Puerto Rico Love

I'm back from my little trip to Puerto Rico over Labor Day weekend, where we attended a wonderful and most fun wedding! Sorry for the lack of posts but right after my return I had to jump back into research and last minute preparations for the Genetics department annual retreat, which ended this Saturday. I'm happy to report that I have picked out new stylish scientists for the future posts there in addition to listening to a full day and a half of super interesting science talks, presenting a poster of my research and having fun with fellow students and professors.

Back to Puerto Rico - this getaway was so necessary, relaxing, and just wonderful. It was my very first trip to the Caribbean, and I'm in love! We spent early mornings walking on the beach, doing yoga, swimming, relaxing all day long, reading, enjoying internet-free time and just staring at the sea. We took a short trip to Old San Juan to attend the beautiful cathedral mass on Sunday - and I'm telling you that this city is adorable! Narrow streets, colorful buildings, peaceful places - I would love to return and wonder around a bit more. And another note that I'd like to make: people of Puerto Rico know how to party! Every night everybody was out: from young to old, dancing salsa like they are pros. We did tons of fun dancing at the wedding as well: the DJ was so good and the music was even better - I couldn't stop for a minute!  Thanks to Catherine and Adam for having their wedding in Puerto Rico - it was truly an unforgettable and special experience!

In general I'm a fan of an active vacation but these couple of days in Puerto Rico were so relaxing for me that I'm adding this type of lazy vacation to my annual must-have. I didn't even take that many photos but I'm delighted to share with you some that I did take. I hope they will make you relaxed even if just for a minute ;)

All pictures are taken by Joe and me. 

Hidden Garden Brunch

One of the favorite traditions of New Yorkers is to go out to brunch on the weekend, and the city surely doesn't disappoint in the selection of brunch spots it has to offer. With that said, this past weekend Joe and I ended up in the East Village for church and decided to find a brunch place afterwards. This sunny and quiet Sunday morning made me crave a place with a garden to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. And how lucky we were when we stumbled upon the little cute and hidden garden of the Standard (hotel near Astor place)!

The garden was basically empty but very charming with its potted plants, colorful tables, chairs, and sofas. I was a bit in disbelief that we could randomly find such a perfect spot for our meal! We ordered some simple brunch food like lattes, eggs + baked potatoes, and pancakes. And let me tell you: all of the food was extremely flavorful and delicious. We will definitely be back to the Standard, because it's not your standard brunch spot! ;)

Photos by me.

This is not a sponsored post.

What I'm loving now...

Today I'm sharing with you some of the things that I'm loving / enjoying / and getting inspired by right now. It's all about seeing beauty in everything that surrounds us and enjoying each minute of this life. 

Enjoying beach trips and picnics in the park...

Discovering new restaurants and taking advantage of NYC Restaurant Week...

(pictures from Ukrainian restaurant in Soho: Korchma Taras Bulba)

Eating fresh fruits every day...

Looking up to appreciate this beautiful sky above...

All pictures are takes with my iPhone 

What are you loving now? Please, share :)

Umbrellas at the beach

I didn't use to be a beach lover until this year. I'm going to steal the explanation from my boyfriend Joe: the winter has just been too long, and now I'm trying to soak up all of the sun and warmth. And what's a better place than a beach?

During my most recent one day beach trip I noticed tons of colorful umbrellas, and I decided to take pictures. As I was doing this a big dark cloud started rolling in... the beach trip was cut short. Maybe it was for the better? My skin can't handle too much sun anyways :p

I hope you are enjoying summer and spending a lot of time playing in the sun! ;)

All photos are taken and edited by me

Summer in NYC

Do you live in NYC or are you planning to visit this summer? It doesn't matter because below are 5 great ideas on what to do in the city for resident and tourists alike.

The Public theater has been producing Shakespeare in the park since 1962 with some really amazing actors and absolutely for free. The feelings that you have from watching Shakespeare plays under open night sky in Central Park in the middle of New York City  - are... truly unique. This year The Comedy of Errors is playing during June, and Love's Labour's Lost, a New Musical in late July - mid August. To get tickets: sign up for the random drawing online, stand in line at Delacorte theater for a noon distribution of tickets (some people come at 6am!), or come around 7pm for a stand-by line (I had the most luck with this option). More info at www.shakespeareinthepark.org

La Marina - amazing open space cafe/bar/restaurant right on the Hudson river with beautiful views of sunset. It's all the way uptown in Manhattan but if it gives you more motivation for a long train ride: Leonardo di Caprio and queen B have been spotted here ;) More info at lamarinanyc.com

Governor's Island 'Jazz Age Lawn Party' - go back in time to the roaring 20s, learn popular dances from the beginning of the 20th century, dress up and enjoy it in Great Gatsby style. To get to Governor's island jump on a free ferry (more details here) and to get tickets to the jazz party go here.

Syfy movies with a view.There are tons of free movies all over NYC this summer, and I'm excited to check out outdoors movies at the Brooklyn Bridge Park. It's a perfect summer evening activity: friends, movies, park, views of downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridge. For movie schedule go here.

Picnic in a park. Have a picnic at any park in NYC. Small picnic, elaborate picnic, lunch picnic, just a snack - whatever kind of picnic but take advantage of city parks this summer to recharge. If you want to eat in Central park, you can grab take-out from anywhere or stop by Whole Food on 59th and Columbus Circle (in Times Warner mall) or on 97th st. and Columbus ave. (they have wonderful salad, hot and desert bars). 

Picture sources:
Shakespeare in the Park / La Marina / Governor's Island Jazz Age Lawn Party / Syfy movies with a view / Picnic in a park