• We moved our 350-square-foot tiny home from our secluded community in California to Bend, Oregon.
• After packing up our house, we hired someone to drive it to the new piece of land we rented.
• Nothing broke, and we’re enjoying Bend but are excited to move our home again when we’re ready.

My partner and I had always dreamed of having our own small space on wheels so we could live simply and have a flexible lifestyle.

So, in 2019, we began building our very own tiny home on a 32-foot trailer. After many months (and YouTube tutorials), it was complete.

For a while, we lived in it while parked on his parents’ property in New Jersey. By 2021, we’d decided to move our 350-square-foot build across the country to California, where we’d found a great tiny-home community in a national forest about an hour outside San Diego.

Although I’d been nervous about moving our home for the first time, it worked out — and our new community was wonderful. We loved taking advantage of our easy access to beautiful trails and mountain views and befriended our neighbors, too.

However, after years of secluded mountain living, we wanted a change of scenery and to be closer to a grocery store — the nearest one was more than 20 miles away, about a 35-minute drive.

We also wanted to be near more activities and be able to casually take pottery classes nearby or join a local soccer league.

So, we set our sights on Bend, Oregon. We had friends in the area and loved the idea of living in the Pacific Northwest, in a city with better access to what we wanted.

We spent a few months preparing for the move

After researching reliable moving companies, we estimated it would cost at least $3,000 to relocate our house. So, for months leading up to our move, we put as much money as possible into our savings account.

We also began looking for land in Bend that we could rent to place our house on. Eventually, we found a spot online by connecting with homeowners in the area who were interested in hosting us.

With land in place, we hired someone to drive our home to Oregon while my partner and I drove down separately with our dog.

Next, we needed to pack. On the bright side, no moving truck is needed when you’re moving your actual home. Instead, we filled our house.

We packed everything from our shelves and cabinets into boxes, using clothes to wrap plates, pans, and other breakables. Then those boxes were stacked and packed tightly in our living room.

To be extra cautious, we also secured our fridge and washer/dryer to the walls with bungee cords.

Moving day wasn’t perfect, but it went smoothly enough

On the day of the move, we dealt with minor car troubles and our first driver canceling, though another was sent in their place.

By then, we’d already decided to start our long drive, with our dog in tow.

Luckily, our friends in the community were able to meet the new driver and facilitate the move. The biggest relief came when they sent us videos of our house being hooked up and safely towed away.

Although the beginning of the moving day didn’t go as smoothly as intended, the rest of it did.

Sixteen hours of driving later, we met the driver and our house at the new property.

Once we arrived, we weren’t done. We leveled the trailer and added bottle jacks to help stabilize and support its weight. Next, we connected our plumbing and electricity.

Then we began the unpacking process. We started with our outdoor furniture, turf, and bikes — all of which we’d transported in the house.

Somehow, none of our belongings or furniture broke.

Although we won’t stay here forever, it’s great for now

The first few nights at a new spot are always my favorite. There’s nothing like looking up at the stars in a new view, but through the same familiar window.

When we first got to Oregon, we even saw the northern lights. New experiences like that are what make all the move preparation, anxiety, and change worth it.

So far, our new spot has been great, and the people we rent it from are incredible. It’s been convenient living just 10 minutes from a grocery store and 15 minutes from the center of town.

We have our own yard and a larger area for our dog to play — and we even ended up rescuing another pup. We’ve also built a small shed to use as an office, art studio, and gaming area.

We’re enjoying living here for now, but we would move our home again when we’re ready for a change. With a house on wheels, it’s nice to always have the option.

• Kati Gyselinck reflected on her 27 years as a stay-at-home mom and wanted a change.
• At 62, she moved solo to the Greek mainland with one suitcase, leaving everything else behind.
• She said that downsizing and being grateful for the smaller things in life have made her happier.

This story is based on an interview with Kati Gyselinck, 65, a life coach who lives in Athens, Greece. It has been edited for length and clarity.

I arrived at Athens International Airport in October 2023 with nothing but a suitcase full of clothes.

Then I took a taxi to the Airbnb, which was supposed to be my home while I began my new life abroad. My first impressions weren’t great. The place seemed dark, and there was no balcony.

A few nights later, I got up to use the bathroom and kicked my big toe against the bed. The whole nail came off, and the pain was bad.

I wondered if I’d made a mistake

There was no way I could find a pharmacy at that time. Nor did I have anyone to call. It brought home to me the leap of faith I’d taken to move to another country.

“Did I make a mistake?” I thought. I felt sorry for myself because I was alone. I cried my eyes out for hours.

My departure from my house in Israel, which coincided with a divorce, wasn’t something I’d meticulously planned.

Nevertheless, I needed a new direction. My three kids were adults, leading their own lives. I’d been a homemaker for 27 years. It had reached the point where it was pretty much, “Hi Mom, Bye Mom,” as they rushed in and out of the door.

I was dedicated to being a wife and mother

Yes, raising beautiful children was an accomplishment. Yet, I couldn’t help thinking that I hadn’t gotten much to show for myself.

I’d been dedicated to the role of wife and mother since leaving my job as a mortgage consultant when my son was born.

It wasn’t as if I didn’t enjoy being with the kids. I’d waited until 34 to have my first baby, feeling so much love, and didn’t mind staying at home without a nanny.

My husband was a successful businessman, and our finances were secure. Despite that, I found it hard to no longer have my own stream of income.

The years went by, and I hit 62. Things had been building up for a while. I had a heavy feeling in my chest because I wasn’t where I wanted to be. I had material things like a big car, but I was convinced I could be happier with a lot less.

I thought about staying for a few more years, until my youngest was in her mid-20s, but by then I’d be 67 or 68. Almost on the spur of the moment, I opted for a fresh start in Athens.

I walked 6 miles a day

I’ve loved Greece ever since I went on a cruise off the coast. The people are very friendly. And it’s an easy flight from Tel Aviv. My kids can visit me within a day of travel.

Still, it took me almost a year to find my feet. The night when I hurt my toe wasn’t the only time I wondered if I’d done the right thing.

One of the issues was not finding an Airbnb that I was comfortable in. I didn’t like living with other people’s furnishings, when I was used to choosing my own.

Rather than stay home, I’d walk for hours, exploring the neighborhoods. I clocked five or six miles a day on my Apple Watch.

I deliberately chose a big city because, as a single woman, it seemed it would be easier to make friends. Slowly, but surely, I found people I wanted to hang out with, including a couple I met in a café.

One of the guys lived in the Athens Riviera, about 25 miles south. He knew I wasn’t 100% OK in the city, and suggested I check out some properties near him.

In December, 2024, I rented a 1,300 square foot, three-bedroom apartment, a few minutes’ walk from the shore. It wasn’t furnished, and I transformed it to my taste. I bought a compact Fiat 500.

Food is fresh here

Downsizing did me good, as I’d suspected. I had never been one to chase designer bags or anything like that, but I developed an appreciation of the simpler things.

I swam in the ocean every morning, then sat on my balcony surrounded by lemon trees, drinking an espresso. Those moments were precious to me.

One of my favorite activities is checking out the farmers market around the corner. Food is fresh here and reasonably priced. A little over two pounds of tomatoes costs less than $2.

I’ve met people through people and joined a few Facebook groups. We’ll get together for drinks or a meal, and once, ravioli-making.

Last month, I hired a tutor to teach me Greek. It’s complicated because there are 10 different words for everything. I told her that I wanted to at least follow the conversation with my Greek friends.

I recently launched my life coaching business for over-55s after writing about my journey on Instagram. Women message me, asking how I did what I did.

Expand your horizons

They include divorcees, widows, or stay-at-home moms who crave some personal space. Many are afraid to travel solo or even to eat dinner alone in a restaurant.

You don’t have to make a big change. I’m not telling my clients or my followers to blow up their marriages, pack their belongings, and move to Greece.

I encourage them to expand their horizons. You might take baby steps with a weekend away on your own. It’s good to experiment. If you don’t like it, you can always come home.

Older women can cultivate and cherish themselves in whatever way they choose.

• 3 NYC homeowners are suing Mamdani over the rollout of the pied-á-terre tax.
• Second homes worth millions of dollars could be subject to the levy.
• The homeowners allege that their residences were tagged in a property records release.

Three New York City homeowners are suing the Mamdani administration over the rollout of the pied-á-terre tax on multi-million dollar second homes.

Per a Department of Finance requirement, the Mamdani administration sent letters to all addresses that could potentially be a pied-á-terre based on property value and internal records in late July. Residents have until September 18 — an extended deadline — to appeal and prove their residence in the potentially taxed home. The levy would begin showing up on tax bills in 2027.

As part of a standard release of property and tax records, the DOF released a list of properties and their valuations across the city, including those that could be subject to the tax. A spokesperson for the department previously told Business Insider that it is a preliminary estimation, not an exhaustive list.

Plaintiffs Rachel O’Brien and Carmine Morano live in Staten Island, and a third plaintiff, Simon Hedley, lives in Manhattan. All alleged in the 23-page suit that their primary properties were included in the property roll, and are seeking to have the DOF take it offline as part of “emergency relief” for “petitioners and others similarly situated who received these notices.”

The complaint argues that publishing the property roll “caused mass confusion” and “facilitated, invited, and amplified unwanted scrutiny of homeowners’ personal information.”

Randy Mastro, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, said in a statement sent to Business Insider that City Hall mailed “notice letters demanding that New Yorkers prove they live in their own homes, and gave them only a few weeks at the height of the summer season to do it. Thousands of people who owe nothing have been confused, exposed, and put to real expense so this administration could make a political point.”

City Hall has hired two dozen additional staffers to handle appeals and resident questions.

When asked about the pied-á-terre tax rollout at a press conference this week, Mamdani said, “the point of this is to make sure that only properties, secondary homes of non-resident New Yorkers that are worth more than $5 million, are the ones that are being subject to this tax.”

• Mediterranean restaurants are experiencing strong growth across the US.
• Yelp identified the best Mediterranean restaurants in the country based on customer reviews.
• The No. 1 spot in the US is found in Scottsdale, Arizona.

From creamy hummus to inventive shawarma bowls, Mediterranean cuisine continues to grow in popularity across the country.

While other cuisines within the fast-casual sector saw sales slow in 2025, Mediterranean concepts experienced significant growth, Restaurant Business reported, citing Technomic data. Brands including Cava, Nick the Greek, and the Great Greek Mediterranean Grill each saw sales increase by more than 20% in 2025.

The growing interest in Mediterranean food — which comes amid the popularity of the Mediterranean diet, routinely named as one of the healthiest ways of eating — extends beyond nationwide chains.

Yelp analyzed reviews from its elite members, who most consistently share high-quality reviews on the site, to identify the top Mediterranean restaurants across the US, with the No. 1 spot going to a restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona.

All businesses were marked open on Yelp and have a passing health score as of June 23, 2026.

Here are the 15 best Mediterranean restaurants in the US in 2026, according to Yelp.

15. Middle East Cafe in Berkeley, California

What to order: Lamb shank, Gheymeh

What customers are saying: “If you’re looking for a good falafel, you have to try this place! They make it as a wrap, and it is about a foot long! Huge and simply delicious! There’s parking in the back, a great bar, and a wonderful patio area in the back! There’s a market next door where you can get great sweets and other market products! Definitely an experience, and I must try! We’ll definitely be back,” wrote Yelp user May K.

Learn more about Middle East Cafe here.

14. Barbouzard in Washington, DC

What to order: Hanger steak, grilled octopus

What customers are saying: “From the moment we walked in, the service was warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. The food was absolutely exceptional! Every dish was bursting with rich, authentic flavor and made with incredible attention to detail. The presentation was just as impressive as the taste, beautifully plated and thoughtfully crafted, making the entire experience feel elevated and special,” wrote Yelp user Rowan H.

Learn more about Barbouzard here.

13. Paolina in Brooklyn, New York

What to order: Falafel pita, fries

What customers are saying: “This is the best falafel I’ve had. The falafel itself comes out warm and fresh, with a very crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, and when paired with all the other toppings, you get a very refreshing bite. I love the hummus, the crunchy vegetables, and the soft pita bread. Together, this creates an amazing bite and a very large sandwich,” wrote Yelp user Mark S.

Learn more about Paolina here.

12. Olive Kabab and Gyro in Fort Worth, Texas

What to order: Beef shawarma plate, gyro sandwich

What customers are saying: “Was in Fort Worth on a Costco run and was craving Mediterranean food and stumbled across this place. Walking in, you could tell this place was going to be good. I ordered the Kafta Kabab plate, and it did not disappoint at all! Very tender, flavorful, big portions! I haven’t had Mediterranean this good in years since I’ve been here in Texas. Will make the drive from Denton to here for this place,” wrote Yelp user Christian N.

Learn more about Olive Kabab and Gyro here.

11. Shawarma Stop in Morrisville, North Carolina

What to order: Chicken shawarma wrap, spicy muhammara chicken wrap

What customers are saying: “Quick service even though a busy lunch crowd. Plenty of seats and very clean. Most authentic and flavorful chicken shawarma wrap. The pickle added just the right amount of crisp to the wrap. Side of fries and lemonade made it perfect,” wrote Yelp user Shane C.

Learn more about Shawarma Stop here.

10. Stephanos Greek & Mediterranean Grill in Las Vegas

What to order: Chicken kebab plate, chicken souvlaki wrap

What customers are saying: “Stephanos popped up as somewhere locals love. Thought I’d give them a try as they have good reviews. Happy to say this spot did not disappoint. The salmon bowl was absolutely delicious. I think it is the best bowl I have ever tried! That says a lot, as I always have bowls at different spots. They are also generous with the portion. Customer service was excellent. I asked the worker for recommendations, and he recommended the salmon bowl and said it was popular. Inside, they have a lot of tables and have AC blasting to combat the Vegas heat,” wrote Yelp user Bianca G.

Learn more about Stephanos Greek & Mediterranean Grill here.

9. Mama Mezze in New York

What to order: Whipped feta, mushroom hummus

What customers are saying: “Mezze is such a gem. The food is incredibly fresh, full of flavor, and beautifully presented[.] Every dish tastes like it was made with real care and authentic Mediterranean touch. The fattoush was super fresh and delicious, and the crispy zucchini had the perfect crunch. The shish taouk was a standout tender, perfectly grilled, and packed with flavor. The atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, and the staff is genuinely friendly and attentive. It’s the perfect spot for a cozy, satisfying meal. Definitely a place I’ll be coming back to,” wrote Yelp user Karina R.

Learn more about Mama Mezze here.

8. Purslane in Milwaukee

What to order: Meze trio, Ali Nazik beef kebab

What customers are saying: “Purslane might be my most favorite restaurant in the city! I’ve been for dinner a few times, and it is such a great place for girls’ dinner, date night, or bringing visitors! We recently went for the Sunday brunch, which is only available on the last Sunday of the month. You definitely don’t want to miss the breakfast sandwich. The people working there recognize me, if that tells you anything about how much I love Purslane,” wrote Yelp user McKenna S.

Learn more about Purslane here.

7. Zoya in San Diego

What to order: Muhammara, chicken shawarma bowl

What customers are saying: “Zoya absolutely exceeded my expectations! Everything we ordered was fresh, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. The [mezze] platter had an amazing variety of delicious appetizers, the chicken shawarma plate was juicy, tender, and packed with authentic flavor, and the Too Hot to Handle Pizza was the perfect balance of spicy and cheesy with an incredible crust,” wrote Yelp user Sam.

Learn more about Zoya here.

6. Greens and Grill in Las Vegas

What to order: Spicy chicken kabob, gyro plate

What customers are saying: “Always consistent, amazing food. Don’t know what to get? A combination plate never hurts. I usually do takeout, and they never forget anything. Amazing service, always hot and fresh food. Three locations conveniently placed in different parts of Vegas,” wrote Yelp user Slick M.

Learn more about Greens and Grill here.

5. Zait & Zaatar in Aliso Viejo, California

What to order: Kafta, kabob plate

What customers are saying: “Zait & Zaatar is seriously one of my favorite Lebanese spots. The food is always so fresh, but the meat was definitely the standout for me — so juicy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. I also loved the fattoush salad because it was so crisp and refreshing, especially with all the grilled meat. And I have to mention the tamarind sauce because it was SO good. It had the perfect sweet and tangy flavor, and I ended up putting it on everything,” wrote Yelp user Hira R.

Learn more about Zait & Zaatar here.

4. Pidde G in Walnut Creek, California

What to order: Turkish Delight, Lahmacun

What customers are saying: “Delightful experience at PiddeG. The meze sampler — featuring falafel and dolma — was fresh and flavorful, and the triangle baklava, with its delicate honey and pistachio layers, provided the perfect sweet finish to the meal. We’re looking forward to returning to try their signature pidde, a traditional Turkish flatbread often compared to pizza — especially the diced beef variation, which is said to be one of their most popular offerings,” wrote Yelp user Ang S.

Learn more about Pidde G here.

3. Ethos Greek Bistro in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

What to order: Greek salad, kefte

What customers are saying: “This was my first time coming to this location. The food is so good! We ordered hummus and pita, filet mignon, orzo paella, and the grilled chicken platter. Everything was delicious! The inside is a little tight at this location, with only a few tables inside. There are tables outside, but you do have to pretend that you’re not sitting in the Dollar Tree parking lot. The staff was very attentive and friendly. I will definitely return to try the lamb chops next time,” wrote Yelp user Jessie M.

Learn more about Ethos Greek Bistro here.

2. Kassi in Venice, California

What to order: Whipped avocado, spanakopita quesadilla

What customers are saying: “We came here for a work event, and I was surprisingly impressed with the food here. Usually, for a place with good vibes and good views, you don’t really expect the food to be good either, but it actually was! My favorite bites were the zucchini fries, the flatbread, the chicken skewer, and the taramasalata dip. Service is really great as well; they come and check in on you often,” wrote Yelp user Kathy X.

Learn more about Kassi here.

1. Pinyon in Scottsdale, Arizona

What to order: Yellowtail crudo, chicken skewers

What customers are saying: “We found Pinyon to be a fresh, new place. The service was exceptional, as was the food. There were four members of our party who were celebrating birthdays. Their staff was pleasant and attentive. They added to our celebration in the sweetest way,” wrote Yelp user Lynda K.

Learn more about Pinyon here.

• Ellie Kemper is mom to two kids, ages 6 and 9.
• She’s prioritizing unstructured time and imaginative play this summer, she says.
• Being an actress helps her connect with her kids.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Ellie Kemper, who is in partnership with Pirate’s Booty. It has been edited for length and clarity.

It’s July, but I’m realizing there’s still a lot of summer left. Sometimes I’m like, “How many months until school starts?” There are still a lot of days to fill with my kids, who are 6 and 9. I’m trying very hard to keep them off screens as much as possible this summer, because it’s very easy to slip into that.

Recently, we visited family in St. Louis, where I’m from. My parents and my brother still live there, and my kids had so much fun playing with their cousins. I loved growing up in St. Louis and spent a lot of time swimming, so I did the same with my kids. Wherever there’s a pool, we get in as quickly as possible.

My kids and I both need unstructured time

Having the gift of time is critical for any artist or creative. You need space and time to just think and imagine. That feels harder to come by once you’re a parent, and time is more limited. Still, it’s important to prioritize.

I like giving the kids plenty of unstructured time. Maybe I say that because I haven’t signed them up for too many activities this summer. But I think having unstructured time can be very good for kids.

I partnered with Pirate’s Booty this summer on Captain Bob’s Summer Quest — a collection of imaginative play ideas that are really easy to pull off. Those are the best kind of activities: ones where I can sort of set the kids up, and they can take it from there.

Imagination helps me connect with my kids

Having activities that the kids can do on their own is great, because I don’t want to play all day, every day. But in small doses, I find playing imaginative games really relaxing. It allows you to enter the world of childhood again.

I’m grateful that play is part of my job. I get to dress up and do all these imaginative things in real life. It doesn’t make me a better parent, necessarily, but it allows me to connect more easily with my kids. I’m used to using my imagination, so I can meet them in the worlds they’ve created.

Sometimes, I need to laugh at myself

Before I became a parent, I didn’t have the skill set to pause and calm down before reacting. As a parent, that’s essential. You can’t act on whatever’s happening at the moment, when someone’s having a tantrum, and someone’s whining. First, you have to get calm.

Doing that allows you to react to the ridiculousness of the situation, or even the overreaction of a kid or parent. I think that really helps. My husband is really funny, and we make each other laugh. The ability to laugh at ourselves has come in handy a lot.

For me, success means doing work that is satisfying, having good relationships with friends and family, and feeling a sense of purpose. I talk about those things with my kids — though not in such lofty terms. Instead of praising them for the end result of something they’re doing, I praise the effort and the process — because those create a sense of purpose.

• Ronnen Harary cofounded the company that grew into the toy giant Spin Master.
• Spin Master brands include PAW Patrol, Air Hogs, Bakugan, Etch A Sketch, Melissa & Doug, and more.
• Tune in to our Live Q&A Monday at 1:30 p.m. ET., and drop your questions in the chat to join the conversation.

The first toy Ronnen Harary sold was a sawdust-filled head, covered with a nylon stocking, and sprinkled with grass seed. When watered, the seed grew to look like hair.

Today, the company he cofounded in 1994 has grown from selling a single product to representing some of the hottest toy brands and generating $2.1B in revenue last year.

How did he do it?

According to Harary in his new book, “No Experience Necessary,” that’s the wrong question to ask.

“If any aspiring entrepreneur out there wants to learn from and emulate my success, the important thing to know is not how I did it. What’s important is when I did it,” he writes.

“If you asked me to build Spin Master again, to do it all over from scratch, I couldn’t. Not in a million years. Even with all the capital and experience I’ve accrued, it wouldn’t be possible, because I no longer have the one thing I had then: my youth.”

Business Insider’s Sarah E. Needleman sits down with Harary on Monday at 1:30 p.m. ET to learn more about how he grew Spin Master and talk about the toy industry.

Tune in live, and drop your own questions in the chat to join the conversation.