Alright my friends! Strap yourself in. This post is a bit lengthy but I just had so much to share with you. If you follow along on instagram, you may have seen that I was in NYC for a few days last week. I have never been to New York City as an adult but having just visited for a whirlwind three day trip I am officially smitten. I have to thank Lowe’s from the bottom of my heart for including me in this event. They put on an event called Deck The Halls where we were invited to tour a NYC loft space which had been decked out by a group of crazy talented designers. They infused Lowe’s holiday décor and the entire evening was very special. More over, I was able to spend time with women who have become such dear friends. While it may seem crazy to think the blogs brought us together, it’s our similar interests and faithful friendships that keep us together. I want to share with you some of the photos I brought back with me. While they are phone photos, they still capture the crazy adventures we had in a beautiful city. 
Traveling from California put me a tad behind but I caught up with this cute crew and Tavola {charming Italian restaurant near our hotel}. Jen, Cassie and Megan were the smiling faces I need after a long day of travel. 
After a night’s rest, we hit up Starbuck’s and headed for the subway! We only had six hours on our hands but we were determined to make the most of it. 
You know you’re a blogger when you take a photo of your friend taking a photo of another friend. We weren’t shy about busting out a photo shoot or two. I mean really. This is some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen. Central Park is stunning. I had no idea just how immense it truly is. I could spend a week there. And to keep things fun, Cassie and Megan are posting about the trip today as well. 
We couldn’t resist the, “Oh, did you call our name?” shot. A little over the shoulder never hurt anyone! 
We all felt it was important to spend some time near the World Trade Center. There is something very haunting about being on those streets and imagining all that occurred that day. The Freedom Tower is still under construction and is quite a site to behold. My heart goes out to all those who lost a loved one that day. I also was able to pop into St. Peter’s Church and say a prayer which was a special moment, too. 
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It was so refreshing to take a stroll through NYC and enjoy the crisp temperatures and the beautiful fall foliage. And if you are traveling anytime soon and need a handbag I am head over heels for this handbag. First of all I love the navy color and gold hardware. But the fact that I can carry it over my arm or with the long strap is key. And the white coat is always my travel staple. I wore the same one to Chicago. 
And I have to give mad props to this girl. Not only does Cassie sport the cutest hair ever, but the girl can throw down when it comes to reading a map. Any one who knows me knows that I am the last person that should be holding a map. Let’s just say it’s not one of my gifts. Thanks to Cassie we actually saw a crazy amount of NYC in just six hours. 
I loved all of these charming chairs on the patio tables in Little Italy. 
We even managed to walk down to see a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty. It just happened that the sun was shining so beautifully right then. We pounded some serious pavement and came back to the the hotel to get ready for the evening. Thirty minutes later we were on our way to the Deck the Halls party. 
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Anthony Carrino and John Colaneri of Cousins Undercover could not have been more gracious and sweet. They filmed a live feed with each of the designers and then spent the rest of the evening putting up with our questions and photo requests. And these boys are just TV stars. They run two {possibly three} of their own businesses and are as down to Earth as they come. Good people. 
me, stefanie, jen, cassie, megan, amanda The Lowe’s Deck The Halls event showcased extremely talented designers. They each put together their own space and we toured each loft space throughout the evening. I put photos together for you so that you could feel like you are taking a tour yourself. I was just smitten with the entry. The red door, the boots, the lights . . . . 
gabrielle blair of design mom 
brittni mehlhoff and gabriel cabrera of curbly 
jordan ferney of oh happy day 
jenny komenda of little green notebook 
erica domesek of p.s. I made this 
brit morin of brit + co. I was especially smitten with the kitchen space. I felt like there were so many wonderful DIY projects I could share with you. Those barstools! So cute. Just red tape for the season wrapped around the legs. And I fell in love with the tassle garland. While I have seen them for parties, I never thought to make one for the holiday season. I hopped over to Tomkat Studio {amazingly talented} to find a great DIY tutorial for you. More details can be found with Kim here. 
DIY Tissue Paper Garland from Kim at The Tomkat Studio 
me, dusty {with an awesome NYC trip here}, megan, jen, cassie 
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Just so thankful to have had the opportunity to be a part of this trip. I savored every second of it and really came away so inspired. Not only did I find inspiration within the NYC loft space, but I gleaned so much from being around such talented and special friends. I really feel thankful to have them in my life. I came back with a new focus on the future and a renewed sense of gratitude. I plan on slowing things down a bit for the holidays. Between my husband and myself, there were over three trips in the last month. I have to give a huge shout out to my parents and sweet neighbors who helped us with the children. We could not have done it without you. And to a hubby who had cleaned the house and washed all of the laundry before I came back. . . I love you. Thank you. Thanks for letting me share my NYC adventures. Wishing you a great day.
Such a fun time, lucky girl! Enjoyed seeing the four amigos adventures in NYC 🙂
I love NYC in the fall. So pretty. The ornament mirror looks beautiful. Glad that you had a fun time!
So fun! Glad you got to experience it in the fall – it's my fav time of year there for sure- although Christmas in NYC is pretty spectacular too!
First of all…loved the trip and hanging with you SO MUCH!!!! I feel so blessed to call you friend…and not just 'blogger friend.' You look amazing in all these pics, so fun to see different ones. And finally….that bag was TARGET??? Good find, girl!
Stunning photos! I'd really love to go someday. I can't imagine how it must feel to be at the site of the WTC…so emotional. The party looked amazing! Thanks for sharing the experience 🙂
What an amazing opportunity!! Love seeing all of your recaps and photos! So gorgeous! I've only been to NYC once during Christmas time, but the fall trees are stunning! I want to go back soon. I'm looking forward to the holidays, so this helps get us in the spirit. thanks! Also, I need to make a tissue banner like that for a shower coming up and now I know how to.
So fun! The fab four all together 🙂 Loved following this little adventure on instagram! And you look so tall (and gorgeous) in all these pictures!
She IS tall and gorgeous! I kept calling her my supermodel and you should see some of the pics I got. Speaking of, where are they Court?? I want to see the ones I took with your camera. And I'm with Cassie, that bag looked very designer!
Oh this looks and sounds like the ultimate trip! I've never been to NYC but want to go SO bad {who doesn't!?}. So awesome that Lowe's got you girls out there to explore and celebrate the holiday season!! xo
Love the photos…thanks for sharing! I am heading to New York City next week and after seeing all of the Central Park shots…I am even more excited!
You gals look amazing. I have been to New York 5-6 times, but never in the fall. It looks like I need to make it a priority! SO glad y'all had fun and I love all of the blogger-friendly photo ops : ) Especially the "oh did you call my name" shot, ha ha! You crack me up!
You're such a beauty! Gimme everything you wore. You four gals have worked so hard & it makes my heart happy that opportunities like this come your way! Love the "oh did you call my name?" shot LOL. #throwingoutthevibe
PS. Cassie makes everything look cute, even reading a map.
PPS. I'm not to be trusted w/ maps either. Been known to hold them upside down.
Problem is, it was a map of Cincinnati?!!! #fooledthem #lostthewholeday
I absolutely love, Love, LOVE that white coat and boots. Where did you get them?
I love NYC in the fall – and looks like you ladies managed to see most of it! Kudos on your subway-riding skills. Loved your last paragraph. Very thoughtful, very you.
You girls are just the cutest! NYC is my favorite place to visit in the US. I'm obsessed. And the fall and winter are amazing there. Loved following along on Insta with your adventure!
That looks like such an amazing time. You girls are all so cute! I've never been to NYC and am dying to go. Looking at your pics made me want to go in the fall. And now I am also obcessed with your boots in that last pic! What brand are they/where did you get them?
What a wonderful trip you all had! Such a great opportunity and you are most deserving of all opportunities coming your way. You work very hard Courtney and have such a passion for what you do. All of you do!! You looked gorgeous in all of the photos! I love NYC.
Im a regular reading here, but I have never commented before, but today was a diferent story. First of all, I always enjoy reading about NYC. Just like Madonna says: "I love NY"; and, foremost, its so funny earing about The four mosketeers adventours!. Congrats from México City.
Awwww, sigh. Such a sweet recap. You snagged so many beautiful shots, and girl, you sure know how to work a camera. #topmodel I fall more in love with you every time we get to hang out! So happy we were able to share time in the big beautiful city!
xoxoxoxoxo!
It looked like such an amazing time. So wish I was there to capture the moments and laugh along with! Glad you have found some amazing friends through your fabulous blog! You four ladies are just amazing! xoxo
Wow! That looks like you all had so much fun! Thanks for sharing the photos!