Hiking a Mountain in Flip Flops

Right next door to the hot springs in Furnas on Logo do Fogo, aka Fire Lake, is some great hiking and scenic tours around this amazing body of water. Not knowing we were about to adventure into a long trek, we started up the trails, through abandoned plantation houses engulfed by nature over the years and stoic trees towering overhead. At this point, flip-flops still in tack-thank you Sonuk! , we realized we were 1/2 way up this mountain already. And with both our strong minds and determination-we were going to the top! The inclines began getting much steeper, and the soiled path wet from the previous rain and from sitting in the shade. Alas, we finally made it and the breathtaking views of the lake were well worth the effort. We signed and dated the paper, leaving our mark and took a rest-absorbing our immeasurable views.

Livingston Manor

A great solitude of city living is getting the f-out occasionally :) Easter weekend proved to be one of those times with a well-needed connection to nature in Livingston Manor. It's incredible how different the world is 2 hours out of the city. We hiked all weekend, met some lovely new friends, and came across many discoveries:)

Picturesque Maine

Maine has quite the scenic landscape at every glimpse and angle. From the waterfronts, to nature trails, even the breathtaking sunsets. Everywhere you look is picturesque. Here are some of my favs from the trip... 

The Hills are Alive in Hawaii

RUTGERS GARDENS

Although living in the city has its endless perks, I'm still a country girl at heart and love to reconnect with nature. Luckily, the surrounding areas of New York can cater to this quick fix, even if it's only for a day. So on a blazing Memorial Day (at least it seemed this way from the non-spring weather we've had), I ventured to Rutgers Gardens in New Brunswick, New Jersey. This beautiful space is free of charge and offers multitudes of relaxation from the gardens, to grassy knolls to trails within the forest. I could spend a whole weekend here at this urban escape;) 

PRINCETON UNIVERSITY

A quick escape from the city to New Jersey for Easter weekend, brought me to Princeton University, where I was able to take in the beautiful blossoms....and I think, "How great would it be to attend a university with a campus this breathtakingly designed."