Autumn Musings: Strolls, Treats, and Baby Steps
103, Central Plaza, 1284 Jungang-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
포폴로피자
Autumn has arrived with a sudden chill, prompting a slow and deliberate look back at a season filled with milestones. From navigating the world of premium car seats like the Cybex Sirona Gi to celebrating Si-a's 100th day, life as a new mother has been a blend of quiet neighborhood strolls and high-stakes "open runs" at world-class restaurants.
This entry covers the highlights of recent weeks: the peaceful charm of Bamnidan-gil, the legendary dough at Popolo Pizza (포폴로피자), and the heartwarming chaos of a family dinner at Tienmimi. Whether it's finding the perfect pumpkin cake in Yeonhui-dong or re-entering the world of strength training, this is a record of finding leisure and joy in the midst of busy childcare.
Exploring Bamnidan-gil and New Beginnings in Fitness
Bamnidan-gil remains one of my favorite pockets of Ilsan for fresh air. We enjoyed a weekday meal of lasagna and gnocchi while Si-a slept peacefully. It’s a neighborhood that demands a slow pace, perfect for catching up on the beauty of the season. On the fitness front, I’ve finally resumed strength training. Starting as a "newbie" back enthusiast, I'm focusing on consistency rather than intensity, avoiding the dreaded InBody scan for just a little while longer.
Sweet Stops: Budstick Yeonhui-dong
A trip to Yeonhui-dong is never complete without a stop at Budstick. I managed to snag their weekly special crepe cake and my absolute favorite, the pumpkin cake. Their cream is remarkably light, making it the perfect treat to enjoy with red wine in the evening. These small indulgences have become a vital part of my autumn routine.
The Quest for Popolo Pizza: An Open Run Success
Popolo Pizza is legendary for its long waits, but I finally cracked the code. By heading over early by bus to secure a spot on the waiting list while my husband stayed with Si-a, we managed a successful "open run." The chef here won a wood-fired competition in Naples, and the dough truly lives up to the hype. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to return every day, if only the line weren't so daunting!
Si-a's 100th Day and Family Celebrations
Reaching the 100-day milestone was a major event for the whole family. After a photoshoot at home, we hosted dinner at Tienmimi. Booking a private room for our large group made the experience much smoother. While childcare made the dinner a bit of a blur, the quality of the food was undeniable. It’s a blessing to see Si-a growing and starting to enjoy "mirror play" with me every day.
Costco Obsessions and 10 PM Rituals
My Costco trips have become a source of both healthy breakfast staples and "diet-breaking" snacks like peanut butter pretzels. I’ve become obsessed with a breakfast of rye bread topped with Costco hummus, arugula pesto, and boiled eggs. But the true highlight of my day is at 10 p.m., after Si-a's second nap, when I can finally sit down with an iced latte and a good book like 'Anyway, Summer.'
Would you like me to find the best local baby-friendly cafes in Ilsan for your next afternoon out, or should I look up more details on the current weekend menu lineup at Budstick?
No comments yet.
