Last week we went on a spring break vacation to Mexico (I’m still there on Instagram) so I thought I would interrupt my dyslexia series to give you all a rundown of our trip, plus a bunch of other updates that never made it to social media.
As I was readingI was thinking, wait, I already know about the April FoolsDay thing, did everyone else miss it? Then I remembered I am a subscriber, and I thought, well, money well spent to get the early info!! E
For my 50th birthday my two BFFs and I were supposed to go to NYC but that was in 2020 so we all know how that ended 🙄 For our 40th we went to Las Vegas. For our 60th we are thinking of Australia. We did a trip vs a party because we don’t live near each other so it works better meeting up somewhere.
On a related note, do you have a NYC guide for adults? I recall you did one for visiting with kids. We are finally visiting in October after our 2020 trip was cancelled.
We do not have one for adults. We started but the whole thing got a little overwhelming. There is too much to include! Also, that trip to Australia sounds fantastic. I think it works best and easiest when it's a small tight group and I love that it was an opportunity to meet up with your long distance friend!
I loved reading about Ilana's family vacation in Mexico with her tween and teen daughters! It sounds like they had a blast together, and I can't wait to read more updates from her. Brilliant writing! 🌟👏
I turned 50 last year. My husband took me to a really fancy Michelin starred restaurant where we live then I treat my close family to a meal on my actual birthday. It was really low key and I loved it.
For my 30th I had a big party for family and friends and for my 40th I had a weekend away with my husband as the kids were tiny and we were exhausted. My 50th isn’t far away and I am thinking of having a big party as I haven’t had one since my 30th (other than our wedding reception but that doesn’t really count as it was not just about me haha!). Also by then our kids will be old enough to be involved in the planning and old enough to stay up for it, and I would love them to have it as a memory. For me I would love to get the same people together who came for my 21st, 30th, wedding etc. and just celebrate the fact that we are all still around 😊
Looks like an amazing trip. Its great when the kids get older. Ours kids are 18 (Girl, collage freshman) and 13 (Boy, middle schooler) and they travel great. I remember the days of going on vacation when they were younger and people would ask "how was your vacation?" Its not a vacation with kids just sleeping in a different location.
Congratulations to Leah on your engagement and upcoming wedding!
Big Birthdays. I need to also point out my birthday is December 28th.
30th I was pregnant for our first so we just had dinner. My Husband's we had a huge party at our house. Keg and all!
40th Surprised my husband with dinner out with family and friends, cake and the entire restaurant sang to him. He has no idea even when we park next to my brother in the parking lot.
My 40th - I spent with my Bestie then did dinner with her. Next day my family planned and took me away for the day.
My Husband is turning 50 next month. We have gone back and forth for a while. We were going to do a trip to Vegas (his choice) but pivoted and he wants a party. Well little does he know I am planning a bunch of parties that weekend, tickets to a baseball game and jumbotron shout out.
My 50th we are doing a family trip to the United Kingdom for Christmas and my birthday.
We went back and fourth about where to go and ultimately picked from a hat. Ours kids are good with a relaxing (Pool & Beach) vacations and a where you can go out and explore.
They all have been informed I am NOT planning anything for my birthday and its up to them! I hope they don't fail me!
Thank you for sharing, wish I ran into you at concert! I was there too with my 11 & 8 year old, 8 year old fell asleep, but it was so special experiencing it with them! Agree it made me feel less sad about not seeing Taylor, Olivia is pretty awesome!
Sorry - bowl food means it's easy to eat whilst standing so perfect for a party - no fiddly cutting or lots of bits like a buffet. Literally out on tables in bowls with a fork so people can stand around chatting and eating. Means no fuss, no mess, super easy for a party. For example at my party we served a vegetarian risotto, fish goujons and french fries and a beef Ragu pasta. Maybe you call it something different in the US? Honestly it's a game changer. Hope you have a wonderful time whatever you decide to do 😘
I just read the summary on Poppy’s book and it sounds so interesting!!!
Also, for my 40th we invited our closest friends to the adults only Secrets resort on Cozumel. It’s not the fanciest Secrets, but we love the location, excursions, beach, and activities. I think 50 will be a family trip to Hawaii with friends welcome to join.
I have younger kids (6&9) and I was most definitely wondering what it’s like traveling with 2 big kids - so you just get to wake up and do yoga?? They wonder down to breakfast to find you?? They will lay at the pool and let you relax? It is getting easier and easier to travel by the year but it’s refreshing to see what’s ahead for future vacations!! Only wish my two would play in the pool together and not fight by the time they get to that age!!
My kids fight a lot at home but on vacation they are great together. I think it's because their agendas are the same. At home, they are on different schedules.
For my 40th (I'm a little younger than you), my girlfriends and I went away for a long weekend to celebrate all of our 40ths, even though there's a 1.5 year age range between us all. It was our first real girls trip in decades and it was absolutely amazing.
I love a good update! I have been following your Stories on Mexico and it looks beautiful. I am glad to get your take on a very relaxing vacation. I don't get to do vacations too often but I always feel like have to be doing/seeing all of the things! I don't know maybe I would actually like relaxing... especially in such a beautiful place with the people I love.
For my 50th in 2022, I did a solo trip to Disneyland which was FABULOUS! Then we did a family trip (husband and two teenagers) to Walt Disney World since they were celebrating the 50th anniversary. I would have loved to do a girls’ trip but my best friend passed away from brain cancer in January 2020 followed by COVID and I just wasn’t ready for a girls’ group thing.
That is amazing that you went to Disney World on your own! I can't imagine. Did you have a specific agenda that was all about rides? Or the food? I'm so curious!
It was actually Disneyland in California by myself. We did Walt Disney World in Florida as a family. Mainly, I went for the Carsland rides, specifically Radiator Springs Racers. I did it four times in a row by myself. The agenda was getting to do exactly what I wanted when I wanted. 😂 I can’t wait to do it again.
As I was readingI was thinking, wait, I already know about the April FoolsDay thing, did everyone else miss it? Then I remembered I am a subscriber, and I thought, well, money well spent to get the early info!! E
For my 50th birthday my two BFFs and I were supposed to go to NYC but that was in 2020 so we all know how that ended 🙄 For our 40th we went to Las Vegas. For our 60th we are thinking of Australia. We did a trip vs a party because we don’t live near each other so it works better meeting up somewhere.
I am in Perth if you had any questions - likely you will go east coast though! Would be an amazing trip x
Thanks!
On a related note, do you have a NYC guide for adults? I recall you did one for visiting with kids. We are finally visiting in October after our 2020 trip was cancelled.
We do not have one for adults. We started but the whole thing got a little overwhelming. There is too much to include! Also, that trip to Australia sounds fantastic. I think it works best and easiest when it's a small tight group and I love that it was an opportunity to meet up with your long distance friend!
Any suggestions for a good place to eat near the Empire State Building/Koreatown? I’m staying on W 31st Street and Broadway? Thanks!
I loved reading about Ilana's family vacation in Mexico with her tween and teen daughters! It sounds like they had a blast together, and I can't wait to read more updates from her. Brilliant writing! 🌟👏
I turned 50 last year. My husband took me to a really fancy Michelin starred restaurant where we live then I treat my close family to a meal on my actual birthday. It was really low key and I loved it.
For my 30th I had a big party for family and friends and for my 40th I had a weekend away with my husband as the kids were tiny and we were exhausted. My 50th isn’t far away and I am thinking of having a big party as I haven’t had one since my 30th (other than our wedding reception but that doesn’t really count as it was not just about me haha!). Also by then our kids will be old enough to be involved in the planning and old enough to stay up for it, and I would love them to have it as a memory. For me I would love to get the same people together who came for my 21st, 30th, wedding etc. and just celebrate the fact that we are all still around 😊
Looks like an amazing trip. Its great when the kids get older. Ours kids are 18 (Girl, collage freshman) and 13 (Boy, middle schooler) and they travel great. I remember the days of going on vacation when they were younger and people would ask "how was your vacation?" Its not a vacation with kids just sleeping in a different location.
Congratulations to Leah on your engagement and upcoming wedding!
Big Birthdays. I need to also point out my birthday is December 28th.
30th I was pregnant for our first so we just had dinner. My Husband's we had a huge party at our house. Keg and all!
40th Surprised my husband with dinner out with family and friends, cake and the entire restaurant sang to him. He has no idea even when we park next to my brother in the parking lot.
My 40th - I spent with my Bestie then did dinner with her. Next day my family planned and took me away for the day.
My Husband is turning 50 next month. We have gone back and forth for a while. We were going to do a trip to Vegas (his choice) but pivoted and he wants a party. Well little does he know I am planning a bunch of parties that weekend, tickets to a baseball game and jumbotron shout out.
My 50th we are doing a family trip to the United Kingdom for Christmas and my birthday.
We went back and fourth about where to go and ultimately picked from a hat. Ours kids are good with a relaxing (Pool & Beach) vacations and a where you can go out and explore.
They all have been informed I am NOT planning anything for my birthday and its up to them! I hope they don't fail me!
Thank you for sharing, wish I ran into you at concert! I was there too with my 11 & 8 year old, 8 year old fell asleep, but it was so special experiencing it with them! Agree it made me feel less sad about not seeing Taylor, Olivia is pretty awesome!
Sorry - bowl food means it's easy to eat whilst standing so perfect for a party - no fiddly cutting or lots of bits like a buffet. Literally out on tables in bowls with a fork so people can stand around chatting and eating. Means no fuss, no mess, super easy for a party. For example at my party we served a vegetarian risotto, fish goujons and french fries and a beef Ragu pasta. Maybe you call it something different in the US? Honestly it's a game changer. Hope you have a wonderful time whatever you decide to do 😘
I just read the summary on Poppy’s book and it sounds so interesting!!!
Also, for my 40th we invited our closest friends to the adults only Secrets resort on Cozumel. It’s not the fanciest Secrets, but we love the location, excursions, beach, and activities. I think 50 will be a family trip to Hawaii with friends welcome to join.
Your vacation sounds amazing!
I’m a paid subscriber but I don’t think I’m in the close friends group- how do I get added?! I’ve been waiting for the March Hare crew necks!
If you check your welcome email, there should be a link to a Google Form where you submit your IG handle!
Thanks Leah! I subscribed a while ago- maybe over a year. I looked in my email and can’t find the welcome… anyway to resend the link?
I sent you a Substack message!
I have younger kids (6&9) and I was most definitely wondering what it’s like traveling with 2 big kids - so you just get to wake up and do yoga?? They wonder down to breakfast to find you?? They will lay at the pool and let you relax? It is getting easier and easier to travel by the year but it’s refreshing to see what’s ahead for future vacations!! Only wish my two would play in the pool together and not fight by the time they get to that age!!
My kids fight a lot at home but on vacation they are great together. I think it's because their agendas are the same. At home, they are on different schedules.
Love all the updates!!
For my 40th (I'm a little younger than you), my girlfriends and I went away for a long weekend to celebrate all of our 40ths, even though there's a 1.5 year age range between us all. It was our first real girls trip in decades and it was absolutely amazing.
I love the idea that you celebrated the same birthday together so that everyone had the same expectations for the trip.
Thank you for always sharing!
I always love reading your words. It doesn’t even matter what you write about. That vacation sounds even more fun (to me) in words than in stories.
I love a good update! I have been following your Stories on Mexico and it looks beautiful. I am glad to get your take on a very relaxing vacation. I don't get to do vacations too often but I always feel like have to be doing/seeing all of the things! I don't know maybe I would actually like relaxing... especially in such a beautiful place with the people I love.
For my 50th in 2022, I did a solo trip to Disneyland which was FABULOUS! Then we did a family trip (husband and two teenagers) to Walt Disney World since they were celebrating the 50th anniversary. I would have loved to do a girls’ trip but my best friend passed away from brain cancer in January 2020 followed by COVID and I just wasn’t ready for a girls’ group thing.
That is amazing that you went to Disney World on your own! I can't imagine. Did you have a specific agenda that was all about rides? Or the food? I'm so curious!
It was actually Disneyland in California by myself. We did Walt Disney World in Florida as a family. Mainly, I went for the Carsland rides, specifically Radiator Springs Racers. I did it four times in a row by myself. The agenda was getting to do exactly what I wanted when I wanted. 😂 I can’t wait to do it again.