florence, my heart

A big piece of my heart will always be in Florence. The city is like a second home. It's where, as a kid, I spent Christmases, summers, a year of my high school career. Despite the miles of distance, some of my closest family members reside there. Every time I return, my soul is washed in happiness. Love for my family, adoration for my grandma, the way of life -- it's all so perfect. Calming. Soothing. Every day spent in Florence is filled with delicious food, interspersed with long walks. The countryside is never far, and a good hour long walk will have you in the hills outside, gazing over cypress trees and centuries of beautiful architecture. What happiness. Florence, until we meet again, my heart will be homesick for you.

weekly scenes: a winter hike

Our first snowfall happened over Thanksgiving this year. We went home, hoping it would come. Crossing our fingers and holding out for its magical presence to start sprinkling down. Sure enough, rise and shine Wednesday morning, and there it was -- flurrying in the skies and making its presence known. All day it snowed, and bit by bit the landscape was blanketed. Come Thursday, we strapped our hiking boots on and went out to enjoy it. Off to Highland Forest with three dogs, Adam, and my brother. We hiked the expansive trails for about three hours. Working up a sweat with the uphill climbs, and losing our breath from the utter beauty that surrounded us. There is something about a snowy landscape that makes your heart drop. It's a quiet presence. The snow brings peace and sheer awe in one fell swoop. 

Upon arriving home, we warmed up in front of the fire and set some cider to brew with cinnamon and clove. It was truly one of those days. You know, the ones where you feel like everything is just perfect.

camping on the beach with fp me

As many of you know, I work for the brand, Free People, and as of as of late it's been a very exciting company to be a part of. This summer our whole marketing team has been traveling all over the globe, promoting the brand and putting together amazing campaigns. 

Last week was finally my turn. I spent the week traveling, starting off in Brooklyn, and then on to California for an FP Me beach & camping event. We pooled together 25 local FP Me girls, and organized everyone's dream beach day. Surfing with Sage Erickson, Volkswagen buses, epic Pinterest-worthy setups, camping - we didn't skimp on anything to make sure these girls had a great time.

I was there documenting it all, and with the beautiful scenery, people, and setups, it was just too fun to keep snapping. This was also my first time in Southern California (I don't count the visit when I was 10), and Mother Nature's presence here is simply different. In one direction, ocean, in the other, mountains. Succulents grow wild, and everywhere you look, palm trees shoot into the sky. My favorite thing was studying all of the strange plants. More to come on the wildlife of Southern California, but I have to say, as an East Coast girl, I must have looked like I'd landed on Mars.

--

For more coverage of the FP Me beach camping event:

Read my post on the decor

Read my interview with the caterer, Iva Lee's

And sign up for FP Me!

in bloom

We have the most beautiful Cherry Blossoms in full bloom at the office right now. I don't know how one thing can be so utterly beautiful, but it is. Each year, they never cease to amaze me. When I saw them opening up this spring, I made mental note to bring my camera the next day, and climb in for a short photography study. So intricate, so soft, they create a magical little world all their own. 

heiberg forest

Yesterday my dad and I went up to one of my favorite spots, Heiberg Forest. We hiked around with the dogs and took in the beautiful day. A love of nature is one thing we both have in common, and it's become something of a tradition for us to go on this walk. He always points out and names the trees, and then we check out the hut where they produce the maple syrup, and end up at the vista lookout point. Running around with the dogs and elated from the scenery, I felt like a kid again. Free as a bird.