day 4

Yep that's right, Jess and I woke up at 6am to get to GMA! I have to admit, I've only seen the show just a few times, but my sister is an avid viewer. So we woke up bright and early, walked the 4 miles to the studio in Times Square. Lucky us, but we were up front and our parents back home in Birmingham saw us! It was well worth the early morning and long walk.

Walking towards Chinatown and Little Italy again.

This time we really found the heart of both! It was definitely a sight worth seeing. Especially in Chinatown where the locals go grocery shopping. I saw some very authentic foods that I particularly will never eat {weird shaped mushrooms, saw a chicken hanging in a window}!

We made our way down to the financial district which had some of the most beautiful buildings I've ever seen!

We made our way to the Brooklyn Bridge!

Even met this couple who had just gotten married in the courthouse and were taking their wedding pictures on the bridge!

Last stop was the Trade Center Memorial Site. Definitely touching.

"Dedicated to those who fell and to those who carry on."

"May we never forget."

Not pictured is our wait at the airport home. We were scheduled a flight that left LaGaurdia at 8pm. Due to weather our flight was cancelled to the next day. Need less to say, Jessica and I "slept" in the airport over night which based on our experience, one should never do!

This trip although short, was well worth the early mornings and late nights! I think we packed a lot of sight seeing and shopping in the short days we were there! I CAN'T WAIT TO GO BACK!!!

day 3

Sunday we had rain all day long, but little did the it know, the rain wouldn't stop us from going outside! We walked towards Chelsea and found this great Japanese place that gave us TONS of food! One of my favorite things about NYC is that most restaurants are open. So we sat on the outside and people watched throughout our meal!

As we were walking a monsoon started to pour so we caught a cab to Time Square. On the way we passed the Houndstooth Pub. ROLL TIDE!

No pictures were taken in Time Square, but we did go see a Broadway! I've never been to one so it was definitely an experience. We went to see Follies which was alright. Don't get me wrong, it was great and the songs and actors were fantastic, but I don't think Broadways are my cup of tea. I would prefer a movie.

Next stop, and one of my favorites, 5th Avenue! A shopaholics dream!

Miu Miu, Chanel, and Dior! Not pictured is one of my favorite places to browse through on the web, Zara. I am completely obsessed with the store! I can't wait til September 7th so I can purchase online!

New York Public Library!

day 2 part 2

Our visit to Central Park was very relaxing! After walking past all the hecklers and declining rented bikes and bike rides, we found an open bench to watch a local baseball game.

Next stop was Top of the Rock. The most breath-taking views of New York City!

Inside the Rockefellar Center, Swarovski made a stunning "Crystal Waterfall".

On the way back to the hotel we walked by this really cool drummer. All he used were a couple of buckets and drum sticks. I have a video of him playing but had trouble uploading.

NYC pizza . . . to be completely honest, it was delicious but definitely not the best pizza I've ever eatten. So far, that belongs to a place in my hometown called Salvatore's.

Saturday night entertainment was brought by Broadway Comedy Show. I've never been to a show before and definitely didn't know what I was getting myself into, but needless to say, we had a fun time!

We ended the night by walking through the crowded Time Square. I believe it was more crowded than during the day time if you can imagine! Look at the sea of people!!!

day 2 part 1

Day two in the morning/afternoon was kind of like a "get to know the city". This first photo is of my sister Jessica walking through SoHo to get to Time Square. This trip is about 4 miles, which we did 4 times that day. Nothing like a little cardio!

On the way near Chelsea there is this beautiful fence of art done by children after 9/11. Each tile has some sort of patriotic phrase.

Madison Square Garden! Seeing a concert here is on my to do list for 2012!

Although Times Square was my least favorite {the crowds were just enormously big} it held the best pictures.

Jessica and I in the heart of Times Square!

Day 2 Part 2 will be tomorrow, which is filled with Central Park, Top of the Rock, NYC pizza, and a comedy show.

let the trip begin

Sorry for the lack of posting last week. I am fully recovered from NYC {well almost} and am ready for the week ahead {which includes the beginning of my senior year}! I've decided to break this week into each day that we were there so here is Friday.

It was my first time on a plane in a really long time, so I was anxious on the way up. But I called window seat so I got this beautiful picture looking out over the Atlantic ocean.

We stayed in SoHo, which quickly became my favorite area of the city. It was very low key with a city vibe. I fell in love with all the little shops and restaurants.

Nick Arrojo's salon from What Not to Wear was located right across the street from our hotel.

This was the first store we went into in China town. It was b-e-a-utifully decorated {not}!

5 things {i love about the south}

I absolutely love living in the south. I was born and raised in Alabama. Although I don't think I will live below the mason-dixon line for the rest of my life, I would like to settle back down here in my olden years. I've picked five of my favorite reasons why I love the south.

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1. Southern cookin'. I don't follow Paula Deen's recipes because her food is a little unhealthy for my new organic kick, but man I still love some southern food. Corn bread, casseroles, and slow cooking bar-b-que are some of my favorite comfort foods. 2. Sweet Tea. What's not to love?! A nice refreshing sweet tea with a slice of lemon is perfect on a hot summer day! Those yankees don't know what their missing with that iced tea.3. Southern Gentlemen. I have to say, one thing I'm going to miss when I move up north {fingers crossed} is how a southern gentleman treats a lady. Opening doors, sweet compliments, footing the bill {thank you!}, and making sure she's taken care of. I've been pretty lucky to have met a fine bunch and they have me spoiled!4. Time doesn't fly. Living in the south, we tend to move at a slower pace. Lots of porch rocking {only at the lake for me} and live a very laid back lifestyle. I don't particularly like this aspect of the south at times. That's one thing that I'm looking forward to when I intern in the city.

5. Um hello, the south isn't the south without football. It is a religion down here. College Gamedays are the most important days in the fall. It's just a part of our culture that we're obsessed with and most people who aren't from around the south can't quite comprehend.

l a k e

What a great weekend! I got to spend some time with my brother and sister at the lake! As promised, I did remember to take a few photos. It started out a {hold the little} rainy {it stormed so hard}! But after it turned out oh so beautiful! After soaking in the rays {and getting a little fried, even with SPF 30 every 2 hours} and playing in the water, I am refreshed and ready for the week ahead!

Mr. Grey Heron that always sits at the end of the pier.

Pretty sunset!

Grill master in the works! Checking this one off the summer to-do list!

Yum-O, homemade ice cream!

While waiting on the burgers and ice cream, we had fun with self-timer!

5.27

HAPPY 24th BIRTHDAY TO MY BEAUTIFUL SISTER, JESSICA!

Today marks the one month date from the April 27th tornado that devastated Tuscaloosa. We have progressed a little in re-building the city, yet there is a lot more work to be done. I'm still confident we'll come back stronger and better!

On a happier note, enjoy your holiday weekend! See you all back on Monday!

l a t e l y

Hey there readers, I hope all is well! Thanks for being so patient the past couple of weeks. Get ready for a fun summer full of volunteering, spending time with family and friends, working, vacations, and lots more! I can't wait to share some of the stories with all of you over the next couple months! Let's hope I remember to pull out the camera to document.

Lately I have been keeping super busy and occupied with work. In between work and sleep, I have been volunteering with some friends at Leland Aid Center located in Alberta, a town that the tornado severely hit. We got to meet with some tornado victims and help serve them food and supplied them with daily necessities. It has been so wonderful to meet with these people, hear their stories, and share some much needed hugs and encouragement. Tuscaloosa is a strong town and is in the beginning stages of clean up. Above is a photo from last week taken on the roof of our parking deck at the apartment. Before, you could never see the houses below as it was just trees. Now, as you can see, it's just broken houses covered in tarps. I can't wait to see how Tuscaloosa will recover from this. All I know is that it's going to be great and "the storm" {as it is now referred to as} has only brought this city closer and stronger.

The Friday after "the storm" my sister graduated with her master's in counseling from JSU. I am beyond proud of her and all her accomplishments! I can't wait to see what the future has to offer her, but I know she will succeed in anything she puts her mind too . . . that being said, in a couple of years when she completes the LPC I wouldn't be surprised if she opened her own practice!

In between Jessica's graduation and today, I went to visit family in Nashville, TN. I brought along my camera, and of course, I forgot to take any pictures. But to enlighten you of the week's events, I visited my grandfather in the hospital {which luckily he is now home!}, went grocery shopping with my grandmother {which is a social event in her church community, and by the way Kroger is one neat place. They sell everything from groceries to jewelry to school supplies, and get this, furniture! I'm talking like patio furniture to living room couches}, and ended the trip meeting friends at Wildhorse! If your in Nashville, you have got to go there! Just be sure to bring your dancing shoes!

Back in Tuscaloosa, I reunited with some sweet friends! Above is a picture of Kelsey, me, and Casey. If your in need of a Saturday night pick-me-up, just gather up some friends, put on your dancing shoes, and dance the night away!

Hope you all have a great Monday!

Update on Tuscaloosa

Tuscaloosa is still a sight to see, but now it's blue tarps, national guards, Red Cross buses, policemen patrolling areas, Tide Loads of Hope, power trucks from all over, donation drop offs with an incredible amount given to the area, men with chainsaws, and the list goes on forever.

Thank you so much for your continuing thoughts, prayers, gifts, and help!

Make monetary donations for Tuscaloosa and surrounding areas here.

From Tuscaloosa News as of 10:00 am 5/3/2011: Fatalities still at 40; missing 240, 771 cleared. 11 search and rescue teams.

* Updated pictures coming soon!

4/27

I had a whole line up of posts for the week, but the devastating events that occurred in Tuscaloosa has truly changed my life forever. Thank you so much for your thoughts, prayers, and help in anyway. I am truly blessed to be alive today and thank God for keeping his hand on us. Tuscaloosa is such a strong community and I pray that we stay committed and I am confident we will get through this. If you want to help in anyway, follow one of the links below or text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10.00.

Toomer's for Tuscaloosa
Memorial Day Weekend In Tuscaloosa
Ashley Harrison Shelter/Building
Ways to Help Tornado Victims
I know many church's and organizations are holding blood drives, clothing, and item drives. We thank you so much for your support. Anything you might have is absolutely needed and much appreciated. You are truly a blessing.