Being Touristy in Sydney

Last weekend was my first weekend I had totally free of photoshoots and meetings down under in Sydney, Australia. I was so overwhelmed with what my plans would consist of. After all, I haven’t had much down time to socialize and make a proper social life. So, my agent here in Sydney spoiled me a bit and showed me some of the coolest parts of Sydney. On Saturday, we grabbed a table with a view of the harbor at the Palisade Hotel. The space we got drinks at was called The Public House, a room on the ground floor of the hotel. The interior of the hotel was supposedly ‘inspired by the small trades of eras passed and reflects the industrial roots of the neighborhood.’ We both got a bottle of red wine imported from Tasmania. After that luxurious view and wine, we continued to walk alongside the harbour, with views of the docked boats, Harbour Bridge, and the famous Sydney Opera House. 

Fish Camp, CA: Yosemite National Park

This past weekend, my family and I chose to take a break from the city life and really relax. We all knew the best form of relaxation for all of us: our cabin in Yosemite. My mom and her siblings grew up in Fish Camp, CA-- about 3 miles from the entrance of Yosemite National Park. The cabin is so beautiful and renovated with all new exteriors as well as interior. Going up there reminds me of all the summers I would stay there with my sister and we'd swim in the river until our skin looked like raisins. Getting away for even one weekend is something that means a lot to me. It is a privilege to be able to pack my belongings at such short notice and go just about anywhere in California within one day. I also realize how polluted and ruined the air is in Los Angeles. Yes, it is a beautiful city because of its weather, food, work, etc. However, Yosemite's air is the cleanest and most purified air I have ever breathed in. That said, I had to enjoy the short time offered in Fish Camp!

Photoshoot: West Marin // San Francisco

At the end of March, I had the pleasure to work with the awesome brand Everlane. The shoot was in West Marin, CA, about an hour and a half outside of San Francisco. The first night, the entire crew (the 6 of us) slept at this inn from the 1800s in Tamales, CA. We were the only ones actually staying in the hotel that night, so it was very eerie and a bit terrifying because I am convinced that I have ghost senses. SO, I truly think that the inn was haunted and I had my own king bed to myself which did not help me out at all. Let's just say I got 3 hours of sleep that night. The next morning our call time was 7:20am!!! How insane. And I only slept for about 3 hours-- maybe less. Not good conditions for an upcoming shoot the next morning!

The crew and I woke up and got coffee (thank the gods!) from the cutest bakery in a town called Tomales Bay, CA. I was obsessed with how cute it was! I'm determined to come back with friends in the summer-- but totally skipping the creepy inn on the way! It fit maybe 3 people inside. However, the chill from the crisp air mixed with the aromas and warmth coming from within the bakery made me feel so content despite my fatigued state. At this tiny bakery, everything is made from scratch and when the pastries run out, they close up for the day! I had the best blueberry lemon scone with my large coffee to make up for my zombie appearance. 

We hit the road and arrived at our actual shooting location. First, let me just say that I could not believe how green and luscious the fields were in West Marin. Our location was this beautiful modern house planted right on the mountain that overlooked the Bay. It was the most beautiful location I have ever had the pleasure of working on. Scroll down to see the official Everlane Linen Campaign!

San Jose Del Cabo: Flora Farms

During the first week of April, Luke and I took a trip to San Jose del Cabo for the week. Originally, our plan was to stay in Cabo San Lucas and attempt to relax and enjoy time together, but in Cabo that just would not be the case. Eventually we realized the crazy Cabo vacation was not our cup of tea. However, in San Jose we really absorbed the culture of Mexico more than I think we ever knew existed in proximity to our resort. One of our days in Mexico we visited the street art gallery downtown and heard from word of mouth about Flora Farms-- a 30 acre all organic, non-GMO farm and restaurant. I seriously found heaven when we came here. For a while now I have loved eating healthy and fueling my body with the proper nutrients; so coming to such a local yet isolated green, organic, beautiful, generous farm made me smile from the inside-out. Also, Adam Levine and his wife Behati Prinsloo had their wedding here... so DUH we were meant to be here!

The most beautiful salad-- farm to table of course! Five stars!

Go Outside

"Working out. Being skinny. Sugar-free. Gluten-free. Size 2." These words circle around our heads every day. Unfortunately in today’s society, being beautiful is associated with being skinny. I’d like to change that point of view for young or old women and men who struggle to lose weight because of the pressures from the outside world. Today I am starting a segment on my website dedicated to health and fitness. I will keep adding to the list of tips for those who need motivation to just simply get out of bed and get moving. My first tip is to simply GET OUTSIDE. Nothing is more serene and beneficial than using good ole Earth’s nature as an escape to get moving and exercise. Go on a walk in the park, go on a bike ride, and/or take a hike. You can’t go wrong with being outside! Never! Grab a friend, take your dogs, and get moving! 

My Experience In Asia

This past October, I was given the opportunity to travel to Singapore for two months! Due to the various jobs I booked, I was also able to travel to Malaysia and Bali. Hearing this news made me nervous because I used to go everywhere with my mom and we’ve never traveled farther than Europe together. For anyone without a clue where Singapore is – (I had no idea either!) –it’s in Southeast Asia close to Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. I had the experience of working and being on my own for the first time. I met some incredible people who have made me realize so much about myself and how the world works. I put together a small montage of photos from my trip! I hope you enjoy! X Katy

Artichoke Rosemary Hummus

I'm a huge lover of dips-- especially hummus. My mom makes this delicious hummus and I had to share it! It's her creamy artichoke rosemary hummus. Not only is it packed with nutritional value but it is also suuuuper easy to make. Hope you all love it as much as me. x