Anyone who knows me knows that fall is my absolute favorite time of year, and Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday. That said, things might look a little different this fall and Halloween-season (thanks, 2020), as Andrew and I are transitioning away from our home in Philadelphia for the time being and spending more time “quaran-teaming” at my family’s home in wild, wonderful West Virginia. I’ve been ideating on a ton of fun things my family (and yours!) can do this spooky season to still celebrate the holiday to the fullest despite the circumstances, and I wanted to share them with you all. Let’s dive in—

Halloween Movies! From ‘Hocus Pocus’ to ‘Beetlejuice’ and Beyond

So, this isn’t all that original, but my family and I always watch Halloween/horror/spooky movies beginning in early September basically through the end of October. Some of our favorites include the classics, like ‘Beetlejuice’ and ‘Hocus Pocus’ (which you can catch on Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween all October long!), as well as some pretty gnarly horror films (because we’re into that sort of thing— totally not for everyone!) My husband and I started the yearly tradition of watching the original ‘Rosemary’s Baby’ from start to finish on Halloween night (no matter how late we get in from our Halloween shenanigans) and it’s always such a fun, spooky time. We reserve that movie for literally one night a year so it always feels special, fun, and fresh. We also make Halloween cookies or other treats to indulge in, and usually set up some spooky mood-lighting (like red LED lights from IKEA— super cheap and really good at creating an atmospheric effect!)

TL;DR? We LOVE Halloween/horror movies and setting aside special movies to only watch around Halloween-time makes the occasion feel more special, and like a fun, spooky little family tradition.

Dress up, even with nowhere to go!

I am adamant about wearing a costume on Halloween. My husband is not one for dressing up, and I just don’t get it— even on Halloween evenings where we’ve had nowhere to go, my family and I have always dressed up (even our pets— yes, we’re those people) because it’s so much fun. I mean, for one night a year you can go all out and dress as wild and wacky as you please. Why would you pass that up?

Even if you plan to just sit at home and watch movies, dressing up with family and friends in your household (and maybe even having a small at-home costume contest) is a great way to celebrate spooky season, even in a year like this.

Create some drive-thru (or drive-in) fun

Last but not least, I’ve been thinking a good bit lately about how to create some outdoor drive-thru or drive-in fun for Halloween here in the community. Typically, the city of Beckley, WV does tailgate Halloween for local kids— and I think that could still be done in some way, right? Or, a drive-thru haunted attraction, which I think many haunted attractions will pivot to this year. Trick-or-treat tailgates, haunted attractions, and more could make just a few adjustments to make their events COVID-19 safe, and I’m excited to see what they all come up with this season. I don’t have any definitive ideas yet of what my friends and family could do in our neighborhood, but I’m still brainstorming and would love to hear everyone’s ideas.

All of these things and so much more (even more treat-making, pumpkin carving, all that good stuff) awaits us this spooky season, despite 2020 being what it is. How do you plan to still make this Halloween a special, fun, and spooky time for family and friends? Let’s discuss.

Xoxo, MM.

As most of you know (or at least could assume), Andrew and I have spent much of our summer in the southeast, primarily in our home state of West Virginia. That said, as summer comes to a close we’ve decided to check in on our apartment back in Philly, pay a visit to Andrew’s mom in Manhattan, and catch up (safely, outside) with some pals in and around the Philadelphia and NYC area. From rooftop hangs looking over the New York City skyline to chilling in some of Philly’s cutest public parks, this Labor Day weekend has been one for the books!

Rooftop Hangs in New York City

Andrew’s mother lives in an adorable one bedroom apartment in the upper east side of Manhattan, situated just below East Harlem (and just a few blocks away from the northeast corner of Central Park). We didn’t know if we’d be heading to see her anytime this year (thanks to COVID-19), but once NYC crushed the curve and dropped to having one of the lowest transmission rates in the country, we knew we’d be able to safely travel and enjoy our time there. 

The rooftop of Andrew’s mother’s apartment is easily my favorite part— a 360 view of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline all around. Andrew and I soaked up some sun rays on the rooftop while catching up with his mom, and it felt nice to spend some quality family time all together, at last.

We were also able to see some old friends from out in Long Island, and celebrate a life milestone with them. It was super nice to be able to celebrate life again with friends, and it was exactly the refresher we needed after a summer of little social contact. 

Our Philadelphia Park Picnic

To end our Labor Day weekend on a high note, Andrew and I headed back to Philadelphia on Sunday to visit some good friends we hadn’t seen since late May. We met in a little park in Bala Cynwyd (a suburb just outside of Philly proper) and played frisbee (a wonderfully socially-distanced game!) and ladder golf, and  drank some miniature white wine bottles while soaking up the sunshine picnic-style. 

My friend Alex made a suuuuper yummy bean dip (full of beef, veggies and beans) and we enjoyed picnic-style appetizers after an evening of games in the park. It was a really nice way to round out the holiday weekend, and it felt so good to be home for a while.

So, how did you all spend your Labor Day weekend? How was your summer? Here’s to hoping for a good fall and mild winter, so we can all continue to safely spend time together even as the air gets cold. 

Xoxo, MM

As many of you know, this week was largely marred by Silver (our family dog) being unwell. Though I’d been experiencing some career and personal highs, the week was a nightmare due to our pup feeling so under-the-weather. That said, she’s in recovery mode now and should be feeling better in a week or two, but I wanted to share our story in the event it happens to others.

Dogs and corn cobs— a little threat that goes a long way

On Tuesday of this week, Silver started acting odd. Her appetite had gone (which, for her, is a huge deal) and she didn’t have her characteristic energy. She was walking slower, seemed less alert, and just… off. The next day, she started throwing up. A lot. Not to be gross, but it was the kind of “throwing up” that let us know something was seriously wrong. We began that evening with our first of four vet visits.

The first vet visit consisted of a less-compassionate veterinarian telling us she would be “fine by morning.” I rejected that theory, but the vet refused to do much more than send her home with some meds and some “advice.” He also wrote “danger, danger, danger!” in Silver’s file (since she had to be muzzled, probably because she felt so poorly to begin with) which seriously rubbed me the wrong way. We went home distraught and dissatisfied, hoping she’d be better by morning (but worried all the while.)

The next morning (Thursday), Silver had thrown up again. She refused to eat anything, or even take a sip of water. Back to the vet we went, but this time we saw a different doctor. Doctor Alicia Dillon, actually— and she was wonderful. She let us know that the vet the night before had missed the key signs indicating that Silver was horribly dehydrated. She got Silver a full blood-panel, X-Rays, and an IV drip within moments of examining her. Finally, we felt things were going to be solved.

After many tests and treatments on Thursday (blood work normal, X-Rays normal, pancreas and liver reads normal), we went home with every expectation that we’d see small improvements each day with the IV fluids and medicines that had been administered… but then Friday came around.

On Friday, it was the same story: throwing up, lethargic, refusal to eat or drink. We went in for another out-patient treatment of IV fluid, meds, and an exam, then once again went home. The doctor called to check in on us afterward, clearly stumped herself and upset for us that we couldn’t quite find the culprit. We cried all night Friday evening, holding her as she slept (she was so, so weak.)

Finally, on Saturday (this morning, as I type this) we found the culprit. Silver kept vomiting so Dr. Dillon told us to come in, and voila— there it was. She could finally feel a blockage in Silver’s intestines that hadn’t shown up on any X-Rays or presented itself whatsoever until that moment. She literally jumped when she felt it, and yelled to the nurse, “I FINALLY feel something!” The pure emotion and compassion she had at that moment let us know that Silver was in good hands— and the pre-op treatment began immediately.

We didn’t have much time to process what was going on as Silver was rushed to surgery, but Dr. Dillon stayed calm and collected throughout the morning as we watched our pup get prepared for her operation. We left her in the Doctor’s hands, and received a call two hours later that she was waking up and the surgery had been successful.

Long story short? Silver, when we weren’t looking (which isn’t often, as she’s with us or confined to the crate or the covered-porch 24/7), had ingested a corn cob. Yep, you read that right— a corn cob. Something so small and insignificant had hidden itself in her stomach, wreaking havoc all the while, and nearly killed her within a span of a few days. I’ll spare you the gruesome photos of the corn cob post-removal, but she’d eaten a chunk of one whole and was luckily her intestines had withstood the trauma.

Silver is home now and resting, and should hopefully make a full recovery by end of week. That said, take this as a cautionary tale about dogs and table food— if they can find scraps they will eat them, and if your dog starts acting strange trust your gut. Us getting Silver to the vet for early intervention prevented her from having intestinal rot, which would’ve been MONTHS of recovery and post-op visits.

Now? Silver is sleeping in bed as I type this, probably dreaming about all the good stuff she’s going to eat once she feels better. She’s one of the lucky ones.

Xoxo, MM.

It’s cliche, but it’s true— you can’t pour from an empty cup. This week I found myself in the midst of a global pandemic (which has had me on edge since March) as well as dealing with a super sick pup, some familial stress, and some (good, but) intense career moves. All of this left me feeling drained, and before I knew it I was acting a little out of character; more snappy, less patient, etc.

Before I go any further, let me say I always feel odd going on about ‘wellness’ on this site because, truly, I am not an expert in the wellness space. I just know how I practice self-care and what works for me in terms of managing depression, an OCD diagnosis and the stressors of the world in general.

All that said, this is how I unwind to refill my cup, and make myself feel a little less “empty” on the worst days:

Self-care: make time for it, and practice it often

Some of my favorite self-care things are small but mighty habits I’ve developed, especially during this work from home period of time. Taking a quick jog or doing some kind of HIIT workout (online, of course) in between tasks and meetings has helped me become physically healthier during this time, but also mentally more attuned and at ease. Exercise releases endorphins, which in-turn help your brain create the “happy” chemicals, like dopamine. Exercise, whatever you’re able to do, is a great way to connect with your body for a few moments and tune-out of your own head (and into the physical world around you.)

Another small habit I’ve developed is taking a few moments to put my headphones in and listen to a song I really love. I’ll go into my bedroom, or take a stroll, or just find any place to be alone, and then I turn on an album or an artist (or even a specific song I really, really love) for just a few minutes. I take this time to put the world away and just listen for a few moments, and it makes all the difference.

Last but not least, remembering to do basic things like drink water and wash my face regularly throughout the day and check in with friends and family, even via text has done wonders. Also, avoiding social media when I’m feeling maxed out, and a litany of other small lifestyle habits that help me get out of my own head. Sometimes, that’s all it takes.

So, how do you practice self-care? How do you wind-down after (or even during) a rough day, week, or month? Let’s discuss, because I’m always open to new wellness ideas.

Xoxo, MM.

I’m always amazed at the amount of fun, quirky and unique activities one can do in my home state. More specifically, what one can do within ~15 minutes of my hometown (Beckley, WV). Southern WV is full of locally-owned eateries and natural beauty, and recently my husband and I (and our good friend Nina) spent a great weekend eating sushi and hanging out by the beautiful New River. Reader, read on and learn more about spending a weekend chock-full of activities in Wild, Wonderful West Virginia!

Kimono Kin Restaurant: A Beckley, WV Gem

One of my favorite places to eat anytime I’m in Beckley, WV is the locally-owned pan-Asian eatery Kimono Kin. Focused mainly on Japanese cuisine and sushi, Kimono Kin also offers up some of the best Thai green and yellow curry you’ve ever had, and a long list of locally-sourced craft beers. We LOVE this place, and this past weekend we were reminded of just how good the food (and service!) really is— between a shared spicy yellowtail roll and some super-spicy green curry, my husband and I really enjoyed ourselves there.

Glade Creek: Part of the New River Gorge National River in Prince, WV

After dinner, Andrew and I met our friend Nina in town and caravanned down toward Glade Creek, located in the tiny municipality (and railroad town) of Prince, WV. Just beyond the city limits of Beckley, Prince is an old rail-town with tons of great river access spots. One of those access spots is Glade Creek, which is part of the New River Gorge National River (part of the US National Parks system).

If you enter at the Glade Creek entrance (just beyond the train tracks and rail bridge that connects one side of the riverbank to the other), you will soon be headed down a dirt and gravel road that winds down the hill toward the river banks. Eventually, you run right into a campground with some of the best river access in town, called “The Grandview Sandbar.”

From there, you can find tons of camping spots and river access outlets that allow for campfires, kayaking, fishing, swimming, and beyond. The New River isn’t always a hospitable place for swimming (and obviously no lifeguards are around), so exercise caution if you choose to swim in the river. I personally wouldn’t swim if the river were too high or moving too quickly— it’s sometimes best to just sit by the river bank and have a fire with friends, especially if it’s rained recently.

Andrew, Nina and I waded in the more shallow parts of the river bank, swimming a little along the edge since the water was relatively calm and slow-moving. We had just as nice of a time sitting on the rocks and walking around and talking, though, and chasing down some adorable butterflies we saw flitting around the river banks.

There is so much to do in Wild, Wonderful WV if you just look closely enough. So, what are your favorite things to do in Southern WV? How do you prefer to spend a West Virginia weekend? Let’s talk about it.

Xoxo, MM.

Charcuterie and cheese boards are a great way to entertain outdoor guests this year; and, you guessed it, they don’t have to break the bank. Read on and learn more about my favorite (cheap!) charcuterie and cheese board recipes, and how easy it is to pair with some wine for an easy, laid-back wine and cheese night with friends. 

Easy charcuterie boards: cheese, meats, and wine to pair!

The best place to buy cheap charcuterie and cheese (IMO) is Aldi! A grocery store based on keeping prices low and products fresh is a win for me. Everything I needed to make the charcuterie and cheese board could be found there, including:

• Fresh strawberries ($2.50)

• Prosciutto ($3.50)

• Asiago cheese (wedge, $2.00)

• Crackers (wheat, $1.95)

(Everything else I had at home, like cheese blocks, more crackers— even regular Ritz will do— and my best friend Tyler was kind enough to bring the wine, a semi-dry Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc to pair with the asiago cheese. This saves even more $$$, making use of things you already have in the pantry that pair well with the evening’s snacky choices.) 

For roughly $10 I made a charcuterie and cheese board to feed my husband, myself and our friends, and it was a huge hit! 

As you can see, my friends and I enjoyed every bite (and sip) of this cheap and easy charcuterie spread and wine-down workday evening. 

Have you tried charcuterie? Any ideas on incorporating pumpkin or squash this fall? Let’s talk wine and cheese, please (in the comments below, of course!)

Xoxo, MM.

If you know Andrew and I, you know we’ve spent most of summer 2020 in our home state: wild, wonderful West Virginia. Since this summer hasn’t been conducive to our usual international travel plans (thanks, COVID-19), we’ve spent a lot more time soaking in the beauty all around us in our home state, from scenic Summersville Lake to beautiful Babcock State Park and beyond. Oh, and the local swimming holes that make WV a truly unique, summer sanctuary for adventurous types. Let’s dive in—

‘Bubbie Hole’ Swimming Hole: A Meadow River Hidden Gem

Andrew and I recently took our friends Nina and Chelsea (outdoor hangs FTW!) to one of our favorite swimming holes in WV— the infamous ‘Bubbie Hole’ in Nicholas County. Just past Fayette County into Nicholas (and not quite to Summersville Lake), this swimming hole nestles perfectly on the side of RT-41 on the banks of Meadow River.

Once you emerge from the brush on the side of RT-41 and come into the forest clearing, you’re immediately immersed in a world of big boulders on the side of a peaceful river sanctuary. That may seem dramatic, but seriously; this place is its own little slice of Almost Heaven, and hardly anyone knows about it. Every time Andrew and I go to this particular swimming hole, so few people are around, it’s sort of incredible. It’s like a little secret— and a good one, at that.

From swinging and climbing ropes on the side of boulders, to a sandy beach area and some of the most calm river swimming you can find, this spot is truly a hidden gem. Our friends definitely agreed, and we enjoyed a lovely evening of listening to Glass Animals’ latest album Dreamland on top of the swimming hole’s largest rock, which provided great views for sipping brews and just spending some quality time together.

After a day of swimming, we all had quite the hankering for a good meal. The nearby town of Fayetteville, WV is full of locally-owned eateries (all of them incredible, might I add), and one of our personal favorites is the small chain-operations Pies & Pints. Known to locals as the best pizza in the New River Gorge area, Pies & Pints provided us with a delicious meal of Rosemary & Garlic flatbread with a goat cheese and balsamic spread, as well as a gourmet pizza topped with roast grapes (yes, grapes) and creamy gorgonzola cheese. After a day of swimming in the sun, it definitely hit the spot. Learn more about Pies & Pints Pizzeria here: https://piesandpints.net/

West Virginia is one of my favorite tourist destinations since I’ve moved away— from the lakes, rivers, scenic swimming holes and beautiful hikes to some of the best food (and greatest people) in the world, West Virginia is truly Almost Heaven.

Xoxo, MM.

In this post, I’m writing straight from the heart. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, a surge of selfishness and downright ugly behavior has reared its head, and it’s made me feel disheartened at best (and devastated at worst.) Let me explain—

When COVID-19 began, everyone seemed to understand the need to stay home and, in turn, save lives. However, as the pandemic has gone on (and become more “inconvenient” to people, I suppose) Americans have seemed to shift their perspective; stay at home orders ended, and masks were recommended, yet some people refuse to wear them. A vaccine may be around the corner, yet many are already refusing to get it (even if it would save thousands upon thousands of lives). So, I have to ask: what ever happening to doing things for the good of the whole?

I understand more than most that we have to take care of ourselves— it’s cliche, but you truly cannot pour from an empty vessel. However… would it really empty you to wear a mask in public? Would it empty you to get a vaccine once one is proven safe and effective? Unless you have a legitimate medical or religious reason not to vaccinate (which some people do), would it really empty you to do some research on vaccines, and discover that they’re overwhelmingly safe and, even when minor side-effects do occur, have saved millions of lives throughout the course of history?

I’m not perfect, and I’m not here to preach… but I have to ask: what ever happened to loving thy neighbor? I believe there is still so much good in the world, and that’s the hope I have to cling to, but it’s time we all reflect and ask ourselves what we could do for the good of the whole. What actions could we take to save even a single human life? Be it wearing a mask, washing our hands, vaccinating, etc., we should be looking out for one another. We understand the dangers of driving drunk, or a number of other things that potentially put others in harm’s way… so why don’t we understand this?

America, we have to do better. Period.

Xoxo, MM.

*Note: This article was originally written by Miranda Martin for publication in online music journal eastcoast-live.com. Thank you.

Every so often, an album totally immerses you in its vision. Dreamland, the latest full-length release by indie-rock/indie-pop/psychedelic/genre-defiers Glass Animals, does exactly that. With swirling images of iconic nineties cultural zeniths and (a little more than) relatable depictions of everyday relationships, Dreamland is a fully immersive musical (and visual!) experience that left me in tears by its end. Want to learn more? Well, let’s dive in— 

The album begins with the title track “Dreamland,” serving almost as an overture in terms of musical and lyrical tone and composition. In other words, “Dreamland” sends you off to sleep, immersing you in the moment and preparing you for what’s next. It seems to say, “Welcome, let’s take a journey,” and before you know it you’re in lead-vocalist and front man Dave Bayley’s world (or, his “Dreamland,” which is an amalgam of memories, ideas, and images galore. 

The momentum picks up with track two, titled “Tangerine,” which is clearly about someone the singer knows somewhat intimately (or did, at one time). The nostalgia train departs the station early on this album, with references to The Karate Kid and childhood snacks (like ramen noodles, nice!) already flying. The energy stays high throughout “Tangerine,” the track being a little dance-y in its indie synth-pop meets hip-hop composition, then eventually gives way to the first “home movie” on the album, this one subtitled “1994”.

The “home movie” segments of the album are intensely raw and relatable, with Dave Bayley’s mother’s voice guiding each of them. Dave states (via Spotify Storylines) that the audio on each “home movie” track is actually audio derived from his own home movies, and the photographs attached to each are authentic photos from Dave’s childhood, as well. This audiovisual representation of who Dave Bayley is as a human being give stock to the album’s undeniable authenticity, which echoes throughout the next tracks “Hot Sugar”, “home movie: btx”, and the dark, Dr. Dre inspired “Space Ghost Coast to Coast,” too.

Speaking of “Space Ghost Coast to Coast,” that song very well might be the darkest and most personal on the entire album. Dave Bayley has made it clear that the song is about a dear friend who took a tragic turn in life, and out of respect for that friend says he will “leave it at that.” This song is heavy, heavy stuff, despite its infectious hip-hop beat making you nod your head and tap your foot throughout.

The next few songs “Tokyo Drifting” (featuring the incredible Denzel Curry), “Melon and the Coconut,” “Your Love (Déjà Vu),” “Waterfalls Coming Out Your Mouth,” and “It’s All So Incredibly Loud” follow a somewhat formulaic (but never boring) sound, fitting into the aesthetic of the album as a whole nicely, whilst never losing momentum nor the sincerity Bayley and co. have cultivated on previous tracks. Even less emotional songs (like “Tokyo Drifting”) keep the listener fully engaged throughout, and that’s not to be ignored. This album as a whole, truly, is not one to be ignored.

Without spoiling the entire album (and with sincere hope that you all listen to it for yourselves, because it’s something of a journey), I will close by saying that the last few tracks on the album (the final “home movie” installment, “Domestic Bliss,” “Heat Waves,” and “Helium”) pack such an emotional punch that, by the end of it, I was brought to tears. I nearly didn’t realize I was crying until I took a deep breath in, feeling my face become hot and flushed, tears pouring down my cheeks. I’m an emotional person to be sure, but an album hasn’t done that to me in quite some time. Hell, no form of art has— and that’s saying something.  

This album is a true audio-visual masterpiece and certainly shouldn’t be missed. Upon the first listen, don’t skip any tracks. Listen to them in order. Review the “listening instructions” on the band’s official Instagram— you’ll be glad you did, as this album is best enjoyed as a living piece of art (rather than a one-off single, etc.)

Signing off, this is Miranda Martin (and one her new top five favorite albums of all-time.)

 

Xoxo, MM.

For many years I’ve written poetry— some of you have seen it, and some have not. Recently, I began jotting down a few lines I’d been conceptualizing on for some time and I wanted to share them with you all.

This poem, “Mountains and Skyscrapers”, has existed in many forms and has changed over the years. The result, to my surprise, is a relatively short poem that simply describes how it felt to leave West Virginia for Philadelphia, and how coming home still always feels like exactly that— home. Enjoy, xx.

“Mountains and Skyscrapers”

By Miranda Martin, 2020

Mountain, proud and turned to stone

By some hollow witch’s groan

Or perhaps a faerie’s kiss

Mountains, spurring untold bliss 

West Virginia wild flowers

By the highway, tall as towers

Giving way to concrete kingdoms

On I-64, she chased her freedom 

Skyscrapers, cold and turned to glass

By some moneymaker’s crass

Words of wisdom, a checkbook signed 

Skyscrapers, steel, metallic lines 

The Liberty Bell let freedom ring

Through her ears, the fancy things 

But something in her blood still boiled

Toward the mountains, she recoiled 

Mountain, proud and turned to stone

“Appalachia lives in my bones.”