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I love Disney with my kids — but going without them is even better in some ways

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I love visiting Disney World with my kids — seeing that first Mickey hug, the hysterical photos from Tower of Terror, their amazement at the castle lit up by sparkling fireworks.

But, I also love visiting kid-free — trips for work, solo trips, with friends, and as a multi-day date with my best friend.

My husband and I bundled up for a late January visit and four days of experiences geared toward adults.

The Swan Reserve was the perfect resort for cocktails, late nights, and strolls to the parks

One of the newest hotels at Walt Disney World, the Swan Reserve is bright, airy, and very kid-friendly.


Swan Reserve room

The one-bedroom signature suite at the Swan Reserve was quiet and spacious. 

Courtesy of the author



Though run by Marriott, it has a lot of Disney perks, including bus and boat transportation, early entry, and an on-site Cast Member to help with all things Disney Parks. There’s even complimentary childcare when dining at specific restaurants.

It’s a beautiful walk to EPCOT or Hollywood Studios. The rooms are huge, flooded with natural light, and pretty much Disney-theme free.

The best part is the lobby lounge, Stir. Anyone who has tried to find food or a relaxing cocktail after braving the post-fireworks crowd at Magic Kingdom knows how hard it can be to find late-night food at Disney.

Almost every night, we visited Stir for a snack and cocktails like the fruity and delicious Garden Party cocktail for me, and the whimsical Banana Hands for my husband.

Our top priority was the Disney magic we love, the food

In just four days, we ate at 10 different spots — artsy bites and sips at EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Food Studios, brunch at Art Smith Homecomin’, dinner with stunning firework views at California Grill, and cocktails with pirates at The Beak and Barrel.


The author and her husband dining at The Beak and Barrel.

We had prime seating in front of the fireplace at The Beak and Barrel. 

Courtesy of the author



There is finally a lounge at Magic Kingdom. I felt like I needed an eyepatch, a parrot, and the lyrics to “Yo Ho” memorized when stepping into the immersive world of The Beak and Barrel.

We had prime seating in front of the fireplace with battling ships-in-a-bottle above us. The Beak and Barrel is not a spot for lounging — there are special effects, a two-drink limit, and a maximum of 45 minutes.

Dinner at EPCOT’s Takumi-Tei was elegant, and for guests ages 8 and up

The complete opposite of the noise and rushed feeling of The Beak and Barrel was the tranquil, soothing Takumi-Tei at EPCOT.

Takumi-Tei is tucked away in the Japan pavilion with subtle signs leading to the heavy wooden doors. Once inside, we were transported down a tranquil hallway, away from the hustle and bustle of EPCOT.


tableside tea service at Takumi-Tei

The tableside tea service at Takumi-Tei is a highlight of the meal. 

Courtesy of the author



There are five different dining rooms, and we were in the washi paper room. Pink cherry blossoms, softly lit from behind, lined the walls.

Takumi-Tei is omakase — or “leave it up to the chef” — style. There’s no kids’ menu.

Every dish was beautifully plated, and each course was creatively and carefully prepared. Our elegant and knowledgeable server, Sakura, was soft-spoken, adding to the tranquil, exquisite ambiance.

A visit to the adults-only GEO-82 lounge was magical

Disney World is adding more experiences for grown-ups, like the adult-exclusive EPCOT lounge GEO-82.

There are no strollers, no kids’ menu, and no lack-of-a-nap meltdowns. What it does have is sophisticated homages to Spaceship Earth, stunning views, a stellar cocktail menu, and delicious bites.


Woman at Epcot restaurant

My favorite dining experience was GEO-82, an adults-only lounge at EPCOT. 

Courtesy of the author



There was no time limit at GEO-82. We relaxed and took in the details like the Spaceship Earth on the ice cube in the Brown Butter Old Fashioned. I took my time sipping my Peach Shrub Whisky Smash, savoring the accompanying cookie. The only cocktail that comes with a cookie!

We were out late every night

With just the two of us, there was no one dragging behind and sighing. No one was falling apart because they were over-tired.


Disney Starlight parade

The castle provides a stunning backdrop for the 10 p.m. Starlight parade. 

Courtesy of the author



We did late-night dinners, raced onto rides right before the park closed, and saw the 10 p.m. Disney Starlight nighttime parade. Cast Members directed us to one of the best spots to watch the parade — in Liberty Square near Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe.

I had the time to find magical Disney details I usually miss

We walked right onto Star Tours and meandered slowly through the queue to warm up from the frigid mid-30s temps. Finding Disney easter eggs in the baggage screening area — like Genie’s lamp and a Buzz Lightyear toy — were a bonus of taking our time, finding details we’re usually rushing past.


easter eggs in the Star Tours queue

We had time to find hidden details like easter eggs in the Star Tours queue. 

Courtesy of the author



With no one to amuse while waiting in line, we made spontaneous attraction decisions. A pre-dinner journey on “It’s a Small World” was perfectly timed, and we were under the clock when it struck 7 p.m. — a new experience for us both.

It was finally a Disney vacation, so I didn’t make a ton of plans, book Lightning Lanes, or have a specific schedule for each day. We weren’t rushing from one reservation to another or stalking the My Disney Experience App wait times. We lingered over meals, had new experiences, and enjoyed the magic our way.




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I’ve lived in the UK for over 20 years —there’s just one town I always dream about moving to and love to visit

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Our family’s first trip to Windermere changed everything.

​Sitting on the bank of a stream with my feet dipped in its cold, clear water, surrounded by trees budding for spring — even with the baby kicking away inside me at eight months pregnant, I felt a kind of bliss that’s hard to put into words.

​The only sounds were the distant mooing of cows and the occasional squeals of our toddler’s laughter at the nearby bed and breakfast.

​I had no doubt in my mind that our four-hour drive from Northampton was worth it.

Since that trip nearly two decades ago, we’ve been to this small English town in the Lake District many times. Each visit only confirms there’s no place like Windermere — and I still dream of moving here someday.

​The town feels like its own secret world, but it’s still well-connected and home to top-notch food and attractions


TRain driving through fall foliage in lake district

A train driving through the Lake District in the fall.

by Andrea Pucci/Getty Images



Tucked between rolling fells (grassy hills) and England’s largest lake of the same name, the town of Windermere feels like its own world.

​Home to fewer than 10,000 residents, it’s small enough to cross on foot yet expansive in feel.

The surrounding hills and lake feel quietly confident. They soften the skyline and set a slower pace, making it clear this isn’t a place built for rushing.

All of this gives Windermere a wonderfully quiet, oasis-like rhythm.

Despite feeling removed from the hustle and bustle, it’s surprisingly well-connected and close enough to reach without much fuss.

It’s a short drive from cities like Lancaster and Carlisle. By train, it’s three hours from London, an hour and a half from Manchester, and two or three hours from Edinburgh.

It’s also in the county of Cumbria, which has something for everyone, whether you want to partake in watersports and hiking, visit Scafell Pike (England’s highest mountain and a war memorial), try local specialties like sticky toffee pudding and Cumberland sausage, or just seek out some serenity.


Tall green mountains, peaceful lakes in lake district

Fleetwith Pike and Buttermere in the English Lake District.

WhitcombeRD/Getty Images



Over the years, some of our most cherished Lake District moments have come from serene walks and hikes around the lakes and fells of Windermere and nearby towns, as well as leisurely cruises and visits to the world-famous Beatrix Potter attractions.

And though many of its local cafés have small-town charm, this area has serious food cred, too. The Lake District is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants.

Even so, unlike busier hot spots, Windermere has retained its identity and sense of self. It is protective of its pace, its peace, its essence.

People here seem to look out for each other. They don’t just nod as they pass; they stop to chat and remember people’s names.

By 5:30 p.m., many shops and cafés close, while a handful of restaurants, pubs, and the local Sainsbury’s stay open late. Even at night, the town feels safe and calm, especially compared to larger cities.

I dream of living here someday

Many places are lovely to visit, but Windermere feels like somewhere that meets you exactly where you are, offering something for every stage of life.

After all these years, I still sometimes feel that same stillness I felt on our very first trip when I was sitting by the water and realizing we’d found somewhere special.

Each visit has marked a different chapter in our family’s lives, from being pregnant with a toddler in tow to returning with teenagers who now set their own pace.

Somehow, though, Windermere has grown with us, and I often wonder what it might feel like if we stayed a little longer. After all, there’s something comforting and restorative about living where nature is such a big part of daily life.

When I imagine where I’d call home in the UK, it’s not London, Birmingham, Manchester, or even Northampton, where we live now.

It’s Windermere … maybe once the children have grown up.




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I didn’t love Mexico City as much as I thought I would. Luckily, I found a smaller, more charming spot nearby.

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When planning my two-week trip to Mexico, I looked beyond destinations like Cancún, Puerto Vallarta, and Cozumel. I wanted to visit central Mexico instead, which is further away from the busy cruise ports and all-inclusive resorts.

For years, I’d heard nothing but great things about Mexico City, so I put it at the top of my list. Travelers seem to always rave about the city’s atmosphere, culinary scene, and world-class museums. I couldn’t wait to check it out for myself.

However, once I arrived in the city, which is home to about 22 million people, I was totally overwhelmed. The influx of tourists for Mexico’s Día de Muertos celebrations at the time probably didn’t help, either.

There was a lot to do there, but I missed the quieter atmosphere of Santiago de Querétaro, where I’d been just a few days prior.

The smaller city, often shortened to just Querétaro, is home to around 1.5 million people and is located just three hours by bus from Mexico City. I knew little about the area beforehand, but was soon blown away by its colorful historic center and nearby attractions.

Mexico City gets a lot of hype, but in the end, it was the city I’d previously barely heard of that exceeded my expectations.

Querétaro’s city center is exceptionally charming


View of people walking in Querétaro

Querétaro is much smaller than Mexico City, but it has a lot to offer.

Jenna DeLaurentis



On my first morning in Querétaro, I was immediately struck by the atmosphere of the historic city center.

It’s a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s full of tree-lined public squares. Each square acts as a meeting point for commerce, culture, and dining experiences.


Figure with sugar skull head and colorful dress

Querétaro’s pedestrian-only streets are ideal for a relaxing walk.

Jenna DeLaurentis



I loved dining outdoors in these public squares. Often, musicians played soft piano music during mealtimes, and the atmosphere was alluring.

Beyond the squares, every street offered something new. On a visit to Querétaro’s Museum of Arts, I was blown away by the building’s Baroque-style architecture. The intricate design of the space was just as impressive as the artwork inside.


Querétaro's Museum of Arts

Querétaro’s Museum of Arts has stunning architecture.

Jenna DeLaurentis



Likewise, a brief visit to the Calendar Museum left me impressed. The small museum, which houses exhibitions on time and space, contains intricately manicured gardens in a restored mansion. The space was serene, adding another special touch to Querétaro’s endearing city center.

In contrast, I found Mexico City to be more overwhelming than charming. With millions of people, cars, and buses zooming around every corner, it was impossible to feel relaxed.

While walking around Mexico City’s maze of streets, I found myself missing the small-town feel of Querétaro.

The city is a convenient home base for day trips to other destinations, too


San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende is a short drive from Querétaro.

Jenna DeLaurentis



Something I loved during my time in Querétaro was the city’s proximity to several exciting destinations. I found it easy to take a day (or overnight) trip from the city.

On my visit, I took a one-night trip to San Miguel de Allende, a small city with well-preserved colonial architecture.

It was the perfect destination for a quick visit. I spent my time wandering around cobblestone streets, dining at rooftop cafes, and marveling at San Miguel de Allende’s prominent pink cathedral.

Querétaro is also within an hour’s drive to two of Mexico’s Pueblo Mágicos, or Magic Towns. There are 177 Pueblos Mágicos within Mexico, and each town has been designated to have significant cultural, historical, or architectural significance within the country.

One of these Pueblos Mágicos, Bernal, is famous for its giant monolith that towers over the town. The other, Tequisquiapan, offers a peaceful getaway where visitors can explore traditional cheese markets, vineyards, and natural hot springs.

Taking day trips from Querétaro doesn’t require a car, either. Uber is convenient throughout the area, and comfortable coach buses can take you from town to town at a low cost.

Mexico City has more to offer overall, but Querétaro is definitely worth a visit


Author Jenna DeLaurentis in Mexico City

I was excited to check out Mexico City for the first time, but it wasn’t my favorite place to visit in Mexico.

Jenna DeLaurentis



Even though I preferred Querétaro to Mexico City, there’s no denying that there’s far more to see and do in the latter.

You could spend months in Mexico City and barely scratch the surface. The city has over 150 museums and galleries along with the palatial Chapultepec Castle, massive Zócalo Square, vast green parks, and more restaurants than you could try in a lifetime.

Its National Museum of Anthropology could take an entire day to see in and of itself!

I expected to fall in love with Mexico City, but I didn’t jive with the city as much as I thought I would. For the most part, though, I’d still agree that Mexico City is worth the hype it receives. The metropolis has an addictive, bustling atmosphere, and the street-food scene is definitely out of this world.

Yet my trip was a good reminder to look beyond the most popular destinations in a particular place. I had never even heard of Querétaro before I planned my trip, but I’m so glad I took the chance to discover somewhere new.




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Bill Gurley: people who don’t love their jobs are most at risk of losing them to AI

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Passion could be the best defense against AI taking your job, Bill Gurley says.

“The people that are most at risk are the ones that are sitting idly in the job and don’t really have a why or a purpose for it,” the legendary venture capitalist said during the latest episode of the “On with Kara Swisher” podcast.

“I think a lot of the people that go through that college conveyor belt, that are chasing a safe job, that end up working as a widget or a cog in an industry they may not love — I think they are ripe for disruption,” he added.

Advances in AI have spurred numerous high-profile companies to slow hiring or make layoffs in anticipation of cheaper, more productive digital workers replacing human ones.

Technology giants such as Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet are also spending hundreds of billions of dollars to build AI infrastructure, fueling widespread concerns of future job losses.

Gurley is a general partner at Benchmark who’s known for placing early bets on businesses such as Uber, Nextdoor, OpenTable, and Zillow.

He recently published a book titled “Runnin’ Down a Dream: How to Thrive in a Career You Actually Love.”

The veteran investor said on the podcast that young people should choose careers they enjoy and care about. Warren Buffett, who famously “tap dances to work” at Berkshire Hathaway, has long offered similar advice.

“For people that are in a job they love, the honing’s free,” Gurley said. He explained that when someone is passionate about what they do, they don’t need to set aside time or convince themselves to polish their skills and knowledge; they naturally prioritize improvemen and feel energized by the process.

“It really becomes an unfair advantage in almost any industry if you’re that person because you’re learning constantly,” Gurley said.

One key thing they should learn is how to harness AI to bolster their efforts, he said.

“Be the most AI aware person in your job,” Gurley said. “And you’re going to then be the last person that they want to get rid of.”

Gurley compared AI to “jet fuel” that can expand a worker’s capabilities. Employees can now learn more quickly and thoroughly than ever before, he said, so if they’re focusing their learning on AI, they’re “going to have even better chance of winning,” he added.




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Naydeline Mejia

My move from the US to Paris has come with a lot of benefits, but finding love has felt impossible

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When I visited Paris for the first time in 2022 during my inaugural solo trip, I fell in love with the city instantly.

Sipping my chocolat chaud while reading Hemingway’s “A Moveable Feast” at the legendary Café de Flore, enveloped in the charming Haussmannian architecture the city is renowned for, I whispered to myself: “I could live here.”

It wasn’t until two years later that I would finally make the move abroad after being accepted into a graduate school program and subsequently quitting my dream job at a big-time magazine to fulfill my newest dream of living in Paris.

Although moving to France from the US has come with plenty of benefits, such as a slower pace of living and a healthier work-life balance, one part of my journey has significantly suffered: my love life.

For a city that markets itself as the City of Love, I have found building a meaningful connection with someone in Paris nearly impossible.

The language barrier has made it difficult to connect with potential partners deeply


Woman reading book outside at cafe in PAris

I can speak French, but I still feel a language barrier on dates.

Naydeline Mejia



As someone with an intermediate level of French, I knew when entering the Parisian dating scene that language would be a hurdle, especially when going on dates with non-native English speakers.

During dates with people who didn’t feel comfortable speaking English or didn’t speak the language very well, we’d mostly converse in French — I found banter to be difficult and less fluid.

My personality also took a hit. Instead of my usual, flirty self, I felt more reserved because I couldn’t express myself fully in my third language.

Even during dates where the other person did have a good command of English, I felt as though we lacked a certain access to one another as we weren’t able to express ourselves in our mother tongues.

As a result, I convinced myself our connection would never reach deeper than center ground.

I’ve had some great dates, but intimacy doesn’t always translate into romance


Woman smiling in PAris under umbrella

For me, romance has been hard to find in Paris.

Naydeline Mejia



Another barrier to finding love while dating in Paris has been the differing dating customs.

In my experience, it’s not uncommon for French partners to want to go on regular romantic dates and engage in public displays of affection, like holding hands, even if we’re only seeing each other casually.

As someone who is used to clearly defined relationship boundaries and labels, like “friends with benefits” and “exclusive,” while dating in the US, I find it a bit disorienting to receive forms of intimacy usually reserved for a serious relationship from a non-romantic partner.

I have also observed that the “what are we?” conversation is not really common in France. After a few successful dates, it’s often assumed that you and your dating partner are exclusive. In comparison, in the US, a conversation around exclusivity usually precedes becoming “official” with someone.

The lack of a clear conversation around labels has often left me feeling confused about where I stand with potential partners or the relationship feeling unbalanced.

I have considered moving back to the US for a better chance at love


Woman walking next to building in Paris

I’m not sure if I’ll find love in Paris.

Naydeline Mejia



While I can’t say my dating experience was that much better when I was living in the US, I do consider moving back home to New York to increase my chances of finding a meaningful partnership.

In my experience, there are many benefits to dating in your native country — from speaking the same language to upholding similar dating rules and customs, and, oftentimes, having shared experiences that can only be witnessed by someone from your hometown.

At the same time, some of the most beautiful love stories defy cultural and language barriers. I would be remiss not to try to work past the difficult parts of dating abroad in my search for a partner who makes my heart flutter long past the honeymoon stage.

Nevertheless, while concurrently navigating a seemingly never-ending dating pool, I have also been enjoying my alone time in this fairy-tale city.

In her essay, “Why Are All the Lonely Girls Going to Paris?,” writer Jenna Ryu argues that perhaps inhabiting this so-called City of Love is not about finding a storybook romance, but celebrating the beauty of solitude, especially as a young, single woman.

I have never felt more sure of myself and in love with life than during these past two years living in Paris. The love I would often reserve for a romantic partner, I have been pouring onto myself — and that has made all the difference.




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Photos show how ‘Love Story’ recreated Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s iconic style

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  • “Love Story” follows the doomed love story of JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.
  • The show recreates several of Bessette-Kennedy’s iconic looks and timeless style.
  • The show’s costume designer was replaced after initial backlash to how star Sarah Pidgeon was styled.

The iconic style of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy has been often imitated but never replicated — until now.

“Love Story,” which is produced by Ryan Murphy for FX, chronicles the fated relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, who died in a plane crash off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard in July 1999.

The series has drawn praise for its striking casting — with Sarah Pidgeon bearing an uncanny resemblance to Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and Paul Anthony Kelly closely capturing the look of John F. Kennedy Jr. — as well as for its thoughtful costume design, which carefully recreates and honors Bessette-Kennedy’s real-life style.

Here’s a look at how the show recreated and paid homage to Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s style.

The series recreated an early Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy look down to the leather loafers.

Jenny Landy and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy in New York City in 1995; Sarah Pidgeon filming “Love Story” in New York City.

Patrick McMullan/Patrick McMullan/Getty Images; TheStewartofNY/GC Images

In this scene, before she meets John F. Kennedy Jr. for the first time, Carolyn (played by Sarah Pidgeon) wears a simple black turtleneck, flared black capri pants, and black leather loafers.

In both the show and real life, Bessette-Kennedy worked as a showroom assistant for Calvin Klein before rising the ranks to become head of publicity for the fashion house.

Despite marrying into American royalty, Bessette-Kennedy knew how to perfect a casual look.


JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette in New York City, and Paul Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon are seen on the set of

JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette in New York City, and Paul Anthony Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon are seen on the set of “Love Story.”

Mitchell Gerber/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images; Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images/Getty Images

She was often seen wearing loose Levi’s 517 jeans, her hair slicked back into a bun, with a simple monochromatic coat over the top.

When it came to recreating the New York City icon’s style, the series didn’t always nail it. Early leaked images from the set were criticized online for being too modern, fast-fashion-looking, and different from Kennedy-Bessette’s more upscale style.

In response to the backlash, the show brought in a new costume designer, Rudy Mance, who dedicated himself to making the costumes as accurate as possible.

“I get it. I’m protective of [John and Carolyn] as well. We all just wanted to be as precise and accurate as possible,” Mance told Variety.

Mance said he and his team studied for months throughout filming, comparing old paparazzi photos of the couple with the new looks he was creating for the show and pulling in as many archival and vintage pieces as possible to accurately recreate the look.

Part of Bessette-Kennedy’s enduring appeal was her dedication to a minimalist, understated style that felt polished yet effortlessly cool.


Carolyn Kennedy in 1996; Sarah Pidgeon seen on the set of

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy in New York City; Sarah Pidgeon on the set of “Love Story.”

Lawrence Schwartzwald/Sygma/Getty Images; Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images/Getty Images

“There’s so much mystery about Carolyn. My familiarity with her was through paparazzi images,” lead actor Sarah Pidgeon told Vogue.

Mance said that recreating Kennedy’s style before she was thrust into the public eye was the most challenging.

“Everybody knows what they wore from 1996 to 1999, but we were telling the story of how they met,” he said, according to Glamour.

Her formal looks remained simple but added a sexy edge, a balance “Love Story” tried to recreate.


Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and JFK Jr. in 1998; Sarah Pidgeon in

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and JFK Jr. in 1998; Sarah Pidgeon in “Love Story.”

Steve Eichner/Penske Media/Getty Images; FX Networks

Bessette-Kennedy often looked effortlessly sexy when she stepped out on red carpets, like in the strapless black Yohji Yamamoto gown photographed above. Pidgeon wears a similar dress for her meet-cute with Kelly in episode one of the series.

It was delicate work for Pidgeon to strike the same balance, especially when fans reacted strongly to early images of her in the role. However, the actor told Vogue she was ultimately grateful for the public feedback about her portrayal.

“The online conversations at the beginning of the process served as a reminder of how important it was to get our portrayal of Carolyn correct. She grew even more important to me,” Pidgeon told Vogue. “People really, really love Carolyn, and my priority every single day on set was doing justice to her legacy.”

And even when they were recreating simple outfits, the “Love Story” team ensured the fit was similar to what Carolyn would have worn.


Carolyn Bessette Kennedy poses for a picture at a gala in 1999; Sarah Pidgeon in

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy poses for a picture at a gala in 1999; Sarah Pidgeon in “Love Story.”

Evan Agostini/Liaison/Getty Images; FX Networks

Although Bessette-Kennedy’s simple outfits could be recreated with off-brand designers — like the white blouse and floor-length black skirt by Yohji Yamamoto that she wore in 1999 — Mance was dedicated to finding archival pieces. Pidgeon was wearing true recreations of Bessette-Kennedy’s looks whenever possible.

He also ensured the pieces would fit Pidgeon similarly to how they fit Bessette-Kennedy, as Pidgeon told Vogue.

“We found her Prada and Valentino coats, and fitted some Levi’s so that they looked exactly how they fit Carolyn,” Pidgeon told Vogue.

By recreating the magic of Bessette-Kennedy’s wardrobe, the “Love Story” team offered a window into her world.


Carolyn Bessette Kennedy in 1999; Sarah Pidgeon on the set of

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy in 1999; Sarah Pidgeon on the set of “Love Story.”

Justin Ide/Getty Images; Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images/Getty Images

Kennedy’s clothes were always going to play a central part in her on-screen portrayal since style was so critical to her identity. However, Pidgeon said she hoped the clothes she wears offer a jumping-off point for the total woman she hopes to portray.

“She is known as this minimalist fashion icon, but I learned that she was also vivacious, funny, and had a wildness about her,” she told Vogue.




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My grandparents have been married for 54 years. Their relationship has taught me 3 lessons about love I plan to follow.

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My grandparents, whom I call Papa and GG, have been together since they were teenagers and married for 54 years.

As I’ve grown up, I’ve realized the secret to their lasting love hasn’t been perfection or grand gestures. Instead, it’s in finding joy and meaning in life’s small, everyday moments.

Their marriage has taught me how powerful a gentle, consistent love can be, and how beautifully it can shape everything around it.

Here are three of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from them that I hope to bring into my own relationships.

To maintain the “spark,” nurture curiosity


The author's grandparents posing for a photo together.

My grandparents still discover new things about each other, more than 50 years into their marriage.

Sierra Newell



Whether it’s by going on a spontaneous camping trip or navigating retirement together, my grandparents delight in discovering new things about each other.

Both avid readers, they often will sit beneath their orange tree and share quotes from their books. After long Sunday walks through the park, they also like to continue their running card game of gin rummy, laughter, and nostalgic stories tumbling between them.

Even after decades together, they also eat dinner with each other nearly every night, eager to unravel each other’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Find creative, consistent ways to express your love


A collection of

My Papa has clipped many “Love Is…” comics over the years.

Sierra Newell



My grandparents have found a variety of ways to show each other they care.

Every morning, for example, my Papa clips the “Love Is…” comic strip from the newspaper and places it on the kitchen counter for GG. He also writes poems, scribbled on notepads, painted on rocks, or sent as random texts throughout the day.

Meanwhile, GG often sends photos of heart-shaped stones or leaves she finds on her walks, and they both leave handwritten notes in each other’s suitcases when they travel.

Physical affection anchors it all, though. There’s rarely ever a moment when they aren’t holding hands or resting a head on a shoulder. They often seem to do it without even realizing, as though one another is as constant and grounding as gravity.

Remember to prioritize your own happiness, too


The author and her grandpa posing together.

I appreciate how each of my grandparents still pursues their own interests.

Sierra Newell



In my opinion, one of the reasons their relationship still feels so alive is because they never stopped making room for their individual interests.

GG started playing mahjong in retirement and now competes in tournaments, and Papa likes to play golf around the world.

Instead of resenting or fearing change, they celebrate each other’s passions, and watching each other reinvent themselves sustains their mutual excitement.

The common thread is joy

These days, it can be hard to sift through the barrage of conflicting advice on how to find and cultivate long-lasting love.

Still, witnessing my grandparents build a life out of tiny kindnesses — notes slipped into suitcases, breakfast cartoons, and shared laughter — has shown me the recipe is simpler than we think.

I see how extraordinary it is to share life’s simplest joys, to choose a partner who is real, steady, and kind. That level of devotion is an everyday miracle, and I try to weave those threads into my own relationships.

I send handwritten letters back and forth with my friends and family, and my boyfriend and I collect concert tickets, printed menus, and postcards from trips and dates we’ve experienced.

These items are arranged in a collage in my apartment, ink-stained and wrinkled, but tangible proof of the love my grandparents have taught me to sow.




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I moved to France after falling in love with it during summer visits. Nothing could’ve prepared me for living here full-time.

by with No Comment Xpandfy

I’m originally from the Bahamas, but my love for France began while working there as an English language camp counselor every summer from 2011 to 2014.

Year after year, I fell more in love with the country — and, soon, the seed of a plan to live here began to sprout its roots. In August 2015, I finally packed my bags and made my dream of living in France a reality.

However, no amount of prior experience coming here for short spurts could’ve prepared me for moving to France and actually living there.

I underestimated how tough navigating the language barrier would be


Woman with hands in air smiling on stone path with flowers, building behid her

I wish I’d learned more French before I moved.

Nicole Bedford



Living in a foreign country can be a daunting shock to the system when you don’t speak the native language.

I knew my French being limited to phrases like “hello” and “thank you” would put me at a disadvantage — but I still wasn’t prepared for the frustration I’d feel and the judgment I’d get for being no better than a toddler trying to communicate.

Once I arrived in Rennes, where I’d chosen to move, it became clear to me English was not prevalent, and that I would need to navigate all my administrative procedures with limited French.

To navigate day-to-day transactions, such as opening a bank account, I used Google Translate to create a script. It was challenging, but I managed to get things done.

This experience taught me to never underestimate a language barrier or assume you can rely on English abroad — not even in big cities.

As a word of advice, if you plan to move to France or any country where you do not speak the native tongue, be sure to take classes in that language for six months to a year before you go.

Doing so will help you navigate day-to-day life and ensure a more seamless integration — especially when navigating the paperwork and administrative tasks that come with moving.

The slower pace of life has been nice, but it took me a bit to adjust to shops’ limited hours


Woman smiling at vineyard

It’s been nice getting to relax more often.

Nicole Bedford



Europe is known for having a slower-paced lifestyle than much of North America. However, I still couldn’t believe how relaxed my day-to-day life became after I moved — or how quickly I was able to get used to it.

My first summer living in France without having to work the whole time was the most surprising. During August, entire businesses close for summer holidays and cities feel emptier as locals go on vacation for two or three weeks at a time. It was refreshing.

I’ve grown to really appreciate how the French know how to relax and enjoy life. However, it did take me a little longer to get used to shops here having limited hours.

Businesses like pharmacies, grocery stores, clothing shops, and even private clinics often close before or just after sunset throughout France — even in many major cities.


Woman sipping from mug in front of Le Scoop

I’ve learned to check the hours on a business before I check it out.

Nicole Bedford



A lot of businesses are also closed on Sundays, as it’s meant to be a countrywide day of rest.

This was a bit jarring since I come from a country where many stores are open late for convenience — some are open 24/7, seven days a week.

However, I’ve since learned how to plan accordingly and mark which errands are time-sensitive on my to-do list.

Ultimately, though, this experience reminded me that no amount of research can prepare you for moving to a new country. There will always be surprises around the corner — but, for me, moving here has been worth it.




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