Who’s that Girl?
Hey! I’m Kristen—your average childfree, 30-something millennial dog mom, trying to squeeze the most out of life in a generation that got handed avocado toast and economic instability. But we make it work and cope with passport stamps, good snacks, and a little chaos.
I live in San Francisco, one of the most beautiful cities on earth (don’t argue, just go with it). Born and raised in California, and honestly? This state is a national treasure. We’ve got culture, food, jaw-dropping nature, pleasant seasons, and more diversity than a produce aisle at a global market. This will always be a California fangirl website.
I come from Azorean-Portuguese immigrant roots, raised in a Portuguese community in the heart of California. It shaped a lot of who I am—always hungry, deeply curious about exploring the world, and obsessed with where I come from. That’s why you’ll see a lot of Portugal content on this blog. I even got married there. Portugal is forever my heart home. Spain and Italy are close behind—I revisit these places constantly, and I never shut up about them. But I also love pushing myself out of my comfort zone and to destinations that challenge me, shift my mindset, or totally surprise me (I’m looking at you, Australia).
What’s this blog about?
This blog is for curious, open-minded travelers who want to experience the world through food, culture, design, and connection. If you’re into beautiful architecture, trying the weird thing on the menu, long city walks, thoughtful travel tips, and the occasional sarcastic quip, you’re in the right place.
You’ll find destination guides, neighborhood deep dives, foodie itineraries, and art-and-design-soaked adventures. From Portuguese islands to Spanish mercados to my favorite taquerias in the Bay, I’ve got recs for days. I travel with intention, aim to understand places rather than simply check them off a list, and I always seek out experiences that feel genuine, memorable, and maybe a little bit magical.
Did we just become best friends?
So…do you like what you’ve heard so far? The open-minded travel philosophy, the dog-mom energy, the love of architecture and anchovies, and uncomfortable-but-worth-it adventures?
If you’re nodding along, there’s a good chance we might be travel soulmates.
And that matters! Because let’s be real: not all travel advice is good advice. Ever read a “top 10” list that made you question humanity? Same. Sometimes it just comes down to completely different tastes—and that’s okay! Not everyone’s meant to travel the same way. But if you’re into thoughtful itineraries, design-forward stays, food that’s actually worth crossing town for, and a little depth behind the pretty pictures, then stick around. You’re my kind of person.
Here are a few more things about me:
- I’m a proud corgi mom X2. They’re loud, opinionated, and full of personality—just like their mum.
- I host a cozy vacation rental in the Sierra Nevada, where I get to help other people create unforgettable forest-core memories with their favorite people.
- I’m obsessed with design—interiors, branding, typography, Brutalist buildings, you name it. I’ll choose the moody boutique hotel over the beige chain one every time.
- I have a degree in journalism, so I actually care about research and storytelling, and I promise never to recommend a mediocre restaurant because it’s “Instagrammable.” And if that’s the case, I’ll tell you.
- My travel style is a mix of cultural immersion, local flavors, slow mornings, pretty neighborhoods, museum marathons, strong coffee, and a well-earned nightcap.
- I travel to connect—to places, to people, to history. And I love helping others do the same.
Still with me? Then pour a glass of wine (or take a gummy), bookmark a few guides, and let’s start planning your next memory-maker.
Pack light, travel deep, and never trust a top 10 list that includes a chain restaurant.
K