A Room with a View - New York Trip Part 1

We are back from a whirlwind trip to New York City! Boy am I exhausted. We accomplished so much while there. With only two and a half days in the city I'd say we hit a lot of the high points, but definitely need to go back. I'm having to break this up into a couple of posts because otherwise it would be too long. Here's day 1.

When we landed at LaGuardia the hubs had arranged for a limo to pick us up. What a fun surprise! Once we checked into the hotel we made our way to the 32nd floor and had a great view of the Empire State Building.

 

 

Then we hit the ground running. Some of our plans fell through thanks to private events, but we made do. Had dinner at Sardi's and sat near Neil Patrick Harris. 1st celebrity sighting! :) The food was really good, but my favorite was the appetizer we ordered; Parma Prosciutto with Melon, Parmesan, Pine Nuts and Extra Virgin Olive Oil. YUM! 

Then we made our way to Rockefeller Center to see the tree and skating rink. Across the street is Saks where we saw a beautiful light show and all their window displays (Vanity Fair images 17-24). Truly magical! The best part was that I had no idea the tree was right behind me while I was filming the light show so when I turned around I felt like a little kid on Christmas. It was so beautiful and exactly as I had pictured it. We waited in line and had professional photos taken. Not all of them turned out good, but we bought the digital versions anyway. It was the cheapest route to go for the few we did want. 

Light show at Saks

Then I turned around and saw this! Almost cried!

The hubs bought me the red coat I've always wanted!

Source

Then we went to Top of the Rock and saw amazing views of the city at night, made our way back to Times Square which honestly looked like daylight at midnight, visited the M&M store and the Hershey's store, had a slice of a New York pizza, and called it a night.

Top of the Rock

View from bed

That's day 1, check back Friday for the next part. Until next post...xoxo Becca

Favorite Pin Friday | Volume 34

As you're reading this the hubs and I are in NYC. I've pre-written this post so you'd have something to read while I was away. Today I'm talking cookie exchange! Does anyone have a cookie exchange party to attend this season? I've never participated in one, but they sound so fun! You bake one type of cookie and come away with a bunch of others + recipes. Here are some of the cookies I think would be the talk of the town.

This counts as a cookie right? It's technically cookie dough and candy and is brought to you by The Pioneer Woman. Make a lot, these never last long. Ree shows you variations, but my favorite is peanut butter cookie with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.

What screams Christmas? Peppermint! These Peppermint Patty Sandwich Cookies from Giada De Laurentiis sound delicious. 

This is my go to recipe for the holidays. It was one of the first pins I ever made when Pinterest was first starting out. Everyone raves about these cookies and it starts with a cake mix so it's quick and easy. Find step by step instructions (with pictures) here.

Happy baking! Until next post...xoxo Becca 

Check back Monday for pictures from our trip. 

Christmas Cards

Last week while I was buying wrapping paper and gift bags for Christmas presents I also bought Christmas cards. As I picked out a card I thought, do people still send cards in the mail? Growing up we would receive cards from December 1 to January 1 (all those procrastinators heehee).

The past two years I sent out cards for free through Paperless Post (see them below). Some of their cards require you to pay a minimal fee per card sent, but I make sure to select cards that will be free. Then your card makes it family and friends' inbox right on time!

2013                                                                                          2014

For our first Christmas as a married couple we had our wedding photographer take our photo and I printed them at Walgreens. Came out cute, but took a lot of work. 2011 and 2012 I mailed traditional cards without photos. Maybe when the hubs and I have kids I'll be more interested in doing photos every year, but until then I think I'll keep sending a few cards by mail and then e-cards to everyone else.

2010 (Lexi was only 8 months old!)

What do you do for Christmas cards? Share your traditions below!

Even though I'll be out of town Friday I've pre-written something for you. Want to see what I'm up to in NYC? Follow me on Snapchat @r8d6g Until next post...xoxo Becca

Favorite Pin Friday | Volume 33

Have winter holiday celebration coming up? What about adding a fun DIY photo booth to your event? Here's some ideas I found on Pinterest.

Backdrop Ideas:

Use fun wrapping paper (Source)

Sheer curtains + lights (Source)

Prop Ideas:

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Don't stress about your holiday parties, have fun with it! Until next post...xoxo Becca

Gift Guide (Under $35) and Thanksgiving Recap

What an awesome holiday weekend! Get ready for picture overload.

Tablescape courtesy of my sister-in-law

TOP: Express | JEANS: Express (old) similar, similar | BOOTS: Kohls (old) similar, similar

Lexi loves her grandpa

Congrats, you're featured on the blog when you hijack my camera and load it with silly selfies

Now to the gift guide, here are a few things I ran across online and they're all under $35. Hope something gives you the idea you've been needing. Happy shopping!

Layered Necklace | Stay Fancy Wine Glass | Texas Ceramic Dish | BP Scarf
Luggage Tag | Monogram Key Chain | Notepad | Holiday Workout Tea Towel

Until next post...xoxo Becca

Favorite Pin Friday | Volume 32

Who made it through Thanksgiving successfully? Who needs stretchy pants?

Guess what, it's Black Friday. I do not, repeat, do not shop Black Friday. All those crazy people...oh no no no not something I ever want to experience.

Back to our regularly scheduled program...

As I've mentioned before, I work at a university and supervise student assistants. I always try to come up with something cute to give them for holidays. Luckily I only have three so I'm able to do fun stuff frequently. If I had a staff of 15-20 it would be more difficult (read as expensive). They'd probably get cookies and punch one day in the office lol Here are two Pins I ran across this week I thought were cute.

Touchet Soiree | Printables

Tried & True | Printables

Until next post...xoxo Becca

I'm Thankful...

During a time in our world where things aren't always positive, when families don't always talk, and when the daily hustle and bustle trumps the simple things in life I'm thankful for a husband who respects me, encourages me, loves and cares for me, and has a strong relationship with his family and friends. Last week we celebrated our 10 year anniversary together as a couple. I can't believe he has been part of my life for so long and yet I can't wait to spend the remainder of my life with him.

As we all celebrate the upcoming holidays, remember to be thankful for the things you have rather than want for more and be grateful for the people who make a positive impact in your life. Embrace the simple things in life.

Leave a comment finishing this statement "I'm thankful for..."

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving! Enjoy all the yummy food and check back Friday for some holiday inspiration. Until next post...xoxo Becca