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New York City

I am back from The Big Apple! Last week I spent a few days in New York City for a “business trip” and it was quite the adventure for a 4’11” girl with no sense of direction. The hustle-and-bustle of the city was like nothing I have ever experienced, and I am now convinced that this city really doesn’t sleep! 

The biggest Christmas ornaments EVER!

I arrived Wednesday evening just in time to grab a cup of hot cocoa and hang out with President Obama, Justin Bieber, and Cee Lo Green at the Rockefeller Center for the famous Tree Lighting Ceremony! The 74-foot Norway Spruce was illuminated by 30,000 LED lights {which adds up to over 5 miles of wire}, and topped with a Swarovski Crystal star. No ornaments, just good ole fashion glitz. It was beautiful.

Later that night I met up with some sorority sisters at a cozy neighborhood wine bar, called Wine:30. We had such a blast catching up and reminiscing our college days.
 

I stayed at The Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel, which was an ideal location, close to Macy’s and H&M. The hotel towers 26 stories above the heart of Times Square, and each room has a menu of 6 types of pillows {in addition to the 11 pillows already in your room}, which is completely necessary for one person, right? 

I did attempt to take the subway at one point, but got hopelessly lost trying to find a station in Times Square. After inconveniencing more than a dozen pedestrians for directions, I safely made it to the station. However, nothing about the subway makes sense, so I chose to take cabs everywhere instead…and I am glad I did. Some people find NY cab rides terrifying. I, on the other hand, was completely fascinated by my cabbies’ incredible driving skills!

I averaged 2-3 Skinny Vanilla Lattes a day

With so many delicious restaurants in the city to choose from, picking a place to dine can be quite overwhelming. So, before I left home I enlisted the help of a few friends for suggestions, and arrived with over 2 dozen restaurant recommendations! Here are just a few places I was able to check off my list… 

Penelope
The Meatball Shop
Serendipity

The city’s holiday spirited storefronts are reason enough to go shopping! The wildly festive window displays are breathtaking, creative, and beyond decadent. In true NYC form, there’s no shortage of glitz, glamour, and whimsy encased for all passerby’s to see. Here are a few that blew me away:

Top Left: Bergdorf Goodman, Top Right: Macy’s, Bottom Left: Barneys NYC, Bottom Right: Bloomingdales

No NYC trip is complete without a visit to Canal Street, the Holy Grail for down-and-dirty bargain shoppers. I made it my mission to browse the crowded and chaotic streets for the absolute best “genuine” imitations I could find. I was able to “knock-off” a few items on my Christmas list for under $100…success!

Michael Kors Purse, Michael Kors Watch, Coco Chanel Mademsoille Perfume, 3 Pashminas

 

New York City is definitely at its finest during the holiday season. I am already trying to convince Matt to take me back to the magical winter wonderland for Christmas 2012…


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Andersonfjii

Tuesday 13th of November 2012

Ohh fun! Sounded like a nice trip! Nice gift ideas too! My husband and I are going to visit his grandpa in buffalo, NY for Christmas.. should be nice!

Nicole-Lynn

Thursday 8th of December 2011

Ohh fun! Sounded like a nice trip! Nice gift ideas too!My husband and I are going to visit his grandpa in buffalo, NY for Christmas.. should be nice!

Heather

Thursday 8th of December 2011

It's so funny that when you live in NY, you tend not to take advantage of all the city has to offer. We are 20 min away from Times Square (by car...40 by train) and we maybe get into the city a couple of times a year. Christmas in NY is pretty magical though, and something everyone should get to experience at least once in their lifetime!

Fash Boulevard

Monday 5th of December 2011

oh my goodness, sounds so amazing. I've stayed there as well during Christmas, it's ideal. so beautiful. super glad you were able to catch up with your sorority sisters. always a must. amazing post, love. I hope you had a fabulous weekend. If you get a sec, I'd love to hear what you think of my Holiday party post. xowww.fashboulevard.blogspot.com

Claire' Healthy Home

Sunday 4th of December 2011

Found you through Pinterest! Beautiful blog! I haven't been to NYC for christmas time since high school. So magical. Must go back!