May always holds a bittersweet place in my heart. Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Month is such a beautiful celebration of how far we’ve come, and such a stark reminder of how far we still have to go. 🖤
With the setbacks over the last few years due to Supreme Court rulings, government stances, and more, it feels more important than ever to celebrate and to remember history.
Without speaking of things like Japanese internment camps, the overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom, Chinese laborers that built the intercontinental railroads, Filipino activists that fought for labor rights, the impacts of the Vietnam and Korean War, and the hard earned rights we now have— how can we remember what we are celebrating?
If you are AANHPI, I encourage you this month (and always) to celebrate your history proudly. I, as always, will stay integrating & celebrating my identity in every part of my being. Because who am I without it?
Much love this month & always 🖤🙂↕️✨(📍Pittsburgh, PA)
From the early stages of sketching to now, we’re so excited to release our phoenix into the world. 🔥
Resilience matters more than ever in times like these. Symbolizing recreation, rebirth, and rising from the ashes of what you were into what you are— we hope this pendant is a reminder of who you are, where you’re going, and to love the journey along the way. 🐦🔥
She is lovingly sketched, hand-carved in wax, finished, hand-set with a golden sapphire, and will be made to order by the amazing @mellisfine .
Available on March 26th— in silver ($300), 14kt gold ($800), and 18kt gold ($1050)— and for three months, 10% of sales will be donated to Planned Parenthood. 🧡
Please let us know if you have any questions! We truly love her and are so excited to share her with you all.
Hiiiiii y’all so…on 11.21.2021, Mike and I eloped in a self-uniting ceremony. 👀🤍 Due to PA’s self-uniting law, we were able to get married in the right way for us— with just the two of us (& @sarahmccloskeyphoto documenting!!) reaffirming our commitment to each other.
Thank you to everyone who kept our not-so-secret, secret. 🎉
Special huge thank you to @ctastypastry for making our wedding cake, @handmadenailstudio_krista for my elopement nails, @jamierupert for dropping off candles last minute, @donnie_91 and @alias2on2 for signing our paperwork, @skeltonjewelry for making the most beautiful ring, @sarahmccloskeyphoto for capturing the magic of the day, and for all the friends who kept my secret and listened to me gush about everything. And all of you lovely humans that have sent unexpected well wishes and presents. It’s been really special for us and Mike and I appreciate each and every one of you so much!
Life has been hectic, but in the meantime, we’ve been feeling very loved and happy and thankful! 🥺♥️
Please accept my v routine love letter to @lilithpgh and local spots that make you feel the strength of community (and good food) 🤭✨ Thank you for making Pittsburgh a home always 🖤 (📍Lilith, Pittsburgh)
Most of you let me know that you look forward to these annual round-ups for May with different AANHPI businesses, creatives and more. Here I am with my second round-up of 2026. 🥹🖤
👉🏼 @katelanh_ for incredible photos, @mola.pgh ’s sushi, @blythebooks_pgh for sick stickers & amazing pre-loved books, @lolas_eatery ’s brunch 🤤, @banhmiandti always, @111juicepittsburgh always, @haveli_pgh bc it really is phenomenal, @umamipgh for all the vibes & eats, @yoteayokakitchen ’s hot pot & boba & more, & @theboonseek which I think about constantly and haven’t had in too long 👈🏼
As a reminder, while it’s lovely to support in May! Something that I work hard to integrate, is for it to become second nature— not only during heritage months, but how does it become part of your ethos to support small/local/BIPOC/woman-owned always? (📍Pittsburgh, PA)
| invited | If you know me you know that I love any excuse to dress up, and @phippsconservatory ’s La Fleur at Phipps, on June 11th, is an event that I cannot wait for. I’m starting to look through my closet already. 🌺
Explore a one-of-a-kind evening of music, art, fashion, culture and botany curated by Green Voice Sustainable Business and Lifestyle Collective in Phipps’ historic glasshouse, with tickets are available now. 🎫
Let me know if this should be my flower dress, or if I should continue to dig through my closet 👀 🤌🏼 (📍Pittsburgh, PA)
| hosted | My first time in Ligonier ever. 🤯 I stayed at Satori Cottage, which was the perfect tranquil escape. To get a mix of things, we ate all our meals and explored “town” (as the locals referred to downtown Ligonier).
Some of my fav things in the town: @hawkinscoleather , dinner at The Grey Goose which was actually one of the best meals I’ve had this year 👀 , breakfast sandwiches and lattes at @tubmillcreekprovisions , @abigails.coffeehouse , and all the antique and local shops to poke around in to your hearts desire. 🤤🛍️🥘
It’s only an hour outside of the burb, so I can’t believe that I missed out on this cutie town in my small town visits thus far! Staying at Satori Cottage (/3368380) made it the best of both worlds, providing quiet peace & zen. (📍Ligonier, Pennsylvania)
| hosted | Nestled in the forest next to a stream, near Ligonier, Satori Cottage made my heart sing. 🌲🛖🏮
Japanese inspired, Satori Cottage transports you into another world that allows you to slow down, practice tranquility, and escape the world for a bit. It’s also close to town, so you can explore and shop locally, while unplugging at the same time. 🤌🏼
It’s truly the perfect getaway within driving distance for Pittsburgh peeps. I’m so glad we got to spend the weekend here! Available on VRBO here: /3368380 🖤 (📍Satori Cottage, Ligonier Township)
One of those weeks that felt impossibly long, but we made it to Friday my friends 😭✨🤌🏼
My week was filled with finishing Pursuit of Jade, local eats, lots of rest, and being okay with being still. It’s like such a hard thing to learn in your 30s, that it’s okay to slow down and take it easy. (📍Pittsburgh, PA)
