Summer Get-Away
04-13-2018
With summer coming up, people are starting to decide where to take the bathing suit and sunscreen this year. Have you planned your summer getaway yet? Sure, you can get a tan at home; but there’s also some fun places you can explore this summer while getting a tan and not going broke. Here’s a few of my top favorite summer getaways!!!
First and foremost, I LOVE LOVE LOVE cruises. What’s better than all inclusive, under the sun, and many places all in one trip? Nothing really. You can go on some amazing cruises with https://www.royalcaribbean.com they allow you to visit many islands in a matter of days while relaxing in the middle of the ocean. Whether you’re looking for a 3 day trip or 2 weeks, they have it! Make sure to look out for their summer discounts!!!
Looking for something closer to home? Head to the lake with friends and family for a day trip, weekend trip, or whole summer trip if that’s your thing. The lake is a great way to de-stress and have some fun. There’s almost always cute restaurants to try by the water also. Visit https://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentalsBlog/2016/04/11/11-best-places-rent-summer-lake-house/ for some great ideas on which lake to head to this summer.
More of an adventurous person this summer? I recommend visiting the Grand Canyon! You can go on hikes and explore breathtaking views. If you’re up for the challenge under the heat, it’s a definite must-see. Have more than a few days? Head over to Las Vegas while you’re at it and enjoy some amazing shows, food, and hotels. Make sure to prepare properly for the Grand Canyon by visiting https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm for all of the information you need.
Too busy to travel this summer? You can still make the most of it by exploring things in the area and spending some time under the sun. Visit local museums, restaurants, and try new things. There’s always a way to get away just for a little bit.
Making Sand Castles
02-16-2018
Who doesn’t love going to the beach? I mean, looking back at it, some of my favorite memories are at a beach with family and friends. The ocean, the sun, and the sand. There’s no better place than being surrounded in a “paradise type” atmosphere. Palm trees and swaying because of the light breeze and the water reaching your feet as you stand by the ocean. Beaches are a get-away for a lot of people and can be one of the most magical places in the world. From their diverse wildlife to clear blue waters, there are many beaches all over the world for people to explore.
Starting with my personal favorite, “Praia Sao Sebastiao,” not far from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. When I was younger, my grandparents would take my sister and me there every summer as soon as school got out. Memories from those beach trips are filled with lots and lots of food, sand EVERYWHERE (from playing too much), and tan marks from floaties. Beaches in Brazil are more crowded than the typical U.S.A. beach and are used as more of a social place than relaxation. Brazilian beaches are filled with food vendors (most importantly, ice cream vendors) and tropical fruits that serve as refreshers under the heat. The atmosphere at these beaches is great for big family and friends gatherings or just for a day away from the city.
Next, for a twist on sandy beaches, is “Pink Sands Beach” in the Bahamas (one of my bucket list beaches). As you probably guessed, the beach literally has PINK SAND. If you love the color pink for some cool Instagram posts, this is the place to be at. The sand there gets its pink coloring from tiny, tiny microscopic animals that have a pink shell and are mixed into the sand. What makes it even better is that the water is clear blue, which causes a beautiful contrast that stretches for about three miles.
Last, but not least, is a beach a little closer to home that is freezing during the winter, but a fun hangout spot during the summertime. While the water might not be that warm, this beach is great for runs and has popular shopping and dining nearby. North Avenue Beach in Chicago, IL is a great place to go to, to experience the excitement of beaches without having to travel that far. It’s a more relaxed tourist attraction in Chicago and can help you get a tan in the windy city.
Beaches can help people get away from stressful lives and relax by the water. They are great for hanging out and seeing new atmospheres. There’s not much better than the smell of a salt water breeze and the feeling of sunlight as your toes are curled up in the sand.
04-13-2018
With summer coming up, people are starting to decide where to take the bathing suit and sunscreen this year. Have you planned your summer getaway yet? Sure, you can get a tan at home; but there’s also some fun places you can explore this summer while getting a tan and not going broke. Here’s a few of my top favorite summer getaways!!!
First and foremost, I LOVE LOVE LOVE cruises. What’s better than all inclusive, under the sun, and many places all in one trip? Nothing really. You can go on some amazing cruises with https://www.royalcaribbean.com they allow you to visit many islands in a matter of days while relaxing in the middle of the ocean. Whether you’re looking for a 3 day trip or 2 weeks, they have it! Make sure to look out for their summer discounts!!!
Looking for something closer to home? Head to the lake with friends and family for a day trip, weekend trip, or whole summer trip if that’s your thing. The lake is a great way to de-stress and have some fun. There’s almost always cute restaurants to try by the water also. Visit https://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentalsBlog/2016/04/11/11-best-places-rent-summer-lake-house/ for some great ideas on which lake to head to this summer.
More of an adventurous person this summer? I recommend visiting the Grand Canyon! You can go on hikes and explore breathtaking views. If you’re up for the challenge under the heat, it’s a definite must-see. Have more than a few days? Head over to Las Vegas while you’re at it and enjoy some amazing shows, food, and hotels. Make sure to prepare properly for the Grand Canyon by visiting https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm for all of the information you need.
Too busy to travel this summer? You can still make the most of it by exploring things in the area and spending some time under the sun. Visit local museums, restaurants, and try new things. There’s always a way to get away just for a little bit.
Making Sand Castles
02-16-2018
Who doesn’t love going to the beach? I mean, looking back at it, some of my favorite memories are at a beach with family and friends. The ocean, the sun, and the sand. There’s no better place than being surrounded in a “paradise type” atmosphere. Palm trees and swaying because of the light breeze and the water reaching your feet as you stand by the ocean. Beaches are a get-away for a lot of people and can be one of the most magical places in the world. From their diverse wildlife to clear blue waters, there are many beaches all over the world for people to explore.
Starting with my personal favorite, “Praia Sao Sebastiao,” not far from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. When I was younger, my grandparents would take my sister and me there every summer as soon as school got out. Memories from those beach trips are filled with lots and lots of food, sand EVERYWHERE (from playing too much), and tan marks from floaties. Beaches in Brazil are more crowded than the typical U.S.A. beach and are used as more of a social place than relaxation. Brazilian beaches are filled with food vendors (most importantly, ice cream vendors) and tropical fruits that serve as refreshers under the heat. The atmosphere at these beaches is great for big family and friends gatherings or just for a day away from the city.
Next, for a twist on sandy beaches, is “Pink Sands Beach” in the Bahamas (one of my bucket list beaches). As you probably guessed, the beach literally has PINK SAND. If you love the color pink for some cool Instagram posts, this is the place to be at. The sand there gets its pink coloring from tiny, tiny microscopic animals that have a pink shell and are mixed into the sand. What makes it even better is that the water is clear blue, which causes a beautiful contrast that stretches for about three miles.
Last, but not least, is a beach a little closer to home that is freezing during the winter, but a fun hangout spot during the summertime. While the water might not be that warm, this beach is great for runs and has popular shopping and dining nearby. North Avenue Beach in Chicago, IL is a great place to go to, to experience the excitement of beaches without having to travel that far. It’s a more relaxed tourist attraction in Chicago and can help you get a tan in the windy city.
Beaches can help people get away from stressful lives and relax by the water. They are great for hanging out and seeing new atmospheres. There’s not much better than the smell of a salt water breeze and the feeling of sunlight as your toes are curled up in the sand.
Packing Tips
12-08-2017
Alright ladies, raise your hands if you’ve ever sat on top of your suitcase to get it closed last minute! I know I have a countless number of times… Not something I’m proud of, but luckily, I’ve learned some tricks along away that I can share with you!
First thing’s first, STOP waiting until the last minute to pack!!! Who here has spent the night before packing or, if you’re like me, the morning of just stuffing everything into your luggage? Sound familiar? While I consider myself an expert procrastinator, when it comes to packing for trips, waiting till the last minute is not a good idea. Start picking out clothes a week or so in advance and setting them aside. This will give you enough time to see if you need to do laundry and or/buy anything new. It’s ok to put small items in your luggage last minute, but 99% of your things should be packed up beforehand.
Second, I like to have my toiletries bag packed pretty much all the time. It’s much easier to just throw it in your luggage rather than having to find everything and gather it up for every trip. Simply make a list of everything you need in it, buy it all, and as you travel more and more you’ll simply have to replace things every once in while. This also makes it easier for those last minute trips so that you don’t find yourself looking for toothpaste in the convenience store at 2 in the morning (of course I haven’t done that 😉).
Now, if you’re traveling on an airplane, make sure you know the baggage requirements! Trust me, there is nothing more annoying than that person who can’t fit their carry-on in the overhead compartments while there’s a line of people waiting behind them. Most of the time, it’s more beneficial to dispatch your luggage and take a small bag with you for your belongings that you’ll need during the flight. Also know the baggage weight requirements. You don’t want to be the person that’s taking apart their luggage in the middle of the airport because it’s too heavy (may or may not have done that). This information can all be found as you book your flights or at the airlines’ websites.
What to pack in your carry-on? That totally depends on you, but some good basics are: portable charger, hair-ties, hairbrush, travel toothpaste/toothbrush, small snack, face cleansing wipes and makeup (for longer trips), a book or electronics to keep entertained, and (depending on the trip) another set of clothes is smart.
To wrap it all up, here are just some random tid-bits that I’ve learned about packing:
Hope this helps and let me know how your next packing experience goes!!!
12-08-2017
Alright ladies, raise your hands if you’ve ever sat on top of your suitcase to get it closed last minute! I know I have a countless number of times… Not something I’m proud of, but luckily, I’ve learned some tricks along away that I can share with you!
First thing’s first, STOP waiting until the last minute to pack!!! Who here has spent the night before packing or, if you’re like me, the morning of just stuffing everything into your luggage? Sound familiar? While I consider myself an expert procrastinator, when it comes to packing for trips, waiting till the last minute is not a good idea. Start picking out clothes a week or so in advance and setting them aside. This will give you enough time to see if you need to do laundry and or/buy anything new. It’s ok to put small items in your luggage last minute, but 99% of your things should be packed up beforehand.
Second, I like to have my toiletries bag packed pretty much all the time. It’s much easier to just throw it in your luggage rather than having to find everything and gather it up for every trip. Simply make a list of everything you need in it, buy it all, and as you travel more and more you’ll simply have to replace things every once in while. This also makes it easier for those last minute trips so that you don’t find yourself looking for toothpaste in the convenience store at 2 in the morning (of course I haven’t done that 😉).
Now, if you’re traveling on an airplane, make sure you know the baggage requirements! Trust me, there is nothing more annoying than that person who can’t fit their carry-on in the overhead compartments while there’s a line of people waiting behind them. Most of the time, it’s more beneficial to dispatch your luggage and take a small bag with you for your belongings that you’ll need during the flight. Also know the baggage weight requirements. You don’t want to be the person that’s taking apart their luggage in the middle of the airport because it’s too heavy (may or may not have done that). This information can all be found as you book your flights or at the airlines’ websites.
What to pack in your carry-on? That totally depends on you, but some good basics are: portable charger, hair-ties, hairbrush, travel toothpaste/toothbrush, small snack, face cleansing wipes and makeup (for longer trips), a book or electronics to keep entertained, and (depending on the trip) another set of clothes is smart.
To wrap it all up, here are just some random tid-bits that I’ve learned about packing:
- Research the weather before-hand so you know what type of clothes to wear.
- Weigh luggage before going to the airport.
- You’ll normally forget something, so making lists helps.
- You can never pack too much (well you can, but it’s good to be prepared as long as you have enough space).
- Pack extras because with how prepared you’ll be now, you can help others out. 😉
Hope this helps and let me know how your next packing experience goes!!!
Boo! Halloween Fun
10-31-2017
Boo! It’s that time of the year again. The night when children get loads of candy and sugar highs. It’s also the night that ghosts, spirits, and the un-natural come out. While some rather just not think about the creeps and chills on Halloween, others like to explore and test their adrenaline. If you’d rather go visit haunted houses across the globe than go trick-or-treating, here are some suggestions for you:
First up, the famous Alcatraz Prison in San Francisco Bay. Alcatraz was once home to many, many famous criminals, including Al Capone. Some say that they’ve seen these prisoners still roaming the cells today. I went on a tour of Alcatraz once and luckily for me, it was in the daytime. Even with the prison being lit and big groups of people around me, I still kept looking over my shoulder every few minutes. No joke when I say that it felt like someone was following me with a knife from the moment that tour started. Are you brave enough to visit the home of famous and dangerous criminals on Halloween night? The national park offers guided tours year-round and specials on Halloween night!!!
How about staying overnight at a haunted hotel? Think you can make it through the night? The Stanley hotel in Colorado has been known to have special guests there since the early 1900s. Not only is it the inspiration for Stephen King’s novel, The Shining, but people have reported many sounds (children screaming, ghostly footsteps, etc.) for over 100 years now. The hotel offers special night-time tours, but if you’re brave enough, you’d spend the whole night.
Want to go somewhere a little warmer to get spooked? New Orleans is home to many haunted places. The city has many ghost tours that include haunted hotels, plantations, and what are now private residences. Imagine living somewhere haunted. Many of New Orleans’ haunted sites have been places where supposed murders and tragic events have happened. Maybe your next? Check out one of their many ghosted tours. I recommend the ones at night for more action!!!
Last but not least, my personal favorite, the Hotel Galvez in Texas. I spent a weekend there once and didn’t personally experience any spooks, but I remember a guest asking to switch rooms because he thought his room was haunted. Luckily, that’s as we were checking out. Supposedly, a woman committed suicide there once and now roams the halls flickering lights and slamming doors. All I can say is that I’m not staying there again, but if you are, don’t stay on the fifth floor!
So are you brave enough? Or would you rather just eat tons of candy? If you’re braver than me and can stay over-night at one of these places, let me know (if you make it out)!!!
10-31-2017
Boo! It’s that time of the year again. The night when children get loads of candy and sugar highs. It’s also the night that ghosts, spirits, and the un-natural come out. While some rather just not think about the creeps and chills on Halloween, others like to explore and test their adrenaline. If you’d rather go visit haunted houses across the globe than go trick-or-treating, here are some suggestions for you:
First up, the famous Alcatraz Prison in San Francisco Bay. Alcatraz was once home to many, many famous criminals, including Al Capone. Some say that they’ve seen these prisoners still roaming the cells today. I went on a tour of Alcatraz once and luckily for me, it was in the daytime. Even with the prison being lit and big groups of people around me, I still kept looking over my shoulder every few minutes. No joke when I say that it felt like someone was following me with a knife from the moment that tour started. Are you brave enough to visit the home of famous and dangerous criminals on Halloween night? The national park offers guided tours year-round and specials on Halloween night!!!
How about staying overnight at a haunted hotel? Think you can make it through the night? The Stanley hotel in Colorado has been known to have special guests there since the early 1900s. Not only is it the inspiration for Stephen King’s novel, The Shining, but people have reported many sounds (children screaming, ghostly footsteps, etc.) for over 100 years now. The hotel offers special night-time tours, but if you’re brave enough, you’d spend the whole night.
Want to go somewhere a little warmer to get spooked? New Orleans is home to many haunted places. The city has many ghost tours that include haunted hotels, plantations, and what are now private residences. Imagine living somewhere haunted. Many of New Orleans’ haunted sites have been places where supposed murders and tragic events have happened. Maybe your next? Check out one of their many ghosted tours. I recommend the ones at night for more action!!!
Last but not least, my personal favorite, the Hotel Galvez in Texas. I spent a weekend there once and didn’t personally experience any spooks, but I remember a guest asking to switch rooms because he thought his room was haunted. Luckily, that’s as we were checking out. Supposedly, a woman committed suicide there once and now roams the halls flickering lights and slamming doors. All I can say is that I’m not staying there again, but if you are, don’t stay on the fifth floor!
So are you brave enough? Or would you rather just eat tons of candy? If you’re braver than me and can stay over-night at one of these places, let me know (if you make it out)!!!