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  • New Orleans French Quarter

    The Weekender New Orleans Guide

    New Orleans gets a bad reputation. It’s known for partying too hard and hard-hitting hurricanes that have devastated the city. But since Hurricane Katrina and the pandemic, New Orleans has bounced back and blossomed.  From the French Quarter to the Garden District, New Orleans has charm. New Orleans may be a little rough around the…

  • mardi gras parades

    How to Plan a Trip to Mardi Gras

    There ain’t no party like a Mardi party. Mardi Gras is the best time to visit New Orleans because of the nice weather and endless celebrations. Going to Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a bucket list trip, but between the parades and shifting dates, it can be an intimidating one to plan. In this…

  • steamed mussels in garlic white wine sauce

    Steamed Mussels in Garlic and White Wine

    These Steamed Mussels in Garlic and White Wine are a take on Moules Frites, a classic French bistro dish. Moules Frites directly translates to “Fried Mussels” but they’re never fried, they’re served with French fries. The mussels are steamed in a garlic white wine sauce and served with the side of fries to soak up…

  • creamy garlic and herb mashed potatoes

    Creamy Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes

    Mashed potatoes are the quintessential American side dish. These Creamy Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes pair elegantly with whatever main dish you’re serving for a dinner party, from Thanksgiving turkey to pan-seared salmon.  There are many ways to make mashed potatoes, but after testing recipe after recipe, these Creamy Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes are…

  • thanksgiving turkey

    How To Host Your First Thanksgiving

    Hosting your first Thanksgiving is right of passage. It’s the ultimate dinner party of the year where you can indulge in heartwarming food with the people you love.  I aim for my blog posts to be objective and informative, but Thanksgiving is very personal for me. I’ve been helping my dad in the kitchen on…

  • Apple Picking in New York

    NYC Day Trip: Apple Picking Upstate

    When summer slows down and the air gets a bit crisp, it’s apple season. Although apple season runs from July to November, autumn is the best time of year to go upstate to go apple picking at an orchard. In October the leaves are changing, the weather is cooler, and orchards host different fall-themed events…

  • Acadia National Park

    Portland to Acadia National Park Itinerary

    If you’re going to Acadia National Park, you’re most likely not flying straight to Bar Harbor. In fact, you shouldn’t. The road trip from Portland to Acadia National Park is only 3 hours long with travel-worthy stops along the way.  This is a five-day itinerary for driving to and around Acadia National Park from Portland,…

  • Fig Arugula Salad With Balsamic Tahini Dressing

    Fig Arugula Salad With Balsamic Tahini Dressing

    Whether it’s a fig jam or the figs in this salad, figs can make anything feel fancy. This Fig Arugula Salad with Balsamic Tahini Dressing is an elevated side salad that is a great addition to your next dinner party. It comes together in minutes and can be tossed right before serving your main course. …

  • View of Torre Latinoamerica from Alameda Park in Mexico City

    3-Day Weekend Mexico City Itinerary

    So, you’ve only got three days in Mexico City. With so much to do, see, and eat, how do you make the most of your time in one of the largest cities in the world? First, accept that you won’t see it all in three short days but get ready to cover some ground. This…

  • Hello From That Planner Friend

    I’m that friend. The friend that plans everything. From planning trips for a crowd to planning what’s for dinner this week, planning brings me peace.  You can’t plan out your entire life. Trust me, I’ve tried and miserably failed. As the wise John Lennon wrote, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making…