Culture
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Christmas Village Unwraps 16th Year in Philadelphia’s LOVE Park and City Hall, Festival of Trees Debuts
Presented by Bank of America, Christmas Village in Philadelphia returned to LOVE Park and City Hall in 2023 for a 16th consecutive year. “This is how Christmas should feel. Full of hope, happiness and new beginnings. Full of love, for those we’re with, those we miss and those we’ve found. This is the best feeling, ever! I don’t know what the future holds but, right now, it feels full of promise and excitement.” ~ Jo Thomas, Finding Love at the Christmas Market Story, photos by Sharon Kozden I was back again at the Wynnewood SEPTA Station last week, taking advantage of my employer’s discounted transit-pass program (a.k.a. JAWNT), which enables…
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Foodie and Mizzou Fan’s Guide to Exploring Columbia, Missouri
Story, photos by Cassie Hepler It was bound to happen someday… the dreaded almost spending an overnight at the airport debacle. In my over almost 30 years of flying on airplanes, I had the worst and slimiest experience ever though American Airlines. I had a very slim window to make a layover and when I got an email the night before asking if I wanted to get paid (up to $700!) to switch my flight date and times, I had a feeling this wasn’t going to end well. Then at the gate at Phoenix airport, they pushed back the flight time a half hour making it near impossible. More than…
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The Dazzling World of Diamonds: Unearth Their Charm and Value
For centuries, humans have been mesmerized by their sparkling beauty – diamonds being one of them! But beyond their alluring shine lies another truth about these gems that makes them such coveted pieces to add to collections: what makes these gemstones such a show-stopper? Photo by Edgar Soto on Unsplash Forever’s Best Friend Diamonds have long been considered one of the ultimate symbols of love and devotion – both girl’s and world alike. Forming deep within Earth’s surface at least 150 km below, these gems take millions of years to form under intense heat and pressure conditions. Unlike other gemstones they only contain one element – carbon. Their resilience combined…
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Stay and Play on North Mountain with Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort
Photo, story by Cassie Hepler (unless noted otherwise) Just 10 minutes from my house in North Phoenix sits Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort, nestled back onto North Mountain and tucked away where no one would know just how massive this place truly is… 450 acres of desert! Now that I’m dealing with an elderly cat, I have to constantly think about giving her medication every 8-10 hours and with this staycation it was easy to swing home, dose her and leave again (even if she left me a how she feels about me being gone present on the door mat). Built in 1982, the Spanish Mediterranean architecture is flanked by…
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Explore Islas Marías, Former Prison Islands in Nayarit, Mexico
Story, photos, videos by Cassie Hepler If you have a dark edge to your soul like me, this all-the-feels Islas Marías (Mary Islands) will resonate well. I have this new thing I do, where I say yes to everything and figure it out later. This trip was one of those yes moments while I was still on a private press trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. I had no clue what I was agreeing to but I’m always up for an adventure, twice if I like it. Here’s the thing about Mexico: it’s got a bad rap in the United States even though honestly, the United States is starting to…
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Breaking Into Acting With Anxiety, A Practical Guide
Pexels – CC0 License In life, there are many habits and hobbies we’d like to explore but may feel barred from due to our personal lifestyle or sense of self not being compatible. These limits are often self-imposed and can only be overcome by pushing past those false impressions. For example, it may be that a tough, strong guy on a construction site has dreams of learning to dance ballet, but is worried about what others in his field may think of that. Of course, he has nothing to prove to those detractors, and shouldn’t feel bad about chasing his vision. You may also worry about not being skilled or…
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Outdoor Adventure Comes To Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is seeing an influx of interest from people seeking outdoor adventure. The state is becoming so popular that the government is looking for ways to facilitate the tourist boom, encouraging adventurers to arrive in droves. The state is becoming popular because of its extensive natural environment and numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation. Happy campers are heading to the cool green forests of the north, the rolling hills of the south, and everything in between. Unlike Moab or Joshua Tree, Pennsylvania is not a one-trick pony. According to the government and local businesses, there’s plenty for people to enjoy here. Camping Unsplash – CC0 License Pennsylvania is becoming a destination…
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Philadelphia’s Barnes Foundation Centennial Art Ball was Stunning
“Nude with Coral Necklace” by Amedeo Modigliani, 1917. “Modigliani Morning” her external motor, brash, she was more New York than Paris, but then, Rome was inside her speaking words passionately like Modigliani — LadyLabyrinth Story, photos by Sharon Kozden On Friday, October 20th, the Barnes Foundation will present its 2023 Art Ball, an annual event that more than lives up to its billing as the art party in Philadelphia. This I know because I’ve twice been fortunate to attend, hosted on assignment for ExplorewithCassie. Most recently I made the scene in 2022, when the Barnes Foundation marked both their centennial and a ten-year anniversary on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Last year, a…
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Cool Down at Pine Haven Cottage in Show Low, Arizona
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler Time to bust out the sweaters and get your leaf peeping on this fall! Or if it’s one of earth’s now brutal summers, escape to a cooler climate up in Northern Arizona for a much needed getaway and nature reset. Much to my Colorado guests surprise and delight, if you drive three hours north of Phoenix you will pop out into a land full of trees, grass and cooler White Mountain air. Pro tip: wait to fill up your gas tank if you can it’s $1 cheaper than in the valley. This feels-like-home cabin in Show Low, Arizona sits in a half acre tucked back…
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Recharge in Nature at Arizona’s Artists Home in Cottonwood
Story, photos by Cassie Hepler The Arizona artist’s home in Cottonwood, Arizona is a nature lovers dream! Tucked back on cross streets with a walking path across the street, it beckons you to come explore the steam that leads into the Verde River where you can grab one of the many floats or kayaks from the garage and enjoy a day of peaceful tranquility among the hummingbirds. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home is thoughtfully designed by Kirsten Snyder of Ocotillo Nature Homes with retro and brand boutique touches throughout. The name Ocotillo means “little torch” in Spanish and is a plant that produces clusters of bright red flowers at…
