New York Day 1

So, here is the breakdown and a few snaps from the infamous trip to NYC! I can't believe we managed to cram so much sightseeing / trips / shopping into 6 days! How some people can go for just 3 or 4 days I'll never know. You need at least 2 weeks to be able to see just the basics! We did so much I think I'll have to break it down day by day.

So, we begin our journey with a stay at the Premier Inn at Manchester Airport on Sunday 4th November 2012. We ordered LOTS of room service and got our tour guide out and began planning our adventure in the big city.

We got a good night sleep and set our alarms for 6.30am the following morning in time for our taxi to the terminal. We checked out the following morning and after arriving at the airport we were greeted with a lovely 2 hour delay on our flight. Boo! Never mind, an extra 2 hours in duty free and time to get a nice breakfast...or so we thought. After several unsuccessful attempts to check in on our own, we discovered that my sisters ESTA (visa you need to enter the US) had expired. Argh! Blind panic struck and we ran to the nearest computer to reregister. Clearly luck wasn't on our side that morning as the computer sucked up all of our £1 coins and the internet page wouldn't load. So off we went to the helpdesk who managed to sort it out for us. Phew! So we checked in our bags and trundled off in search of breakfast. We found a nice cafe where we had a big pot of tea each and a yummy breakfast. I had a sausage ciabatta and George had eggs benedict. We had a little wander around the duty free and soon enough it was time to board our flight! We gave Mum and Dad a quick ring to say our final goodbyes before excitedly boarding the plane.

 After a loooooong and boring flight we touched down at JFK at 5.30pm. Feeling pretty groggy and in desperate need of a cocktail, we waited around for our transfer for an hour (!) In all honesty, when I go next time I will DEFINITELY be booking a private taxi. The transfers were horrid. About 13 of us crammed into a 10 seater mini bus. My sister and I were right at the very back and I felt so unbelievably car sick, particularly as the New York taxi drivers are RECKLESS and aggressive (just like the movies.) It was approaching dusk by the time we arrived in the city and as we drove over the bridge and I saw the New York skyline I felt like I was in an episode of Sex and the City. (I know.) Luckily we were the first to be dropped off so dashed into the hotel, got ready and headed straight out to explore Times Square (and order the biggest cocktail on the menu.)

The city was buzzing and the atmosphere was electric. We were torn as to which restaurant to try first and were shocked at the amount of Starbucks coffee houses on one street. We decided on The OIive Garden for dinner and hurried on in because by this time it was 8pm and we were STARVING. Obviously we ordered the most extravagant cocktails money could buy (frozen strawberry margaritas to be exact.)

We had a yummy dinner but decided to get an earlyish night because we had a jam packed day the following morning. We snuggled down in our double bed, full from our delicious Olive Garden dinner and a bit giddy from the tequila, feeling excited for the day ahead.

To be continued...

I'm back...

So, it's been precisely 4 months since my last post. And what an interesting 4 months its been! Probably easier to go through the events month by month.

So September saw me hit the big 2-4, where I had a fantastic night out with my friends (followed by spending my entire birthday sleeping in my onesie with a cracking headache...although we did get an Indian takeaway in the evening which made it better.

October saw me leave my job and up sticks back to the north for a promotion, so lots of stress at relocating with a few shed tears for my staff. In all honesty I miss it dearly but certain circumstances pushed me into aiming higher.

November saw my sister and I FINALLY jet off to NYC after 8 months of counting down the minutes. I will do a proper post on it but I can honestly say it was the most magical, beautiful place I have ever been and will be going back as soon as I can get a plane ticket!

December was a struggle with only a 2 day break over Christmas, and ring incredibly ill Christmas Day which kind of ruined it but it was still nice to have some family time.

It's now January, and no resolutions have been made, other than to continue chasing the dream and be happy. It's only 3 weeks into the new year and I've already landed a placement in the editorial office at comma press publishing. I start in July so fingers crossed! Hopefully it will lead to bigger things and more opportunities.

Still no Internet in the new place even after 2 months so making use of my iPhone and various cafes around town, hence the short post. So there you go, the last four months summed up.

I'll try to make sure I don't keep you waiting another 4 months until the next post!

xo

Yes!

Fun In The Sun

So today I went for a picnic and a long walk in the countryside with my lovely best friend Rosie. We bought loads of (healthy) snacks - even though I did sneak a milky way into the basket - and took my picnic rug in my big Cath Kidston bag and off we went. We did a five mile walk (over a scary bridge - not ideal when your friend is terrified of heights!) But she was brave and we went over it twice. It was SUCH a beautiful day today and the sun shone down all afternoon. We did a bit of sunbathing and I will say I'm glad the kids are back at school because it was so peaceful and quiet. With the exception of a few old couples with their dogs, we were the only people there. 

We watched clouds for a bit and made lots of shapes out of them then had a deep and meaningful talk about places we want to go on holiday! Rosie even went cricket hunting - and she caught one - twice! I don't know how she does it. She's like Dr Doolittle haha! Anyway I'm back at home now and looking forward to my second day off tomorrow - I've got a riding lesson so let's hope this sun sticks around because I miss riding outside!

My New Favourite Song!

She's done it again! T-Swizzle has written yet another song which speaks volumes! Really can't wait for her fourth album, 'Red' which is out in October! Check out her new single, 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together' HERE.

Birthday Plans!

Well after a stressful day (made stress free by an intensive gym workout) I'm onto planning my birthday weekend with my lovely friends. The hotel rooms are booked, the dress has been ordered and everyones excited! I haven't had a birthday night out for 2 years so it'll be great to spend it with my best friends! We're doing cocktails and dancing in Cheltenham. I can't wait! 

Had a bit of an ordeal with my dress actually, I spotted it a few weeks ago and INSTANTLY thought it'd be a perfect birthday girl dress teamed with wedges and wavy hair, plus its something I'll wear over and over but my size has been out of stock for 3 weeks! So I tweeted Topshop today and lo and behold! It's back in stock when I get home from work. It's like a birthday miracle! So I took it as a sign and ordered away, I just hope it looks as good as it does online!

Anyway I'm off to bed now, another busy day of work and gym tomorrow!

62 days...

...and counting!