Spring break in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is my home town and I don’t go often enough. My kids have gone with me a few times and it is always a new and different experience for them. My parents completely spoiled them with cash and gifts, they get to try all kinds of asian cuisine, and there’s no shortage of theme park excitement including Disney. Here are some of my favorite places to take the kids.

1. Star ferry and Victoria peak - You can take the ferry from Kowloon to Hong Kong. The ferry has been running for over 100 years! The view is amazing and it is a great way to see Hong Kong. From there we went to the tram station to get to the viewing tower of Victoria peak. If you are craving american food the pizza restaurant on the top floor of the viewing tower is quite good.

2. Hong Kong Mid Level Escalators - this is the longest escalators in the world. It is combined by 15 sections of escalators (according to my kids as they are the one counting). It could be a hazard if you have very young children but my kids love it. The walk back down is wonderful on cobble stone stairs lined with boutiques and coffee shops.

3. Ocean Park - I grew up going to this amusement park. It has a zoo with Pandas and all other kind of animals. There’s also an Aquarium where you can see penguins and sharks. The boys and I had a wonderful day here.

4. Hong Kong history museum and science museum - They are right next to each other. I find the Hong Kong history museum fascinating and the boys love the science museum. It’s a great place to be on a rainy day.

5. Markets - Hong Kong is full of different kinds of market. Our favorite is the Sham Shui Po Market. It has so many toys (all inexpensive), electronics and street food galore. The boys beg me to go every day.

I hope you find this helpful when you visit. Please let me know when you go!

xx

Suzanna

Relocation, relocation, relocation

Two days before we saw in 2018, my husband got offered an amazing job opportunity. A bit of background, he has been a Sell Side Analyst for the past 20yrs, he has done this job through the glory days mainly at Goldman Sachs then the past 8yrs at a smaller firm based in Stamford, CT. The past year he has not been happy at work but lucky for him he is leaving Wall Street and moving to the client side as VP of Investor Relations at Wyndham. Several of his Goldman Sachs colleagues also switched to Investor Relations and are so happy!

So where is job, natural relocation is back to our motherland England but NO, we are relocating to ORLANDO, FL! They want him to start ASAP! We let the kids know that Daddy got an amazing job based in Orlando, FL. We let them know that Daddy is going to move down first. We PR’d DisneyWorld and assured them we are going to visit and do homework on schools and homes in Orlando, FL. Our 8yr old, Olivia instantly broke down about leaving the school she loves and her friends and never wants to move! This was so tough for me to watch, my heart broke for her.

I knew he was interviewing for the job based in Orlando but I never think about it until it is real!

Now I crank to 5th gear as really don’t know Orlando, but determined to deal with this relocation with an open heart and leave no stone unturned, making sure I pick what is best for our family.

Jan 19 I put our home on market with my incredible realtor Susan Vanech of William Pitt Sotherby. We received an offer 3 days later (fingers crossed it all goes through). We kept the house sale secret from the kids - which in hindsight was a big mistake. Max found out and was absolutely devasted, he did not want anyone in his house or going in his room and was determined that he would convince us not to move. Olivia was breaking down about the potential move and would open up to me with all her worries, I assured them both that we are going to do this as team and your Mommy has got you, Mommy will never let you down. I have picked everything for you and you love everything so trust me.

That week I am introduced to the relocation company who will help me co-ordinate our move, I learned that there is lots of help but also lots of rules to abide by many conference calls & emails later this move is on.

I decided to do a 2day trip Orlando to tour schools and get a lifestyle tour. I touched down in Orlando and went to my first school tour, then on to the next! It was intense, overwhelming couple of days where the evenings I was found drinking many cocktails. Good news is I found 2 amazing private schools and fell in love with an area called Winter Park.

I am now a single Mom dealing with the house sale, relocation and the emotions of our kids. There are times I hear a song and break down in tears but then I remind myself how lucky we are. My husband got to change his career, he absolutely loves his job and company. The saying is not Happy Wife, Happy Life it is actually Happy Husband, HAPPY LIFE!

We are going through is a good stress which will make us stronger, we get a new chapter in our lives……how lucky are we.

Thank you for reading

Genny xo

Tuesday

What did I do on a Tuesday that was new? Worked out, got stretched, got a tattoo, and had root canal.

Workout: I am obsessed with instructor Armond Jordan, I love his JoyCircuit class, it is a combination of weights, cardio and abs. The class never gets easy, he really thinks about about his workout and he is already changing my body! I love his energy and always has a good playlist! The class is around $26 when you purchase a class package.

Stretch: The Stretch is tiny after each workout and do I foam roll at home - NO!  I was recommended LYMBR so I booked a 30 min stretch through their website. It was amazing, they simply ask you your workout routine and any problem areas, Michael completely stretch we out!! My spine feels longer, my hips are always tight they feel brand new! It was incredible so my goal is to go once a week! New client introductory stretch $35 for 30mins. They have locations throughout the US, for the NYC girls their is a location in Tribeca.

Tattoo: The past 8 months I have been pining for a star design on the side of my wrist. I wanted 5 stars to represent the loves in my life: Hubby; Christopher, Kids; Olivia & Max and Dogs; Archie & Teddy. I told no one, but I was worried that I would regret doing it! I got in contact with an amazing tattoo artist Chris Fort at Big Dreams Studio Stamford. He is beyond busy and travels but so worth the wait. I sent him my inspiration photos in advance. On the day we stenciled two sizes and moved it around the side of the wrist til I was happy! Then boom ink was put one, it did not hurt and he was awesome no nonsense guy! I highly recommend him! I text Christopher a photo of the tattoo with meaning, he was in shock but loves it!! I love my tattoo!

Root Canal: Not ideal but Dr Alexandra Byrne was amazing, the nicest lady ever and huge dog lover, she has a Wheaten Terrier called Louis! Total pain free and effortless Root Canal, I even took a nap during the procedure! I was there for 2hrs, she works with your insurance. I could not recommend her enough. Your dentist might recommend someone else but insist you want to see Dr Alexander Byrne if you live in CT!

I purchased one dress from Free People because I am obsessed with their spring/summer collection! Donna Maxi Dress $98! I can't wait to receive it!

Badass Tuesday. What will Wednesday bring.....?

Thanks for reading  

Genny xo

Donna Maxi Dress by Free People

A star for each member of my family, including furry boys! 

LYMBR Stretch with Michael Eaton

Movies

Some people might  think in my spare time I love to run to Manhattan and eat, drink & party. Stand corrected my favorite night out is going to the movies either on my own, with Christopher or friends! I love catching a 4pm showing followed by a quick healthy bite after!  If we get first class seats where they recline, we have hit the jackpot. 

The award season is about to commence which is so exciting, starting with the Golden Globes tomorrow - Best Sunday!!!

So here list of my must see movies in the next month! I might squeeze a movie while the kids are at school!

All The Money in the World  - Out Now

The Post - Out Now

Glory - Out Now or On Demand under new releases

The Greatest Showman  - Out Now

Paddington 2 - Released on Jan 12

I LOVE GOING TO THE MOVIES! No talking a true escape! 

Genny xo

photo cred: Electric Cinema London

New Intentions

I do have a lot to be grateful for, but 2017 was an ok year for our family. My kids will tell you it was an amazing year, but we never make them aware of any cracks.

2017 I went back to work. I joined Free People, I accidentally started a Closet edit & personal shopping service and both have been beautifully received. I love building women’s confidence and if fashion helps them then so be it!

I started The Daily Darlings last June as my outlet and to document my journey in life. Life & work trumped my blog and I used my IG to document more than my website. I want to focus more on my blog and not be nervous about my grammar and vocabulary!

November & December 2017 I ate like an absolute trooper, to the point where I was drinking tea and eating Terry’s chocolate orange for breakfast. I gained a beautiful 10ilbs and wore sweatpants because nothing fit!

My 2017 Parenting skills: I went back to work part time and we have no help or family in the US. Not an excuse but my goodness I was a screaming, no patience Mom who was dog paddling through Motherhood with good and bad days.

2018 I have already so many positives to look forward to; Christopher & I will celebrate our 10yr wedding anniversary, I turn 40 in March.  I also have a lot of changes. I am going to to deal with it all with a full positive heart.

My new intentions:

1. Clean Eat with the support of Food Fix
2. Workout with the support of incredible app by Kayla Itsines  
3. Be a better Mom, manage life & kids using tools given by my amazing therapist.
4. Focus only on friends I adore, friends that are easy. Friendships that flow!
5. Family time is my number one priority

I got you 2018, I am going to make you a brilliant year. Let's do this!

I’m going to live a life I am proud of!

Genny xo