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My Slightly Chaotic Life

Balancing Life, Children and Chaos

Travel

Visit NYC: Our First Experience

October 3, 2019 Comments : 13

We recently took our very first trip to NYC! I have never been to New York City and when the opportunity to go and attend the BlogHer creator’s conference I jumped at it. I even convinced Aaron to tag along for a couple of days to see the sites and play tourist. Did I mention that this trip was kid free?! The last time we took a trip together was when we went to Great Wolf Lodge but that involved all the tiny humans. So our visit NYC experience was a first for us both!

I am sharing our visit to NYC in two parts. So read on to learn all about our day one visit NYC experience!

Visit NYC: Getting There

I chose to fly into Newark due to cost and times available for flights. I wanted to get into the city early so we could have some time to explore on the first day. I soon realized that I would have to get from Newark into the city so I started researching before we left to find the best route for the best price. Our flight left Portland around 730 which put us into Newark around 900. We made great time on the flight and I was happy with the choice to fly into Newark instead of New York.

Planning a visit to NYC? Read all about our kid free trip to NYC and the things to do, see and places to eat. | NYC | NYC trip | Travel | Kid free travel |

Getting from NJ to NYC

Take the AirTrain to the RAILink to catch the AirTrain to New York Penn Station. I researched enough to be mindful not to take the train to Penn Station New Jersey.

A one way ticket as of publication date was $13.00. This seemed to be the cheapest option to get into the city from the Airport.

The AirTrain system is surprisingly easy to navigate despite the Amtrak and AirTrain being in the same area. Coming from a girl who lives in a pretty rural state, traveling by trains and subways have never topped my list of transportation options.

It also helped that the lady working there was really friendly and answered questions about which track we should be at.

Once we got on the AirTrain getting to Penn Station in New York took about 60 minutes due to construction on the tracks. Still a little extra time in the long run was worth the cost to me at least.

Planning a visit to NYC? Read all about our kid free trip to NYC and the things to do, see and places to eat. | NYC | NYC trip | Travel | Kid free travel |

First Day in NYC

Once we arrived in Penn Station we knew we needed to find somewhere to eat. We both skipped breakfast and where starting to get just a tad bit cranky. Thankfully being in NYC means that there are restaurants at every turn. We ended up at Mustang Harry’s which was a block or two down from Penn Station (don’t ask me where exactly since NYC streets confuse me). The food was good and the beer, after dealing with flights and the train system, was even better. It was at this time too that I was faced with the hard reality of NYC restaurant prices. So if your planning a trip, make sure to plan accordingly for the cost of food.

Planning a visit to NYC? Read all about our kid free trip to NYC and the things to do, see and places to eat. | NYC | NYC trip | Travel | Kid free travel |

Planning a visit to NYC? Read all about our kid free trip to NYC and the things to do, see and places to eat. | NYC | NYC trip | Travel | Kid free travel |

When we arrived in Newark, I called the hotel that we were staying at to see if there was any availability for an early check in. They initially said that they had been sold out the night before so were unsure if they could accommodate our request but to check back later on. I called after we had finished lunch to see if the room was available and thankfully they said yes. We had already been carrying around our luggage with us and wanted to leave it at the hotel to continue to explore for the rest of the day.

Visit NYC: Navigating the Subway

Initially I had wanted to get a hotel in the city but ended up choosing one in Brooklyn instead. The conference that I was attending was in Brooklyn and I thought that it would be easier to stay closer to the conference location. This meant that we needed to get from Penn Station area to Brooklyn and chose the subway instead of the super expensive Uber or Lyft options. We are talking 2.50 per ride on the subway vs. 50-60 via taxi.

The subway system is confusing in NYC. I’m sure those that travel it on a daily basis have gotten used to it. The best thing that I found was to download the subway map HERE from in order to follow along on my own.

Where to Stay

We ended up staying at the Wyndham Garden Brooklyn Sunset Park. The room was small but the hotel was quiet and 2 blocks from the closest subway station. The price was also half that of what we would have paid to stay in the city. For our next trip, I will hopefully try and stay in the city since that is where we did most of our exploring. But for this trip, Brooklyn was a great, less expensive option. The hotel was clean, staff were friendly and helpful and we were close to the subway.

Bonus points to them, they were able to accommodate an early check in for us.

Visit NYC: Places to See

911 Memorial

This was the one (and only) thing that Aaron wanted to see on our trip to New York. So we decided to make our way back into the city after dropping off our luggage at the hotel to see it. It is hard to put into words the experience of going to this memorial. I was a junior in high school on 9/11 and don’t feel that I fully understood the full ramifications of what happened that day. After leaving there, I have a new level of appreciation for all of the men and women that lost their lives as well as those that were there and had to live through those horrible events.

Planning a visit to NYC? Read all about our kid free trip to NYC and the things to do, see and places to eat. | NYC | NYC trip | Travel | Kid free travel |

Planning a visit to NYC? Read all about our kid free trip to NYC and the things to do, see and places to eat. | NYC | NYC trip | Travel | Kid free travel |

Planning a visit to NYC? Read all about our kid free trip to NYC and the things to do, see and places to eat. | NYC | NYC trip | Travel | Kid free travel |

There was an entire section of the museum that no photos were allowed. It was were we probably spend most of our time when we were there. If you plan to visit, make sure that you plan accordingly to spend several hours there. We were probably in the museum for over 3 hours and could have been there easily longer.

Planning a visit to NYC? Read all about our kid free trip to NYC and the things to do, see and places to eat. | NYC | NYC trip | Travel | Kid free travel |

Planning a visit to NYC? Read all about our kid free trip to NYC and the things to do, see and places to eat. | NYC | NYC trip | Travel | Kid free travel |

Planning a visit to NYC? Read all about our kid free trip to NYC and the things to do, see and places to eat. | NYC | NYC trip | Travel | Kid free travel |

Planning a visit to NYC? Read all about our kid free trip to NYC and the things to do, see and places to eat. | NYC | NYC trip | Travel | Kid free travel |

We ended up grabbing a couple of drinks at a local bar nearby before heading to the memorial called O’Hara’s. Location was right across the street from the World Trade Center.

Planning a visit to NYC? Read all about our kid free trip to NYC and the things to do, see and places to eat. | NYC | NYC trip | Travel | Kid free travel |

Planning a visit to NYC? Read all about our kid free trip to NYC and the things to do, see and places to eat. | NYC | NYC trip | Travel | Kid free travel |

Planning a visit to NYC? Read all about our kid free trip to NYC and the things to do, see and places to eat. | NYC | NYC trip | Travel | Kid free travel |

Times Square

I have only seen Times Square on television or in the movies. So I was in complete awe of the chaos and lights that Times Square is. So many people, restaurants and stores, not to mention the the theaters there. Times Square is pure chaos but at the same time an exciting and fun place to visit. We ended up having dinner there and were overwhelmed by the amount of choices. We ended up settling on the Hard Rock Cafe.

Planning a visit to NYC? Read all about our kid free trip to NYC and the things to do, see and places to eat. | NYC | NYC trip | Travel | Kid free travel |

By the time we were done with dinner it was getting late and we were exhausted. We headed back to the hotel, via the Subway system which we had a better grip on.

Check back soon for part two of our Visit NYC: Our first experience.

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Comments

  1. Nate says

    October 5, 2019 at 2:25 pm

    I remember when I went to NY. I had a blast! I wanted to hit up Mustang Harry’s on the first day like you guys did but eventually went there on my last day before I went back home. The 9/11 museum was so cool. Thanks for bringing back memories!

    Reply
  2. Stephanie Stebbins says

    October 5, 2019 at 8:49 pm

    The first time I went to NYC I was 8 years old and I fell in love with how it busy it was! I love all of the history there!

    Reply
  3. Krysten Quiles says

    October 6, 2019 at 11:36 am

    I’ve never had much of a want to visit NYC, it’s way too busy for me. BUT. There are some things there I would love to check out one day.

    Reply
  4. tweenselmom says

    October 6, 2019 at 5:23 pm

    Always a nice experience to visit a new city. Thanks for sharing snapshots of your trip, gives me a more realistic view.

    Reply
  5. Crickette, The Things I Have to Say says

    October 7, 2019 at 12:04 am

    I can never get enough of New York. You never run out of places to see and things to do–or food to try. My last trip there was so properly planned by my sisters and we go to do so much. Did you get to see anything on Broadway?

    Reply
  6. Fae Celine says

    October 7, 2019 at 8:34 pm

    NYC is really a beautiful place to visit. I hope I can visit NYC soon, I would surely enjoy my first NYC visit experience.

    Reply
  7. Maysz says

    October 7, 2019 at 9:13 pm

    It looks you have a great vacation. Travel to New York is also my dream 🙂 Awesome photos!

    Reply
  8. Alexis says

    October 7, 2019 at 9:24 pm

    It’s been a long time since I was last in NYC. Looks like you had a great trip with your husband. It’s been way too long since we had a kid-free trip as well.

    Reply
  9. Olya AMANOVA says

    October 8, 2019 at 5:55 am

    You’ve managed to see a lot your first time. I have not been in NYC and use your article as a guide my first time.

    Reply
  10. Kuntala says

    October 8, 2019 at 2:10 pm

    My NYC memories were enlivened with your blog. I love the city and the liveliness within it. I have visited the place multiple times and still I yearn to be there.

    Reply
  11. Erik the Hungry Traveller says

    October 8, 2019 at 10:35 pm

    I plan on going to New York next year so this is a valuable read for me. I heard navigating the streets of NY can be crazy. Also curiouz to experience the subway. And definitely will be spending most of my time at the 911 memorial have always wanted to visit the site.

    Reply
  12. Samar says

    October 9, 2019 at 12:06 am

    For me the best place to visit is the restaurant.

    Be it any Cuisine, any country or any place.

    Reply
  13. Gervin Khan says

    October 9, 2019 at 4:18 am

    I have never been to New York City and I am sure it will be a dream come true to everyone if you are able to step on this place. I am glad that you were able to have a amazing time visiting that place.

    Reply

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Hi! I'm Danielle. I'm a mom, girlfriend and ED nurse. I love sharing my honest take on all things mom as well as life!

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Missed miscarriage. Something I wasn’t prepared Missed miscarriage.

Something I wasn’t prepared for, something I didn’t even know was possible until it happened to me. Something I have thought about for the past couple weeks. Essentially my body still thinks it’s pregnant even though there is no fetal heart activity and so I sit here, after my D&C with all these emotions coursing through me. 

I’m sad. Sad for the little life that never really grew and I will never know. 

I’m disappointed. Disappointed in my body for not doing what it should have done on its own and having to sit with this while I waited to be scheduled for a D&C.

I’m upset. I’m upset that this happened to me. Upset that it has to happen to any woman. 

Finally, I’m pissed. Pissed that I had to go through this alone. That I had to sit in that ultrasound room alone because of the office policy of no visitors. That my husband couldn’t be there when they told me that my baby no longer has a heartbeat and having to make the decision about what to do by myself. I’m pissed that people can go to bars, restaurants and pack themselves into the mall but I couldn’t have someone there to hold my hand while I was delivered news that would turn my entire world upside down. 

It just doesn’t make sense. None of it makes sense.
I debated even sharing this sine miscarriage is such a taboo topic, but a lot of people have reached out to see if I’m ok and I don’t want to pretend it didn’t exist as well as to let others know that they aren’t alone during this time even when all they feel is alone. 

I took this photo the day I found out I was pregnant, hoping to share it eventually but instead I’ll share it now.
Trying out a new hair growth system thanks to @bon Trying out a new hair growth system thanks to @bondiboost which is giving my hair the boost it needs to grow long and thick! Seriously their hair growth line is exactly what your hair needs if your looking to grow those locks out! 

This year @bondiboost turns 3 and they are gifting you 30% off their entire site! That means 30% off anything site wide with the code BBTurns3 so make sure to stock up on all your fave Bondiboost products or give them a try now with this amazing savings! 
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.
#bondiboostpartner 
#boostyourroots 
#bondiboostus 
#haircaretips 
#momhair
“A beautiful day starts with a beautiful mindset “A beautiful day starts with a beautiful mindset” - unknown 
Read that again. 
No matter how crappy you think your day is going to be; wake up and set you mind to a more positive way of thinking. 
I can’t tell you how many times this thought process has gotten me through rough days at work, with the kids or even when I’m just feeling incredibly overwhelmed. 

Tell me how do you create a beautiful mindset? 
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#positivewords 
#motivationalquotesdaily 
#lifewithkids
AD: Balancing my mind and my immune system these d AD: Balancing my mind and my immune system these days. As a busy mom it’s so important that I keep a healthy immune system because moms don’t get days off! 

Bonus: supporting my gut health as well with products that contain @epicorimmune. It’s a POSTbiotic. Haven’t heard of that before? So, PRObiotics in your gut eat fibers (PREbiotics) in order to make beneficial metabolites. Well, POSTbiotics contain those metabolites and delivers them directly to your gut. 

Currently using @countrylifevitamins Gut Connection ImmuneBalance™ powered by @epicorimmune. You can find @countrylifevitamins online at the link in my bio. 

How are you balancing your mind and body these days?

#livemorehealthydays #EpiCorImmune 
#EpiCor 
#healthylivingtips

https://lnk2.io/wLKXFhK
Rainy day here today but this little corner of Ave Rainy day here today but this little corner of Avery’s bedroom looks so cozy. 

I’m so thankful to have passed on my love for reading to both my children and here are some of Avery’s favorite books on display. Beekle, Raz & Benz and Strictly no Elephants are Avery’s favs and we read them on repeat every night. I’ll link the books in my stories. 

What books do your kids love?
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#lifewithatoddler 
#toddlermomlife 
#momlife 
#motherhoodalive 
#motherhoodlife
I couldn’t go another day without having this sw I couldn’t go another day without having this sweet photo of both my kids and myself on my feed. 

Getting photos with the kids is hard and the majority of the time I’m doing it by myself. 
I rely on my camera, tripod and timer to snap these shots and anyone who knows this method can relate to it taking many shots to get something resembling what your initial idea was. 
Pretty happy to have finally caught this one and not ashamed to admit there was some bribery involved.

Share your tips with getting photos with your kids in the comments! 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#mommyandme
#momswithcameras 
#momswithstyle 
#honestmommin 
#lifewithlittles
Easter is coming up and if your like me; you want Easter is coming up and if your like me; you want to create something (most likely last minute) that your kids will love but doesn’t cost a fortune. Well I am here to say Easter basket’s don’t have to be expensive! 

In fact: you can create a fun Easter basket for your kiddos that is inexpensive (and last minute if that’s your thing). 
Things I grabbed for Avery’s basket this year:
1. Chalk (Target dollar spot)
2. Sunglasses 
3. Water bottle 
4. Bubble wands
5. Socks (because what kid doesn’t love socks)
6. Plastic eggs with candy and coins 
7. Chocolate bunny 
8. Spring outfit 

For inspo on older kid’s Easter Basket ideas, make sure to check out my latest blog post (link in bio). 

That’s it! Quick, easy and the total cost was minimal. 
Bunny pictured from last year because my child does not need anymore stuffed animals.

What fun things do you do for Easter?
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#easterbasket 
#easterbasketideas 
#toddlerhood 
#easterbaskets 
#busymomlife
3 years ago, this little one came into this world 3 years ago, this little one came into this world in a whirlwind and has kept us guessing and on our toes ever since. 
She loves reading, hiking, riding her bike, jumping on and off a thing, playing with her siblings and friends and Paw Patrol. 
Happy birthday Avery; life is that much better and just a little crazier with you around and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 
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#birthdayvibes 
#toddlermom 
#toddlerstyle 
#threeyearsold 
#mylittleloves
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Missed miscarriage. Something I wasn’t prepared Missed miscarriage.

Something I wasn’t prepared for, something I didn’t even know was possible until it happened to me. Something I have thought about for the past couple weeks. Essentially my body still thinks it’s pregnant even though there is no fetal heart activity and so I sit here, after my D&C with all these emotions coursing through me. 

I’m sad. Sad for the little life that never really grew and I will never know. 

I’m disappointed. Disappointed in my body for not doing what it should have done on its own and having to sit with this while I waited to be scheduled for a D&C.

I’m upset. I’m upset that this happened to me. Upset that it has to happen to any woman. 

Finally, I’m pissed. Pissed that I had to go through this alone. That I had to sit in that ultrasound room alone because of the office policy of no visitors. That my husband couldn’t be there when they told me that my baby no longer has a heartbeat and having to make the decision about what to do by myself. I’m pissed that people can go to bars, restaurants and pack themselves into the mall but I couldn’t have someone there to hold my hand while I was delivered news that would turn my entire world upside down. 

It just doesn’t make sense. None of it makes sense.
I debated even sharing this sine miscarriage is such a taboo topic, but a lot of people have reached out to see if I’m ok and I don’t want to pretend it didn’t exist as well as to let others know that they aren’t alone during this time even when all they feel is alone. 

I took this photo the day I found out I was pregnant, hoping to share it eventually but instead I’ll share it now.
Trying out a new hair growth system thanks to @bon Trying out a new hair growth system thanks to @bondiboost which is giving my hair the boost it needs to grow long and thick! Seriously their hair growth line is exactly what your hair needs if your looking to grow those locks out! 

This year @bondiboost turns 3 and they are gifting you 30% off their entire site! That means 30% off anything site wide with the code BBTurns3 so make sure to stock up on all your fave Bondiboost products or give them a try now with this amazing savings! 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#bondiboostpartner 
#boostyourroots 
#bondiboostus 
#haircaretips 
#momhair
“A beautiful day starts with a beautiful mindset “A beautiful day starts with a beautiful mindset” - unknown 
Read that again. 
No matter how crappy you think your day is going to be; wake up and set you mind to a more positive way of thinking. 
I can’t tell you how many times this thought process has gotten me through rough days at work, with the kids or even when I’m just feeling incredibly overwhelmed. 

Tell me how do you create a beautiful mindset? 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#positivewords 
#motivationalquotesdaily 
#lifewithkids
AD: Balancing my mind and my immune system these d AD: Balancing my mind and my immune system these days. As a busy mom it’s so important that I keep a healthy immune system because moms don’t get days off! 

Bonus: supporting my gut health as well with products that contain @epicorimmune. It’s a POSTbiotic. Haven’t heard of that before? So, PRObiotics in your gut eat fibers (PREbiotics) in order to make beneficial metabolites. Well, POSTbiotics contain those metabolites and delivers them directly to your gut. 

Currently using @countrylifevitamins Gut Connection ImmuneBalance™ powered by @epicorimmune. You can find @countrylifevitamins online at the link in my bio. 

How are you balancing your mind and body these days?

#livemorehealthydays #EpiCorImmune 
#EpiCor 
#healthylivingtips

https://lnk2.io/wLKXFhK
Rainy day here today but this little corner of Ave Rainy day here today but this little corner of Avery’s bedroom looks so cozy. 

I’m so thankful to have passed on my love for reading to both my children and here are some of Avery’s favorite books on display. Beekle, Raz & Benz and Strictly no Elephants are Avery’s favs and we read them on repeat every night. I’ll link the books in my stories. 

What books do your kids love?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#lifewithatoddler 
#toddlermomlife 
#momlife 
#motherhoodalive 
#motherhoodlife
I couldn’t go another day without having this sw I couldn’t go another day without having this sweet photo of both my kids and myself on my feed. 

Getting photos with the kids is hard and the majority of the time I’m doing it by myself. 
I rely on my camera, tripod and timer to snap these shots and anyone who knows this method can relate to it taking many shots to get something resembling what your initial idea was. 
Pretty happy to have finally caught this one and not ashamed to admit there was some bribery involved.

Share your tips with getting photos with your kids in the comments! 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#mommyandme
#momswithcameras 
#momswithstyle 
#honestmommin 
#lifewithlittles
Easter is coming up and if your like me; you want Easter is coming up and if your like me; you want to create something (most likely last minute) that your kids will love but doesn’t cost a fortune. Well I am here to say Easter basket’s don’t have to be expensive! 

In fact: you can create a fun Easter basket for your kiddos that is inexpensive (and last minute if that’s your thing). 
Things I grabbed for Avery’s basket this year:
1. Chalk (Target dollar spot)
2. Sunglasses 
3. Water bottle 
4. Bubble wands
5. Socks (because what kid doesn’t love socks)
6. Plastic eggs with candy and coins 
7. Chocolate bunny 
8. Spring outfit 

For inspo on older kid’s Easter Basket ideas, make sure to check out my latest blog post (link in bio). 

That’s it! Quick, easy and the total cost was minimal. 
Bunny pictured from last year because my child does not need anymore stuffed animals.

What fun things do you do for Easter?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#easterbasket 
#easterbasketideas 
#toddlerhood 
#easterbaskets 
#busymomlife
3 years ago, this little one came into this world 3 years ago, this little one came into this world in a whirlwind and has kept us guessing and on our toes ever since. 
She loves reading, hiking, riding her bike, jumping on and off a thing, playing with her siblings and friends and Paw Patrol. 
Happy birthday Avery; life is that much better and just a little crazier with you around and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#birthdayvibes 
#toddlermom 
#toddlerstyle 
#threeyearsold 
#mylittleloves
Follow Me on Instagram
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