Stilletos and Diaper Bags - New York City Style

Today I am trying my hand at fashion blogging. I was lucky enough to be able to guest blog over at Stilettos and Diaper Bags. Lisa is a fashion blogger and mommy- Busy? Yep, that she is. So, in much need of a break, she put the call out to Guest Bloggers and I happily said 'yes!'.

So if you'd like to see more of my New York City style, Click the link and show some love and visit Lisa's fabulous site! 

Click here: to head over to Stilettos and Diaper Bags

New York Street Style

Travel and Valium

I arrived back from my NYC trip quite happy. It was nice to get away to a place which I love and feel comfortable. It also gave me a glimpse to how I am still 'me' underneath this depression and anxiety which is covering me at the moment. Before my visit I was suffering major anxiety over the travel. But I assured myself that I could do it and I have done so much travelling before it couldn't be that difficult.

However, someone decided to push me and test me to the limits. I departed my home city late due to weather, ran for my connecting flight in the next airport. This was no fun and needless to say I was not looking or feeling my best when I arrived at the gate but I'd done it. I dealt with the stress and settled into the flight.

My next one saw me fly to Toronto where I would then fly a short journey to NYC. As I settled and put all my in flight needs into the pocket in front of me I suddenly began to realise that we were not anywhere near taking off time. How could that be when I had to do an airport dash? I looked around and the crew were just wandering. Then came the announcement - We will be delayed due to technical difficulties with the wing. Seriously?! Yep, they were serious. When we took off we were half an hour late, as I calculated this with my connection time I began to panic that my next flight would be another airport dash. But luckily, my prescribed Diazepam (Valium) kicked in and I managed to get a few hours sleep. 

Two hours before the end of the flight I awoke with a horrific headache and began to panic. I couldn't figure out why, I just knew my head was in pain, I felt sick and I had no paracetamols with me. When you're taking Valium it's not something you think you'll need! So I worked my way to the air stewardess at the back of the plane and asked for some. She gave me the tablets and my panic rose it's head. I began to shake and I could feel the tears building. The stewardess came back to me to check and realising I was not doing well, sat me on the jump seat.

We talked and she gave me sugar water which she said helped one of her friends during attacks. Brought me tissues and sent other passengers back to seats to allow me space alone. She and another stewardess continued to check on me and comfort me throughout the rest of the flight. Even walking me back to my seat at the end. When I told my doctor this she replied, "Oh Missy, that's when you should have taken a diazepam to help too."

Yea, not just the fringe I have in common with Zooey now... [Source]

As I left the flight I realised that I was cutting it short but felt relaxed again until I realised I had to collect my luggage in Toronto and take it to the bag drop (a 25 min walk) through Canadian immigration and American immigration. When I reached the bag tagging area I was told I had missed my flight - no really?! I didn't know! Booked onto another and sent on my way, after being told I did not have an ESTA - which of course I did. Hello, severely depressive with high anxiety is going to have her document and stick to the rules. Cue more panic when approaching US Customs. Of course, all was fine and I was through, bag dropped and used that time to find a spot at a bar, have some food, and have random strangers strike up conversation. It's accent - gets people every time when I'm travelling!

They all want to hear me talk [Source]

So, needless to say that's the first time I've ever missed a flight, had a panic attack mid flight and needed Valium just to get through a day. I could have sat and cried - believe me, I wanted to do that in Toronto airport, in fact, I didn't want to actually leave Toronto airport - but I didn't. I kept going and kept strong. I decided to look at it as showing me that I am still capable of doing things at the moment and also I am able to work through the anxiety, even when alone.

Have you ever had a travel issue which has made you realise how strong you were?

NYC bound!

This is it folks... by the time this posts I should be well on my way to NYC via Toronto?! Don't ask! To say I am feeling anxious is an understatement. It will not be an easy journey alone but I know my fabulous BFF - Miss Faux Fur - will be waiting for me! Also, I have travelled Australia, America and Canada alone so this should be a breeze. Just the little issues of depression and anxiety to deal with but I well medicated! I look forward to sharing my times when I return!

I heart NYC!

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Oh NYC ... if I must!

I booked up for a trip to NYC in October school holidays. I can not wait! This year has been most unusual, I have made it to September and I haven't left the country! In previous years I have been away travelling and I loved it. But buying my first property and dealing with health issues has left me confined to home.

I love home, I really do but I have itchy feet. Feet that want to move and want to travel. So I sat down with my finances and decided that I could afford a trip away. So where was I to plan? New York City of course!

I am no stranger to the city - having visited it many, many times (just to share a few) : see here, here and here.

There is something about the city which I love. It has a pull which I can not shake, as soon as I sit in the cab and make my way into the city I feel at home. So to book this city break is going to keep me going through the first half term of the new school year. 

I love this city.

What recommendations would you give for NYC?

NYC stole my heart...

New York City gets me and I just don't know why. Being the type of person I am, I should really hate the place with its busy streets, in your face sellers and lack of good chocolate. But I don't.

Every time I go there it gets me and it steals a little bit more of me. Of course living somewhere is a whole lot different to holidaying there but sometimes you just get this feeling about a place. I have that about NYC. I have this excitement coupled with contentment. I know that I couldn't live it long term, that's not what I want. A year or two would suffice, just to live that city life I seem to be craving. 

In my trip this time, I managed to head to DUMBO area (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) and take in spectacular views of Manhattan. I also visited Grimaldi's Pizza Place. I can confirm that it is awesome and well worth a wait time. I visited an amazing place called Max Brenners which is basically a chocolate lovers heaven. I had a hot chocolate in a 'hug mug' and chocolate laden crepes. Yes, I loved it and gained a much needed sugar rush. 

Hug the mug...

Marshmallow and chocolate crepe...

Of course a visit to NYC would not be complete without some nights out...which when in NYC seem to last until the next morning. You can always find somewhere to drink and if you know someone in a bar that is even easier. I have a few friends out there... barmen and business types so I get looked after very well which is nice when you're away from home. I already have a nice little network out there.  

 

It was an amazing time and I just feel so contented for having been so lucky to get there again and to have a break from the frantic pace which my life appears to have gained since January. Now it's time to deal with jet lag and get working hard before my next adventure.

Do you have a holiday destination which feels like a home away from home?

Don't forget you can find me ... and follow me... on Twitter here:

Missy Chances

Packing my bags...

My flight to NYC is tomorrow and I am so excited to be having a break. I do love my job but after 7 weeks my body (and mind) are ready for a break. Exhausted does not cover it, I've worked twice as hard the past few days to bring less work home for when I return.

I am currently packing my suitcase and feeling stressed!! I always have the thought process of:

- Have I charged my camera/phone/Ipod and included charger for all items mentioned.

- Do I have enough underwear? For some reason I always over pack on this item.

- Do I have clothes for all days?

- Is my case too heavy?

- Do I have suitable shoes for day/night/ice/snow!?

- Do I have all my toiletries and make-up?

I could go....no really...I could. I will stop there though before you fall asleep. I'm sure you have panics of your own? On the subject of clothes,  I have to admit I create something which I am quite renowned within my friends for doing. I create a clothing itinerary.

The clothing itinerary consists of :

- Brief outline of what you are doing each day.

-Images of outfits taken to match days.

-Options page with 2/3 extra outfits...you know...just in case haha!

It sounds silly and hard work but it pays off. It keeps my suitcase streamlined and hopefully (please!) underweight. I remember the time my case was lost.... along with my itinerary!! When I realised I exclaimed, " Nooo!! My first days outfit will not happen?! My itinerary is all over the place now!" I then had to buy a spare outfit which became an option haha!! I'm really not that high maintenance as this post may make me to look.... I just like organised clothes. Even a friend of mine tried it and was converted :-)

Here is my itinerary I am currently working on (it spans a few pages...):

OCD? Possibly!

Anybody else out there who does the same?! Or do you have some other way of making sure you just pack what's needed and a couple of extras?