{Curious}...Flight of Fancy

As you know, I have a desire to travel. In high school I went on a tour of Central Europe with my classmates. It was amazing, and I wanted to go back the minute I came home. Even though it was just for twelve days, I was ready, even itching at points to return to the States. 

Now that I'm in college, I'm strongly encouraged to study abroad. Immediately I think it sounds fantastic. Is there anything more romantic, exciting, and even dreamy about living and learning in a different country? But. It's expensive. I mean, really expensive! Is it truly worth all the money to learn the same material in a different location?

And...it seems like such a long time! Last time I traveled abroad, I was gone for less than two weeks and I was with my sister and classmates. Now I would be gone for at least a month, possibly a semester, even a year. Furthermore, I probably wouldn't be with people I know. I might be totally alone. That's scary, I think.

So I'm wondering what your opinion is. Is study abroad truly worth the sacrifices? The money, loneliness, etc? Did you study abroad, and if so to where did you go? I'd like to try Central Europe, Greece, or the UK. Anyway, let me know what you think! I'd love some sage advice on this one. :)

Photo by Steven P. Wilhite via

{Florida}...Park by Park

Six parks in six days. Yes, you read that correctly. After the beach, our family trekked to Orlando for a marathon of parks. We visited all four Disney parks and the two Universal parks. It was exhausting, but the memories from the nonstop rides, park food, and ponchos are hilarious and lovable. Right, ponchos...it rained. Hard. The first two and half days were not just overcast, it was pretty much a wash. The downpour didn't stop us, though. We pulled on our really attractive ponchos and enjoyed our days. It cleared up (yay!) midweek and we really had some fun. I never used to be a rides person, but on this trip I went crazy and did everything. Even the ones with your feet dangling! Yikes! 

RockIt Roller Coaster. Amazing!
Each person picks the music to which the listen for the duration of the ride! Sweet!

Cinderella's castle. Obviously.

The Tower of Terror. One of my favorites. 

Disney Hollywood Studios.

Honeydukes! Harry Potter Park at Universal.

Hogsmead.

Hogwarts. HP FTW.

Disney Animal Kingdom safari. We were this close to the giraffe! 

{Florida}...Beach Bums

Seaside sunset.

And, finally! The Florida pictures have arrived! Now, I understand. Florida is not necessarily the most exotic location in the world. But there are some really breathtaking sights there. It is so utterly different from Wisconsin and Minnesota that I just can't help sharing with you. We so enjoyed the beach. Can you believe I'd never been to the beach before? How did it take me this long to get there? I love it. We stayed at a beach house right on the water on New Smyrna Beach. A fantastic location and lovely house. It was spacious and light. We did have a few issues with things being a bit dirty, but we got things spick and span in no time. Next time you're yearning for the beach, go to New Smyrna. It is amazing. 

Sunrise

We were really overwhelmed by the gorgeous sunrise and sunset. I took about a million pictures of every one we saw. How can you not be amazed by this sight? And in case you were curious...yes, the water was already warm at sunrise. 

Me, Amanda. Boating, but not fishing.

We rented a pontoon for a day and went fishing and boating all day. So gorgeous. I didn't fish. It's not really my thing. However, I finished the book I had been reading. The Host by Stephanie Meyer. Surprisingly good! I highly recommend it. 

The women. Abby, Amanda, Mom, Cathy, Me, Becca. Last night on the beach.

Beach life, in general, was amazing. I swear I ate seafood everyday. Delicious and so rare for me. We relaxed, ate, swam, sunbathed, played cards every day. It was the life. 

Shrimp Off the Rock. The first beach dinner.

All photos are personal ones I took on the trip. Some are on Instagram. 

Vacation Kicks

I've probably mentioned about a million times that I'm going to Florida with my fam at the end of June. It's been a pretty long year, so you can imagine why I'm so pumped. Since we're flying, I sadly can't really bring all my shoes (as much as I'd like too!) for every outfit. Here's what I'm wondering today...When you're on vacation, what do you put on your feet? We all know I like my chucks. I want to be comfortable whether I'm on the beach, shopping or trekking through the new Harry Potter Park. Any suggestions? I'd love your input! What's your favorite vacation shoe?

Birkenstocks: everyone tells me they're amazing and that their feet haven't been happier. But I think they look so ugly (sorry if you like them!) and have always said I'd go barefoot before wearing them. Should I convert and become a Birkenstock junkie?

Sperry Top Siders: They have the reputation of being ultra cute and comfortable at the same time. I think it's great they have a wedge alternative. Do you go barefoot with these? They look like your feet would get really warm. Are they breathable? Would they be good for a variety of situations?

Soludos Espadrilles: These look super comfy to me. They look so easy to slip on, but also protect your toes from rocks and rogue stroller wheels. But, they also look a little flimsy? Have yours ever fallen apart? I always think Rachel Bilson looks so chic when she wears Espadrilles. Would your feet hurt after a day on the pavement? They look great for the beach.

Keds: they are so similar to my beloved chucks, but have a little bit more femininity to them, which I really like. As you know, I've been debating over which ones to get (help!). With socks, would your feet get super gross after a day of walking? What about water rides and the beach? Do you go sans socks? I'm cool with that as long as I don't get blisters. I like how classic these are. 

TOMS: These have been all the rage lately. Especially after the one day with out shoes. I hate to say it, but I think the classic are kind of ugly. Not so much ugly, but cumbersome and boxy. I think the ballet shoes are cute and chic. They also have wedges. I love that this company has a great cause donating one pair for children for every pair you buy. Thoughts? Do they last? 

The Extremities of Flying

As I get more and more psyched about my upcoming two week vacation to the Sunshine State, I keep thinking about the flight. When I traveled to Florida with my choir in high school, we drove. Suffice it to say, the trip had some pretty horrendous moments (anyone starting to smell coach bus restroom?) amidst the good ones. This time, we're flying and I'm thrilled. Sure, there will be a ton of people on the plane. Heck, even in our entourage, there will be up to fourteen beach-thirsty Midwesterners! But I like being around lots of people. Right?

When it comes to the end-all, be-all debate of where to sit in crowded economy, I'm pretty ambivalent. A whopping 5 foot 3 inches, I very rarely care how much elbow, foot, leg (or any other extremity) room is available to me. There's always room. However, several family members drastically outgrew me during puberty and stand up to 6 foot 3 inches!!! Yowza. Being the sweet one in the family, I found this article in The New York Times by Michelle Higgins that might give them some insight and suggestions. 

Whether you're short or tall, this is an interesting discussion hosted by The NY Times.  

Photo above by: Eric Hanson via

{The Adventures}...Madagascar

Madagascar has a richly unique variety of plant and animal life that can be found nowhere else in the world. The large island off the southeast coast of Africa looks fascinatingly beautiful. The one thing I desperately want to see is the rock forest, Grand Tsingy. Its razor sharps points look like massive stalagmites made of limestone. The landscape is nothing less of spectacular with coastal plains and mountainous plateaus. Isn't it breathtaking? I'd love to just spend a week soaking up all the sights and experience the culture. This would be such a great vacation if you were looking for an adventure to make you really excited about life! Madagascar, you are officially in my Top 5 Destinations. 

 Photos via National Geographic

Let's Go Exploring

Nice weather = exploring!!! I do love adventures and I can't wait to get outside and explore the city, woods, neighborhood, whatever! I've compiled some essentials for exploring all day long! Everything you'll need to make your adventure memorable and awesome! A notebook for remembering everything you did, comfy (and cute) shoes, a small point and shoot camera to capture photo worthy moments, and more!

Hat / Denim Shirt / I Was Here Notebook / Satchel / Sunglasses / Madewell Flats / Camera

{The Adventures}...Plan on San Fran

{The Place} Normally, my extensive wish list of places to see feature places outside of the U.S. However, being from the Midwest, I would love nothing more than to travel to San Francisco. Commonly referred to as the "most European city in America," S.F. has it all. Beautiful skylines of mountains, ocean & lit up buildings, make it one of the most unique places geographically.

{What I Would Do in San Francisco} Ride cable cars all day long. Take a mini trip to see Alcatraz! Go do to Chinatown. Eat in the bay area to experience cuisine including Italian, Mediterranean, Vietnamese, Seafood and more deliciousness. Enjoy the San Francisco Botanical Garden (free admission-yay!) Peruse the DeYoung Museum. Of course I would go shopping. Don't forget a little stroll through suburbs to experience residential life. 

What would you do while you were there? If you've traveled there, any suggestions?

Photos via

Christmas Vacation

Around the World

Are you leaving for a fabulous Christmas vacation soon? I'm staying with my family & although I'm not going anywhere tropical, I can think of no other place I'd rather be. So whether you're a jet setter going to get a tan on a sunny island, staying for a weekend at a B&B or are simply hanging with the fam, here are some supplies you may need! Safe travels to all flying, driving, sailing, etc! A well deserved break awaits!

Freshen your flight
1. Bobbi Brown SPF Face Base
2. Bobbi Brown Pen Eye Brightener
3. Philosophy Hydrating Mist

The perfect bikini

Gorgeous, airy cover up

Bright luggage tag for fast recovery at the baggage claim!

Rustic weekender bag for White Christmas in a
B&B or family cabin.

Save your memories without the bulk.
Pocket & purse perfect