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We all hit cycles in our lives when we desperately seek more ME time. With everything that we all juggle on a daily basis, it seems like the easiest thing to put on hold is ourselves. When embarking on our road trip I dreamed of learning new skills and languages along the way, reading countless books, listening to new podcasts, practicing daily yoga, etc... Yet, somehow, even though I am not working these days, my days are filled with endless tasks and my roots have been begging for attention for months. All the extra time I dreamt of having proved to be nothing but a fantasy. Growing up in Florida, in a middle-class family, with a couple of knee surgeries under my belt, skiing skipped over my childhood, and adulthood as well. In order to ensure that our kids wouldn't miss out on this winter sport, we put them on skis as early as the age of three and they have grown to love swooshing down the mountains we visit. My husband took snowboarding lessons later in his adult life and since then he joins in on the fun. As a result, skiing is the one family activity that I am not a part of which leaves me some glorious days all to myself. With Covid in play, massages and yoga at ski resorts will not be in my future this ski season, but here's what will be: Starting today, I have committed to these goals through the end of January: Meditate 10 minutes each morning Read one book every two weeks Reserve wine for weekends (which begin on Thursdays!) Watch one classic movie per week, alone Sign up for a virtual personal growth/spiritual awakening type class, once per week Spend 10 minutes each day on Duolingo, brushing up on my Italian which I haven't used since the Spring Take care of my roots It is crucial that we all carve out time for ourselves or else we just lose ourselves. Here are some tips on how to make some ME time: - Don't wait until you are on the verge of a nervous breakdown to do something nice for yourself. Try to include a small daily gesture towards your sanity into your schedule. Whether it is a 10-minute meditation or an hour of exercise, find something that is realistic to maintain regularly. Also, allow yourself a grander act of self-kindness on a weekly basis - something you can look forward to. Time with a family member or friend, reading in bed, sleeping in... anything that you would really look forward to. If you have these constants in your life it is much easier to avoid a breakdown. I have learned the hard way when it's time to focus on myself. I feel stressed, snappy, and just downright cranky when weeks have passed with no time spent on myself. - Make a list of all the things you would ideally love to do for yourself. I made a list of all the things I would love to incorporate into my ME schedule. I then reviewed the list and removed the things that would not be realistic to achieve (like weekly Italian zoom tutoring sessions) and I edited some that may have been a stretch (like reading one book per week). I was left with some meaningful goals that I feel I can successfully accomplish. - Set a start and end date to carry out your plan. Having a window set to carry out your goals will help make things more manageable. If you aim for a year plan, that may end up backfiring. Start small. You can always change things along the way. - Get your significant other on board. It is much easier to be supported when you express your needs to those closest to you. I find that my husband is much more understanding when he knows why I am locked in my room for an hour than if I just disappear. Share your goals with those you live with and let them know when you may no longer be available. - Allow for 1-2 days of deviation. Life comes with a lot of demands and some days are just fuller than others. Keep your daily goals focused on a five-day track, rather than a seven-day plan. This will ensure that you can still feel successful and that your goals are in line with the realities of your life. Shoot me a message in the chatbox and let me know what goals you'd like to set for yourself or what you currently incorporate into your ME schedule. If cooking or baking is a hobby of yours, check out some of my recipes under the Quarantine Kitchen tab on my site. Whatever you decide to do, I'd love to hear from you and share your journey towards more ME time.

We recently made a one night stop in Vegas on October 30, 2020, as we headed to Palm Springs. During that visit, we stayed at the Venetian Hotel and explored the strip as much as we could during our one night stay. See our first Las Vegas itinerary here. On this second visit, also on our way to California, this time to San Diego, we had a very different experience. Unlike our October visit where we checked out the many activities, hotels, restaurants, and events throughout Sin City, this time we decided to stay put and enjoy some of the wonderful offerings at our lodging of choice, The Bellagio. The Bellagio is a beautifully appointed, luxury hotel that is designed to ensure you'll never want to leave. They are known for their iconic fountains which dance to music every half-hour throughout the day. Those looking for an upscale experience are also drawn to the property for the several fine-dining options, gorgeous outdoor pools, a spectacular spa, and impeccable decor. We found security to be solid on the property with guards making sure everyone accessing an elevator had a working room key and visitors were very thoughtful all wearing their masks and maintaining social distancing. Honestly, we didn't want to check out after just one night and could have easily spent four to five nights pampering ourselves at this lovely resort. Suites at The Bellagio After an almost ten-hour drive from Aspen, CO we knew we'd be exhausted and wanted a room that would help us unwind, relax, and regroup for our drive to San Diego the following day. The suites at The Bellagio will take your breath away. No detail is overlooked from the chandeliers to the wallpaper to the premium coffee boxes at the coffee bar to the electronic window blind controls, everything has been thought of and taken care of with your utmost comfort in mind. The king bedroom has two spacious master bathrooms: one with a shower and the other with a deep, jacuzzi tub. I can't remember the last time I didn't have to share a bathroom with my husband! The Penthouse Suites can also connect to a double queen room for those needing more space. Our evening consisted of gazing out our windows to soak in the spectacular views, taking long baths, ordering room service, and watching a family movie on the big screen television in the living room. A perfect Saturday night. Sadelle's If Nevada didn't implement a new state law where only four people can dine at one table, even if they are a family with younger children, then we would have surely enjoyed high-tea at Petrossian or dinner at Lago. However, the reality is our family of five was required to split up and dine at two different tables so we canceled our reservations to enjoy a delicious room service dinner in our beautiful suite. For breakfast, however, we agreed to sit separately since the meal is less formal and we all take a while to fully awaken enough to engage in conversation. Plus, I couldn't resist a chance to eat at my favorite NYC breakfast spot in Vegas. The space is massive and remarkably decorated ultimately delivering a similarly wonderful experience as its New York City flagship location. The only notable difference, besides the obvious size difference, is the lack of egg salad on the Vegas menu. Located in The Bellagio's lobby, you won't want to miss a delicious breakfast here. Reservations are highly recommended. Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens The Bellagio went all out with a gorgeous display celebrating the Chinese New Year. Roaming through the indoor gardens was a treat in itself. There is always something to admire in their colorful conservatory. With four Cirque du Soleil shows running on the property, nine fine dining options, afternoon tea at Petrossian, an irresistible outdoor space for poolside lounging, the classy Baccarat Bar (where we chose to sip our cocktails sans kids), a destination nightclub, and several high-end cocktail lounges, you really can't go wrong with a stay at this hotel that will keep you busy and blissful for days. I haven't even delved into the endless shopping options or gambling tables or people-watching opportunities. The Bellagio is a destination for all ages throughout the year.

Pitkin County was under very strict Covid-19 restrictions before and during our arrival. All visitors were required to sign an affidavit confirming that they have been tested negative for the virus within 72 hours of arrival. There were warnings of checkpoints that would ask visitors to show their test results and affidavit receipt. Anyone violating this policy would be subject to a $5,000 penalty and a quarantine period of ten days. Most restaurants were open for takeout only. For a moment, we considered canceling our travels to the area but are so happy we complied with the rules and came over for a wonderful time. There are four main mountains in the area: Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. The latter is the most popular mountain, crowd-wise, and the largest one as well. If you're coming to the area and seek to ski/snowboard the largest terrain, away from the hustle and bustle of Aspen, you'd be happiest in Snowmass Village. If you're looking for solid slopes but want to be close to a thriving nightlife, rows of high-end shops, and have endless fine dining options at your doorstep, you'd probably prefer staying in downtown Aspen. The good news is, they're only 20 minutes away from each other, and it's a scenic drive between the two, so you should check out the one you aren't planted in. The TEN Best Things to do While in Snowmass/Aspen: 1. Shred Those Snowmass Slopes Snowmass Ski Resort offers 3,500 skiable acres of perfect powder. It also boasts 94 trails for all levels, several high-speed gondolas and lifts, and most importantly the second-longest continuous vertical drop in the USA (Snow King winning for first place) on a massive 14,000-foot mountain. On a clear day, the views at the summit are epic. 2. Stroll Through Snowmass Village Snowmass Village is quite large compared to others and offers a ton of activities from live ice sculpting to nightly light shows, smores by the fire, tubing, its own ice-skating rink, live music, several restaurants and bars, and many shops. You can travel from the lower base to the upper base via a quick gondola ride, both parts of the village will meet your shopping and dining needs. It is a lively and fun ski village with lots to enjoy and discover. On a personal note, I have avoided gondolas my entire life (I don't ski) because of my fear of heights. I'll always remember Snowmass as a place I conquered this fear and zipped up and down the mountain confidently. 3. Excercise at an Awesome Recreational Center The Snowmass Village Recreation Center is an amazing facility with outdoor heated pools, an impressive indoor basketball court, a fully equipped gym, and an abundant fitness class schedule. We enrolled in their Body Pump, HIIT, and TRX/Kettle Bell classes which all gave us a super workout leaving us sore before we made it back to our car. Their daily rate is a steal at $15 which will grant you access to all its offerings. 4. Submit to the Most Sensational Scoop You Have EVER Had Sundae, an artisanal ice-cream shop in Snowmass Village's lower base, seriously makes the most incredible ice-cream. On our first visit, we bought a pint of their salted cookies & cream flavor and almost cried when we took our last bite. We went back for three more pints of this heavenly flavor and added butter pecan and malted chocolate chip to our tasting repertoires. Unanimously we all agree that we have never indulged on such decadently creamy ice-cream. You will love the friendly service, adorable space, and super creamy flavors that will knock your socks off. Don't even try to resist the calories. Surrender to this divine experience. 5. Saunter the Sidewalks of Downtown Aspen This small town has big appeal and wonderfully captures a city feel amid the Rocky Mountains. Known for its shopping as much as its snow, Aspen houses high-end retailers like Prada, Ralph Lauren, and Armani. There are over two hundred shops to explore comprised of galleries, jewelry shops, artistically curated furnishing stores for the home, retail therapy made of designer duds to classy consignments to western wear, and of course, a plethora of ski clothing lines that you'll wish you could fill your closet with. It would take a few days just to hit the endless options of shops or you can just enjoy the eye candy like I did by soaking in the architecture, beautifully decorated storefronts, mountain views at every corner, and the lovely lighting throughout the streets as the sun retreats. Since we visited off-season and while the county imposed many Covid restrictions, Aspen was quiet and less scene-y than it is known to be. If you can, now is a great time to stop by and enjoy all the magical qualities of the town without having to share them with many others. 7. Dine, Dine, & Dine The food scene in Aspen's area is intense with more fine dining options backed by noteworthy chefs than you can dream of. If you're traveling into the area while Pitkin county is under code red you'll soon learn that only the very few restaurants that have outdoor space are open for dining. Of the ones that are open for dining you'll find that they're capitalizing on Covid and offering ridiculously expensive dining packages that seemed to not only repel my family as their fancy igloos and newly built interior decorated outdoor spaces sat empty. Although Aspen is known for its A-list clientele, they didn't seem to either be around or willing to splurge on a $250- $500 reservation fee plus food minimum requirements. Bummer, as my readers know, we are big foodies and would have loved to support and experience some of the well-known establishments. It was difficult to find reputable restaurants that were open for outdoor service without trying to force-feed extra costs down our throats. With much research and tastings I have highlighted our best meals in Aspen that did not require any reservation fees or food cost minimums. Woody Creek Tavern, in Woody Creek, is a Colorado institution and worth the 15-minute drive outside of either Aspen or Snowmass. During non-Covid days celebrities and locals flock to this iconic former-post-office-turned-restaurant to get their booze and burritos on. The interior space is plastered with pictures of patrons getting plastered (pun intended) under the disco ball along with autographed photos of faces like Johnny Depp and Pippa Middleton who are big fans of the place. The food is nothing worth writing home about. You'll munch on a basic Tex-Mex kind of meal. But don't come here for the food. Instead come for the great vibes, electric energy, and friendly service. Since indoor dining is not currently permitted in Pitkin County this is a great spot for outdoor dining in their spacious and colorful patio. Make sure to come before 2:00 pm while the sunlight pours on their front deck keeping you nice and warm along with the space heaters. Once this pesty virus goes away, head over after sunset and get ready for a great night surrounded by the company of the smiling strangers all over the walls. A meal at Prospect at Hotel Jerome is a memorable experience. The hotel is an Aspen icon that has been around since 1889. It has consistently remained the social hub of Aspen until current Covid days where indoor dining is not permitted leaving its beautifully decorated lobby, lounge, and restaurants barren and empty. You'll be immediately mesmerized as you enter the cozy space with the dramatic atrium welcoming you into a hypnotic trance that will continue to follow you as you roam the property. This place is gorgeous. Luckily, they have an outdoor terrace that is currently open and ready to serve perfectly prepared dishes. For those who want a more luxurious experience, the restaurant has two igloos set up with a heater, rug, leather chairs, and blankets that are available for rent. We went for breakfast and had the most inspiring toast trio plate consisting of a salmon toast with herbed cream cheese, an avocado toast with a poached egg, and a hummus and strawberry jam toast topped with fresh strawberries and hazelnuts. Edible flowers decorated each slice loaded with fantastic flavors. The flight of toasts is truly an extraordinary experience! The service is impeccable at Hotel Jerome with no detail overlooked. Even my cappuccino arrived with the latte art of a smiling sun. This place will make you happy. Paradise Bakery & Cafe The bakery sells out of many of their delicious pastries by 9:30 am so make sure to get to this local favorite early for your coffee fix and to stock up on freshly baked goods. I loved their creative takes on croissants with flavors like blueberry cheesecake, apple crisp, and even savory ones with cheese and spinach. They also serve gelato and breakfast bites like their well-loved breakfast burritos. White House Tavern Both locals and tourists love this lively American fare joint in the heart of downtown. In fact, it's rated number one on Tripadvisor's "best restaurants in Aspen" list. I loved the environment. Seated outside you'll have the perfect vantage point to people watch while the ski runs on the mountain and the colorful sunsets paint the horizon. The small menu has some delicious salad options, sandwiches and curried deviled eggs that are actually really good. Take note though, our appetizers and main course came out at the same exact time. This was obviously disappointing and cramped our table. When we asked why everything was served together, we were told that the kitchen likes to get everything out as fast as possible. Hmmmm... For the atmosphere and solid food, I recommend a visit here but make sure that you stress that the kitchen holds off on bringing out your entrees until you have enjoyed your appetizers. Lastly, I have put a lot of thought into whether I should share our experience at Toro in The Viceroy Snowmass. I want to keep a positive tone in my posts and only feature the places I do recommend. Since this is a popular spot I feel compelled to warn you to stay away. When we arrived, the ambience was promising. There was a tent beautifully decorated with rugs, lighting, and blankets in a well-heated space alongside the hotel's outdoor pool. As soon as we sat, everything went downhill. My red wine came out freezing cold since it was served from the outdoor bar (hey, just warn people that their $20 glass of red will be frigid). The meals weren't timed correctly leaving some of us waiting over 30 minutes for our dish while everyone else completed theirs. The food is eh and no effort is put into the presentation (thus, I will not include any photographs of our meal). For their price point, I'd stay away despite the cute decor in their tents. 8. Meditate with the Lyrics of John Denver's Music Head over to The John Denver Sanctuary to pay tribute to an American legend in a serene park setting along the Roaring Fork River. There are stones scattered through the Song Garden that feature Denver's lyrics into native river boulders. It is also his final resting place and burial site. I was especially moved by the lyrics in Poems, Prayers, and Promises. Please take a minute to read through them. And then imagine reading them under the bluest skies, along a streaming river, with mountains encircling you. I've been lately thinking about my life's time All the things I've done, how it's been And I can't help believing in my own mind I know I'm gonna hate to see it end I've seen a lot of sunshine, slept out in the rain Spent a night or two all on my own I've known my lady's pleasures, had myself some friends And spent a night or two in my own home I have to say it now, it's been a good life, all in all It's really fine to have a chance to hang around And lie there by the fire and watch the evening tire While all my friends and my old lady sit and pass the pipe around Talk of poems and prayers and promises and things that we believe in How sweet it is to love someone, how right it is to care How long it's been since yesterday and what about tomorrow? What about our dreams and all the memories we share? The days they pass so quickly now, nights are seldom long Time around me whispers when it's cold The changes somehow frighten me, still, I have to smile It turns me on to think of growing old For though my life's been good to me there's still so much to do So many things my mind's never known I'd like to raise a family, I'd like to sail away And dance across the mountains on the moon, yes I would I have to say it now, it's been a good life, all in all It's really fine to have the chance to hang around And lie there by the fire and watch the evening tire While all my friends and my old lady, sit and watch the sun go down There is a special, spiritual effect in this sanctuary. As I was hugged by the mountain ranges, enveloped by the heartfelt lyrics, and dazed by the dance of the nearby river, I found myself reminded again of life's fragility and how grateful I am to have been in the arms of nature for the past few months. Visit the sanctuary for inspiration, contemplation, meditation, and connection to all that is there for us to take inorder to transform into the best humans possible. 9. Take a Hike There is an infinite number of hikes you can enjoy while in the area. Each one offers its own spectacular connection to nature along with varying difficulty levels and trail lengths. Some of the most popular in the area are The Rio Grande Trail, Smuggler Mountain Trail, Maroon Bells Scenic Trail (closed during winter), and The Ute Trail. There are dozens more to choose from but these were on my list after researching the ones that were easy to moderately difficult while yielding breathtaking views. The Rio Grande Trail, pictured below, is a 42-mile trail that leads into New Mexico. If you're like me and prefer a shorter hike just hop on the path and turn around when you've had enough. I can only attest to the first couple of miles on the trail which was flat, easy, and hung along the Roaring Fork River. This is a wonderful trail for all ages and hiking levels. 10. Get Cozy with Ghosts Aspen is full of history dating back to the 1800s with the Ute Indians to the silver miners that arrived in 1879. Along with a rich history and buildings that still stand comes a dark past and whispers from the ghosts that still lurk in the valley and in downtown Aspen. Dean's Aspen Walking Tour will give you interesting insights into the town's history along with firsthand accounts of ghost sightings. For all you skeptics, all I can say is that at the end of the tour when Dean read a list of miner's names who died in the valley behind us I suddenly felt a push and fell flat on the ground. I was so stunned as was my family and the other couple on our tour. I have no idea what happened but I literally was standing and the next thing you know I was on the ground. The Red Onion, a local tavern, pictured below, has stood erect since 1892. This is one of the several standing buildings that have a ghostly past. From tales of serial killers to a wet little boy visiting haunted hotel rooms, this tour will give you goosies. Aspen/Snowmass is a wonderful year-round destination jam-packed with history, nature, countless activities for all seasons, shopping, delicious dining, and gorgeous sunsets. If you can, get here off-season when there are fewer crowds although peak-season will bring you lots of fun too while you rub elbows with folks from all over the world that come here to savor all this tantalizing town has to offer.

There is a slew of slopes to select from in our country and Deer Valley/Park City is surely a worthy selection for your next winter escape. From great mountains to awesome shopping to decadent dining, you'll find everything you need here to maximize your travel experience. Below is the ultimate guide to the area with everything you need to know about where to eat, ski, lodge, and play. First, let's define the two towns that are often used interchangeably. Deer Valley is a smaller, more upscale neighborhood whose mountain only welcomes skiers (sorry snowboarders!). Park City is less than two miles away and has a lengthy pedestrian-friendly Main Street and a ski resort that encourages both skiing and snowboarding. In fact, you can literally ski onto Main Street from Park City Ski Mountain. They are so close to one another, you can't go wrong with planting yourself in either town while visiting the area. Below is my list of the TOP TWELVE things to do while visiting the Park City area: 1. Ride the Funicular at The St. Regis Deer Valley for spectacular sunset views of Deer Valley. There is no fee to ride up the mountain and it is open to the public. 2. Hit the Slopes in Park City. Shredding the trails is an essential part of a visit here, this is a ski destination after all. There are 341 trails at this bustling mountain that draws thousands of people each day. Even though locals told us they were having a very quiet season, this was by far the busiest ski resort we visited. By 9:00 am hundreds of skiers marched towards the lifts to get an early start on the snow. Arrive early and don't worry, with over 7,300 acres there is enough room for everyone. 3. Meander the Paths of Park City Mountain Village Besides being the center of the ski lifts, Park City Mountain Village offers many retail shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, fireside outdoor lounge areas, and a large ice-skating rink. For those opting for a ski-in/out lodging option, there are many to choose from that provide easy access to the lifts while also having the convenience of the village square at your doorstep. It's a nice size village for a ski resort with more shopping and dining options than most. 4. Stroll the Sidewalks of Park City's Main Street Rumored to have more restaurants per capita than any other US city, Main Street is a top-rated destination. You can easily spend a couple of hours strolling through the streets that house over one hundred independent stores, fifty restaurants, and dozens of art galleries. Make sure to find the Banksy originals on the wall by Java Cow and at 537 Main Street (you'll want to turn into the alley around the corner from Aranof Jewelers and walk towards the hidden garage to find this piece). The strip is overflowing with shops and sites built in the kind of charming architecture you'd expect in a small town. At night, it's beautifully lit up making it a wonderful place to visit any time of day. You're sure to find yourself here more than once as there are too many wonderful offerings to absorb in just one visit. Park City Fine Art is one of my favorite galleries on the main drag. They showcase a stimulating collection of traditional and contemporary western art with many pieces focusing on icons like Clint Eastwood and Marilyn Monroe. The bi-level space is inviting, colorful, and quite impressive. Another unique store that really caught my eye is Tresor, a beautifully curated family-owned shop oozing with spectacular natural stones. The woman managing the space, Cyrous, is a warm and interesting woman who is fun to chat with. Don't miss the opportunity to see the gorgeous geodes that are extracted from magnificent mountains all over the world. Prospect Gallery is another gallery you'll want to see. The interior space is a massive, rustic, barn-like interior with enormous pieces of art displayed throughout. The gallery features a lot of pieces by Ashley Collins who is celebrated as a top female contemporary artist and has a beautiful story of using her talent to transform her life of homelessness into a successful and philanthropic one. This gallery is a true visual extravagzanza filled with colorful work of leading contemporary and modern artists. 5. Play at Utah Olympic Park The Utah Olympic Park was built for the 2002 winter Olympics and offers visitors thrilling bobsled rides, miles of cross-country ski trails, and the longest tubing trails in the state. The thirty-minute drive from Deer Valley will take you through breathtaking landscapes of farmland and mammoth mountain peaks. The drive alone is worth the trip but tubing at the park will make the adventure more thrilling. You'll have a blast sliding down the long paths at super speed! We had some great laughs and screams here as we held on to our tubes for dear life. 6. Enjoy Meals at the Many Delectable Dining Establishments There are a plethora of dining options that deliver delicious dishes in Park City. Reservations are highly recommended as many places do not accept walk-ins. The food scene here is lively, creative, and never redundant. Below are some of my favorite dining destinations for you to check out during your visit. Bartolo's in the Newpark Town Center of Park City prepares traditional Italian cuisine for its dinner guests and an all-day brunch menu that serves interesting twists on conventional dishes. For example, their avocado toast is served on freshly baked focaccia bread and is topped with mozzarella cheese and a drizzle of balsamic reduction. Um yum. Better yet, my savory quinoa/veggie waffle topped with greens, hollandaise sauce, and poached eggs was to die for. My husband ordered a chicken parmesan, which is also on their dinner menu. He didn't love it as much as we passionately cherished our brunch servings. Stick to the brunch menu, it's what they do really well here. Yuki Yama Sushi There are no words to describe how insanely fresh and delicious the food is here. Make your reservation asap at this sushi sensation located in the heart of Main Street. You cannot miss out on this menu. We ordered the lamb lollipops, the coconut curry crab, ramen noodles, miso cod, shishito peppers stuffed with goat cheese, crispy tuna tartare, and a selection of nigiri, rolls, and two special maki rolls (the executive and the green hornet). We were oohing and aahing as flavors burst in our mouths with each bite. Our younger two, who are vegetarians that don't particularly love Japanese cuisine, ordered two veggie rolls for the first time (I usually have to beg them to order just one). Even the edamame beans were so fantastic we ordered a few bowls. The food is truly phenomenal, you will not be disappointed. The only slight qualm we had with the restaurant is that they haven't mastered the fine balance of delivering good service without being overwhelming. We felt constantly interrupted by staff members clearing our plates or refilling our waters or bringing in new dishes. It was non-stop foot traffic at our booth and our conversations didn't last more than a couple of minutes before they were broken. Plan for a memorable meal and save the talking for later. Twisted Fern This is a wonderful option for farm-to-table dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients available. The menu is so vegetable-heavy you will leave feeling healthier and well-nourished. The roasted tomato soup will blow your socks off. I found it extremely difficult to resist the urge to lick the bowl. The crispy Brussels sprouts were perfectly broiled and achieved a beautifully soft texture that many chefs cannot master. I ordered the butternut shakshouka, which interestingly enough do not come with eggs. I got a kick out of this. It's kinda like ordering a burger without the meat patty. In any case, I splurged on the $4 surcharge for two eggs to be included in what is traditionally an egg-based dish. Make sure you do too. The golden yolk running into the well-seasoned squash-filled skillet was a divine experience, especially when soaked in the fresh bread served on the side. Handle With so many fantastic food options in Park City it's hard to pick a winner but if we had to, Handle is the champion of creative, captivating cuisine. You'll leave wanting to sign up for a culinary class wishing to recreate these incredible dishes in your own kitchen. Since there were so many enticing vegetarian options, we chose to go all veg and even the carnivores in our group had no regrets. We started with the buttermilk biscuits drenched in honey butter. You'll need to order a few of these as you can't get enough of the flavors in this dish. The honey crisp apple on sourdough with ricotta and candied hazelnuts is beyond delicious as are the curried eggplant tartare, quinoa and farro beet salad with cilantro puree, the bang bang cauliflower, the Brussels sprouts with pistachios and truffle powder, and the mushroom bolognese. Their cocktails are equally inventive; the carrot and ginger mezcal is essentially spiked juice. Handle is a destination in itself so make sure to make your way over to pay homage to the local and regional ingredients that will permanently leave a mark on your palate. Park City Provisions This is where the locals come for their take-out needs. Park City Provisions, on Main Street, has a menu filled with every kind of food you could crave for. They also have a small market you can shop from while waiting for your order to be prepared (although sadly it's not as exciting as their made-to-order dishes). From ramen (delicious!) to breakfast burritos or burgers to goat cheese pockets, the kitchen serves all the basics plus unexpected items on their menu. Everything we ordered was delicious, fresh, and well packaged ensuring all stayed hot and intact during the short drive home. We ordered the veggie ramen, fish tacos, their famous fries (sooo good!), avocado toast, a breakfast burrito, and an omelet with a toasted bagel. Such a variety of offerings for every palate and each one was a big success! 7. Satiate Your Sweetooth Coffee, ice-cream, baked goods, stickers, novelty socks; it's all available at this quirky neighborhood institution. Java Cow will instantly place a smile on your face as soon as you enter and receive warm greetings from Java the cow. It's the ultimate place to get a sugar high and leave with a trinket you'll never need but couldn't resist purchasing. Oh, and the Banksy original I mentioned earlier, is right around the corner. There are 360 Rockie Mountain Chocolate Factory locations throughout the USA and lucky for you, one is located on Main Street. Despite their massive production rates they are able to pull off really good chocolates. We couldn't resist a stop here every time we strolled around Main Street. My favorite is the dark chocolate pecan cluster - just the right amount of pecans in decadent dark chocolate. Cena Located inside The Chateaux Deer Valley, a posh resort with stunning grounds, Cena offers an enticing dessert menu to enjoy while scoping out this well-known hotel. Although we did not find the interior as appealing as it is made out to be (although the exterior grounds are truly beautiful) we did take delight in the desserts we ordered. The Torta al Cioccolato comprised of vegan dark chocolate cake and amarena cherries pistachio raspberry gelato was instantly devoured and the perfectly whipped cream in the Babà Napoletano, a limoncello soaked cake with apricot coulis and candied ginger was heavenly. 8. Grab Cocktails in Stunning Landscapes The St. Regis Deer Valley delivers cocktails like no other. Enjoy well-balanced drinks at the bar or better yet, head outside to their magically lit outdoor lounge that is masterfully equipped with heaters, fires, and the perfect positioning to soak in the views of Deer Valley. For those of you willing to drop some cash on a more unique experience, rent a yurt in the hotel's Yurt Village which will set you back approximately $150 per person (not including alcohol) but will provide a special meal in a romantically decorated private yurt while being pampered by catering staff. Stein Erikson Lodge Stein Erikson is another ultra-lux property located in Deer Valley that makes for a wonderful apres-ski experience. On a beautiful winter day under a warm sun and the bluest sky, lounging in their outdoor patio is a true delight. You'll be sure to stay cozy under their space-age heaters alongside the skiers swishing by. Their creme brulee is a work of art that deserves major mention, it's absolutely mind-blowing. This is a place you'll love unwinding in while being in the midst of all the mountain action. 9. Stay Fit If you haven't burned enough calories on the slopes to make up for all the mouthwatering meals you've eaten and you're looking for a full-service gym, Silver Mountain Sports Club & Spa is the place to work out. The fitness center is in a spacious, modern facility that has every kind of cardio and strength-training equipment you could ever need. They also have a Raquette club room, a separate boxing gym, a spa, and two outdoor steaming-hot pools. Make sure to ask for the membership 5-visit punch card which is only $65 ( just 13 bucks per visit!) versus their individual day pass rate of $30. 10. Maintain Your Level of Caffeine Intake Silver King Coffee will certainly appease your need for caffeine. This drive-through coffee hut makes ordering coffee super easy with friendly service and prompt turnaround time. They also prepare some hard to resist house specials like Mexican Mocha, Lavender Latte, and Pumpkin pie dirty chai. I found their drip coffee to be too acidic for my taste but I couldn't start my day without one of their dreamy creamy lattes in hand. 11. Take a Day Trip to Nearby Towns/Cities Salt Lake City is only a 40-minute drive from Park City and is definitely worth the venture to soak in a larger city's personality. Similarly, the charming town of Sundance is less than an hour away. If you want to spend a day on a striking mountain that is geared for more advanced skiers/snowboarders or maybe just relax in a world-class spa, check out Snowbird, also less than an hour drive. Depending on how much time you have in Park City, these are some neighboring areas to consider exploring while in town to get a good grasp of some of the many amazing places this part of Utah has to offer. 12. Take a Walk of Shame into one of Utah's State-Run Wine & Liquor Shops Utah has by far the strictest laws on alcohol sales and consumption. No wine or alcohol is sold on Sundays or major holidays. They close by 7:00 pm (even earlier in other parts of Utah) and they are all state-run. There are no fancy-schmancy well-curated wine boutiques here. Nope. You will literally need to enter what looks like a state penitentiary to get your booze on. The brick building in Park City with minimal windows and government-trained employees will make most consider a life of sobriety. The locals we spoke with avoid shopping at these rather depressing edifices. Instead, they take a 40-minute drive to Wyoming for cheaper prices and nicer storefronts. Or, as another option, if you're in a bind, here's my tip (I always love a great loophole) - you can order a bottle of wine at a bar and take it home with you. Where to Stay: There are hundreds of lodging options in Deer Valley and Park City at every price point depending on the property's proximity to the ski resorts. There are also hundreds of condominiums and homes available for rent via home rental sites. We booked our VRBO Property # 2078910 home in Deer Valley and loved its location, size, decor, strong wifi signal, and well-stocked kitchen. If you're traveling as a family or with a group, you will find that this house will suit all your needs. Six nights was hardly enough time to take advantage of the myriad of offerings in this lovely area. The locals are friendly, the landscape is striking, there are abundant ski trails with challenging trails for all levels, the food scene is vibrant, the sky is a perfect hue of blue, the town's Main Street is packed with shops, there are nearby towns eager to be explored, and the powder is oh so powdery. I haven't even mentioned the Sundance Film Festival, which is closed this year due to Covid-19. Each winter the festival draws in thousands of indie film fans to Park City, adding another element to the major appeal this city has. Add this special place to your winter travel list and enjoy all its magical qualities.

During our so-far six months on the road, we will be spending a total of six weeks in Utah. From the southern region to its northern region, each part of this state is spectacular in every season. There are an infinite number of cities and towns of all sizes to explore in this magical state and many of them can be explored in just a day. Below are the highlights of our day trip to Sundance and Salt Lake City. What to do in Sundance, UT The ski resort was purchased by actor, Robert Redford, in 1968 and named Sundance after his role in the 1969 film, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. The town later became famous for the Sundance Film Festival which has now trickled into Park City to accommodate the large crowds it attracts. It is remarkable what one human's vision can fulfill. Redford began by acquiring just two acres of the area before he purchased its entirety. His aspirations spawned a huge movement towards supporting independent films while developing a destination ski area simultaneously. The Sundance Resort is teeny tiny and breathtakingly beautiful. A creek runs through the small property that is adorned with original wooden structures that house screening rooms, two restaurants, a cafe, a bar, a general store, a deli, a food truck, and a lovely lodging area that includes a Yurt. Of course, skiing is a big draw on this small mountain with only ten miles of ski trails. The scenic runs and smaller crowds appeal to skiers of all levels who want a more serene and quiet experience on the slopes. For those just coming in to walk through the resort grounds and learn about its history, below I highlight where to grab a bite and a good cup of Joe while strolling the striking property. Creekside Cafe This massive, open-air cafe in a converted barn overflows with sunshine seeping through its windows. Creekside Cafe is a great place to cozy up by the wood-burning fireplace and refuel with a pre-made sandwich and a cup of freshly brewed drip coffee. Although they don't have a full-service coffee bar, they do offer a gorgeous space with front-row creekside views and vistas of the 12,000-foot Mt. Timpanogo that dominates the real estate. The cafe is only open in the winter to service skiers and snowboarders who are looking for a tasty but quick bite to eat before returning to the slopes. The Foundry Grill The food, ambiance, and service at The Foundry Grill are truly impeccable. Named to honor the miners and farmers who settled the land in the 1800s, the establishment pays homage to the land's ancestors with a warm, rustic interior that is seductive through its usage of natural woods throughout the space combined with soft lighting and a roaring fire. There are thoughtful details in every corner including in the presentation of their dishes. We shared the breakfast board and dirty fries loaded with poached egg, cheese, and scallions. Had we not already made lunch reservations somewhere else, and just eaten breakfast a couple of hours before arriving, we would have further dived into the menu. We loved every bite of these dishes that were served with the freshest ingredients and utmost pride in preparation. The front space of the restaurant houses the Sundance Deli which serves made-to-order sandwiches, salads, and smoothies and operates as a full coffee bar. Behind the deli is a gallery that showcases photographs of the resort's rich history including the many familiar faces of celebrities who contributed to its past. What to do in Salt Lake City, UT An hour's drive from Sundance will take you to Salt Lake City. The capital of Utah truly impressed us with its cleanliness, great food scene, quaint neighborhoods, and overall cheerful residents. We didn't have any particular expectations but were left with a taste of great vibes and happy energy. There are many great neighborhoods to explore in the area. Below I'll highlight the best neighborhoods in Salt Lake City. Sugarhouse Sugarhouse is one of the city's oldest neighborhoods established in 1853 by Mormon settlers. Once designated as an area for former prison grounds, this part of town recently took a major turn and is now one of the liveliest neighborhoods in the city. Sugarhouse is packed with dance venues, restaurants, bars, galleries, and also boasts a vibrant shopping scene. There is an extremely young feel to this pedestrian-friendly alcove that provides many new housing constructions offering easy access to 2100 East, the neighborhood's main drag. It's lots of fun to walk the area and connect with its colorful charm. SOMI Vietnamese Bistro Many well-rated restaurants are loved by locals in the Sugarhouse area. I chose SOMI because we haven't eaten Vietnamese food in a while. The accolades this restaurant receives are well worthy, as the food was fantastic and authentic. The space is simple with some pops of color but the real burst is in the flavors. We ordered the crispy vegetable spring rolls, vegetable potstickers, tofu vermicelli, spicy homemade tofu, and sesame chicken. Everything was rich with fresh ingredients. We left extremely satisfied. I need great Vietnamese food in my life more often! 9th & 9th Another adorable neighborhood in Salt Lake City lies on the tiny stretch of 9th & 9th. The area only spans a couple of blocks but explodes with art, mountain landscapes at every angle, unique retail shops, a throwback movie theater that screens indies, and some wonderful restaurant selections. Dolcetti Gelato The unassuming storefront of Dolcetti Gelato gives no hint as to the fantastical decor that lurks inside. The space is so cool I forgot we went in for gelato! A mishmash of umbrellas, globes, toy soldiers, frames, and hundreds of other tchotchkes yields a funky space that is fun and truly memorable. Oh, and yes, the gelato is really good here! Downtown Over our last six months on the road, we have visited many major cities. I can personally attest that Salt Lake City has the cleanest downtown of any big city we have ever visited. No homeless people were roaming the streets or lining up their tents along sidewalks. There was not one trace of litter. There was no graffiti. Seriously, the place was spotless. We visited on a Sunday when everything was closed but we managed to walk around and get a taste of the architecture and even learn about some Mormon history and facts. Temple Square is a 10-acre complex that houses the Mormon church and its many facilities. The church began construction in 1853 and still stands proudly today in the heart of downtown. The juxtapositioning of the original architecture with the newer construction is striking and truly enjoyable to observe. Although tours inside the church were not available while we visited, due to Covid-19, under normal circumstances the public can book a free tour of the interior premises. This area is one of Utah's top tourist attractions and although I am not a Mormon, it was easy to appreciate the beauty of the premises and learn about the people who founded the city. On the outer perimeter of the square, past a bustling trolley trail, are lovely shopping complexes that house high-end retailers like Louis Vuitton and the likes. Downtown Salt Lake City will surprise you with its lively history, gothic revival architecture, and cleanliness. We drove from Sundance to Salt Lake City and ultimately to Park City (originating our drive from Snowbird) within a few short hours. All these cities are under an hour from each other and make for extremely easy day trips. What is most striking is how different they each are despite their close proximity. Just a few hours on the road can take you through drastically dissimilar landscapes, lifestyles, cultures, histories, pastimes, etc. I cannot encourage you enough to get in your car and just drive. Wherever you are, just put the pedal to the metal and explore. It's the easiest way to broaden your horizons, reduce your assumptions, and connect yourself to others who you once may have thought were radically different from you. Exploring brings the quickest realizations that most folks are quite similar at their core despite the differences in their environments. Just drive. There is a whole world of captivating contrasts out there waiting for you.

Had you asked me previously if I'd enthusiastically plan a winter getaway for five weeks I'd say "hell no!". I made all these wrong assumptions about this magical season based on my personal experiences with winter in New York City where the skies are constantly grey and the snow that hits the ground instantly turns into ice piles of dog pee and cigarette butts. Snow in Manhattan also causes insane traffic, difficulty navigating sidewalks, and just big, massive headaches. Yet, there are all these wonderful winter destinations in our country where the sun shines bright, the skies glow in beautiful, blue hues, and the snow maintains a perfectly pristine purity. Despite low temperatures, it never feels too cold, and rather than staying in my apartment stuffing my face I just want to be outside all day. A week in Snowbird solidified my new love for this sensational season. Snowbird Ski Resort is a massive mountain that draws advanced skiers and snowboarders to shred its one hundred-forty trails comprised of champagne powder. There are just a couple of green level runs and the trails are all on the rather steep side. On the back end of the mountain is Alta Mountain Resort which is for skiers only. There are lifts from the base of Snowbird that connect the mountains. Between the two mountains, skiers have two hundred-sixty powdery trails spanning thousands of acres to rip through. This is considered the premier skiing destination in Utah. The main square of the village is comprised of an unassuming three-story building that has a small grocery market, a pizza shop, an indoor dining hall, and a few basic ski apparel stores. There really isn't much exciting shopping to do here. The emphasis is clearly on the mountain and the resort has done a fantastic job leaving no distractions in its path. Snowbird, home of Utah's longest ski season, is a well-branded ski resort that has a cult following of die-hard skiers/snowboarders. Incidentally, every employee that I spoke to on the resort, many from the east coast, came out here to ski years ago and never left. Snowbird is not just a place, it's a lifestyle. Where to Stay in Snowbird: There are two main ski-in/out lodging options in Snowbird. For a more family-friendly option, The Lodge at Snowbird offers several room configurations that connect. They also have rooms with full kitchens which makes eating healthier, and more affordable, very convenient. We were able to have a double queen room connected to a studio suite with a pull-out couch, kitchen, and dining area. Adjacent to this room was another double queen room. With five beds, three separate living areas, three bathrooms, and a massive balcony with stunning views we were very comfortable here. I also really like their Icelandic minimalistic decor and the combination of materials incorporating concrete and wood throughout the exterior and interior of the building that seamlessly blends into the mountain landscape. The rooms have a more than usual amount of shelving and drawers which made fully unpacking a dream. Finally, for those of you who enjoy soaking in an outdoor heated pool when it is fifteen degrees out, The Lodge has one for you to relax your muscles after a day on the slopes. On the flip side, they have a rather small onsite gym. For my workouts, I opted to walk over to The Cliff Lodge and use their fitness center instead. Nearby is The Cliff Lodge, a much more luxurious lodging option that does not offer rooms with kitchens. If having a kitchen isn't important to you, I recommend staying here. The space is stunning, has two trendy and beautifully decorated restaurants, sprawling areas where you can easily find a private nook, and most importantly a lovely spa that boasts an outdoor rooftop heated pool, a fantastic gym with breathtaking mountain views, yoga classes (which I signed up for daily) and a menu with full-service spa treatments. The Cliff Lodge is just a five-minute walk from The Lodge. I made my way there daily to exercise and get some work done in a gorgeous setting. We got the best of both worlds, a room with a kitchen along with the top-notch facilities of a neighboring hotel. Where to eat in Snowbird: Because Snowbird is a small ski resort there aren't many dining options on the property. Unlike Jackson Hole, there is no major food scene here although there are a couple of very solid options. The Lodge Bistro is on the first floor of The Lodge. The highlight of our meal was meeting our awesome waiter who we chatted with for a big chunk of our dinner. He, too, is from the east coast and fell in love with Snowbird's trails when he came out to ski here a few years ago and decided to stay indefinitely after falling in love with it. We easily connected as free spirits who love a nomadic life full of adventures. I just love meeting others who live unconventional lives and follow their dreams, which don't necessarily comply with societal norms. These are the people who truly inspire me. They possess the freedom that I aspire to have one day too. Back to the food; we ordered the night's special of red bell pepper soup, coconut fried shrimp, Korean cauliflower, crispy chicken sandwich, braised wagyu short rib, two beyond burgers, and the Utah trout served over Israeli couscous. Everyone was overall pleased with their dishes and we left satisfied and satiated. Most memorable was our server's recommendation of Warren Miller films. We never heard of this legendary American ski and snowboarding filmmaker and suddenly had him in our lives regularly as we started watching nightly clips of his movies. SeventyOne is one of Snowbird's newer establishments located on the bottom level of The Cliff Lodge. The interior design epitomizes a retro-modern atmosphere and exudes the seventies in the coolest way possible. Even their bathrooms, outfitted with a throwback television (playing Warren Miller films!) are playful, aesthetically appealing, and whimsical. I love this space for both apres-ski drinks and bites or for dinner. Make sure to try their spicy buffalo cauliflower, fried shrimp, and wedged fries with fondue cheese and a homemade spicy sauce for dipping along with one of their delicious cocktails to wash them down with. I also personally loved their Asian salad. My kids are obsessed with their veggie burgers. Seriously, you can't go wrong here. At The Aerie, also in The Cliff Lodge, you'll find an elegant space with fantastic service, mesmerizing rooftop views, and delicious dishes using seasonal and organic ingredients that ultimately deliver very satisfying modern-American gastropub cuisine. We ordered the beet salad with hazelnuts and beehive cheddar cheese, the housemaid gnocchi with roasted mushrooms, the Hamachi Crudo with fried jalapenos, the spicy tuna with fried rice, the night's special of a T-bone lamb with cheese grits, a local trout pan-seared with organic vegetables, and a creme brulee trio to finish off the great meal. The Atrium in The Cliff Lodge lobby was my office for the week. You can spend hours here working remotely while soaking in the sunny skies and mountainous landscapes seeping through the glass windows. The cafe whips up great lattes and healthy grab-and-go items like the chia see pudding I ate each morning after my work outs at the upstairs spa. Snowbird Ski Resort is a gem. This ski haven has a very unique vibe that we haven't experienced yet at the other resorts we have visited. The village is tiny with just the two lodges that I mentioned but it offers incredible slopes on enormous mountains that challenge even the best skiers. Between everything the two hotels on the resort offer there is no need to ever leave. There is also something incredibly spiritual about this place. I found myself more centered and grounded this week than I have anywhere else over the past 179 days of traveling. The towering mountains spoke to me, the magical sunrises took my breath away, and the sparkling stars that overtake the skies each night whisper sweet messages. In one week I stayed put on this small resort but made such enormous personal changes. Our planet is beyond beautiful, our lives are such a gift, and the more we get outside the more we truly connect to ourselves and the incredible energy around us that heals, rejuvenates, inspires, and gently guides us.

When you hear that Seattle is one of the cloudiest cities be forewarned, this is no joke. The city bears 226 cloudy days per year and we experienced six of them firsthand. The clouds that hover over the city are so low you can almost touch them. Skyscrapers get lost in the fog and everything suddenly feels like a beautiful blur. Although the sun sometimes peeks through the clouds, it is never fully exposed. We haven't basked in sunshine for almost a week. Personally, I could not live in a city with such few sunny days. Years ago when NYC had one of its grayest winters I suffered from SAD and have since loaded up on vitamin D throughout the years to avoid that horrible mental and physical clash from ever happening again. I just need sunshine. Without it I become unproductive and my mind becomes as foggy as the skies that cause its debilitating cloudiness. However, clearly, there are many who are most efficient in gray environments as some of the largest companies have sprouted in this rainy city (think Amazon, Microsoft, Starbucks, Costco. Boeing, etc...) and the locals here are as active and friendly as can be. As we visit each city and I ask myself whether I could live there, driving ease is always a criterion in my mind. Living in New York City for twenty-two years has kept me off the wheel for way too long. Since I don't drive, I am not the most confident driver when I actually do muster up the courage to hit the pedal. Seattle is a city that would keep me in a passenger seat indefinitely. The roads here are so difficult to navigate. Two-way streets can barely fit one car. Parking is impossible. There are these bizarre turnabouts mid- lanes that clog up the already tiny roads. Even my husband who has piloted us through our entire road trip expressed how much he hates driving here. Seattle driving makes driving in New York City look like a breeze. Yet somehow, despite the monochromatic skyline and difficult driving situation Seattle won our hearts. The charming neighborhoods, friendly locals, a stunning skyline, surrounding bodies of water, mild winters, diverse population, and a strong commitment to composting make this city desirable, vibrant, and lively. In some ways, especially architecturally, it reminds us of New York City with the added bonuses of mountainous horizons, hilly roads, less traffic, fewer crowds, and no income tax. Honestly, even at its grayest, it's a spectacular city. If it weren't for the weather we would absolutely consider a move here. I never expected to love it so much. Downtown Walking around downtown made us all a bit homesick as this Seattle neighborhood is reminiscent of many streets back home in New York City. The juxtaposition of new buildings, like The Columbia Center, with those built in the early 1900s, reminded us of many of our favorite streets back home, especially the ones in Tribeca. Our daughter, who throughout our entire road trip has pleaded that we move to the many places she has fallen in love with along the way, expressed for the first time that she misses home. Specifically its smell, the feel of her bed, the way the light seeps through her window in the early mornings... Downtown Seattle really took her back home. Actually, we all had a similar experience while exploring the city, even me who probably misses home the least. The streets of downtown are colorful, inviting, and full of culinary and architectural surprises. We made repeated visits to this area because there is just so much to see, explore, and taste here. Pike's Market Place This downtown marketplace also gave us a taste of what we left behind in NYC. A touch of Chelsea Market and a touch of South Street Seaport come through in this lovely waterfront Seattle market. Filled with history, Pike's open-aired market has been around since 1907 and offers everything from fresh seafood and baked goods to arranged flower bouquets and limited edition books. There are many levels to this space weaving visitors through multiple floors, alleyways, and street levels. In contrast to Chelsea Market, which is loaded with visitors at any time of day, there weren't many people shopping the stalls on the Tuesday afternoon we stopped by. In fact, several of the vendors had their gates down. Even in the uncomfortable silence that we walked through, it is easy to imagine the hustle and bustle that takes place here under normal circumstances. Those vendors that were set up were eager to showcase and sell their products. Once again, my heart breaks by how much large cities have suffered during the pandemic with all the government-imposed restrictions whereas smaller cities throughout the US that have not imposed similar restrictions have thriving businesses that can continue making an income to support their livelihoods. After traveling through so many states, I stand by my beliefs that there should be laws requiring people to wear masks, with hefty fines given to those who refuse, and that businesses should be allowed to function as close as possible to their normal capacity throughout the country. Starbucks Whether or not you are a Starbucks fan, a visit to their original store while visiting downtown is hard to pass. We curiously checked out the Pike Street location which has been opened since the 1970s. Admittedly, I drink a lot of their Pike Place roast, and knowing that this roast is named after the street of their first location makes the java sipping so much more fun! Their staff was extremely friendly and informative making the visit even more enjoyable. This is the first, and only, Starbucks that I have been to that had no line or cluster of people waiting for their coffee fix. Le Panier The heavenly scent of freshly baked French bread and pastries stopped us in our tracks and lured us into this charming little shop, also located on Pike Place. Although we wanted to taste everything in sight, we carefully selected an éclair, a couple of macarons, and a pain au chocolat. Let's just say... tres magnifique! Beecher's How is it possible that along with their Pike Place location Beecher's also has a location in New York's Flatiron district that I didn't know about in the twenty-two years of living there? I cannot believe I had to travel across the country to find the best mac & cheese we have ever eaten when I have had it in my backyard all along. As soon as we peeked through the storefront's glass-walled kitchen exposing the crafting of their award-winning cheeses we were sold. This place is cheese heaven and their mac & cheese will ruin any other experience you will have again of eating this comfort food anywhere else. Fran's Chocolate A well-loved chocolatier in Seattle, Fran's lives up to its reputation. Located in The Four Seasons Hotel, the design of the store is naturally beautifully simplistic. I tried to capture its modern and luxurious layout with no luck. It's best to just stop in when in the downtown area of Seattle and see it firsthand. Distracted by the design of the space, I almost forget we were there to taste some treats. Our confections were out of this world. One piece was enough to please our palates for the rest of our stroll through the streets of Seattle. Cupcake Royale Yet another Seattle favorite can be found downtown which clearly is an epic hub for both deliciously sweet and savory foods. Cupcake Royale creates new, seasonal flavors along with their celebrated staples that are baked year-round. We had a hard time choosing from their alluring flavors ultimately settling on a hot cocoa cupcake made with chocolate cake swirled with chocolate marshmallow frosting and of course topped with mini marshmallows and chocolate chips. These were so incredibly delicious the kids fought over the last crumbs! Gum Wall Leave it to Seattle to have an entire alley filled with thousands of chewed pieces of gum as a downtown landmark. We couldn't help but linger in this disgustingly attractive work of art. This place is just so weird it cannot be missed. Seattle Great Wheel Pike Place will lead you to the waterfront where you can get lost gazing at Mount Rainer and Elliott Bay. There you will also find the Seattle Aquarium and the Seattle Great Wheel. Although the wheel is closed during the pandemic, there are wonderful viewing points of it on Pier 66. Olympic Sculpture Park As if downtown Seattle isn't already exploding with activities, sights, and places to explore, it also offers nine acres along a waterfront park filled with over twenty whimsical sculptures, a fountain, views of the Space Needle, and stunning snow-capped mountains in the backdrop. The park was filled with folks strolling its paths and people walking their dogs. It's a lovely, tucked-in, getaway in the heart of the city. SODO Track The SODO Track is now the largest mural corridor in the world. Over two miles of streets that are closed off to traffic are adorned by thirty-two murals created by sixty artists. Because 5th Avenue is not open to traffic and parking was impossible to find in the immediate area it was difficult for us to view most of the murals. They are spread throughout the stretch so if you are visiting, take an Uber and plan to take a leisurely stroll on 5th Avenue between Royal Brougham Way and Spokane Street. Personally, I loved the pop of color that the murals added to the stark skies. Although the artwork in SODO is equally beautiful, Wynwood Walls in Miami does a much better job of making the art-viewing accessible and inviting to admirers. Not only was parking difficult, but there also aren't sidewalks in most parts and there were several tented homeless communities along the path. I would have loved to spend an hour or two admiring these beautiful works of art but the city has unfortunately made it too difficult. Wallingford Wallingford is a well-kept, laid-back neighborhood with turn-of-the-century homes, a couple of parks, and the Woodland Park Zoo. There are a few popular shops and restaurants on N 45th Street but sadly they were mostly barren. I had an incredible, creamy latte at Caffe Vita served by friendly baristas. Gas Works Park, once the site of the former Seattle Gas Light Company, has now been converted into a city park with beautiful skyline views, rolling hills, and lots of trails for joggers and strollers. Our home's close proximity to this park got me moving again after months of refraining from any extensive exercise routine. With the park nearby, along with the gentle nudge of my husband, I began to work out again and even included a light jog in my regiment. It was hard to pull through but I had to choose between the park across the street or the couch and pantry filled with snacks that the rainy weather made more enticing than ever. The park was a lifesaver. There are many restaurants in the neighborhood. We dined at Pablo y Pablo and were seriously blown away by our meals and cocktails at this Mexican restaurant. On top of the incredible food, the service was excellent too. The people in Seattle are so friendly and just seem like pretty happy people overall. One of my most memorable events while in Wallingford is a visit to Molly Moon's ice-cream. When I read about their ever so popular salted caramel ice-cream I never imagined it would be so fantastic. It literally felt like I was popping a fresh caramel into my mouth with each bite. The ice-cream was so ridiculously creamy and fresh that I often paused to remind myself that I am actually eating ice-cream and not a perfectly crafted piece of homemade caramel candy. Our Housing Accommodations The house we rented was located in Wallingford, a seven-minute drive to downtown. The home, named Wallingford House with Lake Union Views on Airbnb, is truly beautiful, well-appointed, immaculate, and in a great location. The hosts were lovely to deal with. Since the weather was often against us exploring the area we were able to fully utilize the house by cooking many meals in the gourmet kitchen, watching movies by the fireplace and I even participated in a zoom cooking class while here. The house does a wonderful job separating its trash and even has a composting bin. This was our first time participating in composting and I found it easy, fun, and fulfilling. I hope to find a way to continue this practice in our daily lives as it is a very convenient way to help our beautiful earth! I highly recommend booking this home when in the area. TIP: This house was listed as $1,000 more than another home we almost booked. I really loved the décor and spaciousness of this five-bedroom home and decided to reach out to the hosts to negotiate a price equal to the home we were originally planning on booking. They agreed. You can, and should, negotiate with your hosts. Also, over the months I have noticed that prices go down, especially on Airbnb, if you can hold off on booking until closer to your desired dates. Finally, oftentimes hosts will list the names of their management companies in their bio. You can then search for them online and book directly through their company websites saving hundreds of dollars that Airbnb and Vrbo charge on service fees. Pioneer Park Pioneer Park is full of history and known as the heart of Old Seattle. One of the popular landmarks here is The Waterfall Garden Park, the birthplace of the United Parcel Service (UPS). I don't know about you but UPS has been a savior for us during the pandemic. Paying homage to its birthplace was inevitable during our time spent in Seattle. There is a lovely courtyard with a waterfall open to the public. Thank you, UPS for getting us everything we need wherever we have been to make it through this pandemic! Queen Anne Queen Anne is a beautiful neighborhood just seven minutes away from the Seattle Center area. The neighborhood proudly harbors Kerry Park which offers one of the most spectacular vantage points of the Seattle skyline. The homes along the park are striking and spacious making city living a cinch for those who can afford these pricey properties. There are also many cute shops and well-known restaurants in the area. This neighborhood is a fun destination and should not be missed while in the area. Fremont This colorful and quirky neighborhood wins for the most interesting and fun to roam. Fremont has claimed its neighborhood as the Center of the Universe with a signpost to prove it. Nowhere else will you find Cold War-era rocket ships, Lenin statues, trolls, and a myriad of shops all within walking distance of each other. Just head on over to the neighborhood and walk around. You will be swept away by the fantastical sights along the streets as soon as your feet hit the sidewalks. Theo Chocolate As if Freemont wasn't sweet enough, Theo Chocolate Factory has proudly made this neighborhood its home. Pre-Covid, chocolate lovers were able to sign up for tours of the premises to experience the behind-the-scenes of chocolate making and even be treated to some samples of the yummy creations made onsite. Luckily, the festively decorated shop is open during the pandemic welcoming only six guests at a time to enter their world full of enticing aromas of freshly made chocolate. They even have a lovely outdoor patio for those who choose to sit while savoring their treats. Of course, we couldn't help but load up on their chocolate products. We grabbed their hot chocolate (which is made out of real chocolate pieces- no powder here!), their famous big daddy chocolates which you can only purchase on-site, and several of their other delicious confections that are too many to count. We will have Theo chocolates to enjoy for days. This shop is truly irresistible. Seattle Center A Seattle neighborhood full of landmarks, parks, and museums to explore, Seattle Center will give you a taste of the city's cultural scene. This area is home to the iconic Space Needle as well as the Museum of Pop Culture (aka MoPOP), the International Fountain (closed during our visit), world-renowned Chihuly Garden of Glass, Pacific Science Center, and The Seattle Children's Museum. You can easily spend an entire day in this immaculately maintained part of the city. Seattle is an incredible city and a humble one too. There are infinite places and activities to experience here whether it's via the sites that are offered in its city life or when exploring the nearby bounties that nature brings, which unfortunately we did not have time to get to. While the city offers just as much as other larger cities do, like New York City, the pace here seems so much slower. Of course, this vibe can be influenced by the current pandemic. Perhaps during "normal life", the lifestyle here is equally cutthroat and stressful. Yet, something tells me it isn't. There is a way about Seattle that keeps things flowing at a healthy and balanced pace. People here walk slower and talk slower than they do in Manhattan. There is no need for locals to claim that it is "the best city in the world" because there is a sense of confidence that comes from knowing this deep inside and they smartly rather keep this information all to themselves. I am grateful to have spent some time getting to know this underestimated spot on our map. I encourage my readers to go see for themselves why this is now my second favorite large city in the USA. Hey, NYC is still home...

Over the past few months, there has been a lot of self-reflection on my end. Who am I? Who do I want to be? What are my shortcomings? What is keeping me guarded and refrained? In my new mission towards self-love, I delve deep while beginning the process of slowly untangling myself from the suffocating, self-imposed webs that are distancing me from myself. I have spent my adult life caring way too much about what others think of me, allowing their perspectives and behaviors to get in the way of me fully loving myself. I am convinced that my purpose in this lifetime is to allow my soul to transcend to a more forgiving place so that it can release all the pain, hurt and negative attachments it clings to and then pour out the love, laughter, and light it has been thwarting for so long. I know this is my soul's purpose because it is my biggest challenge. The happiness is there waiting to flow once I can open the dam and forgive myself for not being perfect and shedding the idea that I need other's approval of me to help shape my idea of myself. In the midst of isolating myself from people who do not necessarily make me think or feel my best, I still find myself questioning the decision to remove them from my life. Am I overreacting? Am I being too harsh? Too intolerant? I just can't seem to drop these thoughts even when I have dropped the relationships. Over the past week, I received two hurtful, but insightful, feedbacks from friends. The first friend sent me a painful text in response to me being honest about why a rift has been made in our friendship. She wrote, "U needed me to give a shit during a pandemic while you're getting to travel the globe?". She further wrote "I love you but u honestly have no clue what it's like for people who have two full working parents. I couldn't be happier for you that you get to travel the world but most people including me don't have this luxury". (It is important to note that this friend is a successful and financially sound woman. If she chose to, she could also "travel the world"). This week I reached out to a friend who suddenly stopped speaking to me a year or two ago. I asked her for her honest feedback as to why our friendship so abruptly ended. She was willing to be forthcoming with an authentic response stating "you are a fun, smart, successful, secure, caring woman. You're strong. Too strong for me, I guess. You're an Alfa woman and being disappointed is something that really hurts you. What I've learned with time is that you don't like to be disappointed... unfortunately with you I often feel afraid to be myself". As you can imagine, these are a lot of words to digest and I am definitely still chewing on them. I am grappling with how the person I strive to be gets lost in translation versus not giving a shit and accepting that not everyone is a healthy presence in my life. The problem is, once I have a history with someone, it is so hard for me to let go of the relationship. Instead, I search obsessively for the ways that I am responsible for a dent in a friendship even when I am not to blame. Yes, I am a Leo and I am strong. My strong personality has been a gift yielding many successful experiences in my life. My convictions have allowed me to be persistent, goal-oriented, and to focus on my dreams with hawk eyes. Yet, I like to think there is a softness to me too. I do think I am one of the most thoughtful, caring, generous, loyal persons you'll meet and these very traits do often lead me to be hurt and disappointed when I feel like the gestures are not reciprocated. I come as a package deal and if I chip away at one trait the house of cards tumbles. So, where do I give in and where do I hold back? Am I supposed to feel bad about "traveling the world during a pandemic"? These words are true daggers as they reveal the true feelings of a good friend who should be happy for me that I have embarked on this journey but instead harbors obvious feelings of resentment. Am I offending others by sharing my journey? Clearly, there are those who think I am flaunting my experiences. But dozens of people have reached out to me expressing how much I am inspiring them. In fact, one family has embarked on a year-long journey as a direct result of me sharing our adventures. I also now know three other families who are taking shorter road trips also because, as they pointed out, I have inspired them to do so. So do I soften up the Alpha messaging in hopes of not raising envy in others or do I continue to share our travels hoping to inspire others to get in their cars and out of their lockdowns? Yes, my old friend is right. I do get disappointed easily. This is an area I do need to focus on. There have just been some behaviors that I cannot fathom or excuse even if it means that certain people feel like they are afraid to be themselves around me. I hold a mirror in other's faces, my husband often jokes. Very few people have held themselves accountable for their poor behavior towards me, and others I presume, by just saying "I'm sorry" so instead they raise their shields and allow their true feelings to surface with blows of harsh words. When you know 100% that someone is just wrong, and they not only deny it but instead turn it around and make it about you, well, at what point do you say enough? At what point will I love myself enough to stop desperately searching for how I am responsible for something that I actually play no role in? As I shed the bandages of past wounds, I do realize that it is no longer my job to confront others when they are not behaving in their best ways. On the other hand, I do need to give myself the freedom to decide who enhances my life and who holds me back from fully loving myself. In this process, I also mostly need to stop caring so much about making others happy as this approach has been a sure setup for disappointment for all parties involved. I guess that over time I have surrounded myself with too many people which has just led to too many shared opinions over how I am viewed by them. In return, my mind is clouded with trying to figure out what I need to change about myself to conform to what they need of me. It is time that I just accept myself through my lens of who I am and not the lens of others. Figuring how to do this is not an easy task. There are three big mistakes that I have made in my life ( obviously there are many more but three that are specifically related to friendships). One error I made is that in loving a full house, throwing lots of parties, having a large social circle, etc. I let too many people into my life who diluted the meaningfulness that should come from true friendships. Secondly, in my struggle to please those who just cannot be pleased I have refrained from fully loving the many people who do genuinely love me. I always have in the back of my mind that one day, they too will deeply disappoint me or share their true, hurtful views about me and so to preempt a further damaged heart, I keep the walls around it layered in concrete allowing limited love to seep through in a controlled manner. Finally, because I always hold myself to such high standards, extremely high ones (not being so hard on myself is another thing I am working on), I often hold the people I love to similar standards. My struggle now is to figure out what standards that I hold others to are acceptable and which ones are just unfair. Similarly, how do I maintain all my positive traits and values while not holding myself to these high standards? CNN published an article yesterday: "The pandemic has destroyed friendships and divided families". Although I am sad to see how people are reacting to the pandemic by projecting their own inner struggles onto others during a time they should be empathetic, I was somewhat relieved that I am not the only one bearing the brunt of pandemic drama in my circle of friends. A friend shared the article with me. A friend who knew about the harsh texts I received that are shared earlier in this rant. Just when I was about to blame myself, again, for being the source of the problem in a friendship, I received this article, a gift, reminding me that what I really need to work on is loving myself more and removing those in my life who don't love me enough, just the way I am. There is no conclusive idea to this rant as figuring it all out is a process, a goal in progress. Sharing my thoughts and giving them life through words is a step towards understanding myself, and others, better. I do want more than anything to remain a human being who cares so deeply about others while also not giving a shit. Since I don't see how this is possible I just have to keep chiseling away at this thing called life and find that happy place where there is a harmonious balance of fully loving myself, deeply loving others, and willing to accept being loved in return. https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/15/us/pandemic-rift-friendships-wellness-trnd/index.html

Yesterday I spoke with a friend that I have known for over twenty years. The years often get in the way and we lose touch but we always find each other again, bouncing in like no time ever passed. In 2020 she lost three family members in extremely tragic, non-related deaths. She could have easily allowed herself to fall into a trap of depression, victimization and rightfully claim that "2020 sucks". Instead, with the pain that came her way, she decided to make improvements in her own life. She now practices yoga daily, meditates once to twice a day, prays each morning, seeks the help of a therapist, and gets her hands on as many self-help-type books as possible. These are activities she would have normally never engaged in. She is a beautiful, radiant soul. She made the best of 2020 despite the wrath it released on her family. We can all focus on the horrible changes and circumstances that 2020 brought our way or hopefully we can try to find the lessons and moments of growth that came along with it. Since the pandemic erupted, I have committed to finding the light in what many are calling the darkest year yet. Personally, I don't think 2021 will be any better, or worse per se, so I am diving into the new year with even stronger convictions to make it as bright as possible. Hopefully, you can all join me in finding the positives that came out of a year that turned many of our lives upside down. I am extremely thankful for the following things that only 2020 could have brought my way: Attitude of Gratitude. I am naturally a pretty grateful human being but 2020 taught me to pause hundreds of times throughout the day to notice all the blessings around me- my children's splendidly large feet, the sound of their laughter, our continuous conversations, and inability to ever run out of things to talk about, the fact that my heart beats, my acceptance of change and new willingness to be flexible with change and surrender to it rather than resist it, the miraculous fact that my eyes open each morning after a deep slumber, the list goes on and on... This epic road trip. Had the virus not hit, in turn encouraging schools to teach remotely, we would have on no occasion embarked on a several-month-long journey together as a family. The past five-plus months on the road, traveling through the United States of America has been the most awesome adventure of my life. Social distancing. Yes, I am thankful for the social distancing that came with 2020's new rules and regulations. Had I not been forced into distancing myself from certain friendships, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to reflect from a distance and do some much-needed housekeeping in my relationship department. Random acts of kindness. I have always been the one to pilot random acts of kindness but on our road trip somehow the tables have turned and I have been the recipient of such warmth and goodness from complete strangers. Some examples: Through Instagram, I "met" locals in Portland who went above and beyond to send me the most detailed itinerary for our visit to Oregon. I'm talking a megillah's worth of information and recommendations. The time she took into sharing her favorite locations, answering my many questions, and supporting our travels along the way really warmed my heart and I will always remember this thoughtful gesture. Our Airbnb hostess in Coeur d'Alene was simply unbelievable. To have a stranger check in on you so often, welcome you so warmly, and approach you with such love is not so common. I guess this is how we strangers quickly became friends. When Feedspot contacted me to let me know they selected my blog as Top 25 Road Trip Blogs of 2020, well... I couldn't imagine anything more kindhearted from people I have never met. Somewhere, across the globe in Ukraine, is another mother of three children who has reached out to me with such sweet words, an authentic heart, words of encouragement, and oddly has read my mind a few times. I have learned that there are hundreds of strangers around us on a regular basis that are ready to make a mark on our lives. If we are open to others and approach them with a warm heart, it is remarkable how much tenderness comes back our way. Although I have always believed in this theory, 2020 has emphasized this idea even more in my daily life. Since I am a chatty one, I find myself speaking to random people more than ever, especially since we are mostly around strangers on our road trip, bringing me to the conclusion that most people are pretty awesome. An extra year with my kids. 2020 gifted me an entire year spent with my kids. Just as I began to cry at how quickly the years have flown by and how soon they would be leaving the house, Covid hit, blessing us with having our children by our side from morning till night for an entire school year. Only 2020 could have made this happen and I am so deeply grateful for this outcome. A hubby that brings me coffee to bed. Before I open both eyes each morning, I have a wonderful husband who brings me a freshly roasted cup of coffee to bed. I mean, this new 2020 custom is by far my favorite new tradition. More opportunities to read. Usually, reading is reserved for summers because I just can't consistently fit reading into my normal daily schedule. Nowadays, with "normal schedules" out the window, I have been able to read on an ongoing basis for the past several months. I have read such fantastic books and my desire to read only continues to grow. Bigger dreams, fewer fears. 2020 taught me that anything can change at any moment. It has also shown me a way of living in the present by forcefully removing any ability to make future plans. Learning how easily anything can change or be taken away has taught me to face my fears and have new experiences I would have never ever engaged in previously. Nowadays, I think to myself "I'm going to die, I may as well try X before I do". I grasp on to life even more tightly than ever by experiencing as much as I can both inside and outside my comfort zone. 2020 pushed me outside my comfort zone more than ever. Unapologetic perspective. I am no longer apologetic for people's asinine behavior nor am I apologetic for my own. 2020 has taught me that I thrive best with people who are on the same frequency as I am and that it's best to tune out those who are not. It also taught me to stop being so hard on myself. Survival. We survived 2020. Holy Moly, it was an uphill battle, one that made us warriors and showed us what we can and cannot handle. It was rough but like a Spartan race that kicks you in the ass like no other, it feels so good to get through the finish line stronger and more ready to take on another challenge than ever before. In 2021 things won't be back to normal. But what is normal? Where we are now in our own lives is our new normal. Whether the upcoming year will be good or bad is really up to how we perceive it. Many people actually had an extraordinary 2020 and that's because these people committed to making the best of a situation (and please don't say "that's because they have a trust-fund or no kids/more freedom" or some other ridiculous comment that is self-victimizing and will never get you out of your rut). With the right mindset and willingness to accept what the year ahead throws our way, good and bad, it will also be equally possible to have an incredible 2021. Wishing you all the deepest findings and lessons about yourselves, many adventures, the conquering of your fears, the courage to love others, and most importantly lots of health and happiness. Please share with me what the Coronacoaster of 2020 has taught you and if you think it was a wonderful or horrible year!

It's been 169 days of driving through the USA discovering some truly incredible places in a country that I have newly fallen madly in love with. Becoming a student of the USA roads has also transformed me into a student of life. There are a few valuable lessons I picked up over the past five months on the road that have helped me navigate my own personal journey. Below, I share them with you. 1) Time goes by, really fast. Yes, we all know this cliche all too well. I hoped that by slowing down and eliminating some time-consuming factors in our lives that time would pass more slowly. This certainly is not the case. Five months have passed in the blink of an eye and we have now been traveling for three seasons. What I have learned is that it doesn't matter how much or how little you do on a daily basis, time slips by all the same. Rather than fall victim to its pace, view your time as an asset, and invest in it well. If you do, twenty years from now will yield you a great return of warm memories and wonderful experiences. Also, don't push off the things you want to accomplish because the only guarantee you have is the time you have right now. Beyond this, there are no promises. 2) Material things are a nuisance. Our apartment in Manhattan has been sitting empty since March with closets jam-packed with clothes that haven't been worn for nine months along with countless storage bins, cabinets that hold collections of items purchased over travels, and sentimental trinkets we have held onto that abound in various nooks. And then there is all the furniture; beds unslept in, chairs cold from lack of contact, shelves with hundreds of books untouched for almost one year... Yet for over five months we have been traveling with just a suitcase each and have somehow had everything we need. When I think about possibly leaving New York City I cringe at the thought of how much we have accumulated and how much we'd need to pack or get rid of. Stuff doesn't matter. At all. If anything, "things" often cause attachments and hold people back from fulfilling their potential. Before you buy something, ask yourself why you are making that purchase. Of course, sometimes it is nice to treat ourselves to something that we fancy or buy a gift for someone we love but more often than not we overbuy, overconsume and overspend on stuff. Trust me, in the end, it just weighs you down. Spend your money on making memories that will last a lifetime. 3) You won't change just because you change your environment. Whether I am in Milan or Marfa or Montana I am still faced with the same triggers. My kids will say something that sets me off and I have the same reactions as I did five months ago in New York City as I have today in Jackson Hole. We'd like to believe that a lengthy getaway will miraculously make all our internal strifes disappear but that's not the case. There is a temporary relief of these burdens when traveling but permanent progress requires a lot of work and has nothing to do with where you are in the world. A change in environment can change your perspectives or inspire you to try new things but it won't change those deep routed patterns of thought that take a lot of effort, patience, and time to work through and are no easier to mend in Tahiti than they would be in your living room. 4) The more you allow yourself to dream the more likely it is that your dreams will come true. Once I got over my initial fears of taking this road trip, I began to allow my mind to wander with vivid imagery of where in the United States I'd love to visit. The more I visualized us visiting a city or a site, the stronger the connection with that place became, and therefore the likelihood of arriving there increased. I never ever thought we would embark on an epic road trip until I began to truly visualize it into reality. 5) Money certainly helps, but it isn't everything. It is so easy to fall into the trap of saving. Saving for a downpayment on a house, saving for a rainy day, saving for college funds, saving for a vacation, etc. We are conditioned to save and save and save while we spend our lives away saving for a moment in time that doesn't even exist yet. I'm not saying to blow all our money away, I'm suggesting that you stop worrying about saving for later so that you can start focusing on enjoying life now. So maybe we are saving a lot less this year and not investing as much in our kids' college funds but we are using our money to live our best lives now. Who knows if colleges will even exist by the time our kids are due to apply? 6) Saying sorry goes a long way. I've been making a huge effort to connect with the people I interact with throughout this road trip journey. I can honestly say I have been a pleasant company to the folks I've been meeting. However, when we arrived in Jackson, tired after a very long day, I had a not-so-little attitude with the receptionist who messed up our booking. I felt really bad for losing my cool and later made an effort to find her in the lobby to apologize. Saying "I'm sorry" was such an incredibly easy way to free me of my guilt over my bad behavior while also bringing a smile to her face. Two words. Use them more often. 7) Nature is healing. So much of the personal healing I have done has been a direct result of connecting with nature which taught me firsthand the art of humility, the infinite miracles all around us, and the divine intelligence that makes our earth a wondrous place. As a city girl, the closest I got to nature was seeing the Hudson River out my window. Nowadays, I can't imagine not having a stroll on the beach or a walk through a forest or a hike on a mountain in my life regularly. Get outside more and connect with nature. She has a hell of a lot more valuable lessons to share than I do. 8) Praying works magic. Once you regularly witness the miracles around you it's impossible not to take a few moments out of the day to recount those miracles and connect with the energy source that creates them. Whether you call it G-d, divine intelligence, the energy of the universe...whatever you call it, acknowledge it often. I've experienced firsthand how when I acknowledge the blessings around me with profound gratitude, the more they come my way and to the world around me. 9) Change is good. Really good. Many people are scared of change but I personally believe it is one of the most important criteria we should strive for in life. Change helps us evolve as human beings. Change forces us to learn how to adapt to new situations. Change ensures we don't grow stagnant and complacent. Make sure you include a change of environment, job, perspectives, and people in your lives. Don't stay the same, no matter how awesome you are because we can always get even better, learn more skills, travel to more places, meet more people... 10) Be in the moment. This helps the time go a tiny bit slower. When we're not using our present time to plan for our future we are able to be more connected to the current moment and not be preoccupied with a point in time that does not even exist yet. Covid-19 has really taught me to think one month at a time, anything beyond that has no room in my planning bandwidth. Not thinking so far ahead also has helped ease any anxiety I've had around the future (i.e. unknown). Knowing that I can't control what happens one year from now helps me shape more delicately what I can control right now. I look forward to looking back on this post five months from now to see what other lessons await me in the months ahead. What important lessons have you learned recently? Shoot me an email or a chat message, I'd love to learn from you (and with you).

Luck: Success or failure apparently brought by chance rather than through one's own action (google dictionary). Luck. Let's together be more aware of how we use this word to define ourselves and others. Am I extra lucky to have embarked on this once-in-a-lifetime traveling adventure? Or perhaps I was destined to do so? Is it possible that I played a direct role in the outcome of how my family chose to handle the pandemic? Is it feasible that this grand experience was left to chance? Filled with gratitude, I have been wondering for days, how or why some are so "lucky" while others seem to get the raw end of the stick. Robert De Niro famously said, "the talent is in the choices". I have come to the conclusion that the choices we make are the ones that ultimately carry us to the places that we end up. But those good choices are best made when we act on instinct and listen to our intuition, which is how I think G-d communicates with us. (I don't want to scare anyone off with the semantics here, so I will use G-d, the universe, and the supreme energy source interchangeably because, in my opinion, they all are the same exact thing.) When I got married at the young age of twenty-one, my husband wanted to leave Miami and move to New York City. Initially, I said no. I was afraid to leave home, I was afraid of the unknown, and I was afraid of how we would survive in the notoriously difficult city with no money or income. For the next few months, my attention kept being pulled back to relocating but was always quickly shushed loudly by my trepidations. I continued to toss the idea until I finally realized that my intuition was sending me strong signals to make the move. And so we did. So, were we lucky to have made a life for ourselves in New York City? Was it the ability to tune in with the messages that the universe was sending me that allowed us to take a big risk and jump into the unknown with only a leap of faith? How would our lives have turned out if I listened to my fearful voices and not the calling of the energy source that was pulling me to the northeast? Similarly, when I first suggested taking this road trip to my husband, I never thought he'd jump on the idea. As soon as I realized that he seriously wanted to pursue months on the road, I started to pull back. More fears. How much would this cost us? How would this affect the kids? What if we catch Covid-19 because one of the hotels or homes we would rent wasn't thoroughly sanitized? What if we got stuck in a big city during more riots? What if the country ran out of toilet paper again and we'd be far from the safety stash we were storing at home? The anxiety kept creeping into my ability to clearly see what an incredible opportunity we could create for our family. Once more, I ultimately listened to my gut. My inner voice told me to trust in the universe and follow its leads. And so we did. These are only two examples of thousands more where I almost didn't move forward with something which ended up being a huge blessing. On the other hand, there are also thousands of bad decisions I have made over the years that have carried repercussions with them because I acted on impulse and didn't sit still long enough to connect with my intuition. In either scenario, I don't think I was lucky or unlucky. Instead, I think I either made good or poor decisions. If we keep allowing those fears and negative voices to dominate our lives and clout our abilities to think optimally and make good choices, then we are not unlucky- we are just making poor decisions and as a result, we perpetuate a cycle of bad outcomes for ourselves. I have always taught my children that humans are born with a real superpower, one that is as awesome as the ones their favorite superheroes have: you guessed it, we are born with the superpower of intuition. Everyone has it, everyone. Some just listen to it more than others. Some have ignored their gut so long it rarely speaks up anticipating being ignored once more. Many have even shared with me that they can't recognize whether their voice of fear is actually derived from the fear itself or from their intuition telling them to avoid the thing in question and as a result, they feel lost. An ability to relent is crucial. When trusting that the universe has the best intentions for us we place ourselves in a vulnerable position. But when we let go of the thoughts, the ones that want to hold us back from accomplishing so much, and we tune in to the source of energy within us, we begin to realize that we have choices to make that impact our lives. We need to let go of control and trust that our positive energy will attract the positive energy of the universe. If we want the decisions to yield successful results we need to trust our inner voices and thank G-d/the universe/the supreme energy source etc that it speaks to us, promise to follow its lead, and thank it each and every day for guiding us to where we are and where we are headed. This is probably the most important relationship we can nurture in our lives. Think about your brain as a computer. Whatever you input affects the outcome. If we keep telling ourselves we can't, well then...we won't. We can't then revert to convincing ourselves that we are unlucky because the things we hope for never manifest. We consciously make the choice to hinder ourselves by telling ourselves that we cannot access a goal, a dream, a desire. The vicious cycle begins once we persuade ourselves of our seemingly bad fortune which places us in the role of victimhood again and again and again. Consider the people you personally know who are perpetuating specific patterns through their choices. There are some who thrive on the drama in their lives. Somehow, they can't see that they are choosing to have friction in their lives by not making the choice to remove themselves from these dramatic situations. Are they unlucky to have so much conflict around them or have they made bad choices that continuously allow drama to surround them? What about those who have convinced themselves they cannot splurge on superfluous luxuries that they think they cannot afford because they have become so trapped in the idea of saving money? Are they unlucky or have they made the choice to save for the future rather than enjoy the present moment? We all know folks who have convinced themselves they have no money and therefore are bound to a life full of struggle. I personally know people who may not have enough money to get them through the next month but they are still happy, see the blessings they do have, and are able to enjoy their lives fully. Even with financial struggles, they choose to be happy and so they are. We all are familiar with others who are examples of those who make intentional, or unintentional, choices to continue specific cycles in their lives. But what about ourselves? It is crucial that we find the patterns that we have created in our own lives, good and bad, and make the deliberate choice to break free from the ones that hold us back from reaching our potential and fulfilling our dreams. There have been many strifes in my life along with the many blessings. Three c-sections, two knee surgeries, a very difficult pregnancy, thyroid nodules that won't stop growing, friends who have taken ridiculous advantage of me... but I insist that these circumstances played out the way the universe planned them to. Rather than dwell on the heartache I choose to see the positives in these difficult situations as well. My c-sections gave me three beautiful children, my tragic pregnancy brought me a daughter I may not have had otherwise, my knee surgeries give me an excuse to opt out of skiing allowing me time for myself while my family enjoys the slopes, my thyroid nodules force me to focus on my health, and the realization of letting bad people into my life pushed me to clean up my circle of friends. There are way more extreme cases that I grapple with understanding: children born with diseases, people born into circumstances that seemingly have no hope, etc. There are horrible life events that are difficult to fathom but I still don't believe they are merely a result of chance. Unfair, yes. Unlucky, I am not so sure. There is a greater force, an energy, that propels us into certain circumstances that test us, and even end us, when its been decided that our time has come to an end. It is hard to work through those negative voices that perpetuate in our minds but we must remember that they are separate from our true essence. When they enter we must simply politely invite them to leave so that we can stay connected to our ultimate truth. I guess it is easy to reference luck if we have no authentic connection to the laws of the universe and the power of the divine energy around us. But, for those who do have a spiritual connection to the greater power, I hope by sharing this you can see that there is no way luck exists when you truly believe in a greater force that ultimately responds to the way we respond to it. Do you believe in luck? Please drop me a note, I'd love to hear others' perspectives!

Admittedly, Idaho was never on our radar. Ignorantly, we thought it was just a place where potatoes grow on never-ending farmland and as a result, we just never had it on our list as a travel destination. If it weren't for this road trip we would have missed this place entirely. During winter, Coeur d'Alene is a winter wonderland. The scenery is striking with snow-kissed trees reflecting on Lake Coeur d'Alene and a town center that is festively lit up for the holidays. If you're looking for a place with lots of shopping, a solid culinary scene, and ample outdoor adventures, then Coeur d'Alene is a perfect destination for you! On another note, coming here from our last road trip stop in Seattle, where composting is strongly encouraged, we were sad to see that there are not even basic recycling laws in Coeur d'Alene. This was the first town we have visited where our rental home did not offer a separate trash can for recyclable items nor was an outdoor bin for garbage removal designated for recycling. Implementing recycling into trash removal is such a simple way to help our earth and I find it to be pretty irresponsible of the city's leadership to not take on this initiative. I must also point out that if we didn't contract Covid-19 in Idaho, I don't think we ever will catch the crazy little critter. Idaho is a special place in our country that blatantly denies, or resists, the fact that there is an extremely contagious virus floating around. By far, this sweet lake town, along with some other nearby cities in Idaho that I note below, is the biggest culprit of ignoring Covid safety guidelines. Throughout our road trip, even in the laxest cities, we have yet to encounter a city where the employees are unmasked along with the customers. We were shocked to walk into so many places to find an entire society of unmasked people openly denouncing the current state of affairs in our country. In fact, one of the locals told me that most places in Idaho will not let folks in until they remove their masks. Can you imagine? As our kids said, "this doesn't make any sense!!"We often felt uncomfortable in our surroundings and found ourselves canceling plans and reservations that we made because we just didn't want to risk catching anything. Look, we're not scared of dying from the virus per se. Statistically, it just doesn't make sense to walk around fearing death by Coronavirus but who wants to get sick while they're traveling? I don't want any of us dealing with even a slight fever while we are trying to enjoy our road trip and so, therefore, I just won't put my family at risk by placing them around a bunch of people who deny the contagiousness of this nasty little virus. All this aside, Coeur d'Alene beautifully captures a small American town feel while boasting a gorgeous lake and snow-capped mountain peaks. Idahoans are warm, friendly, bubbly people; probably one of the friendliest folks we have encountered throughout the country. If we enjoyed it this much in the winter, I can only imagine how fun it is over the summer when the lake opens up to water sports, swimming, and even more visitors. Don't underestimate Idaho, we haven't seen one potato in our two weeks here. Below are the eight top places to visit while in the area: 1- Downtown Coeur d'Alene 2- The Coeur d'Alene Resort 3- Beverly's 4- Leavenworth, WA 5- Schweitzer Mountain 6- Sandpoint 7- Spokane, WA 8- Tubbs Hill Trail Downtown Coeur d'Alene This vibrant downtown, festively lit for the holiday season and bustling with folks strolling its sidewalks, lures visitors with its charming stores and dozens of restaurants. Murals and sculptures are woven into the streets along with five sculptures along the Mudgy Moose Trail celebrating the "Mudgy & Millie" children's book written by a local. Along with the thoughtfully curated shops, cafes, and artistic flare, there is an inviting boardwalk along the water. At night downtown lights up and creates an entirely different, but equally attractive, atmosphere. Day or night, this is a wonderfully clean and well-preserved downtown with lots to see, eat and enjoy! Surprisingly, Coeur D'Alene has a pretty fantastic food scene. The town center and surrounding areas have many well-reviewed restaurants to choose from. The problem we faced was finding the food establishments where the service staff wore masks and health safety measures were implemented. Crafted Tap House & Kitchen (I do not recommend dining here during the pandemic) For $80 diners can rent a private, outdoor, heated igloo to enjoy their dinner in. I thought this would be a fun dining experience while ensuring we were in our own space to eat worry-free. We were undeterred when the hostess who escorted us to our igloo was not wearing her mask as we were distracted by our cute igloo which was set up with a little fireplace, Christmas tree, and festive lights. After admiring our environment, and wiping down the table/menus/silverware, we started reviewing the menu which offers plenty of creative vegan options in addition to dozens of meat-based items with catchy titles like "hey, lama, hey, how about a little something, you know, for the effort, you know?". Yup, this is the name for their impossible burger dish, which two in my party ordered except they just said "I'll have an impossible burger". We were enjoying reading through the many enticing options when our waiter came into our enclosed, circulation-free igloo unmasked! Robotically, all five of us pulled out our masks and put them on as fast as we could. It has been months since we have been in such close, unmasked proximity with someone outside our crew of five. We were really appalled by the restaurant's lack of concern to keep its patrons safe and just could not believe what we were experiencing. To make matters worse, as if being exposed to two maskless people in our enclosed space wasn't enough, we had two other serves come in, also mask-free, to help deliver our food. For the first time during our travels, I felt unsafe, and like I placed my family in a dangerous situation. Finally, I couldn't bite my tongue any longer and asked the server not to come in again until we are all done eating so that we can eat peacefully without having to put on our masks continuously due to the non-stop foot traffic. He was understanding and for the rest of his interactions he kept a far distance from us but he never put his mask on. Such a shame we could not fully enjoy our dinner because the food was actually really delicious and the igloo was adorable. It's just hard to enjoy yourself when you realize you are directly exposing yourself and your family to a virus that you have so carefully been keeping away from. In retrospect, we should have just left once we realized what was going on. Although we did not walk out, moving forward I called each restaurant that I made reservations at to find out what safety measures they implement. Doing so ensured that we would not be thrown off guard again and would allow us to cancel reservations at any establishment that is living in a Covid-free la la land in their mind. Bardenay (I do not recommend dining here during the pandemic) Bardenay is the nation's first restaurant distillery. Their distillery equipment is proudly encased in a glass viewing area as guests enter the restaurant. The staff was attentive and friendly and the food was really good. My sweet potato and black bean chimichanga was actually delicious and inspired me to play with this combination of ingredients in my own kitchen. The restaurant was very lively during lunch and the tables were well distanced. My only qualm was that our waiter wore his mask half-ass with his nose fully exposed the entire time. Overall, this is a solid lunch option while scoping out the area but check it out once we all move past this virus or when the restaurant better trains their staff on proper safety guidelines. The Coeur D'Alene Resort This upscale hotel overlooking the town's alpine lake is an extremely popular lodging choice for those visiting the area who want dazzling views, an easy walk to downtown Coeur D'Alene and a full-service hotel. When we visited, the resort was elegantly decorated for the holiday season. The hotel is well-known for its annual holiday light show ceremony which was canceled this year due to the rampant virus. Despite not having a large ceremony this year, the spectacular lights continued to light up the grounds of the property drawing in many visitors. The lobby is modern and quite striking with ample seating areas, many by a roaring fire. It was crowded when we arrived. Most visitors were dutifully wearing their masks, but not all. There is a thermal scanner station that checks the temperature of all those who enter the hotel which we noted and appreciated. The check-in desks were pretty hopping proving once more that many are opting to continue traveling despite the health crisis. They have an extremely attractive outdoor area with plastic igloos for those who would like to dine privately overlooking the lit-up lake. Really, the hotel is simply put a great option for lodging, dining, or sipping cocktails during happy hour in one of their many bars. Beverly's On the seventh floor of the hotel awaits an elegant, fine dining restaurant with great fare, service, and views. We were seated at a spacious booth overlooking the lake. On the pricey side, the restaurant draws many who come to celebrate a milestone. There were three parties celebrating a birthday during our visit. The restaurant helps celebrate by bringing out a huge, roll of blue cotton candy topped with a sparkling candle. Underneath the sugar ball is a scoop of vanilla ice-cream. I kinda wished it was my birthday too! The large dining room was pretty packed on an early Thursday evening making me sad for my fellow New Yorkers who own restaurants that were never given a chance to survive with all the restrictions imposed on them during 2020. People are clearly out, looking for ways to enjoy their lives, and are willing to spend some cash in the process. It makes me happy to see that businesses are able to continue to thrive in certain parts of the country. In terms of safety measures, the staff at Beverly's were all masked, hand sanitizers were available at each table, and there was naturally enough distancing between each table. We all thoroughly enjoyed the ahi poke, fried calamari, Caesar salad, truffle fries, mushroom risotto, and burgers that we ordered. Definitely add this to your list of restaurants to dine in while in the area. Leavenworth, WA If you suddenly get the itch for a Bavarian village with alpine-style architecture, great beer, and Cascade Mountain vistas, head to Leavenworth. Less than an hour's drive from Coeur d'Alene will transport you to as authentic of a Germanic town as you could ever dream of while neighboring Idaho. Apparently, many others in the vicinity longed for a taste of Germany too as the town was packed the day we visited. People were jamming the closed-off streets waiting in lines for bear claws and schnitzels. The Bavarian village was a great escape from the crazy politics that have been dominating American lives and championed a distraction from this raucous with a lively atmosphere, great food options, street-lined markets, and outdoor music. You really will feel a world away here. Schweitzer Mountain This endearing mountain resort is just a ninety-minute drive from Coeur D'Alene and what a stunning drive up the mountain it is! Since the snowy scene by the lake was washed away by recent rain we were thrilled to visit a mountain blanketed in snow that presented a magnificent winter wonderland. Although we didn't ski, we definitely enjoyed the views and a delicious hot chocolate at Gourmandie, an adorable gourmet coffee and wine shop with great service in the village. The village is quite small compared to other resorts and lacks the restaurants, bars, and fun shops you would normally find at other ski towns but regardless, the views and energy of the eager skiers were worthy of a visit. We noted that the mountain had large signs stating that masks and social distancing were required upon entering yet once again, in true Idaho fashion, people were cramped in a long line waiting for the ski lifts. Staff members, like the parking attendants, didn't wear their masks either. I sure hope that the ski destinations we are soon visiting will prove to be more responsible and aware than the ones in the state of Idaho. Sandpoint Just one hour away from Coeur D'Alene lies a town that is known as "the most beautiful small town in America". Just steps from Lake Pend Oreille, which in the summer is known as Sandpoint City Beach Park, and with mountain views throughout, this town offers dozens of locally owned artisan shops with alluringly decorated storefronts. Cedar Street Bridge Public Market is one example of the town's willingness to embrace and support artists by showcasing many of their creations in an enclosed market. We didn't enter because as I've already mentioned, the majority of folks in Idaho insist on leaving their masks at home. However, we were able to enjoy some great art at the outdoor Galaxy Gallery, an entire alleyway decorated with striking murals drawn by local high school students. Since the town is rather large we still found it enjoyable to stroll its sidewalks and admire the festive decorations even if we couldn't actually enter the stores to admire the goods firsthand. For lunch, we made a reservation at Trinity at City Beach. We were hesitant to book a table at a restaurant in a Best Western Hotel as they aren't exactly known for their food scenes. The reviews were the best in the area and we were quite pleased with the service, exquisite views, and surprisingly delicious food! In all, for those who love to shop and get lost in a leisurely wander, Sandpoint will surely have their expectations met. In fact, we could have easily spent a few hours in this town if it weren't for all the folks refusing to don their masks which kept us out of the many enticing shops that make up the unique character and charm of this place. Spokane, WA Only thirty minutes away, Spokane is a must-visit while in Coeur D'Alene. Although its downtown shopping area is nothing to write home about, its waterfront park and uber food scene make this a wonderful city for a day trip. In 2019 Spokane was ranked as the top ten new foodie cities and has attracted many creative chefs to boost its culinary scene. There are also plentiful hiking trails just outside of downtown for those choosing to bond with nature. Don't get deterred by the commercialized overload on Main Street in downtown. Instead, just drive right past it and enjoy the other wonderful offerings the city has to share! Huntington Park is a delightful waterfront park in the heart of downtown with wonderful views of the Spokane Falls running through the Monroe Street Bridge as gondolas scurry in and out of the bridge's arches. A five-minute walk from Huntington Park is Riverfront Park which is probably one of the nicer parks we have yet to see in a large city. The park has a large ice skating rink, lots of art sculptures, fantastic views of the Spokane River and the city's many bridges, free horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday festive décor, and many well-kept paths to wander and explore. Most of the restaurants in town were closed as we visited on the afternoon of Christmas Eve. Luckily, we found Yards open and eager to serve their all-day brunch menu which was incredibly delicious. My huevos rancheros were so scrumptious that my son and husband couldn't keep their forks off it despite the fact that they gobbled up their chicken po boy and fried chicken waffle entrees. I definitely recommend a meal here while in town. Across the street from Yards is a family-operated winery with a classy interior that offers outdoor seating along the Spokane River. Maryhill Winery grows its grapes in the Willamette Valley (see my Portland, OR post for more on this region) and brings a tasting room to the heart of Spokane. We purchased two of their award-winning bottles: a 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2017 Maker's Red (a blend of Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc). The striking notes in each were easily noted and truly appreciated, especially while we sipped them by a blaring fire at home. Nine miles outside of the downtown area makes for an easy escape from city life and into instant serenity mode on the trails of River Side Park. We opted for the two-mile loop on the Bowl & Pitcher Trail which I momentarily second-guessed when we learned that the only way to get to it is by crossing a wooden suspension bridge. Quickly shedding my normal fears of wobbly bridges at tall heights, I made my way across and even stopped to admire the breathtaking views of the Spokane River flowing below me as it fiercely crashed into the rocks that were in its way. The trail is easy, well-marked, and truly offers stunning views, mainly on the loop back as it hugs the river along the way. 7- Tubbs Hill Trail We had the best time hiking the Tubbs Hill Trail just outside downtown. The two-mile hike loop, although moderate with a 400-foot incline that is extra difficult to drudge through in snow, was breathtaking from start to finish. Along the way, we shared the trail with a chicken, a turkey, and pretty epic views of Lake Coeur d'Alene. It's easy to imagine that this hike is stunning in every season. Airbnb We spent a lot of time in this house listed on Airbnb as "Safe Private waterfront! Close to 4 ski stations" (gosh I wish Airbnb just had property ID numbers for reference sake!). After lots of running around, we needed a place where we could rejuvenate and relax during the holiday season and this was the perfect choice as the house was packed with charm, attention to detail, and gorgeous lake views. As an added bonus the home was festively decorated adding to its coziness. The hostess, Katherine, is a wonderful woman who left a delicious welcome spread by a lit fire to greet us as we checked in. She and I quickly connected at the time of booking, months before we even arrived. We chatted via text often and fortunately had the opportunity to meet in person as well. I can now say that I have a friend in Idaho - one that made our stay extra special and one I hope to keep in touch with. Meeting kindred spirits along our road trip journey has been a gift I cherish deeply; a gift that truly adds to the beautiful memories we make along the way. I included more pictures than usual of this home because we spent an unusual amount of time being home. This lakehouse served us well and met all our needs as a restful, relaxing retreat to reenergize. Unexpectedly, this may be one of our favorite road trip home rentals since we unwound, sipped on hot chocolates by the fire, played family games, and engaged in a ton of cooking and baking like nowhere else on this trip. Cooking Oh how much cooking and baking took place in this Idaho kitchen! With two fireplaces going, and panoramic snowy white landscapes, all we could think about is food. Since cooking is one of my favorite hobbies, I enjoyed more than ever preparing countless meals in our gorgeous surroundings. Most cities we have visited offered Instacart delivery making grocery shopping super convenient. There were only a couple of places we visited, like St. George and Gold Beach, that did not provide this service. I was surprised that a small town like Coeur D'Alene would have grocery delivery. With the snowy and rainy weather, the delivery service made our culinary lives that much easier. It's so true that winter naturally packs on the pounds. For the first time, I have welcomed them on my body knowing they are not just a result of sustenance, they are now here to keep my body warm and my palate pleased while also preparing my body for the colder temperatures that lie ahead as we sfurther venture into winter destinations. One of the many aspects I am most grateful for during our road trip is the opportunity to share hundreds of meals with my family over the past several months. Never would it have been an option in our lives to sit at a table together to share multiple meals a day. I cherish all the moments we shared huddled around a table, chewing, conversating, and just spending as much time together as possible. Nikko Some of our favorite memories in Idaho were comprised of the unpredictable times Nikko would show up at our door. As soon as we heard his bark declaring that he has arrived we all ran to the door welcoming him in to shower him with love and snacks. We have no idea who this collared dog belongs to or where he came from but we have made so many wonderful memories around his visits. Each day we awaited his arrival with much anticipation and were disappointed when he did not make an appearance. We found ourselves wondering a lot about the life of this sweet dog but mostly we found ourselves wondering if he would show up on our door on a given day. When he did come by we were all just smitten by his presence. It's funny how when you're on the road for months on end moving around at a swift pace that staying put for just sixteen days feels like an eternity. I appreciated the needed downtime but I admit, I am itching to get back on the road to continue our explorations of this magical country. If it were up to me, I would move through cities at a quicker pace or if we hunker down for longer, I need warmer weather and more sun. Although I enjoyed the cooking, baking, reading, and captivating landscapes out our windows, I am clearly not a homebody. Through this road trip, I have discovered how adventurous I really am and how much I truly crave discovering new places and connecting with nature; all new realizations I would have never learned about myself had we just stayed back in New York City. I mean, really, who would have ever, ever thought we'd end up in Idaho for two weeks? Once you get a taste of what is available, it is hard to pass on the opportunities to devour more experiences. There is no way to know what is available though without getting out there. Thank you, Idaho for teaching us how much more you have to offer than just potatoes.