I love New England. There's something about it that feels strangely like home to me, even though I'm not from the area at all. While I've visited several cities in the region for weekend trips, I had yet to check off that weekend trip to Portland, Maine I had been wanting to take for so long. 

When the opportunity came up, I immediately jumped on it to make it work. It's a decent drive (about 5.5 hours with no stops) from NYC to Maine, so I wanted to maximize my time in Portland to fit as much as possible into a single weekend. I'm sure a lot of people feel the same, which is why I curated this weekend guide to Portland, Maine here...

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...

Happy Monday, everyone! 

Oh this weekend was most certainly filled with goodness.

Celebrated one of my best friend's birthday, another one of other best friend got engaged the day before her birthday, I got to catch up with several friends, do lots of walking around in gorgeous NYC fall weather, AND finally checked off an...

Yep. Another pumpkin recipe. Don't hate me yet, though.

Why? Well, girl's gotta try to not waste food, so having leftover canned pumpkin puree after making my gluten-free pumpkin pancakes, I wanted to figure out another easy recipe that didn't involve baking to use the rest up...

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...

Hello October and hello to these gluten-free pumpkin pancakes!

I think I've said this nearly every month this year, but how on earth is this year flying by so quickly? Feels like it was just my sister's wedding at the end of July, but yet here we are. The leaves are beginning to turn, there's that beautiful fall chill in the air; the season is in full swing. 

People (bloggers in particular) tend to jump on the pumpkin train... 

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...

Happy Monday, everyone!

We had a gooooorgeous fall weekend with sunny weather in the low 70's with an amazing breeze. If only NYC was like this year-round!

The farmer's market is full of fall goodies now, lots of kale, apples, dahlias, and of course, an abundance of winter squash and gourds...

"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...

I think most women and a good chunk of men have thought this at one point or another:

"I'm doing all the right things: mostly eating well and working out, but why does my fitness progress always seem to fluctuate and yo-yo?"

Have you or anyone else found themselves in a constant, never-ending state of "trying to cut those last few pounds?" It is so understandably frustrating to feel like you are constantly fighting an uphill battle, and never being satisfied for too long.

I've noticed...

Ugh. These Black and Bolyard boys are killing me with their recipes! First it was the bay leaf brown butter penne with pancetta, asparagus, and mushrooms, and now this ridiculous dish. 

I admit- looking at the ingredients, I may not have picked it off a restaurant menu for myself. Lime and basil aren't usually my thing, combining those sweeter flavors in a savory dish. But I would have sorely missed out, because ...

Confession: I barely turned on my oven all summer. 

Granted, I wasn't home very much to cook at all this summer with all that happened, but still. NYC is enough of an oven outdoors that I don't need to turn my apartment into an oven too!

But now autumn is rolling around, and I'm feeling the urges to cuddle up in cozier layers and nest a bit in my...

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...

Soooo I posted a shorter blurb of this on my Instagram a few months ago, but I wanted to give you guys some (literal) food for thought this Wellness Wednesday!

I overheard an interesting conversation at a coffeeshop one day. A man was telling his friend how his trainer told him that coffee/caffeine is horrible for you and it was off limits. He then proceeded...

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?

How many of you guys feel like you're working really hard in the gym, but your progress is stalling? It can be extremely frustrating to put in the work and not reap the rewards you're supposed to be getting. What if you’re forgetting about the one really important thing here that could kickstart your progress again? Recovery is as important (if not more so) than working out and your time in the gym— here’s how to maximize recovery:

Happy Monday, my dears!

Today, I'm going to share with you guys a little drink that I've been making for myself every morning for the past several months. Iced matcha lattes have become all the rage lately, replacing the usual morning coffee for many people, but mine has a little extra twist to it to amp up the health factor: collagen.

But before I dive into that...