Following Rabbits Blog

It’s no secret that I’m a crafty lady. I love handmade gifts, and decided to make my Christmas cards this year. I got a great shot of the skyline a few weeks ago with the Empire State Building lit up in red and green for the opening night of the Radio City Christmas show. I got blank cards and envelopes at Staples for a decent price. A little scrapbook tape and a silver sharpie and everyone on my list got a little piece of New York City in the mail.

I'm officially on vacation! I've been wanting to put a crazy streak in my hair for a long time, and finally just did it. First I bleached my hair (again!) and I got it lightened up to the white-blonde that I've been shooting for. The violet streak is very bright, but it fades with every wash.

My mum has a timeshare in the Bahamas at this time every year. I asked for this week off from work ages ago, then decided about a month ago that I didn't have the money to buy a plane ticket. My mum was disappointed I couldn't go, and it was shaping up to be just her and my brother on the trip. I was gearing up for a week-long staycation in the Big Apple when my friend offered to lend me the cash to get a plane ticket and fly down to meet my family! Amazing! I told my brother to expect me, but we're keeping it a secret from my mum... I'm hoping to capture a very surprised reaction on my video camera when I show up on the beach Sunday! 

(And I'll reluctantly be saying goodbye to the violet streak before going back to work on the 20th.)

Rockefeller Center

This is going to be my third Christmas since I moved to NYC. Time flies! Last Christmas I was living in a studio apartment in Brooklyn, so now that my living room doesn't work the night shift as my bedroom, I wanted to get a tree. I got a little 4' tree and some decorations, and my mum brought me the tree skirt I made back in the day when she visited Saturday. I had to get kitty-proof ornaments (read: no glass) and so far Lily has only pulled 2 bells off to play with. I was really excited to decorate-- I've been downloading Christmas songs for days, and even bought Swiss Miss, whipped cream, and a blue tin of cookies like my nana used to buy.

Can't wait to start wrapping presents! (Although I'm going to have to move the cats off the fleece to make room for them.) I hope everyone is enjoying all of the magic the city has to offer during the holiday season! It's my favorite time of year, for sure.

photo via http://thepondatbryantpark.com

My mum came to the city with a few friends for the day to do some sightseeing and hang out. I got to pick where we had lunch, and since we were near Bryant Park I brought the ladies over to Celsius. Last year I went ice skating at the pond and stopped in at Celsius for a drink afterwards. The atmosphere there is fabulous, with gorgeous lighting and views of the park and skating rink. While we were waiting for a table I ordered a snowcap to warm up-- yum! I was amped to try 'em for lunch, and with five of us, we got to split a few different plates. 

I got the BBQ chicken sandwich, and had some of the macaroni and cheese. Totally hit the spot. Their menu is fairly small, but still has a decent variety-- mostly comfort food, which is my fave. Can't wait to get my ice skates sharpened and hit up the rink And I'll definitely be dropping by Celsius again-- maybe this time for dessert!

I love putting together gift guides at Christmas time! I have so many amazing people in my life, and shopping during the holidays is something I really enjoy. I have a lot of unique friends and family members- people who make me laugh every single day, people who inspire me to push my creativity to the brink, and people who you would think live in Neverland rather than NYC (although they're arguably very similar places...) Here are my picks for those people on your list who are full of glamour, creativity, mischief and giggles...

from left to right, top to bottom:

1. For those who follow rabbits: tea set from ModCloth, serves 6 with flying colors. $44.99

2. For the photographer: diana aviator camera from Urban Outfitters. Capture dreamy, vintage-looking photos. $65

3. For the NYC-obsessed: I heart NY ring by Erica Anenberg, available at Kitson. $68

4. For the writer: 5 year diary with a place to write a paragraph for each day of the year, for five consecutive years. Available at Fred Flare. $24.95

5. For the nostalgic: polaroid notes from Urban Outfitters. Contains 20 notecards, each with a polaroid print on the front. 14.95

6. For the one who tells dirty jokes: kama sutra bands are modeled are silly bandz, but with a naughty twist. $5

7. For the glamourpuss: tarte color palette includes eye shadows, glosses, bronzer, blush, and a bonus necklace. $52

8. For the big kid: balloon animal bookends from Fred Flare are practical pieces that double as a conversation piece. $40 each

9. For the eccentric: Andy Warhol "Giant" Size book is a veritable scrapbook of Andy's memories, friends, biggest moments, and best work. $49.95