Pittsburgh, I love you!

This past semester got out a couple weeks ago (I passed with flying colors, no worries!) and afterwards I jumped on a plane with my good friend Syd to spend five days with her.  It was so much fun and I really enjoyed exploring her city with her.  Thanks for having me Syd&fam; you guys are so awesome and I love ya! 

After her parents picked us up from the airport we went and picked out a Christmas tree for their home! At our home we have used the same fake tree for (way too) many years and I can't remember the last time we had a real one.  It was such a treat to go with them and pick out their tree! Hey Mom and Dad, I propose next year we branch out and get a real one (no pun intended). 

And then when we got back to her absolutely adorable, charming, home-y home we went and did as college girls do--we played in the snow! 

 ^unfortunately, it wasn't good snowball snow, although it was tasty (as Syd is demonstrating below)

On another day Syd, me and a couple of her friends from back home went to downtown Pittsburgh.  We ate at a yummy, yummy (greasy) breakfast place called Pamela's Diner. Afterwards we then went and saw the huge tree.  Golly the strip market we walked through was so much fun! It reminded me of Seattle's Pike Place.

We spent another day exploring another cute, adorable town called Sewickley, and wandered in and out of the shops.  Also, it was here that I got an entire book on Downton Abbey! That same day we also went to three different antique shops!! If we weren't in heaven then I have no idea where we were!! 

And we did so many other fun things! Amongst those included making multiple coffee mugs, watching multiple Hallmark movies, staying up way too late each night just talking and giggling and being girls, and then of course, Sydney introducing me to the world of One Direction.  I must admit, after being bribed with our favorite ice cream to watch their documentary, I am officially hooked.  I'm a Directionite. Or Directioner.  Whichever the proper term is.  

Syd (and parents), thank you so much for having me as a guest at your home!! I so enjoyed my time there and loved getting to see where one of my best friends grew up! Can't wait to visit again (; 

My confession: Pittsburgh made me fall (back) in love with the city life.  And especially the beautiful city of Pittsburgh, what with its hills and snowy forests and quaint, cute, homey towns.  And I'm so glad I got to experience it all with one of my dearest friends!!!