- Day Trips, Destinations, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Food & Beverage, Latest News, Lifestyle
Westin Tempe, Arizona Offers Perfect Location to Stay & Play for ASU Crew
Story, photos (unless otherwise noted), videos by Cassie Hepler When I first moved to Arizona, I rented an Airbnb studio in Tempe called the hobbit hole somewhere downtown close enough to ride your bicycle but too far to walk especially in the heat. That was my first experience with Tempe, Arizona and I do have fond memories of it. My hosts were amazing and knowing I was relocating, told me if I found an apartment (or in my case, an Arcadia casita), they would gladly release the rest of my stay and even help me move. Talk about Western hospitality! So my first impression was excellent in this area. Known…
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Explore Lehigh Valley Humane Society’s Garden Paw-ty at Domaine Pterion Vineyard
Pretty invitation design! Because of a dog’s joyfulness, our own is increased. It is no small gift. It is not the least reason why we should honor as well as love the dog of our own life, and the dog down the street, and all the dogs not yet born. What would the world be like without music or rivers or the green and tender grass? What would the world be like without dogs? — Mary Oliver I went to collect the few personal belongings which … I held to be invaluable: my cat, my resolve to travel, and my solitude. — Collette Story, photos by Sharon Kozden Although I…
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Live Out Your Mermaid Fantasies in a Shipping Container Pool Studio
Story, modeling, styling and video by Cassie Hepler, photography by Brian Delfin Let me tell you a tail (tehe) about a little girl who always pretended to be a mermaid, swimming under the pool ladder to explore a new world. And my oh my, how many of us there are out there I learned shortly after this photoshoot with Photos by Delfin! It all started on a sizzling summer day in Phoenix, Arizona when we went to go shoot Monie Jae Boutique fashion photography at The Arizona Biltmore. We were probably heat exhausted after a full day shooting and didn’t even know it but Brian literally lay on the floor for…
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Build a Glamping Dome in Your Backyard with Phoenix Domes
Story by Cassie Hepler The price of housing is outrageous all across the United States. This is a not-so-fun fact we all feel from greedy corporate entities and our own government squeezing citizens for every last dime through creeping to 40% taxes on everything you do, eat, drink and where you live. I’m very goal-oriented and have been speaking to a number of think-outside-the-box brands over the years trying to find a solution to the housing madness. Fortunately, Arizona is pretty lax about additional living structures and especially now that the city of Phoenix has approved casitas in your backyard, glamping domes are a very cost effective way to secure…
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Your Architectural Adventure: Starting Your Own Firm
Starting your own architectural business is like designing a skyscraper from the ground up – it takes vision, planning, and a solid foundation. Whether you’re a seasoned architect ready to strike out on your own or a fresh graduate with big dreams, here’s a roadmap to help you build your empire. Image by GrumpyBeere from Pixabay 1. Define Your Architectural Identity Every great architect has a signature style. Whether you’re passionate about sustainable design, urban landscapes, or historic preservation, defining your niche sets the stage for your unique contribution to the built environment. 2. Develop a Rock-Solid Business Plan Think of your business plan as the blueprint for success. Outline…
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The Power of Beauty and the Art of Conversation with Curator Archie Broady
By Irina Abraham I step over the threshold of Archie Broady’s house and I am in a different world. It’s an art gallery, a library, an artist salon… in fact, it is the inside of Archie’s mind. He presides over his small living room that feels more like a hall in a castle. The right wall is lined with books: everything from Pushkin to Shakespeare. An eclectic but tasteful selection of art objects occupies the rest of the walls and every corner. The table that dominates the room is a masterpiece: it is a salvaged window of a burnt-out church in Bali encased in glass. Archie dives straight into the…
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5 Fun Ways To Celebrate Easter
Image credit Easter is fast approaching, and for those who like to celebrate the festival synonymous with chocolate and new beginnings, finding ways to spend this joyous holiday can help you to enjoy it more and really have some fun. Whether you have kids or not, Easter is a time for getting together with loved ones and partaking in all things egg and bunny-related. If you need some inspiration on how to spend your Easter this year, then read on. Egg Hunts Traditionally thought of as a kids-only thing, an Easter egg hunt can be fun for the whole family. A simplified version where kids find small chocolate eggs or…
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Float Through The Flower Fields in Carlsbad, California
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler As part of a girls getaway to The Cassara Carlsbad in San Diego, California, my college bestie and I met up for a flower-filled feminine rendez-vous with the key highlight of visiting the glorious Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. And part of that experience includes being dropped off by the hotel shuttle right in front of the entrance to the flower fields even though it is walkable from The Cassara. It was still humid, cool and misty, especially for this Phoenician but not enough to need a sweater which worked perfectly for our pretty, flowing dresses and my curly hair. There are 55…
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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…
- Destinations, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Food & Beverage, Latest News, Lifestyle
Fly to Puerto Vallarta Airport and Explore Nayarit, Mexico
Story, photos, video by Cassie Hepler Flying on an early morning flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor, Arizona to Puerto Vallarta Airport went pretty smoothly with a hosted American Airlines aisle seat. Mind you, international flights call for a two hour arrival buffer time although it makes no sense as you can check in online and just find your gate fast especially with TSA pre-check but airlines haven’t caught up yet I guess. Also, try not to check your luggage. You really don’t need all that stuff you packed, trust me. I’ll make a basic bitch carry on travel bag blog post soon, I promise. Much like the Cabo San Lucas…
