Happy Holidays from NYC

The holidays are my absolute favorite, no other time of year is better in my opinion.  I feel like everyone is on cloud 9, especially here in NYC.  Aside from the rather chilly weather and snow (i.e. slush) lined roads, there is something extra magical in the city around Christmas.  Check out what I have been doing to take in the season.

Windows at SFA.

Perfect shopping conditions.

Mackenzie Child's at it's finest.

I bet the Rockettes are performing in there right now.

Braving SantaCon 2013.

Ran into The Vocaholics from NYU, check out Abbey- always the leader of the band.

Perfectly Pink

Dream. Come. True.  Club Monaco on 5th Ave hosted an event with the author of my favorite daily read, Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere.  Not only was I able to meet her (eek, scroll down!!), but we chatted for a second or two!  After snagging a pic with Emily, I made my way around the store.  There were great desserts and drinks being passed and precious little craft stations.  The store was also amazing.  
I was so pleased to find that Emily was so warm, friendly, and truly genuine.  After reading her blog for so long, I had this idea of her and what she would be like.  Luckily she exceeded all exceptions and definitely didn't disappoint!
I have never spent too much time in Club Monaco before, but after this event I will definitely be back!  Gorgeous pieces and the whole store was styled by Emily-- she put her seal of approval on items that she loves and styled areas with beautiful baubles and jewels!
Loved all of the items that Emily picked out!  My favorite table was the one I snapped a shot of below, but my favorite piece?  Definitely this gold and black skirt.  Can we say swoon?
So lucky to live in a city with endless opportunities!  Embracing all that is right in front of me during this season of life, and couldn't be happier! Much love from NYC.

In Full Swing

Fall is in full swing around here.  Saturday was the most beautiful fall day I have ever seen!  Coming from a season-less state, it's exciting to see the weather turn, the leaves change, and enjoy some brisk morning walks to soak it all in.  With daylights saving upon us, by the time I head home from work, it is pitch black outside.  Fortunately though, the mornings are much brighter and get me going for the day!  I plan on taking full advantage of this sweet season.

Taste of Texas

I have fond memories of weekend mornings filled with doughnuts and kolaches.  Now that I live in the city, a city filled with Dunkin' Doughnuts and Cronuts, a good old pig in a blanket is hard to come by.  To fulfill my craving, I ventured out to Brooklyn to get a little taste of Texas with my girl Kylie.

Not only was did this place have to do for flavor combos, but it was so darn cute!  Every last detail was whimsical and the whole shop was full of so much character.  Another sweet surprise was the backyard patio!  Always an extra treat when you find outdoor eating spaces like this in the city.

I will definitiely be going back the next time I am in Brooklyn around breakfast time, which hopefully will be soon!

Nice to have Met You

 A sweet friend of mine was so thoughtful and gave me a membership to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, conveniently located four blocks from my apartment.  Decided to spend a few fun hours exploring while Joel was in town!

A trip to The Met isn't complete without going to the roof and taking in the city.

This view...

Stopped into a special exhibit that was right up this American boy's alley.

He's all smiles.

So fun to see old ads with bold prints.

Shameless selfie, I don't hate it.

We didn't even see the whole thing, I think that would take a full weekend.  It was fun scratching the surface, and as a member I can go everyday if I want!

Hillsong Lovin'

One important thing that I had to do once I got settled in the Big Apple was to start getting plugged into my new city.  It has been tough to learn to be intentional about making friends, finding fellowship, and establishing my place in this  hustle and bustle town.  Who ever thought you could get so lost in a city of millions?

The biggest blessing since my move has been getting involved with Hillsong NYC.  Let me tell you, my church is awesome.  I had heard of Hillsong first through their music when I was younger, and now I get to jam to them a couple times a week.

Check out some of my favorite tunes, and if you ever find yourself in New York, you should definitiely make it a point to stop by!  Get ready though, to get a seat you have to come an hour early and yes-- wait in line for church!

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Weekend Beach Bum

Last minute I was invited out to my long time great friend's summer home on Long Island in the beach town of Oakdale.  I have been coming here since I was in middle school, spending about a week here during the summers.  It was so nice to be able to come back for a quick weekend trip!

This little beach community is so unique.  Everyone knows everyone since most of the families have owned homes here for a couple generations.  The community is made up of small bungalows like this one.  They are all so unique and all combine together to make the sweetest town.

 

We went out on the boat, something I haven't done since last summer!  Reminds me of great times spent on the lake in Texas.  But unlike Texas, we took a quick boat ride to the beach!  How lucky am I that I now live in a city where the beach is just a short train or car ride away?

Couldn't get enough of these gorgeous views.  We lucked out with only a little bit of rain followed by beautifully clear skies and lots of sun (trust me I have a sunburn to prove it)

It was so much fun catching up with old friends as well as making new ones!  Lucky that I have a friend in the city who also has great friends that I get to spend time with!

Great greenery on Fire Island.  Here is a picturesque view while making our way out to the beach on the island.

We spent today at the beach on the bay in the neighborhood (see pic below).  Such a relaxing weekend in such a pretty place! 

To say I am exhausted after such a fun filled weekend is an understatement -- but making such fun memories is what I live for!  Last minute trips are perfectly unplanned and so sweet that they easily become some of my favorite!