Search

Living in the Capital District of NY is such an amazing feeling. As a long time resident of NYC, you would think that moving to Upstate New York would involve some degree of culture shock, but it has been quite the opposite. It really brings joy to be surrounded by this level of beauty. My new community is where nature is woven into the urban fabric and creates a truly harmonious balance. It still amazes me how I can go from city to rural in less than thirty minutes. I simply love it here. For that reason, I am always looking for new places to visit. Last year on a whim, I decided to explore Peebles Island State Park in Cohoes NY. Peebles Island State Park is a 190-acre state park located at the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson rivers in New York. I walked in by way of the Cohoes entry on Delaware Avenue Railroad Drive into what felt like a sanctuary. The island  boasts many amenities that include hiking, walking trails, fishing, designated picnic areas, parking and lighthouse visits/tours among others. The landscape is picturesque all year round, especially in the summertime. As much as there is to explore on Peebles Island, there is more to see at the north exit, where you enter into the historic town of Waterford in Saratoga County. Summer is the highlight and best time of year to explore this waterfront town. There is a weekly farmer’s market, the Waterford Tugboat Roundup, boat rides, kayaking and many more activities. The Waterford Welcome Center Waterford Waterfront For me, the real highlight was seeing the Erie Canal Lock at work. Waterford boasts the Erie Canal Lock E-2, part of a system of connecting waterways , and one of 57 locks in the New York’s canal system that has been active since 1825. It reflects a symbiotic relationship between nature and science that will leave you in awe. It is a masterful remnant of the brilliance of the minds of the past and a superb look into how resourceful human beings can be. It was worth seeing and I highly recommend visiting. Erie Canal Lock E-2 Watching Erie Canal Lock E-2 at work Since then, my family and I make several visits to Peeble Island State Park throughout the year. We love it there. What do you enjoy most about this state park? Photos: Top photo from New York State Park, Gallery from left to right: Overlook Point on Peebles Island State Park, Scenic View at Overlook Point, Second Street Bridge, Walking path along Second Street Bridge that leads to Waterford NY

There’s a certain magic in doing something for no reason other than… well, you felt like it. Not because it’ll make you money. Not because it’s going on Instagram. Not because you’re secretly auditioning for a new career. Just because you want to. I recently did just that while at The Art Center of the Capital Region. I have been working on getting back into watercolor painting, and I was so excited when I was placed to assist an instructor teaching a watercolor class. As she laid out they would be working on —mushrooms— I got excited and decided to join them and create a project. Let’s just say, I surprised myself. I still got my mojo, as you can see, even after over a decade. That’s the beauty of creativity without an end goal: it’s freedom disguised as watercolor paint. And the best part? You might learn more about yourself with hands and clothes coated with paint than you ever would from another “Top 10 Habits of Highly Productive People” article. Being authentically creative can take on a nurturing and healing element. I’m not talking about the kind that’s all hustle and portfolio, but the kind that’s about exploration , joy , and maybe accidentally knitting a scarf that looks suspiciously like a long sock. Photos of all my just because activities from left to right: my younger daughter’s embroidery planet apron, wearable embroidery art for my older daughter, an acrylic painting for their bathroom, a hoop for my daughter’s teacher for the end of the school year, a rice bowl recipe without a plan, our family visit to an environmental center with the most beautiful glass bottles (for my love of photography), created my own orange cake recipe, decorated their wall with hearts, and taking a break for some well-deserved ice cream. Why “Pointless” Creativity is Actually the Point . We have been so conditioned to believe that everything needs a purpose. If you pick up a hobby and you become great at it, the next question is, “ So, are you going to sell them on Etsy? ” Heaven forbid you just enjoy making lopsided mugs without trying to build a ceramic empire. When we create without a destination , we free ourselves from the pressure of perfection. There’s no “wrong” way to watercolor your cat wearing a crown, though your cat might disagree. The absence of a clear “goal” means the process is the reward . It’s the mental equivalent of a hammock nap, and if you’ve had one, you know what I’m talking about. All my embroidery projects had no plan. They all took a mind of their own, but what I did do was take it one step at a time and trust that the outcome will be what is supposed to be. Creativity as Self and Community Care in Disguise. You know those self-care checklists that always include things like “drink more water” and “get eight hours of sleep”? Shoutout to whoever wrote those. You’re correct, but also, who needs a micro managing list. Let’s add “make something completely ridiculous” to the list. Whether you’re creating alone, or with a group, engaging in creative activities gives your brain a vacation, so you stop doomscrolling for twenty blessed minutes. It helps you express what words can’t, so that you can take a break from journaling about that horrible date you had several nights ago. You also build resilience, because you know that much like painting, if you mess something up, great, that’s the spirit. You choose to go with the flow, or fix it. It also reminds you you’re allowed to play, even if you pay taxes now. So that drumming class you joined is far more than developing skills, but also an exchange of culture, history and laying our burdens at the alter. We reserve the right to create individually and/or in community because they play a major role in care. Learning About Yourself Along the Way . When you create for the sake of creating, little truths sneak up on you. Maybe you realize you have the patience of a saint when painting miniature birdhouses. Or maybe you realize… nope. Patience is not your brand. That’s useful to know, too. Sometimes your art will surprise you. A casual collage turns into a visual love letter. A silly short story makes you notice how much you value independence. The act of making things works like a mirror: it reflects bits of you back that you didn’t even know were there. And here’s the real kicker — there’s no pressure to “be good” at it. Your macaroni portrait of your favorite celebrity or family member doesn’t have to be museum-worthy to tell you something about yourself. Some of my favorite quotes about art and life Create for Fun (Without Overthinking It). If your inner critic is already shouting “But I’m not creative!” let’s pause. Creativity isn’t about having a magical talent gene; it’s about doing things in a way that’s uniquely yours. That could mean painting murals or arranging your snack plate like a still life. The trick is to choose something you want to do, not something you think you “should” do. If you hate scrapbooking, don’t start scrapbooking. This isn’t gym class. Making Time for It (Even When Life’s Full) . “But I don’t have time to be creative!” you cry, possibly while scrolling TikTok for the fourth time today. Friend, you do have time. Ten minutes before bed. While your pasta water boils. On your lunch break in the car. Saturday mornings before the house wakes up. Tiny doses count. You don’t need a full studio or four uninterrupted hours. You just need a moment to let your brain wander off the path and pick wildflowers. Give Yourself Permission to Make Ugly Stuff. Here’s your official hall pass: you are 100% allowed to make things that are ugly, weird, unfinished, or confusing to everyone except you. That’s actually the fun part. When we create purely for our own enjoyment, we give ourselves space to breathe, to be, and to discover pieces of ourselves we didn’t know were waiting. The world doesn’t need to understand it. You don’t even have to understand it. Let your creativity be a private little rebellion against the idea that everything must be productive. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about the final product. It’s about what happens inside you while you’re making it, and the fact that, for a little while, you got to play. Have you made something recently that you would like to share? Photo of mushroom created by Renata Poleon/August 11, 2025

If you're craving a satisfying meal that combines crispy fried chicken with fresh greens, this fried chicken salad is the perfect choice. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious dish. Fried Chicken Salad You’ll need 2 lbs boneless chicken 1 packet sazon seasoning 1/4-1/2 cup all-purpose flour/gluten free flour 1/4 cup milk pickles (sliced or whole, as preferred) 1 head of lettuce (romaine or iceberg) Trader Joe’s vegan salad dressing Start by washing the chicken and patting it dry with paper towels. In a bowl, mix the sazon seasoning with the milk. Soak the chicken pieces in this mixture for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor. In a separate bowl, place the flour. you can also season the flour lightly with a small amount of sazon Remove the chicken from the milk mixture, allowing excess liquid to drip off, and then dredge each piece in flour until fully coated. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces.Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and let them drain on paper towels. While the chicken is cooling, wash and chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Arrange the lettuce on a large serving plate or bowl. Add sliced pickles on top of the lettuce for a tangy crunch. Once the chicken has cooled slightly, slice it into strips and place it on top of the bed of lettuce. Drizzle Trader Joe’s vegan salad dressing over the salad to taste. The combination of crispy chicken, fresh lettuce, and zesty pickles, all topped with creamy vegan dressing, is sure to satisfy your taste buds! I happened to enjoy mine with a left over cheddar biscuit. Enjoy your homemade fried chicken salad!

Last weekend, my daughters and I spent an afternoon at the New York State Museum. On the surface, our plan was simple: visit the museum to see the gems and first peoples exhibit, but instead, we happened to be greeted by the Barbie Expo . I was immediately excited, even more excited than my daughters. I was flushed with memories of my few childhood Barbie dolls and what was a simple plan turned into a meaningful experience. As we approached the museum, through the glass entry, I could see the was Barbie car perched on a platform for display. My younger daughter headed straight to the car and took a seat. We then headed straight to the exhibit that features a priceless collection of over 300 artifacts from the 64-year history of Barbie. Barbie, after all, isn’t just a doll—it’s an icon, a cultural touchstone, and for them, a figure of endless imagination. First impression of a world in pink . For me, Barbie represents something else entirely: nostalgia, creativity, and the quiet realization that time keeps moving forward, even as some things remain familiar. It immediately drew me in with its vibrant displays and thoughtful presentation. Behind glass cases stood dolls from various eras, each styled meticulously and telling a story beyond plastic and fabric. The sparkly gowns, dramatic hairstyles, and Barbies posed as doctors, athletes, artists, and astronauts. Every few steps brought a new discovery. I loved watching their excitement unfold, seeing how something as simple as a doll could spark so much joy and curiosity. Nostalgia meets the present. While we absorbed in the magic of it all, I found myself drifting into memories of my own childhood. I remembered sitting on the floor for hours, inventing elaborate storylines for my Barbies and crafting clothes made from the scraps of my grandmother’s fabric. Seeing vintage Barbies from earlier decades felt like flipping through an old photo album, each doll reflecting a different era and a different version of girlhood. Barbie had changed over time, but the essence remained the same. More than fashion and fun. What impressed me most about the Barbie Expo was how thoughtfully it was curated. This wasn’t simply a collection of dolls dressed in beautiful clothes; it was a reflection of social change and evolving ideas about what girls and womencan be. The exhibit showcased Barbies in a wide range of professions, from science and medicine to sports and the arts. There were dolls representing different cultures, styles, and identities, quietly reinforcing the idea that there is no single way to be. These displays opened the door to natural conversations with my daughters. We talked about why it’s important to see yourself represented in the world around you. It was just honest, organic dialogue sparked by what we were seeing together. The Barbie Expo at the New York State Museum gave us more than an afternoon of entertainment. It gave us conversation and connection. Sometimes, they come from wandering through a museum, surrounded by pink displays, holding your children’s hands as they discover the world and themselves. Those are the moments that linger.

I have been spending a lot of time on Threads, a place where the intellectuals and humorist come to play. On one particular February day, I posted “some days i question whether i made the right choice moving to upstate NY.” The responses were a combination of invitations to meet for coffee, recommendations of places to visit, people expressing their love for being here and transplants like myself being left to wonder if this dubious crisis is a rite of passage. Hundreds of responses later, I was able to connect with a few people and also made the decision that I will start romanticizing my life here in Upstate NY. Viewing even the mundane activities as worth romanticizing has led me to document beautiful experiences both indoor and outdoor. Here are some of the things I have done lately to truly indulge in my life here. Bake bread. It seems like spring isn’t fighting back, and we have been bombarded with snow here in the northeast. One of the best ways I pass time is baking bread. I love baking primarily desserts, but I have come to enjoy baking bread lately. As much as it is time consuming and tedious, I enjoy the end result of one of the foods that truly crosses borders. This baguette recipe has been an instant hit lately and we bake a batch every few days. I don’t think I will ever have store bought bread again. Baking baguettes on a random Saturday Visit Fun Coffee/Tea Shops. I love a good coffee/tea shop. Such an expression of culture and flavors in a warm and cozy environment. If they serve food, it is an added bonus for me. I recently visited this awesome tea shop in Troy, NY in a neighborhood that quite reminds me of Brooklyn. I enjoy supporting local business, so I stick to mom and pop shops over chain stores. I appreciate the authenticity and the effort put into meeting the needs of the community. Furthermore, I get to do a little people watching, one of my favorite activities. This was my most recent visit to The Whistling Kettle in Troy, NY. The drinks and food were great . Morning Walks. My weekend morning walks have become something of a ritual. No matter what season, I make time to get outside for at least 15 minutes a day, and a little longer on weekends. I particularly enjoy my quiet walks on my own, because it gives me the solitude I need. With all our many roles, we all need some self-care, and this is one I find that brings me great joy. On my walks, I take the time to observe everything around me, from how they look, sound and how they make me feel. From the sunlight, to the snow, the streams, the swaying of the trees. I allow myself to interact with my surroundings on a deeper level. In these moments, I know I wouldn’t trade this for a thing. Walking through my neighborhood on a sunny day. Library Visits. Libraries have been a staple in my life. It is a place of peace and enlightenment from my childhood into adulthood and motherhood. My children were at the library as little babies, even before they could crawl, because I wanted to also make this beautiful place feel like home. My neighborhood library hosts a range of activities for every age group. Bi-weekly, I attend a sit and stitch group with a wonderful group of women who are working on their knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross stitch and needlepoint. In my earbuds is my ratchet playlist, while I stay present in conversation. There is so much inspiration and creativity in that room and I enjoy every part of it. Crocheting and studying at my local library Photograph corners of your home that bring joy. There are moments when I sit in my home and think of how beautiful a space I have managed to create. Even though it is a work in progress, I am proud of space. Every piece of artwork was made by me, every plant nurtured by me, and every book read by me to myself or my children. I bring life into a space that would otherwise be four walls. I infuse color and character where memories will be created. So even though this space is temporary, in the quietness, the stillness and the chaos, I appreciate it. Capture making food. I enjoy being in my kitchen. It is one of my favorite places to create and experiment. This particular morning, I documented me making pink crêpes—pink crêpes, by special requests. I enjoy making one of our favorite breakfast dishes and being in the moment. I get to pass along my culinary skills, as well as expose my children to varying foods from different cultures. I get them to appreciate what we all have to contribute to this world. That is indeed something to romanticize. View Video : Making crêpes on a snowy morning As the season changes, I look forward to many more adventures. I will be taking pictures, journaling and documenting my experiences and I encourage you to do the same, because even life’s small events are worth celebrating. How are you romanticizing your life?

I want to reshare a post that reminds us to prioritize ourselves throughout the year. May you always remember there is great value in making time for yourself. I was about to head to bed when it hit me: this was the last Sunday I wouldn't be drowning in homework for a while. Unless I decide to torture myself by returning to school, that is. But I’m finally on the brink of finishing my bachelor's degree! After that, I can reclaim Sundays for what they’re truly meant for—rest and relaxation. The Sunday Vibe Growing up in a small fishing village, Sundays were a different world. The shops were closed, and everything was blissfully quiet. This was the day when families visited each other, catching up with relatives they hadn’t seen all week. It often involved church, a hearty Sunday lunch, and cozy gatherings with cousins, aunts, and grandparents. To me, Sundays are all about connecting and creating bonds in relaxed settings. With more time on my hands coming up, I’m excited to dive into some cherished activities: Self-Care Sunday I have to admit, I’m not the best at prioritizing self-care. Sometimes, I neglect the simple pleasures, like taking a long, luxurious shower or sticking to my skincare routine. I’m looking forward to shaving my legs more than once every two months (don’t judge me; it’s fall, and I barely have any hair!). I can’t wait to stretch more and work out in my living room. Gyms? Not for me—especially not now. At home, self-care is going to be my new mantra. Nature Walks I absolutely love being outdoors with my girls. Nature is our happy place! The only time we stay inside is during storms or when the temperature drops below 25 degrees. Even if we only get twenty minutes outside, it’s crucial to breathe in fresh air instead of the recycled stuff from our home. I can’t wait to get back to our outdoor adventures! Sunday Dinners Before diving back into school, Sunday dinners were a regular delight. I enjoyed cooking and baking with my girls in the kitchen. It’s like science they can eat! I miss those moments terribly, so I’m looking forward to whipping up dishes that take longer than thirty minutes and creating delicious desserts for our tea parties. Detach + Nap I’m eager to implement a strict no-electronics rule for several hours each Sunday. Instead, I’ll spend that time reading or napping. Recreational reading took a backseat while I was in school, so I’m excited to start and finish many books. Plus, I’ll make naps a priority to refresh us all. Dance Party We love tea parties and dance parties at my house! I want us to have the ultimate tea party and dance like no one is watching—because no one will be! I hereby declare Sundays as “Dance Like It’s 1999 Day.” My goal is to fill our home with joy, laughter, and happiness. So, bring it on, Sunday! Share Your Sunday Rituals I’d love to hear about your Sunday rituals! What do you do to recharge and find joy in your week? Photo by Alexandra Fuller/Unsplash In a world that often feels chaotic, it’s essential to carve out time for ourselves. Whether it’s through self-care, family gatherings, or simply enjoying nature, let’s remember the value of these moments. Prioritize yourself, and embrace the joy of the mundane.

Who would think of visiting Montréal at the coldest time of year? Me. As a New Yorker of 20 years, it may be hard to believe that my first visit to the city of Montréal was in February during the kids' midwinter recess. I thought it would be great for my daughters and I to get out of our town to visit my childhood friend. We hit I-87 North on a very gloomy day. Despite the sometimes rainy weather, we enjoyed the most picturesque view of snow capped mountains and ice covered hillsides while driving up to the border entry at Champlain-St.Bernard de Lacolle. I was asked, " Are we there yet? " about thirty times by my younger daughter, before we made it to Côte-des-Neiges on the island of Montreal. You can imagine my fatigue. When we arrived in Montreal, I happened to parked across the street from a Vietnamese spot Restaurant I am Pho where we ordered pho and some spring rolls. The girls and I devoured it. Surprisingly, it was pretty warm for this time of year, so we walked over for an early check-in at Hôtel Terrasse Royal. The staff was kind and accommodating and I was happy to have parking on the premises. We checked into our room, got a little rest and went out for a walk as the rain subsided. I was hoping to get us to Saint Joseph's Oratory, but this was the beginning of discovering that so many sites in Montréal are under construction. On our outing the following day, much like the oratory, the Montréal Botanical Garden 's exhibits were closed and under construction. Only the outdoor space was opened, so we decided to get tickets for the Biodôme instead, where we enjoyed many of the exhibits. On the final and coldest day of 14 degrees Fahrenheit, my friend and I met in the neighborhood of Vieux-Port at the Montreal Science Center . This moment was so long overdue and I was extremely excited to see my friend. We embraced each other and I was just happy to see the person who was a big part of my teen years. We were later joined by her brother and got a chance to walk around Place Jacques Cartier. After much thought, we settled on lunch at Bevo Bar + Pizzeria where we enjoyed some great food. I had my first taste of poutine and a memorable end to a short, but beautiful trip. I look forward to being back soon. (Photo credit: Saint Joseph's Oratory in winter Jason Thibault; Hôtel Terrasse Royal Trip Advisor)

Yesterday marked a major milestone. I had my last therapy session yesterday morning and I am a bit sad that the stranger who played a significant role in my life for a few months is now gone. She listened to me, and made me feel that my voice was being heard. And now it’s gone. I started going to therapy earlier this year. Many factors brought me to the realization that I needed support. I am a wife, a mom to two toddlers, a college student, and a chronic illness survivor ( fibromyalgia ). There were also other responsibilities outside of these roles and it added to everything. I was taking three classes, some at night. I was waking around 4:45 a.m. to prepare lunches, get myself and the girls ready to take them to school by train. We were usually out of the door by 7:15 a.m. and at their schools by 8 a.m. I then commuted to work for about another thirty-five minutes. Whether it was school first or work first, my schedule was always consistent with the frequent commuting. I rode the train back to pick them up, then we returned home. We then did baths, dinner and story time. After that came clean up and tons of homework that on average had me up till 12 a.m and sometimes later. If you do the math, I was getting no more than five hours on a typical night . Weekends were not any better, because I tried to cram in activities for the kids, more studying and household chores. I had no social life. Everything I did was for my children and my education. I had been doing this for a year and I was burning out quickly from both ends . I was sleep deprived and extremely fatigued all the time. I found myself going into my closet to cry more often than I could count. I didn’t want my children to see me like that. I was in more pain than I had been in a long time, but I kept pushing myself. I got frequent fibromyalgia flares that lasted longer with more fibro fog symptoms. It was bad. It was really bad. There was one incident that took place. It was so insignificant, but I had such a strong reaction to it. I was irritated by it and I let it be known. I upset my mom. The following day was Mother’s Day and I was crying to my mom in her kitchen. Even writing about it makes me want to cry. All I kept saying to my mom was, “I’m so tired mom,” while crying. Shortly after, I made an appointment at my college’s counseling center. I knew it was time to seek an objective sounding board. I could no longer tell myself I was managing things, because I wasn’t. I was barely surviving. I was hanging by the skin of my teeth. I finally had to acknowledge during our initial meetings that I wasn’t taking care of myself and I was doing such a poor job of it. I was taking care of everyone, and neglecting myself. It was only then change began to take place. The unfortunate part is this story is so common for so may women, and yet this vicious cycle keeps repeating itself decade after decade, century after century. So many factors impact our wellness, but knowing that there are resources and a community willing to help makes a world of a difference. NYC Summer, Renata Poleon I am happy to have gone through this painful and torturous experience, because I now have the right tools for maintaining my wellness. I am feeling better. No more crying in my closet. I fall asleep many nights with my kids, and I have many more outlets to cope with stress and anxiety. Being well is easier said than done. It is an uphill battle, and it will never be perfected, but it is worth being made a priority. A well woman is a well wife, a well mother, a well daughter and a well friend. Make the step today.

I would love to say I’m sleeping like this baby, but I am not. I am tired. I am tired beyond belief. I am drained. Drained by the deaths in my family, the life changes that are taking place and even this election. My sleep routine has turned to garbage over the years and even worse lately. I am struggling to get back to sleeping like a normal person, even though I am not sure what that even means. Over the last few years, I have become a horrible sleeper. I am not sure if it is my fibromyalgia or mild to moderate anxiety. Night time is horrible for me, because I have an insane need to make sure that my entire apartment is clean before laying my head to bed, no matter how tired I am. I am driven by a fear of an invasion of rodents and roaches, and if you live in a city where you share walls, you’ll understand. I look at the clock and see 10p.m, then 11p.m and later, only to find my self still vacuuming and cleaning. I have to be one of thousands who clean when stressed. You can see your face on my floors when I am done cleaning. I decide to make changes and I will succeed for about a week, then fall off the bandwagon. So, how are you sleeping? What are your best tips for falling asleep? I’d love to hear...

Wouldn’t bathtime be great if the children remained calm, and allowed the warm water to soothe their itty bitty hearts? It would be great, but the reality is, sometimes it just doesn’t go like that. When faced with multiples especially, it can quite honestly be another place for chaos to ensue. So here are some of the ways that I keep the chaos at bay. Keep a routine Children respond well to structure and routine. It’s important to create a bath time routine so that they become familiar. It regulates their internal clock, so that bath time doesn’t become a struggle. Keep toys to a minimum Sounds counterproductive, but it really works. If you have one child, this may apply, but works even better with multiples. Give them toys that are almost identical, case in point, the connectors above. I can’t tell you the number of times I put in too many differing toys and my girls were screaming and crying about who gets what. With less toys, I have found it sparks their creativity and they get along better. Dim the lights Since you’re setting the mood for sleep, it is actually a great idea to start at bath time. If you have a dimmer, make use of it. If not, use flameless candles with lights outside the bathroom door on. To make it even more fun, add glow sticks. That’s always a hit. Play calming music The perfect pairing of calm music and dim lights can do the trick. In our household, we love the Moshi app and the Relax Melodies app. Create your own special mix for bath time Add color Add a few drops of food coloring to the bath water toward the end of bath time. My girls love the fact that they can request what color the water is and even get a chance to mix colors. Since I have been doing this, I have had no staining and please confirm whether your child may be allergic to food coloring before doing this. Provide grooming items Hand them items such as hair brushes and wash cloths (or whatever is used to wash their bodies) if they’re old enough to use them. It’s also a great way for them to start learning to use it on their toys. Create a safe space Making bath time a safe space is extremely important. Both of my girls hate water being poured over their heads. For this reason, I really walk them through what I am doing and we do the lean back approach. Whatever your child’s fears may be, take it into consideration and find a method that works for both of you. I wish all of us parents a happy and calm bath time.