I finally (finally) made my way to South Jersey last week. Yes, THE Jersey Shore. My friend Cheryl and I decided to take a last minute drive to the water after work one random Thursday. Boy, did we need the break. I love Philly, but sometimes a little escape from the daily 9-5 work grind and the go-go-go mentality of a city is much needed. Thank goodness Avalon Beach in New Jersey is just a little over an hour drive away from the city. Off we went straight after work. We stayed just for the night, starting off with dinner right on the ocean as the sun went down. The sky turned into a gorgeous array of vibrant pinks and blues. It was an incredible sight. Being from California, I’m used to being able to enjoy those long sunsets along the coast on a regular basis. I didn’t realize how much I missed having such easy access to the beach until I moved to Philly, a city surrounded by two rivers on both sides. Philly I love you, but a river just doesn’t cut it. Thank goodness we have New Jersey, and even Delaware, to keep me sane, and cool, this summer. We woke up early Friday morning for a beach stroll before heading back to Philly for work. The sand between my toes couldn’t have felt better. Hearing just the crash of waves, the birds, and breeze rushing past my ear was like taking in a moment of pure joy and perfection. Nothing quite like what mother nature gave us to enjoy before everything else is awake and going. I’ll take more of these beach escapes, please. Thank you.

xoxo,

Dylana Suarez, Color Me Nana