Empire State of Mind

I'm back from NYC and Charleston. Let's start with NYC. The weekend was amazing and all to celebrate one of my best friends - Maura (we met at Carolina). My friend Cara and I flew up on Friday morning. We took this photo with one of the best $9.99 purchases I've made - a hot pink selfie stick from the Maxxer (T.J. Maxx). 

Cara and I like to throw up peace signs because we endorse peace and because why not. Our first stop was the North River Lobster Company. It's all levels of Midtown happy. 

North River Lobster Company: You climb aboard and hike straight to the top. There's a bar up there with picnic tables and views. Lots and lots of views of a big city pretty. We ordered drinks and lobster rolls. All was delicious and spot on. The boat takes off and for about 45 minutes you cruise around the Hudson River. The music is going, the American flag flapping and the sun kissing your face. It seriously couldn't be more delightful. We took the Friday at 3 p.m. cruise, and we pretty much had the upper deck all to ourselves. It's not cheap but neither are lobster rolls, cocktails or a boat ride with beautiful views so I think it's totally worth it i.e. I'd definitely hop on board again. 

Afterwards we headed back to Maura's cutest apartment in Hoboken. 

We listened to the jams, drank sangria and reminisced. Then it was off to my favorite (!!!) Grimaldi's for pizza al fresco. 

No other pizza can touch New York pizza with those pepperonis all 'up like a cup' (to hold in all that greasy goodness). Aside: All my family is from upstate New York so this is the pizza I've grown up on for all of my days. #rekindledlove 

That night we played around on the waterfront, hit up the bars and recreated a favorite emoji. Then we had bridal shower dreams in anticipation of the Saturday ahead.

I can't say this enough: this shower was the funnest. I laughed and smiled the entire time. It was beautiful. And they know how to 'do it up' in the North. 

All of the paper products were from Minted. The invitation matched the place cards that matched the menu that matched the thank you cards. The place card holder above was made by one of the sisters, Chrissy, and she seriously outdid herself with all of this paper flower bliss. 

The restaurant, Apertif, was very French and very cool, and the cocktails - bellinis, champagne and mimosas - unlimited. I wore a big bow for the occasion and started my delicious meal with the French onion soup. Dress from Red Dress Boutique.

Then it was onward to the entrees, and then dessert and then a second dessert. 

Here's me and the lovely bride to be.

Maura was a great present opener - with lots of varied sayings. I love watching people open presents - just so much darn joy. I was in charge of a timer and every time it dinged! I got to award whoever's present was being opened a prize. So cute. 

Photos above are bridal party, with the moms, and Carolina gals, respectively. And yep, that selfie stick came in handy yet again. 

That night we played in Maura's parent's backyard for hours and hours. We sang a lot, danced it out and dined on Italian. 

Then Sunday came. Which meant it was Bachelorette Party day. We woke up and had some breakfast and opened swag bags before we paraded onto our party bus, flower headpieces and all. 

We cruised to North Fork, land of the vineyards. Our first stop was River Bend.

Big fields, horses, barns, picnic tables and all that countryness. 

The sweet sisters served apps of cheese and veggies. Then it was off to Duck Walk.

We had boxed lunches and wine in mason jars. Yum. Then it was off to Vineyard 48. My favorite. It was like Cancun spring break in vineyard form. There was a cookout, DJ, dancing, people everywhere, and... Sangria buckets. Pink ones.

The sisters brought dessert including fruit and pink sprinkled oreos. Yay, sisters!

That night we played in downtown East Rockaway to keep the celebrations going. We popped the confetti like it was NYE. Monday morning came quick, and we said goodbye to an awesome weekend and that big pretty city.