Amsterdam Canal Cruise

Scenes of Amsterdam from the Canals

Amsterdam Canal boat ride

A boat ride through the Amsterdam canals is a GREAT way to see the city. Amsterdam is filled with 100+ miles of canals and about 1,500 bridges, so if you’re visiting Amsterdam (especially if it’s your first time) you should definitely make it a point to see the city from the water’s vantage point!

Get ready for some beautiful views on the calm Amstel river, all while learning the history of this fascinating city.

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Nice, France

A Nice Day in Nice, France

Sure, Paris is amazing. Obviously. But one area of France that you definitely don’t want to miss on (especially in the summer) is the Côte d’Azur / French Riviera. It’s located on the Southeastern coast of France, and close to the Italian border. This is reflected through its gorgeous Mediterranean waters, amazing sunny climate, and Italian-influenced architecture. The main cities of the French Riviera are Cannes, Nice, and the sovereign state of Monaco. Although I did visit all 3 towns, I want to highlight my day spent in Nice (pronounced “niece”).

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My Signature Pose

My “Signature” Pose (Apparently)

My Signature Pose

I don’t know about ya’ll, but I look through my old travel photos ALL. THE. TIME.

I could be watching TV or something, and I’ll be simultaneously browsing old pictures from my travels. I’ve looked at them dozens of times before, and yet every time they put me in such a good mood because they take me back to some of the best times of my life.

But recently as I was looking through them again, I noticed something….

I have a “signature” pose.

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Expat

Expat News / Updates / Freak Outs

Expat

I’ll admit it, last week I was hard core slackin’ on this blog. I didn’t post quite as frequently as usual, I was slow to respond to sweet comments, and I didn’t get to do much browsing of other people’s blogs. And I missed it! But I’ve been SO busy starting to really prepare for my big move to Ireland. That’s right, soon I’ll be an expat in Ireland ahhhhh!!!!!!

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Quinta da Regaleira – Sintra, Portugal

The Mystical, Magical, Marvelous Quinta da Regaleira

Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra, Portugal – the perfect day trip from Lisbon!

The Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra, Portugal is the most magical, perfect day trip from Lisbon.

I mean, this place has everything. A palace with velvet walls, lush gardens, hidden caves, grottoes, statues, AN INVERTED TOWER. (Someone PLEASE tell me they read that in Stefon’s voice. Anyone? Please?)

What I’m saying is…you need to go. OK? Ok great. Now, onto the more formal breakdown…

When leaving Lisbon, Portugal to visit nearby Sintra one afternoon, we decided on a whim to visit the Quinta da Regailera. This Gothic palace and chapel is located in the historic area of Sintra and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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Buku Music + Arts Project 2014

Buku, I’ll Miss You: A Review of Buku Festival 2014

Buku Music + Arts Project 2014

Today, I sit in my desk at work. A year ago, however, I was on my way to New Orleans for BUKU Music + Arts Project 2014, a 2-day music festival with an EDM, hip-hop, and indie pop heavy lineup.

I recently did a post for Helene in Between reviewing my experience at BUKU 2014, but for those of you who missed it, and because I haven’t done a music post in a while, AND because I can’t stop thinking about it as I sit here at my desk, here’s another little recap.

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5 Reasons why Cinque Terre is the Absolute WORST.

5 Reasons Why Cinque Terre is the Absolute WORST

5 Reasons why Cinque Terre is the Absolute WORST.

Is Cinque Terre, the iconic cluster of 5 islands along the Italian Riviera, worth visiting? “Cinque Terre” translates to “The 5 Lands,” and consists of five small villages, which are Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Its a popular tourist destination AND a UNESCO World Heritage site.

And it is just THE worst. Here’s why.

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Liebster Award

Sunday Thoughts / Just Another “Liebster Award” Post

Liebster Award

This is my current view of my desk area in my bedroom. Its not always fun to have to work on freelance projects on a beautiful Sunday, but what makes it doable is a warm cup of chai tea, a great Sunday Spotify playlist, and this cozy view!

If you’ve been around this blogosphere and are sick of these “Liebster Award” posts, just go ahead and ignore this whole post (but come back tomorrow, because I’ve got some badass posts planned this week!). But if you’re not, or if you want to learn a little more about me, then stick around!

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Stratford-Upon-Avon, Shakespeare's birthplace

A Stratford-Upon-Avon Pit Stop

Stratford-Upon-Avon

The historical and picturesque town of Stratford-Upon-Avon lies upon the River Avon (hence the name) and is most well-known for being the home of Shakespeare. Ever heard of him? It was the perfect little pit stop before heading to the hustle and bustle of my beloved London. We were able to stop for a delicious lunch and tour some of the main sights. Stratford will not only make you fall in love with Shakespeare all over again, but will make you fall in love with its beautiful gardens and quaint cotswolds architecture.

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The Money Shot

“The Money Shot”

The Money Shot

You all know what I’m talking about…that moment when you’re acting like a stereotypical tourist somewhere new and amazing, and after snapping away you look at your thousands of photos and find that ONE. That Golden Child. That diamond. That photo that looks like it came straight outta your “Travel” Pinterest board. And you say, “DANG that’s good! This one looks like it could be a postcard. Or better yet, I HAVE seen this on a postcard! Seriously, THIS is the money shot.”

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