A trip to upstate New York yielded some great photo opportunities next to the pool. #NewYork #pool #swimming

When I was hired as the project coordinator to help put together a political action on behalf of indigenous peoples leaders from around the world, I had no idea how exciting it would be. To learn more, click here. #indigenouspeoples #GlobalCanoe #EastRiver #NewYork

Today was the first warm day of 2016, and I made sure to enjoy the better part of the afternoon outdoors walking eight miles through Brooklyn and visiting one of my favorite places in New York - the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. Although I had planned only to stare at the newly opened magnolias and other spring blossoms, two little people diverted my attention in the wide expanse of the lawn at the Cherry Esplanade and their parents let me take a few unstaged photos. Unbeknownst

(photo: Melissa Banigan) I'm always looking for New York activities that are tasty and affordable. Below are some of my favorite things to do and fun places to visit during summer in the Big Apple! Vanessa’s Dumpling House and Columbus Park COST: $1.50 Chinatown is always an adventure. I like to start my evening by stopping at Vanessa’s Dumpling House for a place of pork and chive dumplings ($1.00) and a sesame pancake ($0.50 each). Vanessa's has communal tables filled with h