“Start spreadin’ the news, I’m leavin’ today
I want to be a part of it,… New York, New York!”
Frank Sinatra couldn’t have said it better!
—
This last weekend I got to spend in NYC with some fabulous people! The sights, the sounds, and even the smells are amazing. I think this is one of my favorite spots for a girls weekend out!
I have to start out by telling you about FREE bags and FREE refreshments on flights. Paying for bags and a pop on a flight drives me crazy…you too? Enter in Southwest Airlines – I always check Southwest Airlines first because you can get TWO bags on for free! AND I don’t have to pay for a drink or a snack. Those 2 things are so needed when traveling with kids…and a huge perk when traveling alone.
Want to know the secret to getting early boarding? CHECK in on-line early. If you wait until the last minute you’ll be boarding last. The earlier you can check in the greater chance you’ll have of getting that perfect seat. I’m a fan of the isle. Anyone else with me?
I went to New York when I was about 12 years old with my family. AND…I had forgotten everything so this was basically my first time to New York. I went to the #clickretreat hosted by Rachel and Erin (today’s mama). Those two know how to throw an event!
Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan, Central park, and Rockefeller Plaza were a few of the spots we visited. This retreat was heavy on photography classes and visiting beautiful sights. I have to admit…I was an auto and AV photo shooter, but I’ve converted to a manual shooter.
Thanks @todaysmomaeditors for the middle left pic of the playing man.
I’m thinking it was my cute model in this pic (Amy, The Idea Room) and Vivienne (@travelinglens) for helping me cross the bridge to deeper – more rich pics. Oh and sweet Kristyn (@lillunakristyn) was in the background helping me with iso.
Okay, let’s talk about the place we slept. Have you heard of Airbnb? I have, but didn’t really know what it was until this trip. We got to stay at a place called @shellsloft. It was a huge apartment right in downtown Brooklyn. Our host, Shell, was amazing. Her place was darling and had the true NY feel. Shell even guided us around town if we wanted her help. I was so impressed with her hospitality. This truly was one of the highlights. A roomy place to stay with character and it was equipped with excellent wifi (always a problem at blogger events). Check out the fun Africa wall…it was made with books! Thanks to @lovesac for providing the middle right pic and @the36thavenue for the pic of the bedroom. My bed wasn’t made….glad she made hers!
Of course the company is the best. SO grateful I got to learn from the amazing ladies that were there…and a few men from @blurbbooks showed up to teach us more photography skills. At one point in the event I got in a group with @ryancjones. He helped a ton with showing me how to use my camera and at the end even sat down with me and showed me how to use lightroom just enough to make pictures pop.
Alyssa Rimmer (@smiplyquinoa) was down in the subway helping me fiddle with my settings to get this pic. The first one I took was super dark. Not so pretty. @ryancjones helped me ‘pop’ the picture with the lightroom skills.
If you’ve ever wanted to go to NewYork – DO IT! …and invite me. I want to go back. I was sponsored by @southwestairlines and I have to tell you I love that airline! Wait…I already did in the first of the post, but I have more below.
Thanks to @todaysmama for the bottom left pic, @lovesac for the middle left and Thirty handmade days for the middle right pic.
Up to 2 FREE checked bags makes my heart sing. I didn’t have a lot of luggage, but knowing that I could check a bag and bring my boots…err 2 pair and not have to lug them across country was fabulous. My boots are shown below with Jen of Tatertots and Jello.
Thanks Southwest for making the travel so much easier!
Above…try getting all these women to keep their eyes open when you take a pic. #impossible.
Let’s thrown in a pic of our fearless leaders below. Rachel on the left (@todaysmama) lead the group and Erin on the right(@todaysmama) was the caboose helping us to not get lost. Yes, I was always at the back.
Start getting your plans made to visit NYC with your girlfriends! It’s fabulous and I really want to come with you!
Leave a Reply