Let's Be Merry is a blog that focuses on travel, wellness, and lifestyle.
I just wanted to share my first post for 2024, which includes some updates on life lately. Take a read and let me know if you're going through a similar transition!
t's a new year, so I wanted to update you on life lately, and what the future holds for 2024, including a big change that I'm super excited about!
ICYMI: My holiday gift guides are up on the blog. Happy shopping!
It's time to start shopping for gifts for your loved ones! Check out my 2023 holiday gift guides for inspiration for presents for your loved ones.
I'm announcing big news in my newsletter tomorrow! Get on the list so you don't miss out. http://eepurl.com/dcqEPH
Amazon Prime Day is here! Check out my latest blog post for my top picks and some great deals. Happy Shopping!
Check out these great deals for Amazon Prime Day, July 2023!
It's been a minute since I've posted to my blog, but I'm back!
In my latest post, I write about something I did even though I was petrified, and how it helped me shift my perspective on conquering my other fears.
Head to my blog to read the full story, and as always, thanks for your support! I write these posts to share my experience in the hopes that they resonate with you, and might help you too. So drop a comment below if you have your own story about conquering one of your fears. I'd love to hear it!
Why I hiked Angels Landing, one of the most dangerous trails in America, and how it helped me face my fears.
My husband and I just got back from an amazing Southwest road trip mostly through Arizona and a bit of Utah, and, just WOW!
For those interested or considering a similar trip, our itinerary was Sedona, Grand Canyon, Page, Arizona where we checked out Horseshoe Bend, Lower and Upper Antelope Canyon, plus kayaking on Lake Powell. We also made a day trip to Moniment Valley before heading to Zion National Park in Utah.
Everything was a highlight for us! And traveling in early May was great in terms of the weather (not too hot) and the crowds were very manageable. This trip has gotten us excited to do so much more exploring out west!
If you have any specific questions, please ask away in the comments below or DM me! Happy to help anyone who’s planning a similar trip.
I had to wear a cowboy hat and boots at least once on our Southwest road trip! 🤠🏜️🌵
This was taken at Forrest Gump Point, 15 miles Northeast of Monument Valley. Yes, you can actually stop here to take pictures, and yes, it’s an active road so you need to be on the lookout for other cars, and yes, there will be other people there waiting to take a photo as well. But it was worth it!
Even more worth it - visiting Monument Valley itself. The Tribal Park is run by the Navajo Tribe, and it’s a $8 fee per person to enter. The only thing you can do without a designated tour guide is drive the 17 mile scenic loop. It is iconic and 💯 worth it! (It’s a rocky dirt road best navigated in an suv or 4-wheel drive.)
We did a day trip to Monument Valley tribal Park from Page, AZ. It was 2 hours each way - a long drive for a day trip but visiting this park has been on my bucket list for years so it was definitely worth it! Plus the drive is so scenic it doesn’t feel like 4 hours in the car.
When are you going to Monument Valley and who are you going with? Tag them below!
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I am turning 50 this year. Since I blog about travel, and it’s pretty clear that travel is one of the things I’m most passionate about, so many people have asked me if I’m planning a big trip this year. While I am scheming a bigger trip for this fall -more on that soon- there is another travel bucket list that I’m now prioritizing. And I think it’s become important to me because as I get older, I realize how important our connection is to nature.
Maybe I caught the bug when visiting my friend in Jackson Hole last summer, where the Grand Teton National Park was literally our playground for the weekend. (It’s her backyard all the time and I am a bit jealous!) Or perhaps it was after I pushed myself to hike Angels Landing at Zion National Park, with incredible and patient guides, despite my fear of heights.
After a summer and fall of exploring some of the most spectacular National parks in the US, all I knew was this - I wanted more. And so my national parks bucket list was born. While I have had the good fortune to visit many of these parks when I was a teenager, I know that the experience and connection I will have as an adult will be far more significant and maybe even profound.
If you’re like me, and curious to get out and explore more of the incredible national parks in the US, then my latest blog post is for you. Take a look and let me know what you think. And how awesome is it that Lonely Planet has come out with a brand new set of 5 national park guides divided by region?! These books are chock full of information whether you’re an experienced hiker and camper, a newbie, or traveling with the entire family. I know these guides will be my go-to this summer as I plan an epic road trip out west.
And if you have any favorite parks, please comment below! I’d love to get a conversation going about our favorite trails, campsites, parks and more. And for that matter, why limit ourselves to the US? Let me know your favorite international spots too. (Patagonia and the Dolomites, I’m looking at you!)
Let’s inspire each other to get out there to explore and revel in the beauty of this place we call home. 💚🤎🤍💙
Here’s my post!
Interested in visiting one of the many National Parks in the US this year? Keep reading for my top picks and travel tips.
My gift guides are live! Better late than never, right? :)
If you're still shopping for holiday gifts, I've got you covered. Check out my holiday gift guide 2022 for my top picks.
My Pittsfield, MA travel guide is live! If you're planning a trip this fall or winter to the Berkshires, check it out for all of my tips on where to eat, drink, shop, and stay, plus everything to do in this popular vacation destination.
Check out this post for everything you need to know to experience the perfect fall weekend in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, in the Berkshires.
Looking for amazing destinations to travel to this fall? Add Pittsfield, MA to your list. In the heart of the Berkshires, Pittsfield has it all - incredible hiking, great museums and restaurants, shopping, and the most adorable boutique hotel. Plus it’s only a 3-hour drive from NYC, so it’s the perfect weekend getaway!
Keep reading for my favorite spots and save this post for when you go!
👉 Stay: Hotel on North
👉 Eat: Methuselah Bar & Lounge, District Kitchen & Bar, Berkshire Palate
👉 Casual breakfast & Lunch Eats: Dottie’s Coffee Lounge, Marketplace Cafe, Lulu’s Tiny Grocery
👉 Shopping: Dory and Ginger, Museum Facsimiles, Witchslapped
👉 Culture: a show at the Colonial Theater, Berkshire Museum, Herman Melville’s Arrowhead, Hanc**k Shaker Village
👉 Hiking: The Boulders Trail
Cultural Pittsfield Downtown Pittsfield, Inc.
Todos Santos might be my new favorite place in Mexico, but can you blame me? Let’s go through a checklist of everything this laid-back, bohemian town has:
surfing ✔️
art galleries ✔️
sunset views ✔️😎
Desert hiking ✔️
boho-chic shops ✔️
the Pacific Ocean ✔️
tacos, tacos, and tacos ✔️🌮
unique and amazing restaurants ✔️
Have I hooked you yet? If you are looking to visit a spot in Mexico that hasn’t been overrun by tourists, put Todos Santos on your list. And check out my Todos Santos travel guide on the blog for all the intel you need to book a blissful vacation in Baja. Happy travel Tuesday!
https://letsbemerry.com/todos-santos-baja-mexico/
Happy Friday! This spring I had the opportunity to visit Great Barrington in the Berkshires with my family and we had the best time. I've been to the Berkshires many times in the past but it's been a while, and I forgot how awesome this part of Massachusetts is!
So this week on the blog, I'm sharing all of my travel recs for Great Barrington and the surrounding area. It's full of useful tips including where to eat, drink, shop, and explore. Check it out!
https://letsbemerry.com/weekend-getaway-great-barrington-berkshires/
Plan the ultimate weekend getaway to Great Barrington, Massachusetts, in the Berkshires with this travel guide!
Have you been to Kingston, New York? It's one of my favorite places to visit in the Hudson Valley, and now, in this blog post, I'm sharing all of my favorite travel tips for Kingston with you. Bookmark this post for when you're ready to visit Kingston!
https://letsbemerry.com/kingston-new-york/
A Weekend Travel Guide for Kingston, New York, including where to stay, eat, and shop, plus everything to do in this charming historic town.
Who's ready to plan a summer trip to Maine? I've got you covered with my latest blog post, a 5 day itinerary for Mid-Coast Maine. So what are you waiting for? Time to plan and get packing! :)
https://letsbemerry.com/mid-coast-maine/
If you love lobster and lighthouses, check out this post which includes a 5-day itinerary for Mid-Coast Maine!
I have been gluten-free for years so I figured it was finally time to put together a round-up of some of my favorite restaurants and bakeries in NYC that have plenty of gluten-free options. Click through to learn more! https://letsbemerry.com/my-favorite-gluten-free-restaurants-and-bakeries-in-nyc-gf-resources/
Are you celiac or gluten intolerant? If so, here's a New Yorker's guide to the best gluten-free restaurants and bakeries in NYC.
Have you ever tried a juice cleanse? I finally did and now I want to share my experience with you. Read this post and drop any Qs you have in the comments below! https://letsbemerry.com/everything-i-learned-after-trying-a-3-day-juice-cleanse/
Are you curious about trying a 3-day juice cleanse? I recently tried one and in this post, I'm sharing everything I experienced.
Are you ready to book summer travel? If you're thinking about the Greek Islands, then my lates blog post is for you. Read this before you book! https://letsbemerry.com/10-things-i-loved-and-hated-about-santorini/
Planning a trip to Santorini? Check out my Santorini travel guide plus everything I loved and hated about the island.
A place that has thousands of books, cozy, sun dappled corners where you can curl up and read those books, a bar serving everything from steaming coffee and matcha lattes, to an impressive collection of wines and beers? Why yes, I’ve found my new favorite spot. Bookmark this post and make sure to add to your list when you visit Kingston, NY. The only issue is you might never want to leave!
’m so excited that Selling the Hamptons is premiering this Thursday, January 20th on Discovery+! I worked on this show for much of this year with an extremely hard working and dedicated crew. And the real estate agents on this show are the best of the best. Start streaming this Thursday!😊😊
https://youtu.be/JNVhIgXktgU
Larger-than-life personalities, a red hot seller’s market, super exclusive luxury properties and the potential for mega-dollar sales blend into a potent c**k...
Happy Sunday! I’ve got a new post up on the blog, a round-up of my fall favorites. (Hint: this sweatshirt might be on the list!😜) Head to the blog to learn more - and tell me below - what are your favorite things about the season? 🍂🍁🥮
https://letsbemerry.com/fall-favorites-9-tips-to-help-you-enjoy-the-season/
I feel so lucky that my husband and I were able to travel safely to Greece, earlier this summer. We had an amazing trip and now I can't wait to share all of my travel tips with you.
First up is my travel guide about the island of Milos. We instantly fell in love with the rugged beauty of Milos and can't wait to go back. Click through to learn why this island must be on your list if you plan a visit to the Greek islands and happy Sunday!
https://letsbemerry.com/milos-greece-travel-tips/
Heading to the Greek islands but not sure which one to choose? I highly recommend visiting Milos, Greece with its famous Sarakiniko beach!
ICYMI, this week on the blog I'm sharing a round-up of my must-have travel accessories for long-haul flights. https://letsbemerry.com/travel-accessories-for-long-haul-flights/
My husband and I are finally hitting the road next week for a long, overdue vacation. Even better? We’re getting on our first long-haul flight in over a year and we’re headed overseas! (Yes, we are vaccinated, and yes, we will be taking many precautions to stay safe. I’ll write more about trav...
My husband and I are headed overseas this week for the first time in over a year, so I figured now would be a good time to share a round-up of my favorite travel accessories for long-haul flights. Click through for the full list!
https://letsbemerry.com/travel-accessories-for-long-haul-flights/
My husband and I are finally hitting the road next week for a long, overdue vacation. Even better? We’re getting on our first long-haul flight in over a year and we’re headed overseas! (Yes, we are vaccinated, and yes, we will be taking many precautions to stay safe. I’ll write more about trav...
Are you planning to travel this summer? I know I'm excited to start exploring again. I'm mostly planning domestic trips.
What about you? If you're still figuring out where you want to go, my latest post is for you. This week I'm sharing a round-up of the 8 best cities to visit in the US right now.
https://letsbemerry.com/the-8-best-cities-to-visit-in-the-us/
In this post, I put together a round-up of the 8 best cities to visit in the US right now as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Have you ever traveled alone? If you're a woman and you're thinking of traveling solo, then this post is for you!
https://letsbemerry.com/solo-women-travelers/
Keep reading to learn more about 10 safety tips for solo women travelers that I swear by and do every time I travel on my own.
Looking for last-minute Mother's Day gift ideas? Check out this round-up that includes everything from practical to luxurious gifts for mom!
https://letsbemerry.com/mothers-day-gift-ideas/
Looking for last-minute Mother's Day gift ideas? Check out this round-up that includes everything from practical to luxurious gifts for mom.
Have you ever purposely booked a 24-hour layover in a new city, just so you could explore it? I confess I’ve done it a few times! Most recently in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where there’s no shortage of things to do.
If you're hoping to book a trip to Asia later this year when travel becomes easier, you might want to do the same. Check out my KL travel guide for everything to see and do during a layover in this exciting city.
https://letsbemerry.com/things-to-do-in-kuala-lumpur-during-a-24-hour-layover/
Check out this post for a list of all the great things to do in Kuala Lumpur, even if you're just passing through on a 24-hour layover.
I don't know about you, but I am all about road trips right now! With that in mind, I put together a round-up of the best road trips to take in New England. https://letsbemerry.com/new-england-road-trips/
In this post, I’m rounding up 9 amazing destinations in New England that are worth visiting on your next road trip.
ICYMI last week, check out my round-up for everything I'm looking forward to and loving this spring, including how excited I am to see NYC coming back to life!
https://letsbemerry.com/march-2021-monthly-round-up-the-spring-edition/
http://www.letsbemerry.com/, https://linktr.ee/letsbemerry
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One of my biggest passions is exploring. Whether traveling abroad or checking out a neighborhood close to home, trying a new restaurant or completing an intensive yoga teacher training, I love learning and making new discoveries. And even more, I have always loved sharing what I learn and discover with my family, friends, and anyone who is willing to listen to me.
My career in television, as a director and producer, has given me incredible opportunities. I’ve explored the world with House Hunters International, worked closely with designers on home renovation shows at HGTV, featured Olympic athletes for NBC Sports, and ate my heart out on The Rachael Ray Show. After years of collecting amazing experiences, I want to share them all with you.
And so, Let’s Be Merry was born. Whether its travel, food, wellness, design, or just general inspiration, my goal is to share recommendations, tips and advice that will resonate with your life and be easy to incorporate into your lifestyle.
I currently live in Brooklyn with my husband Prash, our rescue dog Archie, plus our three rescue cats, Lucky, Maggie and Gizmo. (Can you tell we are animal lovers?!) We are hoping to increase our family soon (with humans, not animals!) and are about to embark on a big home renovation. I’ll be sharing more about that on the blog.
I consider myself a tourist of the world and a frequent adventure-seeker in my own city. My favorite thing is to collect and share memorable experiences with the people I love. So, I hope you enjoy what you see on the Let’s Be Merry blog.
Please feel free to email me anytime at [email protected]. Better yet, opt-in here for the weekly Merry Newsletter, where I’ll share exclusive content, including personal tips, recommendations, advice and more.
But most importantly, remember to embrace life’s simple pleasures: eat, drink and be merry!
