Islands US Travelers Can Currently Travel To

Me trying to remain calm after reading that the EU is opening boarders but will not allow US travelers

Not sure about you, but I am aching for an international adventure! 🌎

Even though I would love to skip off to Amsterdam or Berlin to scratch my travel itch, it’s just not realistic in the foreseeable months. As unfortunate as this news is, I understand because the pandemic is still not under control in the US.

Even if the US was allowed entry, it’s questionable how comfortable I’d be on a plane with recycled air for a long international flight. What about you?

Laying low or ready to fly internationally to Europe as soon as we’re permitted?

I am still waiting for the moment when the EU will allow US citizens back in but if you are bold and just can't take it anymore, here are the islands that are currently allowing (and not allowing) US Travelers! 

(I found the above charts on Jet Blue's website on August 5th #notsponsoredbutwouldlovetobe) 

Seven Places I'm Going Once Quarantine is Over

If you read my last post, you'll know I am currently going through a breakup. There is never a good time to end a relationship, but during social distancing while there is a pandemic happening in the world takes the cake for the worse possible time. 

The feeling of being alone is that much more amplified. I can't just call a friend to meet me and sob to her while having a cocktail at a cute bar. I am stuck by myself in my apartment, alone with my meticulous thoughts about the end of my relationship and our new social climate of solitude. 

If it were a normal time in the world, I would have gone out to brunch and sipped on said cocktail with a friend to discuss my failed relationship and gotten her support (in person). I am already brainstorming places I would like to go once this all wraps up in the next few months. 

Here are seven places I'm hitting once quarantine is over.

The Crown and Public Hotel Rooftop

Both of these places have expansive views of New York City. You can grab a drink with some friends and just enjoy each other's company while taking the skyline. Much needed after being cooped up inside. 

While We Were Young 

This is one of those very girly and sceney places that serves pastel colored cocktails and attracts fashion and lifestyle bloggers. Most sceney places are just visually cute and the food is just so-so, but not here. I've sat at the tiny tables a few times and have always enjoyed their burger, which is always solid. When it's warm enough, they open the front of the restaurant so a summer breeze, (and probably the loud sounds of sirens) flow in.

My Fire Escape

Feeling a need to be outside while still following the social distancing guidelines, I moved Franklin (my aloe plant, whom I love very much) and climbed out of my window and onto the fire escape. The fresh air seemed even fresher from just outside of my window. Even when quarantine is over, you'll still be able to find me there with a glass of wine.

Employees Only

This narrow space is perfect for striking up a conversation with a stranger at 1am. You'll need a sharp eye if you want a seat at the bar, which is always packed. The drinks are shaken to perfection. 

Time Out Market

Live music, good vibes tons of food options and lots of outdoor seating? It's in Brooklyn (eh) but is a perfect place to spend an afternoon with some friends while taking in views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline.

Fig 19

Artsy and inconspicuous. You'll enter through a confusing minimalistic gallery to then find a dimly lit speakeasy behind an unsuspecting door. 

Since the coronavirus has overcome the world, I am taking this time to be grateful for what I have and for the future experiences to come. It is a luxury to be able to plan what I would like to do once this difficult time in the world passes and I don't take that for granted. 

What I Spend in a Week in NYC

I wanted to share my spending habits in case anyone is curious about the costs of living in the big apple in 2020. I'll share my occupation and what I spend over a seven day period in New York City. 

What I do:

Occupation: Executive Assistant (and very proud) 

Industry: Healthcare Investment (aka finance) 

Let’s get the monthly basics out of the way, shall we?

Monthly Expenses

Wifi: $79.00

Phone: family plan but I pay it, $149.50

Rent: $ A very scary number!

Student Loan: $267.00 (yikes)

Electric: in the winter is usually around $30

Monthly unlimited metro card: $127

Tidal: $9.99

Guest of a Guest subscription - $14.99 (I just canceled this because I never used it)

Hulu: $5.99

Netflix: 9.99

401k Roth: about $400 from my pre-taxed paycheck (I don't count this as money spent since I don't see the cash and it goes into the retirement account)

Total for Monthly: $693.46 (not including rent and 401k)

Monday

Going to work: The bus ride to my job. I'm in the office from 7:45am-5ish, Monday-Friday. It's a little rough sitting in an office all day, but I'm happy to have a job that lets me live and enjoy life in Manhattan) - $2.75

Breakfast once I arrive at work: I ordered 2 eggs and some strawberries $12.87 but really $0

Lunch was tofu, broccoli, and mushroom Pho (I just discovered the joys and deliciousness of Pho! but I picked out the mushrooms because I don't like them) – $17.43 actually $0

(My job pays for breakfast and lunch for us, so I usually don’t have any food charges for the day unless I go out for happy hour, have dinner after work or take a cab to my boyfriend's apartment)

Subway home - a glamorous $2.75

Stopped in CVS (my favorite place!) for 2 packs of Mike’s mighty good ramen, nail glue because my nail broke, and extra polar ice gum - $13.21

When I got home, I decided to get some box lighting from Amazon so I can shoot content at any time without relying on natural light from my apartment windows - $65.31

Tuesday

Le bus ride yet again - $2.75

Breakfast, I had two Nutragrain waffles and a clementine from my job’s kitchen - $0

Lunch, I had tofu curry with white rice that made my stomach gurgle later. Probably won’t get that again - $15.30 but actually $0

Today was a normal workday with some perfunctory good mornings and how are yous. I try to do my job efficiently and get people what they need quickly to make sure I'm on top of stuff. Sometimes I check my gmail for any blogging collaborations or events that may be making my inbox good looking. 

6 train (subway) home - just takes a few stops – $2.75

Wednesday

A luxury ride in the Aston down 2nd avenue to get to the office (jk bus again) - $2.75

Breaky was an apple, banana, and some sort of yellow plum from my job’s kitchen. I know, don't cringe, it's healthy - $0

For lunch I ordered a California roll and some edamame that I didn't really like - $15.87 but free.99.

6 train home was $2.75

Thursday

No bus ride today because I worked from home due to the corona virus. My job tested work from home capabilities firm-wide and Thursday was my test day. I have to be honest, it was really nice not waking up at 6:40am to hustle out the door and to work. I actually had time to enjoy the morning and felt very refreshed when the day ended.

Laundry because I was running out of clean undies. $23 since I drop it off to have it washed and folded then I pick it up. (I know, I know) A luxury I've partaken in since I was broke and living in Astoria, Queens. 

Friday

Back to work and reluctantly back on the bus - $2.75

Breakfast - No breakfast because at this point COVID-19 in NYC was really starting to worsen and I didn't want to touch anything that would be delivered, to be honest.

Lunch - same as above!

Getting home: I left work around 2:45pm. I was hesitant to go in at all since WHO announced we are officially in a pandemic and I was among only a few in the office. I went in because I had to file some tax stuff that was being sent to us on Friday and due to be postmarked by the weekend. I took a cab to CVS after I left work to avoid being in a crowded subway car in light of social distancing - $13.80 Back on the upper east side, I decided to get food from CVS and Whole Foods. SUPER RARE for me to stock up on a bunch of groceries since my job pays for breakfast and lunch, but my job announced we will all be working from home for a week due to the corona virus and to help stop the spread. So, I needed to make sure to have enough food in my apartment to avoid having to go out to get more food throughout the week - $108.95

Saturday

Social distancing in full effect. No money spent on this day and for the first time, in a long time, my wallet smiled at me. I just recorded a few YouTube videos and a TikTok in my apartment. All in all, it was a productive day for my blogging business and just felt like a low-key day on the weekend.

Sunday

A problem: I ran out of toilet paper in the morning. After searching high and low for toilet paper (it's sold out everywhere because people bought it all in a panic), I finally found a few rolls in an obscure pharmacy. Crisis averted for $6.80. Money well spent.

This week wasn't a normal week for me since it included the cost of groceries and no social activity. I usually have at least one happy hour after work, go to my boyfriend's apartment at least once during the week, and have brunch with a friend on the weekend.

This week wasn't a normal week for most people due to COVID-19. Since we are engaging in social distancing to combat the spread of the virus, many of us have completely changed our normal day-to-day routine to adjust to this lifestyle. 

Even with all that is going on, I like sharing the experience of a "normal" start to the work week, then end on a completely different daily regimen due to our current social climate. I think a big takeaway is that we can adapt and adjust to anything. 

Total Spent for the week: $250.32

Best Places to Eat in Puerto Rico!

Oh my, Mallorca. 

Thinking about all the delicious food I ate while in Puerto Rico makes me want to hop on a plane to go back for seconds. 

I had a fantastically tasteful, solo trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico! Breaking from the New York City doom and gloom of the winter months by taking a tropical vacation to the Caribbean was just what my sun deprived skin, needed. I booked the trip on Christmas Day (ho ho ho) and jetted off in mid-February.

I decided to stay central in the charming city of Viejo, San Juan (old San Juan) to be able to walk outside and be right in the pulse of the city. Old San Juan has lots of restaurants and eclectic shops, is buzzing with block parties, and is a perfect place to stay if you want to travel around to different neighborhoods of Puerto Rico like upscale Condado, residential Santurce or to be transported to one of the beautiful surrounding islands like Culebra or Icacos. 

I was ready for nice weather and sparkeling clear, blue ocean waters, but was pleasantly surprised to fall in love with the Puerto Rican cuisine! Beef, chicken and crab empanadas, Mallorcas with ham and cheese, avocado stuffed with tender, well-seasoned beef, and soft breads – Mm! 

Iguana panini anyone? Hunting Iguanas is legal because there are so many of them in Puerto Rico and because they eat fruits and veggies in crops. During my tour of El Yunque rainforest, the guide said this meat gets sold in PR and also on the US mainland. The next time you order at a restaurant, make sure your beef or chicken is actually that! 

I’ll pass on any sort of Iguana sandwich, but not on any of the below. 

Make sure you head to these spots if you’re ever in Viejo, Puerto Rico!

La Bombonera 

If you like bread, meat and cheese – this is the place for you. Try a Mallorca. A Puerto Rican sweet-bread sprinkled with powdered sugar and often pressed into a warm, comforting sandwich. I had one with ham and swiss cheese and I’m still seeing it in my dreams. It tastes like, a croissant, brioche bread and potato bread mixed into one. The service was warm and friendly just like the vibe of the colorful city. 

El Jibarito

At this colorful spot, you’ll find tourists and locals enjoying all the Puerto Rican classics. One order of empanadas comes with five pieces and if you order the beans and rice you’re sure to be pleasantly stuffed. Pro tip: leftover empanadas make for an excellent breakfast the next day. I am still sad to this day that I didn’t get the tres leches cake but I heard it is fantastic. 

La Ó

If your scene is more trendy and conceptual, head to this chic spot for a cocktail and sip it in the outdoor garden. This place also has gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options. I went for a light pasta with olive oil and scallops (I’m not a big seafood person but wanted to try something out-of-the-box since I was on vacation). The meal wasn’t my favorite, but wanted to add it to this list to illustrate that OSJ offers a wide variety of food options. 

Pirilo

This place is rustic and cute but touristy. After all the fried dough and cheese, if you need a dang salad you can find one here if you manage not to order a pizza. I had a solid mixed green salad at this place along with a glass of crisp white wine. 

La Casita Blanca

This place, hands down, is my number one recommendation for Puertorican food on this list. 

La Casita Blanca is off the beaten path but is so worth the trip to Santurce (a more residential neighborhood in San Juan). You will be pleasantly greeted and walked to your table. Then very shortly after you will be presented with a big chalkboard with Spanish writing which has the menu of the day written on it. It’s all in Spanish with no English translation (so you know it’s real). 

Pro tip: use their Instagram to show what you want or google up a storm to make your decision. 

I speak poor Spanish that I remember from high school but the server was pleasant and patient and helped me toward my choice: Avocado stuffed with beef and red beans and rice. 

It was per-fec-tion. 

Before the main dish came out, they brought out a soup and a fried dish called Bacalaitos as an appetizer (at no charge) and once your finished with your meal, you get a shot of Chichaito (licorice flavored rum) to send you on your happy way. 

Lunch on a catamaran 

Because you’re on vacation and it will be great. Go to Culebra and thank me later. 

2 Summer Spots to Grab a Drink in Brooklyn

Okay, Okay...I'm a bonafide Manhattan girl through and through but as of lately I've been crossing over the Brooklyn Bridge to the dark side.

To my surprise I've been spending more time in Brooklyn and honestly? I haven't been hating it. I've discovered hang outs near the water are perfect for taking in the New York City skyline and if I can't be in Manhattan I might as well be staring at it while watching a gorgeous sunset right? 

By no means am I declaring myself a Brooklynite but will admit these warm weather spots are perfect for day drinking and being around your favorite people. Round up your squad and head to these Brooklyn hang outs. 

Brooklyn Barge

I had been hearing about Greenpoint so was excited when a friend wanted to visit Brooklyn Barge. A ride on the E train then transferring to the G train (yeah...there's a G train and it was my first time ever on it) and we were in Greenpoint, BK. Way less hipstery than Williamsburg (thank goodness!) we walked into an industrial looking area to find people filled picnic tables, wine, beer and food. It was super crowded but keep your eye out for a few seats and mark your territory in a location where you can fix your eyes on the view of the water and the NYC skyline. If you start to feel hungry, there are cards with a website and your seat number on the table. Go to the website and order your nosh from your seat. #innovation  

Time Out Market 

When I was in Portugal I stumbled into the award-winning Time Out Market Lisboa. If you want to see the market in Lisbon, trip peep my travel vlog. I quickly fell in love with the curated eateries located in the two story space. Immediately I wondered - why doesn't New York have one of these? Not too far into my Google search I discovered one was indeed coming to New York and would end up in DUMBO, Brooklyn. The market is situated right along side the Brooklyn Bridge and it blows the Lisbon Time Out Market out of the water. Live music, tones of people watching, and amazing eats all under one roof. I was sold after drinks on the roof and taking in the sunset.

I'll definitely be heading back to Brooklyn this summer. Will you? 

5 Best Warm Weather Spots for Food + Drinks in NYC

I know it's not summer yet, but I am not-so-patiently waiting for the warm weather to fully make it's come back. I prefer hot over cold and when the weather is nice, I soak up the all the warm air I can once it finally rolls back around in NYC. On gorgeous spring and summer days, I have full on Carrie Bradshaw moments. I slide into a cute outfit, strut out into these New York City Streets, round up my girlfriends, and grab a cocktail...or two. Bring on my Mr. Big and Stanford Blatch. 

To my surprise, I've become pretty good at finding (and frequently attending) chic bars, restaurants, and hang outs in New York City. What can I say? I'm a Full Fledge Manhattan Girl. So here are a few of my top spots to hang out in the city when the weather is beautiful. 

Gilligan's

With a special place in my Manhattan heart, this restaurant feels like a secret bungalow tucked away in Soho. The delicious watermelon mojito in this outdoor spot is a must and they have a full menu perfect for sharing once you work up an appetite. They don't take reservations, so hang out at the bar and chat up a new friend until your table is ready. 

The Crown

I'm going to be honest with you. All of the cocktails at this place tend to not be very strong, just so-so, and expensive but the view is one of a kind. Stick to wine and you'll be golden. This rooftop bar is situated near chinatown (stay with me) so overlooks a stunning panoramic views of Manhattan. 

While We Were Young

OK. I am sure you have seen this place all over social media, however it deserves a spot on the list. This place checks all the boxes. Chic, instagrammable, cute cocktails, and surprisingly the food is always DELICIOUS. From the appetizers to the entrees...you can't go wrong. Many "sceney" places in NYC fall flat when it comes to the actual food (ahem...short stories) but I have been to this place a few times and it has never disappointed. They take reservations now. make one or be sad when you try to just walk in. 

Jimmy's at the James

Hello Rooftop Life. The vibe in this place is always good and someone usually falls in the pool so that's a good laugh too. The crowd is young and artsy - the music usually involves Drake. Sip on a pimms up and schmooze around the pool or indoor area. Definitely would not recommend getting into any public NYC pool (ew). Just a word of advice. Reservation not needed. 

Azul Rooftop

This westside rooftop will give you all the feels and views for days. Do yourself a favor and head here later afternoon with your friends. Grab a drink, laugh watch a beautiful sunset over the water, and let the good feelings flow. 

Things to do While Living Your Life in Lisbon

With pink streets, tasty pastries, sunny skies and good people, it's hard not to be impressed by the lovely allure of Lisbon. 

I was glad to have the opportunity to cross this city off my travel to-do list.

I couldn't believe how much personality this slightly under-the-radar city has. Artsy, diverse, eclectic, while still being traditional, I felt like I blended right into the culture. Well, right up until someone began speaking to me in Portuguese and I just stared at them like a deer in headlights. 

Luckily, "bom dia" and a friendly smile will get you pretty far. Not to mention most people I encountered spoke fluent English. I found myself wandering through quaint streets in between colorful buildings and strolling along calming waterfronts with cool breezes. 

If you ever find yourself bored in Lisboa, you're not doing it right. Here are just a few things to do:

Visit the pink street! A millennial's Instagram dream. Calm during the daytime, bustling at night

Crash an art party at Raw Culture Arts & Lofts in Barrio Alto - feel fancy while you sip your complimentary wine, take in the contemporary art, and laugh sophisticatedly with a stranger

Drink on the street in Barrio Alto - because why not

Go to LX Factory - an industrial concept of street art, shops, food and good vibes

Check out Time Out Market - so. many. food. options. and a good bathroom that you don't have to pay for. 

Eat a Pastel de Nata - you must try this traditional egg custard pastry 

Eat a pastel de Belem - you also must try this pastry because it's the original egg custard pastry. I think is better - try the two to compare

Watch the sunset by the Tower of Belem - GORGEOUS. At night the tower is illuminated beautifully

Take a day trip to Sintra and Caiscais - If you like castles, Sintra is for you. check out Pena Palace. Caiscais is cute and quaint

Try some Sea Bass at Toma la da Ca - A local told me about this restaurant. Enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine

Stroll along the water - the sun will meet you there

Enjoy traditional Fado music - Traditional music...reminds me a bit of flamenco singing

Enjoy Park Rooftop - you have to go up through a questionable looking elevator but the rooftop on top of the parking garage is worth it. Grab a drink and enjoy

How to Slay LA | What to Do in LA for the Weekend

Los Angeles in just two days? Challenge accepted. 

I had a work trip that took me to San Francisco (heyyy sunny Cali, bye cold New York City) for about a week. The trip left just enough time for me to take a long weekend in the City of Angels. Why not? I had never been and thought this would be the perfect time to explore some uncharted territory. A fabulous friend that lives in NYC has spent some time in LA and met me on the west coast for a long weekend. She took me to so many places (well our Uber drivers did) and we covered all that you'll want to see and do if you have a few days on the west coast. 

Day 1:

The Hollywood sign

Put on your cute athleisure wear and hike up towards the Hollywood Sign. On your way up you will see expansive views and beautiful hills. I suggest bringing a backpack or over the shoulder bag so that both hands a free for impromptu Instagrammable moments (there will be lots).

Capitol Records & the Hollywood walk

After the Hollywood sign, take an Uber to Capitol records the walk the walk of stars. You won't need to spend too much time on this street because it's a bit run down and touristy but it brings me to the next must do...

In-N-Out Burger

Less than $4 you can get bangin cheeseburger and for a few more dollars add the fries. I am not an advocate for fast food by any means but this is fast food minus the indigestion. Idk how LA does it but they somehow manage to make their fast food somewhat healthy(ish)

Melrose Avenue 

Want a picture for your IG with wings and a pink wall? Stroll down Melrose. Make sure you bring shades and have your bestie to snap a few. This avenue has an artsy and eclectic vibe and is perfect for a chill afternoon.

Abbot Kinney Blvd

So if you're doing it right, it should be about dinnertime. Do yourself a favor an head to The Butchers Daughter for dinner. Super heath conscientious, you'll find kale salads to delicious pizza and of course some crisp vino.

Roosterfish

Pretty close to The Butcher's Daughter is this kitschy gay bar, Roosterfish. It attracts all kinds of people so chat up a beautiful stranger over a cool cocktail to warm up the night. 

Bungalow 

Squeeze your way into this huge space and drool over more beautiful people. Good luck making your way through the game room, main bar, outside deck, state room and study. 

Day 2

The Rose 

Sleep in just little but be sure to wake up to enjoy brunch at The Rose in Venice. Lots of amazing selections but you are doing yourself a disservice if you don't get the Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich. Oh. My. God. 

The Venice Canals 

Modeled after the canals in Venice, Italy enjoy the quaint path and cross over bridges with your bestie.

The Beaches

Of course, the main attractions Venice and Santa Monica. Take you pick or go to both while you sit and soak up the vast sun with a smile of your face. Don't forget to put on Tupac's California Love while you're staring at the ocean waves. 

EP & LP

Get cute and head to this chic spot in West Hollywood for some nightlife. Boomerang a cheers while sipping a cocktail because you just slayed LA. 

Bathtub Gin's Kin The 18th Room

Who doesn't love a finely crafted gin cocktail along with full burlesque show featuring performers in a giant bathtub? If you can manage to fight the urge to slip into Bathtub Gin in Chelsea, wander into the plain glass door right next to it to find The 18th Room. 

The 18th room is ran by the same team behind Bathtub Gin and is one of my new favorite speakeasies in the city. Dark, sexy, and alluring, this bar has mixed classic Art Deco and millennial neon decor, almost as seamlessly as they mix their cocktails.

Speaking of drinks, you can request a custom made spirit tailored to your very liking. Let your server know you would like your custom cocktail and she will guide you through a few questions to determine your preferences and finally come back with your unique boozy masterpiece...and maybe some popcorn too.

This speakeasy is definitely one to add to your to do list. 

How to Win At The Beach Your Labor Day Weekend Getaway Guide

Summer's over when you say it's over and I am headed to Rockaway beach a few more times this season. If you are like me, you are dreading the brutal winter that lies ahead and hanging onto every, single, last warm day.

Labor Day weekend is coming up (hell yeah) so why not spend it relaxing under the warm sun, sipping a cocktail, with your toes in the sand? Grab your girls, pack a bag, and live your #bestlife. 

You'll need a few essentials before you hit the sand, so read on if you want to know how to win at the beach. 

What You'll Need:

The Beach Bag

I ordered the cutest beach bag from Amazon! It's huge and has tons of pockets for keys, valuables, and space for all of your beach essentials. It also came with a phone case to prevent sand from ruining your life... I mean phone. 

Mini Booze Bottles

BYOB duh. Before your trip, buy a bunch of mini bottles of whatever booze you like to sip on. When you get to the beach: grab a cup of ice, a drink of your choice to mix said booze with, then mix your own drink to quench your thirst with your delicious cocktail. The mini bottles win over the big bottles because they will not weigh your bag down or break because they're plastic. You're welcome. 

The Cocktail Cups

Ok - you cannot just mix your drink in a plastic cup because it will spill out and probably get sand inside when the wind blows. Grab some metal wine cups with a lid so a bug doesn't ruin your drink and so that your drink stays nice and cold. Love these!

The Beach Towel

The towel design is now important because Instagram is a thing. You'll want it to look good for whatever your IG aesthetic is and be functional to dry off after a dip in the ocean. I found my towel on Amazon because I'm addicted to Prime. 

The Bathing Suit

Finding the perfect bathing suit can be hard but I love options from HM and Zara. Make sure it's cut for your body type that way you look 🔥 in pictures and on your story.

Snacks, Shades, and Sunscreen

Shades are a must when strutting down the boardwalk or laying in the sand but put on your sunscreen first. I get most of my shades on the street in Harlem, but you can find cute ones online. Shein or Gucci - your choice. For the snacks? Prepackaged is the way to go to but beware of hungry seagulls because they are not afraid to swoop down and steal your skinnypop popcorn! Yep. That happened to me.

Your favorite Reads

Lounging in the sand is the perfect time to catch up on the book you've been meaning to read or to flip through your favorite magazine. I am a hopeless romantic and love, love, loved "A Duke by Default" by Alyssa Cole. I also brought along an issue of Marie Claire for the ferry ride to the beach. 

How to get there:

One thing I love about NYC is that you're never too far away from the water. To get to Rockaway beach you can take a comfortable and scenic ride on the ferry from Wall Street/Pier 11 and it's only $2.75 one way. The beach is about a 15 minute walk from where you will be dropped off and most importantly you can drink on the boat. #winning :)

Where to Stay:

I stayed at a new and very Instagrammable hotel called the HighTide Hotel. Only one block from the beach and there are a range of rooms: some rooms can hold 2 people and some up to 6 people. I stayed in suite #9 which was very Instagrammable and super comfortable. You can book through AirBnb! 

With this guide you'll be sure to win at the beach! Ready to go?

This post is not sponsored.

Haven’t been to Broken Shaker? Here’s Why You Need to go Before Summer Ends

 I love cocktails, I love views and Broker Shaker is the perfect combination of the two. After venturing to the top of the Freehand hotel on Lexington Ave in my Urban outfitters shorts and cute black top, I was pleasantly surprised by the crowd and vibe. 

Tropical bars seem to be the new New York trend and Broken Shaker definitely didn’t disappoint. Here’s why…

Plenty of Seating

Okay so standing up and mingling is cool and all but after a while it’s nice to sip sitting down. There is lots of indoor and outdoor rooftop seating for you to take a load off while enjoying the space

The Drinks Actually Contain Booze

Don’t you hate when you get a drink but it’s basically, well…juice? Yeah, you won’t have that problem here because the drinks are nice and strong. 

The FOOD

Don’t you also hate food that’s expensive but too small and you only get one bite if you’re sharing with friends? ☹ The snacks and spreads on the menu are pretty much all sharable and after a few drinks a sharable snack always sounds good. If you are still not satisfied, you can grab the chicken sandwich or a thick burger & fries

Summer Will Be Over Soon 

*Cries* Soak up every last bit of summer you can before NYC turns back into an arctic tundra

It’s Instagrammable 

We know what we do is for the gram. Anyone who watches your story will want to be where you are. #facts 

Venice Vibes, Gelato, & Gondolas | Travel Guide for Venice, Italy

The thought of Venezia, Italia alone makes me want to marvel and cry at its alluring and captivating beauty. Ok, so that may be dramatic, but I really was almost brought to tears when I first laid eyes on Venice. City number two on my 10-day solo trip to Italy and it was love at first sight. 

Since there are no cars in Venice, I explored the romantic and ethereal floating city mainly on foot but a Gondola ride at sunset on the Grand Canal is an absolute must do. Gondola rides cost about €60 during the day and a painful €80 around the time of sunset. 

Alas, my sunset gondola ride was absolutely free thanks to an admiring and generous Venetian Gondolier who kindly offered his services free of charge. He even let me stand up on the Gondola to row the boat and I somehow managed to not crash it into an Italian wall. If you want to see how that all played out, peep my Italy vlog part 2! 

What to do in Venice:

Visit St Marks Square – Beautiful church. Get ready to be serenaded by live music in the charming square. Skip the food and drinks though...super pricey because it is a main tourist area. 

Eat at Terrazza Dei Nobili - Lovely restaurant right on the water with serene and calm views. I ordered pizza, a glass of crisp rosé, and sat for hours.

Buy an Italian Leather Handbag - Italian leather shops are everywhere and are full of a TON of leather goods. The price ain't even that cray but fyi, they're usually cash only.

Walk Across the Rialto Bridge – The biggest bridge in Venice. Early morning or late at night are best times to snap the perfect pic for the gram. 

Eat Gelato Wherever - Pick a gelato shop. Order gelato. Eat gelato. Repeat. 

Sip a Bellini at Skyline Rooftop Bar - On top of the Hilton on an island across from Venice you will find this gem. Order a fresh Bellini and take in the Venice skyline. Ok, so you need someone with a boat to get to this location but if you can swing it, it's worth it. 

Go No Where in Particular – Get lost on foot in the Venetian streets and enjoy the sweet life. #wanderlust

Take a Gondola Ride at Sunset - See above. 

Pro Tips in Venice:

There are no cars in Venice. Only transportation is via foot or boat

Google Maps doesn't really work. You will get lost and it’s ok. Just gwtf 

Ask your hotel concierge or Airbnb host for directions to the location you will be staying BEFORE you get to Venice

There are a lot of stairs and bridges so comfy shoes are a must. I saw a struggling girl wearing heels and shed a tear for her

Stretch your calfs and quads at the end of the day because who wants to be sore on vacation aintnobodygottimeforthat.

wan·der·lust 

ˈwändərˌləst/

noun

1. a strong desire to travel...and I did just that.