Snow!!

Just in time to make my last minute holiday shopping in the city even harder than it needed to be, a foot of snow decided to fall over the weekend! Don't get me wrong, I love love LOVE the snow, but the blizzard like conditions did not help with the crazy shoppers. Side note: although I'm complaining, doesn't it make central park look absolutely beautiful?! :)

Not only does the snow turn the concrete jungle into a magical place, it also turns my dog into a maniac! To say Molson loves the snow would be a complete understatement! Sometimes I consider moving to the mountains just to make him happy. Although I don't have a video of him in action, I believe the below is a great representation of how he was acting on Sunday. Please picture a yellow lab half covered only revealing a wagging tail as he is searching for a ball in a snow drift.

I also just find the video very cute :)

York Peppermint Pattie

Do not underestimate the deliciousness of the York Peppermint Pattie. I feel this fine little minty pleasure is largely forgotten when discussing favorite treats. I received a festive snowflake version today from a rep and was highly satisfied. Thank you Time Out New York for reminding me of this tasty dessert!

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!

I have to admit, I’m a bit of a nut when it comes to how much I love Christmas, but I can’t think of anything better than watching the city come to life with holiday festivities! I get a rush every time I walk outside and see all of the pretty lights, wreaths, and Christmas tree sites and can’t wait to go home to Ohio for the joyous occasion! Although I have not made a trip to Rockefeller yet to see the iconic tree this year, my tree and knickknacks are proudly displayed in my apartment (my mom shipped me my tree and ornaments which turned out to be surprisingly cheap!) and I spent a fun filled weekend filled with all sorts of holiday activities.

First stop, The Nutcracker!! Growing up every year I would look forward to getting dressed up (ok, maybe I didn’t love putting on a dress but still), getting an afternoon off of school and going downtown with my classmates to see the infamous Nutcracker battle the mice under an enormous Christmas tree! As I have grown many years since then, I now get to enjoy this festive activity in a whole new way!

The day starts with brunch as I am kindly handed a pomegranate margarita upon my arrival (good morning tequila, it was noon somewhere right?) and enjoy a nontraditional Mexican Christmas feast with my coworkers Bethany and Laura (better known as Ankit’s angels – we also make a guest appearance within the production later that afternoon). After our bellies are full, we head across the street to Lincoln Center for the performance where I am able to make this old-man-with-a-green-scarf’s (aka Mother Ginger) afternoon by giving him two extra tickets to the show. This might have been my highlight as I felt my heart grow 3 sizes that day (Grinch reference anyone?). Then, the NYCB performed an amazing rendition of The Nutcracker, 30 ft tree and all!! After the show we twirled and pliéd our way down the street like sugarplum fairies to the Columbus Circle Holiday Market to shop for gifts. After making some great one of a kind purchases, we make our way to the Time Warner Center just in time for the snowflake music display! (below)

I wish I could celebrate Christmas like this everyday!!

The Story

So I’ve been moved lately by my wonderful and truly inspirational friends to start blogging. I never really understood the whole appeal to telling the world your inner most thoughts (yes Birnie, I’m stealing this from you), but have finally embraced the idea that it can actually be therapeutic to express what you’re feeling and may never get out otherwise. That and I’ve realized that although I’ve always considered my life to be somewhat mediocre if not borderline boring, that my “gracefulness”, or lack thereof, can indeed be quite amusing to others.

Which brings me to the reason behind the name - You can call me Grace… Growing up I was not the most “graceful” of individuals and unfortunately I’ve never completely grown out of this awkwardness. Sadly, I get it honest, and my mother has some similar graceful antics of her own bringing my father to casually call us Grace when we take one of our classic spills or break yet another dish or glass. I’ve finally come to accept this clumsiness to be charming and just another reason for you to love me for being me. This all said, there is never really a dull moment in my life and sometimes I secretly think God is just trying to tell me it’s time for me to get myself a new dining set J

So here’s to the beginning of my graceful blogging journey! May you enjoy my daily ups, downs, falls and triumphs!