Brunch and a Stroll in Old Town Alexandria

I am charmed by details. The subtle nuances that differentiate one place from another, one space, one moment from the next.

In many ways Old Town Alexandria, Virginia is a charming Southern colonial city, not unlike others. Upon closer inspection however, one notices the deep red brick of the row homes, the fading red brick of the road, the immaculate attention to detail- black iron sconces, olive-green window shutters, starched American flags billowing in the wind, and you realize you're in a very unique and special place; a tiny, sophisticated, literary, nautical, colonial city draped in red brick and set on the water.

About 30 minutes from my home in Maryland, Old Town Alexandria is one of my favorite places to spend a weekend afternoon. Old Town Alexandria has all the sophisticated perks of a city, beautiful boutiques, shops, restaurants, yoga studios, art, and parks, without the hassle and clamor of urban living. Old Town Alexandria is small, neat, quiet, and mannerly. There is always parking. It's the kind of place that makes me smile.

The afternoon was brisk, naked trees swayed, the water at the pier was still, almost black. Vapor billowed from the mouths of obediently tied Labrador Retrievers as they kept guard of their humans from their lamp posts, as they waited for them to finish fetching their morning tea or croissant.

This Sunday, I was in Old Town to meet my friend Tamika (the same Tamika from the Mozambique posts) for brunch. Arriving early, Ohm and I took a stroll to explore. Ohm hobbled along obediently for two blocks before dancing on his toes, hands raised above his head, imploring to be lifted. He was not in the mood to walk. I wanted to take pictures and he wanted to be carried. He got his way.

Old Town Alexandria is full of families. Baby buggies and dogs ruled the cobblestone streets. Couples walked hand in hand with their little-ones strapped close in their baby bjorns and ergos.

We met Tamika by the dock on The Strand, one of Old Town's main drags. After eying our brunch options, we settled on the Union Street Public House, it was lovely. I loved the mahogany wood interior and the brunch bread basket (piping hot buttermilk biscuits, sweet cornbread, and muffins). Restaurants in Old Town are ready for their tiniest diners. Union Street Public House was no exception. They had a simple children's menu, crayons and coloring books. Ohm was a happy little guy, which means I was a happy mommy. We took our time eating brunch and enjoyed a wonderful afternoon in Old Town Alexandria.

If you're planning a trip to D.C., Old Town Alexandria, Virginia  (located right across the Potomac- approx. 10 minutes away) is worth a stop.

10 Excellent Travel Tour Companies to Book Your Next Trip With

There is no right or wrong way to travel. The important thing is getting out there. If you find the prospect of planning a trip a bit daunting, or if the thought of being left to your own devices in a foreign country does not sound like an adventure, or if you have specific niche interests when you travel, seeking the services of a tour company may be the right move for you.

Tour companies come in all varieties, from luxury to budget, from adventure travel tours to food and wine tours. There are family friendly tour groups as well as tour groups for gay men and solo female travelers. Whatever your desire, whatever your pleasure, chances are there is a tour company that suits your needs.

Here are  10 excellent travel tour companies to book your next trip with:

1) Wander Tours

Focusing mainly on SouthEast Asia, Wander Tours offers unique cultural travel itineraries. There are specific female only tours, while others are co-ed. Wander Tours also sponsors culinary tours in the United States in Washington and Santa Fe.

2) Micato Tours

Have you always wanted to visit Africa, but the thought of roughing it in the Serengeti makes you nervous? One of the top luxury travel companies, Micato specializes in extravagant African Safari vacations.

3) Abercrombie and Kent

If luxury international travel is more your speed, Abercrombie and Kent has the right package for you. Abercrombie and Kent offers luxury tours to every corner of the globe. From New Zealand, to Antarctica, to Egypt, to Botswana, Abercrombie and Kent will ensure a first-class travel experience in comfort and classic style.

4) Henderson Travel

Henderson Travel Service specializes in quality, down to earth tours, the majority of which are to destinations in Africa and Asia. Singles, large groups, and families are welcome. Custom tours are available.

5) Cinnamon Traveler Tour Adventures

Cinnamon Traveler Tour Adventures focuses on key locations enriched by the African diaspora such as Brasil and Cuba. Other national destinations include Martha's Vineyard, Atlanta and New York (woot woot!). Whether you're interested in learning the Samba in Brasil or relaxing by the beach in Martha's Vineyard, Cinnamon is a unique company with an artsy edge.

6) Creative Culinary Tours

If you dream of experiencing the world through your sense of taste then Creative Culinary Tours is the company for you. Emphasizing the great culinary traditions of New England, these tours offer decadent meals and samplings and are open to families and travelers of all ages.

7) Classic Journeys

Classic Journeys captures the romance of travel. From tours through the colorful bazaars of Morocco, to wine tasting in picturesque Tuscany, Classic Journeys create itineraries sure to satisfy your wanderlust. Over 70 tours are offered throughout South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia.

8) Gadventures

If adventure travel is more your speed, Gadventures may have the perfect tour for you. Whether you're ideal vacation includes climbing the Canadian Rockies, surfing in Portugal or Hawaii, or trekking Australia's Outback, Gadventures boasts adventure iteneraries to every corner of the globe that will be sure to please.

9) Journeys for Families

Journeys for Families offers engaging tours for families with children of all ages. If you're interested in exposing your child to the world in a safe and fun environment, or are planning a multi-generational family trip, this tour company is a great resource.

10) I-to-I

I-to-I is a great company for college students and those on gap-year. Though you are welcome at any age, I-to-I's niche is the student travel industry. With offerings all over the globe, you can choose to combine volunteer work with sightseeing adventures. From working with baby lions in South Africa to elephant trekking in Thailand, I-to-I has a wonderful selection of tours, adventures, and volunteer projects that can be used independently or put together to create a custom travel experience.

Do you have a favorite tour company? *This is a true story. Names have been changed to protect the innocent.

Rat Rides the Subway

It is early and you're disoriented. Your boots clack as you make your way towards the end of the cement subway platform. There is a windy chill sneaking underground from a grate above you. As you take your place, coffee in hand, something catches your eye. A potato chip bag, a red UTZ bag to be specific, is moving in curious circles. It is most definitely not being propelled by the wind. Cautiously you step closer and realize the bag has a tail. You promptly back away, but you don't back too far away, because you still need to be at the end of the platform, you still have to make it from Brooklyn to the Bronx to lead a workshop that starts promptly at 8am.

You can't take your eyes off the bag. You watch it wiggle and sway, until out pops the culprit, a brown mid-sized rat. Not too large you note as far as New York City subway rats come, but not a small fellow either. Luckily, you're not afraid of rats, you regard him as entertainment. You are drawn in by his shiny little eyes and swear you can almost make out a set of delicate eyelashes. He's rather cute you think to yourself as he grips a potato chip in his front claws or paws or whatever rat hands are called. You can't help but think that if you were the little fellows rat mother that you'd probably name him Thistle, or Sage, or Buckley, or, no-you decide, Thistle, definitely Thistle.

You smile at Thistle as the train roars into the station. Thistle does not smile back, he looks terrified. The noisy clamor startles Thistle and as the doors open, he leaps into the train car ahead of you. As you make your way towards your seat you look for Thistle. Others are looking too. Most people attempt composure, pretend they are too cool to be ruffled by a rat, while others scream and jump on their seats in panic as young Thistle, at least you think he's young, scurries the length of the train car beneath the row of seats.

You smile. You root for your friend as a group of construction workers try to smash him.

Up and down the length of the car Thistle runs. Unaffected hipsters lift their boots to allow Thistle free rein. Men and women in suits hop from foot to leather clad foot as Thistle rushes past. A homeless man wrapped in a stained quilt tilts his furry head back and laughs a hearty toothless laugh.

"Yo, did you see that!" a group of teens bogged down by sagging backpacks runs to the opposite side of the car.

As the train screeches into Union Square, off Thistle bounds the moment the doors part, his wiry tail waving goodbye.

You grin as you sip your coffee and laugh with the strangers who share your morning commute. You could be anywhere this morning, but you're in New York, arguably the worlds most unpredictable city and you just rode the train with an unpredictable rat named Thistle.

*This is a true story. Names have been changed to protect the innocent.

Brooklyn's MoCADA

In an unassuming brick building in downtown Brooklyn, you'll find a cultural gem- The Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts or simply the MoCADA.

The MoCADA is a vibrant and intimate museum space featuring paintings, photographs, sculpture, music, performance pieces, and installations that relate to the experience of the African diaspora as experienced in a contemporary context.

It is an incredibly unique space with a community feel. The one-story museum is small and is comprised of three main rooms in which to experience the exhibits.

Through the entrance you'll find the gift shop which is an experience in and of itself. The gift shop features an inspiring collection of books, art, jewelry, toys, crafts, and various other trinkets from local artists and artisans. It is a great place to shop for unique gifts and you'll be supporting local talent.

Located at (80 Hanson Pl Brooklyn, NY), admission is by donation. The MoCADA observes the following hours:

Wednesday 12pm to 7pm Thursday 12pm to 8pm Friday 12pm to 7pm Saturday 12pm to 7pm Sunday 12pm to 6pm

Best Healthy Snacks for Travel

Let's face it, travel can be exhausting. Between long dehydrating flights where you are served bland microwaved food, to lengthy road trips where the only places to pull over seem to have golden arches, travel can deplete your energy and vigor due to limited food choices. Eating a balanced diet on the road, takes much creativity and flexibility. Healthy eating on the road usually means a healthy satisfying trip, so get in there, sample local cuisine, do what you must on that long car ride, but fill in nutrition gaps with these healthy travel snacks. The Best Healthy Snacks for Travel:

1) Dark Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans- Dark chocolate is full of anti-oxidants and flavonoids. A mood enhancer and mild stimulant (due to the caffeine), dark chocolate covered espresso beans will leave you feeling invigorated and upbeat. These are the perfect treats at the end of a very long plane ride. Dark chocolate covered espresso beans will also hold you quite well if you are spending considerable time in a country where you will not be able to find chocolate deserts.

2) Chia Seeds- One tablespoon a day will keep you energized and feeling balanced. Chia seeds are chock full of omega-3's, iron, and fiber and are an excellent anti-oxidant source. Easy to pack (zip-lock bag) and non-perishable, these seeds will keep you going when there's a lack of nutritious food options.

3) Goji Berries- These little red dried berries are full of anti-oxidants and vitamin A. Goji berries contain a compound that serves as an immune system booster, an essential asset to travelers everywhere. Goji berries are super easy to pack (once again zip-lock bag in your carry on) and are non-perishable.

4) Almonds- Sweet, crunchy almonds are a great snack while on the road. Filling and hearty, almonds contain a slew of essential nutrients and vitamins such as calcium, vitamin E, folic acid, magnesium, and zinc. A handful of almonds are a great cure for a hunger headache. I keep a zip-lock bag full of almonds in my carry on at all times. Almonds taste great mixed with goji berries!

5) Seaweed Crackers- My son Ohm is addicted to these mineral rich treats. Rich in vitamins A, B and C, seaweed crackers are pleasantly savory and provide sustained energy and vitality. Seaweed crackers come in thin sheets that are non-perishable and can easily be placed inside a zip-lock bag and popped into a carry on.

6) Ginger Chews- Ginger is a wonderful digestive aid. Ginger treats annoying travel ailments like gas and nausea. Ginger chews (make sure you get real ginger root and not a ginger flavored candy) are small and easy to pack (as they typically come in a tin). Ginger also tastes great and is wonderfully satisfying for those with a sweet tooth.

7) Kale Chips- Can't find fresh vegetables on the road, no problem, kale chips to the rescue. Kale chips are marvelous! Each crispy dehydrated leaf is loaded with all of the vitamins and minerals you'd expect to find in the steamed version. Kale chips are rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, magnesium, potassium and copper. Easy to pack, Kale chips are a great way to eat your greens on the road!

8) Squeezable Fruit and Veggie Pouches- When you've got a little one, these pouches (there are many brands and varieties) are invaluable. My favorite brand is Ella's because of the many veggie combinations, the thick consistency  and because it's organic. Veggie pouches pack easily and are a wonderful way to ensure a balanced diet. Note, you must refrigerate after opening if your baby or tot doesn't finish the pouch in one sitting.

Exploring the world, doesn't have to mean compromising your health. Packing one or two (or heck- all) of these snacks can leave your mind, body, and spirit invigorated, healthy and vibrant the next time you travel.

What are your favorite travel snacks?

Champagne With A View At the Plaza Hotel

"Cheers."

We clicked our delicate flute glasses together with a 'ting'.

Veuve Clicquot tickled my tongue before sliding smoothly down my throat.

Krista and I had found the perfect remedy to enliven a frigid, slate, windy, and otherwise inhospitable Manhattan afternoon

Outside, wispy snow flakes tumbled from the sky, framing the base of Central Park with a soft haze.

Krista's clutch, black velvet and petite, glistened on the arm of her chair.

Our waiters shoes, shined to perfection, slid gracefully over the carpeted floor.

In the distance music played softly.

In the window, I smiled at our reflection. It was the perfect day to dust off my pearls.

It was a lovely afternoon.

New York had been a bully lately. Within the span of a week, the temperature dropped 40 degrees. Chilly blue skies were replaced by gray clouds and biting cold. Howling winds, slippery streets and a massive flu outbreak have made hibernating in my apartment, having food and wine delivered, and streaming Netflix a very attractive option. After a week of being a relative hermit however, cabin fever set in. I was itching for something fun to do.

Not enough snow to play in, too cold and wet to enjoy the outdoors, things looked bleak.

My friend Krista shared my weary winter blues and it was decided that instead of spending Saturday at home in our sweatpants with Netflix, we would go all out, get dressed up and enjoy a lovely (albeit cold) afternoon sipping champagne at the Plaza. It was the adult equivalent of a little girls tea party.

The Champagne Bar at the Plaza Hotel is a wonderful place to retreat to for a quick escape. Through the lobby and to the left, the champagne bar in all of its splendor, awaits you.

The ambiance is everything you would expect from the Plaza hotel. Elaborate crystal chandeliers hang gracefully above the immaculate marble floor. We lounged the afternoon away in plush velvet chairs, clinking glasses as we enjoyed our unobstructed view of Central Park and the line of Clydesdale carriage horses ready to chauffeur tourists to and from.I was the perfect escape!

The next time you're in Manhattan and find yourself on fifth avenue, why not treat yourself to a well deserved mini break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

"Cheers!"

The Plaza Hotel (768 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019)

(Yes. We pulled out a pair of pink feathered boas.)

Game Time at Brooklyn's Barclays Center- Go Net's Go!

I am many things, a sports enthusiast I am not.

A resident of Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, I, like many of my neighbors watched with curiosity and some anxiety as our neighborhood underwent a massive change - the arrival of the Barclays Center Stadium. I watched the Barclays stadium grow, almost rod by rod. I watched my husband and his friends salivate and buzz with glee at the prospect of Brooklyn gaining its own NBA team. I watched, I waited, until one day in the early Fall it had transpired. Brooklyn was the home of a world-class, state of the art, arena.

Off we walked, one chilly evening, Mark, Ohm, and I (well, technically Ohm was carried), 15 minutes down Atlantic Avenue towards the Barclays Center to catch one of the first games of the season.

Whereas I wasn't particularly thrilled about the prospect of sitting through a basketball game, I was curious about the massive new stadium that had descended upon Brooklyn like a spaceship.

The stadium had garnered quite a buzz and not just from sports fans. There was a prominent roster of concerts that the venue was slated to host.

After making our way through the very long line that snaked around Flatbush, we were greeted by an ultra-modern, classy and clean event space that more closely resembled a fancy office building than a basketball arena. I was impressed.

As we made our way toward the concessions, I was astonished. Instead of the standard popcorn, hotdogs and soda, there were local gourmet food options including, sushi, Junior's famous deserts, Blue Marble Ice Cream, a fresh salad, a Habana Outpost stand and a host of other delectable local Brooklyn favorites. It was, minus the basketball part, my kind of stadium.

Our seats were comfortable as far as seats go. The game happened as far as games go. People cheered, players played and I read magazines and snapped pictures.

At 16 months, it was Ohm's first basketball game. He had a great time, as did the other children in the crowd. I was surprised to see so many little ones. As far as venues go, it was quite child-friendly (just be careful on the very steep stairs).

The Barclays Center did not disappoint! I look forward to visiting again. Only next time, I hope my visit will be for the purpose of  a concert or the circus as opposed to a basketball game...

The Barclays Center is located at:

620 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217

Click here for a schedule of events.