Christmastime in the city

I love being in NYC during Christmastime! The city lights are even prettier with the holiday glow. At my previous job, I used to time my trips to meet with reporters for this time of year so I could see the tree at Rockefeller Center and buy gifts at the Bryant Park holiday market. I used to always stay in Midtown, so they both were nearby. Now that I stay in TriBeCa, not sure that I'll get out that way.

Since this trip is my first one to NYC as a mom of two, it made it extra special that my hotel left me some welcome back gifts (I crushed all of those yummies after dinner)!

I got to my hotel close to 8 p.m. so I was STARVING. Checked the menu at Locanda Verde and I could not stay away. Place is so busy that even the bar has a waiting list for seats. Got one pretty quickly and feasted on burrata (my most favorite cheese!) with butternut squash, leeks and truffle dressing followed by an amazing pumpkin agnolotti (mini ravioli). Divine! Tried a gin inverno holiday drink with rosemary and prosecco and practically skipped back to my hotel.

Last night was the first time Phil and I used FaceTime with the Pickle and he loved it! We spend a lot of time looking at photos on my phone before bedtime anyway, so it was perfect (I hear, "Mama, look at pictures?" A LOT).

Sundance, here I come!

Yesterday, I booked a work trip to the Sundance Film Festival in January! When I was considering taking this job, Sundance was dangled as a potential destination, and I can't believe that it's happening!

I'll admit, I approached this trip with mixed emotions. Traveler Christina was fist pumping when I got the okay, while Mom Christina's stomach lurched thinking about how long I'd be away from my babies. I had the option to go for all 11 days, but my team and I are tag teaming, so I'll be gone for six days, which I think is a fantastic compromise (not so sure about Phil's take).

Of course, I've been preparing my wardrobe. When considering all of the parties etc., I wondered how many suitcases I'd have to pack with wardrobe options for cold weather and evening wear, but thankfully, I've learned that everything is pretty casual. So, I've got the essentials:



My boots

My coat

My muffs

I really wanted the Kate Spade tech gloves below, but I couldn't justify the price (and I worried that they wouldn't be warm enough), so I'm going to Jo-Ann it up and make my own.

I'm so excited for the films, the parties, the food, the scenery and hopefully, some celebs! I did a day trip to Park CIty when I was in Salt Lake City for the Olympics in 2002, and I'm excited to see all that's been added.

Anyone spend time at Sundance or Park City? Films you're excited about?