my thoughts on style posts...and more

 bag calvin klein | tank free people (similar) | pants elan (similar) | shoes crown vintage | sunnies target (super old)

A couple of things before I get into the meat of this post:

- How I feel about style / outfit posts: Over the last year I have been increasingly resentful of fashion blogs and blogs that solely focus on fashion. I know I shouldn't be talking - because this is indeed an outfit post - but I miss when my favorite fashion blogs focused on actual style. It has become such a game of bragging and competition, and such a business and I find that so disenchanting. It seems that nowadays it is has become all about affiliate links, free swag from reviews and designer names. I won't name the blogs in question, because there's already enough hate on the internet, but I've chosen to unfollow and not read certain blogs (as best I can) because I am so sick of comparing myself to their perfectly edited, Photoshopped and accessorized looks. I used to try to be like them, but now I am realizing how ridiculous and unattainable (and NOT REAL!) it all is. On the other hand, I love reading real blogs with genuine people and posts about fashion - some of my favorites are in my blog roll. And I have to say, the people who shoot these (usually S, my brother or my sisters) are the BEST because they put up with me. Style posts are kinda ridiculous...and yet, here this one is.

- New lens and photography announcement: These photos (taken by S, love you!) were shot with my new 60mm macro lens! While it's not the go-to portrait lens I love how these photos came out! I used to question the idea of even buying a prime lens (it does not zoom, it is fixed) but I feel like this summer I have tried a lot through renting and experimenting...and I'm learning to love it! Not that I didn't love it before - but there is such an art and mechanics behind photography that one needs to appreciate! So...that being said...I have some big news. I have been playing with the idea for a while to start my own little "photography" business...something that I do on the side, more for casual shoots and fun portraits. I've done a newborn shoot already and I was overwhelmed, yet exhilarated, by the challenges of it. I've started a website where you can see my portfolio - I am so excited about it!  I'm really trying to continue to build my portfolio and gain more directing experience before I officially take clients. So if you're in the Philly area and are in need of some headshots or a portrait, let me know! :)

- - -

Okay...now onto the actual post! :) I wore this on a dinner date with S at our favorite LA seafood place - it's casually beachy, so I thought that these loose and super light pants would do the trick. Also: I biked 4.4 mi (each way!) in these pants and they were so breathable and flowy. I wish everything was bike accessible! I am becoming so used to riding Wilbury everywhere and locking him up at a bike rack - it's super easy and convenient. Plus we burned off a little of our dinner, right? My tank top is definitely not as cozy, but I love it for the super skinny straps and stretchy material. It felt a bit tight, but again it is so light and breathable so on the bikes it didn't really feel noticeable. California style is so sublime! I love the beachy vibes that extend far beyond summer. 

ciao! xo

insta-lately

Oh California! You are too, too beautiful. I do admit that I was actually a bit homesick at a point, missing my usual go-to places and comforts of home - but the humidity has cooled down here (I can breathe!) and I am totally in love with the beachy vibes here. Having the distant cliffs of Palos Verdes and Malibu in my peripheral vision is definitely not a bad thing. 

Days are repetitive these few weeks (I'm here with S til the beginning of August) because I am car-less. So I've been getting exercise in with my new bike Wilbury and I'm making a point to find something new everyday. Whether it's a cafe, a lunch spot, a vista or overlook, or a shortcut to somewhere else...it's good. I just posted some snapshots from my daily bike adventures, actually!  I'm pinching pennies because a) I'm trying to stay on my vegan diet track after a minor taco lapse and b) we just booked a trip to Seattle! Which I am super pumped about!!! Because I get to see some family that live in the state! It is a gorgeous place, but I don't remember much seeing as the last time I was there I was 12 years old - half my life ago! 

So, if you have recommendations on what to do/see in Seattle for a super quick getaway, I'd appreciate the suggestions kindly! Til then, more beach sunsets, watching the boats, and counting the colors I see in the water...

ciao! xo

click on any pic to follow my insta! 

southern cali on bicycle

helloo! just popping in from southern california with a

 quick post of what daily life {on bike!} looks like.

S bought me a blue beach cruiser, complete with basket and suuuper wide handlebars!

It is perfect for coasting along the Strand, which is made 

for walkers/bikers/skateboarders and the like.

I have been loving exploring the area by bike, locking up, and wondering around.

The height of the day - around noon - is so hot, and the sun is so strong, so I usually duck into

a cafe or some workspace to get some emails out or some reading done.

I have been limited in where I explore but I'm branching out more and more everyday!

ciao! xo

ps. my bike's name is Wilbury, named after these guys!  woo!

my first matcha

A few weeks ago, I posted about the challenges and benefits of going vegan - since then, it has gotten so much easier, and best of all, more fun. I am going to posit that going vegan seems easier in the summer, due to the constant availability of fresh and in-season produce. So I've really been enjoying it, while I generally miss dairy and chicken. I'm not a strict vegetarian, but I have really come to like - not love - the substitutions available (i.e. almond milk instead of milk). Actually, finding a way around my usual half-and-half creamer that I put into my morning coffee was very difficult.

I had heard about matcha lattes (aka green tea lattes) from one of my best Siena friends, and was immediately curious about this peculiar green coffee. This site does a beautiful job of explaining what it is (and how to make it), but to get to the point, matcha lattes are antioxidant-packed drinks that are experiencing quite a heyday on instagram right now. There's a little caffeine in matcha lattes, but after doing my reading I found that most people say that matcha leaves one relaxed rather than jittery. There is a tiny bit of caffeine, but overall it's a really delicate and light tasting latte, with a  soft taste of green tea. They can also be made with almond milk!

So since I am in California for a few weeks I decided to try it at The Source, my favorite cafe in the area. It never disappoints (except that finding seating is always difficult). I decided to go during the lunch hour, and splurged on a spicy veggie wrap to accompany my all-green matcha. You might think it an odd combo (it probably is), but it was aces. The matcha latte is definitely, in my own words, airy. It has a light and foamy quality, so much so that it almost doesn't taste like a latte at all. Aside from being beautiful, it's such a graceful little midday pick-me-up.

ciao! xo

How to Live

How do you live every day to the fullest?

It's such a daunting question. It almost gives me anxiety. As if I am supposed to leap out of bed and the crack of dawn, shout carpe-diem! and do something productive.

I was recently asked this question by Heather, a  mesothelioma survivor. When I learned more about her story, I instantly felt like my initial reaction to that question was petty, naive, and above all, selfish. I'll get into that in a bit.

Mesothelioma is type of cancer that attacks the lining of the lungs and abdomen. Its primary cause is related to asbestos exposure, and unfortunately it is commonly diagnosed in its advanced stages because it is difficult to distinguish; it mimics many symptoms of other common illnesses. Currently, there is no cure but it is treatable with chemotherapy and surgery. Heather was given mere months to live at the time of her diagnosis - but fortunately, her journey with mesothelioma resulted in her beating the odds.  Watch her video to learn more.

Can you sense why I felt so selfish about my answer to her question? We all know that sometimes it takes an extra kick or boost to realize how appreciative we should be - the phrase of "counting your blessings" comes to mind. So, to live every day to the fullest, I think I need to revisit the way I look at that question. I'm a big fan of looking at the "big picture," so I'll take on this question in the same manner. Instead of looking at every day, I want to look at life in general. How do I live? How should I live? 

In my humble opinion, slowness matters. Not rushing, not vigorously attacking a to-do list. I mean listening, appreciating, breathing, observing, and being present. It's difficult to do, especially in stressful situations or work. Optimism matters. To live with optimism, positivity, and a sunny demeanor can be difficult or even annoying to some - but I think happiness trumps all. The name of my blog, Anticipation, is loosely based off of this idea. I think having things to look forward to keeps me on my toes, curious, and enthusiastic. Lastly, the company you choose matters. Be about others. Personally, I love being with my family. I still live at home - and while that brings minor annoyances, I don't mind it in the big picture. It keeps me grounded knowing that everyone around me has their own struggles, ups and downs, tendencies and quirks. Being around people does good. I love the job I have, the people I spend my days with, the friends I see and meet, and the things we talk about. There are many other things I do to live well, but these are the essentials.

How do you live?

ciao! xo

girl date

My gal pal from Siena  and I found ourselves on bikes recently pedaling to this cute little  pop-up called the Conshohocken Brewing company. It was twilight, the lightning bugs were out in full force, the cool night air made it the perfect moment for a (small!) beer. The simple design of the brewery was brilliant: ride up, lock your bike, and go get a beer! I enjoyed a 8 oz "Summer of '19," a lager inspired by a pre-Prohibition brew, I suppose. I almost never drink beer, but when I do, I appreciate a good one like this.

Cool summer  nights are about the #1 best thing on earth. Ditto for cool summer mornings. I just got back from a  2 mile run and it was so invigorating in the breezy morning air. Next week, I'm heading to California for a few weeks (!!!) and I'm really excited for the perfect California weather; the chilly sweater-and-shorts nights, the sunny days, and of course, the Pacific breeze. Can't wait!

ciao! xo

strawberry habanero guacamole

I was inspired by a favorite tapas restaurant to make a copycat strawberry habanero guacamole, which is a cool take on traditional 'spicy' guacamole with jalapeño peppers. I'm a bit of a habanero fan...it's a cute little devil of a pepper that is unmistakably hot. In fact, most people say to wear gloves when handling them. Combined with fresh strawberries, their flavor really comes out.

After a bite, it's all spicy, sweet, and sour - I'm not sure that I'm doing it justice - but it's like a fiesta of tastes. It's very summery, the perfect appetizer or party guacamole. I love how guilt-free guacamole can be; it is filled with "good" fats from the avocados as well as lots of fiber and potassium. It's so much better than binging on a bag of chips (although, corn tortilla chips do go really well with this...). You can also use whole strawberries to dip, instead of chips, for extra sweetness.

To make this bowl, I used one ripe avocado, 3 habanero peppers, 4 cut strawberries, lime zest and juice, orange juice, and some diced red onion. This recipe, which oddly enough, is from Men's Health, is also very vegan friendly :)

ciao, xo

The Inlet

Here's a place I could stay for hours! I love roaming the docks and seeing all the great steely giants bob in the soft waters. I particularly love the sounds and smells. Creaking wood, in particular, is what I hear most. And the potent smell of fish guts - sounds horrendous, I know - is quite endearing in this context (to me at least).

I have often wondered where these ships go, where they have been, who has been on them, what great catches they have seen. One of them is even a celebrity. I could wonder endlessly about what they have seen, the storms they rode out, and the adventures they've had.

ciao xo

Wild Horses at Chincoteague

In our most weekend trip, we ventured out to Chincoteague on a grey and rainy day. Despite the dull weather, it was a big moment for me to see the wild horses in the marshy grasslands of the island! I had read Misty of Chincoteague as a young girl and was captivated by the thought of wild horses living by the sea - so this was a considerable bucket list check! What's the big deal about wild horses? Legend has it that during the Age of Exploration, a Spanish ship containing horses from the Middle East was shipwrecked, and the horses were the only survivors. They made it to land and have survived for generations in Assateague and Chincoteague. I had wanted to see Assateague Island, but we underestimated the size of the wildlife reserves and the amount of time it would take us to venture north to see more wild ponies.

We were surprised by how quiet Chincoteague was, even on a June weekend. It has lots of wetlands, grassy thickets, and piers extending into the shallow bay. We happened upon some interesting and eclectic shops, produce stands, and an adorable cafe. I think the dreariness of the day made it more appealing in a way; rustic coastal towns have that certain charm during grey skies.

There is a NASA launching facility in the area around Chincoteague, and of course we toured. So a little bit of nature, a little bit of science. It was SUCH a fun day!  I'll leave you with this:

ciao! xo