Currently Loving November 2026

Ok, I know we just started the month of November, but I feel like November goes faster than any other month with Thanksgiving at the end….so here I am with my list of current things I am loving! Happy November

 

1. New York City Marathon

 

My favorite day of the year in NYC. By far. I cheered for 4 plus hours — for the elites, for the fast runners, for the slower runners. I am so happy that I was able to cheer for Susie (pictured) who is the biggest cheerleader I know, so to be able to cheer her on a mile 25 late in the day made me so happy. But honestly, everything about the NY marathon brings so much joy. You see people achieving their dreams, putting one foot in front of the other, and believing in themselves. I love it. More than any other day.

 

2. Motek

 

Ate dinner at Motek, an Israeli restaurant, for the first time this week and OH MY, did I fall in love with it. Every bite I took was better than the other. I went with my good friend, Heidi, who I met in Israel in 1996, so it felt perfect to eat at an Israeli restaurant with her.

 

3. Holiday Transformation

 

Yes, it is only the beginning of November, but the city is starting to put up all the decorations for the winter holidays. The star is up on 57th and 5th! I love it so much!

 

4. Cottage Cheese

 

Like everyone else in the world, I am on the cottage cheese bandwagon. I tend to eat it with pomegranate seeds and honey — a yummy sweet and delicious little treat.

 

5. Cafe Commerce Brunch

 

Hands down, top 5 brunches in the city. They give you a cinnamon roll with every entree, too. It is beyond. And the waiters and staff are all the nicest. I love this place.

 

6. Turquoise Kitchen

 

Visited a friend up in Tuxedo Park (a little town an hour north of the city) and she has the most incredible bright turquoise kitchen. It is so retro and different and FUN. I love it.

 

7. Amazon Socks

 

10 socks for 24 dollars. Best 24 dollars. you will ever spend. I bought these several years ago and they lasted for years, so I had to refresh my closet with new ones. They are that good. A MUST BUY.

 

 

8. Space Invaders

 

On my recent trek to find the banana pudding store in Brooklyn, I came across a space invader. This might make me happier than anything else — finding little sparks of joy when you least expect them. I love space invaders and the hunt for the tiny thrill.

 

 

9. Waterfall in Central Park

 

There are actually 5 waterfalls in Central Park, but when you look at it, you think you are in the middle of nature, and not in a huge city. With the fall colors and the warm temperatures, seeing this waterfall makes me so happy.

 

10. Solid Core classes

 

After a small hiatus (or actually a long one but who is counting), I am back. Nothing makes my core feel tighter and stronger than these classes.

 

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Also, loving Survivor on CBS, watching marathon inspiration stories on Instagram reels, talking to my kids 20 times a day, the warm beautiful weather we have had in NYC, and a good night’s sleep. YOU?

Pop-Up Florist Flower Arrangement Class

One of my favorite things in the entire world is to take flower arrangement classes from different florists in the city. Each florist has their own vision and aesthetic and I love learning new techniques and trying out arrangements in different styles. One of my favorite NYC florists is Pop-Up florists. Kelsie, the owner, is truly a creative visionary who has a completely original and different spin on flowers than anyone I have ever seen. She is very structural, expressive, and eccentric. Last December, I had the privilege of taking a wreath making class with her in her work space (House of Three) and loved it so much that as soon as I saw a new workshop, I signed up immediately.

 

The room of House of Three is gorgeous. Each person was set up at a table with shears, her book, and a bucket of the most gorgeous flowers. Follow House of Three on instagram to see the different workshops and experiences you can have!

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Hayward Field Magic

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.

 

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Big Dog Donuts and Deli

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.

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Chicago Marathon 2026 Recap

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.

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Chickn Legs Shorts

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.

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New Paris Tips

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.

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Biologique Recherche BioKiss

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.

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Paris to Versailles (and back)

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.

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Things to do Fall 2026 in NYC

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.

 

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Currently Loving September 2026

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.

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Currently Loving August 2026 Part 2

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

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

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.

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Art Projects Summer 2026

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

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.

 

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Dried Peaches

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

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

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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Currently Loving July 2026

I promise you soon that I will get back to normal posts versus currently loving, but I just have so much to share and it is easy to cram everything in and be a GOOD post, versus a short mediocre one 😉 So here is what I am currently loving in July — because wow, it is mid-July (I actually saw a sign that said a festival for June 2026 and I had to think if it was an old sign or we were still in June and it was upcoming….helllooooo summer)

 

1. ISDIN sunscreen 

 

Hands down my favorite new sunscreen. If you are in Europe, buy a lot and you will be happy. I read about it — and WOW is it good. Better than any other sunscreen I have ever tried.

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Currently Loving Cap Ferret Edition

I have been in Cap Ferret (south west region of France) for the past two weeks and I have fallen in love. This place is unlike anywhere else I have been and I love every bit of it. Here are just some of the things that I love about it here.

 

1. Parasailing

 

SUCH a fun afternoon — we thought it was just going to be up and down, but it was a whole boat ride excursion and one of the highlights of the trip so far. The kids went up (I did not), and there were two other French families on the boat so it was fun to talk with them.

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Penny Linn

Before the summer travels started, I made my way to the newest needlepoint store in New York City, Penny Linn. Located on the very very far west of Manhattan, it was an incredibly beautiful space filled with more fibers and threads that I have ever seen in my life! Very different than my usual go-to-needlepoint-stop Rita’s (which I will forever call home base and love), this shop was HUGE. Massive. It had thousands of canvases to browse and select from, although as an avid needlepointer, I wished there were larger scale canvases.  That said, of course, I left with two canvases that I LOVED and so many cool threads to use for them. So if you are in need of a new needlepoint store in the city, DEFINITELY suggest going. And if you want to shop from their online store, I also love that website!

 

Check them out! I love their matchbox selections — so trendy and cool.

I loved this pizza box and worked on it during my time in Paris.

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