Hi everyone and happy October. I hope your next few weeks are filled with fall fun, whether it be in the form of decorating, warm foods, walks, or corn mazes.
I’ve been spending as much time as I can outdoors while the weather is still nice.
I have been in a season of travel, from longer trips to weekend getaways and have been picking up some travel hacks along the way.
If you are in a season of travel too or preparing for one with the holidays approaching, here’s some helpful hints I have picked up.
Packing Cubes– These packing cubes have been a game changer for me, especially for longer travels. I used packing cubes when I went to Rome and I fit so much in my carry-on. I had more than enough space for souvenirs to bring back and for all my clothes. They are also great for keeping dirty and clean clothes separated during and after your trip.
Travel Size Inventory- I have talked a lot about using sample beauty products when traveling. This is a great opportunity to use products you may be hesitant to try at home. I also try to use products that I am almost out of it and can throw away when I am away to save space coming back and to come home to fresh and fully stocked products. My motto is use it lose it!
Make a List and Take a Photo– I always make a list of what to pack when I leave whether it’s for a week or an overnight trip. I like to keep it in my phone, so I always have it with me. It also makes it easier when checking things off to make sure you have everything when you return. If you are a more visual person, lay out everything you want to bring and snap a photo. When you are ready to come home, check the photo to make sure everything is accounted for.
Pick a Color Scheme– I always try to be mindful when I am packing and that comes in the form of what I am bringing. I tend to choose a color scheme and stick with it. For example, in Italy, I wore black, white and red. This helped mix and match outfits and shoes. For a recent weekend away, I chose blue and white with a few accent colors, they were all neutral which made it easy to mix and match clothing items. Choosing a color scheme also made packing easier when you are only looking for a few colors, plus it helps with jewelry and accessories.
Black and white was my go-to colors for Italy
Bring an Empty Water Bottle– If you are flying or driving, bring an empty water bottle. This is very helpful when flying and you get thirsty as there are always places to refill your cups. If you are driving, it doesn’t hurt to have a cup to fill up at gas stations or rest stops, plus it saves you money and helps the environment.
This travel mug came in handy for a weekend out of town
Be Mindful of Your Bags– Think practicality over cute. I tend to be practical with what bags and luggage I am using, but I have fallen victim to choosing cute over practical and I faced the consequences. Rolling suitcases and backpacks may be the smarter decision when flying as opposed to totes. However, a tote could be great for a road trip for easy access for snacks and toys for kids. Always be thinking about what’s the best option for organization and practicality.
Practical for flying
Not as practical for flying…lesson learned
There you have it, some helpful hints that I have picked up when traveling. I am by no means an expert, so I am always open to new ideas. Tell me: what are some of your travel tips and advice? Let me know in the comments below! Happy Travels!
I can’t believe August has come to an end. School is back in session and fall will be here before we know it. I typically save the last Wednesday of the month for my Currently post, but that will be pushed back a week, so I can shared part two of my trip to Italy.
At the beginning of the month, my family and I embarked on our first big international trip and went to Italy. I shared part one last week and you can read about it here.
Today is all about part two. We left off with our day trip to Venice.
Day Six was a calmer day after a day of travel. My brother and I started the day with a run which was such a good way to start the day.
We then got breakfast at the hotel and packed up our things for the next hotel. After breakfast we did some more sightseeing.
I’ll be missing these Italian breakfasts
We started the day at St. Mary Major, one of my favorite churches from the last time I visited.
I loved the architecture and the fact we could walk there.
The gorgeous church
After look at the church, we took an Uber to the Keyhole where you can get a unique perspective of the city.
A unique view of Rome
It was also near where I stayed when I came in college. We got to see some of the churches near Saint Anselmo and saw some incredible views of the city too.
After spending some time in a quieter part of Rome, we made our way back to the city to see the Tomb of the Unknown Solider.
We then walked flights of stairs and took an elevator to see some incredible views of the city.
An overview of the city
More views
And even more views
After, snapping some photos, we made our way to the Pantheon.
Then made our way to the Piazza Novena for lunch at a Mediterranean restaurant where I got a delicious chicken and hummus wrap.
At this point, we switched hotels for our trip, we stayed in Rome but moved to a quieter part of town.
Our new neighborhood
The hotel was gorgeous and the best part was the pool which was much needed after several days in scorching temperatures!
We relaxed and cooled off by the pool and then got cleaned up for dinner.
We walked to a steakhouse nearby. We split some appetizers and I enjoyed their fresh salad and meatballs and tiramisu for dessert. It was so nice to walk back after dinner.
We then called it a night since we had a big day planned. Day Seven started early as we had to catch a 6:00 train to Naples.
Early morning views
With breakfast
Arriving in Naples
Once we arrived, we took a 7:30 ferry to Capri for the day!
Our ferry
We arrived at 9:30 just in time for our 10:00 boat tour of the island.
First sights of Capri.
A lot of early morning travel but it was so worth it.
This was one of my favorite days of the trip! Capri was packed with lots of tourists.
Our boat driver told us over 20,000 people visit every day! The island is very small but there’s so much to see. We spent four hours on the boat and got to see the whole island. We got to go swimming twice, once near some cliffs and then in some caverns. It was such a cool experience. It was so hot out that the water felt so refreshing and it was so clear too. This was an experience I’ll never forget.
After our boat ride, we did some shopping and eating.
We got their traditional lemon sorbet, which was lemon sorbet in a lemon, it was so refreshing in the heat.
The delicious dessertsLemon sorbetStreet signsSo many vendors
After some more window shopping, we made our way back for a 4:30 ferry back to Naples.
Gorgeous views
We had to catch a 6:30 train to Rome. We enjoyed some snacks on the train and before we knew it, we were back in Rome.
It was a long day full of travel, but so worth it! It was one of my favorite days of the trip.
Pictures don’t do it justice
Simply stunning
Day Eight had a slower start due to how busy the previous day was. I started the day with a walk and then we went to church at an American church near the Vatican.
After mass, we went to to do some shopping and went to get our items blessed and listen to the Pope give his weekly address.
Seeing the Pope again
It was so cool to see Pope Francis twice in one week alongside thousands of other people.
After spending time at the Vatican, we went to the Jewish Ghetto for lunch and to see the spot was Julius Cesar was killed.
We split lots of snacks for lunch and I got a Chicken Caesar salad too.
Lunch
And lots of snacks!
I also indulged in a pistachio cannoli for a treat! It hit the spot.
After looking at some of the ruins, we made our way to the Olympic stadium which was so cool to see in person even if it had been decades since they were last played there.
My mom and I did some window shopping at a few high end stores and got one last gelato to cool off.
I went for snickers in a cone, the perfect afternoon treat.
We went back to the hotel and cooled off in the pool and then got ready for one last Italian dinner.
We walked to a spot nearby where I order bucatini and tiramisu for dessert, they did not disappoint! We walked back to our hotel and enjoyed the beauty that Rome had to offer at night.
Our final day started with a a walk in a nearby park followed by breakfast and getting to the airport to head back home.
One last walk in Rome
One last breakfast
The ride home was long but books and movies kept me entertained and then we were back home and back to reality.
Back to the states
I had such an incredible trip to Italy with my family. As we endured 100 degree days and consumed lots of water, and walked dozens of miles, we enjoyed delicious food, rich history and made an abundance of memories.
It’s truly time I would not trade for anything. We are all getting older and continue to go in different directions, which made this trip extra special.
Hello All! Happy Wednesday! Life is back to normal after a few weeks of travel, getting back to work and people heading back to school. Although, we are back into a routine, I’m still looking forward to soaking up these last few weeks of summer and making them count. A few weeks ago, my family and I took our first international trip to Rome, Italy. It was truly a trip of a lifetime and we had the best time.
I kept a journal of my time away and I’m sharing part one with you today! Let’s dive right in!
Ciao Roma!
I have made my way to Rome, Italy. This time, with my family!! I have been to Rome twice before, once in high school and once in college with trips and I was so excited to show my family this beautiful place. You can read about my trip in college in two parts, part one is here and part two is here.
Our first day was a travel day. We flew from Pittsburgh to Boston and then Boston to Rome. We had smooth flights and no delays-major win!
I finished a book, watched a movie, slept and just about 24 hour after we left our home-we were in Rome!
Our first day began bright and early. We landed around 8:00 and then made our way to our hotel. We dropped off our bags and then headed straight to the Vatican.
First signs in Rome
We enjoyed Sunday Mass inside Saint Peter’s Cathedral and then got to see the Pope as he addressed the crowd.
It was so cool to start our trip in Rome with Pope Francis on Sunday.
Pope Francis addressing the crowd.
The Vatican on Sunday
It was hot and humid and being in crowds of thousands didn’t help. The heat and sun was the only minor downside to the trip, it made things just a tad uncomfortable when you are walking miles every day.
The beautiful Rome
After wandering around and exploring St. Peter’s Square we got lunch at a nearby spot. I got prosciutto and buffalo mozzarella and some pizza! It was a delicious first meal in Italy.
We then got an Uber back to our hotel and got checked in and settled. After seeing the area where our hotel was located, we went to a spot a few blocks away for dinner and gelato.
The view from our hotel
I enjoyed some Cacio e Pepe pasta, which is basically a buttered pasta.
We then stopped for gelato on the way back. My choice was tiramisu.
We called it an early night after a long day of travel!
Day Two began a bit slower, one of the things I wanted to do in Rome was go for a run in the city. I really wanted to see the Eternal City from a different perspective. My brother and I ran for about three miles around our hotel and through the city. It was cool to see the city before it woke up and before it got too hot. The humidity was real even as the sun was rising.
Early morning run views
We got ready for the day and went down for breakfast which was a huge spread. There was yogurt and toppings, fresh fruit, eggs, bacon, sausage, sandwiches, cereal and so many pastries. I tried to enjoy something different every day.
Our first day consisted of a hop on and off bus tour of major sites like The Roman Forum, the Colosseum, The Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, The Circus Maximus, and several churches.
We did the whole tour and then chose to hop off back at our hotel to cool off after being outside in the sun, in almost 100 degree weather, for the morning.
We went through lots of water on this trip. We browsed a few stores on the way back including a grocery store.
This was such a cool thing to experience just to compare what food and brands they have.
McDonald’s was also very popular in Rome. We saw one on almost every corner, but that was the only fast food spot we saw, minus a Burger King in Venice and a KFC in Rome. We stopped for drinks during the day in McDonald’s and it was also fun to compare the menu and food from U.S. to Europe.
After cooling off at our hotel, we made our way back to the bus and chose to look at a few spots for a more extensive look. We hopped off at the Colosseum and did a tour inside alongside the Palentine Hill and the Roman Forum.
It was fascinating to see the ruins in modern times. After spending the afternoon at the ruins, we made our way back to the hotel and cleaned up for a night out.
We had tickets to an Italian Opera. It was in a small church with two soloists and a pianist. It was a 45 minute concert where they played well-known songs including Vivaldi and Puccini. It was my first Italian Opera and was such a cool experience. I really liked the intimate setting of the church too.
After the show, we walked to a nearby restaurant for dinner. I enjoyed some Caprese Salad, Eggplant Parmesan and the some lasagna too. I indulged in chocolate cake for dessert and homemade ice cream. Yum! We made our way back to the hotel and got some much needed rest.
Day Three began with another big breakfast and then it was off to the Vatican for an early tour.
Ready for Day two!
Our breakfast spread
We had a great tour guide who was very informative about all things St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican.
We got to see the museum, some the gardens, and of course the Sistine Chapel! The vibrant colors were incredible. I learned so much about Michelangelo and his background.
We then went around the Basilica which was under partial renovations, but still incredible to see. We looked at the statues and got to listen to daily mass as well. I really enjoyed going to Confession in the Vatican.
We got to tour the crypt where several popes are buried including Pope Benedict XVI and Pope John Paul II. We did some shopping in the gift shop and got our items blessed.
Due to the heat, we drank a lot of water and we took advantage of these filling stations found throughout the cities and museums to refill our bottles. We made our way back to the Hop On and Off bus and headed back to the hotel and got some lunch. One of the biggest things I noticed about the food was smaller portions and lack of vegetables. Obviously pizza and pasta were the main menu items, which were delicious, but there wasn’t a whole lot of salads or meats. That being said, when I saw a tuna salad on the menu, I was intrigued to try it. It was so good and fresh. We also got lots of different appetizers with our meals that we all got to try. This meal we enjoyed calamari and fried mozzarella and bruschetta.
Everything was filled with so much flavor! We did some walking around and went back to the hotel to freshen up before doing a nighttime bus tour of the landmarks. We grabbed dessert at the hotel before calling it a night.
Day Four was our first day trip of our adventure! My brother and I got up early and went for a run where we passed more landmarks including the Trevi Fountain, these views were a bit better compared to my views at home.
We got breakfast and then made our way to the train station for a day in Florence. After a mixup with the train, we were on our way! It was about an hour and a half long trip.
Florence was much quieter compared to Rome, but still very hot. My family and I joked around that this trip could have been sponsored by all the bottles of water we went through. It was very humid, sunny, and water wasn’t the first drink of choice in more of the restaurants.
Once we arrived in Florence, we got the lay of the land and made our way to the Duomo, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore.
You didn’t need tickets but you did have to wait in line. We waited about 35 minutes to get inside and it was worth it. Although, there wasn’t a lot of artwork on the inside, the dome was stunning.
We got to see the crypt as well. I loved looking around the building at the colors and architecture of the church. Simply stunning and mammoth!
After touring the church, we grabbed lunch. I enjoyed a chicken salad and an Aperol Spritz and some pizza too!
We browsed some leather stores and got gelato. I got chocolate in a cone this time.
So many flavors
Gelato on a cone was to die for!
We then made our way to the Academia Galleria, where we got to see Michaelangelo’s Statue of David. We had a tour guide who offered so much knowledge about Michelangelo and artwork. It was very informative.
The Statue of David
We walked a bit more around Florence and saw a soccer stadium for one of their professional teams and made our way back to the train station to head back to Rome.
Boarding our train.
It was beautiful to see the countryside of Italy going back. We got back fairly late and headed to bed because we had an early day on Thursday.
Day Five was Thursday and we had a really early start to head to Venice for the day! We got to the train station around 6:15, luckily, it was only a block away from our hotel which made transportation very easy for our day trips.
Snacks on the train to Venice.
The trip to Venice was about four hours and we were served snacks on the trip. It was also beautiful to see the countryside heading to Venice. The view we saw when we came off the train was stunning. The water was right when you left the train station.
When we arrived we got lunch after browsing through some of the stores.
I enjoyed a Venice salad for lunch which included lots of fresh veggies, buffalo mozzarella, black olives and even a hot dog which was unique.
After lunch, we took a Gondola ride which was my favorite part of the day. It was so cool to see the city from that perspective and to see everyone get around by water.
There were water taxis and water buses and so many gondolas. The temperature was also cooler being by the water. It was so picturesque to float around the rivers.
Our ride lasted about 30 minutes and then we decided to take a water taxi to another part of Venice for a tour of St. Mark’s Square and Doge’s Palace.
Before our tour, we did some souvenir shopping and browsing into all the little stores and shops.
The book stores were some of my favorite spots
One of the things that I really enjoyed about Venice was seeing all the little hotels, everything seemed so intimate and quaint! I loved it!
There were so many details, but the view from the top was my favorite!
The water was so blue and the city was really showing off.
Our tour lasted just over two hours. The church was beautiful and I learned so much about the Byzantine artwork and design.
We then toured the palace which I learned was used for lots of government business.
We got to see and learn about the court rooms, where the senators and judges worked and even where they held prisoners.
It was a fascinating tour and I learned so much about the republic in Venice.
After our tour, we boarded a water taxi and went back to the train station to head to Rome.
We picked up some sandwiches to eat on the train back. We arrived in Rome late at night. Another common theme of the trip, long and packed full days, but so worth it!
That wraps up part one of my trip to Italy. There’s still a lot more adventures in store. I’ll be sharing part two next Wednesday, so be sure to check back. I’ll see you back here on Friday for another round-up of Friday Favorites!
Happy Wednesday! We are in the middle of the first full week of August. At the moment, I’m on vacation with my family, it’s a well-deserved break for all of us and we are making some quality memories together. I’ll be sharing more of my trip in the coming weeks, but until then, I have another travel post to tide you over. One that I couldn’t wait to share with you all!
Several weeks ago, my boyfriend and I took another one of our crazy day trips. My boyfriend is a great trip planner, especially ones that are affordable and unique too. We also like to do our trips in a day, even if it means being up for more than 24 hours.
Last summer, we did NYC in 13 hours, you can read about it here. We also did Toronto in a day, which you can read about here.
This summer, we did Montreal in a day! It was one of our furthest destinations, but we packed a lot in, and I fell in love with the city and the culture.
Here’s a recap of our trip.
We left in the evening and drove to Burlington, Canada where we caught a train into Toronto. The car ride was about 2.5 hours and then the train was about an hour. After making our way to Toronto, we hopped on an overnight bus into Montreal.
Arriving at the border
Arriving in the bus station the next day
We arrived bright and early before 6:00 in the downtown area, since most of the city was still asleep, we freshened up and dropped off our bags. My boyfriend discovered a gym that you can store your bags for the day, this was a huge help to us. We could still pack what we needed for our travels without having to worry about carrying them during the day.
After getting ready, we started exploring the downtown, metropolitan area and then ventured into the Old Port and historic Montreal.
This was one of my favorite parts of the day. The sun was rising, the city was quiet, and we could just take in the city.
We got breakfast at a little bakery and ate in the town square.
Between the French signs, old architecture and French being the most common language spoken there, I truly felt like I was in a different world, and I loved it.
We walked down by the pier and then made our way back to the old part of the town to tour the Notre Dame Basilica.
More views from our walk
It was a gorgeous church filled with vibrant colors and details. We went when they first opened so there were no lines.
After our tour, we made our way towards the downtown area where we climbed up Mount Royal.
A look at what we had to climb
We walked everywhere through the day, so we definitely got our steps in. The hill was daunting and climbing up flights of steps was challenging at points, but the view was worth it.
The view from the top
We could see the entire city from the top. It was breathtaking, especially in the sunshine.
After enjoying the view, we made our way to a park in Mount Royal where we rented a rowboat and enjoyed some time on the water. It was picturesque and VERY dreamy. I felt like I had my own “Notebook” worthy moment.
Such a beautiful park!
We spent some more time in the park and then made our way down the steps and hill, the walk down was much easier.
The homes were gorgeous!
We stopped for lunch at a little shop and enjoyed our food in a nearby park.
Lunch in a park
We walked back down to the water and enjoyed some more time in the city.
A look at the city from the water.
We also popped into a few shops, bought some souvenirs, and enjoyed some music in a town square too.
All the shops were so cute and quaint!
We grabbed our bags and then made our way back to the bus station where we began our journey home.
Back at the station
Here’s a look at our final stats of the day when it comes to the mileage.
There were some delays for the return trip, but that was all a part of the adventure. We got back very early in the morning and took the day to catch up on sleep and get our lives back in order.
Although there was a lot of travel involved and many different modes of transportation, it was so worth it. My boyfriend and I love exploring new places and traveling, especially on a budget. He does an incredible job at planning and truly thinks of everything. I’m not sure where our next adventure will be, but I’m sure it will be a whirlwind.
Until next time, Montreal!
Tell me: where are some of your favorite places to travel to? Bonus points if they can be done in a day! Although, I will be still away, I will have a Friday Favorites post for you! I hope you are having a great week! See you back here on Friday! Happy August!
Happy Wednesday! I hope you had a great week so far! We are halfway to the weekend and I couldn’t be more ready for it.
I love to travel and visit new places, whether they are cities, state parks or the suburbs! This summer I have done a lot more traveling than in year’s past, mostly due to Covid. It’s been fun to return to old places or go someplace new. My boyfriend and I love taking day trips together, since our work schedules don’t line up whenever we take a day off for one another we try to really capitalize on it. So far this summer we have gone to Columbus, New York City and Toronto and the Canadian Falls to name a few spots.
Our trip to Canada was our most recent trip at the beginning of August. We had such a good time and packed a lot in. Here’s what we did and how we did Canada in a day!
We left around 4:30 and made our way up north. We drove to Burlington, Canada and from there took a train into the city of Toronto.
Making our way across the border
We arrived around 8:30 to Union Station with all the commuters for the day.
Union Station
Our first stop was Tim Hortons for some fuel, even through we have them at home, we knew we had to take advantage of the Canadian staple.
Fuel for the day!
The city in the morning!
We walked around downtown for a bit and checked out some of the tourist spots, like the CN Tower and the big Toronto sign and then City Hall. We also saw the Rogers Arena where the Maple Leafs play!
The CN Tower
The iconic Toronto sign
City Hall behind the sign
Home of the Maple Leafs
After taking in the downtown we took a ferry to Centre Island which was so fun! From the boat, you got a whole new perspective of the city and it was beautiful to be out on the water.
The city from the ferry
On the ferry!
On the island, there are trails to walk and bike, a beach, lots of food stands, a little amusement park and lots of green space along with boating clubs.
There were so many green spaces
A look at the amusement park
We walked around by the piers and rented bikes as we took in the island, we could have stayed there all day!
It was beautiful on the island
In the future we want to go back with picnic and spend more time there. It was beautiful!
The ferry coming back to the island (my boyfriend snapped this photo)
We took the ferry back and then made our way to St. Lawrence Market for lunch.
A look inside St. Lawrence’s Market
There were dozens of different vendors , from fresh produce, to breads, meats, fish, vegetables, bakery items, and speciality goods. We both settled on sandwiches for lunch.
Lunch time!
After our meals, we decided to take the train back to our car in Burlington and then head to Niagara Falls. We have both been to the American falls, but this was our first time heading to the Canadian falls together.
The falls!
If you have never been before, the Canadian falls is very touristy, lots of gift shops, fast food places, amusement park rides and very Americanized. We found it to be a little overwhelming, so we quickly made our way past the chaos and just enjoyed the falls.
America or Canada? It was hard to tell with all the American chains.
We decided not to purchase tickets to any boats or activities since we arrived late in the day and just decided to take in the falls.
Up close of the rushing waters
The falls-both of them!
It was beautiful to see both the American and Canadian falls next to each other. After seeing them from many different spots and taking lots of photos, we decided to call it a day and make our way back home.
A rainbow to end the day!
It was a packed full day and we were tired.
We had such a great time that we have already begun to talk about what we want to do the next time we go.
Goodbye falls!
Tell me, have you enjoyed any trips this summer and have you been to Toronto or Canada, if so, what are your must do’s?
Let me know in the comments below!
See you back here on Friday for another edition of Friday Favorites!
I hope you had a Fourth of July yesterday. Although, I was working, I still enjoyed time with family and some good grilling and fireworks too! It was a great way to round off America’s birthday!
These past few weeks have been so busy with trips, time with family and work, so I’m a little behind with sharing about some recent trips, so today I’m catching you all up about them.
My boyfriend surprised me with a day trip to New York City for my birthday, but there was a slight catch. We did NYC in 13.5 hours and were up for about 24 hours to make it happen. If you are planning to do the Big Apple in a day, it is possible and affordable and here’s how we did it.
Central Park in the morning
We both have been to New York City before (I’ve only been in the city in the winter at Christmastime so this was my first time in the in the summer), so we have seen the big sights, but we wanted still to hit all the big stops together.
We left at 1:30 in the morning to drive to a bus station about four hours away, from there we took a bus into the city (where we caught a few hours of sleep) where they dropped us off in Midtown at 9:30 and then we hit the ground running (literally).
All I had with me was my Lululemon Cross body which was a huge lifesaver and truly all I needed. I packed a lot in there, from glasses, chargers, sanitizer, chapstick, a little body spray and then cash and credit card and I used it all through the day.
All I had for a day in the city!
I also can’t recommend enough wearing comfortable shoes and clothes as we walked a lot (I’ll show you my final stats at the end of the post).
The weather was perfect for our day in the city with temperatures in the 70’s and partly cloudy, not too sunny or hot, we truly couldn’t have asked for a better day.
First sights of the city.
We made a list of all the top things we wanted to see and added to it throughout the day.
Here’s a look at our completed list.
We started the day with a walk-through Central Park, we took our first subway of the day to get there and then grabbed a classic New York Style bagel as we made our way to 30 Rock and NBC News.
Bagels for breakfast!
So many cream cheese options!
30 Rock!
Hello NBC!
Then we headed to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Time Square.
St. Patrick’s showing off!
The inside.
Times Square!
After taking in the sights, we hit the New York Public Library (where I had to reminisce about Carrie and Big from Sex and the City).
Then it was off to the iconic Macy’s where we checked out every floor (but didn’t buy anything).
Macy’s!
We made a stop to Penn Station and Madison Square Garden.
Penn Station
Madison Square Garden!
By this point we were hungry, so we got some classic New York Style pizza and ate in Herald Square and people watched for a piece.
Classic pizza for lunch!
I had my Serena Van Der Woods moment in Grand Central Station and then we decided to take a subway to catch the Staten Island Ferry.
I was having a moment in my Gossip Girl era.
Another view from inside!
This was one of our favorite parts of the day since we both have never done it before and you got to see the city from a different perspective and spend some time on the water. We passed the Statue of Liberty on our way back.
Another view of the city
Statue of Liberty
After we were back in the city, we stopped by Battery Park and saw the 9/11 Memorial.
As we made our wayback to Midtown we walked along the Hudson River which was a scenic way to make our way back to the city.
A late afternoon stroll.
We also stopped by the Highline, which is a park above the city which offered the most beautiful views, we popped into Chelsea Market to see all the vendors, shops and restaurants.
The highline
Chelsea Market
One of my favorite things about walking through the city is seeing all the different restaurants and stores and shops and how unique they all are tucked throughout the city. There were so many cute neighborhood spots I would have loved to check our if time permitted.
So many cute spots.
By this time it was around 5:00 and we knew our time in the city was coming to a close so we grabbed ice cream and plotted the next few hours which included stops to both Chinatown and Little Italy (which we took the subway to get there too).
Afternoon pick me up!
Chinatown
Little Italy
We then took a subway to get back to Midtown, however, we ended up in Brooklyn, so after a little bit of a longer subway ride (which felt great to sit after lots of walking), we caught the sunset as we made our way back to the city for dinner at a 24 hour diner.
Sunset back in the city
Our dinner spot.
And dinner!
After dinner, which was breakfast for dinner, we made a final stop in Times Square to see it in its glory at night, before it was back to the bus station to catch our bus back home.
Times Square at night
Our bus was delayed which made it not so fun after being up for hours with dying phones. Thankfully, it arrived, and we made it on and caught some sleep as we bussed back.
Here’s a look at my final stats according to my Apple Watch…over 18 miles and close to 50,000 steps. My legs definitely were tired by the end of the day.
Final stats of the day!
This was such a packed full day, but the absolute best gift and surprise from my boyfriend! Truly one of the best gifts he has ever given me. We have been doing more experiences rather than gifts for holidays and birthdays which we both enjoy.
So many outdoor dining spots.
The biggest things we learned from this trip is that you CAN do NYC in a day and hit all the top spots, almost everything we did was free! The only things we paid for were food, a few subway rides and then our bus and a few souvenirs (those were for me). Make sure you wear comfortable clothes and shoes especially if you plan on doing lots of walking which we did.
The City bustling.
I loved our time in the city from sunup to sundown. If you are on the fence about doing a day trip to a city, I highly recommend it. Just make sure you have a plan in place, you know your city (my boyfriend knows the city very well) and be open to going with the flow.
The streets in the evening.
I’m already counting down to the next time I am in the city!
Tell me: what questions do you have about my trip? Let me know in the comments below! See you back here on Friday for a new edition of Friday Favorites!
Hi everyone! Happy Wednesday! I hope you are having a great week so far! It’s the second Wednesday of the month which means it’s time for another Let’s Look as I link up with Erika and Shay.
As we make our way through summer, one thing you may be doing is heading on a trip, so this month, we are talking about travel tips. I did a post about summer travel tips that you can read here. But here’s a bit of a refresher and some new advice!
I broke down my travel tips for a day trip, weekend away and week long trip. I have been going on lots of day trips recently, so I have it down to a science. All these tips are for road trips in a car, but can be altered for flying.
Day Trip
Make a list of everything you plan to bring (I always like to keep it on my phone, so I can reference it- write everything down-from wallet to snacks, even chargers)
An example of a packing list (mine are more detailed but this just an example)
Totes and smaller pouches are the best tools. I love to bring a big tote (some of my favorite brands are my new Barrington tote, my Longchamp tote and my Thirty One bags) and then store smaller items like chargers, ear buds, gadgets in the pouches.
Always bring the necessities in addition to the fun things. (I always bring extra medicine, a first aid kit, a book, my glasses, some backup makeup, a hoodie or sweater, sunscreen or sunglasses- in the summer, just in case I may need them.)
A good road trip isn’t complete without some good snacks and don’t forget bottle water and drinks in case you get stranded in a car.
I always pack a backup outfit or blanket in case something happens and a day trip turns into an overnight trip.
I always have a go-bag with extra clothes, toiletries, a blanket and pillow in my trunk.
Weekend Away
A lot of the same advice applies to a weekend away as they would to a day trip, but here’s a few extra tips.
I always like to use sample products from toiletries and beauty products when I go away. It’s a way to try different products, see what works, but you don’t have to worry about long-term uses.
An example of some free samples that I can’t wait to try when I go away.
If you are low on items, use them on the trip and then toss them so you don’t have to bring them back.
Don’t overpack, try to keep in mind what events you need to pack for and try and stick with a color scheme too, it makes planning outfits easier
Week Long Trip
Always keep a packing list with all the details of every item and every place, event, or activity you need an outfit for.
Pack back up items in neutral colors to mix and match for outfits ( I always pack a white shirt, a t-shirt dress, and an extra pair of shoes that can be worn with other outfits.)
Leave room for souvenirs or any items you may buy or bring back.
I enjoy traveling for long and short trips and while packing can be stressful or overwhelming, breaking it down by making lists, keeping things simple and not overthinking always helps. Always remember, if you forget something, you can always pick it up at the store!
That’s just some travel and packing tips that work for me. Tell me, what travel tips do you live by? Let me know in the comments below! Happy Traveling!
Happy Hump Day! We made it halfway through the week. I hope your week has been smooth sailing, but if not, I hope the wind moves you in the right direction as we wrap up the week.
These past few weeks have been busy, but in the best way, so I haven’t had a chance to chat about a recent trip I went on for work. I got to cross off something from my bucket list which was huge win and very exciting!
Charles the III was crowned King on May 6 and leading up to the Coronation, a close co-worker and I were tasked with getting the pulse of how Canadians felt about the new monarch and any festivities they had planned for the big day for a series of stories for Coronation Day.
After coming up with a game plan and setting up interviews, we made our way to Niagara on the Lake, Ontario, which was just over a two-hour drive. It was my first-time visiting Niagara on the Lake, so I was excited to visit a new place and do a series of stories on a topic I have a lot of interest in.
Passport ready to go!
We had no problem getting through the border and once we were in, we hit the ground running. Between the two of us, we had five interviews to conduct. My co-worker focused more on taking the pulse of Canadians and I focused on the event and activities surrounding the Coronation in Niagara on the Lake.
The town itself was so charming. I loved seeing all the shops and popping into a few of them myself.
We went into one store that had lots of Coronation merchandise, I ended up picking a gold King Charles III spoon for myself as a souvenir.
Some of the Coronation gear you could buy!
And some British candy!
There were different restaurants, cafes and bakeries on every corner. You felt like you were in a Hallmark movie and while we were there, I learned some Hallmark movies have been filmed there.
The tulips were just starting to bloom and I’m sure in a few weeks, the streets will be covered in them.
Niagara on the Lake is also known for their wineries and Bed and Breakfasts, which we passed as we were making our way from stop to stop.
Another thing I loved about the town was how close in distance everything was to each other. Driving from one edge of town to the other took a few minutes and there was lots of sidewalks if you were looking to just walk from your hotel or BnB to a restaurant or shop.
Parks were all around and we were steps away from the lake.
My story took us to the Prince of Wales Hotel where Queen Elizabeth II stayed when she visited Niagara on the Lake in the 1970’s. It was a beautiful hotel with lots of history.
We grabbed lunch at Treadwell, which was a farm to table restaurant. I got a salad that was the perfect mix of fresh and tangy.
This salad was so good!
We popped into a few shops on our way out of town, like this linen store. I wish I had time to check out all the different storefronts.
One of the shops we popped into.
And just like that we were back on our way to the U.S.A. and we passed the falls on our way out.
The American and Canadian Falls!
Although, it was short trip, 12 hours total, we got a lot in and it was quite a success. I can’t wait to return and explore the town more, maybe even see a show or two. I’m so glad I got to go to a new place and experience a new culture. It was so fun to step out of my comfort zone and it definitely gave me the travel bug.
Have you been to Niagara on the Lake? If so, what were your favorite things to do and see? Let me know in the comments below!
See you back here on Friday for another Friday Favorites link-up!
Happy Wednesday! I hope this past week has been filled with sunshine, nights grilling, lemonade and maybe even some fruit salad. There’s nothing quite that says summer like eating outside with some fresh food and good conversations-summer nights are a favorite for me!
Nothing says summer like grilling lunch or dinner.
Another thing that completes my summer is getting away, whether it’s for a family vacation, a girl’s trip or even just an overnight. Taking some time off always gives you the chance to recharge and return to your everyday life feeling refreshed, relaxed and maybe even a little tanner.
Before you jet off, you may need to complete that to-do list before it’s vacay time- which includes packing. Some people may dread packing, but I enjoy it. I do dread the unpacking when I return home, haha. Whenever I get home from a trip, I immediately start unpacking, putting things away and starting laundry. To me, there’s nothing better than everything back in its place when you get home.
There’s something fun about planning and being intentional with what you need and what you want to bring on a trip. You can also have some fun picking out things you may not wear every day, like different dresses, bolder jewelry or brighter shoes. It can also get stressful especially if you are packing for more than one person. Whether you are packing overnight for one, or a week-long trip for a family of five, here’s some tips for efficient packing that will have you feeling relaxed before you even leave home.
Make a List-It may sound cliche, but make a list of everything you need, from clothes, makeup, medicines, even things you bring in your purse or carry-on. I typically create a list on my phone so I can reference it throughout the trip and make sure I have everything before heading back home. I write everything down I take, even to the amount of things I’m taking, so I can just do a visual check of things before I leave. This also comes in handy if you are staying at more than one place over the course of your trip. Make a list and check it twice before you bounce from place to place. Plus, if you have children, keeping a list of things you are packing for them in addition to yourself makes things even easier for travel.
An example of a packing list(mine are more detailed but this just an example)
Don’t overpack-It can be easy to overpack especially when it comes to clothes and shoes. You may think to bring outfits for different meals, events or activities and think you will wear them, only to wear one outfit for a day and not change for dinner or other activities. I always try to be intentional with what I am packing, but I always bring a neutral outfit as a backup. This can be an easy t-shirt dress that can be worn for a dinner or outing, or an extra pair of short if you will be doing lots of outdoor activities or walking. I always, always, always bring an extra white t-shirt, it can go with pretty much anything (jeans, shorts, even skirts and it never hurts to have a backup in case an accident happens0hello stains!).
Having an easy tee shirt dress always comes in handy when away and it travels well too!
Use it or Lose it-This is one of my favorite rules, whenever I travel, I always try to use products that are almost out, so I can toss it when I’m away and come back to fresh products. So, what does this mean exactly? If I’m really low on full size products (i.e. face wash, toothpaste, lotion, I will take them with them and use the remainder of them and toss them when I’m away so I can come home to fresh and full products. Now, this doesn’t always work out with products, but when it does, it’s always a win!
A few examples of things that I’ll try to use up on a trip.
Use Free Samples-Now, let’s say you don’t have any products that are close to being done to bring on vacation and you prefer to use travel size things, here’s a fun suggestion, when traveling take the time to use free sample products. Whether it’s through Ulta Beauty or wherever you get your beauty products, I’m sure you have accumulated your fair share of sample products, use any free samples you have on vacation to see if it’s something worth investing in, whether it be serums, body lotions, face washes, or different color pallets for makeup. While you are away you can try out new products and if you love them, great, if not, you can toss them before you come home. By using your free samples while you are away, it forces you to use your products you have besides having them sit there and it gives you a chance to try new products too
An example of some free samples that I can’t wait to try when I go away.
Be present and have fun! I know this may sound like no brainer, but after planning and organizing there’s nothing better than really unwinding while on vacation. Take the time to unplug, put the phone down and be present where you are at and enjoy it.
Sweet summertime!
Those are just a few tips and tricks that help me for when I travel, not just in the summer but all year around. For those frequent flyers and road trippers, what are your top tips for travel? Let me know in the comments below!
I need to start today’s post by putting it out there that I’ve never been much of an outdoors or sporty person. I played soccer in the summer when I was in grade school, and I did tennis for one year in middle school. But other than that, I didn’t do too many other sports. I have always enjoyed working out, whether it’s lifting or cardio, but I won’t be competing in the Olympics anytime soon. But walking? That’s up to my speed.
One thing I have always loved is walks. There’s nothing like taking in nature and fresh air while getting in a workout. I took advantage of walks even more during the pandemic. It was a safe way to see people at a distance, get out the house, and have things be semi-normal. I have continued to fall in love with walks and hiking in the past few months and I love traveling to different places to see new things and get in a good walk too. Plus, you can go for a walk in every season-just make sure you dress appropriately.
Here’s a roundup of some of my favorite spots so far this fall.
-Presque Isle
The beautiful Lake Erie
This may seem like a no brainer, but I love going for walks at Presque Isle. People come from all over the region and I’m lucky enough to have it in my backyard. Whether it’s on the paths by the water or deep in the trails, it’s a beautiful spot to walk in any season.
-The Bayfront
Another view from the Bayfront
Another beautiful spot to go for a walk in the city is on the Bayfront. There’s sidewalks and parks to enjoy time outside and with a beautiful backdrop. I love watching the sunset after taking an evening stroll.
-Erie Bluffs
A hidden gem outside of Erie.
Not the greatest picture, but it was beautiful spot about 20 minutes outside of Erie. Erie Bluffs has a number of trails and walking areas. I stumbled upon a beach and access to water and it was a great place to take in the scenery especially after a long walk.
-Geneva State Park
Another view of Lake Erie, this time from Ohio.
If you are looking to head out of Erie County, then heading over to Ohio for a quick drive is always a good idea. At Geneva State Park, there’s a number of trails, both paved and not paved to enjoy. There’s also the beaches, the camp sites and the vegetation to enjoy. I love getting to see Lake Erie from all different angles.
-Cuyahoga Valley National Park
The creeks and the trees were picture perfect
Another view
If you are up for a bit of an adventure, heading into Ohio, there’s plenty to find. A few weeks back, I ventured to Cuyahoga Valley National Park for a train ride and a walk. Even though it was cold and rainy it was the perfect fall backdrop. I loved all the trails and paths.
-Kinzua Bridge State Park
The broken railroad tracks.
All bundled up for a walk
Another perfect place for a walk with some gorgeous views especially in the fall is the Kinzua State Park. There’s a number of trails and places to explore but the highlight is seeing the broken railroad tracks after a tornado came though a number of years ago. You can go down into the valley which is a pretty cool part too.
-Letchworth State Park
My second favorite waterfall in New York.
Gorgeous views
I spent my first time in Letchworth State Park just a few weeks ago. It is in the middle of nowhere in New York, but after going through twists and turns, you hear the rushing water and then you are greeted by the waterfalls. You can view them from all different levels. I loved the fact that there was these beautiful waterfalls in the middle of a forest. Simply stunning and so serene.
There’s are just a few places that I have travelled to recently. Where are your favorite places to hike, walk or run.
