I have always had a passion for art growing up, but never expected to end up being such a computer geek and enjoying it! While I undoubtedly love being a graphic designer professionally, I have found other outlets to ease my restlessness— my favorite being hiking.

Two of my favorite and most recent trips have been British Columbia, Canada and Prince of Wales, Alaska. While New York City is full of engaging and exciting events, shows, restaurants and people it was a beautiful change of pace to step outside and appreciate the great outdoors. Traveling to such remote locations not only offered breathtaking scenery, but rare and memorable glimpses of wildlife, including humpback whales, black bears, seals, otter families, and bald eagles.

Alaska’s Harris Mountain was among the most challenging and memorable of my hikes. Following my boyfriend and US Forest Service employee, Paul, we hiked through wild trail-less terrain to the top of a 3,000 ft tall mountain. As we fought our way through the wild Alaskan brush I couldn’t help but be aware of the bear droppings near and far behind us, the sharp thorns tearing through our clothes, and the tumbling rocks we tripped over with each step. The journey to the top was not easy and when we finally reached the peak of the mountain I nearly collapsed with exhaustion. Looking out, I took in the spectacular view of the surrounding Pacific Ocean, mountains, islands, and black-tailed deer galloping through the trees of steep mountain below us. The scene was an unforgettable experience as well as a great reminder as to why it’s important to take the time to appreciate nature and what it has to offer.

While Alaska and BC are not the easiest or costly locations to get to there is plenty of local New York terrain to explore including New Paltz , and The Catskill and The Adirondack Mountains.

-Christine

Growing up in Augusta, Georgia, I am a lover of all things southern, especially good old-fashioned comfort food. To get a taste of back home, I love whipping up meals that remind me of my southern roots. One of my favorite dishes to cook is Shrimp and Grits, and this recipe has become my go-to staple for when I need a southern fix.  If you are ever feeling like you want a taste of the South, try this amazing Shrimp and Grits recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 qt. milk
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup grits
• 1 egg (beaten)
• Salt and pepper
• 1/3 cup butter
• 4 ounces grated Gruyere cheese
  
• Salt and pepper
• 4 strips bacon cut into lardoons
• 1 chopped Vidalia onion
• 1/2 tbsp crushed garlic
• 1 diced tomatoes
  
• 1/4 pound of shrimp per person
• Olive oil
  
• Old bay seasoning

Directions:

Grits: Bring 1 qt. of milk to a boil. While stirring constantly add 1/2 cup of butter, grits, egg and salt and pepper. Once the grits begin to thicken add 1/3 cup of butter and the cheese. Wait for the grits to feel creamy and place into baking dish. Cook @350 for 1 hour.

Shrimp: On low heat sauté the bacon, onion, garlic and tomato until well muddled (will take about 20-30 minutes). As the sauce is cooking down season the shrimp with a little olive oil and a hefty sprinkling of old bay seasoning and salt and pepper. Once the bacon is done and tomatoes cooked down, turn the heat up to medium and add the shrimp. Continue cooking until the shrimp are done (will take about 7 minutes).

Plate the grits and top with the shrimp and sauce and enjoy!

-Caroline

My best friend also just so happens to be my sister and our hot sunny Florida beach days, have now turned into cold blustery New York City days. Some of the best moments of living together in the Big Apple include: sharing clothes and cooking our father’s authentic Italian recipes.  Whenever we are out and about, people always mistake us for twins, even though she is four and a half years older! Guess who they think is the older one? Me! That’s how it has been since I was only 16!

My favorite part about living with my best friend is that I get to hear her music, which is so amazing! Ever since I can remember, Lauren was always singing around the house while we were growing up. She had her first big “break” at the age of 16 when she won Ed McMahon’s Star Search. At first I thought that I wanted to follow in her footsteps, but then decided to go a different route, and now my goal is to promote her as a professional singer and entertainer. Since the two of us are best friends, so far this has turned out to be a perfect combination!

I’m extremely proud to say that Lauren has performed at Carnegie Hall three different times and most recently she can be seen on the world tour with Yanni as his featured soloist. She sang at Radio City Music Hall last spring, and will be coming back to New York City for the 2012 spring tour.

You can view tickets here, but in case you’re unable to attend, be sure to check out the PBS special of the concert airing on March 3^rd! Click here to view her Facebook, Twitter, Youtube , Website and Myspace.

-Kellie