My 10 International Travel Essentials ~ #TravelTuesday

“What do you pack when you’re traveling internationally?” “What do you need to take with you when you travel internationally?” And “What do you need to have when you travel internationally?” These are all question that I've received often enough that I’ve decided to write a post about it.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means that I receive a small commission when you make a purchase at NO additional cost to you.

My very first international trip was taken when I was actually very young. As I’ve mentioned before in the past, my mother loved to travel. As the only daughter and youngest of three children, I was usually the one that she took along on her travels, as by the time I was about 7 or 8, my brothers were adults and already on their own. Yes, my mom took her sweet old time having me. 😊

When I was old enough to venture out on my own, I visited as many Caribbean countries as I could. Traveling to and amongst the islands is almost like going home. I spent most of my childhood on the island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, so visiting Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados were very commonplace. It also helped to have family on both islands so we would visit and spend our vacations with them, catching up on old times.

Back then, my mother took care of the packing, so I never had to worry about a thing. Fast forward to the present time, while I still visit the Caribbean, my focus have now turned to European travel. So far I’ve visited eight countries in Europe (United Kingdom, France, Iceland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Italy), and while each country is unique, I generally pack the same no matter where I’m going, with one exception, my clothing changes based upon the season I’ll be there.

So what are my international essentials? Here are the 10 items that I’m never without whenever I travel internationally, whether it’s in my handbag, carryon or virtually.


1. EAR PLUGS AND EYE MASK 
If I’m traveling on a red eye or an overnight flight, I try and get as much sleep as I can. I use earplugs to help block out the noise of the engine and those around me and sleep with an eye mask. I used to travel with a light blanket, but have since just used a sweater or jacket, and I’m usually fine. However, those two items are always in my handbag.

2. INTERNATIONAL ADAPTER 
I never go anywhere without it. I learned my lesson very quickly when traveling to London a few years ago and having to go out and get one because at the time I thought that I would have been able to just plug in my computer. However, when traveling over from London to Paris, I realized that the adapter I bought in London FOR London, did not work in Paris. So upon my return to the US, I purchased an international adapter that has worked wherever I go, even in Australia, where their outlet is also different.


3. MY IPAD PRO AND KEYBOARD CASE 
I like to travel light, and before I would take along my computer with me, especially if I had work that I needed to get done or emails that need to be returned. While my 13” MacBook Pro isn’t really considered heavy, it does take up a lot of space in my bag, much-needed space that I can use for other items. My iPad Pro does the same work as my laptop and is not only smaller, but also considerably lighter too. It also works as entertainment as I download my Netflix movies that I’m interested in watching as the airlines don't always have my viewing choices.


4. SONY NOISE CANCELING HEADPHONES 
I’m partially deaf (something you might not have known), but I also don’t want to disturb those around me when I’m watching a movie or listening to my music while on the plane. And these headphones (the Sony WH1000XM3) are boss! Before I purchased them, I would just use my regular Apple AirPods, but last year I decided that I wanted something better, something to help with my ears clogging when I travel. Sure I know how to unclog them, but why go through all that? These headphones not only keep sound in, but also keeps most noises out, and they were rated better than Bose.


5. CELLPHONE 
I never go anywhere without my cell, unless it’s to the store. Whenever I travel, I like to keep in touch with family and friends. It’s also an excellent way for me to connect on social media, especially Instagram. My phone provider not only gives me free texting internationally, but I also pay for their data plan when I travel as well so that I can connect my iPad Pro using the built-in hotspot. Now I can be connected anywhere at any time.


6. PORTABLE CHARGER 
Cellphone batteries don’t last forever, even if you place it in battery saving mode, and with tons of applications running, it can drain your battery faster than you have places to visit. To be on the safe side, as I might need my phone to get directions, make a call, or even order an Uber, I always walk with a portable charger, but I do also set my cellphone in battery saving mode so my battery can last a bit longer as well, as I'd rather be safe than sorry.

7. MY SONY A7RIII MIRRORLESS CAMERA WITH ADDITIONAL BATTERY 
While I have a Canon DSLR, it’s been over a year since I've last used it, and it’s now considered my backup camera. Not only is the Sony much lighter, but I’ve found that it’s also much user-friendly and takes incredible photos. As a matter of fact, 95% of the images on this site for the past year has been shot with my Sony camera. I can't imagine living without it now. As for my lens. I travel exclusively with the native Sony 24-70mm lens as it gives me quite a range of shots. I can get up close or as far back as I desire. I also use a vertical grip which holds two batteries, so I never have to worry about my battery dying while taking photos, which also helps with never missing that shot.


8. 2 MEMORY CARDS 
I’ve always taken along 2 memory cards whenever I travel. One in my camera and another in my bag. Just like the additional battery, I don’t want my memory card running out of space and there being no store to grab another. So there’s always a backup. Luckily for me, my Sony camera holds 2 cards in place and automatically saves to the other when the first fills up, something that came in handy as on my most recent trip to Hawaii, I ended using both of them as the other was filled. Who knew I take so many photos?

9. TRAVEL CUBES 
Since I travel almost exclusively with a carryon unless going for more than 2 weeks, then I pack everything in a travel cube. I’m a huge fan of the Eagle Creek brand and have a myriad of their cubes in different cube sizes and cube designs that I use for our travel. Each person has their own color or design which helps to differentiate the cubes so no-one gets their stuff mixed up. One stores my toiletries such as toothpaste, toothbrush, etc., while the others contain clothing such as jeans, tees, and undies. I started using cubes about 2 years ago and have never looked back. You’ll be amazed at how much you can fit in a cube and how much space you’ll save. I’m also not going to list what clothing I pack as it all depends on the season I’m traveling, but a rule of thumb is always to take double the underwear of the days you’re going, and comfortable shoes to walk in.


10. TRAVEL INSURANCE
I actually struggled coming up with #10, because I thought I had covered everything, but this one is something that EVERYONE should have while traveling internationally. Travel insurance was something that I never worried about until I went home to the Caribbean and got stranded in Antigua on my way back. Those who are FROM the Caribbean know the plight of traveling with L.I.A.T. I’d personally never had an issue with them in the past, until that one time, but they’re known for either being late or not leaving at all. I ended up purchasing brand new tickets back to Colorado when they finally got me to Puerto Rico. Since then I’ve always bought travel insurance, to protect my family and me whenever we're flying.

You’ll notice that I didn’t list passports and ID, credit/debit cards, and cash as that’s pretty obvious. You’re going to need your passports when you travel internationally, and some form of currency whether you're purchasing items or food. I keep my driver's license on me as a secondary identification or if I need to rent a car, and my passports locked away in the hotel safe while out and about. You can also take along a reusable water bottle that you can refill with water. I don't always do this as I prefer drinking bottled water since you can never be too safe.


I'm also a carryon traveler, meaning that I almost travel exclusively with a carryon, I never check luggage unless I'm going for more than a month and with Madison (for 3-week trips or less we exclusively use carryons), and my carryon luggage of choice is Calpak. I've never had an issue with their luggage, and their carryons are compatible with every airline I've flown on. Believe it or not, all of my essentials fit in my carryon or handbag, so you're good for AT LEAST a three-week trip.

Here's wishing you all the best on your international travels and that my checklist will help you on your journey.
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How To Choose A Mortgage Company For Your First Home

Making the move from renting to homeownership is an incredibly exciting step to take, but it can be a bit scary, too. Buying a home is a serious expense and a huge commitment - and if you live in an area like Denver, Colorado, where the supply of houses on the market simply can’t keep up with the growing demand, it can be almost impossible to purchase a home without running into at least one hiccup.
This post is sponsored by Eave, however, all opinions are mine and mine alone. 


When you commit to buying your first house, one of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make is which mortgage lender to use. With so many options on the market, it can be incredibly difficult - if not downright impossible - to feel like you’re well-equipped to make that decision. However, by weighing a few key factors when making your choice, you’ll be in a better position to decide which lender is the right choice for you.

Here are some things you may want to consider when choosing a lender to facilitate your very first home purchase:


TIMING. 
Anyone who has ever bought or sold a home knows how time-sensitive the process can be. Wait a day too long, and you can easily lose the house of your dreams to a buyer with a better offer or pre-arranged financing. Ask questions of potential lenders to understand how long the underwriting process will take. While some lenders may take weeks to complete this process, others - like Eave - make the underwriting process as quick and painless as possible. Eave can underwrite you in as little as one day, and they’ll provide you with a pre-approval letter to prove you mean business when you’re shopping around for your perfect home.

LEVEL OF CUSTOMER SERVICE.
When you’re making one of the biggest purchases of your life, it’s important to have someone on the other end of the line ready to answer your questions and ease your concerns. While many lenders outsource their support teams to massive third-party call centers, others (like Eave) keep the service in-house, staffed with local loan officers ready to help at every step of the way. It might sound like a small detail, but the comfort and convenience brought by this level of service can be the difference between closing on your new home and walking away from the deal.

TRANSPARENCY.
Some lenders are incredibly upfront with their fees and rates. Others will try to blindside you with hidden charges or last-minute changes to your predetermined rates. Choose a reliable, reputable lender who doesn’t leave you in the dark until it’s time to make a decision or sign paperwork. Spend some time browsing potential lenders’ websites to see how easy (or difficult) it is to find their rates, and ask questions to understand what you can expect throughout the process before committing.

PEACE OF MIND. 
Many lenders offer no guarantee and make no promises when it comes to your mortgage. That should be a big red flag! Instead, look for a mortgage lender who will ensure your satisfaction with the process. With a guarantee to reimburse up to $100,000 of your earnest money if you don’t close on your new home successfully and on time, you’ll rest assured knowing you won’t lose out.


While there are dozens of factors to keep in mind as you consider a lender for your first home, evaluating your lenders based on these criteria can help you avoid questionable options and select a mortgage that’s right for you.
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Big Ideas for a Small Bathroom


Sometimes, we simply can't have the size of the bathroom we want. Since expanding it is usually out of the question because of the lack of room, there is still something you can do. These big ideas for a small bathroom will help you remodel to make it stylish and practical.
  

 USE STORAGE TO EMPHASIZE FUNCTIONALITY 
Clutter is the first thing that you can remove and clear up space, which will immediately make your bathroom bigger. However, you still need to find a place for your toiletries, towels, and other necessities, so building a storage space is an ideal way to deal with this issue. When it comes to remodeling, shelves are the perfect addition for small bathrooms since they free the lower area and increase the functionality of space.

Also, the floor-to-ceiling cabinet will give you enough room to store all your things without taking too much of the space. Under sink area is also ideal for creating compartments for storage boxes, and you can add shelves in the area above the toilet, as well.

 GOOD LIGHTING IS CRUCIAL
If you have access to natural light, then make the window as big as possible since the sun will make the space more open and more prominent. However, if you lack access to sunlight, then you will easily get warm, sunny tones with artificial lights. Also, don't forget to add lights at each side of the mirror so you can efficiently perform your beauty routine and also eliminate shadows to expand the space.


THINK ABOUT COLORS AND DESIGNS 
Color and design choice will have a considerable impact on the appearance of your bathroom, thus helping it look bigger or making it cramped. It's essential to use natural materials since plastic will make an already small bathroom look cheap. Clear glass panels for the showers and baths instead of curtains will open up space and make it more stylish.  While installing top class stone tiles all the way up to the ceiling will give your bathroom extra height and elegance.

The same color shades all around will create an illusion of the deeper space and for better results, paint the ceiling as well. Use neutral colors and lighter shades, although you can add geometrical patterns here and there to make the décor more interesting. Just avoid dark towns since they will shrink the space even more and disturb the organically relaxing vibe present in bathrooms.

 CHOOSE SPACE-SAVING SINKS 
Small bathrooms usually mean that you will have to sacrifice some comfort in order to create functional space. However, this doesn't mean your bathroom upgrades still can't be elegant and stylish. Choose a see-through glass sink that will look modern and open up space some more.
If you want a vanity, use a floating one that doesn't have storage space underneath so you will be able to move more comfortably. Round sinks and vanities not only go better with small bathrooms but also will be less of an annoyance than those with sharp edges when you bump into them.


DOUBLE THE SPACE WITH REFLECTIVE SURFACES
Mirrors and other reflective surfaces are that design trick that will help you create an illusion of bigger space. Install the biggest mirror you can above your vanity and place an interesting artwork across from it to make the area more appealing. Surfaces like specially coated tiles to reflect the light is perfect for doubling the room and adding dramatic flair to the décor.

 REPLACE A BATHTUB WITH SHOWER
A bathtub has its advantages, but it also takes more space and attributes to your bathroom looking smaller than it is. Replacing it with a shower is not a bad thing, and there are many creative ways to make it look amazing. Create a mosaic for the walls and use an overhead shower head to make it more innovative and modern.

You can still add some spa-like elements that you believe are lost with removing the bathtub. For example, install the steam shower generator to enjoy your private sauna from time to time. And also, add a folding bench inside the stall to make the experience more comfortable. 


LASTLY
A small bathroom is not a bad thing, and with these big ideas, you will easily create exciting and modern décor. You may have to sacrifice some commodities, like having a bathtub or a bidet, but there are creative ways to replace them as well. In the end, you will have a gorgeous bathroom without having to demolish walls and go over your budget for renovations.
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Why Vacations are Important


It can be easy to convince yourself that you should not go on vacation. There are tons of excuses. Vacations are expensive. They can be time-consuming, complicated, and occasionally stress-inducing. And it can be tough to leave your day-to-day routine behind, especially if that revolves around a job you can’t tear yourself away from.

But vacations are critical to your personal wellbeing. It’s true. As hard as it may be to convince yourself to go on vacation, taking a break and reconnecting with the things that genuinely make you happy can make all the difference in your mental state. Believe it or not, there are lots of benefits to taking a vacation - aside from having a little fun.

Not convinced that taking a vacation is actually a good idea? Unsure as to why going on vacation matters? Here are just a few of the reasons going on vacation is important.


YOU'LL FEEL LESS STRESSED.
Let’s face it. Everyone needs a break from reality once in a while. Whether you’re a busy stay-at-home mom, you’re an entrepreneur building a business, or you’re climbing the corporate ladder to a better life for your family, the stress of your everyday routine can become a bit much. Not only can stress have a negative impact on your mental state and work performance, but it can also negatively affect your physical health, increasing your risk for a number of not-so-desirable conditions.

Don’t let yourself burn out. Instead, reward yourself for your hard work and find time for a vacation.

YOU'LL HAVE BETTER FOCUS. 
Whether your current day-to-day calls for lots of critical thinking and careful analysis, or you’re busy performing detailed, repetitive tasks, it’s easy to get distracted when you don’t have anything to break up your routine. Getting away for a few days to rest, relax, and recharge can make a world of difference in giving you clarity and helping you focus better. When you return, you’ll approach your work with renewed energy, boosting your productivity and your happiness in the process.


YOU'LL GAIN NEW PERSPECTIVES.
One of the great things about going on vacation and experiencing a new place is the ability to see the world through a different lens. Depending on where you choose to travel, you’ll have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with different places, new people, and unfamiliar cultures, and you’ll be a more well-rounded person for it. These new perspectives can help you overcome personal challenges, find creative inspiration, and more.

YOU'LL MAKE VALUABLE MEMORIES. 
Another great part about going on vacation? The memories you make. Whether you travel alone or share your experience with family or friends, the things you see and do while you’re on vacation are often far more memorable than the activities that make up your daily routine.


As you can see, there are plenty of great reasons to take a vacation. Vacations are good for your mental health, your wellbeing, and your career - not to mention, your personal happiness. If it’s been a while since your last vacation, check your calendar and find time to relax for a few days - you deserve it!

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How to Truly Extend Your Home to Your Backyard


Now that 'we're in the throes of summer, 'it's the perfect time to make the dreams you have for your backyard come to life. If you've been thinking about remodeling your backyard, then you should take this opportunity to create a yard that is truly an extension of your home. After all, landscaping should be about creating a livable space that gives your family an outdoor place to exist and thrive. Here are some tips on how you can extend your own home into your backyard to make it practically another room…


DINE OUT WHILE DINING IN
Making a space where you can eat outside is a surefire way to make your backyard a hit. You can extend your deck and craft built-in benches. Use the same material for a table and chairs, throw in some colorful throw pillows, and 'you've got a designer outdoor dining room. You can furnish your patio with couches, lounge chairs, and build an outdoor fireplace as the focal point. If you really want to go the extra mile, creating an outdoor kitchen will genuinely take your yard to the next level.

CONSIDER ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS
Your yard should have elements of entertainment to truly make it a place where you can make memories with your family. Think about what you need/want/like out of your yard and who 'you're trying to entertain. Do you have kids that need a play space? Along with your deck and dining area for adults, add a little house, or play structure made just for them. Or maybe you want to design an outdoor movie theatre to entertain; in which case you can let movies be the theme for all your outdoor furniture and use a wall to project films onto.


THINK STRATEGICALLY ABOUT THE SHADE
Are you dying for a place to relax and get out of the sun? Add a pergola to cover your living space. 'It's a beautiful piece that can provide a bit of shade and privacy. Plant vine-growing flowers to let the foliage cover you in shade, or use sailcloth to cover the overhead beams. Another structure to provide character and dimension to your outdoor garden is a trellis. It makes a quaint entrance to a secret garden, especially with an overgrown thicket.

ADD AN ELEMENT OF ZEN
Foster a little zen in your backyard by setting a space for meditation. You can have a wooden meditation room built out back to clear your mind in. Add a water feature, like a fountain or small pond, to score the experience with the sound of rain. You could also hang a hammock with a slate path leading up, so you have your own private relaxation niche. These spaces add beauty to the eye and to the mind.

ORGANIZE THE SPACE BY PURPOSE
Give your backyard structure, purpose, and flow by defining areas of living. Are you going to throw summer dinner parties with friends? Do you love to host barbeque cookouts or game-watching shindigs? Or maybe you need a dedicated reading or relaxing alcove? Let your backyard reflect your personality. It can become a functional extension of your dream home. You can start by working with what you have. Sometimes all that your backyard needs is a little reorientation of furniture to highlight the designated living areas.


UTILIZE THE NATURAL ELEMENTS OF YOUR YARD 
The whole appeal of having an outdoor space in your living space is to utilize the natural aesthetic. For this reason, try to use local plants, stone, and wood to give your backyard an organic finish. It is very stylish nowadays to grade the yard and extend decks, install patios, create paved pathways, extend garden areas, or install stone or wood structures. This benefits not only the dynamics of your backyard but also helps the environment. Reducing the amount of grass in your yard means less precious water resource is being sucked into keeping it green. Work together with your climate and the kind of plants that thrive naturally. Opt for the plants that take less maintenance and deliver aesthetic appeal. Here are some excellent ways you can keep the natural aspects of your yard maintained during the summer months.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR GARDEN
Put your green thumb to good use and add more garden space. When that mulchy, verdant area caresses the breadth of your yard, you can just breathe deeper (literally, because of the oxygen emissions). Landscaping experts recommend filling the background with perennials and the foreground with strokes of blooming, bright-colored annuals. If you have more patio space than planting grounds, fix planter boxes in the living area to grow herbs and vegetables. If you have an abundance of growth, design a walkway of slate pavers to highlight the path through the foliage.
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Great Tips to Travel Like a Pro ~ #RITZSummerSnacks

Welcome to the Caribbean, or maybe it's London? Are you excited about traveling but have no idea where to start? Do you stress about your luggage being overweight, not having enough time to make it through security or just anxious about flying in general?

This post was sponsored by RITZ as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central, and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.


We have all seen those people. The ones that make travel look ridiculously easy, all while we are struggling just to get on the plane and shove our carry on into the last open spot. The Travellers that look like pros have already stowed their luggage and settled in, minimizing the chaos that overcomes most people when they set off for their destination.

It’s not hard to be like those seasoned travelers though. In fact, there are some great tips out there to have you traveling like a pro in no time.


KNOW YOUR DESTINATION
If you aren’t the kind of person that travels a lot, airports can be somewhat daunting, almost like trying to navigate a foreign destination. It will benefit you greatly to know the layout of the airport before your vacation. It is a great idea to locate the security lines, airline counters, and your departure gate all before you reach the airport. Have a basic understanding of connecting airports as well because if you are going to have to catch a connecting flight, you are going to want to make sure you understand those as well.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ITINERARY SERVICES
Having a complete itinerary at your fingertips is much like having a personal assistant to help you get through a hectic travel experience. There are many different free itinerary applications available that can help to create a plan, provide reminders, and put reservations together. It is much easier to navigate a travel experience when all your hotel, rental car, airline, and even restaurant information is in one convenient place.


PACK LIGHTLY
The people you see that seem like travel professionals always pack lightly. In fact, some of them are heading on trips that last longer than 5 days, and everything is nicely packed into a carry-on suitcase. There is nothing more frustrating than spending money and time to check luggage only to end up wasting time awaiting its arrival when you reach your destination. Consider using packing cubes and make a checklist to determine what you will need for your trip and try to pack efficiently and effectively to bring it on the plane with you.

DON'T FORGET THE SNACKS
Whether I travel alone or with Madison, no matter where we go throughout the world, we always take snacks with us on the plane. As many knows, airport and airline snacks can be expensive so it's best to bring your own with you, not only to save on money, but you'll have precisely what you want or need. One of my favorites is RITZ Crisp & Thins. Not only are they available in many different varieties, including the new Barbecue and Cheddar flavors that I love, but they're absolutely delicious and TSA friendly as well. I usually pick them up at Walmart before my trip and one bag usually lasts throughout the flight and we would have a second bag for our journey back. We take them wherever we go, as you can see Madison enjoying them both in the Dominican Republic and in London.


SPEED UP SECURITY
While on your way to the airport, make sure that you are prepared for security by stowing anything that security may ask you to remove and making it easy to take your laptop out. When you exit the car, have your ID and boarding pass in hand and walk straight for security. This will minimize the amount of time you spend fumbling with your belongings and get you through to the gate faster.

Traveling like a pro is not out of reach. You don’t have to be a seasoned traveler to look like one. Just make sure that you are aware of your surroundings, take advantage of itinerary services, pack smart, and take the right measures to get through security in good time. The rest will follow, and you will make it look easy.


So whether you're going to relax beachside or take in the city, don't forget your RITZ Crisp & Thins.

Here's an amazing giveaway that has some great Walmart prizes to aid you in picking up a few packs for your next trip. Giveaway ends June 13, 2019. There will be 7 winners:

Six (6) $50 Walmart Gift Cards & one (1) $200 Walmart Gift Card (Grand Prize)

RITZ Crisp & Thins Summertime Sweepstakes

I-C will randomly select winners from all program entries and will facilitate fulfillment of the seven (7) winning prizes.
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Best U.S. Cities For A Girl’s Weekend


Traveling with family can be wonderful, and romantic escapes with your spouse are always an excellent opportunity to make memories together, but there's nothing truly like a great girls' weekend. Getting together with some of your best gal pals and exploring a new place together can be the perfect way to keep your friendship alive, whether you live nearby or meet up once or twice a year for a long weekend of fun. And while you really can't go wrong with any destination, as long as you've got each other, there are some spots across the country that make the perfect spot for a girls' weekend.

Looking to plan your next girls' getaway? Here are a few spots to consider:


CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. 
If you want an urban destination that isn't quite as overwhelming as NYC, Chicago is your spot. You'll find restaurants serving up all kinds of different cuisines, from the city's trademark Chicago-style pizza to international specialties you've never seen. Rooftop bars throughout the city offer stunning skyline views, and you'll find all manner of nightlife, from swanky clubs to jazz venues and wine bars, to suit virtually any taste. A well-known spot for shopping, festivals, comedy shows, and spas, you won't get bored here.

AUSTIN, TEXAS. 
Embrace your southern side and enjoy the outdoors with a girls' weekend in Austin, Texas. You'll have a blast indulging in all the BBQ and Tex Mex your hearts desire, taking advantage of Austin's impressive live music scene, and shopping around the town's quirky boutiques. And if you love spending time on the water, you're in luck. You can rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, motorboats, and more to enjoy all kinds of recreation on the water.


KEY WEST, FLORIDA. 
Looking for a truly beachy girls' weekend getaway? Look no further than the southernmost city in the United States - Key West, Florida. You'll never find yourself more than a few steps from the beach on this little island, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to get out and explore the ocean. Filled with seaside bars, breezy restaurants, and souvenir shops, it's easy to spend a few days eating, drinking, lounging, and catching up with your BFFs here. Just don't forget your sunscreen!

DENVER, COLORADO. 
For a girls' weekend, that'll let you do it all, plan a trip to Denver. This city near the Rocky Mountains is filled with fun bars breweries, trendy restaurants, interesting museums, and plenty to see and do. If you're itching to spend some time in the mountains, rent a car and plan to spend a day skiing, soaking in a nearby hot spring, or hiking a scenic trail - depending on the season! And if you love music? See if you can catch a performance at Red Rocks Amphitheater, arguably one of the best venues in the world.


The next time you're in charge of planning a get-together with your girlfriends, keep this list in mind! Plan a trip to one of these cities, and you and your ladies will be virtually guaranteed to have a great time.
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One Easy Way to Reduce Your Risk for a UTI ~ #elluraIntimate #UTIPrevention

Are you prone to Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and looking for a way to reduce them? I'm here to help you.

This post is sponsored by ellura® Intimate, but all opinions are mine alone. 


When I was pregnant with my son Kyle, I remember getting up one day and not only struggling but hurting to use the bathroom. The hurt was so bad that I ended up heading to the emergency room because I had no idea what was wrong. Turned out that I had a bladder infection or urinary tract infection (UTI) and was given antibiotic medication to get it taken care of. Since then, I've been prone to getting UTIs and get them occasionally, though not as often as I did when pregnant.

I’m here to debunk some common myths associated with UTIs.

Many people think UTI's are caused by poor hygiene and tight clothing. If that were the case, I wouldn't get them as I bathe quite often and my clothing isn't what you would consider tight, as I tend to wear very loose clothing when at home, and even when I travel at times as skirts and dresses and loosely fitting pants have lately been my go-to.

There’s also a lot of misunderstandings when it comes to UTIs and sex. Sex is the #1 risk factor, but of course, not every woman who has sex gets UTIs. Some women are simply more prone. During sex, UTI-causing bacteria gets into the bladder and stays there. We don’t know why one bladder is more prone than another, but we do know ladies you are NOT doing anything wrong by having sex. UTIs do not discriminate. They don’t care about your status, your age, how often you have sex, your hygiene, none of those things. The reality is that for those who have recurrent UTIs, just doing what you think you need to do (wiping correctly, drinking lots of water or cranberry juice) isn't enough.

You need a wing woman in your corner, introducing ellura® Intimate! 


I travel a LOT, and it puts a toll on my body at times. Not only is my immune system weakened, but I'm always drained after returning from a trip. On one of my most recent trip, I took with me a bottle of ellura Intimate to help prevent any UTI that might occur. By the way, just because the word Intimate is in the name, doesn't mean that it can only be used when having sex. My husband saw me take the bottle along and asked, "why are you taking that? Planning on doing something while on vacation?".  😂

While ellura Intimate can be taken around  intercourse only (if that’s the main reason you get UTIs) - 2 capsules before or after and 2 the next morning, you may prefer a daily dosing when you are at risk….like when I travel!. ellura Intimate is an actual medical-grade supplement that stops UTIs from coming on, and all because it has the natural ingredient PAC (proanthocyanidins) in a higher amount than the cranberry products you find in your grocery store. The 36 milligrams of PAC is extracted from the pure juice concentrate of the cranberry – using a very difficult manufacturing process to get to the powerful PAC at high levels needed to prevent UTIs. The PAC in ellura Intimate attaches to UTI-causing bacteria so the bacteria doesn’t attach to you. Instead, you flush it out naturally when you pee.

I'm not good with antibiotics and sometimes just can't do the entire course, I'm also not a fan of the side effects that come along with it, so would prefer not to have to use them in the first place. My mother always would say that an ounce of prevention is a lot better than a pound of cure. ellura Intimate is my ounce of prevention because that's precisely what it does. It prevents the UTI from happening in the first place. You can take it once a day like a daily vitamin so you are always protected or “on demand” (around sex) and let it do the work for you. 


To reduce your risk for UTIs today, consider taking ellura Intimate and prevent them before they happen!

Use my special discount code AMARIE for $6 off a bottle of ellura Intimate (valid until June 30th, 2019). 



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