The Faye FilesLife, Style, TravelFrolic

Happy new year! What are your plans for 2022? I know, I know, it’s hard to make plans when we’re still living with a pandemic that surges and recedes. But life needs to go on and I like to start every new year with a vision. I haven’t done a vision board in many, many years, but I thought I’d go back to this favorite activity from my youth. It always helps to have it up where you can see it every day and it keeps you focused on the big picture.

This year I’d like to continue to focus on travel. Yes, it’s what I do for work – I promote the area where I live as I am the creative director for the tourism council here – but I like to travel and learn about other places, other cultures. Last year, despite the pandemic, I had an epic travel year. First I went to Napa Valley for a conference. Every event was outside, we wore masks, everyone was safe and my husband joined me for a few extra days where we got to explore a part of the country neither of us had ever been to before. I’ll post more about this trip and some tips on where to go, where to stay, etc. Then in the summer for my 50th birthday, husband surprised me with tickets to Greece – where my family is from. We had the best trip and we can’t wait to go back. I’ll post more about that, too.

This year I want to focus on a road trip or camping (maybe clamping) trip with my oldest and dearest friend. We had tentatively planned to meet in Nashville last year, but the pandemic canceled that trip.

I have some work conferences tentatively planned for Puerto Rico, Seattle and Bogota, Columbia. We’ll see which ones actually happen.

Being and staying creative is important and this year I’d like to focus on creating art – in whatever form that is – be it painting, writing or photography.

Getting fit and in shape is TOP of the priority list because let’s face it, between turning 50, the pandemic and thyroid issues, I’ve gained a lot of weight and it’s all sitting right in my middle. My goal is to start with dance and continue to go to the gym and swim.

Eating healthy is right up there with getting fit. Finding out that I have Hashimoto Thyroiditis has made eating right challenging as I learned that I shouldn’t be eating soy, gluten, grain or dairy. So a whole new eating plan has been put in place. And I’ve given up sugar because pre-diabetes.

Lastly, this is the motto that I want to live by. I’m currently working my way through loads and loads of clothing and shoes and things that I’ve purchased and don’t wear or need. I’d like to clear out the clutter and focus on making memories and taking photos and not shopping. Shop your closet instead!

What are your plans for 2022? Is there something you’d like me to write about? Email me suggestions or questions!

If you miss travel (don’t we all?) and you’re looking for a wintery escape that will make you feel like you’re somewhere in the Swiss Alps but also by the ocean, take a trip to South County, RI this winter. The storied Ocean House in Watch Hill almost next door to Taylor Swift’s mansion and overlooking the ocean, has some great deals right now.

Me and my husband, Jason, outside our private gondola

They’re also offering their unique Veuve Clicquot Fondue Express Village dining experience and have expanded it to include breakfast and afternoon crepes. Even if you’re a local or a nearby New Englander, take a daytrip and make memories that you’ll cherish. Or gift someone this dining experience – maybe they’ll even invite you along.

I have told you about the Fondue Village lunch and dinner experiences in the past. So let me tell you about breakfast. Imagine waking up at the Ocean House and enjoying a special private breakfast in your very own ski gondola. You start off with a glass of Veuve Clicquot champagne. Inside your private gondola there are heavy red velvet curtains you can close to keep the sun out or for extra privacy. The decor is rustic luxury: soft, plush pillows and elegant tableware including elk napkin holders, even heated blankets to keep you warm. You’ll warm up quickly with the cup of hot chocolate you make yourself using the Lindt chocolates and accroutements such as chocolate sprinkles and mini marshmallows. Your server will bring you your hot milk of choice (there are nondairy options) and you just add the Lindt chocolates til your hot chocolate is the right amount of chocolate for you, add marshmallows and sprinkles and enjoy!

Make your own hot chocolate at Ocean House’s Fondue Village

For the first course you have a choice of yogurt and granola parfait (pictured) or Swiss Bircher muesli.

First course: granola, Greek yogurt and fresh berry parfait

The second course is a crepe and you can choose from three different fillings: ham and swiss topped with an egg (pictured), apple and cinnamon compote with caramel sauce or chocolate hazelnut spread with whipped cream and sugar. The main course can be accompanied by a specialty cocktail such as the Veuve Clicquot Rich Rose cranberry cinnamon cocktail or a glass of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut champagne.

Finally, just when you think you can’t eat another bite, your server knocks on the gondola door and brings you chocolate fondue. Pouring rich melted hot chocolate into the fondue pot your mouth waters all over again. There is an assortment of fruit for dipping, bananas, pineapple and strawberries. I promise you, you’ll want to savor every bite, but won’t be able to finish.