Raleigh, you say?

Yes, it's official. I am now living in the "Oak City" or otherwise known as Raleigh. I was hired full-time from my internship in Virginia and asked to make the move. Naturally, I was excited for a change. As a child, I had always moved, so it was almost expected that I would go somewhere new after college. Although I never really researched North Carolina as a destination - I ended up here and absolutely love it (only two months later). So you all may be interested in what I've been up to...since not blogging...here are some of my Raleigh highlights so far.

1. The Greenway

I've always loved being outside, so of course I was PUMPED when I found out that our apartment was less than a mile from one of the entrances to the Raleigh Greenway. Since Zach and I got our bikes tuned-up, we have been going on a lot more bikes rides.

2. All the breweries...and coffee.

On top of all Raleigh's other wonderful nicknames, some people call Raleigh the "Hop City". There is a brewery on almost every corner (okay, not that many, but you get it). Anyway, Zach and I have really enjoyed that we can get a local craft beer almost anywhere in the city. Not only that, the coffee is amazing - there a roasters all over the city - Counter Culture over in Durham and Raleigh Coffee Company in Raleigh. One of my favorite coffee shops is Jubala Coffee in north Raleigh.

3. North Carolina Museum of Art

Another one of my favorite spots in Raleigh is the North Carolina Museum of Art. The exhibits are amazing- but the best part is the outdoor sculpture park and amphitheater, where we recently saw Wilco play. We can even ride our bikes all the way there on the Greenway!

4. My Own Apartment

Last but not least, I am really loving having my own place. After living in a dorm for three years and a basement for the past six months, nothing is better than having my own space. I can now sit on the couch after work (I don't think I have done this since high school) and watch non-stop episodes of Portalandia with no judgement. We've started with some decor, which is why I chose this photo, but we still have a long way to go and lots of DIY projects to come!

Has anyone been to Raleigh? What are you favorite places to visit?

This weekend is First Friday in Raleigh, so I think we are going to check that out downtown!

Gabby

High tea on High Street Kinsington

So, since I was WAY behind on blogging while I was abroad, I'm going to go back and reflect on the places I visited while I was in Spain. My first trip was to London. 
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One of my favorite places I visited while I was abroad was London. Yes, I know, it's not very eclectic compared to Morocco or something. But, I went with my sister who was also in Spain, and we decided to focus on going to the cute local spots instead of the big touristy ones which we had already visited anyway so it made it different than your average London trip to see Big Ben or the Eye of London (which are extremely cool too).

My favorite area was definitely High Street Kinsington. I could live there and drink high tea everyday. We found a TINY place called Candela's and it was perfect for an afternoon tea and scones!

My sister at Candela's, bring on the clotted cream!

Tea sandwiches (cucumber feta & mint, smoked salmon & cream cheese with dill and lemon), scones, clotted cream, and lemon curd...

A few of my other favorite parts of London:

Okay, who can't say they don't love Harrod's. Especially during Christmas time. 

Surprise! Opening of JCrew in London on Regent's Street. 

Annnnd... this one is obvious. Izzy's off to Hogwart's! (She was Slytherine, I was Gryffindor) 

Victoria & Albert Museum. Must go in London! 

Current Obsessions: March Edition

Here are a few things that I'm currently obsessing over the past few weeks.

1. Smart Barre! 

It's an amazing workout if you're not big weight lifting. I'm a runner, so I always get way too much cardio compared to weight lifting.

2. Green Smoothies- actually, I'm addicted. 

Maybe they are always the HEALTHIEST...I made one the other day with chocolate peanut butter in it...definitely recommend it if you are giving up desserts for lent ;)

3. Paperless Post

















Okay, if anyone is as in love with cards as I am, they will also be obsessed with Paperless Post. An eco-friendly way to send super cute cards. 

4. Chemex

I just got one for my birthday this year and can't go back. Even a French Press doesn't do the trick. Sidenote: Has anyone tried MADCAP coffee? The Ardi blend is my favorite. 

5. The Levo League

Great advice for young women professionals on interviewing, networking, powerful women to follow, etc. There is also job listings and Local Levo where you can connect with other women in your area! 

Check out their March Check List to know what things are going on this month!

Images: Google & Personal (Chemex)

Post-College/Study Abroad Real World Shock

Hello friends! I know this blog has been dead for quite sometime, but I was a busy college student for the past three and a half years, while now I am officially a college graduate! What?! I can't believe it either.

I just finished up my fall semester in Alicante, Spain. Studying abroad was something I waited for since high school when I went to Oxford for three weeks. I traveled all over the south of Spain and even Europe. I am so sad that I had to leave mi vida española. I already miss my host family and daily walks for a café con leche. Though, I know I'll be back someday! 

Here are some of my favorite things I did…

1. Los arroces más ricos del mundo 

2. Mercados - all the freshness!

3. Hiking to the top of Calpe

4. Barcelona! (and being with this boy)

4. New friends, and adventuring the pueblos 

Biar, Spain

Altea, Spain

Guadalest, Spain

5. Vino, vino, vino

Currently I am back home with my parents (typical college grad) and trying to find something to do with my life! As for now, I'm going to try to keep updating this blog with my post-college adventures.

Hasta pronto, amigos!