When you think of the perfect place to be around Christmas time, what immediately pops into your head? For me, it’s New York City. Last weekend, my family and I took a trip to the big apple just for fun, and we had a magically festive time together. With my sister, Hannah, graduating high school in the spring and heading off to college next fall (she wants to be a nurse!), our unlimited time as a small family is indeed limited. We’ve always loved spending time together, and I’m sure as life changes and grows this upcoming year, that won’t change. Even though logistically, it might be a little harder.
Our weekend was filled with lots (and lots and lots!) of delicious food, shopping for Christmas sweaters, visits with old friends, and quality uninterrupted conversation. I love coming home from a trip and feeling rejuvenated, and that’s exactly how I feel now. I don’t think much in life can make me more happy than being with the people I love.
(I have to include this photo because I laughed so hard when I found it. My mom took like fifteen pictures and had the hardest time getting me in focus and the tree in the background at the same time. By this point, I had pretty much given up on smiling at all because I was so focused on helping her take the picture! Haha)
On the last morning before flying back home, my dad treated us girls to brunch at our favorite restaurant in the city: The Sea Grill. What’s so special about this place is that it looks out onto the ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center, which is one of the best people watching spots, and you’ll definitely catch a few great wipeouts. My favorite is the one friend that takes down the whole group. It’s painfully hilarious.
The day we went there was a prix fixe menu, but so many options were still available. The most exciting part of the meal for me was the mushroom soup because it was VEGAN! And absolutely delicious.
I think I scarfed it down in two spoonfuls.
This is my super food happy face.
After soup and salads, we had our entrees delivered. With my dairy allergy, I had asked for a vegetable based meal. I figured it would just be a bunch of their side vegetables put together (which is usually delicious!), but on this day the chef went all out and created a vegetable pasta medley that was so good. It even had a little kick of spice to it, but totally hit the spot.
If you haven’t been watching my vlogmas (you totally should!) then you haven’t seen my new hair do! I did an ombre purple and am absolutely in love with it. It’s seriously one of my most favorite hairstyles ever and it’s such a fun look for the holiday season!
After our entrees, it was time to order dessert. I had tea at most restaurants after our meals, but today I was feeling some fresh fruit, and I’m super glad I was because this fruit was some of the best I’ve ever had. The berries were so plump and juicy and it felt like every bite was fresh as could be.
I also snapped some pics of my family’s desserts and tea, cause’ why not?
The Sea Grill was the perfect ending to our family filled weekend. I couldn’t have asked for a better trip and better time spent with my ohana. We watched some pretty epic ice skating crashes too, and saw this whole group on the ice as well! There’s just something so unexplainable about the energy of New York City, and I’m already planning our next trip.
P.S., I vlogged this meal too, so I’ll be sure to add it here when it’s uploaded!
