new york, new york.

a peaceful moment captured on a morning walk through central park.

Yes.. yes, I know. My New York adventure was more than a few weeks ago, and I'm definitely overdue for sharing highlights. [SORRY!] But hey... I wanted to give this grand city justice and allow myself plenty of time to share my fav spots that I visited. 

As you know, we were in Boston prior to our venture into NYC. The journey to the big apple was quite the drive. Yes. We. Drove. Reasons why? We wanted to visit the main squeeze's extended family - which included meeting his grandparents, and also, we attended one of his high school friends' wedding. From there, we drove through Jersey and into the city around 10:30 pm. 

You know how they say the "city never sleeps"? They are 100% correct. I had never seen so much traffic at that time of day - the honking, the lights and street traffic buzzing. It was so alive compared to our sleepy Seattle folks who are nestled in their beds around 10 pm. 

The next few days in New York included morning walks through Central Park, a little rendezvous with great college friends, Robert and Chelsey at Laduree for brunch, window shopping and visiting all of the famous Carrie Bradshaw spots (aka her apartment, Magnolia Bakery, etc.). 

We walked through West Village, Soho, the Meatpacking District, Flatiron, and paid a visit to Chelsea Market. Our first full day ended with dinner at Momofuku, a place that my main squeeze and I had waited months for, especially after watching the entire PBS Series "The Mind of a Chef" with David Chang. We were obsessed, and he did not disappoint. 

The rest of the trip included visiting all of the big NYC landmarks, and I'm proud to say that we hit up/saw plenty of the big ones - Bryant Park (Fashion Week, need I say more?), New York City Public Library, Empire State Building, Freedom Tower, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park and Grand Central Station. We even walked through Chinatown to find Joe's Shanghai soup dumplings. And dare I say it, they were tastier than Din Tai Fung. 

On the plane ride home back to Seattle, I started to tear up. My feelings for New York began to bubble up to the surface. I had become absolutely smitten with the Big Apple. All of my five senses were ignited and overwhelmed - I could see, feel, smell, taste and hear the city. There was something about the restlessness of this concrete jungle that kept me invigorated, energized and craving for more. And with that, I must go back soon. 

The Freedom Tower. It was a beautiful museum, and highly recommend it.
We spent about 2.5 hours in it.

Having my Carrie Bradshaw moment! 

Xoxo, Gossip Girl.

signature tourist photo. what a great spot!

I've missed this guy. Forever my bestie. 

the most amazing soup dumplings.

"To The Top of the World"

Italy. Switzerland. France. England. 

What a whirlwind these past 12 days have been... I've had a blast traveling with my mother and the tour group despite the 5:30 am wake-up calls. I can't fully describe everything I experienced during my trip; indescribable the sights I saw and the foods I ate. However, below are some of my favorite pictures and a link to the Facebook albums so you can peruse at your leisure. Oh and I will describe in my next three posts some of my favorite places. Can't recap everything, but at least you get a snippet here and there.

Vatican | Rome

Colosseum | Rome

Venice, Italy

Lucerne, Switzerland

Notre Dame | Paris

Champs-Élysées | Paris

Eiffel Tower | Paris

Buckingham Palace | London

For more, click here: Album 1 (Rome and Venice), Album 2 (Venice and Switzerland), Album 3 (Paris and London)

Arrivederci, US of A!

Instead of going to bed and getting a full eight hours of sleep before my flight tomorrow, I am writing to you my friends because I can't sleep. Just way too excited - all giddy like a child waiting for Christmas! 

All packed up... aka 12+ outfits into my "little luggage set of an armoire" and ready to begin my journey. Tomorrow's set of flights shall be tiring but oh so worth it. A 6:35 a.m. 747 to the JFK airport in NYC and then just two short hours before the next flight to..... (drumroll please) ROME. 

Ohhhh When in Rome...

All of the sights, tastes and smells... ahhh can't wait. Goodbye diet; you'll be coming back post-Europe. 

pasta... pasta and more pasta. #loves pizza, paninis, gelato.. prosciutto and melon. delicious.

History right in front of me... that's what I've been waiting for and here's my chance. Chyeahhh buddy.

I will try my best to blog a little bit each night to let you in on all of my adventures. No guarantees though, because with all of the sightseeing, this little lady might just pass out-shoes-on when she hits that fluffy little bed at night. 

Well, I guess it's back to the Italian-English dictionary and looking up phrases in German and French on Google to prep me for this trip.

Arrivederci, m'dears!

images via

Travelin' Trendsetter

"Vacation Style Guide" from Nordstrom's recent look book.

Nordstrom Fashion editor Susan Joy and editor Justin Abbott posted the "Vacation Style" guide on its website this past week. According to travel forecasters and the editors, the hot spots for this spring include Colombia (referred to as "the Paris of South America), India and Zanzibar Archipelago. All of these places scream HOT HOT HOT!

Prepare to bronze, beautify and rejuvenate the skin before your trip. Nordstrom showcases several products to help with baggy eyes, runny-raccoon eyes, chapped lips and more.

Fashion-wise: It's all about the print and exotic colors. Think Tory Burch in Barbados.

LOVE of the Style Guide: The idea of a "quick change." I'm all about comfy chic.

Hope you enjoyed my fashion tidbit today. 

Toodles. 

I'm sure I'll have another post up today.