by Sunny and Jimmy
follow us on Twitter @sunnylooksandleaps and @jimmybowen32
I love reading Wendy’s NYC Valentine and living vicariously through her late-night adventures in the Big Apple. I, too, love NYC but have grown to love the early mornings there. You see, I have an early-rising daughter and an early bird husband as well. What’s a girl to do but learn to roll with it?! Here are a few of our early morning memories of New York City
Continue reading
By Wendy
Follow me on twitter@wendylooksleaps
We haven’t spotlighted a recipe in awhile (just here and here). And I’m probably the least likely member of the Looks and Leaps clan to claim any special kitchen skills (unless you count chatting and drinking cava while someone else cooks). Which means you should pay special attention to this tip: the punk rock carrot cake.
My college friends were an interesting group that ran the whole “indie” gamut – art and literature students, punk rockers in local bands, poets, retro fashionistas, straightedge adherents, straightedge deterrents, foreign exchange students – with all manner of styles and beliefs and hobbies. They were superstars. And out of this eclectic mix I learned a carrot cake recipe that is so rad, I have to share it with you. Store-bought carrot cakes will have little appeal after you roll up your sleeves and build this one yourself. This cake freaks out other cakes with its fierce distinctiveness. There’s no butter, milk, eggs. Yes, it’s vegan, which I know is anarchy for some people. But in my opinion, this version tastes better than mainstream carrot cakes. Even those layered ones with the icing carrot on top (and I admit that I’ve always liked the icing carrot). Continue reading
by Jack, Jimmy, and Joe
follow Jack on Twitter @jacklhalsey and Jimmy @jimmybowen32
With baseball season in full swing, what better time to ask our family panel of baseball experts about their favorite ballpark experiences? Jack, Jimmy, and Joe all weigh in on their favorite parks, most memorable games, and of course, unforgettable ballpark food!
by Sunny
follow me on Twitter @Sunnylooksleaps
I’m a teacher so it will come as no surprise that I like to find the educational value in my daughter’s extracurricular activities. I firmly believe that no other activity will educate children in the same way as traveling. There are the obvious things they can learn when visiting a museum or learning phrases in a new language, but there are so many other things they learn as well.
by Wendy
Follow me on twitter@wendylooksleaps
Traveling overseas for two months right after my graduation from college was one of the most influential experiences of my life. My sister April and I visited 5 countries and had an amazing time. It definitely broadened my perspective, increased my appreciation for other cultures, and made me feel more independent and capable of dealing with various situations. l fell more in love with travel and the happiness I felt visiting new places on this beautiful planet. As a rule, I don’t have regrets – but if I was suddenly undergrad Wendy again, I would try and find ways to go abroad more often*. Students have unique opportunities and access to a range of programs and resources to work, volunteer or study in another country. For any students considering or preparing for a trip, here are a few tips I learned from traveling to Europe as a college student. Continue reading
by Jack
I love wine and as I came to appreciate it more and more the concept of “terroir” gained a firm role in defining what I love about it. A French term, terroir is the combination of grape varietal, soil and climate that together produce a unique and distinct wine. This is integral to the prominence of celebrated wine regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Tuscany and Napa where each are heralded for wines of a recognizable character from varietals well suited to their specific conditions. The ripe velvety Cabernet Sauvignons of Napa, the crisp, steely Chardonnays of Chablis, have their own special characteristics not found in Cabs or Chards from other regions.
Which brings me to Garrigue, another French term. Garrigue refers to aromatic mix of resinous herbs and shrubs in the rocky hills of southern France. Lavender, thyme, cedar and salt air combine on the warm ocean breezes to create an unforgettable perfume. Many say these transfer into the wines of the region as well. I was reflecting on this during a recent beach vacation and thought I could identify a “Garrigue” for each of my favorite seaside venues along with a wine or two that share it. Continue reading
by Sunny
follow me on Twitter @Sunnylooksleaps
When it comes to travel in the summer, there is always the weeklong beach getaway in my plans. I love the beaches on the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic. But summer travel also means spontaneous getaways. An impromptu trip to Chicago to check another ballpark off of the list, or maybe a day wandering around in Baltimore, Indianapolis, or Cincinnati. It is these spur of the moment trips when I am glad that I created a summer travel wardrobe at the beginning of the season. Creating a summer travel wardrobe takes the stress out of packing for last minute trips so the focus can be on the fun! Small tweaks will be made depending on weather, but these trusty pieces have worked well for me this season. Take a peek inside my summer travel wardrobe! Continue reading
by Sunny
follow me on Twitter @Sunnylooksleaps
There is nothing like the heat and humidity of summer to really put one’s hair styling products to the test. Even with smoothing serums, conditioners, and heat protectants, my curly locks are unruly at best in the summer. So I have perfected a couple of easy braided styles to keep my hair looking cool and cute. Here is my side braid with bun that was a favorite of my family’s on vacation this year.
Stays in the Same House Together!
The Looks and Leaps family recently traveled to Hilton Head, South Carolina for a week. The weather was fantastic and the ocean was beautiful – but part of the fun was living together in an awesome beach house! We’d like to share some of our favorite things and recommendations as you plan your summer getaways! Continue reading
by Wendy
I have friends and work colleagues who look at me like I’m crazy when I tell them I pack carry-on only. “But what about your toiletries?” they ask incredulously. I think they’re wondering if I become a hippie when I travel, packing a zip-top bag full of patchouli and little else.
No, that is not the case. Would a hippie throw out that excellent Devo-inspired post title? At the same time, you generally can’t be super high-maintenance for this to work. You may have to compromise on brands and your usual routine. And of course, sometimes carry-on only is not ideal for certain long trips, or if you’re packing a lot of sports equipment, or traveling with kids.
I really like to travel light, but give it a try and decide for yourself. For anyone who feels like toiletries are an impediment to carry-on only, here are some tips that may help.