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I'm Shay! I’m a cookbook author, lifestyle blogger, travel agency owner, wife and mama who loves making every day special for my family.

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Mix & Match Mama

Christmas, Travel ·

Christmas in NYC: Part Two


Hey, hey Tuesday!

It’s part two of our little trip to the Big Apple (click HERE to see Part One).  The second day was our biggest and most full day because we knew it was supposed to rain the following day, so we packed.it.in. on this Wednesday.  I apologize in advance for all of the pictures…I didn’t think you guys needed a NYC post part three 😉 .

Rise and shine!  The sweet folks at Fox & Friends had asked me to be on to show some simple and cost friendly suppers that morning…so the gang all left the hotel at 7:15 AM.  I looooove my dress :).  I need to find other places to wear it now!  And my shoes aren’t current.  They’re from Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale this past summer.

I’ve said this several times before, but I’m eternally grateful for the app GlamSquad.  I read about them in a magazine a year ago and have now used them four times.  You book the appointment on your app and they show up to do hair and/or makeup (they do both for me) plus they can do nails too.  It’s like Uber…your credit card info is stored in there, so you don’t have to worry about paying them in person or tipping because it’s all included.  Love. Them!

Take your family to work day!  This day was COLD, so I took a cab to the studio as to not mess up my hair but my family walked since it was only two blocks away.  I loved having them there with me!!

In the green room with this cutie pie.

And this one too!

Here I am in the studio.  If you don’t have a copy of Eats, you need one 🙂 .  You can cook your way through 2017 with my easy, seasonal and delicious meals!  Order it HERE.

And just like that, I’m back in mom mode :).  Even though it was bitterly cold (like 20!), the kids wanted me to walk back with them.  Andrew took this pic of me…I look a little bit crazy in my outfit while everyone else is wearing coats and layers…but one of these days, they won’t want me to walk with them because they’ll be too cool…so, I better take every chance I get!

I quickly changed clothes and we hit the streets for the day.  Smith was showing me his mad face to go with this hat and neck warmer.  Hahaha!

Off we went towards brunch!

We stopped inside the Plaza Hotel for grins…

And then I took this picture because HOW BIG DOES KENSINGTON LOOK?!  Oh my word.  The jeans and Uggs are killing me!  Where did my baby go?!

Brunch time at Sarabeth’s across from Central Park.  This place is so stinkin’ good!  If you’re going to NYC, eat here!

Love my boy!  He is wild and crazy but sweet and kind all at the same time.

After brunch, we headed to Central Park so that Andrew and the big kids could ice skate.  The line was FOREVER long, so at first, we were really discouraged, but then I walked to the very front and asked the front people how long they had been waiting and they said only 20 minutes.  What?! Yes!  We ended up only waiting 15.  So…if you head to the park to skate, don’t be scared off by the long line…it moves very quickly!

One kid down for the count.

Make that two kids.

My kids were looking the most forward to ice skating.  They were so excited!!!

Side note: due to Ashby’s monthly procedures, she can’t ice skate, so that’s why she napped instead 😉 .

This was Smith’s first time to ice skate and he was so excited!

Not a bad view, right?  This outdoor rink was so nice!  We will totally be doing this again!

Zzzzzzzzzzzzz.

At one point, they had everyone get off the ice so that they could resurface it.  Gorgeous way to spend the day!

Here come Smith and Andrew!

All smiles (with a few falls!).

This girl right here owned the rink!  We were so proud of Kensington!  She got right out there and skated like she had been doing it for a long time.  Who knew this girl could skate???

So, like I said at the top, due to the rain the next day, we crammed a lot into one day…next on our list, a carriage ride through Central Park.  It took us a while to find a carriage that accommodated six, but after we finally found one, we took the long (they have long and short) tour of the park and loved it.

All smiles.

After our carriage ride, we made our way up the Upper West Side and stopped for Starbucks before winding up at dinner…

…at Carmine’s :).  This yummy Italian restaurant was just what we needed after a long day of activities.

We smile big for Italian food!

And then after dinner…

…we went to see the Rockette’s Christmas Spectacular!

Our seats were on the front row of the mezzanine, so we had a great view!

My kids trying on their 3D glasses before it began.

Popcorn and kicking was the perfect way to end our day!

Whew!  Okay…a few pics from rainy day three.  It was cold and rainy but we didn’t let that stop us.  Plus…we finished off day three at my favorite restaurant of the trip…

We slept later on this morning and enjoyed breakfast at the hotel before braving the weather.  Here we are in Times Square!

Love this guy!

And then we made our way to Little Italy for lunch!!

Warming up in Little Italy.

My view :).

It’s official…Madeley’s favorite food is Italian.  Give her all the pasta.  All of it.

After lunch, we stayed nice and bundled up and headed to Georgetown Cupcakes.  The little girls were all snugly and dry and the big kids WERE TROOPERS!

Little Miss Madeley didn’t make it to the cupcake place without falling asleep.  #jealous

This is their “stop taking pictures and get us our cupcakes” face.

We all agreed that Ashby’s cupcake was the best!  Her’s was called Santa’s Cookie (they all had Christmas names) and it was almond flavored.  Me. Oh. My!

So, as soon as we were done with the cupcakes, we looked around Soho and then Ashby fell asleep too…so we walked 45 blocks back to the hotel.  Seriously, my big kids did such a good job and never complained!!  We knew getting on the subway would wake the little girls up, so it was raining and we started walking…all 45 blocks.

We paused at the Flat Iron Building to take a look on our way.  And then we arrived back at the hotel and dried out a bit until it was time to leave for dinner.  Friends, DINNER WAS AMAZING!!!  A sweet blog reader commented here last week and told me to try a German restaurant in NYC called Rolf’s because the food was delicious and it was totally decked out for Christmas.  BEST COMBINATION EVER!!

This is how Madeley and I feel about German food.  My absolute FAVORITE!!

Look inside the window!!!!  I mean…pictures cannot even do it justice!

Go there.

It was insane.  The decorations, the Christmas music…it was like stepping into wonderland!

Madeley deciding what kind of German food she wanted.  She settled on schnitzel and spaetzle.

I wanted to stay here forever :).

German food with my fam…my happiest place.

Yeah, me too Madeley!

And then we came back to the hotel and all did this :).

That’s our trip to NYC during the Christmas season!  If you missed part one, click HERE.

Whew!! If you made it to the end of this post, thank you and I love you ; ).  See you tomorrow!

 

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Comments

  2. Melissa Grimes says

    What a super fun trip! I’m so sad I missed the fox and friends cooking show, so you have the link to be able to watch? Happy New Year Shull’s!

  4. Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says

    1. You look great in your dress.
    2. New York looks so cold!
    3. The Christmas lights are stunning!

    Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
    http://charmainenyw.com

  5. Erika Slaughter says

    THAT Rolf’s Restaurant looks AMAZING! I’ve never had a schnitzel in my life, but give me a seat under all those decorations! And your Fox and Friends segment was FABULOUS!

  6. Katrina says

    Do you make reservations to the restaurants? And your legs are killer!!!! Any certain excercises you do to keep them looking so great??

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Yes!! I did make reservations at all of these restaurants (except for Sarabeth’s…I should have but I didn’t, so we waited). And thank you! I’m just really active. We do a lot outdoors (bike ride, walks, yoga, etc).

  7. Sheaffer Sims says

    So many things to say…..the segment was AMAZING, your dress was GORGEOUS. your calves when walking with your kids after the segment should have an infomercial, your kids all get GOLD STARS, that last picture is the sweetest thing ever. xoxo

  8. Susan Jeffries says

    We ate at Carmine’s before the Rockette show as well ! Delicious! Thanks for the tip to try Rolfs. My husband loves German food. There is nothing like NYC at Christmas!!

  9. Narci says

    Girl, you looked amazing in that blue dress! Also, what a fun rest of your trip! Rolf’s looks amazing!

  12. Lina says

    That last pictures of M sleeping on Andrew melts my heart. So sweet. So impressed by the stamina of your kids. ???? NYC during Christmas is not for the faint of heart. ???? Thanks for sharing all the photos and fun times of the trip! Happy New Year to the Shulls!

  15. Gustavo Woltmann says

    You are so beautiful and your dress is gorgeous. I want to visit NYC someday.

    – gustavo woltmann

  18. Lizzie @ This Happy Life says

    Wow what an awesome trip!! You guys really made the most of it! Your blue dress is amazing (as are your killer legs!!) the kids being such troopers s awesome and I am totally adding Rolf’s to my list of places to go to when we go to NYC at Christmastime!

  20. Betsy says

    Great job on your segment! You seem natural with the camera. And beautiful as always! Quick question, where is your striped top from?

  21. Jenny says

    Going to NYC during Christmas time is on my bucket list–BUT, I didn’t even think about how crowded it would be (duh!) and how difficult that would be with kids. Maybe we’ll pick a less peak time to go…

  22. Sarah MacDonald says

    I cannot wait to go back to New York and try these restaurants! I love your description of Smith – I also have a wild, crazy, sweet and kind boy.

  24. Rebecca VanDeMark says

    I LOVE your dress!! 🙂 You looked gorgeous and did a fabulous job as always on the segment!! Thank you for sharing this with us!! 🙂 If pasta is a favorite, next time y’all should try Bistango’s — SO yummy… it’s Italian and they are known for being able to duplicate any item on their menu to make it gluten free. It is DELICIOUS and my non-gluten free friends love it too!! Also it’s a short walk from the Empire State Building so fun to visit afterwards! 🙂

  25. Brooke Richardson says

    I’m for sure trying out Rolf’s next time I’m in NYC. Loved every single picture!!! Totally impressed the kids walked 45 blocks too. Wow.

  26. Melissa says

    So fun! You did so many of our favorite things…Central Park, Georgetown, Rockettes, Times Square…food, food, food : )

  27. KimW says

    Hi Shay – looks like an awesome trip!! I agree about your calf muscles… yowza!!! 🙂 I am trying to find a link to your cooking segment but have not been able to find it online. Do you know if it is available?

  28. Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says

    Aw my family LOVES Carmine’s!! I have never been to Rolf’s but it looks amazing too. I’ll have to check it out soon. It looks like you and the kids had a fabulous time. Definitely troopers in the rain! That last picture of Andrew and Madeley is so precious!! You looked fabulous for Fox and Friends, is there a link to the segment?
    Happy New Year!
    Xo
    Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams 

  30. Tara says

    What an amazing trip! Your kids really are such troopers!!
    Congratulations on your tv appearance!
    And I love the last picture of sleeping madeley. She is really showing me how attached and at peace she is! I am adopting from China in the near future (hopefully matched soon!) and get inspired seeing how well your kids are doing!! Trust me, I know you have days and things to deal with that don’t get their focus on this blog because that’s not what it is about but I do appreciate you showing us their smiles!
    Favorite blog I have ever found so far!

  31. Beck says

    Thanks for sharing your Christmas trip to NYC. When my kids were still at home we spent three Christmases there. Have you taken your kiddos to the main NYC public library at Bryant Park? It is a real treasure, the architecture alone will dazzle and the historic reading room is a show-stopper. The children’s room usually has a literary item on display: the original Whinnie the Poo, Mary Poppin’s umbrella, etc. the outdoor holiday market and skating rink are an added bonus! We will definitely try Rolf’s next time we are in the city!

  34. Emm Dinca says

    Hi Shay,

    Love your posts as usual, but let’s get down to business – your calves are insane! Please do a detailed gym post – I know you have mentioned the occasional gym session in the past but I would love to get an idea of your workout routine!

  35. Lynn says

    Hi Shay!! I love all your posts and you’re just beautiful! What shoes/snow boots do you recommend wearing around NYC and be able to walk as much as you did?! Thanks for the recommendations!!

  36. Carrie Vick says

    LOVED your segment on Fox and Friends! You rocked that dress. Please share how you have such a natural tan glow in the middle of January!!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      My friend spray tanned me! Ha! I have a friend who does it in her house and she did it for me bc I’m all wintery right now 😉 .

  37. Katherine says

    Glad you guys had so much fun! Your kids did an awesome job, I know I would have been begging for a nap. What a great family tradition to start!

  38. DonnaS says

    Great post 🙂 I would love to go to NYC at Christmas–Rolf’s looks wonderful! Have a terrificl 2017!

  43. Grave says

    I laughed out loud at Ashby’s under the rain “bubble” on way to cupcake place & while there! I want her! And seriously, Smith is the cutest little boy! Looks like a wonderful trip! I want to go to that restaurant decked out with Christmas! Congrats on all your tv segments! One day: your own talk show! First performance: Michael Buble!

  44. Marla Slaughter says

    There’s a pic of Andrew in a carriage holding Madely. The look on his face says it all. Pure contentment. Love you guys!

  45. Tiffany says

    My favorite time to go to NYC is at the holidays! I haven’t been since before children six years ago, but you just inspired me to give it a try next December with the kids. Good job to the big kids for walking 45 blocks!!! Many blessings to you and your sweet family for this new year!

  46. Brooke says

    How fun! My husband and I would like to take our kids to NYC. Any tips on where to stay and booking hotels? Also, where did you get those rain covers for the strollers?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I bought the rain covers and ponchos on Amazon and took them with us. I don’t always do that, but bc there was rain in the forecast, I did it this time. I think location is key in NYC. Make sure you’re nearby subway stations and within walking distance of most places.

  48. Shelly says

    Your children are so adorable. Smith doesn’t look into the cold weather!!! Where is that cute hat and neck warmer from?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      It’s from a local ski shop here in our town. He was obsessed with that thing ;)!

  49. Keisha M Dawson says

    What a special time for your sweet family! That restaurant looked incredible! Thanks for sharing!

  50. Suzanne says

    Thank you for sharing your New York adventure!! NYC is one of my fav cities!! I want to try Sarabeth’s & Rolf’s looks amazing! Your legs look awesome…you are going to have to share your workout tips for legs!!

  51. Angela Ellingson says

    Incredible!!! I love how you give us all the details. Definitely coming back to take notes when we go someday! 😉 What a great few days!

  52. Danielle Rigg says

    PLEASE tell me your secrets on traveling/eating out with all those beautiful kids? I would love to take our three girls out as much as you do. My new years resolution is to be brave (attempting new things) and not sweating the small stuff. So, your tricks that make it looks so easy, if you could share, would be greatly appreciated.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I think the key is practice, practice, practice. Please understand, we still have our moments of crazy…but the more they practice, the better they are. Happy New Year!

  53. Jacki Kachner says

    I’m not sure why but your posts are not showing up on your website. The only way to access them is through the direct link on your Facebook page. My guess is that it’s a date issue. This just started yesterday. Thought you would want to know.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      If you clear your cookies, it should pop back up. Thank you for letting me know!!

  55. Brittany says

    Definitely want to go to NYC and try all of the restaurants now! Looks like you all had so much fun!
    P.S. What color are you wearing on your nails? Love it!

  56. Therese says

    Oh, I love the Rockettes! My husband and I have already discussed that the next time we take our kids to NYC it will be during Christmas. I’m going to save this post for some of your restaurant and activity ideas.

  59. Sarah Mcclanahan says

    I have a question… We’ve been wanting to go to NY and take our 15 month old. Did you have to bring a car seat for Madely? And if so did you check it or carry on? Loved your pics and eating places!!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I didn’t bring one. NYC is easy with the subway system, so you don’t have to get into a car. I always rent car seats when we rent cars so that I don’t have to bring them in that situation either.

      • Sarah Mcclanahan says

        Hey Shay, ok when you arrived in NYC did you take the subway to your hotel? I’m trying to plan our trip. When you said you rent car seats when you get a car, so the car rentals rent car seats? Haha sorry if I seem dumb! I’ve never thought of doing that.

        • Mix and Match Mama says

          For that drive, we use a car service that we arrange in advance that includes car seats. And yes, car rentals rent car seats! Whenever we rent cars while we’re traveling, we also rent car seats too!

  60. Kristy Moore says

    Wow-what a great trip! I have a good idea- come to Calgary next year and you can skate outdoors at Lake Louise! Beautiful and your kids would love it! ???? Plus your brother has first hand experience!

  62. Amy Grace Duncan says

    We try to do a day trip to NYC every year at Christmas time. Last year we went to Rolf’s and it was great!! We just go drinks so we didn’t try the food, but it was the best Christmas experience! Also, thanks for sharing about glam squad. That sounds like the ideal way to get ready for a special occasion!

  63. Kiley says

    What’s the brand of your black booties again? I can’t seem to find the old post with details!! Adorable outfit!! Thanks for sharing!

  64. Rebecca Jo says

    That ceiling!!!! OH my goodness.
    I love they make those stroller covers – GENIUS!!!!!
    45 blocks? Oh my feet hurt thinking of them. You’ve trained your kids up for just that adventure 😉
    I was looking through cookbooks last Friday in a store & saw your book – a lady was looking at cookbooks as well. SHe asked me if I had one she showed me. I told her, I didn’t, but I have this one (grabbed yours) & told her, You should totally get this one 😉 haha… I felt like doing a fist pump & yelling TEAM SHAY! 😉 haha

  65. Leigh says

    Ummm looks like I am not alone in this comment – no wonder Andrew took that picture of you walking with your kiddos. Those legs!!! Your family is too cute, thanks for sharing with us!!

  66. Stephanie says

    My husband and I love NYC but haven’t been since our kids were born. Am I understanding correclty that you either walked or took the subway everywhere? If you didn’t rent a car how did you get to your hotel from the airport? Learning to travel with kids 🙂 Also, blog post on how you stay lean and eat all the good food you cook would be much appreciated it! I have enjoyed many of your recipes this holiday season, as I am a new follower so Thank you! My baby (14 months) loves loves your blueberry muffins and so does my husband. Happy New Year!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      We line up car services in advance with car seats for the drive from the airport to the hotel. And when you’re at the hotel, if given proper notice, the concierge can arrange the same thing for you. But yes, the subway just makes things super easy! (I mean…as easy as it can be with strollers and kids!) Happy New Year!

  67. Amanda says

    Wow! You all sure packed in a lot. I’m super impressed. And you’re all troopers! Happy New Year!

  69. Karen says

    Shay! Amazing pictures and stories. There are so many comments I could make, but oh my word – your calves!! Wow! High five, Shay! You’re inspiring my calf workout routine this year, okay? 🙂

  70. Camille lehoux says

    I always love your posts , I look forward to everyone ! And those calf muscles are very inspiring ! ❤️

  71. Jackie says

    Happy New Year, Shay! Great posts to kick off the new year, I’m glad you loved NYC so much!

  72. Carly says

    Your kids are rockstars- New York at Christmas time is so magical yet EXHAUSTING and so so cold.

    Skating at Wollman Rink has always been my favorite with the Plaza in the background but Bryant Park is also great for skating and Christmas walks.
    Next time you’re there, you should go below the Plaza to their eatery- so adorable with lots of different kinds of food plus the Eloise store which is amazing, even at my age!
    Also, try Eataly and Le District in the FiDi area.

  73. Shevonne Leigh Collins says

    Amazing trip!
    And you insire me 4 kiddos & You just keep on keeping on! Well Done

  75. Nancie says

    What an amazing trip, I’m jealous! I’ve only visited NYC once in my lifetime. I was just telling my hubs that we need to go back there, preferably during Christmas. Maybe next year! Love to read all of your posts! Have a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2017 xo!

  76. Megan Butler says

    Oh my goodness what a fun trip!!! I want to visit during Christmas and now Rolf’s in on my list! What a magical place!!

  77. Lindsay D. says

    You have such a beautiful family!! I was so sad to miss your segment on Fox. If you can post a link that would be great!!

  78. Sherri says

    Amazing trip! Thanks for sharing. : ) Question: is your dress from the Fox and Friends segment true to size?

  81. Amber Lotocki says

    The next time you go to NYC, you MUST go to Magnolia’s Bakery and get the Banana Pudding. It seriously is to die for!!

  82. Nicole Ghea says

    I always love reading about your trips and seeing pics! We are a family of 5 and try to do the adjoining room thing in hotels however they always say they can’t guarantee adjoining rooms until we check in. Do you have a secret on how to guarantee adjoining rooms? It’s always a risk that I don’t want to take with young kids!!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I’ve never had a problem with the adjoining room thing. I just tell them it’s two adults and four kids and they keep us together.

  83. Holly Hopkins says

    That last picture…my heart❤! That german restaurant looks so awesome!!! I need to get myself to NYC ASAP! You are a trooper for having the whole fam. With you at the studio that would have completely stressed me out. You dress and those booties looked great!!!

  84. Lindsay @ Lindsay's Sweet World says

    What a trip, Shay! My all-time favorite trip was one that my hubs and I took together in 2012 to NYC at Christmastime. It was pure. magic. I can’t wait to take our kids back there soon!

  85. Jen says

    We just got back home from a big trip up north to see family with my two girls, 2 and 4. We did three cities in six days, and I think your blog (which I’m catching up on now!) has encouraged me to make these trips even when the kids are little. We travel a lot but mostly one city at a time and with a goal to keep the kids on some sort of schedule, which wasn’t possible this trip. We were nowhere near as adventurous in our one day in NYC, but it was our last day of the trip, we had no real plans, and it was below freezing. Still, though, we made it to Serendipity, Dylan’s, Times Square, Rockefeller Plaza, and John’s Pizza. Looking back on the week, my girls did great, like way better than I imagined. I set no expectations, but off schedule and with much less sleep than normal, they hung in there. We all had our moments, but overall it was great, encouraging me to do it again (despite a two-hour drive from Philly to NYC and six-hour airport delay today!). Thanks for posting about all of your travels with littles. You show people it is possible. But please tell me your kids have their moments, too ;).

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Yay!! I’m so glad you did all of that! And yes, of course they have moments. Much fewer now that they’re older, but of course. Thank you for sharing!! 🙂

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