Tiny Adventures, Pt. II - A Walk in the Garden

My grandmother has, arguably, the best flowers. I know there are bigger gardens with a wider variety, but she's done some amazing things with the space she has, and spring showcases that. She has tulips, bleeding hearts, irises, peonies, roses, snapdragons, lilacs . . . the list continues.

So, the past couple of weeks, I've been going out when new things start to bloom, and I snap a couple of pictures. These are just a few of the better ones that I've taken from her garden. Hopefully, in the week after Memorial Day, Robby, his sister, Chelsea, and her boyfriend, Josh and myself will be going to Longwood Gardens just outside of Philadelphia to look at even more flowers! I'm planning on not only enhancing my flower photography, but my portrait photography as well.

Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

Tiny Adventures, Pt. 1 - A Walk in the Woods

Since the Outer Banks, I haven't had the opportunity to really get out and go anywhere (tomorrow, Sunday, May 17, I'll be headed down to Tampa, FL with the senior class though!). However, I think I've said this before, adventure can be had anywhere. A couple of weeks ago, I decided to follow Robby down to the pond where he normally fishes so I could use my other lens and see what sorts of things I could come up with. This included enjoying nature a little more and photographing some of my favorite wildflowers along the way. I also experimented with being his "fish photographer." He doesn't keep the fish . . . he just likes to make them late for something. Mitch Hedberg, anyone?

Anyway, did you know there's an app that's similar to Instagram, except for fishermen?? It's a free app called FishBrain. You post the fish that you catch on it, where you caught it, etc. and you create a network of anglers. It's kind of neat, but of course, I call him a nerd for having it. Check it out, though, if it's something you think you'll like!

The following pictures are from our tiny adventure a couple of weeks ago in the rain. Tadpoles and Osprey also made an appearance. Unfortunately, my skills still aren't stealth enough to catch an Osprey. One day, though!

 

 

 

OBX and the Orville Brothers

This year, for "Spring Break," I had originally planned to go to the Dominican Republic again to do some thesis research. However, a lot changed between the summer and the time I packed up my car up to head out for a long weekend at the end of Spring Break.

I decided to check out the Outer Banks because, well, I feel like everyone has seen its splendor except for me. And it wasn't disappointing at all. I stayed in Kitty Hawk, at the Travelodge, but I explored from Corolla (pronounced like koala, except with an R) down to Cape Hatteras. If I hadn't been on a budget, I would've taken a ferry down to Ocracoke Island to see the other lighthouse in the fantastic four. But, look up the fees before you go because multiple locals told me it was worth the trip.

Because we went during the low season, it was cold, which meant that no one was on the beaches or crowding up restaurants. It ended up being a very nice time to go, minus the tan I didn't walk away with.

As always, here's a list of things to do when you decide to see the Outer Banks!

Bodie Lighthouse

1. Visit the Lighthouses. If you're into that sort of thing, lighthouses have such interesting and rich histories, and, most of the time, cool architecture and design. The Outer Banks lighthouses are no exception. Between Currituck, Bodie (pronounced body), Cape Hatteras, Ocracoke, and Cape Lookout, you'll find different histories and designs to meet every personality. My goal is to see Ocracoke and Cape Lookout (both only accessible by ferry) the next time I'm down there.

2. Duck's Donuts. But seriously. I don't know where the first Duck's Donuts was started, but for those familiar with the Fractured Prune, it's like that, except cheaper. It's pretty much a freshly fried donut with your choice of toppings from glazed down to bacon maple. They are to die for fresh from the fryer, but also amazing the next day.

3. Corolla Wild Horses. Although Robby and I didn't see them while we were there, it's a big part of Corolla's overall appeal. There are even paid tours where you can see them, especially if you're the type of person that likes to get close to wild animals, and may not have the self-control to resist reaching out and petting them.

4. Go to the beach. The beaches are wild and uninhabited. Well, probably not during the summer, but they're not like the typical beaches I think of. There are large dunes that separate the main strip from the beach itself, and the dunes themselves are beautiful. If you're there during the summer, of course, the beach has to be one of the main events.


5. The Wright Brothers National Park and Memorial in Kitty Hawk. As a history nerd, this was fantastic. They have recreations of the flying machines that first showed the world the possibilities of aviation in December 1903. They also have monuments and buildings, and a huge obelisk at the top of Kill Devil Hills that commemorates their accomplishments. What you shouldn't miss are the statues of the first flight and that famous picture that's behind the obelisk. Added in 2003, it's a great opportunity to take a closer look at all the people that went into making those first flights possible. Also, seriously pay attention to the signs when they say to watch out for prickly pears. Check the pictures below. The warnings are REAL!

6. Manteo and Roanoke Island. Beside the main strip on the Outer Banks, Manteo offers cute streets for shopping, a rich history in the "Lost Colony" of the 1580s and an aquarium. There's also a Piggly Wiggly . . . if you're into that.

7. If you're into Breweries . . . there are several in the Outer Banks area to swing by. The first one is right in Kitty Hawk -- the Outer Banks Brewing Station. It's the first of its kind in the country to be wind-powered, and has a pretty great selection of your basic types of beers. The second is in Manteo, and it's the Lost Colony Brewery (previously known as Full Moon Brewery). Again, basic selections, with stouts and porters that are pretty delicious. Lastly, the Weeping Radish, which is located on your way in or out. The founder wanted to make traditional German-style beer, and his on tap reflect that.

There are tons of other things to do -- great places to eat, lots of activities for the kids, and many options for shoppings -- but either way, the Outer Banks is a good place to stop. Make it a place on your do-to list, if you haven't already.

Happy adventuring!

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

He's not as mean as he looks :)

Currituck Lighthouse

Bloglovin'!

If you've never heard of Bloglovin', and you have multiple blogs that you follow, you're seriously missing out. I know I'm a little late to the party, but it's made blogging and catching up with all of my favorites so much easier. Also, I recently just added my blog to it as well! If you search my URL (www.audaciouslyadventuring.blogspot.com), it should come right up :)

Anyway, just a quick post to say - check out Bloglovin'! It's awesome and organized and definitely minimizes the amount of tabs you have in your favorites bar because everything is in one place! Think Pinterest for your blogs :) You can also save certain posts and categorize them. It's an organizer's heaven! Haha. The user interface is super easy, and navigation is no problem.

Stay happy, healthy, and warm! We're over here receiving snow, so tea and a good book are certainly in order for me.

Happy Adventuring! xoxo

Snow Day

It has been such a glorious and lazy Saturday. I woke up to snow already falling, and it's been coming down pretty steady ever since. Bagheera and I have been surfing social media, watching Anthony Bourdain's Places Unknown on Netflix and eating junk food . . . all in our PJs. I recently purchased a book called A Beautiful Mess Photo Idea Book, and it's exactly what it sounds like. It was created by the lovely ladies from A Beautiful Mess, an online blog that I recently discovered (I'm a little late on the train, I guess) and love! It's made me want to fall in love with my camera all over again, and experiment with it in ways I was too afraid before. Although it's been snowy outside, I've been trying to keep my mind busy inside, and when Anthony's wit was getting to me, I stepped away from my computer and started snapping some pictures. So, I'm going to try to pair my pictures with some things to keep you occupied on a snowy day inside. Or, to just update on the things I've been filling my little bit of extra time with (while also showing you my living space too).

Sort through your magazines. If you're like me, then you have piles of magazines that need looking through and gotten rid of. I have a hard time parting with them because there are always so many useful things that I think, "Oh, but one day, I'll want to refer back them for X project or Y recipe." And maybe one day I will, but that's why I have files for those sorts of things. I don't need the whole entire magazine, ads and all. So, it's always nice when I find the time to read through, and rip out the pages with the delicious-sounding recipes or interesting decorating ideas, and then discard the rest.

Catch up on social media. I seem to be finding more and more blogs or YouTube channels to follow lately, and then always find that I'm just too busy to keep up with them. My weekends are usually the time I have to catch up with the blog posts or the videos, and it's always so enjoyable. I like to have a warm mug of tea handy, and a cozy sweatshirt to snuggle into. Some of my favorite blogs/YouTubers lately have been: (1) Maiedae, a creatives-driven website run by two best friends who are also new moms. I find their pictures, print shop, and posts to be absolutely beautiful. (2) A Beautiful Mess, along the same lines (and I think the inspiration to) Maiedae. (3) PostSecret, my ritual Sunday morning reading. (4) Domestically Blissful, a blog full of vegetarian and vegan recipes run by a former classmate. Her recipes sound delicious and her pictures and advice are lovely. (5) Jenna Marbles because who doesn't like a little bit of outrageousness and laughter? (6) John Oliver, originally a part of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, he broke away to make his own faux-news show/youtube channel. I love his brutal honesty, but also his cynical style of delivering news is fantastic. (7) Jaclyn Hill for when I want to learn new make-up techniques from da best. Seriously, I love her personality and her make-up styles are out of this world. (8) Lastly, Makeup by Alli, another make-up channel. She's a bit more toned down and natural in her style. I like her aura and the looks she creates :)

Go Shopping. Online, of course. I recently purchased some great online things (and scoping out more as we speak). I picked up probably my favorite calendar of ALL time from Rifle Paper Co., and I already can't wait until the year is over so I can frame the pictures. They are SO gorgeous! I also got a little notepad that brightens up even the most dreary winter's day when I use it. The next thing wasn't an online purchase, but can be found there, and was picked up the last time I was at World Market, I found these adorable burlap star lights that just add the right kind of homeyness to my dining room. Click the links to access the goods! Other online shopping favorites are Target (they're having a great sale on beautiful weekend and tote bags from Faribault, a Minnesota Wool Mill company), Herschel Supply Co., and Lush.

Tend to your houseplants. My usual houseplant water day used to be Wednesday, and then I had classes on Wednesday nights. Then, it was Thursday. But then those ended up being one of my heavier homework nights. Then, it moved to Fridays, and sometimes it stays Fridays. However, most of the time, I find myself having the most time to actually prune, water, and turn/move my houseplants on the weekends. I pruned my orchid, and straightened up my succulents this afternoon, and felt incredibly accomplished afterward.

Clean your spaces. Only if you must! But sometimes the best way to ensure a complete day or evening of relaxation is to clean your space! I know if I'm trying to study or be productive, I have to clean whichever room I'm in to ensure the utmost amount of productivity. Even if what you're doing is anti-productive, being able to go to sleep that night knowing cleaning won't be waiting for you in the morning can sometimes be the best lullaby.

Cozy up and watch some movies! If all else fails, make some delicious food and have a movie marathon. That's always one of my favorite things to do on lazy weekends, but especially if it's snowing outside.

Whatever you decide to do, I hope you're staying warm, especially if you're on the East Coast where the snow just won't seem to let up. I keep on having such scandalous thoughts of spring - oh, to be able to open my windows and let the crisp new air with its beautiful freshness come and dance through my house. To see flowers poking through the soil, and spreading their gorgeous petals toward the sunshine. Shorts, skirts, and t-shirts without long sleeves! I cannot wait! Oh, and let's not talk about breaking out the flip-flops.

Here are some more photographs that I took from today (or another day *ahem* the first one below)! :)

Playing around with light, thanks my new photo book! Who thought I'd be messing around with the ISO settings, what?!

I love the fact that my house is old enough to have these radiators as a source of heat.
They're beautiful, and unique and add such a great vibrance to each room.

A sign a former student gave me as a thank-you gift. I have it hanging in my office.

Star Lights from World Market!

My cilantro is making a comeback :)

In my office - these signs were projects that my US History students did. They had to recreate WWII Propaganda posters, adding their own flair of creativity.

Happy adventuring! xoxo