Tips for "Unplugging" during the Holiday Season

Hello December! This is my favorite time of year! Christmas is my favorite holiday and my birthday is on New Year's Eve! :) So during December I try to unplug and really focus on reconnecting with friends and family. Technology can have a way of taking over your life and becoming a major distraction. Some of us can get so caught up in the "online" world that we aren't present and fully enjoying the REAL life we are in. The holiday season is the perfect opportunity to spend some time away from the constant barrage of email notifications and text messages and enjoy the joy, peace and magical moments that December brings! Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you are traveling during this holiday season:   Catch up some reading - Grab your favorite magazines and the latest bestseller (like my #ExtraordinaryPurpose) book to make the best use of your free time.  Set your tweets and posts to autopilot - Try to step away from social media and be present in the moment. Use tools like Hootsuite and Facebook Scheduler to plan ahead and schedule posts for your business pages.   Enjoy the moment - As you are sharing special moments with friends and family this season, be present and don't focus on the need to instantly share every move on social media. Snap a few photos and share updates on social media at the end of the day.

Thinking of extending your social media break? Worried about the impact a break could have on your business/brand? Check out this video for some more tips. Share with me! What are your holiday travel plans?  *comment below*

Travel Smart With Style: 2015 Kia Soul Car Review

I was provided the 2015 Kia Soul for four days in exchange for my review. 

All opinions expressed here are my own.

Two weeks ago I took a trip back to my home state of Texas to attend T.D. Jakes Megafest conference in Dallas Aug 19 - 23. While visiting with family and friends, networking and feeding my soul with inspirational messages (video recap here) I was able to be a part of the #DriveKia experience navigating through the "Big D" rolling in the 2015 Kia Soul. The Kia Soul is a sleek, stylish and affordable (only $15K base) crossover vehicle that I was looking forward to testing out during my four day trip around the city. Known for it's unique exterior, advanced technology and fun driving experience it's no wonder the 2015 Kia Soul was ranked highest in class  by J.D. Power. So if you are in the market for a new car this fall, check out my favorite Kia Soul features:

Steering Wheel Technology

Technology - My #1 favorite feature I loved about the Kia Soul was how simple and sleek the interior technology was. I was seriously so caught up in playing with all the features that it took me a minute to pull out the lot and start driving:) Having rented dozens of cars before when I was in corporate sales, it usually takes me forever to figure out how to work stuff in cars, however the Kia Soul technology was very simple to use. I plugged my phone in the USB port, synced my phone with the Bluetooth, programmed my satellite radio stations and plugged my destination into navigation in less than 3 minutes. So quick and easy! 

4.3" LCD display for Satellite Rear-Camera Display, Navigation and Sirius XM

Comfort - Riding in the Kia Soul felt so good! The seats were comfy and cozy. I was originally concerned driving around on leather seats in the triple digit heat of a Texas summer but I quickly discovered the Kia Soul had a fix for that..ventilated seats circulating cool or warm air..HALLELUJAH.

Sleek Leather Interior and Sub Woofers

Style - The "Alien" green exterior, bright Xenon headlights, and sleek panoramic sunroof were stylish features that made feel like one of the "cool kids" rolling in the Kia Soul. 

Kia Soul glows at night!

Panoramic Sunroof (Source: Kia.com)

Space - As a crossover and multi purpose vehicle the Soul was very spacious. I had a chance to catch up with my bestie, her hubby and my 5 year old goddaughter for breakfast while in Dallas. My goddaughter immediately jumped in the large truck space and made herself comfy. The seats let down so it would be perfect for a road trip, camping trip or drive in movie! There was plenty of leg room to make for a comfortable ride for my besties 6 foot husband and to fit their entire family and some extra luggage.

Plenty of leg room and space

To check out more on the Kia Soul and take advantage of their summer deals visit Kia.com

What's your favorite car feature?

Travel Smart: 10 Must Have Travel Apps for Women

With the power of a smartphone in your hand you can make your next trip better, safer and more adventurous. 

Check out the 10 must have apps that every smart, savvy traveler should download:

1. HotelTonight - Basic to Luxe  accommodations. Hotel Tonight offers same day and last minute hotel bookings at reduced rates. Book a hand picked hotel room with just 3 taps and a swipe in 10 seconds.

2. HipMunk - Planning your next trip and on a budget? Hipmunk compiles the best flight and hotel deals on a single page for quick and easy comparison. Airbnb and Homeaway rentals are now included in their hotel search results.

3. Pocket Earth -  Never worry about getting lost as long as your device is charged and you have the Pocket Earth app. Offline maps and travel guides are accessible without a wifi connection. The perfect companion for your next international trip.

Source: PocketEarth.com

4 Tips for a Better Beach Vacation

Happy March!

We are having a tough winter here in Chicago with blizzards and sub zero temps just about every week so I am officially on a countdown to Spring (17 days!). Even though I’m not hopeful we will see warm temps and sunshine here in Chicago by next month, I have made sure that I will be having a few days in the sun elsewhere. I’m headed back to my favorite vacation spot, Cabo San Lucas in April for a well deserved vacation and getaway with a few of my girlfriends from Texas. I’ve blogged about Cabo here before and my decision to purchase a timeshare, so I’m excited to go back “home” for a few days.

If you are planning to head to the beach this year, here are some #travelsmart tips to make sure it’s your next beach trip is the best ever:

Savvy Traveler Insider Secrets - #ChicagoTravelShow Recap

Last week I attended the 11th Annual Chicago and Travel Adventure Show, the largest travel show in the Midwest. When I attended the event for the first time in 2014 with friends, I had such a wonderful time that I knew I would make this a “go to” event every year! (Check out last years recap here) My good friend, travel blogger and Paris tour expert Paige of Paris by Paige traveled from Milwaukee to attend the expo and we made it a fun Girls Weekend!

Know Before You Go: Travel Tips for Exploring a New City

Happy New Year! Hope everyone is off to a fantastic and powerful 2015!

This time of year is always special for me! I celebrated my 34th birthday on New Years Eve (yes I am a #NYE Baby) at home with friends, food and lots of fun. 2014 was a phenomenal year for me: I lost 60 lbs, quit my corporate job to freelance, consult and coach full time , moved to a new apartment and of course traveled:)

On New Years Day I also celebrate my “Chicago-versary”. Seven years ago on January 1st I took a one way flight from Dallas/Ft Worth to Chicago to begin a new chapter in my life. I left behind friends, family, a beautiful home and opened myself to new opportunities the "big city" had to offer. For all the ups and downs it's still one of the best decisions I've made in my life thus far.

As I settled into Chicago back in 2008 I had to quickly learn how to adapt, navigate and explore my new city. Luckily I had a coworker and friend to help me but I still had to take it upon myself to explore Chicago on my own.

What's in my Bag? Summer Travel Chic Essentials

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Summer Fashion Travel Tips: How to look your best from the Beach to the Boardroom

Photo Credit: MikeyLovesWomen

Curvy Chicks! Summer is here and that means it’s time for vacations, concerts, retreats and beautiful summer nights that call for a new wardrobe! This summer I have a wedding in Texas, vacation to Cabo and a business conference in Miami on my agenda. As a “curvy chick” I take closer notice to how well my clothes fit, flow and flatter my body, while I keep up with the latest fashion trends.

Here are some tips to help you stay chic, trendy and fabulous from the beach to the boardroom:

• Beach Styling
• Maxi dresses are comfortable and flatters every body type!  If you are uncomfortable showing your shoulders and arms, pair your dress with a colorful cardigan or denim jacket.
• Whether you choose to rock a bikini or a one piece swimsuit, a loose fitting sundress or sarong makes for the perfect cover-up.
• Not into the “short shorts”? Bermuda shorts are a great alternative if you don’t want your thighs exposed but still want to give your legs room to breathe and get some sun!
• Summer Nights
• The perfect pair of jeans paired with a cropped blazer is my favorite go to outfit for a date or night on the town with the girls. Every girl should have a black blazer and dark colored jeans in her closet.
• Never leave home without your shapewear! Shapewear is a must to smooth out any rolls and help create the perfect hourglass shape...

Continue reading here

Top 3 Perks of Business Travel

In my career as a Midwest territory sales manager, I spent 70% of my time traveling for conferences and client meetings. Business travel can be exciting, when you have a four day conference in Vegas but can be exhausting when you end up on a plant tour in the “middle of nowhere” South Dakota. After six years in the sales world along the way I discovered there are personal perks to be gained that can work to your advantage.

Here are three tips to help you turn business travel into a “company paid” getaway:

1.     Loyalty Points

Make sure you are signed up for every loyalty program available via airlines, hotels and rental cars.

The best way to make this work for you is to consistently book with a preferred partner.  When I travel for work 90% of the time I fly American, rent from National Rental Car and stay at Hilton branded hotels. This is to ensure I maximize my earning potential on points, credits and miles. While these expenses are charged to your corporate account your loyalty points belong to YOU! Unless stipulated in your company travel policy they do NOT have to be used for business travel. 

Source:Travelsort.com

If you use your own personal card for expenses reimbursed at a later date, make sure that card is earning you some points too! Switch to a credit card associated with your preferred airline or hotel partner so all charges will be converted to points/miles!

My current loyalty perks annually earn me: 2 FREE checked bags, priority boarding, automatic first class upgrades, average of 3 free rental car days, two free hotel stays and enough miles for at least 1 roundtrip ticket.

2.     Weekend Stays

Extend your business trip over the weekend

Back Down Memory Lane : Throwback #Travel Photos and Memories

Last week I started to feel a bit nostalgic flipping through an old photo album, and by" flipping" I mean scrolling through my Facebook photos..oh technology! :) While reminiscing and thinking about how my travel journey started and all the amazing experiences and memories I've made over the years I became grateful for having the courage, adventurous spirit and resources to have explored so many great villages, towns and countries over the last 20+ years.

“Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again in the quietest chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey.” - Pat Conroy

My journey began as little girl. My mother, who passed away 12 years ago was a woman who traveled across the world with ease! Whether she was exploring France on a European vacation, hanging with the locals in Guadalajara Mexico, cruising through the Caribbean or sneaking off to Vegas, she lived it up!   (I still have the postcard she sent me from her Hawaiian vacation when I was a kid)  

Mommy and Me at "The Alamo" - San Antonio, TX 

She also made sure at an early age I embraced different cultures and experiences when at the young age of 12 she signed me up for a 8 day educational trip that took us all through Mexico, while she stayed back home in Texas. Before I was 18 I had already gone to Vegas 3 times with her and family friends, no slot machines for me of course! I'm blessed to have had a mother who was such an inspiration and I can't wait to share some of the same travel memories with my own children one day soon:)

Join me as I stroll down memory lane with some of my favorite #throwback photos from my  travels as a young adult......

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” - Mark Twain

What are some of your fondest travel memories?

My Top #Travel Tips!

      

      Packing - Always be strategic.  Keep it Light! Unless you want to drag around an overweight 55 lb bag (and pay the $100 fee!) you will need to have a plan for your packing. When I travel I always stay within 2-3 color themes so I reduce the number of shoes and accessories packed. Ladies, when it comes to handbags keep it simple: One large tote and a small clutch will do just fine! My number one rule on long trips: Don’t be afraid to REPEAT! Jeans and slacks can be worn at least twice during a trip.
 

Pre trip – Groupons, Living Social Deals and other city vouchers are a must! Before heading to your destination check out these sites for discounted deals at local restaurants. Most deals are between 30%-50% off for popular and newly opened establishments. Pre purchasing vouchers and planning out your meals will make it easier to stay within your travel budget.
 

     

Travel Smart Tips: Staying productive while you #travel

Delayed flight and stuck at an airport for 5 hours?
Bored in a hotel room alone?
Can't sleep on an airplane?     

                                 


The delays and downtime of traveling can be annoying but can also be an advantage. 

Check out these three quick tips to remain productive while you travel:

1. Catch up on reading - When you are delayed at an airport for hours or sitting in a hotel room you have to find something to do to avoid boredom! Getting a chance to catch up on reading is becoming my favorite part of traveling. When you are home and caught up in the daily tasks of work, family and managing life, the simple pleasures such as the joy of reading can take a backseat. Instead of playing on social media while you sit at the airport you can use this time to read the latest edition of your favorite magazine or book your friend keeps recommending. 

Here are two books that I read on my most recent trip to Florida. Both are great personal and professional development books that I recommend:)

 31 Amazing Life Lessons by Mel Roberson and You Lost Me at Hello by Donna Smith Bellinger      
     
                       


*Smarter Tip: Be even more productive by listening to an audiobook. The Audible  app is my new best friend! My latest download? The Love Playbook: Rules for Love, Sex, and Happiness by LaLa Anthony


2. Clean up email - Like most people my email inbox is always insane! Between personal, work, blogging and event planning I have 6 email accounts that I am trying to manage on a daily basis. I'm always overwhelmed trying to sift through unwanted newsletters, coupons and invites. So when I'm sitting at an airport gate or in-flight I use this time to clean out my emails. Make the most use of this down time by getting organized. Trust me you will feel accomplished when the unread items in your email read: ZERO :-)

*Smarter Tip: Don't connect to Wi-Fi. Delete emails from your tablet or Outlook mailbox in the offline mode to avoid the distraction of incoming mail.

3. Clear out clutter - Similar to my email I also find my purse, wallet, work/travel bag, notebook also cluttered and unorganized. During the downtime you have during travel it's a good time to start cleaning this stuff out. Sometimes I will sit in the hotel and go through all my receipts and random papers in my purse and clear them out. 
Just dump everything out on the bed and go for it! 

How do you stay productive while you travel?

Top 10 things to do while visiting New Orleans

I spent this past New Year’s Eve holiday in one of my favorite cities, New Orleans! 

This was my third time in the “Big Easy” and it was a fabulous time as always! 

From the food, the music, atmosphere and rich culture all around you are always guaranteed a great time in the “most unique” city in America!

 

If you plan on traveling to New Orleans, check out my list of things to do on your trip:

1.  Hang out in the French Quarter - The bars around Bourbon St., boutique      shopping, specialty shops and all the fine New Orleans cuisine can be found in and around this historic area.
2. Have a “Hand Grenade” - One of New Orleans most famous STRONG drinks can be found at any of the Tropical Isle locations on Bourbon St. Be careful it only takes one! 
   
3. Stroll down St Charles Ave. and the Garden District - This beautiful and historic district is located in Central New Orleans. Boasting antebellum mansions and manicured gardens this popular neighborhood is full of southern charm. 
4. Revisit History - Take advantage of the many museums, walking tours, riverboat cruises and unique experiences to learn more about the rich culture and history. 

How to #Travel Better with Samantha Brown of The Travel Channel

This past Sunday I attended the 10th Annual Chicago and Travel Adventure Show, the largest travel show in the Midwest. Over the weekend over 200 travel experts, tour operators, tourism officials and travel companies gathered to share knowledge and inspire us all to book our next vacation and discover our "dream trip". As a travel blogger I'm embarrassed to admit I knew nothing about this expo until the wonderful Beth Santos of Go Girl Travel Network organized a meetup. I would have missed out on all the expert speakers, cultural cuisine, travel deals, networking and of course all the FREE GIVEAWAYS!

Once I looked at the lineup of speakers which included experts Rick Steves and Pauline Frommer, one name had me rushing to the convention center,Samantha Brown, world traveler and everyone's favorite travel TV host! Long before I started blogging I loved watching the Travel Channel and following her adventures to exotic destinations, historic European cities and local destinations. Having a career that included traveling over 200 days a year, earned her the title of "The girl with the best job in the world"  Seriously! 

This is why her face is on my vision board:) 

Samantha Brown in Malaysia at a village of the Orang Asli (www.samantha-brown.com)

Ms. #Travel Chic Travels - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Happy Travel Tuesday!

I was M.I.A. last week on the blog and for good reason..VACATION! I was in Scottsdale, Arizona for a spa weekend and enjoyed all that the beautiful town had to offer: fine dining, warm weather, shopping and of course the SPA! Can't wait to recap the trip with you all next week :-)

Today I am highlighting another one of my favorite destinations PUERTO RICO! 

Hey Papi:-) 

Enjoy!

Subway Restaurant serves alcohol...alrighty then!

The view of San Juan from our hotel

What's in my Bag? Beauty Travel Essentials

This weeks blog is a guest post from one of my favorite beauty bloggers Beauty School Scarlet (@abeautyscarlet). Enjoy! 

5 Beauty Travel Tips to Keep You TSA Approved

Do you ever have trouble packing the right beauty products for your vacation??? Do you get confused on what to take and what to leave??? Do you have to check your bag EVERY single trip because you just have too many products??? If you answered yes to any of these questions…then you need to continue, read on and join the club…LOL. These are Beauty Blogger problems that I face on constant basis and I am tired of the TSA making me check my bags all the darn time L. I have decided to take matters into my own hands and share my top 5 beauty tips to help us all overcome this problem :) 

Tip #1: This tip is easy but it took me forever to see what was right in front of my face (don’t judge me, I have seen the light and opened my eyes). If you are taking a trip, when you shop for your beauty products, always shop the travel section. Every store has one these days from Target to Sephora and everything in between. The travel section offers sizes that are TSA approved. My go to travel section for skin and hair products is the Beauty To Go area in Sephora. They offer the brands that I love and the products that I use.

Featured Interview - Evita Robinson of Nomadness TV

While I was in New York City last month  at the Blogging While Brown Conference I had the pleasure of meeting Evita (Evie) Robinson, founder of Nomadness TV Travel Tribe. Nomadness TV is an urban travel online social community of almost 5,000 members.  They are the new age travel movement!
Nomadness Tribe is 75% female and 89% Black/Latino memebers who currently reside in over 20 countries, with highest concentration in New York, Washington D.C., Houston, Atlanta, and Bahia, Brazil.

I had the chance to catch up with Evita (@EvieRobbie) before she heads off to Spain on her latest adventure. Read on as she shares more on her passion for travel and what inspires her. 

I want to hear more about Nomadness Tribe and how it got started! What inspired you to start “The Tribe”? 
I had just gotten back to New York City after living in Japan and Thailand over the course of a year and a half. I came back with a real case of travel withdrawl that no one in my family or friends could really relate to it. At that point I started looking for online communities and couldn't find any that I felt a tie too. They were boring, lacked diversity and were impersonal. I didn't find it, so I created it in the Tribe.