tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12975084099829209652024-03-18T16:58:36.563-04:00My Mellow ChaosMay we all live a life that is mellowly chaoticBrittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11088477248387591203noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297508409982920965.post-88715307177190064022019-04-08T14:41:00.000-04:002019-04-08T14:56:45.180-04:00Subscriptions You Need Before SummerTrue Life: I'm Addicted to Subscription Boxes. Trying new things and having them delivered right to my door is a luxury I can't get enough of.<br />
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I've tried out quite a few so it's very easy to decide which ones work for me and which ones do not.<br />
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Since warmer weather is on its way in NC, today I wanted to talk about three subscription boxes + one website that can help you save money (if you hate subscription boxes, at least check out the fourth one) while we all begin our Spring/Summer shopping (p.s. this is not an ad, I'm in no way affiliated with these boxes --just honest reviews from a longtime customer. I do NOT have it like that).<br />
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<b>Stitch Fix </b><br />
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I'm going to be honest, I tried Stitch Fix a few years ago and was not impressed. I'm anything but a splurger on clothes, I prefer cheaper things that may not last as long (sue me). I am constantly switching up my wardrobe so I'd rather spend $10 on something that will only stick around for a year. When I received my first box years ago, everything was just too expensive for me.<br />
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I decided to give it another try because I hate going out and shopping. My first box came before our trip to Europe. I explained that I would be somewhere really cold and was looking for warm items.<br />
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My stylist did a great job of providing cute ideas but ultimately, I only kept a pair of jeans. I provided a detailed response of why I did not select anything else--the jacket was too expensive for me & I had already purchased a very nice one for my trip, I was not a fan of the navy top she sent me because I prefer more neutral colors that can be worn with anything (I wear a lot of black jeans). Things like this. I was VERY detailed and it paid off.<br />
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Since then, I've received two boxes from the same stylist (Also, I recommend sticking with the same stylish, they become very knowledgeable on your style and preferences). The second box was great! She really understood what I liked, took my feedback to heart, and I ended up getting 3 items from my second box.<br />
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Then came my third box. It was like Christmas. I responded to my stylist and told her I truly thought we were friends in real life now. She nailed it. I purchased the entire box because it was hopelessly and perfectly all my style. I could not be more pleased.<br />
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The moral of the story is, give it some time. Be honest in your feedback. Don't be afraid to tell them "I hate this color and would never wear it." They are here for you.<br />
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Below is an example of a shirt I got from my Stitch Fix box. ADORABLE, RIGHT? My friends couldn't believe I didn't pick it out myself because it's definitely "me" style.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIWQVfQxGA68V1jkqGCQXOg8teQb0b5-nzPCkhgSF1GvcpV9dNcfkjvyczEWLjEethos3MFSDQ617PH0Gz-O1yIBcOQj5NMRjOAxzqBWStf7EA-cc-ueJekU-47z3bXgZRdOcOeCVVt-V/s1600/53847937_10161857512805268_1683217586180849664_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIWQVfQxGA68V1jkqGCQXOg8teQb0b5-nzPCkhgSF1GvcpV9dNcfkjvyczEWLjEethos3MFSDQ617PH0Gz-O1yIBcOQj5NMRjOAxzqBWStf7EA-cc-ueJekU-47z3bXgZRdOcOeCVVt-V/s640/53847937_10161857512805268_1683217586180849664_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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<b>FabFitFun</b><br />
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This is a company I have written about before but honestly, I feel the same way now as I did back then. This is a subscription box you cannot live without.<br />
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I recently took two quarters off (it is only sent over 3 months--1 for each season) and I honestly missed it. I would see my friends post about it and knew it was something I couldn't go without.<br />
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This month when I signed back up, I signed up too late to make my selection for preferences. This meant that they sent me things based on my account information. This was even cooler because I did not know what I was receiving.<br />
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It ranges from skincare products (de-puffing eye cream, sunscreen for your face), make-up (a lip color kit, contour kit), clothing (robe, scarf), life accessories (picnic kit, stainless steel water bottle), and other goodies (collagen water enhancement). I do not explore skincare and make-up brands as much as I should so this is truly groundbreaking. Did I mention these are FULL SIZED products? I've tried other make-up boxes and now my bathroom cabinet is full of these tiny little bottles I never really used.<br />
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The timeline is fantastic. Receiving these every three months does not break the bank and does not provide too many products to keep up with.<br />
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To check-out FabFitFun and to get $10 off on your first box, use <a href="http://xo.fff.me/mto0o" target="_blank">this link</a>.<br />
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<b>Ellie </b><br />
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This one is for my active ladies. I recently joined a gym with a personal trainer and have upped my yoga class attendance. With this, I needed some inspiration. What better way to inspire myself than to get new gym clothes? Ellie is perfect for those who are interested in name brand apparel but do not necessarily want to spend the money.<br />
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Hate shopping for leggings? They let you pick them! The outfits come pre-selected and you pick which one is your favorite. See some examples of this month's options below:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA35ImpmpCJ-b9z0vbV8boVpddzp2cv-VX1kSzc2_HJtkEbKs-P78a2cDAWrJJV5WiszQ22epVO_Y-haFCMQicQAqP32AIOsUtu2zr1F-b_a-Xb96YCnw22p4lg4BFphxTQEl3LnW5owhb/s1600/2019-04-08+13_48_21-Account+%25E2%2580%2594+Ellie.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="661" data-original-width="1212" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA35ImpmpCJ-b9z0vbV8boVpddzp2cv-VX1kSzc2_HJtkEbKs-P78a2cDAWrJJV5WiszQ22epVO_Y-haFCMQicQAqP32AIOsUtu2zr1F-b_a-Xb96YCnw22p4lg4BFphxTQEl3LnW5owhb/s640/2019-04-08+13_48_21-Account+%25E2%2580%2594+Ellie.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Only $39.99 a month, it's a steal for a pair of leggings, a sports bra, and an outwear item (tank, shirt, long sleeve - you get to pick which outfit is best for you). You do have the ability to add two more items for an increased price. This are typically accessories for working out. For example, this month is a make-up remover and gym gloves.<br />
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To sign-up for Ellie and to receive 25% off your first order, click <a href="http://rwrd.io/" target="_blank">this link</a>.<br />
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<b>Ebates</b><br />
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This one isn't technically a subscription box but is the money saver I promised. Seriously, if you are a heavy online shopper and have no subscribed for Ebates, DO IT IMMEDIATELY.<br />
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In the few months I have been on Ebates, I've made $224.51. You read that right, over $200. FROM SHOPPING. Here is the only proof you need.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhBVFXTgMgL3FgzyxH2ZcwxlS7iggDM2BQLsrfkOXY6F3IhMIbwyILJgTcPiP8bNauRzIC77hoMVrOnC7S3RH2r5dsmk6cJtcZPaWk2yFaQTDiM_ZvbFWngD8GFX0DeVjKB_D6jQnlK07/s1600/2019-04-08+13_34_08-Ebates_+Coupons%252C+Deals%252C+Promo+Codes+%2526+Cash+Back.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="73" data-original-width="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhBVFXTgMgL3FgzyxH2ZcwxlS7iggDM2BQLsrfkOXY6F3IhMIbwyILJgTcPiP8bNauRzIC77hoMVrOnC7S3RH2r5dsmk6cJtcZPaWk2yFaQTDiM_ZvbFWngD8GFX0DeVjKB_D6jQnlK07/s1600/2019-04-08+13_34_08-Ebates_+Coupons%252C+Deals%252C+Promo+Codes+%2526+Cash+Back.png" /></a></div>
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How does this work? Ebates has a partnership with certain companies and when you make an online purchase, you can receive cashback based on the amount spent. All you have to do is add this plugin to your browser and it will automatically alert you when you could get cashback for making a purchase.<br />
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You can receive cashback on large purchases such as Expedia. Think about booking a flight and simply getting $5 or $10 back. Wouldn't that be nice?<br />
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You're welcome.<br />
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Now you won't be able to make back a large sum of money from just a few purchases as a lot of websites cashback rates are between 1%-3%. Referrals, of course, help.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63PJ_H2E8GguwUxWowJ8eVs2KDGZy_dSTwwhfzXy7nlgCDt9nB4m-AN9w5E5vCbCYL3kznFgFEo6ph_jPNTB1FDiaVnW2c2XFEMlV-DMMNib_XQyR9h1K8YS4BbBz14G2Jo86Ybd1uE0G/s1600/2019-04-08+14_32_24-.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="478" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63PJ_H2E8GguwUxWowJ8eVs2KDGZy_dSTwwhfzXy7nlgCDt9nB4m-AN9w5E5vCbCYL3kznFgFEo6ph_jPNTB1FDiaVnW2c2XFEMlV-DMMNib_XQyR9h1K8YS4BbBz14G2Jo86Ybd1uE0G/s640/2019-04-08+14_32_24-.png" width="492" /></a></div>
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To sign-up for Ebates and receive $10 automatically with your first purchase, use <a href="https://www.ebates.com/r/MYMELL15?eeid=28187" target="_blank">this link</a>.<br />
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Happy shopping, everyone! If you decide to check out any of these subscriptions or if you are currently subscribed, let me know what you think and what you enjoy.<br />
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Have a subscription box you love not mentioned above? Share it with me! I'd love to see which boxes you enjoy.Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11088477248387591203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297508409982920965.post-62697529950092028742019-04-02T16:21:00.004-04:002019-04-03T11:27:55.127-04:00Denmark - One of the Happiest Countries in the World<i>In the 2016 World Happiness Report, Denmark held the top spot. Of course, there are plenty of reasons why Denmark would perform so well year after year. It has the highest percentage of arable land of any country in the world, more than half of its land by area, and is known for its enviable work-life balance. Its capital, Copenhagen, is a world-class haven of art and design and was recently named the fifth most livable city in the world. It's a haven of comfort, too, thanks to its obsession with “hygge,” the way of living that’s pronounced “hoo-gah” and translates roughly to “cozy.” For a relatively small country, there’s a lot going on in Denmark.</i> -- Direct quote from an article on Forbes from 2018 (https://www.forbes.com/sites/bishopjordan/2018/10/09/happiest-countries-in-the-world/#280705e417ab)<br />
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When telling people about my trip, I heard the same question: "What made you pick Denmark?" The better question is why would you NOT you pick Denmark?<br />
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If I'm being completely honest, Denmark was never really at the top of my list of places to visit. There is so much to see and do in Europe and I feel like Denmark falls to the side for a lot of travelers. I have Daniel (and Scott's Cheap Flights) to thank for enlightening me on Denmark's beauty and culture.<br />
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If Copenhagen isn't on your "to visit" list, go ahead and add it. Then do yourself a favor and move it up higher on your list.<br />
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After our debacle of trying to get to Copenhagen as originally planned, we were very thankful to land (you can read about my bad luck with traveling <a href="http://www.mymellowchaos.com/2019/03/the-part-before-trip.html" target="_blank">here</a>.) Lucky for us, our Airbnb host was more than happy to meet up with us so we could drop off our bags to explore the city before check-in. Our host, Lars, was incredible. He went out of his way to make us feel comfortable and be able to enjoy our time to the fullest in Copenhagen. To book Lars' place, follow <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/30558825" target="_blank">this link</a>. You will not regret it.</div>
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Side note: I am a big fan of Airbnb so I definitely recommend checking out this website when traveling. There are risks to consider with this website. I have not always had the most amazing experience. Unfortunately in New Zealand, the place I booked looking NOTHING like the pictures (not being pretentious, this place resembled an unclean, unkempt jail... it was terrible). My best advice, read, read, read the reviews! You may not be familiar with the area but people will be very honest. Be weary of people saying "you get what you pay for" aka, some places may be desirable because they are very cheap but they may not be your best selection. </div>
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Back to our travels. After dropping off our luggage with Lars, we ventured out into downtown Copenhagen. After sightseeing a little bit, we ended up grabbing a bite to eat at Cafe Norden. A beautiful little cafe with delicious food. When traveling to Copenhagen, this is a must visit. The breakfast platter was so worth it and plenty of food (see the below picture). Plus, my chai latte was served in an actual bowl. That is about how much coffee I needed to survive the day. </div>
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After Cafe Nordan, we continued to walk around the city. Best thing about Europe is how easy it is to entertain your time there. The architecture was beautiful and we found ourselves just browsing past buildings to take pictures. A lot of the pictures below were from us just walking around. With our early arrival, I was able to sneak some pictures of the sun rising. </div>
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We took a self-guided tour inside of the Rosenborg Castle which was lovely. You have the option to have a guide or walk around yourself. As we were starting to get hit by our jet lag at this time, we opted for the self-guide. Not sure I could have tolerated someone wanting to talk to us for a few hours. Neither pictures nor my words will do the castle justice. It was a truly beautiful sight. Something that any first visitor to Copenhagen should visit. </div>
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Fast forward a few hours later (post our jet lag nag), we grabbed wine and dinner at a local restaurant called The Globe. The place was small but our food was delicious. </div>
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Luckily for us, we had two friends from Charlotte also visiting Copenhagen. We planned to walk to a popular European brewery called Mikkeller & Friends. Along our trek to M&F, we stopped at a few bars to grab a drink and snacks. I desperately wish I had jot down the names of the places we stopped because a few of them were some of my favorite spots. I had an espresso martini that made me forget what timezone I was in. </div>
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M&F is absolutely worth a visit. The atmosphere is fantastic and they have a beer for everyone. </div>
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Another place I would recommend is the Ruby Cocktail Chronicles. This has some of the best cocktails. We had a lot of fun just hanging out in the relaxed and dark atmosphere. A great place for a night cap. </div>
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Bastard Cafe was another fun bar we visited but very busy for a Tuesday night, which was surprising. It is known for having hundreds of board games and especially popular for a rainy day/night. </div>
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We visited La Fontaine, a jazz bar in Copenhagen. Unfortunately, since we were there on a Tuesday night, there wasn't any live jazz music. Still a pretty cool place to visit, especially if you're there on the weekend. </div>
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All-in-all, we visited a lot of bars this night. Copenhagen is a great location for bar hopping. Never felt unsafe and we had a great time at every bar we stopped into. </div>
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An important thing to note is business hours for a lot of places. The reasoning behind their high rating for being one of the best places to live, work/life balance is very important. A lot of stores, shops, and restaurants close at 5:00PM during the week. I'm not sure if the weekend is any different but be sure you check the hours of locations before planning your visit!</div>
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Our next day in Copenhagen was ironically Valentine's Day. I'm not a huge fan of the holiday so spending it abroad was something I really enjoyed. We did not have to make crazy plans and deal with crowds. </div>
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The repercussions of our late night adventures certainly caught up to us *cough cough*. We slept in a little longer than anticipated but once we were up, we did not waste a moment. </div>
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On our dreary Valentine's Day, we visited the Christiansborg Palace. This place is beautiful to visit but the best part is the city view from the top. You can take the elevator up and see 360 views of Copenhagen. </div>
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From there, we decided to walk to our dinner reservation at Relae. This was probably one of my favorite parts of our trip. Starting off in downtown Copenhagen, we HAD to stop for a legendary Copenhagen street dog. </div>
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Though the walk was much longer than anticipated, it was so worth it. We saw so much of a Copenhagen and even stumbled upon Assistens Kirkegård, Copenhagen's largest cemetery (if you know me, you know I love creepy stuff). It was beautiful. </div>
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We first stopped at The Coffee Collective that is right down the street from Relae. I enjoyed a latte and Daniel had their drip coffee (which he described as delicious). The Coffee Collective is pretty well-known and has many locations. I definitely recommend spending some down time here. The vibe is relaxed and was a nice pit stop before dinner. </div>
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Now for the best part, our dinner reservation. I can say with complete confidence that this was the best meal I have ever had. </div>
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Service was fantastic and the food was divine. We decided to Chef's Special with the wine pairing so we had every single thing on the menu below. Small plates but still, a lot of food. </div>
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Lots of fresh Pike fish and THREE DIFFERENT DESSERTS. Yep, you read that right. We ultimately got three different desserts (one not pictured on this menu). I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who wants to explore some fine Danish dining. The Head Chef came from Noma (shout-out to Anthony Bourdain) and it exceeded our expectations. </div>
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Dinner was wonderful and a true experience. I wouldn't have wanted to share that with anyone else but Daniel. After essentially a 13-course meal, celebratory champagne, and a whole bunch of wines, we settled for a night cap at a local bar before getting some rest. </div>
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Because the next day, we were flying to a place that has always lived on my bucket list, Iceland! </div>
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Our travels to Iceland, back to Copenhagen, and Toronto to be continued! </div>
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Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11088477248387591203noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297508409982920965.post-31512634836356513472019-03-05T17:54:00.001-05:002019-04-03T11:28:25.817-04:00The Part Before the TripI know I initially promised blogs focusing on Denmark and Iceland for my next two posts but as I started typing, I realized I had SO MUCH to tell you before diving into our trip. Why did we pick our locations? How did we make it happen in such a short turnaround time?<br />
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First things first, how did we plan our itinerary for our trip? Daniel is a huge fan of Anthony's Bourdain's (RIP) Parts Unknown. One episode he had to show me was in Denmark. For him, one thing stood out--Noma. If you have not seen this episode or you have not heard of Noma, I suggest you do some research. Because of this episode, we immediately started planning a trip to Europe--Denmark, Sweden, and Norway; Daniel's first trip to Europe.<br />
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This was back in early 2018. We made some adjustments and ended up visiting South Korea with Daniel's family as our big trip for the year. If you know me, you know that a trip to Asia is when I thrive so this was a well-accepted transition. However, our initial trip to Europe had been postponed for the time being. Flash forward to December 2018, I received an email from Scott's Cheap Flights that was too good to pass up.<br />
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"What is Scott's Cheap Flights?", you ask. It's an email subscription service you sign-up for to receive discounted flights. There is a fee associated with signing up for a premium account. Once you pay the fee and register for a premium account, you can set your desired departure locations. For example, I have mine set to Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, and Atlanta. You're probably thinking what I had previously thought: "Discounted flights? This sounds too good to be true". Trust me, I was right there with you. I did not necessarily believe it until I tried it.<br />
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The only catch? The flight days and times are not easily changeable. If the discounted flight is for March, you likely will not be able to find the same price for April. You click the links provided in the email and you are given predetermined flights with layovers, connections, and departure/arrival days.<br />
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Anyways, I would constantly receive emails on a weekly basis for these amazing countries with flight prices that were basically cut in half. My response was always the same, I'd read the email and think "one day".<br />
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Well, that day came. It was a Thursday evening in December. I checked my email and saw one from Scott's Cheap Flights for Copenhagen. I opened the email (for those located in Charlotte, flights are far & few from CLT, unfortunately). Lo & behold, there it was. Flights from CLT to CPH for <b>$245PP RT</b>. That is unheard of. You cannot even fly to certain places in the US for that amount.<br />
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Unfortunately, I did what I normally do. Thought "maybe" and closed my email. But the thought didn't leave my mind. I had been monitoring emails for months and I had never seen one discounted by that much.<br />
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The next morning, I kept checking and the flights were still available. Friday morning, I messaged Daniel at work and asked him about it. We talked about the logistics and whatnot. I finally asked: "Do you want to go? Yes or no?" (sometimes you have to push them to a concrete answer). He said "yes", not fully aware that this answer would plunge me into typing in my credit card information into the website. So I took a risk and just booked our flights.<br />
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Done & done. Sometimes all it takes for an adventure to happen is to take a little risk. I knew a flight this cheap to Denmark may never happen again.<br />
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Our flight was set for February 12th with a layover in Toronto and we were EXCITED. Many weeks of planning ensued and we prepared for travel.<br />
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As I've preached before, always be prepared for the worst to happen. The day before we left after lunchtime, we received a cancellation email for our initial flight to Canada. Calmly and prepared for the worst, I called Air Canada and they quickly switched us to another flight, connecting in Chicago before heading to Canada, earlier that morning. No big deal.<br />
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Then another cancellation email a few hours later. Toronto was getting such a bad snowstorm, there were basically no flights in or out for the day of February 12th. It's a little difficult to avoid connecting in Canada when you are flying Air Canada.<br />
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Panic started setting in. Daniel prepared for my impending stress with Chik-Fil-A and chocolate chip ice cream. Luckily, after being on hold for an hour (these poor people were dealing with hundreds of flights being canceled due to the weather), the Air Canada Support representative I spoke with was able to pull some strings and get us on a flight from CLT to Washington. From there, we connected to our flight to Copenhagen, putting us in Denmark 3 hours earlier than expected. Talk about exceptional customer service.<br />
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Finally, after much effort and much anticipation, we landed in the beautiful country of Denmark. Sights to see, food to devour, and adult beverages to enjoy.<br />
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To see where we stayed, what we did, what we saw, what we eat, what we recommend... stay tuned. I promise, it's coming (and it's coming sooner than you think!)<br />
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Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11088477248387591203noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297508409982920965.post-4653952214939648572019-02-24T09:24:00.000-05:002019-02-24T09:24:16.343-05:00The 3 P's of a Traveler - Planning, Preparing, and PackingWhat a week it has been. We returned from our travels on Wednesday the 20th.<br />
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I want to properly detail our trip with my recommendations, our experiences, and pictures so I will plan to split them by each city and country.<br />
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But first, I'd like to reiterate my previous preaching when it comes to traveling.<br />
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<li><b>You can never do too much planning</b></li>
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When I mentioned my 12-page Google doc, SO many people responded with: "oh, I prefer to just go with the flow". Don't get me wrong, I think this is a good mindset to go into a trip with but I also think it's not setting your trip up for success. Especially in a brand new country. While my Google doc did not dictate when we would go somewhere and what each day would entail, it was a list of things we wanted to do and see. If we ever had free time, we had a list of things that we knew we wanted to see, in which we might have forgotten if it wasn't written down. </div>
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I also took screenshots of where our AirBNBs were located and made a list of restaurants, bars, and sights nearby. I'm a victim of becoming hangry in the most inconvenient time ever, it's important to know where we can grab a quick bite to eat. </div>
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<li><b>Be prepared for the worst</b></li>
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It never fails. When I take big trips, my initial flight is always a complicated one. For those who remember my trip to Australia, New Zealand, and Asia, you'll recall that my initial flight was delayed for 24 hours--about 1 hour before we were set to depart. My patience was tested but it ended up being a blessing because I was able to explore San Francisco for a day and rest before a long trip. </div>
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Toronto was experiencing an intense snowstorm on the exact day that we were set to fly out. It was supposed to start early afternoon so Air Canada easily rescheduled us to a flight with an additional layover earlier in the morning. All seemed fine. </div>
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Then, we received word that this newly scheduled flight was also canceled. I hopped back on the phone with Air Canada's Support team and it looked like we were not going to be able to make it to Copenhagen until two days after our expected arrival. </div>
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Alright, a little bit of panic from the planner. </div>
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After being on the phone with him for an hour, he was able to locate a flight with a different airline that would get us to Copenhagen 3 hours earlier than expected. We were booked on this flight and all seemed right with the world. </div>
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Even with a tight layover in Washington, we made our flight with ease. I was very grateful for Air Canada's Support team to work diligently through the weather issues and get us to our destination sooner. </div>
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You cannot control the weather. You cannot control the airlines. You have to take things as they come and know that it will all work out. Let's just say that I'll probably avoid flying into Canada in the dead of winter in the future. </div>
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<li><b>Packing for wintery terrain </b></li>
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This was a whole new territory for me. I'm not a fan of the snow and I'm not a fan of the cold. I do not ski and I do not snowboard. I have always taken vacations to a warmer climate where I can bask in the sun and have a beach day. </div>
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Packing was no easy task for me. Trying to keep all of my luggage to carry-on capacity while trying to pack thick winter sweaters. I managed to succeed (all but on our way home... had to check my back with Air Canada). </div>
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My best advice for anyone making this trip: Do not waste your time or your luggage space with cute sweaters. Seriously, once you see all of my pictures, you'll understand it was a waste of my time. In every single picture, I'm in the same winter coat, snow boots, and beanie. </div>
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Unfortunately, we did not buy many souvenirs because of the limited luggage space. I wish I had limited my packing so that I would have more room to bring home things. Especially, the Game of Thrones mugs from Iceland - so many regrets. </div>
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<li><b>Have candid conversations with your travel partner (especially, if it's a significant other)</b></li>
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This was not my boyfriend and I's first long, international trip together. We already spent 2 weeks together in Korea BUT this was our first international trip with just the two of us. And while we were in Korea, we were lucky enough to have his family who spoke the language. Neither one of us knew any Danish, Icelandic, or French (luckily, language was not an issue at all while in these countries). </div>
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I prepared Daniel to understand what kind of traveler I am. He knows I'm a planner. He knows I get hangry. He knows I can be a diva. Setting us up to understand how the other one travels is key. </div>
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When our first flight got canceled, he quickly told me but also made sure that I was calm. This included picking up some ice cream for me to enjoy while I was on the phone with Support for over an hour (I know, I know - I'm a lucky woman). </div>
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All-in-all, Daniel and I traveled wonderfully together. I like to say that this was because of us taking the time to understand each other one prior to leaving. Our Google doc came in huge handy and we both also knew what the other one wanted to do while we traveled. Luckily, we both have similar interests and our trip was a perfect blend of sight-seeing, eating, drinking, hiking, being outdoors, etc. </div>
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I'm very keen on preparing and planning, I think you will not regret it. I cannot wait to share my travels with you all especially as a number of people have expressed interest in planning travels to these countries themselves. </div>
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Soon enough, my friends!</div>
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Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11088477248387591203noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297508409982920965.post-41768620269985214552019-02-12T12:05:00.000-05:002019-02-12T13:15:08.887-05:00Page Turning Tuesday, Pt. 3Did you think I would leave you hanging just because I'm traveling? How silly of you. Thank goodness for prescheduled postings.<br />
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While I am out and about, up in the air, and traveling to other countries, I wanted to leave you all with the books that I decided to take with me while traveling.<br />
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I always find it risky to travel with suspenseful novels. While traveling, there are a lot of instances where I will have to put down the book or take a quick cat nap. I often find myself fighting the desire to sleep, only to get to the end of my book.<br />
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I'm taking the risk this trip.<br />
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First up...<br />
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<b>The Last Time I Lied </b>by Riley Sager </div>
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I was a HUGE fan of Riley Sager's previous book - Final Girls. This was a horror film turned book and I was shook (look at me - rhyming and stuff). If you haven't read this before, I highly suggest you check it out. </div>
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Back to her more recent novel. The Last Time I Lied is a novel surrounding a summer camp when four girls are reported missing. Flash forward 15 years, the details unfold and we learn more about what happened to these girls. </div>
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I love Riley's suspenseful writing and I hope this book delivers a twist ending like Final Girls. </div>
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Next up...</div>
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<b>Ghosted</b> by Rosie Walsh</div>
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Ah, "ghosting". A term our generation hears all too often. Pish posh. </div>
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For those who are not familiar with this term, Urban Dictionary defines it as below: </div>
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This story is about a girl and a guy who fall in love, rather suddenly and expectedly. Feeling as if they were meant for one another, the guy goes on vacation, promising to call from the airport. When he does not, her friends assume she has been "ghosted". They beg her to forget about him but something tells her that this wasn't the case. She soon finds out that there is a reason for his disappearance and the truth starts leaking out. </div>
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I am very curious about this novel as I'm always intrigued about modern type romances/suspense novels. As another book recommended by Book of the Month, they have never let me down before. </div>
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Here's to hoping that two books are enough for the next week. My luggage cannot spare any more room. Packing for winter/snow is tough... </div>
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Hope you enjoy these books, your ever-growing "to read" list, and that you continue sharing your favorite books. I hope to dedicate a few PTT to books that you all recommended to me. </div>
Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11088477248387591203noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297508409982920965.post-87836061819672750962019-02-11T10:24:00.000-05:002019-02-11T10:26:32.595-05:00The Adventure ContinuesHappy Monday, my fine friends!<br />
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This is a particularly exciting post as tomorrow morning, I'm Europe bound--well technically, I'm Canada bound first.<br />
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Tomorrow morning, my boyfriend and I are flying to Toronto, Canada for a quick pitstop before heading off to Copenhagen, Denmark. We will spend a few days in Copenhagen before jet setting to Reykjavik, Iceland for a wonderful (and icy cold) weekend. We will return to CPH for a full day then off to Toronto for an overnight layover.<br />
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I can say that this is the first time I have ever <i>voluntarily</i> traveled somewhere in the winter that will not be summertime. I'm excited, a little nervous, and already cold.<br />
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We have a packed schedule (12-page Google doc, to be exact) so I cannot wait to share my adventures with you all.<br />
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I have had so many people tell me how interested they are in traveling to Denmark and Iceland so I will be filling your minds with all the must-sees, must eat, and must-dos.<br />
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For Copenhagen - our plans are a lot of sightseeing and a LOT of food. We have exciting dinner plans for Valentine's Day at Restaurant Ralae. It is a farm-to-table experience that is promised to delight. Our first Airbnb is located right in the heart of CPH, walking distance to main attractions such as the Tivoli Gardens and Amusement Park.<br />
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For Iceland - it will be a lot more of "go, go, go". We have three different tours booked--a Northern Lights tour, South Coast day tour, and a trip to the Blue Lagoon. Fingers crossed we are able to see the Northern Lights but I'm really looking forward to visiting the Blue Lagoon, a few Icelandic waterfalls, and the Black Sand beach.<br />
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My first time in Canada is something I'm really looking forward to. Though we will be there for less than 24 hours, we plan to take advantage of every minute. Their winter light festival is currently going on and we will be staying in the Distillery District--hello Japanese sake!<br />
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Be sure to follow along on our journey on my Instagram (@brittanymoffitt). I cannot wait to share my next adventure with you all via pictures and blog posts.<br />
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Stay warm and stay chaotic.<br />
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<br />Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11088477248387591203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297508409982920965.post-80498730385104354372019-02-05T20:15:00.000-05:002019-02-05T20:15:29.205-05:00Page Turning Tuesday, Pt. 2I know my fellow North Carolinians are enjoying (and also confused) by this transition in weather. <div>
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What better way to prepare for this spring weather than continuing on with "Page Turning Tuesdays". </div>
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First of all, I feel like I should premise this with the most exciting thing that happened during the Super Bowl. Guillermo del Toro is reviving the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark book series and I AM HERE FOR IT. </div>
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Seriously. I remember reading these stories over and over again when I was younger. I've always had a fascination with the supernatural and the feared. Those pictures will forever haunt my mind. </div>
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Best believe that I will be there in the front row on opening night, screaming and crying. If you do not know what books I'm referring to (and you're a horror/urban legend fan), please check these books out. It's a compilation of short tales that are based on urban legends and campfire stories. </div>
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<b>What I'm Currently Reading </b></div>
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I lied to you all when I said that I would likely finish The Silent Patient I referenced last week. Still trucking but I'M ALMOST DONE! I can only confirm my recommendation in reading it. It's gotten so much better, I'm hooked. </div>
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To provide more information on the book--which I just now realized that I didn't before--the main character, Alicia, is a well-respected artist. Her and her husband, Gabriel, live a happy life together, full of passion and romance. When one day, Alicia is found with a gun in her hand. Gabriel shot in the face numerous times. After his murder, she refuses to speak. Years later, the book is written from the perspective of her now a psychotherapist. Hell-bent on getting her to tell her story on whether or not she is guilty--which he doesn't believe she is. </div>
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In other words, GO READ IT! I'm so excited to see how it ends. The writing is very easy to digest and I love a book that I'm able to tear through quickly. </div>
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<b>What I Recently (Sort Of) Finished </b></div>
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<i>The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen </i></div>
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I never quite had an opportunity to tell you all about this book that I read last summer that rocked my world. I have recommended it to a few close friends and their words are all the same. </div>
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<i>"Holy shit." </i></div>
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This book is full of twists and turns that will leave you guessing and asking for more. All I can tell you? Nothing is quite what it seems. </div>
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A fantastic summer/beach read for those who are looking for a thriller to keep you intrigued. </div>
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<b>What to Read Before You Watch</b></div>
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<i>The Sun is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon </i></div>
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I just got wind that this book I read last summer is becoming a movie. Now, we all know I'm a huge thriller fan. I really try to read books outside of my comfort zone. This book was one of those books that reminded me why I do that. </div>
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The setting was very funky in that it focused on two individuals - caught in a love story. What was different about this was that each chapter focused on a different individual. It still holds true to the original love story that is focused on but if one of the main characters encountered someone, it would be a brief description of their story and their current day. </div>
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I like the idea that you can have an impact on someone that you briefly encounter (I've definitely written blogs about this before). It's a very cool and light-hearted read. I would recommend checking out this book before seeing the movie. </div>
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Really excited to continue building everyone's "to read" lists. I still plan on compiling a larger list of books to check out for all of those who are interested. </div>
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As always, chears to reading more and enjoying more. </div>
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Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11088477248387591203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297508409982920965.post-20646730163975643422019-01-29T18:40:00.000-05:002019-01-29T18:40:01.546-05:00Page Turning Tuesday - Pt. 1If there is one thing I'm good at, it is giving book recommendations. I typically have an ongoing list on my phone that I can send to anyone at the drop of a hat.<br />
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Back by popular demand, with a new snazzy title (thanks again, Caitie!), Page Turning Tuesday is coming at you live.<br />
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This will give myself a day each week to talk about what I'm currently reading, what I want to read, and what you SHOULD be reading. Every PTT, you can count on a new book for you to check out.<br />
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<b>What I'm Currently Reading </b></div>
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<i>The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides </i></div>
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While I'm only about 30 pages into the book thus far, I'm already hooked. I read and I watch so many crime documentaries. Because of this, my ability to guess an ending is pretty on point. I can confidently say that I have NO idea where this book is going but I cannot wait to find out.<br />
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Blake Crouch, author of Dark Matter (and if you have not read Dark Matter, go read it immediately), had a number of great things to say about this book on Goodreads. He states: "It takes a lot to surprise me." He then goes on to talk about how he devoured this book in one sitting.<br />
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If you are as curious as I am, definitely check this book out. I hope to finish it this evening or tomorrow so I'll be in FULL discussion mode with anyone who is interested.<br />
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Another great purchase from Book of the Month.<br />
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<b>What I Recently Finished </b></div>
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<i>You by Caroline Kepnes </i></div>
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Unless you have been voluntarily living under a rock then you've seen posts about the Netflix show called "You". I binged this entire season in one day. </div>
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We all know "creepy" is my middle name and the show did not disappoint. Contrary to my typical beliefs, I did watch the show prior to reading the book. For those of you who loved the show and are looking to read the book, I must warn you - it is a lot heavier than you may think. If you're new to psychological thriller books or are not a big fan or, perhaps, the show was almost too much for you... I'm not so sure I would recommend it.</div>
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Do not get me wrong, it's great and I liked it. Just imagine being inside of Joe's head 24/7 for 422 straight pages. There are minor differences (spoiler alert: Paco doesn't exist) but Joe is much more aggressive (using very derogatory terms to call Becky names) and he is... uh, much more into pleasing himself (every other page, he is "taking care of business", if you catch my drift.) I had a friend reach out who previously read the book and told me she had to stop. </div>
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This is not for the faint-hearted. If you do enjoy a thriller, I suggest you check it out. Even if you're not a reader, I recommend the show. The second season (which is also based on a book called Hidden Bodies - I will read soon!) should be coming out on Netflix sometime this year. </div>
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<b>What I Want to Read </b></div>
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<i>Everything & Anything </i></div>
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Seriously, I'm amazed when I discover how many people are looking to read more. I think it's a great resolution (keep it small and attainable, new readers) and love providing suggestions and lending out books*. </div>
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*For book newbies, there are simply two rules:</div>
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<li>Do NOT fold the pages (c'mon, they make so many cute bookmarks nowadays)</li>
<li>Always return the book (unfortunately, I've lent out so many books that have never been returned that I'm afraid I may need to start a library log - be respectful of those of us who are trying to prepare for our future library) </li>
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This is where I'd love to hear from you guys. I've set a much more attainable goal of reading 2 books a month. Last year, I set the goal to read a book per week. Once I missed one week, I got discouraged and really fell off the bandwagon. It's also almost impossible to read a book when you're experiencing reader's block. I view it as a smack-in-the-face that someone can produce such a page-turner while I struggle to write a chapter. </div>
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What is a book that you've read that you must simply SHOUT to the world? I'm planning to compile a list of "to read" books for myself and also for my friends and followers. Keep an eye out for this list to come to fruition. In the meatime, share your favorites with me. One goal I've had for awhile is to continue reading more classics - you know, those books you were forced to read in high school and didn't fully appreciate. I'm obviously a thriller junkie so I'm trying to have a more diverse collection of books. </div>
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All-in-all, it's never too late to start a new book. Whether your resolution is to read more or not, I find that my most productive days start with a book in bed. What a great way to exercise your mind and start your day. </div>
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Really looking forward to hearing what books have moved you. Taking any and all recommendations for books. Who knows, your suggestion could be my new Page Turning Tuesday. </div>
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Until then, stay mellow & read a book! </div>
Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11088477248387591203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297508409982920965.post-32143288729427862472019-01-22T19:24:00.002-05:002019-01-22T19:24:13.551-05:00Schedule Your Next "Meeting of the Minds"A lot of you would be sad to know how many blog posts I have sitting in my drafts. So many times, I am blown away by an idea. I start typing furiously and then it never quite comes to full fruition. Little sparks that fill my head before they fizzle out. This is not just spread out across my blog, "writer's block" has become a permanent home for me when it comes to writing my book.<br />
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A dear friend of mine (hi, Sharon!) was visiting Charlotte this weekend and asked me if I've been keeping up with my writing. I dropped my head and meekly said that I have been really bad about it for awhile now. She began to tell me how much she loves following my blog and how fascinated she is with what I write. She finished this conversation by saying "please, please start writing again."<br />
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<i>Mind. Blown. </i><br />
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Here I am, thinking I'm just simply taking up space on the Internet. When in actuality, I have a person that I love begging me to continue writing for their enjoyment. It was powerful. Moving, even.<br />
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This is not the first instance of 2019 where I've been pushed into a productive spiral. Another close friend of mine (hi, Caitie!) is an amazing artist and quite possibly has the biggest heart of anyone else on the planet. She is a creative force to reckon with. Knowing that I have been struggling with writing (my blog and my book), she suggested we start having evenings where we visit a coffee shop or a cafe, just sit and let our artistic minds flourish. <br />
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Tonight--as I type this post--we are having our Inaugural Meeting of the Minds. First of all, I'm obsessed with this title. It's amazing what you can accomplish when you get out of the house and meet up with another brilliant individual who has just as much passion as you (probably more, if we are being honest).<br />
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I hate to sound too cheesy but I feel like 2019 is a year of inspiration. My favorite and best years have always ended in odd numbers. I found a perfect travel buddy who wants to explore the world with me, I have huge initiatives at work that push me to do more and do better, and I feel like I know where I'm heading. It's up to me to get myself there.<br />
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All I'm missing is my writing. I've started gradually with writing in a notebook. For me to own a domain and host a public blog, it's alarming to know how secretive I can be with my writing. Something is so comforting about writing what I'm feeling--just a pen to a piece of paper.<br />
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For those of you who have been on this journey with me since I began in 2016, you know my real reason for creating this blog was traveling. I still have so much to tell you about visiting South Korea last year and I'm very excited to return to Europe next month, my first time going back since studying abroad in 2013. My boyfriend and I will be going to Denmark, Iceland, and a pretty sweet little layover in Canada.<br />
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Lots of friends are getting married this year--all of which require me to travel. I've started reading again (don't think that I've completely stopped, I set an unachievable goal last year to read a book a week and it ended up being discouraging). I've been spending more time focusing on what makes me happy and what makes me feel good. I'm trying to ignite more healthy habits in my life and I cannot wait to share them all with you. It seems like a perfect year to get my footing back.<br />
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The moral of the story is... say something encouraging to someone you know. You never know if they've lost their way or if they're feeling like they do not make an impact. I'm very thankful to my friends who push me, challenge me, and encourage me. I've said it before but I'll say it again, find the people who make you want to be a better version of yourself.<br />
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Photo evidence of our Inagural Meeting of the Minds below!<br />
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<br />Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11088477248387591203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297508409982920965.post-24129140951782806222018-10-01T13:13:00.001-04:002018-10-01T13:13:40.427-04:00How to Survive Haunted Houses/Trails For those of you who know me, you know very well that October is my time to thrive. Even when I was younger, I have always been obsessed with Halloween.<br />
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Today marks the most marvelous day of the year - October 1st!<br />
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<i>Let's be honest. Every month is Halloween for me but now is the only time I can actually decorate and dress-up. </i><br />
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While I'm mapping out my plans for the next month--have to squeeze in every single Halloween themed adventure that I can--it popped into my head how much people hate haunted houses/trails.<br />
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This is one of my favorite parts of this month. For me, being scared is more of a thrill or adrenaline rush. I know all too well that many others do not feel this way.<br />
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"You're not dragging me to another haunted house this year, Brittany..." Imagine how many times I've heard that line.<br />
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For you haunted house/trail newbies, I'm going to break it down for you. If you have a friend like me who is relentless in dragging your group of friends to a haunted house, I'm going to help you get through it.<br />
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<li><b>Bring <i>at least </i>two tough people with you. </b>Whenever I go to a haunted house with friends, I give them the option--put me in the front or put me in the back. My recommendation is to ALWAYS put your least afraid attendee in the back. While you may think that leading the way is terrifying (it can be), these people are seasoned veterans. They know that the people in the front as leading the way for a reason. They are less likely to scare you and will sometimes use the first person as a marker to begin their scaring. </li>
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<li>Final word of advice: Bring someone to put in the front and someone to put in the back. The person in the back will be the "stalked" person. It doesn't hurt to have three, place them directly in the middle to break-up the scaredy cats in the middle. </li>
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<li><b>At all costs, try not to act so afraid. </b>If you run or scream, they will latch themselves onto you. That scary man with the chainsaw that isn't real? If you run from him, he will run after you. Imagine how anti-climatic it is for him to start chasing someone who doesn't run from him? Guess what he will do? Find the next unsuspecting victim. </li>
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<li>Final word of advice: You will get scared and jump - everyone does. But limit it to that. Try not to continue screaming or running. These actors do this for a thrill. They will most certainly go after the person who is crying in a corner. </li>
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<li><b>If you're into it, pregame the haunted house. </b>The most important rule is to have a sober driver but if you're THAT nervous, drink a little to calm your nerves. </li>
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<li>Final word of advice: Pregame a <i>little </i>if you want to. Do not show up obliterated as they will likely not let you into the haunted house and you may be a danger to yourself and the actors. </li>
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<li><b>Recognize what you are afraid of. </b>If you're afraid of clowns, I'm willing to bet my right arm that there will be numerous clowns in every single haunted house and haunted trail. </li>
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<li>Final word of advice: Recognize your fears and tell everyone in your group. For example, I've become more claustrophobic as I've gotten older. Because of this, I let my friends know that if an enclosed space pops up in the middle of the haunted house, I'm booking it out of there as fast as possible. While you may fear one thing, someone else may be willing to take the heat during a tough part for you. </li>
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<li><b>TRY TO HAVE SOME FUN! </b>It's all in the spirit of Halloween so while you are afraid, enjoy yourself a little. You're with friends or your significant other. You'll all laugh after that one time that Johnny got super spooked and screamed. All about the memories. </li>
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<li>Final word of advice: Suggest a place that has a haunted house + other activities. The Haunted Mill in Belmont is a great example. A group of my friends and I went through the haunted house then played a round of glow-in-the-dark mini golf afterwards. We all had some good laughs about the house and how scared everyone was. It gave us a chance to winddown. </li>
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<li>You could even do this first if you're THAT nervous. May help calm your nerves before entering. </li>
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Will definitely be planning to post more about some of my favorite October events in Charlotte, scary movies you MUST see, and any other suggestions for fun activities. </div>
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Take my advice and try out a haunted house. You won't regret it (or you probably will but it'll be fun)!</div>
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Happy Halloween, my spooks. </div>
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Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11088477248387591203noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297508409982920965.post-32946389590869984632018-09-26T10:23:00.002-04:002018-09-26T10:24:38.883-04:00Sometimes, You Can Go Back to Square OneIf you're thinking about visiting home, just go. If you're thinking of telling someone you love them, call them. If you're holding back something that means a lot to you, just let it go.<br />
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I had an itch to visit my family when I had a free weekend--the first free weekend in 6 weeks--and I could not be happier with my decision.<br />
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I am a victim of taking advantage of being so close to home. So many others cannot jump into a car and so easily get to their family.<br />
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I went home for a weekend and I didn't know that it would be the last time I would see my grandfather coherent.<br />
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How my feelings and sense of closure would be different if I hadn't been able to talk with him that weekend. He was happy when he saw me. He told me he loved me. He hugged me. Little did I know, I was able to say goodbye before actually having to.<br />
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Oh, how different it would be if I had just stayed in Charlotte that weekend. Like so many other weekends I have before.<br />
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Why this may not always be the case, you may not always have the chance to say goodbye to someone. Some of my deepest losses have been those that came without any preparation. Those losses still burn deep.<br />
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While you have the opportunity, take care of the ones you love. I have always been more of the type to say what I feel because tomorrows are not always promised.<br />
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Sometimes it's easy to forget that you haven't told a family member that you love them recently. Or that you have not been able to hug them. As we grow older, we lose priorities in things that seem important.<br />
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Here is your little reminder to make time for the small (or the big) things. Do things with intention. Do things that make your soul happy. It does not always have to be a race.<br />
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Sometimes, you can go back to square one. It isn't that you're falling behind. You're just refinding yourself. Regrounding yourself.<br />
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<br />Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11088477248387591203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297508409982920965.post-46254239329645456242018-08-24T22:50:00.001-04:002018-08-24T23:31:17.759-04:00Words, Why Do They Matter Anyways? You might notice that My Mellow Chaos has a new look. What do they always say? When a girl changes her hair, she's about to change her life?<br />
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<i>Well, when a girl changes her blog layout, she's about to change the game. </i><br />
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I feel like you must have whiplash from the number of times I've said "I'm back" then I go radio silent for a few months.<br />
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I'm not going to lie, it takes a lot of effort to maintain this. Emotionally and physically. No, I'm not complaining. I have recently been curious as to why I have fallen off the MMC bandwagon, yet again.<br />
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<i>Time. </i>Is that not an excuse for everything?<br />
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More often than I had expected, I've had individuals reach out. Some I know quite well, others simply friends of friends, and even a handful of people that have merely discovered My Mellow Chaos through a shared post or an Internet search. They tell me how much they appreciate my writing. Ask me when I plan to start again. Question how my book is going.<br />
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With my title: "Words, Why Do They Matter Anyways?" They matter infinitely. For someone to take time out of their day to ask when I'm going to write again, it was as if they threw lighter fluid into my dulling fire.<br />
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It was today that I went to check my blog's email account (mymellowchaos@gmail.com -- if you haven't yet heard) for the first time since I created it months ago. I was in shock. It wasn't empty like I had expected. I had emails from companies and individuals complimenting my writing, my style, my lifestyle. Asking for collaboration sessions. Requesting that I work as an ambassador for their company brand. This was the match that was dropped into my fire.<br />
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Once again, words matter. No matter how small. You can change someone's path. You can remind them of who they are and where they want to go. You might even shock someone's dreams back into reality.<br />
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<i>For that, I thank you all. Passions may dull but they will never go away. You may forget why you started but never keep starting. If you don't keep starting, you may never find the end. </i><br />
<i><br /></i> It took a few months but I've never been more ready and more excited. I'm taking major strides towards tackling my FIRST novel head on. I have quite a few people in my corner--those who have agreed to proofread and even organizations who have agreed to answer questions for my knowledge. I'm really looking forward to informing myself on such an important topic and writing a kickass novel for all to enjoy.<br />
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If anything, My Mellow Chaos will always serve as a reminder. A reminder that I was able to put myself out there, having enough confidence to map off my little corner of the Internet. A reminder that I had so many opportunities in life to travel far, travel wide, and travel often. If anything, it will serve as a reminder of the happiest times in my life.<br />
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I'm looking forward to what's next and I sure hope that you're looking forward to it, too.<br />
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<br />Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11088477248387591203noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297508409982920965.post-38597951590510414042018-04-09T16:38:00.002-04:002018-08-24T22:24:17.234-04:00So Many Places to See... Not Enough Time to Blog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Well, hello there, my old friends. This is certainly overdue. </i></div>
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My Mellow Chaos was born in anticipation of my trip to Australia, New Zealand, and Eastern Asia at the beginning of 2017. I knew I needed to start writing more but also wanted to share experiences that people would <i>want</i> to read about.<br />
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After traveling during March and April of last year, I knew it would be awhile before I had the opportunity to visit this part of the world again.<br />
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Flash forward to April 2018 and I'm thrilled to say I'm going back. For a fraction of the time but to a new country--South Korea. I will be visiting for two weeks--traveling to Seoul and Busan.<br />
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A lot has changed in the last year for me but in an amazing way. You all are quite familiar with my journey from an unhappy, unappreciated "treadmill walker" to this person with a new enthusiasm for everyday life.<br />
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This made me realize that the sparkly excitement from my big trip does not have to end. From one adventure to the next. I am surrounded by people who support and encourage my decisions. I'm lucky to be presented with opportunities to travel and see new parts of the world.<br />
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Cheers to hopefully becoming a better packer in the next 24 days. Once again, I cannot wait to share my adventure with all of you.<br />
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<br />Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11088477248387591203noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297508409982920965.post-9822061497166955862017-11-02T11:35:00.000-04:002018-08-24T20:28:15.793-04:00One Year Down, Many More to Come<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Every year at the beginning of November, I have a realization. A realization that in two short months filled with love, holidays, and celebrations, we will have to say goodbye to yet another year. November is one of my favorite months and now I have another reason to love it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Today is a huge day for me and I have been really looking forward to sharing it with you all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><b>Today marks one year since I started My Mellow Chaos. </b></span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">To be honest, I had forgotten the exact date when I purchased this domain. It didn't come to mind until I received an email letting me know my year was almost up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">What? Excuse me? Sheesh, time does fly when you're having fun. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">2017 has been a huge year for me. This is a year I really focused on myself and bettering my life. I realized I was unhappy in my former position after almost three years and took a huge risk by leaving the company. This decision was made in November when I decided to start blogging and booked my initial flight to Australia. I knew I needed to make a change. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">This was all done discretely. Mostly because of my nerves and my fear that I was making a mistake. I hid this from quite a few individuals until I knew the time was right. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Off I went for a month and a half traveling to Australia, New Zealand, and Eastern Asia, a part of the world I had always dreamed of visiting. I'm sure you all are familiar with this as a majority of you were gracious enough to follow me along in my journey. This trip changed everything for me. It brought me back to my roots and reminded me of the things I love. Traveling has always been something I enjoy. New experiences, new cultures, new food. Making the most out of my memories made. I met people from all around the world, eager to share their thoughts. I fell in love with dumplings and have FINALLY found a place in Charlotte with traditional plates. I was able to spend time traveling with three of my best friends. I realized it is okay to be alone. Before, I was afraid to eat alone in public, now I embrace it. Being independent is a strength, not a weakness. I was courageous and it was amazing. Never will I take for granted the experiences I was given. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">My great risk paid off when I found my now current position with a company who truly values me and believes I am an asset. Six months, to the date, I started this new job. I've only grown more dedicated to my role and the company. I've made life long friends and have grown immensely. I never knew I could feel so valued at a job and I'm forever grateful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Here I am, preparing for the last two months of the year and then another chapter begins. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">It is difficult to put into words how it feels to "close a chapter" of your life. As an avid book reader, I do view years as chapters and new ways to change my life and the lives of others. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Who knows what 2018 will bring but I've never been more excited. This year I've loved, I've lost, I've felt heartbreak, I took chances, and I realized I am the one person who will always be there for myself. I started focusing on the things that matter the most--my career, my family, my friends. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Cheers to those of you who have supported and loved me during this journey. For engaging with me and taking time out of your busy days to read my thoughts. I'll never be able to truly thank you enough but I'm excited to say that I'm only getting started. Big things are to come and I'm anxious to share them with you all. </span><br />
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Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11088477248387591203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297508409982920965.post-12481802415146109202017-10-10T11:23:00.005-04:002018-08-24T22:24:43.180-04:00I Can Hang Out With Dogs AND Get Paid? Sign Me UpTalk about falling off the bandwagon, sheesh...<br />
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I feel as if I've been on the go for months now. Things have been hectic but it's been a super busy and great few weeks. It is my FAVORITE time of the year and tons of great things are happening. The weather will <i>hopefully </i>start getting cooler, Halloween is right around the corner, scary movies are on TV all the time. You know this makes me a happier camper.<br />
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What better way to bounce back to my blogging then to talk about one of my favorite things on the planet? Puppies! (Yes, all dogs are puppies, don't care how old they are.)<br />
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This question is for all of you dog-owners out there: How many times have you been out and about, enjoying some adult beverages, lost track of time, and realized you had to cut your plans short to get back to your adorable little pup?<br />
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Don't feel guilty. This happens all the time. Dogs need love too. Unfortunately, I'm not fortunate enough to have a perfect pup of my own but I've witnessed this with numerous friends.<br />
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<i>As always, I'm here to assist.</i><br />
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I've recently discovered Wag!, a new dog-walking service that could benefit you and me.<br />
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If you have to stay late at work or something pops up and you know your furry four-legged friend is due for a bathroom break, you can schedule a walk with one of Wag!'s trusted dog-walkers (aka me).<br />
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The app allows the dog-walker to request the walk. Once approved, they will send an ETA, letting you know how long until they get to your house. Once they arrive, they will check-in and provide updates along the way. The app even gives the ability to take pictures, videos, and indicate the specific route taken during the walk.<br />
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Feeling weird about someone you may not walking your dog? Note that there is extensive background checks and safety quizzes required of all dog walkers. Help people like me hang out with the dogs we cannot necessarily have.<br />
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You can download the Wag! app on your phone or visit the website to register. Be sure to use my promo code BRITTANY7672 for a $101 credit towards the service of your choice! That's NUMEROUS walks that you could take advantage of.<br />
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Be sure to sign-up today as this deal is only going on for a limited time.<br />
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In the meantime, let's keep our fingers crossed that I jump back on the blogging train.<br />
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Happy Tuesday!<br />
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Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11088477248387591203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297508409982920965.post-78985599616149702152017-06-29T09:43:00.000-04:002017-06-29T09:43:20.504-04:00Warby Parker: For All Your Eye NeedsLet me start this post by informing you all that I am one of the millions of Americans with terrible eyesight (Out of curiosity, I just did a Google search to confirm that number. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website, approximately 14 million Americans aged 12 years and older have self-reported visual impairment--fun fact of the day. Knowledge is power, people. Knowledge is power.)<br />
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<i>But holy cow, do I hate it every single day of my life. </i><br />
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I hate my horrible eyesight. I hate going to the eye doctor to only be told my vision is worsening. I hate sticking my fingers in my eyes every morning to put in my contacts. I hate when I accidentally put a contact in my eye inside out and my whole day is thrown off. I hate spending $300 on glasses that were 50% off. Nothing is worse than already having poor vision and then having to incur ridiculous expenses on top of that.<br />
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<i>I did not choose to have bad eyesight, trust me. </i><br />
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I may be a little late to the game but two days ago, I received my first purchase from Warby Parker. To say I'm satisfied with my order would be an understatement.<br />
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Never heard of them? Warby Parker defines themselves on their website as being founded with "rebellious spirit" and "a lofty objective." The objective? Designer eye-wear at an affordable price.<br />
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A friend of mine recently mentioned Warby Parker as an option when I talked about wanting new glasses. The best thing is you can go online, select five frames, and have them delivered to you FOR FREE to try-on.<br />
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Glasses and sunglasses are a big deal. We all have different face shapes and head sizes. I really needed to try on a pair of glasses and go out in public to see how they felt. I was a little hesitant about ordering glasses online but the free at-home try-on kit was a game changer.<br />
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<i>After I received my first try-on box, I was hooked. </i><br />
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I was looking for a more "funky" pair of glasses. Something a little more chic that I could wear without feeling like I was walking to my librarian job.<br />
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I do like the bigger frames so this is the look I was going for. These are the styles I selected in my try-at-home:<br />
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<i>Spoiler alert: the first option was the winner and I'm wearing them as I type this. </i><br />
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When I purchased my said $300 glasses with my arm and a leg, I believe I tried on maybe two or three frames--to which the optician helping me actually told me he didn't like a pair of glasses on me. 'Scuse me? Are you paying for my glasses? Didn't think so. By the time I had finished my eye appointment, I did not care to sit there and try on glasses.<br />
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With Warby Parker, you can try on glasses whenever you choose to and you have the ability to wear them out as you get to keep them for 5 days before sending them back.<br />
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Now that I've told you the good parts, here's the GREAT part. Guess how much these glasses cost me? Prescription, frames, lenses (anti-scratch), and shipping? $95.<br />
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<i>WHAT? Brittany, you lie...</i><br />
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I kid you not. For anyone who has bought prescription glasses from their eye doctor, you know that purchasing glasses never comes easy.<br />
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My glasses arrived, in a very sleek box and case, in absolute perfect condition. They were a little wide on my head so I took them to the nearest Warby Parker store and they were tightened within 5 minutes. The optician was fantastic. I cannot say enough good things about this company and their product.<br />
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I was so happy with my purchase and the service I received, I just ordered a try-on kit for sunglasses--because any person with bad vision knows you will not survive summer without legitimate prescription sunglasses.<br />
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My advice? If you're looking for new glasses, prescription sunglasses, or even just general sunglasses, CHECK THEM OUT. Especially if you're in Charlotte, the Warby Parker store in Southend is convenient and a great location.<br />
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I'm all about sharing my positive experiences with you all. I definitely recommend checking out Warby Parker for your next set of glasses. I was torn between two in my box so I'll definitely be back again.<br />
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Happy almost Fourth of July, my friends! Have a wonderful weekend and be safe.Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11088477248387591203noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297508409982920965.post-81943899221075248402017-06-26T13:57:00.000-04:002017-06-26T14:32:39.337-04:00I Tried FabFitFun... Worth It? If you're like me, I'm sure you see dozens, if not hundreds, of different advertisements every single day. I cannot even lie, I've tried out a ton of the products I've seen advertised. I'm such a sucker and have sometimes been let down with the products purchased.<br />
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It's hard to decipher which products/services are worth it and which ones are cheap scams plastered all over our social media pages.<br />
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It may be true that the more ads I see for something, the more I'm inclined to check it out. One in particular I've been seeing a lot more of recently is FabFitFun. The difference with these ads? They almost always have videos of people unveiling their boxes with more information on the product.<br />
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For those who are not familiar with FabFitFun, it is a seasonal box where you receive four shipments a year. It can include numerous items such as make-up, beauty products, jewelry, clothing, accessories, etc. All based on the preferences included within your profile. The box is advertised as containing at least $200 worth of merchandise. It's basically Christmas in a box as all products included are a surprise.</div>
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A little hesitant, I finally decided to check it out before the summer box was released. I mean, come on, summer is the best time to receive cute little goodies. My box was delivered on Saturday and I'm pretty excited to share all of these products with you all.</div>
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<li>Michael Stars Ruana: $54</li>
<li>BKR Little - 500 ML: $35</li>
<li>Cargo Cosmetics Cargo HD Picture Perfect Highlighter: $30</li>
<li>Juice Beauty Smoothing Eye Concentrate: $29</li>
<li>Kris Nations Mystic Bar Necklace: $58</li>
<li>Eau Thermale Avene Ultra-Light Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+: $24</li>
<li>Understated Leather On the Road Again Travel Set: $28 (selected under my traveling preference, could have selected artist or chef)</li>
<li>Way of Will O3 Soothe and Cool Massage Oil: $29.50 (selected under my fitness preference, could have selected beauty)</li>
<li>Vital Proteins Marine Collagen: Sponsored </li>
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I'm obsessed with every single item included in my box. What is great for me is I'm no make-up guru. I buy all make-up under $10 and I'm not even sure what I'm doing with it when I put it on. This gives me the chance to try out new make-up. I'm already loving the picture perfect highlighter as it looks AMAZING on!</div>
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<i>*Pictured: FabFitFun catalog included in box, ruana, eye cream, sunscreen, traveling set, massage oil, BKR little water bottle, and collagen packet</i></div>
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<i>*Pictured: Kris Nations Mystic Bar Necklace in silver/white</i></div>
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<i>*Pictured: Descriptions and pricing of all included products. Also shown, the different selections you could have made as a preference and what you would have received for each. </i></div>
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Overall, would I recommend? Absolutely. The variety of gifts in the box was fantastic and the retail value was more than quadruple what I paid (I paid $39.99 with a $10.00 discount code and the box was valued between $272 - $287.50). </div>
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My favorite part is the box is only seasonal. I've tried numerous boxes which ship monthly and it can be overwhelming. I've found that I receive too much of things I don't like and just end up stashing them in my bathroom--which became a mess. </div>
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FabFitFun focuses on the four seasons and provides great gifts for each quarter of the year. I love the variety of each box and I'm already looking forward to receiving my fall one. I can only hope super cute scarfs will be included...</div>
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If you have any questions about the particular products I've received, as always, please let me know. The eye cream was a life saver this weekend from those late nights and early mornings and as I mentioned, the highlighter made me feel picture perfect, literally and figuratively. </div>
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The moral of today? Never be afraid to check out some new products. You never know what kind of goodies you'll get to indulge in! And as the wise show Parks and Rec once taught us: "TREAT YO SELF!"<br />
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Interested in trying out FabFitFun? Use the following link to sign-up and check out their site: http://xo.fff.me/fJJ7X</div>
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Happy summer living, my fun friends! Xo</div>
Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11088477248387591203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297508409982920965.post-83037661954276739742017-06-20T10:01:00.000-04:002018-08-24T20:30:32.293-04:00Tuesday Talks, Episode 2Unfortunately, the last two books I have read have not been some of my favorites. I do not agree with bashing books as they were not terrible, just not my 'cup of tea'. So for today's "episode" of Tuesday Talks, I'm going to share an exciting (well, it's exciting to me) new way of selecting a book to read.<br />
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If you're like me, you buy books faster than you can read them--shocking, I know. I buy books in bulk, unable to commit to only one. I would say, on average, I purchase anywhere between four to seven books a month, blame it on my indecisiveness.<br />
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<i>Fun story: When I was younger, my mom and I would often go to bookstores--don't worry, we still do this but lucky for her, I'm able to purchase my own books. I would have such a hard time deciding on only one novel. When I would ask her to buy me a few, she would often say "just pick one." My rebuttal became, "At least I'm asking you to buy me books and not drugs." To this, she had no argument. I normally got each book I wanted. Thanks, mom!</i><br />
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Back to current day, after finishing my most recent book, I decided to alphabetize my bookshelves. Yes, I'm that dedicated to my books. As if I haven't admitted to my nerd life enough recently.<br />
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While sorting through my books, I realized how many I had not yet read. I like to refer to my bookshelves as the "Brittany Library" as I often let my friends check out books. How weird would it be if someone were to keep asking me about specific books on my shelves and I hadn't even read them?<br />
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I made a list of the books I have not read (spoiler alert, it was longer than I had thought) and wrote each novel on a separate sheet of paper. I placed these sheets of paper into a cup which is now placed on top of one of my bookshelves. Now whenever I finish a book, I simply reach into the cup and select my next book.<br />
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Whenever I do order new books, I include them in the cup. This keeps me from only reading my newly purchased books. Those books purchased a few months ago do not continue being pushed to the back burner until I finally forget I have them.<br />
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I'm super thrilled to finally tackle my list of pending books. All of the books I've purchased were once a point of interest for me so I'm only excited to be able to share new and old books with you as I continue on this journey.<br />
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Here's to always reading and looking for new ways to keep it saucy. Please feel free to leave any book recommendations in the comments below! If you're wanting an honest review on a book, I'm happy to be that person. Also, if you're reading a book and looking for someone to discuss with, I'm your girl!<br />
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Happy reading, my friends!<br />
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<i>Also, see below: I documented the creation of this process via Snapchat. I typically snap my new book selection whenever it occurs. Join me on Snapchat at @bnmoffitt to see what I'm reading next! (I look rough, ignore me.)</i></div>
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Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11088477248387591203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297508409982920965.post-58766034065699787042017-05-30T11:00:00.001-04:002017-05-30T13:09:13.247-04:00Tuesday Talks, Episode 1Welcome to the first edition of Tuesday Talks: Catching Up on this Week's Titles (shout-out to my friend and colleague, Dan, for the awesome title/alliteration).<br />
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What is Tuesday Talks, you may ask? Well as you all know, I am an <i>avid</i> reader. One might call me any of the following:<br />
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<li>Book worm</li>
<li>Nerd</li>
<li>Bibliophile </li>
<li>Bibliomaniac</li>
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I only wish I could share my love for books with the whole world but unfortunately, not everyone is as keen on reading. </div>
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Anyways for those out there who do enjoy a good book--or even those who are looking to be more engaged with reading, it's that magical time of the year. The time of the year where reading is encouraged and emphasized. People load up on summer reads, in preparation for those relaxing days on the lake, beach, etc. The time of the year that I so anxiously look forward to. <b>SUMMER! </b></div>
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<i>To emphasize my excitement for summer, a super Instagrammed picture of two new bathing suits I ordered from Zaful + the most perfect pair of folding Ray Bans. Also proof that my white comforter is still crisp and not tarnished from the number of times I eat in bed (sorry, Mom). </i></div>
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If you are one of those book loving people that I'm talking about, Tuesday Talks is for you. This is a time for me to provide book recommendations, upcoming reads, details on what I'm currently reading, book genres, authors, etc. </div>
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The one thing I am asked the most is to provide book recommendations--you'd actually be surprised how many times a week I'm asked for this. This spans from close friends to friends from middle school that I haven't chatted with in years. </div>
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<i>What this pretty much means is that I make my book worminess quite known. I'm a nerd and I'm proud. </i></div>
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Look no further, this is a weekly post (phew, that's a big commitment for me) where I will welcome suggestions, questions, feedback, and anything else. If you're looking for a good thriller, let me know! I would be happy to base a Tuesday Talks blog on some of my favorite thrillers. If you're thinking about purchasing a book that I've read, I'm happy to include my thoughts on the book. Hell, if it isn't a book I've read, I'm happy to order it, read it, and then provide my thoughts. </div>
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For this first edition of Tuesday Talks: Catching Up on this Week's Titles, I'm thrilled to share my thoughts on a book I finished last night. </div>
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Into the Water by Paula Hawkins (author of The Girl on the Train)</div>
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Overall, I would give this book 4 out of 5 stars.</div>
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This book came out right before we were making a selection for our next book club book. I couldn't have been more thrilled--no pun intended but thrillers are easily my favorite type of novel, especially for summer reads--when BOTM emailed saying it would be available as an add-on for the month of May. I love when a book has me so enticed I'm unable to put it down. The mystery of "who-dun-it" keeps me up until the wee hours of the morning, guessing "was it Colonel Mustard in the dining room with a candlestick?" </div>
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Now there are certainly pros and cons to this book. With a whopping twelve main characters--each chapter written from a different perspective--and a few additional characters you need to be familiar with, I struggled at the beginning of the book to remember who's story I was reading. This isn't a book you can half read and still understand what's going on. Trust me, you wouldn't want to treat this book like that anyways. Once I started, I found it difficult to stop. </div>
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To give a little bit of back story for this novel, it focuses on a small town where women have been mysteriously committing suicide in a place often referred to as the drowning pool, a still pool of water in the town's famous river. It dates back hundreds of years when women were suspected of witchcraft and taken to the pool to be murdered in front of the town's people. Since then, things haven't gotten much better for the townspeople. </div>
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With two more deaths happening within a year, the mystery really revs up. You will be pulled in many different directions. I am not lying when I say that you will not know who has truly "dun-it" until the very last sentence. I was shocked and I was gripping my book so intensely, my fingers turned white. </div>
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I've read a few reviews this morning and have found that some were not impressed with this book. While I agree The Girl on the Train was a great breakthrough novel, I find Hawkin's most recent story was unpredictable. I easily guessed what had happened in TGOTT. (Side note: My boyfriend commended my ability to guess the ending for movies and books quite accurately early on but this book was a first where I was completely wrong.)</div>
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I suggest that you add this book to your summer reading list and try to read it slowly. Spoiler alert: it's nearly impossible. My book club's meeting is in a week and a half and I wanted to really prolong this book... that was a failed attempt as I blew through the last 150 pages last night. </div>
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For any of my thriller friends, have you read this book? If so, let me know what you think! As always, please be mindful with spoilers as those can certainly ruin someone's day. If you're not much of a thriller fan, what kind of novels do you prefer? Is there a book you've been thinking about reading but you're not quite sold? </div>
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As always, I hope my effort with Tuesday Talks will inspire those to pick up a new book or share their thoughts and preferences. Who says you have to be in a book club to get the same joys? Online book club sounds just as fun. Sharing your passion with others is inspiring enough. Let's just hope when I have children that they like reading half as much as I do. </div>
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Here's to setting a reminder on my calendar to post every Tuesday. To good books and summer days! Xx<br />
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Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11088477248387591203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297508409982920965.post-11878395016594560752017-05-12T11:39:00.001-04:002018-08-24T22:24:59.902-04:00Blast From the PastIf you had the chance to talk to your younger self, what would you say? I would most definitely give my younger self some pointers. Don't waste your time on that boy. Take this class a little more seriously. Spend more time with your loved ones. Start writing a book a lot sooner.<br />
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<i>If I only knew then what I know now. </i><br />
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What if you were talking to your future self? You're unsure of where you may be a few years from now so what kind of advice could you give? Mine would likely consist of words of encouragement and reminders. This has always been the type of person I am. I pride myself on being the person people can come to when they need someone to listen.<br />
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Where am I going with this blog post? You probably asked. <i>Did you discover time travel, Brittany? </i>Not quite.<br />
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I was graced with a blast from the past when I decided it was time to clean out my nightstand. About a year ago, I received something in the mail that perplexed my mother. I remember she called me and said "um, a letter came for you today but it's addressed to you in your handwriting."<br />
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Once I saw the letter, I remembered an assignment I completed during college. My theater professor had us write a letter to our future self. We were instructed to include pictures or other pieces of paper with significance. Our professor promised to mail us our envelope in five years. I'm not sure how she always does it but she did. Exactly five years later.<br />
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Though it has now been six years, this was a pleasant surprise to come across. This is true for many reasons:<br />
<ol>
<li>I am an oddly optimistic person, especially on paper. </li>
<li>As a writer, it's amazing to see how I've grown the last few years. </li>
<li>I was able to provide some commentary for some of the more ridiculous things I stated.</li>
<li>I was also able to relive a time in my life when I was so carefree--20 years old, sophomore in college, rejoicing in friendship & recent accomplishments. </li>
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<a name='more'></a>Of course I plan to share this with you all. Though it may be embarrassing and names have been removed in certain circumstances (I mentioned a then boyfriend who is now definitely a past boyfriend). I hope you will all see what I was referring to in the above bullet points. </div>
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<i>Dear Me,</i></div>
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<i>Bet you completely forgot about this letter, didn't you? </i>(Yep, you got me there and you almost gave mom a heart attack.) <i>Right now, you are finishing up your sophomore year of college at UNC Charlotte. Majoring in Communications and a tad bit undecided when it comes to your future job. </i>(Flash forward 6 years, not much has changed). <i>You just became an official sister of your sorority and it was the best decision you have ever made. </i></div>
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<i>I hope that everything you hoped for has come true. I know how hard you and I have worked and I have no doubts that you are super successful. I hope you are still as carefree and silly as you've always been. </i>(Luckily for us, I don't think this will ever change.)</div>
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<i>I hope that you still honor and cherish your family every single day of your life. They are the greatest gifts. They will always love you. </i></div>
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<i>I know how frustrated you can get when things are tough. Keep your head up and don't you ever forget this. </i></div>
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<i>Right now, you have a close knit group of friends. I only pray that you've stayed in touch with them. They are beautiful inside and out. You also recently received your big sister in the sorority. She better still be someone you look up to and adore. She is so knowledgeable. </i></div>
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<i>You are currently working at </i>(name removed to avoid any conflicts) <i>and you HATE it. I only hope that you are in love with your current job.</i></div>
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<i>I could go on and on about all the things I hope you're still doing but as always, you waited until right before class to do this. Way to go! </i></div>
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<i>You are an amazing person. Trust me, I would know. Stay strong and take the world by storm!</i></div>
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<i>Love always, </i></div>
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<i>Brittany </i>(I actually signed this with my full name, as if I was unsure who I was)</div>
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<i>p.s. go tell your family that you love them! Plan a time to go visit your mom and brother. Go kiss your daughter/son </i>(wow, I believe I was a little confused at what point in my life I would be at when I received this letter) <i>and be thankful for the amazing life you have. </i></div>
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<i>p.p.s I hope our handwriting has improved! </i>(Spoiler alert: it has not.)</div>
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Little 20-year-old Brittany had no idea what I would be in for. </div>
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I found it humorous that I mentioned marriage and children. I received this letter when I was 25-years-old. While many are married by this age and I totally support it, I am everything but. I still have so much time to grow, to become the woman I'm meant to be. I'm still figuring myself out. For some, this is discouraging. Being in your mid to late 20's and not being married. But I see it as a blessing. When the time comes for me to marry someone, I'll have my ish together. </div>
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I love that I know myself so well that I knew I would need reminders of strength during tough times. Even though these are coming from myself, it was wonderful to know that someone believes in me. It was a reminder that I so desperately needed. A few months ago, I opened up to the World Wide Web and let you know I was unhappy with my current path. Remember when I said that I was feeling stuck? Flash forward a few months and I've made a lot of changes for the better. All I need was a few people to act as my support system and to believe in myself.<br />
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One big trip of self discovery and a job transition later, I feel like myself again. Only better. </div>
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Maybe after all, we need daily letters like this to ourselves. A reminder of how far you have come and how much further you have to go. When you're feeling down on yourself, remember how much you have overcome. Remember the strength you're harboring within. Remember what your younger self would say to you if you ever had this opportunity.<br />
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Happy Friday to you, my friends. May your day be filled with words of encouragement. </div>
Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11088477248387591203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297508409982920965.post-66960848946236803122017-04-17T10:58:00.000-04:002018-08-24T22:25:19.488-04:00Thrown Face First Back Into the Real World<i>Wow, talk about falling off the map... </i><br />
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I returned safely to the States exactly a month ago. After almost two months of traveling, it is wonderful to be home and also a bit sobering. The last few months taught me one thing: time really does fly when you're least expecting it.<br />
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For weeks, I counted down the days until my trip. In each destination, I was anxious for our next location. Why do I find it so difficult to live entirely in the moment? Instead of focusing on what was coming up next, I could've embraced my time 100%. This is how a majority of my stress is born. Something small happens, I spend the rest of my day concerned with potential outcomes.<br />
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<i>I'm what you may call a certified "worry wart" (this is likely a very southern term). Thanks to my dear friend, Google, I can supply you with the below:</i><br />
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<span data-dobid="hdw">wor·ry·wart</span></div>
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<span class="lr_dct_ph">ˈwərēˌwôrt/</span><span class="lr_dct_spkr lr_dct_spkr_off" data-ved="0ahUKEwj3-umQ36vTAhWINiYKHTZXA8AQlfQBCCUwAA" jsaction="dob.p" style="display: inline-block; height: 16px; margin: 0px 2px 4px 5px; opacity: 0.55; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;" title="Listen"><input height="14" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAA4AAAAOCAQAAAC1QeVaAAAAi0lEQVQokWNgQAYyQFzGsIJBnwED8DNcBpK+DM8YfjMUokqxMRxg+A9m8TJsBLLSEFKMDCuBAv/hCncxfGWQhUn2gaVAktkMXkBSHmh0OwNU8D9csoHhO4MikN7BcAGb5H+GYiDdCTQYq2QubkkkY/E6CLtXdiJ7BTMQMnAHXxFm6IICvhwY8AYQLgCw2U9d90B8BAAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==" style="font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;" type="image" width="14" /></span></div>
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<div class="lr_dct_sf_h" style="padding-top: 10px;">
<i>noun</i><br />
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<span class="lr_dct_lbl_inl lr_dct_lbl_box" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #777777; display: inline-block; font-size: xx-small; margin-left: 6px; margin-top: -1px; padding: 4px 6px; text-transform: uppercase;">NORTH AMERICAN</span><span class="lr_dct_lbl_inl vk_gy" style="color: rgb(135 , 135 , 135); font-style: italic; margin-left: 6px;">informal</span></div>
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<div class="vmod vk_gy" style="color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important;">
noun: <b>worry-wart</b></div>
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a person who tends to dwell unduly on difficulty or troubles.</div>
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Here I am, halfway through April 2017. What happened to winter? Better yet, what happened to fall 2016? Now that I think about it, where did the last few years go? It feels like only yesterday I was graduating college in 2014. Here I am, three years out, still pretending to have it all together. #adulting<br />
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One of the truest things I've ever read is that we spend the first 22 to 23 years of our lives wishing time away. You're 14, wishing you had your permit. You're 15, wishing you had your license. You're 17, wishing you were of legal age. You're 18, wishing college would hurry up. You're 19, wishing you were turning 21. You're 21, wishing college would hurry up and end.<br />
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Once I graduated college, I looked around and thought <i>when the hell did I get here? </i><br />
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I spent my year wishing for the time when I would be one step ahead, I never really took the time to appreciate the moment I was in. Even as an adult, I still find this to be a problem.<br />
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Do not get me wrong, my travels were exactly what I needed. I enjoyed my time to the fullest and if I could go back, I would do it all over again. My next adventures are already perfectly mapped out and I cannot wait to share them with you all. But in the meantime, I'm trying to encourage myself to not worry about tomorrow. To focus on today.<br />
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What an appropriate message to share with you all on a Monday after a holiday weekend. We spend our weekdays wishing for the weekend. When the weekends finally arrive, it's only 48 hours until we find ourselves back in the never-ending cycle.<br />
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Personally, I am focusing on the good of everyday. Instead of making plans for this weekend, try something new at the beginning of the week. If we always have something to look forward to, you'll never wish away the time you currently have.<br />
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Here's to enjoying and embracing all moments--the good, the bad, the exciting, the boring. We're lucky to have the present and the time we are living in now.Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11088477248387591203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297508409982920965.post-71232930121561881082017-03-15T21:42:00.001-04:002018-08-24T22:25:35.432-04:00Learning to Love Yourself All Over AgainI can count on one hand the number of times I've eaten alone in my lifetime.<br />
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How many times? Once. And it was by accident. That may not seem weird to some of you but it's weird to me. Why am I so anti eating alone?<br />
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Haven't you ever wanted to grab a certain type of food and no one else wanted to go? Maybe a new restaurant opened and you wanted to grab something quick to eat? Haven't you ever just wanted a moment to yourself to clear your thoughts and get out of the house?<br />
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I've eaten alone once in the 26 years I've been on this earth and it's always been something I'm too terrified to do. That was before my trip. I was alone often and I ate alone a lot. And I loved it. I paraded into restaurants and didn't think twice.<br />
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Why are we so afraid to do things alone? Why do we need the constant companionship of others? Why was I afraid that people would waste time during their meal to wonder if I was being stood up by friends or a date?<br />
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<i>Why are we so afraid of being alone? </i><br />
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<a name='more'></a>Sometimes it's refreshing to spend time with just yourself. After all, you are the best friend you'll ever have. No one knows you better than you know yourself.<br />
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You might be wondering where I'm going with this. For those of you who haven't noticed, though I've been screaming it to the social media world, I just spent the last two months traveling through Australia, New Zealand, and eastern Asia. I learned a lot about myself during this trip. This was one thing I've been reflecting on during the last few days.<br />
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What does eating alone have to do with these things? I was at a point in my life where I was unhappy with the direction I was heading. I had lost my purpose. I wasn't comfortable with myself. I started to feel down about myself. I was losing the fire within my passion. I started to worry I may never figure it out.<br />
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These last few weeks revived my love for myself. I'm young, I'm strong, and I'm capable. I can tackle language barriers. I can navigate around an unknown city without Google maps. Even when I get lost and stumble along the way, the best adventures happen.<br />
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The greatest thing to happen to me during my trip was that I fell in love with myself all over again. I'm comfortable with who I am. I'm confident that I will succeed. I stumble and sometimes I fall face first. But I will always pick myself back up and continue on.<br />
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I feel as if I've breathed new life into myself. Fresh air. A fresh start. A clean slate. I can start over and take a new path, instead of standing at the same fork in the road, unsure of my future. The world is at my fingertips and I can travel whenever and wherever.<br />
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<i>Opportunity is out there, I had just stopped looking for it.</i><br />
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On my last full day in Sydney, while overlooking the Manly Harbor and enjoying a pale ale from a local brewery, I teared up and typed this blog post in the notepad on my phone.<br />
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I love myself. I love my life. I love the spontaneity I embrace. I love the fact that I jumped off the Auckland Harbor Bridge without a second thought in mind. I love that, for once, I booked this trip without thinking of anyone else but myself. I spent time with a best friend of mine that I haven't seen in three years.<br />
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In a world that's telling you that you're wrong and you're incapable. Prove them wrong. Prove yourself wrong.<br />
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I walked the steps of the Sydney Opera House. I swam in the waters of Bondi Beach. I bungee jumped off the Harbor Bridge in Auckland. I drank wine at the vineyards of Waiheke Island. I snuggle a koala in Hamilton Island. I hung out with the Big Buddha in Hong Kong. I shopped through the Neon Night Marks of Bangkok. I soaked up the sun on the Phi Phi beaches of Thailand.<br />
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I took this trip because I wanted to. I did it for myself. To say this was a trip of a lifetime would be an understatement. It's only left me wanting more.<br />
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Learn to love yourself all over again. Like I have. You won't regret it.<br />
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Thank you for being a part of this journey and for constantly supporting me. I'm at a loss for words for how much this has all meant to me. Your words of encouragement and praise have done wonders for me. While this adventure has come to a close, there will be many more. I'm already looking forward to sharing my next one with you, I can only hope that you will join me and that it will be sooner rather than later.<br />
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To love and unruliness, forever. Wherever this chaotic life takes us. XxBrittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11088477248387591203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297508409982920965.post-68310840145953611092017-03-12T09:03:00.003-04:002019-04-03T11:28:42.641-04:00Phi Phi Islands = Paradise My time in Thailand has come to an end but it is most certainly a trip I will be taking as often as possible. I had the most incredible week on the Phi Phi Islands. I swam in the ocean of Maya Bay, the location for the movie The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio, I held a baby monkey, and I drank my fair share of Phi Phi Paradises.<br />
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Where I last left you, we had checked into our resort, The Natural Resort. This location was fantastic as there were multiple resorts on our portion of the island, meaning we had quite a few restaurants to enjoy within walking distance.<br />
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The tricky thing about the Phi Phi Islands is that public transportation does not exist. This is something I had not even thought of prior to arriving. Don't be expecting to catch a cab or request an Uber once you hop off the boat. The only real way of getting around the island is, you guessed it, more boats. These long tail boats are actually very comfortable and make for quite a fun ride around the island.<br />
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After a relaxing first day on the beach, we had dinner at a local place near our resort that had some very fresh seafood. I mean, they literally pulled my prawn from a bucket that had been caught earlier that day. It was delicious.<br />
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We wanted to see as much as we could on the island so we booked an all day excursion to multiple locations including Monkey Beach, Maya Bay, Pileh Bay, Shark's Cove, and a few others. This trip was only 750 Baht and completely worth it. We had 8 hours of exploration and even a little bit of relaxation on Maya Beach in the late afternoon. This even included two meals--shrimp fried rice for lunch and chicken schnitzel for dinner. <br />
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Our first stop was Shark's Cove where, on a good day, you can snorkel with a few vegetarian sharks. Our tour guide ensured us that these are friendly sharks. Some of our boat was a little weary of this fact and opted to stay afloat. Unfortunately, and kind of fortunately, we did not see any sharks during our time snorkeling. Though I did find that the fish do not care if you're in their way. I have dozens of videos on my GoPro of fish intentionally crashing into my face because I was in the way of their traveling.<br />
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Next was Monkey Beach, I knew this was a place I was going to love just by the name of it. Our tour guide loaded me up with some pineapple and we were on our way. As soon as I stepped off the boat, the monkeys came running in hopes of getting a piece of what I was holding. I had been off the boat for about 5 seconds when a monkey ripped the ensure pineapple out of my hands and starting scarfing it down. All I could do was laugh (picture provided below for proof.) The monkeys are not shy and even jumped on a guy from our boat to try to try and steal his beer bottle. Smart monkey.<br />
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Next up was Pileh Bay. I cannot even put this location into words. It was quite possibly the most beautiful place I have ever been. We were enclosed in rock cliffs and surrounded by flawless and see-through water. My pictures do not even begin to do it justice. We took a quick swim and were able to enjoy the sights. </div>
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We did some quick snorkeling near the Bay where our boat driver threw rice on top of our heads to have the fish swarm us. It was an entertaining experience and I'm still so surprised at how bold the fish are. It's as if they didn't even take a second look at all of us swimming around.<br />
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After a few more stops along the way and a few history lessons (for example, people pay 1,000,000 Baht a year to the Thai government to live in a cave called Viking Cave where they take care of birds to sell their nests for thousands of USD per nest, fascinating), we finally arrived at Maya Bay. This is where The Beach was filmed. (I promise to watch this movie when I get home because of how much I've talked about it).<br />
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Here we were able to enjoy three hours of relaxation on the beach. The final two stops of our tour were to watch the sunset over the water and to see the plankton that light-up at night. Though the plankton were very visible, it was still a fun experience to see a few of them.<br />
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It was an incredible day getting to explore more of the Phi Phi Islands and the beautiful "best kept secrets" it has. I think the pictures speak enough for themselves on whether or not you should partake in a tour when visiting the Phi Phi Islands. It's the best way to get a lot done in a little time.<br />
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One of our days in Thailand, I came across Fish Doctor which is one of the locations where they have fish clean your feet. (I did some research after I had this done and I'm a little unsure of my feelings towards these practices due to treatment of the fish and the possibility of spreading illnesses or diseases. If you decide to visit one of these places, be sure that they review safety precautions with you prior to completing.) The technician I worked with was very informative of the process and very tidy. She examined my feet and legs very closely to ensure I had no cuts or open wounds then she cleaned my feet as sunscreen, bug spray, and other similar products would harm the fish.<br />
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Trust me, it feels as weird as it looks. But my feet came out smoother than after a pedicure.<br />
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The best gift of my trip came in the form of a baby monkey in a diaper. I didn't quite catch his name but he was not thrilled with me because I interrupted his breakfast and he kept reaching back for his "dad" who still had the banana in hand. This little guy doesn't even look real in all of my picture but you can definitely see the sadness on his face where he is wondering where his food went and who this stranger was.<br />
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Among our remaining time in Thailand, we enjoyed numerous beaches and countless delicious meals. Overall, I would certainly recommend our resort to those traveling in the future. The WiFi isn't great but when you're at a place like this, maybe it is time to disconnect (try telling that to my mother).<br />
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On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays a group of guys come to our resort's beach bar and perform a fire dance at 8:00pm. This was certainly a highlight of the week. Given all the strange occurences that constantly happen to me, of course they asked if I wanted to hold some fire for a picture (I still haven't gotten my Mom or Nana to comment on this instance).<br />
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Back to what I said before...<br />
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<i>If Thailand has been on your bucket list, please make it a reality. Even so much further passed my trip, there are a dozen islands that I've heard nothing but incredible things about. </i><br />
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For my next trip, I would love to visit Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. When visiting Koh Phangan, Koh Tao is only a short boat ride away. The possibilities are endless for those looking to visit Thailand. Proving that doing your research ahead of time is important when traveling to new countries. I'm lucky that I had quite a few friends able to provide excellent recommendations.<br />
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As our time in Thailand has quickly come and gone, we returned to Sydney on Saturday where I will spend the next five days before heading home. I'm torn between feeling as if I've been here for months and feeling as if I've been here for five minutes.<br />
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This trip has been so much more than I could've ever hoped for. I am thankful for the opportunity and to have been able to share it with loved ones (those joining me and for those of you who have joined me from afar). My gratitude knows no bounds.<br />
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If an opportunity ever arises for you to do something similar, I encourage you to take the chance. You certainly will not regret it.<br />
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I look forward to planning many more adventures in the future but until then, I'll be enjoying my last few days in the beautiful city of Sydney, Australia.<br />
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Until then, my people. XxBrittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11088477248387591203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297508409982920965.post-28334611475832397752017-03-06T07:04:00.000-05:002019-04-03T11:28:54.467-04:00Now For the Country I've Been Most Excited to See: Thailand!<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 14pt;">It is difficult to find the appropriate words to describe my time in Thailand thus far. I can say, without a doubt, that this is the ultimate destination vacation. If Thailand has been on your bucket list, I suggest you start planning as soon as possible. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 14pt;">I wouldn't change a single thing about our time in each place (Bangkok, Krabi, and Koh Phi Phi). Our accommodation was flawless and affordable! I also felt very safe in each location. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 14pt;">Truly one of the best things about Thailand, it really isn't expensive. Of course, the flight would likely cost you a pretty penny from the States and we decided to splurge a bit on our accommodation--why not upgrade when it's not a large difference? The exchange rate is very strong for those US travelers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 14pt;">To put this into perspective, I bought a tank top and a postcard (my prize possession that I've been collecting from each city that I've visited) for 105 Thai Bahts. What is this in USD? $3.0017. THREE DOLLARS FOR A TANK TOP AND POST CARD. In every other country, this would've been closer to $15 or $20. It doesn't just stop here, most beers & cocktail beverages are between 120 and 220 Baht. Meals are very cheap, especially for those who love Thai food. I even splurged and had a strawberry body scrub and hour deep tissue massage for 1,000 Baht. $28.58, now you probably just think I'm joking but I'm not. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 14pt;">If you've been dreaming of visiting Thailand, I'm here to tell you that you don't have to dream about it any longer. You can make it a reality. There are even more ways you can penny pinch and still have a dream vacation. This place is worth the flight splurge and jet lag, trust me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 14pt;">This is truly one of the most beautiful countries I've ever visited. We've had nothing but amazing weather the last few days and I hope to come home quite tan. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 14pt;">We arrived in Bangkok on Wednesday afternoon and we were immediately greeted with the very hot weather--coming from HK, this was quite the transition. I couldn't believe our hotel when we pulled up. It was absolutely beautiful and in a great location. We were right near the infamous Neon Night Markets, but I'll get to that later. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 14pt;">Once we were all checked in, we headed out for dinner. I was able to find Chili Top, a rooftop bar with an extensive menu on top of a nice hotel only right down the street from us. Hannah and I indulged in cocktails, spring rolls as a starter, and then I had the sea scallops and prawn (forever risking my life for my love of seafood.) With our drinks, bottled water (it's best to treat Thailand as you would any Caribbean country, bottled water is best), our starter, and two main courses, our bill was $1,700. That is about $49 USD for me. INSANE! The view from this place was worth more than that alone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 14pt;">On Thursday, our only full day in Bangkok, we decided to pack in as much as humanly possible. We wanted to visit as many temples as we could. We visited the Grand Palace and all surrounding buildings. Though this was packed with hundreds of tourists and the heat was making it unbearable, it's definitely a must see for first time visitors. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 14pt;">(Peep the $5 traditional Thai hand-woven pants from a street vendor. Very important to take into consideration the dress code when visiting the Thai temples. Shoulders must be covered and knees and ankles must be covered. You will be denied entry if you do not abide these rules. Luckily, we were prepared.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 14pt;">We visited a few more temples and did a bit of walking around to street vendors and other shops. We even saw our second Buddha of the trip. This was the lying Buddha and it was insane how large the statue was. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 14pt;">We ended the night by doing a little shopping at the Night Markets I mentioned earlier. The really cool thing is at the back of the markets, there are little bars and restaurants you can enjoy some food and a drink at. These are made out of large metal containers, some with rooftop bars on them. This is an easy way for them to stash seating away during the day, only to pull it all out and open shop that night. I was in love with how cute these places were. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 14pt;">Friday morning, we began the trek to Krabi, our destination before the Thai Islands. This ended up being one of my favorite little destinations. A cute beach town with TONS of restaurants and bars, I was very pleased with our time there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 14pt;">Not to mention, the view from our hotel was breathtaking. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 14pt;">We spent Friday and Saturday by the pool. Both nights, we ventured to local restaurants and bars to get a feel for the nightlife. Of course, we ended up at the one bar with a live band playing classics (my southern roots are showing.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 14pt;">All in all, I would definitely recommend Krabi as a destination point on your trip. The Aonang Cliff Beach Resort is a must stay!! Beautiful views and great prices. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 14pt;">Yesterday, we hopped on a boat to begin our 5 days on Koh Phi Phi. I'm very happy that we planned the most relaxing part of our trip at the end. It will be very nice to have some extended time on the beach, soaking up the sun. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 14pt;">This island is a place that can only be described as indescribable. Have you seen the movie The Beach? Well, I haven't either. But you should. This is where the movie was shot. My favorite place I've visited thus far (and actually, in my entire life) and we still have a few days left. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 14pt;">Looking to plan an excursion to a few different beaches including the exact location where The Beach was shot and maybe even Monkey Beach where, you guessed it, dozens of monkeys reside. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 14pt;">Here's to Phi Phi Paradise drinks and a nice tan.</span></div>
Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11088477248387591203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297508409982920965.post-91639582023335985662017-03-02T06:03:00.002-05:002019-04-03T11:29:06.807-04:00Chinese Dumplings Have Changed My Life<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">What did I do in Hong Kong? You may ask...</span><br />
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<i>I ate my weight in dumplings, hung out with Big Buddha, and shopped until I dropped. </i></div>
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Just as I predicted, the culture was quite different from what I'm used to. But the sights and the food kept me wanting more. Personal space is not as respected in Hong Kong as it is in the States. Given that there are millions of people living here, it's a little more difficult to avoid bumping into everyone when walking down the street. </div>
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If you're unfamiliar with Chinese dumplings, I suggest you find the nearest restaurant ASAP. This is #1 on my to do list when I return to the States. (For those of you in Charlotte, if you have any recommendations, please let me know as soon as humanly possible.) </div>
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Friday was a long day as the flight from Sydney to Hong Kong was 9 hours. I feel as if I've spent 1/2 of my time here thus far in an airport but I certainly cannot complain with the end results. </div>
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We stayed on Hong Kong Island in a very nice hotel. While the rooms were small, it was all that we needed. Every single day we were gone for anywhere between 11 and 12 hours. I slept like a baby to say the least. </div>
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That night, we briefly explored our surroundings and called it a night very early to prepare for some busy days ahead. We had five days in Hong Kong and wanted to pack in as much as possible. Lucky for me, Hannah lived in HK for a year when she was younger. She has many friends who were able to give us a TON of recommendations and helpful hints. We were set for our trip. </div>
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Saturday, we took the Star Ferry to Kowloon, While the weather was quite cloudy and cold, it was nice to have a break from the piping hot weather I had been experiencing. The clouds made for some great pictures on our trip over. </div>
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Our first stop was important--Chinese dumplings. We went to a restaurant recommended by a friend at the bottom of a hotel. I'm still not sure how we managed to find it but we did and boy, was it worth it. </div>
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In these restaurants, you are typically given a card where you essentially "check off" the items you would like to order. The waiter/waitress takes your order and then your dishes are brought out one-by-one or a few at a time. Don't let these small sizes fool you, I was STUFFED after eating what is pictured above. </div>
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Our meal included Chinese tea, prawn dumplings, fried silver fish, pork buns, and steamed rice flour rolls. Talk about incredible. If you decide to venture to a dim sum restaurant, please order any and all of the above. </div>
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After lunch, we visited the Wong Tai Sin Temple and its surroundings. Very beautiful and we were able to snap lots of great pictures to share. Lots of people were practicing worship rituals so it was truly incredible to experience that moment. </div>
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Sunday, we ventured to Victoria Peak for one of the most stellar views of Hong Kong, While this was a heavy tourist location, it was worth it to take in the view. </div>
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This is obviously a must visit for those traveling to Hong Kong for the first time. It is even more convenient if you have already purchased an Octopus card (consider it a convenient transportation card that can be used on trains, trams, and even convenient stores, etc.) You can purchase these cards at many locations including the train station or 7-Elevens (yes, they're everywhere here). </div>
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After walking around to do some more shopping, I found the most incredible ice cream cone at a local shop. </div>
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The little piece of heaven that you're looking at is a sugar cone, topped with fruit loops and cream, with Oreo ice cream and melted marshmallows on top. Holy sugar rush. Possibly the best thing I've ever eaten. </div>
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Monday, we went to the infamous Ocean Park, aka I pretty much pretended to be a child for an entire day. It was an absolute blast. I cannot remember the last time I went to a brand new theme park that I've never visited. </div>
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We rode every roller coaster, saw some Pandas, and I even ate Korean fried squid... still unsure of how I felt about it?<br />
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It was an amazing (and exhausting) day. For those traveling to HK with children, this is a definite. The park is located on an island with incredible views (second photo above). </div>
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Tuesday, our final full day, we went to see the Big Buddha. </div>
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The architecture was amazing and it was a very humbling experience. I've always been fond of what Buddha preaches. It was a very calming and relaxing experience to witness. This was the only day where we had a full day of sunshine, it was lovely.<br />
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After a few amazing days in Hong Kong, we jetted off to Bangkok, Thailand where I am currently. We arrived Wednesday afternoon (yesterday for me) after a short three and a half hour flight. </div>
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Thailand has been the country that I'm most excited to visit. Ever since I caught pictures of the Thai Islands, it's been a dream destination of mine. Very excited to finally check this one off the bucket list! </div>
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We will begin our trip in Bangkok then fly to Krabi on Friday and then take a boat to Koh Phi Phi on Sunday where we will spend the remainder of the week. Please go ahead and prepare yourself for the envy that you may feel when I post pictures from the Thai Islands. I'm in denial that I will finally get to experience the beauty in real life. </div>
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Here's to soaking up the sun and the wonders of Thailand for the next week and a half. I cannot wait to share this portion of my trip with you all!</div>
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Thanks for following. Xx</div>
Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11088477248387591203noreply@blogger.com0