Tag: Lifestyle

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Lifestyle

How I Can Afford To Travel The World And You Can Too

Hi everyone! I hope your summer has been great and you are indulging in the last few weeks of the season. I know I am! My summer has been filled with lots of travel, and I could not think of a better time to share some tips with you all about how I afford to travel throughout the year and you can too!

First and foremost, I think it is important to say, people who travel often, make traveling a priority and are willing to sacrifice in other areas in order to be able to travel and travel often.

+Budgeting-The first thing to think about when wanting to travel is your budget. How much money are you able to set aside each paycheck for travel?  This amount will be different for everyone. For me, traveling is important, so I am willing to set a certain amount aside each month and I am willing to add extra funds to the amount, if available, even if it means forgoing purchases throughout the month. I also have the amount automatically transferred to a travel account each paycheck, which leads me tomy next tip!

+Travel Account-Have a separate savings account for your travel funds. It might not seem like it will make a difference, but having a separate account specifically for traveling helps to save up money for traveling. Something not having to transfer the money yourself and automatically see the amount set aside helps me to keep building my travel fund throughout the year. If you do not have a separate account and you are serious about traveling, I highly recommend giving this tip a try to see how it works for you.

+Cut out unnecessary expenses-If you are like me, before I made it a priority to travel, I found it hard to find ways to cut back on expenses so I was able to save more. Once I was serious about traveling and really looked at what expenses I could cut out, I found several ways to create extra travel savings.

  • STOP EATING OUT!! I honestly, CANNOT stress this enough!! One of the main ways I save money for travel is eating at home. Yes, that means I pack my lunch, make dinner every night, turn down lunches and dinners BUT it saves me so much money each month!
  • Cancel monthly subscriptions- I am guilty of this myself. I love me a monthly subscription, but I had to take a look how much it was costing me each month and ask myself if I was really using the products I was receiving. I was able to cut back some and add this money to my travel fund.
  • Cancel cable and unnecessary utilities- It is amazing how much you can save by cutting back on cable, dish or whatever you use. There are so many options for TV these days, you can cut back and still watch many of the shows you love.

+Use Google Travel to research flights- Before any trip, I always start my research by using google travel. I love it because it will bring up the location you are interested in but it will also show the price to fly to any location across the world for the dates you have selected. This will give you an idea of what airline you can book travel at the lowest cost, give you options of different airlines and gives you what you need to book with whatever airline you choose. You can also track flights and google will alert you if the price drops or goes up. It is a great way to keep track of flight trends.  

+Book flights on Tuesday and Wednesday-Trust me, after years of traveling and researching, I know from experience flights are cheaper on Tuesday and Wednesday. I search flights nearly every day, especially if I have a destination in mind and booking on these days will save you some money.

+Travel to cheaplocations-I cannot tell you how many times the location I decided to travel to was based on it being the cheapest place to travel for my travel dates. Really! There is not a place in the world I do not want to see, so I am open to looking at my options. Mexico City, Greece, Hawaii were all destinations I traveled to because they were the cheapest for the dates I needed. Saved mesome money and I have not been disappointed by the cheaper destination.

+Sign up for hotel,airlines and credit card points– If you are serious about traveling this is one way to enjoy some of the benefits for the money you spend traveling. If Iam booking a hotel I usually book through a website (hotels.com, Expedia, etc.) This will give me one free night for every 10. Might not sound like much but I’ll take a free night in a hotel anytime. You can save your days and use them consecutively if you like as well. I also try to book hotels where you can earn points through the hotel bonus program such as SPG Rewards. There are certain hotels under SPG and I usually try to stay loyal to the hotels to earn points to use later. I do the same with airlines; I usually try to book withDelta or American. This way, the points I earn for a flight add up over timeand I can use towards an airline ticket in the future. The same goes for mycredit card. I use all my points from purchases throughout the year for travel, be it hotels or flights, but all my points go towards reducing the cost of my travel.

+Save on lodging with Airbnb-I love my a hotel stay but depending how long I will be visiting an area sometimes the cost of a hotel is just not doable. Airbnb is great alternative to be able to stay in the area you would like for a much cheaper cost. While traveling Italy, I could not believe the deals I found, with views of the Colosseum in Rome, across from the Duomo in Milan. It was amazing and more than worth the nightly Airbnb price.

+Visit locations where you have family and friends-Often, throughout the year, I visit places where I have friends and family. I am lucky to have loved ones across the US and it is always a great time to visit their city and explore with them. Often, I get to spend a night or the entire time with them at their home and I do not have to pay for a hotel. This saves a ton of money and helps me travel to several different cities each year.

+Travel during the off season- If you really want to save money on travel,travel during the off-season. Often flights and hotels are much cheaper duringthe off-season.  I have done this severaltimes and it saved me so much money. When traveling to Australia, it was summer time in America, but the beginning of winter down under. While I was there the weather was more like fall, perfect to explore and smaller lines and waiting for attractions. It was awesome!

I hope some of these tips help you, like they have helped me to travel the world and you are able to check a place off your bucket list this year.

Until next time guys! Thanks for stopping in!!

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Blog

5 Tips For An Easier, More Productive Week

Hi there, everyone! I’m back and cannot believe how quickly January has passed! I usually think January drags on and on, but not this year. This week, like every other, is full of things for me to check off my list. I’m working on my second blog post about Italy and my first installment, coming later this week, She’s Such A Jam Monthly Round Up. So be on the look out for more new posts this week!!

Today, I wanted to talk a little bit about little things I do each weekend to help my week be less stressful, more enjoyable, and productive. Yes, it’s possible! These 5 little things help me close out my weekend feeling rested and ready for the week, and really help me later in the week when I’m tired and can’t wait for the weekend.

+Prepping Meals-I don’t know about you, but I cannot prep meals too far ahead of time or for the entire week without getting tired of the same thing. I just do not want to eat meat I made Sunday five days later, that’s just me. I just can’t! However, I do do some prepping to make meals and especially dinner time easier.

  • Wash and cut/slice all of your fruits and vegetables and put them into containers. This will make them easy to access during the week for breakfast, lunches or dinner.
  • Plan your weekly meals ahead of time. I don’t know how you all do your grocery shopping, but I order everything online, drive right up and they load it into my car and I’m out of there. Online ordering also helps me plan meals for the week and make sure I have everything I need for a recipe. Taking care of this during the weekend helps a ton. And because it’s online takes 5-10 minutes max!
  • Prep a meal for your crock pot or instant pot, or both! This one is a lifesaver! It’s so easy to throw all the ingredients into your pot Sunday night, put it in the fridge, take it out in the morning or evening for instant pot and done! Nothing is better than walking into the house after a Monday and smelling dinner waiting for you. If you have both a crock pot and instant pot, make a meal for both and you instantly have two days of dinner meals ready to go.
  • Pack your breakfast and lunch the night before so it doesn’t hold you up in the morning. This also helps me plan for healthy eating throughout the day because I’ve packed my breakfast, lunch and snacks ahead of time. My go to breakfast foods: boiled eggs, cheese, yogurt, oatmeal, fruit. Usually my lunch is left overs from the night before.
  • Have snacks on hand and ready to go. Snacks I usually have on hand: boiled eggs, variety of string cheese, chocolate rice cakes, popcorn, fruits and veggies. Most every Sunday I boil at least 6-10 eggs. I use them throughout the week for breakfast and snacks. It’s easy and already prepared when I’m hungry or in a rush.

+Plan your outfits on Sunday night-I started doing this when my schedule changed and I started getting up at 5:30 in the morning. I cannot tell you how many mornings I was late leaving the house because I just did not know what to wear! I’d stand in my closest trying to decide and just waste time! Now, I plan all my outfits on Sunday, when the day rolls around I just grab my outfit and I’m good to go. No more debating, worrying about time, none of it.

I also make sure to pack a few gym outfits into my gym bag. Taking the think out of these little tasks helps me to just get it done or when I have unexpected time in between work, appointments, a friend wants to meet for a workout, whatever, if I have my bagged packed I can stop and workout because I already have all my necessities with me.

  • Pick out 5 outfits for the week. Hang at the front of your closet, put together, ready to go(top, bottoms, accessories)
  • Iron anything needing to be ironed and add to your items.
  • Throw at least 2 days of workout clothes into you gym bag(2 tops, 2 bottoms, 2 sports bras, 2 socks, hair ties, tennis shoes.)

+Make a To-Do List-If you know me, you know I love lists, like love. I really can’t help it. For one, I need help remembering little things I don’t commonly do thorough the week, so I need to write them down and secondly, I like the feeling of accomplishment when I cross something off, or finish the whole list! For real. Lists help me stay on track and productive throughout the week. You can go old school and write your lists out, I still do this at my office, or use your smart phone. There are tons of note taking apps you can download, I personally, just make a note in my phone and check off what I’ve completed. I like having my list in my phone because I have it with me the majority of the time and can reference it, add things, check items off. It’s handy and it works! If you’re not a list person, you should really give it a try.

+Look at your planner-I’m a huge advocate of using your weekend to relax and rejuvenate for the week and leaving work at the office. However, I do find it helpful to glance at my calendar to see what I have scheduled for the week. A way of mentally planning for the week. With a full time job, my own business seeing clients after work, traveling, doctor’s appointments and all the usual life activities, I often store events in my calendar ahead of time and it helps to review what I have scheduled for the week. Also, if I need to throw something in my car I don’t usually carry with me, grab some documents off the desk, etc. I can do it on Sunday and it saves me time the day of.

+Turn your bathroom into a mini spa and relax-Although, it is super helpful to plan ahead and get things ready for the week, the most important thing you can do for yourself on Sunday is get some ME time in. Days and weeks get busy and even a few minutes of taking care of yourself can help you decompress and relax. Sunday night, turn your bathroom into a spa. Take a long shower or bath. And I’m not talking a quick in and out 5 minute shower! I’m talking a relaxing, I’m not going anywhere after this shower or bath. You know there’s a difference! Maybe light a candle or add some essential oil to your water if you have some. I make sure to deep condition my hair or use my sugar body scrub. Something I just don’t have time to do during the week. Finish with a quick face mask. I love sheet masks and every Sunday I use one either on my whole face, under my eyes, my lips, maybe both. Either way, I lay down relaxed and ready for a good night’s rest.

I hope your new year is off to a great start and these five little tips help keep you motivated, save you time and make your week easier. Talk to you soon, everyone!

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Blog

Building Healthy Habits||Planning to Achieve in 2019

Happy New Year, everyone! I’m back in the country and have recovered from my holiday travel, mostly. I don’t know about you but I always come back from vacation so tired and wishing I had time to rest, but for me, usually I am back to work the very next day. This vacation was no different and I jumped right back into work, made it through my post vacation work week, and cannot wait to share with you all the adventures I had in Italy! So stay tuned, I will definitely have some posts up soon.

With each New Year, I have always enjoyed writing down what I want to accomplish and work on for the next year. I find so much satisfaction in being able to look back at year’s end and see what I was able to accomplish over the year. It also helps me not loose vision of what my intentions for the year were a few months from now.

+Blogging-My biggest goal comes with my blogging. I’ve learned so many things over the past year, and over the last few months I’ve found my groove and can really see a future for my blog. I’m excited about the ideas I have and know writing my goals down is the first step in making them happen.

  • Sharing more about myself, making sure my blog is more personal and really shows you all who I am.
  • Consistent posting. Aiming for 2 posts each week.
  • She’s Such a Jam Monthly Roundup.
  • Increase WordPress followers.
  • Monthly newsletter and email list.
  • Increase social media following.
  • Upgrading my blogging equipment(camera, computer, editing programs.)

+ Health & Fitness-2018 was not my year for focusing on my health and fitness. I did practice lots of self-care, taking time for myself to do the things I enjoy to recharge and have successful days, weeks, and months. I will definitely continue my self-care but I need to pay more attention into my health and fitness. I use to practice a good balance of 80/20 with my eating, but last year I indulged, and baked a lot! I also, didn’t put much effort in preparing my meals the night before for work, which saves me tons of time, but also, ensures I eat mostly well throughout the day. So more of all of these things this year!

  • Get back to activities I love (Dancefit/yoga) at least 3x/week.
  • Start 20 minute Beachbody program.
  • Workout before work at least 2x/week.
  • Weekly meal prep.

+Lifestyle & Travel-I always put lots of work into my daily life, working on projects, planning trips, scheduling time with family and friends. This is the fun stuff for me and usually happens without much thought, but I still always like to write down my hopeful plans and ideas to see what comes to happen each year.

  • More time with family, especially my mom.
  • Visit 1 new country.
  • Visit/Sleep in one new state (USA.)
  • Explore a new place in my own state (New Mexico.)
  • Girls trip!
  • One great concert.
  • Finish upstairs loft.
  • Outdoor patio completed.
  • House paint update.
  • Less spending more saving.

I hope this list inspires you to write down some of the things you hope to accomplish this new year, for yourself. Here’s to planning and achieving new things this year! 2019, the year we make it all happen!!

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Lifestyle

My 5 Favorite Beauty Products of the Year

As the year comes to an end and I am preparing for an out of town trip, I was quickly reminded of my favorite beauty products I have found over the last year that have become staples in my beauty routine. This is not an add, all words are my own and the products were selected based on my own likes and trials while using these products. Without further ado, let’s break down my five favorite beauty products of the year for you all!

Foreo Luna Facial Massager and Cleanser- My number one, top beauty product of the year, hands down,  goes to the Foreo Luna Facial Cleaner Brush! This brush is amazing and is the reason I have gotten rid of my regular facial spinning brush. It honestly is that good! This sylacone cleansing brush gently cleans and massages away make up, dirt and oil and leaves your face feeling smooth, refreshed and is gentle enough to use daily. One of my favorite things about the Foreo Luna is how tiny and convenient it is for packing and taking on trips out of town. This is my top beauty find of the year and a product you will always find in my beauty bag. 

Pixi Glow Tonic-My second, top beauty product of the year, I came across by accident with a sample when I ordered another product online. I was excited to try it and loved the fact the sample size fit easily into my beauty bag and I was able to take it with me on vacation. After two weeks of being away and only having the The Pixi Glow Tonic to use this toner quickly became my go-to toner and has replaced my much more expensive brand of toner. The Glow Tonic deeply cleans pores and although highly concentrated, is gentle enough to use every day. I’ve noticed the difference on my skin, with brighter, clearer skin. Not only is the toner great but it is very affordable and you can buy it at Target or Amazon, which makes purchasing so easy. I love this toner and would recommend it to anyone, especially anyone with oily skin trying to fight breakouts.

Tarte Maracuja C Brighter Eye Treatment- My third, top beauty product of the year can easily be rated as my first when I think of all the benefits I have seen from using this product. The Tarte Maracuja C Brighter Eye Treatment is a game changer. I have very sensitive skin and had to stop using several eye treatment creams because they were too harsh and I would often have an allergic reaction. This year, blame it on age, less sleep or whatever you may, I started to notice dark puffy circles under my eyes in the morning. I search and read reviews about the top products on the market and this eye treatment was ranked among the best. The reviews did not lie. I never wake up with dark puffy eyes anymore, seriously, never! My skin looks refreshed, rested and nice and plump. The eye cream is gently and I have never had an issue with it being too harsh or having a reaction to it. If you or someone you know is looking for a new eye cream this is one worth trying. 

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion- My forth, top beauty product of the year, comes from a brand I had been familiar with, Mario Badescu, using several different products but I had never used this drying lotion. I decided to give it to try to see if it would help speed up my breakouts and get my skin back to normal. The drying lotion, made with salicylic acid and calamine is easy to dap onto skin with a q-tip and significantly helps to reduce swelling, effectively dries out your breakout spot and helps get rid of the spot much quicker than letting nature take it’s course. You would think because the drying lotion is so good at drying out breakouts it may be harsh on your skin or cause your skin to dry out, but it does not. One of the many things I love about it. This is the lotion you use if you have a blemish pop up the day before a big event! By morning you will notice a significant difference and will be glad you tried it . 

Tarte Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 -My fifth, and last top beauty product of the year, goes to another Tarte product I cannot live without. I do not like putting foundation all over my skin and will usually just spot treat any blemishes and discoloration in my skin. This tinted moisturizer is awesome. Not only does it moisturize while providing sun protection but it is light and really helps even out my complexion without feeling thick or greasy. I love my tinted moisturizer! I can not tell you how many mornings I rub a little on my skin, add a little mascara and I’m out the door. If you want a light coverage with some sun protection this is definitely a tinted moisturizer you should try. 

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Lifestyle

FabFitFun Winter 2018 Unboxing

As most of you know, I am a FabFitFun box subscriber and always love all the goodies I get each season. This season I am extra excited because I am now a #FabFitFunAffiliate!!! I’m so excited! Over the past year I have discontinued every other box subscription except FabFitFun, and I’m so happy with this being my only subscription box. By far the items I receive are the best of the best. It’s like Christmas every time I have a box waiting on my doorstep. Not to mention, all the awesome Christmas gifts and stocking-stuffers I was able to get this season.

*NOTE: This post contains my Fabfitfun referral link. All words and thoughts are my own. 

Let’s recap for those of you who are not familiar with FabFitFun. As a FabFitFun subscriber, you pay a quarterly (4x/year) member subscription of $49 and you receive your seasonal box full of full size goodies. They also have several options for members, such as customizing items in your box before your box ships, add-on’s for only $10 and priority shipping for VIP members. If you don’t already get their boxes, you can sign up using the code SANTABABY at FabFitFun to get $10 off your box!

PUR Be Your Selfie Palette

Let’s get started on the all the cozy goodies in this winters box. The most cozy of them all the BEARPAW Headband and Pop-Top Glove Duo. I’ve been looking for warm accessories for holiday travel and this combo are perfect! Cute, warm and not too bulky.

Next up, I’m in love with this PUR Be Your Selfie palette!! The shadow colors are gorgeous and are perfect for the holiday season. My New Years look is coming from this palette for sure.

To add to your eye glow, the winter box, also had the Thrive Causemetics Brilliant Eye Brightener. I tried it out, I liked how easy it was to put on your skin and the light glow it adds to your under eye, but with my oily skin I didn’t love the way the product blended and I’m thinking this might not be the product for me. However, I have several friends who have tried this product and love it, so don’t knock it till you try it.

The beauty item I was most excited to receive and try was the Sherrie Matthews Acupuncture Jade Stone Roller. Stone rollers are all the rage and I’ve been wanting to try one out but had not splurged on one yet, so getting one in the winter box couldn’t be more perfect. I’ve been using it for the last few weeks and I can’t say I’m seeing results in such a short time, but I do love the way the roller feels on my skin. It is so soothing and relaxing. I am definetly adding the jade roller to my beauty regimine and hoping for all the benefits it promises to keep my skin looking young.

My favorite item for the home in this seasons cozy box, is the Mark and Graham throw. Members had a choice of two color options, the grey and white I chose and a tan and white. This throw is so soft and light and is perfect for my loft. I’ve been cuddling up with it and watching the Christmas tree lights every evening.

Another house item was the Way of Will essential oil set in eucalyptus and sweet orange. I use a diffuser every day in my office and I’m never disappointed with new oils.

If you remember, all members have the option of customizing their own box and for my winter box I chose the Orbie Gold Lust Dry Shampoo, I love this dry shampoo and I needed a new bottle to take with me on my holiday travels, so I’m throwing it in my suitcase and it honestly couldn’t have come at a better time.

A new item I had never tried was the AHAVA Hydration Cream Mask. A few boxes back I received the AHAVA Hand Cream and loved it, so I was excited to try another product from this brand. I’ve tried this mask a few times over the past few weeks and although I was worried about how it would work on my sensitive skin, I have had no issues. The cream itself is very light. The best part is it leaves my face feeling super soft. I love to wear it all day on my no make up days, my face feels amazing the next day.

I also selected the BLAQ HydroGel Eye Mask with Hyaluronic Acid, to use before my holiday trip and also to take with me. I had never used the BLAQ eye masks before but I have several BLAQ products and love them. I tried these eye masks for the last few weeks and they are so good! They stick to the under eye better than most and take any puffiness away from my eyes. I will definetly be ordering more of these eye masks.

Thank you @fabfitfun for introducing me to some of my all-time favorite products. #FabFitFunAffiliate There’s something nice about having all of the season’s essentials delivered to your door without having to lift a finger! If you don’t already get their boxes, you can sign up using the code SANTABABY at FabFitFun to get $10 off your box!

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Lifestyle

Halloween Pumpkin Carving Party

I love almost every holiday, and Halloween is no different! One, I love any excuse to get family and friends together, and two, I love the tradition of carving pumpkins, making costumes and eating yummy treats together. As fun as pumpkin carving can be, it can also turn into a big mess and take away from the fun. Here are some tips to help you plan a fun, festive, low-stress, pumpkin carving party you and your guests will love.

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First, start with your guest list and invite guests providing them with the party details. This year, our party was BYOP-Bring Your Own Pumpkin. All party guests arrived with their own pumpkin or pumpkins and everything was set up for them to get to work. Second, if possible, pick an afternoon or evening warm enough to work outside. I don’t know about you, but over here, pumpkin carving can get messy and being outside helps with the mess and clean up. Luckily, we have an outdoor chiminea to help keep everyone nice and warm, especially when the sun goes down. I’m thinking of setting up a station to make s’mores right by the fire next year.

Next, set up a carving table for your guests to work and have easy access to all the tools they will need for carving. Here’s a little tip, cover the table with a plastic, disposable table-cloth. You can find them at Target, Party City, even the Dollar Store. This will save you so much time when cleaning up! Have guests dump their seeds and pumpkin guts directly onto the table and when everyone is done you can wrap up the plastic table cover with all the pumpkin guts inside and toss right into the trash. Easiest clean up ever!

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I like to have tool stations on the table for easy access. I used mason jars I had around the house and filled them with pumpkin carving necessities, knives, picks, pumpkin scrapers, large spoons and scissors. We also had a station to carve your pumpkin using a power drill! I’ll have to write a separate post on how to do this because the pumpkins came out awesome and the drilling method is so easy and saves so much time if you are in a hurry. If possible set up several tool stations along the table so everyone can work at the same time. I always have a book of patterns for guests to look through and pick out a design. I’ve gotten smart and made copies of the patterns so I’m not looking for new patterns or buying a new book every year. Make sure to have candles on hand to light up your pumpkins and you are all set!

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Finish up the fun with festive holiday treats. My best advice is to keep it simple. This year I went with pizza, salad and Halloween caramel apples. Easy, festive and lots of fun!

Hope all your traditions are off to a great start and these tips help you plan a little Halloween fun!