The last few years have been a lot; a lot for most of us. For me, I had so many life changes all converge at the same time. It all happened in 2020: A pandemic, a twin high risk pregnancy, a home purchase and gut renovation, a career pivot and so much more that I can’t even begin to get into on here. And with all those changes, came their own unique stresses and pressures. My response to stress has always been to do anything but address it: stay busy, stay distracted, don’t acknowledge the anxiety or fears.

And so it is interesting that when the opportunity came to visit Shou Sugi Ban House, I did not immediately realize that this was an opportunity to take some real time for me, to allow myself a chance to open myself to an honest opportunity for wellness and introspection. And maybe if I had taken the time to think of what Shou Sugi could truly offer me in a meaningful way, I would have stayed away, because avoidance has been my go to. But instead, I distracted myself with the “superficial” or rather aesthetics I saw online and I was excited because I was going to be in beautifully and thoughtfully designed space.

THE PROPERTY

So let’s start there, Shou Sugi Ban House is indeed a beautiful property. From the moment you pull into the graveled driveway of the property and drive past the evergreen trees and Japanese cherry trees, you feel that you are in a completely different place from the town you just left behind. The self-described sanctuary is actually just that and it shows in all the design decisions made. You can tell they really took the time to think of the guest experience and this attention permeates all parts of the property, from the main barn to the guest studios and the spa, meditation and relaxation rooms.

The clean, minimal aesthetic of the rooms lends itself to clarity of mind, free from chaos, clutter or overstimulation. And in keeping with being a wellness retreat, you’ll find the things that your body and mind needs: fruit selection, teas, bath soaks and none of the things that have a hold on us on the outside – Television, iPads etc. In fact, one of the first recommendations I was given was to put my phone away, something I mostly held true to. I gave myself 30minutes in the morning and evenings to check on my family, email and to capture a few bits of my experience and then I put my phone away.

THE EXPERIENCE

I was able to try 4 different experiences during my stay: A massage, sound therapy, meditation and Energy Healing Breathwork with Nicholas Pratley. I’m an experienced receiver of massages, it’s the one thing I do pretty much anywhere in the world I travel to, and I have to say my therapist was right up there with the best of them. On the other hand, I have always struggled with meditation and was quite frankly a little hesitant about my 3 other treatments. So you can imagine my surprise, to having emotional breakthroughs in every single one of them. I was particularly unprepared for the breath-work with Nicholas but he immediately set me at ease and not only encouraged me to relax through the process but explained that there was no right or wrong way to do this. I am one of those people who anytime I try anything new, spend most of the time worrying if I’m doing it correctly. it probably did take me a few minutes to start to relax and to start to get into the pace and intention of the breathwork we did. And I can’t even begin to explain what I felt, the weight of the past 2 years, emotions that had been held in, I couldn’t explain the tingles, I couldn’t explain the tears, but I felt it, I felt energy moving through my body and I felt heaviness leaving my body. It’s just hard for me to put in words but this to me is what Shou Sugi Ban House is about. You can come relax in a beautiful space and eat amazingly prepared meals (designed with Michelin starred chefs) and just that would be brilliant. And I’ve done a lot of that, that’s the bulk of what I do when I travel. But to me what really makes Shou Sugi Ban House unique is how it brings all of that together with this intense focus on treatments and experiences that go beyond the superficial. And that’s what I’m looking for more of these days and that why I would return.

Last but not least, every single person I encountered including the owner just moved with such a unified purpose of making sure that every guest felt really taken care of, really seen. The easiest way to describe that energy is kindness. And sometimes you can worry about whether that most human element can get lost in a place like this. But that’s the energy that powers this place. That is what I left with.

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So you want to visit San Miguel De Allende. You’ve heard quite a bit about this colonial-era city in Central Mexico. You’ve heard it is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and you maybe heard it either wins or tops The World’s best city awards. There is definitely alot of good reason behind the hype of San Miguel De Allende (SMA) and it is all well deserved, because all the things you look for when you travel: food, restaurants, design hotels, art, architecture, history are all very much present and accessible.

So you’ve booked your flight, you might be flying to QRO (Querétaro International Airport) which is closer to San Miguel, alternativelty you’re flying to Mexico City airport like we did, and then hopping on bus or in a car for the 4 hour drive to SMA. We chose the latter option as we travel with our 2 year old twins and there weren’t any direct flights to the closer airports from NYC. All the connecting flights required a little bit more time, money and effort- so we settled on flying to Mexico City and arranging airport pickup through our hotel. The ride cost about $200 and a little closer to 3.5hrs as we were lucky to not have much traffic.

WHERE TO STAY: I’ll provide a more detailed review of the hotels we stayed at later this week, but here are the 6 hotels worth considering for different reasons:

Meson Hidalgo: Design, Location, Affordability
This super intimate guesthouse was our first choice. With only 3 guestrooms, and located on Hidalgo street, a street you are sure not to want to skip with it’s shopping, food and more, this hotel also has a beautiful boutique with some of the best finds I saw during my entire time in SMA. There’s also an art gallery and beautiful terraces that truly take you away from the hustle and bustle of the street, right outside. Note: Adults only.

Doce 18 Concept House: Design, Location, Service, Variety
This is another smaller boutique hotel that more than holds its own against any bigger luxury hotel names. The attention to detail here is beyond. This is probably the hotel that those “in the know” would recommend. It is also brilliant because not only will your room be unique and a delight, there’s also pretty much everything you’ll need at your doorstep. They truly bring the best in food, art, design all in one place. Some of my favorite shopping was in their much bigger than it looks from the outside fashion store, after which I proceeded to the bakery and gelato shop right next door.

Amatte Wellness Resort: Unique Design, Gastronomy, Instagram worthy
This hotel is a little bit (and I just mean 5 minute drive or so) on the outskirts of the central area of SMA- or Zona Centro. As such, it is a little bit quieter and lives up to its name of Wellness and resort. If walking cobblestoned streets all day and all the highly vibrant colors and saturation of SMA wore you down during the day, this is a perfect place to unwind and relax and zone out a bit. I tend to prefer eating local/street food etc when travel but I have to give it to their kitchen. I implore you to try their vegan coffee chocolate desserts, I ordered that back to back- so good.

Live Aqua: Location, Design, Service, Architecture, Dining options
This is one of those hotels that regardless of your room type, you won’t feel shortchanged. I was able to tour over 5 rooms types in different price points and locations across the hotel and each one felt unique and luxurious. If you don’t want to splurge on the larger rooms, I am here to tell you, that you won’t need to, you will still have an amazing room with all the finishes and attention to detail. It’s a beautiful hotel with over 6 different dining experiences and service is A+++

Casa De Sierra: Location, Heritage, Luxe, Sanctuary
Want to feel like you stepped back in time, want to feel fully taken care of in a 17th century fortress. Then this is the one, this is where you need to be. This hotel is decidedly and uniquely Mexican in every way, by celebrating and highlighting Mexican culture, architecture, and cuisine. And if you’re familiar with the Belmond brand, then you know you’ll be in great hands- From Spa time, to Art tours, to Wine tastings- they will arrange it all for you.

La Valise San Miguel: Location, Design, Intimate
This was another one we wanted to stay at, but due to their size and design, it is an Adults only Hotel. They have been featured everywhere due to their unique combination old old world and contemporary design. if you’re looking for a truly unique stay that will really make you feel like you traveled far away, then this is the one.

SMA is brilliant in so many ways, and quite frankly, where you end up staying will just be the icing on the cake, and the cake itself is darn delicious. If you’re looking for experiential videos of my trip to SMA, please visit my Instagram Highlights named San Miguel.

Without fail, every year in New York City, every time the temparature falls, folks seem to pack away their colorful Spring and Summer clothes and pull out their Black, Brown and Grey sweaters, boots and coats. I love a black coat as much as the next person; quite frankly it makes for a really stylish and polished look. I am definitely not knocking that. I will however encourage you to play with color all year long and not just seasonally.

And because Fall and Winter wardrobes tend to be more expensive, I understand the hesitancy to spend on pieces you feel may get limited wear. Which is why I’m here to tell you to check out Walmart. They have really stepped up their fashion game over the past few years and that’s why I always have fun collaborating with them. You can get solid quality sweaters, jackets, coats and more at a great price. One that won’t leave you stressing. They also have a great return policy if you happen to be unhappy with your picks.

I will also encourage you to check out these specific brands on Walmart, because I always find the best and most contemporary stuff there.

1. Free Assembly
2. Scoop
3. Love & Sports
4. Bonobos Fielder – new
5. Joyspun – new

Fall is one of my fave seasons in New York City. First of all, it gets really beautiful, the changing colors, the earlier sunsets, the cool air. It’s also a season of pumpkins, cinnamon and holiday planning, so everyone is in a festive mood. Add to that, it’s the time to play around with layering and boots and all the fun things dressing up in cooler weather brings.

Fall wardrobes tend to be more expensive than Spring and Summer items. Whether it’s jackets, boots, or sweaters, this is when you could really find yourself going over your budget when shopping. And that’s where the scoop comes in. Even though they have been doing this for a while now, it seems most folks are still surprised to find that they can get quality and affordable fashion from Walmart. My favorite fashion lines that they have include Free Assembly and then there’s Scoop. How do you know you can trust that they know what they are doing. Well, look no further than the addition of award wining fashion designer Brandon Maxwell as the Creative Director of both these lines. When I saw Walmart did not come to play, I mean it.

Check out some of my fave selections below and then head over to grab your picks. I have to say the faux leather options rank really high for me, because they not only give you the full real leather look effect, they also move so well and hug the body very nicely. Don’t skip this one at only $40. You can be confident that you will be looking on point and in style this Fall without breaking the bank.

Six years ago we visited the Royal Mansour for the very first time. In so many ways, it seems so long ago- life was so different for us then. No kids, no global pandemic, much less experience in terms of travel and specifically luxury travel.

 I know the word “luxury” can seem exclusionary at times, and there’s no getting around that the Royal Mansour is indeed a luxury property in every sense of the word. A term that is used more often than it should and doesn’t always mean anything truly. But this is the best example of what a luxury experience should look and feel like. 6 years later and the property hasn’t aged by a day. There’s nothing sadder than returning to a place you love and seeing that the property owners just let things go, that the spaces feel dated, that service and standards have fallen by the wayside. It was with immense glee to find that the place we fell in love with felt just as immaculately fresh as when we visited 6 years ago.

I previously shared a review of El Fenn, another hotel we stayed at and I remarked that it felt like where the cool kids go, where the artists hang out- that it had a very specific style and flavor. And that’s so important for a hotel, for it to have a very specific identity. Much the same, the Royal Mansour has a very specific identity, and it’s right in it’s name, if El Fenn is where the artists hang out, the Royal Mansour is where the royals hang out. But not the stuffy ones, because for all it’s grandeur and opulence, it stops just short of seeming stuffy or snooty. And I think, the reason it maintains warmth is really due to the staff and how they engage with guests.

We visited with our twin boys (Kai & River) and every interaction was filled with genuine warmth towards us and them, we would have little laughs and were made to feel extremely welcome and like true guests. That extra special touch truly makes all the difference. While service was warm, it was also unobtrusive, the goal is to have you feel like you are at yours and not constantly surrounded by staff trying to help. I have experiences the kind of service where they wait on you  for every little detail and I tend to find that overwhelming and quite frankly exhausting. So, it was nice to see that they had figured out just the right balance.

A unique feature at the Royal Mansour is that you get an entire riad as your accommodation, as opposed to a room in a riad, as if often the case. Ours was 3levels which included a ground and roof terrace, a masters bedroom, with masters closets, and a main living room area on the ground floor. They all have unique features and designs so it won’t hurt to ask when booking which are the most popular ones. We stay in room 33 – so lovely but I have to give our previous riad the win, for it’s incredible entryway Moroccan tilework (see photo below).

A few callouts especially if planning a stay with kids or older family members, riads are generally designed with stairs and no elevators as is the case here. So be ready to go up and down stairs in getting from living area to bedroom to terrace. The stairs are marble and a tad slippery. We have stairs in our home that the boys go up and down  by themselves, but we didn’t trust that here and ended up carrying them each time we had to go up and down. I’ll admit, that bit, wasn’t much fun.

Another small callout, while you are extremely close to the souks and the Medina, the hotel is about an 8-10 minute walk. You might enjoy the peaceful relief you get from being a little bit away from it all, or maybe you were actually looking forward to being in the heart of it. If that’s the case- well, you’ve been warned. I for one, love the little bit of distance but I recognize we all have different preferences.

Lastly, this is not an all inclusive resort, so be prepared to pay $$$ for meals from the hotels restaurants. Really great food, but you came here to try some local dishes, so step out the hotel and do just that.

Let me know if there’s anything I failed to cover or if you have any questions. 

P.S.  If you’ve never had a harman, get a hammam treatment at the spa. I’ll be writing a detailed review of my experience very shortly. 

This is my 3rd year in a row working with Walmart fashion and it just keeps getting better and that’s because everytime I think they’ve outdone themselves with a collection, they do it again and even better. 

Most of us are looking for that perfect balance in quality, affordability and wow factor and you can’t tell me this Scoop drop didn’t deliver. I know they did, cos I ordered pretty much everything that hadn’t sold out even though I didn’t even have to.

I love that there’s options for the color fans, as well as options for the more low key folks. I love that the fit on everything I got is so flattering. But what I love most, is the ability to really mix and match here. So getting 4 individual pieces is like getting double the looks. Pairing red and green or green with pink, there’s so much you can play around with. Check out my reels here, where I did just that.

P.S. I say this every time, but some folks seem to be always surprised when I say that some of my most loved looks are from Walmart- but I can assure you that those who know- know. Check them out if you haven’t already.

If the Royal Mansour is where the Royals stay, then El Fenn is where the cool kids, the artists, the designers, the we’re cool but you can sit with us crowd go.

Located even closer to the medina, it feels very much a part of it. Blink and you’ll almost miss the entrance through the boutique. While not the main entrance, it is the more convenient entrance and the one we used for the most part. 

The Boutique and its colors give you a sense of what to expect, rich colors, intricate design, and global art (not just Moroccan art, but SubSaharan art). I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by how much Black African art there was at El Fenn. The boutique even featured beaded masks from a Cameroonian artist.

Now, you can go for a surprise or you can cherry pick your room. Every room at El Fenn is so uniquely different. Different in size (from teeny to super expansive), different in color schemes, different in decor but all beautiful. You’ll find yourself both totally in love with your space but also envious of the other rooms. If I had all the time and options, I’d try to experience 2 different room types here. 

We chose a 3 bedroom suite for a few reasons. One we wanted as many different room decor options, we wanted space for the boys to run around, we wanted additional privacy as our suite was completely set apart and not as close to the other rooms.

WHAT WE THOUGHT: 

Service was impeccable and fast, everyone was kind and the food from the restaurant was delicious. They are really good at sharing where to go and things to do, and their hotel issued magazine gave us so many great ideas, so make sure to read it.  

We had a few cleaning hiccups (wish the rug was vacuumed or swept better) and one time they didn’t clear our food when we asked them. I also have a thing about hotel towels and I really wish theirs were a little better. There are no TV’s here, so if that’s a thing for you, you’ve been warned, but that was fine for us. The times we needed a distraction, we had our phones and tablets. 

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Stairs are mostly unavoidable in riads, that’s just how it goes. If you have little ones that aren’t stair ready then make sure to check that you’re on the ground floor and even more importantly that your room itself doesn’t have stairs. There is an elevator on the property but as far as we could tell that was really for getting to the rooftop pool and restaurant. It is also pretty teeny, so if you’re with a stroller, it may not work. 

VERDICT

We would go back and I would choose the room Madonna stayed in, not just because Madonna stayed there, but because it really has one of the best outside seating areas and it’s so lovely. I kept walking back and forth to check it out. Interestingly enough, it is not one of the more expensive rooms, so don’t be deterred by who’s been there before. 

Rooms from 300 euros and up. (prices depend on season and room size)

This was my second time in Marrakech and it was really nice to have this opportunity to show up with some prior knowledge of the city – from its layout, its energy, the culture. It was like I did not have to spend time getting acclimated to it all and that was really nice. We really hit the ground running this time around.

I always recommend that if folks have the time, they should do a city tour on their first day in a new city. It’s a great little warmup and a nice way to start making notes on places you’d want to return to. GetYourGuide has some affordable tour options from city walking tours to food tours, all worth checking out. There are tour reviews on the site that can help you pick the itinerary that works best for you.

Outside of all that, here are the places I’ve been to, some were worthwhile return visits, others were new discoveries. These are my can’t miss stops in Marrakech. Without further ado, let’s go.

SHOPPING

1. CHABI CHIC: Home decor you can take home, all the little things that can make a cute difference in your home and affordably priced too.
2. AL NOUR: Look good, do good. Everything here is made by local women with disabilities. The project aims to support these women, by providing them with creative outlet and financial support as well as other assistance in the form of skills training, food programs, healthcare and more. This was one of my face stops, you can even get a peek into their little production room in the back. 
3. SOUK SEMMARINE: The medina is a network of souks each specializing in different things. The main artery of this system is Souk semmarine. If you only checkout one, let this be the one. It’s connected to so many others, that while you navigate, you may find yourself hitting up nearby souks that peak your fancy. 
4. SOUFIANE ZARIB: If you’re serious about Moroccan home decor and do not want to deal with the haggling and intensity of purchasing in the souks, then head here. There is literally everything you need, want and more. You will be paying a premium  but it might be worth it to you. And if you decide you prefer souk prices, then just come here for a well organized inspiration tour that can help you focus on exactly what you want, so that you’re ready before you head back into the souks. P.S. If you’re there after 5pm, head to their one of a kind, too cool for school, where the art kids hang out rooftop terrace for a drink or two. 
5. RIAD YIMA: Part Art Gallery, Part tea room, part Boutique, all right. This was definitely another highlight. This boutique/art gallery is the brainchild of Morocco’s current most famous living artist, Hassan Hajjaj. This was such a  delightful discovery especially as we almost gave up on it. It’s slightly hidden on a quiet alley and so unassuming, you would think you were knocking on the door of a private home and then you step in and AHHHHHH!!!. 
6. RAQAS: This boutique is so new, they don’t even have their website up yet, so you get map directions so you don’t skip it. Of all the shops I shared in my Instagram stories, this one received the most reactions and follow-up questions. If you love maxi dresses, prints and looking for modern Moroccan fashion, then you know where to go. Prices are in the $100-$200 range.  

EAT

7. NOMAD: This was a fave 6 years ago and they continue to be so. I’ll keep it simple, trust the staff for your order, just make sure you get that reservation or go early so you can dine on the rooftop at sunset. 
8. LE JARDIN: If you’re in Marrakech in the warmer months, then walking through the medina, haggling, sidestepping motorcycles, bicycles, donkeys and vendors can take a toll. And you’ll need somewhere cool to recharge. This restaurant not only offers a cool, relaxing space, but their food is super tasty too. You can’t go wrong with their grilled lamb or fish dishes and their crispy potatoes with yogurt is one even the young ones can enjoy- just have them put the hot sauce to the side. 
9. SOUL FOOD KECH: Yes, there’s windy stairs to get to this gem. They served one of my fave meals during our trip. Service was warm but not overly intrusive. The space definitely gives you a sense of place
10. EL FENN ROOFTOP: This spot is so popular that even while we were staying at the hotel, we could barely get a seat at the rooftop restaurant. Hang out at the hotel boutique while waiting to be seated, it will be worth the wait. Their menu changes but if you can, get their traditional tagine which was so good, I would go back in a blink just for that. 

SEE

11. HOUSE OF PHOTOGRAPHY:  You can learn alot about a place from the photos of that place and that’s what this feels like. The vibe is relaxed, the space is inviting, and the photography is soul stirring. There’s history, culture, education and art here. You can also purchase prints of your faves at a very affordable price point. It’s a few blocks away from the heart of the medina, so walking here will also give you a taste of a different part of the medina. 

12. VISIT GUELIZ & VILLE NOUVELLE: This is considered the modern “European” part of Marrakech and some folks may try to dissuade you from visiting because it lack the charm of the medina. While that is somewhat true, what Gueliz lacks in charm, it makes up for in up and coming independent and local designers setting up shop. There is a wonderful 5 block radius of boutiques you’d want to visit for gifts, fashion, home decor and inspo. This is not the medina, so prepare for prices similar to what you’d expect at boutiques in other big cities. On average ($100-$300 USD), although there are plenty of things priced below that as well. Start at Lalla Boutique, and if you ask,  they will share a map of the area and all the can’t miss spots like Plus 61, Some Slow Concept, Sook Paris, David Bloch Gallery and much more. 

13. YSL MUSEUM: Since you’ve already made it to this side of town, then you might as well visit the YSL Museum which is a new addition to the already amazing Jardin Marjorelle, which you should also check out. Tourists love this spot, so go early for pics and once you’re done with pictures, you can fully enjoy the one of a kind garden. Less than a block away is the ever popular 33 Marjorelle. My home decor fanatics, make sure not to miss that. 
14. DAR EL BACHA: In some ways, a smaller cousin to Bahia palace below, but just as beautiful if not more. This is also a museum and now there’s a lovely coffee house that’s part of it as well. A lovely way to spend an afternoon and because of the layout, very kid friendly. 
15. LE JARDIN SECRET: Oftentimes, you’d be so invigorated by the energy of Marrakech, but there will be moments when you need a breather and this is another amazing relaxing escape in the heart of the medina. It’s breathtakingly beautiful, it’s what you’d imagine a secret garden would be like if it was designed by a wealthy but not extravagant royal. As with many places in Marrakech, there’s a rooftop terrace which I’d recommend to everyone except those traveling with kids, the stairs are plenty and steep. Don’t worry, you don’t need to go up there- there’s loads to do and see at ground level. 

MAIN TOURIST SITES

16. BAHIA PALACE: We had spent a lot of time here the last time we visited and while we loved it, we skipped it this time in favor of places we hadn’t been to before. I have to say, no visit to Marrakech especially as a first timer is complete without coming here. It’s the history, the luxury, the design, the beauty of Moroccan architecture in one place. Prepare to take your time and for even better context, get the guided tour. 
17. Jemma El Fna Square: Skipping this, would be like skipping Times Square/Central Park/Statue of Liberty when you visit NYC. It’s the beating heart of Marrakech, it’s what people immediately think of when they think about this city. It’s food, market stalls, entertainment, it is everything. It really starts to come alive around 4pm, when the shop owners start setting up, and it’s in full effect by sundown. Be alert while here, keep small change for tipping performers, come early enough for seating at popular stalls like Stall #14. Have Fun!
18. HAMMAM treatment: Moroccans apparently on average do weekly hammam, and I think it’s worth trying one out. If you’re a bit of a prude when it comes to nudity, you may want to get one at a nice riad or hotel where you may have a more private setup suited for folks that don’t do this everyday. I had mine at the Royal Mansour (priced well above average here), and it was absolutely worth it. It was a great introduction, they explained everything they were doing as it happened so that I wasn’t surprised. Maybe now, I’m bold enough to try one with the locals.

For those traveling with kids, we navigated and made our way through Marrakech with a twin umbrella stroller- it’s the most lightweight one we’ve found and collapses into nothing. Nearing 30pounds each, our boys are now too heavy for us to comfortably have them in a carrier. If you have babies under 20pounds, I think a carrier is a smart way to go, because there is so much happening and so much traffic from cars, to motorcycles etc. We were able to do it, which shows it is possible, but there were some harrowing moments there, especially at the beginning as we were still learning our way around, some alleys were so narrow, we had to turn around and find another route. Point is, it is very possible to do this with toddlers and a stroller and have a great time, just be prepared for it to get tricky every now and then. Definitely nothing insurmountable.

Ok, so here’s the thing. We love to travel, that’s not news. We love all the many ways we can get from one place to the other. Planes, trains, automobiles. We have learned so much about other people and cultures (be that locally or internationally). However, in the back of our minds, we have always been conscious of the fact that all that movement adds to our carbon footprint. Stay with me here. I’m not trying to guilt anyone; if anything, I know that we won’t stop moving and I don’t expect anyone else to. Travel is beautiful- seeing the world is amazing, the tourism industry sustains so many people, and of course, supporting and visiting local businesses is pure joy for me. 

So then it becomes, in what little ways can I do better?

Last year, when it was evident that we were going to be doing significantly more road trips with our two twin boys, we looked into a car and were so close to committing to an electric vehicle (EV). But we chickened out last minute because we were worried that the experience would be so different, the charging would be inconvenient, the car options and styling would be limited and/or too expensive, and despite our best intentions, we didn’t go electric.

Fast forward to now, and the opportunity presented itself. Instead of making assumptions about the world of driving an electric car, how about putting it to the test. How about not just testing out a normal day, but a 2-day road trip which would include kids in the car for long hours, driving long distances. What would we learn from this experience? Was there anything to learn? 

The Vehicle

Now, I don’t know where I’ve been hiding, but the universe of electric cars is much more diverse than I realized. There are so many amazing options to suit your needs, your drive style (and lifestyle), and your aesthetic.

For our trip, we received the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E in Shadow Black. The SUV is stunning, this was quickly confirmed by the number of neighbors and truck drivers who stopped to ask about it. I mean, it’s a Mustang but even better because this one is electric and jam-packed with tech.

Now on to some real quick specs here because it’s going to be important later. A full battery charge with the Mustang Mach-E Premium model with extended-range battery and eAWD will get you 270 miles. In New Yorker terms, that’s like driving to D.C.

Also, this Mustang is an SUV, and that was important to us because we need space for the kids and their car seats, stroller, and things. Point is, it was pretty obvious from when we sat in the vehicle that space was not going to be a problem. Truth be told, it has more space than our current SUV. We had plenty of legroom and cargo space. Interestingly, because it is an all-electric vehicle, there is not an engine taking up space under the hood. Instead, the vehicle has a frunk (front trunk) that provides even more cargo space in front. 

The Road Experience

For the most part, when we travel, the hubby does most of the driving, but this time I was too excited and wanted to be the first one to give this a go. From the moment the large infotainment touch screen turned on, I was already grinning. And once you hit the accelerator on this thing, you realize you’re not driving a gas vehicle. The quick acceleration and all-electric performance feel like you’re driving a super smooth and quiet sportscar. 

So, with a close to full charge, and all our gear (and the boys of course) loaded into the Mustang Mach-E, we headed for New Jersey. 

I have to tell you just how many people pulled up as we were getting out of New York City traffic with questions and compliments. Mainly, “What car is that?”  “Is it really electric?” “How does it drive?” “Wow, an Electric Mustang, never thought I’d see that.”

DAY 1: Planned Itinerary

1. Stop in Jersey City (10-mile drive): For some shopping and munching
2. Head to Long Island (55-mile drive): To see the ocean and reminisce at Smith Haven Mall where I worked in my teens. 
3. Spend the night at Soundview Greenport (56-mile drive) – a hotel I’d heard about.

The interesting thing about local travel is that you realize how much you take for granted. There are so many awesome places that you just haven’t taken the time to really explore. We’re mostly just passing by, barely stopping to take a glance. I like to call local travel “slow travel,” when you actually try to take things slower. 

We got to Jersey City and noticed that the 10 or so miles we had traveled had barely made a dent in our battery life. We absolutely didn’t need to charge but since we were going to be hanging around to eat and shop, we could top-up. Interestingly enough, almost all the businesses we visited from Hazel Baby & Kids (excellent stop for kid clothes and toys) to Short Grain Cafe (get their turmeric shrimp Banh Mi w/ sriracha aioli on the side) are all Destination Electric businesses.

These are businesses that support an electric car lifestyle and seeing the logo in a storefront window should be a signal to you that an electric charging station is nearby. And so, a mere block away from where we spent the afternoon, we parked in a lot that had several charging stations, with less than half in use. And quite simply, we plugged in and charged up. 

The Charging Experience

There are a variety of charging stations and charging providers (like different brands of gas stations), but we quickly noticed 2 types of charging stations. “Level 2” charging was common in the towns we stopped in and is also available and convenient for overnight charging at your own home.  One brand is ChargePoint, and we saw quite a few of these in Jersey City. You just activate the charge through the app and then pay. Of course, you still have to physically plug in the charger ?. The other type of charging we saw was “fast charging,” which was my personal fave just in terms of how seamless and fast it works. Electrify America is one brand of fast charging that you can find along interstates and at some big box stores. We started seeing many more of these as we made our way to Long Island.

We finally started seeing our battery level of charge drop after driving from New York City to Jersey City to Smith Haven Mall on Long Island (about 60 miles). I wanted to visit the mall because I had worked there, years ago in my teens. I wondered what memories would come flooding back, whether I could show the boys where I had my work lunches and where I hung out with friends. To my dismay, very few memories came back (blaming mommy brain), but we did manage to pick up some more sweaters from the boys, and they got to nibble on mall fries (a small treat). 

We used the Electrify America (EA) charging station and by the time we finished unpacking the boys from their car seats and loading them into the stroller, we went from 70% to 80% battery charge. That’s just how fast fast-charging can be. The Mustang Mach-E we were driving can add up to 59 miles of range in just 10 minutes at a DC Fast Charging station. 

And one more point to mention: the navigation system in the vehicle is actually one of the best tools for locating a charger. When you plug in your destination, it shows you charging stations along your route. Or, if you like to plan even before you get in your vehicle, apps like the Ford Pass App (if you’re in a Ford EV like we were), Plugshare and even Google Maps will also show you your charging station options. And because charging stations continue to pop up everywhere, if you did this exercise a year ago, your data would already be obsolete in terms of the number of charging stations that keep being added all the time. 

NIGHT-NIGHT

Because we move slower now as a group of 4 than we did when it was just the 2 of us it was already dark by the time we completed our 56-mile drive to Soundview Greenport. But even in the late evening, the cool ocean breeze felt and smelled wonderful. The roadside farms lit up by street lamps looked even more inviting and I wished we had gotten there when they were still open to visitors. And the electric vehicle just drives so quietly, it really felt surreal. With the fast charge we got at the Mall, we knew we absolutely didn’t need to worry about a charge. We just wanted to wind down, eat seafood, have the boys run around their oceanfront hotel room, and pass out. Tomorrow will be another day.

DAY 2: Planned Itinerary

1. Breakfast in Greenport
2. Ferry to New London: (8 mile drive to Ferry)
3. Check-in at Saybrook Resort & Marina (20 mile drive)
4. Visit Saybrook: Bookstores, antiques, ice cream
5. Have dinner and close out the night at hotel. (EV charger on site, so overnight charge)

Already feeling like pros and having more confidence about how far we could go on our battery’s charge, any “range anxiety” went out the door. We knew that between our navigation system and our phone apps, we would have someplace to charge if the need arose. 

After grabbing a to-go breakfast pack from the hotel, we spent the morning in Greenport checking out what we missed with our late-night arrival. I recommend you walk along main street and visit Lucharitos, 1943 pizza bar and shop American Beach hotel. Yes, I said shop; the hotel has an amazingly colorful boutique with beautiful dresses and home decor. It’s a must.

Our next stop was Old Saybrook, Connecticut, and what’s the best way to get from Long Island to Connecticut? Well, that would be the ferry. 

Yet again, as we queued up for the ferry, we got more longing glances, questions about the car. The ferry attendant actually spent a good bit of time sharing that he was looking into electric cars. And both in the queue and on the ferry, I was reminded why we all need to move to electric. The thing is when you queue or when your gas car is loaded on a ferry and your engine is on, it is still producing exhaust that none of us want to breathe. In fact, shortly after loading, an attendant went around reminding people to turn off their engines and to get out of their cars. I wanted to explain that we were in an electric car and that shouldn’t apply to us, but it just didn’t seem worth the hassle. Because all-electric vehicles run on electricity, there are no tailpipe emissions. 

The boys enjoyed the ferry ride, they ran around a little bit, we got to snack some more. The food from the totally unassuming Ferry Cafe was surprisingly good, and the staff were even nicer. We met a few couples traveling with their babies/toddlers – all trying to half entertain them and half keep them from causing a ruckus. 

Less than an hour later, we were in Connecticut. We disembarked without issue and realizing our battery still had plenty of charge, we decided to casually explore Old Saybrook. Old Saybrook is definitely one of those towns you would describe as quaint – it looks straight out of a movie set with how clean and pristine it is. If you are into antiquing you should definitely come here. There were so many antique shops and really nice ones too. If it wasn’t for the strollers and baby stuff, I would have considered picking up a large mirror or two.

It’s also the kind of town with lovely cafes, ice cream parlors, and bookstores. We stopped at Sweet Luna’s, a yogurt place participating in Destination Electric, to get some fruit and yogurt for all of us. I’m not naming any names, but one adult male consumed most of the yogurt. 

Since we knew our hotel (Saybrook Resort) had an EV charger, we figured we’d get an overnight charge there and be prepared for the day ahead. Come to think of it, charging overnight turned out to be more convenient than seeking out and stopping at an actual gas station. Which hotels have gas stations on-site? None I can think of. 

All in all, we had a lovely time going on our road trip in an EV. At one point, we turned to each other and said, we have to do this. Not only were we enjoying the experience but considering how much we talk about making an effort for the planet, this was truly something we needed to do. 

I could keep going about the other things we saw and did, but here’s where I’ll direct you to my Instagram to watch my stories to see more from the trip. Do drop a comment with your questions and I’ll endeavor to answer them. 

ONE LAST THING

There are currently both federal and local tax incentives that make these cars even more affordable. Just for one example, in my home state, the Charge NY initiative offers electric car buyers the Drive Clean Rebate of up to $2,000 for new car purchases or leases. Combine that with a potential Federal Tax Credit of up to $7,500 (as of the time of writing this), and it’s an opportunity you wouldn’t want to miss. If you are a New York State resident looking for a new car, it’s a great time to buy or lease an all-electric car or plug-in hybrid that qualifies for the Drive Clean Rebate. For more information on those incentives and for incentives in other states, do click here.

Managed to Escape Brooklyn for 2 nights and it was positively brilliant to get away for a bit. There’s quite really so many amazing places upstate New York and over the past year, we’ve definitely started making the time to visit different towns.

I found out about INNESS, the way many of us seem to find out about so many places these days: on Instagram. I know well enough now after visiting quite a few places based on social media, that things aren’t always as they seem on social and really I’ve started expecting the worse. I assume all spaces are shot with wide-angle lenses and are styled for pictures and I prepare myself for a reality that may be just a little less “perfect” than filters and photoshop could provide.

So without further ado, let me get to what it was like. Also, if you would love video instead of just photos, head to my IG for more.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

We pulled into the hotel at around 3 PM, an hour earlier than regular check-in. The drive had been scenic and approaching the hotel was super promising. The grounds are expansive, think upstate farm, but much bigger, much more wide-open spaces and definitely a different level of landscaping. There were not very clearly marked parking spots and not much in the form of signage but the 3 buildings, natural oak-looking wooden cabins, one of which was fully glass-paned, seemed to be the right place to start. The glass-paneled building turned out to be the gift shop- a worthy stop, offering much more than usual hotel gift shops would, the 2nd building was the restaurant and the smallest of the 3 was the reception.

Even though the grounds felt pretty empty and it was unclear if there was even a single other guest, it was also clear that work was still going on, something the hotel made more than clear on their website. Check-in was a breeze and we were immediately taken to our cabin in an offroad type Jeep. The cabins are a short walk away from the main area, but a car ride to them is definitely necessary as carrying bags (never mind a stroller and toddlers)on that terrain wouldn’t be the easiest thing.

THE CABINS

While you can stay in a hotel room at the Main farmhouse, the real draw here are the all-black cabins. There is the King Cabin and the even bigger Grand King Cabin. With twin boys that like to run around, we went with the Grand King Cabin.

What can I say, they actually look just like their pictures and the high ceilings definitely make the 600 or so sq ft feel even bigger in person. Lots of natural light comes flooding in from the multiple windows and even more light from the glass deck doors. Everything is designed to be minimal and no fuss and yet somehow feels not just well thought out, but still manages warmth and elegance.

The kitchenette had a coffee pot, teapot, as well as some snacks. We always appreciate a kitchenette, the only thing that would have made it better was if there had been a microwave or small stove for heating the kids food.

The bathrooms definitely felt luxurious as well in spite of their small size. If there’s one real drawback to the cabins, I would have to say would be the bathroom size. it got kind of tricky there for the 4 of us, But I imagine just a couple would be more than fine.

THE REST OF THE HOTEL/EXPERIENCE

Breakfast is served at the main house and we spent quite a little time there because it was really a highlight of the property. I imagine when folks really start visiting, this will be the beating heart of this place. I’m not sure we would enjoy the space as much if it were busy, so we really took advantage of the fact that there was only one other guest hanging around.

We had dinner at the restaurant and I wished they had served breakfast there. At night, I couldn’t see much, but I could tell there would be killer daytime views. We were disappointed that their pizza menu wasn’t available but the Trout was a standout, while the Merguez pasta was tasty. Unfortunately, I imagined there would actually be visible merguez (lamb sausage) in the dish, but really it was just the flavor. Service was warm without being intrusive and since there were so few guests, nothing felt rushed.

VERDICT

We really enjoyed our stay and would return. I think their introductory pricing is perfect but something tells me their prices will likely go up. I hesitate to call out minor issues with the property as they are still completing work, but there truly weren’t any big flags. I really do want to return and already trying to plan a girls trip (no kids) sometime soon. if you love quiet, low-key escapes to nature, where you can sit on Adirondack chairs and watch the sunset while having a glass of wine, this might be the place for you.

Even though I hate ( and yes hate is a strong word but I’m using it), even though I hate being cold, I’m not mad at dressing up for cooler weather. Although technically, I am talking about dressing for Fall as opposed to the dead of winter.

And when it comes to dressing up for Fall, the one thing that to me makes all the difference is a beautiful (even better if they are comfortable) pair of boots. It took me a while to figure out the best boots for me and most of that had to do with me learning about fit. I’m talking heel height, arch support, width, the circumference of calf and shaft, space in the toe area, etc.

Not all retailers have that information when you’re shopping for boots online, mostly they have the heel height, but increasingly that information is available. I have narrow legs and calves and for a long time, I could have sworn that I would never wear knee or thigh-high boots. It seemed like every boot I tried or ordered, I ended up swimming in. But then I started paying to brands that make narrower boots like Cole Haan and Stuart Weitzman and most importantly, a ton of Italian brands. I often shop for Italian brand boots on sites like Yoox and theitalist. And best part is they have a range of options from high end (break the bank designers) to more affordable designers (Vic Matie, The Seller, Circus hotel, to name a few) with boots in the $100-$400 range made with genuine Italian leather. Have to add that sometimes the aforementioned sites have impressive sales so really good deals can be had.

Anyways, below is a round up of some of the boots I own, love, and/or plotting.

If there’s one thing I got really excited about during my recent trip to Greece, was the sheer number of amazing shops and brands I ran into while there. It’s so nice to get away from the same old, same old brands that you find everywhere- we honestly ALL wear the same stuff half the time. And while I don’t mind that, sometimes, you just want to see something completely new and unexpected and not as close to home.

The great thing about these brands is that not only do they offer some amazing pieces that are sure to have people asking you for details, but also, most of them have shipping to the U.S. It was my last night in Athens and I ran into MilkWhite only to find that the store was sold out of my size in 2 pieces I wanted. Imagine my glee when they said they had them online and had US shipping. While US Shipping is increasingly available, it is not always the case and sometimes, it is so expensive as to have you ditch your basket of items right when you got to the end.

So without further a do, here are some of my fave Greek brands that you oughtta know about.

1. Cristina Beautiful Life

Without a doubt, the brand I left Athens the most obsessed with. I had seen the shop but didn’t have a chance to stop or try anything the first few days we were in town. I thought our ferry would be back in town early enough for shopping, but we had weather delays coming in from Mykonos, add to that, there was a World Rally that caused additional traffic delays. By the time we got to our hotel, which was only a block away, I had about 20mins to run to the store before they closed. If I could, I would have grabbed 10-15 things. But, I’m a sensible person, I got the one dress I absolutely couldn’t walk away from. It was a previous season dress, so was on SALE and there was an additional in-store discount. I do regret not getting more, but thankfully, they ship to the US. I should mention, you have to feel their silk cotton dresses in person- they are priced a little more than the others, but the look and feel in person is beyond.

2. MilkWhite

High fashion looks at High street prices. As mentioned above, this was another store I ran into, my last day and was happy to find that I could get them when I return home. This and this were the pieces I wanted to buy.

3. Karavan

I was introduced to this brand by Dee Diary right before my trip and I made a note to look out for them once I got to Greece. It has all the makings of a brand I’d love- bright colors, bold prints, flattering silhouettes too. It was nice to check out the quality up close, cos while I did spot some similar prints on trip at other more affordable spots, none matched the quality of Karavan.

4. Mallory The Label

Love this one because they have so many fun, what you think about vacation wardrobe options, all at a really good price point. There’s quite a nice range of options every season, each collection feels aligned but different. They also have really good sales so bookmark this one.

5. Marmarometry

Greek marble meets geometry is the tag line for this Jewelry brand. Greece is known for its unique marble (if you take any guided tours, you’ll learn so much about it and why it’s so special). Deifnitely original and cool to see a jewelry brand make that its focus.

6. Greek Designers

A one stop shop to discover emerging Greek designers. This is a great stop for a little bit of everything- they had a few locations in Athens and you could even shop them at the airport. Not a bad way to wait for a flight.

7. Kyma

No conversation about Greek Fashion can be complete without touching on Greek sandals, I mean, we literally call them Greek sandals. There’s something about the craftsmanship of Greek sandals. I especially love minimalistic ones that I can pair with a colorful pedicure.

Kyma stands out with their bright blue soles which like Louboutins, make the bottom of your shoes just as exciting as the top.

Also check out Olimpo for another Greek sandal brand worth knowing.