Moneyless

Every year I come up with some sort of challenge for myself. This is my way to always push myself to try new things or try the same thing differently. Past challenges have included:  Wearing everything I own, decluttering, trying a movie/tv show I didn’t think I would like, listening to a genre of music […]

Podcast Vibes

I was on a podcast y’all!!!
I’ve never been one to do a YouTube video or podcast. Videos just seem so extra, having to do your hair and makeup for every recording. And radio, I just think I have been self-conscious of my radio voice. It’s always been a tiny fear of mine. . . Adam and his friend, Reuben, have this podcast, Guys Who Cry, and they talk about everyday topics, but with a safe emotional space attached. Pretty much fighting the stereotype that straight men can’t be connected to their emotions. I can dig it . . . Read More

First Time Camping

Well, I did it. I went camping. Like, slept-in-a-tent-outside-in-the-woods camping. I might have done that once when I was 8 or so at camp, but never as an adult. Friends have mentioned or invited me camping before, but when you’ve never done it, it sounds so daunting and scary. So, this is for all those people who are thinking about it, in excruciating detail, so that you can be super chill and say yes to your experienced camping friends. Embedded with tales of my trip, sit back and relax . . . Read More

Just Do It!

So here we are, at the start of a new year (let’t not talk decades just because it ends in a 0; unnecessary added pressure). And maybe you want to start your new year’s resolutions. Maybe you “don’t make resolutions” or maybe you do it later – I usually review life goals around Lent. At some point in your life (I hope), you are making your own personal goals.
. . . Read More

Carry-on Only

If you remember from my trip to Portugal, I was miserable carrying my 50 lb checked in bag, a carry on, and a backpack along the cobblestone streets of Lisbon as I tried to find my accommodations, then the 3 story hike to the apartment with no one to help me.  I had had it. Never again, I promised myself.

So the opportunity presented itself on my trip to Germany. I watched a ton of videos on the best way to fold clothes, packing cubes vs rolling, and what is really necessary. It’s all very fascinating, but all very custom to the type of lifestyle that you live. What I didn’t find were a lot of people that lived like me: . . . Read More

My Life without Facebook

Why did I give up Facebook? It started out as a 20 day fast. My church was participating in a fast, where you give up something and use that time to focus more on your spiritual growth. Jan 11th, 2018 I had to decide what I wanted to give up. Pretty easily, I recognized that I spend wayyyy too much time scrolling through Facebook feeds. It was the beginning of the year, and I was over it all. I was over the political rants, the constant anxiousness of the next racial event that was happening, and all the digital expectations. So, without too much preparation I turned off off my notifications and left a message that “Facebook and I are on a break.”

That was over 8 months ago. . . . Read More

AirBnb Explained

Traveling is so much fun, but it can be very expensive with hotel prices. Nowadays, I’m sure you have heard people talking about staying at an AirBnB, coined after the term Bed & Breakfast, but maybe you didn’t know what that actually meant. Well, fear not! I am going to share my experiences and what I think you might expect while staying at an AirBnB. This is not a review of the AirBnb website or business, but rather an informative article about the AirBnb process. I will forego discussion about ethics, gentrification, and the effects of rent/mortgages surrounding these types of establishments, specifically in urban areas. I’m sure you can find additional articles on that if you so choose. So, sticking to the topic, we will just dig right in. At the time of this article, I had stayed in 8 different AirBnBs (6 different cities, 2 different countries). . . . Read More

A Parade of a Lifetime

On February 4, 2018, the Philadelphia Eagles NFL team won the Superbowl for the first time EVER. The Eagles have been called the Underdogs. Always a bridesmaid, never a bride. And the game was against the New England Patriots, who have been to the Superbowl like 6 times. It was Epic. The minute the game was over, the city jumped up and hi-fived itself . . . for about a week.

This is my account of the moments after the Win and the time up to and leading to the parade. For those that were not able to make it, this is for you! . . . Read More

Cruise Vacations

Cruises are great if you want to relax and not worry about planning too much. They are good for groups, as you can go on excursions together, but also have your alone time and do what you want on the boat. If you’ve never been on a cruise, please see my tips below. From planning the cruise to what to expect once you are on the boat. You will be thoroughly prepared for a cruise vacation! . . . Read More

Try Something New – Ziplining

I am afraid of heights. Well, tangible heights. If I think I actually have a chance of falling, then it bothers me. Airplanes? The odds are pretty slim so I have no problem flying! Weird? Sure, but aren’t all fears irrational?

So, the opportunity to go ziplining presented itself and I thought, what a great way to have fun with friends and try something new. . . Read More