It is REALLY cold outside...like REALLY cold!

It has been FREEZING this week in NYC. We've experienced every disgusting cold weather situation that exists - snow, blizzard, freezing rain, below zero wind chill. One can only sit inside for so long before they start to go stir crazy. Come Saturday, the sun was shining and I had to get out and about.  I dragged my friends out of their warm homes and we embraced the day. Here is what we did on our REALLY cold Saturday.

The first step is to wear a lot of warm layers. Don't be vain and just bundle up! 

We hopped on the bus (yes the bus because the sun was shining and who wants to be underground when the sky is blue and the sun is out) and went to a little restaurant on the Upper West Side called Piccolo Cafe (there are a few locations all over Manhattan). The space maybe fits 25 people but they offer a delicious variety of authentic Italian cuisine. My favorite lunch options are the paninis. I opted for the mozzarella, arugula, and prosciutto this time. Meredith and Natalie stuck with brunch items, Eggs Benedict over a French Croissant and Uova Al Forna (baked eggs with basil and sweet sicilian fresh tomato sauce). 

After filling up, Nat and I set out to explore Cetral Park. Meredith left us, but not before letting me snap a shot of her amazing outfit.

(faux fur jacket: Rebecca's of Clinton Boutique - Clinton, NC)

Families with children were out and about in the park making the most out of their sleds in the snow. Tourists bustled about with a lack of layers, obviously not expecting the cold during their visit. Owners walked their dogs, some with nicer sweaters than I own. Central Park is beautiful in every season and the fresh snow fall gives it a heavenly feel.

Poets' Walk is my absolute favorite spot in Central Park. 

(this guys was dressed to impress)

(coat: Zara / scarf: H&M / boots: Frye / bag: Michael Kors

When we thought our fingers were about to fall off, we popped into the Shops at Columbus Circle to thaw out. For those of you not from NYC, The Shops at Columbus circle are the closest thing we have to a mall. It's a great one stop shop with stores like H&M, Sephora, J.Crew, and Coach.

(sometimes we just need a hand)

Heading back out, we met up with some friends for a late afternoon snack and beverage. Wine and Roses is a beautiful wine bar off Columbus Avenue. It's a great place to cozy up with someone special or chatter with some friends. We shared the meat and cheese board and had a Russian River Valley Chardonnay.

Here are a few other awesome options for really cold days in NYC:

1. Go to a Movie (though that's what everyone is doing so get there early)

2. Make something really awesome to eat like pasta from scratch.

3. Gather friends and have a game afternoon (i'm currently obsessed with Heads Up - free app download)

4. Go to the Spa - massage, pedicure, manicure

5. Read a great book.

We ended the day saying Bon Voyage to a friend flying off to Australia for the next year. 

Stay Warm NYC. 

d. eileen