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Girl Gone Travel

Girl Gone Travel

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North America, Travel
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November 2, 2015

Five things I love about New Jersey

I've lived in New Jersey now for about 4 years now. Like most hardcore New Yorkers, it's been a slow process to get me to let go of this idea that I have to venture into the city for good food, entertainment, or activities. I still get teased by friends for bec[...]

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Travel
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October 29, 2015

The Best Travel Stories

This year has been an incredible year in travel. Traveling to Thailand, my first trip to Asia, was such a great experience, visiting Istanbul as part of my role as a White House Travel Blogger was surreal, visiting Guatemala - twice - left me beyond words, and of c[...]

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Oceana, Travel
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October 15, 2015

From the People of Fiji with Love

The sunsets in Fiji are beautiful, but they aren't what will touch your heart when you visit.

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Caribbean, Travel
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October 13, 2015

Family Fun in St. Martin

St. Martin has been a romantic getaway destination for me in the past, but that's not to say that there isn't any fun on this 34 square mile island for kids to enjoy as well. There are two parts of this island to explore. The French side (St. Martin) and the Dut[...]

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Travel
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October 12, 2015

The Travel Dream, 18 Years Later

A little over 18 years ago I had saved up money working for a non-profit in New York City while also going to college for my Bachelors in Communications to travel the world once I had gotten my degree. My degree, I had decided then, was a symbol of pride for my[...]

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North America, Travel
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September 28, 2015

Fall Weekend Cruising the Hudson

Last year my family and I got up early on a Sunday morning to take a cruise up the Hudson River in celebration of Oktoberfest. Granted, I am not a huge beer drinker and tend to not consume much alcohol when I am on an outing with my kids, but visiting Bear Mountain[...]

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North America, Travel
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September 22, 2015

3 Ways to Enjoy Fall Closer to Home

Like for most people, this is the non-travel season with our family. Between school schedules and upcoming holidays, many of us sort of slow down and set into our routines. That doesn't mean, however, that we can't enjoy some travel experiences, even if just on t[...]

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North America, Travel
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September 18, 2015

Eating thru Hells Kitchen with Manhattan Walking Tour

Where did Hell's Kitchen get its name? How did the neighborhood develop? What are the best places to eat? Now, you can Google the answers to these questions but there is nothing like a history lesson, minced with some urban legends and a side of good eats to r[...]

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North America, Travel
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September 16, 2015

Winter Escapes to Steamboat, CO

When it comes to Colorado vacationing, I am more of a summertime girl. I learned this quickly when traveling to Beaver Creek one summer, and then again to Vail, and then of course, I was delighted in sharing my love for Colorado summers with my family when I travel[...]

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North America, Travel
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September 4, 2015

Highlights from Our Trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

For those of us on the East Coast a trip to Mexico for a long weekend seems like a crazy idea. But, this is exactly what my family and I did. We headed out to Puerto Vallarta, on behalf of Expedia to try the new services being offered to travelers by Expedia Local[...]

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Snow day and the art of doing nothing even when th Snow day and the art of doing nothing even when the world demands we do so much. 

It’s ok to breathe. Process in silence. Seek comfort in yourself. Laugh. 

REST IS RESISTANCE. 

They want us scared. Broken. Isolated. Hopeless. Joyless. Exhausted. We are not. This moment is not how our story ends. 

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence. It is self-preservation and that is an act of political warfare.” - Audre Lorde
A wintery day with coffee and books was had in Syr A wintery day with coffee and books was had in Syracuse, NY. For our coffee cart (@cafecomodony ) we headed over to @peakscoffeeco roasting site and were treated to a tour and cupping experience of their beautiful coffee selections which we are excited to serve at market this summer. 

We then headed to Books and Melodies to browse through their large selection of used books and vintage vinyls, while the cozy vibey tunes filled the space. 

Followed that with a stop at @kelseyscoffeeandfriends for a warm matcha and delicious breakfast burrito. And while a visit to Peaks Coffee roasters is not a public affair, you can still pick up a bag or two or more at Kelsey’s - trust us, it’s worth it!

Stay warm and safe out there everyone!

#syracuseny #newyork #winterday #thingstodoinsyracuse #booklover
People are sharing memories from 2016 but I think People are sharing memories from 2016 but I think this is my favorite one: going to Jamaica for work with my family. We went on a family adventure and it was the first time the boys were trying snorkeling. 

My youngest was so so scared but I made him get in the water still promising him I would hold his hand, be with him the entire time, and never leave his side. 

When I made him get in the water the other tourists on the boat gave me nasty looks and made comments making it clear they thought I was a shit mom for “ignoring” my son’s fears. I jumped into the water and he was crying tears coming down from behind his snorkel mask. I held his hand as promised and we started swimming.

The coral reef was bustling with life. Fish of all colors, eel, sand sharks, starfish. I wasn’t sure if it would terrify him or excite him. 

I would occasionally check on him with a thumbs up sign and he would confirm with a thumbs up back. After a while he signaled to come up and said “It’s ok mom. I can go on my own from here.” And let go of my hand and off he went. 

I watched him swim away from me and then it was me who started crying feeling both pride in him and that bittersweetness in seeing him not need me anymore. This memory still makes me cry. Today the little boy is pursuing a career in environmental science and forestry and photography (see his work at @liamlcc).

The second best memory of 2016 was Elle King renewing our vows at the Beacon Theater during one of her NYC concerts. Travis had arranged the entire thing…a blur as I was in shock the whole time! We just celebrated 23 years together❤️
@sagra_italia, a newly opened “Brooklyn-style” @sagra_italia, a newly opened “Brooklyn-style” Italian cafe has opened in Rochester, and though I am always skeptical of anything claimed to be “Brooklyn”, I have to say, it was really pretty close. 

We started at the bar for drinks and light bites, where the bartender was friendly and made some pretty kick-ass drinks. We then moved to an open table (no reservations here - walk in and grab an open spot) before ordering from the counter (food is brought to you) You bus your own table, which I think contributes significantly to the affordable menu, and which I honestly didn’t mind. 

The food was solid. I ordered the funghi pasta and we shared a Caesar and fried burrata, which was 😘👌🏾❤️!

The whole vibe was exactly what I needed and the perfect spot to catch up with Rochester friends on a snowy night. 

Kitchen closes at 9PM, bar closes at 10. 

And if you’ve ever been to @tapas177 next door and loved it (if you haven’t, you should go), it’s by the same family. 

Highly recommend and excited to go back. Another Rochester win!

#fingerlakes #rochesterny #rochestereats #newyork #italianfood @visitrochester
The world feels heavy, so here’s some light I no The world feels heavy, so here’s some light I noticed today: this dormant field of wildflowers we planted has been nesting bunny rabbits, birds, and little insect ecosystems this cold season. So even though on the surface it just looks like a field of dead and dried stems, when you look deeper, you’ll notice that it’s also a reprieve, a safe space, a comfort, and a resting place. 

I guess, maybe, that’s a lot of us right now. A little worn out. Tired. Sad. Drained. Overwhelmed. But we can also be someone’s comfort, safe space, peace, shoulder, friend…a little light for those who need it. And maybe that’s what we should remember to keep us going.
I get asked often if I miss the city, and the answ I get asked often if I miss the city, and the answer is all the time, but not really, but also yes, but kinda…depends. 

I think living in a slower paced environment has been good for me. Healthy and challenging in different ways. I sometimes get restless, but often need rest too. I love the space both environmently and in time to be creative. And I love that if I ever do get too restless, I am not far from Rochester (a city I’ve grown to love) or NYC. 

But I also love that when I feel any sense of anxiety, I can step outside, be surrounded by nature, and come back home a little more healed. Life is unpredictable, but during my era of slow living, I want to make sure to appreciate and enjoy all it offers.

#fingerlakes #newyork #slowliving #citygirlinthecountry

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