I don't know about you guys but Thanksgiving break for me is all about eating, eating, rolling in the snow, shopping and well more eating! It's tradition for me to trek out to the mid west and spend it with family or friends and this year was no different. It was my first time going to Minnesota and I absolutely loved it! My friend's family was so welcoming and all the sights just made me feel so cozy (yes I know I say that word a lot!) Anywhoos here are some pictures from my snow-cookie-puppy filled adventures!
Friends, Pups, and Pies- not a bad way to celebrate Turkey Day!
Went to visit my friend's honorary uncle and aunt after dinner (whom I love and now call my honorary uncle and aunt) and I just thought it was so wonderful that they spent time to do this. It's easy to remember the big things but being thankful for the little things is what makes life so wonderful.
Woke up the next morning to these little guys annnd A LOT of snow! I LOVE snow!
Spent the day making Christmas cookies and having a Friends marathon in pjs
Leaving my mark at the Mall of America
Loved this little shop, it had a lot of great organic and tasty food items
Adored one of the cathedrals, this altar reminds me of the one in the Vatican, so beautiful!
Went to the sculpture garden and got a spoonful of cherry!
And well we all know what this time of year means...Christmas! I love Christmas time!! I have another tradition, which is to put up my tree the weekend after Thanksgiving and I did so with my family...well via Skype but with the fam-bam nonetheless :)
Don't lie *NSYNC's Christmas album is a part of your Christmas music repertoire!
Thanksgiving is tomorrow and as I sit here and reflect on all of the immense blessings I have had in my life I almost feel guilty for having such wonderful people and experiences when others have so little. However, not taking the time to be grateful for those experiences would almost make them null.
I'm thankful for: my family, my friends, my wonderful career, all of the places and experiences that have helped me develop into who I am. I can honestly say that I am exactly where I wanted to be at 25 and have only gotten here because I've had such wonderful people rooting for me along the way. Take time to thank those around you. Have a great and warm holiday!
After living away from home for almost 8 years I've finally mastered how to pack and travel efficiently. I used to pack 2 large suitcases for weekend trips (yes ridiculous I know) however now I can pretty much travel for a week with only a carry-on. After much trial and error here are some tips I've learned along the way to make going home for the holidays as painless as possible.
Have a pre-flight checklist made out. This will ensure that you only pack the necessities and plan your wardrobe according to the weather; trust me there is nothing worse than de-boarding a plane in a summer dress and flip flops when it's rainy and cold outside (this sooo did not happen to me this past summer in Paris...cough cough) What I suggest should go on your list is:
- key items (credit cards, ID, and flight booking number)
- Charge our iPod, laptop, and phone. Stock up on reading materials and snacks (or you'll be paying for a $10 mini salad)
- Wear shoes that are easy to slip off at security (I always love my Tom Toms or Uggs)
- Wear leggings or jeans and a long sleeve shirt to combat the chilly plane temperature
- Make sure you have all of your cords and chargers!
- ALWAYS bring a long scarf or travel blanket, neck rest, and eye shades (nothing like catching a snooze on the plane to recharge for a fun trip home!)
What to Pack (for winter holidays)
- Sunscreen ( I wear it every single day, regardless of weather wear it!)
-chapstick and any medicines
- sunglasses
- 1 pair of boots (preferably waterproof)
- 1 nice going out outfit
- 1 set of pjs
- 2 T-shirts/ blouses
- 1 sweater
- 1 pair of jeans
- 2-3 thermal tops
- 1 winter coat
- 1 woolly hat
- 1 pair of gloves
- undergarments (including warm socks)
I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving and eat lots of To-furkey!
*F*R*I*E*N*D*S Thanksgiving episode clip: Joey v. the turkey
