Sunday in Manhattan

On my recent trip to New York, my girlfriends and I decided while we were in Manhattan to do the touristy thing and go to the Empire State Building.  Not realizing that it was a holiday weekend we had a bit of a wait in the lines. I can't tell you how many different languages we heard!  It was all worth the wait. Met some nice Australians! Sadly it was our last day. Once we got to the observatory we didn't last too long outside since it was so windy, but we went in and out and got to see the view from each side after warming up a bit.  We were spoiled with 60 degree weather on Friday so the chilly Sunday was a eye opener.  After the Empire State Building we warmed up with a few drinks. Chalk that up as another successful trip.  

"Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind." - Seneca

Perogies

I am lucky to have two wonderful holiday traditions during Christmas time.  On Christmas Eve, my Dad's side of the family eats home made perogies.  (There is loads of other food, but this is what we all look forward to the most!)  The Tokarski women gather at my Aunt Sherry's house a week before Christmas.  This year it was Sunday (the day after caplet day for my Mom's side of the family.)  We make meat, potato, and sour kraut perogies.  In our process we make the dough, spoon the homemade fillings into them, and then pinch.  Once they are pinched close we put them on plates covered in flour so they don't stick together and send it over to the stove where someone is boiling and sauteing.  They are fully made then froze for the week till we cook them up again on Christmas Eve.  Here is the delicious, floury, and buttery process in photos.  

Feeling Grateful

Last night, my girlfriends and I had a cookie making party for the holidays!  We had chocolate chocolate, peanut butter, pumpkin, and sugar cookies with an array of decorating supplies. Along with puppy chow and red velvet mini cupcakes with cream cheese icing.  Oh, and we must not forget the "jug" of wine.  This was a fantastic evening that turned into a dance party.  (Great way to burn off some of those sweets we devoured. Hah.)  We all felt like we were 12 years old again dancing in the living room to Spice Girls, Hanson, NSYNC, and we cant forget the classics, Madonna, Hall & Oats, and Bruce Springsteen that we blasted.  (The neighbors probably thought we were insane!)  This was a perfect time to remember what the holidays are about though.  Being with loved ones and enjoying the company of great friends.  I feel incredibly grateful to have such wonderful people in my life.  They are each talented, inspiring individuals and I cannot wait to see what the new year has in store for them!

Mackenzie Farone, one of my best friends (above bottom right) is a blogger as well.  Here is a link to check out some of her posts! Enjoy :) FitnessNAt

Gingerbread House

I spent this afternoon with my 4 year old cousin, Natalee.  After playing legos and babies, we decided it was time to make a gingerbread house.  (Mind you she told me this was her third, so she's a skilled gingerbread house maker as you will be able to tell.)  Im not sure where most of the candy went, onto the house or into her stomach.  "I just can't stop eating it," she giggled the whole time.  Now that she's into a sugar coma napping, I'm going to wrap some Christmas gifts.  Happy Holidays :)