Seven Things I learned from: Gilmore Girls

1. Your family can be your best friends and your best friend is like your family!

2. Every relationship is an opportunity to learn about yourself.

3. Important staples of a Gilmore Girl's balanced diet are Pop Tarts and Coffee, lots of coffee.

4. Pro/Con Lists are an excellent way to make important life decisions.

5. Books are an excellent way to learn about yourself and the world around you.

6.  When in doubt use big words or just keep talking... This is definitely a good tip for awkward social situation. 

7. Never give up on your dreams, but don't be afraid to be open to new possibilities (Like Rory going to Yale instead of Harvard!)

Exploring Boston Common, the Public Garden, and the North End!

I had a whole day to explore Boston so I decided to take a trip down to Boston Common and the Public Garden.  They are two gardens right next to each other, but they were built two centuries apart.  The Boston Common as built in 1634 and is considered to be America's first public park. I absolutely loved the carousel and how the park was surrounded by the city. The Boston Public Garden was built in 1837 and my favorite park was the beautiful pond, home to lovely swans.

I got a little bit lost on my way to the North End, but I knew I was in the right place when I overheard many locals speaking Italian! The North End is probably my favorite part about Boston, with the gorgeous architecture and of course the cannoli from Mike's Pastry!

Boston Common

Boston Public Garden Pond

Boston Public Garden

Mike's Pastry 

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Harvard University: Fall 2014

 I had the amazing opportunity to explore Harvard during Fall 2014 Freshman move-in! I pretended I was an incoming freshman and signed up for a tour group.  I even got to see inside Memorial Hall, the Freshman-only dining hall that looks very similar to the Great Hall in Hogwarts Castle! I met my sister for lunch right outside of Harvard Yard at a farmers market and got to try Union Square Donuts (http://unionsquaredonuts.com/) seriously the best donuts in the world, and I am not even a big fan of donuts! 

Harvard Yard

Union Square Donuts

Memorial Hall

I fell in love with Harvard and felt so attached to the university after joining in on Freshman orientation that I bought a Harvard T-shirt as a souvenir.

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From LA to Boston

I am off to visit my sister in the Boston area! I have only ever visited Boston in the winter when I pretty much freeze two seconds after stepping outside. Boston is a beautiful city to walk around in so I am very excited about being able to actually walk around outside in lovely weather... no coat required!

Pretty much everything in Boston is historical. I am afraid to sneeze here because I will most likely sneeze on some famous building or corner where something very important happened in U.S. History!

There are so many beautiful and historical houses in Cambridge!

 

I am excited to document my Cambridge and Boston adventures! 

Summer Harvest

One of my favorite parts of summertime is the delicious fruit and vegetables! My parents have a beautiful garden in my childhood backyard that is always full of plump red tomatoes, basil, lettuce, strawberries, and a rainbow of flowers.  Farmers markets are also an amazing part of summer because they support local businesses and you go home with yummy fresh food for usually a very good deal!

Farmers markets are a great opportunity for photography because of all the vibrant colors of the fruits and vegetables.  They are also an amazing opportunity to people watch, discover new flavors, and enjoy a bright summer afternoon. 

 Happy Summer Time! 

Happy Independence Day!

Some of my favorite things about this holiday are watermelon and fireworks! But I also always reflect on the meaning and history of this holiday, back on July 4, 1776.  I take a moment to truly appreciate freedom and the individuals who fought, and still fight, for the gift of freedom.

Happy Independence Day!!!

Butterflies and Birthdays

I have always loved butterflies.  There is an aura around them of something so magical.  I think my version of Heaven would be a garden filled with butterflies, of all different sizes and colors.  For my birthday this year I had the opportunity to visit the Chicago Botanical Gardens and see the beautiful butterfly exhibit.

 It was inspiring to see the beauty, joy, and resilience in the butterflies with broken wings who were still fluttering from flower to flower. Sometimes life can make us feel like we are flying with a broken wing, but the ability to find joy in the face of adversity is truly a beautiful gift.

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