Baking Christmas cookies has been one of my favorite things to do during the holiday season for as long as I can remember! (Probably since some time in elementary school when my mom started letting me use the oven, haha). I feel like every year, I try to challenge myself in some way to do better than the previous year. Usually, I am working on baking / decorating them up until the last possible minute before leaving the house for Christmas dinner.. but this year I finished FOUR whole days early! It's a Christmas miracle, LOL.
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Unlock The Keys: Key West, Florida
A couple weeks ago, I had the opportunity to explore beautiful Key West! It was my first time visiting Florida, and I loved it. I'm already itching to go back as the colder winter weather creeps up on NJ / NYC. This year has been such a whirlwind, and I have been desperately craving another big adventure since my solo trip last year -- this trip fulfilled that need, and so much more!
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Dead Horse Bay
A couple weekends back, I ventured to the outskirts of Brooklyn to an eerie and peculiar place called Dead Horse Bay. It had been on my list of "things to see / do" in NYC for the longest, but every time I felt the itch to go - I talked myself out of it. There were so many factors to think of and it felt so overwhelming to plan. I googled everything under the sun about this place, but never found a full comprehensive guide - so I figured I'd write one! I've been getting a lot of questions about my day there, and I'm hoping this is helpful for those of you looking to explore this hidden gem for yourself.
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Dessert Goals Dessert Fest
Last Saturday, I self-induced myself into a serious sugar coma at the Dessert Goals Dessert Fest! This is only the second year the sweet event has been organized - and I'm so glad I was able to snag tickets.
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Best of 2016 / Happy 2017!
Hey there, stranger - HAPPY 2017! I can't believe it's a brand new year already.
I know it's been awhile since I've said anything in this space, but it feels good to be back today. I went on a little bit of a blog break these last few months (mainly so I could focus get my shop launched), and it was super refreshing.
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An Upstate Escape to Nyack
It's hard to believe that tomorrow is already the first day of October! Where has this year gone?! Before fall officially arrived, I spent my final few days of summer upstate in Nyack. It was my first time there, and it was the most beautiful and quaint little town. I had the best time. It was great to get away, unplug, and send off summer in style!
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Refinery29's #29Rooms NYFW Installation 2016
A couple weekend's back, I got to experience this year's version of Refinery29's ultimate fashion / technology funhouse: 29Rooms. This is the second year that they've done it, and I'm sure it will continue to be an annual thing. I remember being completely blown away last year, and this year was equally as fulfilling. The visual stimulation of texture and color and overall interactive experience is just a real treat, and I'm already wondering what they will do next year!
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Solo Trip 2016: Arizona (Part 4/4)
I nearly missed my flight out of Seattle (due to sleeping past my alarm by an hour) - but luckily I made it just in time!
I had planned to sleep on the flight, but ended up having a great conversation with the girl next to me (who also almost missed takeoff). Her name was Chelsea, a Washington state native - and she told me that it was only her second time flying ever (which I could relate to - this being my first ever solo trip). She offered me a piece of gum, which I gladly took - because I certainly didn't have time to brush my teeth before leaving Amanda's apartment haha. We were both dying of thirst, and agreed we would definitely be taking up that free complimentary water once the flight attendants brought it around. When we landed, neither of us was prepared for the blast of 116 degree dry heat. (It was both of our first times in Arizona).
Immediately, I went to the bathroom to change into shorts and flip flops LOL. And not to sound like a sissy, but I also made a stop at the Starbucks in the airport because I desperately wanted something cold to drink. I couldn't believe how much cheaper my drink was (compared to NY). I found that over the course of the next few days - EVERYTHING seemed to be cheaper - and everyone was so nice.
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Solo Trip 2016: Seattle (Part 3/4)
Seattle is the most popular connection for all domestic Alaska flights - so naturally, because I had never been to Seattle before - I decided to make the most of that inevitable stop. It was a similar experience to the one I had back in San Francisco because I was only there for a short time (1 day), and in that short time I tried to pack in seeing, doing, and eating as much as humanly possible.
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Solo Trip 2016: Alaska (Part 2/4)
After San Francisco, it was off to ALASKA! Earlier, I talked about why I took this trip - and having this strong desire to stretch my comfort zone. Alaska did just that (and so much more). It was pretty ballsy (for me) to travel there solo, but it was truly a life changing experience.
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