How to Bae-Cation in the Bahamas

“It must be so hard to be in a relationship when you’re always traveling” 

No matter which way you slice it, travel blogging is a fabulous job that does simultaneously take you away from friends, family, and even potential partners. So when you find someone worth the wait, you make it happen… Even long distance. 

This is where Bae-Cations become extremely important…

Bae-Cation: A trip you take with your significant other to reconnect, relax, and remember the reasons you fell in love. 

So as my birthday, which falls on Valentine’s Day, was fast approaching… we scoured destinations together to find the perfect getaway. 

We decided on the beautiful islands of the Bahamas… the cerulean waters, fresh seafood, and warm weather was all we needed to know before booking our flights. 

Having never been there before, I had no idea where to start, which islands to visit, or what there was to do. So I have put together a guide below of how to do a proper bae-cation in the Bahamas. 

Enjoy! 

Where We Stayed: 

The Cove, Eleuthera 

As you pull into the paved drive, framed with lush palms... you're handed a chilled Bahama Mama as you settle into your new island home away from home. The warm smiles of the hotel staff welcomes you to the paradise that is The Cove, Eleuthera. 

Sweeping views of cerulean sea run along two private beaches within the properties expansive estate. The bight and luxurious guest rooms, suites, and villas have all the modern amenities needed to fully relax and recline during your stay. With flat-screen TV's, in-room wifi, and an impeccable room service menu... you'll find it hard to leave the comforts of your new home.

Just outside your slated wooden doors, lies a beautiful infinity pool, sunset bar, restaurant, gym, spa, entertainment room, hammocks and more all at your leisurely disposal. Take a paddle board out for a spin, or snorkel the beautiful coral reefs just a short swim from the sandy shoreline. 

Dine in for lunch at the lovely Gregory Town Grill to try fresh local favorites including tuna tartare and citrus conch salad. After days spent soaking up the sun, grab a drink for happy hour as the sunsets from the comfort of your own hammock (servers come to you!). In the evening, the onsite Freedom restaurant serves up a wide array of fare from fresh sushi and the catch of the day, to perfected steaks and pork chops. 

The Cove Eleuthera is one of those rare gems in the Caribbean that truly understand the meaning behind an experiential and personalized stay. The staff feel like family, the resort feels like home, and the beach is your playground. This is the perfect place to get away from it all with style, sophistication, and thoughtful detail.

The Pink Sands Resort

Arriving into the lush, open-air lobby edged with impressive Banyan trees, one would immediately get the impression they were arriving into the jungle more closely related to Costa Rica or Bali. 

Yet, the Pink Sands Resort on Harbor Island is a rustically quaint getaway, just a short boat ride from the island of Eleuthera. 

On over 20 acres of land, this resort lays on one of the most iconic stretches of pink sand beaches in the Caribbean. Their beach bungalows are minimalistic in style, with a clean neutral palette. 

Hungry? Head on over to their Blue Bar for a conch salad, or fish tacos, or opt for more formal dinner at Malcolm 51, serving everything from the freshest catch of the day to a delectable slow roasted chicken. 

This beach resort is great for disconnecting from the outside world, while allowing yourself to truly reconnect with the natural beauty of the Caribbean.

What We Did: 

Conch Diving: 

Maybe it’s seeing him with his shirt off, freediving for his life to get you lunch but conch diving with bae is certainly a way to get the blood pumping and emotions building. Basically you go out on a half-day boat (tanning, anyone?) and then pull into a cove to snorkel around and find conchs. Once spotted, you or most likely bae will free dive down, grab the shell with conch inside, and bring it back to the boat for a lovely shore lunch. I mean is there anything more manly than watching him hunt and gather? #justsaying.

Biking: 

Some of the best adventures we’ve been on this trip have been when we just jumped on our bikes and went for a ride. We ended up at an old-school ice cream parlor. Hey, carbs don’t count on the islands, especially when biking! We also came across a fun reggae club with cheap beers and hopping music – Daddy Dilly’s Club and Ice Cream Parlor, neither of which are Google Map-certified, hence the surprise run-in while biking.

Have a Hammock Happy Hour:  

At the end of a hard day we transition into night with the hammock happy hour, where waiters at The Cove bring you whatever you want straight to your hammock at half price until sundown. I mean, is there anything better?

Kayaking & Snorkeling: One of the days we set off on an excursion that included kayaking and snorkeling together. It was so incredible, for one… you get a work out, there are plenty of strong currents and it’s an amazing way to be active while still catching some rays. Also, the marine life we saw was second to none. From dolphins, eagle rays, and tropical fish to various sponge and fan coral. This is a great activity to do as a couple as well because you can kayak, swim and see everything together. 

Skiing in Heavenly

Where We Stayed: Edgewood Tahoe

Walking through the large wooden doors, you are greeted by one of the most spectacular views of Lake Tahoe. In the Great Room, floor to ceiling windows create the backdrop for a warm, modern lobby that welcomes you to the Edgewood Tahoe. 

The expansive lakeside property boasts 154 different rooms and suites all with gas-burning fireplaces, balconies, and the most snuggle-worthy linens. The customer service is second to none, with all attention to detail thoughtfully orchestrated. From the ski concierge to their 8,500 square foot spa, no expense was spared to make this the ultimate weekend getaway. 

One huge perk available at this world class lodge: a free, readily available shuttle to take you into town at a moments notice. 

The hotels on-sight dining also includes a casual, yet delicious Bistro serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. An incredibly upscale, romantic dinner restaurant, The Edgewood, that was also named one of the most scenic restaurants in America by OpenTable. As well as a sports bar, Brooks, to catch the Sunday game with a cold beer and a lively crowd.

Whether you are looking for a cozy lodge to call home during your next ski-vacation, or are wanting a serene escape with sweeping views and a peaceful environment... The Edgewood Tahoe delivers in every aspect.

Our Ski Equipment: Ski Heavenly Rentals

When you are looking to escape the busy city life and really experience the great outdoors, what better way than skiing/boarding down the back bowls of a mountain. 

Now take that concept, add an incredible lake view, a good dose of sunshine, and plenty of runs (between two states) to explore and you'll have just arrived in Heaven... Well Heavenly that is. 

At just over 10,000 ft, Heavenly Mountain is a fabulous place to to catch the fresh air and powder, with all the comfort of quality restaurants and a solid Apres Ski scene. With a super streamlined online system, renting skis has never been more efficient. The warm and helpful staff can answer any question you have regarding your equipment, gondola timing, and the current conditions. 

Breakfast in Bed at Llangoed Hall

There is nothing that says vacation to me more then ordering breakfast in bed. So when I woke up to warm flakey biscuits, freshly brewed tea, local clotted cream, and all the jellies and preserves a girl could dream of… it felt like heaven on earth. 

This was honestly what I would imagine as I would sit around a table with my sister and our dolls pouring tea out of Fisher Price plastic cups! In my imagination as a child, I was in a big, comfy bed, with long flowing locks, devouring the best cakes and teas imaginable. 

So needless to say, I love taking this time in the morning to wake up, collect my thoughts, savor in the goodness of fresh baked goods, and play princess with my big squishy robe and elegant interiors. 

It’s sometimes so surreal to realize the silly things you imagined as a child can come true in your adult life. It’s times like these that you have to honor and cherish that simple, wild imagination you still have within you. Unabashedly listening to this inner voice allows you the freedom to manifest your dreams and make them a reality.

Nightfall in Nicaragua: A Full Reflection

It’s taken me 28 years exactly to get fully into the mindset and state that I am currently in now. A place where I creatively express what’s inside through imagery, writing, style, and conversation. I believe thoroughly in love but more importantly in patience. I do what makes me happy. I live for myself, yet get high off making others feel present and appreciated. 

I realize not everyone can or will understand me. I fully get that my lifestyle is unusual, hard to grasp, even frustrating to some if not most people. I have built a foundation that involves following my heart and doing what feeds me most spiritually. I have found that consciously replacing doubt, fear, and insecurity with self-love, trust, and positive inertia  can change any mindset or dreaded situation. 

I had to realize people who understand the least typically love to assume, judge, and criticize the most. I have learned that my body is my temple and I can control anything I want within it with mindfulness and awareness. I now know that New York, past relationships, and tough love made me a bit rough around the edges at times. Sensitive people, friends, and situations allowed me the grace to ease up on the reigns and take a deep breath. 

I feel invigorated, alive, and reborn with each new place I discover on the unfathomably beautiful earth. I fully try to appreciate every person I come into contact with wherther it’s a stranger or close acquaintance. I have been practicing the art of letting things go. Be it the things that hurt me, relationships that don’t serve me, or mishaps or mistakes along the way. 

Nothing comes before family. They have seen me at my best and worst and love me unconditionally either way, which makes me extremely lucky. Yet I have to remember that it’s my family, and that the interworking relationships within them are mine to develop, expand on, or take space from as needed. 

I never needed to teach myself to stop and enjoy the moment. That has, for some reason, always been there. When I was a child, I remember thinking “I’m just here, playing in my toy box and thats all that I want to do right now”. I always kissed my parents goodbye before school and meant it when I told them I loved them. I consciously always took a good hard study of each grandparent before leaving their presence. 

I never knew what a blessing it would be to have such an incredible sibling. She was my first friend and is still my best friend. Sharing love, light, and hard laughter along with pain, heartbreak, and confusion with her is one of my greatest joys in life. I never underestimate her ability to build me up while keeping me grounded. 

I have learned what it truly means to be a good friend, and to have earned amazing friends in return. Hard work and dedication to my closest friends allowed me the opportunity to be loved, fully understood, and accepted for every single ridiculous part of who I am. I know that friendship is work, and communication is key. Considerate honesty, though uncomfortable at times, saves everything. 

I always happily remind myself that acquiring things will not make me feel anymore complete nor will comparing myself to others. This is a daily practice, and one that is important for me in order to maintain balance. 

I have gotten to exactly where I am today because of my strong determined mind, the incredible love and support of those I love staying so closely around me, and because while I never truly forget where I’ve come from… my imagination is wild and my curiosity  never ceases to subside. Age is a number more than ever these days, and with each passing year I grow stronger, wiser, and happier. Not because I’m lucky or have it easy, but because those elements are what I actively want and desire in life. So cheers to the people, experiences, and journeys that shape us and make us who we are everyday. And to never peaking. We may be getting older but we just keep getting better. 

Xx

Luxury Cruise Around The Seychelles

“You’ve NEVER been on a cruise before?!” 

A look of bewilderment crossed the captains face as he stared at me through his thin-rimmed glasses. It was a refreshing change of pace, being called out for something I’ve never done versus something crazy I had. Over a truffle-topped Wagyu steak at the captains dinner, I explained just how tainted I knew I would inevitably become, being that this luxury yacht in the Seychelles was my first real “cruise” experience. 

Visions of sunburnt tourists chain smoking, day drinking well cocktails, and gambling days away at sea flood my mind when I even hear the term cruise. Scarred by tales of inconvenient preplanned agendas, mindless lackluster buffets, and screaming children… it should come as no surprise why cruising was never high up on my bucketlist. 

However, a few days into my trip to the Seychelles with fellow travel blogger Kiersten Rich (The Blonde Abroad) she got a call from Crystal Cruises. Kiersten had previously been on a two-week cruise with them over New Years through Brazil, and they informed her that one of their newest yachts would be reaching the Seychelles that coming Saturday. Within the next few hours we were both changing our flights and extending our trip to board the Crystal Espirt yacht leaving out of Mahe Island. 

From the second I boarded the yacht, it was clear that this experience would be the perfect combination of modern luxury, premium hospitality, and fully curated experiences. Every room was ocean facing and came with your own personal butler. Nathaniel, my all-smiles butler (who was an absolutely dream, I literally locked myself out of my room like three times.. oops) was there to cater to my every need big or small. 

Everyday we woke in a new destination with plenty to explore. In the mornings we would sip mimosas, catch the rays, and plan out our excursions for the day. Afternoons spent jetskiing, snorkeling, hiking, and biking showed us the many sides to these magical islands that were all planned and done at our own pace. The yacht also has its very own 3-person submarine, allowing you to spy on fish and view the variety of corals and marine life all without even getting wet (so epic). Around sunset we would lift anchor and begin our journey onward to the next beautiful spot. We would watch the coastlines of tiny remote islands and inlets pass as the sun changed the sky just before it disappeared for the night. 

The food onboard was absolutely unbelievable. Sadly, I’m from New York, with a chef for a father… so it tends to take quite a lot to really impress me. I was completely blown away. A different gourmet menu every night, filled with local dishes, delicacies and the freshest fish caught same day (I mean whats not to love). There is also a gym onboard and daily fitness classes and activities from paddle-boarding pilates to cardio and ab classes, it was honestly the perfect way to make up for all the culinary indulgences explored the night prior. 

While this experience is far beyond what I could’ve ever imagined, and truly is the ultimate in luxury cruises… it is honestly a wonderful option for a big event, celebration, or just as a indulging splurge. They have multiple boats in their fleet going to a wide variety of destinations and is without a doubt the future of quality “cruise-culture.”

The Cat's Pajamas: 31 Days in PJ's

First and foremost you all need the backstory to this lovely little challenge. It all started because I’m demanding. Being that I’m sweetly cursed with a birthday that falls on Valentine’s day, I have always forced my girlfriends to ditch their prospective and/or current boyfriends to honor the day of my birth rather than a day of cheap chocolates, and forced attention due to a hallmark-contrived holiday. 

So to anyone that knows me, it should come as no surprise that I wanted to celebrate my day of birth somewhere amazing and exotic… Only problem? All my girlfriends have big girl jobs and PTO is not only a sacred commodity, but is typically saved for one personal trip, and then long weekends here and there. Being completely oblivious to this common dilemma, I informed my best friends that this years destination would be Maderas Village in Nicaragua. 

My girlfriends didn’t miss a beat. Almost instantly, flights were being booked, deposits paid, and time was being requested off. You also have to realize the gravity of the situation… not only am I asking them all for a week of their precious PTO, but I’m also asking them to leave their respective fashion jobs right in the middle of New York Fashion Week… a cardinal sin. 

My best friend Cat was struggling to find ways to stretch her vacation days and decided to get creative. She is a Digital Copy Writer at a large lingerie and sleepwear manufacturing company called Komar and in a relentless effort to come on my birthday trip, struck up a bet that would change her life.

The Bet:  

She made a bet with her boss that she could pull off wearing pajamas (from Komar) everyday for the entire month of January. Not just to the office, but to industry events, happy hours, and dinner parties alike. She had to look business appropriate, fashion forward, and flawless everyday… in PAJAMAS!

The Stakes: 

If Cat can successfully pull off wearing pj’s for the entire month of January, she gets an EXTRA week of PTO… more valuable then gold in the corporate world (or so I’ve heard hehe). If she looks sloppy, not appropriate or gets called out for “noticeably wearing PJ’s” the bet is off. If she loses… it’s no extra paid time off AND she has to plan and host her bosses two year old's birthday party. A total drag for any busy 25 year old New Yorker.

Starting at midnight on New Years Eve, Cat has been SLAYING every single day. She’s been styling pajamas like a boss, from slips with turtlenecks, to silk pajama tops with skinny jeans… she is making this look not only effortless, but incredibly chic. 

To bring awareness and support to her #31daysinPJs challenge she cohosted a brunch (images above) at the incredible farm-to-table restaurant Dig Inn on the Upper East Side. Her best friends ranging from bloggers, tattoo artists, photographers, and models were invited on a snowy Saturday afternoon to sip, dine, chat, and cheer her on at her halfway point. The only catch? We all had to wear PJ’s! We donned corsets and furs, kimonos and bra tops, full length robes and nighties… all emulating the same style and confidence radiating from the creator herself. 

I am so beyond proud of my best friend for absolutely everything she has done and accomplished so far this year. Everyday I look forward to seeing just how she styles yet another chic-to-death pajama outfit for this challenge. Be sure to follow her journey as she comes one step closer to not only her prized PTO but also proving pj’s can actually be so much more then sleepwear. 

Welcome to the Burn...

My eyes darted open as the explosive sound of propane igniting blew through my tent. I quickly unzipped the side panel and ran towards the street of Lorenzo. It was there I saw the miraculous tentacles of the mutant vehicle, El Pulpo, blast 10ft flames into the night sky as it casually drove past the backside of our camp. My heart was pounding, as I realized this was only the beginning.     

Nothing can quite prepare you for the experience that is Burning Man. A week long personal journey in the middle of the Nevada desert surrounded by unimaginable forms of self expression, liberation, and social experimentation.

Beforehand, I feverishly surveyed friends and begged numerous acquaintances in hopes of discovering what it was like to go to such a mystical, and temporary community in the desert. I had no idea what to pack, how to get there, or what I was even signing myself up for. All I knew about Burning Man before going, which seems similar to what other non-burners know, was that there was a man in the middle who would eventually be burnt down, and there would somehow be art and music involved. That pretty much sums up my total comprehension pre-burn.

My burning man experience is most likely not what you’ve previously read about or heard vaguely from those that may have shared. My mindset upon entering this wild ride was slightly off from the average conglomerate of burner virgins. I had a different perspective on what was important because I had heard the numerous cries of unrest and unwanted change oozing from the resentful veteran burners. Worries that Burning Man is becoming too mainstream. Worrying about all the basic bitches, that role up only for the weekend, just wanting to be seen, take molly, stay up all night, be seen dancing (in next to nothing)… on the heart of Robot Heart, while hardly noticing the art, sunset, and beauty around them… only to do it all again the next night.

Now, I have nothing against raging every night of Burning Man and taking heap-tons of drugs if those so inclined believe that is their burner destination, because as you may know “there is no right or wrong way to do it the burn.” But this road so often traveled this year, was not my path.

As if mirroring my color changes, my journey through the burn coincidentally morphed and shifted as the days of the week rolled on. With each new sunrise I found my personal intentions more focused, my encounters with wild individuals more meaningful, my solo journeys more profound, and my love and understanding of myself and my mind more clarified.

While this may sound to most of you like a load of garbage, or extremely hippie-dippy of me… that’s completely understandable because that’s the beauty of what makes the burn so hard to explain and here’s why:   

What is Burning Man?:

My response:

Burning Man is a constant experiment in temporary community. A community that you must remember is an average of around 70,000 people. With that comes 70,000 different views on what is best to do with your week in the middle of nowhere. Imaginations run wild and results in a mix of expression, art, creation, dinners, dances, adventures, classes, happy hours, raves, orgies, meditation sessions, pub crawls and too many other wild activities to name.

To give you an idea of just how random your days can go at Burning Man… Here was my Tuesday for you:

While having breakfast at my camp, I overlooked the Burning Man Book. That’s right. There’s a book, a bible, a guide if you will, given to you upon arrival. It’s filled with all the adventures and activities going on that day. It was my beacon of discovery, every morning was like Christmas… flipping through the oddest ways I could imagine spending my day. Things like: Blind fruit tastings, tantric belly dancing, acro-yoga classes, a morning masterbation session, tea parties, couple therapy workshops… I mean yea, there is LITERALLY everything you can imagine in this book.

So on that very Tuesday, after packing my backpack with tons of water, goggles, bandanas for dust, and lots of snacks (like dried fruit leather, granola bars, and nuts) I decided to start my day riding on my fancy bike Petunia, to three huge art structures. The mushrooms, the lighthouses and the medusa.

I gawked in awe of their mass, and tried wrapping my head around the fact that these too were temporary. I was then on my way to a tequila-drinking-tutu-making event (because as all real burners know… Tuesday is Tutu-Tuesday on the Playa) when out of nowhere a girl biked up next to me telling me I had to come to the Kostume Club to pick out my free costume…

The next thing I know I’m in a costume strutting down a temporary runway in the middle of the Esplanade. After my playa-fashion debut, I took shots of tequila and made tutu’s with new found friends. I ended up bumping into an old friend from The Yacht Week, he proceeded to go on a journey with me to find the Disney Sing-A-Long event that I was desperate to find…
Naturally, we stopped to play a massive game of Jenga on the way… I eventually belted out the likes of Hakuna Matata, and A Whole New World with 15 other amazing strangers, I climbed a massive pineapple structure, watched the sunset, ate tacos and drank sangria for a man named Whispering Meadow’s (playa name) 30th birthday and eventually lit up my bike and meandered through the circus of lights back to my camp.

When I finally laid down in my bed, my body was exhausted from the mix of the dust, the heat, and the constant biking around. Yet my heart was full of love, energy, and compassion because my days, like these, were filled with wonder, spontaneity, acceptance, and freedom.

That week I learned and explored incredible things with people I may never see again. I heard amazing stories, laughed with new friends, and cried alone in the spiritual temple. I wrote forgiveness notes from my past, and goodbye messages to all my grandfathers. I learned how to soften my New Yorker edges for the people who deserve it. I found an openness by saying yes and unbelievable memories by staying present.

Burning Man can be whatever your body and mind need it to be. It can be a rave, an outlet, a journey, a practice, a dedication to an intention, a camping trip, a vacation, but most importantly it’s an experiential capsule of love, support, generosity, and learning that truly allows anything to be possible.

I know it still may not be the clearest picture I’ve painted, but I hope it tells you more then the pictures can describe. Until next year…

Ziggy (aka TBV)

Xx  

© All images are property of The Blonde Vagabond

My Burning Man: Galactic Chameleon

One of the biggest things I’d been looking forward to about Burning Man, was the radical self expression, combined with the unique and widely-accepted concept that “anything goes”. I knew there would be jaw-dropping art displays and installations, and I wanted to contribute to the community visually through my passion and love for costumes, makeup, and design. 

I based my design concept on an amazing day I’d spent, just a few weeks earlier, at the wild and mystical markets in Marrakech. It was in those dusty back alleys of the souk, that I came across a merchant selling all kinds of intriguing spices, herbs, and remedies. I noticed he had some sort of pet lizard, and upon closer inspection I realized it was a Chameleon. 

I was beyond fascinated with this desert creature. His eyes could spin independently in any desired direction, his nimble feet could casually adapt to any surface, but my wonder and imagination started churning as I watched this alien-like creature change the color of his skin as he adapted and reacted to the environment around him. 

This was the foundation of my vision for my first Burning Man. I would become a Galactic Chameleon. A foreign creature coming from a dark, mechanical, colorless world to the Playa. A place where I knew nothing and would begin merely reacting and responding to my environment (deep I know but it helped me creatively and mentally prepare for the adventure). 

The wigs I found, and the costumes I made revolved around this philosophy of transformation and adaptation. I wanted to go from a hard, black, machine-like warrior to a white & silver futuristic goddess. I started with all black and slowly transitioned color in. I based my transformations on the color of my wigs, and loved the added benefit of protecting my real hair from the nasty elements of Black Rock City. It was an experiment that challenged both my creative limits as well as my social boundaries and barriers. This concept of adaptation and evolution played a key role in what I took away from my first burn. 

Just a disclaimer: As you can see from the images above this post is about my outfits and what I designed and wore to Burning Man. An experiential guide on what to pack, what to expect, and my experience as a whole is coming after this… Xx

Vagabond Diaries: The Perfect Day Party Hairstyle

Let me start this post by saying… This is the longest my hair has ever been. I grew up with the most sensitive head and could never handle getting a brush through my crazy thick hair. So now that I have found ways to deal with all my hair, I find styling it a source of creative freedom. 

Yesterday I was getting ready for a day party at Rumors in Ibiza, with the weather being so incredibly hot and the relaxed daytime vibes, I wanted to do a hairstyle that was elegant yet casual. It’s also great when you have just-out-of-the-ocean hair because the salty texture helps give volume while also creating a naturally firm hold. 

I started by doing a dutch braid, which is when you braid the pieces under each other instead of over, on my natural side part. Once I got to where I wanted the halo to stop, I began braiding back by only adding hair to the top of the braid. I slowly braided around my head, which was the most challenging thing ever, and eventually ended the braid around the other side. I then pinned the end underneath the initial braid to create a full halo look. I then curled all the pieces I left down for a loose, beachy vibe.

I found an amazing video tutorial on this style, done by Amber Fillerup (the goddess of braids). This is extremely helpful in understanding how to accomplish this look via video. 

Another great benefit of wearing this style during the day is that you can take it out at night, and have perfect braid-waves to go effortlessly into an evening party. Overall, this style is an amazing way to create a bohemian look that’s beachy yet refined. 

Between the Sheets

Everyone loves the feeling of being on vacation, away from the real world... Far from the stresses and chaos of our daily lives.

However, even in this heightened state of bliss... Which can often seem insurmountable, I have found an even better solace that is often rolled out of and overlooked. 

My heavenly happy place while away is always the extremely plush hotel bed. This is my vacation within a vacation. The hazy view of the sun drenching the soft crinkled sheets, the feeling when you stretch and starfish diagonally across the California king... that's realistically the size of a standard NYC bedroom, and lay there lazily basking in the little haven that has been subtly created just for you.

Once I've fully relished in the space and comfort of my mini sanctuary, I'll quickly slip out... Make a cup of coffee, poke my head out to sneakily grab the papers in my skivvies, and leap straight back into bed.

I can spend hours leisurely perusing through the magazines I didn't have time to read on the plane, or browsing local headlines. I also give equal opportunity and concentration to the breakfast menu... Which, as you could have guessed, is best served right there in that luscious bed.

So no matter where your travels take you or why you may be away from home, remember to treasure those calm, beautiful moments in the morning that you may not get once you're back in the real world. 

My Healthy Way to Start the Day

One of my favorite things about being freelance is being able to crawl out of bed, slide into my slippers and robe, heat the tea kettle, light pine-scented candles, play christmas music, and create an indulgent, seance-like breakfast for myself. 

It is by far my favorite meal of the day, as I get to take my time and craft exactly what I’m craving while making it with love, intention, and appreciation for my body, mind, and hard work in the day ahead. 

This morning I had: Greek Yogurt with a ripe banana, topped with saigon cinnamon, dried cranberries, chia seeds, shelled hemp seeds, buckwheat, and a little maple syrup. Had a small cup of berries for my morning antioxidants and ginger tea. 

I sat with my feet on my desk snacked, sipped, and fflipped through my new Conde Nast Traveler for morning inspiration and travel ideas for the year to come. Nothing can replace the 30-45 minutes I give myself every morning to wake up, feel nourished, and calm my thoughts before my crazy day ensues.

When Date Night Turns into Girls Night Out

As a single girl in New York City, Friday nights are typically filled with long club lines, outrageously high heels, hand-crafted “mixology” cocktails, too little men, and not enough real conversation. After countless epic fails, I decided to make this past Friday night… a little more savory. 

One cooking class for two please… 

My best friend and I uncorked one of my fanciest bottles of red wine (acquired on my birthday last year in Napa Valley) listened to jazz and got ready for our date night together. We slipped into festive holiday dresses, touched up our red lipstick, and marched hand-in-hand into an “Italy in Autumn” cooking class at Sur la Table. 

While we were quite literally crashing everyone else’s actual date night, my best friend and I zested, chopped, seared, laughed, and learned all the simple tips needed to create a cozy fall meal at home. To start, we stuffed fresh dates with creamy gorgonzola, then wrapped them in savory prosciutto. We then seared the pork loin (which we had patted dry to then smother in olive oil, salt and pepper) and baked it off to create a juicy and tender main that we dressed with a tart apple-cranberry chutney. Then for the vegetable, we crafted a garlic and lemon zested broccolini (which is interestingly enough, a hybrid between broccoli and kale) that we topped with sharp parmesan cheese. 

The combination of the rustic meat with the acidic chutney, hearty greens, and sweet and savory prosciutto wrapped dates left us in a pure gastronomic state of bliss. 

So the next time you are rolling your eyes at the thought of another wasted Friday night… take a leap of faith, learn something new, and get into the kitchen.

Haunted Halloween Dinner Party

Having a chef for a father and an event planner for a mother, entertaining is quite literally in my blood. So when I found out Halloween was over a weekend, I immediately sprang into action. Fresh off the plane from Iceland and I was in line with oodles of candles, cobwebs, and creepy accessories for a haunted evening.

Hosting dinner parties is one of my favorite ways to get all my friends together to enjoy good food and wine… or in this case a spooky spiked cider. So this year, my sister and I hosted it at my apartment on the Upper West Side and built a centerpiece structure with candles, foam, and cobwebs. The decor also went into the cocktail of the evening which was filled with diced apples, cinnamon sticks, and of course ping pong eyeballs. 
 
The menu was simple with an eye ball caprese (made with small mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, olives, and basil) an incredible cheese and charcuterie plate, and a green spinach pasta in a vodka sauce.  

This Halloween really was magical, with the perfect fall weather in the city, amazing themed events and the company of genuine friends. After two challenging costumes and a full weekend of parties, I think it's safe to say that all Hallows' eve is quickly becoming one of my favorite holidays. 

Escape to the Countryside

When living in a city like New York, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the hordes of pushy people, the constant invasion of privacy, and the complete lack of the great outdoors. To be fair, I have grown quite accustomed to being smashed into a sticky, crowded subway car, or left screaming and freezing on the corner while Mr. Wall Street steals my cab.

But as every true New Yorker will tell you, there is one crucial secret to striving and surviving… And that’s to get out of the city and back into nature. 

On a recent trip through Sweden, I got to go back to the basics. I found myself skipping through rows of raspberry fields, mooing back to the extremely loud, but beautiful cows, and hand picking wildflowers from the garden in rain boots to compliment the scones made from scratch. 

There is something so revitalizing about being out in nature. Where time moves slowly and everything is fresh and alive. This trip to quaint and tranquil surroundings was absolutely essential for me to feel balanced and happy. Every morning we prepared breakfast which consisted of: fresh raspberries (that tasted like candy, bought from Hallongården Trelleborg- a local farm) warm homemade scones, Swedish apples, fresh juice, and tea. 

Crisp morning walks followed by evening writing sessions by an old stand-alone wood burning fireplace was exactly what the doctor ordered. Miles away from all the hustle and bustle of modern civilization... sometimes it's just necessary to escape to the countryside.

Cozy Saturday Mornings in Bed

There is something so sensually magical about waking up on a lazy Saturday morning and feeling the first bite of the changing seasons. As my feet swung out from under my cozy down comforter, the cold wooden floor quickly served as a sharp reminder that fall has officially started.

I threw on my favorite sweater and wool socks and made myself a strong cup of Colombian coffee. Gripping the mug for warmth, I slowly browsed through my classic book collection to see which literary escape I wanted to relive during my happy staycation on the Upper West Side.

To the sound of rain on my window... I snuggled right back into bed with my cozy socks, black coffee, and borrowed copy of Ernest Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea. It’s mornings like these that allow me to fully relax and get back in touch with the simple pleasures in life that are so important to me. Happy fall everyone. Xx

Desk Appeal

This was my latest home project I embarked on as of recent. I realized after spending hours sitting on my bed writing content, recreating logos, and tweaking my website... I needed a "home office". I rationed, if I'm going to be blogging almost everyday, I need a space that is inspiring and full of positive energy. I started imagining my dream desk, full of pictures from my travels, fresh flowers, and the things I needed to feel grounded and connected while writing. 

With the patient help of a good friend, I eventually bought two long pieces of pine wood (8ft), sanded, and hand stained them in a white wash and placed them up against a wall in my room. I then coated the desk in a matte lacquer to prevent any stains, as I typically write with at least one glass of red wine in hand ;). 

Once the desk was setup, I started collecting things I loved, to help create the right environment through decor. I found vintage wood frames, scratch off maps, wood shadow boxes, an old chalkboard, an inspirational quote, as well as a wrought iron letter holder. I added some greenery and fresh flowers, named my new plant Herman as an attempt to embrace my previously dead "green thumb", and put up photos that meant a lot to me. After draping my favorite blanket, bought from an old woman in a small village in Portugal, over my chair... my perfect workspace was fully complete. 

I think it's so important to truly have a space that is dedicated solely for the purpose of getting work done, whether it's for brainstorming, researching, or creating. Making sure my home office was personalized while still being organized really helps me feel focused and connected while I work. 

Delightful Dining in Zagreb

In Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, I sat outside on the gorgeous outdoor patio of Zinfandel’s Restaurant, conveniently located at the Esplanade Hotel, where I was staying for the night. I ordered a glass of light sparkling wine on the hot August day… luckily not confusing my choice with Prošek (an intense Croatian dessert wine, that’s at least 15% alcohol with a dark amber hue… Woof).

I ordered a caprese salad with a side of watermelon and mint gazpacho. The salad had delicious heirloom tomatoes, fresh arugula spritzed in lemon and vinegar with small mozzarella bites to create a fresh, creamy, and tangy salad that was both light and satisfying. After feeling like I was roasting alive in the mid-summer Croatian heat, the watermelon and mint gazpacho was exactly what I needed. Cool, sweet, zesty and refreshing. It was the perfect portion and complimented the leafy salad effortlessly.

My second course I ordered at Zinfandel's Restaurant was a true Croatian crostini. With fresh olives from Istra, Croatia, sun-dried tomatoes, Dalmatian ham and olive oil with a slice of semi-firm Croatian cheese known as Kashkaval. The combination of the crispy and warm toasted bread, savory smoked ham, and creamy Croatian cheese was enough for me to pass on to gastronomic heaven.  

The cuisine in Croatia is the perfect blend between Mediterranean and Italian with fresh seafood, vegetables and pasta being their dietary staples. Their main condiment’s are similar to that of their close trans-Adriatic neighbor: Olive oil, garlic and fundamental herbs such as basil and rosemary.

One thing I loved about Croatia is that 67% of the wine made in the country is white, which is exceptionally important when dealing with the intense heat all day. After a long day in the sun, I rarely felt like a big glass of Cabernet. Instead I always chose a nice refreshing glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc. My wine choice was a bit ironic however, as Croatia is known as the birthplace of the Zinfandel. 

Whether you are stuffing your face with pasta or remain carb-conscious with a seafood salad, Croatian food is delicious, fresh, and can (depending on what you order) be quite healthy. With a great history in wine-making and tons of great restaurants and menu options… Croatia was a dream to explore gastronomically. 

Photos by The Blonde Vagabond. ©