Sunday mornings usually start with the questions "do you still want to go?" and, "do we have time to pick up coffee?"
Read MoreMornings at Rockaway Beach
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Our Los Angeles AirBnB: Apartment Tour
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I have long been a fan of AirBnB. Since my partner and I last visited Europe I have become pretty savvy at finding great deals in lovely spaces (if I do say so myself). Our trip to LA in March was no exception, so I thought I would show you around the space! Read my post on how to decide if AirBnB is for you if you are having doubts of your own.
Welcome to Mar Vista! Adam and I were originally looking for a place in Venice (near the beach) but booked so late in the game that all the good (and affordable) places were gone. Nevertheless and fortunately, we were able to find a shared apartment with it's own private bath (and an amazingly hospitable host) in a neighboring area called Mar Vista. We ended up loving it here! The neighborhood was quiet enough that we were able to avoid the tourist congestion and find parking everyday. Not to mention the space itself is so California cool. The aesthetic is pretty different from our minimal apartment in NYC, but it made me rethink what home can feel like...
This AirBnB had a very easy vibe, from the enormous couch you sink right into, to all of the plants that absorbed all the incoming sunshine. I really loved how "lived in", yet neat the place was. Everywhere you turn there is something that catches your eye and tells a story about the person who lives there. No two items look alike, yet everything is cohesive.
As minimalists, I struggle with having things that are sentimental lying around (or even stored away). Adam and I keep these types of items limited, but we both were very inspired by the simple and natural way that all of the items (most very functional) were exposed. Each item was special and in a way felt celebrated. And after all that is the point of my minimalist lifestyle, to only have things that are of values to me, so why not celebrate them a little!
El Matador State Beach
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I fell in love with Southern California, and it only took a week.
Last month my honey and I took a somewhat impromptu trip to LA. We usually mull over our destinations up to a year a head of time and then spend months planning. Maybe it was because of the tireless winter this year, or the depressing politics wearing away at us, but this trip was different. We decided in early February to get away and we on a flight in March. Let me just say, I could get used to this kind of spontaneity if this is what it produces.
We left California inspired and rejuvenated. And one of my favorite places was El Matador Beach in Malibu. The beach was a bit crowded, and the water freezing cold but nonetheless it was well worth the short drive up the Pacific Coast Highway. Just see for yourself...
I have more highlights from this trip to come, so stay tuned!
More Of California
Rome in Pictures
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March has finally arrived and Spring is around the corner, but this has not stopped my MAJOR travel fever for coming on full strength. To satiate my wanderlust (or possibly egg it on!) this Friday photo story is in honor of the beautiful city of Rome, one of the few cities I have visited so far that I could see myself calling a home base one day. Enjoy!
travel on!
One Minute in Athens, Greece
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A couple weeks ago I shared 5 must do things while in Athens. Now I want to share a short montage of (shaky) footage I shot!
Be Outraged and Resist
Trump has been in office for a week and the country is on fire. It started with limiting a woman's right to choose and an effort to start dismantling universal healthcare (see the reinstatement of the global gag rule), setting back climate change efforts and clamping down on science as a whole (see Keystone XL & Dakota Access pipelines and Federal science actions), and attacking immigrants on multiple fronts with a particular emphasis on Muslims (see the border wall and Muslim ban). I have been slow to accept our new reality. I tried to be cautiously optimistic the days before his inauguration, then I tried to avoid the news as my greatest fears were being realized, then I was just sad. Now I am really pissed off and ready to work. Trump and his hateful policies must go. So here is what I am doing and I encourage you to do to. And this isn't where I am stopping, if you have any suggestions of other actions we can take please leave them in the comments below so everyone who sees this post can take part too.
Let's be outraged. Let's resist. Let's take our country back.
Make Your Voice Heard
Call your representatives, write letters, sign petitions, demonstrate in the streets if you have to! Our representatives are supposed to represent us and so it is our responsibility to make our positions known and continuously apply pressure on them. Use Common Cause's representative locator to find out who your reps are. And if you need a little extra help on what to say, check out this article for some tips about how to talk to your representative when you do call.
Organize
When President Obama told us in his farewell speech to organize I had no idea where to start. Luckily I have some incredible friends who did. We have begun by sharing good information and finding ways to do the above (reach out to our representatives). One friend has offered up her apartment on a weekly basis as a hub to create call scripts, make calls, write letters and keep information sharing. There is also an incredible guide and directory of how and where to get involved called the Indivisible Guide. Start with this and you'll be good.
Share Good Information
This requires staying informed and not propagating "alternative facts." Misinformation/fake news is a dangerous thing as we have already seen with this administration. We need to armor ourselves with the truth and be cynical with the media we consume. Also, good information is power. Articles like what to do if ICE agents come to your door should be widely shared so that everyone has the knowledge they need.
Donate
A little can go a very long way if we all chip in. I am personally giving to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Planned Parenthood and Justice Democrats(at minimum). I will be cutting out my work lunches, extra coffees, and any other frivolous spending to give all that I can. This is an investment in a country I want to live in and society we can be proud of after all!
Stay Positive
If we stop believing in the power of the people and democracy there is not way we can win. So please take care of yourself and those directly in front of you first. Practice self care and go at your own pace. Do what you need to in order to feel like you (and not a hopeless shell of you), feel strong, and remain hopeful. We could be in for the long haul and everyone of us needs to be able to take some time for ourselves.
"if you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor."
-desmond tutu
That is all I have, again please add ideas to this list. I want to know what actions you are taking and how you are taking care of yourself. Now is the time more than ever to spread love, count our blessings and support one another to ensure this time does not become our new normal!
XO
Space Program Europa at the YBCA
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I haven't been up for writing over the past week or so. I have some serious new administration blues that seem to worsen with each press release. So until I get my attitude together and figure out a way to contribute positively I will post about other's beautiful contributions to society! Today I want to share with you a few photos from the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) in San Francisco.
Sharing this feels particularly relevant for me considering all of the political actions against the federal science agencies and anyone federally funded in the sciences (especially working on climate change and sustainability). As a climate scientist who relied on federal dollars for all of the research I have ever been involved in I feel the hurt. I hurt because this work, work seeking to help humanity and the most vulnerable communities do not receive significant funding from other sources, certainly not from private one. So this post is dedicated to the determined scientists out there, inspiring hope, art, and a better society for all on a daily basis. We shall resist, we shall overcome.
Landing Excursion Module (LEM), a 1:1 model of the Apollo lunar module
While at the YBCA I examined in depth Tom Sachs' third Space Program, Europa which ran through the 15th of this month. In the introduction to this work Sachs writes,
In our age of disaffection, the sculptures in this exhibition are also objects of love that support the rituals of studio practice, all things analog, and the handmade. Their meaning is born out of action in time - the original act of their making, and later their use, charges them with purpose beyond art for its own sake.
That's it for my little glimpse into this intricate exhibition and truly hope you get to see some of Sachs "postindustrial mashup of high and low culture" (as he has said) in the future! Save a few hours to if you do, it is very thought provoking and such a spectacle to see.
How to Spend a Weekend in San Francisco
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Weekend trips are so hard for me to plan, there just ins't enough time to see all I want to see (story of my life)! So I put this little guide together of my hit list of places to stay, eat and see from my recent trip to the Bay Area.
Stay
The Kimpton Buchanan Hotel
The Kimpton Buchanan Hotel
The Kimpton Buchanan Hotel
The Kimpton Buchanan Hotel
The Kimpton Buchanan Hotel
The Tilden Hotel
The Tilden Hotel
The Tilden Hotel
My first two nights I stayed at the Kimpton Buchanan Hotel, a super cute boutique hotel at the nexus of Japantown, Fillmore and Pacific Heights. Stylish and super hospitable, this hotel was offered a wine happy hour in the lobby each evening which is a added bonus! On my last night I stayed at the recently renovated Tilden Hotel. The Tilden is simple, budget friendly and located within walking distance of downtown and shopping districts.
EAT
Sweet Maple
Flora Restaurant
Flora Restaurant
Flora Restaurant
Akiko's Sushi Restaurant
A kik o's Sushi Restaurant
San Francisco has many great restaurants, all of which I was dying to try! But between all of the running around and the conference I attended there were three stand out meals from my visit. One brunch spot I really enjoyed was Sweet Maple. Sweet Maple is in between the Pacific Heights and Fillmore neighborhoods and truly feels like an institution there. The all american menu gave me diner vibes with a Californian-freshness. One morning I popped over to Oakland (another place I am dying to get back to!) for brunch at Flora with friends. Flora is a stylish, art deco spot with an elegant and delicious menu. Finally, Akiko's Sushi Restaurant. Althoughquite the splurge this is some of the best sushi I have ever had (this coming from someone with a Japanese Grandmother!). I suggest sitting at the sushi bar and asking for omakase (chef's choice) and just letting them know about how much you'd like to eat/spend (scope out the menu ahead of time to get a feel for the prices.) Then sit back and be spoiled!
Do
The Painted Ladies
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
San Francisco Museum of Modern Arts
The de Young Museum
The de Young Museum
The Golden Gate Bridge
If you've been following me here you know how much I lovemuseums and my first recommendations won't surprise you. The Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) is a contemporary arts space that aims to show socially impactful exhibitions while making sure it is affordable for all to see. On my visit I had the fortune of experiencing Tom Sachs' Space Program: Europa in all of it's toolshed fusion glory (read more here!). Just across from YBCA and the Yerba Buena Gardens it is nestled in is the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA). Unfortunately I didn't get to pop in on this trip but I definitely will next time, I noticed they have several Richard Serra works (which I fell in love with since my visit to Dia: Beacon!). And finally, the de Young Museum of Fine Arts. From the architecture to the art within, the de Young is a must see destination. Read (and see) more about it in my last post.
As far as the traditional sights, I made my way to the Painted Ladies, drove down the crooked Lombard Street, and admired Crissy Field and the Golden Gate Bridge. Honestly, the painted ladies and Lombard street are tourist traps. If I had it to do over again I would spend more time hiking the trails on either end of the bridge.
And thats about it! Tell me, what have or would you do in in the Bay Area for 48 hours?
The de Young Museum
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Situated in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park is the de Young Museum of fine arts, known for near panoramic views of the city as stunning as its collections.
On my first day sightseeing in SF my first stop after brunch was to this museum. I was eager to see the beautiful gardens, building and of course artwork and this turned out to be the perfect activity for what was a very chilly morning.
The majority of the museum is contained in just a few floors with wide, geometric galleries that transition one to the next with such ease that I would forget where I was coming from by the time I arrived at the next exhibition.
As a visitor to the city I was very eager to see the views from the museums twisted tower. From the glass walled observation deck I admired the hilly, yet very flat and brightness of San Francisco (a stark contrast to my tall and grey New York).
After admiring the view from above I was eager to see the sculpture garden I have been glimpsing through the gallery windows all morning. From there I could admire the work of architects Herzog and deMueron against the bright blue sky. The sharp geometry of the building and perforated facade created so many dramatic and subtle shadows as we approached midday.
A morning well spent in the company of lovely art, inspiring architecture, and beautiful foliage. What more could I have asked for!
View of San Francisco from the deYoung Tower
San Francisco in Pictures
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In December I was giving a short talk at a conference in San Francisco for some research I have been involved in (yay! my first oral presentation!!). Since I was already making the trip to the west coast I extended my stay to include the weekend. Here is a tiny taste of what I packed into those two days!
deYoung Museum
Silhouettes and city views
California Academy of Sciences
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
View from Lombard Street
The Painted Ladies
Chrissy Field
The iconic Golden Gate Bridge
Isn't this city so pretty?! Very different from NYC thats for sure. Look out for my San Francisco weekend guide, I will be posting it later this week!
travel on!
Rainy Romantic Paris a Photo Story
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A couple of years ago I went on my first solo trip around Europe. My last stop was a couple of days in Paris. It poured the entire time but it was incredibly romantic. I saw some of the classic tourist sights such as the River Seine, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, Sacre Coeur, and (of course) the Eiffel Tower.
Arc de Triomphe
Champs-Élysées
Sacre Coeur
Sacre Coeur
The River Seine
Eiffel Tower from afar
Eiffel Tower
Eiffel Tower
- fin -
Brooklyn Botanic Gardens
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I am a total plant lady 🌿 , so my visit to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden totally made my heart swoon. The gardens opened over 100 years ago and my two favorite features are some of oldest parts: the Japanese gardens (opened in 1915) and the Conservatory (constructed in 1917). If you could use a little more greenery in your life right now please enjoy an overload of it below!
Japanese Hill & Pond
Aquatic House
Tropical pavilion
Desert pavilion
Greened out yet!?! I hope you loved it, I personally was inspired by the aquatic house to add a couple of orchid plants to the apartment and am on the lookout for some new cacti varieties!
Nice: A Photo Story
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It may be the cool weather or the fact that I can feel the end of 2016 creeping up on us, but I have been nostalgically sifting through old photos lately. During one of my digital strolls down memory lane I stumbled upon my 2013 visit to the beautiful French beach City of Nice.
This sweet French Riviera town was not originally part of my itinerary that year. After visiting friends in London I decided to book and impromptu flight and spend a couple of day on the beach before heading to Italy. While my stay was short it was certainly memorable... maybe 2017 is the year to return..!
Kings County Distillery
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When I am not traveling I love to spend my weekends exploring new places around me in NYC. Recently the city had Open House New York (OHNY), and annual event where institutions and businesses open up their doors for exclusive for discounted tours that highlights design and planning around the boroughs (so cool right!?). My partner and I decided to cross over to Brooklyn to tour Kings County Distillery.
Kings County Distillery is the oldest distillery operating in the the 5 boroughs, but that isn’t saying much because it opened in 2010! It was the first post-prohibition era distillery to open up and has become a whiskey lover's favorite. I personally am not a whiskey kind of girl (I much prefer a spicy gin or full bodied glass of wine) but I had gifted my partner a small bottle of the bourbon a year or so ago based on the beautiful look of the bottle. He was immediately smitten.
The distillery is located in Brooklyn’s historic navy yard in the relatively small former paymaster’s building. Because of their artisan small batch roots this is not a problem for the whiskey and moonshine makers. What they lack in volume is more than made up for in quality. Over the course of the tour we learned that the founder, originally from Kentucky, began making moonshine with a roommate after college, and later decided to move their small illegal operation to the navy yard once demand exploded and the FBI caught wind.
We toured the basements where the mash is fermented in open air vats and then made a spirit by the stills. And then went upstairs to where the bourbon is barrel aged in a delicious smelling room. We ended our tour with a tasting of the classic moonshine, seasonal spiced moonshine, classic bourbon, and chocolate whiskey.
In all it was a lovely to see how a product I respect so much is made, and meet some of the people part of that process. It really sparked my desire to learn more about other local products!
Hometown Tourist: Reynolda Gardens
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I recently went to visit my Grandmother and parents in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Although originally from NYC, I spent most of my childhood growing up there. I always thought of Winston-Salem as home and not a place to discover and explore, but on this trip I recognized that is not so. On this trip I took a few hours with my mother and sister in tow to wander about Reynolda Gardens, a place I know but never really appreciated. That changed on this visit...
Reynolda Gardens is part of the former estate of tabacco magnate and businessman Richard Joshua Reynolds. The grounds were developed in 1906 during a period called the Country House Era where wealthy industrialists would build lavish estates to which they could retreat to for fresh air and relaxation. Now the garden's 129 acres are maintained by Wake Forest University and used for educational and public purposes. While there we strolled though the gardens near the greenhouse (above) and the Reynolda House museum (below), and on my next trip I plan to explore the boathouse and meadows. And as you can see we also took lots of selfies and pictures of the beautiful botanicals!
Just writing this post is exciting me to get back soon and see so much more of that Winston has to offer!
The Barcelona Pavilion
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Less is More.
The Barcelona Pavilion, a reconstruction of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's 1929 German Pavilion for the Barcelona International Exposition (also referred to as the World's Fair) is a the phrase "less is more" in a building. The Barcelona Pavilion is notable because it represents some of the most dominant philosophies of the self-educated architect. Mies was a modernist who was thoughtful about hoe nature and built structures interact. The minimalist structure employs expensive stones, referring back to the architect's childhood working in his father's stone carving shop. The space features 2 shallow pools and a lush back garden. And the views from the different rooms are all so different and beautiful.
I fell in love with the pavilion. The space was quiet and meditative. I honestly didn't want to leave. And despite the building being completely exposed to a public square in a very touristy area it felt tucked away from the city. I felt like a like a house sitter to someone with very excellent taste.
After admiring the genius of Mies van der Rohe I had fallen in love with minimalism all over again. Event the travertines and marble I first thought a bit tacky had grown on me. I left feeling light and inspired. And each time I look back on these photos I get those feelings again.
I (obviously!) highly recommend a visit to the Barcelona Pavilion. You will be surprised how interesting such a bare bones place can be.
Crash Course: Gaudí's Barcelona
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Barcelona is by far the most eclectic city I have ever been to. It is magical city where beach chill meets urban metropolis, Catalan and Spanish culture mingle, and entertainment is abundant day and night. I attribute part of the city's whimsy to Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and his imaginative and almost surreal buildings. There are more than ten organically shaped and mosaic-laden Gaudí creations in the city and these are just beauties five I visited.
Casa Batlló + La Pedrera
Casa Batlló and La Pedrera (also known as Casa Milà) are located on Passeig de Gràcia and have very distinct facades. Casa Batlló was a 1904 remodel of a private home with skeletal terraces and a dragon-esque rooftop. Shortly after Casa Batlló Gaudí took on his last private commission, La Pedrera. This home was constructed on a large corner lot and its design was based on the idea of an uninterrupted curve inside and out. Gaudí looked closely at nature for inspiration in his design and steered away from lines and angles since he felt they were not often observed in nature. The curvature of many of his buildings is what makes them stand out and surprise you when you encounter them.
Parc Güell
Parc Güell is situated atop Carmel Hill and was a failed endeavor of entrepreneur Eusebio Güell. Güell envisioned a high-end, gated community inspired by English garden city movement. Gaudí designed the community master plan which included gardens, a covered marketplace and footpaths, and a communal square with outlook point. What was meant to be an exclusive community far away from the industrializing city (in the year 1900) is now a public park open for anyone (who is willing to pay a modest entrance fee) to enjoy. Only two of the intended sixty homes were ever built on the estate (one of which Gaudí lived in until his death) but there are various examples of innovative infrastructure that mimics the nature that surrounds it.
La Sagrada Familia
Sagrada Família is undoubtedly Gaudí's greatest work. It is an incredibly detailed and massive in size basilica that has been under construction since 1882. 134 years! Inspired after a trip to the vatican bookseller and founder of the Spiritual Association of Devotees of St. Joseph, Josep Maria Rocabella commissioned the church.Gaudí was not the original intended designer but in a serendipitous series of events took on the design a year into construction. After the original architect, Francisco del Villar dropped the project due to creative disagreements with the client's advising architect Joan Martorell the project was offered to Martorell. Martorell declined the offer but recommended Anotoni Gaudí for the job who accepted in 1883 and completely redesigned what was going to be a gothic style church into his masterpiece.
When Gaudí died in 1926 the basilica was less that a quarter complete and later experienced further construction delays during the Spanish Civil War. The project was resumed in the 1950s but without many of the original models, which were destroyed and damaged during the war.
On the grounds is the Sagrada Família Schools, and personally my favorite Gaudí structure. The wavy brick building is simple yet completely unique. And as the most "conventional" of all the Gaudí buildings I saw it was the only one I felt I could full take in, but that may just be due to the smaller scale! I also love this building because it was created for the children of construction workers to study while their fathers worked on the church.
Antoni Gaudí immediately conjures the image of Barcelona, and Barcelona wouldn't be the same without the ornate and quirky works of Gaudí. Every single one of his works are worth a long look to get to know the city that houses them.
Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art
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Last year, during a whirlwind Euro-tour, my partner and I spent a few days in the beautiful Barcelona. Him the architect, and me the architecture adorer made the Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona (MACBA) our first stop. This modern museum is located at Plaça dels Ángels in El Raval, one of two historic districts adjoining the popular La Rambla neighborhood. Famed architect Richard Meier's largely glass and concrete building was erected in 1995 amongst the old gothic architecture of the neighborhood. The windows allow light to flood the spaces in streams. All in all the art was fine but the building was magnificent...
Ahhh, just so lovely. I mean look at us happy campers!!!
A Perfect Birthday
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I turned 29 on Friday, and instead of going to work and celebrating later that night and throughout the weekend I decided to have a me day. It is my last birthday as a twenty-something after all!
Over the past several years I have been getting to know myself. I have learned that I don't need or want a lot to be happy. I have learned to value experiences over things. I have learned the only irreplaceable things in life are people and the relationships they bring. This year I didn't want any gifts, anything I want or need I can get for myself and I don't need a special day to do so. I wanted a day where I could just be myself with no obligations or expectations and just reflect on what I want this next year of my life to mean. And that is just what I had.
My day started with a 7am wake-up call from my cousin that I grew up beside as if we were sisters. After a lot of laughs, some seriousness, and a little heckling the rest of the birthday wishes began to come in. By 10 I had finally eaten, showered, taken another birthday call and arranged to spend the morning by the pool with a friend, Rhoda.
By the time Rhoda arrived I had already settled in poolside with 10 minutes of guided meditation and jotting down some things that had been swirling in my mind about this day. We spent the late morning and early afternoon talking about our lives and what we want. We tend to have the types of honest conversations people are afraid to have out loud and I really love it.
After grabbing lunch (and a cocktail) we headed to Brooklyn for yoga, naturally. Attending this class in the middle of the day in such a beautiful space made me appreciate all the things this city has to offer, and consider how I overlook those things when I am focused on my routine. And although I only made it through half of the routine (I blame the gin and 90F/100% humidity!), I was proud of myself for trying something new but also caring for myself and knowing when to stop.
I quickly returned home after class to scrub the sweat and city off of me before a very special and romantic dinner with my love when my shower was delayed by a call from my Grandmother. My Grandma has always been the strongest guiding force for me and often a confidante. I was mildly relieved when she told me 29 isn't "that old" (ha.ha... very funny Grams), but in all seriousness her call was the perfect last birthday call of the day. She always encourages me and this time around she reminded me the importance of looking outside of myself and giving where I can.
I suppose all of this to say that this birthday was so special to me because it highlighted all of the things I plan to work on this year:
- Continue creating more experiences and developing beautiful friendships
- Take better care of myself, love myself, and be gentle with myself
- Give more of me. Expand my capacity by sharing my time and anything else I have to give
Do you make birthday resolutions or goals? If so I would love to hear some of yours!
xo
A Day at Dia: Beacon
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Dia: Beacon has been on the list of places to visit for many months. This weekend my boo and I finally made it, and let me just say it was inspiring and a little magical.
Robert Irwin's landscaping, vestibule and forecourt
We took Metro North from NYC up to Beacon, NY to the former Nabisco box-printing factory turned museum. Master planner and featured artist Robert Irwin intended the experience of Dia: Beacon to begin at Grand Central and continue on the train as the city dissolves away to suburbs. The museum is located just off the banks of the Hudson River and is only a 10-minute, sign-guided walk from the train station.
John Chamberlain
Michael Heizer's North, East, South, West
I quickly fell for the massive windows that perfectly daylit the brick walls, concrete floors and art (of course). Irwin's partly frosted windows allowed for only peaks of his beautifully landscaped grounds.
The babe's favorite exhibit was Richard Serra's and although I was only mildly impressed at first the more I looked and and explored his work the more I appreciated it's thoughtfulness.
Lawrence Weiner, 5 Figures of Structure
Robert Smithson, Map of Broken Glass (Atlantis)
I think exhibits I enjoyed most were Michael Heizer's permanent exhibit North, East, South, West which is very reminiscent of the World Trade Center Memorial reflection pools, and Dan Flavin's neon sculpture installations.
We spent five hours wandering, lunching, enjoying the 1pm tour (hich is available on weekends and I highly recommend), and lounging in the grass. It was such a lovely day in a beautiful place filled with interesting ideas.
