SOMETIMES YOU NEED A DAY TO GET AWAY

February 2, 2017

"Getting Away" doesn't always mean taking a flight to your closest national park. Sometimes it does mean that. But most times it doesn't. Most times it just means going to one of your favorite towns and making your own adventure in your backyard. Many people think Justin and I go on these grand adventures all the time. And we do sometimes go on those stereotypical trips that lead to really amazing moments. But most times, we just enjoy the company we keep and explore places that are outside people's comfort zone: the bubble.

LAMBERTVILLE / NEW HOPE

IS ONE OF THOSE PLACES OUTSIDE OF THE 30 MINUTE BUBBLE

These two river towns are a favorite hang out of ours. For years we did the constant drive between South Jersey and Bucks County. And every Sunday after church, this would be one of "our spots". This place is a special place for the two of us, and we don't want it not be special anymore. But we do believe if something is awesome, we want to share it with people we care about.

A short hike after a flurry storm. Grade A views. Great burgers. Good shopping scores. And a killer writing session over carrots. It was a nice little getaway.

THIS MUST BE IT...

December 31, 2016

This year is going out with a bang.
Princess Leia died. Mercury is in retrograde. It's the weird week between Christmas and New Year.
We're all in that moment of reflection of the past year and the apprehension of the coming one.

To be honest, I'm not sad to see this year go. The world is in a very weird place (politically/socially). Too many celebrities died (not that I think anyone should be put on a pedestal more than others). Goodbyes were made (some sad, others not-so-much).

But to balance the scales, a lot of great things have happened. I have reconnected with old friends. Made a few great new friends. The unicorn within me revealed itself for a few short months (it's currently in hibernation mode). Hiked a few great trails. Received a new tattoo to add to the collection. Knocked off Acadia National Park and Walden Pond from the bucket list. Moved to a new town. Saw my spirit animal. Got a pretty NICE ROCK from a pretty amazing man.

SO MMXVI. NOT TOO BAD.

If you've been reading this little blog of mine for awhile. I did a half year UPDATE on the INTENTIONS I set for 2016. For the most part, I think I did pretty well. I wasn't perfect by any means. I accomplished a lot on that list. But it was overwhelming. For this coming year, I'm going to only set a one word intention for 2017...

MINDFUL-

1. ATTENTIVE, AWARE, OR CAREFUL

2. NOTING OR RELATING TO THE PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNIQUE OF MINDFULNESS

To make a one word intention for the year lets my 2017 manifest in the way it is intended to. The Type A human inside of screams at that notion, but the other part of me is excited for the relief in letting go. To observe, be present, and just be.

WELCOME TO THE NEW YEAR

XXVII

November 15, 2016

So let's just say, Twenty Seven is off to a great start. I partied the night away at Dance Yourself Clean with the coolest crew around. Then, became a Time Lord when the clock struck 2 and got the second best birthday present by sleeping in. Now after a mini vacation to The Catskills, I am feeling a bit refreshed to take on the coming year.

How cute is this keytag by Three Potato Four?! I picked up this little babe after birthday brunch with my parents. I have been on the hunt for something to put my new apartment keys on and this was the perfect choice. Three Potato Four is currently at Art In The Age's Holiday Market, so deff make a point to stop in. They also have this other keytag with clever foodie quips. "Are you ready for this jelly?" C'mon, I love me some good food puns!

Before the busy holiday season and after the crazy election, Justin and I decided we should take a mini vacation. We headed up to The Catskills and stayed at The Graham & Co for some much needed R&R. Well it was a part getaway and also part research trip for our big ceremony with our friends and family next year. But hey, that's just me killing two birds with one stone. For our guests, stay tuned! I'll have a more detailed round up for you on our future website. For others, here is a little snapshot of our weekend.

A QUICK ROUND UP

SUNRISE BIKE RIDE ALONG ROUTE 28
PHOENICIA DINER FOR BREAKFAST
HIKING AT KAATERSKILL FALLS
SHINDIG & CHOCOLATES IN WOODSTOCK
STOCKING UP ON CARBS AT BREAD ALONE

PS. The best present was being able to call Justin "Husby"

OCTOBERS ARE MADE FOR WEEKEND DATES & VISTAS

October 31, 2016

Sorry it has been a few weeks. October has been kinda crazy around these parts and it doesn't seem like it will be slowing down anytime soon. This month was filled with moving across the river back to the badlands (thankfully it's only a short stint) and the usual Autumn festivities. The cool crisp air is helping deal with the stress of the new environment (green juices and a plethora of cauldrons of coffee are good too).

Another good stress reliever is enjoying the changing leaf colors with some sick views. This month's choice trails are the Blue Dot/Red Dot Loop to the summit of Mount Tammany. The 3.5 mile trail is filled with a handful of scrambles, but the vistas are definitely worth it. From the cliffside you can see a great panoramic of the Delaware Water Gap (Mount Minsi on the PA side and Arrow Island standing in the Delaware River). Go with some snacks packed and a good amount of water, you'll thank me later. If you're looking to get the same views with an easier hike (lame, but I get it), just go back and forth on the Blue Dot. An extra perk? The mini waterfall along the way.

ALSO MY FAVORITE FOOTWEAR FOR THESE HIKES?
CAMP SOCKS & UNEEKS BY KEEN

DELAWARE WATER GAP - MOUNT TAMMANY - WARREN COUNTY, NJ

THE LAST HIKE OF THE UNICORN

October 2, 2016

If you follow me on Instagram, you can probably tell my hair has been through QUITE the transformation. Earlier this year I went a deep purple. Faded that out until it became blonde. Did this unicorn/mermaid crossbreed of a blue shadow root to pink ends. Faded that out. Went violet. Faded that out with random purple touch ups at the root. To say my inner unicorn came to reality this year may be an understatement.

Well alas... all good things must come to an end. At least to make for another happier beginning. I've gone back to a more "natural" hue for that wedding aesthetic. Now don't fret! That doesn't mean the unicorn is gone... it's just gone into hibernating. But before heading back to normalcy, one last hike!

RALPH STOVER STATE PARK - HIGH ROCKS VISTA - PIPERSVILLE, PA

NOT BORED ON THE BOARDS

September 1, 2016

I hate the beach.
To be honest, I hate the summer.

Before it was neat because it was "summer vacation" and I could just veg out and watch cartoons. Now it's just hot hot heat and humid gross sticky days. The idea of a laying out to get a tan is beyond my understanding. I was taught to not to get "too dark". (if you're Filipino, you can catch what I'm putting down.) You will hardly find me at the beach. Unless it's to get Kohr's Custard (ace). Or it's winter.

So when I told my FIANCE that I wanted to head to Asbury Park after church, he was pretty stunned. (Luckily, he doesn't like going to the beach either so we're in good company.) I lured him into the idea by promising acai bowls and visiting the United By Blue (a common fave) shop. It didn't take much convincing.

ASBURY PARK AGENDA

ACAI + PITAYA BOWLS @ DUNES CAFE
PHOENICIA FLEA POP UP
ICED COFFEE @ HIGH VOLTAGE
UBB ASBURY
WANDER

The last time we came to Asbury was for a wedding so we didn't really get to see what it has turned into since those Surf and Skate days. Let's say ALOT has changed. The boardwalk has these new boutiques and shops (like the previously mentioned UBB), a handful of coffee shops, and some neat eateries (including Korean tacos if that tickles your fancy). High Voltage was a good place to stop to cool down with water and necessary iced coffee. Connected to the shop was a neat furniture store with refurbished finds. Also a coffee shop with Kinfolk is 10/10.

Sometimes I pretend I'm a style blogger. But I really suck at being in front of a camera. This day I actually remembered to ask Justin to take some "candid" pictures of me so I can post something. I am pretty proud of this summer ready outfit. The dress is thrifted Anthropologie that I got for a STEAL ($14 is better than the tagged $148). The hat is basically my go-to. You've seen it here and here. The luggage saddle bag is vintage Coach thanks to mommy dearest. And the Instax is V2 after the last one died. But like I said, I suck at being in front of a camera.

This is what happened.

I act a fool.
Look at those boxer braids!
Look at that mean mug!

THE UPPER RIGHT : DAY THREE

July 25, 2016

We spent the night at a quaint Airbnb in New Hampshire. After a night in a comfy bed and a hot shower, we made the quick trip to Concord, Massachusetts to grab a cup of coffee before a much anticipated hike. The day was almost ruined when we found the parking lot was filled and closed off. However, we were determined to cross this off our bucket list. After all, we've come so far, why on earth would we push it off. We drove back down the street closer to Concord and walked the two miles to the destination.