April Milestones: What Were They?

April was an exciting month!! New Travels, New Experiences, New Ventures… so much to delve into!

New City, New State: Chicago, Illinois

I’ve been to Chicago nearly a decade ago for a friend’s wedding, but other than the hotel, I literally saw nothing else. So a road trip that involved several new states and a proper visit to Chi-town was such a welcoming way to start the month!

This trip was heavily centered around apartment hunting, so while it wasn’t a proper touristy visit to the Windy City, it was a wonderful preview as I’ll be back several times each month for the rest of the year! Yay!

Another New City, Another New State: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Just across the border from Chicago is Wisconsin! State Number 44 for me! I’ve always wanted to go to Wisconsin; no real reason; maybe it’s the cheese? But, finally made that happen though I will need to return to properly explore the state! I wouldn’t even call it a preview — more like a teaser. Also, there is an outlet mall right at the border of IL and WI, so I would like to make a pit stop there next time. =o)

New National Park: Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana Dunes National Park is one of the newest National parks to be added to the National Park Service list. I got a chance to visit during the road trip. It’s not super big, easily explorable on a half-day trip. Interestingly and confusingly, the Indian Dunes State Park (yes, state) is within the National Park. So, it’s all kind of messed together. You need to pay for part of it but not the other. It’s not my favorite park, but I would give it a solid 3-star.

Bro Bro Leaves for Las Vegas

My baby brother, who has lived with me for the past 2+ years, moved to Las Vegas! It was a bittersweet moment. I was sad to see him go because he’s literally my heart! But I know he was ready and it was comforting to know he will be living in the same complex as my other brother. At least the two of them will be near each other. I’m excited to see what this new chapter in his life holds and I hope that I have set him up for success in some tiny way.

I am FULLY Vaccinated!

Exactly 52 weeks (to the day) after testing positive for COVID-19, I am fully vaccinated.
Full ⭕️

First Time Indoor Dining in NYC Since the Pandemic

What a lovely experience to be able to try indoor dining in the city after a year! We went to Pinto to try their unique take on Thai dishes and we LOVED it! Luckily, we went on a weekday during lunch and had the entire restaurant to ourselves!

Ramadan – Holiest of Month of the Year

Ramadan began in April and it is my favorite time of the year because it really helps me resettle myself, reconnect with my faith, and set intentions for the year ahead. It’s the calmest month of every year and I cherish it oh so much!

Book Club Meeting in Person Again!

Our book club has been remote via Zoom since April 2020, although we did meet outdoors, socially distanced during the summer months last year. It was nice to be back in person again – socially distanced still, of course!

Beginning Prose

I’ve been in search of some better hair care products for so long, and Prose kept showing up in every social media feed I have — so I gave in and ordered it! I’m hoping to see some REAL results!

Eleven Books This Month

It has been a GREAT month for reading after last month’s rather lacklaster performance! I read ELEVEN freaking books!

The Hero’s Way by Tim Parks
Invisible Girl by Lisa Jewell
Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano
World Travel by Anthony Bourdain & Laurie Woolever
Beach Read by Emily Henry
Such a Quiet Place by Megan Miranda
Deep Survival by Laurence Gonzales
Ride: Cycle the World by DK Eyewitness
Evil Under the Sun by Agatha Christie
The Refugees by Viet Thanh Nguyen
Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k Up by Alexandra Potter

You can read a more in-depth review of the books here.

SN Spring Boxes Delivered!

All the SN Spring Boxes have been packed, shipped, AND received by our clients. They were a HUGE hit!!

Podcast Episode 0 Released!

My first full podcast episode released on April 24th!

Have you heard it yet? If not, go check it out wherever you listen to your podcasts.

If you listen on Apple and would consider giving me a rating and writing a review, that would mean the world to me! =o)

Back to Chicago

I went back to Chicago this month — it is going to be a regular back and forth route for me for the next several months. I love traveling/flying so no complaints here! Thank God, I’m still working remotely! Phew!

Global Fleet Partners

I started a new joint venture with my brothers, Global Fleet Partners! We purchased our first luxury vehicle, the Polaris Slingshot and it’s officially available on Turo for rental! If you’re ever in the Las Vegas area, check us out!