Do a 30-Day Photo Challenge for the New Year!

I've been doing photography for this blog for a long time, and learning how to communicate visually has been a real journey for me.  Obviously, this has meant taking lots and lots (and lots) of photos!  I've cycled in and out of trends and learned that trends are not just for clothes or hairstyles... there are photography trends as well!

For instance, in the early 2010s, it was all about documentation-style details. Everyone was wanted those up-close shots and bokeh backgrounds. But on Instagram, I've noticed that it's more about the wide shot, especially when highlighting travel destinations. People love to be able to picture themselves where you are, and see what you're seeing. Over time, I've adapted and adjusted my style to fit each platform.

Part of the reason I've been able to roll with the punches and not get stuck in a certain style is because I'm always challenging myself. And let's face it, when you've been doing this for a long time, it's pretty certain you might run out of ideas from time to time.

But no worries! If you've been feeling a little bit stale, I think it's a good idea to take a step back, refocus, and do a Photo Challenge!

Journey through 2019 ... Year In Review

So it's 2020. Are you psyched or a little hesitant about the New Year?! I feel mixed things. On one hand, I have the overwhelming feeling that this is going to be a really great year 😎  I'm not sure why! On the other, there's always this nagging notion that time is moving too fast. I wish I could pause the world sometimes rather than feeling like I'm just bouncing from moment to moment. But 2019 sure was an interesting year!


First of all...

How to Have a Marvelous New Year's Party at Home

Another year and another magical New Year's Eve ✨ So what are you up to? Since Matt and I find ourselves without a party to go to this year, we'll be nestled at home with a few fabulous friends.

Coincidentally, I ended up doing an Instagram campaign for Whole Foods based around the idea of creating a lowkey fancy New Year's party at home. And although we don't usually do much entertaining due to our small apartment size, it really inspired me! All during December, I was collecting decorations, props, and thinking about all the different food and wine options I wanted to present.

Since I've been thinking so much about it, I wanted to share my thought process with you so that you can plan your own awesome party! I know there's only a day to spare at this point,😂 But hopefully these quick tips will give you some inspo for years to come!

Instagrammable NYC- Top Spots for Christmas Holiday Photos

Hello friends! So who's super excited about the holidays?? 🙋🙋‍♂️🙋 What are you planning on doing this year? I have to admit, I've been getting more hyped about it than usual. Why you ask? Well, as you know, NYC is one of the most festive places to be for the holidays. And this year I've been keeping extra busy visiting all the Christmas installations New York is famous for. Just so that I could report back to you!

Now guys, if you want Instagrammable content for the holidays in New York, it's no trivial thing. I need you to get ready. Because I'm about to take you through...



THE ANNUAL BLOGGER CHRISTMAS CONTENT DASH!!!! 🎄🌟🎅🎄🌟🎅

Perfect as Pumpkin Pie Thanksgiving Dress

Hey babes!

How are you guys doing? Any plans for the holidays? I'm going up to see my grandparents for Thanksgiving, who I haven't had a holiday with in years. I'm really looking forward to it, as my grandmother makes the best stuffing ever 😍

Happy Halloween Witches 🎃👻

Boo!! Did I scare you? Haha!

It’s finally fright night guys! I have to say, I’ve been anticipating Halloween since the start of the season this year. I’ve been hyping myself up with Pinterest boards, and planning fun shoots. I didn’t quite do everything I wanted to, but that’s what next years are for, right? 

Tips for Your Visit to the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze

If you’re a New Yorker, you had to have heard of the Great Jack O’lantern Blaze by now. And if you haven't then you need 1) read this post in full then 2) make it part of your fall itinerary!

Here's the short summary- Every year at Van Cortlandt Manor, volunteers help scoop, carve, and light over thousands of pumpkins. They are then carved into spooky designs by professional artists, and arranged into fantastical sculptures. Some move around (the carousel), some perform light shows. Some are just BIG (a 25 foot tall Statue of Liberty.) In a word, it's awesome.

I’ve been dying to go for years, ever since I saw a writeup about it in Time Out NY. Last year I finally scored tickets, but sadly something came up. We ended up not being able to make it and it broke my heart a little bit. This year I knew the ropes, picked dates, booked the tickets and was determined to make it work. Then it turned out we had to fly across the country the next day 🤦‍♀️

We’re lazy travelers, so we usually end up packing at midnight the night before a trip, so it was a little stressful getting everything together in the daytime, then driving up to the Blaze at night. We thought about scrapping the event AGAIN for the second year in a row, but the thought of doing that just made me sad. So we ended up pulling it together and going. And I’m sooooo glad we did! 

So I decided to do a little writeup of my experience, as well as put together a list of tips for anyone interested in going! Read on to find out more...

How Did the Summer Fly By So Fast?

So I know everyone everywhere says this exact same thing every season.... But seriously, where did the summer go??