star gazing

A couple weeks ago, a friend of mine asked me if I could take pictures of the stars to help in her astrology project. Since we live in congested area, we knew we would have to travel to find the right place. Thankfully, her friend invited us to visit her dad's house in rural Virgina, about 2 hours away from where we live. I had never heard of Bumpass, Virginia. When we go there it was as isolated as promised when we got there. No malls or wifi in sight.

new year

(i didn't know what pic to use so here's me being pensive or whatever)

First of all: Happy 2015 everyone! It's crazy that its 2015...I still feel like it's 2012. Sorry I'm a bit late, I'll definatly be working on my punctuality this year. I wish you all a year filled with love, happiness and adventures.

my goals to remember this year:

a new york holiday: guide

New York city during the holidays is an enchanting experience. The city dresses up for this time of the year. It's such a festive atmosphere, surrounded by lights and christmas trees. I feel as though each year that goes by, christmas looses its magic more. I'm not sure if it's because of "growing up" but it worries me for some reason. But visiting Manhattan for this season revived my love for the holidays. 

what to do:

1. Visit Rockefeller
This is quite touristy but it's well worth it! The christmas tree here is MASSIVE and beautiful to look at. I saw a proposal in the ice skating rink (She said yes!)

2. Chelsea Market
Chelsea Market is filled with unique stores and specialty shops. It's artfully decorated for the season. There's many vendors here that sell handmade goods. By buying here, you're supporting local artists. Get friends made in New York gifts from here. There's a cool bookstore here to browse trough.  There's so much to food to try! It's pretty much a foodie's heaven. From vegan sushi (Beyond Sushi) to mini doughnuts (Doughnuttery). There's something for everyone. It's also the home of Youtube and Food Network kitchens.

3. Bodega Trees
Walking through a forest of christmas trees in the middle of a bustling city is cool. They are everywhere so make sure to check them out. I really just wanted to get one for my invisible nyc apartment.

4. The Creative Little Garden
After my morning coffee, I was walking down East Village and came upon this gem. It's a serene little garden that's open for all. I was amazed at the holiday inspired decorations. It's defiantly worth a look during this time of the year. It's a quaint escape from the busy chaos of nyc.

5. Soho
Great place to do christmas shopping. During this time, most stores have huge sales.

6. Window Displays
Barneys, Macy's, Lord & Taylor and stores in 5th avenue all put on breathtaking holiday displays.

7. Ice Skating
Ice skating in New York is a classic holiday tradition. However, I honestly didn't have time to do this. I really wanted to do go ice skating so I'm going to have to go back. I would love to go to the Wollman Rink in Central Park. It's incredibly picturesque. It's expensive at $18, not including skate rentals. I think it's worth it for once. Also there's free ice skating in Bryant park. If you don't mind waiting for 2 hours in Rockefeller center, ice skating there is something you must do at least once. It will cost you $27 though.


Happy Holidays,

Mariella

goodbye october

I know we are already halfway through November but I just want to pay homage to my favorite month of the year: October. It always goes by too fast for me. I just love the smell of pumpkin- anything, the crisp mornings of fall, the crunching of leaves, and wearing my favorite sweaters. I didn't grow up in a place where Autumn happened so this season is still magical to me.

on the blue ridge mountains

Last week I travelled with my friends down to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains. I have wanted to go for a long time now and it finally happened. We went when the peak of the foliage was ending so the colors of autumn surrounded us. You can actually go to the Shenandoah website and check their weekly fall color report to know what to expect and plan your trip accordingly.

You never know how amazing a mountain is until you can admire it on the top.There are over 500 hiking trails and multiple waterfalls in the park. The Shenandoah is truly grand. We drove through 50 miles of mountains on Skyline Drive with Fleet Foxes in the background. We picnicked in the woods. We hiked down a waterfall where we climbed a rock and admired it from there. I can't wait to go back.

fog on a fall afternoon

The first day of October ended with unforeseen fog. I was taking pictures for an assignment for my photography class when my friend and I were surprised by the chilly drift of fog. I've only seen fog really early in the mornings when I used to wait for the bus. So being able to walk trough it for the first time was an eerily amazing experience.  I always wanted to feel what it was like. I hope this autumn brings more chilly afternoons filled with fog.

life

I know I've been neglecting my blog too much. Life is incredibly hectic when you're a full time student and have a job. Often times I have to choose between the three S's: study, sleep, social life. When I do have free time, I prefer to spend it with my friends or catching up with my favorite shows, or both at the same time.

The stress is bad for my health. I eat enough vegetables, drink green juices every day and do yoga often. But stress can be detrimental and slows down your body. I've noticed that I'm getting sick more often. As a matter of fact, I would be in my biology lab right now if it weren't for a terrible case of sore throat. Seriously; I sound like I have been chain smoking since I was 5. 

There's no doubt that life is stressful, especially in your 20's. I can't completely eliminate stress but I'm managing to cope with it and find natural ways to reduce it. I'm sorry that my blog suffered from my stress.

As my mind is becoming more peaceful and clear, I'm going to try to update my blog more often. I have a lot of ideas that I just haven't had time to work on. I think I'm going to focus less on fashion and more on lifestyle and photography. 

Thanks for still being here,

Mariella