Three Days in New York City: A Mother-Daughter Travel Experience
There is something so special about sharing travel experiences with loved ones, and my recent trip to New York City with my daughter Serena is one I will cherish forever.
We were honored to be there for an exciting campaign (details coming soon!) and had the opportunity to stay at the stunning Baccarat Hotel. From the moment we arrived, we were treated with such warmth and care. If you ever get the chance to stay there, I cannot recommend it enough—it’s truly an unforgettable luxury travel experience in New York City.
Our whirlwind trip lasted just three days, but we filled it with special moments:
Day 1 – Dinner in Soho
On our first evening, we dined at Cipriani Soho on Broadway. Fast, fun, and lively, it was the perfect start to our mother-daughter adventure in NYC. And the food? A major “chef kiss “
Day 2 – A Full Day of Work and Connection
The next day was a full work day. Serena and I had so much fun with the crew on set, and the energy of New York fashion and style gave us the perfect backdrop. Later that evening, we enjoyed dinner back at the Baccarat with my dear friend Tiffany Blackmon, a fellow influencer and prolific podcast also travelling with her daughter, Kennedy. The evening was full of laughter, conversation, and connection.
Day 3 – Chelsea Hotel & The High Line
On our last day, we made time to visit the Chelsea Hotel, enjoy a leisurely lunch, and take in the beauty of the High Line in New York City. These simple experiences reminded us why we love traveling together—every shared moment becomes a cherished memory.
Though the trip was short, it left us both inspired, connected, and full of gratitude.
Have you ever taken a mother-daughter trip? What’s your favorite destination for creating special memories with family? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear your stories!
And if you’re planning your own Mother Daughter trip, be sure to check out our other adventures! Like our trip to Sedona last year.
Wellness trends come and go, but I’ve always believed in the power of simple, time-tested rituals. One of my favorite ways to begin the day is with a warm, nourishing drink that sets the tone—not just for my digestion, but for my mindset.
Sonia with her morning tonic
This isn’t about quick fixes or “detox” gimmicks. It’s a gentle practice rooted in natural ingredients that support your body and invite mindfulness into your morning routine.
Here’s what’s in my morning tonic:
🍋 Fresh Lemon
Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps support immune health and skin glow. It also stimulates digestion and helps alkalize the body, despite its natural acidity. I love the fresh, clean brightness it brings to the drink—it feels like a little sunshine in a cup.
🍯 Raw Honey
A touch of raw honey adds natural sweetness while offering antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It’s also a beautiful reminder that wellness doesn’t have to be bitter. Just a teaspoon helps balance the tang of vinegar and lemon, making this feel more like a treat than a tonic.
🍎 Apple Cider Vinegar (with the “Mother”)
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been used for centuries for its balancing and gut-supportive properties. When taken before meals, it may help with blood sugar regulation, digestion, and appetite control. I always choose raw, unfiltered ACV with the “mother”—a collection of enzymes and beneficial bacteria that form naturally during fermentation.
My Morning Ritual
I drink this warm (never cold) and always before anything else. No coffee, no breakfast—just this quiet, grounding moment.
It’s not about a dramatic transformation. It’s about how small choices—done consistently and with intention—can create a ripple effect of wellness throughout your day.
My Basic Recipe
Juice of half a fresh lemon
1–2 teaspoons raw apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon raw honey
Warm (not boiling) water
Stir gently, sip slowly, and allow yourself a few minutes of stillness. Think of it as a way to hydrate your body and center your mind before the demands of the day begin.
Morning Ritual
Why I Love This Ritual
At this stage of life, my focus isn’t on restriction or chasing youth—it’s about feeling good, staying vibrant, and honoring my body with grace. This ritual is one of those small habits that makes me feel supported, clear-headed, and more connected to myself.
Whether you’re starting your wellness journey or refining it, this is one practice that truly suits wellness at any age.
Have you tried a morning lemon-ACV tonic? I’d love to hear your take or your variation in the comments below.
Here’s to beginning each day with elegance, nourishment, and intention.
Sonia was asked to contribute her favorite beauty hacks to the Huffington Post!
“SPF is so important. I like Trish McEvoy’s Beauty Booster cream SPF 30. It glides on beautifully, disappears into the skin and doesn’t change my skin tone. You can seek out all facelifts in the world, but if you don’t take care of those three areas, you will not have accomplished what a facelift is meant for.” ― Sonia Lovett, a 71-year-old who runs the fashion blog Style Beyond Age
When it comes to skincare, navigating through the vast array of products and ingredients can be overwhelming. However, among the myriad options, certain key ingredients have gained remarkable popularity for their transformative effects on the skin. In this comprehensive guide, we will unveil the secrets behind some of the most prized skincare key ingredients: Vitamin C, Retinol, AHAs and BHAs, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, and SPF.
Each of these ingredients comes with its unique set of benefits and properties, making them essential components of a well-rounded skincare routine. Whether you’re aiming to brighten your complexion, combat signs of aging, improve texture, or protect your skin from harmful UV rays, understanding what these ingredients are capable of can significantly elevate your skincare game.
Get ready to unlock the secrets that will help you achieve healthy, radiant-looking skin that truly glows from within.
The Key Players
Vitamin C
The first of our skincare key ingredients is of course, Vitamin C. Vitamin C, AKA ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for the growth, development, and repair of body tissues. It is also a potent antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radicals and oxidative stress.
Using Vitamin C in your morning skincare routine has several benefits. Firstly, it helps to improve the appearance of the skin by promoting collagen synthesis. Collagen is a protein that provides structure and elasticity to the skin, and its production decreases as we age. Vitamin C stimulates collagen production, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and giving the skin a more youthful and firm appearance[2].
Secondly, Vitamin C has brightening properties, making it effective in reducing the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It inhibits the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, resulting in a more even skin tone[3].
Lastly, Vitamin C has protective properties against sun damage. It helps to neutralize free radicals caused by exposure to UV radiation, preventing oxidative damage and reducing the risk of skin aging and sunburn[4].
Including Vitamin C in your morning skincare routine can help nourish and protect your skin, resulting in a healthier and more radiant complexion. However, it’s important to note that Vitamin C is sensitive to light and air, so it’s crucial to choose a stable form of Vitamin C and store it properly to maintain its effectiveness.
Retinol
Retinol is a form of vitamin A that is commonly used in skincare products, known for its various benefits when included in an evening skincare routine.
This key ingredient helps stimulate cell turnover, which can improve the texture and tone of the skin. It also promotes collagen production, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol is effective in addressing multiple skin care concerns, including acne, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone. Also, it can help fade dark spots, even out discoloration, and improve overall skin clarity. It’s definitely one of the most important skincare key ingredients to incorporate into your routine.
Retinol is often recommended for use in the evening because it can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Applying it at night allows for maximum absorption and effectiveness without the potential of daytime sun exposure.
It’s worth noting that retinol may cause some initial skin irritation or sensitivity, so it’s important to start with a low concentration and gradually increase usage as tolerated. Additionally, using sunscreen during the day is crucial when incorporating retinol into your evening skincare routine to protect the skin from potential sun damage.
Please note that it’s always best to consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional for personalized advice on incorporating retinol into your skincare routine.
AHAs and BHAs
AHAs and BHAs are types of chemical exfoliants that can be beneficial to include in an evening skincare routine.
Alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs, are a group of acids that include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and citric acid, among others. They work by exfoliating the top layers of the skin, promoting cell turnover, and helping to minimize dullness and uneven texture2. Some AHAs, such as glycolic acid, can also stimulate collagen production, while others have antioxidant and hydrating properties1. AHAs are often used to address concerns such as hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and uneven skin tone.
BHAs, or beta hydroxy acids, mainly refer to salicylic acid. BHAs are oil-soluble and have the ability to penetrate deep into the pores, making them effective in treating acne and blackheads3. They have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making them ideal for oily or acne-prone skin23. BHAs help to exfoliate the skin, remove impurities from the pores, and reduce inflammation.
Using AHAs and BHAs in your evening skincare routine can be beneficial because it allows these exfoliants to work overnight, when the skin is in its repair and renewal mode. The exfoliation provided by AHAs and BHAs can help to improve the texture of the skin, minimize dullness, even out the skin tone, and reduce the appearance of acne and blackheads. However, it’s important to note that AHAs and BHAs can increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so it’s crucial to apply sunscreen during the day when using these exfoliants.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B31. It offers several benefits for the skin when used in the evening skincare routine. Here are a few reasons why niacinamide is good to use in your evening skincare routine:
Antioxidant properties: Niacinamide acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals12. This can help prevent signs of premature aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines.
Improves skin barrier function: Niacinamide helps strengthen the skin’s natural barrier1. It promotes the production of ceramides, lipids that help retain moisture in the skin and protect it from external irritants. By improving the skin barrier function, niacinamide can help reduce dryness, sensitivity, and inflammation.
Reduces hyperpigmentation and dark spots: Niacinamide has been found to inhibit the transfer of melanin, the pigment responsible for dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Regular use of niacinamide in the evening skincare routine can help fade dark spots and even out the skin tone.
Regulates sebum production: For those with oily or acne-prone skin, niacinamide can be beneficial as it helps regulate sebum production. By controlling excess oil production, it can minimize the appearance of acne and reduce the likelihood of clogged pores.
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a molecule naturally found in the body that helps keep a balance of water and hydrate the skin. It can be used in both morning and evening skincare routines because of its hydrating properties. HA can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it a powerful hydrating ingredient for the skin and one of the more important skincare key ingredients.
Hydration: Hyaluronic acid helps hydrate the skin and keep it moisturized throughout the day^[2]1. It helps the skin hold onto water, keeping it plump and supple.
Boosts skin elasticity: HA can boost skin elasticity, making the skin look and feel firmer.
Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles: Hydrating the skin with hyaluronic acid can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Lightweight and easy to wear: hyaluronic acid is a lightweight ingredient and won’t feel heavy on the skin. It’s easily absorbed, making it a great base for makeup or sunscreen in the mornings.
It’s important to remember that using HA alone may not be enough and it’s essential to note that it should be added to your moisturizer or skincare routine.
SPF
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it refers to the level of protection a sunscreen provides against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. This key ingredient primarily protects the skin from the damaging effects of the sun, such as sunburn, skin aging, and the risk of skin cancer.
Incorporating SPF into your morning skincare routine is crucial for several reasons:
Protection against skin cancer: Regular use of sunscreen with a sufficient SPF can help reduce the risk of developing skin cancer. Sun exposure is a major contributor to skin cancer, and using SPF acts as a barrier between your skin and the sun’s harmful UV radiation.
Prevention of premature aging: The sun’s UV rays can accelerate the aging process by causing wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. SPF helps to shield the skin from these damaging effects and maintain a youthful appearance.
Prevention of sunburn: SPF protects the skin from sunburn, which is a visible sign of UV damage. Sunburn can cause immediate discomfort and redness, and frequent sunburns can lead to long-term skin damage.
Protection against pigmentation and dark spots: Sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation, leading to the development of dark spots and uneven skin tone. Using SPF daily can help prevent the formation of these pigmented areas and maintain a more even complexion.
It’s important to note that sun exposure can occur even on cloudy days or through windows, so wearing SPF every day, including during your morning skincare routine, is essential for comprehensive protection. Remember to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays and has a minimum SPF of 30 or higher for optimal sun protection. For some of my favorite sunblocks for skin over 50, check out my blog post here!
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding and incorporating key skincare ingredients like Vitamin C, Retinol, AHAs and BHAs, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, and SPF can truly transform your skin. Each ingredient possesses unique properties and benefits that address specific skin concerns, allowing you to tailor your skincare routine to meet your individual needs.
Please keep in mind that it’s essential to consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional for personalized advice on incorporating retinol and AHAs into your skincare routine.
Travel is not just a destination; it’s an experience that changes you.
Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey that combines fashion, adventure, and limitless fun? Look no further because Serena and I are here to make your dreams come true with Trova Trip! To ensure this epic girls’ trip is absolutely perfect, we are conducting a comprehensive survey to gather your input and create the ultimate getaway that caters to your wildest Girl’s Trip dreams!
The Transformative Power of Travel
Travel has the incredible ability to broaden our horizons and ignite our spirits. It allows us to break away from the routine and immerse ourselves in new cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and unique experiences. Whether it’s exploring ancient ruins, learning about local traditions, or indulging in delicious cuisines, every journey is an opportunity for personal growth, self-discovery, and lasting memories.
How to Participate in the Survey
Participating in the survey is effortless. Simply click on the following [survey link], and you’ll be on your way to helping us plan the girls’ trip of a lifetime. The survey includes questions that will enable Sonia and Serena to better understand your preferences, interests, and expectations. Your responses will shape the itinerary, activities, and overall experience of the Trova Trip, ensuring that every moment reflects your dreams.
Be sure to provide detailed responses to each question, as they will contribute to the success and enjoyment of the trip. Remember, this is your chance to let your voice be heard, so don’t hold back! And hey, feel free to share the survey with other fabulous friends who might want to join in on this epic journey.
Where We Could Go
The world is our playground, and the possibilities for our epic girls’ trip are endless. From breathtaking coastal escapes to vibrant city adventures, we are considering a range of destinations that will truly leave you in awe. Here are a few potential locations for our getaway:
Bali, Indonesia: Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Bali, with its lush rice terraces, stunning temples, and pristine beaches. Explore colorful markets, indulge in spa retreats, and recharge your soul in this tropical paradise.
Marrakech, Morocco: Get lost in the bustling souks of Marrakech, where vibrant sights, exotic scents, and rich history collide. Experience the magic of Djemaa el-Fna square, wander through enchanting gardens, and savor traditional Moroccan cuisine.
Santorini, Greece: Discover the charm and allure of Santorini, with its iconic white-washed buildings, stunning sunsets, and turquoise waters. Explore ancient ruins, unwind on volcanic beaches, and indulge in delectable Greek delicacies.
These are just a glimpse of the incredible destinations under consideration. We want to hear your thoughts, so make sure to mention your dream locations in the survey!
What You Can Look Forward to On Our Trip
Every adventure is defined by the incredible activities we immerse ourselves in. We have a multitude of ideas in mind to create unforgettable experiences during the Trova Trip. Picture yourself:
On an antique shopping tour through Paris with a Hollywood fashion stylist.
On a content and branding photoshoot in Amsterdam.
Going on a cooking food tour through Italy.
Practicing yoga overlooking the picturesque waters of Greece or Tulum.
Exploring colorful markets brimming with unique fashion finds and treasures.
Indulging in spa treatments and wellness activities to rejuvenate mind, body, and soul.
Taking scenic boat trips or thrilling water adventures to embrace the beauty of nature.
While these are just a few suggestions, we welcome your input on activities that excite you. Your suggestions in the survey will play a significant role in planning the most remarkable itinerary ever!
The Adventure Awaits
We are thrilled about the upcoming Trova Trip, and cannot wait to embark on this incredible journey with YOU. The survey will play a vital role in shaping the ultimate girls’ getaway, designed to create lifelong memories, foster connections, and celebrate the power of travel.
So, what are you waiting for? Click on the [survey link] and let your voice be heard! Together, we will make Sonia’s Epic Girls’ Trip in 2024 an experience like no other. For some more inspiration, take a look at our fabulous girls’ trip to Sedona from this past Summer!
Get ready to indulge in adventure, fashion, and boundless fun. We can’t wait to explore the world with you!
