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BEST LIGHT SHOW IN LOS ANGELES

Every winter LA's beautiful Descanso Gardens opens up its doors for a nighttime light spectacle that is to die for. In the cool of the night and with a cup of warm hot chocolate in hand, you can wander around the gardens and experience a world unlike any other. From endless red Chinese lanterns, to a sea of lit flowers dotting the landscape, Descanso Garden’s Enchanted Forest of Light is a favorite of mine every winter. Here are some things to know to visit!

WHAT IS THE ENCHANTED FOREST OF LIGHT:

“Enchanted Forest of Light is an interactive, nighttime experience unlike anything else in Los Angeles, featuring a one-mile walk through unique lighting experiences in some of the most beloved areas of Descanso Gardens. There are a variety of large-scale light displays, many of which are interactive, allowing visitors to manipulate the lights and sounds.” - from their website

WHEN IS ENCHANTED HAPPENING:

The Descanso Gardens are open year round. However, the Enchanted Forest of Light is only available during the winter season from November 17–January 5.

BUY TICKETS IN ADVANCE:

There is only a certain number of tickets and times available each year, so make sure to book in advance on their website. Tickets do have a timed entry and exit and must be purchased in advance. Personally, visiting once it is dark seemed to be the way to go to really get the most out of the lights so I recommend later in the evening ticket times. It is a rain or shine event which means the tickets are non-refundable. There is also a restaurant during certain hours so be sure to book that in advance if you are interested in that.

WHAT TO PACK FOR ENCHANTED:

While it doesn’t snow in Los Angeles, it can get quite cold so pack plenty of layers and warm clothes! It is a one mile walk, so comfy sneakers is the way to go. There were a few cafes the year that I visited which was great for a cup of hot chocolate or coffee. Also, if photography is your thing, then bringing a small camera and tripod would be a great way to snap some pretty cool shots. Or, if you are like me, and you forget your tripod, just have fun with the light show and your shaky hand like the image below!

FILM: BEST CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW IN LOS ANGELES

Click play to see a short video from our time exploring this enchanting place!

MORE FROM LOS ANGELES:

#LOS ANGELES #CALIFORNIA #CHRISTMAS

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FILM: WHAT IT IS LIKE TO BACKPACK WHITE SANDS, NM

I wouldn’t say sleeping in a tent is my favorite way to pass the time, but, sometimes there is only one way to really see something. So, I gotta give it up to backpacking, because seeing the Milky Way at night and waking up to the moon and sunrise over these dunes was one of the most unreal experiences! Some of the best adventure moments happen while backpacking and our experience in White Sands, New Mexico was no exception!

Here is a video from the behind the scenes of what it was like to fly to New Mexico (during the World Series) and backpack into the dunes to sleep for the night. As it turns out hiking through sand is no joke, but once the park closes and you along with only 9 other campsites have the place all to yourself, you will find that this adventure is well worth it. To date, I have never seen a sunset quite like this one. SO, if you are even close to thinking of tent camping here, please do yourself a favor and make it happen! To date, it is one of my favorite US camping experiences!⛺️

#BACKPACKING #HIKING #CAMPING #ARIZONA #WHITE SANDS #NEW MEXICO #USA

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EVERYTHING FOR A WEEKEND IN NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

NOLA (New Orleans Louisiana) is such a quirky, fun, beautiful place filled with friendly people and AHHHHmazing food. Walking around the French Quarter and popping in and out of places you will find tons of food and drinks and loads of fun! If you are in need of some local references for food, drinks, or entertainment, then you have come to the right place! Here is everything you need to know to visit NOLA and have the time of your life!

FOODS YOU SHOULD TOTALY TRY IN NOLA:

Boiled Crawfish - Technically, you can find crawfish year round. But, many local will tell you, only eat boiled crawfish during crawfish season! The rest of the year it is either frozen local crawfish or it is sourced from elsewhere.

Beignets - Cafe Du Monde - This is a must! They have been serving Beignets since the Civil War! The line is often long so if you need a back up spot, Cafe Beignet is a great option as well.

Pecan Pralines -  Try pralines or fudge at any of the little shops. Super sweet, but yummy. Loretta’s in the French Market is really good.

King Cake - If you find it, eat it! King Cake is seasonal and typically found during Mardi Gras and it is SO yummy! It is basically a mix between a donut and cake stuffed with cream. You will love it!

Hot Sauce - Spice is a HUGE thing in Louisiana! Every place in the Quarter has dozens of them to try. Some are so hot you have to sign a waiver eating!

Chicory - OK. This is not my thing, but it is very much a NOLA thing. Chicory in Coffee is huge. Personally it isn’t for me, but by all means try it.

Po-Boys - It is a sandwich stuffed with various meats usually fried shrimp or seafood. In the Quarter you can go to Cafe Masperos or Johnny’s Po-Boys or Erin Rose, but the best one in the city and where you will find me every day is Parkview Bakery! It is worth the uber ride, and it is such a great, local, backyard vibe. 

Muffalettas - Central Grocery Co. is a super famous spot for this. I don’t eat meat so I have never had it, but everyone raves about it!

Oysters - Full disclosure, I have never eaten or even tried an oyster, but I have heard that Antoine’s Restaurant or Felix’s is the way to go for that.

Hurricane Alcoholic Drink - Pat Obrien’s is famous for this, but they have them everywhere. 

Hand Grenades - These are a huge thing on Bourbon. Be warned, the sugar masks the liquor and you will be beyond drunk afterward.

Absinthe - Pirate’s Alley is the place for it. 55% alcohol makes it a doozy. Their version is the legal limit.

SnowBalls - I lived for these as a kid, and Hansens is the place in the city to get it.

World Famous Fried Chicken - Willie Maes has been on every food network show and is SUPER famous. It is supposed to be life changing chicken. Now they have created a bit of a chain, but make sure to visit the original location.

Gumbo, Jambalaya, and Étouffée - These will be served lots of places and worth trying. Best spots: Jambayala - Coop’s Place / Gumbo - Stanley's

BEST COFFEE AND BREAKFAST NEW ORLEANS:

My favorite breakfast spot in the whole city is in the Lower Garden District at Hivolt Coffee. It is the best coffee in the city including pour overs and the pastries and breakfast are all great!

If you are in the Warehouse District there is a Stumptown Coffee in the Ace Hotel which is a great option as well!

Brennans is super famous for breakfast. I have never been. But, worth pointing out. Make sure to get a reservation.

When in town, I usually eat at Sasuma Cafe. Cheap, simple, and healthy, something hard to find in Louisiana some times ;)

Another favorite of mine is Surrey’s. To be fair, I have never tried anything other than their pancakes, but I don’t need to! Their pancakes are the best!

Elizabeth’s in Bywater is a super traditional southern breakfast with smothered everything and great biscuits. It is really good and a great way to try southern food!

Ruby Slipper is also a fun spot with cajun/creole breakfast influences. It is probably the best breakfast spot to please everyone and still get to try some unique things.

BEST BARS IN THE FRENCH QUARTER:

Pat O’Briens dueling pianos is a must! It usually has a line, but once you get in it is such a blast. They basically pack people into a room with two dueling pianos that play any song request and everyone in the room sings as loud as possible to classics and shares drinks. It can really be a blast!

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop is the oldest structure in the city to have a bar so it is a great spot to grab a drink.

Carousel Bar - This bar is inside of a hotel. There is a carousel inside it that moves and is it’s claim to fame. It doesn’t sprinkle my donuts, but people seem to love it!

Pirate’s Alley - if you dare try the absinthe. This is a famous spot and the only place in the city to sell legal absinthe. Fair warning the alcohol content level is HIGH.

Saints and Sinners - Nothing crazy about this other than Channing Tatum owns it so the girls tend to love it. And, for that reason, it is worth pointing out.

Ace Hotel’s rooftop is a really beautiful space! One of my favorite spots. My girlfriend from Los Angels and I always laugh going there cause its definitely like the other Ace Hotels in terms of lack of friendliness and run by New Yorkers. But, still the rooftop bar is super nice!

Frenchmen Street - SUPER famous for Jazz music. Places like the Spotted Cat are where all the greats played back in the day. It is the locals version of Bourbon Street, or at least it used to be. Typically, you can find lots of live music and fun spots.

Tchoup Yard is a super fun spot and great for a day hang out. There are loads of backyard games and outdoor vibes and usually lots of locals just playing corn hole and drinking beers. It is also located right where lots of brewers have popped up which is new to the city, so it is a great day drinking spot.

Musical Legends Park is such a cute romantic spot (maybe the only one) on Bourbon. I think it is only Friday nights, but a live jazz band plays outside and for a moment you feel like you are in a European city. Swoon.

Bourbon Street is filled with dozens and dozens of bars and intoxicated people. It is not where locals tend to hang out, but if you are looking to experience this side of NOLA and have a blast doing it, just pop in and out of all the bars along the street. No destination is needed here.

GOOD EATS NEW ORLEANS:

Cochon Butcher and Cochon Restaurant are both really good spots in the warehouse district with great vibes and food with a local twist. (Cochon means “pig” so that says a lot about what is on the menu).

Peche is a nice restaurant as well. Peche means “fish” so there is a lot of seafood dishes here. Nice vibes. Good food.

Pizza Domenica - Great pizzas and pastas and garlic bread knots, and a nice break from fried food.

Josephine Estelle in the Ace Hotel is a great little spot. More Los Angeles type foods like anything with a vegetable (lol) than the other places listed. Plus, you can pop up to the rooftop bar afterward.

NOLA in the French Quarter is really good. Typical cajun and creole dishes that are really well done. More pricey.

Emeril’s is super famous and fancy pants. I have never been. Heard great things! More pricey.

Commander’s Palace is SUPER famous and supposedly really amazing. Never been. Hard to get a resi. Heard amazing things! Most pricey.

St. Roch is a great stop and my personal favorite place to get biscuits. There are several vendors in this space like a small market and it is a great way to try different foods in the city!

BEST TOURIST STOPS NEW OREANS:

Napoleon’s House (yep, he had a house there that is now a restaurant) The food is not life changing, but it is cool to see. And, full disclosure, Napoleon died before getting to visit this house, so he never lived here, but it was built for him.

There are lots of huge plantation style homes in the Garden District one of which is where Mark Twain used to throw parties. These old southern homes are to die for.

Near there is St. Charles Ave. where 300-400 year old oak trees line the street. You gotta take a trolley ride down this street and see it. It is beautiful.

Jackson Square in front of the St. Louis Cathedral which is the most popular photo spot and dates back hundreds of years.

Cemeteries - Due to being below sea level, graves are all above ground in NOLA. And, many of them date back centuries and are well worth a visit. You can even visit Marie Laveaus (the famous Voodoo Queen’s) tomb. Across from Commander’s Palace is Lafayette Cemetery which is free to visit. My recommendation for a more historical tour would be to visit St. Louis Cemetery where notables have been buried. You have to do a tour, but it’s great. OH, and you can see the period tomb Nicholas Cage had built for when he dies. Kinda wild.

Swamp Tours - This isn’t necessarily “historic” perse other than people having been boating here for centuries and the cypress trees are hundreds of years old. The tours are a whole lot of fun and you get to see alligators out in the wild! I highly recommend doing one to see a completely different type of landscape and life on the bayou.

Museums - There are lots of great museums all within walking distance of each other. So, if you are looking for a break from Bourbon street this is your spot. The WW II museum is one of the best tin the country and a great way to spend the afternoon. There are also wonderful art museums like the Ogden and the Contemporary.

WHERE TO SHOP NEW ORLEANS:

The French Market in the French Quarter is the best place to shop for souvenirs and fun little things. Most of the goods are on the cheaper side so it is fun to walk about. As a kid, this was always my favorite spot!

If vintage clothing is your thing, then Royale Street is a great place for all things vintage. There are several vintage boutiques specializing in unique period clothing.

There are loads of Local shops selling New Orleans designers like Krewe Sunglasses which are great and well worth the stop in.

Magazine Street is my favorite street in the city and it is filled with loads of shops, antiques, and great eateries. It is a great way to spend an afternoon outside of bourbon. Just take the trolley car from the French Quarter.

WHAT TO PACK FOR A WEEKEND IN NEW ORLEANS:

Casual is a way of life there. While a few trendy spots have come to town and people dress more trendy/urban in those spots, for the most part, it is casual. The city is so laid-back and truly no one will care what you are wearing.

Comfy Shoes - The streets and sidewalks are uneven and often cobblestone. Tourism causes a lot of trash. And, rain doesn’t help. So, I recommend comfy shoes like tennis shoes that you are ok to get scuffed up and wet and maybe even just toss after the trip.

Sunscreen - The heat is no joke here!

Hat for sun - A hat or even an umbrella to protect against the sun is a must in the summer and maybe even year round!

Sunglasses - As mentioned above, sun protection is a must!

Backpack - I am a backpacker type of tourist because with all the heat and alcohol you will want water and a place to store your raincoat and sunscreen, etc. Plus, like in any tourist spot, keeping your things safe and protected is the way to go!

Toilet Paper/Kleenex packets - The French Quarter is old and packed with people. The bathrooms aren’t guaranteed to have TP in them so make sure to bring some! Oh and a few baby wipes wouldn’t hurt either!

Rain Coat/Jacket - If it rains, umbrellas are quite difficult on the narrow sidewalks, so a rain coat is the way to go. 

Bug Spray - When it is too cold there aren’t mosquitoes, but GURL mosquitoes are a very real thang there, especially if you are going on a swap tour in the summer!

Cash - A lot of the city will accept credit card, but there are still quite a few places that are cash only. Quite literally some spots have been cash only for centuries. So, I recommend keeping some handy. 

STAY SAFE AND LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL!

While the city is without a doubt one of my favorite places, it does have a darker side not all that different than parts of Los Angeles. So, I recommend being vigilant. As a tourist, you can be a target, so while I have never had anything happen, it is a high possibility. Put simply, I would just do your best to keep your wits about you and not flash money. Stay safe!

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WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT THE TRULLI IN PUGLIA, ITALY

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT THE TRULLI IN PUGLIA ITALY:

To be honest, I kept going back and forth as to whether or not visiting this place was going to be worth the drive out of our way. I was so torn, in fact, that I left it until the end of our road trip just in case we needed to cut it out. But, as soon as we are started to see more and more of these iconic structures dotting the nearby landscape, I knew that Alberobello was a place well worth the visit!

Here is a little backstory on where these structures came from and why you have to visit them too:

WHAT TO WEAR IN ITALY:

WHY WERE TRULLI STRUCTURES BUILT

Around for hundreds of years, Trulli dwellings date back as far as the 16th century. There is a long standing belief that because the structures are seemingly temporary in nature, their purpose was to be easily converted to a pile of stones for when the property tax collectors came into town. Imagine showing up to collect taxes to find that instead of homes, there were only piles of limestone rocks. Whether or not this myth is true remains to be seen, but either way the mystery of these Trulli dwellings lives on.

WHAT DO TRULLI LOOK LIKE

With a cylindrical base, most Trulli have a conical limestone-tiled roof. Built of cement, the thick walls ensured a certain level of coolness even in the warm summer months. Typically, the roofs were painted with an evil eye, a cross, or an astronomical symbol making these dwellings even more unique. In fact, the Trulli of Alberobello are so unique in their characteristics and historical significance that they are now a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site.

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT ALBEROLLO:

The only other place where you can find homes like these is in Rhineland Germany where Puglia immigrants built more Trulli dwellings while working the vineyards there. Thankfully, hundreds of Trulli still exist and are in great condition in Puglia. Most are still lived in by locals with many available as holiday homes as well.

If you are planning to visit this spot, I highly recommend staying one night to explore the area. If you are visiting Puglia Italy, make sure to add this to your stops! It is well worth the visit! 

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS ALBEROBELLO, ITALY:

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#EUROPE #ITALY #ARCHITECTURE

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24 HOURS IN RIGA, LATVIA

Only here for a long lay over, we had done zero research on the city and had no prior expectations. In our minds, it was simply a stop over from one major city to another. But, Riga turned out to be one of our favorite days of our trip so far. The city has an old world feel mixed with a touch of romanticism. Cobblestone streets are lined with adorable old European buildings housing yummy cafes and neat retail shops. We couldn’t recommend this city more on your Northern European adventure. Here are a few of our favorite stops while exploring Riga!

COMFY TOURIST VIBES:

COFFEE START RIGA:

Riga has a blossoming coffee culture and there are a few great spots to stop in for a caffeine fix. We chose MiiT Coffee and really enjoyed the coffee, breakfast, and overall urban vibe. It was a nice little local stop before embarking to all of the tourist stops in the city.

NATIVITY CATHEDRAL:

This is a nice stop on your Riga tour, both for the architecture and for the history. Built under Tsar Alexander the cathedral had 12 bells that were the prime piece of the cathedral. Under Soviet rule the bells were melted down and the church was converted into a planetarium. Since the 1990s restoration work has continued to restore this cathedral back to its original splendor. The gold domes alone are quite beautiful to see. If however, you have seen loads of European churches, and you were looking to cut something from your day tour of Riga, then this might be it. 

FREEDOM MONUMENT:

Of all of the stops in Riga, the monument itself was perhaps the least dynamic; but, there is a really beautiful park nearby so if you do decide to see this tourist spot. This is a great spot to plan to stop for a lunch picnic. The park has formal gardens and exotic trees along with seasonal cafes. It is really nice on a lovely afternoon. 

OLD TOWN RIGA:

This was my favorite area of Riga by far. I love the old cobblestone paths and old world architecture. There is a lot to see here including the Powder Tower and the Swedish Gate. Both are nice to see, but really the thing to do in old town is just walk aimlessly through the streets stopping in shops and enjoying the old world feel of it all.

ST. PETER’S CHURCH RIGA:

Not only is this church beautiful from the exterior, but inside is an elevator taking you to the top (72 meters) to experience 360 degrees views of the city. There is a fee, but in my opinion it was well worth it. With only 24 hours in Riga, it was great to see the views from here and get a feel for the city. The church inside is also quite beautiful so even if you decide the views aren’t for you, I’d pop in to see this architecture either way.

HOUSE OF BLACKHEADS:

When I first head House of Blacheads, Ill admit that did not sound like a place I needed to visit. But, seeing the pictures we decided to add it to our route. All of all the things to see in Riga, this particular location seemed to pop up the most in other blogs as a must-see. While the architecture is unique and the town square is quite nice, we didn’t love it as much as we were expecting. But, I would still recommend it as a stop! it is beautiful.

CENTRAL MARKET:

This is a must in my opinion! the market is HUGE. It goes on for quite a while and there is lots to see, try, and buy in here. One of the buildings is home to the food court which is where we ate all of our meals. It was such a great way to try things in the city all in one spot. From pizza, to sushi, to steak, to fresh juices, it had everything you could need for a bite to eat. It is also why, I would recommend staying within walking distance of the market making it easy to pop over for something to eat.

WELLINGTON SPA:

One thing I did not know about Riga before going is that it is known for its spa houses. This is quite common in the countries in this region. After a long day of being a tourist and exploring the city, I highly recommend visiting one of the spas in the city for some rest and relaxation. We chose Wellington. You do not have to be staying at the hotel to visit. You simply pay for the afternoon and you can enjoy all the amenities from a Turkish bath to indoor pool. If you are like us and coming off a red eye flight, it is worth the visit!

RIGA, LATVIA TOP PLACES TO VISIT:

If you are looking to walk Riga, Latvia, here is a map of all of the major tourist stops to see! We found it a very walkable city and only took a taxi (there is no Uber) when going to and from the airport. Starting at the Nativity of Christ Cathedral, meandering through Old Town, and ending on the river’s edge to enjoy a late night dinner at Central Market, you will fall in love with this city! Enjoy!

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KINDNESS IN VIENNA

Happy spring filled Saturday afternoon to everyone! Just popping on here to share a moment from my solo trip to Vienna, Austria. From flower markets to old world cafes to stunning architecture, Vienna was inspiration overload. But, my biggest moment of inspiration here actually came from a conversation I had with an Uber driver. When I arrived in Vienna, without thinking much of it, I walked up to my driver, smile on my face, and said: “Hi, nice to meet you. How are you today?” He seemed taken aback as we shared what had now become an awkward moment on the street. As we started our drive, he broke the silence. “I am sorry for my odd behavior,” he offered. “I am an immigrant from Turkey. I have lived here for 30 years, and I can’t think of another time when a stranger has walked up to me as smiley as you did, and asked me how I was doing.” We went on to spend the rest of the ride chatting it up like old friends. I asked questions about his home country; and, he talked about teaching himself English and his hopes to visit America. When we arrived outside my hotel, he turned to me and said: “Thank you for your kindness.” As I tried to play down the moment, he stopped me, and said: “No, take in this moment. Recognize your own kindness so you can do it again and again.” I exchanged his offered hand shake for a hug and walked away with tears in my eyes. We had just taught each other something I often take for granted, the power of human connection and kindness.

I tell you this story because our moment together inspired me and maybe it can inspire you too. Since, then, my nieces and I have been learning “hello” “thank you” and “how are you?” in as many languages a possible. I have spent years brainwashing them into wanderlust, and my hope is that no matter where their future travels take them, they, along with myself, will always be able to show kindness in the native languages. So, thank you to my Uber driver, wherever you are, for inspiring me and my family.💛

#EUROPE #AUSTRIA #VIENNA

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STAYING IN A BUDDHIST TEMPLE IN SOUTH KOREA

We stayed the night in a Buddhist temple and woke up to a kind monk offering to make us fresh coffee. We chatted about our different languages, guessed each other’s ages, and also discovered that Nick thinks I am old. Just kidding, but seriously, just wait for my reaction... 😂 And, to the kind monk, wherever you are, thank you for this special memory. We still have the coffee bag you gave us hanging in our breakfast nook in our home as a reminder of your kindness.

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POSTCARDS FROM VIENNA

As a little girl, I grew up hearing stories about Vienna from my grandmother. From long afternoons spent at old world cafes to late nights at the Austrian Opera House, she still says this city was her favorite place she ever visited. Walking these streets and exploring this place, I could see why she fell so madly in love. Everything about Vienna is rooted in beauty. From flower markets, to European cafes, to gold leafed everything, Vienna was inspiration overload. I traveled here solo and spent my days taking long walks getting lost in the streets. I was only here for a few days, and the weather was quite frigid, but, even still, it was as dreamy and romantic as I imagined. Here are a few of my favorite shots from my weekend here along with a few spots I would recommend to visit. Enjoy!

xoxo,

KB

WHERE I STAYED IN VIENNA:

I stayed at a boutique hotel in Stephansplatz in the heart of Vienna and highly recommend the area. It was really easy to get around and there are so many attractions, retail shops, and little eateries right on the main drag.

ST STEPHEN’S CATHEDRAL IS A MUST:

Regardless of your religious background, historical the most premiere center for art and architecture in Europe can be found in the Cathedral’s of the main cities, and Vienna is no exception. St. Stephen’s is still a working cathedral and tourists are not allowed into the front part of the church if a service is in process, but it is well worth peaking inside to see this beautiful place. And, make sure not to miss the tile work on the roof. It was gorgeous!

WHERE I ATE EVERY DAY:

Since 1888, Demel has been serving up some of the cities best pastries and delights. I fell so in love with this old world cafe I ate here almost every day. It is a bit pricey, but worth the experience even just once. The pastries were yummy, but it was the entire ambience and experience that did it for me. With details like grand chandeliers and silver polished tea kettles, it was a lovely treat!

THINGS TO DO IN VIENNA:

There are loads of other places to see and visit in Vienna. Due to time constraints, I wasn’t able to do it all. Here are a few places you may want to check out for yourself: Schonbrunn Palace, Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, Belvedere Museum, Wiener Staatsoper for a show, Imperial Palace (Hofburg), and Rathaus.

#EUROPE #AUSTRIA #VIENNA

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MAMMOTH SNOW TUBING

Let me be real with you. I am not a snow sport person. Skiing and snowboarding… love the idea of it, but I am by no means a professional at it. In fact, a good day for me on the slopes, is me just standing up on the board without falling flat on me face as four year old children speed past me doing triple flip double salchows or whatever.

If you are at all like me, which I hope for your athletic self sake that you aren’t, you may be looking for a different activity in the snow. And, girl, I have found it… snow tubing! Anyone can do it. It literally requires no coordination or athleticism at all. You just sit on a tube, someone pushes you, and off you go speeding just as fast as those four year olds up on the slopes. Yes please. Sign me up for that!

If you are heading to Mammoth Springs, California, then make sure to check out Woolley’s Snow Tube & Play Park. My husband and I had such a blast going up and down the lanes. The views from the top are beautiful, and there is a pulling system taking you up from the bottom! What more could you want out of an afternoon adventure! Watch more from the adventure in the video below!

Enjoy!

xoxo,

KB

VIDEO FROM WOOLLEY’S MAMMOTH:

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VISITING FISHERMAN'S BASTION & MATTHIAS CHURCH

Fisherman's Bastion is a must see if you are visiting Budapest. The views out and the stunning architecture are definitely worth the journey across the river. The complex is quite large including a church and a castle all with views looking back on to the city. The entire area also lights up at night showcasing another beautiful side to Fisherman’s Bastion. If you get the chance, whether during the day or even a quick trip a night, make sure to see this area of Budapest!

HOW TO GET THERE:

While it can be reached from Buda’s side of the Danube via foot, there is a bus (#16) that stops right at the Matthias Church. Or, a funicular (yeah, I had to google it too) can be taken from Szechényi Bridge up to Buda Castle. My only traveler’s note would be that you are likely to do quite a bit of walking once you reach the complex, so if you need to, save your walking for that. I took the bus and found it quite easy.

WHAT IS IT:

Without a doubt, this large complex, is the number one visited tourist attraction in Budapest and it is well deserved. The panoramic views of Pest and the Danube are unparalleled. While the grounds will be filled with countless tourists, I still feel this is worth the visit. It is beautiful, stunning really and worth a walk about. Oh, and make sure to go inside the Matthias Church to see the architecture!

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KINDNESS. IT'S UNIVERSAL

I don't ever claim to know a lot about life or this crazy world we live in, but there is one truth I have come to know and believe without a doubt. And, that is that, there is more kindness in the world than there is evil.

We live in a time where news equates to negativity as if the two words are completely interchangeable. We are constantly aware of devastation, hardships, and attacks. And, underlying it all is the news of our cultural and religious differences around the globe. As if difference equates to more than negativity; because, difference somehow equates to fear.

But, as someone has been immersed in a multitude of cultures, religions, and governments, there is one universal truth that transcendence all the differences existing in the world today. The truth is that we are all more alike than we are different. And, this world is more kind than not.

We are all daughters, mothers, fathers, and sons. And, while we may not share identical belief systems or cultural norms, we unequivocally share one common thread woven into the fabric of our beings: we are human.

We were built, designed even, for human connection and kindness. It is in all of us, the desire to connect with others. And, as I continue to travel more and more, I continue to be confronted with this truth. There is more kindness in the world than not.

I am living proof of it, story after story, adventure after adventure, we as humans are a kind people. Thank you to all those I have met along these journeys around the world who have taught me kindness and showed me compassion. I am forever grateful. And, my only hope, is that I pay it continue forward in some way in some other part of the world.

Kindness. It's universal.

READ MORE INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHTS:

#KINDNESS

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WHERE TO GRAB COFFEE IN BUDAPEST

Part of my routine in any city I visit is to try the local coffee! I am always on the hunt for a great cup of pour over which is often hard to find amidst Europe’s espresso culture. And, while Budapest is not exactly known for its coffee, there were two spots I felt were worth mentioning for your next stop over in the city.

CAFE CENTRAL:

The first is Cafe Central. From the get go, I will be honest with you. The coffee is not the reason to visit here. This is purely an architecture spot. It is one of the oldest buildings in Budapest and a beautiful place to grab breakfast. It has a very old world European feel and I personally enjoyed the little tourist stop. As previously mentioned, the coffee didn’t change my life so I went directly from here over to Madal Cafe.

MADAL CAFE:

This little coffee spot serves a variety of coffee types including pour over. I found the staff to be very friendly. And, once they discovered I was a huge coffee lover, they offered me a few shots of various coffee to try. They also ground a small amount of coffee for me to use with my aero press for the rest of my travels. All in all it was a cool little spot and well worth a visit.

MORE BUDAPEST COFFEE SHOPS TO TRY:

There are a few other spots that I did not get to try myself, but read great things about. I am listing them below for your reference in case you are planning to spend more time in Budapest and want to try a few spots!

MORE FROM BUDAPEST:

MORE FROM EUROPE:

#BUDAPEST #COFFEE

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EXPLORING SEDONA WITH PINK JEEP TOURS

“You can leave Sedona, but it will never leave you.” ~ Such a true statement from our sweet (and funny) guide on our Jeep ride through this insane landscape. I fell so deeply in love with Sedona on this trip, and I was so excited to be exploring around! If you haven’t been to Sedona yet, add it to your next road trip stop west!! And, make sure to see the landscape with @pinkjeeptours because it is such a fun adventure!!

Check out more from OUR Pink Jeep Tour iN THIS VIDEO BELOW:

READ MORE FROM ARIZONA:

#ARIZONA

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In terms of European cities, I think Budapest surprised me the most this past year. From its stunning architecture to its beautiful cobblestone streets, this little slice of Eastern Europe is as romantic as it is dreamy. And, because I traveled to Eastern Europe solo, I was able to really fill my days with my dream tourist stops which basically just equates to all things architecture. Swipe through for more from this European gem including a little video from my time spent walking around the city and fulfilling all of my architecture nerd dreams! The full video is up on IGTV if you are feeling it. Oh and shout out to the three ladies from England who saw me sitting and taking in the view, found out I was traveling alone, and offered to take a snap of the moment. Wherever you are, thank you for kindness! 💕 (at Budapest, Hungary) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvaKKx8hjou/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=tt63kmf14cen

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It feels so good to be back in Cali for a few days and reunited with @imnicholasscott. The rush of travel often doesn’t allow much time to miss home, but this trip I couldn’t wait to make it be back in La La Land so we can do our old retired couple things like drink sleepy time tea, do crossword puzzles, and watch documentaries curled up on the couch. So, over the next few days, if ya need us, that’s exactly where we’ll be... resting and gearing up for the next adventure together. This time it’s an urban one!💛 (at Yosemite National Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvUX5TdBq6o/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=187sz74e24y7c

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Sometimes, it’s the spontaneous trips that surprise you the most. This weekend trip to Washington with @itstarahfaye was sort of a last minute “sure, let’s do it” kind of a trip. We had nothing planned other than our flights and the knowledge that we wanted to sneak away from the hustle of LA to her family home in the peaceful mountains. And, while the picturesque views were certainly a show stopper, if I had to sum up this weekend in one word it would simply be: laughs. Perhaps it was the fresh air (something we aren’t accustomed to in Los Angeles), but we could not stop laughing all weekend. And, it couldn’t have fed our souls more. So, if you have ever asked yourself: “Hmmm… I wonder what it’s like to travel with that crazy adventure chic? Well, let’s just say, I take my views seriously, but myself… not so much. I am always up to some sort of shenanigans. So, swipe through for a mix of pretty photos and silly videos of our day exploring the San Juan Islands by ferry! (at San Juan Islands) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvTDVIshzp7/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=jwlwdnartjtj

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NYC, MAYBE ONE DAY

Last week, I was watching a movie that was based in NYC with my bestie while back home in Louisiana. The entire film I commented on the architecture and my deep love for the city. After the movie, she pointed out; "Well, of course you love NYC. You have always wanted to live there."

I paused for a second and thought: 'ya know, I have always wanted to live there.' As a little girl, I dreamt that one day I would live in NYC and work as some corporate girl boss. This way I could wear awesome business clothes, and one day I could walk into a room, slam my super cool brief case down on a conference and tell a room full of most likely men what was what on a project.

My life took several turns since that dream was conceived. Years later, I did work with mostly men in the architecture business as a boss here in LA. I never slammed my briefcase on any table and only rarely and in extreme circumstances did I ever have to tell someone what was what. And, even then, it was only because being young and being a women in the industry at times requires you to stand up for yourself and learn your own strength.

So, in a way, I suppose most of that dream came true. The only thing missing was the city backdrop. I have never lived in NYC, but it is still a little dream I keep in my back pocket. Who knows, maybe one day, even just for a few months, I may just find myself there; sans briefcase, conference rooms, business clothes, and a whole lot of sass... only to be replaced with a backpack, tennis shoes, a camera, and a whole lot of gratitude.

#NEW YORK