So I’m finally getting around to writing a recap of our holiday vacation in New York 😉 I’ve been in lazy holiday break mode for sure. We got back from New York on Thursday and then we headed back to my parents house a few days after. Let me just start off by saying.. if you haven’t been to New York during the holiday season you absolutely need to. I was born in upstate New York and I’ve visited the city many times during the Spring and Summer seasons, but this time of the year is just.. magical. If you’ve never been there before, you will definitely need to do all the touristy attractions (Statue of Liberty, Empire State, Top of the Rock, Times Square). It was Daniel’s first time to the city so we definitely hit up all of those attractions, but I also added in my favorite NY spots for us to see.
MUST-SEE
Bryant Park Christmas Markets/Ice Skating – the only free ice skating rink in the city! You just have to pay for skate rental. I personally loved Bryant Park’s skating rink even more than Rockefeller center. Less crowded and just more holiday spirit with all of the pop up Christmas markets
Central Park – I mean… of course 🙂 It’s just breathtaking taking a walk through this place
Chelsea Highline – A great way to see the city! It’s a “park” that runs throughout Chelsea and the west side that’s elevated above the ground so you get stellar views of the city while walking through this park in the sky.
5th Avenue Window Displays – A must during the holidays! Loved all of the different store displays
Soho – One of my favorite areas in the city and GREAT shopping
MUST EAT
Artichoke Pizza – Get the Artichoke slice or the Margherita!
Shake Shack – Get the Shack Stack, the cheese fries, or even just a regular Shackburger
Halal Guys – Get the Lamb and Chicken combo plate and be careful with that red sauce 😉
Grey’s Papaya – Get the recession special
Mighty Quinn’s Barbecue – Get the Brisket and all of the sides (bacon potato salad was delish and so were the dirty fries)
Serendipity – Get the Frrrozen Hot Chocolate!
Magnolia Bakery – Skip the cupcakes and cake, get the banana pudding! Seriously one of my top 10 desserts of all time. *heavy breathing*
Alice’s Teacup – Get the scones!
Dean & Deluca – Cute little market with many locations throughout the city, I really liked their dark hot chocolate
And now.. the photos 🙂
Also – huge PSA – anything that is from Nordstrom you can order today and they’ll deliver by the 24th!
Sweater: Express | Jeans: Express | Booties: Nordstrom | Bag: Michael Kors
Sunnies: Boutique in San Luis Obispo
Genie is one nice digital voice assistant app on Android OS which you can use as an alternative of Siri for Android Phone. Tasks like voice texting, calling, and dialing is made easy through Genie app.
Blouse: Banana Republic (old) | Lippie: MAC Flat Out FabulousÂ
Beanie: H&M (old) similar here| Coat: Nordstrom | Jeans: Lucky Brand | Scarf: Target (old) | Booties: Topshop
Grand Central Station
Dress: Forever 21 (can’t find link online, but should still be in stores!) similar style in Burgundy here | Heels: Old similar here | Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff Mini Affair
My love and I 🙂
Chelsea Highline
Coat: Nordstrom | Over the Knee Boots: Zara (sold out in black) similar here  | Turtleneck: Nordstrom | Scarf: Old Navy (old) similar here
Bag: Michael Kors | Pom Charm: Target (I’m obsessed with these fur pom bag charms right now! This one from Target is only $7 and a dupe for Michael Kors ones which retail for $40)
Earmuffs: H&M | Leather Gloves
Bryant Park Christmas Markets and Ice Skating Rink
Fur vest: H&M (sold out) similar here| White Tunic: Nordstrom (on sale for $25!)
The Banana Pudding that dreams are made of!!
I wanted to end this blog with some photos of the christmas decorations around the city.. It was simply magical being around all of the lights, trees, and decorations. I highly recommend going there this time of the year! We got our flights during the Southwest sale in the summer for $300 roundtrip! 🙂 I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas/holiday season with your loved ones!! XOXO