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Costa Rica is a place that I really want to visit someday. I want to preface this post with a note that I have collaborated with friends who have visited or live in Costa Rica + did my own extensive research + spoke to many of the businesses mentioned to help write this post. Thank you (you know who you are) for your time, suggestions + feedback! Costa Rica is a breathtaking natural wonder. In addition to world-class beaches, it has some of the most bio-diverse ecosystems on earth. With 28 diverse protected areas (25% of the country), you can national park hop for weeks here + still not see them all. There is truly something here for everyone! If slumbering sloths, majestic scarlet macaws, tree frogs as pretty as they are poisonous + thousands of nesting sea turtles are your thing, then you're in luck! If you're into volcanoes, well....Costa Rica has some of the world's most active ones in the world! When To VISIT September - The dry season + also the best time for clear Caribbean waters to snorkel in + visit volcanoes + cloud forests. January - For the best cultural events, visit during the first 2 weeks of January for Palmares (basically Carnival meets rodeo meets music festival) or Easter week. As a Catholic country, many of Costa Rica's biggest holidays correspond with the Church's. November - April (Summer) - Considered their dry season. It can be a bit rainy on occasion, but downpours don't last all day. May - November (Winter) - Considered their wet/green season. However, things are slightly less predictable on the Caribbean coast which gets more rain. On the flipside, it does give you an opportunity to take advantage of the lower rates + avoid crowds during this time of the year. Whatever month you do visit, you can always watch sea turtles either nest or hatch (both happen year-round), go zip-lining (they do it rain or shine) + learn how to surf (waves are always good)! Things To KNOW English is spoken + understood in most tourist areas. Costa Rican currency is called, colon (CRC) but the U.S. dollar is accepted virtually everywhere. Tipping isn't greatly encouraged; however, it's greatly appreciated. Before tipping, look to see if the establishment already included a tip or "service charge," usually 10%, on your receipt. Buses are the best form of public transportation but if that's not your thing, cabs can be a budget-friendly way of getting around. Costa Rica's official taxis are red. You can tell they're authorized + licensed by the yellow triangle on the car's doors. Uber has been operating in Costa Rica for years; however, it's mostly limited to cities + tourist hotspots. If you're taking a taxi from the airport, however, look for the orange cars. These taxis are the only cabs authorized + licensed for airport pickups. MANUEL ANTONIO Where To STAY Si Como No Resort + Spa - This 40 room, very private hotel was opened by a former Hollywood producer. Built into a hillside in national parkland, Si Como No means, "Yes, Why Not?" There are views from every suite. Hotel Parador - Located in Punta Quepos, near Manuel Antonio. Hotel Parador is built on a peninsula overlooking the sea. It is a hacienda style hotel with about 60 rooms with views + porches + has a great infinity pool! Hotel Makanda By The Sea - An adults only resort where you can stay in a villa or studio. Discovery Beach House - Owned by wildlife photographers, DBH is a beautifully decorated (with personal art + photos from around the world) 3 bedroom, 4 bathroom rental property with direct oceanfront access. It's within walking distance of Manuel Antonio National Park. Housekeepers + a private chef are available for a seperate fee. Things To DO Manuel Antonio National Park - Ask for Alberto "Berto" Zuniga as your guide! Alberto is a local who also speaks perfect English + is super funny + knowledgeable. A 3 hour tour will run you about $35 per person. SAN JOSE Where To STAY Hacienda AltaGracia - An Auberge property + holistic well-being resort in the foothill mountains of Talamanca Mountains, home to The Well a holistic spa. Hotel Alta Las Palomas - An exclusive 23 room boutique hotel where rooms have balconies with expansive views of the valley + mountains. Be sure to eat at the hotel's restaurant, La Luz. Do a half day tour of Irazu + check out volcanoes + rainforests! As for beaches, the weather is drier on the Pacific side. Vida Mía Healing Center & Spa - One of the best places to indulge is at The Retreat just outside of San José. It sits atop a "high vibrational crystal mountain" + was named the "Best Spa in the Americas." Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen - A 16th century colonial hacienda style hotel built within a 30 acre working coffee plantation. There are about 250 rooms, most with balconies with valley + mountain views, 3 restaurants, several pools + nightly entertainment. Just minutes from Santa Maria Airport. Tree House Lodge - From luxury tree houses to rainforest hideaways, spend the night in a stunning, elevated eco-lodge! This family-owned eco-lodge on the features unique accommodations ranging from suites on stilts to 2 bedroom houses with flame heated hot tubs + even an upcycled 1980s-era school bus! The property sits on 10 oceanfront acres + its botanical garden includes more than 50 different types of palm trees. Several restaurants are within walking distance. There's a bit of a catch however, for this slice of paradise... it's about 2 - 2.5 hours from the San Jose Airport or 4 hours from the Liberia Airport. Nantipa (Nantipa Beach Resort) - A boutique luxury beachfront hotel that was named 2021 Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Located in the heart of Santa Teresa on the Nicoya Peninsula the resort offers a barefoot, boho vibe + a yummy high-end restaurant. Where To EAT Sano Banano (translation: Healthy Banana) - Serving breakfast, lunch + dinner, this open air restaurant has both Costa Rican + American cuisine. Sit in the back patio or front porch overlooking Montezuma's lively main street. Be sure to save room for their homemade artisan chocolates! El Tigre Vestido - Part of the Finca Rosa Blanca boutique hotel, this spot is open for breakfast, lunch + dinner (reservations recommended). Be sure to try their huevos a caballo, slow-braised tamarind short ribs + save room for their carrot macadamia cake! Things To DO Selvatura Park - Take an epic zipline canopy tour where you can see the rainforest as the birds do! Also located in the cloud forest in Monteverde, there are nearly 2 miles of treetop walkways people of all ages can explore. If extreme heights are not your thing, you can enjoy the Monteverde Nature Center, Hummingbird + Butterfly Gardens Municipal Handicraft Market - Most of the handicrafts are made with Costa Rica's most sought-after raw materials. This market brings out the best craftsmen + artists in the country who come to sell everything from colorful masks, folk art + carved wood items to coffee makers, furniture, paintings + hammocks. Britt Coffee La Casita Factory Store - You will notice that Britt coffee + chocolate is sold everywhere in Costa Rica; however, you'll find the biggest selection + best shipping options at this factory store. It's part of the Britt Coffee Tour just outside of San José, but you don't have to be on the tour to take advantage of the bargain prices here! Sarchi - Shop 'til you drop as Sarchi boasts more than 200 furniture factories + stores. It's Costa Rica's woodworking capital + the ideal place to find everything from small hand-carved bowls to ornate beds. Caribeans Coffee & Chocolate - Try the bean-to-bar sweets made onsite with organic locally grown cacao. Each purchase helps provide local farmers with living wages. Check out some of the inspired names of the chocolates below! Be sure to also visit: Museum of Costa Rican Art, The Museum of Contemporary Art & Design (MADC) + the Children's Museum. GUANACASTE Where To STAY Las Catalinas - An exclusive privately owned + managed resort developed in 2006 along the shores of the Pacific Ocean. The objective was to create a compact, car-free + fully walkable resort. The resort consists of houses, shops, restaurants, small hotels + inns, plazas, parks + recreational facilities. On one side, the town is embraced by 1,000+ acres of tropical dry forest, with spectacular hills + valleys that afford extensive hiking + biking. On the other, two of the finest beaches in Costa Rica offer great swimming, stand-up paddle-boarding, kayaking, boogie-boarding, + snorkeling! Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas (Adults only) - a secluded paradise where adventurous moments meet serene comfort. Choose from many handcrafted experiences or sit back + soak in the sun all day from your private pool villa… a long list of extraordinary memories awaits you here! Santarena Hotel in Las Catalinas (Family friendly) - An homage to the old mansions of the great coastal cities of Havana + Cartagena, a traditional gem where sun-kissed days revolve around blossoming courtyards + lounging on terraces with marveling picturesque archways surrounded by lush greenery + constant views of the sky. The views from rooftop here are incomparable, especially when it is paired with a 35-square-meter pool! Harmony Hotel - This hotel located in Nosara in Guanacaste has a restaurant, juice bar + healing center. Tierra Magnifica - A luxury boutique hotel within an idyllic oceanside jungle with views of Nosara's world class beaches, hiking trails, spa, restaurant, open air yoga classes + pool. W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal - Rooms here run the gamut from traditional queens with balconies + ocean views to treehouse suites with private plunge pools. The property has a full-service spa, 18-hole golf course, beach club, adults' + kids' pools + 4 restaurants to choose from. ORIGINS Lodge - Located in Costa Rica's northern cloud forest, this is where extravagance meets eco-lodge on this remote estate in the mountains. Each 1,000-square-foot villa features handcrafted canopy beds, terraces with fire-heated baths, + sweeping volcano views. Michelin-starred chef Jean-Luc L'Hourre is at the helm of ORIGINS Lodge on-site restaurant. It's a 2 hour drive from Liberia Airport. Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica - Located on the Peninsula Papagayo (considered Costa Rica's "Gold Coast") Enjoy nature without borders in a playground full of transformational experiences! Stay in a luxury open concept hilltop villa with private pool. Enjoy pro-level tennis courts, kids club + nightly special events! Las Ventanas (Ventanas de Playa Grande) - A 380-acre ocean view private community which homes for sale or to rent along the breathtaking Pacific Coast, straddling El Cerro Almendro between two of Costa Rica's most famous beaches: Playa Grande + Playa Conchal. Where To EAT Pots & Bowls at Las Catalinas - A restaurant with healthy, simple + delicious food to be enjoyed indoors or al fresco. Its balanced menu is thoughtfully adapted to many different dietary restrictions + with a big focus on homemade + using fresh produce from Costa Rican vendors. Copper & Stone Gourmet Market (within Las Catalinas) - Grocery store, deli, coffee, wine. Surf Box - A cozy little restaurant serving up all the best après-surf goodies! Order their hulking breakfast burrito + tropical tacos with grilled shrimp + mango for lunch! Lola's (Playa Avellana) - Loved by locals, the secret is out on Lola's fantastic staff serving top-notch organic, fresh fare in a beautiful open-air beachfront setting. Destiny Cafe + Restaurant - Located in La Negra Surf Hotel + offers a delicious, diverse + healthy brunch menu with vegetarian, vegan, keto + gluten-free options. An awesome all day brunch spot where you can find something for all dietary needs! La Luna Nosara - Experience the beautiful beach scenes of Playa Pelada during your visit to La Luna Restaurant while sipping on your favorite beverage + great gourmet Costa Rican cuisine! El Mercadito - An upscale outdoor food court where diners can find everything from gourmet pizza to traditional arepas + make-your-own poke bowls. If you can't decide what type of food you're in the mood for, this is the place! You will find Italian, Colombian + American cuisine. Fun fact: the bar at the center is made out of an old ship! Things To DO Nicoya Peninsula - Northwest coast. Hard-core surfing. The Nicoya Peninsula is on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. It comprises northern Guanacaste Province and southern Puntarenas Province. The area's surf beaches include Playa Santa Teresa and Playa Mal País in the south, and Playa Grande, in Las Baulas Marine National Park, in the north. Leatherback turtles nest and hatch at Playa Grande. Olive ridley turtles arrive farther south at Ostional National Wildlife Refuge. Nosara + Samara - 1 1/2 south of Playa Avellanas. Visit the resort-like towns of Nosara + Samara which attracts a young, hip crowd. Nosara's main beach is called Playa Guiones. Tamarindo - One of the best places to learn or practice is in Tamarindo, where there's always surf + it's clear Iguana Surf's English-speaking instructors are as passionate about teaching as they are pipelines. This resort-like town is a great base for surfers who want to explore all the local breaks. The coast starts to get trendier south of Tamarindo at Playa Avellanas, another beach with nice friendly surfing. Centro de Rescate y Santuario Las Pumas - This is one of the best wildlife refuges + rehabilitation centers for learning about Costa Rica's most endangered animals. Visitors have a good chance of seeing at least 5 of Costa Rica's 6 wild cat species here! Lydia Beech Art - For truly unique + one-of-a-kind souvenirs + custom art, look no further than this colorful little shop owned + operated by well-known local, Lydia Beech. Show her a picture of your pet + she'll turn it into a portrait, or painted t-shirt! Rincon de la Vieja National Park - has a wealth of natural wonders including Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, boiling mud pots, hot springs + waterfalls! You can experience the difference of a dry forest, to a cloudy one + a humid to very humid one in the middle of a volcanic environment in a short tour. “There are unique experiences that can only be had in this Park, such as a visit to the La Cangreja waterfall (known as the 'blue lagoon' due to the characteristic color of the water). The walks through the different environments with impressive views of the sea and the opportunity to witness 'in the front row' some of the training agents of the Costa Rican territory”, emphasized Alexander García in charge of tourism for this National Park.​​​ MONTEVERDE Where To STAY + EAT Restaurant Celajes at Hotel Belmar - This restaurant is so good that diners drive from as far away as San José just for dinner (reservations are required). Book a private lunch in the terraced garden or sit on the outside deck with views of the Pacific. This stunning farm to table restaurant has an organic garden, farm, coffee plantation, sugar cane fields + livestock. LIMON Where To EAT Café Rico - Even without a website, Café Rico is the #1 restaurant in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Sip on their high quality coffee + memorable banana bread French toast! Things To DO Limon is located on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica + is known for its lush greenery + beautiful parks — including Tortuguero National Park, the Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge, and La Amistad National Park. The area is also home to the Afro-Costa Rican community + it's where the annual Festival of Black Culture takes place. PUNTARENAS Things To DO Puntarenas is a province of Costa Rica. It is located in the western part of the country, covering most of Costa Rica's Pacific Ocean coast + it is the largest province in Costa Rica. Puntarenas runs down the coast of the country on the Pacific side, all the way down to the Panama border. Manuel Antonio National Park + the Corcovado National Park are 2 of the area's most popular national parks not to be missed! ALAJUELA Where To STAY Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa - A world class resort featuring sauna, massages services, luxury spa treatments + 5 swimming pools! This epic resort offers the unique combination of the Arenal Volcano + the purity + mystic of the hot springs + surrounding rainforest. Nayara Tented Camp - Located in Arenal Volcano National Park, is Central America's premier glamping resort. Each safari-style tent blends in seamlessly with the surrounding rainforest + is luxuriously outfitted with king-size beds, plunge pools (fed by nearby hot springs), AC, Wi-Fi + unobstructed views of Costa Rica's most photographed volcano. There's only one catch though....it's located in located in La Fortuna, which is a 3 hour drive from either Jose Airport (SJO) or Liberia Airport (LIR). There is however, a small airstrip in La Fortuna + private flights to/from San Jose or Liberia can be arranged. Things To DO Alajuela is best for adventurous travelers as the area is home to Arenal Volcano National Park, where travelers can take in spectacular views, enjoy hot springs, or sign up for a number of adventure tours. There's also Poas Volcano National Park, which has one of the largest volcano craters in the world. Waze: GPS, maps, live navigation, accident alerts, traffic iOs | Android Magic Seaweed: Surf forecasts, weather iOs | Android Whatsapp: Messaging, calling iOs | Android InCostaRica: Travel guides, dining + accommodation recommendations, maps, events iOs | Android Photos courtesy of each businesses website.

LISTEN to my chat with ANDRA DAY for All Access Music HERE I had the honor of interviewing ANDRA DAY back in 2015 for All Access Music. Andra & I chatted between touring, opening for Lenny Kravitz & fresh from her performance at the Life Is Beautiful festival in Las Vegas. Retro-soul singer, songwriter & actress, ANDRA DAY is from San Diego, California, where she performed in church & enrolled at the School of Creative and Performing Arts. After she graduated from the school, she leaned toward contemporary R&B & pop, but was eventually drawn back to the classic jazz & soul vocalists she heard as a youngster. A major break came when a performance of hers was caught by Kai Millard Morris, who subsequently took some of Day’s music to husband Stevie Wonder, who in turn connected Day with music industry veteran Adrian Gurvitz. Aligned with Gurvitz and Jeffrey Evans’ Buskin label, Day built up a YouTube following & eventually signed with Warner Bros. After a few singles, as well as a version of “Mississippi Goddamn” contributed to Nina Revisited: A Tribute to Nina Simone, Day released her debut album, Cheers To The Fall (2015), for which she collaborated extensively with the likes of Gurvitz & Raphael Saadiq, among others. “Only Love” alone featured bass from Pino Palladino, drums from Questlove, scratching from DJ Jazzy Jeff, & additional support from the Dap-Kings horn section. In October 2015, Andra sang "Rise Up" at The White House & again performed the song for A&E's live special, Shining a Light: A Concert for Progress on Race in America. Day performed on the second day of the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia to rousing applause. She followed immediately after a moving address by Mothers of the Movement, a group of black mothers who had lost a child through encounters with police & gun violence. In December 2016, Andra Day received the Powerhouse Award at the Billboard Women in Music event. When asked what makes a 'powerhouse' powerful to others, Day responded, "I think you just remind them of their value, you remind them of their purpose. You remind them that you are not here just to exist, you're here to impact people in their lives...I think it just reinforces that." In 2017, Day appeared on the song "Stand Up for Something" with rapper Common for the film, Marshall which features the late, great, actor, Chadwick Boseman. The single was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song; Day & Common performed the song at the 90th Academy Awards in March 2018. Day performed with the Baltimore Children's Choir for the opening musical performance at the March for Our Lives rally in Washington, D.C. on March 24, 2018. In her first major film role, Day stars as the iconic singer Billie Holiday in the biographical drama The United States vs. Billie Holiday on HULU. For the 2020 film The United States vs. Billie Holiday, at the Golden Globes, she received a nomination for Best Original Song for "Tigress and Tweed" & won Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama for her title performance as Billie Holiday. She also received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress for the role. Nicole DeRosa for All Access Music, February 15, 2016 https://music.allaccess.com/listen-to-a-qa-with-retro-soul-singer-and-songwriter-andra-day-life-is-beautiful-festival-edition/

Catching up with the GRAMMY Nominee Between The Chaos and the Calm at the HOLLYWOOD PALLADIUM JAMES BAY has released a number of EPs & an album, CHAOS AND THE CALM (2015). The album went to number one in the UK & number 15 in the US. Bay’s single “Hold Back The River” peaked at number 2 on the UK Singles Chart. Chaos and the Calm is already the “Biggest Album Release This Year” in the UK & has been certified Gold in Australia & Switzerland, Platinum in the UK. In February 2015, Bay received the Brit Awards "Critics' Choice" award. At the 2016 Brit Awards he received the award for Best British Male Solo Artist. Congratulations are in order as the 25-year-old “If You Ever Want to Be in Love” crooner was just nominated three times at the 2016 Grammy Awards. James is up for Best New Artist, Best Rock Album & Best Rock Song for “Hold Back the River.” The English singer, songwriter & guitarist grew up in Hitchin, Hertfordshire & studied at the British & Irish Modern Music Institute. In 2015, Bay received the Brit Awards “Critics’ Choice” award. Aged 11, Bay was inspired to play classical guitar after hearing Eric Clapton’s “Layla” & he used a guitar he found in the cupboard in his house. When he moved to study in Brighton seven years later he gained a greater education from playing the city’s open mic nights, on which he said, “That taught me a lot about writing & performing on my own & trying to hold my own. London is open minded, but it's a bit more like New York whereas Brighton is a bit more like Austin, Texas. You can walk around the whole of Brighton in a night with a guitar & packed bars with open mic nights. I made the decision that it would be formative to live there & develop as a performer.” Bay caught the attention of a Republic Records A&R after a fan uploaded a video to YouTube of him performing at an open mic in London & within a week he was signed to the label. His first EP, The Dark of the Morning, was released in 2013. Within a year he was selling out his first UK headline tour. All Access Music writer, Nicole DeRosa got to catch up with the singer during his stop at the Hollywood Palladium on Tuesday, December 1st where he performed to a sold out crowd. The singer has been on tour for almost the past two years & when asked about writing on the road he says... “Lately I’m trying to get my head into that space. I didn’t really need to initially because I was getting ready to release a record I had already recorded. Writing was sort of in the back of my mind for the first time in a while but suddenly now I’m craving new ideas & enjoying flexing that muscle again. I’m on the road all the time, so it’s the only place to write. It’s a different thing if you can imagine as opposed to having your own space at all times, so I’m getting used to writing on the road now.” The svelte rocker opened with “Collide” & followed it up with his swoon-worthy sing along “Craving” which flowed right into the poppy & oh so catchy track, “When We Were On Fire”. Before the night ended, James teased the crowd ever so slightly & continued with a triple encore that included “Incomplete” a fun cover of Creedence Clearwater “Proud Mary” & ended the night on a high note closing out with his epic singalong “Hold Back The River”. Nicole DeRosa for All Access Music, Feb 15, 2016 https://music.allaccess.com/james-bay-catching-up-between-the-chaos-and-the-calm-at-the-hollywood-palladium/

I had the opportunity to sit down for a chat with Dutch DJ & record producer of Moroccan origin, Fadil El Ghoul better known by his stage name R3HAB, just before his DJ set at Coachella. Check out the video above & enjoy our conversation. Who is Fadil El Ghoul aka R3HAB? R3HAB began his career in late 2007 while producing the track ‘Mrkrstft’ with Hardwell. One of the main influences R3hab has listed is the duo Infected Mushroom, whose music has been on the international scene since 1999. From the influential Dutch circuit to his place at the forefront of global dance music, R3HAB now stands for a brand everyone can sink their teeth into. Catapulted into the limelight courtesy of a string of successful original material & remixes, his is a stamp of quality recognized on club floors, festival stages & the digital market alike. Sporting an agenda for big sounds with melodic stamina, 2015 marks another year in which Holland’s hottest export is dropping anchor on every corner of the globe. Remixing everyone from Beyonce, Calvin Harris, Rihanna, Axwell ^ Ingrosso, John Legend, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift & Steve Aoki along the way, R3HAB remained a beacon as to where evolving artists could adapt & engage new & exciting territory whilst staying true to the dance floor. An integral element of this reliable brand can still be found on the club floor, but R3HAB’s live experience has found further room to excel & engage. After playing to over 1.9 million fans in 2014, his return to Coachella for 2015 marks another landmark in the globetrotting DJ’s playbook, with further global festival action complimenting a staggering international tour schedule throughout the year ahead. With a brand new night & day residency for LiFE Nightclub and Foxtail Pool Club at SLS Vegas & yet more landmark musical artillery to come throughout the year, there are no signs of the Dutch heavyweight hitting the brakes anytime soon. Nicole DeRosa for All Access Music, February 2, 2016 https://music.allaccess.com/exclusive-video-interview-with-r3hab/

Jack Antonoff grew up in Bergenfield, New Jersey. His older sister is fashion designer Rachel Antonoff. His younger sister, Sarah, died of brain cancer at the age of 13 when Antonoff was a senior in high school. The event had a profound effect on Jack who said "... my whole career has been revisiting that through a different lens." Prior to Jack forming his indie pop band, Bleachers in New York City he was previously in the Steel Train & Fun. Fun.'s debut album, Aim and Ignite, was released in 2009. Fun's second album, Some Nights (2012), produced the band's first number-one hit single, "We Are Young" (featuring Janelle Monae). The song was co-written by Antonoff with Nate Ruess, Dost & Jeff Bhasker. While on the road with his band, Fun., Antonoff began working on a new project during his time in different cities. For about a year he kept the project a secret until 2014 where the first single “I Wanna Get Better” was released. Antonoff stated in June 2014 that the project had been a consideration for around 10 years & the name was inspired by the "disconnected, darker side" of suburban youth & John Hughes movies, which were "tied to a time when big songs were great songs." About making the album, Antonoff said, “I spent the past year working on the music but not talking about it & eventually it became this psychotic alter-ego situation, where it was second nature to have this part of me that no one knew about. Except for a small group of people, most of which happened to be members of my immediate family, no one was aware that this music, or this album even existed … even though it existed so deeply to me.” Antonoff also cited that Bleachers was never meant to be a departure from his position in Fun. & that he will remain in the band. Bleachers’ full-length album Strange Desire was released July 15, 2014, from RCA Records. Variance Magazine called the single “Rollercoaster” a “brilliant summer anthem.” Aside from his work with Bleachers & Fun, Antonoff has worked as a songwriter & record producer with various artists, including Taylor Swift, Lorde, St. Vincent, Lana Del Rey, Kevin Abstract, Carly Rae Jepsen, The Chicks & Troye Sivan. Antonoff has been nominated for a Golden Globe Award & won five Grammy Awards: two for his work with Fun, 2 for production on Taylor Swift's albums 1989 & Folklore & one with St. Vincent for writing the title track on Masseduction. Taylor Swift took home her third Album of the Year award at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, this time for the surprise July LP “Folklore.” Again, Antonoff, 36, co-wrote & co-produced several songs on the best-selling album of 2020. Antonoff was also nominated for Producer of the Year. All Access Music writer, Nicole DeRosa got to catch up with Jack 60,000 feet in the air as he answers a few questions about how it all started, his love of R&B & his New Jersey pride. Enjoy their chat below.... My Interview with JACK ANTONOFF Hi Jack! Where does this interview find you? What’s on the agenda today besides our interview? I’m on a plane at the moment heading to Vancouver. Bleachers has never been to Vancouver. It's always incredible to go somewhere the first time. You really can’t ever duplicate that energy. For those not as familiar with you and your music, how did you get your start in music? Who or what was the catalyst for you? The New Jersey punk scene is really how I got started. I was always in love with the Beatles & then everything from the early 90s when I was growing up. But, the moment I actually became a part of music was when I started playing in fire halls of NJ when I was 15. Those were amazing days! I learned how to play live, how to function in a scene, how to write song...it was everything. I carry those feelings from that time with me always. You released Bleachers full length album, Strange Desire last July. What did you learn between Fun. albums that you felt you wanted to infuse into Strange Desire? Everything I do makes me rethink how I will make records in the future. A lot of the time, particularly with Strange Desire coming off of Some Nights, I made the album in the exact opposite way as the one before. I like to constantly put myself in new & uncomfortable places when making albums to test what can happen. Some Nights was quick, that’s what was new about that. Strange Desire was made all over the world…on planes, in hotel rooms, buses etc. Can you share with me what your inspiration was for your single, “I Wanna Get Better”? It’s basically my life story in 3 verses or rather all the horrible things that have happened in my life leading up to moment of saying that within all that, you can still want to get better. “It's about stories of loss, depression & anxiety & figuring out how to move on with the complicated person you’ve become. Really it’s about going as deep & low as possible & then still wanting to get better. To me, that’s the top… wanting, not actually getting better, but wanting to get better. That’s a beautiful thing.” The Huffington Post published a positive review of Bleachers' first single, "I Wanna Get Better"—released on February 18—calling it the "catchiest song of 2014," while Time proclaimed, "[Bleachers] is more fun than Fun." Antonoff revealed the intent behind the debut single in a Rolling Stone interview: "I wanted to bridge the gap between Disclosure & Arcade Fire—something both streamlined & organic ... The production & songwriting is extremely over-the-top, extremely epic & unapologetic. The record is all about finding a world where you can be kind to yourself in." Jack, who are your musical influences? New Jersey is my biggest influence. New Jersey & people. People who overcome the challenges in their lives. Do you remember the first album you bought for yourself? Monster by REM. I got it at the mall. Remember that place? So loooong gone. What was the first song you fell in love with and why? “Under Pressure” by Queen. I couldn’t believe how cool the melody & production was. It had this quality that made me want to run 1,000 miles an hour while simultaneously cry & think about my life. It’s got everything. It’s a perfect song… deep, anthemic, personal...all of it. It still feels like I’m discovering music every time I hear it. Who would your dream collaboration be with, living or dead? Tom Waits. Who is in your current playlist? Any artists, musicians or genres we might be surprised to find in there? I’ve really fallen back in love with 90s R&B. That was such an amazing moment. The song writing was perfection & the production feels new & hip even today. A lot of things that seems cheesy now we’re actually fucking brilliant. I like Boyz II Men & Toni Braxton. What’s on tap next for you, Jack? What are you most excited about in 2015? I kind of like to just think a few days ahead & this week as I start the tour. Thank god for that! Playing these songs makes me feel alive! “I’m most excited about the audience & Bleachers. We’re really starting to feel like a weird cult & I’m fully into it! “ Jack Antonoff's MUSIC COLLABORATIONS "Sweeter than Fiction", a song Antonoff co-wrote & co-produced with Taylor Swift for the film One Chance was released. The song was written in Antonoff's New York City apartment after he & Swift shared a love of a particular snare drum sound from a Fine Young Cannibals song. They brainstormed ideas by email before starting the songwriting process. Swift & Antonoff co-wrote & co-produced three songs on Swift's 1989, including the single, "Out of the Woods", "I Wish You Would", and the bonus track "You Are In Love". 1989 was released in October 2014 & became the biggest-selling album in the U.S. in 2014. On the deluxe version of the album, Swift explains in a voice memo that the song "I Wish You Would" originated from a guitar track that Antonoff had recorded on his smartphone. After Swift first heard the track, she asked Antonoff if she could develop the idea further & it eventually became an album track after both songwriters were satisfied with Swift's work. In 2016, Swift, Antonoff & Sam Dew co-wrote Swift & Zayn’s song "I Don't Wanna Live Forever", the song produced by Antonoff, for the film Fifty Shades Darker was released, the song is from Fifty Shades Darker: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. Swift & Antonoff co-wrote & co-produced Swift's number one single "Look What You Made Me Do", which was released on August 25, 2017. He was a key contributor to her sixth album Reputation. Aside from "Look What You Made Me Do", Swift & Antonoff also co-wrote & co-produced five other songs in Reputation—"Getaway Car", "Dress", "This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things", "Call It What You Want" & "New Year's Day". "Taylor's the first person who let me produce a song. Before Taylor, everyone said: 'You're not a producer'. It took Taylor Swift to say: 'I like the way this sounds.' — Antonoff, "Jack Antonoff Is Only Making Music With Friends", The New York Times In 2019, Swift & Antonoff co-wrote eight songs & co-produced eleven songs for Swift's seventh studio album Lover, including the promotional single "The Archer", & the title track, which served as the album's third single. In 2020, Swift & Antonoff worked together on Swift's eighth studio album, Folklore. Along with Aaron Dessner & Swift, Antonoff serves as a co-writer & co-producer for the album, with Antonoff helping to co-produce six songs & co-write four songs on the album, including the third single "Betty". He continued to collaborate with her on Folklore's "sister record" & Swift's ninth studio album, Evermore. In 2017, Antonoff co-wrote & produced Lorde's Melodrama which was released in June. USA Today described it as "the best pop album of 2017 so far". Rolling Stone's praises Jack's production specifically, noting that he uses "empty space to spectacular effect, [as] the arrangements veer from stark clarity to delirium." In support of the album, Antonoff appeared in the music video for its lead single, "Green Light". He then performed "Liability" alongside Lorde on Saturday Night Live. The album also received a nomination for the 2018 Grammy Award for Album of the Year. In 2018, Antonoff produced the soundtrack for the 20th Century Fox romantic comedy-drama film Love, Simon. Bleachers also contributed four songs. On working on the ground-breaking film, the first major studio picture to focus on a gay teenager, Antonoff said "I believe Love, Simon is pivotal, a major step for a new generation" & added that he was "honored" that "genius" director Greg Berlanti asked him to work on the soundtrack. He also said he was "very lucky to be a part of [Love, Simon]" & "loved every moment of making this soundtrack" after stating he was "beyond blown away" by the response to the film & soundtrack. Jack co-produced Lana Del Rey's sixth studio album Norman Fucking Rockwell!, which was released on August 30, 2019. He also co-wrote a majority of the songs on the album including the singles "Mariners Apartment Complex" and "Venice Bitch". The album received critical praise with NME's Rhian Daly noting that the "bohemian folk" sound of the record was a departure from Antonoff's "brand of crystalline euphoria." Other critics noted the album's 60s inspired, psychedelic rock sound. The album was nominated for Grammy Album of the Year & won NME Album of the Year in 2020. He also produced her studio album Chemtrails Over the Country Club, released in 2021. Antonoff co-wrote the 2013 song "Brave" with Sara Bareilles after the two were introduced by Sara Quin of the band Tegan and Sara. Bareilles said to Billboard: "We met for breakfast one day & I was just so enamored with him & his personality ... The first day we sat down together was the day we wrote 'Brave.'" Antonoff wrote the song about a friend's struggle to speak openly about his sexuality. The quickly written song was released on April 23 & by the end of June, "Brave" had sold 160,000 digital copies & peaked at number 61 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The music video for the song was viewed 1.1 million times on YouTube within a month of its release in May 2013 & by the start of 2015, had received nearly 39 million views. "Brave" was used by Microsoft to advertise its Windows tablet technology device. In 2015, he created a Google Play docu-series titled Thank You and Sorry, which combined scripted scenes & footage from Bleachers shows. It was released in six 15-minute episodes & included cameos from Lena Dunham, Rosie Perez, Olivia Wilde, Colin Quinn & Jason Mantzoukas. In 2018, he also contributed to the production of Pink's seventh studio album, Beautiful Trauma & produced St. Vincent's fifth studio album, Masseduction. In early 2019, he handled production on Brockhampton front man Kevin Abstract's solo album, Arizona Baby. Mental HEALTH Antonoff has spoken publicly about his struggles with depression, anxiety & obsessive–compulsive disorder. He claims that hearing of others' battles with depression made him feel "not better, but not alone" & "way less scared." As of June 2014, Antonoff was seeing both a therapist & a psychopharmacologist, while also taking anti-anxiety medications. He has germophobia which was exacerbated by a bout of pneumonia that he suffered in 2011 while recording a studio album for his band Fun. His pulmonologist prescribed a daily run, but he explained that he hates it "more than anything" because it is "one of the most truly boring experiences on Earth." Music is central to Antonoff's life & he explained in June 2014: "I need a hobby & I don't want it to be basketball ... I want it to be music. So to get away from music, I do other music. If I'm producing someone's song or writing with someone else, then doing a Bleachers song or a Fun song is an escape & it keeps me creative & it keeps me locked into what I want to do. If something's making me crazy, I need to go somewhere else & I don't want that thing to be yoga." Nicole DeRosa for All Access Music, March 23, 2015 https://music.allaccess.com/qa-with-jack-antonoff-of-bleachers/ Photo credit: Daniel Silbert

Zion is only 2.5 hours from Las Vegas, Nevada so it was easy for my friends and I to drive from Los Angeles to Vegas, stay at the Hard Rock Hotel for the night, have a relaxing dinner, a swim, a bubble bath (for me) & a good night of rest before lots of hiking & camping. I may have slept the best I ever have in my life at the Hard Rock Hotel because between the bubble bath & night of rest, I felt like so relaxed & motivated the next day. Click the > arrow to view more photos! ZION NATIONAL PARK In that photo where I’m looking up while hiking The Narrows, that’s the face of pure gratitude & absolute bliss. Up until that point, I had never been enveloped by such breathtaking natural beauty. As I looked up & smiled, tears just came streaming down my face. It was such a natural response to be surrounded by such majestic surroundings. I had never had a reaction to nature & a place that way before. Zion is truly on another level. We really forget sometimes that our planet truly is Heaven on Earth. I highly recommend making a list of national parks to visit with Zion & Bryce Canyon at the top of that list! It truly humbles a person. They are both truly magical, epic & make you feel like a tiny little ant amongst its beauty, stature & light. Southern Utah is full of outdoor activities with sunshine year-round. Historically this area has been rich in agriculture and now has the added benefits of great hotels and vacation rentals, excellent restaurants for all types of dining, and a wide array of annual events. Zion National Park is a southwest Utah nature preserve distinguished by Zion Canyon’s steep red cliffs. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive cuts through its main section, leading to forest trails along the Virgin River. The river flows to the Emerald Pools, which have waterfalls and a hanging garden. Also along the river, partly through deep chasms, is Zion Narrows wading hike which my friends and I did over a few days. Springdale, located just outside of Zion National Park against a backdrop of the most breathtaking mountain panoramas you will ever see. Springdale is home to locally managed hotels, B&B’s, restaurants, farmer’s markets, art galleries, tour guides, outfitters, gift shops, hiking, bike trails and more. LODGING My friends and I stayed at the Zion Crest Campground & RV Park where we camped in the pines on the plateau above Utah's Zion National Park on land that literally borders the park boundary. They have bathrooms, showers & laundry facilities. Reserve your RV space on the east rim of Zion National Park & explore the dramatic scenic terrain of Bryce Canyon National Park in the distance. Below are more places to stay near Zion National Park: The Dwellings Watchman Villas Bumbleberry Inn Driftwood Lodge Hummingbird Villa Under Canvas Zion Cable Mountain Lodge Flanigan's Resort & Spa Cliffrose (Curio Collection by Hilton) Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort Cabins Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort Glamping Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites My friend Jessica along with her husband & daughter stayed at Under Canvas Zion which she said provided a very luxurious glamping experience. "We booked a “suite tent” which had a king bed, pull-out couch, and private bathroom. The food at the camp was quite good too. We had breakfast and dinner both nights." WHERE TO EAT My friend Jessica suggests: Lunch at MeMe's Cafe in Springdale + a late afternoon drink & snack in Springdale at Oscar's Cafe. 6 HIKES YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THE NARROWS RIVERSIDE WALK ANGELS LANDING WEEPING ROCK What is The Narrows? The Narrows is the narrowest section of Zion Canyon. This gorge, with walls a thousand feet tall & the river sometimes just 20-30 wide, is one of the most popular areas in Zion National Park. You can see The Narrows by hiking along the paved, wheelchair accessible Riverside Walk for one mile from the Temple of Sinawava. If you wish to see more, you will be walking in the Virgin River which my friends and I did. This can involve wading upstream for just a few minutes or it can be an all day hike. How can I hike The Narrows? A hike through The Narrows requires hiking in the Virgin River. You must get your feet wet since there is no trail. Most people choose to start their hike from the Temple of Sinawava via the Riverside Walk & then walk upstream before turning around & hiking back down to the Temple of Sinawava which we did. Bottom-Up Hike From the Temple of Sinawava (Wilderness Permit not required) Hiking in The Narrows upstream as far as Big Spring does not require a permit. Doing the hike this way allows you to see some of the most spectacular and narrowest parts of the canyon. You can hike in the river for an hour and have a great experience, or you can hike as far as Big Spring, a strenuous, ten-mile round trip, all-day adventure. 16-Mile Through-Hike from Chamberlain's Ranch (Wilderness Permit required) Permits are required for this 16-mile through-hike of the Virgin River Narrows from Chamberlain's Ranch to the Temple of Sinawava. Those who choose this option must arrange their own transportation to the Chamberlain's Ranch trailhead. When should I hike The Narrows? Most people hike The Narrows in the summer & early fall when the water tends to be at its warmest & the water level drops. However, this is also the time of year that storms can cause life-threatening flash floods. Obviously check the weather, but we ended up going end of July/August. What should I wear & bring to hike The Narrows? Close-toed shoes & a hiking stick are recommended for hiking on the slick, uneven rocks in The Narrows. High canyon walls & water create cooler conditions than anywhere else in Zion Canyon, so wear & bring seasonally appropriate synthetic layers. Click here for more: Equipment and Clothing Recommendations I can't speak on the hike for Angel's Landing since we chose to hike The Narrows + Riverside Walk instead & because of time, we also wanted to visit & camp at Bryce Canyon National Park as well. Click here for more information about Angel's Landing. Suggestions + Notes: Enter Zion from its East Entrance. I recommend you do this as it shortens the drive & is a very scenic introduction to the park with overlooks & pullouts. You can also do the Canyon Overlook Trail if you want to get a hike in as well. The parking lot in Zion fills up early (by 9am) but we paid for a spot walking distance from the Springdale entrance. If you don't want to pay for parking, you can park further away in Springdale & take a free shuttle into the park. Once you are in the park you must take the shuttle to explore the canyon. We got off the shuttle at Zion Lodge and did the full Emerald Pools hike (lower, middle, upper) & the Grotto Trail. We got on the shuttle back towards the Visitors Center & hopped off at Court of the Patriarchs to take in the scenic views. My friend, Jessica suggests that if you drive past Under Canvas & through the Kolob Canyon portion of Zion you can check out Kolob Reservoir. You can take a very refreshing swim at Kolob Reservoir. It’s about 20 degrees cooler here so it was a nice break after the hot morning!

I have OCD (an anxiety disorder) otherwise known as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. In every day speech, it's common for people with a tidy bedroom or desk to proclaim themselves as "OCD." Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, however it is a mental illness that means so much more than an affinity for organization. OCD is characterized by repetitive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and irrational, excessive urges to do certain actions (compulsions). OCD is distressing and anxiety-evoking. OCD is a disorder defined as the presence of an obsession (an irrational thought or idea that continually repeats) and / or a compulsion (an irrational behavior performed repeatedly). These behaviors can occur together or on their own, and interfere with a person's quality of life and ability to function. OCD means having a lack of control over certain thoughts or activities, so much so that they inhibit daily life. Thus, there's a whole population of people that wouldn't appreciate the glamorization or trivialization of their disorder. The correct term for people who do not have OCD that use the term incorrectly should try using the words, "particular", "clean" or "organized" instead. Despite having similar names and symptoms, OCD and OCPD (Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder) are distinct forms of mental illness that have unique and specific characteristics. OCPD is a personality disorder which is characterized by a preoccupation with organization, perfectionism & control (both mental & interpersonal) at the expense of flexibility & efficiency. OCPD is often associated with rigidity, anger & inflexibility. OCPD is a personality disorder defined by strict adherence to orderliness & control over one's environment at the expense of flexibility & the openness to new experiences. OCPD is characterized by personality traits such as: Excessive need for perfection and relentless control over one's environment and interpersonal relationships. Preoccupation with details, rules, lists, and order that can result in missing the major objective of an activity. Excessive devotion to work at the expense of family and friends. Rigidity and inflexibility with regards to morals, ethics, values and / or the adherence to rules. (Source: VeryWellMind) I started seriously working on my mental health for the first time this past March, at the beginning of Covid and quarantine. Because of Covid and because of my OCD, anxiety, panic attacks and severe depression, I was so relieved that it was going to be virtual therapy. I always put off therapy because I didn't want to dive deep and do the work. I was also afraid that I would be paired with a therapist that I didn't "jive" with and then I would have to start all over again, opening myself up to a new therapist from the beginning all over again. It seemed too daunting, draining and overwhelming. I was so fortunate to be paired with an absolutely amazing therapist right from the start. I will talk more about this in another blog post so you can learn more about therapy and virtual therapy and resources where you can get help. You are not alone. I am a huge advocate for therapy and I want others to be aware of the multiple resources available to them. I have been working on boundaries with myself that I am trying to be more consistent with every day. It's not easy though. I was always (and still am to a degree) Miss. Holistic and Miss. Alternative Medicine. But, I also realize there is a time and place for non alternative medicine too and hope one day the two can evolve closer together. It took me awhile to even consider taking any prescription whatsoever, but I finally wanted to try to see if it helped, as my disorders have been more severe and really amplified during the pandemic. I started taking Zoloft and it has helped so much. But, as I said I still have to work on boundaries with myself daily as far as my OCD goes. Some examples of BOUNDARIES with myself that I am LEARNING are... 1) I will not take calls or emails after a certain time. 2) I will say no to things that don't feel good for me or make me uncomfortable. 3) If someone in my life triggers me, I will take a pause to honor my own needs before responding. 4) I am going to set a limit on how much time I spend on social media. 5) I am allowed to choose rest and relaxation time. As I was only recently diagnosed with OCD, my brother had tweeted out a post (he left my name out, but I am totally fine with it out there) saying: "A close member of my family didn't get diagnosed until just recently. We need to make it much easier and encourage access to mental health care." A friend of my brother's tweeted him back with this response: "I was officially diagnosed with OCD (as part of my treatment for my eating disorder) at 14, and I remember as I told the doctor my history of symptoms, he looked at my Mom and said, "This sounds like it's been going on since she was 9 years old." All this knowing I had a family history of anxiety and OCD, but no one connected that until something serious happened. Even after my ED (eating disorder) recovery, I didn't come to terms with my ongoing anxiety until I was 25, when I talked with adult female friends who were already getting help. All this to say - you never know how the words you say and the stories you share could unlock something for someone, especially when it comes to women and mental health." As I looked through the reply chain of tweets in response to my brother's post, another women tweeted, "Anecdotally, I've seen in myself, friends, and in memoirs, that 9 seems to be the age that something (whatever that something is) shifts." Another women tweeted: "I was diagnosed with OCD at 23 when I was nearly suicidal. Starting exhibiting symptoms at 9. 14 years of suffering." I was glad my brother tweeted that out because all the responses he got were very illuminating and made me feel less alone and I related to feeling like this from a very young age but didn't understanding what was going on with me. I remember when I was little (perhaps around 8 or 9 or so) I, for whatever reason was obsessed with stationary (living that Hello Kitty, Sanrio life) and I always had to have all my stationary displayed on my desk a certain way. I remember when I left my bedroom, my friend had moved things around on purpose or in my mind I thought it was on purpose. I didn't understand why I was so angry and upset. Like full on tears upset. It wasn't a normal reaction. I think I even told her to go home. I have glimpses of things that happened and reactions that were not normal even from a young age. It always came from a feeling of not being in control or some fear I didn't yet understand. I also remember as a teenager watching this Drew Barrymore and Chris O'Donnell movie called Mad Love. Although Drew's character in the movie has bipolar disorder with periods of depression and periods of elevated mood, it was the first time I connected a movie to what mental illness and mental health was and what it looked like first hand from the person suffering from it and those around them. Now, with the help of therapy, I can connect these OCD manic episodes to things most of the time. My OCD just got really worse over time and family members didn't see it continue because I had my own apartment in Florida and later when I moved to California. Perhaps, they might have always had a sense of something going on with me, but honestly didn't know how to handle it or what to do about it until it was right in front of them to witness. When I talk to my parents about it now, they honestly thought it was just me being an angsty teenager but at times they always thought it could be more than that. I had to really face it when I moved back home recently, because it's quite scary and overwhelming for people to witness someone with OCD and having a manic episode. Women suffer from anxiety at nearly twice the rate of men and it can have serious repercussions. A coalition of women's health groups is now recommending that all girls and women be screened for anxiety disorders starting at age 13. ( Source: NPR ) As you can see in the image to the right, "The OCD cycle", people living with OCD have repeated, persistent & unwanted thoughts, images or impulses that occur over & over again in their mind. Unfortunately, these obsessive thoughts increase to anxiety & distress that leads to the need to react / do something. People living with OCD have repetitive behaviors or mental acts that are meant to reduce anxiety related to the obsessions. These compulsions lead to a temporary relief, but the person may go back to having the same anxious, worrying thoughts then the obsessions come back. For me, I have various rituals and / or compulsions that I would do that gave me a sense of control (or temporary relief) in what I would call an out of control world. These symptoms have since decreased with Zoloft. Things that would trigger these rituals / or compulsions would be when I didn't feel safe or I felt out of control. Examples would be: Having an upsetting disagreement Family tension / family issues Insomnia Fear of losing someone in my family Illness My Mom having 2 lumpectomy surgeries (zero stage carcinoma in situ) and radiation (all during a pandemic mind you) My Dad getting an emergency surgery for a pacemaker this past July (during a pandemic) Driving to the emergency at 1am for my Dad's high blood pressure (he was fine, thank god....he had just switched his blood pressure medication from morning to evening and that seemed to trigger a super high BP to 190). It was beyond traumatic because when my Mom and I went to walk my Dad inside the emergency, I had completely forgotten about the pandemic and hospital protocol (as I said, it was 1am and I was already having episodes of insomnia and I was in such a daze) that when they told us we could not go inside (or even one of us) I had a nervous breakdown not sure if that was going to be the last time I saw my Dad. I have also been diagnosed with having Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) which is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome that includes physical and behavioral symptoms that usually resolve with the onset of menstruation. PMDD causes extreme mood shifts that can disrupt work and damage relationships. Symptoms include extreme sadness, hopelessness, irritability, or anger. Once again, the Zoloft has really helped lessen these symptoms. PMDD on top of OCD would also trigger me to do these rituals that I mention below. These rituals / or compulsions I would have (or I am still working through) consist of the following: Obsessively organizing things from morning to night. Literally. I would move from redoing a closet, organizing hangers by color, then move to organizing paperwork, from that move to cleaning the kitchen until every inch was spotless, then move to vacuum cleaning the entire house, organizing my drawers, anything you could think of organizing I would do but without stopping and / or sometimes without eating all day. Obsessively thinking or beating myself up for not handling a situation correctly. Obsessively thinking of things in my past (especially at night, hence the insomnia) and how I could have done things differently. Obsessively thinking about traumatic things that I have be through or have witnessed. Obsessively sterilizing everything I can think of...I was doing this prior to the pandemic so you can only imagine how heightened and amplified this has become. Upon entering a plane, I always have to do the sign of the cross, kiss my hand and touch the plane. When the plane starts descending up until the time it lands, I would have to cross both my fingers until the plane landed safely and then I could uncross my fingers. This was a compulsion and ritual I felt I had to do. I felt, I had to do it for fear if I didn't something might happen because I didn't do this ritual. Obsessively working on my website from morning to night. I need to get better at this because even though it is a passion and enjoyable to me, I don't set limits to how long I work on my website. I now set an alarm to take breaks, stretch, walk, exercise, go to the bathroom and stop for the day. The alarm keeps me on track to implement a healthier way to enjoy working on my website and writing so I do not become overly obsessive or that I use my website as a substitute for my OCD where it isn't enjoyable anymore. I hope that makes sense..... Those are just some examples above. There are more that I know I am forgetting. These compulsive behaviors are enacted in an attempt to avoid obsessive thoughts and diffuse the inner turmoil brought on by them. I will be writing a follow up post on what I have learned through therapy that has helped me with my OCD, anxiety, panic attacks and depression. I would like to thank my supportive parents and brother, my relatives, my doctors, my therapist, my group therapists, the wonderful people in my group therapy that have shared their experiences, my wonderful friends, The Depression Project and @what.is.mental.illness on Instagram for all your love and support. Please do not self diagnose. If you relate to a lot of these things, please seek professional help. I wanted to create this post to raise awareness and encourage those who may relate to reach out. I will be doing more posts like this in the future, so be sure to sign up to be on my mailing list, so you don't miss any of my new blog posts.

New Jersey is packed with things to do and spots to see, whether you’re interested in discovering hidden gems or exploring local hotspots. We've got it all...mountains, lakes, beaches, farms, cities, small towns, museums, vineyards, historic landmarks, skiing, entertainment...I could go on and on. Best of all, nothing is too far away! Life in the Garden State may be wonderful but, along with all the perks, there are a few downfalls. If you can afford it, it's definitely worth it, but, it is one of the most frequent complaints that you hear about the Garden State. You can practically afford a palace in Pennsylvania for what you might pay for a modest home in some parts of New Jersey. That being said, it's also a wonderful place to go on vacation as well. I've compiled my favorite restaurants, activities, attractions, and more! This is only Part 1, so be sure to check out Part 2 afterwards. Also, let me know in the comments if you have more spots to share! ASBURY PARK Dessert: Cookman Creamery 711 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park, N.J. Visit their website here Family owned frozen dessert shop, specializing in hand-crafted small batch ice creams. Plant based vegan flavors available! All their vegan bases begin with coconut cream, almond butter, cashew butter, or peanut butter, sweetened primarily with agave and brown rice syrup. Check them out here Food: TAKA 660 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park, N.J. Visit the website here Head into this beautifully designed corner restaurant for sushi and Japanese cuisine. The lounge feeling that they have cultivated is the perfect match for the masterfully designed dishes and innovative cocktails you will enjoy. Pascale & Sabine 601 Bangs Avenue, Asbury Park, N.J. Visit the website here A part of the local restaurant company Smith, Pascal & Sabine is a trip to France from the second you sit. This tastefully designed location pairs classic French food with modern touches to create one of the most sought after bites in town. Cardinal 513 Bangs Avenue, Asbury Park, N.J. Visit their website here Cardinal is the culinary collaboration of chefs Grace Crossman and Laura Brahn. By day, they can be found providing full service breakfast and lunch with great carryout and, by night, hosting pop-up dinners both inside their restaurant and out. Cardinal also offers catering in every which way: from intimate indoor dinner parties to elaborate fire-lit farm weddings. Crust & Crumble Gourmet Pizzeria & Bakery 633 Lake Avenue, Asbury Park, N.J. Visit their website here The Robinson Ale House 1200 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, N.J. Visit their website here Tim McLoone's Supper Club 1200 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, N.J. Visit the website here Tim McLoone's Supper Club opened in July 2008, bringing back the supper club concept of days gone by. Tim McLoone's Supper Club offers the experience of great live entertainment paired with exquisite cuisine. Located on the boardwalk in Asbury Park, above The Robinson Ale House, you will find an elegant venue to enjoy some of the area's finest entertainment. The upscale menu offers many starters and exceptional dinner choices as well as delicious dessert samplings that are made daily by their in-house pastry chef. Tim McLoone's Supper Club can also host your private event in this beautiful room with a view. The Asbury 210 5th Avenue, Asbury Park, N.J. Visit the website here Sleep | Eat + Drink: The Counter, Soundbooth, Salvation, Asbury Lanes | Swim | Baronet: Movies on the Roof , Wellness + Fitness , Book A Private Event | Weddings + Events | To Do | Pics | Local The Asbury mashes up Asbury Park's Victorian-era history, rock-n-roll present, and shiny future into a new kind of social hub. Come experience their vibrant bars and hangouts like their renowned rooftop lounge Salvation, the outdoor rooftop movie theater Baronet and their lively lobby bar Soundbooth. There’s something for everyone at The Asbury, whether it’s hanging by the pool, enjoying live music in the lobby, soaking up a well being class on Baronet or simply relaxing in your room! Stella Marina 800 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, N.J. Visit the website here Whether it’s for one of their cocktails and a quick pizza during their happy hour, or a long dinner with family and friends, Stella is sure to cure that craving for Italian. Their Bolognese is as close to pasta perfection as you will find on the boardwalk. Reservations highly suggested. Food Network's Giada De Laurentiis has been spotted here! Moonstruck 517 Lake Avenue, Asbury Park, N.J. Visit the website here Known locally as the best special occasion spot in Asbury, the views of the lake paired with their excellent offerings are worthy of a visit. ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS Food: JUS Organic 135 First Ave. Highlands, N.J. Visit their website here Fresh, simple and elegant Organic, Vegan & Vegetarian food inspired by the rich and exotic flavors of the world. Serves Breakfast + Lunch (8am - 4pm / Closed on Tuesdays) Smoothies, Juices, Coffee, Specialty Lattes, Natural Boosts + Add Ons, Kid's Menu, Tartines + Toasts, Buddha Bowls, Salads, Sides. About | Menu | Instagram The Atlantic House 67 First Avenue, Atlantic Highlands, N.J. Visit their website here The Atlantic House is family owned and operated in the vibrant coastal town of Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey. Originally from England, the owners take inspiration from the warm pub culture and traditions. In a modern setting, their restaurant is a casual place to gather, eat great food and feel at home. Made with Locally Sourced and Organic ingredients, Chef Neville's delectable creations are unique and delicious. Dinner Menu | Drink Menu | Catering Things To Do: Bayshore Trail + Henry Hudson Trail This paved, 10-foot wide, 24-mile long trail is a former railroad right-of-way. It is relatively flat, traveling through both man-made and natural environments. Much of the trail is tree-lined, though some parts have views of surrounding wetlands, streams and fields. Henry Hudson Trail - An ideal trail as it is flat, shady and you can ride for over 22 miles. Try the Highlands to Atlantic Highlands bike walk path. In Highlands go to the end of Shore Drive down past the Seastreak ferry. Going straight you can’t help but go into the park. Nice bike ride right along the river , with views of New York, going into Atlantic Highlands. Activity Center - 945 State Hwy 36, Leonardo 07737 Popamora Point - 369 Shore Drive, Highlands 07732 Visit the Monmouth County Park System website here Hartshorne Woods Park 1402 Portland Road, Highlands, NJ (Rocky Point Entrance) 307 Navesink Avenue, Locust, NJ (Buttermilk Valley Entrance) 239 Locust Avenue, Locust, NJ (Claypit Creek Entrance) Visit the website here A hilly, forested 794-acre site overlooking the Navesink River, this park is among the highest elevations along the Atlantic Coast and features prominently in area history as a former coastal defense site. Known for its challenging trail system and scenic views, Hartshorne Woods is a popular park for area hikers, bicyclists and outdoor enthusiasts. Park features: group cabin camping (by reservation), cross country ski trails, fishing in the Navesink River and trails for walking, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. It's the perfect place to escape the sounds of suburbia. Hartshorne Woods Park has the most extensive and challenging series of trails (over 14 miles) in the Park System. They include: Rocky Point (paved), Claypit Creek (water views), Buttermilk Valley (dirt trails) Hikers, bicyclists, and casual walkers can all find trails to their liking. Please stay on marked trails, plan your route, take a trail map, and wear appropriate safety gear. Enter from Navesink Ave., Locust or Portland Rd., Highlands. Atlantic Highlands Art Council 54 1st Avenue, Atlantic Highlands, N.J. Visit their website here. We just stumbled upon this wonderful art gallery. The mission of the Atlantic Highlands Arts Council is to strengthen community through the arts. They are a 100% volunteer 501(c)3 non-profit organization that believes in the power of the arts to transform and enrich communities. Their primary function is to develop and execute events and arts related activities for the benefit of the community. When we were there, we saw the "CHAOS AND ORDER" exhibit by artists, Paul Hansen and David Levy. Their work is absolutely incredible and kaleidoscope-like in the way that you look at it and within a few seconds, different themes & images reveal themselves. They are truly remarkable pieces and I'm now a huge fan of their art. AVON-BY-THE-SEA Food: Seed to Sprout 410 Main Street, Avon-By-The-Sea, N.J. (also located in Fair Haven) Visit their website here Cake Shop | Raw Food Cleanse | Menus Alex & Cara, are the owners of the plant based restaurant Seed to Sprout. Seed to Sprout was born out of a deep passion for plant based eating, and overall natural wellness. What started as a weekly dinner pop-up, quickly grew into a multi location business on the Jersey Shore. Alex & Cara opened the doors to Seed to Sprout in Fall of 2012, right in the middle of Hurricane Sandy. Through this they were able to connect with the community and meet some of their most loyal customers. Over the years, the restaurant and offerings have evolved to include breakfast, lunch, dinner, pantry products, raw food cleanses, custom cakes, catering, cooking classes, and so much more. Alex & Cara currently have two restaurant locations in Avon-by-the-Sea and Fair Haven, a bakery location in Wanamassa. The Avon-by-the-Sea location even has an Herbal Apothecary! Cavé Bistro 515 Sylvania Avenue, Avon-By-The-Sea, N.J. Visit their website here Cavé Bistro has a wonderful seasonal paleo, gluten-free menu served in a quaint bistro setting. Following his own healthy transformation, Chef Doug shares his passion for serving up nutritious meals made from wholesome ingredients. After discovering better health after he adopted a strict gluten free diet, Doug was inspired to share his discovery. His back problems resolved, he slept soundly and shed 30 pounds without much effort. He opened Cavé Bistro, the Jersey Shore’s first gluten free prepared meals service, and later expanded to become a full service restaurant. One of my favorite items on the menu is their gluten free tacos! BRADLEY BEACH Food: Luna Verde 400 Main Street, Bradley Beach, N.J. Visit their website here Authentic Mexican Vegan Restaurant / Latinx Owned / Black Owned / Family Owned / Women Owned / 100% Vegan Where Food Meets Love | Patio Verde | Menus The Hidalgo Family name Mexican food as their favorite. As a vegan family, parents Mahonrry and Eslin Morris, along with their son, Marel (who just happens to be an amazing guitarist), have wanted to share their love of delicious and homemade (vegan) Mexican food. When the right location became available, they decided to open a restaurant themselves. After opening in 2018, Luna Verde has gained a large following all across the state, not only vegans, but also foodies who enjoy made-from-scratch, flavorful, and innovative cooking. Offering bright and spicy salsas, rich guacamole, plenty of tacos, burritos, flautas, chimichangas, desserts, updated specials, and gluten-free options. CAPE MAY Food: Beach Plum Farm 140 Stevens Street, West Cape May, N.J. Visit their website here Beach Plum Farm is located less than two miles from Cape May’s famed historic downtown. Established in 2008 by owners Curtis Bashaw and Will Riccio, the working farm is open to the public and welcomes visitors from near and far to enjoy its quaint serenity. Spend an afternoon exploring the open spaces, or stay overnight in one of their beautiful cottages to truly experience the rhythm of farm life. Choose from five historic cottages and barns situated right on the farm. With space to sleep anywhere from six to eight guests, these homes are perfect for a family vacation, reunion or getaway with friends! Farm to table meals: Nestled in the main Amish barn, the Farm Kitchen features an ever-changing menu based on what’s fresh in the fields that morning. Enjoy homespun breakfast and lunch selections at a picnic table surrounded by greenery and sun. Since 2008, Beach Plum Farm has grown to produce over 100 kinds of fruits and vegetables as well as chickens, eggs, and Berkshire hogs. The Farm provides produce and meats to local Cape May restaurants including The Ebbitt Room, Blue Pig Tavern, Rusty Nail, Boiler Room, Louisa’s Café and more! Garrett Family Preserve at Cape Island Creek 609 Lafayette St, Cape May, N.J. Visit their website here Are you looking for something fun and new to do in New Jersey? Give rail biking a try! What exactly is rail biking? An exciting activity that involves riding pedal-powered machines along inactive railroad tracks. It’s like biking, but cooler. Rail bike systems are located across the country, repurposing abandoned railroad tracks to create scenic cycling routes. Enjoy a scenic ride around an actual nature preserve when you take this rail trail trek. Your four-mile out-and-back journey will take you past creeks & salt marshes, through wildflower fields & alongside green, grassy meadows. It's a scenic trek! A picturesque, peaceful Cape May excursion, it's a wonderful way to enjoy wildlife. You may spot a wide variety of songbirds, raptors, bumblebees & butterflies. The relaxing journey is suitable for riders of most ages & ability levels. The trek lasts about 90 minutes & is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. A family-friendly day trip activity, rail bikes can fit 2 or 4 riders. Children age 4 & up can ride on their own, with seatbelts. Children under age 4 can ride in a front-mounted carrier. These rides are made possible thanks to a partnership between Seashore Lines & Revolution Rail Company. Revolution Rail Company also maintains miles of track in the Adirondack Mountains. You can find more information & book your rail bike adventure here. Reservations are recommended. During peak season, rides are available between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., so this journey will work well with whatever vacation schedule you’re planning. They also offer rides on a reduced schedule in the spring and fall. You may even come across wintertime slots. Don’t miss out on the best new nature attraction in Cape May, New Jersey! COLTS NECK Food: Delicious Orchards 320 NJ-34, Colts Neck, N.J. Visit their website here. A wonderful farm and country food market offering a wide array of baked goods all made on site in their scratch bakery. Delicious Orchards is home to the finest meats and cheeses with unique deli, prepared foods and grocery sections. Perfect gift baskets, coffees and teas, an ever increasing organic department, a personal shopping experience offering curbside service, catering and outdoor dining at their Cider Café where you can enjoy your meal under one of their many apple trees. Note: Closed on Mondays! Things To Do: Dorbrook Recreation Area 209 County Rd 537, Colts Neck, N.J. Visit their website here. The Sprayground requires advance reservations for admission. There are no walk-up admissions offered. Admission is free but you must reserve a time slot in advance through the registration page. (Search: Sprayground Fun.) During the renovation, the site received all-new spray features including “raining leaves,” domes of cascading water, and a series of high to low play troughs. A new bright blue surface was installed and the pumping system was replaced for improved water filtration. Designed to provide refreshment for park visitors and participants in Park System summer camp programs, the Sprayground is a great place to cool off and play with water. Individuals and families are welcome. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Sports Courts - Includes, Tennis and Basketball courts, as well as the In-Line Skating Rink are available during posted park hours on a first-come, first served basis. The in-line skating rink is a shared use facility between skating activity and pickleball games. Challenger Place – A Playground for Children of All Abilities - This universally accessible playground provides all children, at their own level of play, an opportunity to laugh, play, grow and learn together. This play facility, opened in June 2004, includes elevated surfaces that are accessible to those in wheelchairs and Braille signs for individuals who are visually impaired. Each of the three play structures has areas in where children of varied abilities can play together, enjoying fun and stimulating activities. This playground project was a joint venture of the Monmouth County Park System and Challenged Youth Sports, Middletown and is the first universally integrated playground in New Jersey. Trails - A paved trail winds its way around and through the north side of this active park. The 2.3 mile trail has two loops for you to choose and vary your trail experience. A bicycle repair station with a tire pump and tools has recently been added near the basketball courts. Holistic Healing Center 353 County Rd 537, Colts Neck, N.J. Visit their website here. Orthopedic Injuries, Geriatric Rehab / Sports Injuries / Neurological Disorders / BPPV / Chronic Pain / Pediatrics / Women's Health / Lymphedema / Physical Therapy / Chiropractic Medicine / Massage / Nutritionist / Personal Training / Acupuncture / Thermographic Testing / Nervous System Screenings / Hypno-sound Healing & Hypnotherapy / Reiki / Cupping / Spa services DEAL Things To Do: Deal Lake Kayak Tour Deal Lake, N.J. Contact: Bob Jaroszewski Cell: (609) 557-7077 Website: NJveg.org Bob Jaroszewski has been offering nature kayak tours on Deal Lake for the past few years. He is a knowledgeable birder + wildlife enthusiast. He shares the history of Deal Lake & talks about the wildlife which includes: herons, egrets, osprey, cormorants, ducks, geese, muskrats, and there are a few otters living at the lake too! Bring your own vessel or rent a single/tandem kayak, canoe, or paddle board at Deal Lake Dock Company: (732) 403-0730 or check out their website here. Note: Advance reservations recommended; 2-hour rental suggested. Deal Lake is a man-made lake in Monmouth County, N.J. It is the largest lake in the county & one of the largest lakes in N.J., occupying 158 acres & drains into the Atlantic Ocean. Seven municipalities border the lake, accounting for 27 miles of shoreline, including Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Deal, Interlaken, Loch Arbour, Neptune Township & Ocean Township. Deal Lake, like many urban and suburban bodies of water experienced serious environmental pollutant problems in the mid 20th century, in 1974 the Deal Lake Commission was formed to help save the lake. Deal is a freshwater lake, but is unique because it has spawning saltwater fish, including alewives, blueback herring & gizzard shad. Deal Lake has gone by many names over the years including Lake Uliquecks, White's Pond, Hogs Swamp Pond, Corlies Pond, Great Pond & Boyleston Great Pond. Originally an estuary of the Atlantic Ocean, Deal Lake was altered starting in 1890 to its present form, with the closing off the inlet from the ocean & creation of several separate lakes & ponds. Deal Lake was a model system of the late 19th century for flood control & storm water management. Over time, the lake lured many to build along its banks. Today, almost the entire shoreline has been developed with many homes built within the 100-year flood plain. FAIR HAVEN Food: Seed To Sprout 560A River Road, Fair Haven, N.J. Visit their website here 100% Vegan + Preservative Free About | Daily Menu | Cake Shop | Raw Food Cleanse Over Easy Kitchen 588 River Road, Fair Haven, N.J. Visit their website here. I recently went here for breakfast and O.M.G. is their menu delicious AND healthy! My favorite combo! My Mom (Mama Joy) & I shared the Summer Avo Toast and the Cold Chia Bowl (overnight chia oatmeal soaked in oat milk, berry compote, house-made toasted oats, bananas, fresh mixed berries + acai gelato) I can't wait to come back for lunch! I want to try their "Vegan Stack", which is: red organic quinoa, sauteed spinach, grilled zucchini + eggplant, avocado, broccoli, EVOO, balsamic glaze, jicama, sweet + spicy roasted pepper sauce AND their "Roasted Beetroot Salad" which is: red + golden beets, spring mix, over-grilled pineapple, balsamic vinaigrette, strawberries, cranberries, grape tomatoes, cucumbers, jicama (optional: blue cheese crumbles) Nauvoo Grill Club 121 Fair Haven Road, Fair Haven, N.J. Visit their website here American food served in a Frank Lloyd Wright inspired lodge-like setting. Menu | Events | Hours & Directions Surf BBQ 132 East River Road, Fair Haven, N.J. Visit their website here. Surf NJ combines two distinct American cuisine types under one roof - classic pit smoked BBQ and American comfort foods, featuring a selection of smoked meats, burgers, tacos, and perfectly executed bar fare, and a newly added lighter side to our menu, Surf is the perfect neighborhood dining destination. Artisan beers, bourbons and whiskies, and unique cocktails in a warm, rustic atmosphere add to the dining experience. They also have plenty of vegetarian options. I LOVE their "Ditch Plains Vegan Bowl" which has quinoa, avocado puree, kale, cashew vinaigrette, cucumber, shaved carrots and pickled red onion. Raven & The Peach Tea Room 740 River Road, Fair Haven, N.J. Fine dining perfect for weddings, social & corporate events. Tea Room Menu | The Casablanca Room | Cuisine Ala Carte Dining in The Palm Room + Piano Room Desserts: Nicholas Creamery 586 River Road, Fair Haven, N.J. (also located in Atlantic Highlands) Visit their website here Homemade 100% organic small batch ice cream shop using natural dairy + the freshest local ingredients. Vegan options are also available! They also make ice cream cakes (Cookie Dream Cake + Toasted Coconut Ice Cream Cake) Booskerdoo Coffee & Baking Co. 793 River Road, Fair Haven, N.J 07704 ( other locations ) About | Menus | Journal Things To Do: Natural Elements Nail Spa 740 River Road, Fair Haven, N.J. Visit their website here I absolutely LOVE Natural Elements because they are Eco-friendly + Organic and the healthiest alternative to nail care. From the moment you walk in, you will instantly experience the difference! The founders, Theresa & Lynn, have consciously & carefully chosen specific eco-friendly products and services to nourish your being, while giving you peace of mind during your serene visits. You can rest assured to be free of air pollution here! Their ventilation system at each station is the best of its kind, & our indoor plant life will enhance your air quality, along with a daily diffusion of Young Living essential oils to dance on your soul. Always expect the perks of their in-house creations such as all natural sugar scrubs, pedicure bath soaks, lotions, & oils, all infused with essential oils & sourced from organic apothecaries. Natural Elements strive on sanitation, therefore you will have your very own set of nail supplies that they will store for you! They take note of the small details that limit our waste, and keep our earth clean! You will find very little plastic items & lots of eco-friendly movements. Your love for Natural Elements space is necessary to make bigger changes elsewhere...so share the love! Proper and Polished 570 River Road, Fair Haven, N.J. Visit their website here I like this spot for their Eminence facials (all natural ingredients). POE of Fair Haven 772 River Road, Fair Haven, N.J. Visit their website here Gym / Physical Fitness Center Hot Power Yoga + FireBeat + The MVMNT + Fit Crawl The Pilates Project 560K River Road, Fair Haven, N.J. Visit their website Classical Pilates / Virtual + In Studio instruction / Private + Duet Sessions / Group Classes Become A Teacher FREEHOLD Food: Saladworks 341 W Main St, Freehold Township, N.J. Things To Do: Clayton Park 161 Emley's Hill Road, (Imlaystown) Upper Freehold, NJ 08526 - Trail Head Parking 202 Davis Station Road, (Imlaystown) Upper Freehold, NJ 08514 - Activity Center Visit the website here You'll feel many miles away from civilization as this rustic 450-acre site in rural Upper Freehold is located amidst the rolling farmland of western Monmouth County. One of the most beautiful parks in the Park System, the property is known for stately stands of red and white oak, beech, ash and birch trees. Located along the Upper Freehold Historic Farmland Scenic Byway, a 24-mile stretch that captures the agricultural, historical, environmental and cultural traditions still visible around Upper Freehold and Allentown, Clayton Park offers miles trails for visitors to explore. Crosswicks Creek Greenway and Union Transportation Trail (UTT) - Located amidst horse farms, nurseries, and protected farmland in the rural, southwest portion of the county, more than 1,897 acres protect Crosswicks Creek, an important local water resource, and provide access for fishing, paddling and informal multi-use trails. At the heart of this greenway is pastoral Historic Walnford, a former mill village that has been carefully preserved to highlight over 200 years of local history. More information about Historic Walnford can be found here. On the banks of Crosswicks Creek, this charming site has buildings to tour, exhibits to view, and beautiful grounds for quiet enjoyment & photography—a great place to start exploring the area. Don’t miss free programs and demos on weekends 1-4pm throughout the year, including the operating gristmill Apr.-Nov. More information & directions can be found here Turkey Swamp Park 200 Georgia Road, Freehold, N.J. (Main Park Area) 143 Nomoco Road, Freehold, N.J. (Nomoco Group Campground) Visit the website here This 2,283 acre wooded park was acquired and developed with campers in mind. A major attraction is the 17-acre lake for fishing, boating, and ice-skating. The park also features miles of trails, an archery range and playgrounds. You can rent a kayak, canoe or paddle boat! Continue reading New Jersey - Part 2: Hamburg to West Berlin HERE

Ditch the can and make your own homemade organic dark sweet cherry pie filling! This is a SUPER EASY recipe naturally sweetened with honey. It's so good, you'll be eating it straight from the jar! Although I adore fresh cherries, I used to shy away from cherry pie, because most I tried were sweet and syrupy, loaded with unpronounceable ingredients. What a great injustice to one of summer’s most precious gifts! PREP: 15 mins COOK: 10 mins SERVINGS: 2 heaping cups (enough for a 9-inch pie) Ingredients 4 cups whole pitted fresh sweet cherries about 2 pounds with pits or 1 1/2 pounds pitted or frozen, thawed pitted cherries. I use 2 bags (it equals out to 4 cups) of the organic dark sweet cherries (pictured above) which I get at Whole Foods. 1/2 cup honey plus additional to taste (if using tart cherries, you may need to add a bit more) (I use: Local Hive Honey, Northeast Raw Unfiltered ) 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (I use: Santa Cruz Organic Pure Lemon Juice from the bottle, so there are no seeds involved) 1/4 cup cornstarch (I use: King Arthur Flour, because it's organic + non-gmo) 1/8 teaspoon pure organic almond extract optional or substitute 1/4 teaspoon of pure organic vanilla extract (I use: Simply Organic brand) 1 egg (I use: Vital Farms brand - organic pasture raised - brown box) Instructions Need a great pie crust? I love the Wholly Wholesome brand below that I get at Whole Foods. I like to preheat the oven and bake one of the pie crusts that I am going to use for the base of my pie. Follow the directions on the pie crust packaging. I like to poke a few light holes with a fork into the crust so it vents. I just like to bake the crust until it's firm, so if you are using the organic crust above, I set my oven to 375 degrees for about 10 minutes then take out of oven and let it cool. Defrost your organic black cherries in the bag. Place cherries into a large saucepan. Add 1/2 cup honey, lemon juice, cornstarch, and almond extract (if using), then stir to coat. Turn on the heat to medium. Cook the filling, stirring often, until glossy and thickened, about 5 - 10 minutes. Very carefully so as not to burn your tongue, taste the mixture. If you desire additional sweetness, add more honey a few teaspoons at a time. Remove pan from the heat and let the filling cool completely. Transfer to a storage jar or continue to the below instructions if you are using right away. Fill your pie shell with the organic black cherry pie filling as shown below: A woven lattice pie crust can make a homemade pie look so pretty. As intimidating as it might look to the non-weavers among us, weaving a lattice pie crust top is actually quite easy to do. Watch out though, you might experience flashbacks of kindergarten and construction paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the other half of your pie dough. It's easier to work with the dough if it is chilled, so if it the dough has softened too much, put the rolled-out piece on a flat cookie sheet and chill it in the refrigerator or freezer for a few minutes. Cut the dough into even strips, 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch wide, depending on how thick you want your lattice strips. You can use a blunt knife with or without a ruler or straight edge to guide you, or you can use a pizza wheel or a pastry wheel if you have one. After you have filled your pie shell with the pie filling, lay out 4 to 7 parallel strips of the pie dough, depending on how thick your strips are, on top of the filling, with about 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch space between them. Fold back every other strip. Place one long strip of dough perpendicular to the parallel strips as shown. Unfold the folded strips over the perpendicular strip. Now take the parallel strips that are running underneath the perpendicular strip and fold them back over the perpendicular strip, as shown. Lay down a second perpendicular strip of dough next to the first strip, with some space between the strips. Unfold the folded parallel strips over the second strip. Continue this process until the weave is complete over the top of the pie. Trim the edges of the strips flush with the dough of the underlying pie dish, which should be about half an inch over the sides. Fold back the rim of the shell over the edge of the lattice strips, and crimp to secure. Optional: Mix 1 egg in a small bowl. You are going to use this as a wash for the top of your crust to give the crust a nice touch of golden brown when it comes out of the oven. You can either use a kitchen brush or your fingers to rub the egg wash along the pie crust. You are now ready to bake your pie in the oven! Follow the directions on your pie crust packaging. Remove from oven carefully and get ready for the BEST PIE OF YOUR LIFE! Notes You can store you organic black cherry filling in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months. NOTES ON FREEZING: Because the pie filling is made with honey, it does congeal somewhat when frozen and thawed. I found it worked best to let the frozen filling thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm it in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, to smooth it out a little. If you are going to use the cherry pie filling in a classic cherry pie or as a sauce on top of ice cream, I would not recommend freezing, since in these cases, you'll want the smoothest texture possible. This cherry pie filling recipe turned out to be so tasty and so easy, I made a second jar the very next day and tucked it into my freezer for a later day. Even if you are not a fan of cherry pie, there are many, many delicious ways to devour this jar of homemade cherry pie filling: Mixed with yogurt and granola On top of Steel Cut Oats (or Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats and Overnight Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats - I love Bob's Red Mill brand because it's organic + non-gmo) Spooned over a scoop of ice cream with Date Lady Coconut Caramel Sauce which you can get here Spread on graham crackers with Date Lady Chocolate Spread which you can get here Baked in pie crust pockets to make a homemade Pop-tart On top of cheesecake Let me know if you make this or any of my other recipes in the comments below or on Instagram: @nicolederosalifestyle

This recipe is in our weekly rotation and is one of our all time favorite dishes! The mixture of warm jasmine rice, with crunchy crispy cauliflower (and bok choy) drizzled with the most delectable sweet citrus dressing is beyond mouth watering! Ingredients: ○ 1 cup jasmine rice (I use: Lundberg Family Farms brand because it's both organic + non-gmo) ○ 1 1/2 cups water ○ 1 tbs. coconut oil (I use: Dr. Bronner's brand - Unrefined) ○ 1 tbs. pink salt ○ 1 small cauliflower (broken into small bits) Sauce: ○ 1 tbs. sesame oil (I use: Napa Valley Naturals) ○ 1 1/2 tbs. fresh grated ginger ○ 3 cloves garlic (minced) ○ 1 cup fresh orange juice (I use: 365 brand, organic w/ Vitamin D + Calcium) ○ 1/4 cup maple syrup (I use: 365 brand, dark maple syrup) ○ 3 tbs. coconut aminos (I use: Big Tree Farms, organic, non-gmo, soy + gluten free ) ○ 3/4 tsp. red chili flakes ○ 1 tbs. cornstarch ○ 2 tbs. water Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 450°F 2. Rinse jasmine rice and place into a small pot. Add in water, dash of salt and coconut oil. Bring to a boil then simmer with a lid for 13 minutes. 3. Rinse and cut your cauliflower. Lay parchment paper onto baking sheet then add your cauliflower and a tiny bit of avocado oil. 4. Put cauliflower in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. 15 minutes into baking, turn on pure convection and change heat to 480°F. This will burn the edges a bit. 5. While cauliflower is baking, make sauce! 6. In a saucepan, heat up sesame oil. Then add in your ginger and garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant. 7. Whisk in all of your ingredients EXCEPT cornstarch and water. Whisk for 2 minutes then crank up the heat and bring to boil. 8. While your sauce is heating up, place cornstarch and water into a separate bowl, then add it to sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. You want to make sure the cornstarch has dissolved. 9. Take out cauliflower and carefully place it into a mixing bowl. Pour in your sauce (leave some on the side to top for later) and evenly coat your cauliflower. 10. Place cauliflower back on the baking sheet and cook for another 5 minutes. 11. Serve immediately over rice. 12. Optional - Bok Choy & spinach. I added in some extra greens, so feel free to add in any other veggies you enjoy! Let me know if you make this or any of my other recipes in the comments below or on Instagram: @nicolederosalifestyle

If you have not had the pleasure of crossing paths with Melissa Wood-Tepperberg aka Melissa Wood Health then I'd like to introduce you to this wonderful human beam of light! Melissa is a mom to two beautiful babies: Benjamin and Eleanor, a wife, digital entrepreneur, founder of Melissa Wood Health, creator of The MWH Method, meditator and certified in yoga and Pilates. Melissa's life wasn’t always as pretty as it may seem online. For years, Melissa struggled with feelings of inadequacy (like most people do). She suffered from severe anxiety. Which is something I can very much relate to as I too have severe anxiety as well as OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) and Depression. Her workouts and meditation practices have helped me turn my life around. It was through the process of creating her own method: The MWH Method, which is a series of precise low impact movements that Melissa started seeing beautiful long, lean lines throughout her entire body. Melissa says, "I believe the beauty of my method is that it’s not just about building a body you desire…it’s about building a better, stronger relationship with yourself." Below are my Top 10 Favorite workouts by Melissa Wood Health from her YouTube Channel. If you enjoyed her workouts below, be sure to check out The MWH Method! Be sure to share your fitness photos on the @nicolederosalifestyle Instagram using the hashtag #FitWithNicoleDeRosaLifestyle

I love mixing up my workouts to keep it interesting and Tasha Franken's workouts have helped my mind and body so much that I wanted to introduce you to her as well! Tasha is a model, certified health coach & Pilates instructor who recently launched an online Pilates subscription site called, T — F STUDIO to share her unique & dynamic FEEL GOOD Pilates workouts. Her main focus is to help those around her to feel their best by promoting a balanced and healthy lifestyle that everyone can follow. Anywhere, anytime. T — F STUDIO was created after trying countless workout classes and trainers that didn’t achieve the results Tasha was looking for. Tasha's workouts are designed for EVERY BODY to do at home, with minimal equipment, space and time. Tasha's workouts help create a long & sculpted body using Pilates based exercises, that add feminine tone without bulking and focus on breathing to reduce cortisol & inflammation in the body. I've added several FREE workouts by Tasha below, so you can get a feel for yourself and see how much you enjoy them too! I know you are going to love Tasha as much as I do and if you do, you can check out T — F STUDIO and sign up for her 7 day FREE TRIAL. For now, enjoy the workouts below which include: 35 Minute Full Body Pilates, De-Bloat and Improve Digestion, Full Body Sculpting Flow, 7 Min Abs, 7 Min Booty, 7 Min Arms, Cool Down Stretch and How To Warm Up (properly). Be sure to let me know what you think in the comments below! 35 Minute Full Body Pilates Debloat + Improve Digestion Full Body Sculpting Flow 7 Minute Abs 7 Minute Booty 7 Minute Arms Cool Down Stretch How To Warm Up Correctly Be sure to share your fitness photos on the @nicolederosalifestyle Instagram using the hashtag #FitWithNicoleDeRosaLifestyle