So I thought I would let you know some of my favourite things and discoveries here in the US so far.

Number 1: Starbucks

People really mean what they say, there is totally a Starbucks on every corner. They are warm, have wireless internet, relatively cheap and equal quality everyone. So easy, so convenient. Hard to go past really. Current order, Venti (very very large) Berryblossom White Tea. Yum, counts as water and no caffeine.

Number 2: Subway

The subway is really cheap, really convenient and really safe. There is almost always a stop everywhere you go (5th avenue seems to be in a bit of a blackspot). And it is nearly always crowded, so you never feel scared.

Number 3: Wholefoods

This is like the supermarket to beat all supermarkets. Loads of fresh produce, mostly organic and just lovely. But best of all there is beautiful pre-prepared food. Soups, stews, dinners, salmon, chicken - everything. And pretty cheap. The kitchens here are sooooo tiny, that you are pretty much limited to things you can microwave. There is another one called Citarella's. Both great.

Number 4: the Hallmark Channel.

This is a tv channel totally designed for me - yep 24 hours a day cheesy tv. Think 7th Heaven, Little House on the Prairie, MASH. So great - with the exception of mornings where the TV is on ABC (not like Australian ABC) almost always on Hallmark.

Number 5: Warm woollen mittens

You just don't get to do this in Australia - to rug up in a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves. It is a lot of fun. Although, quite the drag to carry around when you get inside somewhere but luckily most places have coat check.

Number 6: Porridge

Porridge is so perfect on a chilly NY morning. Warm, sweet, oaty. Perfection. A cuddle in a bowl.

Winter here is just not like winter at home - it is real winter. There is ice on the ground and every time you leave the house night and day you get "hoofy" breath and you can see every breath. On the down side, my nails are very brittle because of wearing gloves, my skin is all dry and flaky and my hair is very dry and ick. The cold seems to dry everything out. Also, there is a lot of static electricity here. Clothes stick to you big time.

Has not snowed yet which is a shame. And I am not 100% sure that I want to stay here for good, it is fun, busy and crazy but I miss open spaces and clean air. I think I might turn out to be a country girl at heart or something. Who'd have thunk it!