I'm going to get straight to the point - did you know you can access the roof of the Duomo di Milano and get a bird's eye view of the city from atop one of the world's most iconic landmarks? I didn't! Getting the chance to walk across the roof and touch centuries old stone? Yes please. I had previously been to Milan in spring of 2016, and even then I did not know this was someone one could do. The beau, who has been to Milan many times, has also never been to the top of the Duomo and did not know it was an option.
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Views From The Top of the Duomo di Milano
Since becoming parents, date nights have become even more precious and special to us. They don't happen as often as they did before we welcomed little bean, so whenever we travel without our darling little one we always make sure to have a fabulous date night while abroad. We know little bean is happy and settled at home, so now we can relax and enjoy some time together. For our trip to Milan, the beau left all dining plans to me since he knows I love looking up the best spots. I was more than up to the task of finding the perfect restaurant for a romantic dinner in Milan with the beau.
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Romantic Dinner in Milan
For those who are big into reading about European history, particularly royal history like myself, Milan has played a major part over the centuries. From television shows to nonfictional historical books, Milan is quite frequently referenced. For my latest trip to Milan, I was eager to find some historical sites that would transport me to a different time. To be fair, there are many spots in Milan that could easily do that job. But in this case, I had my eyes set on Castello Sforzesco.
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An Italian Palatial Escape // Castello Sforzesco
What I was really excited for was practically having the iconic Duomo to ourselves early the next morning. The beauty about traveling in from Hong Kong meant our body clocks essentially had us awake before the sun even came up, so after a 5 am wakeup, we found ourselves in a taxi to the Duomo at 6 am. At this point, the sun was relatively low on the horizon, and the big square in front of the Duomo that is normally packed with tourists and pigeons - was empty. This is the best time to take pics at the Duomo di Milano.
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The Best Time To Take Pics At Duomo di Milano
We are quickly approaching one of our big family trips this year, and with our travel dates being so soon, I have decided to do a post around one of my most frequently asked questions: "What are your toddler travel essentials?" I am no expert in traveling with kids, so this is all just based on personal experience plus my own toddler's likes and dislikes. Different things will work for different families. But what I am sharing are my own personal tried and tested favorites. These are items that will always be in our suitcases regardless of whether it is a staycation in Hong Kong or an 8000 mile journey back to my home state of New Jersey. Of course, it gets a bit easier packing for kids when they are no longer infants, but that doesn't mean my checklist still isn't a mile long!
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Best Toddler Travel Essentials
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve focused a lot less on makeup and more on skin care. These days, as a busy mom, I don’t have much time to put on makeup. It’s also summertime here in Hong Kong, which means the temperatures are soaring and the humidity is making our sweat look like we just went swimming in the harbour. So I am letting my skin do all the talking.
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Affordable Skin Care Favorites
The perfect white tee doesn't exi... actually, yes it does. I had been looking for the perfect white tee every summer and I finally found it this year. White tees go with absolutely everything, which is what makes them so essential for summer. Have the perfect flowy skirt? A comfortable pair of denim shorts? Or even a light linen jumpsuit? A white tee goes with all three and more.
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The Perfect White Tee
I'm pretty much in disbelief that this upcoming autumn will mark 5 years since I relocated to Hong Kong. How has it already been half a decade? I have now lived in Hong Kong longer than I have collectively lived in New York City, which blows my mind. It seems nearly impossible. I initially relocated here to spend more time with the beau, who first came to live in Hong Kong with his family when he was 6-years old. The beau has lived in Hong Kong since 1990, with a couple of years in Canada and Australia for school in between, so this has always been "home" to him.
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From Hong Kong, With Love
Since becoming parents, date nights have become extra special for us. We do not get to go out on dates as often as we like due to the beau's work schedule and our busy lives with little bean, but when we do we like to get a bit dressed up and go somewhere fun. We have our usual favorite spots that we like to hit up, but lately we have been eager to try some new spots around the city. Some of my favorite cuisines are Italian and Greek, while the beau loves Thai and Vietnamese. However, we both are obsessed with Cantonese and Japanese cuisines, so one night we decided to try a new sushi spot.
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Date Night in Sheung Wan
Family Staycation at Four Seasons Place
Summertime makeup is all about that peak summertime glow, where less is more and simple is key. To be completely honest, I’m a busy mom and it’s currently very hot in Hong Kong so I don’t wear any makeup most days (I do cheat by getting a brow lamination and lash lift to help me look more awake!). But when I do wear makeup, it’s usually because I have an event to go to or I’m heading out on a date with the beau. I like to keep it simple, especially after years of heavy makeup in the pageant and modeling industries. When it comes to summer outings and summer travel, keeping it soft and simple is just the easiest way to go.
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