New York City and Sunday Morning Coffee

We spent three fabulous days visiting our son Matt and his girlfriend in New York City. It was a fantastic experience, filled with unforgettable moments, delicious food, and Broadway magic.

I haven’t visited New York often, but I never want to leave whenever I’m there! The city’s energy, culture, and endless activities make it one of the most exciting places to visit. This trip was the perfect way to spend time with family and soak in the best of what NYC offers – especially before heading to France!

Street view of a building with pink window displays promoting a sale. Potted plants are placed along the sidewalk, and a few pedestrians and cyclists are on the street. — My Favorite Travel Gear

Season 4 Volume 35

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About Me

View of a cityscape featuring a distinctive gold-roofed building surrounded by modern glass and concrete structures under a clear blue sky.

View of a cityscape with various high-rise buildings under a clear blue sky during daytime.

Our Three-Day Vacation in New York: Exploring the City with Family

New York City is a place like no other, and we don’t visit it often enough! But our son Matt and his girlfriend were here, and we were so excited to visit!

We stayed in a beautiful Penthouse apartment owned by some dear friends, which is in a perfect location with magnificent views. Isn’t the skyline mesmerizing?

A person in a green striped shirt stands on a city sidewalk with tall buildings and greenery in the background on a sunny day.

One of my favorite things to do is walk its streets. On this trip, we spent hours exploring the neighborhoods, taking in the sights, and enjoying the city’s vibrant atmosphere. We even accidentally found my favorite store, ABC Home. The colors in the windows are just fabulous!

Entrance to a storefront adorned with abundant pink and purple floral decorations and lush green plants, with large windows displaying interior lighting and decor.

Matt and his girlfriend showed us some of their favorite spots in Brooklyn, from quiet coffee shops on side streets to quaint but fabulous restaurants. Every corner of the city has something unique: a historic building, a trendy boutique, or a cozy park.

A bustling street in Times Square, New York City at dusk, filled with people and vibrant electronic billboards. Police cars are visible on the right side.

We strolled through iconic areas like Times Square, SoHo, and the West Village, each with personality and charm. I am always captivated by the buzz of people, taxis, and street performers.

An outdoor cafe with empty tables and wicker chairs is set up along a city street with buildings, trees, and cars in the background.

We stopped at various cafes for coffee breaks to sit and watch the world go by. Something about being in New York makes even the simplest activities feel special.

Dining in NYC: The Modern and Gramercy Tavern

Outdoor dining area of Gramercy Tavern with white umbrellas and potted plants in front of a historic building facade.

In addition to Broadway, New York is known for its world-class dining, and we had the pleasure of dining at two fabulous restaurants: The Modern and Gramercy Tavern.

The Modern, located at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), was an exceptional dining experience. The sleek, contemporary design perfectly matched its innovative menu. Each dish was a work of art, blending flavors and textures in ways that surprised and delighted us. From the impeccable service to the stunning presentation, dining at The Modern was a special treat.

Gramercy Tavern was another highlight of our trip. This iconic New York restaurant has a warm, welcoming atmosphere and outstanding food. The farm-to-table dishes were beautifully crafted, with fresh, seasonal ingredients highlighting the best autumn flavors. We savored every bite!

Both restaurants were perfect choices for celebrating our time in New York. We left each meal feeling completely satisfied and eager to return.

After three full days in New York City, we left for our next adventure in France. I can’t help but feel grateful for this time spent in such an incredible city. Be sure to follow my Instagram stories for highlights!

New York City was the ideal stop before heading overseas, and I’m already looking forward to our next visit to the Big Apple. Until then, I’ll dream of Broadway lights, busy sidewalks, and fabulous New York restaurants.

A woman wearing a matching set stands in front of a house, holding two suitcases. The house has a steeply pitched roof, dormer windows, and is surrounded by a well-maintained lawn.

I may sometimes use affiliate links on this blog, which means a small commission is earned if you purchase via the link. The price will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link.

A matching beige short-sleeve knit top with buttons on the neckline and wide-leg pants set laid flat. — Lounge Sets for Women

A set of three cream-colored travel bags, including a hard-shell suitcase with wheels, a large duffel bag, and a small toiletry pouch, all featuring brown handles and accents. — Suitcase Set 3 Piece

European Travel Plug Adapter

16 Pack Travel Bottles Set – TSA Approved

ON Women’s Cloud 5 Sneakers

Rechargeable Travel Makeup Vanity Mirror

My Latest Project

A beige armchair with a patterned pillow is placed next to a wooden chest and a vase of yellow flowers, near a sunlit window with a garden view outside. — My favorite reading chair

You might not know my reading habits, but I read a lot.

I read every single day. In fact, according to my Kindle, I have read 521 days in a row.

Which isn’t that hard since I read every night before I fall asleep.

I also read in the morning. And, In the early evening, while my husband watches and I pretend to watch, the Dodgers play on TV.

When we were in New York, I stopped at a Barnes and Noble bookstore. I saw a section titled “Top 100 Fiction Books of the 21st Century,” and I realized that this might be a list I need to read.

I did some digging and found this list: Goodreads Best Books of the 21st Century.

Wish me luck!

A Kindle e-reader displaying the first page of a book titled "Chapter 1," with text describing a scene in London involving a character named Elsie. — Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

Three Kindle reading light components: clip-on light, light base, and light attached to a Kindle e-reader displaying text. — Remote Control Page Turner

Cover of the book "The Women" by Kristin Hannah. The background features a sunset with silhouettes of people and helicopters. Plaudits from authors Bonnie Garmus and Delia Owens are displayed on the cover. — The Women
by Kristin Hannah

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My Not-So-Biggest Challenge This Week

Broadway Magic: Hamilton and Wicked

Two Playbill booklets are shown. One is for the Gershwin Theatre's production of "Wicked," featuring a witch illustration. The other is for the Richard Rodgers Theatre's production of "Hamilton," featuring a star silhouette.

No trip to New York would be complete without seeing a Broadway show—or, in our case, two! We were fortunate enough to see both Hamilton and Wicked during our visit, and they were nothing short of spectacular.

I am probably the last person to see Hamilton and Wicked. For the first time! I know they have been playing on Broadway for years, but they have been on my bucket list for years!

Hamilton was even better than expected. The music, the performances, and the show’s energy were incredible. It was fascinating to see how history was brought to life in such a modern, powerful way. The story of Alexander Hamilton, told through rap, hip-hop, and R&B, was unlike anything I’ve ever seen, and the cast was phenomenal. It’s no wonder this show has captivated audiences for years.

A theater audience faces a large, illuminated map of the fictional land of Oz on the stage backdrop, with green lighting prominently highlighting the center of the map.

Wicked was equally enchanting. It told the untold story of the witches of Oz. The production was breathtaking, with stunning sets, costumes, and, of course, soaring vocals.

Seeing two completely different shows, each with its style and magic, was a treat. Broadway truly is one of the best things about New York, and these two musicals made our trip even more unforgettable.

Enjoy Paris and celebrate our 38th wedding anniversary!
Enjoy every second of biking through Bordeaux.
Savor the wines and fabulous French cuisine!

Modern kitchen with a central island featuring bar stools, pendant lights, and a view of mountains through large windows. Indoor plants are placed near the island and windows.

Now, this is a cool office! Enjoy A Tech Headquarters in LA Shines With Hospitality-Driven Design.

A dark plate holding four homemade oatmeal cookies with raisins and nuts rests on a beige cloth.

What is better than Morning Cookies for the Backpack?

A white metal bed with a lace bedspread and beige bedding against a distressed white-wood wall, with a wooden side table, a lamp, and a potted plant.

I love these 100+ Ways to Use Repurposed Old Doors.

Spacious living room with high ceilings, a grand staircase, wooden floors, large rug, and various seating areas. Multiple framed pictures adorn the upper walls, while skylights let in natural light.

So this is what you get for $68 million in Los Angeles! It’s for sale.

Plate of fresh green salad with mixed greens, grapes, broccoli, almonds, and pieces of breaded chicken. Fork on the side, another similar plate and a salad bowl in the background.

Inspired by Charm shared this delicious recipe, Crispy Chicken and Grape Salad with Honey Vinaigrette.

Image of a Ninja DualZone Air Fryer featuring a digital display with temperatures set at 400F and 360F, and labeled buttons including Air Broil, Reheat, Roast, Bake, and Dehydrate functions. — Ninja Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer

MacKenzie-Childs Butterfly Garden Salad/Dessert Plate

Person rolling out dough with a rolling pin on a marked silicone baking mat, with rolled and sliced dough pieces nearby on a wooden surface. — Silicone Baking Mat with Measurements

And what a week it was!

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Biking in France and Sunday Morning Coffee
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DIY Fall Pumpkin with Pink and Copper Leaf
Metal leaf is one of my favorite craft materials, and this gorgeous DIY Fall Pumpkin craft took less than thirty minutes to make. Whether you are a master crafter or brand new to crafting, this is the craft for you! Do…
How to Decorate Wood Charger Plates
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Individual Pumpkin Spice Latte Tiramisu
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Easy Fall Flower Arrangements
Today, I am sharing one of my favorite fall flower arrangements. Fresh flowers on a table make any meal special! I am a bit of a rebel with my color scheme for this arrangement. When I created this fall flower arrangement,…

Autumn Yellow Eucalyptus

Seagrass Rattan Cage Salad Bowl | Large

Blush Peony Paper Luncheon Napkins

4 Italian Wine Glasses

Water Hyacinth Placemats, Set of 6

Golden Palm 12×20 Lumbar Pillow Cushion Cover

A brown slice of bread with a bite taken out, placed on a dark wooden surface with some crumbs around it.

Finally, Martha shares whether the 5-Second Rule’ for Food on the Floor is true. A Scientist Weighs In!

I have many fun things to share this week, including fabulous dinner plates, a fall flower arrangement, and a homemade pasta recipe. Plus, I made my own wood chargers and copper leaf pumpkins. And I have a new pumpkin spice tiramisu recipe!