Slow Down, Be Present.

February, March and April 2020 will go down in history as the time the entire world dealt with a pandemic. A novel coronavirus ravaged the globe with upper respiratory illness and in many cases, death. 

During this time, many of us find ourselves in some form of lockdown or extreme social distancing. As a small business owner myself, this was a scary decision to close my salon. I understand the decision is the correct one, but still scary. 

As many of us are navigating our new normal, I have found myself diving into hobbies I haven't participated in quite some time. 

In the last few days, I have completed a 750 piece puzzle, a hobby I loved as a kid. 

I haven't completed a puzzle in years and it was such a welcome challenge mentally. 

In addition to my puzzle, I have been reading more, gardening more and even painting! I haven't painted in over 4 years! 

I feel that maybe this time inside and slowing down can help us all. Physically, yes we are flattening the curve, but what about mentally? I can't help but think how this time spent with our immediate family, taking things slow and participating in things that fill us with joy, will help our overall mental health. 

I, for one, can easily be described as a workaholic. These past few days have helped me to slow down and take the time to do things I love. I don't have the guilty feelings as I would if I were working. I see these hobbies as things to help ease my mind and calm my spirit while I am unable to work. 

Maybe this pandemic will be a wake up call for us all to slow down. Maybe after all of this, we will realize that our worth isn't measured by our productivity. Maybe finally, we will see how rest and rejuvenation is just as important as work. 

We will get through this together.  We will eventually get back to work, but in the meantime, dust off those hobbies you loved. Read a book, complete a puzzle, play an instrument or draw a picture... take this time to find what sparks joy. Remember. we are in this together. ❤

Much Love, 

H.

  

From Europe to Africa and back again...

I am so excited to write this blog! I finally made the trek to Morocco and it was an extraordinary experience from start to finish!!

I scored a great flight deal by flying into Madrid Spain from New York. From Madrid I then traveled to Tangier Morocco. 

This trip was mostly about Morocco, but I can't downplay the beauty and kindness I experienced in Madrid Spain. This short visit to Madrid has awakened my desire to further explore this great country!!

The architecture of this city was definitely European with a different flair. I loved the wrought iron balconies and the warm tones of the buildings. Everything was also so ornate! I had a sore neck from looking up all the time. :) 

I was lucky with the weather too, it was mild and mostly sunny the entire time I was in Madrid. I think it was cloudy one day only. 




In Spain they do what is called Tapas, which is small portions of a variety of food. This works perfectly for me because you can then try a variety and not eat too much. I have to say, I have ZERO complaints in the food department for the entire trip!  I loved EVERYTHING!!! 

This small cheese platter was amazing and the perfect amount to go with my glass of wine. I found this incredible open air market just outside the Plaza de Mayor. San Miguel Market is what it is called. They had so many booths offering countless options of food. They had cheese, fish, produce, sweets, pastries, wine, just to name a few!! I visited this market multiple times for a light snack that was always perfect!

It felt like spring with the mild temperatures, blue skies and blooming flowers everywhere. This archway was right at the entrance to a wonderful park that had a big lake, cafes, gardens and live music. The entire area felt alive and I loved it!! 

Thank you Madrid for sharing with me your beauty, love and culture. I'll never forget you and look forward to exploring more of Spain!

From Madrid, I flew to Tangier Morocco. The flight took an hour and before I knew it, I was in an entirely new country, continent and culture!

I have to say, my first hour in Tangier was quite the eye opening experience! I had to first argue with my cab driver on the price then I had to navigate within the confusing Medina to find my Airbnb. I had a nice young man help me find it, then once he walked me to the door, he expected payment! I gave him very little and quickly learned my way around. The sights, sounds and smells were a sensory overload from the start. I had a lovely Airbnb from the start with a remarkable rooftop terrace that had an amazing view of the city!!

I think I could spend all day up here. The sunrises and sunsets were unmatched from this vantage point!  I knew instantly, I had made a great choice in lodging!

The shopping and exploring in Tangier was quite an experience, almost exhausting. Prices were NOT set and haggling was expected. I did, however, get the hang of this and by the end of the visit, I was getting some true bargains. I think of all the shops, I loved the pottery ones the most! The colors and shapes were so unique and lovely!

I ended up purchasing an adorable sugar container for my coffee shop I will be opening and I am so excited to use it!

I was also able to buy a smaller sized rug from a man in Tangier. The rug is a stunning handmade rug that I was thrilled to score! It too will be the perfect addition to my coffee shop! 

I mentioned earlier how the food was amazing this entire trip, well, Morocco had some of the freshest fruit and produce I've ever seen!! I found a great produce stand where I purchased my fruit and veggies.

Everything was remarkable and so tasty!!

Just look at those strawberries and bananas!!!  They tasted as good as they looked, trust me!! The US dollar goes so much further as well! I purchased an avocado, cucumber, cherry tomatoes and a pear all for just $.40!!! And it all tasted like it came straight from the garden!!

I was in Tangier for a few days then took a trip to Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl. This city peaked my interest when I began seeing images of it on Instagram and Pinterest. I was curious to see if it was truly THAT blue....

Well, it really IS that blue!!! This city had my heart from the first step off the bus! The old medina is where I stayed and the intertwining alleyways do NOT disappoint with the various shades of blue! Getting lost was never a bad thing because you always had beautiful scenery surrounding you!  The city is quite a bit smaller than Tangier and you can definitely feel that. The pace is a bit slower, the people are friendlier and more helpful and the vibe is more laid back. I felt right at home!

I booked a photo tour while I was in Chefchaouen and that was one of the best things ever!! I was able to find some of the best hidden spots and capture some great photos of me that weren't selfies! 

I could add numerous photos from this incredible city and fill the pages to the brim! I am having to limit myself so that you can book your OWN trip and see for yourself the beauty that is Chefchaouen!

I had the pleasure of working with an incredible tour company, Travel Morocco Now and they are such amazing people! If you are wanting to visit Morocco, I highly recommend checking them out.

Their website is: www.travelnowmorocco.com and they will go above and beyond to make your Moroccan experience one of a kind!

Morocco gave me love, light, beauty, culture and feeling of home. I am so glad I finally experienced this incredible country!! 

It truly is a gem of a country. 

Don't be afraid to venture to a new culture or country. This was by far the most out of my comfort zone I've ever been and I feel so much better for it. I was greeted with kindness and love and I left with such a peace and full heart. I do plan on returning to explore more of the amazing country that is Morocco!

Keep traveling and exploring, the world is a great big place and never be afraid to venture outside your little corner! 

Much Love, H :)