August 2012

August 30, 2012

Ricketts Glen State Park

The second day we spent in the Poconos, Jeremy and I made the excruciating drive to Ricketts Glenn State Park to hike on Falls Trail. My car was probably hating on me for making it climb the never-ending steep hills, but I was determined to walk the trail that day. Falls Trail in particular travels along 22 beautiful waterfalls - the tallest one being 94 feet. We only made it to the first 3 waterfalls (the tallest being Mohawk falls, standing at 37 feet) because we kept stopping to take pictures and explore the area. We're horrible hikers.

Before we even started hiking, Jeremy and I were reading the information board at the beginning of the trail and we had decided that we were scared shitless. There were old articles posted, warning hikers of potential injuries from walking along the extremely dangerous trail without proper footwear or hiking gear. Being amateur hikers, our nerves got the best of us, but in the end we ventured toward the path anyway. After the first mile, we finally got to the first steep, rocky pathway of many. Looking down below us, our fear of heights suddenly kicked in, and we couldn't seem to move forward...or downward. We were just about to raise the white flag and surrender, until we suddenly saw a woman...wearing flip-flops...carrying a baby...slowly make her way up the rocks. At that moment, Jeremy and I felt pretty silly (although we both agreed we'd never have a baby make the journey). Thank goodness for that woman though, since we ended up getting some amazing shots.

dELiA*s Cardigan
Urban Outfitters Tank Top
PacSun Denim Shorts
Converse Sneakers

The reason Jeremy and I are taking so many trips together recently and rushing to get things crossed off our bucket list, is because he's leaving to teach English in Turkey for 10 months on Sunday. Jeremy's a Fulbright scholar, which I think is pretty incredible, and he won't really have time to come back to the states. We've done long distance before but the 3 months we spent apart last summer is nothing compared to the 10 months we'll be spending apart in a few days. It's going to be crazy hard but we're a spoiled generation with Skype and Email. We got this. If you guys want to follow along in his adventures abroad, check out his blog, BendedBrains.

Oh, and did I mention I'm moving into my apartment in an hour? WHAT UP, EAST HARLEM.

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August 28, 2012

On the Delaware River

This past weekend, Jeremy and I took a trip to the Poconos to spend some time together outdoors. We picked the cheapest hotel we could find and it ended up being the perfect place for us. It's right in downtown Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania and there was a bar with 25 different beers on tap (and even more beers from numerous countries) within walking distance. Pretty sure we hit the jackpot. Jeremy was more daring with his beer choices and I kept to my light beers. What a woman, right?

On Saturday we woke up and headed toward the Delaware river for some kayaking. After our kayaking adventure in Brooklyn a few weeks ago, we thought we were kayaking pros. This led us to sign up for the 10 mile trip and we were set up with a two-person kayak, life jackets, paddles, and a map. The first half of the trip was absolutely amazing. We explored a few areas of the river and discovered a few camping grounds we want to eventually come back to. And even though there were a ton of other people out on the river, the peace and quiet surrounding the gorgeous Delaware river scenery was breathtaking. By the time we reached the 5 mile mark? We were pooped. The worst part? There's nowhere to go but forward. I'm pretty sure by the time we reached our destination our arms were about to fall off. Nevertheless, I'm so glad we made the trip. I've discovered a new found love for kayaking.

c/o Surania Bikini Top
Old Navy Bikini Bottom
ASOS Sandals (similar)

Kayaking also gave me a chance to test out my new bathing suit top, courtesy of Surania. You get to customize your entire bathing suit from size to style to patterns and colors. I can't get enough of my new custom bikini top and I'll be rocking it for as long as I can. I also designed a neon one-piece so hopefully I'll be able to wear it out soon. Definitely try out their site. I can't get over how perfectly it fits and how comfortable the materials are. :)

On Sunday we drove all the way into the mountains for some good ol' hiking but I'll talk about that in my next post. The clock is telling me it's past my working woman bedtime.

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August 24, 2012

Bug Bites and Construction

I've been feeling pretty under the weather for the past few days so I've been working from home. Jeremy and I planned to go to the Pocono's this weekend so I'm hoping I feel well enough by the time we leave to set sail. Crossing my fingers! I've been periodically taking medicine, sleeping, and checking my email. Jeremy came over early to keep me company for a bit since we're leaving later this evening. Hopefully by the time I wake up in the Poconos tomorrow morning, I'll be ready for a long day of kayaking, canoeing, or hiking. My sickness will not defeat my adventures.

Gap Chambray Shirt
ASOS Polka-Dot Dress
c/o Blowfish Shoes Wedges

This is one of my all-time favorite photo locations. I usually come here with my tripod (i.e. here and here) but this time I had Jeremy on hand to snap some shots. There was always a construction area right near by (if you remember, I took pictures with the bulldozer and crane like a psycho) but now there's already the exterior shell of an upcoming shopping center standing in its place.

I love seeing how the area changes with the seasons. I've never taken pictures here when the flowers were in bloom so it was a shock to see so much yellow when I showed up. And guess what comes with beautiful flowers? Tons of bugs. And me? I'm incredibly prone to getting bug bites, even when no one else does. I like to think my Asian skin is just especially tasty (fried rice, anyone?). Woe is me. Now my legs are covered in band-aids so I don't scratch myself but IT'S ALL WORTH IT FOR OUTFIT PICTURES. AMIRITE?

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August 21, 2012

Cheesecake in Cheesequake

About a year ago, Jeremy and I were driving down the Jersey Parkway and saw a sign for Cheesequake State Park. Being the constantly hungry person that I am, I immediately thought it was a park full of cheesecakes. And so it became that Jeremy and I added "having cheesecake at cheese quake" onto our joint bucket list. It took us a couple of failed attempts over the past year, but we finally managed to accomplish it this past Saturday with some delicious strawberry cheesecake.

Levi's Jean Jacket
c/o Junk Food Clothing Tank Top
American Apparel Shorts
Converse Sneakers

I rarely find myself wearing sneakers anymore and I usually don't wear them on my blog either. But come on, let's be honest, what would you have thought if I was wearing wedges in these photos? Who goes hiking in wedges? When it comes to my work outfits as well, I almost always wear flats unless I'm staying late in the city, which means I don't have to run to catch my train home. So when you see me wearing 3-inch heels in my 6:30 AM outfit pictures? I usually take them off before I head into the city. A commuter has to be crazy to wear heels. But all-in-all, it's still my style. A girl's just got to be practical sometimes.

But, soon I won't have to wear flats anymore and I can rock my wedges and heels to work. You know why? Because I signed the lease for my NYC apartment. I'll be living with my friend Rob and his friend Crystal in East Harlem (101st Street area) in a three bedroom apartment. I'm pretty excited to get to know the area and decorate our space. Anyone know anything about the area? Suggestions?

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August 18, 2012

The Most Interesting Woman in the World

On Friday I was in the mood to slip on my reliable maxi dress and run around the city feeling as chic as possible. Turns out, the city in the Summer really isn't meant for maxi dresses. While I was running back and forth from work, my maxi dress would awkwardly wrap around my legs so I would have to hold it up to avoid tripping. And let me tell you - these maxi dresses retain heat very, very well. I think this baby will have to be kept in the closet until the Fall weather comes rolling around.

Joe Fresh Chambray Top
H&M Crop Top, Maxi Dress
Forever 21 Necklace
c/o Blowfish Shoes Gypsy Sandals

After work I met up with an old friend from high school for some drinks. Turned out, there were Dos Equis promoters at the bar and Dos Equis happens to be my beer of choice. Jackpot? I think so. Two of the promoters came up to us and, when they found out I was drinking Dos Equis, their eyeswidened with excitement. We were immediately dragged over to take a picture with The Most Interesting Man in the World (of course, it was a cardboard cut-out), given Dos Equis beads, and two Dos Equis temporary tattoos (one of which I'm currently donning with immense pride). My night was definitely looking up at that point. It's the simple things in life that keep me going. And beer. <3 br="br">

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August 16, 2012

Darling, Everything's on Fire

Before heading across the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday, Jeremy kindly obliged to taking my outfit pictures (as usual). These were taken right near the City Hall subway station and I couldn't get over how beautiful the architecture was in the area. It's the southern most terminal of the first ever New York City Subway line back in 1904 and it's considered to be the most beautiful in the entire system. It's not used much anymore except for the 6 train on occasion but I'm glad it's still around.

Stylemint Top
Vintage Skirt
H&M Belt
Kenneth Cole Reaction Wedges
Forever 21 Purse

Usually when I go thrifting, I never really find anything that I love, fit into, or can afford. About a year ago, I came across this printed skirt and I couldn't imagine not having it in my closet. Turns out, I could imagine it not in my closet since I didn't wear it until this past Saturday. I know I'll definitely be wearing it more from now on though because I adore it.

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August 14, 2012

A 22nd Birthday in Brooklyn

Last Thursday was Jeremy's 22nd Birthday and this is the first time I properly celebrated it with him out of the four years I've known him. Instead of getting him a physical gift, I decided to plan an entire day in the city for him this past Saturday. Remember how I was worried about the weather getting in the way of all the epic plans? The weather was absolutely amazing and we even got a little tan. Jackpot.

Just like any other trip into the city with Jeremy, the day started at our favorite Dim Sum restaurant, Nom Wah Tea Parlor. Over the past two years we've noticed that the prices have slightly increased and the restaurant always crowds up quicker than usual. I guess that's what happens when your favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurant gains in popularity. We still enjoyed our usual noms though.

Next we walked across the Brooklyn Bridge into Brooklyn (of course). It's something that's always been on my bucket list and I thought the view would be the perfect place for Jeremy to test out his new camera that he got for his birthday. A few sections of the bridge seemed to be under construction and there were so many tourists everywhere...but at the same time, I guess we can be considered tourists as well? At least...for now. And the first thing on our Brooklyn adventure check-list? KAYAKING.

I love being so close to the water without diving in. There's something about just drifting right along the surface of the river that makes you feel like you're a part of it. I've never been kayaking before and it was on my joint bucket list with Jeremy so we got to cross that off! And to make it even more epic, we were surrounded by the beautiful Manhattan skyline.

After we finished a round of kayaking, I led Jeremy into Brooklyn Heights to go thrifting at Housing Works Thrift Shop. What really led me to pick this thrift shop was that 100% of their proceeds fund their fight to end AIDS and Homelessness. Jeremy picked up two pretty nifty blazers while I took home a straw hat and some sweet Converses.

By this point in the day our feet were getting sore so we took a rest on some steps (which was just as nice as everything else we had accomplished earlier that day). There's something about just enjoying the atmosphere of Brooklyn Heights. It has the same city vibe that Manhattan has but it's more peaceful and relaxing. I definitely want to live in Brooklyn at some point during the next few years.

After our mini-break, I let Jeremy pick out a place for dinner. I didn't finalize the plans or write down the places I had originally selected and, at that point, I think I was a little too tired of planning to make a decision. We settled on Tutt Cafe which was a quiet, little Middle Eastern restaurant. The food was delicious and I'm pretty sure I had the best pita bread of my life (so far). Yum.

And the grand finale for the night? I had bought two tickets for us to go see Terminator Too Judgement Party which was a low-budget reenactment of Terminator 2 where the Terminator was an audience member voted on by the audience. The guy who ended up being picked had an awesome Arnold Schwarzenegger accent and it was a lot funnier than I thought it would end up being. Oh, and everyone was in ponchos due to all the fluorescent water being shot out of water guns during the entirety of the performance. Win.

You can read Jeremy's account of the day on his blog, Bended Brains. And could this post be any more picture-heavy? Happy 22nd Birthday, Jeremy. :)