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

GROWING PAINS & LOOKING FORWARD

September 21, 2016

Lately I've been going through some growing pains, both physically and figuratively.

I started going to hot yoga, which is a different practice than I'm used to. The Far Infrared Radiation heats your body from the inside out that cleanses and detoxifies, whereas other external heating will dry you out. This new practice led me into deeper expressions of poses which allows growth in more flexibility, but more importantly for me: strength and endurance. I'm excited to where this journey leads me.

Which leads to the figuratively...

So, it's coming to a year where I started a little venture where I bit off more than I could handle. Which shows how much excitement I have for that little passion project. While I still love the idea behind the company, I have decided to reel it in and simplify (like I am trying to do with the rest of my life). I don't want to drown myself in too much stress (you know, with planning a WEDDING and everything), so the next steps will be slow, steady, and deliberate.

While that is going on, I will be continuing to sell my goods on my personal page. If we are IRL friends, don't worry about shipping! Let's meet for coffee and/or hike. These chilly nights only mean that Autumn is around the corner, so stock up!

SHOP

Here's to looking forward.

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.

WALDEN POND

And a thing happened.

THE UPPER RIGHT : DAY TWO

July 24, 2016

Hello Day Two of The Upper Right trip!

If you remember me mentioning a few days ago that we didn't get any sleep on the first night, well here is the continuation of that story.

After the first day's activities, and running on little to no sleep, we just wanted a good night's rest. Well! That definitely didn't happen. We woke up in the middle of the night freezing cold to our bones. The blankets the boyfriend was using as bedding weren't cutting it. So what do we do? We ditched the tent and took shelter in the car, I took the back seat and boyfriend leaned the driver seat all the way back. We only got about one good hour of sleep. Which sucked. We were pretty delirious until our first cup of coffee (which we didn't have until like 5 hours later). Thank goodness for grace and patience that morning because we were both having fits and we're DEFINITELY not morning people.

THE UPPER RIGHT : DAY TWO ITINERARY

- GET UP BEFORE THE SUN (AGAIN)

- WATCH THE SUN RISE FROM THE CADILLAC MOUNTAIN SUMMIT

- BREAK DOWN CAMPSITE

- FIND COFFEE (SOMEWHERE/ANYWHERE)

- ARRIVE AT DESTINATION #2

#WORTHIT

While boyfriend was catching up on much needed zzz's, I sat in awe of the sun coming up over the horizon. As the crisp ocean breeze gave way to the overwhelming warm hues, I snapped a few photographs while listening to Benjamin Francis Leftwich hummed through my earbuds. A mini stroll along the peak of Cadillac Mountain was all I need to get the blood flowing through my veins to take on the day.

Both refreshed, we headed back to camp to break it down and grabbed a healthy cup of joe before heading onward.

We took the back roads instead of the highway to our next destination. Through little towns along the coast and over vacant bridges with the windows rolled down, this was our perfect and we swore to always take the long way.

Then we finally made it...

PORTLAND

...wrong coast. But it'll do.

Although a quick little stop on our way home, it surely didn't disappoint and we hope we find our way back for a visit someday. We fueled up with a flight and food at Liquid Riot before exploring the town. Came across a few boutiques and an ice cream shop that is POTUS approved (Mt Desert Island Ice Cream. 10 out of 10 review). We tried to have a donut date at at The Holy Donut, but it was closed so we "settled" for affogatos featuring Bard Coffee espresso and the previously mentioned ice cream. With one flight down, we set off to Urban Farm Fermentory to flights two and three. I wish there were more places like this here in Philly. Who wouldn't jump to go to bar that offered flights of kombucha and cider?! We wound down the night with a few games of pinball, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Super Smash Bros with cocktails by names of Slimer and Falcon Punch in hand at Arcadia National Bar. Well in need of a bite to eat, we grabbed a slice and drove off into the night.

THE UPPER RIGHT : INSTAX

July 23, 2016

Happy Saturday! Here are some snaps from Day One of The Upper Right trip. Kudos to boyfriend for capturing my unicorn purple hair in all its messy windy glory.