My Favorite LA Spots

May 28, 2023

My parents live in the LA area and in the last few years we’ve started spending a great deal of time there. While I was never a huge fan of Southern California when visiting before they lived there, I’ve come to really enjoy certain parts of LA as we visit. LA is obviously huge, so we’ve started visiting spots here and there on each trip and as we see more, I really like being able to explore more of this huge city. Here are my favorite LA spots to enjoy on your next trip to Southern California!

Santa Monica

I’m not a big beach person but if I do want to see the ocean while in LA, we usually head to Santa Monica. For spectacular views and great shops and restaurants, it’s a great spot to spend a few hours. My favorite spot there is Blue Plate Tacos right on the main street next to the water.

More on what to see and do in Santa Monica.

Hollywood Restaurants

If you’re looking for the top restaurants in LA, many of them are located in Hollywood. We love Osteria Mozza and Le Petit Trois for nice meals when in the city. Make sure you make a reservation though, as most of the top tier restaurants in LA book up weeks in advance.

Echo Park

While some locals might shy away from Echo Park, personally I love the neighborhood. It’s been really cleaned up recently and the lake is beautiful. Walk a couple blocks up and grab Swedish cinnamon buns from Clark Street Bread and then enjoy them in the park on a nice SoCal day.

Venice

While this is a little cliche, there really is no where like Venice in LA. The waterways and the palm trees – it just feels so LA. Park outside of the neighborhood and wander on foot over the bridges that eventually lead to the beach and it’s such a unique location.

See where I would explore in Venice.

Downtown LA

There is a lot to love about downtown LA! Some of my favorite spots are to eat at Grand Central Market and visit The Broad and Walt Disney Concert Hall for some architecture and culture.

Pasadena

The place my parents’ call home now, Pasadena has a lot of charm. You’ll feel like you’re worlds away from LA in the best way possible. Tree-lined streets, shops and restaurants and everything you could need… it’s a great area to wander and explore.

If you’re in the area, here are my favorite spots to eat at in Pasadena. I would also add Nick’s and Twohey’s to that list as well!

Larchmont Village

This cute little spot is a street filled with shops and restaurants. Try the Larchmont Village Deli for some of the best sandwiches you can find!

Universal Studios

If you’re looking for a theme park in LA and trying to decide between Disneyland and Universal Studios, my pick is always Universal Studios. It’s most manageable, cheaper and will take less time than Disneyland. It’s also closer to LA central, meaning you won’t have to drive as far.

All my tips for visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in LA.

Eataly

And if I’m in a city with an Eataly, you can bet I’ll stop by. I love the LA one in Century City and try to stop by as often as I can when I’m in town. You can eat at their rooftop restaurant there and shop for pasta and all the Italian goods you can buy!

Glendale Americana at Brand

For shopping and to pick up my favorite French macarons at Laduree, the Glendale Americana at Brand is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon. All the shops you need are there, plus a ton of restaurants and it’s particularly charming around Christmas!

Headed to Los Angeles?

See all my posts on the city!

Everything I’m Buying for Summer Travel This Year

May 26, 2023

As the Summer starts off, it begins the busiest travel season of the year for most people. As a teacher at a University, my Summer’s are when I’m able to escape and travel the most and I’m getting ready for a very busy Summer ahead with trips around the US as well as internationally in Europe. Preparing for a busy travel season, here is everything I’m buying for Summer travel this year and what you can expect to see in my luggage as I jet off for the Summer.

Airborne

I have been a loyal Airborne user for decades now but I never leave for a trip without a new bottle of chewable Airborne tablets. I swear that I stay healthier by taking a few tablets a day and it’s a must for Summer travel to stay healthy.

Hat

In the past few years, I’ve started bringing a hat with me on every trip we take to Europe in the Summer. It makes such a difference to shade your face in the hot Summer sun and I love the lightness of this option.

Hat Clip

And if you’re bringing a hat, it’s super hard to pack that in a suitcase so in comes this hat clip! I’m so excited to clip this to my luggage this Summer and bring my hat with me.

Denim Skirt

I’m don’t wear shorts a lot, but I live in a denim skirt all Summer. It’s such an easy way to be casual but still a little dressed up and I love this wrap style that adds to the look as well.

Tan Sandals

I just purchased a pair really similar to these and a good tan colored sandal will go with everything you’re packing for Europe. I live in flat sandals in the Summer for travel and these are the perfect look.

Cross Body Purse

I bought this a few months ago but it’s definitely coming with me on many of my Summer trips. It’s a beautiful blue leather and keeps everything you need handy without lugging around a big purse.

Temporary Hair Coloring

I’ve always changed my hair color and yet it’s such a pain to have it professionally done and upkept. I just don’t have the time to do that anymore but I’m loving this product that allows you to change your hair color for a bit with a conditioner! I’ve tried the purple and the auburn colors so far and can’t wait to try more so that with each Summer trip, you can have a little bit of a different personality!

How to Do a Long Weekend in Waikiki

May 21, 2023

Nick and I just got back last weekend from a long weekend in Waikiki on Oahu, Hawaii and it was our first time back to the Hawaiian Islands since before COVID. If you’re new here, I used to live in Hawaii right out of college and then my parents lived there for 12 years, in addition to me working there for over a decade, so I’ve spend my fair share of time on Oahu. But this time it was different, we were actual tourists. We weren’t going for work or to see my parents and for the first time we stayed in Waikiki. While we’ve explored that area a lot, we’ve not actually ever stayed there so for a May escape, we spent a long weekend there and here are all my tips for how to do a long weekend in Waikiki and how to save some money doing it as well!

Saturday

Fly from the West Coast to Honolulu. We live in Portland so the flight to Hawaii is a quick 5.5 hours direct and I think in order to really only do a long weekend you sort of need to be coming from the West Coast. We jumped on a 7am flight over to Honolulu and with the 3 hour time change, landed around 10am Hawaii time. We had a friend pick us up from the airport, but you can rent a car on the ground, grab a taxi or an Uber from Honolulu Airport.

Look for flight deals on Booking.com’s Deals Page and you can still get great fares to Hawaii!

Head into Waikiki! The airport is really close to the city center in Honolulu so to get by car to Waikiki from the airport will take no more than 30 minutes (unless in you’re insane traffic). Drop your bags at your hotel and then grab some lunch.

Some casual lunch spots I recommend: Kuhio Avenue Food Hall (in the International Marketplace – I had great ramen from there!) and Shore Fyre on the rooftop of the International Marketplace)

If you still can’t check in your hotel yet, take a quick wander down the main strip of Waikiki and see the views of the Waikiki Beach, curving down the coastline with hotels popping up as far as the eye can see.

Once you can check in, head back to your hotel and take a nap! You are on vacation after all and you had to get up early for your flight. We stayed at The Shoreline Hotel and if you’re looking for more of a small boutique hotel vibe, it was great.

After a leisurely afternoon, head out to dinner! Try one of my favorite spots that not many tourists know about on Kuhio Avenue: Hy’s Steakhouse. This legendary steak house in Waikiki is more known to locals and the Japanese community visiting Hawaii but it’s an old school steak house and the food is always excellent, and so is the service.

Sunday

You’ll probably be up early due to the 3 hour time change, so take advantage of those cool early morning hours and walk down to Magic Island. This beach park down toward the Ala Moana mall is about a 35 minute walk from the heart of Waikiki and is a more local spot. You’ll see locals out on their morning runs and fishermen wading into the ocean to fish. It’s a great loop and you’ll see lots of ocean and marina views.

Grab a coffee on your walk back to Waikiki, there are lots of places to get one on the route. As you wander back, you’ll see Waikiki waking up. These early hours are my favorite in Hawaii before the craziness and the weather is more manageable in terms of the heat and humidity.

Have breakfast on the lanai at Hula Grill. You’ll want a reservation for this spot and the views are more than worth it, looking out over the pool of the Outrigger Hotel and over to Diamond Head. I love their Aca’i bowl and a side of avocado toast.

Spend Sunday resting and relaxing! This is going to mean different things to everyone and for some, that might mean heading to the beach. For others, it might mean lots of naps and hanging out by the pool. Spend the day however you like best!

Grab a casual dinner followed by shave ice. There are a ton of spots in Waikiki for a casual dinner for whatever type of food you want, but don’t forget to grab a shave ice after for a local treat. If you can eat dairy, get it with ice cream at the bottom – trust me, it sounds weird but it’s so good. Try these spots for shave ice: Magnolia Ice Cream and Island Vintage Shave Ice.

Monday

Start your day with coffee and breakfast at Island Vintage Coffee in the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center. Pro tip – if the coffee shop line is long, they serve everything the same in the Wine Bar a few shops down.

Explore more of Honolulu. On our last day, I went and saw some old associates but you could head to the Ala Moana Shopping Center or explore more of the city like Chinatown or Old Town. I recommend using The Bus to get around as it’s super quick and easy and probably your most economical option. You can use Apple Maps on your phone on the transit option to see which stops to get on and off and you can buy a bus pass at any ABC Store around Waikiki.

Grab a Lyft to the Airport. As your time comes to an end, you’ll want to grab a Lyft or an Uber to the airport. There aren’t a ton of great food options at HNL, so you may want to have a nice long lunch in Waikiki before heading back to the airport to head home.

Ways to Save Money on Your Trip to Hawaii

Hawaii can be super expensive, even for a few days. Here’s how we took this trip on a major budget!

Book your hotel with credit card points – We paid $0 for our hotel for 2 nights and used Chase Sapphire credit card points for the booking. That savings really adds up!
Use airline miles or credit for the flights – We had large credits from another trip that we used for this one and paid about $50 total for our flights. Using air miles (I’m a huge fan of Alaska Air’s mileage program!) will save you a ton when it comes to Hawaii.
Use a companion pass – When we were traveling regularly to Hawaii, we used to use the Alaska Airlines companion pass that comes with their credit card for flights over. I would book one full price for me and use the companion pass for Nick and his ticket would cost $100. It’s an amazing deal that you get every year just for having the Alaska Airlines credit card – so worth it!
Combine Meals – The meals in Hawaii can add up so combine some meals since you’re sort of off time zone anyways. One of our favorite ways to save money is to combine lunch and dinner into one larger meal and then we aren’t hungry again and you’ll save money on an extra meal.
Take The Bus instead of car shares – I’m a big fan of public transit everywhere I travel but I happen to love The Bus system in Honolulu and have used it frequently over the years. It’s efficient, clean, and easy to use and will save you a bunch of money over using Uber or Lyft to get around.
Walk Everywhere – Honolulu is really walkable and everything is within a 40 minute walk basically so if there is somewhere else you want to go out of Waikiki, map it and walk. Free and easy.

Reykjavik for the Weekend

February 23, 2023

The University that I teach at always has a long weekend break in February and last Fall, knowing how drained I am a month or so into a new semester, Nick and I decided to book a long weekend in Reykjavik, Iceland to escape and rest. Travel revives me and I knew I was going to need a break by that point in the school year, so Reykjavik for the weekend it was! We arrived on a Friday morning and left Sunday evening and it was the perfect amount of time to just take in all the amazing things we love about Reykjavik for a city Winter break.

We flew direct from Seattle to Keflavik, which is the main airport in Iceland about 45 minutes outside of the main city of Reykjavik. We’ve been to Iceland a lot and while we usually only spend a day or two in the city and spend more time driving around the countryside, this trip was all about Reykjavik. We had absolutely no plans, except for a Northern Lights tour that we didn’t see any Northern Lights on – but I did see them from the plane on the way there, so that’s ok!

Our days were spent wandering Reykjavik, a city we have grown to love over the years, shopping and eating. Basically, our long weekend was just a break from everything going on at home and with work to just totally disconnect and enjoy ourselves and it was divine. Sometimes it may seem like a long weekend abroad might be more hassle than it’s worth, but for me, if you can find a direct flight somewhere, I’m all for the long weekend getaway. Our weekend in Iceland revived me and there is so much to love about Reykjavik, and Iceland in general, that if you can make it work with your schedule, do it!

If you’re headed to Iceland, take a look at my favorites in Reykjavik before you go.

And if you you need to know what to pack for Iceland in the Winter, I’ve got you covered.

Outfit Details:

White Down Insulated Coat with Fur Hood (similar) | Black Jeans | Large Blanket Scarf (similar) |

Gloves (similar) | Cross Body Purse (similar)| Faux-Fur Lined Boots (similar) | Ear Muffs

Traveling to Iceland?

See all of my posts on the country!

What to Wear in Iceland in Winter

February 22, 2023

More What to Wear posts for more destinations here!

We escaped the routine of daily life for a Winter weekend in Iceland in February this year to return to one of our favorite places. If you’ve looked around this site at a bit, you’ll see how much we love Iceland and since our first visit to the island over a decade ago, we’ve made almost yearly trips back this place that is so special. Iceland just calls to me and it’s become a place we find solace in throughout the years. I’ve written a lot about how special Iceland is and I can’t wait until our next trip back.

We’ve now visited Iceland in every season and I can say with certainty that every season in Iceland is wildly different and what you pack and wear there is vitally important in order for you to have a worthwhile trip. Our first couple of trips, I definitely did not pack and dress appropriately for the weather and I feel like all these years later I finally know exactly what is required for Iceland, no matter the season.

So with that knowledge and lots of outfit mistakes in Iceland, I am here to share what to wear for your trip, so that you can feel comfortable with your travel style for Iceland in Winter. These tips for what to wear during the coldest part of the year in Iceland will help you stay warm but also keep you feeling like you aren’t walking around in a ski outfit the whole time. I have taken a lot of cues from the locals over the years, so here’s how to look cute and stay warm when you’re in Iceland in Winter.

And if you need advice for visiting different places around Iceland – here is everything you’ll need to know:

Reykjavik | Southern Iceland | Northern Iceland | Eastern Iceland | Snæfellsnes Peninsula

What to Pack:

A quality down coat with a hood (preferably lined with faux-fur) – I bought the white coat in the images below on a J Crew Winter sale a few years back and it’s been an amazing investment for our trips to Iceland. You definitely want a down, insulated coat and a hood is a requirement for Iceland! From the crazy wind to hail, you’ll want a hood and the faux-fur lining helps to shield your face in the high winds, so I really like having that. Also get a coat that extends to your thighs at least to keep more of your body warm.
Fur Leggings – I actually bought these for this most recent trip and they were a life saver! They didn’t feel bulky like snow pants and I didn’t have to wear multiple layers.
Blanket Scarf – I brought just 1 scarf for this trip since it was only a few days but a blanket scarf is your best friend in Iceland. A blanket scarf just means it’s a large scarf and will allow you to really wrap yourself up in it. You’ll need a scarf in Iceland and I always pull it up around my mouth to keep my face warm.
A good pair of gloves – I have a pair I always wear that is heavy gray fabric on the top and leather on my fingers and they keep my hands really warm. Keep them with you always!
Cross Body Purse for around Reykjavik – If you’re staying in the city, a good cross body purse is perfect. You don’t want to be carrying a big bag around.
A Backpack is you’re headed out into the country – If you’re headed out to site see in the Icelandic country-side, a backpack is your best bet to bring everything you need.
Fur-lined boots – I have a couple pairs of faux-fur lined boots that I wear a lot in the Winter and they are perfect for Iceland. Just make sure they are comfortable and keep your feet warm! Also- pack heavy winter socks or double up on socks to make sure you feet stay warm!
Ear Muffs – This is my best Iceland hack for all times of the year – bring a pair of ear muffs. I bought mine years ago on Asos and still use them every trip to Iceland no matter the time of year. Iceland is very windy so ear muffs keep my hair pulled back and keep your ears warm. I wear mine under my coat hood a lot while walking around.
A tip in general for Iceland – You don’t need to wear ski gear. Most locals know that a good investment coat like a down insulated parka will keep you warm and you don’t need to wear ski-gear to stay warm. You’ll look out of place and it’s really not necessary. Just dress for about 10 degrees colder than the temperature says as the wind often lowers that “feels like” temperature in Iceland a lot.

What I Wore:

Outfit Details:

White Down Insulated Coat with Fur Hood (similar) | Black Jeans | Large Blanket Scarf (similar) |

Gloves (similar) | Cross Body Purse (similar)| Faux-Fur Lined Boots (similar) | Ear Muffs

Outfit Details:

White Down Insulated Coat with Fur Hood (similar) | Faux-Fur Lined Leggings | Large Blanket Scarf (similar) |

Gloves (similar) | Anello Backpack | Faux-Fur Lined Boots (similar) | Beanie (similar)

Nick’s Coat – Fjall Raven Parka

Traveling to Iceland?

See all of my posts on the country!

A Winter Weekend Escape in Reykjavik

February 12, 2023

Nick and I have long loved Iceland and ever since we started traveling to the country over a decade ago, we’ve made almost yearly trips back to Iceland because we love it so much. And while usually, we rent a car and explore the island, this time we opted for a long weekend in Reykjavik, one of our favorites cities. We slept in, ate great food and drank great wine, wandered without a map, and just enjoyed a couple of days in a place we love. Wander through Reykjavik with us in the video below!

And if you’re headed to Iceland anytime soon, take a look at all our posts on the country to see where you can explore next!

The Best Places to Eat in Las Vegas

January 7, 2023

We just got back from a few days in Las Vegas and even though it wasn’t our first time there, I always find myself a little in awe of Vegas. There is so much happening and so much to do and so much to see that it can often be overwhelming. In several trips to Las Vegas over the years, I’ve finally figured out the best way for us to enjoy the city and much of that has to do with great food. Las Vegas is full of incredible restaurants and there are so many places to choose from when eating and drinking during your trip so to help narrow them down, here are the best places to eat in Las Vegas, a list of my very favorite spots that we’ve tried out on our recent trips there.

Giada at the Cromwell

We’ve eaten at Giada’s restaurant in the Cromwell several times now for dinner and brunch and it’s always one of our favorites. The food is light Italian and tastes super fresh. The interior is lovely and it’s an amazing location on the strip with beautiful views out over Las Vegas. It’s definitely one of our go-to’s while in Las Vegas.

Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris

We wanted to try one of Gordon Ramsay’s restaurants while in Vegas this last trip and since we couldn’t get a reservation at Hell’s Kitchen, we opted for Gordon Ramsay Steak at the Paris Hotel and it did not disappoint. His signature Beef Wellington was divine, along with an incredible Caesar salad and sticky toffee pudding for dessert… the meal was incredible and I’d highly recommend.

Vanderpump a Paris

I’m a big fan of Lisa Vanderpump from the Real Housewives and I wanted to try her new cocktail garden at the Paris Hotel this trip and wow, I was pretty impressed. The drinks were incredible but the interior is what really blew me away. Sitting in the space you feel totally transported to a Parisian garden in the best possible way. I would highly recommend this spot for an after dinner drink.

Mizumi at the Wynn

We had some of the best sushi of our lives at Mizumi and it’s always a place I think about going back to. The location at the Wynn is a little further down the Strip, but definitely worth a splurge meal while in Las Vegas.

China Poblano at the Cosmopolitan

This is one of our go-to’s for a more casual spot in Las Vegas. One of Jose Andres’ restaurants, this spot is always a hit with amazing fusion food and a cool casual atmosphere in the Cosmopolitan.

Bacchanal Buffet at Caesar’s Palace

If you want a good old buffet while in Vegas, this is the one. It’s not cheap (I think it’s close to $70 per person) but you can eat your fill of really high quality food from a huge variety of options.

Pronto by Giada at Caesar’s Palace

My mom and I had breakfast sandwiches at Pronto by Giada in Caesar’s Palace one morning and it was delicious! I got the sandwich breakfast sandwich and my mom got the prosciutto one and the quality was pretty amazing for being a fast-casual spot. My one issue here, the price. It was $45 for 2 breakfast sandwiches and 2 bottled drinks… but that’s Las Vegas for you.

Gordon Ramsay’s Pub and Grill at Caesar’s Palace

We wanted a casual spot for a night this past trip and we wandered past Gordon Ramsay’s Pub and Grill in Caesar’s Palace and it was perfect. It was easy and casual and the food was great for a pub environment.

Canaletto at the Venetian

If you wander down to Venice in the Venetian, a great Italian spot is Canaletto in the open plaza along the canals. I ordered their lobster special and it was incredible so sit down and enjoy the feel of dining “al fresco” in Venice.

Mon Ami Gabi at Paris

This spot is great for breakfast at the Paris Hotel and offers a wide variety of great breakfast options. It’s also very Parisian in feel and the food is great quality.

Amalfi by Bobby Flay at Caesar’s Palace

I’m a Bobby Flay fan and his Amalfi restaurant that took the place of his old Mesa Grill in Caesar’s Palace is delicious. We’ve only had appetizers and drinks here but what we have had is top notch and I’d love to do a full dinner here sometime soon in the future.

*Note – be sure to make reservations for all of these spots in Las Vegas! Most won’t be able to get you in without a reservation.

Headed to Las Vegas?

See all of our content on Las Vegas here.

This Beautiful Land of Marvels

December 26, 2022

This blog has always been a place to share what’s happening in my life and for many years that was almost constant travel. This past year (and maybe the last several) have stopped me in my tracks in more ways than one, making me look around at my life and see what’s making me happy and what’s causing some serious issues. From mental health to work stress and lifestyle changes as responsibilities have grown, the last year has had me questioning a lot. But all throughout the last several months, one thing that has kept coming back to me again and again is this blog. It’s something that keeps calling to me, that keeps pulling me back again and again. And as we near a new year, one thing is more than clear to me in all the chaos – this space is important, these destinations I share are important, the community here is important and I’m making time to create in this space and create a new Land of Marvels that will relate to a new era of my life.

Travel is still very much a part of my life, but as I move into my late thirties, the way I travel has changed, the places I travel to have changed and I want this site to reflect that, to showcase this new chapter of seeing this beautiful world in an authentic way, in places that are beautiful and difficult, in places that show the best and worst of what our world has. In short, this new year will bring about a new Land of Marvels, a place where we can share this world we call home, a place where I’ll share the struggles that we all face, and a place that creates a community based around the one thing that will always mean so very much to me: traveling this beautiful Land of Marvels.

I Need to Get Back to Her

October 30, 2022

When I first moved to Portland at 18, I would sit in my apartment at night, my desk looking out over the city streets below, watching the city light up as night fell and I’d just write. I’d listen as the streetcar chimed on the tracks below, as the city grew quieter, as everyone retreated home after a long day, and I’d stare out at those city lights in such awe that I got to live there. I found so much inspiration in the city and I’d just write about everything I felt. I was falling in love those early months in my city, I was finding my independence and above all, I was finding my voice. Those early years in Portland are still some of the most touching memories of my life and I often reminisce about how free I felt then, how perfectly in step with my path ahead I was. Looking back now, I wish I could feel a little bit of that freedom, that fierceness that I had at 18. The world is harder now, life is draining and exhausting, and the responsibilities that come with adulthood feel often like they drain a little bit out of me every day, so that as we get older, it feels like it’s all too much, like we’re just dredging through our days.

I often joke with my mom on my morning calls with her while driving to work, that every day I’m just sitting in my car on the road to the school I teach at, drinking my coffee… same thing, every day. And while we joke about it, I’m realizing lately that the routine, the packed schedules, the non-stop meetings, and the monotony of daily life are doing more harm than good for me. I’ve been struggling lately. Struggling with my mental health, struggling with the path I’m on, struggling with a loss of the fierceness that I once had, the loss of that wild, open, free heart that I had at 18.

In all honesty, this has been a hard year emotionally and what I’m learning is that I have to find a way back to that fierce and free heart that I had all those years ago. I’ve let myself get bogged down by disappointment, by sadness, by fear. I’ve lost the part of me that I loved the most, the girl that sat at that window in her city and felt so free, that watched the city light up and smiled, knowing that nothing could stop her from what she wanted. I miss the girl that counted on herself, that loved freely and lived with a wild and open heart.

I need to get back to her, but I don’t know exactly how. I know that she’s there, buried deep under the long work hours and the adult responsibilities. I know she’s there when I see the city lights shine at night or when I sip a coffee slowly at my desk. I know she’s there when I travel, when I feel the energy of a new place or when I reach a milestone at work, when some things do seem to fall in to place for just a small moment. I know she’s there when I sit down to write, when I look around at the best parts of my life and know how hard I’ve worked for them.

I think we all lose some part of ourselves at points in our lives and the real test is finding our way back to who we really are at our core. For me, I need to find what brings out that fierceness, that drive, that wild and open heart that I once had. I don’t want a life that I look back and wish I had done differently, I don’t want a life that I felt like passed me by as I drove to work and just drank coffee day after day. I don’t want a life that I don’t feel like myself, where my disappointments and my sadness overtake everything else. I’m just not sure how to get back there, back to that feeling of freedom, that feeling like anything is possible. It’s a journey and it won’t happen overnight, but I hope that with each night that falls, as the city lights shine bright and the streetcar sings its song on the tracks, that I feel a little bit more like that girl that once believed so openly in the future, that I feel a little more hopeful and a little more free.

A Fall Birthday Weekend in New York City

October 28, 2022

Outfit Details:

Zara Sweater (similar) | Navy Blue Beret |

Cross Body black Kate Spade Purse | Shamrock necklace from Ireland (similar)

I love to travel for my birthday but being in October, during the school year as I teach at a University, is often hard to get away for longer than a weekend. So this year, knowing how crazy work and life is during this time of the year, I decided to do a city break in a location that Nick and I both really like and spend my birthday in New York City. We’ve been to NYC several times before, so now when we visit, it’s easy and low key, without feeling like we have to do all the touristy things.

Honestly this year, I just wanted a mental break from work, a weekend where I didn’t have to think about emails or what’s on the agenda for the next week. I wanted to go somewhere that I could explore, that I could just feel the city around me and New York was the perfect place. It’s easy to fly to from anywhere in the US and it’s the perfect spot for a weekend getaway. We spent my birthday the way I love, wandering, exploring, and eating, just enjoying the city around us and taking in a gorgeous Fall day.

We started the weekend by jumping on the subway as soon as we arrived in the city Friday evening, headed to dinner at Katz’s Deli, a famous Jewish deli in NYC. We’ve been before and loved it, so a return trip was definitely in order. We loaded up on their famous pastrami, matzo ball soup and my favorite, latkes. We finished off our Friday evening with a long walk back to midtown where we were staying, wandering through all the neighborhoods and taking in the energy of the city. It’s one of my favorite things to do in NYC, just walk, especially at night when the buildings are all lit up. There is an energy there like nothing else I’ve ever experienced.

Saturday, my actual birthday, we started the day at Fabrique, my favorite Swedish bakery that has a location in NYC with Swedish cinnamon buns and an oat milk latte. Next, we wandered through the West Village and Tribeca, two of my favorite neighborhoods in NYC. We stopped at a small park and took in the Fall leaves, wandered through the old brownstones of the area and had no real plan other than to just explore. After wandering for a bit, we decided to head uptown to Central Park and spend our afternoon up there. Since it was such an incredible beautiful Fall day, we opted for CitiBikes instead of subway. You can grab CitiBikes to rent all over the city with your Lyft app, but be sure to get ones that have the ebike Petal Assist function and you’ll be able to go even further. We rode bikes all the way uptown from Tribeca and made it to the park within an hour. This is such a fun way to get around NYC and we’ve done it several times in good weather. You get to see a ton of the city and the main streets that head uptown and downtown have great bike lanes so it’s an easy and efficient ride. Once uptown, we had lunch in the park from a street vendor, grabbed Laduree macarons from the Upper East Side and wandered through the neighborhood.

After a relaxing afternoon, the main event was our incredible dinner at Eleven Madison Park, which Nick got us a reservation for and we were so excited. All in all, it did not disappoint. I shared my experience from our dinner here if you’re interested, but I would definitely go back again. Ending the night, we walked back to our hotel in midtown from dinner, alive with the energy of the city and from an incredible meal.

This trip really brought forward why I still travel even though it’s hard to find the time and energy sometimes. Travel just makes me feel alive. Wandering through New York, I kept thinking, this is what I’m meant to do with my life, to see the world and to feel the energy around me wandering through a place. And New York City is definitely a unique feeling, a place so alive with energy, so intense and calm all at the same time. I’m so glad we could make this quick weekend work for my birthday… I came home so refreshed and energized and can’t wait until our next visit!