Holiday Recap!

Another Holiday season come and gone, and I must say that it has been a happy and enjoyable time. There was plenty of baking and cooking which resulted in much eating and drinking, but I enter the new year feeling lucky and happy-even if I also feel really fat.

Florida was fantastic, even though O'Hare was a nightmare and made me cry yet again. We ended up having to fly to Newark, run through the airport to catch a connection and then fly to Tampa-which is 3.5 hours from our intended airport, and rent a car at 1:40 am to drive to Naples. We arrived at 4:30 and went straight to bed, but we were up in time to lay by the pool and re-energize before 18 holes of golf and countless sets of tennis. We also did some shopping at a place called Steinmart- which is very hit-or-miss for women, but always a great bet for men's clothing. Big Guy bought so many cashmere sweaters that I am jealous! But he was very sweet and bought me a really cute navy blue shirt-dress with a pleated skirt, so I can't complain. It looks a lot like this one except it is obviously navy and the belt isn't a bow.

My other fantastic Christmas gifts were, in count-down order:

5) Lots of J Crew cotton tee shirts, long and short sleeved, from my parents

4) My Vera Wang Crystal- the rest of it from my registry

3) Singer Sewing Machine from my husband

2) A set of All-Clad cookware from my in-laws

1) A gorgeous Burberry Tote! from my parents

So- we had a very merry Christmas indeed, and spending time with family always seems too short for me. I Hope all of you had a wonderful holiday and a happy New Years eve. I am back at work now-begrudgingly.

Pre-Christmas Getaway

Tomorrow we're off to Naples, FL to have some fun and sun before the actual holiday. We are returning Christmas Eve day just in time for Big Guy's family get together full of games and grab bags--not really my cup of tea but I am trying to be agreeable since it is, after all, the holiday season and 'giving' is the whole idea. It was decided that Big Guy did not need a Christmas gift this year since we treated himself to a ridiculously expensive stereo system a few weeks ago. However, I have a problem with spoiling those I love and have proceded to pick him up several "small" gifts that have some how snowballed and racked up quite a price tag. Oh well, what are you gonna do, right? He does have a birthday in February, but I had hoped to get him a few shirts from j. Crew with his monogram-- which I really think he would enjoy.

My concept for his gift started off as an idea that I would get him a cute outfit. I wanted to go to Filene's on State Street since they always have large sizes (BG is 6'5" and weighs close to 260lbs- he is built like a big football player, though he never played). But as it always goes, the minute I actually want to buy something, it is nowhere to be found. ! I ended up getting him a Charcoal Herringbone blazer from J. Crew and some cute casual shoes from Patagonia and so now I just need a cute shirt and maybe a pair of pants or cute jeans? Then I also saw this cute courduroy blazer and had to get it for him-because it seemed like such a deal! So if anyone has any ideas about what shirts to pair with the blazers- I would love some ideas!

Happy Holiday's Everyone!

My Boots

A number of you have inquired about my boots. I love them and it is nice to hear that you do too! I scoured the Internet until I found the perfect pair last year and I am so happy with the pair I chose. You can still find them at Bloomingdales or Zappos and a few other retailers and if they are on sale they are a pretty great deal. They are made by Anne Klein and the style name is Tate. Good luck!

...And Boy Are My Arms Tired!

I just flew back from New York City Sunday night and it occured to me this morning that I didn't even mention I was going! Anyhow, I should have, and I am excited to share my stories and pictures with you-including a low-level celebrity sighting. First, I thought I should share my favorite shopping/sightseeing/lunching outfit.

I was very happy because I looked very pulled together when I was out and about, and as my husband pointed out, I am much more fun when I am pleased with my outfit.

We arrived Thursday morning and set out to see the sights on our own just the Big Guy and Me. I have been to the City before, but this was Big Guys first visit, so I was so happy to share it with him. We saw Ground Zero, and BG was very struck by it-seeing it in person. Then we went to the beautiful church nearby, and then crossed Broadway and went to the Financial District to see the NY Stock Exchange.

Then we walked to China town and had lunch at a cute little place we found after wandering forever and finally following where all the young hip looking chinese teens were headed. We ordered 3 of the strangest things we could find on the menu- and they were all fantastic! We had Squid and Sour Cabbage Chow Fun, Salt and Pepper Duck Gizzard and Hot Dog Bacon and broccoli Fried Rice. VERY STRANGE-- but surprisingly REALLY GOOD. I can't wait to go back!

Thursday night we met some friends for Dinner and went to a pizza place in the Village. Then we went to Pinkberry for dessert! So good. This was the night we saw Mischa Barton. Our friend Casually rolled down his window, waved and said Oh hi Mischa- as if they were old friends and she waved back and said Hey- looking really confused. After that we felt bad because Paparazzi jumped out of nowhere and started taking pictures of her... oh well...the price of fame.

Friday Night we had a grooms dinner and cocktail party to attend here in the penthouse suite which was amazing. There is a rumor going around that my 21 year old sister and my mother got in the hot tub on the roof in their underwear. Knowing them, I am inclined to believe it. I swear I could write a book. My mother also told my crush from when I was in London at 15 years old that I was in LOVE with him when I was younger. Slightly embarrassing.

Saturday was spent recovering from Friday night, and around 3:00pm we all started to slowly get ready for the wedding. It was beautiful and we had a great time- just a few pictures to show.

On Sunday we met other friends at their apartment near SOHO and had bloody mary's and some morning brunch munchies before heading out for a late brunch/early lunch at Barney's.

We finished off the trip by shopping on 5th avenue and popped over to Rockefellar Center to have drinks at the Sea Grill while watching the ice skaters. What a fantastic and memorable trip!