It's Always An Adventure

This past weekend, the last weekend before Christmas, I vowed that I would NOT get caught up in the insanity of last minute shopping, crowds of people clamouring for their Starbucks coffee and throngs of tourists blocking the sidewalks.  Instead, I spent most of the weekend warm and cozy in our decorated apartment, Christmas music playing softly in the background while we baked cookies and wrapped gifts.  I think we all needed a bit of time for some rest.

Initially, I didn’t think that we would be able to just chill out and relax this weekend. We had not taken the girls to see Santa Claus and they were very worried, as they had not written a letter to Santa or been to see him and were concerned that Santa would not know what they would like for Christmas.  As curious as I was to go and see the amazing Macy’s Santa Land, I was also dreading getting up early on Saturday morning to beat the crowds and long waits to see the BIG guy.  Luckily for us, Santa visited the lobby of our apartment building on Friday night and the girls happily sat down and shared some quality time with him.  No wait, no rush, no screaming children.  Bliss.

Santa and A, sharing a laugh together!

R having a very serious discussion with Santa

I took this as a sign that we were supposed to engage in as little craziness as possible on the weekend.  On Saturday morning we all happily got dressed in our comfy clothes, one step above p.j.’s, and lazed about watching classic Christmas movies, reading and enduring the very tough task of testing Christmas cookies.  I also finished wrapping the presents… I am not sure what I will do with myself on the 23rd when I am usually up late hunched over the gifts cursing scotch tape and hard to wrap gifts.

R making cookie dough- notice Dopey is helping too!!

The Cookie Testers!!

Now, I do have to admit that later on that day, I did have to find something Manhattan worthy to wear and leave the apartment.  A couple of my good friends here in the city were having Birthday parties and I headed out to enjoy the festivities.  I joined the crowds on the subway and headed into midtown for a night on the town. The first party I went to was at a fabulous Cuban restaurant called Guantanamera.  There is nothing better for escaping the winter weather on a cold NYC night than ducking into a bustling Cuban restaurant filled with amazing music, fabulous mojitos and delicious food.  Not to mention the excellent company of good friends.

Live Entertainment

Happy Birthday Carol!!

Full of food and good cheer we made our way over to a new bar called Industry where we met up with some gorgeous men to continue the night of birthday celebrations by toasting the lovely Eric. I have to admit I headed home relatively early, craving some much needed sleep.  The next day was filled with church, more cookies, chilling out and dinner ordered in.  All very civilized, relaxing and exactly the recharge that this girl needed to get through the insanity of this fun-filled action packed holiday week.  Enjoy the holiday season and remember, a little dash of Bailey’s in your coffee never hurt anyone ;)!