Roma! Roma! Roma! Rome is such an unbelievable place and totally stole my heart. I loved EVERY minute in this spectacular city.  We were only there for one full day and a half, so it was a short trip. We made the most of every second, and even had a little time to relax and have a beautiful rooftop dinner. If you only have a short amount of time here, don’t worry because it is totally doable to see all the major sights. You just have to plan accordingly. I knew there were certain landmarks and places I just had to see, so I made them all my top priority. I know I have to make a trip back to Rome at some point because I need to experience even more of this spectacular city. It is like stepping into a Roman movie. It is just an unbelievable place!

The Trevi Fountain was pretty spectacular to see, but then again, isn’t everything in Rome?? I loved how we got a little clip of us throwing some change in the fountain!

After seeing all the sights we wanted to see, we walked to the Piazza Navona area. This area was spectacular and I definitely could have stayed a bit longer. Isn’t that always the case?? We had dinner reservations at the most magnificent rooftop and I was looking forward to relaxing and seeing the sunset. It was seriously something I will never forget and may be one of the most memorable parts of my trip. If you can make a reservation, please go! This rooftop was like no other. You can see almost all of Rome and it was honestly the most magnificent skyline. I really couldn’t believe my eyes. It’s one of those things where you just feel so at peace and in awe. The rooftop is at the top of a five star hotel called, Hotel Raphaël. Go here NOW. Just book it and make your trip plans later.

XoXo Roma ❤

Again, our time was so so short in this magnificent city, so we were very limited, but we most certainly made the most of it. Read below for some sites you must see 🙂

To stay

Hotel Raphaël | 5 Star Hotel | 2 minute walk from the Piazza Navona | Hotel Raffaello | Central location close to the Colosseum and train station | best budget friendly hotel

To Do

The Colosseum | I could tour around here all day! There’s so much to see.

Walk Rome | Walk as much as you can! Go to the Altar of the Fatherland and prepare to be AMAZED. I was fascinated with this building and I know you would be too. Grab a gelato after the Altar of the Fatherland and keep on walking! Head over to the Trevi Fountain next.

Trevi Fountain | Throw a coin in the water. Total. classic. moment.

The Pantheon | Walk around and tour inside of it. It is open to the public and free!

Piazza Navona | This was one of my favorite areas  It is such a great place to walk around, grab a drink or some food, and relax.

To Eat

Hotel Raphaël | Rooftop dinner | This is a pricier option for dinner but regardless if you want to eat there, you just have to experience the rooftop at least! Absolute GAME CHANGER. Experience sunset and get ready to be blown away. The Vatican in the distance (among many other sites) is not too shabby either. *Also a 2 minute walk from the Piazza Navona.

I ❤ ROMA!

 

Hey guys! I found a few pieces from Target recently that I think are just perfect for the next few months and into the spring! I linked everything under each item for you! Target has some great deals and everyday pieces to add to your closet. Now, get shopping!

 

Women’s Long Sleeve Chenille Open Cardigan | Wild Fable | Size M | Reg. $24 | Currently ON SALE!!! $10.80

I felt amazing in this throw on cardigan! The fact that it was on clearance made this even better. It comes in gray, rust, and black and is extremely soft! I am wearing a size medium because it was the only one left in the rust color, but I would have bought the small. I recommend sizing up one for a looser fit. This was one of my favs of the day! All sizes are currently available online.

Shop here!

https://www.target.com/p/women-s-long-sleeve-chenille-open-cardigan-wild-fable-153/-/A-53955812?preselect=53823943#lnk=sametab

Women’s Acid Wash Deconstructed Denim Jacket | Wild Fable | Light Wash | Size S | $32

This was another winner! I reeeeally love this jean jacket! I was pretty surprised actually because the quality was light and  very soft. I love the way this felt on me! I also like the distressed look it has. I got it a little bigger, but I definitely could have gotten my normal size in XS too. The price for this jean jacket is everything!

Shop here!

https://www.target.com/p/women-s-acid-wash-destructed-denim-jacket-wild-fable-153-light-wash/-/A-54182829?preselect=53929457#lnk=sametab

Women’s Be Kind Sweatshirt | (Juniors) Modern Lux | Green | Size S/M | $19.99

This sweatshirt is super lightweight and very soft! This would be perfect for lounging around or with a pair of jeans and some sneakers. Who doesn’t like a shirt that says “be kind” either?? I would size up! 🙂

Shop here!

https://www.target.com/p/women-s-be-kind-sweatshirt-juniors-modern-lux-green/-/A-54210978?preselect=54013651#lnk=sametab

 

Women’s Good Vibes Rainbow Striped Graphic Sweatshirt | Grayson Threads (Juniors) | Size S | $19.99

Another great loungewear option! More of a terrycloth feel rather than being very soft. I like the added touch of color to it! Anything that says “good vibes” is good to me.

Shop here!

https://www.target.com/p/women-s-good-vibes-rainbow-striped-graphic-sweatshirt-grayson-threads-juniors-heather-gray/-/A-53859846?preselect=53846467#lnk=sametab

 

Women’s Animal Print Any Day Tank | A New Day | Size M | $8

This tank is super cute and only $8!! It is a total everyday basic and should be in your closet! I chose the leopard so I can layer under a cardigan or leather jacket. I would also just wear this under my lounge clothes on the weekends. It is extremely SOFT. Love!

Shop here!

https://www.target.com/p/women-s-animal-print-any-day-tank-a-new-day-153/-/A-54243247?preselect=54022554#lnk=sametab

Have fun shopping @Target! ❤ 

These are my ULTIMATE beauty must haves. If I had to choose just five products, these would be it! These truly are the best of the best and I chose each one for different reasons. Grab some popcorn and your Nordstrom app, and shop away!! 🙂 You will not regret any of these beauty buys.

Beauty Must Have #1 | C.O. Bigelow | Rose Salve Lip Balm | $5.50

My bestie introduced me to this lip balm years ago and I have been buying it ever since! This is the best thing to moisturize your lips, among other things. You can use it for your cuticles, hands, elbows, and even for a little sheen on your eye lids or cheeks. It’s kind of the jack of all trades. The best thing is that it lasts a long time and it is super affordable. I have one right now in my bathroom make-up organizer,  my purse, my dresser, and by my nightstand. I am never without this lip balm!

Shop here!

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/c-o-bigelow-rose-salve-lip-balm/3888935?origin=coordinating-3888935-0-1-ZERO-recbot-searched_viewed_also_viewed&recs_placement=ZERO&recs_strategy=searched_viewed_also_viewed&recs_source=recbot&recs_page_type=search&recs_seed=0

Beauty Must Have #2 | Paula’s Choice | Resist Super Light Wrinkle Defense | $33.00

This brand is AAAmazing. My mother-in-law introduced me to Paula’s Choice products and I consistently re-order from them. They are truly awesome beauty buys. Take a look into all of their products and see what you need or just want!  This #2 beauty must have is perfect for your sunscreen coverage and it has a very faint tint to it. It also has antioxidants and who on this planet doesn’t like those?? You feel me!? I always put this on before my other makeup. You guys will love!

Shop here!

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/paulas-choice-resist-super-light-wrinkle-defense-spf-30/4041813?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=none

Beauty Must Have #3 | CHANEL | LE VOLUME DE CHANEL MASCARA | $32.00

I have tried SO many mascara brands over the years and I have found a few that I like, but I always go back to CHANEL. I like the way it cleans off my face at night and the volume it gives my lashes. Can you really go wrong with Chanel though? I think not.

Shop here!

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/chanel-le-volume-de-chanel-mascara/3405125?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=10%20noir

Beauty Must Have #4 | Mario Badescu | Hyaluronic Eye Cream | $18.00

Okay, two main reasons why this is one of my top beauty must haves. It is an affordable eye cream and my eyes always feel refreshed after using it. This eye cream is truly an unbelievable product. Totally a beauty must have!

Shop here!

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/mario-badescu-hyaluronic-eye-cream/2941072?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=none

Beauty Must Have #5 | Anastasia Beverly Hills | Brow Wiz Mechanical Brow Pencil | $21.00

This brow pencil is legit guys. I can not say enough good things about the quality of this product. It has helped my brows so much. People don’t really realize (and I didn’t until pretty recently) that eyebrows frame your whole face and put it altogether so to speak. Not using one is kind of like a painting without a frame. This is the best for brows AND really easy to use.

Shop here!

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/anastasia-beverly-hills-brow-wiz-mechanical-brow-pencil/2970619?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=taupe%20%28ash%20blonde%29

 

Be Beautiful. Be yourself. Be YOU

Okay okay okay. Not sure where to even begin on this one! Monaco is like a dream world place. It has such an extreme amount of flash and prettiness. There’s really nothing out there quite like it! Monaco is also for the VERY rich and the famous, but that doesn’t mean it’s not for you or I. If you get the chance to be anywhere near Monaco, you just need to go see it and experience it. It will blow you away with it’s money, style, and views. You all know how I feel about some good views!

I was staying in Nice, France for about 5 days and had one full day to go somewhere else besides Nice. I have ALWAYS wanted to go to Monaco and check off another country, so I was totally all about visiting. Getting to Monaco from Nice is super easy. You should take full advantage of using the train system if you’re traveling to Monaco from the South of France!

To Stay | I only visited Monaco for the day and did not stay overnight. I have heard some great things about a few hotels, but make sure to read all of the reviews and check for your overall wants/needs. A few suggestions are Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo | Fairmont Monte Carlo | Le Meridien Beach Plaza.

To Do | Walk around and enjoy the many views this place has to offer! Better yet, make sure to take the bus around so that you can see and do everything you want! The bus is your best bet for traveling around this country. It is clean, safe, and extremely easy to get around. If you travel here in August, dress LIGHT, LIGHT, LIGHT. I was pretty much pouring water over my body it was so hot. That is not an exaggeration either.

Take Pictures | Make sure to take lots of pictures in the beautifully colored streets and spaces! Monaco has some amazing photo op spots!

Yacht Watch | Take a look at all of the fancy schmancy yachts in the water or head down to the beach area and soak up the sun.

Jardin Exotique de Monaco | This botanical garden is located along the cliffside of Monaco, which is quite spectacular. It costs about €15 per person to get inside the garden gates. Walk around the gardens and soak up the desert vibes. There are so many different and unique plants in there!

Casino Monte-Carlo | TOTAL regret of mine was not going inside the casino. I kinda kicked myself for awhile about this. The time just got away from me and before I knew it, it was time to take the train back to Nice. I really don’t know what I was thinking!! If you can go there, definitely don’t hesitate. It’s all about the experience!

To Eat | Have lunch or dinner at La Marée. This restaurant is overlooking the French Riveria and has outstanding views upon views. It really is the perfect place to dine, but it is super pricey. I am not really sure if you can find anything reasonable in Monaco. Plan ahead for sure!  I would also eat at Café de Paris, which is located right near the Casino (ahhh, next time). This is a very well known spot to sit back and enjoy.

Again, If you’re thinking of a place to go and your budget is steep, Monaco is an extremely safe place to visit and experience all of life’s greatest pleasures in. Even though it houses some of the most rich and famous, its doors are open to all, and they are waiting for you to come and enjoy right NOW! Start planning 🙂

Enjoy Monaco Everyone! ❤

 

LA MER is the Cadillac of face creams. It is the most perfect skin care item.  I have been using it for a few years now and have never looked back! I tried to NOT use it, because of its extreme price tag, but I am always wanting more. I love the way it smells and glides onto my skin flawlessly. My face instantly feels better when I apply this magic cream onto it.

To Use | I use it once at night and once in the morning. A little goes a long way with this face cream. I suggest that you take a little amount, almost about half the size of a dime, and rub it into your fingers. After that, press the cream onto your face gently.

LA MER | The Moisturizing Soft Cream | 1 oz. | $175.00

If you want a smaller sized option, the 0.5 oz. jar is $85.00. Maybe you can start with that and see how it goes! I feel that your skincare routine is one of the MOST important things to take care of. Why not treat it to some LA MER?

Shop below here!

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/la-mer-the-moisturizing-soft-cream/3359356?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=none

Okay, this bag is everything and its little side accomplice is pretty great too! Longchamp will forever be in my closet for various reasons. The quality, durability, and style are some of the reasons I keep coming back for more.

This large tote is perfect for so many occasions, but I specially think it is the most useful when traveling. I don’t mean just traveling to another state or country either. I mean that this is the perfect travel bag for any travel experience, like an overnight adventure, weekend getaway, girl’s trip, etc. I have had mine for quite awhile now and it has been through it all! You won’t regret this tote.

Read below for more info on this bag! ❤

Longchamp | Large Le Pilage Tote | Did I mention it is also water resistant? Well, it for sure is. The Le Pilage Tote comes in over 5 different colors. The classic colors are always my favorite, but they have some fun pops of colors in there too that are quite lovely. These totes are so amazing because if you wanted to bring them in your suitcase as an extra bag, they can fold up into almost nothing so you have more space! My one piece of advice is that these bags can get quite dirty depending on what you are using them for. I used to have this one in tan, but exchanged it for the black one and I am so glad that I did.

Longchamp Large Le Pilage Tote | $145.00

Shop below for the Longchamp Tote!

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/longchamp-large-le-pliage-tote/3241956?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=pink%20ice

Is this tote too large for you? Longchamp also makes these bags in sizes small and small with a top handle, which is even smaller. Remember, these can fold up like a napkin so they are perfect for traveling around.

These are my favorite everyday earrings! If you haven’t experienced Kendra Scott’s jewelry, it’s something you should considering purchasing. I love wearing these out and about because I feel like they instantly elevate your outfit. If it is your first time buying earrings by Kendra Scott, I would go with the classic Elle Filigree Drop Earrings. A brief run down on these earrings are below.

Kendra Scott | Elle Filigree Drop Earrings | These are the most classic out of all of her styles. They are oval in shape, come in numerous colors, and your choice of silver or gold around the edge. They truly are a wear-anywhere type of earring due to their size. They are lightweight and just perfect for your everyday jewelry. The black shown above are the larger sized earrings. The blue and white earrings above are the smaller sized option. I have gotten so many compliments on the blue ones! They are called “Bronzed Veined Turquoise/Gold” and are $65.00. Add these to your MUST haves.

Smaller size | $55.00 * Larger size | $65.00

Shop them @Nordstrom here!

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/kendra-scott-elle-filigree-drop-earrings/3296281?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=black%2F%20gold

 

 

 

I never thought I would be living in the Seattle area or in the state of Washington for that matter. It has been an incredible experience so far and I feel like this is where I was always supposed to be. I have SO much to share with you guys about Seattle! If you haven’t planned your visit here yet, start planning for the summer time now!

The airport is about a half hour away from the city itself so hop on over here after you arrive. Pike Place Market is just such a classic to visit and is always a good time. If you don’t like crowds, this really isn’t for you though. Pike Place is not like Times Square New York crowded, but there’s definitely a lot going on around here. If you don’t mind all of the people, then get ready for some fun.

At the market, experience the fish throwing, flower bouquet buying, and coffee drinking. Buy some delicious macaroons from Le Painer and some breakfast treats from Piroshky Piroshky. There are always lines around Pike Place so keep that in mind. If you are hungry, head strait to Bacco Cafe and get yourself a Dungenous Crab Omlete with a fresh squeezed juice.

After you’re done at the market (and if you have time), go to the Space Needle and Chihuly Museum. The Space Needle was recently redone and is pretty extraordinary I have heard! When I went there, it was rainy and cloudy. On a clear day, you can see everything, including Mt. Rainer and all of the mountains. There is even a glass floor and 360 degree views of all of the city. The Chihuly Museum does not disappoint either. I was amazed by Dale Chihuly’s glass creations.

 

Hungry yet? You must go to Cinque Terre Ristorante for happy hour and/or dinner. This place is delicious!! The website and more details are linked at the bottom of the page. Def go!

If you have a free night open, check out the concert schedule. One of my favorite venues here is Neptune Theatre. We went to see my favorite band there, Lord Huron <3.

Ready for some drinks and views? Go to the Thompson Hotel and take the elevator up to The Nest. It is such a cool spot to hang out and enjoy.

When you’re ready, you can always relax back at your hotel and have some fireside drinks. The Four Seasons is a must stay if you are looking for luxury and convenience.

Tara Tips*

Where to stay for best location

The Four Seasons | W Hotel | Fairmont Olympic Hotel | Thompson Hotel | The Marriott (I’ve stayed at the Four Seasons and The W Hotel, and both are top notch!)

What to do in and around Pike Place

Start your day in Pike Place Market! Grab some flowers and have fun browsing around | See where they make the famous Beecher’s Cheese and grab some free samples. The cheese making process is made right in front of you!

To Eat

If you’re really hungry for some sit down food, head to Bacco (walking distance). They have delicious dungenesss crab omelets and fresh juices.

Get yourself some treats fromLe Painer and Piroshky, Piroshky. Two of my favorites!

Make sure to stop in at Storyville Coffee Roasters and grab a latte. It is a great place to hang around too.

To Do

Go see the newly redone Space Needle and Chihuly Museum. There is a better deal if you buy tickets for both.

If it’s a rainy day or you just you love museums, go to the Seattle Art Museum. It is an inexpensive experience too.

Happy Hour

For happy hour,  head over to Cinque Terre Ristorante. They have the best $10 margarita pizzas and $12 Veuve Clicquot glasses. This restaurant is a true gem! See website below.

https://www.cinqueterreseattle.com/#modernitalian

Nighttime 

If you’re up for a concert, Seattle is KNOWN for all of their talented artists. One of my favorite venues is called Neptune Theatre. Take a look at all of them though!

End your night at The Nest, inside the Thompson Hotel. Have some late night snacks and drinks, while staring at the views of the ocean and the Seattle waterfront.

Breakfast

Hungry the next morning?? Grab yourself a a biscuit at Biscuit Bitch. They have a few locations throughout the city. There is usually a line out the door at this place! Bacco is another great choice!

I hope you all like Seattle as much as I do. See you there.

Goodnight, Seattle! ❤

 

 

 

If you are not sure what pieces you may need for traveling around Europe in the summer time, this post is for you. These are some of my favorite brands too.

These are my must haves for any summer traveling around Europe

*A light dress

*Tank top

*Comfortable cotton skirt

*Jean shorts

*Jean Jacket

I would not leave home without any of these key pieces. Why? Well that’s simple. You can mix and match these few pieces to give you a new outfit each time! Honestly, these pieces were all I really wore for a 3 week European adventure. I also recommend having a “travel day” outfit. I always wore a specific comfortable outfit the day we traveled, which consisted of a cotton short and tee shirt.

Daily Outfits

Travel day outfit

See links below each brand to shop my must have pieces for summer travel:

Dress | 1 State | One of my favorite brands because it works well with my body type. If you haven’t tried any of their clothing yet, give them a try. It may work for you or it may not. For me, I totally love their clothing, especially their dresses. The one I am wearing above in black is no longer available, but I linked some other dresses that may work for you.

Link here:

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/1-state-bloomsbury-floral-ruffle-sleeve-midi-dress/5159385?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results%2FWomen%27s%20Clothing%2FDresses&color=rich%20black

Tank | Halogen |  Halogen has some great key pieces, like the tank shown above. I apologize in advance for the wrinkles! I found it in a ball at the bottom of a bag when we moved and haven’t had a chance to fix it. Yikes! Anyways, I also own a lot Halogen tees because they are great for work, errands, you name it. The tank was such a last minute find for me before leaving on my trip, and I’m so happy I found it. It is extremely light and airy for those hot summer days. I dressed it with the a skirt and sometimes with comfortable shorts and was good to go!

Link here:

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen-lace-trim-camisole-regular-petite/5018297?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=navy%20night

Shorts | Caslon | Caslon also has some good go to pieces that you can layer and wear throughout the seasons. I especially love their tees because they are super comfy to wear. The skirt that I bought from them is also no longer available but I linked the shorts that I wore above and love traveling in. They are the perfect linen short.

Link here:

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/caslon-linen-shorts-regular-petite/4793157?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=navy%20crossdye

Jean Shorts | BlankNYC | This brand has one of the best jean shorts out there, in my opinion. I don’t know why, but finding a jean short was like finding a needle in a haystack. It was so difficult for me!! Anyone else?? Anyways, when I found this pair by BlankNYC I was sold.

Link here:

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/blanknyc-boyfriend-denim-shorts-dress-down-party/4557915?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=dress%20down

 

Denim Jacket | Kut from the cloth | This is not usually a brand I buy from, but I have been liking a lot of their coats and jackets recently. They have by far the best jean jacket I found throughout my shopping travels. It is super comfortable, not too heavy, not too light. I am incredibly happy with this purchase and know I will wear this for years to come. It is a MUST buy and closet staple. Mine is a little lighter in color, but the one linked below is very similar.

Link here:

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/kut-from-the-kloth-helena-denim-jacket-regular-petite/5156940?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=empathetic

I hope this helps with your packing plans!

Some other quick things I would never leave home without for a European adventure:

Comfortable walking shoes | There are two actually that I found were the best out there | A light linen scarf | Halogen makes some great ones | Sleep mask | My favorite is from Slip | Packing Cubes | Small cell phone crossbody | Powder sunscreen | Hat |Travel sized water bottle | Passport Wallet | Clear zip bags for essentials | Amazon makes a great inexpensive set | Lavender hand sanitizer and wipes | Soothing eye masks | Snacks

I will be writing another post just on the items listed above! I would never leave without them 🙂

Happy travels!!! ❤