Girls Trip To New York {Part 2}

If you missed yesterday's post, check out part one here.

Days 3 and 4 weren't nearly as crazy as the first 2, but just as much fun! We started our day off by sleeping in (what's a girls trip, with no kids, without sleeping in?!) and then headed to the Statue of Liberty.

Here are a few tips we learned:

1. You have to buy your ferry ride ticket at least the day before, a couple days before if you looking for a specific time.

2. If you want to walk up to the pedestal, you need to buy tickets at least a week in advance.

3. If you want to walk up to the crown, tickets need to be purchased months in advance.   

4. Our tickets came with an audio tour and that takes about 30 minutes.

5. There is a restaurant at the Statue of Liberty.

6. If you get motion sick make sure you bring something with you.

The Statue of Liberty was amazing and I'm so glad we decided to take the ferry ride out to see it. They did such a wonderful job with the audio tour and I got teary eyed a few times. To think about all the people coming to America for a better life, and one of the first things they see is the Statue of Liberty, gives me goose bumps.

Afterwards, we walked to the Shake Shack and it didn't disappoint. Their fries were some of the best I've ever had. We were both starving (since we slept in we only had a hot dog before getting on the ferry) and ate our burger and fries in record time. There was no talking at our table! We then walked across the street for a pick me up, grabbed an Uber, and headed back to our place to get ready for the Yankees game!  

This was my first time to a professional game and I was so excited! From never seeing a pro game, to seeing the Yankees play was super fun. The really funny thing is Sandy's husband and family are HUGE Red Socks fans and the Yankees are the only reason J.D. would ever go to NYC. So my husband was all, "What!? You are going to the game!!! I'm so jealous!" and Sandy's husband was all, "Really?! Don't bring home any souvenirs." Ha! To make the night even better it was Star Wars night. Both of Sandy's boys and Kona LOVE Star Wars. When we sent them pictures they were blown away. So basically we were in trouble with everyone back home! Ha!

Baseball, beer, a hot dog, and my best friend sitting next to me. It doesn't get much better than that!

We rode the subway, for the first time, to and from the game. That was quit the experience! Thank goodness there were so many nice people who helped us navigate and show us which train to get on. We were so confused!

The next morning we got up bright and early so we could have breakfast and coffee before heading to the Lion King on Broadway! We had breakfast at The Smith and oh my goodness it was amazing. The restaurant was right around the corner from our place and we both loved it. The food and drinks were amazing and the atmosphere was really fun. We both loved it!

After breakfast we walked a few blocks to Irving Farm Coffee. We both got a mocha and I was in heaven. The gentleman that took our order sang to us, the décor was beautiful and the coffee was amazing. If you are in NYC or visiting I can't recommend The Smith or Irving Farm Coffee enough.  

Seeing the Lion King on Broadway was a must for both of us and a major highlight of our trip. I had never been to a Broadway show, and have been wanting to see the Lion Kind forever, so I was over the moon with excitement. The show didn't disappoint and was even more amazing than I thought it was going to be!

Since we were in Time Square we decided to do the touristy thing and go to the Disney Store, M&M store, and Hershey Chocolate World. We walked around and saw the New Years Eve ball and Ray's Pizza from the movie Elf.

Sorry about the blurry pictures. My camera was zoomed in as far as it could go.

For dinner that night we ate at Dos Caminos and again it was a total hit! It wasn't too far from where we were staying and every time we walked by the food looked amazing. We sat outside and it was such a beautiful night. Good food, drinks, and the best company. Win,Win,Win!!

After dinner we waked around, popped into a few bars and ended the evening having drinks at Rockafeller Center. P.S. Their fries were amazing!

Well that's a wrap on days 3 & 4! Don't forget to check out Part One and Part three!

XOXO

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Our Girls Trip To New York

I've been back from New York City for 2 week's and I feel like I'm just now caught up. This was one of those vacations that I needed a vacation once I got back. Have you ever had one of those? Our trip was beyond amazing, eye opening and to be honest, a little life changing. It's hard for me to put into words exactly how wonderful our time was. New York was everything I was expecting and nothing at all, all wrapped up in one. I went with my best friend from college, and it was both of our first times visiting the big apple. We were there for 6 days and we fell in love with the city. The people were great, the food was amazing and the atmosphere was electric. We can't wait to go back and are already talking about our next trip! It probably won't be for awhile, but hey girls can dream!

We flew in late Wednesday afternoon, grabbed an Uber (my very first ride in an Uber!) and took off to our apartment. We rented an apartment from Airbnb in midtown and loved it. The location was perfect and made getting around really easy. There were amazing restaurants, coffee shops and shopping around every corner. If you are a first time traveler to the city, I highly recommend staying in Midtown. I did a ton of research, talked to a few travel agents, and they all recommended staying here.

When we finally got to our apartment, both Sandy and I looked at each other and said, "Okay we're here, now what?!" We were a little overwhelmed, but so excited to be there and wanted to do everything. Since it was almost 5pm, we decided to grab some coffee (I had been up since 2:30am) at Starbucks and map out a plan. We soon learned there were no tables to sit at and map out our next move. So we did the next best thing and just started walking. Two small town girls, walking around the big apple for the first time, was quite the experience. Here are a few things we learned right off the bat.

1. Everybody is so dressed up. High heals and beautiful fashion is everywhere.

2. People don't wait on the sidewalk when waiting to walk, they crowd on the street.

3. Cars that are turning come right up to the crosswalk as you are walking. That took a little bit to get use to.

4. We looked like total tourists.


As we were walking we ran into Trump Towers and popped into H&M for some shopping. We both got some really fun pieces and had the best time trying things on and actually taking our time. (A total luxury when you're a mom!) After shopping we were both getting hungry and stopped at Redemption. We didn't know anything about this restaurant, but it had outdoor seating and good music so we stopped. I'm sure glad we did because the food and drinks were really good!

After dinner we headed back to the apartment to settle in and figure out the week ahead of us. We laid out a huge map on the floor and I got out all the notes I took from other blogs and the recommendations from you guys. Notes everywhere, pj's on, hair up, and us laughing till we were crying took me right back to our college days. :)


The next morning we got up early and hit the ground running.

Our first stop was breakfast at Sarabeth's. We absolutely loved this restaurant and highly recommend it. The food was amazing, our waiter was the nicest and the place was beautiful. I can't say enough good things!
After breakfast we walked over to the 9/11 memorial and museum. I was completely blown away by the 9/11 museum. It was very emotional for me and I cried several times. I cried for those who lost their lives, the families who lost their loved ones and for all the people still affected today. The museum was stunning. Every detail was laid out in the most thoughtful and beautiful way. From phone call recordings, to the steal that was first hit by the plane, fire trucks that were destroyed, the survivor staircase, and a dedication to all the lives that were lost. I'm so glad we went and I encourage everyone to go.

 

Afterwards, we walked to the Brooklyn Bridge and did a little sight seeing. The walk was so fun. There were tons of beautiful buildings, statues and little parks everywhere.

From there we walked through China town and Little Italy and ate at Ruby's. The pasta was amazing and atmosphere was fun. I recommend it!!

After dinner we grabbed an Uber and headed to Macy's on 34th. I was in love the minute we walked in the door! We didn't stay for long, only because we still wanted to see the Empire State Building, but I could have spent hours here!

Up next on our jam-packed day was the Empire State Building. This was something I didn't have my heart set on doing, but oh man am I glad we did. It was one of my favorite moments of the whole trip. We went around 8:00 and the timing was perfect. There was almost nobody in line when we got there so we were able to get right in. Now it does cost money to go up (which I had no idea) so just be aware of that. We saw families leaving because it was too expensive for everyone to go up. 

 The view from 80+ stories up was spectacular and I found it to be incredibly peaceful. It was quiet and gave me sometime to think. When you are standing up there, looking over a city with millions of people, you sure do feel small. You realize you are such a small part of this world, but that everybody together is apart of something bigger. I thought about 9/11 and what the people of New York have been threw. I thought about how resilient and strong they are. They have faced something a lot of us can't even imagine and yet the city keeps building and getting stronger. I want to put this type of resiliency into my life. To grow, change, and love life no matter what is thrown my way.

After the Empire State Building it was time for a treat! We got ice cream cones and saw some more amazing sights on the way back to our apartment.

  One of my favorite shows!

Our first day in the city was huge! We walked over 21,000 steps and were on our feet all day. I will probably say this a million times, but good walking shoes is a must. Both Sandy and I got a pair of Allbirds and loved them! They are amazing and the only reason our feet and legs weren't killing us by the end of the day. I don't think I've ever loved a pair of flats as much as I love these shoes. 

 Make sure to check out part 2 and part 3!

XOXO

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Friday Favorites

Happy Friday, Friends! I haven't done a Friday favorites post in a few weeks, and I'm super excited to share some favorite moments from this week! We had a jam packed week full of firsts, family in town, a terrible 24 hour bug, and fun celebrating the end of summer and the beginning of fall. We don't have much planned this weekend and I'm really looking forward to it!

As always linking up with Andrea, April, April, Lauren and Katie. So let's get this party started!

One.

Me on my first birthday!

While my birthday technically wasn't this week (it was at the end of last week) I still think it's worth noting! When you turn 30, you are able to celebrate the week after too, right?! I sure do think so! In honor of my 30th birthday I wrote a post about 30 things you probably don't know about me. I loved putting this post together and hope you guys love getting to know me a little better!

Two.

With summer coming to a close we have been checking off the remainder of our bucket list. This summer has been one of the best yet, and Friday we kicked off the long weekend with homemade ice cream sandwiches! I've been wanting to make these all summer and I'm so glad we finally did it. They were easy to make and really delicious, but best of all, the boys and I got to make some precious memories together. I'm not a huge chocolate fan, but all the boys in my house are HUGE chocolate people, so chocolate chip cookies and chocolate ice cream it was. :)

Three.

You can find the sign here.

On Wednesday Kona had his first day of Preschool! I've had so many different emotions about him starting preschool. I was extremely sad to see him grow up, but on the other hand I was super excited for him to spread his wings. #momlife He did amazing and loved every minute. He came running into my arms when we went to pick him up and told us the best part of the morning was eating animal crackers. Ha! #kidlife You can read more about his day and my thoughts here.

Four.

This week I did a little shopping, which is always a favorite! I was at Target the other day to get some things and found this shirt on a clearance rack. I fell in love with it right away and it was only $7!! The sleeves are super fun and it's really pretty in person. If you're heading to Target this weekend, check out their clearance section. There were lots of fun pieces!

I also picked up some dresses and rompers from Old Navy this week. They are having a great sale and all the pieces I got will transition well into fall. I love finding things that work for multiple seasons. If you have been shopping recently I would love to hear what you got!

Five.

The Patriots kicked off the NFL season last night and boy were we excited!! The game was really good (up until the last 8 minutes if you're a patriots fan) and so was my white claw. :) Football, tacos and a drink was just what I needed after consoling a cranky one year old all day. Now if only the rest of the season goes a little better!


I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! And don't forget Sunday is Grandparents day! XOXO


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Kona's First Day Of Preschool

Yesterday we a huge day in the Robert's household and honestly, one that I have been dreading all summer. Kona had his first day of preschool! He was over the moon with excitement and couldn't wait for the first day to get here. For the past month, he has been asking me every morning, "Mom is today the day I get to go to school?!" When I would tell him, no school doesn't start until September, he would reply "Mom look outside, It's September now! It's time for school!" I'm so proud of him and the bravery he showed. Knowing how excited he was to play, meet new friends, play outside, and learn make the big day so much easier. He was ready, ready to spread his wings and be his own little person. My Mommy heart could just burst from all the love I have for this sweet boy.

I don't think his smile could get much bigger!

We started a first day of preschool countdown about a week ago, and by Tuesday Kona could hardly handle his excitement. He wore his backpack all day, showed all the neighbors, packed as many things as he could in it, asked a million questions and read his preschool books multiple times. He had a hard time falling asleep and was crawling into our bed at 3:00am and thought it was time to go. Seriously it was the cutest, until he didn't want to get up to actually go to school. Oh the life of kids! Once he got up, he couldn't wait to get dressed and take pictures. (You can find the sign here.) We walked him into his classroom and he was so brave. He gave us hugs, said goodbye, gave his teacher her gift (you can see what we got her here) and sat in the circle with the other kids. Thank goodness J.D. was there with me, he's the one that urged me to go and reassured me that everything was okay. I didn't cry, which I was shocked about, but my heart was pounding and my stomach hurt.

When we went to get him he came running to me and gave me the biggest hug. My heart seriously melted into a huge puddle. He told us he loved his teacher, had a blast playing outside and the best part of the day were the animal crackers for snack! We took him out to pizza for lunch where he told us about the rest of the day and all the fun he had. He spent the rest of the afternoon playing school and working on his letters. :)

I'm so proud of him and can't wait to see what the rest of the year holds. I'm extremely thankful for our church and the wonderful preschool program they have. If you are also sending your children to preschool for the first time this week, my heart is with you. It's not easy, but watching them grow into who they are meant to be, makes this parenting gig that much sweeter.

"To have a child, is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body" Author: Unknown

XOXO


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30 Things For My 30th Birthday

Happy Friday!

This week I turned 30 and wanted to share 30 things you probably don't know about me!

My first birthday.

I have a huge crush on Josh Turner. I have seen him in concert a few times and his song "I Wouldn't Be A Man" was the song J.D. and I danced to at our wedding.

I am terrified of mice. Just the thought of them gives me the creeps.

I am an only child.

My favorite food is cereal and I could eat it every meal of the day. If it's in the house, it's all I want to eat and I can polish off a box in no time. I only allow myself to buy it about 3 times a year.

When I was little I wanted to be an interior decorator and architect. I would draw house plans I made up and how each one would be decorated. I am still in love with interior design and get all sorts of giddy when I get asked to help decorate a room.

My other huge passions are party and wedding planning. I worked for a wedding venue one summer and have been hired to plan many weddings and parties. Obsessed is an understatement.

I have never broken a bone.

I am an early morning person. I look forward to the stillness of the house and my first cup of coffee every night.

J.D. and I met a few weeks after I graduated high school. I was only 17 and we have been together ever since.

I wish I had a southern accent.

Before I make coffee, I warm up my coffee cup so my coffee stays extra hot. (I get this from my dad.)

I love staying in hotels. Seriously I get so excited!

The summer going into my sophomore year I had surgery on both of my feet. They took out bones and inserted metal pins. I was bedridden for 6 weeks, which is the worst thing you can do to a teenager during summer break.

Most of the time I'm an all or nothing kind of girl. Makeup, full face or nothing at all. My car, totally spotless or a complete disaster. My to-do list, I knock it out of the park or do nothing at all.

I can't nap. I try, but once I'm awake, I'm awake for the day. Thank goodness I do well on very little sleep.

I can drink coffee late in the evening and go to bed with no problem.

The first time I moved was when I went to college. My parents bought their house before I was born and my Dad still lives there!

I hate confrontation and will avoid it at any cost. Unless it come to my kids, and then mama bear comes out.

We don't have cable, Netflix or Hulu.

I have always wanted 4 kids.

I have only missed 2 seasons of the Bachelor/Bachelorette. I love everything about it and I'm not afraid to admit it. ;)

Koala Bears are my favorite animal.

We are huge Patriots fans.

Billy Ray Cyrus was the first concert I ever saw. I can't remember how old I was, but I remember being soooo excited and loving him.

I have only been out of the country once, and that was to go to Mexico for the day. I was visiting my Aunt in San Diego and we took a bus into the country. I'm really excited to start traveling more and checking more countries off my list!

I almost didn't make it to the hospital to deliver Kai, but I had no idea I was at 10 centimeters. My pain level was so low I told J.D. to stop and get coffee on the way to the hospital. When we got there and they told me I was at 10 centimeters and ready to push, I was in total shock. Once my water broke, he was born 3 minutes later.

I'm not a fan of the winter, which is ironic considering how much snow we get here.

I love The Big Bang Theory and completely geek out about it.

I'm not a fan of chocolate.

When I was little I wanted a retainer and glasses so bad. Lucky me, I got both.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!  

XOXO

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I'll be recapping our New York trip next week so make sure to come back and check that out!