Category Archives: Travel

Rejuvenate

Posted by

2

I already told you about my glorious weekend here, but to recap: sun, sand, wind, late nights, cocktails, junk food. They were all contributors to the fun of the trip, but they also left me feeling, and looking, a bit… haggard… by the time we returned yesterday.

Luckily for me (and maybe for you!) I have a pretty fool-proof method for bouncing back quickly.

For someone who loves her exercise schedule, a few days away always makes me feel sluggish. Normally, I advocate for exercising while vacationing but with 7 girls in 1 hotel room… a minimalist approach to packing was necessary and the tennis shoes were sadly left at home.

So after I pulled into my driveway around 5 yesterday, I dumped my suitcase, and darted here,

My yoga studio. After 4 days of late nights and poor eating / drinking habits… nothing sounded worse than running. But yoga? A place that could loosen up my car-stiffened joints and make me feel loads better about myself, well that sounded just about perfect.

So I went. And it was amazing. Our teacher always says “Even if all you do is show up and lay on your mat, you still did yoga”. While I did a little more than hibernate in child’s pose, it certainly wasn’t a practice to be proud of. But I went, I tried, and that was enough for me!

I came home, lingered in a hot shower for what felt like forever (sloughing off my sand-chapped skin and sandy hair), emerged and immediately grabbed two favorite products from my make-up cabinet.

The first is Alba Botanica Deep Sea Facial Mask. I love this product. A couple of times a week, when I feel like I need something to really liven up my skin, I slop this on post-shower. By the time I finish drying off, moisturizing and trying to do something with my hair… the recommended 10 minutes are up and I feel like a new woman.

You know that glorious feeling you get when you whisk some Burt’s Bees chapstick on dry lips? This feels similar… but all over your face. Amazingly, amazingly refreshing.Your pores will be forever indebted to you.

Next is Moroccan Oil Hair Treatment. I can’t speak of any other product I use as highly as this. It genuinely transforms your hair, making it perfect for the first day back after traveling. After showering, I brush out my locks, coat my wet tresses with 3 pumps of this, throw it all up in a bun, and let the healing begin. After twenty minutes I take my hair down to dry and the difference is already obvious; smoother, shinier, and much softer.

Today I’m focusing on filling up with whole, fresh foods (of which I had none this weekend).

And lots and lots of this.

I chose this title, “rejuvenate”, for a reason. That’s what this combination does! The sleepless nights and long days are already starting to lose their grip!

Anyone else have any tricks?

Back in Action

Posted by

3

Where do I begin telling you about my weekend?

To say it was everything I wanted in a final girls’ weekend would be doing it a grave disservice.

We cruised into Myrtle Beach early Friday afternoon, threw the car in park, and took off for the water.

Once properly refreshed, we turned to more important things.

Tipping our faces toward the sun and letting our end-of-term stress slowly melt away into the warm, damp sand.

Hydrating in the classiest (and most mature) way possible.

And, when all else failed, people-watching.

It’s a longstanding school tradition that after the last final ends, we escape to the beach to blow off some steam. With this many people partying, playing music, and the general ensuing chaos…we were never short on amusement.

Each day passed in similar fashion. Morning dips in the ocean to wipe away the scars of the previous evening’s debauchery. Cat naps in the sun. Watching the day slowly fade away over the horizon.

Each night saw us dancing to live bands, carousing around Main Street, and exploring the local late-night diners.

Sadly, despite all the denial we could muster… Monday morning arrived all too quickly and the weekend came to an end. Myrtle joined with us this morning as we bid our tearful goodbyes, fervently promising to call once a week and trying to squeeze all our love into each hug.

The storm followed us seniors all the way back to school where we’ll wait for this weekend and the next round of festivities: Graduation.

I cannot thank my friends enough for all the laughs, hugs, and general banter of the weekend.

What did everyone else do? Anything exciting?

All My Bags Are…

Posted by

0

Packed. Getting them to look this way worked a bit like this, except more bathing suits and less boots this time.

The last of my food has been gobbled up.

The final dab of this hummus, a delectable yellow bell pepper, and a matching bowl… maybe I color-coordinated the plate intentionally, maybe I didn’t. It’s my secret and I’m not sharing ;-)

New reading material has been purchased (and willpower has been exercised to pack it and not dig right in!).

And I’m ready to go!

Not home for good, that is a sad post you can look for in a couple of weeks, but to the beach for one last getaway with these pretty ladies before graduation.

The “No Uglies Allowed” (right hand photo) isn’t a personal philosophy, it’s just that everywhere we went on Spring Break there was someone wearing that ridiculous shirt.

I’ll be a little quiet over the weekend but look for me Monday with stories of all the trouble 7 girls can get into!

 

 

Where did we leave off?

Posted by

0

I hope you aren’t exhausted with NYC recaps yet! I promise to get back to “intelligent” blogging this week ;-)

Anyway, where were we? … Ah yes, I left you with hotdogs! After an exciting Alex Rodriguez homer and subsequent Yankee win, we headed back to the apartment for a little r&r. We lounged, we gabbed…we spent inordinate amounts of time attempting to memorize the different New York City neighborhoods from our window.

Image

Upon proper rejuvenation, we took off for our next New York City landmark, the ’21′ Club, in pursuit of a decadent dinner. It was absolutely the highlight of the trip, for reasons beyond the 6 appetizers, 2 entrees, and 3 desserts ordered amid a flurry of bellini cocktails and glasses of pinot (noir for me, always).

Image

It was anything and everything I could have hoped for. Ordering in shifts as the evening progressed, each plate emerged more beautiful and delicious than the last. And while it was pricey (the $20 “deviled egg stuffed with lobster” came with one egg) you’ll never hear me say it wasn’t worth it.

Dim lights and low ceilings beg you to sit, stay, and try everything on the menu. And so we did. And what unfolded was an enchanting and leisurely affair fit for any gourmand…or group of old friends looking to share their stories <3

5 hours and many, many laughs later, we ventured back out into the night. And while I may not taste fish so fresh or apple pie so buttery again any time soon, memories of these ladies and our New York City antics remain freshly minted.

Image

(my best friends since forever, Taylor and Caroline)

Image

(myself and the lovely Margaret)

’21′ Club

21 West 52nd Street

New York, New York 10019

Food. Baseball. Food at baseball…get my drift?

Posted by

3

I am seriously a kid in the candy store this weekend with so many delicious restaurants hiding behind every corner.

Which has led me to the conclusion I can never go anywhere twice when I move here so as to constantly expand my NYC eatery repertoire.

Rational? Maybe. Possible? No. Just appease me and tell me it’s a good idea.

Yesterday started out at Sarabeth’s. It’s a place we decided on 5 months ago when this trip was booked. So telling you I was excited upon finally entering the front door would be an understatement.

20120414-102155.jpg

It took a lot of deliberation. We sent the waiter away. We told him to come back. The cycle continued…

Finally, sure of my decision, I ordered the “Papa Bear Porridge” which came chockfull of sliced banana, strawberry chunks, raisins, honey, and cream. A sensitive stomach required I opt out of the cream, but rest assured I wish I didn’t have to.

I adore breakfast. It is far and away my favorite meal. Eggs, toast, jam, oatmeal, granola, you name it and I want it. So when I say this was a perfect start to my day, you should take me seriously.

As all good things do, our meal soon came to an end. Lucky for us, our initial sadness was immediately replaced with a trip to Yankee Stadium.

20120414-111327.jpg

It was a day made to be spent at a ballpark. 66 degrees. Sunny. And a home opener against the Angels.

We lasted all of two innings before our attention was back on food.

I hope no one was expecting advice on how to stay healthy at a sporting event because I dove head first into this…

20120414-111908.jpg

Our afternoon and evening at the 21 Club deserves its own post and I promise to show it that respect later!

 

Sarabeth’s West:

423 Amsterdam Ave.
New York, NY 10024
t 212.496.6280
btwn 80th & 81st Streets

Sushi Damo

Posted by

0

Our first meal in New York deserves nothing but the most sincere groans of delight. And the receiver of such praise you wonder? A sushi spot previously unfamiliar to all, Sushi Damo.

At 9:30 on a Thursday night the wait was surprising, but for someone not well versed in the local dining scene, I can’t claim much authority on the matter.

Eventually we arrived at a cozy corner table and a menu that was a perfect blend of old favorites and some creative twists just daring you to refuse.

20120413-180010.jpg

Immediate votes were cast in this direction…

20120413-180307.jpg

With final deliberations taking us here…each ordering a never-been-tried roll.

20120413-180447.jpg
(Edamame, Sakura Roll, Thunder Roll, and Blue-Mango Roll)

I failed to try the Sakura Roll because it was enjoyed so very quickly, but it went down with the highest praise.

Of the other two I can only continue the positive feedback. They were everything sushi should be: fresh, crunchy, salty, and beautifully plated.

Our dishes were swiftly emptied but we stayed in our corner perch long past bedtime doing what girls do best (chatting).

If you ever find yourself in the neighborhood, I can only hope you venture in and stay for a bite!

Sushi Damo
New York City
330 West 58th Street
New York, NY 10019

How to Pack for Girls’ Weekend

Posted by

6

Here’s where I demonstrate the incredible organization and efficiency of a 22 year old girl packing…

20120412-144717.jpg

First, the day before you leave, peer in closet. Angrily remark that you have nothing to wear despite staring at a multitude of overflowing hangers.

Next, try on any and all outfits. Text them to both sisters and all the girls you’re traveling with for opinions/approval. Always wear embarrassing tube socks for the photos, it adds a certain je ne sais quoi.

20120412-145103.jpg

On the morning of travel, convince yourself to wake up at 5:30 to go to a 6:00 yoga class. Regret this during your hour and a half commute to the airport later that day.

Transform the clothing pile you slept with the night before because you were too lazy to deal with into properly folded piles. Force into suitcase.

Realize all your cute clothing is packed, scramble for a decent travel outfit.

Throw your magazines, phone, keys, wallet, etc into your favorite slouchy bag so that you’ll never be able to find anything. The people behind you in the security line will greatly appreciate this.

20120412-162554.jpg

Grab your boarding pass. Shell out a whopping 4.98 for snacks that will satiate you for all of 5 minutes and you’re off!

Hope everyone has a good weekend! I’ll be checking it as often as I can!