Monday, December 31, 2012

Christmas, Part 2

On Friday morning, I flew to see Patrick & his family for a second round of Christmas.

it was an early morning made better by the JFK sunrise.

and the fact that I apparently flew to the North Pole...!

We normally all go out to a fun dinner on NYE, but we celebrated early this year!

Patrick's sisters wearing their new "statement" necklaces :)

bestie.

and the whole, might I add fabulous, gang!

The boys actually drove down & back to the big apple Saturday (!) 
to go to the Pinstripe Bowl. 
As for us girls? 
We had a glorious day at the nail salon, watched a chick flick, & remained warm :)

so much snow!

notice anything funny about this picture? ...

comfy cozy.

like ma' leopard socks?

today? we're taking a little road trip...

we're off to a wedding (hooray!!!) to celebrate friends and ring in the new year!

how are you welcoming 2013? 
have fun + be safe.


until next year,

g

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Christmas, Part 1


Hello there! 
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday with your loved ones! I'm back in the city after Christmas with my family. I can't even tell you how good it was to be home and around so many people I love. It was so relaxing and needed - just wish it didn't go by as fast as it did. I feel like we hurry and hustle and anticipate and poof! it's over...yes?

here are a few snapshots from my time there :: 

my parents' cozy loft ~
LOVE this nail color ~
you know you're on vacation when you spend 10 minutes shaking a snow globe.
The day after I got home, our family went to the local mission and cooked / served breakfast for over 50 men, women & children. Even though we brought 12 pounds of bacon (!), my brother had to sprint to the store to pick up more if that gives you an idea of how much food we prepared.We made it a point to not only serve food, but also sit and talk with the people. It was the highlight of my trip; i'm so glad we did it. 
whisking lessons with my niece :)
I drew a picture of my brother, Jon, as a little boy for a surprise gift.
Seeing his face when he opened it? Priceless. 
We both just stood in the kitchen and cried while the rest of the family teased us. 
We're an emotional bunch!
a gift for my nephew due in May - his first outfit! My brother, Chris (his dad), was in 
the Ninja Turtle movie and played a foot soldier so I just had to design this :)
Needless to say, this is my new favorite plate.
we woke up to snow on Christmas Eve!!
my dad & I had a really fun dinner together that night.

On Christmas morning, I heard a "ho, ho, ho" at my door...
yes...!
...a little gift for my mom. I suppose I should admit that we watched the entire set of 
Anne of Green Gables/Avonlea while I was home. Another confession? Gilbert Blythe makes my knees weak. Oh, and I also might have received a set of the DVDs for Xmas, including the "continuing story" sequel. Ohhhhh, Patrickkkk...I know what we can watch after season 2 of Homelanddd! ;)

Here are a couple of the amazing things I received ~
Can't WAIT to use this for art projects! 
new phone!
The best part is that Patrick got the same phone. No, his does not have a polka dot / calligraphy case ;) Our messages go through so quickly, though, and now we can Face Time when we're apart.
our ornament collection might be tiny, but I think we're basically covered now...

I am so jealous of the "man cave" at my brother's house...I would never leave!

Lauren & Suz, I think I know where our next 
Anne of Green Gables marathon needs to happen... ;)
{pssst! my niece posted my sister-in-law's recipe for peanut butter fudge - it's seriously THE BEST fudge i've ever had...I look forward to it every Christmas.}

in other news, it's always a little sad when Christmas is over...right, Louie?

Little did I know that evening when I Skyped with relatives in Ohio, 
that I'd be on the TV! :)
miss you all!

a special quote ~

feeling over red & green, I had to sport some neon.

our back walkway - more snow!
we were actually on our way yesterday to finally meet my Godson and had to turn around because the roads were so icy... :( i was so disappointed! if you remember, i had plans to visit him that were cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy. silly weather keeps ruining everything! at least i'll get to see his parents very soon :)
we were on the road bright and early this morning before I caught my train...

hello, Manhattan!
As sad as I am to leave home and my family, 
it's never dull returning to this busy little island.
But now that I'm back? Guess who leaves at the crack of dawn tomorrow...

I'm off to Christmas, Part 2, with Patrick's family!

Talk to you soon :)

until next time,

g

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Christmas Vacation


Guess who's on Christmas vacation?!!! 11 whole days of it! I can't even believe it's here. In a few hours, I will say goodbye to Patrick and his brother who stayed with us last night - we are taking him to our favorite diner first :) - and hop on my little polar express train home to Virginia. My family is gathering tomorrow (tomorrow!) to celebrate a first round of Christmas by cooking and serving breakfast at the local mission. I can't wait. Many forms of celebrations will follow in the coming days and I just, for the life of me, can't wipe this grin off my face! Are you traveling this weekend, too? Be safe. Be jolly. Don't get your tinsel in a tangle. Stare at some twinkle lights for at least six full minutes. And hug those loved ones of yours extra, extra tight. 

until next time,

g


Thursday, December 20, 2012

Christmas in New York


The past few days? Have been magical.
There's just nothing like Christmas in New York.

snowflake!

i could have stared at the Bergdorf's window display all night.

:)

you are never too old for a holiday sucker from the bank!

i heart hearts apparently?

i went to a holiday party at a friend's adorable apartment!

isn't this a creative photo display? i want to replicate!

pretty friends.

love him.

when your friend thinks to get you a ribbon holder (and pretty ribbon!) for Christmas,
they are a really good friend. obsessed!

some commissioned place cards for a friend's Christmas dinner!
'Alexander' was a fun name to write.

being silly in the cab after a girl's night.

the neighbor's window...just beautiful!

Bryant Park.
btw, that hot chocolate was the chocolate-y-est chocolate I ever did have.
which means I inhaled it.

happy holidays from the little lady & the big guy!

...

Patrick & I celebrated our own little Christmas last night. He completely blew me away with his gifts and thoughtfulness and I found myself feeling exceedingly...lucky. Who woulda thought that my nineteen-year-old crush and I would be trying to not kill remember to water our first Christmas tree?! Oh 2012, you will always be so special to me.

Like I said, there's just nothing like Christmas in New York.

until next time,

g

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