Wanderlust Wednesday // NYC Travel Guide

Caution: by no means am I claiming to be a travel expert or stating that this list is the best of the best. All I can tell you is that we had one of the best weekends in New York City, and below is what we did/eat/experienced. Enjoy!

1) Bryant Park - we stumbled upon Bryant Park while exploring the first night our trip and it was magical - it's a smaller version of the tree and ice rink at Rockfeller Center, surrounded by local shops & eateries.
2) Radio City Christmas Spectacular - yes, it is as cheesy and amazing as it sounds. If you are going to be in New York around Christmas time, you might as well consider it a must-do! What better to get you in the Christmas spirit then Santa Claus, the Rockettes, & a live nativity scene?
3) Central Park - we spent a brisk chilly morning walking through the park, and it was my absolute favorite memory of our entire trip. Even when the trees are bare, the park is gorgeous and bustling with activities - from runners to carriage tours and street performers, it was just as charming as I had imagined.

1) Dough - a speciality doughnut shop, tucked into Brooklyn that serves up fluffy, homemade treats in decadent flavors. My favorite was the Dulce de Leche doughnut!
2) Los Americanos - we stopped in for lunch while in Tribeca and were not disappointed! Both my husband and I got their tacos (his: barbacoa hers: fish) and they were delish! - double plus, it's reasonably priced.
3) The Smith - any restaurant that is decked out in subway tile is a winner in my book. Luckily, this restaurant had amazing food too. We got the Blue Cheese Fondue potato chips to start - so dang good.
4) The Bar Room - tucked away on the Upper East Side close to 5th Ave, it had wonderful food & yummy drinks - highlighted by a fantastic, intimate atmosphere. I also remember their music to be on point, a big win.
5) Sarabeth's - we stopped here before strolling through Central Park and had for a wonderful brunch. It's a cute diner-esque eatery located close the the park & 5th avenue.

If you're looking for more suggestions, Jessica posted a NYC holiday travel guide last week!

Holiday Wardrobe Essentials // Winter White

stitched sweater / embellished cape / sparkly flats / quilted skirt / ivory shift dress / jeweled clutch

White is hands-down my favorite color. When out shopping, I have to make a conscious effort to pick up items in other colors or else my entire closet would begin to mirror that of the abominable snowman.  A since I haven't been invited to any of P.Diddy's white parties lately (do those still exist?!) it's rare that I'm able to wear white to celebratory event wear I wouldn't be matching the bride. 

Enter the holidays - in my opinion, the perfect excuse to breakout a head to toe white look. There are so many beautiful options like this goregous cape or loving this jacket to match the quilted skirt - they would be so fun paired together! 

Let me know how you're planning to wear all-white this season!

Confetti Chronicles: New York City

Despite the rain and chilly temperatures, this weekend in New York City was perfect. I'm planning to share a full travel recap Wednesday, but until then here's a little compilation of our trip! 

Clockwise from top left: observing some skating in central park, leftover confetti from past celebrations, beautiful views during our brisk central park walk, Bergdorf Goodman's dressed up for the holidays, the Rockettes in the Christmas Spectacular (it lived up to it's name!), wreaths outside of The Plaza Hotel, Bryant Park at night. 

I Believe In // Savoring Every Moment

It was a sobering moment this week when my husband and I attended a funeral for one of his friends from college. From a distance, I witnessed the grave sadness that an unexpected death brought to his family and friends, and I was reminded in such a real way that no day on this earth is promised. And while I am convinced that a much better existence has been prepared for us from a loving God, it doesn't dull the stinging pain of a loss. 

While this time of year has a tendency to stressful and at times burdensome, I have resolved to enjoy all aspects of every day - both the good and bad. It is a gift to be on this earth, spending time with those we love, and I hope to savor it. 

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Wanderlust Wednesday // Toronto

shearling biker jacket / coated jeans / knit scarf / wool baseball cap / t-shirt /double dial watch / chain detail tote / booties

It's funny to me that when I think of visiting other countries, my mind immediately goes to Europe or a tropical destination. I quickly forget about the countries that boarder the United States. And while I've been to Mexico for our honeymoon and a few other vacations, I've only spent a few hours in Canada to see Niagara Falls when I was young. With this recent realization, I'm definitely adding the friendly country up north to my travel to-do list. 

Has anyone traveled to Toronto? What are some must-do's?

Holiday Wardrobe Essentials // Emerald

clockwise from top left: shimmer sweater / brocade dress / earrings / jeans / croc tote / beaded dress / suede heels

What better to wear to all holiday activities this year then the season's signature color, emerald - or green for those who don't appreciate the fluff. In case you need additional justification for adding some lovely emerald to your closet, it's also Pantone's 2013 color of the year, so you better celebrate while there is still time left. I'd pair these pieces with sparkly gold, a pop of bright pink, and of course, a deep red. 

Are you planning to wear any emerald this season?

Secret Agent

It probably comes as no surprise to you that I almost made a habit of missing outfit photos due to the beyond early sunsets that accompany winter. Luckily, we made it out the door with just enough time to spare to snap a few photos - which explains why I didn't have enough time to remedy the fact that I look like I'm on a secret mission. 

Happy Cyber Monday! Is everyone surviving this shopping marathon of a weekend? I've already spent way too much time browsing every possible website I can think of. Opps. Luckily, the bank account still remains intact. If you're looking for a compilation of all things sale - check out the round-ups by Ali and Sally & Molly.  

black fedora / scalloped lace top / old leopard scarf, almost identical / guess coat, similar here & here / jeans / old heels, love this updated version /