Mexico City Travel Diary

Mexico City is a city you should have on your radar. It’s colorful, the weather is amazing, food is outstanding, people are friendly, there’s tons of historic architecture, and is filled with culture!

Mexico City is the perfect city to get a full vacation experience in a short period of time. What do I mean by that? You’ll get cultured by learning about the country's history, party, eat traditional food all while feeling relaxed by the easy vibes of the city. You can’t ask for more. I was in Mexico City for four and a half days (not including transportation) and it felt like that was a great amount of time to soak in the city. I could have easily stayed longer, so if you have the option to do so, take it! There’s a lot to do and even more to eat! Here are my must-see Mexico City sites, a list of food and bar recommendations, insight on where to sleep, plus the perfect outfit options to take on your trip!

WHERE TO SLEEP

We heard from many people that Zona Reforma or Zona Rosa were the best places to stay. We stayed at NH Collection Mexico City Reforma in Zona Rosa and highly recommend that hotel!! NH Collection Mexico City Reforma was incredibly modern and the staff were very helpful! We stayed in a suite which was a huge amount of space, well lit, and very clean. Their shower head is also amazing! This hotel was walking distance from amazing restaurants, bars, and the main city street. I could not have asked for a better location! 

WHERE TO EAT

Mexico City has a lot of really great restaurants so narrowing down exactly where to eat was hard. It felt like there weren't enough meals to eat in a day when I was down there. I am a huge fan of Mexican cuisine so if you are too, you must try these restaurants. Make sure to check out my Yelp list for easy access to ratings and locations HERE.

Tacos, guacamole, crisp fresh tortilla chips, flavorful spices, endless sauces, juicy meats, and fresh veggies was all I ate for five days. Carbs and meats took over my diet but it was worth every bite. 

For breakfast, we usually ate at the hotel or had something as light as a granola bar and fresh fruits. But if you are a breakfast lover, you must go to El Pendulo. It is a bookstore/ restaurant. The food is great and you can grab something to read over breakfast. They also have a cozy little back courtyard that is perfect for your morning coffee.

Lunch

My first real meal of the day was really lunch. I craved fresh tacos everyday. There are tons of street vendors who sell hot tacos. You can't avoid the smell on the street. One taco stand you cannot miss is Taquería Los Cocuyos! Hands down the best tacos I have ever had. To be honest, I don't really even know what kind of meat I ate, all I know is that is was good! The full menu is in Spanish and there is no English version. The tacos are under $1 too!! I did not get sick eating any of the street food in CDMX. 

El Cardenal is probably one of the highest rated restaurants I ate at while in Mexico City. It lived up to its reviews! The ambiance felt so homey- like I was going to my grandma’s house for dinner. The dining area is beautifully lit by huge wooden windows. We tried the veal to share and is was absolutely delicious. Crispy and perfectly fried out the outside, yet sot and juicy in the inside. It was very well complimented by their home- made sauces. Just a warning- the portion is huge so be prepared to eat!

Dinner

Dinner was my favorite meal to eat in Mexico City. After a long day of walking around, a good meal was the best treat to end the day. Some of my favorite dinner spots were Pasillo de Humo, Comedor Jacinta, and Los Girasoles.

Pasillo de Humo serves some of Mexico City’s best traditional Oaxacan food. From the outside, it looks like a bar but the dinner seating area is located upstairs. You definitely have to try a dish with their homemade mole sauce! Also make sure to ask about their mezcal selection! They’ve got a lot to choose from!

If you’re looking for a quick yummy bite to eat, you have to try La Casa de Toño. It’s a chain favorite of the locals and I completely understand why! They start you off with complementary chips and salsas. Be careful, the salsas are hot! I had to order a Horchata which is a Mexican milk drink to calm down the spiciness. I recommend trying the tacos and their well-known soup! We (two people) ordered a lot of food and the bill only came out to $13 usd including tax and tip!

WHERE TO DRINK

Drink at Dualistas. This is an old hole in the wall spot where locals come for a drink after work. The floors are sticky, there is no ac, graffiti fills the walls, hard rock plays from the jukebox, and there is not a single tourist in site (besides the people who are really in for the experience). They don’t have a large selection of drinks because they only carry traditional drinks. Try the pulque- 'a Mexican alcoholic drink made by fermenting sap from the maguey'. It is a thick, smoothie like drink with the equivalent alcohol content of a mild beer. Have a few of these and you might be on the floor. It’s easy to knock back a few because it doesn’t taste like alcohol at all!

The nightlife in Mexico City was bigger than I expected. Bars stayed open quite late and were always full. One of my favorite bars I went to in Mexico City was Bósforo. Dark, small, and very mysterious. I loved the vibe of this bar and the mescal selection was amazing! The serve mezcal in shot glasses with a slice of orange. Be prepared to stand and get cozy next to a candle as the space is quite little.

WHAT TO DO:

1. Frida Kahlo museum, aka Casa Azul:

• The paint colors are bright, and the gardens/foliage are lovely. You’ll get an inside look at her studio where she created her art, her personal living areas, and a look at her personal diaries. They also have a great display of her clothing! To take pictures inside the house, not just in the courtyard, you have to pay a small fee of 30 pesos which is totally worth it!
• It's generally best to get your tickets online ahead of time so you don't end up on a long line behind a bus load of tourists! I didn’t do this and when I showed up to the site. There was a three hour wait. HOWEVER, I got lucky and bought a 2-in-1 pass for Casa Azul and Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli for 150 pesos and got instant entry. In the ticket price, it included a bus to the Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli and back. For an extra 30 pesos, you can take photos inside both sites. 
• I took an Uber to Casa Azul from Zona Rosa for $12 round trip. I highly recommend this route unless you are quite familiar with the MXCD transit system.
• While you're in the area, enjoy the main square of Coyoacan. There are markets, great churros, and just a generally pleasant vibe.

2. Teotihuacan pyramids:

• Definitely go in the morning! Fewer people, not as hot, and extra beautiful. I got to the site around 9am which was the perfect time. When I was on my way out around 2pm, it was hot (I got a little sunburn) and it was getting pretty packed. 
• It’s very cheap to take a bus (there are various companies) from Central de Norte, a main bus terminal. It's about an hour ride. 
• Tip: make sure to wear sneakers or shoes with good grip. The stairs at the pyramid are very steep and slipping is very easy. I’m 5.2 ft and the stairs were the length of my shin, not joking! There are ropes to hold on to. Also, make sure to wear sunblock and reapply midway. The sun is very strong and there are no shaded areas. 

3. The Angel of Independence

This is probably the most iconic places in the city. It's in the middle of Paseo de la Reforma which is a major street in Mexico City.

While I was on Paseo de la Reforma, I saw a protest going on which I found really cool. It showed the passion of the people. This street is also filled with signs/ images of historic moments. 

4. Zócalo:

This is the main square downtown with government buildings. It is a must-see for CDMX history and sites! You can’t miss this area.

• Palacio de Gobierno: fantastic murals inside and is a really pretty Spanish style of architecture.
• Murals by the famous Diego Riviera are all over the second floor. You cannot miss this! 
• Catedral Metropolitana: so old and beautiful and great for pictures. You can actually go on the roof for a small fee!

Tip: while visiting the government area, make sure to carry some form of ID. You will need it for entry

5. Chapultepec Castle & bosque.

The bosque (forest) is a huge park, bigger than Central Park in NY. It has gardens, museums, and fun things to do like paddle boat, bike rides, etc. At the end of the park, on the top of the hill, is one of my very favorite spots from the trip, the castle. It's a stunning piece of architecture- inside and out. You also get insane views of the city because it's up on top of a hill. This is another great place for pictures! 

6. Palacio de Bellas Artes

The Palacio de Bellas Artes is insanely beautiful inside and out. Pro tip from a local: if you go to the Sears across the street and grab something from their cafe (on the god-knows-what floor), you get a perfect view of the palace from above, which means you'll capture the brightly colored glass roof.

If you have time, go see the ballet! It was beautiful and so entertaining. it is not like your traditional American ballet, it is more of a Mexican local dance. 

Across from Bellas Artes is the Palacio de Correos, another really beautiful old building.

7. Other great things to do:

• Generally the Condesa neighborhood is known for being scenic for its bohemian vibe, little parks, etc.
• Santa Maria la Ribera + Kiosco Morisco: a little neighborhood with a small-town feel. The Kiosco is a really cool pagoda-ish thingy that was built for a World's Fair. The area around it is cute and also the site of a geology museum. 
• The Museo Tamayo is also cool and modern and a great place for pictures and to enjoy the (sometimes weird) art.

OTHER TIPS: 

• Uber is your best friend. It's quite cheap, reliable, and will quickly/ safely get you where you need to go.
• I didn’t get a chance to ride the metro system but I’ve heard good things about public transportation in Mexico City. One thing I do know is that it’s cheap! 
• Ask for WiFi passwords. There is WiFi everywhere. I never used my international service. 
• Make sure to load up on sunblock. Being brown, I thought I could get away with just applying in the morning but after being out in direct sunlight for over 5+ hours catches up with you. 
• Take a screenshot of you hotel and it’s cross streets so if you need directions, you can have an image to show. Many of the streets are very similar to each other.

WHAT TO WEAR

Mexico City is hot! But the good kind of hot where the sun feels good on your skin. But as far as wearing clothes in the heat, I recommend wearing shorts, easy loose fitting dresses, linen tops, and light weight cotton clothing.

When packing for Mexico city don’t be shy to take a lot of color. The city is filled with art murals and colorful buildings-even homes are painted in pink red and yellow!

Regarding shoes, I’d take a pair of sneakers to do intense walking in. You’ll need it for the Teotihuacan pyramids. You’ll also want a pair of sandals. I love Birkenstocks and block heeled mules for walking. The taxi and Uber’s there are incredibly cheap so don’t be scared to pack a pair of heels for a night out.

And of course we can’t forget the sunnies and swimsuits. Shop some of the items that I took to Mexico City below

xoxo,

Krity

Cold Spring

Are you dying to just getaway? Truly relax? While not having to do to much planning? Or spend too much money? Well that's exactly how I was feeling when I decided to take a quick escape to Cold Springs. Living in New York City is amazing but can get quite overwhelming at times. The last time I went on vacation was over six months ago and a truly relaxing weekend away was exactly what the doctor recommended. Just 48 hours in Cold Springs at the Hudson House Inn had me feeling like I had gone on a full week long vacation. I soaked up so much fresh air and let all my muscles finally relax. It was definitely one of the best quick getaways I have ever taken!!

Cold Spring is located in upstate New York, just a quick hour and half train ride away from the city. After work, I hopped on the train at Grand Central and was off to start the weekend. The train ride was so smooth and had the best views. The sun was setting and looked so gorgeous reflected on the Hudson River. 

Where to Stay:

When I got off the train, I felt like I had entered a whole new state. There was not a soul in site and so quite compared to the city. It honestly felt a little weird, but in the best way. It was a short five minute walk to Main Street where the cute hotel on the corner was waiting for me. Hudson House Inn can not be missed in the city of Cold Spring! The minute I walked into the hotel, I felt that warm gushy feeling like I was home. Imagine this- on a cold night, you open the wooden door to walk into a cozy room. The space is lit with a warm light with the addition of candles that fill the area with a relaxing aroma. You're greeted with a big smile waiting for you to check in.

Walking into the room was such a pleasant surprise. It looked exactly like my old bedroom from my hometown of Michigan. It was simple chic with a country style vibe. The pale yellow walls made me feel so calm. Hudson House Inn was built in 1832 and sits beautifully a hundred feet away from the Hudson River. It is truly a part of the interesting history of the Hudson River. While staying at the Hudson House Inn, you'll get gorgeous views of West Point and Storm King Mountain. 

Where to Eat:

Breakfast 

Hudson House Inn is one of the highly rated restaurants in Cold Spring so having a meal here is a must! If you are staying at the hotel, a complimentary breakfast is included. It isn't one of those boring breakfasts you get at other hotels either. Breakfast both days was absolutely amazing!! Hudson House Inn has a great breakfast menu to choose from which includes waffles with fresh strawberries, spinach omelet with homestyle potatoes (which were my favorite), blueberry pancakes, and the big one (eggs, sausage, potatoes, and bread). The bloody Mary and mimosas were the perfect finishing touches to go along with the yummy breakfast. It was the perfect way to start out the day before going for a hike. 

Dinner

If you're looking for a great meal (one of those where you go "omg, this is so good" with every bite), have dinner at the Hudson House Inn!! In between every bite, I was complimenting how good the food was. 

Dinner started off with fresh bread with a tomato and bean topping. The menu is filled with so many delicious options. I wanted to try everything! For appetizers, I tried the homemade Maryland crabcakes made with fresh jumbo lump crabmeat with a side of dijon sauce. The outside was nice and crispy and the inside was filled with fresh crabmeat flavor! I also tried the arugula salad with tossed radicchio, caramelized pecans, cranberries, balsamic vinaigrette, topped with blue cheese. It was the perfect salad- light and flavorful. For the main dishes I went all out. I got the Surf and Turf- a plump broiled lobster tail on an eight ounce dry aged sirloin served with roasted peppercorn brandy sauce, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, and carrots. Yummmm! I also got the Hudson House Ribeye marinated in fresh rosemary and extra virgin olive oil topped with caramelized onions and blue cheese. This was one of the best ribeyes I have ever had! The meat was tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked! Hungry yet?

Drinks

Make sure you also try some of the amazing crafted cocktails at the Hudson House Inn or even wine from their large selection. You can curl up on the comfy leather couches by the fire and read some of their amazing coffee table books over drinks.

Things To Do:

While you are in Cold Spring, New York there are a few things you must do!

1. Walk along the Hudson River and gaze out into the mountains. Just listen to the water crash and take a deep breath. I promise it is so relaxing! After all, this is what you came here to do. Read the history of West Point and make sure to take some great pictures!

2. Take a walk through the quaint little town of Cold Spring. Coming up from NYC, I was in the mindset to walk around for several hours but It won’t take you that long. Make sure to check out the cute antiques shops. They have some really amazing hidden gems. There is everything from furniture, clothing, jewelry, dolls, toy cars, and records just to mention a few items. Along the way, step into one of the restaurants and grab a cup of coffee or even an ice cream cone. 

3. Hike! One of the reasons I came up to Cold Spring was to hike. I had heard amazing things about the many trails and the pictures looked beautiful. It was so worth it! I took a 4 hour hike on the Breakneck Trail. The name reflects the mountain pretty well. One step the wrong way and there was a good possibility of actually breaking my neck. However, don’t let that scare you! The hike was absolutely amazing! The hardest part was getting up the mountain and climbing over large rocks. There are different points along the trail so you can choose how far you want to go. The walk down is nice and easy so go for it!

Additional Things To Do:

Take the Metro North (or a cab/ Uber) up to the next city of Beacon, New York. The Dia Beacon Museum is a must see while upstate. It a HUGE modern art museum in a revamped old warehouse. The art here is really interesting and quite different than many other modern art museums I have been to. There are several floors so be ready to walk around. 

3 Beekman St, Beacon, NY 12508
(845) 440-0100

$15   General
$12   Students and seniors
Free for Dia members and children under 12

January–March
Friday–Monday 11 am–4 pm
April–October
Thursday–Monday 11 am–6 pm
November–December
Thursday–Monday 11 am–4 pm

Thank you for reading!!

XOXO,

Krity

*This was a sponsored post for Hudson House Inn. However, all opinions are my own.*

New York City Winter Travel Style Guide

Are you planning a trip to visit New York City and are having a hard time figuring out what to pack? I've been there before! It's so hard to pack comfortable stuff to walk around in but still be fashionable because well, it's NYC- a major fashion capital. I've rounded up 10 items that you must pack for a trip during the winter months. This list is useful for other locations too, not just NYC! 

1. Parka Coat

First, you want to stay warm and a nice parka coat is a must. I recommend wearing something heavy that's actually gonna keep you warm because there's nothing worse than being cold and possibly catching a cold. But don't worry a parka can still look cute, it's all about the accessories you pair it with. 

2. Hat, gloves, and a scarf

These accessories play a crucial role when the wind decides to pick up. Grab a matching set or create your own. 

3. Comfy Shoes 

This is always where I struggle! I have a great love for shoes so I like to take 3-4 pairs no matter where I go. But for a major city, I recommend two pairs minimum. You need a pair that are comfy to walk around in all day aka fashion sneakers! 

4. Fashion Booties

For the second pair of shoes, pack something cute! A pair of animal skin booties are great for the winter because you can dress them up or down and they go with everything! Booties with a low heel are the perfect shoes to change into for a night out in a city during winter. 

5. Sweater Dress

The best of both worlds! A sweater dress is a piece of clothing that keeps you warm and stylish. You can wear this for a day of doing touristy stuff and even wear it for a nice dinner. I recommend cinching your waist with a chic belt. 

6. Faux Fur Coat

Nothing says "fashion" more than a little fur. Trust me, in New York wearing fur is like wearing jeans. You don't have to feel like you're sticking out like a sore thumb. Check out my post on affordable faux furs and how to style it here. 

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7. Oversized Sweater

It's super comfy and cozy! I love printed sweaters or chunky knits. Try out a stripped, plaid, or embroidered sweater to add some interest to your look. A sweater can tie the whole look together. It's one of my favorite things to wear in the winter and perfect when visiting a chilly city during the winter. 

8. Jeans 

It's a no brainer but very important. No matter where I travel, I always carry a pair of jeans with me! I usually wear them on the plane because they are a heavier item but I continue to wear them throughout a trip. Jeans go with everything and can be worn all day long. My favorites have lots of stretch and are mid rise. 

9. Cross Body Bag

You can be hands free and take all the pictures in the world! I prefer traveling with bags that I can carry all my gear in. It helps me not lose anything and prevents anything from getting stolen because I put everything right in front.  

10. Heat Tech Gear

Yes they really work! They have saved me on the coldest winter days here in NYC. I love to layer them under just about everything! They are thin so they don't add extra bulk. 

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XOXO,

Krity 

Photography by Ashley Gallerani

*I get commission for purchases or clicks made through links in this post*

Dallas

Do you love to eat? Do you like to drink? Do you like to shop?

If you answered yes to any of these questions then Dallas, Texas is the perfect city for you to visit. Dallas, Texas had incredible food, amazing drinks, and a store on every corner! The sizes are definitely bigger- from the size of houses to the size of a drink. I was pleasantly surprised by the bigger drink sizes. I also loved the affordable prices! There is a lot of unique history in Dallas from Kennedy to oil. I learned about this unique city. I think an extended weekend to Dallas is a great idea and anywhere from 2-4 days is a good amount of time to visit. 

Things to do:

When in Dallas, you must go to the Bishop Arts District! It's a cute little area filled with beautiful street art, unique boutiques, great food, and bars. The Bishop Arts district has a great laid back vibe. It's the perfect place to get a picture for the gram too! It doesn't take that long to cover this area- probably about 2 hours total. But I recommend going during the day so you have good lighting for the pictures. 

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I highly recommend going to visit downtown Dallas. The architecture is beautiful and there's some fun things to do there. 

While in downtown Dallas, check out the Reunion Tower. I got the combination ticket ($31) for the Reunion Tower and the Trolley Tour of Dallas. The view from the top of the tower was stunning. You can see all the way to the city of Forth Worth, Texas! The trolley tour was so much fun! The guide shared so many interesting stories about Dallas and it's history. The tour was about an hour and half. It was a great way to see the full city. Dallas isn't like New York City where there is something on every block so it's not easily walkable if you want to see everything. 

Food

The restaurants in Trinity Grove are known to be really good! I didn't get a chance to try them but I heard each restaurant was amazing. They have a huge outdoor seating area too which gave it a really cool vibe, However, I did try out Cake Bar and I have to say you MUST try the cake there. I'm more of a pie gal so when I like a cake, it's on another level good. I tried the strawberry and key lime, both tasted like heaven! It was the perfect amount of sugar, moist, and the frosting was creamy. 

There is also a lot of great food in downtown Dallas. The Omni Hotel has multiple restaurants inside that are yummy! There's also the well known restaurant that started 'Tex-Mex'. The food trucks by Klyde Warren park are also good so if you're in that area, make sure to try it out. Dallas is known for its steak, so if you're a meat lover like me, grab a tasty bite at a steakhouse. 

For brunch, make sure to try Mash'd! This restaurant is decorated in true Texan style- the space is huge, wooden seating, tall bar stools, and even bigger booths. They have $2 mimosas!! No that was not a typo! Make sure to try out the French toast! It was some of the yummiest French toast I've ever had. 

If you're in the mood for Mexican food, try Gloria's. There are tons of great Mexican restaurants in Dallas that I'm sure are excellent. Gloria's black bean dip was to die for! Super simple but I could not stop eating it! Try the steak for a yummy filling dinner. Oh, and don't forget the margarita! 

For drinks, try Happiest Hour! It's a super cool two story bar with an amazing rooftop area. I loved the vibe of this place and the drinks were really good. You can play games, watch sports, or just soak up the Dallas sun at the patio. 

Thank you for reading!

XOXO,

Krity 

Photography by Ashley Gallerani

All Things Miami

I just came back from an amazing trip to Miami, Florida! 

Miami is known for its big party scene and it definitely delivers! 

Sleep:

The best place to stay is off of Collins Avenue in Miami beach. The beach is literally your back yard. Collins avenue is filled with hotels, stores, and restaurants so you don't need to go too far to get food or shop. 

See:

Wynwood Art district. It's gorgeous and filled with so much color. This area is perfect for taking pictures. It's a bloggers dream! It's also totally free! There are tons of good restaurants too. Perfect day to grab a bite to eat and see art. 

South Beach Miami. The party goes on all day here.  

Eat: 

Seafood! Every place I went to eat had a great selection of seafood. Cuban food is very popular in Miami. I went to Sazon Cuban Cuisine. I ordered palomilla steak stuffed with cassava pork rinds it was amazing!! The portions are huge here and 

Gianni's at the Versace mansion was incredible as well. Make sure you make a reservation in advance. My friends and I were treated like VIP the whole night which was amazing!! We were seated in a separate room that was super cozy with beautiful curtains and pillows. I ordered an amazing cocktail- perfect amount of liquor. For the main course I ordered POLLO ALLA PIASTRA 

Pack: 

Take sunscreen and tanning lotion. Miami is perfect for laying out all day! Plus tons of bathing suits! 

Party outfits! The night life fashion there is crazy. Less is more and a little goes a long way. Show off that gorgeous tan you got! 

Bathing suit from GoJane. Similar here

14 Packing Tips

I've been traveling since I was 11 months old and weirdly enough I love to pack for vacations. Over the years, I've learned a few things that I'm going to share with you. 

1. Never wait till the last minute. The chances of forgetting something is very high

2. Make an on going list on you phone when you remember something like those special pair of earrings that will go with a certain dress you're dying to wear

3. Pack the basics like your favorite white tshirt, little black dress, comfortable walking shoes, and a great pair of pants. 

4. Wear your heaviest clothes so you can fit more in your luggage while staying under the weight requirement. Things like jeans, coats, sweatshirts, and sneakers are the heaviest

5. Plan outfits by days or events. These outfits don't need to be set indefinitely but it's good to have an idea of what you want to wear. 

6. Pack more than enough underwear/ undergarments. Who knows if you'll get a chance to get them washed so plan ahead. 

7. Buy traveling containers so you can travel with you favorite beauty products. Most traveling containers are made to size requirements where as original packaging on your favorite face lotion might be a few ounces over weight to fit into your carry on

8. Don't forget the bug spray, sunblock, umbrella, or second coat depending on where you're going to vacation. These little things go a long way. It's also great when you don't have to pay double or even triple the prices in a foreign place. 

9. This goes back to tip 5. When creating outfits to wear.  Make sure that piece of clothing can be worn with multiple other things. 

10. Pack a few extra plastic bags. This is great for putting dirty laundry in, a way to cover up a bag on a rainy day, nausea, wet clothes, shoes, etc. 

11. Roll don't fold. Rolling up your clothes takes up much less room than folding does. 

12. Write a name tag with your address on the luggage just in case it gets lost. Also keep the check in barcode with you until you pick up your luggage. Taking a picture of your suitcase can also come in handy 

13. Put jewelry or any breakable items in the center of the suitcase and wrap it with clothes

14. If your traveling during a rainy or winter months there's a chance of water leaking into your bag. I sometimes put a large plastic sheet inside the suitcase before I start putting other items in.