Welcome to Friday Field Notes
Hi guys! Welcome to Friday Field Notes - a new series I'm starting in order to share some of the things and experiences I am currently digging. I have always loved when my favorite bloggers do this'd thought it would be fun to try. I'm hoping this will be at least an every other week or maybe even weekly update depending on how life goes! I hope you enjoy it. So without further ado, here's a little of what I've been loving lately:
(FYI this post does contain affiliate links!)
What I'm wearing:
- These Chelsea boots from Blundstone- these were highly recommended to me, and I 100% get the hype. I had heard they could be tough to break in, but after a day of walking around in them, they were pretty much good to go. I cannot get over how comfy and they are. I wore them for a whole weekend of camping and have been wearing them to the office and around town. I also bought a cleaning kit from REI and it was probably the best 40$ I ever spent!
- This fleece from Parks Project - it's amazingly comfy, comes in the best color combinations and is roomy without being boxy. I got the Zion Narrows pattern in a size small and I am obsessed. I got so many compliments when I wore it at apple picking a few weeks ago - it will definitely become a fall staple!
- This hat from Burnt Co has been a staple of mine for years, and I look forward to pulling it out every time it gets chilly. Right now only one color is in stock, but I love that you can customize the tag options (they also have a variety of bird dog products)
- These leggings from REI - I have them in three different colors and got all of them for around 20$ a pair! They feel like butter, have great pockets and are super comfortable. I got my usual size medium and they fit perfectly!
- The ultralight Black Hole Tote from Patagonia is my go to bag for travel, trips around town and work. It has a bunch of pockets, packs down small into itself and is super lightweight.
- The puffy poncho from Rumpl is now going to be a staple for me during camping trips. I wore it the entire time I camped last weekend and it was so warm - it got down to the low 40s at night and I only had that and a long sleeve shirt on - and I didn't even notice the cold! I love the yellow and blue color blocking design on the one I have as well!
What I'm reading/watching/listening to:
- Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid - I love TJR and how her writing moves me, and this newest book of hers was no exception. The audiobook was great and I loved Carrie's character and development. If you've read Malibu Rising, Carrie had a bit part in that novel and I really enjoyed learning more about her story. She's a strong, takes no shit female lead, which I really appreciated!
- The Rings of Power on Amazon Prime - I am obsessed with anything LOTR and the first season of this show did not disappoint. I'm always happy to find a show with a badass female lead as well and Galadriel delivers that and more! I also thought the visuals of Middle Earth were just stunning.
- The Heart and Hustle Podcast - I have really been enjoying listening to this podcasts from two photographers turned educators - they have amazing content on social media, websites, SEO, marketing, etc....and their style is so fun and engaging. I've been binging it a lot on runs. Disclaimer - I am not religious but there is a little bit of "make God the CEO in your business" which doesn't resonate so much with me - but it also doesn't bother me enough to make me want to stop listening. Just putting it out there in case it is (or isn't) your thing!
- Midnights by Taylor Swift - of course this is on the list. On my first listen I was like ehh I'm pretty sure I prefer Folklore and Evermore but now that I've sat with this one for a while, I am loving it as well. Right now Maroon, The Great War and Anti-Hero are my favorite tracks but I'm sure that will change. Also disclaimer I am not a major swifty but I do enjoy her music!
Recent finds and adventures:
- I've been really enjoying the Indian Ladder Trail at Thacher Park again this year. This park is pretty close to my house so I skip it a lot in favor of other places I want to visit. But it's so beautiful and this trail is easy and basically just one glorious view the entire time. It does close in the winter when things get icy and snowy, but there's still time to check it out now!
- One of my favorite local spots is Nine Pin Cider - they have a very cute building in the warehouse district off Broadway in Albany and it's very dog friendly (sometimes they even have a doggy treat truck!) They also have some amazing seasonal side varieties - my personal favorites are the Sangria and Lavender in the summer, but they have a new Apple Pie Prosecco out now as well!
- Firelight Camps in Ithaca - I recently stayed here (it was a free stay in exchange for content creation) but I was super impressed with this glamping retreat! It was centrally located to a lot of the Ithaca/Finger Lakes destinations like Watkins Glen, Taughannock Falls and Buttermilk Falls, with direct access to the later through trails on the property! The tents were cozy, the fire pits and amenities were fun, and the central tent had a bar, food and all kinds of local goodies to enjoy. I really felt so immersed in nature on the private balcony of my tent - it's such a great spot! Their season is over now, but I would highly recommend visiting when they open again in 2023!
Accounts I'm loving lately:
- Mindyonthemove - Mindy has so much joy and it just exudes from all her posts and her reels are so creative and well done. She has definitely inspired me to want to travel to some off the beaten path places!
- _asipoftee_ - Tee's account is all about encouraging diversity in the outdoors, and her content is so fun and genuine. I have been to Atlanta a lot for work, but she makes me want to explore so much more of Georgia in the future!
- ambpitch - Amber's writing and photography are just beautiful. She captures the awe inspiring views of the Adirondacks and will move you to tears with her captions. Whenever she posts about her heart dog Ariel I am basically a puddle on the floor. She's such a talented photographer and I decided I'm totally booking a winter photo session with her this year!
Willow's faves:
- Intro to Scent Class - We took the previous iteration of this scent class with Pawsitively Waggin Academy and it was SO good. The virtual format was so well done, with helpful lectures, how-to videos and instructor feedback on posts in a private Facebook group. Michelle is so knowledgeable and I highly recommend this class if you want to find something new to do with your dog! The next session starts on Nov 14th!
- Natural Rapport pumpkin meatballs - these limited edition fall treats are a favorite in our house! We work with Natural Rapport and love all of their treats and chews, but these are the perfect fall bite for pups. You can use WILLOW10 to save on anything on their website!
- Pacific Hound Collars - Wild Woods Collection: these four new prints are perfect for adventure loving dogs. The new buckles are light yet sturdy and the colors are perfect for late fall! You can use code WILLOW10 to save on your order
- VoyagersK9Apparel Tummy warmer - as soon as the weather turns chilly, this is the first piece of gear we whip out. It's so soft and provides just the right amount of warmth for colder days. Willow has even slept in a few times while camping in the cold. I love the Burgundy color, but they have lots to choose from. Willow wears a size small in the GSP style, but you can also order a custom one if your dog doesn't fit into the standard sizing.
