Photo by David Milone on Unsplash   

 Rather than wander around a new city with a few Yelp reviews and a possibly outdated travel guide, try a themed itinerary or tour for your next vacation. Themed travel allows you to build a trip around a hobby or something you’d like to learn more about. It also offers the chance to get off the beaten path and truly connect with the area you’re exploring.

Cycling

Cycling tours offer travelers the opportunity to explore the back roads of world-class destinations. Trips can be tailored to your level of fitness and riding ability, with itineraries ranging from country roads in Ireland to hair-pin mountain passes in the Alps, if the latter is more your speed.

Food

Food-themed tours can take you anywhere in the world and are limited by only your taste and appetite. A course in Thailand can teach you how to make the best pad thai, while a cooking adventure in Spain will have you stirring up a winning paella. Tuscany cooking vacations, for example, will have you exploring this region of Italy while learning to make Panzanella like a pro.

Wellness

This general theme can cover anything from a spa visit in California to a silent meditation retreat in India. It can include yoga and detox to massage and major pampering. Wellness is how you define it, but the goal of this itinerary should be the pursuit of maximum bliss and relaxation.

Architecture

From the Art Deco buildings of Miami to the modernism delights of Barcelona, architecture tours give you a behind-the-scenes peek at the great architectural wonders and movements around the world. Often led by local experts, you will learn about the great architects and artists who helped build and define your chosen destination.

If you’re interested in moving beyond well-worn tourist sites and connecting more deeply with a destination, themed travel may be worth considering for your next great getaway.

                

How to Find Your Wedding Zen

No matter who you are or where you’re from, you’ve imagined at least once in your life what your wedding might be like if you were to finally tie the knot someday. Was it in the woods on a crisp October morning or in the same church your parents were wed on an April afternoon? Was your dress made of snow white satin or ivory cotton with lace? Did it have a clean, simple a-line skirt, a train that trailed for miles, or did it hug your curves like a mermaid ashore? Was your ring a custom-designed work of art, or did your favorite vintage jeweler just so happen have a band that fit like a glove?

Whether you found yourself envisioning an extravagant blow-out bash with every relative, co-worker, and childhood friend within a two thousand-mile radius in attendance or just an intimate gathering of your nearest and dearest, what made imagining your wedding so special is that the vision was 100% by you for you! Every element and detail, all the way down to the table cloths and weather forecast were yours to command. Fast forward to the future, and your partner is on bended knee. They pop the question, and you’re over the moon. This is it! The stars aligned, the universe smiled down on you and exalted, “Yes! A lifetime of love and happiness awaits you.”

Announcements are made and excitement and love come flooding in, but that’s not all. There’s not only swelling waves of joy but deadlines, bookings, and lots and LOTS of questions, to which everyone who only wants to the best for you (they really do—it’s why you love them) has all the right answers. Just listen to them—ALL of them—and your wedding will be perfect! Needless to say, wedding planning can be an overwhelming and totally exhausting emotional experience. Here are 3 simple ways to maintain peace in the whirlwind of wedding planning:

1. Take good care of your future selves

The long list of things that might have to switched, canceled, rescheduled, or juggled the closer you get to the big day is inevitable, so you and your partner must prioritize well and early! Before making even one phone call, take the time to sit down together and walk through the planning in order to create an outline of all your ideals, a list of backups, and who to delegate which task to among your wedding party. Write down all the questions you have and who might have the best advice for each one. For instance, if your number one florist is unavailable, you’ll save yourself a lot of worry when you remember your maid of honor already has a list of florists to call!

2. Accept that you can’t (and won’t) please everyone

One of the most beautiful aspects of weddings is that they are a testament to union and faithfulness in the company of those who have shaped, in one way or another, the lives of two people who have fallen in love. Parents, relatives, best friends since middle school—you wouldn’t want them at your wedding if they didn’t mean the absolute world to you, so start there. Never allow yourself to feel obligated or pressured to invite everyone to your special day. It’s yours! If you haven’t spoken in a decade, and they are no longer a part of your everyday life, they don’t need to be at your wedding. Your wedding day is about you and your partner celebrating your lives and the new chapter you are about to begin together, so consider this carefully before sending your invitations.  There’s no need to feel guilty about not sending an invite to a girl you haven’t seen since 1st grade, just because you are now facebook friends.

3. Teamwork makes the dream work

Even if your fiancée doesn’t pride themself in being a planner or organizer, never mind a wedding planner for one of the biggest days of your lives (or maybe that’s not you either), remember to always communicate and include each other in ideas and suggestions along the way. It’s a blessing to have a savvy, professional wedding planner if you have the budget for it, or if you have a collective of loved ones whose eyes you really trust for picking just the right color palette, but don’t forget about who you’re marrying! Even if they say, “Whatever you want, honey!” or vice-versa, always making sure to check in with each other will keep both of you happier and more confident as you move forward. Every opportunity to make your partner feel acknowledged and appreciated is well worth it. Plus, you’ll get to plan your dream day -- together.

Author: Carolyn from Northwood Rings

Northwood Rings provides handcrafted wooden rings for people who want to have nature incorporated into their stories. Their rings incorporate precious metals and gemstones to give the brides and grooms (and guests) something a little different.

With summer just around the corner and the weather finally starting to warm up, I’ve been looking forward to spending more time with my son outdoors. Living in Utah with the mountains right in my backyard, there are so many amazing hikes that I’ve been wanting to do.

When winter is approaching, it’s time to take a peek inside your closet. Naturally, with cooler temperatures on the way, you’re going to be swapping out your sandals, lightweight summer dresses, and shorts for warmer apparel, like sweater tops and stylish booties.

Cold weather doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t still look chic, either. In fact, winter time offers some unique opportunities for creative layering. And who doesn’t like an excuse to invigorate their wardrobes with some new pieces?

If you’re ready to rotate your closet over for the winter months, make sure to incorporate these key staple pieces. To boot, we’ve included some style tips on how to wear them, no matter the occasion.

Sweater tops
It doesn’t get much cozier than a sweater in winter — and the good news is, you can still look super stylish wearing one.

Consider a sweater with shoulder cutouts, which has a vibe that’s subtly sultry but still casual enough for daytime, especially with patterned leggings and flat booties.

A simple V-neck sweater gets a spunky upgrade with lace-up detailing at the top — and all you need are skinny jeans and over-the-knee boots to pull the whole look together.

Don’t overlook a simple wide-sleeved cardigan, either. Wear it open over a long-sleeved knit top with rolled up faded jeans and pointy flats, and then top it all off with some simple crystal or pearl stud earrings. It’s a combo that manages to be both classic and contemporary.

Dressy leggings
Who says leggings are just for the gym? Sure, this piece is perfect for lounging, but in the right fabrics and with the right details, they can be downright dressy.

Colored leggings, for example, have a little more intrigue than basic black. For the winter months, consider a pair in burgundy, eggplant, or a deep green. They’re stunning even with a long, slouchy sweater or blouse in a soft hue like cream, taupe, or gray. Top it all off with a belted wool coat and some ankle boots for a look that’s totally on-trend.

There’s nothing wrong with neutral leggings, either. Black is a stellar staple to have in your closet because it’s obviously ultra-versatile. You can make black leggings look instantly elegant with a lace top and pointy pumps, or dress them down with a floral blouse and flats. The bottom line is that you’re bound to get a lot of wear out of them.

Charcoal gray is slightly less dramatic than black, and also an ideal pick for winter. Gray leggings look phenomenal with graphic tees and slip-on sneakers for a more casual look, but can also be dressed up with a white silk tunic and crimson platform heels, for example.

This winter, seek out a pair or two of leggings that have some subtle detailing on them, which have a little added visual interest. Studs, embroidery, and distressed slits or tears all make for an edgier pair of leggings that you can sport with a graphic T-shirt and blazer to strike a compromise between professional and rock ’n’ roll.

Booties

If there’s one style of shoe you’re going to want a pair (or three) of this winter, it’s booties. They’re practical in the colder months for obvious reasons, but they’re also super cute with a wide variety of ensembles. Plus, they come with an endless array of heel heights, toe shapes, materials, and details, so you’re bound to find a pair that works for every outfit and occasion.

You can’t beat a flat brown leather bootie with distressed jeans and an oversized scarf for the ultimate low-key daytime outfit. On the other hand, suede booties in charcoal gray or jet black look stunning with a sweater dress, opaque tights, and a statement necklace — and that’s an ensemble you can easily wear to work at a casual office or on a date.

You’ll also find that moto booties add edge to just about anything, whether gray leggings and a tunic or a cowl-neck top and a midi skirt.

Velvet tops

There’s no doubt that velvet just oozes winter charm. So this season, embrace the luxe fabric with some new velvet tops, which give any ensemble a dose of understated glamour.

We love a long-sleeved off-the-shoulder velvet top with black skinny jeans and wedges for date night or drinks with your girlfriends, or a velvet cardigan with a basic tee and boyfriend jeans for a more laid-back, yet still fashion-forward outfit.

A flutter-sleeved velvet T-shirt has a romantic look, peeking out from under a wool parka. Pair it with leather leggings for an edgy vibe, or gray denim for a softer look.

Tunics

Talk about versatility! Depending on the length, a tunic can be worn as a top or a dress, layered over hosiery or leggings, and worn for chill daytime activities, as well as dressier evening affairs.

During winter, go for a tunic in a soft hue like dusty mauve, purple, or mocha — crochet trim or floral lace along the neck or sleeves will add even more femininity to this piece. You can sport it over leggings or tights with slouchy suede boots for a boho look, or with nude pumps when you’re going out at night.

A velvet tunic with long bell sleeves has a subtle ‘70s feel, but it feels instantly modern when worn with wedge boots and textured tights.

Florals aren’t just for spring and summer. Go ahead and slip on a tunic with a flower print — with a black, navy, or otherwise dark background, it’s still seasonally appropriate. Then pair it with knee-high riding boots and an infinity scarf, and you’re ready to roll.

If there’s one shoe we can’t live without, it’s the bootie. Practical for cooler months, comfy enough to rock all day or night, and versatile enough to work with a wide range of ensembles, it’s a must-have style in every girl’s wardrobe.

Not just one pair will do, either. With a variety of heel heights, hues, toe shapes, materials, and embellishments, we like having more than one option, especially depending on the look we’re going for. In short,: you can never have too many booties.  

While compiling your Christmas list, you’ll surely want to include some footwear to get you through the dreary remainder of winter. And we can’t think of a better item to add than some new booties, which can carry you through the cold months, well into a spring transition.

With an endless array of booties to choose from, it can be tough to decide which ones are going to make the best additions to your collection. This holiday season, consider adding these seven styles to your list.

The basic leather bootie

Whether it’s black, cognac brown, or taupe, every girl needs a basic leather bootie in a solid neutral color. This is a shoe you’re sure to get tons of wear out of because it can easily be worn with everything from dark jeans and lace/crochet dresseslace or crochet dresses, to leggings and tunic tops. It’s a style that sort of acts as a blank style canvas, meaning you can strike a vibe that’s feminine, edgy, boho, or anything in between, depending on what you wear it with.

Consider a flat pair for everyday wear, which you can rock with slouchy sweaters and leggings. You may also want a pair with a chunky 3-inch heel and flirty side cut-outs for a night on the town — this style looks stellar with dark jeans and dressy silk blouse tops.

The velvet bootie
Indeed, velvet seems to be everywhere these days — shoes included. A pair of velvet booties has undeniable elegance, and the texture of the fabric adds a luxe look to literally any outfit. A gray pair with bedazzled straps looks super glam, and — with a simple outfit like an off-the-shoulder top and black skinny jeans, your feet will be the focal point.

You might also look for a pair of velvet booties in a rich tone like teal or red, which can instantly enliven a neutral ensemble likesuch as a black tee and distressed denim. They’re also a fun, festive alternative to pumps with a holiday party dress.

The classic cowgirl bootie

Here’s the thing about the cowgirl bootie: It’s timeless. That makes this style a smart pick for your list because you know you’ll be getting wear out of them for years to come.

Look for a sleek pair in tan, chestnut, or chocolate brown, with a burnished look around the heel and toe. During the winter, you can pair cowgirl booties with boyfriend jeans, a printed button-down, and an infinity scarf for the ultimate casual- yet- chic combo. In the spring, sport them with an crop topolive crop top and a denim skirt for a sassy spin, or even a lightweight floral dress, tights, and a denim jacket for a more feminine take.

The wedge bootie
There’s a reason why wedges have remained popular over the years — they’re fashion-forward but also incredibly comfortable. So you’ll definitely want a pair or two in your rotation this winter into the spring.

Go for a pair of wedge booties with exposed zipper trim or buckle details, which have an edgy vibe that can toughen up sweet dresses and skirts. You also may want a basic pair of wedge booties in a neutral color, like gray or brown, to wear to work with blouse tops and blazers or simple knit dresses and patterned tights.

Need a pair of wedge booties for your next big night out? We don’t blame you — they’re a little more practical than high heels because they give your feet some extra stability for standing around at a cocktail bar or dancing. An eye-catching pair of metallic wedge booties will surely stand out, no matter where you’re socializing.

The suede bootie

Sometimes it’s nice to mix it up from the leather booties we obviously love. Suede is an equally versatile fabric, and sometimes lends a softer look to your outfits.

Consider a suede bootie with a block heel, which looks darling with a denim dress and a long duster sweater. Or, you might try a flat suede bootie with braided side detailing — it has a subtle boho vibe that works nicely with oversized sweater tops and maxi dresses.

Suede booties don’t have to be basic, either. If you want a pair that will punch up any outfit, seek out some booties in a striking hue, like royal blue or rust.

The moto bootie

Nothing adds a little edge to an outfit like a motorcycle bootie. Go for a sleek flat black leather pair — some subtle detailing like studs or exposed zippers aren’t a must, but definitely add some intrigue. Of course, a moto bootie with a stacked heel is one way to turn heads.

Black moto booties look equally stunning with glitzy dresses as they do with simple leggings and a velvet top. You can’t go wrong with moto booties that have a chunky heel when they’re paired with a tank top and midi skirt.

The fringe bootie

Who doesn’t love a little fringe? This simple accent adds some spunk to a pair of booties, whether they’re flat or have a sky-high heel.

Charcoal leather booties with fringe down the side are striking without being over-the-top. Plus, you can rock these with colored denim and pullover sweaters in the winter, or floaty frocks and a denim vest in the spring.

Flat burgundy suede booties with plenty of fringe are a chic choice, as well. We love these with a long-sleeved little black dress and tights in the winter for a look that strikes the perfect compromise between casual and dressy.

 

A drug is any substance (other than food that provides nutritional support) that, when inhaled, injected, smoked, consumed, absorbed via a patch on the skin, or dissolved under the tongue causes a temporary physiological (and often psychological) change in the body.