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Chicken | Radish | Carrots | Chicken Broth - these ingredients are all you need to make these easy yet elegant dish that sooo yummy! #springveggies #ftw #homecooking #homecooked #homecook #springcooking #springfood #brasiedchicken #radish #carrots #chicken #dinner #food #foodie #foodsies #foodporn #instafood #cheflife

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#feastin because ramen dojo is closed!! #food #foodie #foodsies #foodporn #instafood #sushi #allyoucaneat #lunch #sanmateo #bayareafood #bayfood #sushi85 #myfab5 (at Sushi 85 San Mateo)

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But this bed of guacamole made up for lunch! 😊 #food #foodie #foodsies #instafood #foodporn #snacks #freefood #free #guacamole #mexicanfood #mexican #workfood #worklife #baylife

[xtahcey-blog]

New Year's resolution: gain 10lbs! Lol! And work food is definitely doing a good job in helping me get this goal! #food #foodie #foodsies #foodporn #instafood #lunch #free #freefood #ribs #corn #foodcoma #babybackribs #worklife #baylife

[xtahcey-blog]

So many great, beautiful, and lovely things to be thankful for this year! And so, as we share the love for and over food with our loved ones today, may we remember to give thanks to God for He is good and His love endures forever not just today but everyday. Stay grateful and Happy Thanksgiving everyone! #homecooking #homecook #homecooked #lightbreakfast #poachedeggs #eggs #breakfast #kale #butternutsquash #squash #heirloomtomatoes #food #foodie #foodsies #instafood #cheflife #grateful

[xtahcey-blog]

Finally popped my "share tea" cherry yesterday. I see why people are hooked! #bayfood #food #foodie #foodsies #instafood #foodporn #drinks #boba #okinawamilktea #sharetea #unioncity #bayarea #bayareafood #baylife (at Share Tea)

[xtahcey-blog]

10 Random Thoughts I Have While on Bart today:

1. Oh gosh! Why did I get on this train. Way too many people up in here.

2. I wonder if bart system is better than the metro in NYC. Ehh.. I still like NYC.

3. The number of guys that are surrounding me right now is more than the number of guys ever surrounded me in a club. 

4. Damn! I’m hella short. Thanks reflection for reminding me

5. I am about to lose my balance because this train is going too cray

6. But wait! This guy just literally offer his arm for me to hold unto. I mean, who does that? But just smile and say thank you anyway. 

7. This guy beside me just totes checked me out. Like Bruh. I’m like already struggling tho.

8. Why am I still standing anyway? hmm.. I want chipotle for dinner. 

9. My stop is like hella far still. 

10. They needa play Nelly right now because it is getting way too hot in hurr. 

[xtahcey-blog]

Everyone wants to know how to move on from a tough time in their life, the only way to truly move on is to start with forgiveness, whether you are learning to forgive yourself for years of repeated disappointment or whether you are searching to forgive the ones you loved for repeatedly disappointing you, there would be times when you would be forced to utter the words ”I forgive you” . In that moment,you have a choice,you can suffer defeat and remain a failure or you can rise from the ashes and move forward. I say choose forgiveness. It is the courage to continue that matter, find your strength.

[xtahcey-blog]

I needed to be reminded of this!

"Christianity is not a religion built on your feelings. It’s built on objective truth, historical facts. That’s the foundation of it. Are feelings important? Absolutely! But they are not the foundation of your faith, and they are not necessarily the evidence that God loves you and you love Him. It is not your feelings! It’s the facts! If you want your desire to grow for God, it comes as you look at the facts about Him.

When you aren’t feeling God’s love for you, when you’re going through these times of emotional lows and maybe even feeling disconnected from God, you gotta cast yourself upon the facts. Not your feelings!

Because the facts of it is this: That in Jesus, God loves you! He is desirous for you! He sings over you! God in turn, gives you everything that is His - totality of His love!

So find yourself pinned down, be captivated by the beauty of Christ - let that drive you to be on the ground and captivate you! Let that be so stunning, that it gives you a deeper love for Him and deeper intimacy and friendship in all of your relationships!” - Michael Bottomley, Lead Pastor, Harbor UTC

[xtahcey-blog]

Trying to be more consistent with posting on my food blog

Day 3:

Trying to catch up with the actual day I’m on with this detox challenge.

For today’s ingredients:

Rosemary (sprigs) Kiwi (1pc, sliced) Cucumber (1/4 of a whole)

This is by far the most refreshing and my favorite mixed. It really cools your system down especially today when it...

[xtahcey-blog]

#Repost from @kidlobot. happy birthday love! @aprilsunday!!

[xtahcey-blog]

Let's not lose sight, give love on Christmas day.

http://www.relevantmagazine.com/life/defense-christmas-consumerism

For someone like me, who's still trying to learn about responsible spending, I totally agree with the whole materialistic and consumeristic side of the holidays. But like what this article said, 

"It is not about flaunting price tags or obligatory gift exchanges. It’s about giving to those you love simply because you love them."

Heck! It could be even just a really meaningful Christmas card. Or a heart-warming phone call. Or giving food, and warm clothing to those who are in need. Whatever it is, may we let our creative and innovative minds help us to celebrate and not kill the spirit of Christmas. 

"Make His season bright. Give gifts to each other in honor of the greatest gift of all."

And as we think of how to give to our loved ones, may we not forget the real meaning of Christmas - The greatest love of all, John 3:16. 

[xtahcey-blog]

If it’s both terrifying and amazing then you should definitely pursue it.

Erada (via quotethat)

[xtahcey-blog]

11 more days til I see you! :)

New York City: Winter - Spring - Summer - Autumn. Imaging Edge Magazine.

Very excited to announce that my photography was featured in a double-page spread in the recent edition of Imaging Edge Magazine. It’s a spread featuring New York City through all four seasons which is timely considering the recent post I made regarding the Top 8 Autumn Views in Central Park.

Imaging Edge Magazine is a print and digital magazine that is in conjunction with Popular Photography Magazine, American Photo Magazine and Sony. If you are interested, here is info about Imaging Edge Magazine.

I didn’t realize the issue had already shipped until a few Popular Photography and American Photo Magazine subscribers contacted me to let me know that they saw the spread! Pretty awesome!

The great thing is that Imaging Edge is also available to read online.I was beyond flattered and honored to find out that I am featured in their “Who’s Next” column currently as well:

Who’s Next? A Blog For All Seasons

…along with a 16 photo gallery of my New York City photography!:

Imaging Edge - Vivienne Gucwa - Photography Gallery

I hope you enjoy the spread and gallery!

Now, excuse me while I blush profusely and do my best Snoopy dance of joy… :)

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* If you are interested in looking through this issue, here is the download page that has the magazine available for reading on iOS and Android devices as well as PDF.

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View: My portfolio, My Gear List, My Travel Blog, On G+,email me, or ask for help.

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I cannot wait to see fall in NYC

Top 8 Autumn Views in Central Park

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Around this time every year, I get a ton of messages from people asking me when the leaves are changing in Central Park and what the best places are to soak in the best of Central Park in the autumn. So, without further ado, here are my top picks.

Gallery Key (corresponds to the order of photos in the photo-set:

1. What’s more romantic than 2 bicycles waiting next to trees dripping with autumn foliage? This photo was taken on the east side of Central Park near the East 70s. I usually enter the park in this area. It’s full of rolling hills. If you wander around during the peak of autumn, you are bound to catch views like this in quite a few places in this area. View this photo in my portfolio here: New York Autumn - Central Park - Lovers

2. If you happen to be in Central Park when the fall foliage is at its peak, make sure you stick around for an autumn sunset. This photo was taken adjacent to The Mall in Central Park. No, The Mall is not a giant shopping center. Rather, The Mall is a section of Central Park that runs from 66th to 72nd Street. I usually enter Central Park from the east side of the park and follow the signs to get to The Mall. This is a pathway that is right next to The Mall. It has an abundance of trees that turn red in the autumn which makes it ideal for sunset gazing. View this photo in my portfolio here: New York Autumn - Central Park - Sunset

3. This is one of my absolute favorite areas of Central Park in the autumn. It is right next to the Loeb Boathouse which is on the east side of the park near 72nd Street. The willow trees here turn the most vibrant shades of yellow and orange at peak foliage and you get a perfect view of San Remo (the two-towered building in this photo) as well as people in row boats on The Lake enjoying the last vestiges of nice weather. View this photo in my portfolio here: New York Autumn - Central Park Fall Foliage at The Lake

4. Another favorite spot which I mentioned above is The Mall and Literary Walk. It’s the absolute best autumn view in Central Park (hands down) due to Central Park’s gorgeous elm trees that form a giant canopy above the bucolic landscape. View this photo in my portfolio here: Autumn - Central Park - New York City

5. Bow Bridge is always my main goal when I go to Central Park to view the peak fall foliage. It’s a fairytale setting that seems to have made its way into reality. It’s also made an appearance in a Dr. Who episode and a ton of films (Spiderman 3 being one of them). Bow Bridge is located right in the middle of the park overlooking The Lake. It is between 74th and 75th Streets and the easiest way to find Bow Bridge is to head to Bethesda Fountain and then follow the path from there to the Bridge. Central Park is an easy place to get lost in (even I get lost there on a regular basis despite going there often) but there are signs everywhere and I have never failed to find a knowledgeable NYer who is willing to help with directions (and who isn’t directionally challenged like I am!). View this photo in my portfolio here: New York Autumn - Central Park Fall Colors - Bow Bridge

6. Here is another photo taken in the area of The Mall (see above for explanation of where this spot is located: in fact if you look closely you will notice this view overlooks the view in Photo 4). I love this area because at autumn’s peak, the leaves carpet the ground. View this photo in my portfolio here: New York Autumn - Central Park - The Mall

7. When you are walking south away from The Mall on the East Side of Central Park and you are in the vicinity of the Alice in Wonderland sculpture (which is near 74th Street), there are a series of large rocks that people love to climb. The light is absolutely stunning there during the autumn especially when the leaves are covering the ground. View this photo in my portfolio here: New York Autumn - Central Park - Trees and Fall Foliage

8. Bow Bridge is also beautiful to view from the other side of The Lake. If you wait until the hour before sunset, the sun tends to set almost directly above Bow Bridge when you are standing (or sitting) at this vantage point. View this photo in my portfolio here: New York Autumn - Central Park - Bow Bridge - Fall Sunlight

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Are these the only beautiful autumn landscapes in Central Park?

If you notice, a lot of my top views are near the east side of the park. This is because for about 7 years I lived on the border of the Upper East Side and Harlem and I would walk down to this area to acquaint myself with Central Park. Familiarity breeds unabashed love.

Are there gorgeous areas of Central Park on the west side or further north and south? Of course there are. Central Park stretches across 840 acres of Manhattan. I just happen to be extremely enamored of this particular area due to my familiarity with it and my love of Bow Bridge.

When do the leaves change in Central Park?

Great question! I can give you only an approximate answer though since the peak has varied wildly over the last few years due to extreme weather (Hurricane Irene and Sandy).

Usually peak fall foliage in Central Park occurs towards the beginning of November. If New York City gets a lot of rain though, the quality of the fall foliage will vary. Lots of rain means less leaves on the trees and a less lush appearance during the peak. Also, if New York City is incredibly dry, the peak can take longer to occur.

Some years, peak foliage has occurred early towards the middle to end of October. Currently, I have noticed some leaves already changing here in New York City. Most of Central Park is still green at this point though. We seem to be on track for a relatively normal peak this year (late October, early November). But (and I think I speak for a lot of NYers right now), I am apprehensive to stand by that claim due to the extreme weather we have experienced over the last few autumns.

How long does peak fall foliage last?

Not long enough.

No really. It’s only vibrant like in the photos in this post for around two to three weeks. Sometimes that time is cut short by rainfall and/or early snow. I wish it lasted for a month or two!

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I hope you have enjoyed my autumn tour through Central Park :).

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View: My portfolio, My Gear List, My Travel Blog, On G+,email me, or ask for help.

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Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

 Hebrews 11:1