I was recently interviewed for a website that found me via social media. I actually post there, it's the blog that I shamefully neglect.. I decided to share the questions they asked and my response for anyone else who might be interested!
1. How did your passion for travel start?
2. Where was the first place you visited?
3. Favorite place you've been?
4. Least favorite place you've been/bad traveling experiences?
5. Do you speak any other languages? If not, how do you deal with that when traveling?
6. Do you have any traveling tips for our readers?
7. What inspires you?
8. You often post about your family, can you tell us a little about them?
9. Where do you currently live?
10. Do you have any goals that you would like to share with us?
11. Do you plan on moving?
12. How often do you travel? 13. Is there anything that you would like our readers to know about you?
1. I've always thrived while traveling, even when I was a younger. As an adult, wanting to move away but already having an established career has kept me from being able to do so. Traveling has been the balance in my life for the sake of my sanity.
2. I grew up snowboarding every year with my family, so I would say the West Virginia mountains during winter were my first experience out of state.
3. That's a tough question because I love everywhere I've been for different reasons. I don't think you can compare the snow covered mountains of Canada to the sandy beaches of Hawaii. They're both breathtaking in their own beautiful way.
4. Florida is honestly my least favorite place. Funny that's where I live.. I'm not one for the heat and I despise not having seasons. I don't think any travel experience is bad. The less smooth times teach you how to better prepare for your future adventures!
5. I took 2 years of Spanish in high school and still couldn't tell you anything except "Hello." I think research is key in this area. If you're traveling somewhere you know there will be an English barrier, decide if you're willing to wing it or if you need to hire a translator. I've done both in the past. However, I've found in a lot of foreign countries, they're almost as interested in knowing about me as I am in knowing about them. (Greece in particular) haha they bent over backwards to help me in every way they could! Being a young, American blonde has it's perks! :)😉
6. I think my biggest tip would be to take risks and don't be afraid of the unknown. I've found my most cherished moments were ones I almost didn't have because I was overthinking the risk or the unfamiliarity.
7. I'm inspired by go getters. People who do everything in life to the best of their ability. Who chase after their dreams no matter how big and refuse to settle for anything less.
8. My family will always come first. I think it's important to have a solid support system. They're the backbone to the life that I've created and while people come and go through all stages of life, I can always count on my family for anything and everything.
9. I'm currently a Lake City, FL resident.
10. I am constantly meeting and creating new goals. I think it's most important to have achievable goals. It's so easy to get caught up in life and if we set unrealistic goals we just end up discouraged. Start small and work your way big. You'll be surprised the progress you can make!
11. I have all intentions and hopes to move away. I'm just waiting for the Lord to open up the door of opportunity in his time.
12. I travel as much as physically possible. I work crazy hours so If I'm fortunate enough to have a break, I take FULL advantage.
13. I just want to encourage all of you to chase after what you want in life. Don't allow the worlds idea of how your life should be, dictate the lifestyle you live. You have to do what's right for you, no one else has to walk in your shoes! <3
XOXO - Kate
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Monday, January 4, 2016
Travel Series part 2
Since my last post was such a hit, I was excited to get started on part two! I'm slightly nervous for this post though. Because it has everything to do with finance. Finances are such a personal thing. People also have a tendency to become very guarded about the subject. So I want to pre-address this post by saying this is not the only way of going about managing your money. I'm not saying I have my life all figured out, I'm just telling you how this particular method has worked for me when it comes to saving money and more specifically how we are able to travel.
*BUDGETING*- I feel like a budget is such a broad term that is often misused.
"Yeah, I budget."
"Oh really, what outline do you find helpful?"
"Oh, well I mean I write down how much I make."
Budgets are not meant to complicate things or to make you feel restrained. In retrospect they are used for the exact opposite. I personally don't know how anyone goes about a daily routine without one, but again, different people think differently.
I spoke briefly on living within your means in my last post and this would be where that would apply. It's important to not only know very specifically how much you make each month, but also how much you are putting out. I understand circumstances are different for everyone, so please don't misunderstand me. But more often than not people put out way more than what they are bringing in and that is where you can start to get yourself in trouble. Heck, credit cards have made it so easy! I know there are times in which using a credit card is necessary, however if you use this one simple rule, you might save yourself the struggle before it happens.
If you don't make it, don't spend it. If you want it, find a way to work harder for it. Only AFTER you have bridged the gap, should you do so. I know... so simple, right? You'd be surprised how many people think it's rocket science.
*SEARCH THE DEALS* - This is actually almost one of my favorite parts of traveling outside of the actual experience. You know that super rewarding feeling you get when you score a pair of designer jeans for a steal? Well, you can do the same thing with booking your vacations if you put in a little time for "couponing."
Some people are better off financially than I will ever be and can afford to book 5 star hotels in the ritziest of places for every occasion. However, I'm not above admitting I am NOT that person. Don't get me wrong, I don't put myself up in roach motels... but I also know that when I'm traveling I'm not there for the hotel experience, ya feel me? I want to feel safe and have a clean place to shower but come sunrise, I'm not going to be there so why spend an absurd amount? Matt and I are huge believers in AirBnB. If you haven't heard of it before, leave my blog right now and check it.. because YASS. There are trips that we do choose to book a hotel just for the simple fact of convience... however, AirBnB has saved us HUNDREDS of $$$$ and I highly recommend.
*MINIMALIST* - Again, this may not be feasible for everyone depending on what your travel plans are but we are big on being outdoors and have zero need for the glitz and glamour. SO we opt out of checking bags. Something some people don't even think twice of doing, however for two people, depending on what airline you use, checkin one bag per person each way can end up adding $200 to your trip before you even realize it.
We also MAXIMIZE the time on our vacations by booking flights that leave at absurd hours in the night/morning and you'd be surprised how much you can save just by being flexible. Sky miles are another super nifty thing to take advantage of.
9/10 we rent a vehicle where we go. We stray away from using public transportation and rent a small sedan for usually no more than $20- $25 a day. That right there is less than one single cab fair. Depending again on location that can vary, but we have found through our many experiences that not only is the convenience of having a vehicle nice, but we have saved a significant amount of money that way.
*PRIORITIES* - Honestly, that's what everything boils down to is what are your priorities. Are you in it for the fancy meals that cost more than a car payment? Because if you are, by all means, you do you boo. Is that window view overlooking downtown worth the $600 + a night?
Because I rather eat from a food truck while walking the streets completely submerged IN the town than eat gourmet food I can't pronounce while looking at the town through a window. Everyone is different. I'm just here to tell you that traveling can be done affordably. I have experience to show for it and the freedom from debt to continue doing it. I can only hope everyone who has the desire to travel can say the same.
Thank you for reading!
*BUDGETING*- I feel like a budget is such a broad term that is often misused.
"Yeah, I budget."
"Oh really, what outline do you find helpful?"
"Oh, well I mean I write down how much I make."
Budgets are not meant to complicate things or to make you feel restrained. In retrospect they are used for the exact opposite. I personally don't know how anyone goes about a daily routine without one, but again, different people think differently.
I spoke briefly on living within your means in my last post and this would be where that would apply. It's important to not only know very specifically how much you make each month, but also how much you are putting out. I understand circumstances are different for everyone, so please don't misunderstand me. But more often than not people put out way more than what they are bringing in and that is where you can start to get yourself in trouble. Heck, credit cards have made it so easy! I know there are times in which using a credit card is necessary, however if you use this one simple rule, you might save yourself the struggle before it happens.
If you don't make it, don't spend it. If you want it, find a way to work harder for it. Only AFTER you have bridged the gap, should you do so. I know... so simple, right? You'd be surprised how many people think it's rocket science.
*SEARCH THE DEALS* - This is actually almost one of my favorite parts of traveling outside of the actual experience. You know that super rewarding feeling you get when you score a pair of designer jeans for a steal? Well, you can do the same thing with booking your vacations if you put in a little time for "couponing."
Some people are better off financially than I will ever be and can afford to book 5 star hotels in the ritziest of places for every occasion. However, I'm not above admitting I am NOT that person. Don't get me wrong, I don't put myself up in roach motels... but I also know that when I'm traveling I'm not there for the hotel experience, ya feel me? I want to feel safe and have a clean place to shower but come sunrise, I'm not going to be there so why spend an absurd amount? Matt and I are huge believers in AirBnB. If you haven't heard of it before, leave my blog right now and check it.. because YASS. There are trips that we do choose to book a hotel just for the simple fact of convience... however, AirBnB has saved us HUNDREDS of $$$$ and I highly recommend.
*MINIMALIST* - Again, this may not be feasible for everyone depending on what your travel plans are but we are big on being outdoors and have zero need for the glitz and glamour. SO we opt out of checking bags. Something some people don't even think twice of doing, however for two people, depending on what airline you use, checkin one bag per person each way can end up adding $200 to your trip before you even realize it.
We also MAXIMIZE the time on our vacations by booking flights that leave at absurd hours in the night/morning and you'd be surprised how much you can save just by being flexible. Sky miles are another super nifty thing to take advantage of.
9/10 we rent a vehicle where we go. We stray away from using public transportation and rent a small sedan for usually no more than $20- $25 a day. That right there is less than one single cab fair. Depending again on location that can vary, but we have found through our many experiences that not only is the convenience of having a vehicle nice, but we have saved a significant amount of money that way.
*PRIORITIES* - Honestly, that's what everything boils down to is what are your priorities. Are you in it for the fancy meals that cost more than a car payment? Because if you are, by all means, you do you boo. Is that window view overlooking downtown worth the $600 + a night?
Because I rather eat from a food truck while walking the streets completely submerged IN the town than eat gourmet food I can't pronounce while looking at the town through a window. Everyone is different. I'm just here to tell you that traveling can be done affordably. I have experience to show for it and the freedom from debt to continue doing it. I can only hope everyone who has the desire to travel can say the same.
Thank you for reading!
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Travel series Part 1
Listen, we all know I'm a terrible blogger, I've stopped trying to deny it at this point. I'm all over the place. I find myself feeling discouraged that I don't have time to dedicate and finally I just told myself to stop. I would wake up early, drive to my parents house so my sister could take photos for me, then turn around and change into clothes that I actually wear to work. No one wants to see what I really wear to work because lets be honest, no one is gonna be searching the internet for duplicates! lol So silly, right? I'd work so late that I would go home, crash and never even end up making a post. Instead of beating myself up over not fitting the mold of these other bloggers, why not just conform my blog to fit my lifestyle.. GENIUS, right? I have received so many comments, texts and e-mails asking about my travels. I feel like instead of forcing my blog to be something I struggle to make consistent... I should just make it me. After all, isn't that what makes blogging interesting and enjoyable to read? So here's to a new leaf.. a blog thats truly all over the place, just like me.
I feel like to be completely transparent with everyone I need to back up and share how I got to the point in life where I COULD travel. Sometimes the internet can be so misleading and posts can cause people to think opposite of what we intend. I only say this because I come in contact with so many people on a regular basis and common statements can really start to get under your skin. Such as: "Must be nice" or my personal fave, "Wow, you're actually at work for once?" I would find myself trying to defend my lifestyle when finally I had enough. Who's business is it what I do with my life? No ones. Yes, I choose to post it on the internet, but I don't need to justify anything to anyone. Jealousy makes people say some mean things. Thick skin sure does come in handy!
Traveling as an adult takes preparation as a teen! Travel has been a passion of mine for many, many years but until recently, it was a lot more dreaming and a lot less actual travel. I could go into deep detail on the budgeting and planning that was involved, if that's something you guys want to know, but for starters I just want to give you guys some tips that you can take and do with what you please.
* LIVE INSIDE YOUR MEANS * - It's so sad to me when I see people who are ultimately limited in life due to financial decisions that have been made. Hey, maybe that outrageous car payment is something they are passionate about, who am I to judge? For me, materialistic things are less and less of importance when compared to life experience. My husband and I were raised completely different growing up and honestly, many of our first years of marriage were spent deciding ( from me, more demanding.. haha ) how limited we were or weren't going to be by our finances. I praise God every day that both of us worked our way through college and didn't have loans up to our eyeballs. My sincerest prayers go out to those are unable to say the same.
I look back on the times when I was younger and all my friends were given brand new fancy cars at 16 while my Dave Ramsey in the flesh father tried to teach me the importance of working hard for my own things. Which only resulted in the ugliest chunk of metal I was so proud to have paid cash for and call my first car. Since at the time I was too annoyed, I don't think I ever had the chance to say, thanks dad! It's a difficult thing to master, especially if you were raised not to know any better, but I promise you nothing taste better than financial freedom feels. Wow, I sound like Dave Ramsey myself.
* QUANITY vs. QUALITY * - Here is where I differ from so many others. Travel for me is an escape from everything inside my normal routine. I so badly want to move. There have been many of conversations that will hopefully become actions in the future. However, I'm not going to put my life on hold in the meantime. I use travel as a way of escaping so I don't fall into this rut of discontentment because of the fact that I still live somewhere after 4 years of wanting to leave. That being said, I rather take multiple small trips over one big trip.
My family always takes one big vacation in the winter. Its the same week every year so Dad can prepare! When the time comes, he has the financial ability to splurge. To some, thats what travel is, one trip in which you totally splurge.
For me, it's different. I wouldn't be content with only one trip. Instead, I take my time and do a ridiculous amount of research. Weighing all of the options possible to find the most affordable option. I rather budget myself while I'm away than constantly splurge and have regret when I get home. I personally canNOT enjoy myself unless a trip is paid in full BEFORE we leave. I've always been that way. So wether we postpone a little bit until we have the funds or we cut corners and maybe hit up a grocery store for lunch meat vs. eating out every meal. That is a hardcore rule that I don't budge on. It also comes in handy when I get home and have those pesky post-vacation blues... we can immediately start planning our next trip without the stress of trying to pay off our previous. I'm just saying, f i n a n c i a l f r e e d o m.
*STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES or SHOP TIL YOU DROP* - Last but certainly not least, I think it's important to have a gameplan before you leave town. What are your goals? Are you planning on kicking back or kicking it into high gear? I personally cannot STAND doing things I can do at home while i'm away. For instance: You will not catch me in a mall, sleeping in or eating at any restaurants I have in my home town.. BUT thats just my preference! Some people prefer a slower pace and relaxation. Ninety-nine percent of the vacations we take are spent outdoors, so we rarely even have those issues. However, all of our vacations are short and require an extremely fast pace due to our work schedules. So i've found the more time you spend planning ahead, the less time you'll waste trying to figure it out once you've reached your destination!
I hope these tips help you guys when you plan your next adventure! I have multiple trips that I haven't documented yet, ( imagine that, me slacking...) that I hope to reflect back on and possibly even go into deeper detail as to how I went about our planning process!
Be sure to leave your feedback! I would love to know if you guys find posts like these helpful or what you would like to see more of in the future!
I feel like to be completely transparent with everyone I need to back up and share how I got to the point in life where I COULD travel. Sometimes the internet can be so misleading and posts can cause people to think opposite of what we intend. I only say this because I come in contact with so many people on a regular basis and common statements can really start to get under your skin. Such as: "Must be nice" or my personal fave, "Wow, you're actually at work for once?" I would find myself trying to defend my lifestyle when finally I had enough. Who's business is it what I do with my life? No ones. Yes, I choose to post it on the internet, but I don't need to justify anything to anyone. Jealousy makes people say some mean things. Thick skin sure does come in handy!
Traveling as an adult takes preparation as a teen! Travel has been a passion of mine for many, many years but until recently, it was a lot more dreaming and a lot less actual travel. I could go into deep detail on the budgeting and planning that was involved, if that's something you guys want to know, but for starters I just want to give you guys some tips that you can take and do with what you please.
* LIVE INSIDE YOUR MEANS * - It's so sad to me when I see people who are ultimately limited in life due to financial decisions that have been made. Hey, maybe that outrageous car payment is something they are passionate about, who am I to judge? For me, materialistic things are less and less of importance when compared to life experience. My husband and I were raised completely different growing up and honestly, many of our first years of marriage were spent deciding ( from me, more demanding.. haha ) how limited we were or weren't going to be by our finances. I praise God every day that both of us worked our way through college and didn't have loans up to our eyeballs. My sincerest prayers go out to those are unable to say the same.
I look back on the times when I was younger and all my friends were given brand new fancy cars at 16 while my Dave Ramsey in the flesh father tried to teach me the importance of working hard for my own things. Which only resulted in the ugliest chunk of metal I was so proud to have paid cash for and call my first car. Since at the time I was too annoyed, I don't think I ever had the chance to say, thanks dad! It's a difficult thing to master, especially if you were raised not to know any better, but I promise you nothing taste better than financial freedom feels. Wow, I sound like Dave Ramsey myself.
* QUANITY vs. QUALITY * - Here is where I differ from so many others. Travel for me is an escape from everything inside my normal routine. I so badly want to move. There have been many of conversations that will hopefully become actions in the future. However, I'm not going to put my life on hold in the meantime. I use travel as a way of escaping so I don't fall into this rut of discontentment because of the fact that I still live somewhere after 4 years of wanting to leave. That being said, I rather take multiple small trips over one big trip.
My family always takes one big vacation in the winter. Its the same week every year so Dad can prepare! When the time comes, he has the financial ability to splurge. To some, thats what travel is, one trip in which you totally splurge.
For me, it's different. I wouldn't be content with only one trip. Instead, I take my time and do a ridiculous amount of research. Weighing all of the options possible to find the most affordable option. I rather budget myself while I'm away than constantly splurge and have regret when I get home. I personally canNOT enjoy myself unless a trip is paid in full BEFORE we leave. I've always been that way. So wether we postpone a little bit until we have the funds or we cut corners and maybe hit up a grocery store for lunch meat vs. eating out every meal. That is a hardcore rule that I don't budge on. It also comes in handy when I get home and have those pesky post-vacation blues... we can immediately start planning our next trip without the stress of trying to pay off our previous. I'm just saying, f i n a n c i a l f r e e d o m.
*STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES or SHOP TIL YOU DROP* - Last but certainly not least, I think it's important to have a gameplan before you leave town. What are your goals? Are you planning on kicking back or kicking it into high gear? I personally cannot STAND doing things I can do at home while i'm away. For instance: You will not catch me in a mall, sleeping in or eating at any restaurants I have in my home town.. BUT thats just my preference! Some people prefer a slower pace and relaxation. Ninety-nine percent of the vacations we take are spent outdoors, so we rarely even have those issues. However, all of our vacations are short and require an extremely fast pace due to our work schedules. So i've found the more time you spend planning ahead, the less time you'll waste trying to figure it out once you've reached your destination!
I hope these tips help you guys when you plan your next adventure! I have multiple trips that I haven't documented yet, ( imagine that, me slacking...) that I hope to reflect back on and possibly even go into deeper detail as to how I went about our planning process!
Be sure to leave your feedback! I would love to know if you guys find posts like these helpful or what you would like to see more of in the future!
Friday, October 30, 2015
Cheers to 5 years!
Sharing a few photos from our 5 year anniversary shoot today! Xoxo
Friday, August 21, 2015
Stripes & Suede
If I had a dollar for every time someone asked, "Where do you shop?" I might not be a millionaire but I sure would be one happy camper! The truth is, I don't have a specific place I shop. I don't have a single store that I prefer more than the other... I will go anywhere with a deal. Which brings me to this post. My entire outfit is from Forever21. I feel like they have really stepped up their game as of late. I went through a period of time where I refused to walk into the store for the sake of my sanity. Like, god forbid I ask where an item is located because I'm convinced NO ONE knows the answer to that question. But I've kinda grown to like that. I'm not one of those people who walk into a store, see something on a mannequin, purchase every piece and wear it as such. I love finding random items I don't see a lot of people fighting over, and wearing them my own way. I love even more when people can't tell where my clothes are from by a silly lion emblem over my right shoulder or some kind of branding somewhere super noticeable. So kudos to you forever 21 for making affordable, stylish pieces that don't scream, HEY LOOK WHERE I SHOP. Can you guys tell thats one of my biggest pet peeves? Anyways, rant over. Moral of the story, give Forever 21 a chance... even if a zanax is required in the process! Happy Friday friends!
Friday, August 14, 2015
Black is Bae
Sandals: Nordstrom
Shorts: Zara (old) similar: here!
Top: Here!
Sunnies:Karen Walker
Hat: F21 (old) similar: Here!
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Ohh Calvin.. you comfy thing, you
I finally got my hands on a Calvin Klein set in my size!! I wasn't sure exactly what size to order online and every time I went to purchase in store, they were sold out! So, shoutout to Urban for being on top of their crap and keeping things in stock! Preciate it.
Fun fact: I rarely online shop unless I know exactly what size I am at that particular store. Because if it doesn't fit, it will never actually make it to the mailbox to be returned.
and lets be honest... I'll probably buy this set in every color because it's so dang comfy. If you wanna be comfy with me, hit up Urban!
Enjoy the pic extras I threw in today too! Blog photos never take place without these two. They're basically my sidekicks for everything in life. So, I hope you like their faces as much as I do!
Lip color: Mac "Whirl"
Jeans: Pacsun (old)
Flannel: Cottonon
Tank: Target- They have the BEST plain tanks!
Calvin Klein set: HERE!
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