11.06.2018

MY 7 DAY VEGAN MEAL PLAN

For a my fellow vegans who need some new inspiration and my non-vegans who want to try out some great vegan recipes, but don't know where to start:


Emily's 7 Day Vegan Meal Plan
(click links for recipes)

Breakfast:
Biscuits and Gravy (planning on trying this one out on a slow Saturday)
Juice, Smoothie or Smoothie Bowl (just search Pinterest...or Google)

Lunch:
Taco Salad (on my list to try out soon)
Juice, Smoothie or Smoothie Bowl (search Pinterest or Google)


Dinner:
Chili (gonna try this one this month)
Juice, Smoothie or Smoothie Bowl (you know where to find recipes, right?)

Sides and Snacks:
Tortilla Chips and Salsa
Sliced Fruit and/or cut up Veggies with hummus
Nuts and seeds
Juice, Smoothie or Smoothie Bowl (you know what to do)


Desserts:
Juice, Smoothie or Smoothie Bowl (...not even gonna remind you)

Do you have any amazing vegan recipes that you want to share?



11.03.2018

WHY I BECAME A MINIMALIST AND WHY I QUIT

As a kid, I wasn't really a minimalist.  I would keep things that I didn't use and didn't love, storing them in my tiny closet and setting them up on my waist-high bookshelf.  After all, South America didn't have a Goodwill so it's not like I could clean out and donate what I didn't want.  That means my friends and sisters were the ones who got my hand-me-downs and what they didn't want just stayed in my room.


Although I was keeping most everything at that point, it still didn't add up to much so when we moved back to the USA for me to go to college, everything I owned fit in a dark green duffle bag.  I had next to nothing, but what I did have, I organized over and over and became known for my skills in tidying up all the things.  I'd organize my friends' closets, my sisters' bedrooms and my mom's kitchen anytime they'd let me.  I loved it.

It wasn't until a few years ago that I ever heard the word "minimalist".  Until then, I had just been a really great "organizer", but once minimalism started to become a thing, I let it become my thing.  These past few weeks, I've spent some time wondering over what got me to that point in the first place and I don't actually think it was any one thing or an over-night decision, but 30 years of a certain lifestyle that eventually got me there by default.


Always on the move.  I've packed up, moved and unpacked 37 times.  I'm only 33.  My mom has even told me that I'm missing some moves in there, so it's actually somewhere over 40 moves.  That's a lot.  The older I've gotten and the more times we've moved, the more I've hated having stuff and can't seem to ever truly settle in at any one place.  To me, when I see all my "stuff", I end up seeing it all as just a bunch of crap that I have to one day pack.  And I don't want to get too comfy in any apartment, cabin, house (or any other crazy place we've lived) because I know I'll eventually be moving.  So, somewhere along the way, it became easier just to not own or get attached to any personal items or certain place.

On a tight budget.  Growing up as a missionary kid meant we didn't have tons of money for wants, though we always had everything we needed.  I remember going to dance class and my friends having the new Tamagotchi pets and Country Apple Body Spray from Bath & Body Works and feeling left out and awkward that I didn't have the same things as the other girls.  Don't get me wrong, I'm probably better off as an adult for it.  Once I grew up, though, and started working, I was shocked that money didn't go as far as I dreamed it would as a kid.  And when we have had extra money, Nick and I have spent it on travel instead of furniture, decorations, clothes, TVs, cars and all the other things that are fun to buy.  So, over the years, it became second nature to skip stuff and use our limited income on getting out of town.

However, after loosing our baby in October, and coming back home to a 3,000 sq ft home with hardly anything in it, it felt too empty and I felt too alone.  I saw it was tidy, but not cozy.

Photo by Emily Lynn Photography

So, last night, as we watched Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, I became interested in how Harry found The Mirror of Erised and saw his parents standing beside him in the reflection.  He became obsessed with the life he wished he could have and sat staring into the mirror until he finally was caught and got this warning from Dumbledore:

"It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live".

Although I don't believe I've forgotten to live (I've had a pretty amazing, very full life so far), I do feel like I can find myself stuck on certain dreams.  Or maybe they aren't even dreams, but an odd mixture of wants and worries...

"What if we don't stay in this house?"
"What if we move to Greenville?"
"What if we live overseas again?"
"What if I buy this piece of furniture and then can't use it in our next home?"
"What if this cute jacket doesn't hold up and turns out to be a waste of money?"
"What if I spend this money today and then can't take a spontaneous trip next month?"
"What if I turn into a hoarder and Nick's aggravated with the amount of stuff we own?"
"What if I love it here but have to move one day?"
"What if I put a lot of time and energy into this place and then it burns to the ground?"

I could go on and on.  But, I think, deep down, what has been fueling my obsession with minimalism may be simply that I'm scared and have been "coping" by owning nothing.  Staying unattached (to both people and possessions) has created a false sense of freedom...as if I'm protecting myself from loss by having nothing to loose.  But, whether I'm a minimalist or not, loss will always be unavoidable.

Apparently, I've got a lifetime of dreams built on hopes and fears and I'm tired of dwelling on it all.


So, I've decided that I'm going to get comfy where I live.  I'm going to treat my home like I'm staying, finally settle in and stop worrying about whether I'll have to pack up and one day move.  It's not today.  I'll cross that bridge when (and if...) I get to it.

And I've decided that maybe this is a season of less travel and more home.  Instead of spending all my extra money on getting out of town, I'm going to enjoy some homemaking for a while.  I've already bought a new photo frame for a few baby photos and two bright-red stools for the kitchen.

I think minimalism suited me well for a long time by helping me deal with my life in my 20s.  But, now I'm well into my 30s and I'm ready for a change.  Or maybe it's that I'm ready for less change and more stability?  I'm not even sure really.  But, for once, I am where I am and that's all I know.  Though I'm not planning on becoming a hoarder, I'm taking a step back from my minimalist lifestyle and returning to what I loved as a kid: organizing.

Instead of worrying about living with less, I'm going to take pleasure in living with purpose.

 

10.30.2018

3 REASONS MINIMALISTS NEED PAPERLESS POST

40 invitations sent out with the click of a button...I could get used to this!

A few weeks ago, Paperless Post asked to collaborate with me.  I had never heard of them before, but after checking out their website and creating an account, I saw that I've actually used Paperless Post twice without knowing.  Once was when I RSVP'ed to a baby shower last year and another time was when I RSVP'ed for an upcoming wedding.

I was invited to Jennifer's Baby Shower
through Paperless Post!

It took me a while to choose my own invitation because there are so many cute options, but I finally made a decision, loaded my friends' email addresses and sent out 40 invitations to a Sip & Scan that I'm hosting at my place.  FYI, a Sip & Scan is basically where we eat tasty treats and get scanned with my iTOVi scanner to see where our bodies are out of balance and find out what Young Living Essential Oils and Products may help.  It's fun!  If you want to come and bring a friend, reach out to me and I'll send you an invitation through Paperless Post (since I'm officially hooked).

Here's why I LOVE Paperless Post already:

1.  One and done.  I loaded my friend's email addresses and now they're in my account, saved for next time I want to send out something cute through email, which will save me loads of time.  Now I'm thinking of all the parties and events I may want to host since the inviting part of it all doesn't seem so daunting anymore.

2.  No Post Office visit.  "I love going to the post office" said no one ever.  Paperless Post makes it so easy to pick a cute card, type up the invitation details, and click the button to send it off without driving to the post office or paying for stamps.  Saves me from having hoards of stationary and stamps laying around.

3.  Quick and easy.  People are on their phones using email, text and social media to keep in touch.  Although snail mail is thoughtful, sending a quick email invitation through Paperless Post makes it easier for people to RSVP and leave notes.  Just since sending out my email invitation and starting this blog post, I've heard back from four friends about my Sip & Scan event!

Photo by Emily Lynn Photography

So far, I'm impressed and looking forward to using Paperless Post more in the future.  Not only will this help me planning events with family and friends, but I can already see how this can help me in my small business to provide more support for my customers.  I'm always looking for ways to work smarter, not harder, while making sure that my team feels included and encouraged.

If you often find yourself hosting and you want something quick and easy, with no paper trail, you should check out Paperless Post!







9.20.2018

HOW I LOST 30 POUNDS IN TWO YEARS

Yep, two years.  It wasn't quick and easy, but I like that I did it my way (and slowly) because it's been sustainable.


My friend Emily Christopher at Emily Lynn Photography took these photos (above).  The one on the left is in 2016, the center photo is 2017 and on the right is last week.  That outfit that was uncomfortably tight in 2016 is now too big to wear, including the shoes!

Although I lost several sizes -- including a shoe size, weird -- the biggest improvement has been my overall health.  I'm more comfortable in my clothes, I have more energy, my blood pressure is back to normal and I feel more like myself.  It wasn't just that I wanted to lose weight.  I wanted to simply feel good again.

So, on May 4th, 2016, when a friend canceled last minute, I chose to go to Barre class alone.  Going to the gym alone is my worst nightmare, but something clicked and I made the decision to exercise daily whether I had a workout partner or not.

I stuck to it and began to build confidence and improve other areas of my health also.  Two years later, I now feel the best I've ever felt...even better than how I felt in high school!



Honestly, I'm pretty embarrassed to share these progress pics (above).  So, why am I sharing anyway?

I want to show you that it doesn't have to be some expensive trainer at the gym, or a crazy-hard 6-week challenge.  You can get healthier over time, taking baby steps along the way.  Just get started and make the decision to stick to it. 

We want what we want right now and without making any sacrifices.  That's just not reality.  Instead, decide to make small changes and improvements over time.  Eat better.  Move daily.  Listen to your body.  Do a little better each day.  Let it take time.  After all, it took time to get to where you are right now.

If you aren't feeling your best, I hope that me sharing my story can encourage you that you can do this!  I've gone from being a Cinnamon Sugar PopTart lover and an exercise hater, to a person who makes better food choices and gets moving a little each day because I want to.

Don't tell yourself you have to do all or nothing...just do something.  Simply choose one thing to work on today.  Keep it up until you've got that down.  Then add one more thing.  Keep it up until it's easy.  Then add one more thing.  Keep this cycle going until you've reached your goal, even if it takes two years.

I'm here to tell you, it's worth it.


8.30.2018

33 THINGS I'M THANKFUL FOR ON MY 33RD BIRTHDAY

Happy Birthday to me (tomorrow)!  The years are flying by and I'm finding that it's not the grand gestures or expensive gifts that make me happy, but the little things.  After all, it's those little things that make up the majority of our lives!  Sometimes, though, they get overlooked.

So, to remind myself of all that I have, I wanted to put together a list of 33 things that I'm thankful for right now:

1.  air-conditioner in this South Carolina summer heat
2.  my parents bulldog, Buddy
3.  our king-sized bed
4.  catching up with friends on Marco Polo App
5.  rail trail walks
6.  Netflix binges with Nick
7.  homemade skillet bread
8.  traveling almost every weekend
9.  that God loves me
10.  our gym that has everything I do and don't know how to use


11.  warm, fuzzy blankets
12.  vegan restaurants
13.  my clawfoot tub
14.  homemade cinnamon rolls
15.  my work-from-anywhere-in-the-world business
16.  Hallmark movies
17.  old friendships that have stuck around
18.  our 20s-30s group
19.  parents that are world-changers
20.  riding my bike beside Nick while he runs


21.  camping in the fall
22.  you, my readers, for caring about me and my words
23.  granite countertops
24.  my fluffy, purple, polka-dot bathrobe
25.  cleaning out and giving stuff away
26.  sisters that are my closest friends
27.  the Christmas season
28.  cute clothes that make me feel pretty
29.  books (lots of books)
30.  my front porch when the weather's just right
31.  that I speak Spanish
32.  the freedom to spend my time how I want
33.  my attractive, thoughtful, hard-working husband (saved the best for last)

What's one thing that you're thankful for today?



8.21.2018

11 DREAMS THAT FEEL TOO BIG

I always start off big, thinking "wouldn't this or that be incredible?!".  But, as "reality" sets in and I second guess my ability to achieve goals, I backtrack.  I tame my crazy dreams and tell myself that, "I'll just stick with this easier, more attainable idea".

Why in the world do I do this when I'm always challenging everyone else to dream big?

Two reasons:
1.  I don't want people to think bad of me that I want "too much".
2.  I don't want to fail by not doing what I said I wanted to do.

Instead of risk it, I make it all manageable.  How sad.  Aren't dreams meant to be crazy?


While reading Girl, Wash Your Face, I felt challenged by Rachel Hollis to stop making myself small and believing that it's shameful to want too much.

Now I'm wondering if I should even have a Bucket List because, turns out, everything's on my list.

I want to see it all.
I want to do it all (except sky dive or bungy jumping because that's a whole new level of terrifying).
I want the experiences.
I want the memories.
I want a full life.

And I want to stop downplaying that.  I'm sure if you follow me, you know I'm a dreamer.  But, what you may not know is that I still only share my "safe" dreams...the ones I believe that are appropriate and that I might be able to one day achieve.


Want to know my scary dreams that I'm afraid to admit, even to myself?

-I want to visit every state in the USA and every country in the world (even the not-so-safe ones)
-I want to 100% financially support my parents as full-time missionaries
-I want to be a fun, supportive mom to at least two kids
-I want to pack up my home and travel full-time for a season of life
-I want to have have 1 million followers on social media
-I want to complete a marathon
-I want to be a best-selling author
-I want to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail
-I want to get out of debt and live 100% debt free the rest of my life
-I want to hit Royal Crown Diamond with Young Living
-I want to be a fully raw vegan

Fear holds me back and convinces me to settle.  It tells me that I'm too much and yet, not enough.

I'm over it.

From now on, I'm calling it like it is.  My dreams are insane, but that's what dreams are right?


42 ITEMS ON MY REVERSE BUCKET LIST

My Bucket List.

It's always on my mind.

This thing that pushes me and haunts me.  

But, I often forget how much I've already done, how many dreams I've already crossed off and unforgettable memories I've already made...and I don't want to forget because it reminds me to be thankful for what I've already got.

Hiking the Inca Trail

So, this is my Reverse Bucket List.  Not a list of all that I still want to do and see, but a list of all that I've already crossed off.  During the moments of panic when I feel the years slipping away and worry that I'm not living to the fullest, I need this reminder that I'm not wasting time.  I've dreamed and planned and conquered (maybe even more than most for my age).

I've...


drove the entire Blue Ridge Parkway and ran the Cooper River Bridge Run
flown 1st class from Europeand and spotted The Little Mermaid in Denmark
paid off Nick's student loans, own our home and live in Greenville SC
survived a Clemson and USC football game, done Christmas at Biltmore
toured the Greek isles, the Holy Land and climbed the Eiffel Tower
attended a ball, stood on the equator and went island hopping in the Faroe Islands
flown first class in Europe and in a helicopter in Africa
roadtripped around the USA and Canada and cruised the Caribbean
surfed the waves at Myrtle Beach and the sand dunes in Lima, Peru
gone white water rafting, paddle boarding, tubing, skiing and snowboarding
rappelling and rock climbing in Bolivia and skinny dipping in the Sea of Galilee
riden a camel on the beach in Kenya and an airboat in the Florida Everglades 
seen the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, Yellowstone and the Redwoods
ran The Color Run, hiked the Inca Trail and got a tattoo
hiked to the Tea House in Banff, walked through fields of flowers in Holland
toured the castles of Scotland, slept in one in Ireland and walked on Giants Causeway
donated a foot of hair 3 times and dyed the rest purple
stood on the equator in Ecuador and took a dangerous ride on the Yungas Road
swam in the Dead Sea and taken an Alaskan Cruise
road-tripped the Blue Ridge Parkway and toured the Biltmore
owned a great pair of cowgirl boots and worked at Disney
walked all over DC and NYC and biked the Swamp Rabbit Trail
lived on a ship in the Caribbean and spent a week in Hawaii

Swimming in the Dead Sea

Don't let me fool you, though.  The dreaming and planning and going and doing and seeing isn't stopping here. 

What's the most memorable thing you've ever crossed off your Bucket List?





8.16.2018

3 THINGS EVERY MINIMALIST WANTS FOR THEIR BIRTHDAY

It's officially my birthday month and I'm all excited, wondering how it will feel to be 33 and what types of gifts I might receive from everyone who loves me...hint hint.

Me at 3

I can't say how much I love my birthday.  I really love it.  But, it's not because of the gifts.  No, it's all the attention.  Let me explain before you start thinking I'm a total snob.  I love that my birthday means I get an excuse to spend special time with all my favorite people.  If I have to choose between gifts and quality time, I'll choose presence over presents.  You see what I did there?

However, I also know that not everyone wants to skip the beautifully wrapped, thoughtfully picked items.  So, I came up with a list of everything that a minimalist could possibly want or need.  If you have a minimalist in your life with a special occasion coming up or want to get on top of your Christmas shopping, keep reading.

Us at Universal Studios for Valentines 2018

1.  Experiences like a lunch date, concert tickets, spa treatment, a weekend getaway, movie tickets, gym membership, or anything that makes a memory, provides quality time or treats the birthday boy or girl to much needed pampering and rest!

2.  Consumables like homemade dessert, a soy candle, loose leaf tea, a bottle of wine, flowers, a bamboo toothbrush or even something as simple as a big bowl of beautiful fruit or their favorite flavor or Kombucha from the grocery store!

3.  Wants and needs like replacing a clothing item for the upcoming season, a trip to the salon for a overdue haircut, a yard or maid service for a break from mundane chores or a book they've been wanting to read.  Just ask if you are unsure!  Most people have a wish list in their head :)

My 31st Birthday!

Some of my favorite gifts have been when my daddy bought me a pair of quality winter socks from Naturally Outdoors, when my momma took me shopping at TJMaxx and helped me pick out a new outfit, when Ironman ran The Color Run with me, when my sisters all took me out to lunch and then dessert and when I chopped my hair off and donated 12 inches and then died it purple!  I loved each of these gifts because it was either time spent with someone I love, or crossing something off my Bucket List or getting something that I honestly needed but probably wouldn't have bought for myself.

So, here's to August...my birthday month.  Let's skip the gifts, ok?  Instead, I want a date with each of my favorite people.  You know who you are and I'm waiting on your text :)


7.25.2018

5 THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOUR NEXT TRIP + a simple packing list

I don't know about you, but when packing, I start with good intentions on keeping things simple.  Then I panic at the last minute and throw in extras that I really don't need.  I'm trying to improve on being prepared and sticking to the basics and decided a packing list will probably help me.


But before we get to that, here are 5 things to consider before each trip:

1. MIX AND MATCH.  Stick to items that can be worn with everything else.  For example, I want all my tops to be able to go with all my bottoms, my jacket or sweater, my shoes and my scarf.

2. COMFORT.  Choose items that are comfortable.  I want to be ready for anything (walking, standing, sitting, relaxing...), while still looking my best.

3. WEATHER.  Check the weather and pack accordingly!  It’s miserable to be too hot or too cold while trying to enjoy a new place. 

4. LOCATION.  Pack for the place.  When I'm camping, I pack completely different clothes than if I'm cruising.  Also, when I'm staying at someone else's home, I'm more conservative with my pjs!

5. LENGTH OF TRIP.  Bring between 2-7 days worth of clothes.  I find that if I take more, I feel stressed out and weighed down by my luggage (remember, you can do laundry while traveling).


So, now that we've got that out of the way, let's cover what should actually go into our suitcases!  I suggest you only pack what fits in a carry-on to save money, space and energy.

PACKING LIST:
2-7 tops: one for each day
2-4 bottoms: jeans, pants, shorts or skirts
1 dress
1 jacket, sweater or coat
1 set of pjs
don't forget underwear!
1 large scarf (which can double as a coverup, towel, blanket and pillow)
1 hat
1 pair sunglasses
1 swimsuit (if needed)
1-3 pair shoes: I usually take flats, wedges and sneakers
exercise clothes (if needed)
bag of toiletries
essential oils of course
a few favorite pieces of jewelry
your kindle 
travel documents
chargers


Have I covered all my bases?  Am I missing something that you think I should be taking when I travel?  Please let me know in the comments below!



7.09.2018

7 AREAS TO CHOOSE SIMPLICITY

Life can be overwhelming and leave us feeling like we are just going through the motions, trying to survive.  That's why I believe minimalism is so important for us.  Let's stop overthinking and over-planning and choose simplicity in these 7 areas.


EXERCISE - Stop making excuses about why you can't work out.  Find an activity you enjoy and get moving daily, whether it's a walk, a yoga class or lifting weights with your husband.

PEOPLE - Stop spending time with people who aren't good for you.  Look at your relationships and decide on a few that mean the world to you.  Then pour your energy into those people.

WORK - Stop clocking in at a job you don't feel excited and passionate about and wasting your life away just for a paycheck.  Try lots of jobs until you find what you love.

TIME - Stop saying yes.  Say no to everything you don't want to do or you're doing because you feel like you must, then say yes to only what you truly want or need to do.

Photo by Emily Lynn Photography

FOOD - Stop eating processed and packaged food.  Choose 1 ingredient foods, like an apple, a head of broccoli or a bag of almonds to create your snacks and meals.

MONEY - Stop spending money that you don't have.  Cut up your credit cards and begin to live within your means.

STUFF - Stop buying things you don't need.  Just because there's space doesn't mean you need to fill it.  And just because you can buy something, doesn't mean you should.

The less I have, the more I feel clear headed and calm.  Minimalism can be such a healthy hobby!  What area do you most need to simplify?


5.18.2018

6 WAYS TO PRACTICE SELF CARE WHILE TRAVELING

Staying up all night, eating whatever you want and laying around doing nothing are all part of vacation.  It starts off feeling like total freedom, but then you quickly end up sick and tired.  Traveling isn’t fun when you don’t feel your best.  That’s why self-care, even when you’re not at home, is so important.  Here are six areas that I think really make or break a trip:


1. SLEEP.  You need enough sleep if you are doing the driving on a road trip, but also if you want to simply stay well and have fun!  Try to stick to the same times that you go to bed and wake up at home.

2. EAT.  It’s tempting to go crazy because you’re on vacation, but it’s important that you eat foods that make you feel your best!  It sucks to have an upset stomach or be insanely bloated while you’re trying to walk around a new place.

3. MOVE.  Driving or flying to get to your destination can wreck havoc on your body.  Each time we stop at a rest area, I feel like 93-years-old trying to peel myself out of the car.  And after a flight, I feel all cramped up.  Take time to stretch it out, go for a walk or hit the hotel gym!


4. SCHEDULE.  Just because we can drive 13 hours in one day doesn’t mean you should.  And just because you have time to do five things while site-seeing, doesn’t mean you should.  Take into consideration how you feel now and how you’ll feel later.  It’s not always worth it to do and see it all.

5. THINK.  Don’t turn your mind off.  Use this time away from work to read new books, listen to interesting podcasts, have deep conversations with your friends and family traveling with you.  I love when I come home from a trip feeling inspired and ready to take on the world!

6. REST.  Not to be confused with sleep.  Put away all technology, take a bath, watch the sunset, take a hike, read a book, enjoy a cup of coffee while rocking on a porch, walk on the beach, etc.  Whatever it is, take time to enjoy the quiet.  


What is one self-care practice that you always stick to while traveling?


5.16.2018

9 SECRETS TO TRAVELING WITH YOUR SPOUSE

You've been traveling for days, everyone's exhausted, people are driving you nuts and you can't get away.  Can you relate?  I love going on trips with Nick, but it can feel tense when either of us are hard to be around (spoiler alert, usually I'm the cranky pants).  Here are 9 things that I have found make a huge difference for us.


1. Kick your habits.  There’s nothing worse than being stuck in a car for 12 hours with someone who’s driving you insane.  If you know you have a habit that your spouse can’t stand, then stop.  Seriously.

Northern Ireland 2014

2. Pay attention to what your spouse needs.  Do they need some quiet time?  A back rub after hours on the road?  Some time alone once you get to your destination?  A listening ear?  Are they hungry or need to stop and stretch their legs?

3. Find joint entertainment.  Read a book aloud.  Listen to a podcast.  Find a good radio station.  Whatever it is, make sure you both are enjoying it.  Otherwise find something else to do for a while or use headphones.

4. Take time apart.  When we get to a hotel, I love to fill up a bath, take my kindle and disappear for about an hour.  While I do this, Nick will often do bodyweight exercises in the room.  Once we’ve both had some downtime, we are ready to come back together and hang out some more.

Mount Rushmore today!

5. Be flexible.  You have things you want to do, see and eat while traveling.  So does your spouse.  Hopefully, you both want the same things most of the time.  But when you don’t, make sure you take turns so that no one feels like their wants or needs don’t matter.

6. Have designated roles.  I usually plan the big things on the trip, like the major highlights and Bucket List items we will cross off.  But, Nick will come in at the last minute and choose the actual stops and book hotels.  Decide who will do what so that the responsibilities are shared.

7. Get enough sleep.  You’ll be tempted to skimp on this.  We get excited to have cable in our hotel room, since we don’t have it at home.  Or we will stay up late hanging out with friends and family.  But, we are much nicer when we sleep enough.

Faroe Islands 2012

8. Say thank you.  Most likely, your spouse is doing a lot to make this trip fun for you.  Recognize the things they do to take care of you and thank them for it.


9. Remember to have fun.  Travel can often be stressful because of all of the unknowns around you.  Take things slow, be patient, go with the flow and don’t get upset when things don’t go as planned.  

Do you and your spouse travel together well?  Please share your words of wisdom with me!