As much of the United States begins to open up after nationwide shutdowns in response to COVID-19, many of us, myself included, are beginning to research and plan for summer and fall travel. Perhaps more important than deciding where to go, is deciding how you can do so safely. This summer I think we'll see a lot more people choosing to travel locally and opting to pack up the car and hit the road as opposed to booking a flight. With that in mind, I started to make a list of Midwest destinations I wanted to explore, and Fort Wayne - Indiana's second largest city - was top on my list. Located just a short drive from most major cities, it makes the perfect weekend getaway with many outdoor attractions and activities which allow you to enjoy the summer sun while maintaining your distance from others. Keep reading to discover how we spent a weekend in the city!

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Visit Fort Wayne. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. ​

The first time I saw a photo of the sprawling poppy field in West Michigan I knew I had to find it. So this year, when the field was in peak bloom, I hopped in the car and made the short drive up to Fennville, Michigan to see it for myself. And let me tell you - it certainly did not disappoint! As soon as I laid eyes upon the four acres of red, pink and purple flowers it took my breath away. It is certainly one of those places that photos can never do justice. 

The poppy field was planted by Joan Donaldson and John Van Voorhees who own and operate Pleasant Hill Blueberry Farm in Fennville. In addition to it's natural beauty, the field also has a deeper meaning which makes it that much more special. The couple originally planted the field two years ago in memory of their son who suffered from PTSD after returning home from a tour in Afghanistan and took his own life. The field is located across from the cemetery where he is buried. The flowers also attract bees and butterflies which help pollinate the farm's blueberry crop. 

When I originally shared about my trip to see the flowers on Instagram I had so many people reach out and ask about how to find the field and if anyone was welcome to visit. Keep reading for all the answers!  

Since we're all dreaming of the places we'd like to travel right now, I thought I'd also share what's currently on my travel wish list. I love to keep a running list of items I want to purchase and will usually splurge on one or two as I'm preparing for a big trip. Most of the items on my current list are go to travel essentials as well as some bigger purchases that I've been saving up for. This list would also make great gift ideas for a frequent traveler in your life. Or you can view my complete traveler's gift guide here. 

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. 

I never really understood the "dog mom" craze until we welcomed Wrigley into our lives and I immediately fell in love. Not long after bringing him home, he quickly became our newest adventure buddy. We had a summer full of road trips, breweries, beaches, and hikes. Along the way we definitely learned a thing or two about being first time puppy parents and the best way to travel with your four legged friend.

In this post I'm sharing all my recommended products and accessories to make life on the road easier as well as some important considerations to have in mind when heading to a new destination. We haven't flown with Wrigs (yet) so this post is focused on road trips or local day trips with your pup. 

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. 

Ahhh Amazon...is there anything you can't find here?! Now don't get me wrong, I don't claim to be a fashion blogger or on top of the latest trends. But I do know a thing or two about trying to cram as much as possible into a carry on suitcase and of course wanting to look cute on your travels. That's what led me to create a travel capsule wardrobe which allows you to mix and match staple pieces into multiple different outfits so you can pack less and still have all your basics no matter what your trip may bring. In fact, this packing list allows you to create 18 different outfits! Most of the items on this list are also some of my personal Amazon fashion favorites - meaning I own them already, recently ordered, or have them on my wish list. 

Keep in mind, this wardrobe is designed for spring/summer travel in a warmer climate. If you're planning to travel somewhere with cooler temps you might need to adjust things a bit. I also packed this "suitcase" for less adventure although there is an outfit for hiking and a beach day. But if you plan to do a lot of physical activity or strenuous hiking you may need to swap out some dressy pieces for additional activewear. I also didn't include other staples you'll need to pack such as pajamas, undergarments, toiletries, etc. so you'll want to allot additional room in your suitcase for those items. 

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Even though we may not be able to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, that shouldn't stop us from planning and continuing to add destinations to our bucket list so we are prepared when that glorious day comes and we can finally fly again. When I originally started this blog, my goal was to create travel guides and itineraries for the type-a personality in all of us. Now I realize some people like to "vacation" meaning they have a destination in mind and are perfectly content to arrive and spend their time relaxing on a beach. But, if you're anything like me, and like to "take trips" that are packed full of adventure and activities, it does take some research and planning ahead of time to make it happen. I'm sharing a few of my tips and strategies for how I plan trips to maximize our time in a location and get the most out of the experience. 

Over the years I've had friends move all across the country and aside from missing them dearly, the one upside is that each time I have to say goodbye I get to add another new city to my bucket list. My friend Ellie recently moved to Cleveland, Tennessee which is just outside Chattanooga and I recently boarded a plane for a girl's weekend reunion. Although my visit happened to be during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time I'm sure no traveler will ever forget, we still had a few days to get out and enjoy the city. Read on to discover my list of Chattanooga highlights, perfect for a one or two day visit. 

There is something so charming about the small beach towns lining the Lake Michigan shoreline and St. Joseph, Michigan is no exception. No matter what season you visit, you can always find something to see and do. Whether you’re sipping local brews during the winter beer festival, shopping for fresh procure and local goods at the farmer’s market along the bluff, or enjoying a day in the sun on Silver Beach - there’s fun to be had for the whole family. When you start to plan your Southwest Michigan getaway, one of the most important aspects is deciding where to stay. My husband and I recently had an overnight getaway at The Boulevard Inn and Bistro and it was the perfect location for experiencing the most of what the city has to over. Located on the picturesque bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, the hotel offers guests a full-service, all-suite hotel and restaurant. The best part is, the hotel is located in the heart of downtown St. Joseph and within walking distance of the beach, shops, restaurants and other attractions. All you need for a perfect Southwest Michigan getaway is all right there. Keep reading to find out more of the best parts of our recent stay. 

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by The Boulevard Inn and Bistro. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I hopped off the plane at LAX. Look to the right and I see the Hollywood Sign.

Okay, okay enough with the Miley Cyrus references, but in all honestly it has always been a dream of mine to visit California. The celebrities, the west coast vibe, and of course the gorgeous coastline - it was all calling my name. So when my sister and I were deciding where we should go for our third annual sister trip (#1 Waco and #2 Nashville) it seemed like a great choice.

We visited in mid-February and the weather most days was mid 60s which was a welcome change from the Michigan winter we were used to and actually felt a lot warmer with the sun out. Most of the areas we went to weren't as busy as I was expecting them to be and this time of year definitely seemed like an off season. In addition to exploring West Hollywood, we also spent time in Santa Monica and Malibu. 

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

When most people think of a trip to L.A., a bustling city with lots of traffic is likely to come to mind. And while that may be the case for downtown Los Angeles, just west of the city is the not so hidden gem of Malibu.

​Home to 21 miles of coastline and nearly three dozen beaches it's no wonder countless celebrities call this city home. While on our recent sister trip to California, we made sure to dedicate one whole day to exploring this coastline paradise. Since we were staying in Santa Monica it was only a quick 20 minute drive with lots to see and do. In addition to the activities listed below, you can opt for a more adventurous afternoon with trails that weave through canyons, waterfalls and grasslands in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.