Progress and a stay at the Waldorf

Before I get into a look into our stay at the Waldorf NYC for our recent New York City Vacay I want to insert a small brag....

I have decided to take some pretty big steps in my fitness/diet routine and make some changes. Now I am not one who is in dire need to lose weight by any means. There are things I would like to change about my appearance but I think at some point that is every person. After 2 vacations within a month of each other I was feeling that a little more than usual. Aside from the extra food, I want to make gains in my workouts, running and just overall confidence. So in helping with the confidence I posted this picture on IG today (you can follow at AlexisNP)
Not because I wanted to show off my stomach but because I was very proud of myself. I have decided to start off small and slowly build. So Tuesday I went for a 2 mile run. Today (a mere 2 days later) I did the same exact run only this time I did it an entire minute faster.

 I am no runner so I am pretty proud of myself. I personally believe that every small step equals one big goal and I personally feel like I am on the road to my big goals... I may not get there this month or even in 3 months but I am certain I will get there.


Now that I have gotten that said I want to share some NY pics and a look into the Waldorf. The question I have been getting is "Is it as wonderful as it is said to be"

Lets start with how elaborate the hotel is. Upon walking into the lobby you are overtaken with the beauty around you. Nothing is "ordinary" in this lobby and that is evident by the above picture of the ceiling. The staff was more than courteous, extremely helpful and always smiling. The room was amazing.

We had a nice suite: Sitting area when you first walk in with a wet bar and a fridge for me to keep all my yummy leftovers, a separate bedroom and a huge bathroom.

The Waldorf is an iconic hotel there is no denying that. They are determined to make your stay as unique and wonderful as possible, so much so there is a dress code. Yes you read that correctly. After 6pm there is a dress code for common areas of the hotel. Which I think is kinds cool. You are in a famous hotel which is (for lack of better words) super fancy all on its own, so why not try to keep up that appearance through your patrons. Between the room, service and overall feeling I have no complaints.... that leaves me with only one thing... food.

Brian and I decided to splurge and eat at the hotel. We were in NY and we were staying at the Waldorf, I figured we had to at least one day do it up big. So after debate on what meal we wanted to consume lol we decided upon breakfast at Oscar’s American Brasserie. Every thing we looked at (including the menu at the restaurant) showed the price of the breakfast to be $28 a person. We thought this was a good deal and decided to enjoy a nice leisurely breakfast.

The breakfast was honestly nothing great. There were a few warm selections, and an "omelet bar" which I was not impressed with. They did have a nice selection of cold items but I wasn't paying for fruit and yogurt. I wanted real food, impressive food. The pastries were far from great and nothing to brag about. I did however enjoy the oatmeal which I topped with granola and fresh fruit salad. Brian and I both decided we were not impressed and decided we were ready to leave. Here is the kicker! When the bill came it was actually $42 a person. Now let me say this, I have NO PROBLEM paying that much for food if it is good food. I ended up leaving breakfast pretty upset. I felt "swindled" that every where said $28 and I ended up paying $42. $42 for food that was not worth the $28!

So would I stay at the Waldorf again? Easy answer... YES. The stay was great, the service was wonderful and we did not want to leave the comfort of the amazing king size bed in the morning (most comfortable hotel bed EVER). However, I can say that I would probably never eat there again unless there were some sort of way to guarantee I am getting what I pay for.

So Now I am back in Orlando and enjoying my time home and slowly getting back into the swing of things. I will just stick to cooking breakfast for myself HAHA.

When was the last time you were really disappointed in a stay or a meal out?

Ciao and bad breakfast,

Alexis

WIAW from NY

I am so happy to be back at WIAW this week. I missed everyone last week but I definitely was loving my vacay in NYC!

Brian and I at our Friends wedding

Although I am Detoxing this week (read no food), I have plenty of delish foods to send your way from my trip. To stay with Jenns theme of fun, food, and fitness I will be throwing in some pictures of my hotel workouts and some super fun vacation pictures...



 

Here is all the different eats and fun moments of the trip followed by some hotel workouts

My sister and I enjoying some drinks our first night in the City.

 First Up is a few pictures of wedding food. I can honestly say this was some of the best food I have eaten and the most amazing, extravagant wedding I have been to.

From top left: Cocktail hour sample plate with chickpea salad, lentil salad and hummus. Braised short ribs and Chicken and waffles (sounds odd I know but so good). Wild Mushroom Angolotti (to die for) and a gotham salad.  Black and white sesame crusted Salmon. Chicken Martini shot, and last but not least desert drinks ( I did not partake in those). 

My favorite non wedding food is found at Ess-a-Bagel. The best Lox Bagel I have ever had and although it was $12.75 it was so worth it!

*on a fun side note they also make vegan cream cheese (made from tofu) in TONS of different flavors. We liked the bagels so much we went back again, however this time I just opted for  Egg Whites on a salt bagel.

Next I went to my BFF's Bridal shower and sampled a few good eats. It was held at a culinary school how could they not be good?

Caprese skewers, fruit and cheese, Peaches wrapped in prosciutto, Veggies, Super cute cup idea which I filled with a Gin Limeade... so delish! And for dessert we had Meringue topped with raspberries filled with Balsamic reduction. 

 The number one reason we went to NYC! RICE TO RICHES!!!!! If you ever are in the City this place is a must. They have about 20 different flavors of rice pudding and delish toppings for it. I only eat half so I always have leftovers. Its way to good I have to savor it.

Ok now that you have seen some of my indulgences while on vacations I leave you with 2 of my hotel workouts and a few pictures from the trip. There will be more to come along with a SUPER AWESOME giveaway coming shortly.

Big Brother and Sister 

 Getting my dance on a t the wedding LOL and Making fun of some others in the process in the process and yes my sister and I have matching tattoos LOL

 Polar Bear at the Central Park Zoo

 Alison Wonderland Statue in Central Park, one of my favorite memories of visiting NYC with my dad

Ground Zero... Breathtaking to say the least. Its crazy to think it was been more than 10 years now. 

Ok Ok I think I have overloaded your brain (if you even made it this far haha) so I will bow out now but there will be more fun things to come. My review of the Waldorf NYC... is it really as good as everyone says or is it all just hype? HMMM Lots of awesome NYC pictures and a giveaway. Stay tuned! 

Ciao and indulgences, 

Alexis 

Headed to New York In Style

For those of you that follow me on twitter or my Facebook Page, you know by now I am headed to the wonderful New York, New York (insert amazing crooner voice of Frank Sinatra). I am so excited. I am headed out there for a wedding and My BFF's Bridal Shower ( I am MOH) and of course some time away with my amazing man.

 Our last trip to NYC for my Bday 2009

We have decided to make an executive decision to splurge a little bit on this trip. Our last trip to NY we stayed in my BFF's apartment. 

 Brian and Abbey (BFF) eating snow lol

As nice as it was to save all the money we would have spent on a hotel, it was cramped. Well think cramped and read suffocating. We all know that NY is not none for their immense living spaces (well for those of us normal folk lol). So the second part of this trip we will be staying at.. * insert stereotypical drum roll here*

I am super excited. Every time I have visited New York I have only dreamed about staying in the Waldorf and now I AM!!! So be prepared to see a ton of pictured on Instagram and some posts on my blog about my experience. Lets see if all the dreams live up to the reality.

Have you ever stayed at the Waldorf (in any city)? Did you love it?

Ciao and anticipating luxury,

Alexis