Sometimes songs are just way better at putting emotions into words! Loving this song lately :)

Dose of my “Subway Mixing” Playlist

Today’s preview, Hunter Hayes feat Lady Antebellum “Where it all Begins”

Did you guys have a nice holiday weekend? I sure hope so! Can I start by saying I think every weekend should be a 3-day weekend?! Am I right or am I right? Personally I think it's the perfect break off for the work week!

I had a lot of fun this weekend! It was the perfect combination of having some fun, getting some things taken care of and adventure :)

I kicked off the weekend by heading to a Yankees game with my friend Lynette and Chris. Chris had an extra ticket so he was nice enough to let me bring a friend and get this is was her first Yankees game! Which wouldn't be that unheard of but she grew up on Long Island so it was really awesome she got to come along. And of course... I tried to give her the full baseball game experience complete with garlic cheesies and some other fabulous stadium food.

Saturday was a little bit more of a chill day. Cue apartment errands, lots of cleaning and other unphotographable moments... they had to get done though! All in preparation for Saturday night which was another sports moment... The first Oregon Ducks football game! To celebrate, Chris and I had a nice little BBQ on the balcony and relaxed while watching the late-night (PST times are killer on the east coast) game.

On Sunday we added some adventure to the weekend by heading out to Long Island and to the beach! One of Chris' friends got a new boat so we got to take it for a spin and head over to Fire Island to Davis Park. Once we made it towards the beach I had my first wade to the beach experience of hopping out of the boat and walking up to the shore. I've never done that before so I can check that off my bucket list!

I hadn't been to the Davis part of Fire Island before either so another something that was new! 

It was a really nice and relaxing day at the beach. We met up with some of Chris' family and friends at the beach too so we had a lot of fun! I may have gotten a little lobster status, but it's nothing a little aloe can't clear up!

We waded back to the boat with some other friends on the way back. There was a couple of feisty crabs along the way so note to self.. be careful where you walk when you do that! 

For the rest of the evening we enjoyed some downtime with Chris' parents and headed out for another Long Island treat, rum buckets! In true Anna fashion I was the slowest to finish my drink, but they sure were tasty! The bar was right along the water which was pretty cool too. 

Before we headed back into the city on Monday we stopped by the most adorable little ice cream parlor in Bellport called Carla Marla's.

They had some seriously awesome looking flavors and their cuteness factor was definitely on point ;-) I went for a malt with their cannoli ice cream! Definitely recommend. They even had a cute little place to park your pooch and doggie ice cream!

And that's a wrap! Can I stay in vacation mode forever?

Holy macaroni. As of today, I have officially lived in NYC for 5 years. Guys, that's half a decade, say whattt?! While it certainly wasn't my intention to stay this long when I first packed my bags.. I'm still here! 

5 years ago I was just a bright-eyed 21 year old willing to take a chance on the unknown. I've come along way since then (as most twenty-somethings do in 5 years) and hitting this milestone is quite the point of reflection for me.

Over the last 5 years I've both loved and hated the city at times. I've pushed my limits and then pushed them some more both professional and personally. I've explored and appreciated all of the things the city has to offer while also realizing there's much to explore. I've been lucky in love and have met new lifelong friends who have made enjoying the city so much more fun. This city has pushed me past my boundaries and opened my mind to ideas and ambitions I never even knew I had. Being so far from family has been something I've struggled with year-after-year but it has forced me to really take on the "I'll figure it out" mentality. 

The last year has especially been a monumental one for me. One of some growing pains but one that has been preparing me for my next chapter and I'm excited for what that chapter holds. So thank you New York and all of the amazing people who have supported me along the way to make it to this milestone. I couldn't have made it here without all of your love <3.