I have blessed to have a great group of women that I can call “friend” This is a word that I don't use lightly. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013, and many of the people that I thought would have my back didn't. During that time I was able to reevaluate lots of things and while I “released” lots of people, I gained a new bunch of friends.
As we grow older life gets busy raising families and taking care of households, so we don't always have the time or energy to nurture friendships. Don't be the friend who always takes and never gives. When storm comes and it will, you want women who will ride it out beside you and not hide until the sun appears. Your girlfriends will help you find your new normal so this is why we must make time.
I was excited when the Gardens NYC, an Affinia Hotel, invited a few of my blogger friends to spend a weekend and explore the Upper East side and the hotel. This was the perfect escape for some bonding, goal setting and celebrating the upcoming birthday of Scherrie of ThirtyMommy.
The hotel offers that apartment style living that has made New York City a great place to live. Nestled on a quiet tree line street, the location helped escape the busyness of our everyday loves yet we were in walking distance to some great attractions available on the Upper East Side- Central Park, Museums, Shopping and Restaurants.
The day started with everyone running to various places around town. Lucky me, I only needed to find gifts for the kids. I contemplated the City Bikes but walked instead since I had no idea how many stores I would visit. The exercise and fresh air was a great way to start my Saturday. After lots of window shopping, remember my budget, it was time to head back to hotel and continue the fun.
No girls sleepover is complete without manicures and pedicures. Thanks to Mani or Pedi a mobile salon, we were able to avoid painting each other. Our technician Elizabeth, was very patient with us as we laughed too much and could not decide on colors. Each treatment ended with a massage and they kept us all quiet:)
We put the kitchen to good use by ordering from Meisterdish, a meal prep service for fun evening of cooking together. I will admit that I was skeptical because it's always easier to head to a restaurant and there were many near by but the frigid temperatures was a reminder that this was a great idea. Watch below as I make the grass-fed beef burger that was absolutely delicious!
Sunday morning came quicker than expected and we all realized that it was time to return to our mommy/wife duties but not without a promise to do this again.
Where shall we go next time? Stay tuned….
