New Year's in New York City

Spending New Year's in New York City was beyond amazing. The hustle and bustle of the city and the fresh promise of a new year.

Late Thursday we reunited. Lauren, Annie, Rikesh, Emily & me. I love that in just a matter of weeks we became so close that even after seven months, we picked right back up where we left off.

We started out with a late dinner at a Mexican restaurant just a block away from Em's. If you want food at your fingertips, think NYC. Mexican at 11pm? Boom. One block.

Waking up to this view was incredible. I relished in the crisp, cool air that pooled into the window and the constant hum of yellow cabs and traveling people.

We once again became aware of our differences and celebrated them. 

Intoxicated by the smell alone, we devoured the world's best and biggest cookie. It. Was. Heavenly.

Made a quick stop by Rockefeller Plaza to see this beauty. What a spectacle! I cannot believe I saw it in person! Twinkling and humongous. 

Having Emily as an insider was so fun. I've been to NYC a few times but had never been to High Line Park. Quaint and refreshing. It's a railroad track turned park raised slightly above the city. The views were simply remarkable.

We enjoyed our roles as tourists and snapped quite a few pictures to savor the memories and moods of the trip.

We were even graced with great lighting (AKA Twilight Hour).

Chelsea Market was also one of my favorite gems. I got a dainty little bracelet at an indie fair taking place. So magical.

Ate my first Macaron (how do you pronounce this word? Is it macaroon? I always get confused), and quite enjoyed it.

The City that Never Sleeps rises to the occasion come nightfall. 

My friends are models, didn't you know.

Enjoying a delicious dinner at a restaurant in Little Italy. Immortalized La Florida 2012 by carving it into the table.

Hit up Ferrara, America's first espresso bar (hence the napkin). So. Good.

Espresso afogatto, oh my heart.

We had so much fun taking these timer pictures. I slightly feel like we are in a Macy's ad.

Freedom Tower

Said goodbye to this fun adventure and my beautiful friends. The sunset lit up the buildings in the gentlest of fashions creating an even more lovely last view.

2011 ended with a bang and it was such an overwhelmingly great year that I only hope 2012 will be too. I'm learning that life is what you make of it and it's an occasion you must rise to. An adventure lies behind every corner, and sometimes you've got to go find it. Thank you New York for my first adventure of the year. Thousands more to come. That's what I'm looking forward to. Boom.

2011 Recap

2011 was very good to me. I look back fondly on the beautiful and plentiful memories. Here's some of the memorable moments from it:

In 2011, I:

Went to Paris with Cass

Started a blog

Went to a wedding in Arizona

Went skiing for $15

Watched the Royal Wedding

Spent a month in Peru

Visited Ohio

Opened up shop on Etsy

Vacationed in Alaska

Began living in the same city as Finn

Turned 23

Celebrated a cousin's 30th birthday in Las Vegas

Dog sat (a lot)

Moved into an apartment by myself

Reunited with my college friends in Nebraska

Visited Estes Park

Visited Philadelphia by myself

Participated in my first craft fair

Reunited with some of the friends from Peru

Spent New Year's Eve in New York City

I probably wouldn't have guessed half of these adventures, but I'm so glad and blessed to have had them. 2011 was a great year, and I look forward to the promise and newness of 2012.

Happy New Year!