Hayward Field Magic

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Hayward Field is the track and field for the University of Oregon but it is known all over the world as it is a state of the art complex not just meant for collegiate athletes but international elite track and field athletes, too. Anyone in the running world knows of Hayward Field as it is where most of the Olympic Trial Track and Field events take place. It is also in my hometown of Eugene, Oregon, and therefore a historic building in the center of town.  I spent my childhood attending all types of events there — collegiate, international meets.

 

Every summer, I attend at least one event at Hayward. It is iconic. And so so so so much fun. It is unlike any place I have ever been.

 

Hayward’s original building was constructed in 1919. It was an old, dilapidated, nonfunctional, but fully quirky, charming and eccentric building. So since it had an international attendance, it was recreated and redesigned in 2020. Now, it is a state of the art, highly modern building. Less charming, but still iconic and ever so beautiful in that big weird looking building type of way.

 

This photo is from August this year. There is literally no bad seat in the house.

 

And why bringing this up now? GOOD QUESTION! 😉 That is because after the Chicago Marathon, I went to my hometown to see my mom (my father was away in Europe for his swan song of a conference he created 30 years ago). A good friend’s daughter is a runner at the UO (5th year, graduated from Stanford as a runner), so when I was home, she gave me a tour of the BELOW area of the track. YUP, a part that only athletes and staff can enter. AND IT WAS INCREDIBLE.

 

First of all, it is so digitally advanced. You put your fingertips on a keyboard to get in. No key, no ID badge, just your hand. and then VOILA, you are inside. There is a track INSIDE underneath the track. YEP, so the athletes can workout in. IT IS HUGE. No amount of pictures can show you the vastness and space of this underground area. IT IS HUGE.

There are a million workout areas, spas (yep, a nail salon and a barber), physical therapy areas, treadmills, etc…and then there are doors to the outdoors. It is like walking in to heaven.

The ever so famous track.

I loved this machine. Water water water water and gatorade.

More space.

This is the ab workout they do for an hour every single day. Yes, they report to the track EVERY SINGLE MORNING 7 times a week at 845 am until 1 pm. EVERY SINGLE DAY.

 

There is also the locker room, the equipment room, and so much more. The runners get new outfits for every single race (sponsored by Nike, of course) and are treated like royalty. Anyways, just wanted to share with you all a little piece of my hometown and some secrets of the track world. It is unbelievably cool, and I am so appreciative of the extra special visit I received.  I hope you are having a great week — I just got back from a whirlwind trip of Chicago, Eugene, and Ojai. It’s been great, and a lot.

Big Dog Donuts and Deli

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I have been in my hometown for the past couple of days to spend time with my mama, which has been great, and this morning when she had some commitments, a friend of mine and I drove to the coast to go to a donut store. YUP, 60 miles (each way) to get donuts. I mean, also to see the gorgeous drive and even better the Pacific Ocean. The Oregon Coast is one of those magical places that is a hidden gem — so so beautiful and different and exquisite. So even though our goal was to get donuts, we got to spend a little time on the beautiful Oregon Dunes to make it even MORE magical and memorable. But these donuts, HOLY DELICIOUSNESS, beyond good. Big Dog Donuts and Deli (even love the name).

 

They serve breakfast and are known for all their different breakfast burritos and sandwiches, but even MORE famous for their donuts.

Me in front — with a bakers dozen of donuts.

Cute sign.

My type of place with puns everywhere.

YOU KNOW IT.

Our selection that we drove home to Eugene with.

We stopped by my favorite spot along the Oregon Dunes.

Made some kissy faces.

lots of jumps. Walk along the water.  And then went home.

 

Made it home by noon. So much fun. So if you are in the Florence area (or in Eugene) — highly recommend the pit stop at Big Dog Donuts. Off tomorrow to see the kids at school for Parent’s Weekend and I CANNOT WAIT I AM SO EXCITED.

Chicago Marathon 2026 Recap

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25th marathon in the books. Not my fastest by a long shot, but one that I will walk away with lots of lessons. It was hot. Beyond hot. Humid. Excruciating so. And mentally, I knew from the minute I entered the race that this was not going to be my day to run fast. But I didn’t give up — when I wanted to, when I easily could have taken the easy route and done so — but instead, I ran with my heart, ALL HEART, and completed the race.

 

As usual, I left early on Saturday morning for Chicago.

Went straight to the expo — which was done extremely well and was so easy to go in and out. Took a whopping 10 minutes to get my number and leave.

As always, stayed at my dear friend’s apartment at the start of the race. Nothing makes me feel luckier and more loved than being in her presence.

We ate a slice of pizza at 2:30, which on year 11 of running this race, is what we ALWAYS do at 2:30 on the Saturday before.

The sunset was crazy. I almost dropped my phone off her balcony (62nd floor) to take this photo — but I had to do it — it was beyond stunning.

Our pre race meal. The same as always.

This was me at breakfast — and I think it shows the setting of the day. Big task at hand, all alone but myself to complete it.

Me running.

Lots of nike signs throughout (but unlike last year, about half as many — and yes, that is because Nike has lost so much money and is doing poorly right now).

My remains of the day, besides my cheesy lessons and take aways.

Guzzled down way too many of these. And also ended up drinking a beer at a sports bar which I have not done in a decade. Or more.

Went out to dinner with my hostess, walked almost 55K steps that day!

Saw some signs that I didn’t manage to see during the race itself.

The cute texts from my daughter (also got them from so many friends and family which mean the world to me. Thank you thank you to everyone who reached out — it meant so so much).

Smiling. Done. And yes, my skin on my stomach looks weird. Don’t look.

 

Ok, so what are my take aways besides not to give up and that I can do hard things? I am curious about my fear — l am so scared about hurting in the future and not finishing the race (I have never NOT finished a race) that I am scared and worry and consume all my thoughts with doubt. What if I didn’t have fear? If I believed that I could do, if I knew that I could do it? Not just in running — but in life. I am going to have to think about it for a long time — how to shift my perspective, how to believe in myself more, how to not be so scared and live in fear — because then, what would happen?

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Anyways, thanks so much for reading the recap. I know it is self promotion so I appreciate the time it takes to read and absorb it all. It was a hard marathon — a flipping very hard one. And I did it, so now, rest and relax, and time to start believing.

Chickn Legs Shorts

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If you are a runner then you probably know about Chickn Legs shorts. And if you don’t know about it (or know of a runner in your family), then now is the time to get in the know about this company. Chicken Legs is a running apparel company started in 2018 in Miami by two runners. They are known for short, fun, comfortable, and affordable distance running shorts. Most of the designs are totally wacky and crazy, but when you run a lot, it is fun to mix things up.

Some of the fun and wacky varieties sold. And you should see their Halloween options!

 

These shorts are the perfect lightweight fabric, have soft interior liners so you don’t accidentally show anything, and great comfortable waistbands. Although I have never purchased my own (at $35 per shorts, I am wondering why I have never bought them before! You can’t beat the price!), over the weekend, I was gifted a pair from my sister-from-another-mister a special pair for the Chicago Marathon.

 

Look at these fun and cute shorts! I love the thoughtfulness behind the gift and that it incorporates two things I love — running and the Chicago Marathon!

The waistband.

The liner.

On someone (and not me).

 

I can’t wait to wear these tomorrow on my run and show off my Chicago Marathon pride. To look at more of their shorts and options, go here. And as a gift recipient of them, I must say, they are a great gift!! So if you need a gift for a runner friend, then this will make them so happy!

Brown Sneakers

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Last month when I was in Paris, the number one fashion trend I saw was brown sneakers. Yep, every single woman was wearing some variation of a brown sneaker. Most of them were Adidas sneakers, but they literally were every type of brown sneaker.

 

So of course, I jumped on the band wagon of brown sneakers.

Love these so much. Obviously they are comfortable and easy to wear, but they go with every single outfit.

another look.

perfection.

 

These are the exact ones I got. But you can’t go wrong with brown sneakers and I love them all (and in comparison to all the prices of shoes these days, these are so inexpensive and affordable and I love the price point). I hope you are having a great week!

NYTimes Peanut Butter Cookies

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Yes, I know, when I post a recipe, you can just go to the website that I post — which I am totally fine with — because I just want you to know that I LOVE THIS RECIPE AND THEY ARE AMAZING AND YOU NEED TO MAKE THEM RIGHT NOW. The best. Like hands down, the best peanut butter cookies I have ever ever tried and I am not sure how much is too much……but I made them yesterday, and I cannot stop eating them and all I want to do is eat them. NYTimes Salty Sweet Peanut Butter Sandies.

 

Ingredients:

 

simple ingredients.

 

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar

  • ¾ cup (packed light brown sugar

  • 1 heaping teaspoon kosher salt

  • 2 cups unsweetened peanut butter, creamy or chunky

  • 2 eggs, room temperature

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • Flaky sea salt and coarse sugar for sprinkling

 

 

Directions:

 

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper Mix together the butter and sugars until smooth and fluffy. Then ,add the peanut butter and eggs, and mix. Finally, add the flour and salt and mix.

 

  • Then scoop and put on the prepared lined pans. Since they don’t change shape, you can put them more closely together than you would with other cookies.

 

  • Then, add sugar and salt to the top. Bake for 12-15 minutes. And voila. DONE.

 

On the lined sheets.

Sprinkled with sugar and salt.

Finished.

OMG CAN YOU SEE HOW DELICIOUS THESE ARE?

 

Best cookies ever. Try them and let me know.

New Paris Tips

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So I have my usual Parisian haunts that I go to every single time I am there, but this time, I mixed things up a little and did a lot of different things. Here are some random places and things I loved last weekend!

 

1. Andy Warhol Exhibit

 

This exhibit is small and sweet, but loved every minute of it. And not too busy and you don’t need tickets far in advance. it is being shown until mid January so if you have the chance to go see before, highly recommend.

One of the many beautiful Warhols.

 

2. Luxembourg Gardens

 

I haven’t spent much time in the Luxembourg gardens, but now I want to. I want to go sit and read a book, drink a coffee, explore. It was one of the most beautiful parks I have ever been to and can’t wait to return.

Look at these insane dahlias. So beautiful.

 

3. Montmartre Cafe: La Bossue

 

Went to this cafe with a friend who lives in the area, and I loved every part of it. Not just the decor (because who doesn’t love this cheeky needlepoint with florals — so up my alley), but also the food and cafe were perfection. 10 out of 10.

Holy crap these both were unbelievable.

 

4. Pere Lachaise Cemetery

 

Never have I ever visited the most popular cemetery in Paris — filled with so many celebrities and stars. It was so crazy huge and big — a park! Spooky beautiful and great to visit.

Laughed at this graffiti that was on the wall of the cemetery — hell is real.

 

5. Space Invaders around Cemetery

 

I had never been to the 20eme arrondissement, so after visiting the cemetery, spent the afternoon doing the perimeter in search of space invaders. I found 27 that day!!! SO MANY I was so proud of myself. This store front was by far my favorite.

This is the cemetery.

This is me walking alone up and down the streets searching for the invaders.

 

6. Sound Bath

 

HANDS DOWN the best sound bath experience I have ever been to. Even if you are in town for just a short time, I recommend visiting this place and checking it out. Was incredible.

Not many tourists, as one can imagine. Loved every second.

 

7. Le Bon Marche

 

Coffee.

Of course have to always visit Le Bon Marche as it is my favorite store in the world. I love looking at the ceiling and seeing the current display. So much inspiration and beauty all in one place.

 

8. Concert at Notre Dame

 

It is impossible to go to Notre Dame inside these days since it reopened, but a friend got tickets to see inside and listen. Very relaxing and beautiful.

Loved this experience.

 

9. Art Outside

 

Art is everywhere. Especially in Paris. The moon, the Cartier billboard, the bridge. I love Paris so much.

Patriotic. Loved this.

 

10. Moroccan Restaurant

 

Moroccan food that was beautiful, delicious, off the beaten path.

A beautiful terrace outside, too.

 

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And there you have it! Some new finds and discoveries in Paris.

Biologique Recherche BioKiss

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My favorite self-care treatment in Paris is to go to the Biologique Recherche headquarters in Paris (in the 8eme) and get a facial. It is always my absolute favorite — not only does it make your skin glow and feel super relaxing, but the products are hands down the best AND….drumroll….a fraction of the cost when in Paris. I love all their products, but right now, I am especially in to the Biokiss — An antioxidant-rich balm. It is rich, luxurious, moisturizing, and the best of the best. I bought it in June and replenished now and CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT IT.

 

First of all, even walking in to the spa feels like a destination, something special and extraordinary.

After the treatment, they always put their thoughts on what you should get and discuss it with you. I left with an eye cream, finishing mask, and my favorite lip stuff that I cannot live without.

THIS IS MADE OF DREAMS.

I can’t say enough about this. You need it for your lips. Best best best best ever.

Biokiss, the best of the best.

 

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So if you are like me and have dry lips (and am even drier in the winter), get this moisturizing balm and you will be happy. Promise.

Paris to Versailles (and back)

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Currently en route back from Paris to NYC (thank you plane wifi), and so much to write about….but first, have to share with you a run I did when in Paris — 20 miles. From Paris to Versailles and back. It was TOTALLY crazy, but so incredible and I am so so so happy that I did it. It took some more organization than I was used to because my cell service (especially the GPS) does not work so great. So I had to stare at a map for several hours to acquaint myself with the route. There were some points that were questionable (ie running over a freeway, or wondering if my cell phone batter was going to die, etc) but it was a highlight of my time and I would definitely recommend doing this.

 

I didn’t start taking pictures until I arrived at Versailles….kind of like a marathon….I never buy gear of the marathon until it is over. I didn’t want to take pictures of a failed route (and also needed to conserve my battery). So it was great when I arrived in Versailles and looked up and saw this space invader. Made me feel like I had won the lottery.

I ran on a Monday which is the day that Versailles is closed to the public — not that it mattered to me — but didn’t go past the gate.

Gate in all its glory.

TADA! I made it!!!!

SOOOOOO many hills believe it or not. And some were trails (once again, where I thought I had potential to get murdered)

Back home and done with the run.

20 miles complete. Yes, I finished at the 20 mile mark which meant it was not equal distance there and back. At one point I thought I could run another 3 miles — but for what?

So much walking after that it felt great on my legs and getting the lactic acid released.

 

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Apparently this route is popular on the weekends….but I was the only runner I saw on Monday (it was a Monday and not early). So fun, loved it. Can’t wait for more random run adventures like this. Hope you are having a great week! And more later with more on fun Parisian adventures.

 

Fall 2026 Running Playlist

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Fall running in the city is hectic and busy. There are SOOOOO many runners in the park that it is like playing a video game trying to weave between all the different runners. But it is also the best — nothing beats running in Fall weather in Central Park. And currently, here is my playlist for all my runs.

 

Running means stopping at my favorite bakery to get my almond croissant I love so much.

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Fall 2026 Running Playlist

New York  (Rufus Du Sol)
Translatlantic (ZHU)
Mabe (Fred Again)
Monopoly Man (AFROJACK)
Drug in Us (Mindchatter, Aaron Hibell)
Spirit Bird (Joris Vorn)
The World Slows Down (NOVEMBER KID)
WAY2U (Texture)
Let Go (Neon Tide)
Talking in our sleep (Cosmos Jones)
Closer (Adriatique, Emmit Fenn)
Is It Love (Above and Beyond, Matt Lange)
Monophobia (deadmau5, Rinzen)
Feel the Rush (Valentino)
Rise Slow (Kimo Sounds)
Keep Me Waiting (Ted Bear)
Spacer (Christoph)

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Hope you enjoy the playlist and it helps motivate you to run!

Things to do Fall 2026 in NYC

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There are so many fun activities to do in NYC during the fall: apple pick, bike rides in Central Park, see the leaves change at Storm King, drink coffee while walking down the West Side Highway, walk along the Highline, etc…here are more specific / unique to 2026 that I would like to do this season.

 

1. See Much Ado About Nothing

 

In all my research, THIS is the play to go to this fall. I am so excited to see it! Just need to figure it out and get to it! This is a colorful, exuberant play with two major stars and strong London reviews. The Broadway production will open October 31st.

 

 

2. Inter Alia on Broadway 

 

I absolutely loved Prima Facie from several years ago, so I am really really excited about this new play. I have no doubt that it will be just as incredible and impactful as Prima Facie.

 

3. Krasner and Pollack at the Met

 

Opens up on October 3rd at the Met and should be a great and different exhibit.

 

4. Taryn Simon at the Guggenheim

 

This exhibit opens up at the end of the week and should be a fun experience. this presentation will bring together never-before-seen photographs, text, videos, and sculptures into a singular, interactive installation filling the entire rotunda. It will mark the first monographic exhibition by a photography-based artist in the rotunda and the largest debut of new work ever staged at the Guggenheim.

 

5. A Champagne masterclass at Nine Orchard

 

Who wouldn’t want to try different champagnes and celebrate them? This sounds incredible.

 

6.  Broom Making Class

 

I love Tatter, I love crafting, and I love workshops. So taking a workshop of making a broom at Tatter seems like a dream come true. Definitely try it out if you have never before. This class is on November 16th from 11:00-3:30 pm. I have taken a basket weaving class there before and had the best experience.

 

7. Eat at Cote 550 

 

This restaurant is supposed to be the best with a group. COTE 550 opened in April 2026 at 550 Madison Avenue in Midtown. It’s a new location of the original COTE in Flatiron, which opened in 2017. The room feels like a night out: a blue-lit entrance, an underground dining room with a shallow central pool, and a DJ at the front bar every night.

 

8. Stuff your face at Frenzie in Brooklyn Heights

 

I love Pizza so so so much — it is my favorite food group, so reading about this new restaurant makes me so hungry and excited to try it!

 

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There you have it! My list of things to do this Fall. Anything else I should add to the list?

 

Currently Loving September 2026

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And just like that…..here we are mind September. This month has been a blur with a lot going on, but still trying to find some joy in all the places. And here is what I am loving.

 

1. US Open 

 

Nothing compares to the US Open. NOTHING. Day sessions, night sessions. They are all my absolute favorite part of the city in September. Can’t get enough.

 

2. Tennis Ball on Building 

 

Loved this glitter US Open ball in the sky on top of a building. Whimsical, fun, and celebrating all the magic of NYC.

 

3. Plaza Fountain

 

The fountain in front of the Plaza FINALLY opened and it has this very cute turtle with the water coming out of it. I love it so much. So cute.

 

4. New Dog Statues 

 

Aren’t these fun? I tried to get a picture of Stevie with these statue dogs and she wanted nothing to do with it.

 

5. New York Pizza

 

As an empty nester, I have been eating a lot of pizza. A LOT. And this pizza was delicious. Anyone have good meals when no kids are around?

 

6. 9/11 Memorial 

 

Went down to look at the 9/11 memorial, and ended up talking to a security guard for 20 minutes where he told me all these fun facts. It was a great hour just looking at the memorial and taking it all on. 25 years. Pretty insane.

 

7. Gloria Steinem’s House

 

Gloria apparently lived across the street from my son’s old school, Buckley. So when I went there to meet a friend to walk, it was so fun to see all the flowers and notes to Gloria. RIP.

 

8. Cute Reminder

 

Yes, so true. Forward is a pace.

 

9. View of Standard Hotel

 

Walked the Highline over the weekend and also went to the Whitney museum so looked out AT the highland after. Such a nice view. I love walking all over the city and seeing all the fun and different buildings. It was fun to see the Standard Hotel and remembered how when it first was built, how people would walk to the window naked. And sure enough, as I was looking the building, saw not one but TWO people naked staring out at the city. Gotta love NYC.

 

10. Madison Fare Frozen Yogurt

 

Nothing beats this frozen yogurt from Madison Fare. Especially the pistachio butter — holy cow — still dreaming of it.

 

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Also loved The Lioness, Central Park full of energy and vibrancy, the rush of school starting…..What are you loving right now?

 

Bandit Running

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So as someone who loves to run, and run a lot, I have experimented with all different running clothes. A shirt here, a short there, a sock somewhere else. And I always come back to the same (1) socks and (2) tops. Both are from Bandit Running. Only 6 years old, this running company is making a splash with its quality and variety in running clothes. Every runner in Central Park wears something of Bandit on their body — not just because it looks good (it is very monochromatic and nondescript) but because they are top quality and are the best of the best.

 

I own three different styles of this race top. I love it so much and do all my long runs and races in it. They have pockets, built in bras, simple comfortable, easy.

This shirt is a different synthetic top and I love the feel of it. Boring and easy, but works perfectly.

The socks are what put Bandit on the map. They were the first products and for good reason — these are THE BEST RUNNING SOCKS OUT THERE no comparison.

 

So if you are a runner, you most likely already know about Bandit. If you don’t, trust me. And if you are just starting to run, you will love this gear. Worth it 100%. These are my favorite products: Scoop neck race crop, Stamina race crop, Stamina pocket, and Micromesh running cropped t.  Apparently I like cropped running shirts. But all of them are good — it is the quality of the fabric, the way that they feel when they are sweaty, etc…trust me.

Lil Luv Dog Wipes

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OK so we all know that dogs get DIRTY. Like, really really dirty. But I used to ignore it (ignorance is bliss) until my-go-to-for-most-everything became a new dog owner and told me about Lil Luv Dog Wipes. And now, I use them every day and am in disbelief that I didn’t use them before. It actually grosses me out that I didn’t use them in the past. These are not any dog wipes, these compostable wipes that smell insanely good, and are gentle to cleanse coats, paws, and faces without disrupting your dog’s natural skin balance. Sold.

 

Dirty dog likes to sit on me, sit on furniture, etc…and now I am ever so thankful I have wipes to make her paws and body clean. Thank goodness.

You can subscribe to them so you don’t have to think about reordering them.

Information about them.

Some more photos of the wipes.

 

 

If you have a dog, then. trust me, get them.

Boarding School Drop Off x2

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So, this happened. Both kids are off to boarding school. Before I get too emotional (because all I have been doing is crying), I wanted to share the photos of the drop off. Oversharing, yes. But wanted to show you why I have been silent (packing, traveling, dropping off, more crying), here is what I have been up to.

 

 

The kids wanted to drive from Oregon to Ojai as it is less abrupt of an arrival, and they had a sh*t ton of stuff anyways. The halfway point was lucky in that it is in Northern CA where we got to stay with our best friends and have a home cooked meal and lots of laughs. Here is Tusia with some food that our host made. She is modern day Martha Stewart and everything she does is perfection.

Best friend Amers made the most incredible pork and slaw I have ever eaten in my life and I am dreaming of it now. I literally just texted her asking for the recipe. I need to share it with you all as soon as I get it (and try to make it).

Nice Northern California sky to send us on a family walk and get our legs moving before another day in the car.

Lots of laughs. I miss that smile and laugh so much, but not going to cry. Nope, not crying.

Lots of hills.

17 hours in the car and we made it to Ojai.

A box of goodies to eat at The Duchess.

This almond flour, vegan cake is my favorite thing in the store.

Took all day (Thursday) to set up Cruzzie’s room.

The outside of his dorm — looks and feels like a frat.

Palm trees never get old to me.

Friday was the big move in day for Tusia and it was super scary and brave and courageous and emotional and hard.

But we put her room together.

This is outside her room.

Dining hall with new friends.

Ojai tangerines are everywhere you look.

Wonder if Tusia is from NYC?

Wonder if Tusia is from NYC?

The outside of the dining hall (and beautiful clouds)

My beloveds.

There is a little nook for the freshman girls to watch the sunset. I love it so much.

Cried all night and day. But made it to the Parent Party for the 9th grade parents. It was held at the Turtle Conservancy.

They gave out glass hearts in Thacher colors — I took 2. Two kids, two hearts left there.

Beautiful scenery. Kept wondering if I was going to accidentally fall in to the pool though.

Delicious Mexican food.

Then headed out with some parents to the Ojai Valley Brewery and this is my newest favorite place. Had never been and can’t wait to go back!

All types of beers and wines on tap!

Cried myself to sleep and headed back to Oregon. Goodbye, Ojai, I love you. And most of all, the two most important people to me are in Ojai, so please be safe.

 

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Thanks for letting me share. And for those other parents with kids at school — I see you, I feel you, I am here.

 

Currently Loving August 2026 Part 2

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End of August brings up a lot of feelings — the dread of the new season, saying goodbye to summer — all are so hard for me. Trying to live in the present and enjoying the NOW and the CURRENT soooooo…here is what I am loving right this very second.

 

1. Summer meals

 

Doesn’t this plate of food just scream SUMMER? Everything was perfect. Fresh. Delicious. Local. Amazing.

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Ice Cream Cake Hack

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I know I did this post several years ago, but for new readers AND old readers, I decided it needed to be shared again! An easy ice cream cake hack — so easy, it’s totally cheating but so delicious and fun to make. All you need is ice cream sandwiches, homemade whipping cream, chocolate syrup, and some type of topping like crushed Oreos. And voila, ice cream sandwich cakes.

 

You line a baking vessel with wax paper, and then put the first layer of ice cream sandwiches. I bought mini ones so they were easy to fit in and didn’t need to be cut.

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Lavender Sachets

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Mid July, we went to the Lavender Festival on the McKenzie River. Loved every minute of being admit the natural beauty of Oregon fir trees and lavender bushes. We picked lavender to dry and just *NOW* made lavender sachets with it. (As you might have seen in this week’s earlier post about art projects this summer, it has been one we started but didn’t yet finish. Until now! Never too late….)

 

U-pick lavender is the best. I loved it even though I got stung by a bee on my thumb and complained about it for a week.

My bundle of lavender to dry.

Tusia had the hard part of embroidering flowers on a piece of plain fabric. She made four of them — they are all different and all so gorgeous and imaginative.

Then, I sewed them together, stuffing them and closing them tightly.

The purple stack.

Love all four! They are definitely NOT professional, but they are so fun and smell beyond good.

 

We all participated in it as a family activity, Cruzzie even sewed them on the sewing machine (until he lost steam). I am so excited to use these and have a little of Oregon back home in NYC!

Art Projects Summer 2026

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Summers in Oregon usually are packed with lots of outdoor adventures (hiking, biking, running, exploring) as well as arts and crafts. And this year, it has been no different. Here are the arts and craft projects I have been working on this summer

 

Straw Tray

 

From straw, I braided 6 meters worth of straw together — harder than it seemed and caused my fingers to ache. But, worth the pain.

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Currently Loving August 2026

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August is one of my least favorite months — it means that summer is almost over and I start having MAJOR anxiety about school starting back up and all the changes that will take place this year. I am trying to slow down and appreciate the moment, so here is what I am loving *RIGHT NOW*

 

1. Spider Man

 

We went to the Marvel movie on Saturday night — and believe it or not, not only did I stay awake (HUGE accomplishment), but I actually loved it. Highly recommend.

 

2. Tacovore

 

Oregon tacos are my favorite — especially from Tacovore — these two tacos were perfection and I cannot wait to go back and have more this week.

 

3. Bandit Racing Top

 

Race season is creeping up, and that means a lot of running. I purchased two new tank tops from Bandit and they are my absolute favorite. No bra needed, and they have lots of storage space and pockets. They are PERFECTION.

 

4. U-Pick Flowers

 

We picked 15 stems — and they cost 15 dollars! What a steal! And so beautiful….

 

5. Exploring the River

 

Stevie our city dog actually LOVES the life in Oregon filled with lots of hikes, adventures, and water to explore. She doesn’t swim in the river but she loves to put her feet in it and putter around. Nothing makes me happier than seeing her happy in the water.

 

6. Mr. Dumpling

 

The best dumpling restaurant in Oregon — hands down — and might be one of our ALL TIME favorite dumpling restaurants. All the dishes are incredible, prices are amazing, and the service (and owners) couldn’t be nicer. 5 stars.

 

7. Neighborhood Signs

 

Eugene is known for the runners and the running community, and this sign just makes me happy. Don’t give up.

 

8. Organic Natural Wine

 

Hippy dippy natural orange wine, sign me up!

 

___

SLOW DOWN TIME!!!!! Summer, I love you!

Dried Peaches

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In Oregon, one of my favorite activities is to go to one of the hundreds of farms and pick fruit or veggies. And this past week, we went to a Peach farm — which is one of my favorite U-picks of the season (who doesn’t love peaches?). We collected 16 pounds of peaches — so we kept some fresh to have as snacks, made a peach galette, and dehydrated the rest.

 

Peaches galore.

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Axe Pancakes

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As mentioned earlier this week, last week I was in the Bay Area stuffing my face with the most delicious food, ingredients, and meals. And one of my FAVORITE things (I have yet to mention) was the breakfast — Axe Pancakes.

 

Currently only available in California (you can get them on Good Eggs in Bay Area, and in various stores in Southern California). You buy this big tub of pancake mix that is frozen and store it in the freezer until the night before you want to use it.

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Northern CA Favorite Dining

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Last week, I spent a couple days with my sister from another mister( aka my best friend), at her home in Northern California. We had the best time hanging 0ut and not doing much other than eating (our favorite pastime together). Here are some of my favorite meals we ate during my stay.

 

The two of us at Land’s End in northern CA looking at the Ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge — HIGHLY recommend this walk / hike — truly gorgeous the entire 3.5 miles — from every step.

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Jimmy Fairly Sunglasses

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When I was in Paris, one of my favorite items I purchased was a pair of sunglasses from Jimmy Fairly. Jimmy Fairly is the Parisian equivalent to Warby Parker — stylish, trendy, current glasses and sunglasses at reasonable price points. I could have bought so many of them but landed on one pair — The Napoli. And they just opened their first USA store in NYC so I can’t wait to try more of them on!

 

Walking in Paris eating a kale salad. On brand. (In the sunglasses) (and with the tote bag that comes with the sunglasses –even better).

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