Nips Lips - Product, Process & Review

Nip Lips is an Arizona based, women founded, owned & operated beauty biz that focuses on creating clean lipsticks with your natural beauty in mind. I’ll be getting into to what all this means and why I’ve fallen in love with this amazing brand I want to share with all of you!

Initially NipLips reached out and I honestly assumed they were just another cosmetic brand. With some research, background knowledge and exploring their equally beautiful and informative site I was sold! Plus, with a mission statement as follows, I knew I wanted to work with Nip Lips & try things out!

“OUR MISSION IS TO ENHANCE YOUR AUTHENTIC BEAUTY BY COMBINING NATURE’S CUES WITH TECHNOLOGY IN A COSMETIC LINE THAT IS GOOD FOR YOU, OUR ENVIRONMENT AND OUR COMMUNITIES.”

Breaking down their mission, you can better understand why these lipsticks are truly the bomb.com.

Nature’s Cues

Despite what you’re most recent trend-setting content has told you about the best color to wear on your lips, nature has been doing this even longer! Whether it’s been a wives tale up until more recently when The Doctors did a segment on it, matching your perfect lipstick shade to your nipples is actually how you CAN find the shade just for you!

Technology

Not gunna lie, the first thing I did when I read about the matching was go in the bathroom and try to think which shade of any shade ever would match. Thankfully you don’t have to guess to find your perfect shade! Nip Lips has developed an app available in the App Store & Google Play Store that utilizes artificial intelligence to help you find your closest Nip Lips or perfect Nip Perfect match. While this does sound super cool and futuristic I can also assume you’re worried about a photo of your nipple/boob ending up saved, online or something else. In the app & technology they have been able to ensure the color of your nipple converted to a hex code that is then matched to a shade. The image is NEVER saved to the app, a database, nada.

While I’m not the best at math or science I know that the creator of Nip Lips, Renae Moomjian, is! With over 30 years experience developing, leading and commercializing solutions in the healthcare industry, she has worked around the world advocating for healthcare with welfare, safety and privacy as top priorities. On Nip Lips Instagram highlights, she goes more in depth on security that I’ve included below.

Still have questions or concerns? She keeps her inbox open for you to reach out at renae@niplips.com

Good for You Cosmetics

If you’ve ever ventured into beauty products or learned more about behind the scenes, you know in the US there are very few bans or regulations on what can (or can’t) be in the very things you put on your skin, near your eyes and all the other absorbent and precious parts of our bodies for the sake of beauty. If you’re new to what some of these ingredients are and why they’re bad, consider checking out these few articles I’ve linked. This one from Goop really digs in to what clean beauty is, what is considered harmful and why, buying guides for safe and clean products and so much more. Harper’s Bazar also has this article with a highly in-depth run down very similar with even more resources!

Nip Lips ensures their products have none of the following and even explain why for each directly on their site here: Parabens, Phthalates, DEHP, SLS, Petrolatum, Talc, Synthetic Fragrances & Colorants, and Silicones (dimethicone). Instead, Nip Lips uses these ingredients to ensure what you’re wearing to make you your most authentic, empowered and stunning you is safe from short or long term harm.

Organic Castor Oil, Olive Squalene Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Prickly Pear Seed Oil, Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Esters, Candelilla Wax, Carnauba Wax, Organic Pomegranate Seed CO2, Sea Buckthorn Berry CO2. Color Ingredients: Mica, Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide

Good for Our Environment

Nips Lips uses ONLY vegan ingredients and opts for organic when possible. In fact, many of the ingredients they use are locally sourced from the Sonoran desert - how cool is that? Event better? They DON’T test on animals. All products undergo testing by humans. Additionally, the packaging of the lipsticks come in (TBD)

Good for Our Communities

2% of ALL profits from Nip Lips are donated towards furthering and supporting research for Breast Cancer and Women’s Heart Disease- two causes very close to their lives and the lives of womxn everywhere! On their site, they note “Like they say, “girls gotta stick together.” Why not do it through lipstick?”

AVAILABLE SHADES

Review & Thoughts

When I first received my package I LOVED that the packaging was simple and that it was not excessive. I was able to recycle the envelope and the cute drawstring canvas baggie the lipstick came in is being used to house some jewelry to keep it untarnished. I love a company that doesn’t just talk sustainability but actually practices it - down to the details! In applying the lip stick I thought it had a very creamy texture and went on easily. As for this color I love that it is buildable. I will say on my lips - I use Tres Leches - it did not totally hide my natural color since it matches my natural lip color very very closely. At first I wasn’t sure if I liked the more traditional lipstick texture - I typically opt for a matte lip - but have really loved this refresh on my look. I’ve actually been wearing it in nearly all of my most recent posts I’ve shared below!

Ready to buy some for yourself (I really couldn’t recommend more) I’ve linked their store locator here! Can’t find a store close to you? You can always shop online here!

15 Most Instagramable Places in the Tempe

After calling Tempe home for over five years I felt it was about time I put together a guide for its most instagramable places! As the center for college students, young professionals and a good time there are TONS of places that are picture perfect!

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Tempe Town Lake Pedestrian Bridge

33.433966, -111.948567

Located just outside the Tempe Center for the Arts, this bridge is not only Insta worthy but somewhere I highly recommend checking out if you’re local or visiting. Walks along the lake are amazing and seriously beautiful at sunset!

Tempe Town Lake - Steps

Neil G. Giuliano Park, E Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, AZ 85281

With beautiful white steps, an open grassy area and more I love heading down here for photos! There are plenty of different background options and the natural lighting is beautiful! Plus there is a pretty good chance you’ll see some cute doggos - always a plus in my book!

Tempe Town Lake - Offices

33°25'51.3"N 111°56'20.8"W

While this isn’t just one spot it is a great location if you like more urban looks in your backgrounds. With plenty of beautiful glass office buildings, water fountains and more there are some great shots to get here. Plus, different architectural bits and pieces around this area allow for some fun opportunities for posing and trying out new angles!

(Seasonal) Oktoberfest

80 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, AZ 85281

Every October, Four Peaks & other local vendors put on Oktoberfest for an entire weekend! It’s filled with carnival rides, traditional german snacks and lots of local beers! Don’t forget to bring your laderhosen & snap some pics!

The Desert Botanical Gardens

1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008

With literal miles of beautiful desert & cactus filled landscape I can’t think of a better place to take South West inspired photos! There are all sorts of places to photograph from bridges to open areas filled with cacti large and small I highly recommend checking this out!

Pro Tip: visit on the first Tuesday of the month for FREE!

Papago Park

625 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008

Whether you’re looking for a fun short - or long- walk/hike or want to spend some time hanging around the small ponds there are a ton of outdoors photo ops I always go to when I’m looking for an outdoor place to shoot! The park is totally free and open from sunrise to sunset.

Downtown Tempe Neighborhoods

Historic Neighborhood Page

If you’re looking to wander around and shoot I highly recommend strolling the historic downtown Tempe neighborhoods. The houses are so fun and cute and if you happen to be visiting during the year when we have green on the trees photos are even more beautiful! While you’re out and about be sure to check out some of our most famous local restaurants like Casey Moore’s.

Arizona State University (ASU) - Palm Walk

33.420029, -111.932702

One of the most iconic parts of the Arizona State campus Palm Walk is perfect for those palm tree pics you’re after! While obviously people tend to use these more for grad photos, it’s a location perfect for anyone!

ASU - Gammage Auditorium

1200 S Forest Ave Tempe, AZ 85281

If you ever get a chance to see a show here, do. They’re amazing and the theatre is gorgeous. Just looking for a location to shoot? It’s unique architecture makes it the perfect place to get creative.

ASU - Old Main

400 E Tyler Mall Tempe, AZ 85281

With countless building set up around another iconic part of the ASU campus grad photos and any IG shots are made even more perfect here! Looking for lots of brick especially? This is your place!

ASU - Memorial Union Lights

33.418363, -111.934005

While only on at night this cute little area of the Memorial Union is such a fun spot for night photos! It is typically not too busy at night with only students leaving the MU or Library.

ASU - Coor Hall

976 S Forest Mall, Tempe, AZ 85281

I’m definitely biased since most of my education was housed in this particular building, I think Coor Hall has some of the coolest places for photos - especially this EXPLORE portion! If you’re wandering around campus, make sure to give Coor a stop!

Social Hall

715 S McClintock Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281

Come for the photos and stay for the food & drink. Our first apartment was pretty close to here to we loved stopping in for bites and drinks and even though we’re a little further now we still love it! The HUGE mural out front is perfect for photos but the inside has super fun options too!

In-N-Out

920 E Playa Del Norte Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281

Of course this isn’t the ONLY In-N-Out but it is the Tempe location and if you’re not from out West where In-N-Out can be enjoyed whenever, you GOTTA get a photo here (and be sure to enjoy a bite - or two)

Tempe Marketplace

2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, AZ 85281

With colorful buildings, walls full of greenery and flowers in bloom AND seasonal “Instagram” decorations outside this shopping center is a unique place to check out if you’re looking to spice things up and do some shopping!

Fabletics Try On Video, Review & Links

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Sharing some of my favorite @fabletics looks I own including how I style them for workouts, errands and everything in between! On the blog I’ve linked every piece including my review on them & purchasing tips for different lifestyles & bodies! Want to shop directly? Head to my Shop My Look - Fabletics link in bio! #myfabletics #kickbuttlookcute #fableticspartner

A post shared by Cara Lentz ✨ (@acaracollective) on Feb 25, 2020 at 6:16pm PST

Outfit One- Comfy Yogi

I LOVE the colors of this outfit and am a HUGE fan of this particular sports bra. I’ve worn out and about and both low and high impact and felt really supported. The color is SO beautiful and goes great with a lot of other pieces shown here which I love. The criss cross crop top is another favorite I’ve worn pretty often and is perfect if you want an extra layer but to not melt on more crisp but sunny days. As for the pants, I love the color and the look - serious yogi vibes! My biggest issue? I’m super short (5’ on a good day) so these just run really long on me making them at home pants only. If you’re a tall human these would be perfect for you!

Outfit Two- On the Go Lumberjack

One of my favorite ways to make my work out look transition into errands, lunch or just being cute is adding a flannel or cardigan like I’ve done here! The white tank is extremely long when untied BUT with the possibility of tying it at least two different ways its a staple piece with a twist (something I love in my closet). As for the leggings I really do love this color and if you haven’t guessed it I really prefer to wear neutral workout gear. These in particular don’t come with the side pockets but these are a great casual outfit leggings you know will pass the bend test and stay buttery smooth all day!

Outfit Three- Black on Black

I typically am super afraid of tanks with built in bras because historically they’ve been disappointing. While I can’t personally wear this solo for high impact this is perfect for hiking, walks and lower impact activities including running errands under the hot AZ sun. Oh and I’m genuinely in love with the back pocket that can hold your cards, phone and maybe something small to keep you hands free - WIN WIN! These super fun crop leggings with the cut out mesh bottoms are honestly some of my favorites - like I said, I love a classic with a twist! The white hoodie is not something I typically go for - I don’t know why but hoodies are just not my jam - but I do love the terry cloth fabric on this and Cody even steals it for the thumb holes. If you’re into the thumb holes on long sleeve gear, Fabletics is so for you!

Outfit Four- Blue on Blue

Like I’ve said, bright color isn’t super duper my thing so this fit was very out of my comfort zone. That being said, it’s been an overall hit that seems to lift my spirit and makes me feel like I have my shit together (matchy matching does this for me- I’m one of those people). I do like this sports bra in that it comes up pretty far so I feel supported and covered if I want to wear this on it’s own with nothing over top but the back does get a bit tricky in getting things all straight so you might need some adjusting to get the lines how they look in the product shot. Beyond that the leggings are fun and the mesh isn’t itchy (thank God) so this has stayed a staple in my on the go & gym looks for a while!

Poland Travel Guide - Krakow

While you may have never heard of Krakow before, it is by far one of the places you must go if you’re in Poland. There is beautiful architecture from the medieval period, amazing food, inexpensive booze and a major plus? Since it’s off the radar of many tourists, it’s never quite so jam packed like other destinations across Europe.

Wawel Castle: Located in central Krakow and home to a ton of other sites of cultural and historical value from different periods.

Schindler’s Factory: Home to the formal metal item factory owned by Oskar Schindler - a man who saved many Jews from the fate of the Holocaust. Now it also houses other attractions

Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory: is a former metal item factory in Kraków. It now hosts two museums: the Museum of Contemporary Art in Kraków, on the former workshops, and a branch of the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków, 

The Salt Mines: first used in the Middle Ages as one of Krakow’s main industries producing table salt, it is no longer in use and it a recognized UNESCO site for tourists. Underground you will find huge chambers, statues, chandeliers and more all carved out of salt by miners and modern artists alike. (Cost: 89 PLN with discounts available)

St. Mary’s Basilica: Home parish of Pope John Pail II, this is a landmark of Poland that really speaks to how important faith still is in the country. Additionally, it’s beautiful and holds a lot of culture and history worthy checking out.

Nowa Huta: Originally established as a separate town filled with propaganda from the forgotten communist-era. Filled with apartment blocks that give you a very realistic idea of what things could have looked like, it serves now as a historical and cultural example of what used to be in Eastern Europe.

Jagiellonian University - Collegium Maius: Having been a scientific center for research for centuries - even Copernicus was a student here - checking out the university is incredibly interesting and a way to step foot in many of the places incredibly influential scientists have over the centuries. Enjoy a coffee or tea on your exploration to see how students now still roam the campus.

Wawel Dragon: At the foot of the Wawel Hill is a statue of the legendary dragon that breathes fire from its mouth every 15 seconds. This is super fun for children especially but is a quick a fun thing for anyone.

Auschwitz-Birkenau: as the sites of some of the worst Nazi war crimes & genocide during WWII this is not something for all visitors. I recommend this for anyone above the age of 12 - or those mature enough to understand, comprehend and be respectful of where they visit. If you do choose to bear witness to the location of these many atrocities I could not recommend visiting enough. Over the course of my travels I have visited over six sites and believe the impact and first hand visualization of what people must have experienced there is an essential human experience to ensure something like this never happen again. Your visit here will take place in two parts: the main camp of Auschwitz I and the larger camp of Birkenau (Auschwitz II). NOTE: While you are of course welcome to take photos of your experience, PLEASE be respectful of the area you are visiting, the history and its darkness. I have had to correct people taking smiling selfies, laughing and playing children & teens more than I would have ever thought necessary. Additionally, be sure to keep your photos more for you and less for social media. Unfortunately many holocaust deniers continue to utilize tourists photos to “bolster’ their arguments and movement denying that the genocide happened at all.

I could tell you about all the amazing dishes that come from the Poles - sausages, potato pancakes and more. But instead I want to focus on my personal favorite bite you can get here and many other places in Eastern Europe: pierogis.

Pierogi are either boiled or fried Polish dumplings with a pasta-like dough outside and either a savory or sweet inside. If savory they are usually served with caramelized onions and sour cream and sometimes bacon! The most common type you’ll come across here is the Pierogi Ruskie which has potato, onion and cheese. What’s inside these amazing dumplings do typically include potato, some kind of cheese or meat but can hold just about anything. The sweet variety typically have fruit flavoring like plum, cherry or cinnamon apple.

In all transparency when I was in Krakow I literally had pierogis at every.single.meal. I grew up eating and making these with family so to have them in the motherland (even though it’s turned out I’m not very Polish) was essential. I had them at street vendors, small cafes, fancy dine-in places and more. Here are some of my favorites!

Kuchnia Polska Gaska: A beautiful and cozy restaurant with super friendly service is known actually for their goose meat BUT serves up some of my favorite pierogis I’ve ever had. Close to some seriously cute neighborhoods worth walking around.

Starka Restaurant: This is another cozy restaurant in the Jewish Quarter I loved. The pierogis are yummy but do only come at four per portion which is a little less compared to other places. A real pro here is that they have quite a few homemade flavored vodkas to try - something super fun if you drink and very in tune with the Polish experience.

While I can’t remember exactly every other location I tried, quite a few other yummy recommendations for Pierogis AND the Pierogi festival can be found here!

Check out Milk Bars - an inexpensive and delicious meal can be found at just about any Milk Bar (Bar Mleczny) with pierogis, meat and local beer for under 30 PLN. These are typically cafeteria style so it’s nothing fancy but it is a yummy way to enjoy local bites and save money!

If you’re staying longer than a couple of days, get the KrakowCard - For 140 PLN this three-day Pass provides you free public transit and access to over 40 sites and attractions. If your goal is to see a lot - including the Salt Mines & Schindler’s Factory - this is a great way to save money and be smart about planning!

Drink the Vodka - a local speciality of Krakow (and many Eastern European cities) is their locally made vodka. Krakow is no different and has different distilleries and bars solely dedicated to vodka all over the city. Night life here is huge and very fun - I highly recommend a bar crawl if you can! That being said, in comparison to much of Europe, drinking here can be done on the cheap. If you still want to save money, plan on pre-gaming with your favorite from a grocery store.

Take a FREE walking tour - seriously though! One of my best tours to date has been a free walking tour I took of Krakow. With an incredibly knowledgeable and fun guide learning about and seeing the city was even better than if I had tried to do it all myself. It’s also a great way to meet other travelers! Check out the company I went with here!

Looking to get a tattoo? Here is my recommendation - Alright so this tip seems super random BUT while I was in Krakow I basically super overdrew money out and was left with about $150 extra. During my time abroad I knew I wanted to get a tattoo and decided this unfortunate/fortunate money situation meant I’d get it right here! I ended up going with 9th Circle and had an amazing experience. The artist I had did an excellent job, talked with me through my first rib piece and was incredibly kind.

Need a Taxi? Call them on the phone! - If you call your taxi on the phone instead of hailing them in person you can save up to a rumored 30% which if you’re using them often can be a great deal of money!

Going out here is a marathon NOT a sprint! - Locals start early AND finish late when it comes to the party scene. Be sure to follow along if you want to get a seat at a nightspot in town (before ten). If you plan on doing as the locals do, you’ll probably find yourself out and about at least until 4am so consume accordingly. Fun Fact: Krakow has more bars & drinking establishments per square meter than any other place in the world!

Tip Tuesday: How I Plan Trips & Stay Organized

Whether you’re wanting to plan your first ever road trip or have done a few solo or as a group, planning can tend to be hectic and it’s hard to remember all the small details that will make your trip an amazing, memory-filled experience you’re not soon to forget! Having logged over 10,000 miles road tripping solo I’ve planned, executed and enjoyed my fair share of road trips all across North America! Today, I’m sharing my process from start to finish for planning a road trip of your own along with some tips & tricks I’ve learned along the way!

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Sharing 3 Tips on how to plan a road trip 🚗 Looking for more info, resources & a free template to plan your own road trip? Head over to www.acaracollective.com/acc-blog/tip-tuesday-how-i-plan-trips-amp-stay-organized

A post shared by Cara Lentz ✨ (@acaracollective) on Feb 18, 2020 at 7:17pm PST

As straightforward as it seems, before you dive too deep into planning you really need to figure out your “final” destination for your road trip! This will help immensely as your plan for stops along the way and can help in budgeting your trip. Not sure where you want to go? First figure out how much time you have. If you’ve only got the weekend, consider either staying in-state or the surrounding area. Depending where you find yourself in the US road tripping in state isn’t far or is super far- think about comparing Delaware to California - super different, right? If you’ve got a 3 - 5 days consider branching out more OR focus on spending extended time in places along the way ultimately going to less places but taking in more on the stops you opt for. If you’ve got over a week or two (or even more - the ultimate dream) sky’s the limit. Just be mindful about how much driving will be necessary. Despite what many people think, you DO need plenty of rest when you’re on the open road ESPECIALLY if you’re going solo!

Once you’ve established WHERE you want to end up on your leg there, start checking out maps, threads, travel blogs and chat rooms to decide which route you’d like to take to get there. While many straight shots are available from major city to major city, seeing alternative routes to reach your destination can have plenty of added fun, sight seeing and more I recommend! That being said, BE SAFE. I have made the mistake of trusting a map with an Old County Road to get over a huge mountain which resulted in one of the scariest road trip experiences of my whole life. TRUST YOUR GUT, STAY SAFE and when in doubt ask for Directions from a trusted local in a PUBLIC place. Some great alternatives to main highways are older routes like the famous Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) or Route 66.

This is possibly my favorite step of this entire process - research! Of all the road trips I’ve planned with family, friends and for myself I LOVE seeing what there is to do on the way to and from our desired destination. Taking the time to check out TripAdvisor, Blogs, Reddit Threads and more has allowed me to: eat the best breakfast burrito of my life (Sequoia NP), see and interact with precious Prairie Dogs (Montana) and take in the most gorgeous - and non crowded- views of the Pacific Ocean. Take the time to read through and/or ask around for recommendations. It’s super helpful to also get a sense of what is worth stopping at and what might be worth skipping. I’ve definitely fallen victim to stopping at places I ended up thinking were super overrated like (in my unpopular opinion) Mount Rushmore. Prioritize your favorite interests & bucket list items but also keep an open mind to the gems the internet, friends and family aren’t aware of.

Once you’ve compiled a list - either on a Doc, Notebook, or any preferred method of organizing - be sure to keep track of it! Adding details like address, hours of operation, what each stop entails, accommodations or services can be really helpful when narrowing down your list!

Now you’ve got an idea of what you might be seeing en route to your destination, do research into the final destination itself. Again, utilizing resources like Pinterest, TripAdvisor, Reddit, Travel Blogs, Friends & Family will help you pick the things you want to do, see, and enjoy! I can’t recommend enough utilizing these resources in at least discovering possibilities and better understanding different options. For example, for our upcoming trip to Southern California I was so excited for a particular exhibit in Los Angeles. However, in reading the reviews for the experience I realized it was extremely overpriced and not the best solid thing to do while we were there so I opted out. The extra five minutes to read reviews and do some research saved a poorly spent $75.

Just like before, be sure to keep track of this dream list either on a doc, sheet or in a notebook for later use! Adding details like what it is, address, hours of operation and more will make the rest of your planning a thoughtful and thorough breeze.

Once you have your lists of en route stops and final destination stops and activities listed out, try narrowing them down. I typically do this based on the following: Interest, Price, Timing, Availability, and Location.

Location: first things first, is this in the direction I’m going or the area I plan on exploring or is it an hour clear out of the way? I typically first narrow down based on ease of geographical location to save on gas money, time and not spending all my time in the car. If something is super out of the way but you REALLY want to go, acknowledge it as a priority and plan extra time for it!

Interest: Personally, I love a mix of history, culture, Instagramable locations, and nature on my trips. I prioritize stops with these in mind; more than say night life, food and athletic experiences. For example, I typically will opt for a hike that is more educational or shorter than some of my friends who love vigorous and challenging hikes. Acknowledging your interests and abilities is incredibly important in ensuring you have a trip YOU love. A tourist guide might swear up and down an art museum is a must see but if you hate museums or art, ditch it for what makes YOU happy. It’s your trip after all!

Timing/Availability: In deciding on stops, be sure to make sure the timing of going matches up with hours of operation or open availability and add it to your itinerary as such. Keeping in mind: closures, seasonal openings and holiday hours can make or break your trip and top things you want to do! For example, in driving up to Lake Tahoe from Yosemite NP I had to reroute at least three times due to weather and avalanches. While I didn’t plan for that, I did plan out what I wanted to see and experience given the busy ski season and winter closures around the Lake. Taking the extra steps to learn and plan for these will make the difference!

Price: A lot of my road tripping has taken place while I was in high school, college and post-grad so I’ve been on a budget! As much as I want to do ALL the things, price usually limits me to some extent and is important to take into consideration if you have a strict budget for an adventure!

Once you’ve narrowed your final list down create a practice itinerary for your time traveling and be sure there is time accounted for meals, gas stops, resting, and most importantly DRIVE TIME. I have definitely planned trips where timing at certain locations was really important and miscalculated (over and under) drive times! I can’t stress enough how important it is to include meal stops, restroom breaks and time NOT behind the wheel or in the car! Once you know you can make it fit and hit all your stops you’re ready to proceed onto the next steps!

With things looking good go ahead and open up a Doc, Google Sheets or get your notebook ready to go! I personally use Google Sheets because I live and die by Excel - I’m super type A and this is incredibly pleasing to me and gives me peace of mind to both visually and technically create my itinerary. For this post I’ll be explaining MY process and works for me! Though I hope you find this helpful, be sure to do what works for YOU!

1- Create Google Sheet & Share to Other Trip Goers

As simple as this sounds, the first step is always the most important to make your road trip dreams a reality! Be sure to share with those coming along so everyone is in the loop!

2- Add in your Dates & Times for your Trip

I personally love breaking mine down my either 15 - 30 minute intervals because I’m me & that makes me feel organized but you can honestly break things down however you want! I do recommend trips where things are planned or booked like tours, reservations and so on should be broken down to include the specific times for those to make the visual aspect of your sheet a breeze! Trips where I’m not as planned out on time but location I break down at the hour or even two!

3- Begin adding in your to-do’s, experiences, reservations, etc.

Add in all the final items from you en route and final destinations lists! Be sure to make sure you’re adding them to the correct dates and times if this is the final thing you’re going off of when on your trip! I’ve made the mistake of placing events on wrong days, showing up way too early or other easy to avoid fiascos in this step so double check your work for smooth sailing!

Pro tip: I add the address, operating hours and any other pertinent information in a comment on any cell that has a location to keep information accessible. If you end up printing this out, you can do the same thing with that information on a separate sheet!

4- Download Offline or Print & Share!

Once you’re all done & happy with your final itinerary be sure to download it to your phone so it is accessible offline. Depending on where you’re traveling you might be without reception to allow you to access the information (I’ve been there- it’s tragic) and can end up making you lose time, miss reservations and more! The best tip I have is to PRINT IT OUT. Having a physical copy (or two) will ensure you can stay on track and have information you need like addresses, emergency numbers and more!

Pro Tip: Print out a copy to keep in the car and one to keep on your person in a bag or purse. This ensures you always have your info you need and keeps your trip organized easily!

You can snag your free template here or by clicking on any of the above screen shots!

To access the template, download and create a copy!

When evaluating what route to take be sure if you or any of your fellow trippers have special needs you account for that in your route. Need restrooms a little more often? Bringing a furry friend who gets car sick? Need cell service? Phobias you need to accommodate for? Do your research to ensure everyone’s safety is taken into account to have an amazing time on your trip!

Be aware of changing/different weather conditions of your destination and routes. When I traveled all over California in March of 2018 on a ten+ day road trip with a majority of it solo, knowing the weather conditions literally saved my toes, car and whole life. I knew to bring different layering clothes, boots and chains for my tires as well as emergency gear for me in the case of breaking down or being stuck. Even though it was 70+ degrees in Tempe where I started and even warmer in my first stop in Death Valley NP, my other stops up in the mountains reached temps of -20 degrees at night and mid-teens and twenties during the day. Without this planning I would have been miserable and unsafe!

Do research in how far out you need to book! In high school I spent some time studying at UC Berkeley and afterwards explored San Francisco for the first time. When my family & I showed up to tour Alcatraz we were informed you had to book tickets at least a year in advance due to demand! While it made sense it totally changed our plans for the day. Though we ended up having SO much fun, it taught me a lesson early on to plan ahead and do the extra digging even if it seems unnecessary!

If price is a determining factor on an experience, double check for discounts! So many places I’ve been to and experiences I’ve had offered student discounts, veteran discounts, child discounts, retiree discounts and more! If none of their discounts apply to you, look into purchasing a pass - like the American The Beautiful NP Annual Pass - to save major bucks! For my 2018 California Road Trip, I bought the ATBNPAP and ended up saving well over $100 and the $80 pass payed for itself after two entrances to parks.

Apps To Use:

• Road Trippers: an amazing app that lets you add destinations and creates the perfect route for you based on where you want to stop. Available on mobile and desktop!

• Google Maps: on desktop and mobile you can plan absolutely every stop of your trip in your very own map with multiple layers! I use this for every trip once I’ve got my itinerary and it makes GPS a breeze!

• Gas Buddy: If you’re looking to save money and get the most bang for your buck on gas, be sure to download this app! I use this all the time even when not traveling and it has saved me major money especially when trekking into less populated and more rural/off-the-beaten-path areas.

Get Your Car Checked Out! While you might have planned the perfect trip with these tips, be sure your means of getting there and back is ready for the work! A general tune up & diagnostic is typically all you need! Sharing details about where you’re headed like weather, land make up (hills, steep, long climbs, etc.) will help them better serve you and your car in preparation for the adventure!

Chic Soul Picks - Spring Fling Sale

It’s an add to cart kinda day over on Chic Soul - aka my new favorite place for all things CUTE & plus size (size XL - 3XL) Today only they are offering FREE SHIPPING + A FREE GIFT (their cozy cropped legging) - all you have to do is use code SPRINGFLING with your order! Below I’m sharing (and linking) my very favorite pieces from their new spring collection including some of my favorites I currently own!

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France Travel Guide - Paris & Normandy

Ever since I went to Paris in 2017, I’ve been dreaming of gong back. I wasn’t so sure I’d love France but after a long weekend spent all around Paris and up North on the coast I was hooked. It’s a remarkably beautiful country and I hope to share some fun stories, tips & recommendations from my time there with you!

The Louvre: Famous for being home to many famous art pieces like the Mona Lisa, the Louvre is one of the most impressive art museums in all of Europe. I personally got through this museum quickly and did enjoy other art museums more, but do think it’s totally worth the visit if you’re in Paris!

The Eiffel Tower: Originally built for the 1889 World Fair, the tower still stands tall centuries later for tourists and locals alike to admire! While there is a cost to get to the very top to the viewing platform, viewing from the ground - many walks, parks nearby along with streets are free. Grab some bites on the go and have a picnic in the grassy areas nearby for the perfect Parisian experience!

Musee D’Orsay: Hands down my favorite museum in all of Paris, Musee D’Orsay has an incredible collection of art work, especially of impressionists (my favorites!) I spent HOURS in. Give your self time to explore the countless amazing pieces - including Monet and Van Gough - as well as time to snap pics with the huge glass clock, sculptures and other special exhibits. Tip: there are usually street musicians performing on the steps outside the museum. Snag lunch from a vendor and sit outside to enjoy a performance like a local!

Arc de Triomphe: At the center of multiple intersections, the Arc honors those who fought and died for France in the Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. Additionally, beneath the vault at the Arc, is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from the first World War. Whether you want to simply walk around and under it or see if from one of the many side streets, I highly recommend taking some time to visit!

Champs Elysees: This beautiful and busy street is lined with trees on both sides and is a stunning way to get up to the Arc de Triomphe! There is loads of shopping and dining here as well if you’re looking for that! If you happen to be in Paris during the annual Tour de France, you can see them during the race!

Jardin du Luxembourg: Also known as the Luxembourg Gardens, these beautiful grounds were created for a new residence created by Marie de’Medici. The grounds are seriously stunning and if you’ve got good weather, I highly recommend giving here a stop!

Notre Dame: Though for the time being you are not able to access the Cathedral as a tourist due to the 2019 fire, you can still see if from outside and on the walkways near it! It’s seriously so stunning however you get to view it and a place you HAVE to snap some photos!

Paris Catacombs: Once the stone mines for the city, these tunnels beneath much of Southern Paris now are home to the remains of over six million people. You can take guided tours or make your own way through the catacombs. I recommend giving yourself time for this as the line can be incredibly long due to the limitation how many people can be in at one time. If you want to up the spook of this experience, be sure to watch As Above, So Below before heading down. On a more serious note, don’t touch the bones. When I made my way through, there was a guy traveling solo who (very creepily) was touching all on them.

Shakespeare and Company Bookstore: Home to one of two locations, this English based bookstore has been open since 1922 and seriously captured my whole heart when I visited. Hands down one of, if not the best bookstore I’ve ever been to!

Caen/Normandy

During my time in Paris I knew I wanted to carve out time to head up North to Normandy. I’m not so secretly super into history - fun fact, I almost went to college to become a history teacher! Because of that and familial connections to the military I wanted to be sure to explore all that Normandy had to offer. If you have the opportunity to take a day trip from Paris, I do highly recommend checking it out! To this day it is one of the most moving and memorable travel experiences I’ve had!

Omaha Beach

American Cemetary

When I visited, I took the earliest morning train up from Paris to Caen and met my tour group at the Caen Memorial Museum. If you’re looking to take a guided tour, I couldn’t recommend this one more! You have a guided tour of the museum, lunch, and visit Point du Hoc, Omaha and Juno Beaches as well as the American Cemetery as well as included transportation between all the locations with incredible guides.

Though I don’t have any direct personal ties to the war in terms of those who didn’t return home, when visiting there is an incredibly strong sense of loss and sacrifice if you’re open to experiencing it. I’ve had multiple friends visit as well that have similar experiences that were very moving and if this sounds like something that interests you, book the experience and do it!

While I was in Paris I mostly stuck to cheaper street food options, or, meals were included in some of the tours I had purchased. That being said, there were a few restaurants I did go to I remember and recommend! For the most part, I’ll be sharing different foods you HAVE to sample when in Paris!

Indiana Cafe: After just walking around my way through Paris (and honestly being pretty homesick) I came across this restaurant and decided it was a sign so I should eat there. I ended up having a veggie burger and even though it wasn’t quite Parisian food it was a meal I’m happy I had. They have an extensive menu of more American type fare if you’re looking for that. All being said - the appropriation of Native’s is not something I condemn, just be aware there is a lot of that at this establishment.

Le Beurre Bordier - a special, French type of butter that will blow your mind & forever raise the bar on how butter SHOULD taste.

Basically any bread or pastry (especially baguettes or croissants) - seriously, I don’t think I’ve had even half as good of a pastry since I was in Paris. There was a little bakery tucked off the street nearish to my hostel I stopped at every morning for a croissant. Be sure to buy local to ensure they’re handmade and enjoy every delicious second.

Macarons - This iconic little bite of Paris is a must have, no matter the flavor! I picked mine up from bakeries all around and was never disappointed! My personal favorite flavors? Strawberry, Pistachio and Chocolate!

Frites: They may just be a different version of fries but dang these are so so good! Whether you have them with a steak or just on their own walking around exploring you really ought to give them a go!

Still looking for more food ideas? Check out this Paris Food Bucket list here!

• How can I save money on transportation? With over 300 subway station, Paris is super easy to get around! A Day Pass for the subway is only $15 a day (13.20 Euros) which can save you tons in comparison to Ubers and Taxis.

• Is the tap water safe here? YES! At restaurants you will be charged for filtered water - usually provided to you in a bottle. If you want free water be sure to ask for tap!

• I want to try the food without paying a ton, what should I do? Have a picnic! Head into the markets and local grocers, snag some bread, cheese, meats and wine and find a grassy area to take it all in!

• Is there a museum pass? YES! The Paris Museum Pass is prepaid and gives you access to over 70 museums and monuments all around Paris. A two day pass costs $53 (48 Euros) and the four day pass costs $69 (62 Euros). If you are coming especially for the museums and monuments this is a great option for you! It also gets you ahead in lines which can be a major plus if you’re pressed on time.

• Is anything free in Paris? YES! Museums are free on the first Sunday of every month. That being said, this is an incredibly busy time to visit so be aware if you want to take advantage of this perk!

• If you’re going to eat out for one meal a day, make it lunch. Restaurants do a pre-fixe menu for lunch ranging between $11 - $20. It’s the exact same that they’ll be serving at dinner but its half the price - a win, win for you!

• Bring your student ID! If you’re a student of any kind or have an unexpired ID, be sure to bring it with you! Almost every museum in Paris (and all of Europe) have student discounts and can save you a few Euros here and there that really start to add up!

• If you’re visiting in August, be aware of closures! August is a month many Parisians take off to holiday. While the biggie attractions will be open, more local experiences like restaurants and shops will not be open. If this is an important part of traveling to you, maybe rethink visiting this month.

• The catacombs are NOT a secret. For whatever reason many travel guides list the catacombs as some off-the-beaten-path attraction and this is simply not the case. You WILL wait in a very long line for hours possibly to get in to see things so be prepared for that!

• Not everyone is super cute in Paris. Despite movies and popular depictions of Paris there are normal people who wear normal non-Rom-Com clothes! Be comfy (and cute if you want!) but don’t feel like you have to dress up super nice to just walk around and travel.

• Buy the skip-the-line ticket for Versailles. While I personally was not able to visit Versailles while I was in Paris, I have many friends who have gone and if you’re in a time crunch or seriously don’t want to wait in a crazy long line, buying the skip-the-line ticket is super worth it here!

• The Louvre is cool… but kind of overrated. Ok, hear me out! I know the Louvre is awesome - I enjoyed it! But, it is not the ONLY museum you should see in your time here. There is incredible art, history and culture all over the city that you should give a chance! My personal favorite is the Muse de Orsay!

• Say hello! Be sure to say hello (bonjour) when entering shops, restaurants, etc. To not even say hello can be seen as the epitome of rudeness and honestly if you’re an American, you’ll be battling this stereotype already. Be nice and say hi!

• You won’t be able to see ALL of Paris in a weekend. As sad as it is to say, it takes much more time in Paris to see and do all the things than a weekend provides. If you’re set on seeing it all, give yourself at least 4-6 days to do so comfortably!

Galentines Day Ideas Round Up

Galentines is upon us so naturally I’ve been spending all my time on Pinterest seeing all the AMAZING ways to celebrate with your gal pals! I’ve rounded up some of my favorite ideas right here from Brunch to Movie night, these pins got you covered! Make sure to click through for more info, tips & more!

Brunch

Movie Night/Sleepover

Pizza Party

Photoshoot

Get Baking

DIY It

Bad & Boozey

Valentines Home Decor Refresh

I don’t know about you but after the holidays when everything is put away and your home gets back to “normal” things can feel a little sad and bare. While we haven’t gone full send like we do during the fall or holidays, we have decorated here and there to make things a little more festive for the month of love! I’ve linked everything below & on the Like To Know It App to make shopping that much easier!

Valentines Day Outfit Inspo

Valentines Sweet Charcuterie Board

One of my favorite things in the whole wide world is charcuterie boards! No matter the theme for making them they’re the perfect way to up your snack game, customize to the occasion and any dietary needs! For valentines day I put together something extra fun (and extra pink) I hope you’ll love!

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To build this board, I started in the candy aisle (duh!) Valentines has so many fun, colorful options in heart shapes and is in so many ways the second Halloween (or first?) I’ve linked everything I snagged below including Valentine’s M&M’s, Hershey’s, Conversation Hearts, and JuJu Hearts!

My favorite little sweet treat I made are these pink, heart shaped mini rice treats! To make these I mixed up rice treats per usual - rice cereal, marshmallows and lots of butter - and added red food dye to the mixture. I recommend doing this with the butter so it goes in more evenly and you don’t get any streaks or paler pieces! Once mixed, press it into a baking dish or cookie sheet with raised edges and chill until set. Once set, take a small (or whatever size you’d like) cookie cutter and cut them into your hearts!

I added drizzled chocolate and sprinkles - or even dipped chocolate with sprinkles for added Valentines flare! Get creative with these & its even more fun!

For the other rice treats, I made them the same way but instead of dying them left them plane & cut into larger squares. If you don’t feel like making these but still want the added Valentines fun of chocolate and sprinkles or candy, head to the store or order pre-made Rice Krispie Treats online. All you have to do from there is unwrap, dip in chocolate and decorate to your liking!

To make the pretzel rods & mini chocolate dipped & drizzled pretzels all you need to do is take a piece of wax paper and place on whatever cookie sheet or large tray/plate you’d like! Place the pretzels out evenly and make sure they’re not connected or else the chocolate will keep them together! Once placed, melt your chocolate - I used milk and white - and drizzle over or dip them in, using a spoon to add on additional where empty spots may have been. Once done, you can use candies or sprinkles to decorate to your liking! I personally recommend using smaller sprinkles - the large hearts were super cute but could be a little to much to chew on when we tried them out!

Ingredients:

Tips for Creating Your Board:

Charcuterie boards can be so intimidating! I remember looking at the ones on Pinterest and thinking I could NEVER make one that beautiful but honestly, it’s something anyone can do! Here are my tips for making it happen!

1. Start by laying out your biggest bits! For this board, the rice treats, pretzels rods and strawberries were the biggest pieces! I laid them on one at a time in a way I thought looked nice! I check the look of things by looking at the board from the top and various sides!

2. Figure out your fillers! Fillers typically are smaller pieces - mini pretzels, M&M’s, JuJu Hearts, etc. Once you’ve got these figured out you can slowly begin to place these in to fill in the gaps! I suggest placing them around the board so any side can access that bite without having to reach across the entire board!

3. Adjust as needed! Even though things can start looking good, they can also move or mess up! Don’t fret- just squeeze things around and see what you like!

Valentines Lingerie & Lounge Favorites

Rome & Vatican Travel Guide

When studying abroad in 2017 I spent nearly every weekend in another city outside of the Czech Republic - the first being Rome & the Vatican! Rome (and the Vatican) are some of the most iconic travel destinations in Europe. From a long, prolific history to the rich culture including delicious food & old world charm Rome is one of those places I really believe anyone with the opportunity to visit should. Here’s my Rome & Vatican travel guide - salut!

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Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: These museums hold artifacts and happenings of modern day Catholicism even if you do not belong to the Church, I recommend seeing. There are so many sights, relics and more to see that are an interesting look at faith, culture and what a unique place the Vatican is. Expect long lines and allot yourself time being here. The base ticket (including both the museums and the chapel) is €17. If you book ahead online (which I recommend) there is an extra €4 charge but I can’t say enough to helpful it is to skip the lines and save time.

St. Peter’s Basilica: Considered to be Rome’s most iconic church, the Basilica is a must. Here you can see the church, Saint Peter’s tomb and climb the stairs (or take the elevator) for some of the best views of Rome. I took the stairs and totally sweated my butt off (and maybe almost passed out - eat breakfast!) but the view was so worth it. Visiting the church is free, but to see the views you pay either €8 for the stairs or €10 for the elevator.

The National Museum of Rome: Made up of various branches located throughout the city, the museum focuses on archeological findings of ancient Rome.

Roman Forum: One of the most important sites in the world, the Forum was Rome’s original main square and holds various ancient ruins from centuries past. Give yourself time to explore here - there is A LOT to see and is best done at one’s own pace in my opinion. I explored this solo and loved putting in my earbuds and exploring around! To see the Forum, Palentine Hill and the Colosseum are on one ticket! Tickets cost €12 and I highly recommend booking online (+€2) so you can skip the long ticket line and ensure you’re good to visit when you’d like.

Colosseum: Hard to miss, the Colosseum is the largest amphitheater ever built, and it’s a can’t-miss attraction. There are various tours you can join if you’d like more information or you can self guide your way through it! To see the Forum, Palentine Hill and the Colosseum are on one ticket! Tickets cost €12 and I highly recommend booking online (+€2) so you can skip the long ticket line and ensure you’re good to visit when you’d like.

Pantheon: Built in 126 AD to honor the pagan gods, the Pantheon remains to be one of the most well preserved buildings of ancient Rome. You can walk inside, sit on the outside steps and enjoy the square you’re at. I visited a few times throughout the day and there are usually live performers making the steps & outside area the perfect place to have a bit of gelato. Admission here is free so this is definitely a must see - even on a budget!

Trevi Fountain: If you’re wanting to live out your Lizzie McGuire dreams you MUST go here (duh!) There are typically huge crowds but you will find your time to wiggle in and throw your euro in! Even better, all the money that is thrown in - about 3,000 euros daily - is donated to charity. There is a pretty good chance in your time here you will witness a proposal - I know of multiple people who have gotten engaged here and saw one proposal myself when visiting!

The Spanish Steps: The 135-step Spanish Steps is one of the most famous piazzas in all of Rome and a destination I highly recommend to just people watch and rest for a while. Police are pretty strict about sitting and eating here so make sure to finish your bite before hand.

Palentine Hill: This is the place where Rome was founded and now is the home various generations of rulers & their ruins. Located on the center of the Seven Hills of Rome, there are incredibly beautiful views! To see the Forum, Palentine Hill and the Colosseum are on one ticket! Tickets cost €12 and I highly recommend booking online (+€2) so you can skip the long ticket line and ensure you’re good to visit when you’d like.

Castel Sant’angelo: Built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian later turned into a fortress, the Castle is one of my favorite places I explored in Rome. I highly recommend giving yourself at least one or two hours to just wander around (I did with my music in since I was solo) and enjoyed all the views and history. Entrance is €7.

Piaza del Popolo: Know as the People’s Square, many visit to see the Egyptian monolith that dates all the way back to 10 BC. This is a very popular place but given it’s size it never feels crowded so it’s another great place for people watching and relaxing. Do be sure to keep on guard for various scams that can happen to tourists, especially if you are a woman traveling solo. I was followed by one of these men for multiple blocks before he left me alone - thankfully he was just nice and not aggressive or violent - but be careful!

Vittorio Emanuele II Monument: Something you can’t miss given it’s size, this huge marble monument was built to honor the first king who united Italy - Victor Emmanuel II. If you ride up to the top you will see great views of the city and costs €7.

Still not sure what to do or how to see it? Try some of the (many) free or inexpensive walking tours offered in Rome! Some websites I recommend are New Rome Free Tour, Rome Free Tour, Rome’s Ultimate Free Walking Tour and Rome Free Walking Tour.

Mercato Centrale: as Rome’s market/food hall, it is a must visit! Not only can you buy fresh produce and other products, you can snag local bites from the various stalls selling prepared food. Not only are their the traditional Italian dishes you’d expect, they also have international bites & a good selection of beer and wine.

Pizzarium: This is Anthony Bourdain’s favorite pizza place in all of Rome and that’s saying something if you ask me. There will be a wait since this place is known locally and globally for its slices!

Pizzeria ai Marmi: A historical & classic take on pizza is a local fave so its always busy. With their open kitchen you can watch your (and others) pizzas being made by hand!

De Agostino: Looking for carry out to enjoy at the hostel or hotel? This is the place!

Al Grottino: Opened in 1936 this old school pizza place is the definition of a neighborhood pizza joint where staff and locals know each other by name and then some.

Dishes to Try:

• Cacio e Pepe - Cheese and pepper is very simple but extra yummy and a true taste of Roman cuisine

• Suppli- like delicious hushpuppies, these little balls of fried rice stuffed with various veggies, meats and cheeses are cheap and super yummy. A lot of street vendors make these so try them out even on the go!

• Carciofi alla Giudia - As one of the most famous dishes from Roman Jewish heritage, these fried artichokes are on many peoples foodie bucket lists. Many sources say to only eat this in the spring since that’s when artichokes are in season and otherwise may not be as fresh (or good).

• Gelato - if you can, eat this every day if not multiple times a day. There is something about eating it while exploring the city that makes it taste that much better. My personal favorite flavors are pistachio and carmel.

• Coffee/Espresso - if you like coffee - or even if you don’t - you gotta try the local goods when in Rome. While this does vary a ton from what we’re used to in the states - stronger, more robust flavor - it is delicious and a great time to do as the locals do.

• How Long to Visit? I recommend at least giving yourself 3-4 days for Rome & the Vatican. There is SO MUCH to see, do (and eat) this is not a quick destination! If you are especially visiting as a history or art buff, I recommend giving yourself even more time. Unless you want to rush around (something I do on certain trips) I highly recommend this destination as a place to give your self time to explore and take it all in.

• You don’t have to break the bank to have the best meal of your life! Do your research, get recommendations or just let yourself wander! There are amazing bites all over that are not inherently expensive! That being said, there are a lot of tourist trap restaurants with sub-par food. Do your research and as always - look for where the locals go.

• Take the Side Streets. There are so many cool little side streets and alleys all across Rome due to all its development over the centuries. I highly recommend giving yourself time to just explore and get lost (safely!)

• The Nightlife. In Rome (and much of Southern Europe) everything starts later. People eat dinner later, go out (and stay out) later. If you want to take on the clubs I do recommend napping during the day - Romans know how to have fun and that can make for a very late night (early morning?)

• So how Touristy is Rome? Honestly? VERY. Roma attracts MILLIONS of visitors annually so expect big crowds, long lines and limited tickets. Plan ahead, book online (and skip the lines!) and if possible avoid visiting in the summer. Not only is it HOT, it’s even more crowded as this is one of the most popular times to visit for tourists.

• Are pickpockets as bad as people say here? YES! While thankfully I have not had to deal with this, I know SO many friends & peers who have gone here and had things stolen. At train stations, on busy transit lines - but especially Termini Station (the main train station) pickpockets are very good at what they do and will target tourists. Be vigilant with your items - don’t put things in pockets, have a sturdy, difficult to open bag and keep everything in sight - and you should be fine!

• Rome is a dirty city. As harsh as it sounds Rome is dirty just like a lot of major cities are so don’t be alarmed!

• Summers are HOT! The middle of summers are incredibly hot and a decent amount of hostels and hotels don’t have AC. Be sure to do your research on where you’re staying especially if in the summers!

• Take a Breather & Reflect. While I don’t consider myself the most religious person I always take a few minutes to reflect and talk to whoever is up there in every spiritual place I go whether it be a church, synagogue or mosque. If you’re someone traveling, especially solo, this can be a good way to stay grounded in the hustle and bustle of a jam packed itinerary.

• How’s the Metro? Beyond walking this is the best way to get around the city and is pretty simple. The bus and tram also are decent but are not always the most reliable unlike the metro. Make sure to get your tickets before you board any of the public transit lines. You can purhcase these at tobacco shops, corner stores or automated ticket machines or ticket windows in the Metro. Any ticket works on the metro, bus or tram.

  • A single ticket ride is €1.50 and you can change busses or go in and out of the metro on one trip - valid for 100 minutes.

  • 24-hour tickets are €7

  • 48-hour tickets are €12.50

  • 72-hour tickets are €18

  • If you plan on staying for the 48 or 72 hours and visiting museums, I do recommend getting the Roma Pass!

• Avoid Holidays if you can! In Rome, like many places in Europe, religious holidays really are celebrated and nothing is open. Plus, hotels and hostels raise their prices! Try to avoid: January 1, January 6, March 17, Good Friday-Easter Monday, April 25, May 1, June 2, August 15, November 1, December 8, December 25, December 26
  

Valentines Gift Guides - Significant Others

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JORD (pronounced Yode) is the maker of Cody’s Apple Band that he’s loving! We’ve both picked out a few different watches & bands we love! Currently, I’m running a giveaway for you to win a $100 gift card with JORD - to enter, just follow this link here & submit your information! The winner will be emailed directly & all entries will receive a 10% off coupon as well simply for entering!

Wooden Wrist Watch