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Amy Chen

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Color Hunting in Coney Island!

October 9, 2015

I've been wanting to do a Coney Island blog post for quite some time - it's one of my favorite spots in NY! I LOVE that it is so far removed from the typical "hustle" of the city - as it's located at the veryyyy bottom of Brooklyn. The subway ride is pretty long, but if you're in great company - it goes by pretty quickly! ;) I made quite a few trips out there this summer with my fellow color-hunting friend Ruth (@bigntoasty). I took soooooo many photos each time I went, and I am finally gettin' my shit together to compile them all into a cohesive post! 

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In wanderlust Tags Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY, NYC, summer, colorventures
amy_chen_design_sunflower_maze_1.jpg

Alstede Farms Sunflower Maze (So Long Summer!)

October 1, 2015

It's hard to believe that it's already OCTOBER! Where did summer go?!

I realize that last Wednesday was the *official* start of fall.. and it's no longer sunflower maze season but corn maze season now lol, but I still feel like I have sooooo many un-blogged summer adventures! I'm backtracking a little bit today to a solo adventure I had in July at Alstede Farms. If you've been following my blog for a little while, you may remember my post from last fall about this place. It's one of my favorite farms in the area because of how big it is, and there always seems to be something fun going on during all 4 seasons! When I heard that they had a massive sunflower maze, I had to check it out because until this I had actually never been to one before! 

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In wanderlust Tags Chester, NJ, New Jersey, Alstede Farms, summer, sunflower

Refinery29's #29Rooms NYFW Installation

September 22, 2015

A little over a week ago, I got to experience one of the best interactive art installations I've ever experienced: #29Rooms. It was the only NY Fashion Week event I attended this time around, but I'm okay with that because it fulfilled all of my wildest dreams, haha..

For their 10th anniversary, Refinery29 put together an epic 29-room funhouse inside a Greenpoint (Brooklyn) warehouse. Each room was created by a different artist and offered a different experience than the one next to it. It was an extremely overwhelming visual experience to say the least, lol... I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to see it Thursday night before it went live to the public on Friday / Saturday. Despite this exclusive viewing opportunity though, I still felt like I could have easily spent more time in each of the rooms. There were even some rooms I didn't go into at all or failed to photograph because I was so overwhelmed trying to just take it all in. 29 is A LOT! I think I would have been overwhelmed had there been only 10 rooms... so imagine 3 times that. I unfortunately wasn't able to catch the name / artist of each room because I felt so scatterbrained through out the night, but will try to share that info with you for the ones I was able to catch or recognized on my own. 

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In design, wanderlust, style Tags Refinery29, 29Rooms, art, interactive art, NYFW, New York

Destination: Exit 0 (Cape May + Wildwood)

August 14, 2015

Last week, I went on a little Jersey shore road trip for 4 days down to Cape May and Wildwood. It was hands down one of the best adventures of my life. Growing up, my family often took day trips down to the beach - but we never once stayed overnight. I've only had the opportunity to actually wake up the next morning to a beach once or twice (ever)... so you can probably imagine my excitement lol. I've lived in NJ my whole life (with the exception of 4 years spent in NY for school), but I have never been that far south in the state. As I've mentioned in previous blog posts, my family isn't big on travel - so any opportunity I get to experience something new (even if it's not in a new state or country) - is one that I embrace with arms open wide. I treat even small, local, day to day things like grand adventures.

I ran myself so ragged the entire time - wanting to experience and explore as much as possible before we had to head home (because even 4 days was not enough). We did basically all of our exploring on foot, which was probably a good thing because I totally ate like.. 2 or 3 times my weight in all the amazing food the area had to offer.. ha. There wasn't really any "down time" and I didn't even actually sit on the beach or swim in either of the hotel pools for the entire time we were there.. lol.

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In wanderlust Tags Cape May, Wildwood, New Jersey, NJ, Jersey shore, Jersey Collective, summer

Greetings From Asbury Park, NJ

July 22, 2015

Last month, I made a trip down to Asbury Park with my dad to celebrate the opening night of Jersey Collective's first gallery show. I've lived in New Jersey all my life (with the exception of 4 years spent in NY for school), and it's kinda silly that I've never been to the town Bruce Springsteen named his 1973 debut album ("Greetings from Asbury Park, NJ") after. In other words, this trip was loooong overdue haha! Growing up, my family often made trips down to Point Pleasant -- and now, we typically head to Long Branch for our summer beach escape. I had no idea that Asbury Park was so close to those other two Jersey shore points... until I looked at a map (lol). For some reason I always thought that Asbury Park was farther south! Clearly my sense of geography is terrible..

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In wanderlust Tags Asbury Park, NJ, New Jersey, Jersey shore, Bruce Springsteen, Jersey Collective, Kerri Sullivan, summer

Lorraine Loots #ANTSinNYC Exhibition

July 12, 2015

Yesterday, I wandered into Brooklyn with Kristyn Brady to see the #ANTSinNYC exhibition by South African artist Lorraine Loots on display at Three Kings Studio. We walked over from the lower east side via the Williamsburg bridge. It was my first time walking that bridge, so I was pretty stoked to be doing something completely new. We stopped in at a bunch of cute boutiques on our walk towards the gallery, and it was a super fulfilling (and super hot) day. It was totally worth the sweaty trek, though!

Today I decided to write up this quick blog post - in hopes that it inspires you to also stop on by to see Lorraine's incredible show. It is only open for a few more days (closing on July 15) - so if you are in NYC, I highly recommend going to see it before it's gone!

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In design, wanderlust Tags lorraine loots, ANTSinNYC, gallery, gallery hopping, exhibition, NYC, art, painting

Yayoi Kusama's Obliteration Room

May 28, 2015

A couple weekends back, I went to see Yayoi Kusama's Obliteration Room - which is part of her current exhibition "Give Me Love" at the David Zwirner Gallery! I've seen photos of her Obliteration Room when it was on display in other parts of the world, and have always been wanting to experience it for myself (hoping that it would some day make its way to NY). When I found out she was returning to the David Zwirner gallery this spring, I was SUPER stoked and got my butt over there ASAP.

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In wanderlust, design Tags Yayoi Kusama, David Zwirner, Obliteration Room, gallery hopping, colorventures
I have no idea who this girl is, but she was one of my favorites that I saw on Saturday!

I have no idea who this girl is, but she was one of my favorites that I saw on Saturday!

NY Fashion Week Street Style 2015

February 20, 2015

On Saturday (Valentine's Day), I trekked up to Lincoln Center to take some photos outside for day 3 of NY's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week! Despite freezing my ass off for a little over 4 hours, I had a great time.

Last year, I went for the first time with a small group of people. We didn't stick around for too long because it was painfully cold. Luckily it was in the 30s on Saturday, which is warm compared to the windy ass days that followed. I was able to stay outside longer this year, and I took a lot more pictures (over 500... lol).

Despite not having a ticket to any of the shows (cuz I ain't got money for that) - I really enjoyed loitering outside near the fountain and playing paparazzi. It was basically like a giant gathering of beautiful people (from all over the world) - all ready for their close up. As a matter of fact, I think most of the people I photographed weren't native NY-ers. I really enjoy portrait / fashion photography, but haven't had the opportunity to do any lately - so this was a lot of fun for me! 

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In wanderlust, style, photography Tags fashion week, FW15, MBFW, NYFW, street style, photography

Chester - The Stars Hollow of New Jersey

December 19, 2014

This week I took a "me" day and decided to drive to the historic town of Chester, NJ. It's been weeks since I've had a good local adventure, so I took advantage of the 50 degree day we had on Wednesday. As the weather has gotten colder, my outdoor hiking ventures have sadly died down quite a bit - as I don't feel as inclined to go freeze my butt off. I have driven through historic Chester many times, and always thought it was the cutest little town upon passing by. It's a small strip of shops, but I feel like there is so much to see. I spent 4-5 hours just walking around looking at everything and taking it all in. I also have been binge-watching Gilmore Girls on Netflix, and it very much so felt like a visit to Stars Hollow.. haha.

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In wanderlust, food Tags Chester, NJ, New Jersey, Stars Hollow, Gilmore Girls, antiques

For the First Time in Forever

November 18, 2014

Last week I went to Disney's Frozen on Ice with my dad - and for the first time in forever, we spent some quality time together. Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration (I really just wanted to make a Frozen reference in the title ;)…) my dad and I aren't that distant, lol. I guess what I mean to say is that since going away to school, I haven't been able to spend as much quality time with him or with any of my family. However, now that school is over - I have been trying to scoop up these moments even more-so. It's like being away from home (for school) made me realize just how special things like this are, and that they should never be taken for granted - and therefore, I've grown to appreciate them much more. 

Now I know what you're thinking… what "grown" adult goes to see Disney's Frozen on Ice with their dad…? I may be 22, but that doesn't stop be from being a Disney fanatic - and it certainly doesn't stop me from going to Disney's Frozen on Ice (with my dad). Most 22 year olds would probably be too embarrassed to go to such a thing with their dad (let alone write a blog post about it), but not me … haha.

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In wanderlust, food, style Tags Frozen, Disney, Disney on Ice, Barclays Center, Shake Shack, Refinery29, Target, Picasso
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AMYVENTURES

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Summer Recess in Cape May
Summer Recess in Cape May
about a month ago
Strawberry Picking, Peony Peeping, Park Frolicking
Strawberry Picking, Peony Peeping, Park Frolicking
about a month ago
Spring Things
Spring Things
about 2 months ago
Cemetery Season: Poetry Month + The Grief of April
Cemetery Season: Poetry Month + The Grief of April
about 3 months ago
Solo Day Trip to Seaside Heights
Solo Day Trip to Seaside Heights
about 3 months ago
Reframing a "Mundane Chore" as an Adventure: Visiting a New Grocery Store
Reframing a "Mundane Chore" as an Adventure: Visiting a New Grocery Store
about 4 months ago
Creating In Community
Creating In Community
about 4 months ago
A Sunny Sunday for the Soul in NYC
A Sunny Sunday for the Soul in NYC
about 4 months ago
Christmas Cookies 2024
Christmas Cookies 2024
about 6 months ago
5 Life Lessons From The Garden
5 Life Lessons From The Garden
about 10 months ago

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@AMYVENTURES
happy #nationalicecreamday πŸ˜šπŸ¦πŸ“βœ¨

#icecream #summer #jerseycollective #strawberryicecream #icecreamshop
summer arrivals @shopamyventures πŸŒžπŸšβ›΅οΈπŸβœ¨

#shopsmall #vintagehome #etsyvintage #summer
my last stop in cape may was @gooddeedsmarket to pick up a couple new @inciardi mini prints for my growing collection πŸ₯² regretted not bringing more quarters (and had to break a $20 πŸ˜…), but was so excited to see a different collection of prints avai
first beachcombing haul of the season 🧜‍β™€οΈπŸšπŸŒž

#capemay #capemaynj #jerseycollective #southjerseyadventures #jerseyshore #summer #beachcombing #beachcombingfinds
some more from @takearecess in cape may 🌞 (take me back) 

icymi: my code “amyventures” now gets you 25% off for a limited time thru June 27 πŸΉπŸ’¦πŸ“ (15% off after that)

** I make a small commission off of every purchase made through thi
took a recess to cape may yesterday in celebration of the summer solstice 😎

started at higbee beach (took some fun photos for @takearecess 🌾, had a picnic lunch πŸ“, and beach combed 🐚), stopped at the lighthouse (because I always have to say hi t
strawberry picking and everything I made with said strawberries now on substack βœ¨πŸ“βœ¨ (link in bio)

#strawberries #strawberrypicking #pyostrawberries #upickstrawberries #jerseycollective #longvalley #longvalleynj #northjerseyadventures #strawberryrec
so glad I made it to @longvalleypeonies this year πŸ₯Ή the fields are a dream to walk through with over 65 varieties of peonies to see / smell ✨🌸✨

I believe today is the last day of the season to visit this year, so stop by if you can! πŸ’•

#longvalle
the most joyful + sparkly little shop I ever did see 😍 ty for existing @susan_alexandra πŸ₯ΉπŸ’–πŸŒˆπŸŒΌπŸ¦‹βœ¨ 

#susanalexandra #nyc #nycshopping #lowereastside #les #thingstodoinnyc #orchardstreet #orchardst #charmjewelry #joyspotting
the matcha stop of the day was @12.matcha 🍡 (expect a line no matter what time you go, but I thought it was worth the wait) - quite possibly the best and smoothest matcha I’ve ever had πŸ₯Ή (zero clumps, not bitter, not too sweet, sooooo green)
still dreaming about this rose pistachio croissant from @libraebakery 🀀πŸ₯πŸŒΉ (pretty sure the birds are too πŸ˜‚)

next time I’ll have to order a few more things to try so I can take them home in a cute butter yellow box 😏 (was trying to pace my
a little camera roll dump from last saturday morning’s walk up bowery in pursuit of sweet treat(s) & matcha πŸ™ƒ

#nyc #igersnyc #bowery #eastvillage #noho #joyspotting
sunday reset by the sea with my best girl πŸ₯ΉπŸΎπŸšβ˜€οΈπŸ¦ had to visit one of our favorite places before the summer season fee kicks in mdw πŸ₯² - we walked nearly 10 miles (from lot c to the lighthouse and back + a bit of the bayside beach πŸ˜…)

a much need
cake club last weekend at @reccreate_collective πŸ°πŸŒΈπŸ“ with @sarabryn for ✨dog moms day out✨

got to decorate mini cakes in this hidden gem of a creative community space just a short walk from @prattinstitute (where I graduated 11 years ago) πŸ˜… so mu
got matcha lattes from @matchaful 🍡 and ogled over the stickers and fun things at @greenwichletterpress πŸ‘€ and @bignightshop πŸ… 

(a few stops and sights along the way in the west village before heading to brooklyn to decorate cake 🍰)

#westvillage
saturday at @unsqgreenmarket 😍 (forever one of my favorite farmer’s markets to walk through; it doesn’t get old) ✨ stopped to smell the flowers (duh) πŸ’ and then grabbed a chocolate croissant for breakfast πŸ₯

#unionsquaregreenmarket #un
happy #nationalicecreamday πŸ˜šπŸ¦πŸ“βœ¨

#icecream #summer #jerseycollective #strawberryicecream #icecreamshop
take me back πŸ₯²

#capemay #capemaynj #capemaypoint #capemaybeach #jerseycollective #southjerseyadventures #summer
summer arrivals @shopamyventures πŸŒžπŸšβ›΅οΈπŸβœ¨

#shopsmall #vintagehome #etsyvintage #summer my last stop in cape may was @gooddeedsmarket to pick up a couple new @inciardi mini prints for my growing collection πŸ₯² regretted not bringing more quarters (and had to break a $20 πŸ˜…), but was so excited to see a different collection of prints avai first beachcombing haul of the season 🧜‍β™€οΈπŸšπŸŒž

#capemay #capemaynj #jerseycollective #southjerseyadventures #jerseyshore #summer #beachcombing #beachcombingfinds some more from @takearecess in cape may 🌞 (take me back) 

icymi: my code “amyventures” now gets you 25% off for a limited time thru June 27 πŸΉπŸ’¦πŸ“ (15% off after that)

** I make a small commission off of every purchase made through thi
the only way to survive the heatwave for the next few days is with this strawberry rose coconut mint mocktail πŸ˜ŒπŸ“πŸΉπŸŒΏπŸ₯₯🌹

blended up frozen strawberries with coconut water & a small sprig of mint, topped it off with @takearecess strawberry rose
took a recess to cape may yesterday in celebration of the summer solstice 😎

started at higbee beach (took some fun photos for @takearecess 🌾, had a picnic lunch πŸ“, and beach combed 🐚), stopped at the lighthouse (because I always have to say hi t
nothing more satisfying than a good matcha pour 😌 

thickened strawberry juices, vanilla soy milk, coconut whip, matcha, + ice πŸ‘ŒπŸ“πŸ΅πŸ₯₯✨

#matcha #matchalatte #strawberryseason #strawberrymatcha #summer #sweettreat
strawberry picking and everything I made with said strawberries now on substack βœ¨πŸ“βœ¨ (link in bio)

#strawberries #strawberrypicking #pyostrawberries #upickstrawberries #jerseycollective #longvalley #longvalleynj #northjerseyadventures #strawberryrec
pancakes on a random week day (for lunch at 2 pm) because why not? 😏 peanut butter between the layers, served with maple syrup & coconut whip, and topped with strawberries (cooked down with a little lemon juice and sugar just til they’re s
so glad I made it to @longvalleypeonies this year πŸ₯Ή the fields are a dream to walk through with over 65 varieties of peonies to see / smell ✨🌸✨

I believe today is the last day of the season to visit this year, so stop by if you can! πŸ’•

#longvalle the most joyful + sparkly little shop I ever did see 😍 ty for existing @susan_alexandra πŸ₯ΉπŸ’–πŸŒˆπŸŒΌπŸ¦‹βœ¨ 

#susanalexandra #nyc #nycshopping #lowereastside #les #thingstodoinnyc #orchardstreet #orchardst #charmjewelry #joyspotting the matcha stop of the day was @12.matcha 🍡 (expect a line no matter what time you go, but I thought it was worth the wait) - quite possibly the best and smoothest matcha I’ve ever had πŸ₯Ή (zero clumps, not bitter, not too sweet, sooooo green)
still dreaming about this rose pistachio croissant from @libraebakery 🀀πŸ₯πŸŒΉ (pretty sure the birds are too πŸ˜‚)

next time I’ll have to order a few more things to try so I can take them home in a cute butter yellow box 😏 (was trying to pace my a little camera roll dump from last saturday morning’s walk up bowery in pursuit of sweet treat(s) & matcha πŸ™ƒ

#nyc #igersnyc #bowery #eastvillage #noho #joyspotting sunday reset by the sea with my best girl πŸ₯ΉπŸΎπŸšβ˜€οΈπŸ¦ had to visit one of our favorite places before the summer season fee kicks in mdw πŸ₯² - we walked nearly 10 miles (from lot c to the lighthouse and back + a bit of the bayside beach πŸ˜…)

a much need cake club last weekend at @reccreate_collective πŸ°πŸŒΈπŸ“ with @sarabryn for ✨dog moms day out✨

got to decorate mini cakes in this hidden gem of a creative community space just a short walk from @prattinstitute (where I graduated 11 years ago) πŸ˜… so mu got matcha lattes from @matchaful 🍡 and ogled over the stickers and fun things at @greenwichletterpress πŸ‘€ and @bignightshop πŸ… 

(a few stops and sights along the way in the west village before heading to brooklyn to decorate cake 🍰)

#westvillage saturday at @unsqgreenmarket 😍 (forever one of my favorite farmer’s markets to walk through; it doesn’t get old) ✨ stopped to smell the flowers (duh) πŸ’ and then grabbed a chocolate croissant for breakfast πŸ₯

#unionsquaregreenmarket #un

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