And after:
What do you think?
Haircuts!
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I know I did! It was really one of the best ever! Although I am still recovering from the massive amount of found I indulged in yesterday, I thought I'd put up a few pictures of our haircuts from last week.
Here are the before pictures:
And after:
What do you think?
And after:
What do you think?
I Am Thankful
Thanksgiving is my very favorite holiday. My parents have always made it a magical day. We wake up to the smell of homemade sweet rolls and hot chocolate. After we have breakfast together, we all get ready while Mom puts the finishing touches on her midday feast and while our friends arrive. Before we eat, we go around the table and everyone says what they are thankful for. (This part usually ends in happy tears!) After lunch, while my dad watches the Cowboys, we start getting out all of the Christmas decorations with our friends. From then on the whole house quickly transforms into our own little Christmas house. Wall hangings get replaced with Christmas tapestries. Towels are exchanged for our holiday ones. Christmas music plays while the whole house still smells amazing from all the leftovers and desserts. The trees (yes, two) get decorated while we dance and sing to the music and recall all of the special memories that each decoration brings to mind. And once the trees are decorated, we finish the evening by watching the first Christmas movie of the year and toasting to the holiday season.
So, since I am not able to share my Thanksgiving meal with you, here is what I am thankful for:
1. David. I honestly have no words to even begin to describe how much joy, happiness, laughter, stability, and strength he brings to my life.
2. Family. For the first time in a long time, my whole family will be reunited in one place. And for that I am infinitely grateful.
3. Friends. I have many acquaintances. But I only have a few true friends. Unfortunately, they mostly live far away from me. And yet somehow we have all found a way to remain close. These relationships are what keep me going. I don't know what I'd do without them.
4. A good job. Last year, I was stuck in a job that was making me miserable. My quality of life had significantly deteriorated and it was beginning to affect my relationships. But this year I have found a job where the people are beyond nice, the environment is always positive, the job itself is great and I look forward to every morning. I now realize how important that is.
5. Blogging. Yes, blogging. Weird, right? But a year ago, I had no idea how important blogging and my blogger friends would become. Blogging brings so much passion and joy to my life, a passion that was missing before. So, to my readers, thank you. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to get to know you and for wanting to get to know me. I am deeply grateful.
What are your Thanksgiving traditions? And what are you thankful for?
So, since I am not able to share my Thanksgiving meal with you, here is what I am thankful for:
1. David. I honestly have no words to even begin to describe how much joy, happiness, laughter, stability, and strength he brings to my life.
2. Family. For the first time in a long time, my whole family will be reunited in one place. And for that I am infinitely grateful.
3. Friends. I have many acquaintances. But I only have a few true friends. Unfortunately, they mostly live far away from me. And yet somehow we have all found a way to remain close. These relationships are what keep me going. I don't know what I'd do without them.
4. A good job. Last year, I was stuck in a job that was making me miserable. My quality of life had significantly deteriorated and it was beginning to affect my relationships. But this year I have found a job where the people are beyond nice, the environment is always positive, the job itself is great and I look forward to every morning. I now realize how important that is.
5. Blogging. Yes, blogging. Weird, right? But a year ago, I had no idea how important blogging and my blogger friends would become. Blogging brings so much passion and joy to my life, a passion that was missing before. So, to my readers, thank you. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to get to know you and for wanting to get to know me. I am deeply grateful.
What are your Thanksgiving traditions? And what are you thankful for?
New York Recap: Day 3
Although we did a number of last-minute things on our last day (Empire State Building, shopping, Bryant Park - again, etc.), the highlight was our tour of Central Park. We took a pedicab (don't judge, we're tourists!) and our guide was the sweetest person ever. I'll let the pictures do the talking.
It seemed like the day flew by and it was already time to meet our bus back to D.C. Our trip was short but sweet. I think Sophie had a great first New York experience and I am now determined to make it to NYC more often now that I know how close I am. Thank you to all of you who made suggestions as to what we should do. If I didn't get around to all of them this time, I have kept a list and fully intend on going back!
It seemed like the day flew by and it was already time to meet our bus back to D.C. Our trip was short but sweet. I think Sophie had a great first New York experience and I am now determined to make it to NYC more often now that I know how close I am. Thank you to all of you who made suggestions as to what we should do. If I didn't get around to all of them this time, I have kept a list and fully intend on going back!
New York Recap: Day 2
Day Two, we decided to tackle the New York subway. And did so successfully. We were headed to a spot that a friend told me about for brunch. After a rather long subway ride and an even longer walk, we finally got there. Only to discover that they only open for brunch on the weekends. So, on to Plan B. Chinatown and Little Italy. Exactly what we expected but definitely glad we went.
Then we went in search of the Brooklyn Bridge. And although it took us a while to get there, I think the pictures prove that it was well worth it.
The afternoon consisted of Soho and Greenwich Village (which we loved!), real New York pizza, Marc Jacobs, the Staten Island Ferry and a Belgian waffle (my first since I left Belgium a few years ago) in Bryant Park.
(How awesome is the name of that store???)
(Read carefully. I love MJ but, really?)
We then returned to the hotel to get ready for our awesome night out. We got all dressed up to go to The Lion King and then followed by dinner on Times Square. Here are a few pictures we took before going out. (Some of you might remember the dress I am wearing. I purchased it at a flea market - 50s vintage, originally owned by a former Vogue model. And Sophie's dress is by Prada!)
I have no words to describe how amazing The Lion King was. Everything was beyond perfect. The music, the costumes, the sets, the voices, the dancing. We still had goosebumps hours after the show. We decided to indulge in some serious pasta eating at Olive Garden after the show. Yum-O! In conclusion, it was another perfect day in New York.
Then we went in search of the Brooklyn Bridge. And although it took us a while to get there, I think the pictures prove that it was well worth it.
The afternoon consisted of Soho and Greenwich Village (which we loved!), real New York pizza, Marc Jacobs, the Staten Island Ferry and a Belgian waffle (my first since I left Belgium a few years ago) in Bryant Park.
(How awesome is the name of that store???)
(Read carefully. I love MJ but, really?)
We then returned to the hotel to get ready for our awesome night out. We got all dressed up to go to The Lion King and then followed by dinner on Times Square. Here are a few pictures we took before going out. (Some of you might remember the dress I am wearing. I purchased it at a flea market - 50s vintage, originally owned by a former Vogue model. And Sophie's dress is by Prada!)
I have no words to describe how amazing The Lion King was. Everything was beyond perfect. The music, the costumes, the sets, the voices, the dancing. We still had goosebumps hours after the show. We decided to indulge in some serious pasta eating at Olive Garden after the show. Yum-O! In conclusion, it was another perfect day in New York.
New York Recap: Day 1
I am back. Finally. And I'm so sorry for my brief disappearance. Who knew I would be busier on vacation than I was in real life? But it's been totally worth it. Since all of you seemed most interested in seeing our pictures from New York, I thought I'd start with those. We only went for three days but we did a whole week's worth of things during that short time!
New York - Day One
We left Dupont Circle at 9:30 that morning on the DC2NY bus. This was the first time I had taken this particular bus and it was perfect. We each had two seats (both ways). The bus was equipped with wireless, televisions and other amenities. And who knew I lived so close to New York? Before we knew it, we had arrived. And the picture taking commenced :)
We started out by walking toward the Rockefeller Center and just taking everything in. I think the only way to describe our initial impression of New York was a bit overwhelming, in a wonderful, new kind of way. We decided to go to the Top of the Rock. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.
We hit Fifth Avenue, Radio City, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Bryant Park, Saks and of course, another VERY important stop: Zara.
Essentially we walked around for several hours. We had made dinner plans with a friend of mine and wanted to stop by the hotel to put on warmer clothes before meeting up with her. Our hotel was an adorable, perfectly located, clean and convenient place: Hotel St. James, situated right off of Times Square. We couldn't have asked for more and honestly the price was right. So, we popped in, grabbed our coats and ran out the door. Who wants to be inside when you're in New York, a block away from Times Square, and the sun is setting? We decided to check out Times Square for the first time since our arrival.
We walked around for a while and then found a spot on the red steps and just tried to take it all in. All of a sudden it was hours later and time to head to Hell's Kitchen to meet Miranda, a friend of mine in New York, training as a dancer. She asked to meet us at the coolest restaurant ever: Vynl. The restaurant's theme was centered around all of the greatest musicians of our time: Elvis, Beatles, Dolly, etc. Think disco balls, neon lights, and record covers for menus. And the food was delish! I had the yummiest mac 'n' cheese ever and Sophie's sesame chicken was to die for. I haven't seen Miranda in years and it was so good to connect with her again.
After dinner, we all walked toward Columbus Circle to see the lights, the Plaza and then finally toward Magnolia Bakery. Miranda treated us to amazing goodies while we sat on Fifth Avenue enjoying the gorgeous night.
All in all, the first day in New York couldn't have been better. But we called it a night since we wanted to be up early the next morning to take it all in again. More about Day Two tomorrow. Hope you enjoyed the pictures!
New York - Day One
We left Dupont Circle at 9:30 that morning on the DC2NY bus. This was the first time I had taken this particular bus and it was perfect. We each had two seats (both ways). The bus was equipped with wireless, televisions and other amenities. And who knew I lived so close to New York? Before we knew it, we had arrived. And the picture taking commenced :)
We started out by walking toward the Rockefeller Center and just taking everything in. I think the only way to describe our initial impression of New York was a bit overwhelming, in a wonderful, new kind of way. We decided to go to the Top of the Rock. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.
We hit Fifth Avenue, Radio City, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Bryant Park, Saks and of course, another VERY important stop: Zara.
Essentially we walked around for several hours. We had made dinner plans with a friend of mine and wanted to stop by the hotel to put on warmer clothes before meeting up with her. Our hotel was an adorable, perfectly located, clean and convenient place: Hotel St. James, situated right off of Times Square. We couldn't have asked for more and honestly the price was right. So, we popped in, grabbed our coats and ran out the door. Who wants to be inside when you're in New York, a block away from Times Square, and the sun is setting? We decided to check out Times Square for the first time since our arrival.
We walked around for a while and then found a spot on the red steps and just tried to take it all in. All of a sudden it was hours later and time to head to Hell's Kitchen to meet Miranda, a friend of mine in New York, training as a dancer. She asked to meet us at the coolest restaurant ever: Vynl. The restaurant's theme was centered around all of the greatest musicians of our time: Elvis, Beatles, Dolly, etc. Think disco balls, neon lights, and record covers for menus. And the food was delish! I had the yummiest mac 'n' cheese ever and Sophie's sesame chicken was to die for. I haven't seen Miranda in years and it was so good to connect with her again.
After dinner, we all walked toward Columbus Circle to see the lights, the Plaza and then finally toward Magnolia Bakery. Miranda treated us to amazing goodies while we sat on Fifth Avenue enjoying the gorgeous night.
All in all, the first day in New York couldn't have been better. But we called it a night since we wanted to be up early the next morning to take it all in again. More about Day Two tomorrow. Hope you enjoyed the pictures!
And the winner is...
Comment #16! Taylor of the fabulous blog Sterling Style is the very lucky winner of the Stella & Dot giveaway. Please email me your address (at christen.green@gmail.com) so that we can get your earrings to you! Thanks to all of you who entered the giveaway and a huge thank you to Rebekah for offering this opportunity to my readers! If you still haven't checked out Stella & Dot, what are you waiting for? Seriously, go now. Right now.
P.S. Clearly, I am back from New York. I had an amazing time. But I also have 1000 pictures to edit, 50 emails to answer and 700 blog posts to read. Plus I'm getting my hair cut today! So, check back tonight for my first Sophie post!
Blogging Vacation
Lovely readers,
As much as I miss reading about what is going on in your lives and as much as I wish I had the time to share everything with you, I just don't. I was going to come home from the airport tonight and blog. But I-95 was closed down because of a bad accident and it took us hours to get home. And I have to pack for New York since we leave super early tomorrow morning. Anyway, all of that is to say, hang tight. I won't have access to the internet while I'm in New York but I will catch up as soon as I get back in a few days. (I will be tweeting though!)
I hope all of you had a wonderful weekend and I can't wait to check in on all of your blogs when I get back. So, my next post will be on Thursday and I will announce the winner of the Stella & Dot contest! There are still three more days to enter :)
Take care,
Christen
As much as I miss reading about what is going on in your lives and as much as I wish I had the time to share everything with you, I just don't. I was going to come home from the airport tonight and blog. But I-95 was closed down because of a bad accident and it took us hours to get home. And I have to pack for New York since we leave super early tomorrow morning. Anyway, all of that is to say, hang tight. I won't have access to the internet while I'm in New York but I will catch up as soon as I get back in a few days. (I will be tweeting though!)
I hope all of you had a wonderful weekend and I can't wait to check in on all of your blogs when I get back. So, my next post will be on Thursday and I will announce the winner of the Stella & Dot contest! There are still three more days to enter :)
Take care,
Christen
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