When I woke up yesterday, New York was the furthest thing from my mind. Well, not the furthest thing … because it’s been on my mind my entire life and especially since making the decision to go to BlogHer this year. But at that particular moment when I was slothfully hanging out in my bed, accompanied by all my kids – big and little – I did not realise that before the end of the day that I would be booking and paying for flights to New York.
YEH BABY!
It’s all thanks to my amazing Flight Centre travel agent Monique (email me if you want her details – she’s the best), who texted me with news of some very good flight deals on V Australia. I texted back with words like, if we weren’t both already happily married then I’d marry you … stuff very non-gushing like that.
So, I’m booked … and my husband and youngest son are too (they arrive the day after the conference finishes). We can’t wait – New York has been a travel dream and we’ll also get to see my brother and his family on the West Coast. Haven’t seen him since he moved there two years ago. Bring on August!
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The reason we were all making like sloths in my bed in the first place was that soccer had been cancelled due to the wet (insert happy dance here) and we’d been out the night before for a World’s Greatest Shave fundraiser at my teenager’s school. My eldest son was one of the organisers (proud mum tick number one). And he volunteered to have his had shaved (proud mum tick number two).
I was blown away by the attitude of this amazing group of teenagers. If they weren’t having their head shaved, they were performing (singing and playing instruments at a level that would give YTT a run for its money), or simply there supporting those who were doing the first of those two things.
Witnessing a 14-year-old girl have her long, brunette hair shaved off to a number four will be etched in my memory forever. I would never have been so brave. She did it with a smile, her friends cheering her on from the front row.
And the 16-year-old boy in my son’s class since Year 1 … a boy who’s never cut his hair beyond a quick trim from his mum … who has been known for his ponytail since primary school … who lost his then teenage-brother, a student at the school, in 2006 … to watch him take on this cause in his brother’s memory? The tears very much did flow, trickling down over the mountainous goosebumps.
The whole night was for this boy and the money raised will go to his World’s Greatest Shave fundraising efforts. He surpassed his goal on Friday night but you can still sponsor him here.
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SO, I’m a wee bit excited on this Sunday … not just about the little New York thing and the email from Apple to say that my new iPad is on its way.
No, I’m a little bit excited and nervous. Mostly EXCITED.
Tomorrow I’m unveiling Styling You’s new “frock”. It’s been wearing the same dress for two years and we can’t have that 😉
I’ve been working with the gorgeous and talented Katrina from The Media Maid and we’ll be making the switcheroo tomorrow morning. The blog will be down for a little while so that we can quickly work to make it all spot on and ready to show off to you. Bare with us as there’s no longer a “quiet” time on Styling You so we’ll be working to get this happening with the minimum of down time.
… to give you a little hint of what’s to come, here are some of the new photos I’ve had taken for Styling You’s new look. They’re by my friend and photographer Lou O’Brien. Love her work.
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Oh, and it’s been a busy week for me over on Justb. too … you might like to have a Sunday read:
10 easy ways to add a little “me” time to your day
Fashion trend to try: leopard print
But Mum, I really wanted a Barbie doll, not a truck.
12 ways to boost your inner beauty
I need a shoe booth. Yes, I do.
… and don’t forget, if you love a little photography, Justb. is offering $300 in its Facebook cover photo competition. You can enter here.
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Enjoy the rest of your weekend … let me know what you’ve been up to? And if you have any NYC travel tips, I want them all!
PS. Keep those #condomdress photos coming in … I’ll be posting them on the blog on Tuesday.
Comments 36
Hi Nikki, went to NYC for the first time last October with a girlfriend, got an amazing amount of recommendations from bloggers I follow….can email you the list if you like!
I took one suitcase inside another….my girlfriend took one and bought one, both very good ideas!! NYC was absolutely fantastic, everything you read/see about it is true!!
I cannot wait!!!
NY lucky you so envious. I spent just under a month in NY last August and it was the most amazing adventure ever – do you need a PA/bag carrier/bodyguard or anything at all – sigh oh what I’d give to be able to go back to NY. I flew Virgin Australia and they were really wonderful had a slight issue with excess baggage on the way back but purchased another bag at JFK as it was okay to put the load into 2 bags or otherwise was up for $1000 excess.
Lovely to read about your son and the other teenagers they all sound amazing 🙂
I love this tip – so basically go with one bag, buy another and save $ on your purchases. My kind of logic.
Love the new fresh look, and it loads so much faster now that all the black has gone
Yes, much faster loading all round!
Can’t wait to see the new look, Nikki!
Love your photo shoot teasers…
SSG xxx
It’s here!
It’s kind of a little sad to think that here I am at 2.24am possibly saying goodbye to a well worn favourite (blogs current frock). I get sentimental like that. But will be very excited to see the new look just hours away!!
Massive envy of your pending NYC trip. I have been twice and am secretly planning a 3rd trip within the next three years. In fact part of the reason of creating my blog “Lady Thinking” is to justify a child-free girlie trip under the guise of attending BlogHer in a few years. Oh the scheming!!
Nothing scares me more than parenting teenagers… but your sons wonderful heartwarming story gives me hope that its not all bad, and maybe I too will have moments to be proud of to look forward too.
Was a full-on morning Jacki – and I think I only beat you to bed by a few minutes! I’ve never been to NY so I think I need to catch up 😉
Wow! Your son is so brave and you must be so proud. All those kids are amazing.
And NYC. I am very jealous. I ♥ NY. We visited 7 years ago and I have been wanting to go back ever since. You will ♥ it indeed!
Oh and yes can’t wait for the big unveiling.
All exciting!
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Very, very proud! I’ve never been to NYC so can’t wait!!!
Can’t wait to see the new site tomorrow and to see you in NY! Making mental notes of shops I think you’ll enjoy. The Costume Institute at the Met is one of my most favorite places. Not sure what will be on exhibit on August.
Bravo to your son and his friends – what a way to honor his friend’s brother. Hope one day such events will no longer be necessary.
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Can’t wait to finally meet you Alexandra!
Woo I got goosebumps reading this post – what a gorgeous son you have there Nikki!
PLUS New York! PLUS A new bloggy look!
VERY excited for you 🙂
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Oh, thanks on all counts Kelly … has been an amazing weekend!
Hullo Beautiful Fash Mentor…LUV LUV LUV the photos. Lou is a legend and I have heard very good things abot her. Twill be nice to see more of YOU photographed in the site’s design because you ARE Styling You – how exciteyment. Sublime as are all things Nikki.
Thanks for sharing the great story about the shave…fantastic and I had a little tear-up.
NYC is my next dream destination too – for the Food. On my little blog I have a section called Meanwhile in the US but it might as well be called Meanwhile in New York because 99% of this section’s posts I find from NYC and they are so far ahead in food. Good for you – Love it – enjoy it and tell us some stories when you return xx
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Oh, Kylie – THANK-YOU! And yes, if you ever need photos, do contact Lou. She’s fantastic. We worked together at the Daily for 20 years and she took my wedding photos. Love that she’s building her own business now too!
I’ll be checking out your Meanwhile in the US section as food will be a big part of our trip – especially in NY. Can’t wait!!
Not sure about your airline, but Qantas allows 2 bags to and from the US. I have done the west coast 2x and really want to do the east now!! Like NOW.
Brave kiddos shaving their hair off. I want to but amd too scared. Short hair does not suit me, having a round face and all. I am sick of colouring and I think I have some resulting thinning issues. I have decided to not do it any more. Daughter keeps begging me not to do it! Hmmn many hats have been purchased this last week and I am knitting like a mad woman! Do you have any suggestions for styling it around growing out very grey hair when it has been coloured brown?
I have kooky enough clothes to carry off 24/7 beanies, berets and hats -I think! until it grows out enough to have a short bob-then the grey hair. I have tried lightening it to transition but it has destroyed and broken much of my fine hair.
For your boy and his mates, coz they are going to get cold noggins- check out all the great knitted hats on etsy!
Last night we went to the launch of the Relay for life here in our town, it will be in 12 months time. Our kids did a bit of whipcracking as there was a hodown at the showground theme, fairly countrified! sadly it wasn’t terribly well supported with crowds as it rained a bit.
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Haven’t investigated the baggage as yet, Jodie … but I will! I’ll be only taking what I need for the conference then shopping for everything beyond that!
We’re lucky here Jodie, won’t be cold here for a few months … hair seems to have grown already.
Re your hair, have you had your thyroid checked? Sorry, don’t want to get personal but that’s an issue for me – I’m just “lucky” – I have lots to start with. I think the transition period will be the worst. Not sure if you saw this post on Justb – lots of readers’ stories in the comments that may help: http://justbaustralia.com.au/be-pretty/is-grey-the-new-blonde-5711/
Yes I did see that post, but I didn’t read the comments! It’s the post that got me thinking seriously about giving colouring away!
I will get my thyroid checked, in the past it’s just been a cyclical hair loss thing, coinciding with iron deficiencies or stress or having babies, but I think it is a bit more noticable this time.
Oh how I wish I could climb in your bag to NYC, don’t forget to use really lightweight luggage (I have the Qantas Heathrow line) and a set of luggage scales.
The USA seems to have such good shopping. we had 7 in our party and my youngest was only 1 the first time, he got 2 bags too, plus his stroller. We all had 2 bags and hand luggage and other bags (over 30 pieces in all) ridiculous, but my god fantastic shopping was done especially in the kids clothes. I had enough boys clothes for several years!
Gorgeous photos, looking forward to checking out the new look. As for your son, amazing 🙂
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Thanks Tina … all my kids are amazing but Ben blew me away on Friday night. x
I love Lou’s stuff. And SO excited to see your new outfit xx
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Thanks gorgeous girl – Lou’s had her own studio built at home – so proud of her building up her business.
Hot!!
PS So very jealous. I want to be just like you when I grow up! 😛
Hmm, my “poking out tongue” emoticon came out as a scarily, happy one!
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I like scarily, happy 😉 I’m not sure I want to grow up. Sounds too serious.
So proud of your son, and go you being such a fabulous mum that he would take on this charity!
New York, oh how I am jealous. Surely I could squeeze myself into one of your suitcases?
Loving the new pictures. They are fun and funky which is very you. I am jealous of your awesome teeth.
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Ahh, Miss Pink … I’m very grateful for my teeth – no fillings and no orthodontic work – and they never have fat days! Now, re suitcase … can probably get you over there in my empty one, coming back, post-shopping, will be a stretch 😉
Can’t wait to see the Blogging Empress’ New Clothes!
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Hope I’m not naked!!
What an awesome sneak peak, those photos are amazing! Can’t wait for the big make over reveal.
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Oh, thanks so much Jeanie xx
Lots of exciting stuff going on for you Nikki – can’t wait to see the new look!
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Thanks Nic … so exciting right now. Can’t wait to catch up with you again. x