Jul 27
Family Fun With My First L.A. Visitor
I recently hit the 90-day mark of my move to LA. And with it has come the inevitable bumps of the emotional roller coaster that accompanies relocating to a new city.
Friends who have made similar moves have said the 3-6 month mark is the toughest. Because the euphoria begins to wear off, replaced by the reality of having to build a life and cultivate a new support system. What I am learning is that it is much easier to do that when you’re in your twenties — as I did multiple times, moving to Bangor, Maine, Dover, Delaware and Sydney, Australia — than it is at this stage of life.
Still, the Facebook perception until recently was all was sunny literally and metaphorically for me in La La Land. Which is why I decided to come clean about the challenges I’ve been having. The outpouring of support truly lifted my spirits, as did welcoming my first visitor from back home, my beloved cousin Carla.
All smiles in Malibu with Carla
Our action-packed weekend together showed me how much I have learned in a short time about my adopted hometown, and that I have actually been here long enough now to have a small semblance of geographic bearings. It was such a joy to share amazing meals and decadent cocktails at my favorite eateries (Madeo, Sushi Mon, A.O.C. and Doheny Room) and to explore new venues (Mastro’s Ocean Club, Culina). And to indulge our inner child with a trip to Universal Studios. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a fan’s dream come true. The absolutely delicious frozen butterbeer concoction is a must.
My first visit here in more than two decades!
Carla and I also enjoyed a few brushes with celebrity over the long weekend. We had a quick drink at Craig’s on Melrose Avenue as papparazzi waited outside for Angelina Jolie and Jon Voight (whom we didn’t see). We were turned away from hotspot The Nice Guy because Dawsons Creek star James Van Der Beek was having a private party there. But the real A-list moment happened at Culina, when Carla spotted a guy in a white fedora seated a few tables away. Who was the hatted man? None other than Empire actor Terrence Howard.
During her visit, Carla surprised me with a silver bracelet engraved with the phrase, “Forever Family.” Seeing her was a much needed and comforting reminder of how true those words are. What a blessing.
Jul 27
Summer Nights In NYC
One of the best parts of living in New York is stumbling upon someplace wonderful where you least expect it–especially when it comes to culinary delights.
Back in April, a Google search led me to Il Punto. And a few weeks ago, my cousin Alexandra and I returned to this gem of a restaurant. It didn’t disappoint.
Il Punto: an Italian gem in Hell’s Kitchen (photo courtesy: ilpuntoristorante.com)
Located on the corner of Ninth Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen, Il Punto is an inviting bistro with delicious pasta and seafood dishes and a host who exemplifies Italian charm. We were well taken care of by both him and the wait staff this second time too.
Alexandra and I split a bottle of Collio Sauvignon Blanc, which we were introduced to during our April visit.
After a complimentary amuse bouche, we savored our entrees, capped off by panna cotta for dessert and a complimentary round of limoncello. It was a truly epic night, with nearly six (!) hours of soul soothing conversation and laughter made even more enjoyable by the setting.
A very different but equally engaging venue provided the backdrop for Thursday’s night out with gal pal Lauren. We met up at Skylight Modern in Chelsea for Travel +Leisure‘s party celebrating its annual World’s Best Awards.
The scene at T+L’s World’s Best Awards party
The swanky soiree featured a fashionable crowd, on-site sand artist and award winners dressed in authentic attire representing various destinations. In addition to signature cocktails, the menu included passed hors d’oeuvres (empanadas, mini grilled cheese, caprese sticks, tuna tartar) and food stations (paella, lobster rolls, fried clam sandwiches, crab cakes). Delish.
While savoring both the menu and the people watching, Lauren and I caught up on summer travels, work and home makeover projects.
Two fantastic nights on the town with two of my favorite ladies. Summer in NYC simply doesn’t get any better than that.
Feb 22
A Fun-Filled Florida Getaway
For as much as I love NYC, sometimes you just need a break from it, especially during a winter as frigid as this one. So I was especially excited to spend President’s Day weekend down South in Jacksonville, visiting my Titi Eneida and cousins Monica and Steven. Joining in the festivities — NY-based cousins Dana and Carla.
Family Reunion: (from left) Titi Eneida, Dana, Monica and hubby Michael, Carla and me in St. Augustine
Our Florida getaway was perfect from start to finish. Saturday, we drove down to St. Augustine. This charming, historic town (the oldest in the US) never fails to delight with its cobblestone streets lined with quaint shops and Spanish style architecture.
After strolling around and browsing in a few stores, we went to A1A Ale Works for a delightful lunch on the balcony (lobster and shrimp tacos, mmmm). But the weekend’s most memorable, delicious meal happened later at Titi Eneida’s house.
Titi prepared a Valentine’s feast, with a festively decorated table, homemade spinach salad, pizza with sausage and peppers, chocolate cupcakes and chocolate covered strawberries.
Best Valentine’s Day meal ever!
Sunday, we drove to St. John’s Town Center, a beautiful outdoor mall with 150 stores, where I finally found two major items for my home makeover (details to come!) and savored the sunshine in a cozy seating area outside Nordstrom’s.
Later, after a brief visit to Jax Beach, we went back to Monica and hubby Michael’s place for a laughter filled night watching Saturday Night Live ‘ s epic 40th anniversary special.
I am so happy this family reunion coincided with Valentine’s Day. It reminded how blessed I am to have so much love in my life, and be related to so many wonderful people. And really, that’s what February 14th is truly about: cherishing every kind of love — regardless of your relationship status.
Aug 24
Two Girls Nights Out To Remember
This week, I enjoyed two delightful girls nights out.
Wednesday, I enjoyed a much-needed reunion with my beloved cousin Alexandra at Trattoria Bolognese in Midtown.
Trattoria Bolognese in Midtown (photo courtesy: Zagat.com)
Trattoria Bolognese is one of those rare and wonderful NYC restaurants that has been around for awhile. I remember eating there often in my twenties, as it was located right around the corner from my parents’ building. Serving delicious old school Italian fare in a casual, warm setting, Trattoria remains one of my favorites – and a perfect setting for lingering conversation.
Alexandra and I hadn’t seen each other since she glammed me up for my photo shoot back in June, so we had a lot to catch up on. We talked about summer getaways, the ebb and flow of professional contentment and coping when life throws you a curveball.
Alex has been my rock through so many trials and tribulations, a soul sister whom I have cherished since childhood. We already have our next bonding session scheduled and I can’t wait.
Speaking of wonderful women, I also had the pleasure of catching up with my dear friend Lauren. A fellow hospitality marketing pro, Lauren was the first person I connected with in the industry a decade ago. I remember thinking when we met that if everyone in the biz was as awesome as she is, I was going to love being part of it. I was right.
Lauren invited me to join her at a fantastic networking event hosted by the Adventure Travel Trade Association and Colombia Tourism. Held at Barraca in the West Village, the night offered great opportunities to mingle along with delicious Latin cuisine and beverages. Among the interesting folks we chatted with — a freelance writer who has ridden halfway across the country on a bicycle and a twentysomething finance rep by day/travel blogger by night.
The finance gal asked lots of questions about parlaying her passion for travel into a career change. Happy to share my experiences as a career changer, I found myself thinking how fortunate I am to love what I do. The varied work I did before couldn’t have been a better preamble for it had I planned it to be.
And I couldn’t be more blessed to have amazing women like Lauren and Alexandra to remind me of all I have to be grateful for.
Aug 17
A Special Sisters Night Out
Earlier this week, I headed to Public House in Midtown for a girls night out with my sister Hilary.
Public House in Midtown (photo courtesy: PublicHouseNYC.com)
A lively casual venue with a great after work scene, Public House is very generous with giveaways. I’ve won two complimentary happy hours and on this occasion, enjoyed a free three course dinner with unlimited wine (regular price: $35). The food is average but the fun atmosphere makes up for it.
I was especially happy to have some bonding time with Hil. As a single mom of two boys, she rarely gets a night off so we had a lot to talk about.
We reminisced about old times with our late and beloved parents — admitting how much we miss their ability to bring everyone together and how much our family life has changed without them. And, like people all over the world, we shared our shock and sadness about the untimely passing of Robin Williams.
Much has been said about his singular comic genius and gifts as an Oscar-winning dramatic actor. His versatile talents moved and entertained me many times over the years. But what has truly stayed with me since the news of his death is his humanity–most especially as an adored father of three.
Family man: The star with kids (from left) Zachary, Zelda and Cody in 2006 (photo courtesy: People Magazine)
I too lost a parent when I was in my twenties, also in an untimely and cruel way (Mom was 57 when she died of breast cancer). As I read the beautiful, poignant tributes from Williams’ children, I was reminded of something I have learned from being parentless for 8 years now: a parent’s love and imprint on your soul stays with you forever. For all of his many and varied professional accomplishments, this is Williams’ greatest legacy.
Rest in peace, Captain.
Jul 6
Looking Through A Different Lens
One of my favorite books is Amy Spencer’s inspiring Bright Side Up: 100 Ways To Be Happier Right Now. And one of my favorite pearls of wisdom in it is about refocusing your perspective.
“Like the camera lens of life,” Amy writes, “We can zoom out from the negative stuff and see the whole picture. Pull back and see what else is there–the good stuff.”
I found myself doing exactly that during a recent photo shoot with my cousin Alexandra and fabulous photographer Andrea Reese.
The afternoon began at my place, with Alexandra working her makeup artist magic to make me ready for my closeup.
Getting all glammed up
After an hour in her capable hands, I felt like a supermodel–especially when Andrea arrived brimming with excitement and effervescence. Her infectious energy put me at ease right away.
Once Alexandra put the finishing touches on my makeup, the three of us went into my room, where Andrea put on her stylist hat to help select wardrobe and accessories for the shoot. We then headed up to my building’s roof deck — a true urban oasis — for the first series of photos. In the background, a swimsuit-clad resident lounging around while a more clothed neighbor read the newspaper. Only in New York.
All smiles on the roof deck
For the next setup, Andrea led us to a series of nearby locations all within a five block radius.
One of my favorites from the shoot. My cousin rocks.
From a townhouse stoop and distressed wall to a nearby playground and the rich red doors of favorite dive bar O’Flanagan’s, Andrea made me appreciate my neighborhood in a completely new way. Seeing how she views everything through a creative, beauty seeking lens helped me reframe my own view–and reminded me it’s never too late to do that.
Two hours and plenty of smiles and sultry poses later, my supermodel moment drew to a close. As I told Alexandra, I really didn’t want to wash my face that night, particularly since the makeup was still completely intact.
You can check out more of the many great photos that Andrea took here. And there’s still one more week of my giveaway extravaganza, including two tickets to the new Off Broadway comedy Get Me A Guy (full review to come) and a one-night stay at The Westin New York Grand Central! Visit this page for info about how to enter.
