Stephanie Serino's Travel Blog

Our embarkation photo with my giraffe table in hand In 2015, my husband asked if I’d be willing to relocate from NYC to London. Always up for an adventure, I eagerly agreed. I had the perfect solution to the logistical challenges of relocating to the other side of the Atlantic Ocean: a cruise, of course! He was incredulous too but hear me out. The cruise fare for a Trans-Atlantic crossing isn’t much more expensive than a one-way air ticket but it includes a week of meals and relaxing activities (which you def need after organizing a such a big transition). Plus, you can bring as much luggage as you want without extra charge. There are no size or weight restrictions either. Usually, people ship their stuff via a container ship but sea freight isn't cheap and takes months for delivery; so you must do without your belongings for an extended period. I showed up at the Manhattan Cruise Teminal Pier 90 with 2 carloads of boxes and suitcases feeling like Elizabeth Taylor. We even had a...

Hard to believe it was two years ago that I took my Mom on a Spa Getaway to celebrate her birthday (February 15-17, 2018). We drove about 90 minutes from her home to Langdon Hall Country House Hotel (a Relais & Chateaux property) in Cambridge, Ontario. It's also about 90 minutes from Toronto and an hour from Niagara Falls. We went for the spa facilities and the gourmet dining . We had delicious cocktails at Wilks Bar .  In summer, they have beautiful gardens and wooden trails, as well as an outdoor pool and croquet lawn. Here are My Photos .  Mom says: My first time in a feather bed - no, not a feather pillow or feather comforter, but the entire bed!  Sleeping on a soft dreamy cloud must be discussed more frequently as an antidote to ordinary life doldrums.  Of course it enhances sleep to the nth degree, but what about the imaginative realm reaching up to the heavens?  I am not kidding when I say Nothing in my life has compared to it, and if that realiz...

We are all ready for a special treat, so I’m sharing this quick and easy cake recipe. It literally takes less than 10 minutes to mix, and is healthier than most store-bought breakfast cereals. The recipe comes from my Spanish Stepson’s Mom who shared this family heirloom recipe for “Coca” when 13-year old Hugo moved into our London flat in Summer 2015. It's not a fancy cake (it's never frosted) but it is comforting. I hope this sweetness gives you something to look forward to in the morning! Spanish Coca 1 ½ cup Flour    ¾ cup Sugar 1     tablespoon Baking Powder 1     teaspoon Baking Soda 1     teaspoon Cinnamon    ½ cup Oil (I use Sunflower Oil, but it’s good with any healthy oil -even Olive Oil works)     ½ cup Yogurt (Doesn’t matter what kind. I use Plain but flavored yogurt or yogurt with fruit work) 2     large eggs 1     cup Fruit and/or ...