The temperatures are rising, the sun is out, and the roads are open. Yes, summer is here with us. From road trip stops and games to snacks, there are many things you will love about going on a summer road trip. However, if you do not get your planning right, you can turn your joyride into a mess. You have to work out everything ahead of time to ensure your trip is a success.
Get the right car, download your playlist, and get excited to hit the road. Here are tips to prepare for your summer road trip.
Prepare your car
Before you hit the roads, you have to ensure that your car is in top shape to handle any kind of driving you want to subject it to. Check the fluids, tire pressure, and treads. Assess every aspect of the car and replace what needs replacing. You do not want to find that your indicator lights do not work when you are in heavy traffic. Accordingly, make sure you have a first aid kit before you leave.
Plan your route
Another important thing to do is to plan your route. A mountain road trip can be thrilling and exhausting at the same time. For instance, you may find yourself on a dead-end if you do not know the roads to take. Additionally, you do not want to find yourself in slow-moving traffic if there is an alternative route. Therefore, it is essential to have it all mapped out before you leave, and if possible, install a navigation app to guide you.
Pack the essentials
Snacks, snow gloves, medications, and drinking water are some of the things you should never forget when planning a summer mountain road trip. Find out how much you need for the trip and get them packed on time. However, you have to be cautious to avoid over-packing. Only pack the things you need for the mountain road trip, not everything you want.
Book ahead
While one of the thrills of a road trip is to let the roads lead you, reserving accommodation can be very beneficial. If you are planning a mountain road trip, think about where you will spend the night.
Do you want to pitch a tent at a campsite? Or do you want to end the day in a vacation rental with your family? Whatever you choose, make sure you have reservations on time to avoid the last-minute rush of moving from one hotel to another.
Take care of yourself
It is important to be cautious of our health and safety during these times. Always wear a mask in public, wash your hands frequently, and minimize interactions as much as possible. You should also have a hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to clean your stuff.
The bottom line
With proper planning before you set foot on the gas, you should be able to survive a long road trip. Have your car pre checked, pack what you need, and do not forget the routes. Use these tips to make your summer mountain road trip a thrilling encounter.
As a woman, you may like to look good and feel comfortable and confident in what you are wearing. There are certain items that every woman should own at some stage in her life. Let’s take a look at some of the items you might have in your wardrobe.
T-shirts
A staple item that you should have is a T-shirt. A lot of women have plain t-shirts in every color so they can throw them on with whatever they have on their bottom half. They go with just about anything, the classic white t-shirt, for example, can go with trousers, jeans, and skirts. You can dress them up by wearing a blazer and jewelry or wear them as they are for a simple casual look.
Printed t-shirts are also a lovely idea to go with plain bottoms, they can bring a bit of excitement to your wardrobe so your outfit isn’t plain and boring.
Suit
Every woman needs the standard black suit. This can be a skirt suit or trouser suit but it must have a place in your wardrobe. Suits are not just for office jobs they can be worn for a night on the town or a shopping date. The two pieces do not have to be worn together either, you can wear the skirt or trousers on their own with a top or blouse and the jacket can be worn with jeans or something else of your choosing.
Jeans
Jeans are a tricky one and a lot of women are worried about owning them due to their body shapes. If you purchase the right pair of jeans for your shape then you will look amazing. Jeans really are a timeless item of clothing.
They come in all different styles, colors, and rise. You have the option of low rise, mid-rise, and high rise. You can buy jeans in just about any color from classic blue denim to pink. In terms of the style of jeans available, you can choose from skinny jeans which suit every body shape, straight leg for apple, hourglass, and athletic shapes, boyfriend jeans look great on athletic and apple body shapes, and finally bootcut are suitable for the curvier hourglass and pear.
Pair your jeans with a classic t-shirt and throw on a jacket to complete the look.
Jackets/Coats
Biker and leather jackets are very in this season and can be paired with just about anything, from dresses to shorts. They compliment an outfit really well and can turn a classic daytime outfit into a stunning nighttime outfit.
Jackets are great for when the weather turns a bit chilly as well. You can reach for your jacket when it isn’t cold enough for a coat. You can buy jackets in all different materials, from suede to leather to wool. You need to think about when you will be wearing it and what the weather will be like on the days you wear it.
Coats are for when it's too cold out there for you to wear your jackets. You may not enjoy wearing a coat as they quite often don’t accentuate your figure but if you find the right one it can be amazing and do wonders for your shape as well as keep you warm. Shop around, try different ones on and go with the one you feel most comfortable in.
Shoes
Every wardrobe needs shoes, they are a must. There are many different options when it comes to shoes and you can decide if you are going to be greedy and have one of each option or just a few pairs.
You can choose from sandals or wedges which are great for spring and summer weather, wear them with absolutely anything, jeans, trousers, skirts, dresses, shorts. Flat ballerina pumps which again can be worn with any item of clothing, the simplistic design really accentuates any outfit.
Boots can be worn in both summer and winter as there are different styles suitable for both summer and winter clothing. Chelsea boots are a good choice for summer as these go well with dresses and skirts. Ugg boots are great for winter as they keep your toes toasty when it’s cold out.
High heels if you like to wear them, some women don’t or simply can’t. These can be dressed up or down, down for work, and up for a night out. High heels look lovely when you wear them with dresses or skirts.
Accessories
You need accessories to dress up outfits, so they don’t look too plain. Earrings, necklaces, and bracelets are a wonderful choice for making a statement with your outfit. Choose from silver or gold jewelry or mix and match for an eye-catching look. Style experts suggest your wrists should never be naked, opt for a chunky cuff bracelet or a set of bracelets that match.
Scarves are a great accessory and can not only keep you warm but complete your look in spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Spring and summer choose from lightweight patterned scarves and in winter choose chunky knit woolly scarves.
Let’s talk handbags, a statement accessory you most probably use every day. You may even be lucky and have more than one or even one to match every outfit, yes that is a thing. Handbags come in all shapes, sizes, and colors so they can be matched with your outfit or even your mood. Oversized handbags are great if you are feeling self-conscious about your body. A big handbag can hide a multitude of sins and another plus side, they hold a lot.
Belts can be used to cinch in your waist or to add some extra details to your outfits, or both. Again like other accessories, belts are available in various designs, sizes, and colors. You should have at least one belt in your wardrobe in case you buy an outfit that calls for it.
We hope this helps you think of any items that are missing from your wardrobe. Whatever you decide to wear you will look great.
*contributed post*
When you travel, your focus always tends to revolve around what you’re doing, what you want to see, what you want to do and where you’re going to head next. This is great. This sense of adventure can be fun and you can keep yourself occupied with memorable moments. But what many people forget to do when they’re away from home is to really look after themselves. Self care is absolutely essential when you’re travelling. It can help to ensure that you don’t burn yourself out and that your spirits remain high, even when faced with challenges or obstacles to your plans. Now, there are countless ways to prioritise your wellbeing while you’re travelling, but here are a few that can help you along the way!
Limit Your Schedule
Sure, when you head away, you’re going to want to see and do as much as you can. But you need to make sure that you limit your schedule so you’re not packing too much in. Burnout is real and you don’t want to find yourself devoid of energy and struggling when you’re far from home. So, limit your schedule and give yourself time to rest, relax and truly enjoy the moments you’re taking in.
Reduce Pressure On Yourself
You don’t always have to be in a good mood, just because you’re away from home. Like every other point of your life, it’s normal for your mood to fluctuate. Whether that’s a result of hormones, difficulties, disappointments or anything else. Reduce pressure on yourself to have a good time and to be doing fun things constantly. It’s okay to take rest days. It’s okay to decide you don’t like a certain destination as much as you thought you would and to move on sooner than you thought. It’s okay to not post every moment on social media. Reduce pressure on yourself and you’ll have a much nicer time.
Eat Well
Often, when you travel, convenience food can become a go-to. Why? Well, you may not have the time on your hands or the facilities required to make healthy meals all the time. But make sure you don’t switch to an entirely junk food diet. Instead, you need to make sure your body is getting all of the nutrients it needs to thrive! Try to snack on whole fruits, vegetables and choose healthier meal options where possible. You may also want to try Health and wellness supplements, which are easy to take on the go.
Exercise
Chances are, you’ll be getting a fair amount of exercise just from walking around and visiting the places you want to see. But make sure you are getting enough. The average adult should get roughly one hundred and fifty minutes of moderate aerobic exercise a week. Consider hikes, short jogs or runs, cycling or swimming where you can.
Of course, there are many more self-care tips that could come in useful while you’re away from home. But those outlined above should get you off to a good start!
*contributed post*
https://unsplash.com/photos/geM5lzDj4Iw
Confidence is absolutely necessary for life if we’re to have a good time throughout the years we’re here. You don’t need to be the absolute king or queen of confidence, but a little bit of self-belief would be very, very helpful. So many people around the globe do not have the oomph to do what they love because they fear being judged and having their confidence knocked hugely. It’s quite sad to see, but something that could absolutely be avoided.
Confidence is built through practice and consistency. There literally is nothing else that can make it come to fruition. You cannot just wish for it and have it land on your lap. Take a look at all of the things you’re good at and comfortable with – they all took practice and time, didn’t they? For now, let’s look at five things you’ll want to do in order to boost your self-esteem and confidence. Keep practicing them and you’ll be amazed and what it can all do for you:
Become A Little More Active
If you sit around a lot, then your lethargy can become a bit of a problem. You won’t exactly become a lazy person overnight, but it can build up over time. Your body can also directly influence how your brain feels. When you get a little more active, you become a lot more positive about yourself. So, get a bicycle or some new sneakers and get moving – the endorphins will make sure that you enjoy life a lot more.
Try Out New Outfits
This isn’t to say that your style and the way you look overall aren’t stunning right now. This is more about variety and letting you know that you have even more to your game than you have right now. When we see ourselves in fresh, new ways, we fall in love with ourselves all over again. Check out a Style guide or two online and see the kinds of looks out there. Again, you’re by no means doing it wrong now, but think about all the extra possibilities that are out there!
Go Out And Try Things (And Fail)
Failure is typically seen as something that we should probably avoid. Failure actually helps us, however. Sure, if you have people around you laughing and championing your losses, then it’s going to feel bad. Losses help us to learn what we must do to win, though. The successful people in life gained confidence from all of their losses – and they lost/failed so many times.
See Friends As Often As You Can
Being around the right people can put you in the best possible headspace. We all need social interaction; we all need to feel the love and health benefits of the people that mean the most to us. If we’re away from them, then we can begin to overthink and get caught up in loneliness.
Work Hard In Whatever You Do
If you work hard, you’ll feel better. Whenever you sit around and get nothing done, you just feel like a worthless and useless individual. Even if you come up short, knowing that you worked hard means that you’ll be content with how the journey went.
*contributed post*
Bicycles are a fantastic investment these days and there are many great reasons to own one. If you’re looking for an excuse to buy one or want to see what the fuss is all about, then we’ve put together three of the best reasons why you should get a bicycle today.
Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/o2FCfhNSjPo (CC0)
Cycling is a fantastic way to exercise
These days, more and more people are looking for ways to incorporate a bit of exercise into their day in order to stay healthy. Cycling is definitely one of those activities that you should consider if you want to improve your personal health. It’s a fantastic cardio workout that you can take at your own pace, and it’s different to having a stationary bike because you feel the effects of cycling uphill and downhill, and you generally stay a bit cooler because the wind is blowing against your body. In terms of outdoor exercise options, cycling is definitely one of the better options when you consider all of the other benefits that it comes with.
One of the most convenient forms of transportation
Cycling is extremely convenient for transportation as it’s small, light, and you can generally park your vehicle wherever you want. This is a great way to get around town and is much more eco-friendly than having a car or even an electric scooter. It’s a brilliant option for anyone that is looking to protect the environment but still wants a convenient method to travel around town. If your city supports cycling roads and has convenient places for you to lock your bike then it’s even more helpful.
It’s great as a long-term hobby as well
Many people see cycling as a long-term hobby that goes beyond just riding your bicycle. Many people will get into more technical details such as choosing a carbon bike frame as a replacement, picking out different kinds of wheels, or even personalising their bike by painting it or adding decals. There are plenty of great options to consider these days and we can’t overlook the idea of turning cycling from just a form of exercise or transportation into a fully-fledged hobby. It has the potential to be a very expensive hobby too, especially if you’re looking to squeeze out as much performance as possible from your bicycle with various upgrades.
Bicycles are relatively inexpensive these days
Despite the ability to turn cycling into an expensive long-term hobby, regular bicycles are extremely affordable. For instance, if you’re interested in buying a refurbished bicycle then you could get a fantastic deal for a very fair price. Alternatively, you could buy a new budget bicycle from a local store and still get a fantastic deal. What you’re getting is a long-lasting and sustainable bicycle that is great for exercise, for transportation, and can also become a hobby. Even if you spend a bit of cash on a relatively expensive bicycle, you’re guaranteed to get an excellent purchase that will last you a long time.
// Hyatt Place Anchorage-Midtown// Room 209 Hyatt Place Anchorage-Midtown //
// Anchorage Travel Guide//
Chugach Mountains (Alaska 1-South Drive): // Seward Highway Drive (Turnagain Arm Drive)//
// Along the Matanuska River on Alaska 1-South// A Beautiful Lake Adventure Near Chickaloon//
// A Cloudy & Beautiful Drive on Alaska 1-South//
Chugach Mountains: // Eklutna Lake//
Cooper Landing (Kenai Peninsula): // Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge Nature Hike//
// Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge //
Denali State Park Area: //Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge (Pursuit Collection)// Denali Highway Video//
// One Last Adventure on the Denali Highway// The Denali Highway: Part Two //
// The Denali Highway: Part One//
//The Drive to Cantwell// Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge //
Girdwood: // Winner Creek Trail Video// Winner Creek Trail //
Hatcher Pass Area: // Hatcher Pass Video// Hatcher Pass // Little Susitna River //
Homer (Kenai Peninsula) Area: // Homer Video// Homer Spit// Homer Lighthouse// Bishop's Beach//
// A Brief History of Homer //
Kennicott/McCarthy Area: //Root Glacier Hike //Kennicott // Kennicott Glacier //
// Kennecott vs. Kennicott Spelling // The McCarthy Highway //
// An Unfortunate Review of the Kennicott Glacier Lodge //
Seward: //Holgate Glacier// Kenai Fjords Whale Watching Tour//
//A Beautiful Morning Walk in Seward// An Evening Walk at Seward Windsong Lodge//
//Resurrection Roadhouse Restaurant at Seward Windsong Lodge//
//Seward Windsong Lodge// Room 408 at Seward Windsong Lodge//
Seward Highway Area: //Beluga Point// Scenic Seward Highway Drive (Turnagain Arm Drive)//
Talkeetna: //Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge (Pursuit Collection)//
Thompson Pass Area: // Thompson Pass Area Video // Worthington Glacier Hike//
//Worthington Glacier//
// Among the Alaskan Fireweed on A4-S: A Beautiful Symbol of Hope in the Hard Seasons of Life //
// A Brief History of & Drive on Alaska 4-South of the Richardson Highway//Klutina River//
// The Beginning Drive to Thompson Pass//
Whittier: //3 Things to See and Do in Whittier Port on Your Alaskan Cruise //
Wrangell-St. Elias Park Area: //The McCarthy Highway // Copper River Princess Lodge //
