Christmas is quickly approaching. I don’t know how we got here so fast this year, but I suppose I have to face reality and launch myself full-steam into the festivities: hello cheery music, Starbucks red cups, cute boots and scarves, and lots of homemade cookies! One of my absolute favorite things to do is buy Christmas presents. I know for some it can be a stressful time with so many personalities, tastes, and budgets to consider, but the mere challenge of it all gets me excited. Derik is obviously my choice person to shop for (duh), and I spend the entire year watching, listening, and waiting to find 'the perfect gift' for him. I’m usually a last-minute shopper even though I have the gift in my head months in advance, but this time ... Read More
Exploring the Alamo with Jord Watches
Hello LIAL readers, I’ve missed you! As much as I’d love to say I’ve done a great job keeping up with my blog, fact is, I haven’t. Whomp whomp. Here’s the reason why (not that you’re concerned about it): Derik and I moved again — this time to Texas! I also managed to squeeze in another trip to Europe last month, so between the two, I’ve had little to zero time for personal blogging. I have however kept up with my IG account, so if you want a quick recap of what we’ve been up to, check in there. That being said, I really miss blogging. I have so much accumulated material to share with you from the last year +, I could probably blog every day until my fingers fell off and then some. I’m also considering a name change/re-brand (domain has ... Read More
Why Park City, Utah Should Be On Your Winter Bucket List
About this time of year we all tend to get a bit restless. Towards the middle of winter when cabin fever begins to set in, Amanda and I have typically migrated to warmer places for a little rest and relaxation, but we are discovering winter has a lot to offer too. We never cease in searching for where to go next, and found Park City, Utah is an awesome place to get out and enjoy the winter season. As the host city of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, no wonder Park City has a lot to offer. So if you are planning a winter vacation here’s what you need to know about Park City, Utah. Getting there When considering a vacation, a lot of planning comes down to location, location, location! There are tons of “perfect” places to spend your ... Read More
6 lesser-known vacation spots you should definitely consider for 2015
If Derik and I could go anywhere in the world for vacation, where would we go? I partnered up with Expedia to talk about 6 lesser-known vacation spots we'd love to visit in 2015, and hope you consider them as well! Wanderlust is something that follows me everywhere. Whether it's pinning photos on Pinterest, browsing my Twitter feed, or reading other travel blogs, my destination wish-list grows bigger and bigger. Now that we're solidly into 2015, its time to start thinking about using that vacation we've been acquiring over the last few months. Most of you will begin planning your summer vacation destinations, but down here in the Southern Hemisphere we're looking to get away from the winter in May-July. Unfortunately with our travel ... Read More
Are You a Traveler or a Tourist?
“Are you a traveler or a tourist?” I call this the great debate because everyone has an opinion one way or another. You’ll see post after post about being a traveler and NOT a tourist, but personally? I don’t think one should be put on a pedestal over another. I hate that posts are written about the correct way to travel, when really, can we define traveling “correctly”? That would basically be the same as defining how to eat correctly, walk correctly, and talk correctly. Sure we can give suggestions based off of experience, but don’t be THAT person who judges someone that isn’t doing something the way you would do it. If a person has the opportunity to get out in the world and experience new things, they should not ever have to worry ... Read More
New Year’s Eve Events in New Zealand
New Year's Eve celebrations are kind of big thing in New Zealand. I guess it would be similar to a holiday like the 4th of July in the U.S….we're talking about great summer fun: concerts, BBQs, road trips, beach parties, and ocean outings. Derik and I won't be in New Zealand for New Year's to experience all the fun because we've decided to take a cruise around the South Pacific islands and then bring in 2015 Sydney, Australia style. There's always next year. If you're living in New Zealand now, or have plans to come visit over the holidays, here are a few events you might want to consider attending. Britomart Beach Party -Auckland (North Island) This event has been sold out the last two years, and it's coming back in epic style! ... Read More
Rain Boots or Wellies?
Gumboots or Galoshes? Why are there so many names for a simple pair of boots made of rubber? This is one of the many things I think about on a daily basis. I have a weird mind. I'm also quickly discovering that some of the words I learned growing up mean completely different things on the opposite side of the world. For example: pissed actually means drunk here. And just don't ever mention a fanny pack, because that refers to the female anatomy. Not that we use fanny pack in our day to day language as Americans... Anyway. A few months ago I received this gorgeous dress and wellies from JoulesUSA. I most certainly am not a fashion blogger, and I hate being on the other side of the camera. After checking out the company's ... Read More
Travel Insurance with a Major Health Issue
Getting travel insurance is an issue almost all travelers go back and forth on. Derik and I hadn't ever thought about purchasing any until the beginning of this year when we went on our long trip in January-February. I couldn't be happier that we made that decision, especially since I had to take a trip to Urgent Care within our first week in Hawaii. I will be discussing more on our travel health insurance later next month. But what about travel insurance if you have a major health issue? To be honest I had no clue until a lovely company contacted me about doing a post on it. I think it's important to say informed on information like what is shared below, because you never know what will happen down the road; you may need to know this ... Read More
Korean Beauty Products
I've been converted. I used to shy away from Korean beauty products due to my belief that whitener is put in everything. Took me two long years to realize this is not actually the case. I learned the Korean words for 'whitening' and 'bleaching' and went on my merry little way to the makeup store. And then to another, and another and another. Wouldn't you know it, after a while the ladies in the store closest to me now know my name. Here's the deal. Some say Korea (and other parts of Asia) is 12+ years ahead of the States when it comes to makeup technology. That's not something to shrug off. I dove head first into the Korean makeup world when I bought my first CC cream, Angel Aqua. I was a little freaked out at first that the cream color ... Read More
