A NEW YORK CITY HOLIDAY TOUR

 Welcome to Monday my friends!

Last week my husband and I spent a casual day shopping and enjoying the holiday sights in New York City. I decided to take my camera along to snap a few holiday photos of our trip to share with you. 

Grab your coffee and put your walking shoes on...it all starts as we step out of our train at NY Penn Station/Madison Square Garden.....

We were greeted by the most beautiful holiday decorations throughout......

We headed to Macy's on 34th Street........

And their famous holiday window display this year.....Yes, Virginia....

As we walked toward Rockefeller Center we spotted the Empire State Building towering above us......

We stopped for a few minutes to walk in Bryant Park. The Christmas tree was decorated with beautiful red, white and blue ornaments. Such a beautiful patriotic tribute.

The park was bustling with shoppers.....

Our curiosity drew us to this vendor (below) making Chimney Cakes. They are pretzel dough rolled around a wooden dowel, fried and dipped in cinnamon and sugar. The center is hollow and may be filled with Nutella and other lucsious fillings, served warm. Simply delicious! A must try when in the city.

It's not unusual to see Chestnuts roasting at vendor carts....

Or New Yorkers dressed as the Statue of Liberty...

Or other lovely displays of holiday decorations.....

We went to Saks Fifth Avenue and walked the aisles in awe of all of it's beauty inside and out....

And finally Rockefeller Center a national historic landmark in the heart of Midtown Manhattan...

And the ice rink complete with the beautiful Rockefeller Christmas Tree, a worldwide symbol of the holidays in NYC...

No trip is complete without stopping at the gorgeous St. Patrick's Cathedral on 5th Avenue.......

Or the NYC Public Library......

And finally just because everyone needs a souvenir from NY...... The Christmas in New York store.......

 I hope you've enjoyed a glimpse into holiday time in NYC! There's nothing like it!

Wishing you a wonderful day!

Kathleen

ON A PERSONAL NOTE--THE MEREDITH VIERIA SHOW!

Good Morning my friends! 

Today's blog is a bit different than most. I believe we all have times in our lives where we are afraid to take that step into the unknown.... grab your coffee cup, and join me as I tell you about my experience.

When I first started blogging it was never my intention to write about my personal side, however, I soon realized that it was important to portray in words who I am, what I love, and how much my family means to me.

A few weeks ago I applied for tickets to THE MEREDITH VIERIA SHOW and received admittance for two. I was so excited because this was the taping for her very first show. Meredith Vieira is a strong, intelligent woman that isn't afraid to voice her opinion, but is also sensitive and approachable. Qualitites that I personally find appealing.

I asked my friend if she could come along, but unfortunately (or fortunately for her financially), she had a real estate closing that day. I decided that I was not going to miss this once in a lifetime opportunity and went to NYC myself.

I was so excited and a bit nervous. I've been into the city many times, but always with family or friends. I got up early, 5:00 a.m. for a 7:00 train departure. My husband drove me to the train station. I purchased my round trip ticket and my adventure began!

While sitting on the train a wonderful lady sat next to me. I was reviewing my walking maps taking me from NY Penn to the NBC Experience store where we all were to meet. She saw what I was reading and told me she worked in the building for a law firm. She said, "let's walk together." I thought, wow, I just hit the jackpot. This lady walks this route which takes about 30 minutes, every day rain, snow or shine. How lucky could I be?

When we arrived I bought her a coffee, we chatted for a moment, I thanked her,she went her way to work and I went mine. What a lovely beginning to my day! I was so early because I didn't know what to expect. My daughter's laugh at me, but it's a trait of mine they have become accustomed to. 

I waited in line for quite some time. I chatted with so many wonderful ladies and even some younger girls that were my daughter's ages. It was great and helped pass the time. I realized after talking to many of these ladies, that they love doing these show circuits. They had been to Rachel Ray, The Chew, Katie Couric, and Dr. Oz, just to name a few. They were seasoned and I was ready and willing to listen as to how this deal worked!!

We were divided into groups and given a color coded Audience landyard to wear around our necks. Mine was purple.

After waiting for another hour or so in a holding area we were escorted into the stage/audience area. It was warm, inviting and very comfortable. She even has a chair that actually came from her own living room that her doggies chewed on a bit! 

The show was a fantastic first show and I feel privileged to have been a part of it. I believe Meredith Vieria will have no problem soaring with her daytime ratings. She is not only a beautiful woman on the outside, but her show exudes her authentic personality, warm, inviting and funny. She has an interesting way of connecting people through her heartfelt wish to bring us "real life" connections.

Walking back to the train station for my trip home, the hustle and bustle of NYC was around me. I felt a sense of personal accomplishment and of fulfillment. 

I will leave you with my thoughts for the day:

I am only 6 months younger than Meredith Vieria and look at what a big step she is taking........kind of makes my solo trip to NYC minor. But I came to the realization that no matter how old you are you should never be afraid to take that step into the unknown. It's a big world out there and there is so much to learn and experience both good and bad. If we don't take that step, we will never know what we could have been!

THANK YOU MEREDITH VIERIA!

Wishing you all an exciting new day!!

Kathleen

***Thanks so much for stopping by. Do you have a life experience you would like to share with us? Please feel free to leave a comment.....we love to hear from you!