New York City!

A few updates since I last wrote this blog post. I moved to New York City and, now that I have lived through all four seasons in the city, I can can confidently call myself a New Yorker. Living in New York for a year has been a whirlwind. I took the train for an hour each day (surviving this will be an accomplishment I carry with me until I die), grew to completely adore sixty 5th graders in Brooklyn, realized a kitchen that is less square ft. than my coffee table in Texas is actually completely usable, made new friends, ate every type of ethnic food, and mostly continue to experience the magic that is New York.

 Living in New York City can be hard. Really hard. Below are activities that when I do them I think to myself, "I can't believe I made this work. I can't believe I am living here." Every New York transplant knows this feeling.  So, here are a few things below but stay tuned for more. I don't want this blog to be kept in some digital dusty corner, but I'd like to continue using it to document my experience and share my favorite parts of the city. Please continue to reading and stay tuned!

1. Running through Central Park. This may sound cliche, but I am in awe of the park every time I am there. I lived two blocks away from the park this year and am moving right next to it this year. Every time I go for a run, I can't believe how beautiful the city is and how this big park is so expansive, filled with people doing a variety of exercises and available for me to start my day.

2. So many other parks! I knew about Central Park, but I didn't realize New York City is filled with so many public parks that are all worth exploring. Riverside and Prospect Park are the two others where I spend my time. Prospect Park, in particular, is a gorgeous refuge from the craziness that is Manhattan.

3. Local coffee shops. One of my favorite aspects of the city is that there are so many independent shops. On Sunday morning, I go for a run and then the same coffee shop a few blocks away from me. The charming stores and consistency of a routine have kept me sane. I am so excited to living near Silver Moon Bakery next year and plan to incorporate this delicious and welcoming shop into my Sunday morning routine.

4. Going to museums by myself. I know that sounds sad and does not really send a message of hope to people feeling lonely in this gigantic city. Still, why do you need to go to a museum with someone? It's so much better to go at your pace and see where your interests take you. There are so many museums in the city, one for every type of person. An obvious choice, but my favorite is the MET. The visiting exhibits are always always amazing and thoughtfully designed. Spending an afternoon taking advantage of NYC's gem truly makes me feel connected to the city and gives me much needed solitude in an amazing space.

5. New Yorkers. Anyone that knows me knows that I am not a fan of the typical Tri-state area person that grew up going shopping once a week and thinks the only place exploring outside the city is Florida. Ughhhh. But there is something special about people coming to New York, and some very notable exceptions to the born and bred New Yorkers, of people coming from wherever they are from and building a life here. So many people chasing their career goals, passions and starting anew. Not to mention the immigrant communities that historically and today have left their home country for a new one in America. I have met so many interesting people and the fact that we all live in this crazy hustle and bustle is a bonding experience. You have to be tough to live in New York, but below the exterior, this city attracts dedicated, ambitious, interesting, thoughtful group of people that make living here really quite special.

Tips for Travel

I have traveled quite a bit in the past few years. Going to boarding school, college and never quite living in the same city as my family has left me with lots of time in the airports (Note to self: One day I will write a post just about the Dallas airport and how much I love it). For now, I wanted to share some tips I have about staying healthy while traveling. I used not to be as health-conscious and I got into a lot of bad habits while traveling. When I started to take better care of myself, traveling was really stressful for me. Even I started with the best of intentions, I ended up eating badly and felt out of wack. Now I have a few better habits that I wanted to share:

1. Drink lots of water. Feeling hydrated is key to being healthy. Maybe even splurge on of those expensive water bottles (I don't have one but if any readers do, please tell me how it is) but stay motivated to drink. Flying naturally dehydrates you and drinking is a great way to feel good while in and out of the air. 
2. Walk around at the airport. Hardly ever do you get to the airport and then walk right up to the plane. Usually there is quite some waiting time involved. Use this time to exercise. Download your favorite podcast, get caught up in a book or make sure you have some good music downloaded. I would be nervous about counting on streaming websites as they can be shaky. Whatever it is that you are listening to, walk up and down the gate. Move around. I promise, it will improve your flying experience. 
3. Don't buy snacks. I love to snack and do so normally but, every time I did this while traveling, I would somehow eat the rest of the huge bag I bought while sitting on the airplane. Try as best to eat at normal meal times so your schedule stays consistent and avoid the many tempting snacks. 
4. If you want something sweet, try frozen yogurt. It's delicious, refreshing and something fun to look forward to trying. 
5. Invest in one of those travel pillows. You really sleep better and can avoid a tense neck. Just don't leave it on the plane. 
6. Get a cocktail on the plane. Also enhances the experience. 
7. Eat and drink foods with a probiotic. Oatmeal, yogurt, coffee, ect. I don't think I need to elaborate too much on this but just do it. 

   

   Travel Pillows. It was a good invention.

Chicago

As my loyal readers know, I recently moved from Texas to Cleveland- to be closer to my boyfriend, Jonathan. I honestly knew nothing about the Midwest but I quickly discovered the gem of the Midwest: Chicago. It is honestly one of the most beautiful cities I have ever been to. The city is truly livable, clean, with an amazing amount of culture and history. It probably didn't hurt that my two recent trips happened during the summer. From my recent visits, here are a few of my favorite things I tried:

Fitness

Chicago Lakefront Trail. Lake Michigan is an amazing resource to be healthy. The water is truly beautiful. Bright blue, clean with a real beach in the city. My favorite thing I did was rent bikes with my friend. We began downtown and biked along the lake, traveling North. The path went on for miles and we felt the breeze of the ocean on us while explore new areas of the city. Wherever you are staying in the city, I recommend you hop on a bike (locations throughout the city) and get on the Lake Michigan trail.

Boating on Lake Michigan. There are so many other ways to be outside with this gorgeous lake. Basically anything you can do on water, you can do it on Lake Michigan.

Our run around the city took us to the Bean

Walk around Millennium Park. Millennium Park is probably the place you think of when you hear Chicago. It has the Bean (silver structure that's prime location for selfies) Institute of Arts. It is a couple blocks of park and a great place to walk around and admire city skylines.

Just walk up and down Michigan Avenue. Like any major city, Chicago is great for people watching and just exploring. Michigan Avenue is famous for its shops but home to beautiful historic apartments and trendy, newer areas. Just walk up and down the street or one of the main roads that is parallel.

Food

Deep-dish Chicago Style Pizza

Chicago style pizza. Obviously this is must- do. I had never eaten it before, but I promise it is better. There is a major debate in Chicago between the infamous Chicago style places. I tried a few but my favorite was Giordano's.

Juice places on Michigan. Need your craving of juice to feel better about your travels? Check out Lincoln Park, a young professional neighborhood, with lots of cute cafes, grocers and multiple juice places to try.

Beer. If you're in Chicago, you gotta try the drink scene. We went to Wrigley Field area and I highly recommend it, particularly if you want a sporty, young, social atmosphere. It's a street where you can definitely go from bar to bar and a great place to go if you are with your whole group.

Dallas

Okay loyal, blog followers, as not all of you are from Texas and know the truth, some of you may be surprised to hear that Dallas is the favorite city of plenty of fit lovers across the country. So, please, before we go any further, leave your judgements of a Texan that never exercises, drives a pick-up truck and only dines at fast food, aside. And now, welcome, to Dallas today. 

Fitness
White Rock Lake. A favorite opportunity of exercise for anyone in Dallas would be White Rock lake. White rock is man-made lake in this city near no real water source- and a much appreciated creation. It is 12 miles around the lake and you can go walk/ride bikes almost any time of the year. There are boats and plenty of opportunities to row and sail your self around. If you make it to White Rock lake, you can also go to the arboretum, close by.

Katy Trail. Katy Trail is an awesome urban trail. Backed up behind Dallas' young professional neighborhoods of Uptown, the Katy Trail spans about four miles and has lots of cool apartments, homes and restaurants. You could even walk off the trail and go into Highland Park and check out some of the interesting homes near Southern Methodist University.

Ice Skating in the Galleria. Want to be moving but it's not great whether outside? The galleria has an indoor skating rink inside. You can rent skates by the hour and spend a couple hours gracefully or clumsily moving across the rink. Afterwards, there are plenty of places to eat or you can continue your exercise by walking through the long- and I am mean very long- hallway of shops. 

Yoga. Since I used to live in Dallas (maybe my not completely objective analysis of the city gave it away) I know must of the studios. Here are my two favorites: CorePower yoga with locations across the city and Vital- located next to the Joule hotel downtown. Both studios provide drop-in rates.

Food 

One of my time favorite juice shop: Roots Juice with a few locations across the city.

Building on the left is Reunion Tower

Bishop Arts for brunch. This trendy area on the south side of Dallas is a developing area and has many unique places to go for brunch. Odd Fellows is a Dallas favorite and I also like the trendy and sleek ambiance at Stock & Barrell.

Wolfgang Puck. If it's a special occasion, it's worth making a reservation at Wolfgang Puck located at the top of Reunion Tower in Dallas. The food is fusion, with a mix of Asian and American. The restaurants is located on of the top floors with a floor that is actually rotating so you can see views across the city.

Americano. One of the newest restaurants to hit the growing area of downtown Dallas, American serves family style Italian and located on a great street to walk around afterwards.

HG Supply. If you are into qunioa, juice and kale salads- then this is definitely your a place. Try and go when it's nice outside and sit at the roof bar, where you can have a drink see great Dallas skylines. The restaurant is located in Greenville, a once edgy street that has become popular and filled with local favorites. 





Katy Trail Ice House. Located next to the Katy Trail, the Ice House is a great place just to sit and chat. The Ice House provides drinks, mostly beer, and some appetizers. On the weekends, the Ice House usually has some form of live entertainment. 

San Francisco

You'd be hard pressed to find anyone out there that cares about being healthy and fit, that does not love San Francisco. It's one of my favorite cities. There are so many ways to be outside and so many different pockets of the city to explore. After visiting for an extended trip, here are a few of my recommendations: 

Fitness

-You must rent bikes! There are places to do this all around the city, but it's such a great way to explore the city and travel way more distance that you can travel by foot. 

-Cross the bridge. Either by bike or my foot but this is definitely a must-do. 

-Leave San Francisco. What? I know what you're thinking but you won't be traveling far. The highlight of my trip was to cross the bridge and go north to Saulsilito. It is a gorgeous town with winding hills and adorable, unique homes. I felt like I had been dropped in the middle of the Patagonia catalog. The town completely combined a small town, unique feel with the wonder and spirit of San Francisco. 

Food

-Chinatown. Okay obviously, China town is a must-do. If you are feeling adventurous, go to one of the many markets where they are selling fresh vegetables and fruits and by something you haven't heard of before.

Inside of Dandelion Chocolate.

-Tacos in Mission Street. Mission Street was one of my favorite areas we explored- a primarily Mexican neighborhood that has recently gentrified. As a result, you have authentic Mexican food mixed with incredible, trendy restaurants. There are so many good Taco places but my personal favorite was: La Taqueria.

-Dandelion Chocolate. The best chocolate I have ever eaten. They provide tours where you can see how they make the chocolate.

-Sushiritto. Where else can you buy a combination sushi and burrito?  


-Fresh juice in Castro. I have mentioned other places on this blog, I adore fresh juice. As my best friend will tell you, I have tracked down ginger shots on foreign cities as a cure for almost anything. In Castro- neighborhood famous for Harvy Milk and being one of the first cities in America to host a Gay Pride parade- I found so many fitness studios I would love to attend as well SO many juice stores. 

-Pizza in Little Italy. I know Little Italy does not have quite the same reputation as Chinatown, but, I promise, the pizza is unbeatable!