A Bit of Inspiration

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Time to Drink Champagne and Dance on the Tables

New Years Eve is just 4 days away and I will be ringing in 2012 in New York City. It is exciting to think what all the tomorrows of the new year will bring but for now I will just be happy to spend some time with close friends in the city I know and love. Here's to drinking champagne and dancing on the tables!

Running in the Rain

There is something so liberating about running in the rain. Maybe it's because everyone else on the street seems to be desperately trying to avoid the cold wet drops, struggling to keep their umbrellas upright against the wind or huddling under overhangs, and there you are out there, voluntarily subjecting yourself to it and embracing it wholeheartedly. I think people hate rainy days because they feel like it stops them from living life and traps them indoors, but when you are running in the rain, it makes you feel energized and refreshed-- like you can do anything, like you are capable of so much more than you ever thought. Needless to say, I enjoyed my run tonight in the rain.

Long Weekend Wrap-up

In the past four days, I think I managed to pack in as many Christmas celebrations in as possible.

On Thursday, I attended a Christmas party at John's Pizza in the West Village. Have you ever danced the night away in a pizza place? If not, I would highly recommend it.

On Friday night, I joined my high school friends for a "Christmas in July" party at a bar on the Upper East Side. It felt fantastic to break out my shorts in December. I think everyone's favorite outfit of the night was definitely the Inflatable Hula Girl-- GENIUS!

I spent Christmas Eve in New York City with my family. We had lunch at Max Brenner in Union Square. Max Brenner is a dessert destination and so it was no surprise that the dessert stole the show. We shared the S'Mores Concoction (marshmallow fluff, milk chocolate mousse, graham crackers, caramelized bananas) and it was delicious!

Of course we also stopped by Rockefeller Center to see the Christmas tree. I have seen the tree a few times already this season but there's nothing like seeing it on Christmas Eve. It was just stunning!

I spent my Christmas Day in New Jersey with family. I think my pup looked particularly festive today in his red sweater. 

I hope everyone else had a wonderful Christmas!

Dinner at 10 Downing Wine and Food

My friend L and I met during our first job out of college and we have been close friends ever since. She is one of the busiest people I know, but lately we have been making a concerted effort to meet for wonderful meals every few weeks. Tonight we went to 10 Downing Wine and Food in the West Village. The food was delicious, the restaurant was elegant but cozy, and we had such a great time catching up. Here are a few pics of the night:

A Bit of Inspiration

Sock Wishes

Socks have a reputation for being the most BORING Christmas gift ever. There is just little excitement in unwrapping a gift to find that it contains something so practical. There are some socks, however, that I would be thrilled to receive. In fact, some of these beautiful socks would be the perfect gift for me this year-- they pack easily and don't take up much room in a suitcase. Is anyone else hoping for socks this year?