Home for the holidays.

If there is one thing I love most, it is being home for Christmas.

Nothing brings me greater joy than celebrating one of my favorite holidays with the ones I love.
This year was especially special as I got to see cousins and family members that I haven't seen in ages.
I'm not sure where I'll be this time next year, so I tried to savor every moment.
It was a Christmas filled with lots of love, and I feel so blessed to have such amazing people in my life.

Hope everyone had a very merry Christmas!
xo

A birthday wish.

On Thursday I turned twenty-two!
I didn't really get to celebrate it due to finals, but it ended up being one of the best.

It started off early when a dear friend took me to a casual dinner and ice cream the night before. 

We got to catch up and reminisce for a short time before it was time to get back to studying.
I'm sure this friend had better things to do that night, but it was just what I needed and meant a lot.

The next day (my birthday) I spent 10 hours in the library and 4 hours taking an exam.
It was a long day and as you can imagine I was pretty exhausted by the time I got home.
Thanks to my cute roommates though, I got to blow out some candles and make a birthday wish.
And lucky me, that wish is already coming true.

So cheers to turning 22... it's one I won't forget!
xo

The Countdown to Christmas.

This is one of my favorite Christmas commercials this year and thought I'd share.

Enjoy!

Christmas in the city.

Last weekend I had the chance to take a quick trip to New York City.

I feel like it's already my second home as I have traveled out there a few times this semester.

When I go I always have the days planned out on exactly what I want to do, where I want to eat, what I want to see... this time around was a little more relaxing, but of course still did a ton!

For those of you who have never been to the city during the holidays, I definitely recommend it!

There is nothing more magical than ice skating around the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, smelling the fresh pine trees that line the streets, and drinking hot chocolate after the wonderful Nutcracker Ballet. 

It was such a fun trip and was just what I needed before I dive into finals!

xo

"FREE MEAL!"

I tell you, there is nothing better than having a FREE MEAL at Cafe Rio.

It is music to my ears when I hear the friendly employees yell that simple phrase.

For those of you who don't already know, I'm a rio addict. 

I love it so much that I go there at least once a week, and when I walk up to order my friend Hugo says "Hello Niki! Chicken salad today?" 

Yes, the employees know my order like the back of their hand. 

Embarrassed? Not at all.