I often feel like fall is the shortest season, with the warmth quickly turning to a chill and the leaves peaking in color for just a moment before falling. Instead of celebrating Halloweekend this year, my friends and I took a short drive up to the Hudson Valley to catch what may have been the last of this season's best foliage. Between colorful, sweeping views over upstate New York and an overall sense of calm, this was the kind of getaway I'll be sure to revisit each autumn.

We planned our weekend around Minnewaska State Park, where trails of all lengths and difficulty lead to some stunning views. For a productive half-day hike, I recommend this guide for a trail that hits waterfalls and various viewpoints. We also detoured through the Blueberry Run route on our way back, which led us through a more challenging and less-paved trail. This is a great detour for those looking for more adventure, but make sure to leave time before sunset. We ended up hiking through darkness, and it was not exactly the ideal situation (a.k.a. the adrenaline rush was REAL). 

Leesa® kindly provided this mattress to me for review. All opinions are my own.

With my recent move I have been determined to invest wholeheartedly in my new space. Designing an apartment in New York City becomes a trade-off -- how do you hold back on spending too much for a rented space, while still making it the place you want to go home to? 

I've been especially focused on the space surrounding my bed because a good night's sleep makes all the difference. At least a third of our day is spent on sleep, and the quality of that time can determine how you spend the 16 hours following. Keeping that in mind, for this move I gave my bed a refresh with Leesa®, a mattress that ships free directly to your door with a design that ensures ultimate comfort.

The summer heat has its way of energizing and tiring you all at the same time. I'm still in disbelief that we're finishing up the first week of August, and like most other summers, this one seems to be passing by too quickly.

With all this summertime adventuring I've found that my wardrobe has taken a back seat and likely won't see any major upgrade until layering season is back in session. So for now you'll find me venturing around the city and beyond in the clothes that will take me wherever the days bring, from morning to night.

My schedule regularly involves hopping from my full-time job to events and dinners around the city -- and for the sake of convenience I prefer to dress appropriately for everything, all at once. This breezy black dress couldn't have been more ideal for last week's outings. An easy footwear swap took me from my office to Superdry's Brooklyn rooftop party without annoying bags or awkward bathroom outfit changes. It is really the only summer wardrobe update I need -- easy, comfortable, and ready for anything.

If you follow me on Instagram you'll know I spent this past weekend moving into a new apartment after two years of living in New York's Upper West Side. Needless to say my arms feel like they've been through a week of rowing class, though I owe a ton of gratitude to my family for helping me through the process. Despite sweating all through the weekend we made time to celebrate my parents' 25th anniversary with a dinner in the neighborhood of my very first apartment, East Village.

Living in a city like New York is truly an unending adventure. One minute you're lugging your bed down four flights of a pre-war walk-up, and the next you're slipping into your Sunday best for dinner and cocktails. There is no time to waste here, and while this lifestyle takes a toll on my energy, I am also fueled by it.

So here's to a another chapter in the city that continuously keeps me on my feet. It's been a year with a great deal of newness between my career and home, and I'm sure it does not stop there. In the meantime I'll be preparing my new space for a visual room tour -- stay tuned!

I'll admit I'm not always the best example of embracing Chinese culture, but Lunar New Year is a helpful reminder to keep tradition in mind. When I think of this holiday, I'm taken back to long weekends at my grandparents' house in Boston spent feasting over "lucky" dishes with family. In the past few years this tradition has slowed, with the passing of my grandmother and aging of the youngest generation. Though with the changing of family customs, there is a feeling of nostalgia during this holiday that still keeps us close despite the distance.

Chinese New Year has always been one of my favorite holidays, likely as a child because of the red envelopes (no shame). These days the red envelopes aren't so abundant, but the lifelong family traditions give the holiday its personal significance. I'm partnering with Coach to celebrate the new year with a pop of lucky red from their limited edition 1941 collection. Let this accessory be a bright reminder to value tradition and family as we celebrate our heritage.

Now is about the time when the we feel the peak of winter set in. The holidays are long over, and the countdown to spring is slightly too early to begin. When those winter blues start escalating I find it most helpful to step back and refresh, little by little.

Last weekend I stopped by Wonderland Beauty Parlor in New York's Meatpacking District for a long overdue cut. With the winter air making my hair extra static-friendly, those long locks were feeling heavier by the day. It turns out a quick cleanup of my layers was the perfect way to get me re-energized for the season. Simple, I know. But it's never wrong to treat yourself every once in a while. What small things help you beat a winter slump? Feel free to leave some tips in the comments below!