APRIL - MAY, 2024

(Nashville, NYC, DC, Philly, Denver)

Dearest friends and family (read in Lady Whistledown’s voice),

I am SOOO sorry these last few weeks have been so crazy for me but i miss you all <3 I was traveling the whole month of April and then had my wonderful family come to visit 2 weekends and then had to go back to the East coast again for a work trip (for my new job which is incredibly busy but that i love so very much :) this is going to be a long one mostly for my own personal archives so i can remember my life but buckle in SOO much to catch up on where do i even start

The vibe:

Everywhere, everything, all over the place.

Doing:

NASHVILLE:

Had a little college weekend reunion in Nashville, it was so fun to see my girlies <3 If you know me, you know i’ve been fiending to go to the south and i had very different expectations (we have dubbed it Nashvegas) the city is overrun by bachelorette parties. I def want to go back and explore outside of Broadway a little more haha. Highlight for me was for sure our tractor ride, we were struggling this morning but the vibes were so good and fun.

NYC:

Always love going back to the city, seeing all my friends and being on my old stomping grounds. I definitely miss it a little but i don’t think I could deal with those tiny apartments anymore after living in my house here – my ideal life probably includes a NYC apt, colorado country home, and a beach house somewhere. I was only here for a couple days and basically just went to all my fav restaurants.

DC:

I had the BEST time in D.C this time. Idk why but usually the vibes in dc for me are so off like something is just up with the people over there but maybe because polina lives in a perfect new little neighborhood now i just really loved it this trip – it was so fun walking around and exploring. The weather was also perfect which put me in such a good mood and so ready for summer. Went to project glow festival and got to see my girl rezz <3

PHILLY:

Ended up in Pennsylvania 2 separate times this month, got to hangout with my family for a little bit and then went back 2 weeks later for a work trip. At first, i thought Conshahocken was going to suck but it was actually adorable, so many cute little restaurants and patios and it was so wonderful to get to hangout with my new team in person.

DENVER:

I have been doing SO much in Denver, i think my personality defrosts in the summer and i have so much energy and there is just SO much to do.

Went to the Botanic gardens when my mom and sister were here, it’s such a nice space to spend an afternoon. We also took a drive up to Georgetown which is like 10 little shops with a very historic mining town vibe.

My dad and I did the Royal Gorge train, this was okay. It was cool to see and i love trains but definitely just pay for the open air car ticket, the other ones are not worth it we ended up spending the whole time outside. Also 1000000% percent recommend this Rino Mural tour. It was so cool to learn about the street and history of my neighborhood. Seriously do it, so cool the guide was awesome.

And went to go watch the nuggets play, i think i’m a bad luck charm bc they lost.

Okay what else, went to the Boulder creek fest which was adorable, so many art vendors, food trucks, etc. Got a new ring and some earrings – definitely want to spend some more time out there.

We had a wonderful pool day, I planted my garden finally and am so excited for things to grow. I’ve been painting and went to a figure drawing class. I also tried rock climbing which i think might be a new hobby, i know so Colorado. (unfortunately this means short nails which is the one thing making me reconsider). City park jazz also started which i think is going to be my favorite way to end the weekend all summer. So wholesome and fun.

Wearing:

Nashville fits for sure the highlight of this month. We did a denim night which was such a fun theme; i got this pearled denim corset at Spark Pretty last year but it barely fits anymore we had to do some ribbon corseting in the back. Borrowed this very cool western belt (thank you lauren). Need to get more accessories like this for myself.

Watching:

Ok first, Disaster artist. I can’t believe I’ve never seen this movie before it is SO funny. Now i want to go to an actual screening of The Room. Probably in one of my top fav movies ever.

Obviously Bridgerton, rewatched season 1 and 2 before the new one came out. I’m just so obsessed. (Season 1 is for sure the best of all them and so far this one is mid but it’s still scratching my itch). UGH I want TO BE INSIDE of this show.

Also have been binging Hawaii 5-0 i started it on the plane on the back from Honolulu. My family and I used to watch this show years ago but honestly I didn’t remember any of it. Already making me want to go back to Hawaii. (I also finally finished watching This is Us, cried a little at the end If you haven’t seen it watch it.)

Eating:

NASHVILLE:

Had an excellent meal at Adele’s. Somehow with like 5 type A foodie planners on this trip we did not plan ahead so i have nothing else really of note in Nashvegas but Adele’s was excellent. The cornbread was very very good.

NYC:

Like i said, basically went to a bunch of my fav spots (Spicy Moon, Nos 1, Supper) if you need Nyc recs here you go but we tried a new place Friday night and did a big group dinner at Indochine Very fun and swanky inside and the food was actually delicious. Will definitely be adding to my list

DC:

Polina and I have been trying to go to this place for my last 3 trips and finally made it. Tip Khao So yum and refreshing and i absolutely stuffed my face – the salad was so good im still thinking about it. And as usual, shout out the Salt Line.

PHILLY:

Again, very pleasantly surprised by Conshy. Bar Sera was farm to table (like actually the farm is very nearby) and i had some scallops here that were chef’s kiss. I think i had bad scallops a few years ago and havent tried it again since then but i was convinced by our waiter. I think these might make it onto my best bites of 2024. Also don't know why anyone else would ever be in Conshahocken PA but if you are, Coyote Crossing was great too.

DENVER:

I can’t remember if i’ve already written about Kawa Ni on here but definitely my fav spot in Denver right now. Every dish is so unique with unexpected flavor combos. Standouts for sure are the red cabbage subariashiii pear salad and the red coconut curry onigiri.

We also went to Balisteri Vineyards this weekend and had an incredible meal. The wine tasting was skippable especially if you don’t like red wine like me and it’s in such a random place in the middle of industrial commerce city but their little front garden is so cute

Reading:

Honestly have been so busy so not so much reading but I’m loving My Brilliant Friend - Elena Ferrante. Everyone who’s seen me reading it has said they love it so maybe once I post this i will go finish it :)

Listening:

Obviously country music in Nashville. All the bars had live bands, very fun.

I’ve also been trying to be better with my sleep schedule (turns out closing your blinds so you don’t wake up to the sun at 5am really helps) but I’ve been listening to bedtime story podcasts which are literally adult versions of children's bedtime stories. It’s really been helping me lol