April ‘24

April has been a very busy month. Although the month felt like it flew by, I'm surprised at how much I was able to accomplish. For my April Diaries, I decided to take a different approach. Instead of the usual format of discussing the pros, cons, and lessons learned, I wanted to give you more of a sneak peek into my life. So, if you’re ready, let’s dive in!

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Fayetteville getaway for Gabriel's birthday

For Gabriel's birthday, I planned a cute little weekend getaway to Fayetteville, New York.

We stayed in a cozy tiny home which was amazing! Even though it rained throughout the entire weekend, we made the best of it by visiting Green Lakes State Park, which was even more breathtaking in person. We also enjoyed the cozy atmosphere of the tiny home, spending our evenings relaxing in the hot tub (which was a bonus feature of the accommodation) when the rain subsided. Treasure and Gabriel had a fantastic time, and overall, the trip was an experience we all really enjoyed and needed!

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pancakes at Clinton St. Baking Company

Following a recommendation from Olivia (Gabriel's sister) who visited Manhattan in March, Gabriel and I went to the famous Clinton St. Baking Co. Being more of a savory breakfast person myself, I wasn't really expecting much. However, when I took my first bite of their blueberry pancakes — it was so good! These fluffy pancakes practically melted in your mouth.

The service was excellent, and the food arrived incredibly fast. It was a simple indulgence and a very touristy spot, but we really enjoyed our experience being there!

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celebrating Treasure's 14th birthday

Not only is Gabriel’s birthday in April, but also Treasure’s! As a Taurus birthday boy (unlike Gabriel's fiery Aries!), Treasure turned 14.

On a whim, I decided to throw a small birthday celebration for him. I ordered a cute small doggy cake and some festive party supplies. However, a last-minute Amazon delivery incident indicated the supplies might arrive a day after Treasure's birthday! I was super worried but still stuck with the original celebration date, hoping for a miracle.

And guess what? A miracle happened!

The party supplies arrived on the exact day, transforming our celebration into a truly festive occasion.

Happy 14th, Treasure!

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combating fast fashion with Trashie

As someone whose deeply concerned about the environmental impact of fast fashion and clothing waste, I discovered a great initiative called Trashie on Instagram.

Their concept is brilliant: you purchase a large bag, fill it with unwanted clothes, and drop it off at a USPS. Trashie then sorts and responsibly recycles the materials, preventing them from ending up in landfills.

Spring cleaning provided the perfect opportunity for Gabriel and I to declutter our wardrobes, and we filled a Trashie bag with clothes we no longer needed. The process was incredibly simple, and while you earn Trashie Cash (redeemable for items on their website) instead of physical cash, it's a fantastic way to give clothes a second life and minimize textile waste.

I'm excited to see Trashie's impact grow and contribute to a more sustainable future. This experience also prompted me to revisit the documentary "Brandy Melville" and some other documentaries I’ve seen in college presentations that highlighted the vast amount of waste generated by the fast-fashion industry. It's a huge reminder that clothing is a privilege, not a necessity, and we often have more than enough.

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springtime volunteering

Another highlight of my April was volunteering at a nearby community garden. The application process took some time, but I'm so grateful for the opportunity to give back.

From sweeping up trash to connecting with like-minded neighbors, it's been a truly rewarding experience. Even though Gabriel and I are moving this year, I’ll still cherish the connections I've built with people who share my passion for creating a greener space and a stronger community.

Treasure often accompanies me on my morning volunteer sessions. While dogs aren't allowed in the garden, he patiently waits for me outside the gate, watching me work.

Even though my allergies are getting worse, I can’t help but embrace the beauty of spring. Looking around and witnessing the blooming flowers, and clear blue skies, and having Treasure by my side fills me with happiness.

These simple moments are truly precious to me.

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Thanks for reading! How was your April?

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check out my recent travel vlog!

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