Double the Anniversaries, Double the Fun! Jan 2013 PTR | TR HAS STARTED! 2/13

[407-W-DISNEY]

LOVE the decorations...thats cool that you guys go all out!
I bet you get a lot of trick-a-treaters!!

Disney debt...

 

[wuzzy6]

Whooooaaaaaahhhh - back the truck up, sista! Splash is going to be closed in January?

Ok, I'm over it. Moving on...

I love love love the picture of you eating Matt's face - his expression is priceless!

I also love all of your decorations - especially the blinky eyes!!!

 

[beachphotog]

You're pumpkin patch trip sounds like fun!!!!

 

[__disneygirl]

What can I say, you guys are honestly such a cute couple!!! I love how many Disney touches that farm had, that is so awesome. I can't wait to go pumpkin picking too. I love the fall so much!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

The pumpkin patch looks like so much fun!! I love autumnal things like that!

I LOVE YOUR LITTLE FRANKIE!!! He's the cutest little decoration!!!

I had no idea there's a Disney debit card now! That's awesome!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

You guys ROCK the Halloween decorations! You are my hero!

I want to decorate that well, but alas, I keep spending all my money on these pesky trips to WDW!

LOVE the pumpkin patch pics of you guys!

 

[Terkina]

Great Halloween decorations you have.
In Norway they have misunderstood the whole Halloween thing. Everyone seem to think that everything has to be as scary and bloody as possible. Kids go to peoples houses and throw eggs on the house or vandalize their propperty in other ways.

I know it's not what halloween is ment to be. I got to experience one halloween as a child.

 

[marDgreen88]

I have to admit something... I'm really not a fan of Halloween. I've just never liked scary stuff, so in my perfect world the entire world's Halloween would be just like Disney's, aka NOTSOSCARY. (I'm not a fan of Halloween but am dying to go to that party. Go figure, right?) THAT being said, yall's house looks so cute! Love the non-scary decorations! I'm a big fan of the fall season and pumpkins and harvesty stuff! Btw, I can't believe it was so cold for yall that day! It's still in the 70's and humid here hahaha.

Yes, you should go in October 2013. I just think it's necessary.

 

[Aussiesalad]

Awh your pumpkin patch is so awesome!!
So jealous as we don't have anything like that here.

Your decorations look great too!!
Those blinking eyes are so rad

Just out of curiosity do you know what was making your feet hurt in the toms? were they rubbing or just not comfy?

Did you see the fake mickey mouse in time square? Gosh...so scary :eek

 

[ALFranklin]

Dani!

I had to come out of lurk mode to once again. I HAD to tell you how adorable you and your husband are. You two might be one of the cutest couple I have ever seen...EVER. It is so evident how nuts about each other you two are.

Three other things.

First, Mumford & Sons are my all time favorite band! I saw them in Bristol, VA for one of their Summer "Stopover" shows and it was epic. Their music cheers me up and I totally agree that at times, when I listen to them, it feels like I'm in a scene from a movie. Babel came out when my husband and I were at Disney and I said that was one of only two things that I looked forward to going home for. It's just so awesome. They are poets!

Second, TOMS are so cute but sooo uncomfortable in a situation where a lot of walking in involved. I totally understand where your coming from on wanting to change after walking in them so much. I took 3 pairs to Disney and only one pair of flip-flops, which was pretty dumb of me. I had one black cotton pair, one vegan blue and white striped pair and a burlap pair and each pair rubben my feet in a unique spot so I had multiple blisters. I'll definitely choose comfort over cuteness the next time around, but (personally) I vow to never wear Crocs.

Finally, your Swatch is wonderful! I had one when I was younger and I loved it so much. I was telling my husband that I thought I might want to get one and after seeing yours and hearing how comfy it is, I might be sold. How are their prices though. I know I could Google it, but I'm just curious to hear it from a consumer.

With (all of) that said, I am LOVING your mini TRs and keeping up with you and your husband. I can't wait to read more.

P.S. Just one more quick question...where did you get the Jack Skellington in your front yard?! He's one of my favorites and I would LOVE to have one of those myself.

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

OMG there's a Disney debit card??? There's going to be a run on them and they're not going to know why...

I love your house-and your Halloween decorations... your house is perfect... its' just a little bit scary but not so much that little kids (and scary big ones) will want to run...

Doesn't everyone love a good pumpkin patch...? That is a October must do on my list... You got some great photos...

We are eating at Blue Bayou on Friday the 30th, and Carthay Circle for the World of Color package on Saturday the 1st!

I am SO excited to be eating at Blue Bayou, with it being the quintessential Disneyland restaurant experience. And Carthay Circle sounds like it’ll be fantastic, PLUS we’ll have tickets for the first World of Color show that night!

I loved the Blue Bayou when we went it really is the quintessential Disneyland restaurant experience... I am desperate to go to the Carthay Circle... and I was a little under the weather when my family went off to World of Color and they raved and raved and raved...

You're making me want a Disneyland redo... hmmm... plus Cars land wasn't there...

You are going to have the BEST time...

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

I thought I had commented on this already, I guess because I looked at the pictures on FB, or because I'm a dork.

Annnnywhooo, I didn't realize that was Amy and Bruce on FB, so it's cool to see them in action with you guys!

Your Disney Halloween House kicks our Disney Halloween House's tail. BUT, I am hoping to post some pictures of our Disney-themed pumpkins on my TR soon, as soon as I attach the arms and legs (creepy). You will definitely get a laugh out of them! And I can't wait to see yours, just to make your awesome decorations even more awesome.

SHUTTHEFRONTDOOR! Disney Debit!? I might need to say buh-bye to Wells Fargo and Hullo to Chase banking. We already have the Disney Visa with Castle print on it and checks with Disney characters, but maximizing my wallet with all things Disney is obviously a must.

 

[PISCESANGEL]

Hi Dani!

First let me say, I was all caught up and commented and now I just went back and it is GONE! ugh.

Anyway, I'm caught up again and wanted to tell you the good news (I thought I had shared but anyway...) I signed up for YAPTA per your suggestion and got a notification from them last week that my tickets went down $82 EACH (3 tickets!) That is insane since they only started out at $232 each- when you add the amount I'm being refunded it pays for one of our tickets! So I have to give you a HUGE thank you for the tip!!!

Now I need to think of everything else I wanted to say... I'm loving the mini-TR, love love love the Pumpkin Patch and your home decorations, and I agree with everyone else that you and Matt are just adorable!!
I also thought of you immediately when I heard about Splash Mountain. Sad day.

I'm looking forward to hearing more on the mini TR, Disneyland and of course WDW plans!

Talk to you soon!
Carla

 

[beachphotog]

Dani!

I had to come out of lurk mode to once again. I HAD to tell you how adorable you and your husband are. You two might be one of the cutest couple I have ever seen...EVER. It is so evident how nuts about each other you two are.

Three other things.

First, Mumford & Sons are my all time favorite band! I saw them in Bristol, VA for one of their Summer "Stopover" shows and it was epic. Their music cheers me up and I totally agree that at times, when I listen to them, it feels like I'm in a scene from a movie. Babel came out when my husband and I were at Disney and I said that was one of only two things that I looked forward to going home for. It's just so awesome. They are poets!

Second, TOMS are so cute but sooo uncomfortable in a situation where a lot of walking in involved. I totally understand where your coming from on wanting to change after walking in them so much. I took 3 pairs to Disney and only one pair of flip-flops, which was pretty dumb of me. I had one black cotton pair, one vegan blue and white striped pair and a burlap pair and each pair rubben my feet in a unique spot so I had multiple blisters. I'll definitely choose comfort over cuteness the next time around, but (personally) I vow to never wear Crocs.

Finally, your Swatch is wonderful! I had one when I was younger and I loved it so much. I was telling my husband that I thought I might want to get one and after seeing yours and hearing how comfy it is, I might be sold. How are their prices though. I know I could Google it, but I'm just curious to hear it from a consumer.

With (all of) that said, I am LOVING your mini TRs and keeping up with you and your husband. I can't wait to read more.

P.S. Just one more quick question...where did you get the Jack Skellington in your front yard?! He's one of my favorites and I would LOVE to have one of those myself.

Not to hijack but I was totally at that stopover!!! Greatest concert. Ever. I'm not even exaggerating.

 

[danimaroo]

WHAAAATTT??? There's a debit card??? Guess who's switching from BMOHarris!

LOVE LOVE LOVE your Halloween decorations!

YES THERE IS! And it has so many awesome benefits! http://www.disneydebit.com/index.html

Thanks so much! We love putting up more of the less-scary stuff since we have lots of kids in our neighborhood. We're also planning on Halloween to play the entire Haunted Mansion theme song on loop... as long as it's not raining outside, we'll put the speakers right out front by the door.

LOVE the decorations...thats cool that you guys go all out!
I bet you get a lot of trick-a-treaters!!

Disney debt...

Thanks! It's nothing compared to what we do for Christmas, but we still love to have fun on Halloween!

We do get a lot of trick or treaters... It helps that we're the house that gives out the BIG candy bars. I think word has gotten out because we went through over 100 candy bars last year!

The Disney debit card is really snazzy! I'm hoping it'll save us 20% off of our Holiday Time Tour tickets!

Whooooaaaaaahhhh - back the truck up, sista! Splash is going to be closed in January?

Ok, I'm over it. Moving on...

I love love love the picture of you eating Matt's face - his expression is priceless!

I also love all of your decorations - especially the blinky eyes!!!

UGH, yes it is. I'm super bummed out. They just announced it a few days ago. Lame, right?

HAHAHA, that photo cracks me up! It seriously is us in a nutshell. His face had me dying.

The blinky eyes are just so neat! Definitely my favorite addition this year!

You're pumpkin patch trip sounds like fun!!!!

It was so fun! I love that we've made it into a tradition that we do every year now with our friends.

What can I say, you guys are honestly such a cute couple!!! I love how many Disney touches that farm had, that is so awesome. I can't wait to go pumpkin picking too. I love the fall so much!

Aww, thank you! We're total goobers but it's what keeps us smiling every day. I swear, laughing with him is one of my favorite things in life.

The farm really did have a ton of Disney touches when you think about it. Pirates, Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland... It was made just for us!

I love the Fall, too. It's seriously the best.

The pumpkin patch looks like so much fun!! I love autumnal things like that!

I LOVE YOUR LITTLE FRANKIE!!! He's the cutest little decoration!!!

I had no idea there's a Disney debit card now! That's awesome!

Me, too! It's what makes me look forward to the fall. That and having cozy weekends at home when it's raining. This weekend I'm planning on making Apple crisp; YUM!

Hahaha Little Frankie cracks me up. We got him at Target a few years ago and we've held onto him!

Yes there is! It's brand new and awesome! I can't wait to make good use of the discounts you get from it, too.

You guys ROCK the Halloween decorations! You are my hero!

I want to decorate that well, but alas, I keep spending all my money on these pesky trips to WDW!

LOVE the pumpkin patch pics of you guys!

Hahaha, why thank you! We try to put in a bit of effort just so the kids get more excited in our neighborhood!

Most of our decorations are things we bought in the past so it's kept our cost for decorating really cheap! Only the blinky eyes and a few other little things were added into our budget. But goodness, I hear you on that Disney trip thing.. I have a feeling 2013 may be a year of Disney trips for us!

Thank you! And you inspired me to get that 35mm lens which has easily become my absolute favorite lens I own!

 

[danimaroo]

Awh your pumpkin patch is so awesome!!
So jealous as we don't have anything like that here.

Your decorations look great too!!
Those blinking eyes are so rad

Just out of curiosity do you know what was making your feet hurt in the toms? were they rubbing or just not comfy?

Did you see the fake mickey mouse in time square? Gosh...so scary :eek

It's definitely a great pumpkin patch that we love going to every year! That's too bad you guys don't have one like that!

Thank you; we love that new addition to our decorations, too!

With the TOMs, the bottom of my feet were really hurting, and it was because my feet were all gross and hot and so the combination of them being brand new TOMs, my feet moving too much and rubbing against the sole.. It left the bottoms of my feet hurting. Wompwomp.

HOWEVER! I do not experience this with my other 2 pairs, AND I wore the same ones I wore in NY yesterday and had no issues at all. They were super comfortable!

I saw fake Mickey and Minnie, too. They were terrible!

Dani!

I had to come out of lurk mode to once again. I HAD to tell you how adorable you and your husband are. You two might be one of the cutest couple I have ever seen...EVER. It is so evident how nuts about each other you two are.

AWW! This comment made me so happy.. I read it to Matt, haha. I'm a dork. But thank you! I love Matt so much and when I say he's my best friend, I really mean it. Spending time with him is my favorite thing, so I'm glad he seems to feel the same way about me!

Three other things.

First, Mumford & Sons are my all time favorite band! I saw them in Bristol, VA for one of their Summer "Stopover" shows and it was epic. Their music cheers me up and I totally agree that at times, when I listen to them, it feels like I'm in a scene from a movie. Babel came out when my husband and I were at Disney and I said that was one of only two things that I looked forward to going home for. It's just so awesome. They are poets!

AH YES! I was hoping there'd be another Mumford and Sons fan reading my PTR! That is awesome you saw them at a Stopover show! I saw them in October 2010 and they blew my mind with how amazing they were. And Babel is absolutely FANTASTIC! I really do adore them... and I'm glad you do, too!

Second, TOMS are so cute but sooo uncomfortable in a situation where a lot of walking in involved. I totally understand where your coming from on wanting to change after walking in them so much. I took 3 pairs to Disney and only one pair of flip-flops, which was pretty dumb of me. I had one black cotton pair, one vegan blue and white striped pair and a burlap pair and each pair rubben my feet in a unique spot so I had multiple blisters. I'll definitely choose comfort over cuteness the next time around, but (personally) I vow to never wear Crocs.

OMG YES! I can't wear TOMs if I'm going to be doing a ton of walking. They rub the bottoms of my feet awfully because my feet get too hot and get sweaty. So then they start to rub and it's just terrible. It's hard because they're so cute! I learned my lesson during our honeymoon to choose comfort over cute, so no TOMs for me during our trips!

No Crocs for me either.

Finally, your Swatch is wonderful! I had one when I was younger and I loved it so much. I was telling my husband that I thought I might want to get one and after seeing yours and hearing how comfy it is, I might be sold. How are their prices though. I know I could Google it, but I'm just curious to hear it from a consumer.

Oh man, thanks! I love my Swatch and highly suggest it! Mine cost $75, and there were others more expensive, but you can easily get one for 50-75 which isn't bad at all! I love how it adds color to whatever I'm wearing, plus, green is the best!

With (all of) that said, I am LOVING your mini TRs and keeping up with you and your husband. I can't wait to read more.

I'm so happy you love my mini TR and hearing about our dorky adventures! It makes me so happy when I hear that!

P.S. Just one more quick question...where did you get the Jack Skellington in your front yard?! He's one of my favorites and I would LOVE to have one of those myself.

I've been waiting for someone to ask this! My in-laws gave him to us when they sold their old house and moved to their new one. From what they said, they found it on a Disney site (perhaps even Disney Store?) years ago on clearance and picked it up.

I just looked it up and apparently it's SUPER rare. Some crazy person is selling it for $1500 on ebay right now! http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-Foot-Ultra-Rare-Jack-Skellington-Inflatable-Nightmare-Before-Christmas-/271078690413?pt=TV_Movie_Character_Toys_US&hash=item3f1d8c8e6d

OMG there's a Disney debit card??? There's going to be a run on them and they're not going to know why...

HAHA, I wish there was a referral bonus! My goodness.. but it's such a good thing to have! No reason not to, seriously!

I love your house-and your Halloween decorations... your house is perfect... its' just a little bit scary but not so much that little kids (and scary big ones) will want to run...

Thank you! That's exactly what we went for; a little creepy but not terrifying.. Mostly just fun stuff for the kids to enjoy!

Doesn't everyone love a good pumpkin patch...? That is a October must do on my list... You got some great photos...

Pumpkin patches are the best! And thank you, this lens I've been using has been great!

We are eating at Blue Bayou on Friday the 30th, and Carthay Circle for the World of Color package on Saturday the 1st!

I am SO excited to be eating at Blue Bayou, with it being the quintessential Disneyland restaurant experience. And Carthay Circle sounds like it’ll be fantastic, PLUS we’ll have tickets for the first World of Color show that night!

I loved the Blue Bayou when we went it really is the quintessential Disneyland restaurant experience... I am desperate to go to the Carthay Circle... and I was a little under the weather when my family went off to World of Color and they raved and raved and raved...

YAY! I can't WAIT for our dinners at both restaurants! And I'm very excited to see World of Color; should be amazing!

You're making me want a Disneyland redo... hmmm... plus Cars land wasn't there...

You are going to have the BEST time...

I hope it's as amazing as I picture it to be! I think the biggest thing I'm trying to prepare myself for are the crowds of people there, because it's much smaller than Disney World. But we'll be okay; we'll have a total blast!

I thought I had commented on this already, I guess because I looked at the pictures on FB, or because I'm a dork.

Annnnywhooo, I didn't realize that was Amy and Bruce on FB, so it's cool to see them in action with you guys!

Your Disney Halloween House kicks our Disney Halloween House's tail. BUT, I am hoping to post some pictures of our Disney-themed pumpkins on my TR soon, as soon as I attach the arms and legs (creepy). You will definitely get a laugh out of them! And I can't wait to see yours, just to make your awesome decorations even more awesome.

SHUTTHEFRONTDOOR! Disney Debit!? I might need to say buh-bye to Wells Fargo and Hullo to Chase banking. We already have the Disney Visa with Castle print on it and checks with Disney characters, but maximizing my wallet with all things Disney is obviously a must.

Hahaha, Facebook just complicates everything! You got the FULL view of the FB photo album though!

Yes, that's them! They're super great friends.

I can't wait to see photos of your Disney pumpkins! I'm still trying to decide what I want to carve. It'll for sure be Disney related, I know that much!

Disney debit is indeed here! I was so excited when I saw it! It was an easy change for us since we're already Chase members. A DISNEYFIED WALLET IS CLEARLY A MUST!

Hi Dani!

First let me say, I was all caught up and commented and now I just went back and it is GONE! ugh.

Anyway, I'm caught up again and wanted to tell you the good news (I thought I had shared but anyway...) I signed up for YAPTA per your suggestion and got a notification from them last week that my tickets went down $82 EACH (3 tickets!) That is insane since they only started out at $232 each- when you add the amount I'm being refunded it pays for one of our tickets! So I have to give you a HUGE thank you for the tip!!!

Now I need to think of everything else I wanted to say... I'm loving the mini-TR, love love love the Pumpkin Patch and your home decorations, and I agree with everyone else that you and Matt are just adorable!!
I also thought of you immediately when I heard about Splash Mountain. Sad day.

I'm looking forward to hearing more on the mini TR, Disneyland and of course WDW plans!

Talk to you soon!
Carla

OMG, I feel your pain on the lost comment. I can't tell you how many times that has happened to me on the DIS. It's the WORST!

That is AWESOME news about Yapta! I love that site so much! It saved us a good amount of money! But over $200 for you guys is amazing! Glad you made great use of it!

Aww, thank you for all of the nice compliments. AND I love that you thought of me when you heard about Splash. It was a sad, sad day for us, especially me. I'm still getting over it, but just more of a reason to plan another trip for 2013 (I hope!)..

I'm hoping to post another NY mini-TR update here tomorrow morning!

 

[ALFranklin]

Not to hijack but I was totally at that stopover!!! Greatest concert. Ever. I'm not even exaggerating.

It really was the greatest! My husband took video when they did The Cave and I am so glad he did. I have never had an experience like that at a concert...everyone jumping as one and there was so much joy. I saw a person post something on Twitter, that I totally agreed with (but some may think is crazy): I felt as spiritually moved at that show as I have in any church in my life. It was not a concert, it was an "experience".

Also, Dani...I can't believe that somebody is trying to sell a Jack like yours for $1500!!!! That is INSANE!!!! I love Jack, but yikes. Although, I'm sure there is a crazy person that might have nothing else to do with their money, who will buy it. Must be nice. I'd rather put that money towards a Disney vacay!

 

[danimaroo]

BEFORE I CONTINUE! Yesterday we hit the 3 MONTH MARK! Oh em gee! 3 MONTHS! 3 months ago, we were in Cannon Beach (aka where they filmed The Goonies, so some of you will remember when I showed you photos from that trip)... THAT SEEMS LIKE IT WAS YESTERDAY! So I have a feeling we'll be in Disney World before we even know it. Oh, and no big deal, we're almost at the ONE MONTH MARK for Disneyland! Good lord, I'm so excited...

Hoookay! Deep breath over here.

Back to my NYC mini-TR! Again, I’m glad so many of you guys are enjoying this mini-TR. It’s definitely helping to pass the time before our Disney trips!

So, Day 3, it’s Tuesday, and I’m up and at ‘em. I hop in the shower and decide to give the hotel’s shampoo/conditioner a shot, because my travel stuff I’d used previously was running low.

Guys, this was a life-changing moment. As soon as I dumped out some shampoo into my hand and caught a whiff, I was brought to my magical place. I was swept off my feet, and transported to the most wonderful place in the world… BEACH CLUB.

Some of you know exactly what I’m talking about… THE BEACH CLUB SMELL. Welp, this Bath and Body Works scent is EXACTLY that lovely smell. I know I’ve read many times on the DISboards of people talking about this scent and wondering where they could find it.

WELL LOOK NO FURTHER; this is the smell and it’s seriously the best.

The bummer part is, Bath and Body Works doesn’t sell it in their stores. BUT! They do sell it online. I’ve been waiting for a good sale before I go stock up on it… plus I maaaay have stolen as much as I possibly could each day from my room after I’d realized what it smelled like.

So yes, I have the Beach Club scent available to put on my hands every day at work and it’s the best thing ever.

I knew this was going to be a good day after THAT discovery.

I left a tip for housekeeping in a fun way; Stitch was with me on this trip to keep me company, so it only made sense to tip this way.

I met AJ down in the hotel lobby again and we set off to get ourselves some coffee at Starbucks on our way into work. We had this awesome knack for walking into Starbucks with no line, and as soon as we placed our order, we’d turn around and see a line out the door. We had some great luck in that Starbucks, I swear!

Anyway, on this day, I wanted to stroll by Bryant Park, since our office was right around the corner from it and it was on our way. It’s such a neat area!

Plus I used to be obsessed with Project Runway so of course I wanted to see that area. Matt told me that the fabric place they shop, Mood, is also very close by the office… but I never saw it.

Anyway, I got to work and our NY co-workers brought in NY bagels.

OH EM GEE. New York bagels are THE. BEST.

Holy cow were they so good! I was told I had to have an Everything bagel with lox cream cheese (I think they said something about this being the Jewish way? I have no clue.)… It did NOT disappoint. Sorry, I know it’s just a bagel but good lord these were amazing.

I went on with the work day, and nothing too crazy happened. I’d spoken with one of my best friends from high school about meeting up with her while I was in NYC. She’s lived there since we graduated high school (went to NYU, is a burlesque dancer and now works at NYU), and has always wanted me to visit.

The plan was to meet over in East Village because she wanted to show me around (she used to live there, now she’s in the Bronx), and also because there are way better restaurants in that area. The only problem with that is that it was POURING outside on this day.

I remember asking my boss’ boss if he thought I’d be able to hail a cab at 5pm, and he promptly laughed in my face and told me I had no chance at 5pm, near Times Square, in the rain. I headed out and started to walk, trying to find a good spot to hail a taxi so I could accomplish what seemed like a mighty feat.

Guys, if there is one thing that is difficult in life, it definitely is trying to hail a cab in a downpour right near Times Square at rush hour.

Also, mind you, this was the first taxi I’ve ever had to hail in my life! The airport didn’t count since I went to the taxi stand.

I wasn’t even sure if I was doing it right as I stood there like a dork with my arm thrown out, while my other hand was trying to clench onto the umbrella and keep the rest of me from getting drenched (unfortunately I got one of those umbrellas at Target that is like, tiny, and will only keep your hair from getting wet, so that was kind of a fail).

A white car pulled up and the guy asked if I needed a ride. I told him no thank you, as I was pretty sure he was one of those sketchy scammers that try to pick up people in NY. You have to be SUPER careful about that; so much so that they have signs about it in the airport.

I was starting to lose hope at around 5:15, when suddenly I saw a cab that didn’t have the off-duty light on, but had that middle light on, signaling that it was open.

Next thing I knew, I WAS IN A CAB!

WHAT. Not gonna lie, I was pretty proud of myself. It is NOT an easy task but I managed to get a cab, YAY!

It took about 15 minutes to get to where I was meeting my friend Jen, and soon enough I spotted her and I was so happy to see her. She was one of my bridesmaids so I’d last seen her at my wedding, but otherwise I don’t get to see her often! We walked towards the restaurant she suggested, but it wasn’t open until 6.

We thought about waiting but then she started to tell me about this awesome ice cream shop nearby, and proclaimed “Let’s be awesome and get ice cream before we get dinner!”

And so we did… at The Big Gay Ice Cream Shop.

Apparently it’s been featured on Food Network? I don’t know, I had a few people comment on it and how they heard it was amazing.

Well, for starters, having a massive unicorn on the wall definitely helped their case for being AWESOME.

I ordered my ice cream, which let’s just say the name of it isn’t DIS appropriate, buuut it was vanilla ice cream with caramel sauce and salt, then dipped in chocolate candy dip.

GUYS. THIS ICE CREAM DID NOT DISAPPOINT.

Seriously, it was so good. I highly suggest a visit to this ice cream place if you’re every looking for a fun time with some really good ice cream.

We finished our ice cream and headed back over to the restaurant, called Mayarhuel. It’s totally hidden and you’d never suspect it’s a restaurant… but has the coolest décor!

We both ordered this Blackberry alcoholic beverage. I’m not a big drinker, but Jen said this place had great drinks… She did not lie!

The ice melted and I swear it was like a never-ending drink.

We also decided to order two dishes and split them between us. One was a chile relleno, and the other were pork enchiladas I believe.

The food did NOT disappoint. Seriously, it was so good.

We caught up about life and high school and family stuff and it was just so good to see her again. I love having friends where it doesn’t matter how much time has passed by, you can pick up right where you left off and it’s not awkward at all. Jen is one of those friends.

After we enjoyed a nice dinner, she walked with me towards 1st so I could catch a cab back to my hotel… but then asked if I wanted to check out this great little Italian pastry shop nearby. Am I going to say no to more amazing food? NOPE.

The place was called Veniero’s, and it’s been around since 1894. Um, if it’s still around after that long, they must be doing something right, no?!

We walked in and I was overwhelmed by the sheer amount of amazing-looking pastries that they had. SO MANY CHOICES!

I knew pretty quickly that I HAD to have a cannoli… and also a mini Napoleon.

$6 later, I was walking out for a pretty little box full of goodies that I couldn’t wait to try when I got back to my room!

I said goodbye to Jen, and thanked her for showing me such an awesome part of NYC! The East Village was way more my style in terms of just the general vibe and the restaurants in that area.

I hailed a taxi (with MUCH better ease than earlier), and soon found myself back in my room.

After I got settled in, I decided to dig into my pastries from the pastry shop.

OH MY HEAVENS. I started with the chocolate-dipped cannoli. EASILY the best cannoli I’ve ever had, and that’s saying something when I’ve had one from Mike’s Pastry in the North End in Boston. Wow, it was just amazingly good.

The Napoleon was just as amazing… and there was nothing miniature about either of those pastries!

I was so happy and full after a great night of spending time with such a good friend. I was also happy to have seen a different part of NYC; with all of the craziness of Times Square, Midtown and the fashion district, it was a breath of fresh air to check out a much more laidback part of town.

Tomorrow, AJ and I work, then check out a place we’ve both been DYING to go to, but with a little snafu.

 

[Terkina]

That ice cream looks delicious

 

[__disneygirl]

OMG that is so wonderful. I will have to buy that scent! Luckily I am leaving for Disney in 3 days so I will get to smell the real deal!!!!! AHH I'm so excited!!! YAY for one month and 3 months to go on your trips!!

SO TRUE about the bagels. I never knew that everywhere didn't have bagels like this. And then I would travel and be so confused. I'm so happy to be born in the land of the best bagels!!! LOL.

How have I never heard of this ice cream shop? It sounds like my kind of place. I'm def gonna have to stop by there when I'm back from my trip.

SO glad you got to experience the East Village. It always kills my soul a little when people visit and only hit the tourist attractions. I'm like, YOU'RE MISSING OUT ON THE BEST PART!! AHH!! Doing it with a friend who lives/has lived there is really the best way to see any city. Next time, you should check out the West Village/Tribeca area too. And Little Italy! I can provide endless recommendations, if they are needed!