Girl Meets World: NYC Edition

This summer , my sister, our friend, and I took a very interesting vacation together. After a year of planning and saving, it was decided we would visit New York, Virginia, and Florida--all for very different reasons. But this post is about New York and our adventures there. 

It started on July 16th at 11:00 a.m. when the three of us met at the airport. Ahead of us, we had a 3-hour fight to Japan, a 13-hour flight to Washington, and a 1-hour flight to New York. When at last we reached La Guardia Airport, NY, and took our shuttle to our B&B in Washington Heights, we were very ready to 1) eat real food, and 2) sleep horizontally. Our B&B host was wonderful and had bacon and orange juice waiting for us. 

Travel Hacks You Haven't Heard

There is a taboo on packing.

 But I believe that with the proper system packing can be completely stress free. When we have to pack our 21st century instinct is to hop online (like you are now) and discover all the possible ways to make it easier. But if you are like me and you've heard all the hacks before and are looking for something new I give you... TRAVEL HACKS YOU HAVEN'T HEARD!

1. TRAVEL BOOK

This little book should contain your airline login information, your flight conformation code, the number for you to call if your credit/debit card is stolen, etc. Keep it in writing. You never know what is going to happen to your phone. 

 

2. INFORMATION CARD

1 of these in every piece of luggage. What if you loose a bag? What if your luggage tag gets ripped off and they cannot locate you to return it? Keep this card INSIDE a pocket of your bags.

3. CHARGERS

The easiest thing to forget as they are often in the wall. Sharpie a checklist on a see-through bag to confirm they are all in there before you move to your next destination.  

Ultimate Summer Packing Guide

1. THE BIG SIX

Six essential tops for any summer getaway. Packing any variation of these tops insures that you have something for any occasion you may find yourself in. 

1. Pattern Tee: creates a dynamic, effortless outfit without layering. 

2. Plain White Tee: allows for styling up or down

3. Button Up: for more coverage

4. Warm Sweater: even on a tropical vacay you can find yourself in need of this  

5. Tank Top: a general must have

6. Denim Button Up: for layering to add flare 

                                                           2. BASIC BOTTOMS

These 4 bottoms and dress will cover all your bases. Never underestimate the power of packing a dress.     

A Summer to Remember

               

Year after year you promise yourself this will be the summer to remember. And year after year there is always something to disappoint you. But here we are again, the days are getting longer and the nights shorter and you are making plans with your friends to have an unforgettable summer. But you can't help the little voice in your head that's saying "ya right, that's what you said last year". Well my friend, I'm here to tell you that this summer really will be the one to remember. Why? Because it's not last summer or the summer before that. Starting now past summers never even existed. It's time for new experiences, new memories, and new adventures. It's as simple as waking up and making everyday count. 2015 is your year and everyday you're just getting started.

Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway

 I took a deep breath (hyperventilated, procrastinated, made excuses) and dove in!

 I have a huge fear of the ocean and when you live on an island it's kind of in the way. I can swim and everything but if I can't touch the ground I flip. So during the weekend I felt the fear and did it any way. Snorkeling, swimming, and banana boating. Once I got the fear out of the way it was almost impossible to get me out of the water. It reminded me not to let fear get in the way of a great opportunity and neither should you. Feel the fear and do it anyway. 

Airport Adventures | Leaky Con 2014

Bucket List item 1

THE UNIVERSAL GLOBE!!!!!!!!!! Number 1 on my bucket list was checked off this summer when I traveled 8,244.4 miles via plane to Orlando, Florida and stepped through the gates of Universal Studios theme park. The whole experience was one I will never forget. As a film enthusiast Universal Studios was a dream come true. Dream big people!

Tuesday.... I think.

12:00 am  We are packing. Smart huh? Well we were caught up with stuff so now we are very hastily, but still very wisely, packing.

1:00 am  Finally done packing and now sleep.

4:45 am  Dana is telling me to get up. How about no? But I get up. I know we have to be driving by 5 am to get to the airport on time.

6:00 am  Still driving. Getting a little worried. There is some traffic nothing we can't handle. We got this.

6:15 am  Made it to the airport. Getting our boarding passes and being put through the express security line. Score.

7:00 am  Sitting at our gate for about 5 minutes when Dana and I get an e-mail. Our flight has moved to a different gate. Okay, no biggie. We start walking. One eternity later. We make it to our new gate.

7:46 am  One banana and a box of fries later and it's almost boarding time. Met a few people headed to Leaky Con on the same flight as us. That's cool. 5 hours in a pressurized can hurtling across the United States of America. Let's do it.

An afternoon in LA

                                                                                                                    

                                           
                                                                               

                                                                                                                                               

We spent our Sunday afternoon touring Hollywood Boulevard and had lunch at Mel's diner. Mel's was such a great experience and I checked alot of things off my bucket list.

Big Bear Cabin

Part 1 of our trip to the cabin up on Big Bear Mountain, California 

Airport adventures!

After a 3 hour flight to Japan and a 10 hour flight to LA, we are on solid ground!

The final countdown!

We are on our way to the airport!