bat cave

A Thanksgiving Celebration

6:01:00 AM


There is nothing quite as warm and sweet as the welcoming and joining of families. A tale as old as time, but an event so consistently surprising and wonderful that it deserves to be celebrated every year in anniversary.

This past Thanksgiving, my family had the utmost joy in celebrating my cousin and his new wife.  With a small bluegrass band on an oriental rug found in a dumpster and a creek running behind the display of North Carolina barbecue, we danced under the stars and bistro lights for hours.

Events like these are the most blissful reminder that you don't need too much in this life - just love, celebration, and a little bit of nature.




See more of my Vimeo here! 

bat cave north carolina

a month in moments // november

1:00:00 AM

Thinking back on November, I think back to complexity.  I think of the wide range of activities, events, people, and places I experienced and all the emotion that was felt. I have quite a bit to say about this November so grab your tea and join me!


As always, I deeply enjoyed witnessing this month's full moon/supermoon. There is something so humbling about a full moon. It makes you feel small and gently reminds you of your place on Earth. 


I got to see my little love bug, sidekick. When I look at her now that she is so old and slower, I see her as the little puppy she once was chasing me and my sister around our playhouse. She's brought this family laughter and sweetness. It is something special to grow up with a dog.


Many fires were made this past Thanksgiving and paired with the smokey mountain air from the North Carolina forest fires, our clothes were thick with the smokey, dense scent. I'm not complaining though. 


This year I was lucky enough to spend a few days at home in Pennsylvania before hopping back in the car for the drive down to North Carolina. I spent lovely days with my mother, a woman whose inner beauty radiates just as much as her outer beauty. We strolled through Longwood Gardens to see the last of the lush Autumn life before all trees and bushes are covered in lights for the holiday season. Golden hour is truly a mesmerizing time. 


How can golden hour not be one's favorite time of the day? It speaks to me spiritually. 


And again....GOLD.


Had my first successful rockhounding experience this past Thanksgiving. Mother Nature is a total goddess. I mean look at which she produces! The gem haul included garnet, aventurine, aquamarine, quartz, amethyst, sodalite, emerald, and topaz all in their truly raw forms. My favorite part: the first time the sifter is dunked in the water, washing away the dust and the perfect sunlight hitting the soft colors of these stones. It's safe to say I'm addicted and could do this everyday. 


My time at my Pennsylvania home was short, but it was sweet. Visits to Terrain and the newest Philadelphia Free People, baking with my dog under my feet waiting for a drop of cookie dough, and spinning some old records filled the short days. Now only two and half weeks, five projects, and 4 final exams stand between me and my Pennsylvania holiday celebrations. 

P.S. Be sure to check out this quick video I made of a simple recap of the infamous Hipp Thanksgiving. 

xo

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acoustic

my mix // thankful jams

1:00:00 AM

Once again, this year my family will be spending Thanksgiving in the mountains.  Bat Cave is a beautiful hidden wonder in the great Blue Ridge Mountains.  It always feels so natural to spend Thanksgiving with family here with hiking, shooting, cooking, and exploring darling Asheville.

When we are in the mountain cabin, there is a certain type of music that just feels so right.  A mix of folk, indie, and acoustic flows through the air like the smell of spices and coffee.  It doesn't create a mood but instead enhances the mood.  The right playlist in the right setting is a beautiful thing.



detox

Happy + Healthy // thanksgiving detox

9:09:00 AM

i must admit, thanksgiving was one heck of a fail for eating well. there was almost too much good food, and man was i weak. 

 this is the part that i hate. the part when i look back and think "really...why did i have to shove that in my mouth?" 

 but there is no time to waste! i have bikini to get into in 3 weeks! and i am going to rock that bikini will full confidence, so lets do this!
i have put together a little one week detox for this week...wish me luck!

 Eating/Drinking:

  1. majority fruits and vegetables
  2. non-fat salad dressings
  3. drink 3 liters of water a day
  4. tea instead of coffee
Exercise:
  1. stretching for 15 minutes everyday
  2. at least 45 minutes of cardio everyday
  3. strength training every other day (8 minute abs, etc.)
Mind and Soul:
  1. meditation before bed
  2. positivity!



appalachia

thankful

10:53:00 AM

another lovely thanksgiving has come and passed. and although it was short, it was sweet. 
as i move back in to my tiny dorm room, i reminisce on the floating aroma of sweet potatoes, the crinkling leaves underneath my hiking boots, the tales told by the snapping fire, and the laughter shared among adults and children alike. 
being in the mountains of asheville, the trees, hills, and their massiveness makes it easy to step back and realize everything and everyone i have in my own little world. i have so much to be thankful for and there will never be enough time to tell. however, realizing how thankful and blessed you are, i think, is a big step towards gratefulness and happiness. 
i will say this: walking through the silent forest, hiking to grand waterfalls, looking down a winding creek, and breathing in fresh mountain air made for a blissful thanksgiving. and for that, i am forever grateful.