3 Things To Get Before You Travel Again

The world is opening up again little by little. If you have a bit of wanderlust and are more than ready to explore the wondrous sights around you, take some time to prepare so that you are ready for your next adventure.

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Compression Socks

With so much of your life moving from active to sedentary in the past months, it is essential to your health to consider your body when preparing for travel. Sitting on an airplane or in a vehicle in a tighter-than-usual space can lead to problems. Luckily, there are some ways to mitigate the effects of being stationary for long periods.

One item that many travelers turn to is compression socks. If you have not used them before, get the facts about wearing compression socks to know what to expect. These unique socks are specifically made to put pressure on your legs to help improve blood flow and decrease swelling. (Always consult with your healthcare provider if you need further guidance.)

Go ahead and purchase some compression socks in colors to complement your travel ware. Gone are the days where they need to be dull and boring. Find a fun pair or two to suit your personal style.

A Wrap

Toting along an item such as a pashmina or wide scarf might seem like too much to bring, especially if you are traveling to warmer climates. However, consider this: a wrap of any sort will serve double or triple duty for your needs. You can wear it in a variety of fun and playful ways to show off a favorite dress for an elegant dinner. A pashmina will keep you comfortably warm on the airplane or during cooler evenings out. You can even fold it up for an impromptu pillow when you need to rest.

Here is a fun video tutorial on how to wear a pashmina.

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Passport

If you are like many others itching to get back out there, you may not have used your passport in almost two years. Before planning any out-of-the-country expeditions, take out your most recent passport and give it a once-over. Check the expiration date first. If the expiration date will fall anywhere near your travel dates, apply for a new one as soon as possible. As you know, travel delays occur without notice due to forces of nature or mechanical difficulties. If your passport expires before you are scheduled to arrive home, you may find yourself in an unnecessarily frustrating situation.

Be sure to read and understand the differing timelines for receiving your new passport depending on what you are applying for. Next, look at the condition and number of remaining pages in the passport itself. If necessary, make a new application based on your needs.

Finally, consider how you will be storing or transporting your passport during your travels. Investing in a security belt, hidden passport holder, or keeping it locked in the hotel safe are sound options.

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Get excited and get back out into the world around you. With a little preparation, you can have your best adventure yet.

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Booking a Winter Getaway? Here's What You Should Pack

 

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If the summer seems to have passed you by and you haven’t been away on vacation, you might be feeling a little down in the dumps. After all, the coronavirus pandemic has made it hard to get away to your favorite destinations, which has made many travel lovers feel blue. However, the year is not over yet; plenty of people are trading up their summer vacations for winter ones, to avoid the crowds and experience a change of scenery in the winter months.

Have you considered a winter vacation in Lapland, on a ski holiday, or a mountain spa weekend? We’ve got you covered. Here’s what you should be packing for your winter getaway!

1. A high quality winter jacket.

Winter getaways are only great if you prioritize comfort. Fact. If you don’t pack enough warm clothes and shoes to make yourself feel cosy inside and out, you will have a miserable time trudging around in the snow. A high quality winter ski coat or jacket should be on the top of your list.

Your winter coat doesn’t need to be from a big label brand like Canada Goose to be of good quality. The material should be durable, the lining extra warm, and the fit loose enough to go over a sweater, too. 

A high quality winter jacket will enable you to face the cold in a snowy environment with no fear or discomfort and soak up the whole winter vacation experience in style.

2. A camera. 

Winter vacations are underestimated when it comes to amazing photo opportunities. You’ll always bring your camera on a summer vacation, to snap shots of the beach, the ocean and the beautiful sunsets - but what about the beauty of a winter getaway? 

Crisp, white snow, stunning sunrises over the hillside, and bright blue winter skies make for amazing photographs, so ensure you are bringing a good quality SLR or DSLR camera to make memories with. You don’t want to let this trip of a lifetime pass you by without snapping some beautiful wintery shots to look back on.

3. Snow-proof shoes.

There is no worse feeling than having wet feet, and if you’re going on a winter vacation, expect to get your feet deep in some snow, mud or rain. Snow-proof shoes or boots such as wellies or walking boots should be considered essential for a winter getaway. Your sneakers won’t cut the mustard when the snow starts coming in thick and fast!

4. Snacks.

This might sound like an odd thing to pack on vacation, but trust us, you don’t want to be caught in cold weather without something to eat. Hiking or skiing in the mountains or other countryside locations during the winter is a beautiful experience, but if your blood sugar drops, you need snacks pronto or things can get tricky. You need to make sure you always have something to eat with you when you are out exploring in the cold.

Overall, don’t let a summer of work at the office get you down - book a winter vacation and get a taste for a new kind of holiday experience. 

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Happy National Dance Day!

Happy National Dance Day!

I decided to share these photos that I had taken in California's Death Valley.  It is such an amazing location to model, especially for belly dance.  I had been dreaming of doing a photo shoot there for a long time, so I am thrilled I had the chance.

The costume I am wearing is one I put together myself.  The skirt is hand sewn by me, and the top and belt were purchased.  I had made many of my own dance costumes. 

 

Gold Embroidery

I hope everyone had a great Mother's Day weekend!  I spent some of the day with my mother, and we had a nice time, in spite of the weather not being too great yesterday.

Today, we worked on planting more trees in our yard, and putting up a few fence panels along the front of our property.  I am so happy to see them finally going up again!  Our goal is to eventually have our whole property fenced in.  I like having a clean line for what is mine!

This embroidered dress was a thrift store find.  I thought the gold was beautiful, and intricate.  I am such fan of embroidery!   Usually, the more details, the better...as long as I am comfortable. 

Biltmore Christmas Vacation

Today's post is my Biltmore Christmas vacation post!  

It is a bit late, but better late than never!  

I am s happy with how the photos turned out of me outside, wearing my red beret from Aliexpress and my red coat from Amazon.

I finally decided on this outfit for the house tour, because I knew I wanted to wear something pretty, comfortable, and that would keep me warm, but not too hot.  Since we had to take the bus to the Biltmore location, I did not want to carry a huge coat with me, but I certainly did not want to be too cold and miserable.  The red coat I decided on was just the right weight.

I took all of these photos with my Samsung Galaxy S8.  We also did not want to be lugging around a huge DSLR for the tour.  I am very happy with how well they turned out.  Some of the photos are blurry, but that is only because I as not still enough, and did not take the time to make sure I got the shot.

For shoes, I decided to just go with a pair of black flats.  I knew I didn't want to wear any heels when I would be touring such a huge place!

The Biltmore is the largest private home in the United States, did you know?

It really was a beautiful place to see, with lots of gorgeous decor.  It was a great experience, and Vaughan and I had a lot of fun.  The people that worked there, and also the guests were all very nice. 

Vaughan and I stayed at the Village Hotel.  There was live music, and special events, like cookie decorating during our stay.

Have you ever visited the Biltmore?  If so, what was your favorite part?

Green Parrot Sweater

I wore this outfit to Virginia Beach for my anniversary celebration with Vaughan last week.  The sweater is one I bought from Goodwill.  I thought the pattern was just too fun to pass up.  I also thought Virginia Beach was the perfect place to where it since it's kind of a tropical pattern, but a winter fabric. 

The hat Is one I just bought from Roses on sale.  I wore it pulled down over my ears because it was very cold and windy in Virginia Beach that day!

My leggings are from Walmart, and the bag is another Goodwill find.

For this trip, we stayed at the Baymont by Wyndham on the beachfront.

Black Velvet Cap

I wore this outfit on the trip down to Ashville last month. 

Everything I am wearing, except for the leggings, all came from Goodwill.  I love the decorative details on the front of the zippered sweater jacket.  I thought the red was perfect for the Christmas season, too.

Most importantly, I wanted to be warm and comfortable for the long trip down the Ashville, so I opted for casual, but cute clothing.

I am standing out front of the Crown Plaza where we stayed out first night in town.  It was a nice stay!

Long Black Faux Fur Coat

I wore this coat on our trip to Ashville for Christmas.  I have another one just like it, but it is one I used for years so it's not in as good of shape.

The stone wall behind me is part of the Crown Plaza.  That was a very nice place to stay!  We had a nice tme there.

The beret I am wearing is from Aliexpress.  I was so happy it came just in time for our trip to see the Biltmore!  The beret comes in a rainbow of colors, and I received several compliments on it!

Black and White Plaid Jacket

This is one of the outfits I wore on our last day at the Biltmore.  I pretty much wore my flats the whole time.  I wanted to bw comfortable for any walking we would end up doing.  

The Christmas tree behind me is one that was just outside of the Village Hotel.  It was a perfect place to stop and take a few photos!

Vaughan wore a coat my mother bought him last year.  We bought new buttons for it online, and made the coat into a triple-breasted one.  I think it turned out great!

 

Murfreesboro, North Carolina

Vaughn and I spent our first Halloween together in Murfreesboro, North Carolina. We decided going back there today would be a fun way to spend this Halloween.  

We drove by the beautiful Chowan University, and I snapped these OOTD photos on the street, near and in front of the vistor's center.

I remember when we were there before we shopped at the Maxway on Main Street, so we stopped by there again today and bought a few snacks for the road.

I bought the blouse I am wearing a year or so ago with the intention of wearing it for Halloween, because I thought the colors were perfect for the season.  Today, I finally got around to wearing it!  A nice lady even told me she liked my blouse as I was walking into Maxway with Vaughan.

The bag is from Roses, and the leggings are one of those super-soft pairs I bought from Walmart a year or so ago.  I think I bought the belt in L.A.  I thought the bright orange was just perfect for Halloween!

I hope everyone is having a safe and fun Halloween!

Blue and Gold Anchor Sweater

I wore this outfit while traveling through North Carolina last Janurary.  I loved how it turned out!  The hat is one I bought for just a few dollar at Fallas.  The sweater is one I purchased from Ebay.  I just loved the anchors, and nautical look of it!  It is all cotton, which I like, because I can't stand wearing wool sweater.  I fond them to be too uncomfortable to wear

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The leggings are dreamy!  The are so super soft, and I love the jewel tone of the blue color.  I bought them from Walmart last winter.

If I cam going to be casual, I like to wear things that are at least as cute as this outfit.  It was comfortable, and great to travel in.