I totally messed up on this leg of the road trip by booking only a one-night stay in this incredible city. Coming from New York City, I am a bit of a city snob and tend to zip through other cities never expecting any to have more to offer than the city I come from. Boy was I wrong with Chicago. This may be arguably the best city in the United States (minus the winter season that is). The city is quite large with many neighborhoods to explore, holds the title for one of the most creative food scenes in the country, is extremely clean and well-kept, and has an incredible energy that keeps visitors outdoors as much as possible. Oh wait, and how can I forget to mention, it is situated along an entire stretch of the most aqua waters and beaches; real beaches with sand and everything! Now, that is my idea of perfection - the combination of a thriving city with a beach! The East River in New York City can't even begin to compete with the vast, blue waters of Lake Michigan in this part of the country. Had I known how awesome Chicago is, I would have totally booked a few more nights here. Learn from my mistake and make sure you allow yourself at least three nights to become more intimate with this utopic city. Here's what our twenty-hour itinerary looked like. I am quite impressed by how much we fit in! Walk the city, wear comfortable shoes! In a jiffy, our initial walking tour looked like this * this is about five hours of walking time* Navy Pier Lake Front Trail along the Gold Coast and further Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool Oz Park Old Town (stop at Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream on way to next stop) Maginifect Mile Millennium Park- The Bean Chicago River Walk We started our journey at Navy Pier, a three-thousand-foot long pier along Lake Michigan bustling with people strolling along to enjoy the views, grabbing a drink at one of the several outdoor bars, or riding the Ferris wheel which is a staple in the city skyline. From there we continued along the well-paved water promenade on the Lake Front Trail which spans eighteen miles of waterfront lanes for cyclists, joggers, and nature lovers to enjoy breathtaking views of the lake. The lanes are wide, leaving plenty of room for all types of commuters who soak in the spectacular vistas of the crystal waters on their route. We continued our walk into the Gold Coast, one of the more affluent neighborhoods in the city, with stately homes and towering skyrises. If you're up for additional walking, cross over into the neighborhood to soak in its vibe by walking through the streets. This neighborhood offers plenty of stunning architectural landmarks, notable restaurants, and high-end shopping. Once you are back on Lake Front Trail, make sure to take a moment to pause at Oak Street Beach, in the heart of the Gold Coast, which is a gorgeous part of the coast with ample sand and waters that are reminiscent of the Caribbean. We continued walking along the trail for approximately another two miles reveling at the pristine body of water, adventurous swimmers, sunbathers, volleyball players, and all the locals who get to enjoy a spectacular city AND a sea simultaneously! From Lake Front Trail we crossed over to the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, a beautiful three-acre enclave lavishly landscaped in the middle of the city. The stone steps, wild-flower-filled trails, animal life, and a pond overtaken with lilies all offer a perfect retrieve from city life. We had ambitious goals to head over to Oz Park from here and then cross down to Old Town along Wells Street, then to Jeni's Splendid Ice-Cream, and then ultimately over to Magnificent Mile but honestly, our feet were sore by now so we Ubered our way down to Millenium Park instead. This park is a magnificent urban oasis with the most striking amphitheater and of course, the iconic "Bean" that draws thousands of people each day. When we arrived at the park on a Tuesday afternoon in July, The Chicago Symphony Orchestra was rehearsing and visitors were treated to a free concert! Oddly, there were only a handful of audience members while just a few feet over at "The Bean" hundreds were waiting to take the perfect Instagram capture of the pretty awesome sculpture. A short walk from Millenium Park will take you to The Chicago Riverwalk, a scenic stroll along the bright green waters of The Chicago River. Make sure to grab a great shot over the De Sable Bridge which incidentally shakes vehemently with each truck that drives by! Where to Stay: The Peninsula Hotel is the ultimate hotel for luxurious accommodations, comfort, and a superb location in the River North section of the city with easy access to many of Chicago's most desirable sites. The hotel exudes glamourous vacationing with doting staff, enormous attention to detail, and rooms refitted with the most modern touches available. They even delivered the most delicious selection of treats prepared by their pastry chef to welcome our children. This place thinks of it all. Our stay here was perfect and my only complaint is that we didn't stay long enough. Where to Eat: Breakfast: Beatrix This local's favorite offers a healthy selection of breakfast items, including fresh-pressed juices, in a trendy environment that will keep you sipping your green juice as slowly as you possibly can. The restaurant opens early allowing eager tourists like me to start their day bright and early to soak in as much of the city as possible! The food here is fresh, delicious, and just what you'll need to start your day! We opted for a selection of juices: blueberry juice with white grape and basil; mango, orange, and pineapple nectar; pineapple yuzu lemonade. For our meal we noshed on the Greek yogurt and berries; avocado and jalapeno toast topped with radish and crispy quinoa; egg white sandwich with shishito peppers, jalapenos, organic kale, and spinach. Everything was beyond delicious. Lunch: Giordano's You can't leave Chicago without trying Giordano's famous stuffed deep-dish pizza. This is a pie like no other and will absolutely knock your socks off. The cheese is baked into the crust and topped with a homemade marinara sauce for an explosive pizza-eating experience. For $10.99 you can get your own personalized deep dish pizza with a side dish. Now that's a deep steal! Dinner: Galit I spent a lot of time researching where we should eat for our only dinner while in Chicago and am happy to share that all my hard work paid off. Galit offers a four-course Prix-fix menu for $65 per person that will take you on a culinary ride of innovative Middle Eastern flavors and ingredients that blows even the best restaurants in Tel Aviv out of the park. We haven't eaten Israeli food this good since our travels to Israel. Our dining experience was comprised of non-stop delivery of large portions of typical Israeli dishes with a unique twist. We ate too many decadent dishes to list here but trust me when I tell you every bite was sensational. In my opinion, you don't want to miss an opportunity to eat here when in town. I didn't have many expectations of Chicago. Had I known how impressive the city is, how much it offers, and how much fun it is to walk around here, I would have booked a longer stay. I have booked over nine and a half months' worth of traveling throughout the United States and have made very few decisions that I regret in my planning. Not staying longer in Chicago is one of them.

Grand Haven captures everything I have ever dreamt of when I catch myself longing for summer. This quintessential lake town is a dream destination for those who want to relive those summer days of childhood. The sun does not set until 9:30 pm leaving ample time for endless bike rides along the water, lazy strolls down Main Street for some window shopping, lingering in restaurant patios enjoying live music, and dipping your feet in Lake Michigan to cool down. I absolutely love this little escape on the west side of Michigan and hope to convince you to get out of your city, head over to this lake town, and spend some of your best summer moments here soon too. Below are my top ten things to do during two glorious nights in Grand Haven, MI. 1. Rent Bikes and Ride Them Everywhere: Bike lanes abound throughout this small town and are the best way, in my opinion, to get around. During the few sections where the bike lanes come to an end, bicyclists are permitted to ride on the sidewalk allowing for a super safe ride at all times. Our bed & breakfast share their cruisers with their guests. However, there are several companies to rent bikes from during your stay. Rent your bike(s) so that you can hop on and off as you wish, which will be often as there are so many breathtaking views that you'll want to spend a few moments with as you get lost in your thoughts. 2. Head Over to Grand Haven South Pier & Lighthouse: The two red lighthouses on the pier were established in 1839. Nearly two hundred years later you'll find locals and tourists meandering along the pier enjoying the vast views of Lake Michigan. Teens huddle in groups as they egg each other on to jump into the rather cold water, bikes zip up and down the long walkway, and revelers of nature sit still and stare into the wonders of our beautiful planet. The pier is pure summer bundled into 1,500 feet of bliss. 3. Stroll Through Downtown's Washington Avenue: This Main Street of Grand Haven is lined with quaint shops, some dating back to over one hundred years. Washington Avenue is the epitome of a small, American town with big offerings. There are several retail shops, many restaurants, and of course the ubiquitous ice-cream and candy shops that sweeten any summer stroll. Downtown is just a few steps away from the boardwalk so make sure to make your way over there as well for a lovely walk along the waterfront. 4. Explore Ann Arbor, MI: Home to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor is well-worth the two-hour and fifteen-minute drive from Grand Haven. Ideally, you make a stop in Ann Arbor on your way to Grand Haven if you're heading over from the east coast. But even if it is out of your way, it's worth the drive to spend the afternoon! This adorable university town offers eclectic shops, cafes, and many vegan dining options. State Street houses many of the university's campus buildings and Main Street is pedestrian-friendly for those wishing to absorb the local vibe fully. Zingerman's Deli is probably the biggest draw here. I never imagined that I would have to leave New York City to find the best Jewish deli in the USA. This delicatessen is insane and whips up the most innovative and delicious sandwiches, all served with a crunchy, homemade pickle that completes a perfect meal. I opted for the "Lila & Izzie's Skokie Skidoo" stuffed with Swiss Emmental cheese, coleslaw, & lots of Russian dressing on grilled farm bread. OMG. I would drive to Ann Arbor from anywhere in the country just for this sandwich. 5. Ride on the 11-Mile Loop Trail Along Spring Lake: Biking enthusiasts will just love the trail around Spring Lake. It is well-marked and paved for the entire eleven-mile loop. Cycling through also offers a glimpse into the lake-side living in this part of Michigan. You'll ride through colossal homes that line the water, and through more humble neighborhoods too. You'll capture the patriotic pride that shines through as most homes proudly display an American flag. You'll find yourself saying "hello" to every single person that you encounter because every one of them will warmly greet you first. Of course, you'll also get to enjoy some time with nature as you ride over Spring Lake, along marshes, and through heavily dense vegetation as well. There is no better way to get a feel for a town than to ride right through it! 6. Take a Hike in North Beach Park: You'll be greeted by lots of sand on this never-ending stretch of sea, I mean lake. I have to keep reminding myself that Lake Michigan is not an ocean. It is hard to not continuously mistaken it for an ocean when the lake appears to be equally never-ending! North Beach Park is a beautiful place to settle for the day for some fun in the sun and a dip in the clear waters of the lake. Or, if you're like me and don't particularly love frigid water temperatures, take the nearby dune hike instead. This easy and short hike up wooden stairs offers beautiful perspectives of the dunes below and the mammoth body of water ahead. 7. Soak in Some History in Muskegon Just a 17-minute drive from Grand Haven will transport you to Muskegon, a lumber town that thrived in the mid-1800s and has remained beautifully preserved ever since. The streets are lined with historic buildings that are woven through newer structures along with many art sculptures and gardens. Follow the Hackley Heritage Trail that honors Charles Huckley who built Muskegon's first schools, churches, hospitals, and parks. He is honored throughout the square and his home remains proudly erect in pristine condition. Learning about Hackley's history and influence will inspire pretty much anyone who takes the time to learn about how one man's vision made quite a mark. 8. Spend an Evening in Holland: You won't be needing your passport for this Dutch-influenced town on the west coast of Michigan. Holland has three components to it: Windmill Island, Dutch Village, and Downtown Holland. Windmill Island is an adorable tiny replica of Holland with a couple of windmills and loads of tulips. There is a small path to meander along and enjoy some fun photo opportunities. Dutch Village was unfortunately closed when we arrived. Picture it as a mini- Dutch theme park with some Dutch architecture, retail shops stocked with clogs in every color, Dutch bakeries, and even some small rides for the younger children in tow. Downtown Holland reminded us all of Main Street in East Hampton, NY lined with upscale shops in quaint storefronts along pristine sidewalks. It's truly a beautiful part of town worth exploring, shopping, and grabbing some bites while visiting. We spent the majority of our time in this part of Holland. While in Downtown Holland make sure to stop in Holland Peanut Store, a local favorite for one hundred and fifteen years, to satiate your sweet tooth. The candy shop is filled with all your favorite childhood candies along with homemade confections. The dark chocolate sea salt caramel square I bought melted in my mouth. If you have an uncontrollable need to stop in every candy store and ice-cream shop that you pass by as I do, then also make sure to check out Peach Wave Frozen Yogurt and Gelato as well (also located in Downtown Holland). In this dreamy frozen yogurt shop, you get to self-serve your flavors and toppings to your heart's (and stomach's) desire. My idea of a perfect summer evening is exploring small coastal towns with ice cream in hand and no cares in the world. You'll find these easy, breezy moments in Holland, MI. 9. Stay at Bella Mia Bed & Breakfast: To fully absorb Grand Haven's charm I decided to book us a stay at a Bed & Breakfast. I am thrilled with my decision to book Bella Mia in Spring Lake, just four miles outside of downtown Grand Haven. The property is lovely with every detail attended to. Waking up to the chirps of birds, sipping coffee on the patio overlooking the garden, and starting our day with a scrumptious breakfast is my idea of heaven. The owner has bikes for guests to use, which we took full advantage of each day that we stayed. I also love the location of the property as it is an easy bike ride to Grand Haven but also is on the eleven-mile bike trail that loops around Silver Lake. There are only five guest rooms on the property ensuring ultimate privacy and comfort. Nicole, the hostess, is incredibly helpful and accomodating ensuring a perfect stay throughout. Staying here really enhanced our experience while visiting the area. 10. Eat your little hearts out: Surprisingly the food is quite good in the area (OK, maybe not great by New York City standards but let's just say better than I expected). There are plenty of solid options to choose from but keep in mind that most restaurants are closed on Sundays and Mondays and many do not accept reservations. When you plan your evening plan to arrive at your dining destination early to snatch a seat before the typical dinner crowd arrives. The Kirby House I was nervous about eating here because the dining establishment has low ratings from patrons. However, the hostess of our Bed & Breakfast recommended it so we gave it a shot and really enjoyed our visit here. The outdoor patio was packed with guests swaying along with the live music and breeze (the evenings here boast perfect temperatures). The food was quite good- I especially loved my Jerked Salmon Salad Bowl. The Kirby House is right off the boardwalk and on Washington Avenue making for an ideal location. I can confidently recommend this restaurant as a fun place for a meal in the area. Kilwins Located on Washington Avenue, you can smell the homemade waffle cones from hundreds of feet away. Not only does Kilwin's make delicious flavors to enjoy your summer scoops, but they also make a variety of chocolate confections that pleases all chocoholics, including myself. Righteous Cuisine Known for serving Mexican cuisine with a twist, Righteous Cuisine is a local favorite. This down-to-earth eatery mainly serves take-out but does offer a couple of outdoor dining tables that fill up fast. The staff was laid back in the nicest way possible and the food definitely has a unique flare to it. For example, our nachos were comprised of queso sauce, pinto beans, pico de gallo, ancho BBQ sauce, avocado mayo, and chipotle crema (it's not often that you see BBQ sauce on your nachos, but the flavors worked perfectly!). Also, my "wet burrito" surprised me when I bit into crispy potatoes that added to the delicious overall taste of my dish. This is a great lunch option in Grand Haven especially on a Monday when most restaurants tend to take the day off. Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant (Holland) You can't beat the views at Boatwerks. This waterfront restaurant has a gigantic outdoor patio right on the water with the most stunning views. Their salads are incredible as well. We couldn't get enough of the fresh ingredient combinations in each of the three salad dishes that we ordered. Does it get any better than a healthy meal along the water with people you love? When in Holland make sure to make your way to this lovely spot. We could have easily spent at least another two nights in Grand Haven. There are tons to discover in the town as well as surrounding areas. This "coastal" city is truly magnificent and allows for making many wonderful summer moments. If you have an extra night or two to spare then add them to your visit. Otherwise, two nights is pretty perfect too and will leave you with that lovely taste in your mouth of wanting to come back one day for more magic.

We hit Cleveland in a tizzy and stormed through the small downtown area engaging with as many sights and activities that could possibly be fit into a short, one-night stay. Take a look below at my suggestions that will guide you through a quick visit to The Forest City. Walk Through the Downtown Area - Quite frankly, we were a little underwhelmed by the city's downtown area. During our visit, it was extremely desolate, completely closed down on a Saturday, and had some interesting characters roaming its streets. Surprisingly, we walked over three miles in search of a coffee shop with none to be found! The architecture isn't the most attractive either. However, we did enjoy perusing the streets which led us to some of the fun attractions that I have listed below. Also, keep in mind that there are lovely stretches of promenades along Lake Erie that offer expansive views of this massive body of water. There is some charm to be enjoyed here, despite the fact that it may not be so obvious at first glance. Check Out The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame- This museum is one of Cleveland's most popular attractions. The Rock Hall is a massive collection of memorabilia from all of rock and roll's greatest legends. We were very impressed with the layout and compilation of anything from wardrobe pieces to handwritten letters that represent the lives of some of the most influential musicians in history. Adding to the fun, "The Garage" is a hands-on section of the museum inviting visitors to jam with the plentiful instruments provided to bring out the musicians in everyone. A visit here is definitely a must while in the area. Hop Over to Trendy Tremont- Just a seven-minute drive from downtown lies a tiny little neighborhood called Tremont which has quaint shops and several lively restaurants. Unlike downtown, there were loads of people out in this part of Cleveland enjoying the summer evening. We made reservations at Dante's, run by Cleveland's only Michelin-starred chef. While this restaurant would never pass as one run by a chef with a Michelin star in foodie cities like San Fransisco or New York City, the presentation of the food is lovely and so is the professional service. If you're looking for an upscale meal in Cleveland, I don't think you'll find anything better than Dante's but that doesn't mean the food is excellent per se. Watch a Baseball Game Along With a Sunset- If you can, snatch some tickets to an Indians' game at Progressive Field. The stadium is absolutely beautiful. Coupled with the crowd's energy and stunning sunset, this will be the highlight of your visit to Cleveland. Watching the Indians play against the Royals in this epic setting converted me into a baseball fall! Stay at a Swanky Hotel- If you're looking to stay in Downtown, consider The Metropolitan at the 9, Autograph Collection. The hotel is within walking distance to all of the attractions I listed above, has a very popular roof-top bar, and provides its guests with very spacious suites. My favorite feature of the hotel is the extra-large, well-stocked gym and a fully equipped pilates studio. Finally, the lobby houses a delicious restaurant, Adega, which serves brunch on the weekends. Be prepared for large crowds. The hotel was operating at full capacity during our stay. Our visit was short and sweet. We found Clevelanders to be very sweet with quirky personalities. For a city, the pace is rather chill. I am not convinced that Cleveland is a tourist destination. However, if you do find yourself passing through downtown, you'll find yourself enjoying the area and ready to leave quickly thereafter. In my well-traveled opinion, twenty-four hours is more than enough time in this part of the city.

Our last three months living in New York as locals were spent revisiting our favorite restaurants while also discovering new ones. We truly lived each and every one of our last days as New Yorkers with a new lens; a deeper appreciation for all that this vibrant city offers and a refreshed perspective of profound gratitude for all the memories we made here over the last twenty-three years. For the past few months, I was on a mission to revisit all of my absolute favorite spots in the city while also finding some new gems. Below I have compiled my personal "Best of NYC restaurants". Keep in mind that I focused on places I have visited repeatedly over the last two decades and made sure to visit at least one more time before leaving. Places like Masa, Per Se, and all those Michelin-starred restaurants are not included on this list. There are endless restaurants that are beyond incredible in New York City that are not on this list. This list is simply mostly a collection of my personal favorites that I have frequented often and that I will miss dearly. Gemma (NoHo) We have countless wonderful memories at this NoHo institution. Fourteen years ago we lived a couple of blocks from Gemma at The Bowery Hotel and would regularly make visits here for brunch. We frequented so often that we became great friends with the General Manager, Karim, who ultimately moved to Toronto. We visited Karim in Canada during the great solar eclipse of summer 2016. This restaurant not only delivers consistently delicious Italian food and celebrity sightings, but we also made a friend here who watched our children grow up over many years. I loved this spot so much that I use to fantasize about naming our not-yet-born daughter Gemma. Incidentally, we were eventually blessed with a daughter and decided against naming her after our favorite local restaurant. Regardless, she too became a regular customer. El Vez (Battery Park) I won't even attempt to count the number of times we have dined at El Vez. We have visited dozens of times for Sunday brunch with our family and dozens of times with friends for dinner and drinks. In fact, we have eaten here so often that our boys are quite sick of this restaurant and balk at any suggestion to dine here. Personally, I could never get enough of their delicious margaritas and likely the best vegetarian nachos you will find anywhere on the planet. Rosie's (East Village) Rosie's is another one of my go-to Mexican spots in Manhattan. Their Rosie's Margarita is an unbeatable smoky and spicy concoction of perfection. The cocktails served at Rosie's coupled with their homemade tortilla chips are pure bliss. This is the kind of place you order a pitcher with your pals on the patio, kick back, people watch, and enjoy life. Gigino at Wagner Park (Battery Park) If you're looking for a gorgeous view, a large grassy field where your kids can run around while you have an attempt at an uninterrupted grown-up conversation, and an unsurpassable sunset, Gigino is your place. They have a huge outdoor seating area, an extensive wine menu, and pretty good Italian food too. The real draw here is the view and the outdoor space where young children can run around freely in the midst of the city. I always feel like I'm on vacation when I dine here even though it's just a five-minute walk from my apartment. Gitano, Garden of Love (SoHo) You'd never know that within the wooden construction slabs that encase this restaurant lies a taste of Tulum complete with palm trees, sand, cushioned sofas, blaring music, and even a disco ball. The instant warm weather hits I always think "make a reservation at Gitano!"The vibe is very scene-y with a bouncer at the entrance and modelesque hosts and hostesses who escort guests to their tables. Despite the man at the door and the bounding models, there is an awesome casual vibe that permeates the cool space. This is the kind of place that you hunker down and linger at for as long as you wish under a palm tree with a cocktail in hand and not an inkling of stress entering your mind. Gitano is the ultimate urban oasis. Sadelle's (SoHo) There is no better place in the world to devour freshly made bagels with deli favorites like salmon, egg salad, tuna salad, etc. I won't even attempt to figure out how many times I have dined at Sadelle's. Although I love to frequent the establishment for breakfast or brunch I am also extremely impressed by how they transform for dinner service when they light up the restaurant with candles and serve outstanding Russian-inspired food. Day or night, I just adore this place. We even made sure to make reservations at their Las Vegas establishment while we were in town although sadly, they don't serve the "Sadelle's Tower" at that location. Order the tower and find yourself newly impressed by how many bagels you are actually capable of eating. Balthazar (SoHo) I have been a customer here for over a decade. We use to live nearby and I would stop in regularly for lattes and a pain au chocolate to kick off my day. My family would also visit often for brunch while we were living in the neighborhood. Once we moved out of NoHo we found ourselves craving for their delicious brunches and continued to patronize this wonderful French bistro. Balthazar consistently delivers a delicious brunch in a lively atmosphere with great service. Pastis (Meatpacking District) Another wonderful brunch spot, also French, also a favorite. Despite its popularity, Pastis struggled over the years and even closed down for a while. New Yorkers were thrilled to hear that the restaurant was coming back to the city. I was surely one of those celebrating their comeback. I've always loved the authentic French bistro vibe here and the innovative menu (where else where you find a heart of palm salad with artichokes and olives?). Its Meatpacking district location makes for a prime afternoon of brunching, shopping, and soaking some art at the nearby Whitney Museum. Lafayette (NoHo) Ok. I am noticing a pattern here that I actually have never noticed before- the Frenchies steal my palate for brunch spots! Lafayette is yet another favorite brunch destination of mine that also happens to offer French cuisine. Most notably they bake a coconut, banana, chocolate croissant that should totally be illegal because it is so addictive. The interior design here is super cute, the food is delicious, and there is always a fun crowd. Ladurée (SoHo) By now we have established that the French certainly win my heart for the best breakfasts/brunches in New York City. Ladurée holds an especially special place in my heart because our middle son and I use to visit this delicious restaurant weekly while we waited for his sister to finish her gymnastics class. We would load up on their scrumptious macarons accompanied by dreamy cups of hot chocolates. We have also celebrated Mother's Day here and I have equally great memories of catching up with my girlfriends at this elegant eatery. Each visit is consistently très magnifique. The Fulton (Seaport District) There was no turning back once The Fulton opened within walking distance from our apartment. I just love this place for so many reasons. The cocktails are always spot on. The views are unbeatable. The seafood is so fresh and the various preparation of the dishes are always perfect. I have come here with girlfriends, or with my husband for a date night, and even with my kids. This restaurant can easily be one of the best seafood restaurants in Manhattan. I will miss having it in my backyard dearly. Liberty Bistro (Battery Park) Whether you have a business meeting, a date with a pal, a need for some solo time with an epic view, or a nice lunch with the fam, Liberty Bistro will not disappoint. Both their outdoor space and indoor space are stunning, making this a year-round destination for me. The indoor vibe is very "Havana/Miami" while the outdoors feels like you are dining in a Provence garden. Khe-Yo (Tribeca) When my friend introduced me to this place years ago, I had no idea what to expect. Laotian food was not in my dining repertoire and boy was I happy to have welcomed it into my life. For those of you who have never eaten Laotian food, Khe-Yo is a great start. This award-winning restaurant is a great meeting spot for lunch or dinner, although it is a lot more lively in the evening. The food is always fresh, always spicy, and always incredibly delicious. Crown Shy (FiDi) It's hard to leave a neighborhood that overflows with incredible food options within walking distance. Crown Shy is the crown of the Financial District and delivers impeccably prepared American food consistently. Their menu changes seasonally and offers a wide range of veggie, seafood, and meat dishes with innovative twists that keep me coming back for more. Their cocktails are equally outstanding and extremely creative. Expect an exemplary meal here every visit. Rosemary's (West Village) I have so many wonderful memories at Rosemary's and many of them are of the incredible meals I have experienced here. The Italian restaurant serves seasonal ingredients that grow right on their rooftop garden! The plates are small and perfect for sharing. Also, those who enjoy eating a vegetarian diet, have tons of options here. This place is fun, lively, and consistent. Molly's Cupcakes (West Village) Would you believe me if I told you I have likely downed one hundred or so cupcakes here? Ok, so they were minis, but I would definitely put money on the fact that I have eaten at least one hundred of these precious cupcakes at Molly's. My three children use to attend a school across the street and we would make regular visits to Molly's after school. When the kids were younger, they just loved the idea of customizing their cupcake and icing flavor combination, created on the spot. Even more so, the self-serve sprinkles bar was their idea of heaven. We would enjoy a mini-cupcake doused in sprinkles while playing one of the many board games at the shop. Even now that our children have grown, they still love making visits to this cupcake shop that was a big part of their childhood. Fraunces Tavern (FiDi) This bar is housed in one of the oldest surviving buildings in Manhattan where George Washington gave a commemorated speech to his soldiers during the American Revolution. My husband and I are obsessed with this bar, but not the main, loud, frat-house-like part of the bar. Instead, we aim to snatch one of the two tables in the tiny whiskey bar that leads to the main area. During the winter, the two tables, equipped with leather armchairs, are split by a roaring fireplace. The drink menu has a very impressive collection of whiskey and the bartenders always serve a generous pour. The ambiance is masculine, sexy, and irresistible. Fraunces Tavern's Whiskey Bar is one of NYC's best-kept secrets. Dead Rabbit (FiDi) How lucky am I to have "The World's Best Bar" just one block away from my apartment? Dead Rabbit is no joke. The mixologists here take their jobs very seriously. The drink menu is a hardcovered book with over fifty pages of cocktail options grouped by alcohol types. The first floor is a more casual taproom with draft beer and food. However, it's The Parlor Room that has captivated me all these years. Intimate, romantic, and where all the mixology magic takes place, you'll want a seat on the second floor. Luckily, Dead Rabbit started accepting reservations recently. Beforehand it was walk-in only with average wait times of over one hour. Fortunately, I made friends with the awesome staff who always saved me a table for me and my guests. This is absolutely my favorite bar in Manhattan and where we always take out-of-town guests for a nightcap. The Lovelace (FiDi) As I write this article, I want to pinch myself! How am I leaving a neighborhood that has all my favorite New York City bars? I can literally walk to all three of the listed bars in under two minutes. The Lovelace is a swanky bar with a prohibition-era vibe. On specific days they have live music which really sets the tone for a perfect night out. Their old-fashioned is one of the best you'll ever sip, the staff has always greeted us so warmly, and I will just miss this place so much! The Beekman Hotel (FiDi) I am kind of obsessed with The Beekman Hotel since its inception. This trendy hotel boasts a super stylish lounge, The Bar Room, that I have visited on countless occasions. Couches flood the dimly lit space that sits below a stunning atrium in the historic building. We have also eaten at the hotel's restaurant, Temple Court, and enjoyed some wonderful nights in the lower level Alley Cat for late-night drinks. I love this hotel so much that I've even booked staycations here, most notably with my daughter where we had an unforgettable pillow fight in their beautifully designed rooms. There are lots of memories waiting to be made here, most of mine were made right in the center of the hotel at The Bar Room. Harriet's Roof Top Just over the Brooklyn Bridge, in DUMBO, lies the most incredible rooftop bar in New York City. Harriet's Roof Top, at The 1 Hotel, is my ultimate favorite place for magnificent views and great vibes. While their food is "ok", their cocktails are usually spot on but really who cares what anything tastes like with views this great? There is always music pumping, a fashionable crowd of visitors, a beautiful breeze, and all the ingredients you'll need to fall madly in love with NYC. Everyone knows that New York City has a plethora of bars and restaurants to choose from. New things open up regularly. My husband and I go out for dinner often and I don't think we have even made a dent in the restaurant scene over the twenty-three years' worth of dining we enjoyed here. One of the best qualities of this city is the endless excellent options for everything you desire. Especially when it comes to cuisine. Before moving out of the city, we not only wanted to revisit our favorite spots but we also wanted to make sure to discover some new ones. Below are the best restaurant discoveries we made before bowing out. Luthun (Union Square) Each dish served from the tasting menu at Luthun is exceptional The chefs are true culinary geniuses who have masterfully captured brilliant combinations of ingredients that are executed as works of art. I couldn't stop photographing my food while fighting the guilty feelings of destroying the artistic creations before me. Everyone at the table literally oohed and aahed with each bite. I left not only extremely satisfied but also inspired. Everyone needs to dine here once in their life. Add Luthun to your bucket list. Now. The Vestry (SoHo) This seafood restaurant is new to the food scene and I am certain it will quickly become a New York City sensation. The indoor space replicates a ski-lodge feel with faux fur covers draped over the chairs. The service is very formal with a very attentive staff doting on your every need. They seemed to still be working out the kinks when we visited as it took over two and a half hours to get through our meal, the kitchen and bar moved at an unbearably slow pace. Apologies and a free round of drinks by management made up for the long delays but honestly, the food is so superb it was hard to be mad at all. We ordered nine dishes off Vestry's menu and were blown away with each bite that was purposefully built to be packed with freshness, creativity, color, and innovative ingredient combination. I am grateful to have had an opportunity to dine here before leaving the city. Miznon (Hudson Yards) Eyal Shani is one of my all-time favorite chefs. Some of my most memorable dining experiences have been in his Tel Aviv restaurants. Port Said, North Abraxas, and HaSalon are highlights of our travels in Israel so when the famous chef opened up Miznon right here in Manhattan, I jumped on the opportunity to check it out! Except, sadly, the Chelsea Market location was always packed, with a long line that I refused to wait in. I almost gave up until I learned that another Miznon location opened in Hudson Yards which is way less crowded. There are no ordinary pita sandwiches served at this eatery and each concoction is totally worth the hype and raving reviews. I couldn't leave NYC without hitting this place at least once and I am so glad we made it happen. Miznon has ruined my chance of ever enjoying a pita sandwich elsewhere ever again. Frevo (West Village) Yet another welcomed addition to the New York food scene, Frevo offers a theatrical experience from the moment patrons enter. Guests arrive at an art gallery and are escorted to a large painting that serves as a hidden door that leads into the small and intimate restaurant. The kitchen serves an eclectic six-course tasting menu with seasonal ingredients, powerful presentations, and the ultimate results in flavor. Olio e Piu (West Village) I truly wish I discovered this place sooner. I stumbled upon it when we strolled through the neighborhood and I was immediately captivated by its lively porch in the middle of a beautiful garden setting. If we continued living in NYC, I know this is the kind of place we would return to again and again. The Italian menu delivers a delicious brunch in a vibrant setting. On a clear, sunny day, Olio e Piu is one of those places where you'll find yourself having a "real New York moment". Restoration Hardware Rooftop I also wish that I discovered this gorgeous rooftop restaurant sooner as this too would be a place I would revisit again and again. The décor is stunning, the food is quite good, and the outdoor roof deck boasts gorgeous views of the city. Restoration Hardware Rooftop does an outstanding job with this new venue concept. I'm crossing my fingers that they open up a rooftop restaurant in their San Diego location. They can count me in as a lunch regular if they do. Let me know if you check any of these restaurants out and how your experience goes. I'd love any opportunity to discuss my old and new favorite restaurants in New York City. In fact, I'd love any chance to speak about the place I called home for over two decades.

If I could revisit a time in my life, 2010 would be the exact year I'd blast back to. If scientists have already proven that time can bend, why is it so hard for them to figure out how to twist it in a way that transports us back to those moments of our past that we yearn for most? In 2010 I just gave birth to our daughter. That year I became the mother of three children under the age of four. I had two boys and one girl. My life was pretty perfect in 2010. In that very year, I experienced a sense of fulfillment that came with motherhood that has been difficult to recreate, especially as our children continue to grow at record-breaking paces, leaving me distraught and anxious by the realization that one day soon they will be leaving the nest. In 2010 we also moved into our current apartment. Since then, the memories have just flooded through its walls and permeated the air. As I watch old videos of our kids lately, perhaps an unhealthy new obsession, I watch their radiant faces and listen to their kiddie accents and I want so badly to reach into the screen and hold them so tightly that I gasp in pain from the harsh reality that I will never have those days again. Don't get me wrong, these days are equally incredible. In fact, every single stage of their childhood has been a blessing full of magical memories. It's just that as they have grown, an unwanted internal clock has been planted into my brain counting down the days before they leave us. How can they ever leave us? Our two boys, who in 2010 were tiny little people, now tower over me. Their feet have gotten so enormous, providing clues into how much more growing awaits them. Our middle son who once playfully boasted about "going to hugging school" to explain where he learned all his mushiness and mastery of cuddles, now barely wants to be touched. Just last June I was still tucking him into bed, hugging him closely under the blankets as we shared secrets and as I sang him our usual bedtime lullabies. Suddenly, over the past few months, hugs are no longer enjoyable to the boy who hugged me the most. With his new height came many new changes, one of them the demise of cuddles in bed. I would be totally fine with these natural changes if they did not serve as constant reminders that our kids are moving into adulthood which in my mind means, leaving home. I can't fathom living without them in my daily life. I fear that I will die of a broken heart when we have an empty nest. I'm not being dramatic. I actually fear this will be my cause of death. Many parents eagerly await the moment their kids leave the house so that they can begin to enjoy life as a couple. I, on the other hand, always enjoyed my life with my kids and my husband. Having them by my side through every vacation, every adventure, every celebration is what made my life so incredibly satisfying. From their first days of birth, we have practically done everything together. Since the pandemic, we have been inseparable. They are my joy, my life, my purpose, and when our children leave, what will I have left? Motherhood is my greatest accomplishment. I was born to parent and raise children. It is a calling that I've always had and a journey that I have savored each and every step of the way. Our children have been my best friends, travel partners, teachers, and mostly my mirror. They have taught me endless lessons about myself, highlighting my strengths and mainly my weaknesses. They have also taught me to love deeply, intensely, and selflessly. I am beyond proud of who they have become. They are wonderful young adults with who I cherish spending my time with. Anyone who knows me knows that they are always by my side. I genuinely love anchoring my moments with them more than anyone else in my life (well, besides my husband who I adore too). They are fun, funny, honest (often harshly so), interesting, inspiring, ambitious, kind, loyal, compassionate, and offer me the boosts I need in my daily life. But they won't stop growing. And that means they will be leaving us soon. That's when I will begin to die a slow and painful death. I know my heart can't bear the lack of their regular presence. I cannot make sense of the difficult truth that one day soon they won't be running in and out of the kitchen and chatting away with us regularly at the dining room table. It seems so unfair! A cruel joke, really. To have them and love them and immerse every ounce of myself into every second of every moment for the past eighteen years of their lives and then off they go! Then what? For them, I pray that all their dreams come true. I wish for them that they marry someone who loves them as much as my husband and I love each other and as much as we both loved them. I dream that they experience many adventures and laughter and joy. I imagine they live free from societal constrictions and oblivious to the judgements others will want to impose on them. But what does my future look like? I'll be the one crying on the couch waiting for my phone to ring just to hear their voice. It's been three days of non-stop crying. Perhaps the nerves of moving are beginning to kick in. Maybe I shouldn't be watching so many old videos of the past. I can't help myself though. 2010 was the beginning of the most magnificent moments in my life. I continue to be pretty darn happy in 2021. Actually, I'll time warp back to any of the years in between. I just dread 2024, 2026, 2028 which will be the years I slowly start to collapse as the best years of my life come to a halt. I'll be forced to convince myself, by the encouraging attempts of others, that the best years are still yet to come but I'll know deep down inside, that I will never be the same again. For now, I inhale the memories we've created in this home. I breathe so desperately hoping that with each strong breath a memory will be embedded into my cells ensuring I will never forget certain moments. Like the times they'd all hop into empty boxes after an amazon delivery and I'd close the boxes up saying we're shipping them off to grandma and grandpa and they would crack up relentlessly. Or the time our son would hold a napkin over the air conditioning unit making it fly high into the air squealing with delight. Or the hours and hours we spent together taking baths, watching movies, eating meals, dancing, reading stories, playing with their trains, having tea parties, playing board games, reveling in hide-and-seek marathons, baking, painting, playing with shaving cream, making slime, drawing, playing instruments, celebrating birthdays, hosting friends... There have been endless, gorgeous moments that continue to lurk in the air. When people compliment us on our apartment, they don't realize it's the love in the air they're experiencing, not the visual effects of our décor or layout. Leaving this apartment is starting to feel like abandoning the memories we made. I feel like I am walking away from their childhood. I am so grateful that I was able to give up my career to raise my children. I have zero regrets about putting anything on hold over the years because I was able to focus on creating a family unit that was the kind I always dreamed of. There is no sense of "sacrifice" and absolutely zero regrets about putting a career on hold. None of those popular feminist tales ever enter my thoughts. In my mind, it is crystal clear that the only path is the one I chose, which is to raise our kids and spend as much time with them as humanely possible. I was blessed with the opportunity to spend hundreds of thousands of hours with them, never missing a beat. With that choice, comes the painful reality that when the time comes for them to blossom on their own, I will be left with a huge void in my heart. Yet, I would do it all over again if I could. I sit here typing as tears flow onto my keyboard and roughly twenty napkins drenched in snot are tossed a few inches away. The closer we approach moving day, the more it seems impossible to leave this place behind. I can't let go. This apartment is our memory silo. There is no way for me to breathe the millions of memories in before we leave. There just isn't enough time. I know there will be new memories. New beginnings. New adventures. I know all of this. I know that there will hopefully be so many happy times when they become adults living on their own- weddings and grandkids please G-d. I know that I will somehow survive and find ways to fill my days. I know all this. This knowledge though doesn't soften the recognition that my time with them is limited and that the clock is ticking in full force. So, I am left to continue tenaciously memory-make so that when they leave, I can look back knowing that we spent the best years of our lives together. My years with them in our home will absolutely be unmatched in the years to come without them under our roof. In the meantime, please let me sulk, just this once. I am in the midst of healing a fractured heart and dealing with the frustration of failed attempts at building a time machine- not to mention the panic mode of packing up and breathing in eleven years of the best memories of my life. My short-term goals are to gulp these recollections into my lungs and exhale them out, with all my strength, once we arrive to our new home in San Diego hoping they linger in the air we will breathe out west. I am grateful that the clock is set to on mode, serving as a constant reminder to make the last three years we have with our oldest son before he goes off to college as memorable as ever but I just wish it didn't tick so darn loud. I'm hoping to find a way to mute it so that I can peacefully focus on the here and now and allow myself to fantasize that these days will last forever.

Doormen should really get more respect and recognition. Not only do they accept our groceries and amazon deliveries, but they have also learned to notice our every subtlety, they are regular spectators of our unfolding lives, and they never ever forget who we are. This weekend my family took a stroll down memory lane as we gear up to leave behind the city we have called home for so many years. Although we have walked by our first apartment in Manhattan many times with our kids, this time we decided to enter the building and show them a deeper sense of where our oldest child spent almost his first two years of life and where our second son was conceived and spent the first few months of his life as well. Never did I imagine, that when we entered the lobby that the doorman, thirteen years later, would not only remember our names but would also quickly spew out the exact apartment that we lived in. I was shocked. Literally, I struggled for words trying to process how he could possibly remember us thirteen years later when we barely spent one and a half years living there. When we moved out of this building, we moved across the street to a new complex built by the same management company. In this second apartment, our daughter was conceived and we ultimately spent another year and a half or so there. Similarly, when we visited the lobby, a former porter recognized us and greeted us cheerfully. He too even remembered the unit we lived in eleven years ago. How were they able to remember so much about us when I couldn't even recognize their faces? They remembered our names, our apartment numbers, the interest of our tiny children at the time. Thousands of tenants have gone in and out of the revolving doors of both buildings, but somehow they remembered us. While I may not remember these two specific people, I do clearly remember two doormen who especially took an interest in our family and made a big impact in our hearts. I also remember feeling grateful to be in such a beautiful building with doormen who treated our children with such kindness and love. I also have clear memories of our son's first Halloween in one of these buildings and even meeting our neighbors down the hall with who we have remained friends for the past fourteen years. Our oldest son celebrated his first and second birthdays on the roof. Too many memories to share were made here. It struck me that the doormen from our past that we encountered this last weekend, were a part of these memories too. In fact, they have memories of us that we don't have ourselves. I've been thinking about this experience for the past couple of days. Although I tried to make light of our former doorman remembering us by suggesting that he donate his brain to science, I was deeply touched. I wonder how much he really remembers about my life during my first days entering motherhood and trying to navigate my new journey in life. Doormen are, in fact, part of the few people in our lives that see us each and every day. If they were able to recall what apartment number we lived in, I have a feeling they have access to memories of me as a newbie mom that I myself don't even have access to. Even today, we have extremely close relationships with our doormen. In our current building, where we have lived for eleven years, our doormen met me when I was pregnant with our third child. They have witnessed our children grow from newborns to tweens and teens. They showered us with love over the years which we have easily reciprocated ever since. One of the hardest things I will need to face when moving out of New York City is saying "goodbye" to the doormen who have made a huge imprint on the lives of our children and my own life as well. I am not kidding when I share that saying goodbye to my doormen will be as difficult for me as closing our front door for the last time. There is one doorman in particular that I specifically cannot bear to think about parting from. Leaving him means letting go of constants in my life- a cheerful greeting every morning and a regular witness to the days of my children's childhood. Saying goodbye to him means saying goodbye to all the years my children whirled through our lobby - first in strollers, then by holding my hand as they struggled to take their newly conquered steps, later zipping by on their three-wheeled scooters ultimately graduating to two wheels, eventually onto tricycles and bicycles, and nowadays they move in and out freely and independently without needing me at all. He has watched them in every phase of their life. He shares my deepest struggle with time and how quickly our children have grown. As a father of grown children, he gets me. He points out almost daily" how quickly they grow" and in the same breath shares "how much it sucks when they leave you". Leaving him, and this lobby means leaving behind my tiny children who are now almost young adults, bringing me one step closer to that part of life "that sucks when they leave you", but this time he won't be around to talk me through it. In San Diego I won't have him to cheer me on every morning nor will he continue to witness the growth they will endure for the next few years. Saying goodbye to him means leaving behind a huge part of my life in so many ways. As soon as I close our front door for the last time, my next move will be towards the lobby to say goodbye to our doormen and all the years that we spent with them in that safe space. When our time in this building is replayed in my mind, it's like watching a movie that was recorded over eleven years condensed into an eleven-second short film. It's all a blur, and a shock really, but perhaps closing the door means leaving behind the beautiful memories that bring me to tears because I long for those days so badly it literally hurts. Closing the door means opening new ones and looking ahead. Saying goodbye to the places that harbor our memories means making space for new phases. Saying goodbye to our doormen is really saying goodbye to a huge part of our life, a part I know I can never get back no matter how hard I try. Closing the door means moving on from the agonizing pain that comes with knowing that our kids won't stay little forever. Now that they have begun to grow at lightning speed, it's time to close the door on the insatiable hunger to cling to the past, even if it means letting go of those incredible doormen who constantly remind me of how quickly our lives are passing by. Perhaps it is time to open a new door in a new place where there are no haunting memories of pudgy hands and silly giggles and calls for mommy. And whenever I'll long for these days again, I'll always have my New York City doormen to turn to relive the memories with me because they were right there all along.

Twenty-three years ago today, my husband and I exchanged our vows and committed our lives to one another. Here we are a couple of decades later still enjoying one another's companionship, deeply loving each other, and thankfully going strong. We have weathered our teens, twenties, thirties, and now the beginning of our forties together. I have been contemplating the reasons we have endured a long and overall happy marriage when fifty percent of marriages in the United States end in divorce. Below are my personal tips for a successful marriage. Share Your Money. One hundred percent of my friends who are in rocky marriages all share this one thing: they have separate bank accounts. While the notion of having one bank account may seem old-fashioned to some, I strongly believe that having separate accounts leads to a separation of unity between a couple. For the first decade of our marriage, I earned more money than my spouse. During the second decade of our marriage, he has earned more than me (I have mostly focused on being a mom during these years). We each supported one another during the stages of our lives and there was never a sense of financial inequity with one person earning more and keeping the additional funds to themselves. In my opinion, a healthy marriage shares their money. If you can't bring yourself to pool your money with your spouse, there are some underlying issues that will surely surface over the years. Once you create the division of "mine and yours", I believe, it paves the path for other divisions within the relationship to arise. Don't Control Your Spouse's Fun Potential. I often hear men saying they have to run something by "their boss" (i.e. wives) before deciding to go out with the boys or take a boys' trip. On another note, women often feel like they have to run personal expenditures on luxuries by their husbands before making the purchase. Although it is common courtesy to share your plans with your life partner, it is important to note that your spouse should never feel like they are asking for permission to do or buy anything. Let your spouse enjoy life, encourage them to accept invites with their friends, support their need to make a pricey purchase once in a while. Saying "no" to them will only lead to resentment. Have Outside Hobbies and Interests. Spending time with your spouse is a crucial component of a successful relationship. However, it is equally important that each partner have their own interests outside of the marriage. Doing so reduces dependency on one another, allows for more interesting conversations on those date nights, and leads to an overall happier life. Listen to One Another. I know, we all think we are good listeners but being a great listener requires more than just listening. It necessitates processing the information we receive and turning this information into action. When your spouse shares their feelings with you, make the effort to actually execute on what they have expressed. Nothing is more annoying than spilling your guts out about behaviors that bother you only to encounter those same behaviors again and again and again. Do yourself, and your spouse, a favor and address the issues that your spouse expresses immediately, or else be prepared for a potential blow-up once these same issues keep resurfacing. Spend Time Together. The couples that I know who seem to be the happiest spend a lot of time together. I don't know if they spend time together because they are happy with each other or if they are happy with each other because they spend time together. I also know that couples who spend a lot of time apart have weaker relationships. It's obvious really. Spending more time together will lead to a stronger connection and a more successful marriage. Share an Equal Amount of Differing Roles. Each spouse should be in charge of different "departments" in the household. Perhaps one may pay the bills while the other orders the groceries. Or maybe one plans the social calendar while the other shuffles the kids to school. More commonly, one may earn an income through their career while the other's profession of raising children does not include a salary at all. There are hundreds of tasks we all need to execute in life. Make a list of everything that is required to run your own household. Your list should be equally divided between both marriage partners based on each spouse's strengths, abilities, and desires. Allow Your Spouse to Evolve. It is inevitable that your spouse will change over the years. The natural tendency of humans is to evolve and transform over their life cycle. Yet so many spouses attempt to thwart their partner's growth. I know one couple whose husband yearned to leave his career as a doctor to follow a new passion for teaching that he developed in his forties. His spouse strongly discouraged this change. I get it, it's scary when your spouse suddenly wants to pick up and start a new career, one that earns less albeit. However, you should never ever be the one to take away any opportunity from your spouse. Like you, he/she gets one shot at life. If you want them to actually like you, stop putting chains on them. Thank Them Often. Although each spouse has assigned tasks, they shouldn't be taken for granted. I am assigned the chef hat in our home. This role is expected of me but my husband never fails to thank me for each meal that I prepare. This morning, I went to fill my gallon jug with water only to find that my husband filled it for me. Of course, I thanked him. Don't take each other for granted. Thank one another for the smallest gestures, even if they are for things that are "expected" to be fulfilled. Don't be "One of Those" Who Thinks Valentine's Day is a Way for Hallmark to Make Money. After a few years of marriage, too many couples begin to drop celebrating each other's birthdays and anniversaries or holidays like Valentine's Day and Father's/Mother's Day, etc... Don't be one of those couples. Plan something fun for your spouse on these celebratory events, buy them something special. It makes me sad that so many people have convinced themselves that "birthdays aren't important" or that buying a gift for a spouse on these occasions has been dropped entirely. Take every opportunity to make your spouse feel special and show them that you have taken the time to think of them during these special days. Anyone who says that these events don't matter to them is lying. They have convinced themselves that these calendar days are foolish in reaction to not receiving attention from their spouse on these holidays over the years. Everyone wants to be pampered. Everyone. Don't skip these special days. Work on You. You cannot be in a happy marriage if you are not happy yourself. Living a happy life takes work, effort, dedication, and patience. If you are unhappy with aspects of your life they will manifest in your marriage. You must work on your own happiness before you can contribute to happiness in a marriage. In May I published an article called "15 Tips Towards True Happiness". I hope you take a minute to read through it for inspiration. If none of these tips appeal to you, then figure out what does. Couples often make the mistake of thinking they are unhappy in their marriage because their spouse makes them unhappy. This may certainly be the case in some instances but most times the unhappiness lies within the person who is unsatisfied with their own life outside of their marriage. Just know, that you cannot be in a happy marriage until you are happy.

The concept of continuity has permeated my thoughts these past weeks. I've been tossing this notion around exploring the underlying continuousness that pervades our lives despite the popular discourse around how finite everything is. Although there are just five weeks left before our move to San Diego, my husband and I share a lack of anxiety and the kinds of nerves that would be expected in such a drastic move. Instead, we find ourselves full of excitement, eager to jump into the unknown, and ready to observe the new lives we create for ourselves. We both equally have noted how seamless the transition feels to both of us during the many discussions of our upcoming adventures. Why is it so easy for us to leave a home we love that our children grew up in, a city that treated us so well, a plethora of friends, and an overall very comfortable life in New York City? Continuity. Let me explain. Deciding to embark on a nine-month road trip was more life-changing than we could have ever anticipated. The constant weaving between cities and states and constant moving from home to home across the country actually established a continued fluidity in our lifestyle and ultimately our ability to just pick up and leave a city we anchored our roots in. The continuous moving around over a total of thirteen months (some changes were made locally) during the pandemic has catapulted us into a life full of adaptability and desire to continue moving. We could have easily decided to continue living in New York City but the continuous excitement that comes with change inspired us to continue moving. When thinking about this more deeply, I realize how so many of our decisions have a continuous effect on our overall life. This awareness reveals how much control we actually do have in our own destinies. Consider for one moment all the continuity in your life that has stuck around for several years. Then try to remember the source, the seed that planted this habit, routine, perspective, etc... that lingered along by your side in the form of the resulting blossomed inceptions. For example, if you consciously have decided to be an active person, you are probably in great physical and mental shape, sleep well, and incorporate healthy foods into your diet. By being fit, there is likely a continuum of positive factors that flow into your life: the energy to go out with friends, the desire to spend time outdoors, and even perhaps an affinity to travel. In return, you evolve into a more interesting person who has a lot of experiences to share, is more versed in other cultures, holds fewer biases against others, and has the kind of sophisticated palate that comes with dabbling in various cuisines. There is a continuous progression towards a wonderful life that stems from your commitment to be active. When taking a moment to really grasp the idea that every decision you make will lead to a continuous, long-lasting, string of outcomes, you won't be able to shy away from how much influence you have on your own destiny. Similarly, if we firmly hold on to bad habits or unhelpful patterns, they too form into continuous routines that deliver equally negative results. Allowing negative conversations to invade our minds leads to gloomy outcomes. Once we embark on the train that takes us to the land of self-hate and self-doubt it can often prove to be an unpleasant, never-ending continuous trip, often to hell. Sometimes the ride isn't as extreme as a drop-off in hell. We catch ourselves continuing down the wrong path. At this point we either accept the direction we are going in, embracing the consequences, or we clip them from continuing from further flourishment. There are countless threads we all have tied to the core of our soul, each thread hosting an infinite amount of memories, fears, doubts, experiences, adventures, loves, failures, successes, and so forth. If we dissect each thread we would easily be able to trace back to the root seed on each one. Some threads will continue to unravel throughout our entire existence, following us as we near mortality, and even thrive beyond our deaths. Others, we either luckily, or foolishly, clip prematurely. Regardless, each and every decision we have ever made, and will continue to make, will continue to thrive in the continuity of everything that falls into place once it has been planted. My family's willingness to hit the road during a time the world seemed to be falling apart, with no plan or goals, beyond getting the heck out of a big city during a pretty scary period, brought us continued unexpected experiences, including an unanticipated move across the country. Our road trip seed will hopefully continue to sprout into adventurous blooms of new homes, new friends, new explorations, and overall new lives. All of these novelties will then continue to continue evolving. Suddenly, life feels to have an endless stretch of continuous years, possibilities, and opportunities. I am in no way boasting about our experiences on the road. Rather, I am actually still quite surprised by my decision to allow the idea to come to life. I faced all my fears of traveling through a world crisis, with no plan, no destination, no end date, with three children in tow. Doing so allowed me to gain more confidence, faith in myself, reliance on a higher power, and has also put me on the courageous track towards continued adventures. Had I chosen to be stuck in my fears, I would have simply remained on a path of continuously missing out on incredible opportunities. Either way, I would have landed on a thread of continuum's spectrum. I am so glad I chose the road of continued adventurous experiences instead of the path of continuous excuses. Not all efforts towards the continuity of positive developments end in the best ways. There are certainly certain things we cannot control that are too obvious to dwell on. Then there are those things we think we can actively control but which do not materialize in the ways that we have hoped. For instance, today was my last day engaging in a monthly community service drive that I spearheaded over the past six years. That is roughly sixty events of bringing community members together to volunteer and support others in every capacity imaginable. Although I am thrilled that the program will continue without me, I am also faced with the decision of whether I want to continue facilitating a similar program in a new city. The harsh reality is that unless we actively pursue continuity in a specific area, the world continues in that aspect without us, all while we just continue our pursuits on another path; a derailment of sorts but always on track to continue whatever it is we nurture. Since analyzing these thoughts that I have been sharing, I am extremely conscious of the continued flow that resonates from everything I think, say, and do. Next time I say something, I will think more consciously of where those words will go and how they will impact the continuum on the thread that they land on. When I hit the snooze button to evade my 5:30 am wake up routine that boosts me with the physical and mental energy I need to get through the day, I will remind myself when crankiness hits mid-afternoon, that by choosing sleep I decided to continue my day without a practice that grounds me. I know that if I choose to communicate with my teens through constant yelling (those of you with teens know how hard it is to refrain from yelling) that I would be continuously creating a rift between us with each shout. I also know that if I continue to view my life as abundant and blessed that my life will be just so. On the flip side, if I choose to focus on all that lacks in my life, I would continuously live a life of struggle and disappointment. Everything we choose absolutely creates a link of continuity on the threads that we are tethered to. There is comfort in knowing that where we are at this point in our lives has a lot to do with the continuity of the patterns we have established. Knowing that we can choose to allow the intricate circumstances in our lives to continue to blossom or to cut their roots entirely, which would essentially allow us to release what does not serve us into continuous dissipation, should feel empowering. We continue towards life and death simultaneously while each of these realities owns its very own real estate on a separate thread in our life. We have the ability to continuously stretch the moments we love and continue to remove the ones we don't until our time comes to an end. Yet, even in death, we continue to live in the hearts and minds of the people we loved and who loved us in return. As you continue to read these last words, look at the patterns that you are continuing in your own life and consider how they will continuously affect you. Each word, each thought, each dream, each gesture, each movie, each book, each friend, each lover, each bite, each dollar...every single thing will have a continuous effect. When writing, I continue to learn so much about my own life. I will continue to urge you to look at the ways that we can all live our best lives because my biggest goal is that we continue to grow and prosper together.

There seems to be an inundation of robots infiltrating our country lately. They have suddenly appeared in droves and seem to be multiplying at a mindblowing pace. Consider taking the survey below to ascertain whether you are at risk of operating like a preprogrammed machine or if you still have functional human parts. All results are confidential and seen only by you. 1) True or False. On #blackouttuesday, you posted a black screen to stand up against the injustices blacks face in our country. Similarly, you rightfully followed along in the hashtag trend du jour and eagerly posted #stopasianhate on your social media accounts. You are a loving human being who stands up against hate bias in support of all marginalized groups. Except, Jews. Your feed was not inundated with blue screens signaling you to stand in solidarity with this group while they encounter heinous attacks throughout the world over the last two weeks, so you didn't dutifully follow up by posting a blue screen. Hey, I get it, you didn't want to be the only one who actually means what they say when they like, totally, hashtag #nomorehate. 2) When popular movements like BLM took hold in our culture, you: a) Immediately stole others' posts that celebrated the organization and reposted them on your own feed loyally responding to society's signals. b) Researched the organization and learned that the co-founders are Marxist trained. c) Assumed that BLM stands for Bureau of Land Management and didn't get what all the fuss was about. 3) True or False. You got vaxed against Covid (congrats!). You were beyond giddy and couldn't wait to post your "I got the shot" sticker all over social media because, like, everyone else does it and you secretly hoped this post would get you your most likes ever! 4) True or False. You stand up for minorities, rightfully, by posting your support on social media. You also take the time to educate yourself on ways to support these groups, learn about their struggles, and donate to organizations that will help empower them by battling biases they are victims of because you know there is so much more work to do than just posting. 5) True or False. You go through your day "going through the motions" plowing through the endless tasks that life demands of you with the only goal being that the day ends so that you can wake up and repeat the process all over again. 6) Vicky is super sweet and goes out of her way to do nice things for her friends and family. She can also be annoying and overbearing. Your mutual friends like to focus on her latter qualities. You: a) Laugh at all the cruel jokes made about Vicky when she isn't around. b) Stand up for Vicky and tell your friends to stop benefiting from her good-naturedness if they are going to make fun of her behind her back. c) Contribute to the conversations by sharing your own examples of how Vicky annoys you. 7) True or False. You think the media delivers honest information and therefore, you formulate many of your ideas around what is presented to you by your chosen news source(s). 8) True or False. You don't want to introduce yourself using a pronoun, so you tell the meeting moderator to fuck off and to refer to you however they think seems fit. Then you openly declare that you refuse to use pronouns in your signature. 9) You're out at dinner getting to know some new friends from work. They chose a new, local vegan restaurant. Although you're craving a steak, like the one you had last night, you kindly accepted the invite. During dinner, the group openly discusses how appalled they are by carnivores who directly threaten the existence of our planet. You: a) Vehemently agree with them and bash all meat-eaters. b) Let the group know that you are not a vegan. c) Nervously admit to your new friends that you regularly eat meat and vow to never eat animal products ever again. 10) True or False. You are taking this survey seriously. Tallying your results: Give yourself 1 point for each answer noted as below. 1. True 2. A 3. True 4. False 5.True 6. A or C 7. True 8. False 9. A 10. True 0-2 points: You are still a solid human being with a brain that operates independently of all outside influences. 3-5 points: You should seek help immediately as your organs are slowly transforming into the mechanical body parts that make for easy robot wiring. . 6-10 points: Turn off your system. Reboot. Return to earth as a human being. The author of this survey is not a psychologist. She (she/her pronouns of choice) is a vegetarian living in a big city that has been infested by programmed and indoctrinated mechanical beings. While some may like to label her, this rare survivor of the human race tends to think outside of a pre-wired box, pushes the envelope, and refuses to become part of a disorderly world run by failing human beings. This woke movement has put everyone to sleep. When is everyone going to wake the fuck up?

"Monogamy is a form of dyadic relationship in which an individual has only one partner during their lifetime", Wikipedia. While the term is mostly used in the context of relationships, people are further expected to remain loyal to one in many aspects of their life: a best friend, a job position, a political party, etc... Let's consider monogamy and the ways that it affects us outside of our marital relationships since this concept has trickled into other aspects of our lives, limiting and suppressing our many desires beyond marriage. Have you ever considered the ways we are inundated with messages that lead us to believe we must be loyal to one concept forever? Isn't it possible to love something (or someone) deeply and yet seek to love more as we, ourselves, evolve in our life journey? How has your own life been limited through the sacrifices you have made in the name of loyalty? As human beings, we are wrongly conditioned to believe that if we truly love something, we must stick with it, forever. A deviation of any kind expresses disloyalty of sorts. I strongly disagree with this theory. I hope that we all strive to change and evolve throughout our life even if those changes require us to make major shifts in our lifetimes. I firmly hold the position that a fulfilling life is one full of risks, challenges, and a willingness to face the discomforts of the unknown. More importantly, seeds towards happiness bloom when we expose ourselves to as many people and experiences as possible. Part of our journey is to reshape ourselves during the different stages of our lives but it is truly impossible to transform if we are expected to stay the same while comfortably holding onto what makes us feel safest. An unchanged person living an unchanged life, in my opinion, is a slow and torturous death. Let me share an example. I genuinely love New York City which has been a wonderful place to call home for the past twenty-three years. I practically grew up here. I established my career and social network here. I raised our three children here. This beautiful city has granted us so many wonderful memories and opportunities. Choosing to leave NYC does not in any way challenge my love or loyalty to it (although many have wrongly made the association in their minds that we must have fallen out of love with the city if we are leaving it). It is absolutely possible to keep this vibrant city in a warm and special place in my heart while allowing myself to grow and experience other places I might equally love as well. If we only permit ourselves to deeply love one thing at a time, does that enhance our lives via a rich connection towards that something/someone or does it hinder our possibilities to fully fall in love with the many other places, people, and opportunities that life brings us? Those of you who know me personally know that I have never been one to have a "best" or "favorite" of anything. As an example, I don't think I have ever used the words "best friend" in my vocabulary. I have many wonderful friends and although I may say someone is "one of my best friends" I have never limited myself to holding just one person in this category. Similarly, I always taught my children to have several really close friends and avoid the "best friend" pressure that other parents impose on their kids. I literally used to cringe when other moms would talk about their four-year-old's best friend. I mean, really, does a young child instinctively choose one best friend, or is this expectation planted by the grownups in their lives that tend to limit themselves? Many of my readers have asked me, "what was your favorite road trip stop?" How can I have one favorite in the multitude of incredible discoveries we made on the road? I'm sure I annoy those asking by responding with a neverending list of favorites broken down by categories. A simple question finds itself listening to a complex and longwinded answer. As you may know, I am an avid reader. Naturally, people ask me what my favorite book is. I am repeatedly stumped when I encounter these inquiries. Not having a favorite genre sure doesn't help. You will never find me easily answering any question that requires me to pick just one of anything. This way of living trickles into everything in my life- even politics. I'm not a democrat or a republican. Each term I'll choose based on who is running and who I think will be the best President for our country at the time. I have never been one to pin myself into any kind of pre-formulated box that is developed to deliver precise and calculated results. I implore you to also keep yourself untethered to any predetermined expectations. Allow yourself to vacillate at your will. Love the many people who touch you and make room for them in your life rather than finding you have too little time to get to know them because you are always with your best friend. Flow in and out of the many places where you will find inspiration and rejuvenation. You heard it from me, you no longer need to deeply love just one person, one book, one city, one food... go crazy loving as much as your heart can handle. Betray the confining system that may keep you in an unhappy relationship, an unfulfilling job, an uneventful life that passes too quickly. Instead, have a deep love affair with everything, everyone, and every place that your heart desires. The beauty of living this way is that once you open that door, you will inevitably discover so much more to life that you never even dreamed was accessible to you. Just because so many people around you are loyal to their unhappiness doesn't mean you need to be as well.

Flagstaff's proximity to Sedona, The Grand Canyon, Route 66, Coconino National Forest, Snowbowl Ski Mountain, and many other attractive places, makes it a great destination for those looking to explore these famous sites. We hit some snow during our first few days (I didn't even know it snows here!),and very cold temperatures, which caused us to make some changes to our itinerary. Nevertheless, we were still able to soak in much of the surrounding beauty that literally appears at every turn. We haven't heard much about Flagstaff and were very pleased with our stay here. The city is charming, full of history, well-kept, and centrally located to many of the more well-known sites. Also, its elevation of 7,000 feet makes it one of the highest elevation cities in the USA! We were very pleasantly surprised by our visit and loved being embraced by the dominating mountain peaks that surround the small city. Below are my TOP FIVE Places to Visit While in Flagstaff: 1. Grand Canyon, South Rim Even the second time around, the Grand Canyon completely mesmerized us. Its vastness is a reminder of how small we are in this great, big universe. On both visits, I left feeling inspired, filled with purpose, and connected to the greater source that creates all these natural wonders in our world. TIP: by 12:30 pm there was a line of cars of at least 1.5 miles long waiting to get into the park. Not only did they have to endure a very long wait time, they surely dealt with lack of parking. This happened during the offseason. Do yourself a favor, and arrive early as we did. You'll breeze right in, find parking in a sinch, and won't have to share the viewpoints with hundreds of others squeezing in to get their selfies. The early bird does get the worm! We decided to drive through the following lookout points: Yaki Point( this was closed off to buses and employees when we arrived) Moran Point Desert View Lipan Point Grandview Point Mather Point The Abyss Yavapai Point Hermit’s Rest Pima Point Following this route will give you many different vantage points of the striking red canyons and gorges. Lipan Point has the best views of the Colorado River. Mather Point was the most crowded. Desert View overlooks the site where the most egregious plane accident in US History took place. Each lookout point has its own unique, distinct character so you'll want to try to visit as many of them as possible. It's no wonder that The Grand Canyon is one of the seven wonders of the natural world. Sprawling at 277 miles long, the rock formations that were once under sea level, seem to stretch into infinity. The colors of the canyons are truly spectacular and at 7,000 feet of elevation, your brain will have a hard time processing the surreal vision before you. 2. Coconino Natural Forest This wondrous place awaits your exploration just 25 minutes away from Flagstaff. The natural forest will take you through quick changes in landscapes from desert vistas painted in hues of reds and oranges to the blackest earth kissed by lava from a massive volcanic eruption that occurred 800 years ago. The transformations in the landscape are hard to describe, you'll need to experience it for yourself to process the stark contrasts with equally captivating beauty. I suggest you get in your car, drive to this national park, and just drive through it for as long as you can while making the marked stops along the way. Below are some main highlights. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument Approximately one mile past the Coconino Natural Forest entrance gate, you'll see a sign on the right to enter this park blanketed in endless lava rocks and the blackest earth for miles ahead that are the remains of a volcanic eruption. There are well-marked paths that will lead you through the crater and the weaving trails through the lava rock formations. The Lava Flow Trail is an easy one-mile loop walk through unimaginable landscapes. Wupatki National Monument Fifteen miles further into the park will transport you to the year 1100 when the Puebloan peoples inhabited the expansive region of Wupatki. There are several remaining structures still intact proudly sharing the impressive masonry, organized town planning, and even remains of homages paid to various spirits. Visitors are permitted to enter the structures to fully imagine what life was like here for the Wupatkis. This is an unbelievable experience not to be missed and equally exciting for all ages. Painted Desert Vista Make sure to pull over to soak in the stunning views at this overlook. The horizon is lined with endless desert landscapes that pop with the colors of clay and earth. 3. Route 66 Don't miss out on a quick and easy drive down the mother road known as Route 66. You can take a ten-minute drive outside of Downtown Flagstaff and hop from one historic site to another. Many of the original buildings built in the 1950s still stand intact and in their original, quirky forms. Many of them like Miz Zip, Western Hills Motel, Motel 66, and The Museum Club, are still perfectly preserved, although the latter has since converted from a former museum into a nightclub. It's fun to drive by and imagine all the en-route trucks that would stop here for lodging or a quick bite as they were transporting goods across the country. 4. Historic Downtown Flagstaff Downtown Flagstaff is a truly quaint American town that only spans a few, short blocks. This super small square is packed with history, shops full of personality, beautiful architecture, and great restaurants. It really is adorable. Despite its small size it really delivers everything a local would need from great cafes and bakeries to unique boutiques and historic hotel bars. We loved walking around here and I know you will too! 5. Sedona The spectacular city of Sedona is a stunning forty-minute drive from Flagstaff. Route 89 will take you on a scenic ride through windy roads at high elevations. The views continue to escalate into a beautiful ascendo of non-stop picturesque perfection. Sedona is one of my favorite cities in the country. Unfortunately, it seems like many others have discovered it as well. Compared to March of 2017, when we last visited, the crowd size grew enormously causing parking and traffic to be disastrous. We had long waits at the various trails' parking lots as well. TIP: go as early in the day as you can to beat the swarms of hikers wanting to get in on the vortex action and epic opportunities to connect with nature. Sedona rightfully earns its popularity with visitors from all over the world. We are thrilled that it is a short seven-hour drive from San Diego, where we will be moving to this summer. I have vivid images of the time I will spend here again, and again, and again. There truly is nowhere else like it in the country. Cathedral Rock Cathedral Rock is one of the most photographed rock formations in red rock country. It is a rather short hike (.7 miles) but rather difficult to climb due to its quick 600 feet of ascension. Native Americans revere this site as the birthplace of the first man and woman. It is also one of the four sites in Sedona that harbor healing, spiritual, and trippy vortex energy. Don't miss out on this wonderous spot and make sure to arrive early to avoid long waits in the parking lot. Bell Rock Bell Rock is yet another well-recognized rock formation in the Sedona skyline that also exudes the much-sought after vortex energy that many come to absorb. I really love this park in Sedona. There are almost four miles of trails to hike and bike. If you just want to climb the rocks on Bell Rock that'll just take one mile of your time. The views around this site are breathtaking. You're likely to find yourself wanting to explore as many of the trails as possible. This lot was full by afternoon as well, so, again, arrive as early in the day as you can to avoid the crowds. Downtown Sedona, AKA Uptown The Main Street in Sedona is jam-packed with all sorts of shops that beautifully blend into the landscape. In my humble opinion, this is the nicest "downtown" in the USA and easily wins this title for its perfectly situated location hugged by red rocks. Yes, the surrounding views are spectacular but the shops deserve attention too. Here you'll find a wide range of art galleries, crystal shops, and restaurants which all ooze an artsy, laid-back, and just down-right cool vibe. Spend some time strolling the wide sidewalks, shopping, and getting lost in the various nooks along the way. A Day in the West Jeep Ride For a fun adventure, in-depth learning of the land, and the absolute most insanely, ridiculously stunning scenery, you must book a tour with A Day in the West Jeep Tours. They offer many different excursion types and lengths. We opted for the two-hour Gabmbler Trail which took us through a fun, bumpy ride on one of their hummers inside a box canyon surrounded by loads of significant rock formations and jaw-dropping desert landscape. We were loaded up with facts on Sedona's history, lists of celebrities who live in the area, stories of significant and spiritual spots to the Native Americans, and even experienced first-hand the strong sensations emitting off two vortex sites. This private jeep tour was definitely a highlight of our trip. One day soon we will return to set up tents to camp in this magical part of the desert because a two-hour drive through was simply not enough. Lodging We had a difficult time finding a well-appointed, available property in Flagstaff. Everything was booked! I was hesitant to book this Airbnb property because it had no ratings and I usually steer away from homes with no reviews. Because the property management company had fantastic reviews, and I also had no other options, I booked this house and am so happy that we did! The house is spotless, beautifully decorated, spacious, private, and smells so good! The pictures do not do it justice. We absolutely loved this home that boasts four bedrooms (including two HUGE master bedrooms), a game room and den, a fully stocked kitchen, and a selection of brand new game boards. This is a perfect choice for your Flagstaff lodging. Dining Since Flagstaff isn't exactly known for its food scene, we didn't have high expectations. Yet, we were actually really surprised by the consistency of the great meals we experienced. There are many well-reviewed restaurants in the downtown area and one of them (see below) stood out as one of the best of our road trip. Pizzicletta, Flagstaff For outstanding pizza, with a perfect, crispy crust, order some pies from Pizzicletta. They don't have a large menu but it's the quality of their offerings that truly stand out. We ordered a couple of Margherita pizzas and a mascarpone, sage, and honey pie that was soooo good. We also munched on their green salad, which was packed with fresh greens, and their burrata and date appetizer. This is a wonderful take-out option in the area. Josephine's Modern American Bistro, Flagstaff Josephine's offers American fare with a twist. Lots of meat and seafood options are on the menu, but you'll find some Mexican and French-inspired dishes as well. Close to downtown Flagstaff, with a lovely patio, this restaurant is a solid choice when in the area. We ordered a couple of salads which were paired with delicious homemade dressings, a fondue queso dip (minus the chorizo), short ribs, steak, cornmeal-crusted calamari, and butternut squash risotto. Everything was fresh, well-prepared, and enjoyable. Shift Kitchen & Bar, Flagstaff This is exactly the kind of place that deserves more mention and attention. This tiny establishment serves delicious food straight from the open, exposed kitchen to your table. Diners can watch the chefs in action, up close, as they carefully time your dishes to arrive at an endless flow of delectable fare. The menu, like the space, is small and the dishes are meant to be shared. Shift Kitchen & Bar will truly shift your approach toward dining, and maybe even cooking, through the inspiration and creativity woven into the fresh ingredients. We couldn't resist ordering almost every dish on the menu: the breadboard, the crispy Brussel sprouts in smoked ranch, the pickled french fries with secret sauce, the charcoal roasted beetroot with coriander honey, the toasted sunflower seed risotto with puffed grains, apricots, and egg, the smashed potatoes with kimchi purree and Aleppo pepper (ordered 2 of these!), the Tagliatelle alla Puttanesca, and the shift burger with a fried egg on it. To end the meal we jumped on the opportunity to dig into the almond cake with caramel buttercream, chocolate ganache, hazelnuts, and banana gelato. This is the kind of place that makes me want to enroll in culinary school. Like, today. Shorebird, Sedona You would never expect fresh seafood and sushi in the middle of the desert yet Shorebird masterfully pulls off fresh and delicious seafood dishes. This new, upscale restaurant was filled with well-dressed diners in its modern space. Rest assured, feel free to roll in from an excursion covered in red dust and gym clothes as we did. No one will bat an eye. We were really impressed by the chef's usage of ingredients and beautiful presentations. The towered chicken wings were an artistic masterpiece! Some notable and creative dishes need to be mentioned as you won't find them anywhere else: avocado battered french fries in green goddess dressing, beet and strawberry salad with goat cheese (the beets are sliced thinly and topped with the other ingredients, we thought they were mini tortillas!), and the most delicious buffalo onion rings topped with blue cheese crumbles and housemade buttered hot sauce. The more common menu items were uncommonly delectable: sesame seared tuna tataki with pickled red Fresno chili, ginger dressing and black sesame, yellowtail and ahi tuna nigiri that melts right into your mouth, truly delicious grilled swordfish tacos with cabbage and kale slaw, and equally incredible skirt steak tacos. After a full day of exploring Sedona, you'll be happy to end your day with a perfect meal here. Flagstaff was an accidental find yet one of our best discoveries on the trip. There are so many wrong assumptions we make in life and Flagstaff has debunked a few of them. We thought it didn't snow in Arizona. We never imagined that people ski in Arizona. We thought Flagstaff's biggest draw was UFO sightings. We thought Flagstaff would be occupied by a bunch of weird, gun-bearing Americans. Wrong, wrong, wrong! Flagstaff is a city worth exploring and its excellent access to so many sites would make it almost irresponsible of you to avoid. So, drop those assumptions, get in your car, and just drive. You'll learn more on the road about the country than you ever would in your mind or on your television screen.

Although I am not an expert in psychology, I believe I have some useful insights to share with you that have developed over the course of the past fourteen months of being completely removed from the life I have known. I have spent these last months restructuring my life, reformatting my thinking patterns, and really turning myself inside out to find a place of balance, serenity, and joy in my life. Stepping away from my social circle, my home, and all my comfort zones provided me with plenty of time to reflect and work towards some much-needed self-improvement. Although on paper I always had everything I could ever dream of, 2017-2019 propelled me into some not-so-great places in my headspace. There were so many wonderful things happening in my life throughout these years yet I seemed to obsess on the ways friends during that period truly, deeply hurt me. I was in a rut. No matter what I accomplished or how much love I was surrounded by, I was determined to fixate on those who I felt wronged me. I spent those years blaming myself for things I did not do, closing myself off to those around me in anticipation of them failing me too, self-victimizing, and just being overall not my happiest self. I sadly became mistrusting of others as well. Launching into isolation during the pandemic served me as a welcomed blessing by providing me with ample time to think, correct, and reset. Below I share with you my personal tips on finding true happiness through liberation from all that bogged me down. I'm really thrilled to share with you a year's worth of difficult self-exploration work broken down into fifteen concise tips that I guarantee will change your life immensely if you are willing to incorporate them into your daily practices as well. 1. Spend More Time in Nature. As a city girl, I rarely spent time in nature. I was petrified of bears, bees, hunters, ticks, lurking murderers hiding in forests, chupacabra...The list is endless. On our road trip, we started to spend more time outdoors since most indoor activities were closed during the pandemic. Our first encounter with nature began with bike rides through the swamps of Hilton Head. The Jurassic Park-like landscape lured us to take longer rides through the Spanish moss-soaked trees and massive oaks. My confidence slowly built and before I knew it I was cheerfully waving to the alligators we rode by just as I would to my New York City neighbors. Next were the trails of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Trekking its stunning trails truly challenged me as we visited in September when bears are actively fattening up in preparation for winter. During the hikes when we seemed to be the only souls in sight, yes, my heart beat a little faster, and horrible images of being mauled by bears constantly crept into my thoughts. Yet, after completing these hikes I always found myself rewarded by feelings of rejuvenation and longing for more time embraced by trees, the crackling of fallen leaves, and the most comforting silence. So there we were embarking, again and again, on trails throughout the USA. Whether they were nine-mile treacherous trails in Telluride, three-mile trails through the slot canyons of Utah or two-mile trails along the ominous Oregon coast, I suddenly found myself always craving to be with nature. Nature brings you closer to divinity. It leaves you in awe. It humbles you. It challenges you to prove to yourself that you are capable of everything. Nature will heal you. It will help peel away your fears, mostly by forcing you to face them. Submerging in nature ignites big questions about purpose, life, goals. The lakes and streams offer moments of self-reflection with the natural reflections they provide. Nature will literally stand by your side and reflect with you. The mountain peaks stand with you as you go through your peaks and valleys. The crashing waves cry with your pounding heart. The barren deserts show you endless possibilities. The skies loyally follow you wherever you go and never leave your side. Snow will transform your nostalgia for childhood by magically turning you into a child again. The stars will gently remind you of how tiny you are in the grand scheme of things while also whispering the endless possibilities available to you. Rainbows shoot jolts of love straight into your heart while the setting sun pumps it with gratitude. The rain mentors you as you search within yourself and coaches you into entering tomorrow's sunny day better prepared. The tall cliffs teach you to pause. The pods of dolphins on the horizon remind you to smile. The warm seas purify your soul. There is nothing, absolutely nothing that will change your life more deeply than immersing yourself in nature. The more time you spend with it, the more positive changes you will see in yourself. I promise that eventually, you will hear it speaking directly to you and answering most of your questions. In my experience, spending time with nature regularly is the most crucial step you can take towards finding inner peace and happiness. 2. Prune Bad Relationships. As a result of being completely removed from my circle of friends and acquaintances while traveling through the country, I really had some time to reflect on many of my friendships. I have learned that I held on to many friendships because I either felt bad cutting them off or I found it difficult to let go of the memories we made together. I spent too much time wondering why certain friends never extended invitations to us, while always accepting our invites. I also contemplated silly things like why certain people wouldn't respond to a text, or care enough to follow our road trip journey either through my blog, or Instagram account. I mean, they came over for many dinners and soirees, shouldn't they be interested in my big adventure? My mind just went to all these useless places whenever I thought of them. They didn't make me feel good about myself. They often made me feel used and unappreciated yet I needlessly sought their approval and affection. With a lot of time and effort, I mustered up the courage to stop reaching out to everyone that has made me wonder too often if they truly valued my friendship and whether they appreciated my generosity. Not surprisingly, these folks never reached out to me either. Since letting them go, I no longer have to dwell on the negative thoughts that weighed me down whenever I thought of them. I had a very hard time accepting that sometimes friends just grow apart or that those I considered good friends did not feel the same way about me. It's been gratifying to focus on spending time with friends who I truly know love me, want the best for me, and understand me with all my quirks. I'm disappointed in myself for allowing myself to focus so immensely, for so long, on those who did not treat me well but I am also proud of myself for finally cutting the chord of those very relationships that made me feel bad about myself. If you find yourself complaining, crying over, or even gossiping about a friend often, this is not a true friendship. There are also those so-called friends who are obviously threatened by your successes and clearly try to compete with you, or the friends who you cannot be honest with because you know they will take things too personally or get defensive, or the friends who cannot remove themselves from the purposeless drama that they obsessively dwell on and invite into their lives, or the friends who when you share that you are making a huge move to the west coast immediately respond with "will you be buying or renting there?" because their capacity to dream and take risks is limited... you get the point. Make no space for people who don't understand you or help you become the best version of yourself. Limit your time with people who cannot fathom changes or transformations or they will try to limit your aspirations. It is absolutely possible to maintain communication with these questionable friends by bumping them into the category of close acquaintances, just don't invest too much time or effort into people that don't inspire you, understand you, and support you. Setting many unfulfilling relationships aside allowed me to also set aside harmful feelings and ultimately cleared the way to focus on the friends who make me feel good. Our time is extremely limited. Focus on the friends who are secure enough in their own life decisions and don't need to compare their life to yours, focus on friends who inspire you, focus on friends who genuinely love you, focus on friends who are on the same path of self-improvement as you are, focus on friends who have similar values and aspirations so that you can be a source of encouragement to one another. Focus on friends who fulfill you not fatigue you. 3. Make a Drastic Change in Your Life. Yes, that's right. Make a drastic change in your life in order to drastically change (and I don't mean get a new haircut). You will never live your best life within the safety net of complacency. We all fall into patterns where our routine feels safe and comforting even when we know deep down inside that we could experience so much more if we just allowed ourselves to. We often follow the same patterns of convincing ourselves why we shouldn't pursue our hopes and dreams (lack of money, saving for the future, lack of time, etc...) I'm imploring you, based on my personal experience, to change jobs, change cities, change your direction entirely- just make any transition that will make you nervous, afraid, and hesitant so that when you finally do make that shift you can feel victorious, successful, and ready to take on anything. Too many people let life slip away and put their dreams on hold for a day that may never come. Taking big risks in your life will yield big results, mainly a new phase in life when you will feel exhilarated and rejuvenated. The best thing I ever did was leave my comfort zone and take the risk of traveling the USA during a global pandemic with no plan, no friends, no vaccine, and burning through enough of our savings to put a hefty down payment on a beautiful, new house. The fears that almost kept me from living this dream adventure are gone, along with the money spent on our road trip, but the memories are more priceless than any home we could have ever built. The risks we took on the road have encouraged us to take on many more. It feels fantastic to be afraid again. It feels beautifully unsettling to not know what awaits us on the other side of the country as we get ready to move to the west coast. I have had butterflies in my stomach for the past thirteen months of my life because I allowed myself to make a drastic change of leaving home, then traveling the country, and now changing coasts. We could have easily stayed put in New York City for those thirteen months we left it, saving each penny during an unprecedented era, remaining safe in our apartment where we would be protected from the impending virus (which I was petrified of at the onset by the way). Luckily, we were able to break through the physical and mental lockdowns that would have kept us chained to our routine lives. Make that drastic change and fall in love with life. Allow yourself to approach the unknown, to live unconventionally, to follow your dreams no matter how scary they seem. I can attest, from personal experience, that facing one fear at a time will slowly begin to unravel a routine life and launch you into a life of wonder, excitement, and well-serving uncertainty. 4. Read Books That Inspire You and Give You the Tools to be the Best Version of Yourself. Filling your mind with fantastic guidance towards self-improvement, inspiring teachings of great thinkers, images of big dreams and goals, as well the influential words of people who share their stories of insurmountable accomplishments, truly will shape the way you think and approach your life. Just like we are what we eat, we also are what we think. Pack that brain of yours with the knowledge that fuels creative and powerful thoughts that will encourage you to live your best life as a wonderful human being. Here are some of my favorites that helped me evolve over the past year: "The Fourth Agreement" - Don Miguel Ruiz "The Fifth Agreement" - Don Miguel Ruiz and Don Jose Ruiz "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari" - Robin Sharma "The Secret" - Rhonda Byrne "The Journey Within" - Radhanath Swami "The Fountain Head" - Ayn Rand "Many Lives, Many Masters" - Brian Weiss 5. Live Generously and Engage in Thoughtful Gestures Each and Every Day. Nothing brings more joy than making someone else happy. Whether you simply take the extra few seconds to hold the elevator for an approaching person, text a friend an encouraging message, or even send someone you love a surprise gift, the warm reactions you will receive in return supersedes any joy you can experience elsewhere. People are sadly not accustomed to random acts of kindness, you will see this in their reactions to you when you carry these acts out. You may notice the recipient squirm, question the gesture, and even resist accepting your kindness, but ultimately, once they process the circumstance, you'll notice the sparkle in their eyes and the happiness in their smile. Engaging in thoughtful gestures towards others is the only act I can think of that so beautifully fulfills the giver and the receiver mutually. Make it a practice each day to compliment someone on their appearance, or thank a staff member for a job well done, or buy a cup of coffee for the person in line behind you, or treat your friend to lunch, or support a cause that your friend cares about.... the list of ways to participate in a generous lifestyle is endless. When you make it a habit to be thoughtful of others regularly, you will be rewarded with daily bursts of happiness in return. It's that simple. This tip is probably the most simple and least time-consuming way to ensure experiencing joy in your life every single day. 6. Do the Opposite of Whatever Everyone Else is Doing. If you're doing what everyone else is doing then by default you are living a safe, measured life and not taking the risks you should be to live your fullest life. My message to you is to be different. My life has been so rewarding and fulfilling because I consciously decide, whenever possible, to do the exact opposite of what others are doing. The less treaded territory has almost always been the place that I have found happiness because the road less traveled truly delivers the most unexpected treasures. Humans sensibly feel most safe blending with crowds, traveling in herds. It's comforting to know that there is support in the successes and failures we share with others. It feels safe to make choices that are similar to the ones of our neighbors and friends. But, there is something extremely inhibiting about following the status quo. Write your own unusual script, despite how scary or lonely it may feel. Feeling unsafe and uncertain is healthy sometimes. Allow yourself to enter these spaces. They will ultimately take you somewhere much better than where you started off. I write more about not following the masses in this article. 7. Spend Time With Friends. We were away from our close circle of friends since the onset of the pandemic. I never realized how much I missed social interactions until we hit a city where we had a friend or two to meet up with. Each time I reconnected with an old pal I felt satiated and truly happy. Those rare meetings with friends while on the road were a celebratory event that made me realize that although at first I convinced myself otherwise, hanging out with people you love regularly is an important part of a happy life. Once we arrived back in New York City I made sure to fill my calendar with as many dates with friends as possible. Firstly, I knew my time with them was limited since we will be moving soon. Secondly, I learned how much I missed them during the year we were essentially friends-free while on the road. So, my advice to you is to meet up with a friend as often as you can. There is nothing like making memories with people who love you and who you love equally in return. 8. Make No Room for Gossip. Just as I recommend reading books that boost your life by filling your mind with positive thinking patterns, I equally recommend making no room for caustic, negative, and hurtful comments made about other people. When you allow yourself to engage in gossip, you are permitting negative energy to permeate your mental space which will inevitably dilute your progress towards becoming a loving and compassionate human being. Those who gossip about others will gossip about you as well. By communicating that you do not want to participate in a meaningless conversation, not only will you block useless conversations from your life but you will also be teaching the other person how to treat you. Since our bandwidth is so limited, do we really want to make room for such idle and corrosive discourse? 9. Keep a Gratitude Journal. Taking the time to reflect on the daily occurrences that you are grateful for really will propel you into a life of gratitude and ultimate fulfillment. When you sit there with a pen in hand each day thinking "what am I grateful for today?" you begin to feel blessed for things often taken for granted like waking up that morning. You also begin to notice things you may have overlooked had you not taken the time to reflect on your day. This is a powerful exercise as the more time you take jotting down moments of gratitude, the more you begin to feel grateful for things that never even occurred to you. When you realize all the ways that your life is blessed you suddenly view your life as abundant and plentiful in every aspect. There is no greater fulfillment than knowing you have everything you need. 10. Refrain From Engaging With Anyone "Too" Anything. The recent political climate has been one of the most divisive events that I can point to in my lifetime. We should all be able to speak and vote freely without the fear of repercussions, ostracization, or cancellation. Most people are extremely respectful of other people's opinions, even if they differ from their own. There is a small, but loud, group of folks that are so extreme in their points of view that they unknowingly become vile. Whether they are "too left" or "too right" on the political spectrum, or "too pro-animal rights" (think PETA throwing red paint at fur wearers), or "too pro-life" (to the point of murdering doctors who provide abortions), these people are poisonous. Anyone who is too extreme is too much for me. Staying away from them and refusing to engage in any conversation with them has served me well. They march with anger, not love. They serve to divide, not love. They force their ideas upon you and ridicule you if you don't concede. Stay away from any form of extremism. 11. Create More Time in Your Day. My entire life I relished my sleep. When presented with options, sleep always won. I never imagined that I would one day be setting my alarm to start my day at 5:30 am. I have been owning my weekday mornings since January. It is possibly one of the most impactful changes I have made in my daily routine. I found myself often complaining that I didn't have the time to do some of the things I always wanted to. I realized that in order to have time to do these things I would need to make time in my schedule. Waking up earlier is the only way I could obtain more time in my day and so that's what I have been doing! There are countless benefits to starting the day this early. For one, I have the whole house to myself while everyone is sleeping, without any distractions. I use this time to meditate, journal, and watch an educational video or TedTalk. At 7:00 am I head to the gym for an hour. By 8:30 am I am showered and dressed ready to start the day armored with gratitude, inspiration, and a great fitness regimen. Exercising is a crucial element to my own happiness. Even while we were exploring the country in the most beautiful of places, if I was not exercising, I was not myself. There was a period of several months while we were on the road that I dropped working out from my routine. No matter how incredible our sightseeing experiences were, I just didn't feel like me when I stopped taking care of my body in this way. Exercise is not only crucial for its obvious health benefits, it also clears your mind, releases stress, zones you out, and most importantly pushes you to break through boundaries. Those very moments that you are convinced you can't push any further, but yet you manage to anyway, leave you feeling undefeated. Each day that you spend lifting an extra pound of weights or running just one-minute longer is a day where you have proven to yourself that you can. Create more hours in your day by waking up earlier too. 12. Consume Less, Discover More. When we returned home after nine months of only needing half a suitcase's worth of space, I was literally nauseous when I looked in my closet. So many clothes, shoes, and bags just for one person. Yuck. After the shock subsided I began to obsessively clear out closets and was pretty disgusted by how many things we accumulated over the years. I gave away hundreds of books to friends and neighbors as well as dozens of items that were still in their original boxes or with their tags still on. So far we have thrown out endless extra-large trash bags filled with garbage. The funny thing is, we aren't even hoarders nor is our apartment filled with tchotchkes. We like our space nice, clean, and clutter-free. Somehow all this stuff made its way into our closets and many of the items never even saw the light of day. Don't spend your money on things. Save your money for wonderful travel experiences, extending acts of kindness unto others, cultural experiences, whatever it is you dream of... I really thought my Gucci bag made me happy until I visited The Grand Canyon. Now, when I put on my Valentino shoes, I crave for the dirty and tattered sneakers that carried me on an eight-mile hike with an elevation of thousands of feet. While my Valentinos made me feel pretty, those sneakers helped me prove to myself that I can do so much more than I ever gave myself credit for. We have convinced ourselves that we want and need materialistic things to find happiness. Take it from me, someone who now hates to admit having a closet sprinkled with designer clothing, the most beautiful I have felt in my life was when I was covered in mud and torn athletic gear after completing a thirteen-mile Spartan race or when I traversed through the deserts or mountain peaks of our country in torn sneakers. These are the best days of my life, not the days I wore a Prada dress. Although I won't throw my wardrobe away, I am pretty certain that I will rarely invest in these luxuries moving forward. Now that I have been introduced to exploration and discovery, I am convinced that these are truly the biggest extravagances in life. Remember, that even the most wealthy people don't have access to these luxuries because they are too busy working to prove their worth or too occupied in saving for their future. Discovering the world, and in return, finding yourself is an experience that is available to everyone, including you, if you decide to explore, discover and awaken. 13. Become Friends With Death. Yes, I believe that one of the keys to a happy life is by including a healthy dose of death in your daily routine. Every day, I am consciously aware that I can die that very day. I often think of when my time will come to say goodbye to the life I love living. Death is inevitable, we all know that, but many of us avoid thinking about it. My advice to you is to think about it often but not in a fearful way that induces anxiety. Instead, inhale healthy dosages that nudge you to live your life fully. Knowing that each day could very well be my last drives me to live my best possible day. Realizing that I may not be alive in five years allows me to think about the present and not consume myself with the future. The concept of death has been a good friend to me, constantly pushing me to live fully, grasp tightly, love deeply, and experience all that I can in life. I know, that for myself, if I didn't have death on my mind every single day, I would quickly fall into a much more complacent life where each moment would be taken for granted and pushing dreams off for an unpromised tomorrow would be a norm. So rather than fearing death, I thank it for encouraging me to live honestly, say what's on my mind, love fully, give generously, travel often, eat great food, talk to anybody and everybody, push my limits, learn new things, not place too much emphasis on money or stuff, spend as much time with my kids as humanely possible, and make wonderful memories for as long as I am alive and healthy. My relationship with death is one of my greatest drivers in life. I encourage you to make friends with it as well. 14. Stop Seeking Your Purpose in Life. There is a strong movement directing people to find their purpose in life. I have found this to be a huge source of pressure and dissent in my own life. When we are forced to believe that we are on this planet for some greater cause we can easily fall into feeling helpless and insufficient. While I have accomplished some wonderful successes in my career life, I always focused on finding my greater calling leaving me feeling that everything I have mastered wasn't enough when confronting my so-called higher purpose in the universe. Letting go of these overwhelming expectations, and instead focusing on my journey of continuously evolving into the best human being I can be, and living my life as fully as possible, has freed me from chasing a murky goal, and allowed me to instead hone in on valuable life tools that are more realistically attainable. You don't need to be the next person who builds an orphanage in Africa. Just be a kind human, respect our planet, give to charity and others, and celebrate each moment that you are alive to live and love. Our purpose is quite simple, really. 15. Perceive Your Problems as Good Problems. A friend taught me this concept which has become instrumental in how I view the problems that arise in my life. When I catch myself complaining to myself about how busy I am, I quickly say to myself "thank goodness I am busy and that I have a sense of purpose and that I am needed". During the last year or so of remote schooling when I am in the kitchen cooking three meals a day, I often bitch to myself about being thrown into the role of a housekeeper and chef (on top of all the other hats I wear), but I immediately remind myself that I am so blessed to have been given this extra time with my children and wouldn't have it any other way. When I face those moments of freaking out that we are moving to a city that made number two on Bloomberg's recent list of cities with the highest real estate price increases, I convince myself of how fortunate we are to be able to move to such a desirable city. Catch yourself complaining and then teach yourself to turn that complaint into a compliment of sorts. This habit is life-changing.