White Christmas!

 Christmas eve, we wrapped presents, made Christmas deliveries, and cooked for Christmas Eve dinner. We had our grandmother's over for Italian food, and then went next door to Jennifer's family's house for their open house. We had delicious treats (and drinks), and enjoyed celebrating with friends. My family then went to the midnight Christmas eve service, which was beautiful. Our church made a stable, and everyone walked through the live nativity to get into the sanctuary. We went to sleep after that, and Santa came of course!

I call this one:
"Scrooge and Buddy the Elf"

Christmas morning, I jumped out of bed, and woke Ross up. We opened presents, had cinnamon buns, and cooked Christmas lunch/dinner. I made some neighborhood Christmas deliveries, and visited with several of the neighbors.  We had Christmas dinner with the grandmothers at our house! Everyone had different requests for Christmas dinner, and we accommodated all of them...so we had quite a feast. We unwrapped a few more presents, and relaxed in front of the fire as it began to snow!

I woke up this morning to a beautiful snow in front of my house! We had at least six inches, and everything was covered in white. Jennifer and I made our traditional walk to Stonehenge for Starbucks, bagels, and groceries...but the power went out and everywhere closed before we could buy anything. So we walked back home empty-handed. I then baked for awhile, and Kenan and Nick came over to visit! Snow days are not only beautiful but so relaxing and peaceful!

Snowy Seagate Drive

Jennifer and me in the snow!

Kenan and Nick came over to visit!

Almost Christmas...

Meg & Me with Jackson and Olivia,
our sweet neighbors.

My last day in NY, I auditioned in the am, and then finished my Christmas shopping and errands. Meg and I went over to our neighbors' house to wish them a Merry Christmas and visit them before leaving! They are absolutely adorable. 

I then went to the "work" and had Christmas with Amy and the kids I nanny for. They loved their gifts that we picked out (Purple sweater for Maddie, monogrammed hoodie for Marguerite, Hurricanes hockey jersey for Robert, and monogrammed jacket for Anna), and Amy and I were given beautiful J Crew coats. We had so much fun unwrapping gifts by the Christmas tree and celebrating together.

Amy and me with the kids and their new gifts!

I flew home late Monday night and the airport was in no way easy. It was absolutely packed, and the line outside to check bags, though significantly shorter, was miserable because of the freezing cold. After getting halfway to JFK, I found out my flight had been delayed for two hours, so I had lots of time to kill in the terminal, and I didn't make it to Raleigh until 2am. Even at 2am, being greeted by my entire family at RDU was awesome, and I was so happy to be home!

Celebrations!

Friday night I had a holiday party at my apartment! I baked all day, and with the help of my co-nannies and Sarah, the party started around 9. I served dirty shirley punch, red velvet cupcakes, and other Christmasy treats.

I was so fortunate to have good friends in and out of my apartment all night! I have many close friends in the city, but everyone is so busy that I rarely get to spend enough time with anyone. Having that many people who are so special to me all in one place was such a treat, and the PERFECT way to celebrate Christmas, and start off my birthday!

I had a wonderful birthday in New York on Saturday! Meg, Lindsay, Lizzy and I went to brunch at my favorite brunch place: The Central Park Boathouse! Meg and I then shopped for most of the afternoon and got manicures. That evening, I went for an early dinner at Joe Allen's with friends, saw William in his show, and hopped around to various holiday parties.  After our group of people party-hopping had dwindled to just a few of us, we ordered pizza, and sat around my Christmas tree enjoying our late night food and company. On my birthday, I was reminded yet again of how lucky I am to live in NYC and have such good friends. 

best weekend with best friend!

Rosa Mexicana

Bryant Park

Jennifer came to town this weekend, and we had a wonderful time! I took the whole weekend off from work, and the whole weekend off from auditions! It was such a treat to relax and enjoy New York! On Saturday we visited my sweet southern neighbors, and their kids showed us every ornament on their Christmas tree! They're precious. Then after a delicious brunch at the Central Park Boathouse, we went to Bryant Park for the afternoon! They have ice skating and a fun Christmas market set up right now. It was freezing cold, but we had a great time, and purchased cute hats! We got manicures at my favorite manicure place in my neighborhood, and then had dinner at Rosa Mexicana. The wonderful pomegranate margaritas were way too much fun!

Freezing Cold in front of Rockefeller Christmas Tree

Sarah's Recital

Sunday we went to Sarabeth's for breakfast, and Apostles for church on the Upper East Side. We then ventured down to Union Square, shopped a bit, and went to see my friend Sarah's Senior Recital! She gave a lovely performance, and it was neat to see all of the hard work she had put into her musical theatre recital. After that, we went to an amazing restaurant in Little Italy that specializes in their gluten-free selections. It's called Rubirosa, and I highly recommend it. I cannot wait to go back! After our early dinner, we headed to Redeemer Presbyterian church, and then enjoyed Peanut Butter hot chocolate from Shake Shack! It was quite the weekend, and I'm happy to get to spend a little more quality time with Jenn tomorrow before she heads back to DC.

Rubirosa

I have another big week of auditions coming up, but I'm looking forward to interspersing the auditions and work with decorating my apartment for Christmas! The decorations I shipped from NC arrive tomorrow, and the tree should be delivered Wednesday! :)

Hello, December!

I cannot believe it is already December. November flew by so quickly! After many auditions, lots of nannying, and a short Thanksgiving holiday in NC, fall was over, and winter had arrived. It is winter in New York for sure! Not only am I wearing my down coat every day, but there are Christmas lights and Christmas music everywhere! I love it!

Ross and Me at church in NC

I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to go home for the Thanksgiving holiday. Having five days off from work and auditioning, and getting to spend time with family and friends was such a blessing. The trip to NC of course brought lots of feelings of nostalgia, but despite that it was a lovely vacation! I ate several delicious meals, shopped a LOT, saw three movies, and caught up with so many people!

B and me at the tree lighting

This week, my friends Bridget and Kate and I went to see the lighting of the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. It was a one time experience that I am glad I had, but will probably never choose to have again. I will watch it on TV next year. The crowds were insane, there were way too many people invading my personal space, and though we heard all of the artists perform live, we were not close enough to see them. I'm glad I went though!

Kate and me at the tree lighting

Bromance the Dudsical

Wednesday night, I had the awesome opportunity to see "Bromance: The Dudsical" at Caroline's. It is a new musical, and this was the premiere of the concert edition. The cast is stellar, and it was a truly enjoyable night. We had a great time at the after party, and hanging out with the composers and creative team at Chelsea Grill after that.

I am so excited that December is here. The best month in New York is finally upon us, and I'm really looking forward to all of the Christmas parties, my visitors, and simply enjoying the Christmas cheer in the city.