My garden began long before the first flower bloomed. It started in April, when the days were still cool, and spring was only beginning to awaken. That’s when I found myself dreaming — not just about plants, but about possibilities. My urban garden isn’t sprawling. Instead, it lives in a collection of oversized planters that surround our home and line the deck, transforming ordinary spaces into little pockets of beauty. This year, I envisioned something different: a garden that delighted not only the eyes but also the senses. I imagined stepping outside to the fragrance of old-fashioned roses, the…

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Some weekends feel like a vacation and others become memories you’ll carry with you long after summer fades. This Fourth of July weekend was happily both. We spent the holiday weekend moving between Lake Erie and Niagara-on-the-Lake where the pace slows, the sunsets linger, and every day seems to invite you to stay just a little longer. After a seven hour drive from Philadelphia, Friday evening began along the beautiful Niagara River. We met with friends at a waterfront restaurant for dinner and live music. It was fun listening to familiar songs outdoors on a warm summer night –…

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I was in the Lower East Side of Manhattan early this year. Known for its rich immigrant history, the Lower East Side is a living mosaic where old-world culture intersects with modern life. In the hustle and bustle of this vibrant neighborhood, it’s easy to forget that these streets once held the hopes, dreams, hardships, and histories of countless immigrant families. There is a treasure of a place – the Tenement Museum – on Orchard Street. Founded in 1988, it is dedicated to preserving and telling the deeply personal and emotional stories of many immigrant families during the 19th…

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“Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.” – Dalai Lama 📍Monday, Feb 10: A day in Dublin I spent my first day wandering the iconic neighborhood around Temple Bar. It’s touristy but worth the visit. I spent hours soaking in the laughter spilling from the pubs and the live music by street performers – buskers – on Grafton Street – one of Dublin’s most famous shopping streets. I also visited the Guinness Storehouse which is part museum and part multi-sensory journey through the history and making of Ireland’s most famous beer. At the Gravity Bar, I enjoyed…

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“I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.” – Mary Anne Radmacher   📍Monday, Jan 23: Casablanca – Rabat – Meknes – Fez Today was a whirlwind of culture and history as we made our way through three incredible cities. Casablanca:We started with a scenic drive along the Barbary Coast, enjoying views of the Atlantic while learning about Casablanca’s role as Morocco’s commercial hub. Though our time was brief here, it offered a glimpse into the cosmopolitan heart of the country. Rabat: Our next stop was Rabat, the capital of…

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“The world is yours to explore. Go and see.” – SWH 📍Welcome to Amsterdam It was good to be back in Amsterdam. The canal cruise – with the close-up view of the elegant merchant houses, arched bridges, and boathouses – brought back memories of my first trip to this city. I saw some of the major highlights of Amsterdam on a previous visit – the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Ann Frank House, Dam Square, etc. – and I was content to simply retrace my steps on the cobblestone streets, past the gabled houses and countless bikes whizzing by. In…

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A friend currently lives in Stroudsburg, PA and so we went on a road trip to this charming town in the heart of the Pocono Mountains. Approximately 100 miles north of Philadelphia, we drove close to two hours to reach our destination. The Sunday morning drive was relaxing, made even more so by the lush green landscape especially as we approached the Delaware Water Gap. Stroudsburg offers a good mix of history, culture, local cuisine, and outdoor activities. But for this particular trip, we had just enough time to stroll along Main Street in downtown Stroudsburg. The only traditional…

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I was in downtown Pittsburgh recently and when I found out that Anthropologie’s home outlet is located in Mt Nebo Pointe – a short 15-minute drive from the hotel where I was staying, I had to go. Anthropologie is part of the Urban Outfitters portfolio of global consumer brands with roots in Wayne, Pennsylvania (just outside Philadelphia). It is a shopping destination for clothing, accessories, shoes, beauty, bridal, home and garden. Those who follow the brand appreciate its eclectic, bohemian, natural, vintage-inspired, artisanal, and whimsical style. Walking through a typical Anthropologie store is a sensory experience as you are…

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Memorial Day weekend was made memorable by time spent with good friends and good food. My husband and I drove to Erwinna, PA, a little over an hour from Philadelphia on Friday evening. This part of Bucks County is charming and picturesque with covered bridges, farmhouses, and spectacular views of the Delaware River. We were meeting friends for dinner at the Golden Pheasant and although there was a slight chill in the air, it was still a lovely evening for an al fresco meal in the garden. The following day, we met up with two of our favorite people…

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“When the seasons shift, even the subtle beginning, the scent of a promised change, I feel something stir inside me. Hopefulness? Gratitude? Openness? Whatever it is, it’s welcome.”  – Kristin Armstrong   Summer is behind us and autumn officially arrives in two days. We are in a place of transition: sunflowers, chrysanthemums and pumpkins have made their appearance in stores everywhere but window boxes and planters in my neighborhood continue to bloom with summer colors. Deciduous trees are holding on to their green leaves but with hints of umber, russet, and gold. Mornings are decidedly cooler which quickly make…

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