Showing posts with label travel.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel.. Show all posts

1.12.2011

NYC.

{this is my hat} 

I ended up making the trip to NYC for my first time EVER over the holidays! I was so excited that I just had to follow through with our original plans. I drove from my sister's house in Waldorf, MD to D.C. where I caught a four hour bus ride into the city. Before I boarded, I bought a coffee and a New York Times newspaper. I had to. 

Below is a list of places Danielle so graciously took me on my visit:
**Gemma, an Italian Restaurant in the Bowery Hotel
**Elba, for drinks by mixologists
**Park Slope - Brooklyn, this is where Dani lives (rooftop pics!)
**Soho, for a little window shopping & lunch
**Cafe de la Esquina, delish mexican-ish food.
**Central Park
**The Plaza Hotel
**Bergdorf Goodman 
**Rockafellar Center
**NBC Studios
**Time Square

Am I missing something? It was a whirlwind of a trip, as I was there for less than 24hrs, but I'm so glad I made it! It was great to spend time with Danielle and also a high school friend of mine, Katie. Props to my strong lady friends who are making it happen in the big city! Love you. &. 
I <3 NY. 

I hope you enjoy the pictures.
-Christina 








4.30.2010

Foothills bound.

Happy weekend to you, my friends!

It's Friday once more! This weekend I'm headed to the foothills of those grand appalachain mountains. {Rutherfordton to be more exact} Michael says he has some activities in store, so I am anxious to see what he's planned! One thing's for sure: I love those mountains. Here I've found some mountain inspiration from Rachel Ann Austin. She's awesome. I'll see you Monday, but until then have a happy weekend!







Rachel Ann Austin's website is full of "paintings and other lovelies." I think that's a pretty accurate description. Her "map paintings" are so unique. I love their simplicity and charm. On May 1st and 2nd {which i just realized starts tomorrow!} her website will turn into a "Crafty Wonderland" with over 200 vendors! I'm looking forward to stealing some time away from Michael to check it out!


{ also check out this etsy seller: aruppel ~ i love trees. }

I hope you have a merry weekend!

- Christina

4.01.2010

Asheville+Spring=Lover-ly

Fresh from a fabulous weekend, in the coolest mountain spot I know, I am in love with spring. Everything about it. The welcomed warmth it brings. The cotton candy colored blossoms on the trees. A bird song, or two, or three. And of course, a pair of shorts!

During our Asheville adventure Michael and I slumbered at the Sheraton. The great thing about that was that we could walk just about anywhere ~ and we did. After check in, we got ready for a fun night out on the town and hit the streets. First things first, food, and to be more exact: pizza. We love love love our pizza. As amature pizza conosours, we have to say, the Mellow Mushroom is one of our favorite eats. Typically we go for a pepperoni and pineapple combo ~ but in lue of our adventurous spirit decided to throw some jalapenos on it, too. (delish!) Then, washing our pizza down with a pitcher of brew, we were off to the main event! TEA LEAF GREEN! The night air was cool, as we wandered our way towards a familiar friend: The Orange Peel. I've been going to see shows at the Orange Peel since I was a sophomore in high school. I love live music and adding Tea Leaf to my O.P. collection was rad. Their upbeat vibe and fresh vocals made for the perfect spring concert. We met new friends, jammed front row, had a beer or two and made a merry time of it all.

{the line up at the peel}


{mellow mushroom outdoor patio decor}


Friday night ended with a smile and a song and Saturday began with coffee, shorts and boots. Next step ~ brunch! Michael and I met up with one of my dearest sweetest kindest friends, Amy Beth. She is a breath of fresh air. The three of us ate at Tupelo Honey Cafe. The wait was long, but Amy Beth and I had some catching up to do, plus it was soo worth it. If you're ever in Asheville you should eat here. Michael ordered a screwdriver, Amy Beth a mimosa, and for myself a water (saving the dinero for the good stuff)... Good stuff = "Brian's Shrimp and Grits" = seven large shrimp served over goat cheese grits in a spicy roasted red pepper sauce. Check out their menu! ...AND... not to mention, they served the best biscuits and jam that I've EVER had. (and I scarfed down two of them.. wishing I had one right now ~ that kind of good!) The company, food and conversation was lovely. You gotta love a place where the sides are coined, "fresh farm sides." Once our bellies were full of Tupelo Honey goodness, we parted ways with Amy Beth, and set our sights on the city ~ and oh! there was so much to see!!

{brian's shrimp and grits, at tupelo honey}


Having gone to college just 45 minutes away from Asheville... I knew the direction I wanted to take our downtown stroll. And that was Lexington Avenue. My favorite Ashevillian, fashion guru and longtime college comrad, Danielle, had introduced me to this heaven years back. The rest is history. I'm the kind of person who judges a city's downtown by window displays. Asheville is the king and Lexington Avenue, its fortress. Hours passed on this quarter mile stretch of shopping delight. Michael and I wove in and out of almost every shop, gallery, and boutique... inspiration was around every corner. Each stop was bright with the freshness of spring. Here are some pictures of my freshest finds:

{lg gallery, i love a good painter}


{kress emporium: slices of tree w/ a fun twist}


{kress emporium}


{tera nostra decor ~ amazing furniture all over}


{lexington ave. flare}


{mountain lights, beautiful artistry}


{mountain lights, fairy tale fun mirror}


{chatsworth art & antiques, my favorite kind of find}


This was was the spring day of all spring days. amazing.
For more adventuring on your own visit Asheville or follow the links.
{some vendors don't have direct websites ~ so i've linked contact info}
enjoy!

Christina

3.25.2010

2 year kind of love.

This Sunday my boyfriend Michael and I are celebrating our 2 year anniversary! He's my best friend and we've been through a lot this past year. I can't think of anyone better to weather the storm with. Our long distance relationship started when I graduated from Western Carolina... and ever since we've been making it work! And it is work... but so worth it. I wanted to give Michael a little shout out on my new "Fresh Face" world... (which I assume will be as sinfully addictive as facebook). I pulled out my hidden stash of all things Michael and I. You know what I'm talking about.. ticket stubs, champagne stoppers, crafts, knick knacks of all sorts.. Anyways, I pulled out these post-it notes that Michael and I used to leave for each other and thought I would "repost-it" or them. They remind me of our college life, which we both love (and miss) so much. On this festive weekend we're headed to Asheville to jam to Tea Leaf Green and meander the city (in the sunshine and shorts - yay)! These are the weekends that we treasure. Michael and I are the definition of when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. My life would not be as sweet without him in it. Love you handsome. Happy 2 year anniversary!