Hello and HAPPY OCTOBER!
I have a feeling if you’re here, you love October too.
I can’t wait to spend the month with you 🙂 .
This morning, we are kicking off October with a little recap of our trip last weekend to New York City.
When we asked Kensington how she wanted to celebrate turning 18, she immediately asked if we could go to NYC. I’ve said this many many times before, but this kid would ALWAYS prefer to travel for occasions and celebrations. We looked at the calendar and saw that they had a three day weekend in September, so we started making plans.
After a very late night of football on Friday, we were up early to catch a flight on Saturday morning…
…because of the nor’easter, I thought our flight would be cancelled, but nope, it took off on time and off we went.
That skyline always makes me happy.
We arrived at our hotel, enjoyed cheeseburgers for lunch, checked in, showered, and relaxed a minute in our room.
After only getting a few hours of sleep the night before, it was nice to have a minute of downtime.
We got dressed and ready for an early dinner…
I wore my sparkly pants from last year with THIS TOP and THESE BOOTS…
…and then I topped it with THIS FAUX LEATHER BOMBER (in brown) 🙂 .
We hopped in an Uber and off we went to dinner.
Kensington requested Carmine’s for dinner. The location is great (right in heart of Times Square, so perfect for shows!), the music and atmosphere are fun, and the food is delicious.
I can’t believe this girl is 18!
The food is served family style, and the portions are huge. We split the Caesar salad and lasagna.
After dinner, we pulled out our umbrellas and off we went…
…we were so excited to have tickets to see Chicago!
Awwww, love her.
We were SUPER pumped to see Chicago. Not only is it a legendary Broadway show, but we were so excited to see former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Reece Weaver as the lead!
We had seats on the third row right in the center. This theater was smaller than many of the others we’ve been in before, so it felt extra up close and personal.
I can’t say enough about the performance! If I had tickets to see it the next day, I would have seen it again. The entire thing from beginning to end was fantastic. We are still talking about it. It was perhaps my favorite Broadway show to date.
We took one of these fun rickshaws back to the hotel after the show. They’re bright and happy and play fun, upbeat music as they pedal you around.
It was the perfect way to end the night.
The next morning, we got up and took a walk through the park…
We had brunch reservations at Central Park Boathouse…
It was the perfect spot to enjoy a slow, rainy Sunday…
Everything was delicious!
After brunch, we walked to Fifth Ave and spent the rest of the day walking and shopping. We hopped in an Uber a few times to get from A to B, but despite the rain, we were able to walk most places…
It was just a great day shopping with my oldest girlie.
We even…
…got a famous rainbow bagel from Liberty Bagels. It was filled with birthday cake cream cheese.
That evening…
…we got dressed for one last dinner in NYC.
I paired MY BOOTS with this VELVET DRESS.
I loved it!
We headed back to Midtown…
…for one last dinner at…
…The View. This restaurant is on the 48th floor of the Marriot Marquis Hotel and rotates, so you get 360 degree views of New York City while you dine…
We enjoyed a yummy dinner and gorgeous views.
The very best part of the trip was just spending one on one time with this girl.
It’s so hard to believe she is eighteen. It’s all gone by so so fast.
Friends, I hope you have the BEST first day of October.
I’ll see you back here tomorrow. xx
Jami Romano says
So special ◡̈
Alison says
I am so glad you two got to go celebrate Kensington’s birthday! I love NYC! I was thinking of taking my daughter for her 10th birthday in a few months, but I had kindof moved away from it due to all the things/changes in New York right now. Did you ever feel unsafe? I have been to the city many times, but I am just a little leery about it right now. Loved all the things you did! Looks like a fabulous way to celebrate Kensington Kate!
Mix and Match Mama says
Not one bit. I hope you girls have the very best time!
Emily H says
New York City just recorded its safest year in decades! Go and have a great time!
Nicole Klaver says
Looks like the best time!! I saw you ordered tea from Starbucks – what did you get? I’m always looking for new cozy suggestions! Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
My allergies were killing me, so I got a medicine ball with light lemonade for the afternoon. Thankfully, we have rain and a cold front, so those allergies should be getting out of the way soon.
Elspeth Mizner says
What a memorable trip!! So fun!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Susan Jeffries says
What a great birthday trip! My daughter lives in NYC and we completed the top to bottom walk of the city in August!! It was so much fun and we logged 15 miles! We saw sights we had never seen before, even though she lives there lol. If you girls ever want to do it, I can send you our walking map. Happy bday to your girl!
Mix and Match Mama says
Wow! That’s impressive! So fun!
Bernadine says
Cant believe your girl is 18!!!
Does she have any big birthday plans with her friends? I know some details are being kept private as they get older – but would love some ideas on birthday parties with friends for older kids.
Mix and Match Mama says
She celebrated with her friends the week of her birthday and with our family too. I feel like I could give you a ton of ideas for little kid parties but not those older kiddos.
Kathy says
Bernadine – for my daughter’s 18th bay party with friends, we did a Scavenger hunt. It was awesome – I found tons of ideas on the intranet. A few of the kids drove and each time they found something on the list they would text me a picture. It’s been years but still holds such special memories.
Kristen says
Such a fun NYC weekend! I saw Chicago when Ariana Madix was in it and it was a great show but OMG if you ever get the chance to see “The Outsiders” on broadway, do it! Hands down my fav show and great for kids especially because here in the east kids read that book in 7th grade.
Mix and Match Mama says
That’s a great rec! I would love to see that one too!
Paula Hobbs says
What a sweet way to celebrate your girl. You both look so beautiful. I love that you are able to make such sweet memories with your kiddos. Happy October!!
Jeanie H says
What a fun trip! Chicago is a great show! Happy Birthday Kensington.
Allison says
Beautiful, beautiful!!!
SS says
What a fun trip! Times Square is just something to see! The small theatres are wonderful!
Beth Valenta says
Looks like an amazing trip! I am going in November, and can’t wait! I love my one on one daughter time, it is simply the best.
Mix and Match Mama says
You are going to have the best best time!
Lilly says
Awe. Been popping in since K was in elementary school. Spent the weekend with my son in Boston for his 17th bday. We braved our first nor’easter and did all the things. Except the Sox 😕. These fleeting days of childhood cut but then I think about how fun it’s going to be to hang out with the adult version of my child.
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m so happy you went to Boston with your boy!
Yvonne says
What a wonderful way to spend a birthday! I love NYC, it’s wonderful in the fall!! I love the gift of creating memories over a physical item. Happy birthday Kensington! Hope you have a wonderful senior year! 😁
Brooke B says
Oh my heart. So much love for this post. My mama and I also took a trip to NYC for my 18th birthday. I’m now mid 40’s and still think about it all the time. Cheers to moms and daughters, and Happy Birthday Kensington! 🥳
Mix and Match Mama says
Ohhhhh well this makes my heart happy! Than you for sharing, Brooke!
Lee Ann Vicary says
My daughter and son-in-law got engaged at Central Park a little over 15 years ago. This year right before Christmas they and my almost 10 year old granddaughter, her BFF twin girls and their parents are all going to see see NYC at Christmas time. It will be magical. In case you want to feel sorry for someone – I will be staying home and be in charge of working and keeping 3 dogs, 2 cats and 14 chickens alive.
Mix and Match Mama says
Ohhhhhh well it’s so special for them!! I am going to add you to my prayer list though right now. The 14 chickens alone would stress me out. Ha!
Sonya Derczo says
What a fabulous way to spend an 18th birthday! Thanks for sharing your adventures with us & a very happy birthday to Kensington!
Leslie says
This is so special. I absolutely love New York and can’t wait to experience it in the fall one of these days. My oldest will be 18 on November 1st so I’m not too far behind you. Trying to enjoy every minute with him.
Angela says
I love this post!!!! What a wonderful way to celebrate Kensington!! We took our two sons to NYC three years ago (thanks to you sharing about all of your NYC trips!) and we loved it! We went after Thanksgiving so we got to see the Rockefeller Christmas Tree along with tons of other things! What hotel did you and K stay at this time? Our youngest is a senior and he’s trying to convince us that we need to do this trip again for his senior year. ☺️
Mix and Match Mama says
We like to stay on Central Park South because of the location, so we often stay at either the JW Marriott or the Ritz there. This time, it was the Ritz.
Faith says
I am loving the preschool years, and your post makes me excited for adventures with teenagers one day! What a perfect itinerary and way to not allow the rain to damper the trip!!!
Jennifer Maynard says
How fun! Do you have a link for the dress Kensington wore on the last night? It is darling!
Mix and Match Mama says
I do! It’s on sale too! https://go.shopmy.us/p-90880474
Elizabeth L says
Aww happy 18th bday Kensington! I can’t believe i have been here for over 10 years. It’s crazy to think she is an official adult. What a fun trip! I hope that my daughter wants to travel for her birthdays with me one day. It seems so special having that one on one time. Hope you guys have a great weekend!
sandi says
Happy Birthday and cheers to a great weekend. I got excited when I saw the picture of Juniors and thought you were eating there… but realized you would be a little overdressed 🙂
This storm just stalled and battered the East Coast for several days, glad it did not slow you guys down.
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
I love her birthday trip! I plan on going next October for my 40th! I’m going to need all the recommendations because I’ve never been and neither has my husband–oh it’s going to be a kid-free trip!
Amanda says
Reece!! that’s SO FUN that y’all got to see her. love a birthday trip so much
Rebecca Land says
Hi Shay! Looks like you guys had a blast and I’m so happy the storm didn’t interfere with your travel plans! Next time you guys head to NYC I’d highly recommend checking out some more downtown spots too, like the M Social Hotel or the Beekman! You’ll be in walking distance from the 9/11 memorial, Brookfield place for shopping and eats, Joe’s pizza (the best in the city), stone street historic spots, historic seaport, and pier 17! Also brings you close to soho shopping, and some of the best dinner spots around west village like carbone, Dante’s, and don Angie and more!! There is also QC Spa on governor’s island for a fun little spa day excursion 🙂
Annabel Jones says
It looks like your hotel has great views of Central Park…hotel recommendations?
Mix and Match Mama says
We love both the JW Marriott and the Ritz on Central Park South for the views!
Lauren says
What a fun trip!! Do you have a link to K’s dress and jacket from the 1st night? Both are adorable!
Mix and Match Mama says
The dress is on sale! It’s here: https://go.shopmy.us/p-90949712 The jacket is an oldie of mine 🙂 .
Robyn Beers says
Happy 18th! What a wonderful trip. She’s a smart girl – I prefer experiences over things, also.
K.K. says
What a special trip!! I love all the photos.
Jill says
Hi Shay! Where would you stay in NYC if you were taking four kids ages 3-11 for the first time?
Mix and Match Mama says
I have stayed at a variety of places with my kids that all worked well including: Marriott Marquee, Millennium Broadway Hotel, JW Marriott and Ritz Carlton on Central Park South, and Hyatt Grand Central just to name a few. All are in great locations where you can easily walk places with kiddos.
Katie Compton says
What a fun trip!! Kensington’s hair is just so beautiful… I love the darker color on her! I loved seeing you go darker, but this is the first time I’ve really noticed her dark look and it’s just stunning. Would you say you both are at your natural color? Just curious. My daughter and I have embraced our darker, natural color and are loving it!
Mix and Match Mama says
I haven’t seen my natural color in about 33 years…but my guess is that it’s a light brown similar to what Kensington’s natural color is too. Smith has Andrew’s darker hair, but I think K and I have the a lighter brown. (Who really knows what mine is?!)
Katie Compton says
This made me laugh b/c after I typed my comment I was like “Wait… I don’t really know my natural color!!” lol! Right there with you, haha! But anyways… please let K know her hair color is just striking and I’m a fan. 😍
Bren says
What a beautiful and memorable way to celebrate K’s 18th birthday!
Kimberly says
Happy Birthday to Kensington!
I am the baby girl so I got my parents all to myself for trips from being little, a teenager, all the way into my late 20s (and even 30s when I moved and they would visit me in Virginia). I always preferred to vacation with them over anyone!
I need to go call my Mom and see if she wants to go down to Seaside just us, haha!
Mary w says
What does Kensington use to curl her hair ? Looks great!
Mix and Match Mama says
A one inch curling iron!
Debra says
What’s great mother daughter trip! I love that Kensington loves a trip as a way to celebrate her birthday – that is what I always pick for my birthday too. I also love NYC – I lived there for nearly three years earlier in my life and loved it. My husband and I try to make it there at least once a year and Carmines is one of our favorites! So glad you two had this time together/.
jannat sajjad says
What a wonderful way to celebrate an 18th birthday in New York City!
It looks like you both had an amazing time exploring Central Park and shopping on Fifth Avenue.
Delicious family-style meals and gorgeous skyline views make it such a special trip.
Thanks for sharing such a sweet and fun mother-daughter travel recap!