Rilito

The months after college are intensely anxiety-driven for most, but for my super laid back brother, the stress didn't get to him in the slightest (where was that gene when I was born!?) While most of his friends expected him to head to NYC and work for ESPN (an opportunity most guys would dream of!), Riley, without contemplation, followed his heart to San Diego where he could live the life he had always dreamed of (surfing before/after work was his goal!)

The journey started out in RI where he bought a car, drove across the country with a friend (with no job or place to stay lined up), checked into a campsite for 2 weeks (here he would shower and dress for job interviews - no joke!), and had his ID stolen on the day he arrived. For most (including me), these circumstances would make you crazy and certainly lead to some major stress. But it didn't get to easy-going Riley.

His determination was more evident than ever and without any complaints in the world, he set out to find a home, his dream job and make some friends. In a few months he has accomplished all of that and so much more. I have never been prouder!

Today is Riley's birthday.  His always positive attitude, strength and laid-back nature shines through in every move he makes. I think everyone should incorporate a little more 'Riley' into their lives. The world would certainly be a happier place:)

Then (with the surfer bro hair!)

Now

Rhode to R&R

There is something about visiting my parents in Rhode Island that feels so freeing. I am sure most of you can relate to the feeling of going home and transitioning back into the young, child-like, I-have-no-responsibility mindset. It doesn't happen often these days, but on the occasions it does it feels so good (and a part of me wishes life could just stay like this forever!) Visiting my parents is now more like visiting best friends, so this past weekend was spent in sweats, consuming lots of red wine and delicious food, and enjoying good conversation.


I never appreciated Rhode Island quite as much as I do now!

{Cuddling with cute little Bahia is the best!}

{Nothing gets better than wine and dinner by a
roaring fire!}

{Caught up on so much reading material! Half way 
through Fifty Shades of Grey. OMG! Once I am done 
this deserve it's very own post. Stay tuned.}

{Lot's of tea and talk-time with my mom!}

{Grant checking out the surf at Pilgrim before heading in.}

The Art of Saturday Living

What a weekend! Beautiful weather combined with family in town is always a guaranteed great time, but this Saturday was more educational and entertaining than most. After passing through Rockefeller to enjoy one last glimpse at the tree (the lights were being taken down as we watched), our first stop was MOMA (the Museum of Modern Art). We spent the afternoon wowing over the first major museum exhibition devoted to William de Kooning, a prolific artist of the 20th century, along with Monet, Picasso, Matisse, Gustav Klimt (one of my personal favorites) and more! Feeling inspired and enlightened (with tired feet!), we headed down to Soho to the one and only, La Esquina. Just as we were taking our fist sip of their signature margaritas, a dapper Matt Damon (in a blue baseball cap) walked in the door and sat down 2 tables next to us! My past star sightings at this hot spot have included Leo DiCaprio and Renee Zellweger. I have to admit, I know they are only normal people just like us, but rubbing elbows with Hollywood A-listers never gets old!

Simple Pleasures

This weekend was filled with so many moments that put a smile of my face and reminded me how much joy I get out of simple pleasures. Lately, a busy schedule and my knack for planning has gotten the best of me (hey - it happens!), so this past weekend I took a step back, a deep breath and appreciated all that was around me. 

As we enter the most celebratory (yet, hectic) month of the year, this was a very necessary weekend to kick off the holiday season!

{West Village holiday charm}

{Pretty wrapping paper that I found at Ikea!}

{Bringing home our tree!}

{Breakfast in bed from someone special:)}

August 8

Happy Birthday to my handsome, compassionate, charming, and all-around extraordinary boyfriend. You have brought the utmost happiness to my life, inspire me in every way possible and believe in me no matter what. Words can't describe what a truly incredible person you are. I love you so much! 

SUPing with Dolphins

Check this out! This past weekend we were out in the ocean SUPing and a pod of 20+ dophins surrounded us. Truly one of the most surreal experiences I have ever had! Of course, the only decent shot was of Grant, and it still doesn't explain how spectacular this moment was. I must say, thank goodness 'Shark Week' started AFTER this!

SUP into Summer

I was first introduced to Stand Up Paddling a year ago in Hawaii. While I had seen photos of a whole array of celebrities sampling the sport in the pages of a magazine, I was not very familiar with this form of surfing. I grew up with a dad and brother who surf all year round, and while I have attempted it a handful of times, I find it a bit intimidating to be way out in the ocean trying to catch a wave without hitting one of the surfer 'dudes' (or my bikini flying off!) Enter SUP!

After my first experience on a SUP, I became an instant fan. Stand Up Paddling is easier to learn and within an hour you can become very comfortable. Waves or not, you can enjoy this exercise on any body of water.

Grant and I are huge advocates of this modern sport and are out on the water every chance we get. Look out New Yorker's! You just may spot Grant SUPing on the Hudson at 6 a.m. Why? On August 12th, he will be embarking on a 26.5 mile Stand Up Paddle around the island of Manhattan to help raise money and awareness for autism. If you would like to join forces with him and participate in the fundraising efforts, please click on the link below. We are so thankful for your support!

http://seapaddlenyc.dojiggy.com/grantmorrow

Check us out SUPing it up!

{Tuckertown Pond, RI}

{Check out my inflatable SUP (Thanks Erik!)}

{SUP couple}

{Grant getting a tan!} 

{Stand Up Paddle yoga}

{Beachin' it mid SUP}

{Deep Hole, RI}

{Ocean SUP}

{Attempting to catch a very small wave - still fell!}

{Stand Up Paddle surfing}

{Tired after a long days SUP}

{Greenport, Long Island}

{Oahu}

The Small Things

This past weekend I was home in The Ocean State (Rhode Island to those of you who haven't seen our wave-themed license plates) to celebrate Father's Day with my amazing dad! Throughout the years, my dad has taught me so many valuable life lessons and for that I am truly thankful. One of the many qualities about my dad that never ceases to amaze me is his true, genuine appreciation (or should I say uncanny excitement) for the little things in life. Whether it is a flower that just bloomed, a hummingbird that passed him by, or a great wave that he caught surfing, it's the small moments that make him smile. He leads a simple life, focuses his energy on simple pleasures and is one of the happiest people I know. TAKE NOTE EVERYONE! While we often times let these moments pass us by because life is just too busy or too stressful (trust me - I am guilty of this on many occasions), I encourage you to think of my dad, take a step back from your own chaos and appreciate what is right in front of you. 


We celebrated Father's Day Strickmon-style! Here's to some of the little things that my dad loves and we enjoyed together over the weekend.

{Family (this pic is of my dad and I years ago)}

{Surfing}

{Painting in the backyard}

{Homemade Guacamole and a delicious Caipirinha - word is that this Brazilian specialty will be the official drink of the 2014 World Cup! Check out how to make this sweet summer cocktail here!}

{Playing guitar}

{ENVISION PEACE.}

The Graduate

As I watched my brother graduate from the University of Delaware this weekend, I was flooded with emotions, reminding me of my own transition from college into 'the rest of my life', merely 4 years ago.  Determined to land my dream job and live a lifestyle similar to that of Carrie Bradshaw's (obviously!), I jetted back east, moved to a not-so-familiar city with few friends and reached for the stars. 

While that all sounds exciting, this transitional stage of life was not quite so easy. It's a time of immense self-discovery, which sometimes (often times, in my own experience) was quite challenging. Looking back on my life 4 years ago, I sit here feeling thankful for all of the experiences that led me to where I am today and the people I have met along the way who have inspired me, believed in me and taught me life lessons that have shaped who I am.


For me...
on to the next 4 years! I am looking forward to many unknown adventures ahead.


For my incredible brother...
A HUGE congrats to a young guy who is about to start on his own journey into 'the real world' of Sports Management!