This weekend I made a discovery: a discovery of something key that has been missing from my life without me even knowing it. That something is key lime pie. I always imagined it as this horrid, bright green, over sugary, American dessert, but it turns out I was so, so wrong. I was out eating dumplings with some friends on Friday (which were amazing, at a place called Red Farm in the West Village- this is one of our orders):

However, what blew me away was dessert- the waiter recommended the key lime pie and wow! Buttery graham cracker crust, custardy filling, meringue-y top and a side of lemon sorbet- I can’t believe I used to dismiss this as a dessert not worth a second look… I might even have a go a making one myself! This is one thing Americans have got very right! It’s just a shame it only comes by the slice…

On Saturday morning I went with a friend to get out nails done in the West village- this isn’t something I would normally do, but it’s a very New York thing and a bit of pampering at the start of the weekend is never a bad thing!

We were right around the corner from Magnolia Bakery (made famous on Sex and the City), so we couldn’t resist a cheeky visit, and guess what they were selling? Key Lime Cheesecake! I’m not ashamed to say I couldn’t resist… I might be making a few more trips than usual to the gym this week…

The afternoon was pretty cold (for October- my doorman promises me it is going to get so much worse) so I wrapped up warm and headed down to Union Square to the Max Brenner chocolate bar for some hot chocolate. I was rosy cheeked by the time I arrived, and walked in to the cosy, chattering atmosphere, where the intense smell of chocolate hits you as you walk through the door.

I took a chance and went for dark hot chocolate with Mexican spice (red chilli, cinnamon, nutmeg and pepper), and I’m not exaggerating when I say it was incredible. The spices somehow manage to take the edge off the richness, meaning you may even have space for a second cup…or a slice of their chocolate-marshmallow “pizza”.

On my way back, I discovered what might just be my two new favourite shops in New York… prepare yourselves for a lot of photos but just appreciate the beauty.

The first one simply says “We do dishes”. I would add “in the most beautiful way possible” onto the end of that.

Anyone who has been in an antique shop or Zara Home with me will know that this phrase definitely applies…

And then I found a second place just across the street, this one even bigger and with more variety.. I was just looking around in awe (I appreciate most people would use this kind of language when talking about a famous historic place or monument, but homewares hold a special place in my heart so bear with me).

If I owned a house, I would buy all of these…

I eventually tore myself away to come home and get ready for the evening. Me and my friend Cristina had decided to an event called The Speakeasy Sessions at Drom Nyc. The tickets were only $10 so we went with fairly low expectations and ended up having a fantastic time. The evening started with some swing dancing lessons so we learnt the Charleston (I danced with a charming New Yorker called Jim, who had his own dancing shoes!) and then there was a great jazz band and a burlesque show! Not my average evening out but definitely a fun one and a sign of how much New York has to offer.

Today, it has been a perfect autumn (fall) day (see, I’m learning!). I went to church this morning, snapping a couple of pictures along the way.

The 20s/30s group had a brunch afterwards where I met some great people and the food wasn’t bad either! I went for poached eggs (which I have been craving pretty much since I got here), but of course, that was too healthy to serve on its own, so it came with pulled pork, hollandaise sauce, toast and chips! Not that I’m complaining.. look at it! Yum!

This afternoon, I was very cultured and went to the Cloisters with a friend. It’s part of the Met Museum and brings together lots of pieces of art and architecture from medieval Europe, mainly related to churches and monasteries, right at the top of the island. The views alone are pretty spectacular, now the leaves are starting to change and it looks over the water too.

It’s full of peaceful little courtyards to wander through, with the sun streaming down and fountains trickling. I can imagine in a couple of weeks when fall has really set in, it will be even more spectacular.

All in all, not a bad weekend. I’m definitely starting to love this city.