Babymooning in Bermuda

With our first pregnancy, Hank and I went to Taiwan during our the second trimester. It was an amazing trip, especially food wise! But going to a busy city and completely changing time zones was really tough on me - I ended every night in the bath tub to soak the day away trying not to get sick.

This time around I really felt it was necessary to go somewhere very relaxing with no itinerary, especially with a toddler in tow. We gave up the idea of an island vacation due to Zika, but thanks to my friend Jen we learned that Bermuda is currently safe! 

TIME OF YEAR: The earliest my husband could take off was in early November so I'd say we jussst made the nicer weather. This is because Bermuda is not in the Caribbean and much more north of the equator - along the same latitude as South Carolina. We were able to go in the water to about our waist and anything more than that felt too cold. My husband snorkeled quickly to look at some fish up close and lasted I'd say less than 10 mins. Closer to sunset we wore long pants and sweaters, so do pack layers! Fortunately we had sunny days but we also had rain on and off. If you are reading this soon after I post, I suggest booking for the spring time! Overall I was really happy to go when we did because I find it hard to play in the sand all day when it is too hot (I don't enjoy sand sticking to my sweaty body and usually I just want to crawl under the shade). It was pleasant to play in the sand in the cooler weather. Another perk was going off peak was that there were barely any crowds. A cruise ship was in the area one day so there were many tourists, but it felt very private and I felt secure enough to leave our belongings on the beach while we were in the water.

FLIGHT (WITH TODDLER): Flying from NY was amazing at just over 2 hours! We traveled earlier in the morning both times and we were so lucky that Chase fell asleep both ways. During the ascent and descent I can pop my own ears by swallowing and yawning, but Chase is too young. As soon as we took off I gave him a bottle of water (doesn't last long) and then a lollipop or gummy bears so he would continue swallowing the entire time. And the same for landing as soon as we started changing altitude. It worked like a charm because he didn't complain or cry. I was really glad I packed Chase a stuffed animal backpack because it doubled as a comfy pillow during the flight. Chase watched a bit of cartoons on Jetblue, and we packed him some books as well. Remember, kids older than 2 years need their own ticket and Bermuda is an international flight.

HOTEL/BEACH: We decided to stay at a hotel right on the beach which happened to be the Fairmont Southampton. There is a very short shuttle ride to the beach that runs very often. The hotel was great and I do recommend it! They have their own private beach and its equally close to the famous Horseshoe Bay Beach. We spent our time 50/50 on both beaches. Horseshoe Bay has pinker sand and a little cove on the right side with many fish (even large parrot fish) right in the shallowest part of the water. Their food is also delicious and cheaper. The hotel's frozen drinks are yummier though (in particular the strawberry one). The hotel's beach was nice because they have towels, beach chairs and umbrellas. If you go to the right side of the hotel's beach by the large rocks, there were the largest fish I've seen on the island - almost scary big~ If you stay there, go check it out! The hotel is great for families because there were days with rain/showers and they have an "Explorer's camp" downstairs where toddlers can even rent toys to bring to their hotel rooms. At night we went to the outdoor hot tub (it wasn't on so it was warm enough to hang out and cool enough for my pregnancy). The best part was kids under 6 years eat for free at the hotel. Many days we were exhausted and got room service but for dinner I do recommend the Newport Gastropub inside the hotel.

ISLAND: We originally planned a day to go to town, Hamilton, a 30 minute ride on the ferry or taxi. We were going to explore colorful pastel architecture, shopping, museums and restaurants. But with Chase getting motion sickness easily and everyone simply enjoying the beach so much, we didn't end up making it this trip. Just another reason to come back again soon - since it's so close! At the airport, we met another family who had older kids - 5 and 7. They shared with us that they went exploring in some caves, though not all the ones Bermuda has to offer. She said they were still on the younger side and went to an easier cave which took about 30 mins to explore inside. I look forward to going back with my boys when they are older and looking into that adventure! 

Boo at the Zoo

Hi all! It's been a while since I blogged. I've been extremely tired my first trimester, so I had to use all the energy I could muster on work. Now that I'm fully in my second trimester, I am feeling more like myself again~ 

This past weekend my husband and I headed over to "Boo at the Zoo" at the Bronx Zoo, via the 2 subway train (from Manhattan). We were excited for Chase's first Halloween parade which they hold at noon and 2pm! There are 3 more weekends left until their last day on October 30th and I recommend it if you want to feel the Halloween spirit with your family!

With this pregnancy, my back has been killing me when I sit and work all day, so it was nice to leisurely walk the entire park!

They have a small art station where kids can color pumpkins - next to the pumpkin carving demonstrations.

The space is perfect for toddlers to run around safely and freely. If you are around children, you how helpful that can be. Dippin' dots was my ultimate favorite ice cream as a kid, so I was excited they had a stand (it was by the mouse house/4D theater when we went). When Chase is well behaved we allow him to share a treat! We got the "festive" orange colored ice cream by chance since it is not pictured on their menu: the flavor is cookies and cream. My go to flavor (on the bottom) is banana split!

As we entered the Hay Maze, we passed at least 5 kids saying the maze was not a "maze" at all and they found it unchallenging. You can see from this image why they thought so because you can see above it. However Chase, being 2.5 years old, had the biggest smile on his face and copied the older kids running after them. 

Chase loves making friends! His costume is from last year so you can see the bottom part is open. Last year he didn't want to wear this costume at all - it went back in the closet after 1 photo for the 'gram. I thought if we were lucky he will be distracted and just keep it on for the parade. But everyone points out each other's costumes and shower compliments - Chase soaked it up! He would pull the hoodie over his head as he went up to people to show off his costume! He was proud to be a shark and kept it on the entire day! Literally took it off once we got home in our apartment lobby.

If you eat in the outdoor food court, peacocks will come right up to you. They've been around picking up fries for as long as I can remember (decades ago haha). I will share a cute video of Chase gently running after them on Instagram: "peacock escapes shark".

There are candy stations around the park so bring a trick or treating bag! This sweet kid is about to share with Chase when his mom mindfully points out that Chase might be too young for candy. We did bring a small bag for Chase to use, but once we got here we saw that the barrels are taller than his height. He couldn't see the candy - phew! They are smart. I grabbed a bag of mini sized gummy bears (it was in the Zoo Center when we went) and used one gummy at a time to bribe him throughout the day.

As part of the parade, there are several characters and they hang out throughout the park as well. They came to the food court while we ate lunch - Chase was a bit nervous of this grasshopper! So we stayed at the back of the parade away from the tall mascots. They might be intimidating for little ones but the older kids were fascinated and posed for photos with them.

Nap time! All the excitement will knock a toddler out. There are lots of peaceful nooks to calm them. He wanted to see snakes, so we saved that part of the park for when he woke back up. I won't post photos of them in case you have a phobia. He said "Hi" to every snake~

We got general tickets and we barely covered half those sections because of all the halloween stops. The Jack O'Lantern exhibit is an additional $3 per person or covered by an upgraded ticket (addition $14 per person). We made it at 4:50 and they let us in for free since the zoo closes at 5. Good thing because its held in the dark bat cave with spooky music and Chase did not want to stay in there. He left saying "no pumpkins". It was cute overhearing some of the older kids wondering if the jellyfish pumpkins (pictured above) were really in water.

My husband and I went to the park making note to appreciate and really enjoy the fact that it's just the three of us! Once in a life time memories to cherish :)

Side note: I've been wearing these Mickey Mouse leggings often since it became fall. Many of you ask where they are from. I got them at a market in Korea - if you've been to any markets in Asia, you know they often don't have any official brand tags and commonly "one of". They seem like a really easy iron-on DIY with patches. I opened up Amazon and looks like appliques go for only a couple dollars (I found a mixed dozen for $4!). Tag and show me if you make any!

Lastly, I don't want to be a mood killer or anything. But I will disclose saying - yes we had a wonderful day and I want to relive it! All I want as a mother is to watch Chase have fun, laugh and learn. However zoos are a bit depressing for the animals.. The polar bear was pacing back and forth and it looked extremely boring in there.. I can't imagine any man made space doing justice for lions.. I will teach Chase that animals should be free in the wild. 

Get the look:

Last minute Halloween shopping? Be ready for lots of "aww"s with a shark costume!

Use code "MAINEVENT16" for these looks on Shopbop.com until Oct 14, 2016 for up to 30% off!

Aaaaaaand~ shameless plug from my line:

Thanks for reading!! Let me know what you and/or your kid is going to be dressed as this year! Chase will be Marshall from Paw Patrol on Halloween weekend :)

Postcards from Barcelona, Part 3

Park Güell

Park Güell

Brunch and Cake

Park Güell

Chok

Park Güell

Sagrada Familia

La Rambla

Brunch and Cake

Park Güell

Sagrada Familia

Park Güell

Palau Guell

Dunkin Coffee on La Rambla

Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia

Casa Batllo 

El Nacional

Pika Pika

Chok

El Born CC

Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia

View of Passeig de Gracia from Airbnb

Oh man, how do you put into words the work of Gaudi. It's no secret that he is a huge part of what makes Barcelona a special place. Sagrada Familia (angels chiming *ahhhhhh*) is TRULY a gem. My jaw dropped to see the stained glass in this enormous space is ombre! The sun light piercing through was just magical and breath taking to say the least. I was lucky to have come back 16 years later and it caught me off guard to see new parts of the building I did not remember from 2000 (a 10th grade Spanish class trip). Turns out it was only half built back then. I remember climbing the spiral stairs up a tower, terrified that there's no guard rail, holding onto the wall as I courageously made it to the top. Now they have an elevator! It's pretty cool to see people still working on it both from the outside and inside (by the museum) on a structure started over a hundred years ago. Can't wait to come back with Chase when he's old enough to appreciate it and perhaps it will finally be complete by then! Each of Gaudi's creations are pretty spectacular, Park Guell is a sunny day in tangible form and FYI Palau Guell is free on the first Sunday of each month. If you like visiting historic and architectural spaces, the MUHBA was more interesting than I honestly expected it to be - you can walk around Roman ruins discovered under street level with all sorts of shops and homes in a rather small vicinity.

Tamara from Theglamandglitter was in Barcelona just before me and recommended Chok, a chocolate and donut specialty shop. Don't expect a sit down cafe, just a couple seats for a quick bite and the most fabulous concoctions! I am so glad she recommended this spot because we went back anytime we were near one. The cronuts are beautifully garnished, we got a white chocolate one with edible flowers and a an amazing tarty crunchy topping. Contrary to how they look, they're not too sweet so you can manage to eat an entire donut. It's really hard to choose a flavor - their combos are really sophisticated and interesting! I also got a package of dark chocolate covered potato chips for the road which is perfect for a salty tooth like me.

I absolutely have loved this Self Portrait dress for ages! The powder blue was perfect for Park Guell but a lot of shoes were dressing the dress too up. I wanted to wear it casually and the weather was non committal, so I paired it with boots. Try wearing your favorite dresses this spring whenever or wherever you want by accessorizing appropriately! 

Happy Place

If you haven't noticed by now, I am going through a lace top phase~ If the "sheer"ness makes you shy away from lace tops yet you love the look, try this top. (Bonus: it just went on sale!) For accessories, I put my black wool hat away and traded it for a neutral one that I've been wearing during the transition to spring. I topped the look off with my handy dandy trusty pretzel bag that matches every look. I seriously have yet to come across an outfit that the pretzel bag doesn't match! 

Central Park is such a nice break from work and the city. If you followed me for a while, you know how much time I spend there. This is really the happiest time of year for me when I see the buds and blooms pop up, promising warmer weather and picnics ahead. Do white cherry blossom trees remind anyone else of popcorn in the sky? :P

MilkBots in Bed

My friend has an amazing kids' shop that carries the chicest children's items called Milk + Bots! The items are cooler and more modern than anything I own for myself. If you met the owner you would understand why her shop is so charming and lovable. Their new bear duvet cover is to die for and gave Chase's room a complete "look and feel" makeover. We broke it in by playing in bed, which we do multiple times a day. It's our favorite way of bonding by rolling around and us parents can semi nap while the kids play! If you're lucky it will transition to a baby napping as well. Sure I don't wear lace to roll around in bed, but it's easier on the eyes for you guys than my oversized tee and sweatpants (Haha, you can see that on my Snapchat). Check out her shop and let me know what you got for your fashionable little one! 

• Duvet cover, pillow case, plate, tea towel, cloud pillow and Chase's outfit from Milk + Bots

Drop the Mic Ice Cream

Chickalicious has been one of my favorite restaurants for many, many years. I learned recently, that it is called "Drop The MIC Ice Cream Factory" on Mondays through Wednesdays from 3pm to 11pm, where they serve 7 flavors of ice cream. Last week, Chef Mieko was kind enough to let me try them all to share with you!

I kid you not, the Black Truffle is hands down the most flavor packed truffle ice cream I've ever had. If you love truffle, this flavor is a taste of heaven! I can't wait to go back to have it again! I catch myself thinking about it from time to time, wishing I had ordered one more while I was there.

I randomly tasted the Pink Grapefruit Sorbet first and I recommend starting with a sorbets as a nice way to whet your palate with a fresh flavor. Another memorable one for me was the soothing Purple Potato ice cream. Many of my friends said they loved the Roasted Banana the most. Let me know which ones you try in the comments below! I'd love to know your thoughts, as well as where you went while you were in the neighborhood. My friend Sun, founder of Sjouel, was my date and we went to eat at Momofuku Noodle Bar afterwards just around the corner (I love everything on their menu, but there's not a visit I don't order the Pickle Jar as a side!).

I'm wearing a lace top by Alexis which I love so much that I own it in 2 colors. I was in a neutrals mood this day. I intended to wear pastels, but there's something zen and fresh when I think about this space, it affected my outfit otherwise. When I met Chef Mieko it solidified that it is indeed a peaceful place. There are no distractions so all your senses are focused on the flavors dancing in your mouth.

FLAVORS:

Black truffle ice cream, semifredo, cognac soaked cake

Purple potato ice cream, sour cream semifredo, bourbon soaked cake

Pink grapefruit sorbet, brown sugar semifredo, grand marnier soaked cake

Roasted banana ice cream, cacao nib semifredo, almond cake

Coffee milk sorbet, semifredo, sambuca soaked cake

Granny smith sorbet, white chocolate semifredo, calvados soaked cake

Sweet potato ice cream, semifredo, orange cake

• Photography by Sun Chung
• Recommended by ChubbyChineseGirlEats

Play Date with H&M

Behind the scenes for blog post on Cocotrish.com

• Everyone is wearing H&M
• Locations include: The Standard Hotel, Sugar Factory, High Line Park, Whitney Museum

Nancy and I have been friends for many years. From being single girls and going on memorable trips, to entering the new world of motherhood, we've had a lot of adventures! I've learned that the best kind of friend to have is one that wants the best for you. Nancy is that friend. Even if it's something I may not want to hear, she will always give me her genuine loving advice. She's someone I can count on, which is priceless. I hope that Chase and Charlotte will grow to be best friends! They're well on their way!

1) What do you love most about your friend?

Patricia says about Nancy: Her ability to have a conversation with anybody she meets. I admire how much respect she has for others.

Nancy says about Patricia: She's so fun to hang out with and talk to - its always a good time whether we are just sitting around, chatting at home or going out on the town!

2) What do you think she appreciates most about you?

Patricia says about Nancy: Keeping it real.

Nancy says about Patricia: That I am always here for her to talk to and will always give her my honest advice/feedback.

3) Her favorite thing about you is?

Patricia says about Nancy: I will understand and always be there to listen.

Nancy says about Patricia: Perhaps same as above (#2).

4) Best memory of you and your kids together?

Patricia says about Nancy: The fact that they have met since birth.

Nancy says about Patricia: When we took the kids to Freedom Tower.

5) How are you parenting styles different?

Patricia says about Nancy: By default, Nancy is a working mom, and I am a stay at home mom.

Nancy says about Patricia: Patty is a whole lot more creative and artistic and those qualities manifest in her interaction/play with Chase.

6) Best piece of parenting advice she's given you?

Patricia says about Nancy: Too many! I love how much she sings to the kids, so I sing more at home.

Nancy says about Patricia: That they'll be fine!

7) How would she describe herself in three words?

Patricia says about Nancy: Elegant, well rounded, loyal.

Nancy says about Patricia: Creative, lovable, business-savvy!

8) How does she react to her kids tantrums?

Patricia says about Nancy: Haha, she hides her stress well and uses a calm voice.

Nancy says about Patricia: She's very understanding and loving.

9)  Name her favorite tv show? Favorite guilty pleasure tv show?

Patricia says about Nancy: Oh gosh! I can't say that I know. We watched an episode of Odd Mom Out together once.

Nancy says about Patricia: The Bachelor and Real Housewives

10) Funniest thing she's ever done?

Patricia says about Nancy: I don't think she would want me to repeat it! She has probably said the funniest thing I've ever heard a friend say.

Nancy says about Patricia: Back in the day she would ride her scooter every where, even while wearing designer dresses and heels

11)  If you spend a date together with your kids, what would she want to do most?

Patricia says about Nancy: Go eat at Ootoya (a Japanese restaurant) and then go to a playground.

Nancy says about Patricia: Picnic in Central Park.

12) If your friend could take a trip anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Patricia says about Nancy: Paris. It never gets old for her.

Nancy says about Patricia: Currently, maybe Morocco or Greece.

13) Most perfect day for your friend  “sans kids”?

Patricia says about Nancy: The spa and shopping.

Nancy says about Patricia: Enjoying/exploring the city with her girl friends!  

14) What's a guilty pleasure that she wouldn't want to admit?

Patricia says about Nancy: Shopping!

Nancy says about Patricia: Bonchon chicken.

15.) If your friend could have one wish what would it be?

Patricia says about Nancy: To go to Paris with her husband on a whim.

Nancy says about Patricia: Being the sweetheart that she is, for her husband, son, sister, parents and closest friends to live happily ever after alongside her!

16.) Who is your friend's style icon?

Patricia says about Nancy: Anyone with elegance.

Nancy says about Patricia: Lena Perminova.

17.) If she could be anyone for a day who would it be?

Patricia says about Nancy: The President.

Nancy says about Patricia: Angelina Jolie or other style icon/celebrity of equal status.

• Photography by s o k o p h o t o s
• Video footage by Connie Kim
• Styling by Nancy Kil and myself in partnership with H&M and HeyMamaCo

Shop my favorite H&M looks

Head over to an H&M store or shop online at HM.com

Join Us!

I'll be co-hosting this event and would love to meet you this Sunday!