In late 2020, my therapist put words to the discontent simmering in my head: I had body dysmorphia. So many things clicked into place then. It started to make sense why my body often felt like a prison I was trapped inside of, why I couldn’t stand to look at my reflection in the mirror, why I often bought the wrong size clothes (both … Read More How Pilates has helped me rethink my relationship with my body
My Favorite Books of 2025 2025 was the year I spent editing and re-editing my novel, figuring out how to write a query letter, and almost losing my entire mind in the process. I also started a new job, celebrated one of my best friends’ weddings, and did a fair amount of traveling. And I tried desperately to stay sane during this political climate … Read More My Favorite Books of 2025
Today, I woke up and looked in the mirror, and I didn’t hate what I saw. This may not seem like a big deal to you, but for me, it’s revolutionary. I’ve been trained my entire life to hate myself. Words from well-meaning family members to bullies have conditioned me into thinking I’m not good enough. Childhood bullies called me everything from Shrek to … Read More Learning to Love Myself: A Success Story
Guide to Making Reservations at the Pokémon Café in Japan When we were in Japan, Michael and I got reservations at the Pokémon Café in Tokyo, which was a true feat considering that getting reservations there was on par with getting into Berghain. It was challenging, but I’m here to give you my tips and tricks for getting the coveted reservation, navigating the website, … Read More Guide to Making Reservations at the Pokémon Café in Japan
Everything You Need to Know About Traveling to Japan Plus My Japan Travel Tips Michael and I went to Japan for three weeks in 2024; it was the best trip of our lives. I fell in love with everything Japan had to offer, from the food to the people to the temples to the quirky cuteness. And I became addicted to gashapon (aka capsule … Read More Japan Travel Guide (Plus A Sample Itinerary)
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How To Book Your Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Tickets with Smart-EX If you’ve decided not to buy a JR Pass for your travels throughout Japan, you’ll need another way to book your Shinkansen, or bullet train, tickets. Many other travel bloggers and influencers recommend Klook, but I found it a bit confusing and saw that the prices were sometimes inflated. So, instead, I turned to … Read More How to book your Shinkansen tickets in Japan with Smart-EX
My Favorite Books of 2024 2024 was the year I finished the first draft of my novel, which made it a bit of a weird year for books. For the first time in the six years that I’ve been reading 100 books a year, I almost didn’t make it. But I did it! Thank god. I made it at the last second, but I … Read More My Favorite Books of 2024
My favorite books of 2023 2023 was a year that happened and now it’s over, hurray! No, I mean actually it was a fine year – not particularly bad, but not a year I’d tell my grandchildren was the best year ever, either. Just a middle of the road, okay year. Iykyk. I feel like this is also reflected in the 100 books I … Read More My Favorite Books of 2023
It’s been a year and a half since my last entry. I didn’t want to write a new post until I had made some progress in my self-love journey. And I have to say: it’s been a ride. Unfortunately, I don’t have big revelations for you. I can’t tell you that I finally figured out how to love myself fully or that I look … Read More Learning to Love Myself: Part Three
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I'm Tess. In 2016, I decided to leave behind my job, my friends, my life in NYC to start a new one in Zurich, Switzerland.
This blog catalogues my adventures in love, life as an expat, and solo female travel.
