Sí a To-Do List No.03
Let me introduce you to: The Hair Generation's Luna landing, day-to-night Miami bites, and note-worthy springtime accessories.
Reporting live from my best friend’s apartment, Spring Break is here and I have so much to tell you in such little time. From Barranquilla to New York and now in the 305, here are my top experiential moments of the week.
No.01 - En la Luna con The Hair Generation
Marketing & Business · Health & Wellness
When you shoot for the moon — or more specifically, Barranquilla’s notorious Luna del Río, you’re bound to land among the stars. With the enormous waves they’ve made across Colombia and beyond, it’s hard to believe that Marcela and Laura García’s The Hair Generation was born only a year ago. In celebration of their incredible first year in business, on March 12-13 they brought the brand’s white-and-yellow stripes and carey codes to brand the Gran Malecón’s 6m LED-lit Ferris wheel, and more, from the inside out — becoming the first brand to set foot on La Luna. The result? A collective experience that demonstrates how a brand generates culture in an iconic, community-filled stage. I’ll sum up the story of their impact with data that speaks for itself, via Carlos Schoonewolff’s analysis:
3.2M users reached in 48 hours (almost 3x the total population of BAQ)
65% of posts on social media were user-generated, organic content
85% sentiment was positive, with “orgullo”, or pride, as a key wording
The sister-founded haircare company driven by their own experiences, has developed a winning formula for changing the mindsets of many: revolutionary products merging natural remedies with biotechnology + a brand DNA with a potent presence + experiential marketing activations that invite you into a new world + strategic partnerships that reach spaces not yet explored. As they nailed these pillars from the beginning, we saw the impact of sell-outs at launch and every drop since, and the gradual forming of a community of people, who just as the Garcia sisters did, have transformed their hair routines into real, emotional, and conscious experiences.
The Hair Generation Celebration Experience captured that ethos perfectly: an out-of-this-world event grounded in our hometown of Barranquilla, where hair is identity-defining and embracing the beauty of your restorative journey is powerful. The free, open-to-the-public experience took you through that same journey: a small-group, set-duration tour featuring connective activities that brought you down to the brand’s roots in a lab setting, and then back up to the sky in their decked-out cabins with a 360 view of the city.
If there’s one thing you should know about THG, it’s that they only create products they truly believe in, rooted in honesty — from the ingredients (vegan and cruelty-free), to brand communications, and an understanding that personal care is a form of connection. Available in Colombia and the U.S., their 3 signature products are designed to nourish your scalp from the root: Hair Boomer, Gen Zleek, Alpha Scrub — plus fun complements like large microfiber towels and scrunchies, for good measure. People will gravitate towards you when you do things with care. More than a brand, this is a transformative movement. This is The Hair Generation.
Source: The Hair Generation Celebration Experience Event (2026) Photo: Francisco Gallo.
No.02 - Monkey Bar: Timeless since 1936
Food & Drink
Would you believe me if I told you that a 90-year-old American restaurant is one of New York City’s hardest reservations today?
I’ve had the chance to visit Monkey Bar in Midtown Manhattan a handful (5 to be exact), and let me tell you that they were all distinctly memorable. From your first step inside, the dimly-lit stunning interior, upscale cabaret ambiance, and live music will make you feel as if you’ve actually stepped back in time. This historic venue is widely known for its iconic Ed Sorel Art Deco mural depicting jazz age icons and playful monkeys. But what’s remarkable about dining here is the impeccable service and the phenomenal array of signature dishes and cocktails.
On my do-not-miss-list: the mind-blowing Truffle Monkey Bread, Wagyu Cheeseburger, Smoked Whitefish Caesar Salad, and the Pommes Frites with Garlic Aioli (I can’t believe these aren’t pictured below because they are unbelievable, and my favorites). Honorable mentions: the King Crab Rangoons, the Espresso Martini, and the Chocolate Cream Pie.
Last Friday, my boyfriend and I went to the bar for a casual celebration of his recent move to New York City with a classic Cosmo and Old Fashioned. I was reminded why I love this place — there is nothing casual about it in the best way. I was here first almost a year ago to the day for our anniversary, and have since come back with my best friends and family to commemorate trips, a graduation, even my ex-roommate’s final going-away dinner before moving across the pond. While the people you share the Monkey Bar experience with are what makes this meal special, every time I’ve sat in one of their burgundy booths has felt uniquely pleasant. You can bet on 3 things: consistency, variety, and an atmosphere with bold character.
Location: 60 E 54th St, New York - Monkey Bar (2026)
No.03 - AM Workouts @ Barry’s, Studio Three, & Libre
Health & Wellness · Life & Travel
As someone who rarely attends 3 workout classes in a row over a weekend, I’m the good kind of sore as I write this.
Barry’s Bootcamp
Younger me would be shocked at the fact that I love a 60-minute running and lifting high-intensity workout in a dark red-lit room filled with gym junkies. But I do. I got initiated over the 4th of July weekend last year in Boston and felt so strong after that I agreed to go back with my best friend. While you typically alternate between treadmill and floor over 4 rounds, for some reason the instructor had us do 2 extended cardio and strength-training rounds on this sunny Saturday morning in Midtown Miami. Both equally intense, I assure you that you will suffer slightly in the process but feel incredible by the end. I’m testing a New York City studio next.
Studio Three
We started a rainy Sunday with a hot session of mat Pilates featuring a great mix of Bad Bunny and Rauw Alejandro. This is one of those classes that hits the right balance between making you work hard for it but also feeling great after. So many heated classes make me feel like I’m fainting half the time, but this one was a really fun low-impact way to energize our bodies early.
Libre Aerial Fitness + Hot Pilates
An intimate, curated studio in Wynwood. Unfortunately, not pictured because we took their strength & sculpt class at 7AM on a Monday. Waking up for it was a bit jarring but the aftermath was worth it, when the instructor placed a eucalyptus-infused cold towel on each of our faces as we set our intentions for the week. Surprisingly, this full-body toning class wasn’t insane to get through. A great vibe to start our day, and end our weekend of workouts.
Locations: 3250 NE 1st Ave - Barry’s Bootcamp in Midtown, 96 NW 29th St - Studio Three in Wynwood, 129 NW 26th St - Libre in Wynwood (2026)
No.04 - Tina in the Gables was Worth the Wait
Food & Drink · Life & Travel
Let me start out by saying that we waited 1+ hours during a thunderstorm, and that should be your indicator of how good this Latin brunch is.
My friends and I shared a lovely chit-chatty, late breakfast here after working out, and agreed that this spot could be a little bit bigger (not hype-wise, the line was long enough), but just enough to fit a few more guests in and still maintain the calm, friendly environment inside. Bonus points for the storm outside which definitely kept us there longer and added to the mood.
Try: Tina’s French Toast and the not-pictured: Sunny-Side Scrambled Eggs, Chicken Parm Sandwich, Steak and Eggs. Sadly, the dish I was most excited for, the Sifrina Snobby Reina arepa with gouda, was sold out — but at least now I have a valid reason to come back!
Location: 4700 S Le Jeune Rd, Miami - Tina in the Gables (2026)
No.05 - A New Tennis Bag to Kick Off the Miami Open
Marketing & Business · Style & Beauty
During the week of the 2026 Miami Open, tennis and fashion collided at Barranquilla-born Silvia Tcherassi’s Sofia Tennis Bag launch dinner, where a special edition of the signature handbag (named after the founder’s daughter and the brand’s Director of RTW) made its debut.
The limited-edition piece is inspired by tennis culture and its effortless elegance. Textured fabric in an off-white tone; it comes in mini and oversized presentations, and is the perfect candidate for any day-to-night, tennis-related activities. My brain inevitably went straight to how good this would look at the US Open next year.
The rainy dinner welcomed friends of the brand, as well as members of the international tennis scene to celebrate this unique intersection of sport and style. Also showcased was a complementary edit of accessories paying tribute to “Miami’s deep connection to the sport” as noted by Tcherassi. When done right, sports and style can be an exceptional pairing, in any court.
Source: Photo by World Red Eye & Sofia E Tcherassi (2026) / Instagram
No.06 - PARI PARI Handroll Bar
Food & Drink · Life & Travel
While Kazunori and Matsunori remain my all-time favorite handroll bars, this intimate Wynwood spot might’ve just taken the third spot on my list.
Founded by French partners in collaboration with Chef Yasu Tanaka, PARI PARI brings a Japanese range with a “listening room” differentiator. I was captured by the funky collectible decor and every element of branding I came across, including their fun socials and interactive website — which as a designer, I have to give credit where credit is due. The restaurant’s decor and location felt optimal for the area: a serene counter setting with no “stiff omakase rules” but high-quality handrolls in a room filled with good energy.
Beyond the well-established brand elements that permeated the experience, we were lucky to get seated 5 minutes before the last call for lunch. Even then, each of the following from their handcrafted menu (plus their delicious signature sauces) were incredibly fresh: Hamachi Jalapeño Sashimi, Salmon Avocado, Toro Taku, Spicy Scallop Cucumber, and the Hamachi Chimichurri.
I’d love to return on my next trip. But don’t worry, Kazu, you're my OG #1.
Location: 127 NW 27th St, Miami - PARI PARI Handroll Bar (2026)
No.07 - Welcome to Nolita, Jimmy Fairly
Marketing & Business · Style & Beauty · Art & Design
I finally caved and got a pair of Jimmy Fairly Elvies! The French optician with an established presence in London, Milan, Amsterdam and beyond, recently opened their first New York City store in Nolita.
I’d been eyeing this exact pair online and in-store for a couple of months and finally caved, thanks to the help of the lovely store associates who quite literally had me pose for them so we could pick the best pair. That alone marked a difference from any other sunglass store I’ve visited in the city. Besides, check out this interior! I have to mention the non-intrusiveness and inviting, cool store design of it all, something that also sets them apart.
I don’t splurge often, but (spoiler alert) I’m traveling to a new country this week and figured the shape and color are going to be the perfect complement to finish off my outfits. Plus, I highly suspect these will be a spring and summer staple in my life for a variety of occasions.
PS: Almost forgot, look at that green-and-gold leather case and brown-and-blue striped GWP tote! You’ve gotta love a high-quality staple. All in all, check them out IRL if you’re in the neighborhood. What a treat.
Source: 39 Spring St, New York - Jimmy Fairly (2026)
That’s a wrap for this week’s picks! If you’re into any of these, I’d love to know what you think. Stay tuned for more fun coming soon.
Cool!