Zip lining through the rainforest. Chiang Mai, Thailand.

I have never been to Asia, on an 18 hour flight with a connecting 2 hour flight, or zip lining in the rainforest. Chiang Mai is in Northern Thailand and is home of gorgeous temples, mountains, Big Buddha, and so many other remarkable sights and activities. You can really do so much in Chiang Mai that it would be wise to plan out your days, which is something I never do! Most attractions will include pick up at your hotel which will be included in your package price. There are so many zip lining places to choose from, so you need to do your research and choose what is best for you. We chose Flight of the Gibbon from a friend recommendation. The location was perhaps an hour away from our hotel and up in the mountains so obviously there were windy roads the whole way up. Upon arriving, they advise on what you need, bug spray, sun screen if the sun is even out, sneakers, etc. The one thing I brought that many did not is a waterproof carrying case for my phone that I wore around my neck. This was a life saver and allowed for me to document the experience. I put my video recording on as I was zip lining and was able to be in the moment and watch the video later. 

Zip lining itself is incredibly exhilarating and the view is something you cannot capture in words. I think my favorite part was hearing the rain fall on the leaves. At our location, there were 16 lines that we took, with 2 professionals that taught us what to do and how to land. I felt incredibly secure and safe the entire time and one of the professionals is at each end of the line to send you off and to catch you. Yes, they catch you. You have 2 ropes attached to you the entire time. One rope attaches you to a line on land, as you are up in the trees and is used to prevent a fall. The other rope is the mechanism that actually glides onto the zip line. After the first 3 lines, your nerves settle down and you don't want to stop! I recommend being the first in line. YES, first. You want to be the first in case you want to take pictures and have no one be in them! Keep in mind, you are basically in a tree house, so as people keep on entering your area, it gets crowded. 

At the end of our zip lining, we were able to see a cute little water fall before we went back to get lunch. It was gorgeous and calming after a long day of adrenaline pumping activities. Getting back there are lunches provided, but if you have any dietary restrictions you need to tell them in advance at time of booking. All of the places in Thailand are accommodating as long as you give enough notice.

Enjoy the journey.

                          xx Jules Taylor.

More than Just Goat Yoga. Oasis TLC Farms. Red Bank, NJ.

Yoga is something that requires a strong discipline and mindset. It asks you to channel another part of your spirit and demonstrate growth. Adding goats to the mix throws that all out the window, however Oasis TLC Farms has a way to set Goat Yoga back into that path with their vision and mission!

I keep forgetting that we have fully functioning farms in NJ, so when I saw an event called "Goat Yoga on Oasis Farms" I was flooded with excitement. After I begged maybe 4 people to come with me, my friend Deeana, with just as much enthusiasm as myself decided to come along. They provide a mat and food to feed the babies! As the instructor tried his hardest to get the group on task, you can't help but hear laughs bursting from everyone as the goats get up close and personal by climbing on you or harassing you for food.

 I think what I enjoyed even more than the goat yoga itself was hearing the story of the farm. Oasis is a TLC or Therapeutic Life Center that is a developed program for autistic adults in order to promote inclusion and acceptance. The work that they do and their mission is absolutely remarkable. I love the opportunity for meaningful work and the support in the transitional life process that they provide for this population. Taking a visit to this location is a must because you are not only supporting a farm, but a philosophy of love and acceptance. For more information click the link:  Oasis TLC  Farms

Enjoy the journey.

                          xx Jules Taylor.

Two Places at Once. New Hope PA and Lambertville NJ

Everyone should have a bucket list full of beautiful, thrilling, or ridiculous tasks that they need to accomplish before they leave this Earth. Everyone should also plan and accomplish those things with equally beautiful, thrilling and ridiculous friends. Going to Lambertsville, NJ, drinking a glass of wine... or two... and walking across the Delaware Water Gap to New Hope is beyond a fantastic time. There are so many wonderful little shops and places to enjoy a meal or a drink in good company. Aside from my friends kicking my ass in pool about 3 times, one fantastic opportunity we had was to cross off a bucket list item. Yes, like a Nicholas Sparks book, we all stood in "Two Places at Once". Thinking about it, why was this so cool? Why is standing on the line of two states fun? I think it is the realization of power that we all have to go where ever we wish and the choice we have to cross all  the lines we are faced with. 

Enjoy the journey.

                          xx Jules Taylor.

Johnson's Locust Hall Farm. New Jersey.

New Jersey, as the Garden State, does have some gorgeous farms and produce. It almost makes me wonder why anyone would purchase food at a large supermarket or a chain. There is something comforting to be said about getting to know your local farmers and to purchase their products and produce. Johnson's Locust Hall Farm was a great recommendation from newly met friends. Entering the farm, there are rows of tall, fully bloomed sunflowers. Upon approaching you can see the expanse of the farm and how many people are helping to operate it. Going into the hall has this rustic look and appeal as well as $5 wine tasting where they give you 10 tastings, yes 10. You can purchase jams, honey, fruit, meat, home decor etc. There is fruit in season that you can pick yourself and purchase and animals to feed. It's a worth while day trip and a great atmosphere. 

Enjoy the journey.       

                        xx Jules Taylor. 

Laurita Winery. New Jersey.

Spend a day in the Vines. 

Yes, there are wineries in NJ. Yes, they are fabulous. What I adore about this winery other than their white wine selection is the view. Laurita is in New Egypt, NJ and from the moment you enter their driveway, you can see how much love and care is put into the place. Walking in to this chic and rustic atmosphere really sets the tone for a great experience. They offer tastings, finger foods, and a view that you just don't want to leave. Sitting on the outdoor patio was refreshing under the mesh canopy. Bringing a group of friends or family to sit or tour the grounds is a definite must. I am excited to see that they aren't "just a winery". They have an entire board full of events from Food Truck Events from June-November, firework nights, and Goat Yoga (yes, I said goat yoga). 

Enjoy the journey.       

                        xx Jules Taylor. 

"Write it down."

Witnessing beautiful sights, people, and cultures is important when roaming around the world. Bringing along a stellar group of friends is just as, if not more important. Sharing experiences with those that inspire you, motivate you, and make you feel magical is an invaluable endeavor. On my Martha's Vineyard trip this year, strolling alongside some of their most incredible docksides, our conversations were many I-wish-I-could's or I-want-to-one-day's. After about 2 days of being broken records about our hopes and dreams, my friend finally responds by saying to 'write it down' and send out that message to the universe. To take control of life and our role and to manifest it into fruition. Taking your dreams and aspirations and setting some plans, finding your source of support, and ignoring the negativity that is capable of chipping away at your motivation. After a while of hearing this in between our belly laughs and inside jokes, we took a quaint walking trail through gorgeous trees and stone lined beach and found a little black moleskin book whose pages were saturated in a stranger's dreams, goals, and hopes. These dreams were absolutely massive and to us impossible for one man to manifest. Who were we to laugh at his dreams? We had the same strength in our dreams, the same passion, the same desire for them to desperately happen. On my 6 hour long drive home, yes 6 hours, I thought about that little book. What I would say to this stranger with such big dreams. I wish I could meet you and tell you that you should write every single desire of yours out, even if the list goes on for miles. I hope you reach every single item on that list, no matter how many people tell you that you cannot. Keep pushing, keep failing, keep learning, keep growing. You may not reach everything, and that is ok. Just know I am here rooting for you, hoping for you, and chasing my own list too. 

Enjoy the journey.       

                        xx Jules Taylor.                                                           

Edgartown Lighthouse and Downtown.

Sophisticated. 

A trip in Martha's Vineyard is not complete unless you visit at least one light house. Edgartown is home of a Children's Memorial lighthouse which is too adorable for it's own good. The short walkway through some flowers leads out to a beach walkway. At the top, the view is remarkable and absolutely breathtaking. I didn't want to get out of the lighthouse, one because the view was remarkable and overlooking the water and two because climbing down a ladder is absolutely terrifying. 

Walking through Edgartown is adorable and sweet with it's brick sidewalks and sophisticated look. Every time I visit Edgartown I am sure to stop by at two places, Rosewater and Edgartown Books. Rosewater has perhaps the best lunchtime food and coffee on the island. Edgartown books has a great selection can carries some great and new reads. Behind the Bookstore is their garden backyard.


Enjoy the journey.       

                        xx Jules Taylor.