A few days in NYC filled my cup
What I planned, where I stayed, and how it helped me feel full again.
PREPPING I’m obsessed with icelandic yogurt right now and these Meal Prep Containers are currently my favorite way to take it to the studio in the mornings
DIYING an at home birthday shoot for my kids! One of my favorite yearly traditions
CELEBRATING my kids’s birthday party! Duckbill sourced all of the supplies, which made planning such a lighter lift. Use this code for 50% your 2 months off
LISTENING Toolkit Series: ChatGPT 101 for Busy Moms this episode is gold. I share all my top time-saving ways I use ChatGPT. Don’t forget to download my free guide, 5 Practical Ways to Use ChatGPT
SHARING 7 Steps to Leaving the Corporate World these are the steps I walked through before making the leap from corporate to entrepreneur
Currently
At the beginning of May, I went on a quick trip to New York for a mix of work, some quality girl time, and much-needed space for myself. I’ve been meaning to share the highlights because the experience really stayed with me. It wasn’t indulgent or spontaneous, it was highly planned by me, with intention, to maximize time with friends and soak up the city in a way that filled my cup.
I came back feeling grounded and energized. More present at home, more creative in my work, more patient with my kids. I don’t really believe in balance, it suggests a constant state of perfection that doesn’t reflect real life. What I do believe in is the power of a reset. A pause. A few days where someone else handles the background noise, and you get to remember who you are.
If a little NYC recharge sounds like your kind of reset, here’s everything I loved, and everything I’d absolutely do again:
🛏 Where to Stay
Soho: Central, energetic, perfect for walking to everything.
West Village: Quieter, charming, feels like a secret tucked into the city.
🥯 Bagels (non-negotiable)
Ess-a-Bagel: Classic NYC bagelry with every topping you could dream of. A must-stop, every trip.
Apollo Bagels: Limited menu, but their bagel + lox is unmatched.
Baz Bagels: Rainbow bagels that double as souvenirs for the kids.
🍽 Dinner Picks
Meduza: A vibe. The perfect spot for a fun girls dinner—great music, beautiful ambiance, and food that hits.
La Pecora Bianca: Didn’t make it here, but after walking by multiple times, it’s officially on my list. Feels like European summer in the middle of Manhattan.
Catch: I didn’t go this time, but it came highly recommended for both the food and the scene.
Bartusi: L’Artusi’s more casual sister. If you can snag a table at L’Artusi, go for it. If not, Bartusi delivers with a minimal-but-excellent menu, fun energy, and an easy night out.
Motel Morris: Strong comfort food menu, retro aesthetic, and just the right mix of cozy and cool.
🛍 Neighborhood Wandering (drop a pin and go)
Greenwich Village: Start near SET Active. Tree-lined streets, local favorites, and that "I could live here" vibe.
Soho: Navigate from COS. Great shops, art, and unexpected gems at every turn.
Lower East Side: Pin Le Dive and explore from there. Edgy, vibrant, and full of character.
🧘♀️ Pilates Studios to Try
Natural Pilates
Nofar Method
FuzeHouse
Good Time Pilates
Good Day Pilates
Soto Method
Filling your cup doesn’t have to be elaborate but it does have to be yours. A little space, some intention, and time with people who light you up can shift everything. You deserve to feel like yourself again.
All The Things
This week is all my must-have tech travel items + everything I bought on my NYC trip!
Travel Microphone if you make any type of content this travel mic is a must
Ring light this is the best ring light I’ve found
MagSafe portable phone charger if you buy one thing on Amazon this week, it should be this
USB/USBC Travel block don’t forget this crucial travel item
LESET Pointelle Tee been wearing nonstop… now I think I need it in more colors
Set Active Airluxe Leggings love the fabric
Set Active Airluxe Quarter Zip this set is perfection
Me+Em Boucle Sweater Vest summer textures 🤌
Cos Rattan Woven Bag fits a laptop!
Sezane Max Shirt great transition piece for Spring
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As always, thank you for following me on this journey!
Barbara