Portland, Maine

This weekend, Lexii and I drove up to Portland, ME for the day to check out some of the amazing vintage shops. The drive up wasn't so bad - just a measly 2 hours north.

We grabbed 2 dirty chai and hit the road around 10am. We got to Portland around 12:30, just as the Portland Women's March was dispersing. So we got to some nasty woman power in the streets to welcome us in - complete with a Trump clown.

After taking this in we headed to our first stop, the Portland Flea-For-All! It was liking walking in the Brimfield only it was indoors and the sun wasn't beating down on our backs. There were stations and stations of vintage furniture, knick-knacks, records and clothing. I was in heaven. I left with a vibrant scarf and my first Navajo style ring (believe it or not.)

We combed Congress Street for some more vintage gems, we stopped into a shop called Moody Lords were I found the ultimate teeny dreamcatcher and a couple cool pendants.

Next stop, Otto's Pizza. I had been to the locations around the Boston area, but not since my freshman year of college. Lex and I grabbed sparkling peach coolers and stuffed our faces with some thin crust margherita pizza.

Last but certainly not least we popped into a local coffee shop to try some of that famous portland java.

Later 2016

Despite its rocky start, this past year hasn't been so bad. I graduated from college, finally got the promotion I wanted, saw Beyonce in concert, voted for a woman for president, and had some extremely valuable time on my own. And during this time on my own I discovered something - I like being on my own. This year has been about me figuring out what it is that I want.

2017, I've got one thing to say to you - bring it.

Photos by Lena Mirisola

we've got bowls

I've always loved food. As a pescatarian it's always been a bit difficult to find food that's not only red meat and poultry free but also healthy. Sweetgreen has been my go-to ever since I started going there on my lunch breaks when I started working at Free People a few years ago. 

So when Jenn and Tony from the sweetgreen marketing team reached out to me about participating in one of their "sweetgreen suppers" I was thrilled! 5 (2) friends and some free salad? I couldn't have thought of a better Wednesday night. 

My favorite salad? The harvest bowl, with falafel instead of chicken. Hit up your local sweetgreen for yummy bowls like these!

The Benefits of Traveling Solo

Earlier this month I traveled to the Dominican Republic...alone. I've had a whirlwind of a year - graduating college, getting promoted, moving home, etc. So I haven't had a ton of time to focus on myself and recharge. And that was what this trip was all about - me. 

I've always loved being around people. I find that my mood typically reflects that of the people around me, so when I'm left alone for too long my mood gets weird. But I've been working through that. I spent the first chunk of my vacay solo, kind of shying away to other people. "I'm here to be alone," I would tell myself. After a few days though, I made some friends and it was a blast. I spent the days being a beach bum, drinking pina coladas and reading. My nights were spent with my new friends drinking Presidente and dancing at the resort's club.

I learned a lot about myself during my stay in the DR. I learned that I need time alone to be able to do as I please without other people's input. I also learned that I hate getting set into a routine. I need change, even though change has always been something I've been afraid of. This trip helped me get in touch with myself and I really hope that I'll be able to get another opportunity like this in the future.

If you're looking for a little change in scenery and some me-time, do it, go on vacation alone. You won't be sorry!

New Chapters

(Free People dress and sunnies, Charlotte Russe Shoes (similar), and Madewell backpack)

For me, there's nothing like the perfect maxi. The print is perfect, the fit is perfect, and the embroidery is killer. It's been the perfect summer go-to and I cannot wait to wear it into the fall!

I know I have been awful about updating this blog, but now that I've moved back home and have some more time on my hands, I'll be sure to keep up with this! 

A lot has happened in the last few months - I graduated college, got promoted and moved back home. Things are very different than they were a year ago and I'm excited to see what'll happen for me next.