the crossroads of serendipity.

Hi guys! In case you’re trying to find me, I have finally built out my more grown up site. 

thecrossroadsofserendipity.NYC

Quite honestly, I am not sure I even want to write about this but I feel I have to, to simply move past it. That’s what writers do, right? We verbalize through text.

For months and months, I trained to run the Brooklyn Half Marathon. I had talked about signing up for it with my sweat-seeking sister and dear friend, Jade, for weeks. The day the race opened up, Jade g-chatted me right away and reminded me to sign up because the race sells out so quickly. So quickly, like in less than a day, quickly. 

That said, I signed up asap and was ready to run this thing with her. Jade’s run multiple half marathons in the past (including one full in Chicago!) and I knew she would be able to easily guide me with how often I should run, etc. We are sweat seekers and do many classes together anyways, so this was a little something to work harder for - something to amp up the intensity. Ya know? 

Anyways, for months, I trained. I often trained twice a day… 6am classes followed by work outs with editors, friends, and of course, days spent just working on myself. I didn’t totally do all running per say, but rather, trained with HIIT classes (high intensity interval training), spin at Soul, and various classes from all ends of the spectrum. Trying new classes has been something I have devoted a large portion of my New York City life to - it’s something I love. 

Fast forward months, thousands of hard earned dollars, hours and hours of rigorous sweat sessions with mental milestones accomplished, and we have arrived at May 16th; the morning of the Brooklyn AirbNb Half. 

I woke up that morning so ready. Had my protein bar, put on my new tank (obviously) and was so thankful that the rain had yet to start. Jade picked me up in a cab at 5:45am and we were on our way to the race. 

The hype was awesome. Maybe it was because it was my first big race, or at least it was big for me, but there was so much good energy in the air. Over 27,000 people were gathering in one space to race. Liiiike… okay. Plus my parents and sister had made their way from Ohio, which was an added bonus - getting to run past some of my biggest fans. It had been years since I had run in front of them (TBT to my cross country and track days) and I was psyched to show them what I had been working on. 

Sure enough, 7am rolled up fast, the national anthem was played and two seconds later; we were OFF. I had Firestone playing by Kygo to start off the race. Mile one and two - smoked. Flying at about a 7:28 pace, Jade and I were kicking it. I felt so good. Not even remotely tired and we were flying up a hill for the first couple miles in Prospect Park. 

At mile two, we passed our parents waving and cheering like crazies. More reason to push. Shortly after we passed them, the course takes a turn and heads downhill. In other words, opportunity to pick up speed. Again, cruising down hill, feeling strong. But the weirdest thing happened. 

I got to the bottom of the hill and I felt like I could hardly lift my leg. I was trying to run and it felt like my body was in slow motion. I didn’t want to lose time so early on but I knew I had to stretch for a few seconds. I pulled up and did, realistically, about 40 seconds of stretching. Started to run again and, yet again, I felt like I could hardly pick up my leg. It was as if everything was beginning to blur and my playlist was becoming white noise. Numbing me. I texted my sister and told her that I had to stop and stretch - just to give her a heads up I was going to be falling behind Jade. 

While stretching, I kept thinking; what the hell is wrong with you? You’ve talked about this race for months, your family is here to watch you, you’ve trained… and yet you are stopping? Get out of your head. Everyone knows you’re running this. You’re seriously going to quit? You’ve got to be insane. 

Just shy of mile 4, I was approaching a water station and I figured it was time to gear back up and just try to keep pushing. Well, less than 5 steps into my ‘jog’, I heard a pop. Literally heard a pop and collapsed. To be honest, at the time I didn’t feel anything. I heard it but didn’t feel it - and yet, I couldn’t stand. Two people from NYRR came over and lifted me up. They were trying to get me to walk off the course but my body was frozen. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t even feel my legs. After a few seconds, I convinced them to carry me to the side and place me on a bench. 

At this point I sent a few texts that I wasn’t going to finish and asked my parents to come meet me - thinking we would just take a cab home and I would just live mortified that I quit the race. 

After an hour of not being able to move, the medical people came and took me away in an ambulance to seek further help. The rain started to pour just as my parents arrived - we were really living a real life movie scene. A small horror film.

So now, let me preface, for any of you that do not know this MAJOR fact about me. My biggest fear in life is the hospital, followed by doctors and any sort of medical treatment. It’s been a phobia for as long as I can remember and one I would most likely need to seek help for to get over if this next part didn’t ensue…

Moving on; I get moved to the medical tent and they said I absolutely needed to go the hospital to seek further medical attention. At this point I am fully panicking and not really hiding it. My parents, along with the ambulance staff is trying to calm me down. I get brought into the hospital and felt like I was entering the circus; we had arrived at Suny Downstate in Brooklyn. 

Now I’m going to try and shorten things up for you:

I get admitted and am being moved around all over the place - with really no direction. I was in severe pain but was more concerned with everyone who knew I was running the race. I was receiving multiple texts asking me how I did, and me ultimately, me having to say - I didn’t. 

After some meds, which again, I do not take meds ever, were in my system, they wanted to do x-rays. At this point, we had all figured it was most likely a strained muscle that had gone into shock. K cool - something I can sit out for a few weeks, ice and still make our brunch reservation later that day. By now, my dad had taken my sister back into the city so they could freshen up before our plans for later that day. 

Soon enough, I made my way into the x-ray room, laid there for a few scans and got wheeled back down to my room. I was in so much pain at this point but it was okay. I was going to be okay.  

And then, I wasn’t. 

The doctors were standing in my room when I got back and didn’t waste a second in breaking the news; basically “We have no idea how you did this, but you have a broken hip.” A hip that was broken completely through. And a heart that was more broken to top it off. 

Panic sets in and I am majorly on the fence of having an anxiety attack as more and more information is relayed to me. The top of my femur had cracked in half and I needed emergency surgery. My heart stopped (or sped up) and I really thought - this is it. 

I was sobbing in bed, feeling like I had actually been dropped down into hell, and was living my worst version of it. 

My Dad came back to Brooklyn and my parents set out on a mission to find a place to have me transferred. I have been working with an incredibly talented doctor, Dr. Holly Phillips, on the release of her upcoming book The Exhaustion Breakthrough. Ironic? Apparently not. I texted her and briefed her on the situation. A few minutes later, she had found me a doctor at Lennox Hill to connect my parents with - and for a Saturday night, it was pretty impressive. That night, she became my guardian angel. 

I got transferred later that night to Lennox Hill in Manhattan, briefed on what was to come and highly medicated. My anxiety levels were through the roof. I honest to God did not think I would make it to the morning for the surgery. 

The next morning, I woke up and I don’t want to really even talk about the rest. I’ve already started to block it out of my head. The surgery happened I suppose. I was highly drugged and it was all a blur - as it needed to be. But more than the surgery, I woke up to the next adventure… 

Recovery. 

I woke up with a sense of heart wrench. One of my favorite aspects of my life, sweat seeking, had been taken away from me for the coming weeks, and further more, months. I continued to tell myself it had to be a dream, it just had to be. 

But it wasn’t. I had had my hip screwed together with metal plates and bolts. The next steps would result in picking up the pieces that the metal couldn’t fix. 

My life. Who I was. Who I am. So, when I woke up to all of this chaos and noise, I also woke up to something really beautiful. 

I woke up to the something no words will do justifiably speak on; the support of friends and family. I woke up to people who care about me; who care about my recovery. I woke up to people who believe in me. I woke up to a testament of what it feels to be loved; to people genuinely concerned about me and who wanted to spend their valuable time with me while I was in some pretty dark hours. 

For now, it’s the silver lining that’s given me, more of me back, as I continue to find the meaning behind this all. While I will never be happy that any of this had to happen, I am more determined than ever to become stronger than yesterday, better than yesterday - each and every day. 

And that’s where I am just about a week later; a girl trying to be strong for myself - and made so much stronger by others. 

Below are words from someone who inspires me daily. He is also someone who overcame an injury but someone who testifies he has more strength because of it.

My biggest piece of advice: trust in you. Take chances on you. If you’re not going to believe in you, why should anybody else? Train your mind to hold on to the positive, hold on to the good, and if you do that, you’ll inevitably manifest greatness. 

Akin Akman

Does’t get much more real. Does it? 

Note to self: 

One thing matters - the way you see yourself. The way you believe in yourself. 

Lastly, my boss and her husband stopped this past weekend to visit. These are people that have become my family over the years. Anyways, after pushing me to go for a walk and patiently strolling at a snail’s pace half of a block, Chris gave me the advice my Mom keeps drilling into my head. It’s pretty simple. Ready?

Don’t think to much.

So for now, that’s what I’m focusing on. I’m focusing on trying not to think; trying to just ride this out, day by day without stressing about what’s next. Why worry about what I can’t control; that’s how time is wasted. I guess it means I am trying to be more present. 

For the mornings spent in the hospital when I could hardly ingest a green juice without feeling sick, but had the company of a friend, or a coworker, or my insanely supportive boss, or my parents who handled this situation with grace as all of my fears came to life - I thank you. For the many nights spent in the hospital with a room full of visitors and the ones who could get me to smile when all I wanted to do was cry - I love you. Your balloons, texts, calls, messages, flowers, sweets, pizza parties and more - you’re the reason I am where I am right now. 

For all of you, I am forever grateful. All of my thanks. All of my love. 

Tbh (to be honest) I truly didn’t think this day was ever coming. It was just an off week - but hey, you’ll have those. 

Snippets from the, well crazy, past few days. 

^ Monday: post work walk with Justin through Central Park. For anyone who doesn’t see the calm this crazy city has to offer - I would believe they haven’t stepped foot in this place. 

^ Tuesday: Dinner at The Upsider with Meaghan (who has such a sick fitness site if you are looking for some added inspo) was just so necessary. I always leave this lady feeling so refreshed. I’m so lucky to have her friendship. 

^ Wednesday: View from Dumbo when Jade and I went to pick up our swag bags for the race. Pretty insane sky if you ask me. And a tad haunting? The Freedom Tower gives me chills in this shot. 

^ Of course we had to celebrate our good work of successful pick up by dinner at Gran Electrica. So, I orig read about this spot on The New Potato and let me tell you - it was top notch. The quesadilla + veggie tacos with cauliflower were insane. 

We also chatted about summer plans... trying to get our act together with trips and timing is notttt easy! 

^ Thursday: No bueno! Just an all around off day when trying to secure last minute coverage. It’s a rough world out there - trust me. However, lucky little me has an awesome coworker to snag an acai ‘pop tart’ from Birch - our fave coffee shop up here. Bless her soul. 

This post totally doesn’t flow fully, but at least it’s something. Time is hard as hell to come by these days!

Akin Akman

Okay I will admit; starting to get pretty psyched for the Airbnb Brooklyn Half this weekend. Jade and I picked up our race swag tonight in Dumbo and there is so much buzz surrounding the race - and also 27,000 people who will be racing. LIKE. Wut?!

This is my first half and I couldn’t be more excited to be not only be running it with this chick, but to also have my parents and sis around. #luv 

SO, yes, yep - I am ready to get out of my freakin’ head. Akin’s trained me to get out of my comfort zone on so many occasions; it’s time to be bold and break down the mental barriers that create a comfort zone. Bold for Brooklyn. 

UGH. With the Brooklyn AirbNb half marathon just days away, I know there is going to be one thought coming to mind right after crossing that finish line. Ready? Where the heck do I get to eat for completing this thing? Obviously. 

This brings me to Locanda Vini e Olii; Tuscan-inspired cuisine reminiscent of what you’d find in Florence. HEY NOW. If there is one thing I can’t get enough of (okay, one of many things) I will tell you that rich olive oil ranks high on my list. This place speaks to keeping the authenticity of their dishes by pumping out plates drizzled in some serious fresh realness. 

So what’s on my plate? { full menu here }

Totes would need to start with the fennel salad, served with orange slices and pine nuts. This would be followed by papa al pomodoro - the most delicious of soups I grew a strong love for while abroad. Thick and ever.so.hearty. And for my main? Black pepper pici (essentially cacio e pepe) with roasted onions, fresh tarragon and cheese. 

Note: restaurant is in a restored Drug Store. These sorts of spaces always have the most character. 

Extra note: you can also purchase a taste of olive oil straight from Chef Michele’s home in Florence. Heart is palpitating again... 

It just looks so authentic. Like, right? 

So... while I sadly will not be dining here on Saturday after my race, due to the simple fact that they only serve Sunday brunch, I think I will find time to make a trip to Clinton Hill in the very near future for some authentic eats that will bring me one step closer to the country I so dearly luv. 

Who’s comin’ with? 

...and when I say never stop, I seriously mean it. 

Friday night I was truly beat. After a long company dinner (and wayy too many martinis and red wine) the previous night, I set myself up for a lowkey night. 

Kelsey and I booked manicures at Ten Over Ten Soho through the BeautyNow app and it’s exactly what the doctor ordered. Seriously. Anyways, the place was a nice chance of pace from my typical spot. A hidden sanctuary on the second floor, tucked away from the noise and traffic. 

^ But seriously, how charming is the outdoor private deck area? And let’s be honest, my nail game is pretty dang strong. 

And that basically consumed my evening. That, and a little rooftop hanging with the girls. 

^ And the next morning I had my last and longest run before the Brooklyn Half (next weekend!) bright and early to push it out of the way. Love the feeling of a pounding heart and pouring sweat; the feeling of becoming stronger. 

^ Luckily I had breakfast with Claire, her sweet mom and Benjy to look forward to afterwards at Lafayette. I had the granola, yogurt and berries - it was my first time having it there and it comes highly recommended. Very homemade tasting ‘nola makes a very happy me. 

After breakfast, I had a second outting with a gaggle of gals at Sotto 13 where we sipped proseco and did the brunch thing to welcome Kel’s cousin Justin visiting from California. He is awesome. 

^ HOLY SMOKES. That view. All of the rooftops. All of the heart palpitations. Best rooftop though { hammock included... } 

^ A few of the girls in my weekend crew.  

^ After my first Soul Survivor in a long time I decided it was necessary to fuel myself properly before the next class slated for late afternoon. That said... 

Black Seed Bagels; I have finally tried you and been ever.so.satisfied by you. Fresh bagel from the stone oven. Again more reason that New Yorkers indeed do have every right to be bagel snobs. 

^ Ricotta, apples and honey on a thin sesame seed bagel. Now I understand why there is so much buzz about this spot. { note: also haven’t had a bagel in months so that may have added to the happiness in my mouth } 

^ Did some strolling solo today and found myself at Mad Sq Easts; one of my favorite places to mange at during the month of May. 

^ Another view, because well, Marimeko umbrellas + that building are too attractive to dismiss. 

Finished the night with a new friend at Vic’s on Great Jones Street. Obsessed with this restaurant is an understatement. I am floored that I had never been previously... and have many intentions on returning very soon. 

^ With an interior this pretty, what’s not to love. Definitely taking my parents next weekend... so that’s happening.

Hope your weekend was just as full of good haps. Being busy is something I love, especially when it’s full of so much good. Last couple of days before the Brooklyn Half + family in town. 

Jack Kerouac

Just in time for CINCO DE MAYO... you’re getting the inside scoop on where to get your tac’s tonight. 

Saturday, we embarked on the first (of many.to.come) taco tours, created and organized by none other than Victoria. I mean, come on, who else? 

Welcome to our Tour De Taco; this is how we eat our way through the East Village. Please see below the where, the who... the #wacotacoflame

Stop o n e { Taqueria Diana } 

I kind of knew we were setting ourselves up for failure when we started with this place. This has been one of my fave spots since moving onto Second Ave... and I secretly stop here for take out a couple of times per month. The poblano pepper taco. Top notch... and of course, the chips ( .92 cents!!) kill it & complete it. The authenticity can’t be beat. 

As Kels so eloquently put it in her amazing post (check it out): this place was the winner. SPOILER ALERT.

Stop t w o  { Five Taco } 

Great table and super ‘chic’ interior... which of course we loved, but does this take away from the authenticity of a little Mexican place? Eh... still up for debate. While not as full-flavored as it’s predecessor, my ginger-squash taco still did taste awesome... albeit received a major dock in points due to the flour tortilla. Yikes. 

Stop t h r e e { Taqueria } 

I had to sit this round out on the taco consumption with Kels... I have frequented this place many times before and know I love the cactus tacos. Try them there. As it was made a rule no round could be fully not participated in, I substituted my taco with liquids. Margheritas are essential for proper hydration. Duh.

Stop f o u r { Otto’s Tacos } 

The masa fries and chipolte dipping sauce were the winner at this place. That AND the fact that we ran into another (slightly less.cool.crowd) also doing their own version of a Tour De Taco. What are the chances? The actual taco here was my least fave. 

Stop f i v e { Tacombi } 

Seriously so full by this point... but when I heard the ‘special’ taco of the day had beets with fresco cheese and corn, I had to sample one. Consensus? Very delicious. Very fresh. Kind of like nouveau-Mex with American flair. 

This place for sure stole the show with the most instagenic ambiance of them all... SoCal meets Nolita. <3

Lastly, I must share that Tour De Taco became famous when hitting Bustle’s Instagram feed with My Disney Pricess is Taco Belle shirts on Tor and Kels. Beyond amazing.

SAMMY IS HERE!! I could not be happier about the weekend ahead. But before the jump, just a few quick things from my week... of nonstop madness. 

^ The prettiest wanders occur in this city. Looking up always. Especially in Soho. The trim on the tops of the buildings? Serious eye candy. 

^ Jade’s awesome company, Tasting Table, hosted an evening full of cocktails and freshly prepared passed apps on Tuesday at their Test Kitchen. Dangerous... dangerous and delicious. Best combo. Love supporting and seeing the killer companies my friends are a part of. 

^ A very unique, to phrase it nicely, comedy show with the girls off of Bleeker in the village. The theme was surrounding ice cream cakes... and quite frankly, I think we all felt like we were crashing someone’s birthday party. It was still a ‘laugh’ because it sufficiently that awkward at times. 

^ And then there are the uptown ‘close-to-office’ wanders... equally beautiful in a different sort of ‘buttoned-up’ way. 

This week I was uptown, downtown, and literally every dang where in between. So much happening this weekend. So many eats planned. Stay tuned. 

R.M. Drake

This is a full explanation that divulges who I am and sums me up.

It’s a tad alarming the amount of Mexican I have been consuming lately. Seriously... and it doesn’t look like that’s stopping anytime soon since there are plans of trying out Dirt Candy on Friday when my brother is in town. I digress.

After tasting Mission Cantina { Mexican-infused cusine } - haven’t quite been able to take my mind off of the next mission, which of course is, Mission Chinese. 

David Bowien is known for his quirky restaurants and NYMag gives this place a thumbs up. They call it “happy chaos” where he really gets to make the place come alive not only by the food fired up in the kitchen, but the ambiance to match. Hipster meets Chinese? Totally makes sense. Asian-fusion of course.

Problem: no reservations can be made which means one of two things... going at the spry hour of 6pm as soon as the work day ends or... sucking up a two hour wait. 

Ideal Meal: 

- Pea leaves in squash broth 

- Slice of hot cheese pizza

- Squid ink peanut noodles

Must try in May. It’s my goal (always striving for the best!) and promise to keep you posted on the experience. 

xx, #alwaysfeasting

My God. Spring here is just something magical. 

It’s my third spring in the city {{ w h a t }} and it still gives me butterflies. The ‘it’ meaning the opening of outside seating, the buds on the trees, the people coming out of the woodwork, the continued black garments (color? no thanks) and the buzz of summer on the brink. Everyone is simply... happy. 

^ Friday’s observation.

Spent Saturday morning celebrating little Valentino’s third birthday in Central Park. Such a perfect day for a birthday party. My first time celebrating in the park - definitely not my last. 

^ How precious is that family though? 

^ Saturday afternoon = rooftop hangouts with Zach and Tor and a few bottles of champagne, wine and beer. 

Let’s call attention to the most beautiful city. Change your perspective. Change your world. Take a step back. Observe. Breathe. Observe again. See something new. {{ r e p e a t }} 

^ Brunch at Upland with my bae (Jade) after way too long of not seeing each other. Thank goodness we put that to rest and finally got to catch up over shopping and most importantly; feasting and talking summer trips. 

Let’s also note: nothing better than a good ‘pastry’ basket to pregame your b’fast experience. Of course it would be too strenuous to wait for the main course without a snack ;)

^ New Nikes... because, why not? Pay day comes soon enough. #sundaysplurge

Surely enough, the weekend closed out quickly but never an hour went by without a serious appreciation for this place, and furthermore, the crazy amount I am blessed to be in such a wonderful place with so many rockstars filling my days. 

For the first weekend, in quite some time, it officially feels like the warmer days are here to stay. Thank God. It’s been too long since we’ve had that feeling over here... has there ever been a time we could be more thankful for a warm breeze? 

Friday night a motley crew got together for dinner at Otto Enoteca to celebrate Becca visiting from Chicago. Nothing could have made me happier than the crew together, dirty martinis in hand and bottles of wine consuming the table. 

^ But seriously, we are motley at best. Eclectic. All of the above. All of the wine. All of the pizza. All of the love.

^ Blooms for days. The popcorn trees are full immersed in uniformity of beauty.

^ B’fast at Cafe Minerva never disappoints. One of my ultimate fave spots in the West Village... so happy I could take Becca and Lauren to experience the European-vibed goodness. 

^ The charm never gets old. So many spaces and sun-kissed streets to explore.

{{ PAGE BREAK FOR 24 hour trip to Philly (!) and West Chester, PA. No pics... great trip. Not New York, but nice little get away. }} 

^ Had no intentions of running on Sunday, but the weather was too beautiful to stick around. What started as a leisurely pace, quickly turned itself around and I found myself to be cruising down the East River, through Battery Park and then up along the Hudson. 

“Get out of your mind, get out of your comfort zone. The road will always be out there, but the results won’t come without the push, without the drive, without burning through your fears...” - Akin Akman

^ These two strangers make love look real appealing. 

^ And after a 6pm Soul session, refueled at Mimi Chengs. Boiled veggie dumplings and garlic broccoli on fleek. And... Mimi’s special sauce? Not sure what’s in that but whatever it is, it’s damn good. My hood hands down has the best food. 

^ TriBeCa Film Festival started this week... kind of dying to see something if I can somehow squeeze it in. Oh and BrandStyle 2.0 began this week. Good things are on the horizon... feelin’ them good vibes comin’ in hot. 

^ Dinner at The Black Ant with w. Tor to hear all about her Coachella adventures and swap Cali stories. Oh and the guac actually does have crunched up black ants (it’s amazing) and the chips are phenom. And yes, that was my first glass of rose this season. And outdoor eating season has officially begun in the city. AMEN. 

^ Dinner at Walter’s in Fort Green last night... oh my. The brussels were so garlick’yy and delicious. Need to go back again stat. K Linds? Obsessed w. that rockstar fam at the bar. Chic mom meets BK tween and rockstar boyfriend? 

Well, here we go again. The day before the 48 hour ‘break’ if you can call it that? Not sure what’s more crazy these days; the week days or the weekends. Regardless, each usually pose interesting so, here we go. 

David Brooks, The New York Times

My reco: READ THE FULL ARTICLE (here). It’s worth it. One of the best articles I have read in a long time. 

Do you brighten someone’s day? Maybe it’s time to strive to be more like one of ‘those’... sometimes our skill set needs shifting. Mine certainly does. 

Last week I had an incredible trip. One of those ones that you know, while it’s happening, that it will be one you remember forever and always. 

On April 1st, I headed to Orange County, California to visit Alan. I arrived, bags in hand (my fave leather duffle from Italy always tags along), to be welcomed by “better half” smiling at the bottom of the escalator. I sound like I am talking about my boyfriend (I’m not) but the butterflies I got when seeing him after SEVEN months? Insane. What’s more insane is the mere fact that we had spent that many months apart yet seeing each other again, and all snaps back into normality, within a matter moments. Funny how things work like that, eh? 

When we arrived at his place, I was hardly surprised in the least to be greeted with an apartment that deems one fit for an Oakes; eclectic and polished. The homegrown Colorado boy, takes his New York city style and integrates it within the Deco of a CA Motel that’s been converted into an apartment complex. Make sense? Probably not... so I have pictures to share ;) 

^ Exhibit A. Do you want to move in? 

^ Exhibit B. Just incase you weren’t convinced from the first image... that dang black door from Brooklyn,  to Times Square, to Stuy even made it to CA. No words.

^ I digress. We arrived and he had a cheese plate, champagne and homemade baked goods (this girl’s sweet tooth is insatiable) to welcome me. Shortly after getting settled in, we ventured to Laguna for dinner. It was the perfect first night. 

The next morning, we woke up early and headed to Balboa Peninsula.

^ California looks good on him. 

^ We took a long bike ride to along a path on the beach. It was the first time I had been outside in a tank in what felt like YEARS. Needless to say, it was so amazing to have the sun on my back... but even better to catch up with the kid riding next to me. 

(( Distance has a way of making you appreciate friendships + relationships even more than you already did. There’s that old saying, huh? Guess it holds true! ))

 ^ Peanut butter milkshakes and soaking up the sun on the pier. My kind of Thursday. 

^ Open fish market... not for me. Well the smell. Still picturesque, no? 

^ And later that day, some interesting lines started to really take over my back. Between the outdoor bike rides and running... Yikes. 

^ So much yes above. Thank God for breathtaking sunsets and places. 

^ How amazing are these homes built into the hillside? So many layers. At this point we were shivering so badly because we had sweat so much during our previous Bikram class that our bodies were in serious shock.

^ Tbh, we make a pretty killer power duo... 

^ But seriously, we do. 

^ B’fast for one at Babette’s at Newport Beach while Alan had to work.  Tell me that doesn’t look like the most delicious avo-omlette you ever did see... 

^ And after breakie, I got to run along the most beautiful path. It’s amazing how caught up we get with little things, and then you come to a fork in the road (literally), take a moment to breathe, see and you see... damn there really is such beauty as far as the eye can see. 

^ I mean... how can you not believe in more when surrounded by such beauty. In reality, we are each so small; yet each so powerful. 

Each of us are filled with a light. Let that burn bright. 

Can’t emphasize enough what travel does for the soul. It moves you; literally and figuratively. Emotionally and physically. It helps you find you. 

^ It’s just too pretty. Maybe it’s because I don’t escape the concrete jungle all that often, but still... I have the travel itch really bad right now.

^ All of the sweat, please. Why is it so gratifying to feel your body working hard for you.

^ To Bikram we go! Can’t even help myself. Phone out always. Snapping... always.

I will appreciate these one day when I am old and trying to relive my past adventures. In that respect, I know it will be worth the crazy snapping... 

^ But before Bikram, we stopped by the prettiest boutique Bloom Stand right off the road. If I could have taken all of these home with me, you know I would in an instant. 

^ Things are always lookin’ up. Soy Cali. Doesn’t get much better than this scene just after another Bikram class. 

Change your perspective. Get out of your head. Look up. 

^ One (of the many) thing that I really miss about him in New York is the nights we would spend in the kitchen together. Happy we got to get down with it and concoct a salad piled with freshly sautéed veggies

^ ... and paired with dirty martinis. Our tradition. Transplanted.

^ And on Saturday morning, we found MSQ in CA? Lady Liberty and all? Who pranked us. Come on... just tell us. 

^ B’fast outdoors is always a good idea (so are coconut macaroons). It also got me seemingly excited for the opening of all of the restaurants and cafes in NY... if the weather ever decides to, ya know, warm up. 

I think mornings may just be the best thing waking up for. I enjoy them thoroughly; the fresh perspective of what’s ahead, the crisp morning light, and the caffeine buzz.

^ After eating, we decided to take a day trip to La Jolla and San Diego. La Jolla was super cute. Quaint town. Parking = nightmare. Backdrop makes it worth all of the hassle. 

^ After driving to San Diego, Google maps leading us astray... and a perfect late afternoon lunch on the water, we cruised back to Orange County just before sunset. Love car rides... especially when not staring at a meter. 

^ I’ll take all of the carrot cake for breakfast. Happy Easter Er’bunny ;)

^ Venice Beach. Surfs up... and down. It was definitely down for that kid who bit it shortly after. 

^ J’adore the whites everywhere. And the tiles to compliment? Def crushin’ on the scene at Venice Beach (beyond the boardwalk of crazies...). Doesn’t that just look like ‘California’? You know exactly what I mean. 

^ Abbott Kinney road is the juxtoposition of Soho NY meets Brooklyn at Venice Beach. Make sense? It was the best of the best. 

He is my most favorite to explore with. 

^ The Piece Collective is one the best curated stores I have been into. Each item, from a bracelet to bag to book, was so thoughtfully picked and place. You can only imagine how much I desperately wanted... like, everything. #OY

^ Wait, this door? I need this entire scene in a vacation home one day. 

^ After Venice Beach, we made our way up to Santa Monica where we walked the pier. It’s after being in such ‘touristy’ places, you see how truly “unique” some people are... needless to say, he and I had quite a laugh over some of the characters we encountered. We are kind of really great at having a good laugh... at other’s expenses. Sometimes? All of the time? Eeeek... we are so burning. 

^ Up, up and away we go.

What’s more to say? I am a very blessed girl to have had sunshine for days, but most importantly, to have had the opportunity to spend such quality time with my best friend; a kid who truly inspires me every day, somehow all the way from the other side of the country. Doesn’t get much better than that. We’re kind of adults now? Kind of.

R.M. Drake

“...and you have to really know the crowd to find yourself.”