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...

Married Christmas Cards!

Last night I came home to a wonderful bright orange surprise on my doorstep… 

I could hardly contain myself. I literally ripped open the box like Ralphie in "A Christmas Story."  Paper cuts be damned, the contents of this amazing orange box would be mine and soon enough, my family and closest friends will also possess the magic of Shutterfly! 

Without further ado, I present to you...our first Christmas Card!

{Front}

 {Back}

I love, love, LOVE them and cannot wait to send them out!

Dear Santa,

Dear Santa {Husband},

I think I've been pretty good this year, so please put some of these under my Christmas tree...

Canon EOS Rebel Digital T2i SLR Camera

Santa, thank you for braving Black Friday at Best Buy for this

Jessica Simpson Luggage

Coco Chanel Mademoiselle Eau De Parfum Spray

Michael Kors Watch

Tory Burch Leopard Wedges

Pink KitchenAid Stand Mixer

        Love,

Christina

Thankful

It is truly the most wonderful time of year! It is a time to gather with friends and family, reflect on your blessings, and give thanks to our Lord for everything He has given us. 

There is so much Matt and I have to be thankful for this year as we celebrate our first married Thanksgiving together – our marriage, our family and friends, our health, new jobs, our home, and so much more. It has truly been the best year of our lives and we are so happy, thankful, and blessed. 

I pray that you and your family have the most wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! 

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

– 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Potato Casserole

Looking for an irresistible southern sidedish to please a crowd this Thanksgiving? Potato Casserole is scrumptious,  easy to make, and pairs perfectly with turkey & gravy. My mom makes this casserole dozens of times throughout the year, and now I do too!

You Will Need:

{1} 32 z package frozen hash browns, thawed

{1} 16 oz container sour cream

{1} Bag shredded Cheddar cheese

{1} 10 oz can cream of chicken soup

{1} Large white onion, finely chopped

{4} Cups crushed corn flakes cereal

{1} Stick melted butter

Salt + Pepper

Garlic Powder

In a large bowl, stir together hash browns, sour cream, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, and onion. Sprinkle generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir.

 Spoon potato mixture into a lightly greased 13×9 inch baking dish.  

In a large Ziploc bag, crush cornflakes then add butter. Seal and shake well. 

 Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour {or until bubbly}.

ENJOY, and HAPPY THANKSGIVING! xoxo