The latest installment of my favorite things includes products for health, wellness, travel, and fashion.
Emuaidmax First Aid Ointment: Emuaidmax First Aid Ointment’s antifungal properties eliminate nail fungus and restore healthy nail growth.
Omni Portable Charger: If you’re looking for a functional power bank that is easy to travel with and can charge various device types, including laptops, then the Omni Power Bank is a solid pick. Continue reading “My Favorite Things”
My meticulously curated travel guide for Las Vegas includes local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places to stay.
I created an insider’s Google map that reflects all my recommendations, so you can easily access them throughout your travels. You can save the map with your Google account. This isn’t your typical list of see-and-be-seen spots.
Click here for a complete list of all my recommendations.
Where to Drink Coffee
Vesta Coffee: Vesta is my favorite coffee shop featuring homemade nut milk.
Where to Eat
Joel Rubuchon (French)
Guy Savoy (French)
Picasso (French)
Le Cirque (French)
Nobu (sushi)
Wing Lei (Chinese)
Hugo’s Cellar (steak)
Steakhouse at Circus Circus (steak)
Ferraro’s (Italian)
Italian American Club (Italian)
Casa Di Amore (Italian)
Bouchon (Brunch)
Lotus of Siam (Thai)
Pizza Rock (pizza)
Where to Eat Gluten-Free
Guilt Free Glutton: 100% gluten-free establishment.
Where to Eat Sweets
Where to Drink Something Stronger
What to Do
Donny Osmond Show (Harrah’s)
O Cirque du Soleil (Bellagio)
Real Bodies (Horseshoe)
Art & Fountains (Horseshoe)
Watching the Bellagio fountains dance to “Luck be a Lady”
Driving down the Strip at night
Maverick Helicopters’ Wind Dancer Sunset Tour
Where to Take Photos
Effiel Tower at Paris overlooking the Bellagio fountains
Area15: An arts complex that is home to interactive, often-psychedelic spaces like Omega Mart, Illuminarium and Lost Spirits, a circus-inspired rum distillery.
Best Sports books
Cigar Lounges
Where to Shop
The Writer’s Block (bookstore downtown)
For the Love (gifts downtown Arts District)
Charleston Antique Mall (downtown)
All For Our Country at Fergusons Downtown
Where to Stay
Golden Nugget (skip Carson Tower rooms)
Horseshoe (new rooms)
Westgate (off-strip)
*Don’t book Circus Circus or Luxor.
Air BNB
Hendersonville, Summerline, Winchester (mid-century homes)
Day Trips
Events
How to Get Around
Downtown Loop (free)
Las Vegas Monorail ($5 each way) connects most of the major casinos on the Strip; there are also three independently operated trams (free) that provide direct links between select casinos.
The Duece: The Deuce runs 24 hours a day from the South Strip Transit Terminal, to the Vegas Strip with many stops up and down the resort corridor, and continuing to the Fremont Street Experience in Downtown Las Vegas, and Las Vegas Premium Outlets South.
Download the rideRTC app to pay for single ride us with your phone.
I created an insider’s Google map that reflects all my recommendations, so you can easily access them throughout your travels. You can save the map with your Google account. This isn’t your typical list of see-and-be-seen spots (though to be fair, they’re on there).
What are some of your favorite places in Las Vegas? Leave your responses in the comment section.
TRAVEL GUIDES:
Laurel // Waco // Jacksonville // Washington, DC // Austin // Richmond // Palm Springs // Venice Beach // Oxford, MS // Portland, Oregon // 30A Florida // Charleston // Portland, Maine // San Antonio // Savannah // New Orleans // Philadelphia
Don’t miss my monthly newsletter packed with obsessively-curated recommendations. Sign up and get my newsletter delivered right to your Inbox. It’s free and packed with travel guides, recipes, resources, and more!
My meticulously curated travel guide for Philadelphia, includes local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places to stay.
Philadelphia is famous for the Liberty Bell, Rocky Balboa, and Cheesesteaks. The City of Brotherly Love is also the birthplace of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Philadelphia is home to many national treasures, a thriving culinary scene, beautiful parks, hip shopping, and a bustling sports scene.
I created an insider’s Google map that reflects all my recommendations, so you can easily access them throughout your travels. You can save the map with your Google account. This isn’t your typical list of see-and-be-seen spots (though to be fair, they’re on there).
Click here for a complete list of all my recommendations.
EAT
If you only have one day, don’t miss the following:
Reading Market is one of the top indoor markets in the country. My favorite shop in the market is Chocolate By Meuller.
Zahav is a modern Israeli restaurant bringing the flavors of Israel to the table. It is my favorite restaurant in Philadelphia. Reservations should be booked in advance. Named the best restaurant in the country by the James Beard Foundation. *V *GF
Suraya is a Lebanese restaurant in Fish Town. It’s fantastic.
P.S. & Co. is Philly’s only gluten-free and vegan cafe. The pastries are the best! *V *GF
Goldie’s is modeled after Israeli-style falafel shops. Don’t miss the Tehina shakes (Turkish coffee, chocolate, and coconut). There’s also falafel in a pita sandwich or a salad and french fries with various spice options on the menu. *GF *V
Pizzeria Beddia was named the Best Pizza in America in 2015.
Royal Sushi & Izakaya is a moodily lit Japanese pub with drink-friendly fare & a chef’s sushi counter in the back.
Dizengoff is home to the best hummus ever! *V
More recommendations:
Vedge is one of the best vegetarian restaurants in the country. If you can’t make it to Philly, pick up the Vedge cookbook. *V
Federal Donuts is famous for its donuts and fried chicken.
Green Eggs Cafe is a top pick for brunch. The mouth-watering menu features crème brûlée French toast, red velvet pancakes, and chicken and waffles.
Osteria is a highly acclaimed Italian restaurant.
Vetri is an upscale Italian restaurant.
Sam’s Morning Glory Diner offers traditional breakfast fare. Diners love homemade ketchup.
Vernick is a fancy little restaurant in an old brownstone. The chef has earned accolades from Food & Wine, Bon Appetite, James Beard Foundation, StarChefs, and more.
Nomad Pizza is an artisanal wood-fired pizza parlor using locally sourced ingredients.
Laser Wolf is an Israeli grill.
Sabrina’s Cafe is a cozy café for brunch. *GF
White Dog Cafe is a quirky restaurant with a large farm-to-table menu to please any appetite.
Pizza Brain is a unique little spot to grab a whole pie or huge slices.
The Corner Foolery is a rustic sandwich shop and a popular spot for viewing sporting events on television.
Tacconelli’s Pizza is a famous pizza parlor featured in many travel magazines and television shows.
Parc is a great spot to dine on the patio.
Giuseppe & Sons bring a fresh twist to Italian American classics
Friday Saturday Sunday is a charming gem in an old brownstone.
Rye Bread is a sandwich shop specializing in fresh ingredients.
Cafe La Maude is a hidden gem serving a French-Lebanese-inspired menu. Great for brunch.
Bitar’s serves Middle Eastern cuisine.
Le Viet is a modern Vietnamese restaurant in South Philly. Try the green tea ice cream for dessert.
Kanela is the best authentic Greek food in the city.
Little Nonna’s serves traditional Italian dishes delivered in a homey trattoria setting with an open kitchen and a garden.
Pho 75 is a no-frills spot for Vietnamese soup. The coffee with condensed milk is excellent.
Gino’s and Pat’s King of Steaks are the iconic cheesesteak joints.
MARKETS
Head House Farmer’s Market is every Sunday morning near the Italian District.
Rittenhouse Farmer’s Market is at the picturesque Rittenhouse Square Park every Saturday morning.
DiBruno Brothers is an Italian market with locations in Center City, Old City, and the Italian District. A great option for take-out food.
Night Market is a great way to sample the city’s best street food. Check the schedule for the dates.
9th Street Italian Market is home to gourmet grocery stores, restaurants, bakeries, and cheese shops.
SWEETS
Gran Caffe L’ Aquila is one of my favorite cafes in the city for authentic Italian gelato and coffee.
Machine Shop Boulangerie is the best bakery for a taste of France.
Whipped Bakeshop is the best cupcake shop in Philadelphia. Martha Stewart listed the bakery as one of her favorites.
Sweet Box Cupcakes are also good cupcakes. Try the Pink Champagne.
The Franklin Fountain is an adorably themed old-time ice cream shop. *V *GF
Bassett’s Ice Cream serves old fashion style ice cream.
Federal Donuts is gourmet style donuts. Popular menu items include Sea Salt Chocolate, Blueberry Mascarpone, and Cherry Pie.
Four World’s Bakery is an artisan bread bakery.
Manakeesh is a Lebanese bakery.
Lore’s Chocolate is an old fashion candy shop.
Lil Pop Shop is a nationally recognized gourmet popsicle shop. Popular flavors include goat cheese with cherries and honey and Vietnamese iced coffee. *V *GF
Shane Confectionary is a vintage-style chocolate shop.
DRINK
Ultimo is one of the top coffee shops in Philly with multiple locations.
Two Person Coffee is my favorite coffee shop in Philly.
The Wellness Refinery is an infrared sauna studio and a tonic bar serving adaptogenic smoothies, herbal lattes, and juices.
The Rook is a great dive bar with amazing wings.
Goldie’s has the best Tehina shakes (Turkish coffee, Chocolate, and coconut). Here’s the recipe if you want to make the shakes at home.
Siddiq’s Water & Ice is known for vivid ices steeped in natural fruits for flavors like the strawberry daiquiri and mango-berry.
Rouge is a fancy cocktail bar.
Menagerie is another good coffee shop.
LISTEN
Walnut Theater is America’s oldest theater. Check the schedule for Broadway shows.
Independent Films can be viewed at one of the Landmark Theaters.
SHOP
Don’t forget to pack an extra bag for shopping. All clothing and shoe purchases are tax-free.
Fante’s Kitchen Shop sells every gadget imaginable for your kitchen.
Good Buy Supply is a sustainable general store. I purchased a nut milk bag and cast iron cleaner.
Cuttalossa is a vintage boutique in the old city.
Anthropologie is headquartered in Philadelphia. The flagship store is located in a beautiful mansion.
H-mart is an Asian market.
Addiction Consignment Shop is my favorite consignment shop for designer brands.
Nice Things Handmade is an Etsy-style boutique.
Hob Nob Design is a home decor store.
Verde is an adorable boutique with pretty jewelry and gifts.
Open House is a great gift store.
Mode Modern is a modern home decor store.
Moon and Arrow is a darling handmade and vintage boutique.
Vix Emporium is a local artisan boutique.
Omoi Zakka Shop is a quirky gift store.
Avril 50 is a stationery and gift shop.
AIA Bookstore and Design Center not only stocks books but great gifts for souvenirs.
Wardrobe Boutique is a women’s designer consignment shop.
Rikumo is a Japanese houseware store.
STAY
The Gables is a turn-of-the-century Victorian mansion turned bed and breakfast.
Hyatt Centric is a new hotel in the center city.
Cornerstone Bed and Breakfast is a cozy Victorian-style bed and breakfast.
Le Meridien is a swanky boutique hotel.
Four Seasons is the top luxury hotel in the city.
Sofitel is a luxury hotel in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood.
SEE
City Hall Observation Deck is the best view of the city open to the public.
Liberty Bell is a great photo op. Arrive early to avoid long lines in the summer.
Independence Hall is my favorite historical tour. I recommend booking a reservation online to avoid long lines.
Museum of the American Revolution tells the story of the American Revolution and its legacy.
Faith and Liberty Discovery Center: Designed to guide the visitor in a personal exploration of the relationship between faith and liberty in the American experience by illuminating the influence of the Bible on individuals in key historical and personal moments.
The Mutter Museum (pronounced “mooter”) features weird body parts in jars.
Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the best art museums in the country.
Barnes Foundation is home to a stunning collection of paintings. A limited number of tickets are available each day. Stop by on Friday evenings for live music and special events, or visit the first Sunday of every month for free.
Philadelphia Magic Garden is a great photo op.
Barren’s Gardens is one of Philly’s best-kept secrets.
Please Touch Museum is for the little ones.
Eastern State Penitentiary features grand architecture and colorful history.
Philadelphia Zoo is a 42-acre Victorian garden home to more than 1300 animals.
Sports Center is home to the Phillies, Eagles, and 76ers, concerts, and spectacular city views.
Mural Arts are all over the city. Great photo-op.
PAMPER
The Wellness Refinery is an infrared sauna studio and a tonic bar serving adaptogenic smoothies, herbal lattes, and juices.
Mia Cumbia is my favorite nail salon. All of the products are organic.
Advanced Skin Care is an excellent spa with very affordable prices.
MOVE
The Rocky Steps is a must-do activity. Don’t forget to take a photo of the Rocky statue.
Schuylkill River Trail is an excellent place for a run.
Race Street Pier is an ideal place to exercise or sit and relax with a good book. Ice skating starts in late November.
Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk recently opened. This is my favorite place to run, walk or bike in the city. You can also enjoy a picnic, kayak, or a riverboat tour.
Fairmount Park is a 9,200 park with amazing views of the city.
GET AROUND
Amtrak runs frequent trains from DC, Baltimore, Boston, and NYC. Traveling by train from DC to Philadelphia usually takes one hour and 49 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in one hour and 30 minutes. If you do not purchase your tickets at the time of a fare sale, I recommend checking the app the day prior to travel for last-minute ticket reductions. Early and late trains are usually the best deal, but if a train has empty seats Amtrak may reduce the fare the day prior. I also like the flexibility to change my ticket or cancel without penalty as long as the ticket is changed before departure.
College students receive a discount on Amtrak travel.
Plash runs May-December and weekend service is only September – December. The fare is $2, and the bus stops at 20 popular tourist spots.
30th Street Station is the main train station in Philadelphia.
I created an insider’s Google map that reflects all my recommendations, so you can easily access them throughout your travels. You can save the map with your Google account. This isn’t your typical list of see-and-be-seen spots (though to be fair, they’re on there).
Click here for a complete list of all my recommendations.
What are some of your favorite places in Philly? Leave your responses in the comment section.
TRAVEL GUIDES:
Laurel // Waco // Jacksonville // Washington, DC // Austin // Richmond // Palm Springs // Venice Beach // Oxford, MS // Portland, Oregon // 30A Florida // Charleston // Portland, Maine // San Antonio // Savannah // New Orleans
Don’t miss my monthly newsletter packed with obsessively-curated recommendations. Sign up and get my newsletter delivered right to your Inbox. It’s free and packed with travel guides, recipes, resources, and more!
My meticulously curated travel guide for New Orleans includes local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places to stay.
I grew up in South Louisiana and still visit New Orleans often on layovers and when visiting family.
I created an insider’s Google Map that reflects all my recommendations, so you can easily access them throughout your travels. You can save the map with your Google account. This isn’t your typical list of see-and-be-seen spots (though to be fair, they’re on there).
Click here for a complete list of all the recommendations.
Here’s a list of recommendations for visiting NOLA on a layover or for a day trip.
The latest edition of my book recommendations is here to help you cross another great read off of your “to read” list.
Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia: This is the ultimate manual for living better and longer. Dr. Atttia hosts the popular podcast The Drive. Check out this set of responses to commonly asked questions about patient responsibility in one’s own health and longevity from Dr. Attia.
The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell. A cozy mystery on the grounds of a baking competition show.
Scalia Rise to Greatness by James Rosen: James Rosen describes and documents the formative decades of Supreme Court Justice Anthony Scalia. It is the most definitive account of Scalia’s life, what shaped his judicial philosophy, and his own personal interactions. I enjoyed the audio version.
The Guest List by Lucy Fole: This book is a wedding mystery on an exclusive remote Irish Island filled with secrets, jealousy, betrayal, and more.
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy: This illustrated book is about friendship, love, and accepting each other.
The Art of Southern Charm by Patricia Altschul: Patricia is my favorite reality star on Bravo’s Southern Charm. Patricia’s book is filled with etiquette rules, dating advice, style tips, and plenty of stories about her fascinating life.
Just Thinking About the State by Darrell Harrison and Virgil Walker: Darrell and Virgil host the popular Just Thinking podcast. In Just Thinking About the State, they reveal a biblical understanding of the role of government in the life of believers.
Taste My Life Through Food by Stanley Tucci: Taste My Life Through Food is part memoir, part cookbook, and part manifesto on living well, but above all, it’s a warm, charming look at the different ways we can find nourishment in the world.
Lifespan: Why We Age and Why We Don’t Have To by David Sinclair: is a best-selling book by David Sinclair, a professor of genetics at Harvard Medical School. In the book, Sinclair explains his theory that aging is actually a disease that is treatable and provides insight into the latest scientific research on aging and longevity.
What Really Makes You Ill: Why Everything You Thought You Knew About Disease is Wrong by Dawn Lester & David Parker: This medical book covers all things related to health and disease. The authors address the root cause of why people get sick.
The Maid: A Novel by Nita Prose: A compelling and quirky mystery about the death of a prominent hotel guest and the maid who finds his body.
Frontier Follies: Adventures in Marriage and Motherhood in the Middle of Nowhere by Ree Drummond: I enjoyed this collection of short stories. I also recommend visiting Pawhuska near Tulsa, Oklahoma. Ree opened The Mercantile in 2016.
Greenwich Park by Katherine Faulkner: A thrilling mystery with complex characters and gripping writing. What appears to be a budding friendship between two moms-to-be brings more than its fair share of unpleasant surprises in this debut psychological thriller. It’s the perfect book to curl up with this winter.
Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan: A charming, hopeful book for a cold winter day, and it will be perfect for the beach, too. It’s a romantic comedy with depth and dignity for its protagonist.
Make Something Good Today by Ben & Erin Napier: If you are a fan of HGTV’s “Home Town,” this is an enjoyable memoir. The book follows Ben and Erin Napier’s lives from childhood to the present.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid: In this epic novel full of old Hollywood glamour, a legendary film actress reflects on her relentless rise to the top and the risks she took, the loves she lost, and the long-held secrets the public could never imagine. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and great forbidden love.
Attacking Anxiety: From Panicked and Depressed to Alive and Free by Shawn Johnson: Shawn Johnson, lead pastor of Red Rocks Church, gives a searingly honest portrait of anxiety and depression and shows readers how to fight back and live free.
Unmissing by Minka Kent: Merritt Coletto and her husband, Luca, have the life they dreamed of: a coastal home, a promising future, and a growing family. That dream comes to an end with a late-night knock on the door. The story is so intriguing and full of suspense.
Trauma the Invisible Epidemic by Dr. Paul Conti: How trauma works and how we can heal from it. Every single one of us is affected by trauma, though some carry a heavier burden than others. Understanding its insidious effects and far-reaching complications is vital to charting the path to healing. Listen to an interview with Dr. Conti on the Lewis Howes Podcast Ep. 1237.
Looking for more good books, check out all my recommendations here.
QUESTION OF THE DAY:
Have you read anything good or memorable lately? Leave a comment below.
Don’t miss my monthly newsletter packed with obsessively-curated recommendations. Sign up and get my newsletter delivered right to your Inbox. It’s free and packed with travel guides, recipes, resources, and more!
P.S. You May Have Missed the Following:
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Let’s talk about morning routine ideas! Several years ago, I implemented a morning routine. After listening to Andrew Huberman’s podcast episode about Habits, I learned more about the science of habits. I also read James Clear’s book, Atomic Habits.
I have found that sticking to a morning routine sets me up for a successful day.
Most of the tasks can be completed in 30 minutes. The only rule is: do what works for you.
Let’s jump in.
Salt Water Rinse: I do this first thing every morning. I make a saltwater solution to keep in my bathroom. (16oz of spring water to 1oz of salt in a mason jar)
Continue reading “My Morning Routine”
My meticulously curated travel guide for Washington, DC, includes local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places to stay.
Start your day with a morning run or bike ride on the National Mall.
Do not miss the “blue buck” pancakes at Eastern Market if you visit on a Saturday.
Georgetown is my favorite neighborhood for shopping. Take a coffee break and enjoy the best cupcakes in the city at Baked and Wired. Skip the long lines at Georgetown Cupcake for a tastier treat at Baked and Wired.
I recommend DC By Foot Tours. You name your price at the end of the tour and pay what you feel it was worth. My favorite is the twilight tour of the monuments.
To visit the Capitol, you should make a reservation in advance. To avoid long lines. Read all the details here. Continue reading “Washington DC Travel Guide”
My meticulously curated travel guide for Savannah includes local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places.
I created an insider’s Google map that reflects all my recommendations, so you can easily access them throughout your travels. You can save the map with your Google account. This isn’t your typical list of see-and-be-seen spots.
Click here for a complete list of all my recommendations.
Savannah is the perfect weekend getaway and a great road trip for Floridians.
Start your day with a jog or walk through the picturesque Forsyth Park. One of the most photographed spots in Savannah is the fountain at Forsyth Park. The Forsyth Farmer’s Market is held on Saturday mornings.
Savannah is home to so many great restaurants. Zunzies is an excellent option for lunch. For a unique dining experience, Mrs. Wilkes features a round buffet of Southern food in a historic old boarding house. The restaurant is only open for lunch M-F. The Green Truck Pub has excellent burgers and fries. The cupcakes at Back in the Day Bakery are delicious for a sweet treat. The owners have a beautifully illustrated cookbook featuring all the bakery recipes plus handy baking tips.
Savannah has many great boutiques; most are located along Broughton Street. My favorites include the Paris Market, One Fish Two Fish, and Copper Penny. After your downtown shopping stroll, you can enjoy homemade ice cream at Leopold’s or a French macaron at Marche de Macarons. For a live show, visit the Savannah Theatre. Finish your evening with a dessert or hot toddy at Lulu’s Chocolate Bar. I recommend a ghost tour with Blue Orb Tours for a late-night thrill. Continue reading “Savannah Travel Guide”
My meticulously curated travel guide for San Antonio, includes local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places to stay.
San Antonio’s rich history, diverse culture, beautiful scenery, and fabulous attractions offer something for everyone to enjoy.
If you are visiting San Antonio, I recommend staying near the Pearl Brewery. It’s a former brewery that includes restaurants and shopping near the Riverwalk.
Get up early and go for a run or walk along the Riverwalk. On Saturday mornings, don’t miss the farmer’s market at the Pearl.
Skip the restaurants along the river walk. There are better options nearby. Continue reading “San Antonio Travel Guide”
My meticulously curated travel guide for Portland, Maine, includes local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places to stay.
Start your day out at Tandem Coffee. It is the best coffee shop in town. The pastries are also popular, especially the biscuits. Don’t miss Holy Donut. These donuts are made with real potatoes not flour.
After exploring the city, stop by Duck Fat and order the duck fat fries and a coffee milkshake. The best french fries ever! That is all you need to know. Just go there! Continue reading “Portland Maine Travel Guide”
My meticulously curated travel guide for Charleston, South Carolina, includes local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places to stay.
Charleston is one of the prettiest cities, a top culinary destination, a history buff’s dream, an architectural paradise, and a gorgeous seaside beach town. The Holy City is named after all the churches that dot the skyline. It’s the perfect weekend getaway.
If you have one day in Charleston, start with coffee at Second State, then go for a walk or run in the historic district.
For breakfast, swing by Callie’s Hot Biscuit or Little Line Kitchen.
After breakfast, take a carriage ride and a historical walking tour. For an afternoon snack, visit Sugar Bakeshop for a cupcake or Harken Cafe for a pastry.
The Belmont Hotel is the best place for a cocktail. For lunch or dinner, I like Basic Kitchen and Slightly North of Broad. Fleet’s Landing is on the waterfront in historic downtown Charleston, and it has the best views of Charleston Harbor. Continue reading “Charleston Travel Guide”
My baking tips, favorite recipes, baking tools for the best chocolate chip cookie, and essential chocolate chip cookie destinations.
Find your perfect recipe. I like a chewy, crispy, gooey-in-the-center cookie.
My CCC all use unsalted butter. Butter provides flavor and makes cookies crispy. Baking with butter calls for chilling the dough so the cookies do not spread too much on the pan as they bake. I use Plugrá, an unsalted European-style butter. The unsalted version allows me to control the salt content in a recipe by considering only the actual added salt. And regarding European-style butter, the dairy is cultured before churning (unlike in American-style butter), adding a certain depth of flavor. I use Myoko’s Vegan European Butter for a dairy-free CCC. It’s essential to use cold butter for dairy-free CCC.
My favorite CCC has a mix of brown and white sugar. Brown sugar makes cookies chewy, and white sugar makes them crispy. I also use coconut sugar for some recipes. Continue reading “Baking Tips, Recipes, and Tools for the Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Plus Essential Chocolate Chip Cookie Destinations”
My latest edition of my book recommendations are here to help you cross off another great read off of your “to read” list.
Never Finished Unshackle Your Mind and Win the War Within by retired US Navy SEAL David Goggins: It’s not a self-help book but a wake-up call. A great book to kick off the new year.
Laundry Love by Patric Richardson: This book offers tips you may not have heard of before and dispels common myths about washing your clothes. I follow his recommendations, so my clothes last longer.
A Heart That Works by Rob Delaney: Comedian Rob Delaney writes about the death of his young son.
The Queen: Her Life by Andrew Morton: An in-depth look at Britain’s longest reigning monarch, exploring the influence Queen Elizabeth had on both Britain and the rest of the world for much of the last century. Continue reading “Great Books to Read”
My meticulously curated travel guide for 30 A Florida includes local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places to stay.
30 A Florida is my favorite vacation destination in Florida. It’s the beautiful beachside towns along Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A between Ft. Walton Beach and Panama City Beach, Florida. The beachside towns include Dune Allen, Gulf Place, Blue Mountain Beach, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Grayton Beach, Seagrove, Alys Beach, Watersound, and Water Color. Each has guidelines against high-rises and hotels, making it an ideal location to rent a beach house for the week. It’s great for families and a bachelorette weekend.
For those of you looking for a relaxing getaway, clean beaches, blue water, friendly people, shopping, beautiful rental homes, bike rides, food trucks, farmers markets, and live music, you will love visiting 30A, Florida.
Here’s some info on how to get there, where to stay, eat, and things to do in 30 A Florida. Continue reading “30 A Florida Travel Guide”
My meticulously curated travel guide for Portland, Oregon, includes local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places to stay.
Portland is one of my favorite layovers. The city is divided into many charming neighborhoods. It is one of the best cities for hiking, gluten-free dining, outstanding coffee, boutique shopping, and craft brews.
If you are visiting for the day, take the light rail to the Hawthorne neighborhood. Grab a cup of joe at Heart Coffee and head straight to nearby Mt. Tabor Park for an early morning workout.
After working up an appetite, enjoy a mouth-watering Southern brunch at Screen Door or Fried Egg I’m in Love.
If you are in town on a Saturday, do not miss the Portland Farmer’s Market. There are many food booths at the market, not just produce.
Portland is one of my favorite places to shop since there is no sales tax and there are many boutiques. I also could spend hours browsing the books at Powell’s Books. It is the largest independent bookstore in the country.
For fantastic sunset views of Mt. Hood, drive or hike up to Pittock Mansion. The grounds outside the home are free to visit and offer stunning views of the city and Mt. Hood.
For lunch, I love the tacos and garden salad at ¿Por Qué No? The Portland City Grill is a great spot for happy hour specials. It is downtown on the 30th floor of the building with panoramic city views. Skip dinner at Portland City Grill and go to Shalom Y’all downtown. The menu features Mediterranean street food plus Turkish coffee & cocktails. Continue reading “Portland Oregon Travel Guide”
My meticulously curated travel guide for Venice Beach, California, includes local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places.
Venice Beach is my favorite district in Los Angeles. If you are visiting for the day, download the TAP app and ride the Big Blue Bus from the LAX Bus Terminal to Venice.
Start your day with an authentic bulletproof coffee at Dave Asprey’s Upgrade Cafe, then walk or run along the beach.
For breakfast, I love the juices and smoothies at Moon Juice.
Venice has excellent shopping along Abbott Kenney Boulevard. My favorite shops are Cuyana and Christy Dawn.
Stop in Gjusta for an afternoon snack and caffeine fix.
For dinner, I recommend Gjelina. The lamb burger is outstanding, and the veggies are cooked to perfection.
Before returning to your hotel, pick up some snacks at Erehwon Market. The hot food bar is fantastic! Continue reading “Venice Beach, California Travel Guide”
My meticulously curated travel recommendations for Oxford, Mississippi include local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places to stay.
Oxford is home to the University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss, and is one of my favorite college towns. There are many great restaurants, shops, and bookstores. The Ole Miss campus is stunning.
Oxford is centered around “The Square.” The gorgeous, white county courthouse anchors the square and is surrounded by restaurants, bars, and adorable shops. Continue reading “Oxford Mississippi Travel Guide”