One of the great things that I love about cruising is getting dressed up each night for dinner. For a fashionista like myself, this means finding formal dresses that fit with the theme of the destination we visited that day. Naturally for my first night look in Spain this meant that I had to break out in full colors. This boho inspired look with my gold accessories created a perfect summer look that was effortless (because lets be honest, jet leg is still a factor the first few days of traveling) and elegant at the same time.

What do you love most about cruises? Comment below!


Until next time,

It seems as of lately all that i've been doing is traveling. From my adventures in Europe, to Chicago, and then back to Europe again in September I feel as if I have become a seasoned pro at traveling. Here are just a few tips that I have learned from my (mis)adventures that might be helpful so that you can have a stress-free trip.

(1) Bring copies of everything
         I had the misfortune of loosing my Drivers License while traveling in Europe. Fortunately since I had copies of my passport, Drivers License, and Birth Certificate I was able to go through TSA without my physical Drivers License or Passport in hand. By having extra copies of everything I was able to pass through security in a jiffy (with extra security clearance it took about 5 minutes for the entire process at Chicago Ohare Airport). No matter what, it's always safe to have copies because when traveling you never know what might happen. Better safe than sorry, right?

(2) Show up to the airport early
 The three hour rule for international travel and two for domestic travel is honestly becoming a thing of the past. With security checkpoints becoming longer it's best to get to the airport as soon as possible and get your ducks in a row. This is especially true with international travel and with larger groups. By having showed up even earlier than expected for check-in at the Venice airport my family and I were able to catch an earlier flight to Minneapolis due to a mechanical error on our original flight. Coming in early typically has perks (especially if you're traveling domestically with carry on luggage). If you're really in a rush see if you can fly standby on an earlier flight, just double check what the airline's rules are about standby (sometimes they will cancel your seat on the later plane). You wouldn't want to be stranded in an airport after all. Sign up for email notifications from your airliner so that you can constantly be in the know about your flight. Be aware though that there is a delay for emails so don't rely solely on those notifications, because you will be left behind.

(3) Understand that you can't control everything/ Plan for the worst
In order to get to Barcelona from Minneapolis we had to take a flight in from Paris CDG. Unfortunately we were unaware of the airport strikes at the airport. Having an hour and a half layover typically should be enough time to catch the next flight. This wasn't the case at CDG because of multiple factors that we couldnt' control, ultimately making us delayed by 9 hours and stranded at the airport. First, we had an arrest on the plane (both 13 year old boys- weird right?) and then after running to the next security clearance we were told that there was a strike for customs control officers, leaving a total of +300 frustrated people with three control officers. Two hours later and being "those people" at the airport who ran, we  had missed our flight. The next flight wouldn't be leaving till 9pm at night which meant we had nothing to do for a solid 9-10 hours in the section of the airport. Fortunately I had packed extra clothes and activities just in case of this situation in my carry on luggage. Traveling (no matter how long the distance) can be emotional, especially when there are delays. Bring distractions and before you know it you'll be off in the air in no time.

(4) Bring something from home with you
I'm one of those people who love feeling at home wherever I am around the world. Every time I travel I bring my favorite pillow and blanket along for the ride. This is great to have on your plane ride and going from hotel to hotel. As great as seeing the world is, sometimes stability is great- no matter how small it might seem.

(5) Read TSA's rules
I can't tell you how many times I have seen people get upset over TSA's rules. Let's remember that they are doing this for our safety and put signs up throughout the airport and online for as a point of reference. For avid travelers, check on the top of your ticket to see if you are considered Pre-Check. Know that with every airline you might not be Pre-Checked (for example I am always with Delta but never with Untied). TSA is there to help you and they are honestly the nicest people that I have met, and always get me excited and in a great mood when traveling. If you have any questions about their process you can check out their blog or follow them on social media. Trust me, you;'ll want to check it out because they are true lifesavers.



What are your top tips when traveling? Write them down in the comments below!


Until next time,

Hello lovely readers! As you might have noticed, my posts have been a bit more infrequent than usual. As you might have guessed based off of the theme of my blog posts, I am currently traveling this month. For the past three weeks I went on a cruise with my family around the Mediterranean and am now in Chicago to get my visa for TAPIF. Fortunately for you guys that means that there will be a lot of blog posts in the near future of my travels. If you aren't following me on Snapchat and Instagram to get the 411 on my current adventures.


Until next time,

As many of you know, I started my yoga practices in the beginning of the spring and have been in love with it ever since. Being a member of CorePower Yoga (I swear this is not a promotion you guys) has allowed for me to try and array of classes from biking, hot power, to sculpt. Here are just a few of my favorite yoga classes and why I think they are oh-so-great.

1. Sculpt: When I work out, I want to be able to feel a sweat. This is a great class that allows me to work on every single part of my body while pushing and challenging myself. From core workouts to cardio, I can feel the immediate effect of sculpt yoga after my practice. Not only do I feel rejuvenated but I also feel stronger. Yes, at times I am cussing under my breadth at the instructor for making me do 100 push-ups (I'm being dramatic here),but at the end of the day I somehow feel even more motivated to come back the next day on my mat again. What makes this class even more entertaining? If you're a music junkie like myself, this is a great way to hear others playlists and jam out to some great tunes. 
2. Hot Power: I'm one of those people who like to be on both extreme ends. When i'm practicing yoga I'm either there for relaxation or to get a sweaty work out in. With Hot Power and Hot Power Fusion I'm simply there to practice my breadth and focus on my balance. This is a great class to decompress after a stressful day and feel as though you have entered into an oasis like spa. You might even get a message during your practice too. 
3. C2 Class: Though I don't take this class as often as I used to, this class is great to learn the fundamentals of yoga. It allowed me to understand and push myself in order to do classes such as Sculpt and even Bootcamp ( I only did the intro class for one day). By understanding and mastering the steps you are truly able to appreciate and utilize the moves that you have learned in this class and apply them in your every day routines. 

To be honest I'm not a big fan of men's fashion. That wasn't until I started watching Gossip Girl. Especially with the character Chuck Bass. Unlike many TV shows, Chuck Bass's wardrobe is one of the best reflections of him as a character. Not only does his looks embody who he is as a person but it also amps up his demeanor and suave and business like attitude. Here are just a few of my favorite looks from Charles Bass.

Enjoy!








Until next time,

One of the first things that I did once I got to Paris was research bars and restaurants that my friends and I should go to. Luckily at our homestay, previous students had created a journal of their tips and tricks on going out at night in the city of lights. Naturally my roommate and I had to try every single bar on the list (and more). Some of these places became weekly favorites to go to with my study abroad group and will always be rememberd as such. Of course it wouldn't be right not to share some of my favorite places in Paris to go out at night without telling you :)

So get ready, get set, and lets drink. Because you're about to go bar hopping in Paris!

#1) Le Comptoir General -80 Quai de Jemmapes, 75010 Paris, France

What I love most about this place is where it is located. Hidden off of the Canal St Martin, Le Comptoir General can be a bit tricky to place if you haven't been there before. Located behind a maze like residential garden, the bar is themed with tropical safari like decorations that makes you feel as if you've entered into paradise. The bar has multiple themed rooms, tropical drinks, and even a thrift store on the top floor. If you come early entry is free, but after 6pm it will cost you 5 euros to enter (which still isn't bad compared to other bars).

#2) Café Indiana (multiple locations)

Now before anyone goes off on me for selecting an American like chain store- hear me out. As a study abroad student finding a cheap drink (other than wine) could be sometimes hard to find. Café Indiana served the cheapest yet strongest margaritas that I have ever had. This is a great place to go for happy hour without breaking the bank. Beware though that these chains have a distorted view of Native Americans so be prepared to be shocked- but it's part of the whole fun of going to one of these bars.

#3) Le Clown Bar- 114 Rue Amelot, 75011 Paris, France

Photo from www.frui-fi.com

Located near the famous Parisian Circus, Fete D'hiver, the Clown Bar is a great hideaway the could be described similarly as a wine cellar in the basement. The music is always a mix between Stromae and Britney Spears and the drinks include classic favorites along with not-so-known shots including my favorite 'The Madeline' (yes there is an alcohol that taste exactly like the pastry). The environment here is quaint and friendly on any given night of the week.

Photo from parislatinquater.com

#4) Literally every bar on Rue Mouffetard

Known infamously as the 'university' bar scene, this street offers various bars for everyone. It can seem so daunting at times that you might not know which bar to start off with. Don't worry- compared to other bars- those located on Rue Mouffetard and in the surrounding area generally stay open later than 2am. If you're craving re-enacting your own midnight in Paris scenes these are the bars for you.  Writers like Hemingway's favorite bar are located on rue Mouffetard ready for you to discover.  My favorites in this area include the Fifth bar and Student Bar. 

#5) N'importe quoi bar- 16 Rue du Roule, 75001 Paris, France

Photo from www.youshould.eu

Located in the heart of Paris, N'importe quoi offers many fun activities for guests. During the week the bar hosts different activities including a competitive DDR and Karaoke competitions. On the weekend the bar opens their downstairs up as a dancefloor. Regardless of what day of the week you go here, you are bound to have fun at this bar.


Until next time, 

With August comes scorching heat, and that means it's time for you to hit up the beach as much as possible. For many of us frequent beach goers, it can sometimes be hard to accessories and make our swimsuits look brand spanking new each time we go out, even though we only have three suits to rotate from. Here are some ideas of how you can accessories your bathing suit in four different fashions. As always keep cool and stay fashionable!

 
Style is more than just what you wear. It's about how you wear the clothes- with attitude. Demi Lovato does just that with her confidence. With her attitude she can pretty much rock anything and everything she has. That's why she's this week's Fashion Friday. I couldn't help but have her featured on the blog because she truly embodies what it means to have the clothes wear her rather than wearing clothes.

Whose your fashion idol? Comment below!

Every one in a while I find a facial cleanser that I fall in love with. Over the past couple of years purity has been one of my go-to cleansers to help me feel refreshed and get off extra make-up that make up wipes sometimes have trouble getting. As someone who has sensitive skin, this wash is created for sensitive skin and has left me breakout free. What makes the purity brand even more unique is that they have different cleansers that are multi purpose. Several of the brands cleansers are not only great for the face and body but are awesome as shampoos as well. This all-in-one cleanser also features an array of 'flavors' and even has a recipe on the back of each container with its corresponding flavor. Add this cleanser onto a wave brush and you'll feel as if you're in a spa in a heart beat.


What is your favorite cleanser and why? Comment below and let me know!


Until next time,

As someone who is going through the process of TAPIF and moving abroad once more, I find it comforting to read other people's blogs about their adventures, tips, and hardships of years past. Naturally during my application process I started reading several TAPIF blog and continued to read more as April drew closer. I'm sure others like myself will appreciate having more information on the program from various people. Here are just a few of my favorite TAPIF blogs selected by yours truly.

As told by Dana
French Crazy
Quiche Lauren
Little Miss Frenchified
La Vie en Crose
Je suis Mimsy
The definitely going to get lost years
Hardlysnarky.com
One Girl-One world

Have you blogged about your TAPIF experience? If so let me know and paste the link below!
Until next time!