Ironwood ski trip

Lauren & her friend Brittany ;)

Last winter I really missed the snow. This year is dedicated to enjoying all the snow I have missed in the past year.

There is no better way to celebrate the snow that having than a ski trip weekend. Honestly, it has been years since my family met up for a ski weekend.

We almost went to Lutsen, but decided on a location that would serve as a better midway point - Ironwood. Last time I was in Ironwood, I was fifteen. Needless to say, it was great to be back.

Our family rented an adorable and charming cottage about 25 minutes away from the ski hills. On the left you can see the outdoor sauna (or torture chamber as I call it). The inside had multiple bedrooms and wood stove.

We chose Whitecap as our ski hill of choice. With over 40 runs, 4 lifts and 3 different mountains, it was great entertainment for an intermediate level skier or boarder. The weather and terrain were perfect, 25* & light powder.

I sat next to a season pass holder and he told me that it was the best conditions he has ever had at Whitecap. I guess we picked a perfect weekend to shred. :)

Riding the lift at Whitecap

P.S. - I really missed my other half, Erin, on this escapade. She has been my boarding budding on almost every single ski trip. Miss you sister!

NYC

Top of the Rock

I did it! I finally made it to NYC!

Before I chat about my fabulous trip to the Big Apple, I must apologize for not blogging since October. My life has been busy and I have been living without internet at my house for almost 5 months. I love not having internet at home; it forces me to use my time in other ways that tweeting, playing on Facebook, pinning and checking my e-mail.

But, back to NY. Everyone knows I love lists, so here is my NY list.

Top 10 favorite things we (Alysa, Carly, Erin & I) did in New York:

10. Shake Shack. It ranked in the top ten most important restaurants in America; how could you not love it? Burgers & Shakes.

9. Erin's rooftop view of the city. It was the first time the city took my breath away.
8. Chicago on Broadway. You can't complain when you go to a Broadway production.

Photo credit to: Tours by Foot

7. Walking the High Line. The city transformed an elevated rail line into a park. You are stories above the streets & feel as if you are in your own little garden paradise. Even on our rainy day, it was a wonderful escape.
6. Meatball Shop. Late night meatball sliders. It was the best way to finish the day.
5. MoMa. This place hosts big name artists from Monet (my personal favorite), Edvard Munch, Georgia O'Keeffe, Vincent van Gogh and many more. Worth every penny.
4. Williamsburg. Trendy, hip & artsy. We loved exploring this neighborhood for the day. We ate at the cafe where the Flight of the Conchord's song "Foux du fafa" was filmed!

3. Central Park. Our favorite photo shoot location! We had to do the classic horsedrawn carriage ride.

2. Buying Alysa's wedding dress in Manhattan. We had tunnel vision. We saw the dress & knew she had to try it on. Perfect fit & it had everything she ever wanted. There were tears from not only us but also from strangers.

1. Top of the Rock. There is no better view of New York City or a better place to watch the sunset.

Honorable mentions: Cupcake Shops. Subway dancers & musicians. Brooklyn Winery.

Where will my next adventure be? Jersey Shore for 6 weeks this summer and then, who knows