Goooooaaallll!

This is a post with just a lot of writing and no pictures- I won't be offended if you bypass it. A lot of it is for me to just get down on to something. Funny how blogging works sometimes..

and on a side note- for those you might be interested it is time again to sign-up for the Bigs and Littles Blogging network partnership again! You might recall I participated in this over the Fall and had a wonderful experience. It is a fantastic way to get to know a new blogger, and build a relationship that can help each of your blogs grow. Sign up here!!

New year, new week, new day. I love the feeling that with a new year it can mean a new start, a new life, a place to take a deep breath and start-over. Start a new job, relationship, health regimen. A way to start a new goal.

I have several goals for this upcoming year. I'm not going to call them resolutions because I don't want to feel as if I'm changing anything but instead striving to create something better. A goal to lose weight might be the same as a resolution to go to the gym more but instead it's putting it on a timeline that will hopefully last more than a week or two. And although both may have the same results and ending, I'd like to think it's different.

Blogging Goals:
As with any blogger I would love to grow this space. See more daily readers or even the occasionally drop-in. I'm going to work on making more of my images pinable and sharable.

I'd also like to focus on my content this year- perhaps to see myself become more of a niche blogger instead of a lifestyle one. Either way this may change in general because if all goes well around this time of year next year I will be gearing up for my long-hike.

Meet more of you! I want to create better relationships with the bloggers I have already started chatting too and while I'm at it start chatting with more of you. I like having this world of friends and acquaintances I can turn to at any time of the day.

Life Goals:
Along with most people I'd like to work on getting a bit more healthy. I had a stress-fracture in my leg this year in running and instead of doing the smart thing and continue to exercise with low-impact alternatives, I became depressed. I stopped working out at all, I ate my feelings and then started a fun cycle of not liking who I was becoming, gaining weight, become upset that this was happening and then eating some more. Ugly mess that I could totally acknowledge was unfolding and felt helpless to stop.  I'm not trying to beat myself up about it but want myself to be more aware of it. Make a more conscious decision when it comes to what I am eating and how I'm spending my time, and I've been cleared to start running again (slowly and at an easy pace) and that is what I'm going to do. Also, I'm still eligible for the marathon this year and kind of feel like I'm doing it no matter what- whether I can run the whole thing or have to drop out half-way, I will cross the start line (and hopefully the finish!)

I want to make better use of my time with my relationships too. With the job I'm currently at it's been hard to make time for the people I love and care about, to make times to go on dates. Every person I've been attempted to create a romantic relationship with in the past few years have falling apart before they even start because I'm scared of the time commitment. But guess what, relationships take time. I know, surprise! So I want to let me myself fall this year- and if that means I need to find a new job than I will, because although money is nice and yes I need it for forever, I also need relationships for forever and right now I think that is what is more important.

I'm a year+ ish away from my big hike and also need to start focusing on that. Spending my extra income on gear, finding a few weekends to take some practice hikes, figuring out how everything works. Start writing companies for sponsorships- it's going to happen, and I'm ecstatic, terrified and ready all at once.


So that is it, for now. I have a whole year ahead of me to start make changes, to work towards goals that have always been there but are now within my reach.

What kind of goals do you have for this year?

Life Lessons from Rebekah

I can only laugh as I write this post because as serious as it is (oh, it's super serious) it is also really just a laugh.

 A little back story on how they appeared- Friday night I went to a holiday party a friend and his roommates were hosting at their apartment. I was, by far, one of the oldest - if not the oldest, person at the party. And not that I'm old, 27, but when you are in a room with 22,23,24 year olds- you kind of feel old. I had a great time, no doubt, the room was packed with very enthusiastic people, great music. Heineken had even sponsored the party, due to a well timed tweet of a party-goer. But as a I sat on the couch at 1:30 am, with a few delicious drinks under my belt, I turned to my friend and decided I would give her some well-meaning life lessons, things I've learned in my old age.

- Don't pre-game before going to a club with a table and/or open bar. You will get horribly drunk, vomit and still be hung-over to the max the next day.

- Don't take a gypsy cab from the meat-packing district. They will try to rip you off and/or kidnap you.

- Say no to drugs on the street (and in general). It's not cool. Give hugs instead.

 

- Always listen to what T-Swift has to say, as well as her music. That lady gets us.

-If at anytime someone suggests going to Chipotle or buying you Chipotle, the answer is always YES

- When someone is too tall for you to see, kick them until the keel over and stop blocking your view (something I have never done but at 1:30 am sounded like prime advice)

And there you have it- life lessons from an intoxicated Rebekah. Some of which are really not too shabby... maybe there is something to learn from the whole write when you're drunk and edit sober thing..

5 Travel Tips for NYC (and my favorite apps to use!)

I've now lived in NYC for just a bit over 5 years and love the place to pieces. It was quite a whirlwind when I moved but each day I learn more tricks, tips and helpful hints. I will now bestow some of that wisdom on to you...

1) Public transportation is your very best friend- and Google maps (my favorite trip app). In other places it might seem a nuisance to take the bus, or not worth the time to climb on a train - but in NYC it's a necessity. Depending on the length of your stay it even be worth it to purchase an unlimited bus/subway pass. Many stations have self-service kiosks as well as an attendant to talk to- one who  might be able to give you your best options.

2) IF you do need to take a cab- which yes, you may want/need to at some point- always flag a yellow cab. the black/gypsy cabs can grossly overcharge you and they are sometimes super sketchy. Also note- a green cab (new to these parts) are the same as yellow cabs- they can only be hailed though in outlying areas though (Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Upper Manhattan). Don't expect a green cab to stop in the middle of Times Square- he cannot.

A cab is available if the yellow light is lit (see wonderful picture below). I can't tell you how many angry/disappointed tourist faces I see each day when they stick their arms out and can't figure out why a car isn't stopping. A super useful app for this is Uber. I love Uber in NYC because one of the options is getting a yellow cab (uberT).

3) Don't eat near the touristy places!! Time Square can be lots of fun and an exciting place to see but all the food in that area is super super overpriced and doesn't taste that good- besides the fact that is mostly chains you can probably find down the street from your house. Your best bet is to use another great app- Yelp. Yelp can help search the best or most reviewed places nearby, how much the location costs and give you the distance to them. I've found many gems on Yelp, places I still go back to with friends and family.

 

4) Ask for help. Besides the reputation we have, New Yorkers are actually pretty friendly and very helpful. Now, this doesn't mean you try and ask the businessman hauling butt down 5th Ave to stop and give you directions- he is going somewhere and needs to be there now, but there are plenty of other locals walking about leisurely that you should be able to spot, stop and ask.

5) Go to the Museums! Both the MET and the Natural History Museum you can pay what you want to get in- they are also almost exactly across from each other (with Central Park as a separator) Make a day of the two- start at one, walk through the park then go to the other! It makes for some great sights, a nice walk, and is light on the bank. And by walking from the east side to the west side (or vice versa) you experience a completely different view of the city.

One of my favorite things about NYC is that everything is so different. There is a neighborhood for everyone, from the Bronx to Brooklyn you can always find something new, unique, and beautiful. Spring/Fall are great times to visit because the weather is typically mild and that makes the subways, and walking about much more enjoyable. And if you have the time- do walk. The subway is convenient and can be quicker but walking gets you the best experience of all.

Hit me up when you come for a visit! I love sharing places to eat, visit, and meeting with new people for a drink/chat.

Facts About Me!

We are so close to the end!! I seriously can't believe that I truly made through this challenge- I know I still have tomorrow but since that post is already half-written I will take this as a win. Anyways, there will be more celebrating tomorrow.

Today's prompt: Facts about ME! When I first started blogging I did a post with 25 facts about me. I'm not sure if I can whip about that many more but I will certainly give it my best shot...

• I do know how to knit but have currently been working on the same few projects for several years... I will finish them one day!

I made one mitten in this pattern (blue and coral colors) and only the wrist of the second...

•  My birthday is on the cusp of the astrological signs Leo and Virgo. I like to think that I am a little bit of both

• I've listened to the new Taylor Swift albums at least 20 times already this week...

•  I believe in ghosts and aliens

• I didn't start drinking coffee until I moved to NYC

• Winter is my favorite season- I'm so looking forward to snow!

• My favorite superhero is Wolverine (especially when played by Hugh Jackman)

• In 2010 I read over 200 books, I kept track in a word document. This included new and old stories- I would guess that I read about the same every year, give or take. (maybe this can be  new years resolution for 2015!)

And that's all I got for now. Come back tomorrow for the last day of blogtober and to find out my costume inspiration!!

Apple Picking Adventure!

Hooray! I crossed another item off of my Fall bucket list- I'm way too impressed with myself and the progress I have made with this list this year. Woah.

I dragged a few friends out to Pennings Farm Orchard in Warwick, NY. It took about an hour + to drive there, a nice scenic route through the hills and mountains with lots of gorgeous fall leaves. We also listened to the new T-Swift album that a friend bootlegged. I give it absolute approval- T-Swift you've done it again!

The orchard was nice, they only had two varieties of apples left but we maneuvered our way through and found some delicious picks to snack on.

 After filling our bag of apples we went to the beer garden of the orchard that had some amazing house made hard apple cider, beer, and a bunch of other things. It had a great playground for kids, some chickens, goats and a sweet baby cow to pet and a great food area.

We ordered food, drinks, grabbed some sweets and goodies from the market area and then grabbed tasty doughnuts and fresh apple cider for the ride home.

Next year we now know to go earlier for a better apple variety but overall it was a lot of fun and I'm glad we made an adventure of it! 

One Thing You Can't Live Without

#Blogtober14- we enter day 3, and still going strong.

One Thing You Can't Live Without:

If we are getting technical then air would definitely be at the top of my list. I mean besides most of my body parts, as well as water- all are pretty up there for things I need to live.. but I don't think this was the intention of the post prompt.

this is a legit question folks

One thing I really couldn't live without- a very tough question. Since it is labeled "thing" I'm going to say this gives me the right to pick an object, no way I could ever narrow it to one person, or food item.

Mmmhmm- I'm beyond perplexed with that I would pick. I know when I take my hike through the woods having a comfortable sleeping bag/mat will be at the top of my list, besides a good stove. Honestly though when attached to society I think my computer is one thing I couldn't live without.

If I truly had to give up everything else, my computer would still give me a way to communicate, watch, play and relax. Obviously I would still be able to blog too.

this is basically my computer- macbook pro with a lovely purple cover. my world.

So I think that will be my final answer: my computer (#firstworldproblems). I can order groceries with it and take-out, play my Sims games (nerd alert!), Skype/chat/email, keep up with TV and movies. If I really wanted to I could even use it as a pillow, not very comfortable, but nonetheless it could do the job.

What is one thing you couldn't live without?

wiggity wiggity here's another stitch fixy!

Clever eh? I swear I'm not addicted to these boxes... yet- and all though it seems like I just received one, in reality the last one just took me a while to post. Europe- what are you gonna do?

So here we go- Stitch Fix Box #5. Haven't heard of Stitch Fix yet? Let me tell you all about it.

Stitch Fix is this incredible online personal stylist company. After filling out a very extensive survey with your color, size, fabric and clothing preferences, a really awesome stylist picks out five pieces to send you- accessories and clothing. Some fun facts:

• They charge a $20 stylist fee that can be used towards whatever you purchase
• You only pay for what you want! Send the rejects back for free.
• If you do decide to purchase all five items you receive an additional 25% off!! woah, nelly
• They really really love your input, your notes and reactions to the picks.

For this box I made notes saying I wanted some great Fall pieces- a sweater, fun pants, maybe a sweater dress or two. As usual they listened quite well...

Skies are Blue Maura Mixed Stripe Crew Neck Sweater $58.00
    I'm basically in love with this sweater. I want it to be even cooler weather already so I can go ahead and wear it!! It is super cozy, soft, fits well- I just want to live in it.  Well done Stitch Fix, well done.

Malynn Asymmetrical Soft Moto Vest $58.00
        So I'm somewhat into this- and somewhat not. I haven't tried any vest thing yet and I'm not totally against it now. The vest feels amazing on, the fabric (like the name) is oh so soft. It would definitely be a great piece for a night out or a date. I'm going to be adventurous and give it a whirl.

Skies are Blue Sariyah Ikat Print Soft Pant $58.00
      I'm very torn about these pants. While they are comfy, and could definitely be worn for work or out with friends- they are pretty thin. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't even attempt to wear them until April at this point. I'm also not sure  if I would wear them that often. My gut reaction was cool, I've always wanted to try pants like these on. Now I have and honestly I'm sending them back. Would love to see something like them again though, come Spring.

THML Alannah Mixed Print Sweater Dress $78.00
      I asked Stitch Fix for a sweater dress that I could wear with leggings. Now, this fits the bill- but I'm not really feeling it. For one, it's a bit small. I'm also not a huge fan of the color, and it's kind of itchy. I couldn't imagine wearing if for more than a few minutes. Very happy they listened, and gave- just not super happy with what actually came. We will keep trying!

Pixley Allee Gathered Waistline Dress $78.00
     I like this dress a lot. I probably won't get a ton of use out of it, but it will work great as a work dress, interview, drinks with the university president and so forth. Something that can be a staple in your closet that has it's own flair. I love the cinched waist, the fact it has pockets (because who doesn't love pockets?) and the black stripes down the side and around the neck. Winner in my book.

Overall Stitch Fix rocks my socks- opening the box is so much fun, surprise clothes equal happy feelings. They really work best when you respond to them, by giving them feedback and by also letting them know what you are looking for. A specific item might not always be found, but they do their best to find it or something similar. Stitch Fix also works well with your pinterest. I make a point to pin a few new things between each box so they can see what I am looking for or have an eye on.

I know there is a lot of hubbaloo about the prices sometimes but you also have to remember that a) they are a business and have to make money at some level and b) they are doing a lot of the legwork of shopping for you. Plus you have the luxury of trying the item on at home- with your shoes and accessories. Test out how something will look, try it on with your own things. This is a wonderful service for moms, busy women or those who just might not like shopping that much. Or just the every day girl that loves getting new clothes (like me!)

Go ahead and sign on up now!! (this is my referral link- once you receive your first box , a $25 credit will be given to my account, but I am not being paid to write this post- all thoughts and opinions are my own!)

10 Things I am Thankful For

I would like to think I'm thankful for things everyday and season, but for some reason Fall makes all of us a little more thankful (it might have something to do with Thanksgiving?)

Here are 10 Wonderful Things I am Thankful for Right Now:

1) Being able to support myself. I have a job, I make money and I can pay my own bills. I can save my money, spend it, feed myself and go places on my own. I know too many people who still depend on their parents for help- and I am very very thankful that for now, I am doing alright on my own.

2) Fall TV- I am oh so happy that TV is back, summer was great with PLL and Royal Pains but nothing is better than some new stuff!

3) Wine. I feel like that one is enough said.

4) My friends! Summer is over and now we are all finally back in town, hanging out as one big group. I love them a lot.

5) Health Insurance- this might be a ding ding alert to me becoming a grown-up but seriously this stuff is amazing and super expensive and I'm still ridiculously thankful I have it. #obamacare

6) Animals- Sadie and Phoenix are the best I could ask for- they snuggle, love me and I adore them. Plus they make really great feet warmers in the fall/winter.

7) The blogging world! I can't believe that I've stuck with this for so long and I'm so happy I did. I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting a bunch of new people and finding my voice.

8) A family that doesn't care if I call them at 2 am while I am in Europe. I had a few meltdowns while in Paris. My family was there for every tear and thankfully every phone call I was able to have with them. Thank you!!

9) Red velvet cupcakes from Make My Cake. I seriously need to meet the woman who first started baking these because she may be one of my favorite people. Nom nom- if you ever come to NYC you have to stop here!

10) Technology- which makes it possible for me to write this post to you today. It sure has a come a long way and I can't wait to see where it goes next!

No photos today because I'm a lazy bum- you will just have to envision my thankfulness.

Linking up with The SITS Girls Back to Blogging Challenge!

Whirlwind of a Life

I'm just going to jump back into this thing and say the last few weeks have been quite a whirlwind of travel, stress, family and birthdays.

Let's go back in time to Saturday August 16th- this is where my journey began/ended/started/life got crazy. 

Except really we are going back to Friday the 15th when I went to pick up my first Rent the Runway dress- the blue Kate Spade one. I went to the store after dropping off the kids, they handed me the dress and at the last second I asked if it was okay if I tried it on. Thank goodness I did, in the dressing room I found the zipper was broken. Yikes- panic ensued. 

After trying on several more dresses and being assured a replacement dress would appear before 8 pm, I headed out the door with a beautiful green backup dress, just in case the Kate Spade replacement didn't show. Thankfully it did, but then I had a different dilemma- do I wear the new dress or the original pick? I decided to go with the original just because a) it is what I had originally picked, b) it's what my sister was expecting and c) that's what I had bought new shoes and a necklace for. 

Saturday I woke up bright and early, went down to DryBar and had my hair did for the bridal shower. I then hopped on a train to Philadelphia for the event. 

My eldest sister and one of the other bridesmaids planned the event, and they did an absolutely amazing job.

There were green candy stations (one of the wedding colors), stations to write memories, address thank-you notes, share a recipe and more. They had an engagement photo to sign as well. They also laid out the party favors (super adorable chocolate covered Oreos decorated with lips and a mustache- another theme). We even had super cute lips and mustaches on stick to play dress up with (and were for a game!)

The party was wonderful, everyone looked fantastic and it was so nice to see my family before I left for Europe. I hopped back on a train to head home and officially finish packing- a little last minute but hey, I made it..

good chunk of the bridal party- missing a few gals!

Sunday was one last brunch with friends and then heading to Spain! I watched The Other Woman on the plane, and it was hilarious- definitely recommended. 

The adventure continues tomorrow! Tune in for Spain...

Birthday Madness! + Giveaway

Well... it's here. The big 27. I officially feel old now that I've made the transition from mid-20s to late-20s. AHH. At around 8:30 ish this beautiful morning, 27 years ago, I decided to bless the world with my madness.

I've heard my birth story a few times, but I was about 2 weeks late- on Friday my mother went to the doctor and he told her that if I didn't show up by Monday then she was going to be induced. Determined to be a Leo (I'm right on the cusp) my strong-minded baby self decided to appear bright and early on Saturday morning. You're welcome world, I know, I'm awesome.

So Happy Birthday to Me! I'm getting myself a calorie-free day, the ability to fly, and maybe a new couch when I get back to the usa? Who knows- the possibilities are endless!

 I'm going to attempt to reflect on this past year- it's been overall a pretty good one..

1) I can feel my independence growing, and that I've pushed myself to learn who I think I am . I've always had strong feelings about women's rights and this year I felt like I actually talked about it more, made an effort to inform myself, educate others and love me for me.

2) For the first time I've actually set goals for myself, and ones that I feel I can actually keep. The Appalachian trail may still be a year and half away but I know that I will be doing it- the goal is set, and it will be completed.

3) Strength in my friends- for the first time in a while I have a solid group of friends that I know I can turn to, some of them I know will be friends for a lifetime, whether we eventually live in different states, countries, or still down the block. Is it weird to say I'm in love with all of them? They are all reading this and laughing now- but thanks for being awesome.

4) My emotions have changed so much- more so over the past few years and not just the past one and obviously it's because I'm getting older but I couldn't even express how grateful I am for it- I never cried about anything when I was younger and really almost all the way through college. Now though I am happy I can be okay to tear up at a commercial, sob over a book. I'm still not as great as expressing those emotions to other people, but I'm doing better. And I appreciate that I was able to change.

5) I appreciate the chances I've had to travel- not that I always get to see a ton when I travel with work, but I love the fact that I am still visiting foreign places, trying new cuisines and seeing different lifestyles. I look forward to traveling further, and just traveling in my own country this year.

Onward to another year- I think 27 is going to be even better than the last 26!

And on that note...summer is coming to an end (whomp whomp) so what better way to drown our sorrows than in $150 cash. sounds more than a little fantastic to me! I've joined up with Karli, from September Farm and all these other lovely ladies to bring you a nice treat to end the summer with..

 ...just check them out...aren't they dolls-faces?

get entered below. visit their super, fun blogs. thank me later.

soup of the day | beautiful things | p. s. my name is madeline | September FARM
east willow grove | elizabeth loves
harris heart to hearts | a life like mine
blue giraffes + concrete jungles | simply love | the farmer's wife | ribbon in the sky

a Rafflecopter giveaway

and I'm linking up with the regulars! with my new favorite song... seriously I've played it about a thousand times already..

Guilty Pleasures

I'm linking up today with Sarah and Helen for #totalsocial- this months topic, Guilty Pleasures.

Not sure why we have to consider them as something to be guilty of but we all have them,myself included.

I absolutely love any and all celebrity gossip. I get my US Weekly, ONTD updates and just about any and everything in my news feeds. Learning about the inner workings of a celebrity is like crack to me- they wore that? said that? kissed who? I seriously will call family members to tell them something that a celebrity did- mind you all people I do not know.

The Clique book series- one of my biggest guilty pleasures. These are the most ridiculous books and yet I love them so so much. It's a bit embarrassing- but hey, I guess that's why we are here! The author is no longer writing them since I own all of them (yes, all of them) I re-read them from time to time. The series is about a young girl named Claire, who moves with her family from Florida to Westchester. They move in with an old friend of her father's, a very wealthy family who have a daughter the same age as Claire, Massie. Massie is your "typical" popular girl- one who owns her school. She has more designer clothes than I could ever dream about owning and everyone under thumb. Super ridiculous and my favorite thing to get lost in.

And Harry Potter fanfiction - I'm a total nerd at heart but man some of them are amazing, like almost on par with J.K herself. 

Also before I go to sleep at night I like to make-up stories as if I was related to, best friends with or dating a celebrity. Like I have on going stories that I jump back in forth to - some that start as me as practically an infant to old age and relaxing in rocking chairs. I've been doing it probably since middle-school. It's as if I create alternate universes in my head..

What are some of your guilty pleasures?

and p.s- today is the LAST day to get %50 off ALL my ad spaces- use code hpforpresident at checkout!