I just drove across the USA, from New Jersey to Seattle, and my most riveting experience was Wall Drug in South Dakota. Please pay attention to my choice of adjective. Wall Drug SD was not the most fun, beautiful, or exciting part of my 11-day road trip, but it was the most memorable. Here’s why….
Category: USA
Happy Juneteenth 2021: All About the Newest Federal Holiday
Tomorrow, on June 19th, the USA will celebrate Juneteenth as a federal holiday for the first time ever. Since it falls in a Saturday this year, many federal workers will have the day off today on Friday, June 18th while other companies will offer Monday, June 21st off. But what is Juneteenth? It is a…
Cicadas are Coming FAQ: Here’s What You Need to Know!
Cicadas are making headlines as they prepare to wake after a 17-year nap and are coming to scream their heads off by the billion. Unfortunately, I live right outside their habitat of choice. I say ‘unfortunately’ because these creepy-crawlies are hella cool, and I wish I could witness this rare phenomenon in person. Instead, I…
Van Gogh the Immersive Experience: Did You Get Scammed?
If you are like me, you’re super excited about Van Gogh the Immersive Experience coming to Boston this fall. But, you may have bought tickets to a different Van Gogh Exhibit. There is no ‘real’ exhibit, but there may be a few scams floating out there. Plus, it can be confusing to figure out the…
Cottrell Brewing Company: Pawcatuck, Connecticut
We visited Cottrell Brewing Company two weekends ago on a whim. Isaac and I live in Warwick, Rhode Island but we were already in Westerly for an outdoor baby shower. Then we decided to get some Deviant Donuts in Mystic. Somewhere in between Westerly, RI and Mystic, CT we found the Cottrell Brewery in Pawcatuck!…
LineSider Brewing Company: First Brewery in East Greenwich, RI
We visited LineSider Brewing Company last weekend, not knowing much about it. Basically, we just looked up breweries in our area and we went to another one first that required reservations. Next we tried this one, and we got there just before it got super busy. Turns out that LineSider was the first brewery in…
Deviant Donuts: The BEST Donuts in New England
I discovered Deviant Donuts on Instagram, in a comment of a post by a vegan group. Someone had posted a photo of 10 beautiful donuts that were a special for vegan week. I decided to look up this amazing place, expecting it to be too far for me to visit. However, Deviant Donuts is in…
How to Do Your US Taxes in 2021: Youth Time Magazine
Tax season is here again, and for most taxpayers, the US taxes deadline for 2020 tax returns is April 15th, 2021. This is also known as IRS Tax Day! You can file your taxes as early as January 2021, as soon as your employer gives you your W-2. Read about: What Are Tax Returns? What…
Voodoo Dolls: Everything You Know About Them is Wrong
When most of us think about voodoo dolls, we think poking a doll with a pin hoping that it hurts someone who caused us harm. As a European, I only know what I’ve seen in movies. In Lilo & Stitch, Lilo creates a voodoo doll of her friends out of spoons, puts them in a…
Touch of New England: A Subscription Full of Locally Made Products
Touch of New England is a company that promotes local artists from the six New England states of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. The products can be bought in the form of monthly subscription boxes that come in various themes. You can purchase several months worth up front or pay on…
Groundhog Day: What Is It & Who Is Punxsutawney Phil
Groundhog Day has come and gone, unlike the movie where it keeps happening over and over again. This North American holiday is perhaps one of the most unusual. It is tempting to jokingly mock Americans for this illogical yet adorable and somewhat controversial holiday. But it turns out that they are not the only ones!…
Bristol Harbor Inn, Rhode Island: Harbor View Room, Hotel Experince
I stayed in Bristol Harbor Inn in Rhode Island for just one night. After a year of no travel and moving and noisy house construction, I badly needed a break from reality. Luckily, for just $100, I got to enjoy a peaceful 24 hours looking at the Bristol harbor from my cozy hotel room! I…
Rocky Point, Rhode Island: History, Photos & Drone View
Rocky Point is a great spot in Rhode Island for a day trip. Today, it is a state park with almost 120 acres of land. One of the highlights for me was the pier that offers breathtaking views of the ocean. If you stay long enough, you’ll enjoy a stunning sunset and even a moonrise,…
Danger Bridge at Oakland Beach – The Most Dangerous Bridge in RI?
Danger Bridge is located in Oakland Beach, yet you won’t find it on most maps. It is a great spot to view the sunset and most locals use it as a meeting spot for walks on the beach. The spoiler here is that Danger Bridge is not dangerous at all, the name came about in…
Fort Wetherill State Park: Jamestown Day Trip, Rhode Island
Fort Wetherill State Park is a great spot to visit in Jamestown Rhode Island. I wrote about it once before, but this time I did more research and even took a video. After exploring the bunker we also took a drone video of the sunset over the cliffs, you can find it at the end…
Vegan Thanksgiving: Plant-Based Recipes & Tips
Whether you are plant-based or are prepping for friends or family, these vegan Thanksgiving recipes can be a great addition to your feast. Last year I wrote an article on meatless turkey alternatives, but there is more to the meal than just the main course. These plant-based recipes are delicious, nutritious and will please people…
U-Haul Truck In-Town vs. One-Way: Which is Best For You?
When booking a U-Haul truck, it can be difficult to choose between In-Town and One Way rates. Nobody likes moving – it’s a fact of life. Picking up and dropping off a U-Haul is actually pretty easy, but the hard part when booking is managing where to leave your car, which location to pick up…
Hotel Living, Working & Etsy During COVID-19
Hotel living sounds like it should be amazing, at least to me. Why? Probably because I love travel and grew up watching Gossip Girl where Serena lives in a fancy hotel. Despite booking a cheap 2-star hotel for an eight-day stay while we finalized the paperwork to buy a new house, I was excited. Free…
Whale & Dolphin Watching in Cape May, New Jersey
Isaac and I went whale & dolphin watching in Cape May, New Jersey around two years ago. When it showed up in my memories, I was shocked that I haven’t already written about it. Better late than never, right? Cape May is known for its whale and dolphin spotting! The Cape May Whale Watch &…
Cape May Lighthouse: Day Trip to New Jersey
The Cape May Lighthouse is the third documented lighthouse at the southern tip of New Jersey. It has been an aid-to-navigation for mariners and attraction for visitors since it was built in 1859! More than 2.5 million visitors have climbed the lighthouse since it opened to the public in 1988. For those who choose not…
The Cliff Walk: Scenic 3.5 Mile Path – Newport, Rhode Island
The Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island is probably the single most scenic walk in this state, if not the entire East Coast. It is 3.5 miles of seaside path – sometimes on smooth pavement, other times rocks. I 100% recommend coming a little later in the day so that you get to enjoy a…
Tavern By The Sea: Historic Wickford, Rhode Island
Tavern By The Sea is a great spot located in the historic village of Wickford, my new favorite spot in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. We discovered the Tavern By The Sea by coincidence, while waiting for a spot to open up at Gooseneck Vineyards for a wine tasting. If we had more time, we would…
Apple Picking at Narrow Lane Orchard: Rhode Island
Apple picking is a fun fall-time activity popular for families all across the USA. I had always wanted to go but never got the chance until September 13th, 2020! Finally I found a cool spot to go pick some apples, Narrow Lane Orchard. It was an unexpected experience that I’d like to share. Apple Picking…
Gooseneck Vineyards: Wickford, Rhode Island
Gooseneck Vineyards was started by two cousins who have a simple life philosophy. They believe that doing what they love and loving what they do is essential to their being. Isaac and I visited Gooseneck Vineyards last week and we were surprised at how small the space was. Our first question was, ‘Where is the…
The Safari Room at Ocean Cliff Hotel: Newport, RI
The Safari Room Restaurant and Bar at OceanCliff is known for providing extraordinary culinary experiences both indoors and out. They offer a great selection of fresh local seafood, prime aged beef, and exotic house specialties. If you manage to tear your eyes off your plate, you can enjoy panoramic views of Narragansett Bay and the…
Mulberry Vineyards: Historic Chepachet, RI
The Mulberry Vineyards are located in historic Chepachet in Glocester, Rhode Island. We discovered this great spot due to a recommendation from friends who live in the area. We arrived on a beautiful day, with a large crowd sitting at a safe distance on chairs and blankets brought from home. There was live music by…
Labor Day: History of the Holiday
Tomorrow, Monday, September 7th, people all over the USA will celebrate Labor Day. In fact, the entire long weekend is festive and companies use this occasion to offer sales on their products as well as services. But what do you really know about the history of this holiday? Other than the fact that it takes…
Chicken of the Woods: Easy to Identify Mushrooms
Chicken of the Woods is an amazing mushroom that is known for its taste. Somehow, it tastes exactly like chicken! Sure, they say that about everything but it’s not just the flavor, it’s also the looks and texture. If you follow my blog then you may be feeling some déjà vu. Beware, chicken of the…
July 4th: Fun Facts About America’s Biggest Holiday
July 4th is arguably the biggest holiday in America. It celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Essentially, it is the birthday of the United States of America as an independent nation. The declaration was signed on July 4th in 1776, a reminder of just how young this country really is! But I’m not…
Camp Nowhere, RI: $3 Food & Drinks
After being cooped up at home for months, a trip to Block Island broke our stay-at-home seal. While staying at home is still the safest way to prevent the spread of COVID-19, people are beginning to go stir-crazy. While it is still best to stick to outdoor activities like hiking, there are pubs like Camp…
Big River Management Area: The Best RI Hiking Spot
I have been exploring hiking spots in Rhode Island ever since I moved here about a year ago. For such a small state, it has a surprisingly impressive amount of diverse spots to explore. I have managed to visit quite a few of them during my brief time here. So far, my absolute favorite has…
I Got A COVID-19 Test Last Week in Rhode Island
Last week, I was one of some 2,000 people tested for COVID-19 in Rhode Island that day. Rhode Island is one of the leading states in COVID-19 testing. They are one of the few states with rapid testing by CVS, along with Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts and Michigan. As recent as a few weeks ago, you…
New Asia House: Sushi in Warwick, RI
New day, new sushi place discovery – coincidentally called the New Asia House! The New Asia House is by no means a new restaurant. It has been on Quaker Lane in Warwick since September 2016. While their website isn’t particularly modern or informative, you can get a lot of information about the via Yelp. We…
Grounds & Hounds: Good Cause Coffee Subscription
Grounds & Hounds is an amazing coffee subscription that donates a percentage of their profits to help dogs. The subscription starts at $13.99 + $2 shipping and can be fully customized to suit your needs. The company also sells coffee normally with no subscription needed. They have a wide selection of delicious products. “20% of…
Morels: Easy to Identify Mushrooms
Morels are delicious mushrooms and one of the most desired wild mushrooms in the world. You can buy them dried in stores such as Walmart, but a mere 2 oz (57 grams) will cost you $24! This is because morels aren’t generally farmed – they are gathered in the wild. I am writing about them…
Gudetama the Lazy Egg 101
I discovered Gudetama when I lived in Shanghai, China. One day on the subway I saw someone with a backpack that was covered in images of a sad-looking egg with a juicy butt. I was immediately intrigued and started Googling. Turns out this lazy egg is a sibling of Hello Kitty and he is popular…
Gansett Cruises: Morning Narrated Mimosa Cruise
A great way to learn more about Newport, Rhode Island is on a cruise. There are many companies that offer tours in the area. You can pick from dinner cruises, sunset sails and child-friendly tours with live lobsters. The full list of tours is available here. I highly recommend checking out the Gansett Cruises, in…
Social Distancing Run: Virtual Marathon Training Academy Race
COVID-19 has seriously impacted my workout routine. Prior to this craziness I actually managed to lose 15 pounds in just six weeks. In the past month, I have gained almost all of it back despite having a treadmill in my home. Thanks stress-eating. Yesterday I received an email that a race I registered for in…
Tesla Model 3 – A Year of Adventures
It’s hard to believe it’s been a whole year since I bought my Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus. Considered a luxury car by many, my Black Pearl has been through some rugged trials this year. Your jaw will drop when you read 10 of the many adventures this thing has brought us on. Use…
White Dog Distillery’s Moonshine Tasting, RI
Growing up in Europe I heard a lot of jokes made about moonshine. This led me to have quite the negative opinion about this misunderstood beverage. I remember trying a homemade batch that a friend made and it was okay. The second time I tried it was at a farmers market and it was pretty…
Whalers Brewing Company: South Kingstown, RI
My friend Matisse introduced me to Whalers back in September. Even though I live about a 45-minute drive away, we have met up there twice since! Whalers is great because of their beer, atmosphere and the fact that they are dog friendly. I’m excited to visit again once the world is successfully unplugged and plugged…
OrsaraRecipes: Learn to Cook or Watch to Smile
I discovered OrsaraRecipes while writing an article about learning to cook for Youth Time Magazine. Browsing through various channels, I discovered adorable elderly people, apparently a popular trend. I was immediately drawn to Pasquale Sciarappa, an 81 year old Italian grandfather. Not only is he a great cook but he also has natural charisma and…
Plant City: Vegan Restaurant – Providence, RI
Plant City opened in Providence, Rhode Island on June 14th, 2019. It has an extremely wide selection of vegan food featuring Italian, Mexican and a smoothie bar. They also sell retail vegan products and have an amazing bar full of cruelty-free alcoholic beverages and more! “PLANT CITY is the world’s first plant-based food hall +…
Time to Start a Garden: Tips for Beginners (Like Me)
It’s that time of year to start a garden! While outdoor gardens or greenhouses are the best way to go, it is also possible to grow a bunch of things indoors. As long as you have the good light, anything is possible! We are finally starting our outdoor garden, indoors today. Last year we planted…
Elmhurst 1925: Delicious Alternative Milks
Before I cut dairy out of my life, I was obsessed with cheese. However, I was never one of those people who enjoyed a glass of cows milk and I could barely stomach yogurt. This changed when I switched to a plant-based diet. Today, I’ll sneak over to the fridge to sip on some almond…
Khoo Restaurant: Emergency Take-Out Sushi
Recently I wrote about my favorite sushi spot, Ye Express. We eat there every time we get paid for our traditional pay day sushi! In the past month we went overboard and ate away our COVID-19 depression here. To our absolute horror, when dining in was banned in Rhode Island, Ye Express shut down completely!…
Oakland Beach: My Favorite Spot in Rhode Island
Rhode Island is known for its popular white sand beaches that draw crowds from all over the country. One beach that is less known, and thus not as busy, is Oakland Beach! It is quite small and the actual beach isn’t particularly special. However, this beach is home to Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowder House with an amazing…
10 Home Office Buys to Make Work From Home Better
I have been working from home for 10 months now and have done so in the past. Personally, I hate it. However, it is the best option for me at this time so I have embraced it. It took me a while to create the perfect set-up that helps me feel comfortable, more focused and…
Quarantine Activities: Safe Things to Do From Home
If you are reading this, you are probably already quarantined or will be soon. The world as we know it is gradually being canceled until further notice and there is nothing we can do to stop it. If you’re still skeptical about the necessity of quarantines, read this article. There are lots of ways to…
The Pill Club – Get Birth Control Pills Online Hassle Free
One of the more stressful aspects of moving to a new country is healthcare. Back home, I was able to call my gynecologist and have her mail me a prescription for three months of birth control pills. I was nervous that it would take longer and cost more in the USA. Since it took me…
Ye Express: My Go-To Sushi Spot in West Warwick, RI
Ye Express is a great sushi place located on Main Street in West Warwick, Rhode Island. They have a great staff that is always friendly, and the owner knew our order by heart after our third visit. Ye Express has a great combination of American Chinese food, Japanese sushi and Western alcohol – they also…
Exo: The Cricket-powered Protein & Energy Bars
Replacing livestock with insects as a protein source can save the world. The UN has been telling us this for years now, yet few people consider bugs to be food. People will gladly put on bibs to devour shrimp or craw fish, pulling out their intestines with their bare fingers. Yet eating a a crunchy…
Petco’s Dog Training: Review
A year ago, we brought our rescue dog Smiley to Petco for their Adult Dog Training program. Dog training is great for all dogs, even semi-perfectly behaved boys like Smiley. He was our first rescue and I was surprised at how easy he was to integrate into our lives. He was already potty trained, knew…
Paint Your Pet with Create Color Art Studio: Narragansett, RI
I am that basic dog mom that is all about her pup, or in my case, pups. Smiley and Pablo are both rescues from the Brooklyn ACC. They weren’t always living the best lives, but now they are because my husband and I are obsessed. Although we are both artsy, we cannot draw or paint…
Gather Glass Blowing Studio – Providence, RI
Blowing glass has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. A few weeks ago, I finally got to try it at Gather Glass Blowing Studio in Providence, RI. Using Groupon, I got a discounted ticket for $60. It was so much fun that I will definitely be coming back for…
Axe Throwing in Lincoln, Rhode Island
What came first, lumbersexuals or axe throwing bars? Whatever the answer, I now regret not dressing up more appropriately on my adventure to throw axes. There’s always next time! My first time axe throwing was in Lincoln, Rhode Island at the Axe Bar – R1 Indoor Karting. I first heard of axe throwing years ago…
Ice Bumper Cars: The Providence Rink, Rhode Island
The groundhog claims that winter is almost over, but I’m not so ure. I am prepared for several more months of gloomy coldness here in Rhode Island. While it has been a warm week, I expect temperatures to drop. This doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Take advantage of this and visit the Ice…
Toroverde, Puerto Rico: $99 Zip Line Day Pass
Puerto Rico is an amazing place to visit because of its beaches, the culture and the only tropical rain forest in the USA. Another perk is that it is home to the world’s second longest zip line! Toroverde is an amazing zip line park that offers various different activities all for the grand price of…
Going to Puerto Rico: Plans & Expectations
Tonight I will be on a flight to Puerto Rico! I could not be more excited to visit this wonderful island that I’ve heard so much about. The plan is to stay for a week and make the most of the trip despite the politics and weather. The three big things on my list are…
Succulent Subscription Box – Yay or Nay?
Everything comes in a subscription these days and it can be annoying. I don’t want to pay a monthly fee to get discounts on lingerie, for example. But I love plants, which is why I subscribed to get two succulents a month with the Succulent Subscription Box. This post is not sponsored, and full disclosure,…
Relaxing at the Bodhi Spa – Newport, RI
A few weeks ago Isaac and I took the evening off to go relax at the Bodhi Spa in Newport, Rhode Island. Newport is one of my favorite cities in the state, so the scenic drive down was just the beginning of a great experience. The Bodhi Spa offers hydrotherapy, massages, facials, enhancements and body…
YMCA Gym: Pros & Cons
On January 3rd I signed up for the YMCA to help me with my weight loss resolution. It was the only gym in my area that not only had a bunch of classes but also a pool! I love to run on the treadmill but my joints can’t handle it unless I can swim afterwards…
Beyond Sushi: Vegan in New York City
Sushi was the one thing preventing me from going fully vegan when I first decided to change my eating habits. Like many people, I was just obsessed with raw fish. I would literally dream of eating salmon nigiri. One of the best culinary moments of my life involved eating raw fish in Ginza, Japan. Does…
LuminoCity Festival: Is It Worth It for Adults?
LuminoCity was a light festival that opened it’s doors on November 23rd. It was open for just 29 days during this holiday season. I saw the ads on Facebook and bought tickets for the last day of the event on January 5th. Now that I live in Rhode Island, this also meant 7 hours driving…
$89 Orchestra Seat Broadway Tickets: Catch? You Don’t Pick the Show
Today I spent a total of $198 on two orchestra seat tickets for a Broadway show. I chose the date and I upgraded from $59 for regular seats to orchestra seats. The one thing I cannot chose? Which show to see. Broadway Roulette will tell me the morning of! I discovered Broadway Roulette in a…
Great Gatsby Party: 2020 Begins
We welcomed 2020 at a Great Gatsby Party benefiting the RISPCA. The event was huge and we were lucky to snag two of the last 20 tickets. Ticket prices started at $60 for early birds and went up to $500 for the VIP section. We managed to snag a wingman ticket for two at $135….
Zero-Waste Christmas 2021
Most modern holidays come with a lot of unnecessary waste. Single use plastic, paper packaging that ends up not decomposing in the landfill and presents that people don’t actually want or need. Having a zero-waste Christmas isn’t as hard as it seems. You can follow some or all of these steps to make a difference….
The Mysterious Christmas Pickle Tradition in the USA
Christmas Pickles sound like something from Rick and Morty. But I’m not referring to the Pickle Rick episode of the show. I’m talking about the strange tradition where families hang a pickle-shaped ornament on their tree. Why a Pickle? This is where the mystery begins. The Americans point at the Germans. Supposedly Woolworth stores were…
Newport Illuminated Boat Parade: Christmas in RI
The Newport Illuminated Boat Parade of 2019 took place on November 29th. The crowds were huge, the atmosphere was festive and the boats were beautiful! EDIT: Newport Illuminated Boat Parade: A kind person commented on this post and pointed out that I was confusing Newport, RI and Newport Beach in California! So I am rewriting…
Big Blue Bug: Rudolf the Red-Nosed… Termite – Christmas in RI
Move over Rudolf, bring in the Big Blue Bug! Because the residents of Providence favor a giant blue termite decked out in Christmas lights over the boring traditional reindeer. Rhode Island is a quirky little state when it comes to a lot of things. But who could have known that the smallest state with the…
Lobster Pot Christmas Tree: Block Island Tradition
Block Island is a popular summer destination for thousands of American as well as visitors from abroad. It is one of those places that is bustling in the summer and turns into a peaceful town during the colder months. However, it is still a fun place to visit during Christmas! Although the ferry ride to…
Vegan Thanksgiving 101: Meatless Turkey Options
This morning I read that one-third of Americans are considering going meatless this Thanksgiving. These numbers seem too good to be true, but I’m staying hopeful! I am also hoping to be mostly vegan this Thanksgiving for the environment, animal welfare and for my health. From my past experiences, a 100% vegan Thanksgiving is super…
Veselka – Best Ukrainian Restaurant in NYC
Moving to Rhode Island was a great choice for my family. However, one of the things that I really miss about New York City is Veselka. It probably sounds familiar to you because it is quite famous and is mentioned in the TV show Gossip Girl. ‘Veselka’ means rainbow in Ukrainian. At the prices they…
Ukrainians in America: Diaspora near Rhode Island
One of the best things about America is that it is a melting pot of cultures from all over the world. While no cities and towns are quite as international as New York, it is not unusual to see various cultures living and thriving together. Looking more into this made me realize that there are…
United Skates of America: Halloween Skating, Rhode Island
United Skates of America offers old fashioned skating for people of all ages. They offer rentals, snacks and other refreshments.
Exploring Rhode Island: Narraganset, Newport & Providence (Video)
Rhode Island is the smallest state with the longest name! It is a popular tourist destination and has so much to offer. Check out this video of a day exploring Rhode Island!
Palisades State Park Drone Video: DJI Mavic Air
New York is a great place to fly a drone, especially during fall. Our DJI Mavic Air captures the autumn foliage in Palisades State Park perfectly!
King Richard’s Renaissance Faire: Massachusetts, USA 2019
King Richard’s Faire is a popular annual renaissance fair held in Massachusetts in October. This year was my first time visiting and I made the mistake of going on the very last day, and arriving 2 hours before it closed. In those two hours, I still managed to grab a drink, enjoy all the people…
The Geography of Rhode Island
Encompassing only 1.212 square miles, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations is the smallest of the United States of America. Despite its size, it has a rich history, fascinating geography, and a diverse population of plants, animals and people. Rhode Island‘s landscape as we know it today was formed, along with much of New England‘s, by glacial erosion….
Fall Activities at Salisbury Farm: RI 2019
October is one of the best times to be in New England. People all over the country and even from abroad come to see the spectacular foliage. Being new to Rhode Island and still somewhat new to the USA, I have been looking forward to this for a long time. Naturally, all the typical fall…
Vegan Guide to Block Island, RI: 2018
While the Oyster Bar’s half-shell platters and Winfield’s award-winning clam chowder are Block Island staples, local restaurants also cater to the growing vegan community. Vegan diets that exclude all animal products including meat, fish, dairy and eggs have been on the rise. The main motivations for a vegan lifestyle are health, animal welfare and the environment. Luckily, there are plenty of plant-based options all over the Island! Breakfast: Start the day…
Revival Brewing Company: Delicious Craft Beer & More
Yesterday, on October 25th, 2019, Revival Brewing Company celebrated Halloween, their 8th anniversary and crew birthdays all at once. I had originally planned on having a quiet Friday in, but this was one event I just couldn’t miss. I discovered the Revival Tasty Room & Brewery simply because it was one of the closest breweries…
Smiley the Beach Dog: Rockaway Beach NYC (YouTube)
Rockaway Beach is a great place to take your family, including your fur babies! You can only bring dogs here during the off season but it’s so worth it! Check out this happy boy on the beach for the very first time.
Second Hand Shopping & Dumpster (Curb) Diving in NYC
Second hand shopping has been a passion of mine for a while now for two reasons. First, there’s the positive environmental impact of reusing an item that would have ended up in the landfill and negating the negative impact of production costs for a new item – especially if it’s clothing or furniture. Secondly, there…
$2.75 Ferry in New York City
There are many fancy cruises you can take in NYC! You can also just take a one hour ferry ride for just $2.75. Check it out:
Cape May, New Jersey: DJI Mavic Air
Droning over a lighthouse in Cape May, New Jersey with the DJI Mavic Air!
Smiley in Central Park (Video)
Our rescue pit bull Smiley took on the most iconic park in New York City!
Droning on Block Island, Rhode Island
Block Island, Rhode Island is an amazing spot to fly our DJI Mavic Air!
The New York Mycological Society
There are strict rules about foraging anything in state parks and city parks. The laws aren’t clear at all, so it’s always best to ask someone more experienced. Whenever we go picking mushrooms, we bring a towel/picnic blanket to drape over the basket just in case.
One World Trade Observatory: New York City
The One World Trade Center has one of the best views of New York City!
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City is a great daytime activity if it’s not too hot outside.
Free Coffee in NYC: Pret A Manger
In case you were wondering, yes, they do have pumpkin spice lattes that can be vegan or not! There’s nothing basic about enjoying some pumpkin spice in the fall time! *glares at haters*
Chinese New Year Parade in Manhattan, NYC
The highlight of the day for me was two dogs, a husky and a golden retriever dressed in traditional golden Chinese lion uniforms. Just like the ones that are worn for the lion dance!
$2.75 Ferry Ride with a View: Rockaway Beach to Manhattan – NYC
Why overpay for a crowded cruise full of tourists when you can take a $2.75 (regular MTA fair) ferry ride!
Last Firework Display of Summer 2018: Coney Island, NYC
During the summer, Coney Island has weekly fireworks on Fridays. This was the last one of the season!
Luna Park in Coney Island, NYC
Luna Park adventure at Coney Island, NYC!
Jane’s Carousel: 100 Years in NYC
For $2, you can ride a 100 year old carousel with a view of New York City!
Rockaway Beach NYC: Better than Coney Island
Did you know that New York has 14 miles (22 km) of beaches? Check it out!
Flying Cheap from NYC to Europe
Consider layovers, free trips from the airport and booking long in advance, forget 6 weeks.
Exploring Buffalo, New York
Road trip time!
PetBuddy Services in Bushwick, Brooklyn
Starting November 12th, they finally completed their move from Wilson Avenue to 54 Noll Street, Brooklyn. Their new location offers a rooftop playground, pet grooming (through their new partner Pet Wash N’Go and they will be selling organic dog products. Their prices are going up a little with the new facilities, so now cage-less boarding will be $59.99 for 24 hours and $40 for daycare including transportation.
Brooklyn Bow Wow – Doggy Services
– $16 for a 30 minute social walk
– $25 for day care under 6 hours
– $35 for day care over 6 hours
– $45-60 for boarding depending on the length
Bridge and Tunnel Brewery: Dog-Friendly Queens Bar
The Bridge and Tunnel Brewery is an amazing dog-friendly bar right on the border of Ridgewood, Queens and Bushwick, Brooklyn. The delicious draft beers cost $5, dogs are welcome and the staff is incredible!
Nowadays: Pet-Friendly Bar
Their already great beer prices are even more exciting during their 2-for-1 happy hour which runs from 5pm to 8pm on Thursdays and Fridays. It only works for select beers, but where else in NYC can you get a draft beer for $3?
Fostering through Pound Hounds Res-Q: Smiley’s Story
Two days ago we sent a $300 adoption fee to Pound Hounds Res-Q, the place that pulled Smiley from Brooklyn’s high kill shelter, NYACC. We had originally planned on fostering Smiley, the cute 6 year old pit mix who was abandoned because his former owners got pregnant…
Giant Puffball: Easy to Identify Mushroom in NYC
Puffballs of all sizes grow in the forest, alongside roads, in the middle of a green grassy lawn, they can really grow anywhere! You can stir fry them, cook them in the oven and my absolute favorite, is pretending they are pancakes!
Hen of the Woods (Maitake): Easy to Identify Mushroom in NYC
I find these mushrooms the most rewarding to pick, because even a small one is enough as a side dish to any meal and the bigger ones can feed an entire family! Every time I’ve looked for hens, I found at least one and usually had 2-4 kilos (4-9 pounds) in just 30 minutes of searching. Of course, you can also find a single mushroom that weighs 13+ kilos (30+ pounds).
Mushroom Picking in New York City
So many people are curious about picking and cooking mushrooms but fear holds them back. It is never risk-free to eat wild mushrooms, but there are certain kinds that are extremely easy to identify. There are also books, Facebook groups and other recourses that can help you. Never eat anything that you’re not sure about or something that has a poisonous look-a-like.
Why I’m grateful for a Bohemian perspective
With Thanksgiving and the arrival of the advent season, my social media pages are packed with posts about gratitude and getting ready for the holidays. Some posts ask practical, how-to-celebrate questions. Like the one I saw on Prague’s CrowdSauce group for expats. “Does anyone know if they sell oven cooking bags for turkeys here?” Or another, from a friend in the US, “Veg or no veg on Thanksgiving?” with the hashtag #everyonejustwantscarbs.
New to New York: First Impressions
So our first impressions are: New York is awesome! It’s overwhelmingly huge and the atmosphere, in Manhattan especially, is boisterous and pregnant with possibilities that make you want to follow your dreams and shoot for the moon! The people have been friendly, chatty and very welcoming. It’s so diverse and international that no one bats an eyelash about a Ukrainian-born Czech moving here from China…
10 Signs That You Travel Too Much
This year I’ve been lucky enough to travel. A lot. I spent New Year’s Eve in Seoul during a long layover after visiting the USA already anticipating my trip to the Philippines and Indonesia for Chinese New Year. Between working full time and working on my blog and YouTube channel, I was excited to have…
Home in Hilo – Hawaii Travel
I didn’t know much about Hilo before coming here, but it didn’t take long to fall in love with it. The culture shock began on campus, where strangers said hello to me left and right and a friendly cleaning lady asked me to call her “Aunty.” Five weeks later the various aspects of the laidback nature of…
Experiencing UH Hilo – Hawaii Travel
Being Ukrainian and growing up in the Czech Republic, I came to Hawaii with my head full of expectations and uneducated stereotypes. My home university, Anglo American, happened to have an exchange program in University of Hawai’I at Hilo.
UHH Students Help Watershed Project
The Kohala Watershed Partnership is dedicated to helping rid of non-native species and helping those that are native strive. Every month volunteers go to the mountain to do a variety of tasks from planting trees to sterilizing those that shouldn’t be there.
TheTravelBugBite 