I like to consider myself to be a social media addict. Last year during my travels I relied heavily on social media in order to contact friends and family abroad. I'll admit, I love sharing my travels on social media, but sometimes I find myself needing to rant about certain predicaments. So when my friend suggested that I join the Facebook group, Girls Love to Travel, I didn't  hesitate to join.

I bit about the group. "Girls LOVE Travel is a global community of active and aspiring female travelers providing resources and empowerment to one another through safety, socializing and support". That's right folks, this is an ALL GIRLS group to ask about travel tips, be a support system, and connect with fellow travelers.

It sounds cheesy, but this is more than your average Facebook group. It is an international sisterhood that encourages users to connect over events. Founded in 2015, Girls Love to Travel has expanded into more than just a typical Facebook group. You could debate and say that it has become a type of corporation with its sponsored trips, merchandise, and admin team.

I would be lying if I said that the group hasn't helped me significantly in the past years, and I'm sure that many users would agree. I have used this site for international job advice, information on required documents while traveling, and moral support for those days of being homesick while abroad.

If you are interested in being a member of the group (you have to be a girl, sorry boys), check on the link.  Are you already apart of the group? If so comment below and let me know what you think of it!

Until next time,

Networking can be a scary thing. So much so that sometimes I even break out on my chest because I'm scared that I'll make a fool out of myself. Yep, that's right folks, I'm scared out of my whits when it comes networking. This may come to as a shock to those who know me and think of me as a social butterfly but I assure you that this is real.

Photo from Pinterest.com

I consider myself pretty candid when it comes to the blog. In case you aren't aware of my current life 'situation' here is a mini crash-course to get you up to speed.

A mini-lesson on Sabrina Kennelly's Life (so far): I have a degree in French and Communications with a Certificate in International Journalism. Throughout my time in College, I worked my butt off because I knew that the job market was competitive. I worked two jobs (within my job), completed three internships, studied abroad, partook and student activity life, and even graduated early from college. My first year out of college I partook in a teaching program in France. This gave me the opportunity to strengthen my skills in international relations and ultimately have the ability to see many different parts of the world.

Fast forward to last week. I received an email from Linkedin that I have been on the job search for 90 days. Yep, 90 days. If you personally know me, you probably know that I am my biggest critic. Honestly, I'm embarrassed for myself at how bad this situation has been going in terms of the job search. When people ask me what I'm doing I simply tell them that I'm strengthening my yoga moves because I'd rather not discuss my job search with others. I am fortunate enough to have a job at the moment with great coworkers but yearn to put my talents to use. I just wish that recruiters and hiring managers could see the same thing.

I don't want this post to come off as a whiny spoiled brat complaining about her life. I realize that I am fortunate in MANY ways. I am fortunate to have my parents and friends ongoing support during this time and couldn't even fathom how this could be for someone who has a family that depends on them. No matter what, finding a new job is a humbling experience.

I've learned a lot about myself in the last 90 days, and more specifically, the last week. After what seems to be rejection after rejection I finally received a job offer with my dream company. There was just one problem; when I received the email that I had received the job I immediately said "oh no". Suddenly I realized (maybe a bit too late in the game some might say), that I didn't want the job. I was upset at myself for not wanting it and feeling emotionless about the position.

I've said it time and time again; I am a big believer that things happen for a reason. I am slowly coming to terms of what my needs and expectation are. I want, no crave, a work-life balance. I want to work to live. I want to use my skills in photography, communications, and French to the test. When people see my resume, they automatically say 'sales' and though I'm happy that this is one my strengths, I would prefer to work on others.

So as of today, I'm rebranding the job search and myself. I will continue to network and grow my freelance photography business, and even though I might not be traveling as much as I want at the moment, I am going to remember that sometimes the best lessons in life don't happen while seeing the Eiffel tower or eating pasta in Italy. Sometimes some of the best lessons that you learn about yourself happen at home.

Until next time,

On Tuesday, Popstar and actress Demi Lovato released her Youtube original documentary 'Simply Complicated'. I'm not going to lie and tell you that I wasn't counting down the days for this to be released. As someone who has followed Lovato even before she debuted on Camp Rock (yes, I'm one of those weirdos that like to state that I was a fan BEFORE everyone else), this documentary allowed for old and young fans alike to understand the struggles that Lovato has faced throughout her life. In the documentary, Demi Lovato opens up about everything from her breakup with That 70's show Wilmar Valderrama, her abuse of drugs and alcohol, the pressure of fame, and her eating disorder.

The documentary, which is directed by Hannah Lux Davis, had many revelations and admittedly tear-jerking moments about the stars past. As a 'Lovatic' (aka a fan of Demi Lovato), much of the information in the documentary came as a shock. For the first time, fans received a glimpse into the severity of the situation that Lovato and her team had gone through during her time of using and abusing drugs and alcohol. Though I knew that she had been in treatment, I was unaware of how uncommitted she was to the program and that she had lied about her sobriety.

Watching 'Simply Complicated' allowed for viewers to receive an understanding into Lovato's pain. The girl has obviously dealt with a lot of loss and hurt and this can be seen throughout the documentary from her ongoing struggles with her weight. I'll be honest with you and admit that this Youtube Original might not be for everyone. It is a testimony to Lovato's strength but could be deemed as triggering for those who have or are facing similar tribulations to the stars. At the end of the documentary, I was more proud of Lovato and her management  team Phil McIntyre than ever before. This series is a testament to their strength and the development of her as individual and as an artist.

Have you seen the documentary 'Simply Complicated'? Comment below and let me know what your thoughts are!

Halloween is right around the corner and, probably like myself, you are freaking the heck out over what to wear. As a fashion lover I always find it hard to find costumes that are not only cute; but that I can re-wear in the future in my day-to-day life. I'm a firm believer in trying to find a costume that you can already piece together at your house or can find easily at Goodwill. Below are a couple of Halloween Costumes that you can wear either individually or with your girl squad.


#1) Beyonce- Lemonade

#2) Paris Hilton for her birthday

(Fun fact: This dress has become really popular again and is available on ASOS and Zara for purchase)

                                     #3) Winter for American Horror Story
                          

#4) Victoria Secret Model


Group idea: Look what you made me do- different versions of Taylor Swift

Photo from StyleScrapbook.com

Ask any fashion blogger who their inspirations are, and I'm they'll give you an extensive list. One of my all-time favorite fashion bloggers hands down is the creator of StyleScrapbook.com,  Andy Torres.  Since 2007, Torres has been sharing her styling tips with the world on her blog StyleScrapbook.com.  I became a fan of Torres one day when I was scrolling on Lookbook.nu  and became inspired by her twist of sporty and ready-to-wear clothing. 

You might have been scrolling on your Facebook feed this morning wondering why so many of your friends have status updates saying "me too". Here's an explanation of why your friends are using the hashtag and how this can be a learning experience for everyone.

Last week, Hollywood tycoon Harvey Weinstein actions of abusing women hit the newsstands. Suddenly household names, such as Angelina Jolie, were coming forward saying that they too were victims of Weinstein abuse. People around the world were shocked as woman courageously came out and told their stories.

Sexual harassment and abuse shouldn't be taken lightly. Yet in today's society, they are. When you think of sexual abuse and/or harassment you probably don't think of your best friend or your favorite actor. Typically, when we think about sexual abuse or harassment we think of the numbers.

 During college orientation, the statistics of rape and sexual assault were harped time and time again. One out of five women and one in 16 men are sexually assaulted while in college. The numbers are sickening to think about and the idea of it happening to you or someone else is unthinkable.

Sexual assault happens every day. Scratch that every 98 seconds in America (RAINN). Still, we seem to glide over the important topics of conversations when it comes to sexual assault or harassment because it might be 'awkward'.

Yesterday, actress Alyssa Milano courageously came up with the idea to shed light on this problem. By using the hashtag #metoo on social media, friends, family, and peers can see how many people have been affected by sexual harassment or abuse.


The unfortunate reality is this: it is all too common. I hope that seeing the #metoo hashtags will be a wakeup call and show you that these people are more than just numbers. It is your aunt, sister, best friend, boyfriend, and even maybe yourself. Sexual harassment and assault are real and we need to find a way to stop it.

It's officially fall! One of my favorite things to do as a photographer is snapping pictures before the cold happens in Minnesota (I know, I know, it's something we don't want to admit is coming, but it is). As a photographer, it is important to know what your strengths and weaknesses are. One of them for myself is shooting outdoors. I prefer natural lighting rather than 'artificial'. Creating outdoor looks for myself and models in below 30 temperatures isn't fun, so that means that the race is on for snapping pictures before the snow hits.

Below are a couple previews from a recent photo shoot I conducted at the Minneapolis Gutherie Theater. I'll be honest and tell you that a lot of people shoot in this area. I'm not one to do the same stereotypical shoot as others (ie the yellow background or stone arch bridge). There isn't anything wrong with shooting in those locations, but my goal as a photographer is to try and transport the viewers to uncharted territories. The inspiration for this photo shoot was from black-and-white shots of model Meridith Mickelson. If you've ever seen her Instagram, she loves showing off her mouth. She does out of the box poses (that somehow turn out sexy) such as sticking out her tongue, pursing her lips, and putting her finger in her mouth. We tried re-creating some of her posses while putting our own spin on it. Let me know what you think of the pictures below in the comment section.

Photo by Cnn.com

The attacks in Las Vegas have brought up several crucial debates in our nation. The second amendment, mental health, and white privilege are just some of the major topics of conversation due to Sunday night's tragic events.

Let's talk about terrorism. As a travel blogger, this has become an unfortunate and frequent topic of conversation in my daily life as well as on the blog (you can read my latest post here).  There's a big debate about what terrorism is and isn't. In order to make this as clear and concise as possible let's look at some of our favorite dictionaries for help. According to Merriam-Webster 'terrorism' is "the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion". Dictonairy.com defines terrorism as "the state of fear and submission produced by terrorism or terrorization".  While the Oxford dictionary defines it as "the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims."





You might be shaking your head in confusion from these definitions and that's okay. Typically (as seen from the definitions above), terrorism is linked with politics. As Americans, we automatically link terrorism to the Middle East. Images of the Twin Towers falling down and Saddam Hussein play in our minds when we hear the words "terrorist" or "terrorism".  Type the word 'terrorist' in Google and you'll find these images in your head pop up.

The unfortunate reality is this: acts of terrorism are happening in our own backyard by our own neighbors. Terrorists aren't (always) guys from lands far far away seeking vengeance for political or religious reasons. A terrorist could be the person eating fries at McDonald's, a high school student, or someone buying a ticket at the movie theater. 



There is a reason why you panic on a plane when you see someone that fits the stereotype of a terrorist walk down the aisle. It's because the media portrays white people as the victims when they, in fact, *typically*  are the ones inflicting pain. Throughout the last eight months, Vox.com  reports that more Americans have been killed in attacks by white American men with no connection to Islam than by Muslim terrorists or foreigners (https://www.vox.com/world/2017/10/2/16396612/las-vegas-mass-shooting-terrorism-islam). Whiteness has somehow protected men, such as  Stephen Paddock, to be considered a terrorist. Instead, the media labels him as a "lone wolf", "gambler", or even as a grandfather

The term "lone wolf" has been used to describe previous white male attackers including James Homes during the Aurora Colorado shooting and Dylann Roof who shot and killed a pastor and eight other parishioners in Charleston, South Carolina. "For people of color, and especially for Muslims, the treatment is often different. Muslims often get labeled as a terrorist before all the facts have come out." states the Intercept.com (https://theintercept.com/2017/10/02/lone-wolf-white-privlege-las-vegas-stephen-paddock/).

If we look back at the definitions of "terrorism" we'll see that the incident that took place on Sunday night in Las Vegas was an act of terrorism. Stephen Paddock inflicted pain on an innocent group of people for his own personal gain. He was the only known person behind this operation, but that doesn't make him a lone wolf. It would be too kind to describe someone that killed 59 people solely as a "lone wolf". Stephen Paddock was a white man. Stephen Paddock was a gambler. Stephen Paddock killed innocent people. Stephen Paddock was a terrorist.