Well, let me tell you, New York was EVERYTHING I dreamed it would be and then some. I had big hopes, a little trepidation (did we really pull this off?!), and a whole lot of excitement, but wow… that city delivered magic in bucketloads.
First off, the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. THE TREE. There it stood, sparkling and magnificent, and I stood there too, a small tear sliding down my face because it was everything I hoped it would be. It wasn’t just the tree; it was pride—knowing we’d set this crazy goal and achieved it. My heart was full.
Broadway? Oh, we didn’t just dip a toe in; we cannonballed! We saw Annie (tears again), and the Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular was… well, spectacular. They don’t throw that word around lightly. Ava sat there wide-eyed, whispering, “This is the best thing ever.” Same, Ava. Same.
Christmas Eve brought snowball fights in Central Park and watching the Knicks play basketball
We took a tour around Maddison Square garden, spent hours in FAO schwartz helping Ava design her own handbag and choosing the perfect outfits for her Christmas Elf and obviously took time to play on the piano (from the film BIG) Took a tour to Brooklyn and saw the bridges from Dumbo. Shopped in Sax, Macy’s and Times Square and Ste even surprised me with putting up a family photo in Times Square on our anniversary!
And the food! From pretzels the size of her head to pizza that required two hands to hold, we tried everything. By the end of the trip, we were full of memories and carbs, ready to head home with visions of a perfect New Year ahead. We have honestly had the best time, and if you are planning a New York trip, please get in touch.
We found a lot of our activities on getyourguide- New York I would really recommend taking the Big Bus tour. It was amazing value for money and they even provided a professional photographer for the trip! We assumed we would pay for each download- but NO!! they come through all for free. We were really impressed.
Back to Reality
I had BIG plans, people. The kind of plans that would make Marie Kondo proud. I was going to take Christmas down, scrub the house, unpack, iron EVERYTHING, and start my new “5:30 a.m. power hour” routine for the business. 2025 was going to see a shiny, new, ultra-disciplined me.
But then… the plane germs hit. Ava and Ste were down for the count. Christmas decorations? Still up. Unpacking? Sort of done (if you count rifling through suitcases for clean socks). Healthy eating? On pause—like, pause so hard I ate an entire pack of Jaffa Cakes in the car to avoid guilt-tripping myself.
I said I’d wake up at 5:30 every morning. The dog said, “Nice try,” by being sick all night. Four hours of sleep became the new norm, and getting up early to conquer the world? Nope. Just surviving.
Time to Get Real
Here’s the thing: I’ve realised I can’t keep saying one thing and doing another. Discipline, my old friend, needs to come back into my life. I’ve tasted the magic of achieving a goal, and I want more of that this year.
So, here’s to pulling the tinsel down (eventually), setting alarms I don’t snooze, and swapping Jaffa Cakes for kale (maybe). 2025 is still shiny and new, and it’s time to show up for myself and for my dreams.
If you’ve also got a house that still looks like Christmas threw up in it or resolutions that haven’t quite taken off yet, know you’re not alone. Let’s do this, one snowball, Broadway memory, and slightly chaotic day at a time.
Here’s to making this year magical—plane germs and all! 🎉
Remember all this started around with a dream and a plan. Read how it all started here in a previous blog post.
Thank you to everyone for your support- We did it!
Where shall we go next?
Hi Sarah! I have been anxiously and eagerly awaiting this blog post. Just like your trip to New York City over the holidays, this blog post did not disappoint. I hung on every word as I read your experiences. I have been to New York City several times and reading what you experienced perfectly described this magical city. I could just feel the energy as you were typing this out. I am so glad that you and your family had this time together and that you gave yourself the challenge to make it happen through your business success. My wife and I have discussed the challenge you made to yourself and are contemplating a similar challenge. Yes, you have motivated us. Getting back to reality is always another challenge. But, with the memory of what you just experienced, I have no doubt that you will continue on your quest with this business to provide for your family in amazing and unimaginable ways! Thank you for sharing your adventures and Happy New Year!
Hi Ernie! I could have written a book on our journey. There is so much more I wanted to tell everyone. I might even do a second one! lol YES please do the challenge. It was the best thing I did. It makes you think and make timelines go a bit faster. Kicks you to do things you were always going to do- but sooner! I’, so excited to see where 2025 takes us both.
I’m just bursting with joy for you and your family, Sarah! All that excitement and WITH a family photo in Times Square on your anniversary. Congrats!
Now don’t you go beating yourself up for missing the mark starting in on the new year. It all came together with that dream and a plan for New York. And going forward – step-by-step – you’ll achieve your dreams again.
Where will you go next? Indeed.
Robert Klein recently posted…California Dreaming
Thank you. You are right, I need to give myself a little break but sometimes I’m too harsh on myself. We want it all don’t we!
Wow, what an adventure! New York really does have a way of capturing your heart, doesn’t it? From the magic of the Rockefeller Tree to the Rockettes’ jaw-dropping show, it sounds like your trip was pure holiday magic. I love NYC so much. Here’s to making 2025 just as unforgettable—one chaotic, joyful moment at a time! Keep dreaming big, and I can’t wait to hear where your next adventure takes you! ✨
Thank you Alison. I did truly love it. There was so many amazing things to do, we didn’t do everything on the list but its just another excuse to go back I suppose. I love travelling so exciting to plan the next one!
Hey, Sarah!
I’m so glad to hear the news of your spectacular trip! I’ve been looking forward to it and keeping up with your adventures via TikTok. You must have been so surprised to see your family photo in Times Square! Happy Anniversary, btw! Don’t worry about the rough start to the new year. I’m sure it’s just a hiccup and life will fall into a more stable rhythm soon. I’m so excited for you guys and can’t wait to hear about your next big dream!
Nakina
Nakina Lawson recently posted…First Lesson of 2025
Thank you for the comment but also for watching my updates on TikTok. That’s lovely to know someone is watching the videos. I’m sure I’ll get into the rhythm soon enough, It just takes time. I hope you had a lovely break too x
Happy new year Sarah!
I have to confess… of all the blog hopping, I was looking forward to reading yours 1st! (sorry guys & gals)
Reading how your trip was even better than anticipated is great – but knowing that you can attain any other objective now that you’ve shown yourself how to do it is probably the best part of it all!
I remember the 1st time I went to NY in the 80’s, it was to meet a friend I had made at a convention and yes, your description (even if it was that long ago) is still valid. They don’t call it the BIG APPLE just for the heck of it!
Here’s to your next planned trip (New Zealand is ours) and making it all come true!
All the best for 2025!
Happy New Year Marc, Thank you for the comment. I could have written a book about New York, not a blog. I wanted to write a lot more but didn’t want to bore anyone either. New Zealand is on my top 10 list…. but I would be scared not to come back! Thank you again. I hope you had a lovely Christmas and New Year
Hi Sarah,
Wow, what an amazing trip! New York really sounds like it lived up to all your dreams. I love how you made so many unforgettable memories with your family. It’s totally relatable to have big plans for the new year and then hit a bump in the road, like the plane germs. But I’m sure you’ll get back to your goals soon enough. Wishing you all the best for 2025, and I can’t wait to see where you go next!
Meredith
Meredith Moore recently posted…Reflecting on the Past Year and Planning for an Exceptional 2025
Thank you Meredith. It was incredible. I LOVED every second honestly. I was never in the hotel! Wishing you all the best for 2025.