I was starting to put together my weekend guide to Portland, then I realized the post was getting a little too long because I just had too many gorgeous photos to share, just like with the dining experience at Tempo Dulu in Portland. So, I'm breaking it up to do it justice. Today, I'm going to take you guys on a tour of where you should stay if you're looking for a boutique hotel in Portland, Maine. 

Boutique hotel is not what I would use to describe Black Point Inn, as it's more of a classic historic New England Inn gone lux, however it does pop up when searching for accommodations in the Portland area. 

It just doesn't get more classic than this. If you are looking for a gorgeous historical New England inn...

I knew Portland in Maine was a town full of food fanatics, but I don't think I was quite expecting the level of innovation that I experienced. 

That statement might seem ironic, coming from a New Yorker who lives in the epicenter of the home to some of the best restaurants in the world.

But in New York...

Happy Friday, everyone! How's your fall going so far?

It was my birthday on Wednesday, and it's been a time of reflection and evaluation. I've been thinking about all the things I want to experience and accomplish in this next year, and more importantly...

"Every time we choose courage, we make everyone around us a little better and the world a little braver. And our world could stand to be a little kinder and braver."

-Brené Brown

I've always found it funny how we work so hard to conceal the best parts of ourselves.

Our vulnerability. Our emotions. Our heart. 

These are the beautiful parts of us that...

Okay, so the autumnal equinox is not until the 22nd, but I am already in full-fledged fall mode! 

I truly am a fall baby, and not just because I was born during it- there is something that makes me feel more alive and in my element during fall that doesn't happen the same way in any other season. 

This weekend...

Happy September!

I am kind of in shock that it is somehow already September. How has this year flown by so fast?

Although, I do have to say that I am very happy this month is here. I am such a sucker for all things autumn- foliage, upcoming holidays, my favorite weather, and a general sense of renewal in the air as people head back to school and work after a relaxing summer. 

Yesterday I had a meeting with...

Shit Happens.

Sorry, Mom! 

But seriously. Life is full of hardships, and undeserved obstacles that can come without explanation. Sometimes there is no rhyme and reason. And it's really, really not fair. But no question about it- it's not a matter of "if" they'll happen to you. It's "when."

And guys?

Happy Friday my dears!

Is anyone else looking forward to the start of Autumn and the end of this humid heat? 

I cannot WAIT for the fall breeze, foliage, and cozying up in sweaters. It's unequivocally my favorite season, and I'm really looking forward to the change of weather and...

After departing San Francisco to begin our California Coast roadtrip, our first major stop on our way down south was Carmel by the Sea and the surrounding Monterey area.

Today I'll be sharing a bit about our short and sweet getaway in this quaintly charming little town, and the beautiful new Hotel Carmel that we got to experience.

Carmel is an adorable little area with the...

Today I want to talk about a fear that scares us and holds us all back. 

It's something that makes us scared of even trying for what we want.
It's something that hampers us from being our best selves because we get hung up on it.
It's something that makes us scared of looking in the mirror and acknowledging truths.
It's something that keeps us from embracing and working on our weaknesses.

What is this fact? We ALL inevitably fail. 

Hey guys. I've missed you all! It's been awhile. 

I'll be back to usual posting next week, but today I want to share some updates and something special to me today. 

My dad passed away 1 week ago, today, and it's been a whirlwind of every emotion in the book. Experiencing a loss like this is hard to describe accurately, and every...

I've thought several times about when and how I would write this post, and the timing just didn't feel right. Not only the timing, but I didn't even know where to begin describing the situation.

Even though I share a decent amount of my personal life on here and on Instagram, when things involve other people like my family or friends, I try to respect their privacy to not overshare things and I need to keep certain things private and cherished for myself. But it's finally time to let you guys in on the very difficult thing affecting my heart these past few months, as it is the reason I am taking a hiatus from this blog here for at least this week and perhaps the next...

Happy Friday, everyone! 

Things have been overwhelming and lots of heavy stuff happening around here, but a bright light is here that we've all been so excited for: my sister is getting MARRIED tomorrow! We are headed up there to the...

It's here! A giant photo of my face to welcome you to Monday! Just kidding.

In all seriousness, I am really excited to share the updates happening on Living Minnaly with you guys today. We are just a month shy of our TWO-year anniversary (whaaat?!), and both the blog and myself have gone through quite a bit of changes. 

So today, I'm sharing with you all what exactly Living Minnaly means, where it started, and where it's headed...

The experience at Half Moon Bay is one of my most memorable parts of my California Coast roadtrip, and it's one of the parts I've been most looking forward to sharing with you all.

Just 50 minutes outside of San Francisco and 20 miles from the SFO airport, Half Moon Bay marks a great entry point to the Pacific Coast Highway (Route 1) if you are driving to or from San Francisco to Los Angeles. I highly recommend...

Happy Friday and happy July 4th weekend!

Man, I canNOT believe that it is somehow already July and we are officially past the halfway mark for the year of 2016. Anyone else feel like they don't know where this year went? Things have been...

Everyone ready for a little virtual trip to San Francisco for this #traveltuesday? 

Even though I had never been to northern California before, I have had a strange connection to it for years and almost feel like I had already been. Many of my friends are from the Bay area, and I've been repeatedly told how they can just "picture" me in my element there. Which, is...

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. 
Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
- Martin Luther King Jr.

Wishing everyone some extra love this week, and...