partake in one of it's finest delights: Grimaldi's coal oven pizzaJ

I had been here once as part of a "Pizza Tour of Brooklyn" (yes, that exists and it IS fabulous!) and after waiting in line from 11:30, we were seated, family style, to watch the magic (and mayhem!) at work....

We started with some Old Brooklyn cream soda (how pretty are the bottles??J) ...

And then it was time for the main attraction!  A garlic/half sausage, fresh mozzarella & basil treat right from the coal ovenJ 

Just check out that char!  My favorite partJ

Smokey and sweet, this pizza still reigns supreme on the "other" side of the bridge.  The crust alone is worth the trekJ

(although, truth be told...we are a little spoiled and still thinks Delorenzo's reigns supreme over ANYWHERE!J)

But just check out all the pizza patrons waiting once we left at 1:00!  If you want Grimaldi's, you better get there EARLY!

After our pizza, we got a sweet tooth fix with a Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk cookie from Jacques Torres a few blocks away...yum!

After that, we hit the subway to wind our way downtown to Prospect Park.  A highlight of which was when we had to succumb to the beautiful weather, plopped down our jackets and lounged under a tree for a breakJ  It was just too gorgeous of a day to not take it all inJ

All with the melodic sounds of a ukulele being played in the background...sighhhh J

After our break, we FINALLY found our way to...

And let's just say: We weren't the only ones enjoying the view!  That place was PACKED!!!: 

We wandered amongst the zillions of people the blossoms and of course, stopping at the "sweets" stand to split a traditional red bean filled treat. (much like our white bean filled treat)

It was just a nice day to be in the city and walk many miles.  Some days you just have to stop and smell the cherry blossoms rosesJ

Hope you guys have a great weekend!  Ours SKY ROCKETED as usual!  And to kick off Monday, here was my workout rundown from last week: 

Monday:  30 minutes dance/weights + 1 hour pilates

Tuesday:  40  minute Bethenny yoga + 1 hour boxing + Bethenny weights & 'booty blast'

Wednesday:  Jillian Shred- LEVEL THREE!

Thursday:  Circle Pilates

Saturday:  1 hour+ Power Yoga

Sunday:  Hours of walking through NYCJ

Now I'm ready to start a motivated Monday....have a great day, everyone!

Much love to NYC...today & everyday.