My winter capsule wardrobe draws from my holiday capsule as I still need to add some Mocha Mousse to my closet! This soft pink hue will blend well with any shade of medium to light brown I incorporate into my wardrobe during the new year. Love that!
Of course, black is always my go-to neutral, but in 2025, Mocha Mousse, and similar shades, will make a great alternative to black; especially as we move into the warmer months, and soften up our looks.
These pewter boots are super comfy and lighten up my look when I am wearing black. I am also addicted to these soft bucket bags we are seeing everywhere. Love!
Here are my current winter essentials as we move from the holiday season into the winter season:
Here are some Mocha Mousse inspired pieces I already own, or are on my wish list for the new year:
Thanks for stopping by, and stay tuned for winter trend reports coming soon!
Heading to State College, PA for a football game or any sports match, game, tournament, meet, etc.? Or perhaps you have a high school senior touring Penn State and are looking for a nice place to eat. Or maybe you are just passing through central PA and need to stop for a nice meal. Whatever the case, you have stopped in the right place!
Since Penn State is a globally recognized, prestigious University, the area attracts a diverse range of restaurants who cater to the sophisticated palettes of visitors to the area as well as students and residents. This means when you visit, you will be able to find a fabulous meal comparable to what we enjoy here in the San Francisco Bay Area. Love that!
So, without further ado, here are a few fabulous restaurants to enjoy in the State College area!
Allen Street Grill
Allen Street Grill is a famous go-to for parents to bring their students to for a nice meal when they visit. In addition, students view it as the perfect place for a fancy date! They have a seasonal menu which always includes a delicious risotto and a Bolognese dish. These are my favorites!
Allen Street Grill is located at 100 W College Ave. I recommend making reservations on Open Table on busy weekends such as move-in, football weekends, Parent’s Weekend, Graduation, and move-out.
Rey Azteca
As a west coaster, it is really hard to find Mexican food on the east coast. They just don’t make it like they do in California. There are several Mexican restaurants in the State College area, but Rey Azteca is the closest to authentic you will find.
Rey Azteca is located at 485 Benner Pike, you do not need reservations and there is plenty of parking.
India Pavilion
India Pavilion is tucked away at 222 E Calder Way and can easily be missed. Make sure you don’t walk past it! They have an amazing lunch buffet which is what we enjoyed on our recent visit. This is hands-down one of the best Indian restaurants you will find. Seriously, here in the Bay Area we have tons of Indian Restaurants, and this one could easily thrive in the San Francisco Bay Area where we have a large Indian population. The food is delicious! So, make sure you pop in for lunch or dinner when in the State College area. Love it!
Mercato Mio
The mushroom risotto at Mercato Mio is something I crave. This delicious restaurant is located inside the Hilton at 1221 E College Ave and offers a fabulous Italian menu. Also, the tiramisu is something dreams are made of. Highly Recommend! You can make reservations on Open Table. Love!
Tadashi
Tadashi has two locations across the street from Penn State University. The original location offers ramen and don. You can find it at 206 W College Ave. It is the ultimate comfort food on cold, snowy days, and for homesick students. The second location at 100 S Atherton offers sushi and Udon. Yum! Both locations are delicious and must-visits on your next trip to the State College area.
The Corner Room
The Corner Room is a Penn State staple for visitors and students alike. If you haven’t eaten at The Corner Room, you haven’t been to State College. We recently visited on Thanksgiving and enjoyed a delicious holiday meal. They make the best brussels sprouts on the planet and the Grilled Stickies for dessert are a must. The Corner Room is located at 100 W College Ave.
The Tavern
The Tavern is a special place. It is located in an historical building and the interior is cozy, upscale, and inviting. Of course, the food is something out of this world. This is a fabulous restaurant for celebrating a birthday, special occasion, and your student’s graduation. Everything on the menu is outstanding, I am partial to the mushroom risotto. The Tavern is located at 220 E College Ave and reservations can be made on Open Table.
The Waffle Shop
The Waffle Shop is a Penn State staple. This is where student line up on the weekends and wait a long time for a delicious brunch meal. Across from campus, The Waffle Shop offers a large brunch menu and is very addictive. I recommend going very early or on off days to avoid the line. Otherwise, it is worth the wait in line. You will enjoy your meal. The Waffle shop is located at 364 E College Ave across from the Penn State campus. Highly recommend!
In addition to restaurants, there are plenty of faster food options if you are in State College and would like something quick. Halal Cart offers delicious halal meals. I highly recommend the combo plate with chicken and falafel. Yum! Although the official address is 137 E Beaver Ave, the cart is right in front of the Pugh Street garage.
So, the next time you visit Central PA and find yourself in State College, check out some of these delicious restaurants! Enjoy!
If I can carry on my luggage while flying, I will. It is so much easier to bring my little suitcase with me on the plane then having to wait at baggage claim for my bag; especially during the holidays when there are so many travelers!
It is easy to stuff a carry-on suitcase during the summer months when clothing is thin, but in the wintertime, it can be a challenge. Thankfully, there is a way to get a weeks’ worth of outfits into a carry-on suitcase and backpack. I just did it! So, without further ado, here is my formula.
The obvious way to pack as much as possible into a carry-on suitcase is to wear heavy clothing on the plane. I always wear my jeans and my large coat. This allows me to fold and pack slimmer items into my carry-on.
How many sweaters do you really need? Sweaters and sweatshirts are thick. Limit yourself to two max. They can be re-worn with different bottoms or with the addition of a scarf. Remember, mix and match is the key.
I only bring one additional bottom. These faux leather pants are slim in the suitcase, yet warm to wear. They are perfect for travel. I also wear my bulky sneakers on the plane and pack my loafers. Always make sure you pack shoes with traction in case there is ice or snow when you are traveling. These loafers have a lug sole, and my sneakers have traction.
Shower shoes should always be in your backpack. Just in case you are forced to valet or check your carry-on suitcase, you don’t want to lose your shower shoes. They are important for showers and for walking around hotel rooms. I also place my makeup bag in my backpack, which frees up valuable space in my suitcase.
Scarfs, gloves, and beanies will all fit in your suitcase and can help you create different looks while mixing and matching your clothing.
Stick to one color scheme and neutrals when packing. Everything in your suitcase should be able to be worn together. If you bring an orange sweaters and a purple skirt, you will run into problems. You can do that if you bring a large suitcase you plan to check, but for carry-on luggage, stick to a simple color palette. You can add color with a scarf. I went with black and white and a pop of pink from my earrings and scarf.
Don’t overpack, it is better to have a slim wardrobe you can re-wear during your trip and mix for multiple looks. Don’t forget to have room for your pajamas too! You only need one pair for a week.
What was in my winter carry-on suitcase:
Takeaways: Simple, neutral color scheme. Mix and Match clothing. Wear jeans and coat on the plane. Shoes with traction.
Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy your winter travel!
XOXO Cathy
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