27

Apr

Impromptu Easter Weekend

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TRAVEL EXPERIENCE:  On a whim I planned a last-minute trip to New York City for me, myself and I.  It happened to fall over Easter weekend (don’t ask!), and it ended up being a delightful solo weekend away.  I booked everything at 11PM the Friday night of Easter weekend, packed my bag, and hit the road first thing Saturday morning for the city.  

I planned a total of three things “in advance” (a.k.a. Friday night) for my last-minute weekend away: 1) I booked my hotel room for Saturday night; 2) I purchased a ticket to see “Violet” Saturday evening; 3) I purchased a ticket to see “If/Then” on Sunday afternoon.  Other than that, I was leaving everything (including my meals!) up to chance.  You’ll find below a few highlights of this much needed weekend with myself.

Highlights

  • Hotel room upgrade (never gets old!)

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  • Walking up Fifth Avenue/down Lexington Avenue and window shopping
  • People watching in Central Park on a beautiful spring day

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  • Sitting at the bar at the Strip House and treating myself to a delicious meal (Note:  If it’s wrong to be in love with their black truffle cream spinach, then I don’t want to be right.)

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  • Seeing Sutton Foster (finally!) star in Violet at the Roundabout

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  • People watching in Madison Square Park on Easter Sunday – so many Easter egg hunts!

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  • Visiting Eataly and having lunch at the Pizza/Pasta bar

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  • Seeing Idina Menzel (finally!) star in If/Then

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A married friend of mine recently told me that she takes herself on a date once a month – alone, without her husband.  When asked why, she said it’s to do something for herself – just. for. her.  She’s even gone so far as to set parameters for her monthly date – it must involve one nice meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner), a cocktail, and she must “unplug” – no cell phone, no Facebook, not even an iBook.  I found this to be incredibly interesting, and thought I’d adapt a similar policy.  I started off big, by taking myself on an extended date last weekend – next month I’ll likely stick with brunch!  Regardless, while I didn’t abide by her “unplugged” rule, I did adhere to everything else and really enjoyed my impromptu date with NYC.

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13

Apr

Saturday Staycation

STAYCATION EXPERIENCE:  After a prolonged hiatus, I’m back!  (So much for abiding by my 2014 Vision Board and promise to blog 3-4 times a week!).  Finnegan Begin Again.  

This weekend was the first weekend I’ve had off in almost a month, and I’d been looking forward to it for weeks.  The only commitment I’d made was a get together with friends on Saturday evening, so I decided to make the most of my time at home and have a Saturday Staycation.  Highlights included: leisurely coffee in my jammies while catching up on personal email, shower and mobilizing to run a few errands (bank, post office, gas, etc.), a stop at my neighborhood bagel shop for a breakfast sandwich, and then discovering a new nail salon and treating myself to colorful manicure.  It was so nice to spend some time alone doing some of my favorite things without any distractions.  

After a brief afternoon hiatus – a.k.a. getting sucked into a two-hour Lifetime movie (The Good Mother – in case you’re interested) – I showered, dressed and got ready for a night on the town.  First stop?  Impromptu cocktails with old friends who were in town for a last-minute college roommate reunion weekend.  We met at an interesting bar called, 1 Tippling Place, which is located at 20th & Chestnut in Philadelphia.  

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(Photo Credit: philly.thedrinknation.com)

The bar is this quaint, intimate space filled with an array of furniture that might be found in your great aunt’s apartment.  Eclectic.  The stemware used throughout the bar is a collection of mismatched glasses that are funky, yet practical.  The lighting was just right and it wasn’t jam-packed with people – making it the perfect place to sit and chat with old friends.  The drink menu was fairly extensive and offered something for everyone.  I enjoyed their “punch of the week,” which was a grapefruit concoction – perfect for a beautiful spring evening.  I plan to return and try some of their limited food offerings, which sound and look delicious.  

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(Photo Credit:  Yelp.com)

After a quick catch-up, I said my goodbyes and made my way across town to the Ritz V theater for the second portion of my evening – dinner and drinks with a different group of friends.  Last night’s movie selection was Wes Anderson’s, “The Grand Budapest Hotel.”  

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(Photo Credit:  Cinematreasures.org)

I enjoyed the movie, particularly as this was the first Wes Anderson film I’ve actually seen in the theater with a live audience.  I’ve seen others of his, but always rented and watched them from the convenience of my own living room.  If this film is playing at a theater near you, and you like Wes Anderson, I’d check it out!

After the movie, we made our way to a fairly new spot for late-night drinks.  (I don’t know if 11PM is considered late-night to most, but it is to me these days!)  The Gaslight is located at 2nd & Market in Philadelphia – great location!  We walked into a fairly crowded bar area (beautiful bar are), and realized we were all quite hungry, so we made our way to the back of the bar area where we took ownership of a corner banquette table, ordered cocktails and perused the dinner menu.

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(Photo Credit:  The Gaslight website.)

The service was fantastic, food good and the people watching out of this world!  We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves well into the early hours of Sunday morning – listening to music, catching up, and devouring their yummy burgers.

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(Photo Credit:  The Gaslight website.)

All in all, a fun filled, yet relaxing Saturday Staycation. 

  

 

 

 

10 years ago Short URL 2 Comments

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17

Jan

First “toot” of 2014!

I couldn’t be more excited to be packing my bag for a girls weekend with my mom.  Destination to be revealed when I return on Monday. In the meantime, I’ll give you a few hints.

  • You can fly, drive, train, bus or boat to this destination.
  • There are a plethora of restaurant options at your finger tips.
  • A live show can be seen any day of the week.  
  • The museum options are endless.
  • The shopping is to die for.
  • It’s the best place in the U.S. to people watch.  

Enjoy your weekend – I’m off to experience mine…

10 years ago Short URL Comments

12

Jan

Movie Time

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(Photo Credit:  News.uwlax.edu)

MOVIE EXPERIENCE:  I’ve been on a serious movie kick these last two weeks; I’ve seen four films, and I’m still ready for more.  I don’t know what’s gotten into me, as I think I saw a total of four movies in the theater in all of 2013, but I’m enjoying myself.

To date I’ve seen:

Saving Mr. Banks

The Wolf of Wall Street

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

August: Osage County

I enjoyed three of the four movies very much, but thought The Secret Life of Walter Mitty was just okay.  While the cinematography was fantastic (I’m going to Iceland this year – seriously), the story itself was just “blah.”  

Have you seen any films recently that you’ve enjoyed?  Nebraska?  Her?  

Award season kicks off tonight with the Golden Globes.  Perhaps my “must see” list will change based on tonight’s award winners.  We’ll see.

Enjoy your weekend and movie going experience(s)!

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08

Jan

You say Polar Vortex, I say Chicken Pot Pie.

 

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COOKING EXPERIENCE:  This Polar Vortex is for the birds.  Temperatures in the single digits with negative wind chills?  No thanks.  To turn my frozen frown upside down last night, I decided to make myself a chicken pot pie.  This recipe (given to me/my mom by a family friend) was simple, easy to prepare and absolutely delicious!

Chicken Pot Pie

2     Cans Cream of Potato Soup

1     16oz. Can Mixed Vegetables, Drained  (Note:  I used 16oz. of frozen peas, corn, and carrots.)

2     Cups Cooked Diced Chicken (Note:  I bought a cooked rotisserie chicken and simply chopped up the meat.)

1/2  Cup Milk

1/2  Tsp. Thyme

1/2  Tsp. Black Pepper

2     9″ Pillsbury Rolled Pie Crusts

Combine the first 6 ingredients.  Follow directions on box for pie crusts.  (Note:  I let mine come to room temperature, rolled out the base and set it in an ungreased pie dish.)  Spoon the filling into the prepared pie crust and cover with the top crust.  Crimp the edges and slit the top.

Bake at 375 degrees for 40-minutes or until nicely browned.  Let sit 10-minutes before serving.

This recipe perked me up and was so tasty.  I had a piece for my dinner last night, packaged up some leftovers for my lunch today.  Everything else?  Frozen in individual containers in my freezer for a grab-and-go meal later this winter.

Stay warm and enjoy!

10 years ago Short URL Comments

05

Jan

Travel Planning Favorites

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(Photo Credit:  CNN Travel website)

TRAVEL EXPERIENCE:  My friends and family know that I enjoy travel planning immensely.  After a long day at work, there’s nothing I like more than coming home to research online travel steals/deals while planning my next trip.  My obsession has expanded; I’m no longer planning trips for myself, I’m now planning “toots” (toots = family word for a weekend away/trip/vacation) for my close friends and family.  (Ex.  Anniversary weekend in Toronto; Cross-Country meet up in Chicago; 5-day Caribbean girls vacation, etc.)  

As I prepare to plan this year’s “toots,” I thought I’d share some of my favorite go-to travel planning websites:

TRAVELZOO: has provided me with ample travel deals over the years.  Everything from discounted hotel rates in NYC, Atlanta, Chicago, Boston, etc., to full fledge European vacations.  My best “steal of a deal” found through Travelzoo, was a luxury vacation in Dublin, Ireland.  Roundtrip airfare from JFK to Dublin, Ireland; Automatic Rental Car for a week with unlimited mileage; 6 nights/7 days at the brand new Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt Hotel, set just outside the city.  Not to toot my own horn (I’m tooting), but this vacation package cost me (and my sister, who I convinced to take the trip with me!) ~$950.00/pp for everything (RT Air, Rental Car, 6 nights at the Ritz, Taxes & Insurance).  True story.  I highly recommend signing up for the Travelzoo weekly email blast (released Wednesday’s at 11 AM if you’re a VIP – otherwise 12 PM for regular members, I think) and monitor their Top 20 deals for the week.  

AIRFAREWATCHDOG: (and FareCompare, a close second) is my favorite airfare deal tracking website.  By creating an account, I’ve been able to enter a variety of routes (Ex. PHL to ORD; ATL to PHL, etc.) that I travel frequently and set alerts to have Airfarewatchdog contact me when an airline is having a fantastic deal for any/all of my routes.  This website has saved me countless dollars, as it alerts me immediately of great fares.  Best fare purchased based on one of my daily emails from Airfarewatchdog? (I’m tooting again)  RT Airfare from PHL to BOS on USAirways for $94.10, taxes included.  I. Love. This. Site.  (Note:  You can set the frequency with which you receive the email alerts.  I have daily alerts sent to me; however, my friends prefer receiving their alerts 1x/per week.)

SEATGURU:  is a must when booking airfare.  Period.  It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling in coach or first class, this website helps identify the best and worst seats on your flight’s aircraft.  Prior to selecting my seats and booking my airfare, I always cross-reference SeatGuru to be sure I’m selecting a seat with sufficient legroom, that’s not next to the lavatory, has room for my belongings on the floor in front of me and is not directly across from the flight attendant’s seat.  Use this site once and I promise you’ll be hooked, too!

GATEGURU:  is a lifesaver when you’re waiting for your flight.  Want to know where the nearest Starbucks is to your gate?  Forgot to pack your umbrella and want to purchase one before boarding your flight to Seattle?  Can’t remember where the Delta Sky Club lounge is at the Atlanta airport?  Use GateGuru to find anything and everything at your major U.S. airport.

FLIGHTTRACKPRO:  is a wonderful app to reference when flying.  Enter your flight information and receive up-to-the-minute updates on your flight.  I use it every time I fly – fantastic tool.

FACEBOOK:  is a great tool to use for travel planning.  Let me explain… if you haven’t already, sign up for any/all hotel loyalty programs at the properties you frequent.  I don’t care if it’s a Holiday Inn or the Ritz Carlton, signing up for hotel loyalty programs benefits you in so many ways.  First up, you become “a regular” in the brand’s system.  Secondly, you often receive perks like free WIFI, complimentary beverages at check-in or from the minibar in your room, or access to the Club Lounge at participating properties.  Finally, as a loyalty member, you can “like” the Facebook pages for participating brands and gain access to “loyalty member only” promotions.  Kimpton Hotels In Touch Loyalty Program is the perfect example.  Kimpton properties provide outstanding benefits to their In Touch members – upgrades, coupons for ~$10 worth of complimentary product from the minibar in your room, free WIFI, great discounted rates, etc.  PLUS when liking their Kimpton In Touch Loyalty Program Facebook page, you’re able to get first-hand updates of great rates or special codes that can be used for online booking OR to be said to the front desk agent upon check-in at participating properties for a free gift.  Love it!  I try to “like” all of the hotel brands I visit online.  Why not?

A few additional fan favorites include:

GASBUDDY

AROUNDME

AWARDWALLET

ROADAHEAD

TRIPIT

YELP

UBER

EASYCLICKTRAVEL

I have plenty more websites up my sleeve, but thought I’d begin with these.  Enjoy planning your next experience!

 

 

 

10 years ago Short URL Comments

01

Jan

I have a vision… board.

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LIFE EXPERIENCE:  Happy New Year!  I trust you all had a fun evening – whether you were out on the town celebrating or ringing in 2014 from the comfort of your home.  I spent the evening at home relaxing and reflecting; it was fabulous!  

Today I’m proud to share with you my very first vision board.  (Please excuse the poor photography – my camera and I had a fight.)  I’ve decided to create a vision board with words/phrases that I want to focus on this year.  The board sits directly above my desk in my home office and will be something I see daily.  My hope is the vision board will serve as a reminder of the things I want to experience in 2014.  I’ll provide you with a brief overview:

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My mantra this year is:  Honesty, Loyalty & Love.  I want to focus on my relationships – romantic relationships, family relationships, and friendships.  I think these three words apply to all of these relationships and will be something I strive to achieve in 2014.

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Live Well:  I want to be healthy, happy and continue to have a rich life.  

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Yoga:  To achieve a healthy lifestyle, I need to be more active.  One of the ways in which I plan to do so, is by exploring yoga.  I’ve taken two yoga classes and enjoyed them… and then never went back.  In 2014 I want yoga to become a regular good habit of mine.  

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Explore:  I want to experience new things this year.  My goal is exploring something new each month – rock climbing, voice lessons, volunteering, driving to a new town and exploring it, reading a book I’d otherwise never read, etc.  Twelve things to explore/experience in 2014?  That seems reasonable, doesn’t it?

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Forward:  One of my favorite quotes is Emerson’s “Finish each day and be done with it.  You have done what you could.  Some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can.  Tomorrow is a new day.  You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.”  I have had this quote at my desk at work for the last ten years.  It reminds me to not worry about what has happened, but rather to look forward to what’s just around the corner.  2014, bring it on!

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Friends:  I love my friends dearly and value the friendships I’ve made this past year.  I’m very much looking forward to maintaining those relationships in 2014 and forming new friendships, too.

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Travel:  I hope to travel as much as is feasibly and financially possible in 2014.  My current top 3 (yes, I like lists) destinations are – Iceland, Montreal, and Napa Valley.

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Blog:  I started out strong last September, but my blogging waned towards the end of the year.  This year I’d really like to blog 3-4 times a week, to maintain an active site.  If you find that I’ve not posted anything in a few days, please feel free to message me.  The friendly reminders are encouraging!

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Move:  I’m seriously considering moving in the spring, so this is a reminder to focus my energies on an apartment search OR plan on staying put for another year.  

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Success:  My final word for the new year.  I’ve spent the last year focusing on my new job (which I love!) and now wish to focus my energies on my new part-time business venture.  With more research and planning, I’d like to expand my efforts to service others.

Here’s to a fantastic 2014 – I’m ready to get this year started and can’t wait to see what’s in store!  Happy New Year!

 

10 years ago Short URL Comments

31

Dec

Happy New Year!

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LIFE EXPERIENCE:  I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to bring 2013 to a close; tonight at 11:59 PM I will celebrate.  Celebrate a year that has challenged me – personally and professionally.  Celebrate a year that has afforded me opportunities to travel – regionally, nationally and internationally.  Celebrate a year that has allowed me to try new things – art classes, volunteering, MeetUp groups.  Celebrate a year that has given me time to spend with my family and good friends.  Most importantly, however, I celebrate a year that has shown me just how strong I am.  

Tonight I close the 2013 chapter of my life and toast to 2014 – a year of honesty, loyalty, and love.  Cheers!

10 years ago Short URL 2 Comments

21

Nov

I’m Back! (after a brief hiatus)

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TRAVEL EXPERIENCE:  Did you think I packed and then never returned home after my European adventure last month?  Tempting… but I returned after two weeks in Italy and Spain and life, well, happened.  I’m finally back in action and ready to post about the incredible experiences I’ve had these last 4 weeks!

I’ll spend the next few days recapping specific highlights in more detail; in the interim, however, here’s a brief recap:

In short, the last month has been absolutely incredible!  I promise to be more proactive with my posts (and pictures!) this weekend to bring you up to speed on some fantastic things to see and do in Rome, Barcelona and Atlanta.

10 years ago Short URL Comments

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17

Oct

What to pack?

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TRAVEL EXPERIENCE:  Do you ever have that moment when you’re packing for a trip, it goes something like this:  WHAT THE HECK AM I FORGETTING??? (Said, as sweat is wiped from brow…)  That’s been my mindset all morning.  I’m gearing up for my next trip and, although I’m a packing enthusiast and usually end up having everything I need, I still have my moments of, shall we say, packing panic.  

Fortunately, I rely on my “Pack This” cheat sheet:

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Have you seen?  LOVE!  First of all, I have a passion for lists, so this is right up my alley.  Secondly, I love to travel and pack as concisely as possible when doing so.  It’s essentially a win-win in both departments.  I received this as a gift a few years ago and adore it.  It’s made by the Knock Knock company – if you’re not familiar, check them out.

Okay, I’m off… stay tuned for updates while traveling!

11 years ago Short URL Comments

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