Do you feel like your life isn’t as good as it can be? We all want to live a fulfilling and meaningful life; a life that we can look back on and be proud of. If you feel like you’re falling short of living your best life, don’t worry — you can start today! It’s never too late to start living the life you want. If you’re ready to live your best life but you’re not sure how to start, you’ve come to the right place. Today, I’m sharing tips for improving your life and making tomorrow better than yesterday.
Everyone deserves to live their best life, and there’s no time like the present to get started. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get into it!
How To Live Your Best Life Now
Make a list of things you want to change about your life
Are you feeling a bit uninspired by your daily routine? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people go through the motions, day after day, week after week, without really living each day to the fullest. But remember, it’s never too late to make a change! Starting with your daily habits, you can work toward creating a dream life that’s filled with good health, positivity, and meaningful purpose. Identify any bad habits that are holding you back and replace them with healthy ones that support your goals. Small changes in your daily life can have a big impact on you overall quality of life. If you’re ready for a change, here are some tips to help you live your best life now:
Finding your purpose.
Figuring out what makes your heart sing is like finding the perfect playlist for your soul. So, take a moment to tap into your passions and think about what gets you excited to jump out of bed in the morning. Once you’ve got that fire burning, you’ll be amazed at how it fuels you to take steps toward creating a life that’s filled with purpose and joy. It’s time to ditch those snooze-worthy routines and make room for the things that truly light you up!
Prioritizing health.
Taking care of your mind and body is super important, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Your physical and mental health should be a top priority. Making small changes like eating more nutritious food, moving your body regularly, and getting enough rest can go a long way in helping you feel your best. Plus, when you feel good physically, you have mental capacity to tackle anything that comes your way!
Aiming for constant growth.
When it comes to personal growth, the key is to never stop learning and pushing yourself. It’s an ongoing process, so always be striving to learn and improve. Read books, take classes, and challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone regularly. By continuously growing and evolving, you’re adding value and meaning to your life. Trust me, the more you grow and evolve, the richer your life’s gonna be!
Figuring out your finances.
Let’s talk about money, because let’s face it, it’s a necessary evil. But here’s the thing, to avoid stressful money woes and embrace financial security, you have to get a grip on your finances. Start by making a budget (trust me, it’s not as boring as it sounds), save up money to help you reach your goals, and consider investing in your future. With these simple steps, you’ll be one step closer to taking charge of your financial journey.
Serving others.
Want to know a super simple way to boost your mood? Help others! Yup, it’s true. Whether you’re volunteering, donating to a cause you’re passionate about, or just being there for your loved ones, giving back is a surefire way to feel good and add meaning to your life. Plus, you never know what good things might come your way when you do.
Practicing Gratitude.
Here’s a little secret to boost your happiness – take a moment each day to appreciate the good stuff in life. A simple but powerful way to improve your life is to focus on the things you’re grateful for. Yup, just a few minutes of reflecting on the things that make you happy and grateful can dramatically shift your mindset to a more positive place. A positive mindset is essential to overall happiness.
Exercising More.
You know what they say, “Exercise not only gives you a rockin’ bod, but it also gives your brain a happy boost!” Exercise is not only good for your physical health but also your mental and emotional well-being. When you get active, your body releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. So get out there and start moving!
Break down changes into smaller, more manageable goals
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and forget about taking time for yourself. But if you want to live your best life, it’s important to set aside time each day to do things that make you happy.
This doesn’t mean making a bunch of big changes all at once; instead, focus on taking small steps that will help bring you closer to your goals. For example, if you want to travel more, start by taking a weekend trip. If you want to eat healthier, add more fruits and vegetables to your next meal. Maybe you want to spend more time with friends and family; call them now and plan a get-together. And if you want to spend less time staring at screens and on social media (they really do drain your energy), put away your phone and take a nature walk.
Remember, even the smallest step forward is still a step in the right direction. Changes, no matter how small they might seem, can make a big difference in your life overall. So don’t wait; start living your best life now!
Create a plan of action to achieve those goals
To start living your best life now and achieve all of the goals you have set for yourself, you need to create a plan of action.
This can involve identifying what activities and habits are holding you back from reaching your full potential, as well as identifying steps you can take to begin living the life you want to live. For example, one key step might be finding more free time for yourself, whether by quitting a toxic job or establishing better sleep habits.
Additionally, focusing on personal growth through activities like learning a new skill or taking up a new hobby can help to boost your confidence and prepare you for success. Ultimately, the key to living your best life now is to start making small changes today that will lead you down the path toward a brighter tomorrow.
Stick to the plan and don’t give up
If you want to live your best life now and achieve all of your goals, it’s important to stick to a plan and not give up. Whether you’re setting daily goals or striving towards your ultimate dream, staying focused is crucial for success.
Despite the inevitable stress and anxiety that can come with any goal-driven lifestyle, it’s important to remember that every setback is an opportunity for growth. Take risks, step out of your comfort zone, and learn to be resilient in the face of difficulty. This way you can navigate the ups and downs of life more confidently and eventually reach new heights.
If you’re looking to live your best life now rather than tomorrow, the key is to stay focused on your goals while also taking time to enjoy all of the wonderful things that make life worth living – from spending time with family and friends to getting lost in a good book or savoring a cup of coffee in your favorite cozy spot. After all, happiness is found not in chasing dreams but in enjoying each moment along the way!
Celebrate your accomplishments along the way
One of the best ways to set yourself up for a successful and fulfilling life is to celebrate your accomplishments along the way. Whether it’s landing a new job, donating time or money to charity, or simply trying something new, it’s important to recognize and acknowledge all of the moments along your journey that show you’re doing well. This can help you stay motivated and inspired to continue working toward your goals. It can also help keep you grounded in the present moment, enjoying all of the small joys that life has to offer.
So, whether it’s big or small, always take some time to celebrate your successes. After all, they are what pave the way towards living your best life now!
Repeat as necessary
As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. And that’s especially true when it comes to making positive changes in your life. Just like you can’t expect to become a master chef overnight, you can’t expect to completely transform your life after just one go. Change is a process, and it takes time, effort, and repetition to make lasting changes. That’s why one of the best ways to live your best life now is to start small and focus on one change at a time.
Once you’ve mastered that change, you can move on to the next one. And with each change you make, you’ll be one step closer to living your best life. So don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately – just keep going and repeating those positive changes until they become second nature. And before you know it, you’ll be living your best life now.
In recent years, the combination of the smartphone boom and the thriving vacation rental industry has revolutionized the way people plan and experience their vacations. More and more travelers now prefer using vacation rental apps over traditional websites on their PCs. Similarly, vacation rental owners are capitalizing on the rise in mobile phone popularity by adopting vacation rental apps to streamline their businesses. These apps not only provide seamless booking options but also enable property owners to manage their rentals efficiently and engage with their guests effectively. In this blog post, we’ll explore the six best vacation rental apps that cater to the needs of travelers and property owners alike.
6 Best Vacation Rental Apps for Travelers and Property Owners
What Is A Vacation Rental?
A vacation rental is an accommodation that can be rented out on a short-term basis to out of town guests. While the length of stay can vary, vacation rentals are usually rented out for less than 30 days at a time. They’re typically fully-furnished houses, apartments, condos, lodges, or cottages meant to function as a more private alternative to a hotel.
Airbnb, a pioneer in the vacation rental industry, is the most well-known company for short-term property rentals. Since its inception in 2007, Airbnb has maintained its status as one of the most popular choices for travelers looking for high-quality travel experiences across the globe. The Airbnb app is available for both iOS and Android, making it accessible to a wide range of users. As of December 31, 2023, Airbnb has more than 7.7 million listings available in more than 220 countries and regions, ensuring that travelers can easily find the perfect vacation rental and instantly book accommodation.
For Guests:
Apart from booking vacation rentals, the app allows users to send photo messages, respond to reviews, and communicate directly with hosts for personalized recommendations or assistance. The app also provides valuable information about location amenities, the surrounding area, nearby points of interest, and local events.
For Owners:
Airbnb’s property management tools empower owners to manage their inventory efficiently, set competitive pricing, and handle guest inquiries promptly. The app’s user-friendly interface and robust 24/7 customer support make it a reliable choice for vacation rental owners.
Vrbo, short for “Vacation Rentals By Owner,” is another top-notch vacation rental app, particularly popular among families and travelers seeking larger accommodations. With Vrbo, you can browse a vast array of rental options ranging from cozy cabins to luxurious beachfront villas.
For Guests:
Vrbo’s app allows guests to explore various rental options, filter results based on their travel dates and preferences, and save time by accessing essential details such as property amenities, pricing, and availability. The app also facilitates secure online transactions for easy booking. Be sure to use the “total price” filter when looking for a property to avoid hidden fees!
For Owners:
Vrbo offers a user-friendly platform for property owners to list their rentals, engage with guests to offer their local expertise, and manage bookings. With its built-in calendar and reporting features, Vrbo ensures that owners can keep track of their rental schedules, including check-in times, effortlessly.
Booking.com, a prominent name in the online travel industry, has extended its services to include vacation rentals. The Booking.com app caters to a diverse range of travelers, from solo adventurers to families and groups.
For Guests:
In addition to a vast selection of vacation rentals, the Booking.com app provides users with real-time availability and competitive pricing. Travelers can easily find vacation rentals that suit their preferences and budget.
For Owners:
Vacation rental owners can rely on Booking.com’s secure platform to showcase their properties to a global audience. The app enables owners to manage bookings, communicate with guests, and handle payments with ease.
HomeToGo was founded in 2014 to give travelers access to amazing homes around the world. Considered one of the hidden gems of vacation rental apps, HomeToGo offers more than 15 million high-quality accommodations. In 2024, HomeToGo earned the first place award for best customer service in in the vacation rentals category by Newsweek and Statista.
For Guests:
The HomeToGo app makes it easy to read each property description, including its unique amenities, to find the perfect rental. To make it even easier, the app allows travelers to compare two properties side by side. The multi-lingual and multi-currency support is especially useful for international travelers looking for short-term rental accommodations.
For Owners:
HomeToGo offers a lot of flexibility for owners looking to rent out their properties. Owners can set their own rules, prices, and availability, giving you more control than some of the other popular vacation rental apps.
TripAdvisor Rentals combines the power of the popular review platform with a vast selection of vacation rentals. The app provides travelers with valuable insights from previous guests, helping them make informed decisions.
For Guests:
The TripAdvisor Rentals app allows travelers to browse through a diverse range of properties, read reviews, and compare prices to find the ideal vacation rental. The app also offers the convenience of secure bookings and payment options.
For Owners:
Property owners can leverage TripAdvisor Rentals to showcase their rentals to a vast audience. The app’s user-friendly interface simplifies the management process, including calendar synchronization and guest communication.
Download the TripAdvisor Rentals app: iOS | Android
Expedia is a popular platform that offers vacation rentals as well as booking for flights, hotels, and cars. You can even use Expedia to arrange activities and experiences during your stay.
For Guests:
Travelers can filter search results by destination, travel dates, amenities, and more to easily find a vacation rental that suits their needs.
For Owners:
Owners who list their vacation rental through Expedia are guaranteed exposure to a massive audience. However, the platform’s popularity also means more competition for owners.
Whether you are a travel enthusiast searching for the perfect vacation rental or a property owner looking to streamline your vacation rental business, these five best vacation rental apps have got you covered. With their impressive features, ease of use, and compatibility with both iOS and Android devices, these apps are sure to enhance your vacation rental experience. Embrace the convenience of mobile technology and explore the world of vacation rentals like never before!
And before you embark on your next adventure, don’t forget to check out some ethical travel tips. Happy travels!
Y’all, I’m the first to admit that anytime someone tells me they used x,y,z site for getting this or that done more efficiently, I will head straight there to check it out. I have to know for myself! Yet, I don’t ever take the time to actually use and learn it because I’m onto the next best thing someone else recommended. And then my list of things to do, like this blog post, end up getting lost in the shuffle. It’s who I am and I’m doing my best to own it and change. If you are like me or maybe not as easily distracted as me, here are a few tips we can all use to help avoid online distractions.
How to Avoid Online Distractions
Many people are still working full time and schooling from home, but unlike in 2020, when everyone was getting so much more done and had more time on their hands than ever, most of us are back to the daily grind. We no longer have unlimited time to explore and discover new things online. We also don’t have to frequently check social, and news feeds to stay in-the-know. But if you’re like me, this habit isn’t one that you can quickly and easily break. Whether it’s part-time or full-time, many of us are still working from home. Here are a few of my tips to avoid online distractions so you can keep your productivity and focus on what you need to do.
Identifying Your Distractions
Let’s start with the most challenging part in eliminating your distractions, and it’s identifying what they are. When you try to work, take note of the things and ideas that keep your focus away. Is it a Facebook group discussion, sale online, an abandoned online shopping cart, or trending Twitter topics? Whatever it is, please write it down, and once done, look at your list and evaluate how to reduce or eliminate them.
Disable Notifications while Working or Studying
Pings and buzzes from notifications can easily distract you. There are ways to minimize their effect on your productivity. Silence the unnecessary notifications to stay focused during work or study time. If it is on your phone, disable it before you start to work, the same with computers and other gadgets—close distracting websites. One of the most distracting notifications comes from messenger apps and phone calls. It’s better to turn it off in the meantime or hide it somewhere far from your work area.
Set a Time Cap for Online Sessions
Take screen breaks. To increase productivity and avoid feeling burnout, create a balance between your online sessions and taking breaks. Destressing is essential but make sure that you are within a specific schedule. Perhaps, set it to a specific time, maybe 20 minutes for every hour work time. Spend it to stretch, grab a snack, drink coffee, or dance with your pups or kids.
Don’t go beyond the time you spend on breaks. Return immediately to your work to keep your routine on track and to keep you efficient.
Ask a Friend to Keep You Accountable
Seek accountability by asking someone to help you fight online distractions. It could be a friend, a sibling, or a roommate. Let them keep your phone while you’re working, or create a co-working area where you hold each other accountable to finish your work. Another way is also doing it online through a video call. You can study or work together while on Zoom. Just make sure to be true to your accountability goals.
Setting Aside Time for Answering and Reading Emails
Find ways to manage the time you spend answering and reading emails. How? Turn off email notifications. Allot time to clear up your inbox. A well-categorized inbox can lessen the time you spend scrolling through it. Organize and use folders for this. Use automated filtering. Lastly, set a specific number of minutes, and schedule an hour in a day when you can do an email task. So, create an email system that works best with your work schedule.
Changing your Workplace
If noise-canceling headphones are not working for you, relocate to another area conducive for working. Your workplace is a huge factor in your focus level. It covers inevitable external distractions like interruptions from other employees or your family. Studying or catching up on work in a coffee shop might sound like a good idea, but for many people it’s an environment that makes it difficult to manage distractions. Keep your door closed, clear the clutter before you start working or studying, and evaluate how your existing workplace affects your productivity. If you are still struggling, make sure to check out this blog I wrote to help you limit distractions when working from home.
Using Anti-Distraction Apps
While the worldwide web is a place to work, it’s also where significant distractions come from. There’s just a certain allure to current socializing technology like our favorite social media platforms, games, and many more. So, one of the best ways to combat online distraction is to use another technology against it. Build discipline with the help of anti-distraction apps that keep you stay on track. These apps will hopefully help you build a better routine.
How To Avoid Distractions During Online Classes
Turn Off Your Phone
If you’re like a lot of college students (or students of any age, really) who easily get distracted during online learning, silencing your phone or turning off notifications isn’t enough to avoid distractions. Instead, turn off your phone. This will make it easier to focus on the task at hand.
You can take it one step further and leave your phone where it’s out of reach. Out of sight, out of mind, right? This, a lot of times, works for people who struggle with paying attention when their phone is accessible, even if it’s turned off. You might even consider having one of your family members hold onto it for a specific period of time.
Take Frequent Breaks
No matter how well you’re able to concentrate on a task, it’s only a matter of time until it becomes hard to stay focused. Stay ahead of these dips in productivity by taking breaks. Your brain needs to rest, too! Research shows that even a short diversion can significantly improve focus
Best Anti Distraction Apps
Here are some of the focus apps that surely help to avoid getting distracted. These are tools that give options as far as distraction blocking apps is concerned:
Works on all your devices at the same time, so you can block your computer and phone and iPad all at the same time and not be distracted by a different device. Minimal cost of $9/month for all devices or you can choose yearly for about $3.50/month. (Personally this is what I use)
The Pro version is a one time purchase of $39 and you have it forever. Impossible to get out of the blocker once you start until the time is seen through or specific task is complete.
Free browser extension but it is only available for Firefox, so if you want to use other browsers to distract, you can do so.
Hopefully this helps you free yourself from the digital distractions we all find ourselves getting into, and you find on of the anti distraction options helps you become more productive. Afterall, we all have the same hours in the day, and it’s important you make the best use of the most valuable resource – time.
Social media has changed our lives in many ways, many of which are beyond our imagination. It affects our buying habits and purchase decisions. Over time, it has also evolved into a new kind of marketing. Nowadays, it’s all about digital marketing or, more specifically, influencer marketing. And this modernized version of digital marketing is remarkably effective.
Quality content is king, or so they say, and the use of it by social media influencers to influence the public is growing by leaps and bounds. But who are these influencers anyway? An influencer can be a social media personality, celebrity, blogger, or industry expert. Social media is a platform that influencers utilize to increase their reach and their influence. By uploading content, both sponsored and not, on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat, and many more emerging platforms, these influencers can establish authority and authenticity.
Influencers have become useful tools in the marketing strategies of business owners. Although we typically see influencers marketing for small and medium businesses, large, big-name businesses have been known to use influencers as well.
Influencer marketing is considered a combination of traditional and modern marketing strategies. A particular celebrity or personality endorses a product or a service using online or modern-day marketing campaigns. This unique type of online marketing creates a mutually beneficial relationship for influencers and brands. For example, a beauty cosmetics blogger with millions of followers tagging a startup lipstick company in a review of their lipsticks creates traction for the business while the influencer benefits from free lipstick.
A 2019 influencer marketing report by MediaKix claimed that 17% of companies allot more than half of their marketing budget to influencer marketing campaigns and that it grows by 5000% each month. Even more astounding, approximately 92% of marketers believe that influencer marketing is the most effective kind at the moment!
Businesses work with influencers to improve their brand recognition. In this day and digital age, it’s crucial to build a successful relationship with at least one influencer because of the sheer number of people on social media. With massive amounts of followers, influencers are considered to have the power, knowledge, and position that affects the decisions of their audience. And their followers care about the opinion of influencers. This dynamic is what drew brands to influencers to begin with. Plus, once a long-term partnership is developed, brands often begin considering the creative ideas of influencers regarding how they incorporate the brand in their content. However, brands can’t fully impose their marketing strategies if it’s not aligned with the branding of the influencers.
To develop and maintain a good reputation, your brand needs to build a good relationship with influencers. News travels fast, and it’s all about content and branding these days. So, how do you go about it? Where do you start? Based on my experiences, I’m sharing insider tips on how to build relationships with influencers. Let’s get into it.
How to Build Relationships with Influencers
Whether it’s a short-term or long-term collaboration, setting a good relationship with influencers can help you gain more benefits like authentic endorsements, sustainable brand recognition, and consistent market user engagement. Here are the tips that will help you build relationships with influencers.
Identify Influencers in Your Industry
To get to your target audience, you have to know how to find the best people to help you build brand awareness. In looking for influencers in your industry, consider the following steps:
Specify your branding objective. Outline what you want to establish through brand awareness and brand identity.
Know your marketing objective. Set an influencer marketing plan that specifies the type of campaign you want to focus on. is it sponsored content, affiliates, brand ambassadors, or gifting.
Research who is famous in your niche. Use keywords, hashtags, and industry-related terms to know who is getting engagement in your industry.
Research Influencers Your Competitors Collaborate With. Find out who is helping your rivals make traction in their online presence and note their strategies.
Consider the Influencer’s Authority. Look at the quality of their content. Does it get a lot of engagement, followers, and higher website rank?
Provide Value to Your Influencers
Just like any other relationship, the brand-influencer kind takes two to tango. Brands shouldn’t only focus on their gains. You should make sure that the influencer will get good value out of your collaboration too.
A good strategy example is offering giveaways to the influencer and their audience. Always consider their audience. Giveaways and contests are win-win marketing for you and the influencer who will boost their followers and engagements.
Provide them with great exposure. If you have other marketing platforms like newsletters or blogs, feature them to create new fans.
Create online events that highlight the brand and the influencer, whether they’re macro or micro-influencers. This tactic also helps them get more awareness and brand identity.
Following All Social Media Profiles of Your Influencers
By following their social media profiles, you show support, which helps them strengthen their credibility. It’s also easier to tag them when you follow them.
Treating Your Influencers as Collaborators
As a collaborator, allow influencers to give marketing input. Let them have their creative freedom. In addition, they have insights into what your target audience wants and need. Communicate with them with a personal message.
Provide Appropriate Compensation
To foster long-term relationships with influencers, you have to remember that you’re both building your brands. So, provide compensation that aligns with both your branding. It can be cash, personal exposure, or experience. If you’re a travel and hospitality brand, then you can offer free travel to influencers.
Sharing Your Influencers’ Content
It’s a give-and-take relationship. So, share influencer posts with your network. They’ll appreciate it and most likely respond positively to our requests.
You, as a brand, and the influencers, have a term partnership. It would be best if you approach influencers as a collaborator. It is not an employer-employee relationship. Create opportunities to connect with them on the creative side and make sure that those are mutually beneficial. It’s your mutual goals that are the core of how you build relationships with influencers.
As each new season approaches, it’s important to take a look at what you wear most often, what can carry over into the next season, and what may no longer work for you. That’s why I thought it was important today to talk about a few must-have summer essentials for women!
I prefer to have a few capsule items that work for all seasons, which I keep in rotation and have a few different variations to work with.
Also – summer for me may be a bit different or longer then where you live, because Arizona starts to get summer temps around May and doesn’t end until about October or November.
Another thing to note, my wardrobe essentials sometimes blend together because it’s so hot outside and the air conditioners are so cold inside, that it’s necessary to have a summer uniform with a sweater from winter.
Summer Essentials for Women
I keep it light, bright, and airy! And sometimes mix in some saturated colors to give a little variety.
Most summer days, you can find me in a white t shirt, a tank top, denim shorts, rompers/jumpsuits, skirts, or a maxi dress with a slit to allow for air flow!
For nights and the indoors with cool air conditioning, I keep a denim jacket or lightweight cardigan or kimono handy. Sometimes you can sneak in a pair of white jeans with ballet flats or heel sandals and stay cool.
And when I’m outside or around the pool, it’s a straw hat because I’ve done enough damage to my skin!
Because the kiddos are home in the summer, and have swim lessons at least once a week, while still maintaining all of our other activities a hat is necessary. On the note of swim lessons, a crossbody bag is a staple to carry everything. With super hot temps, my wardrobe essentials are usually on repeat weekly!
– I probably own about 5 of the same white t shirt because it transitions so well and is lightweight.
A white tee is so easy to pair with so many things, and can be taken from morning to night. My favorite way to wear a white tee is with a pair of skinny jeans and ballet flats. These are summer wardrobe staples for me.
– The next thing I always stock up on are easy graphic tanks and tees.
They are good layering pieces when it’s time to put on a sweater or denim jacket but stand alone as a casual outfit option. I love these for summer fashion but also to cross over from spring into fall.
– Air conditioning is no joke when temps are over 100 outside so having a good jean jacket, kimono, or lightweight cardigan are a must!
Here is a post with some of my favorites!
– I don’t have a ton of denim shorts. But the ones I do have are on repeat!
I like to have a distressed pair for casual outfits and then a rolled pair for a dressy outfit. I recently got this pair of white denim jean shorts I’m in love with!
– A small variation of shorts I wear so often is bike shorts.
They have become super popular this year and you can buy them in just about every color of the rainbow. I did a whole blog post on them for you to check out my favorites here. These are so perfect and ideal for summer style but also work well from spring into fall with a sweater.
– Skirts are high on the list, right along with shorts.
They allow a quick, effortless outfit that can be dressed up or down, and usually transition well into the other seasons. I either do an above the knee fit or a maxi skirt that has a slit or can be tied to ensure airflow happens! Check out some of my faves here.
– I’m so glad jumpsuits and rompers have made a comeback from the 90’s!
As a kid, and for my girls, they were the easiest outfit to throw on and go out the door. If I’m being honest, I sometimes find it hard to fit into a jumpsuit or romper properly these days because I am not the same size in tops and bottoms. Typically, I’m a Small or oversized Medium in tops and a tight Medium or Large in bottoms. That doesn’t stop my hunt for some of my favorite jumpsuits and rompers though! Keep reading to see some of my favorites!
– The most popular outfit I probably wear is a dress if I’m being honest.
Dresses are the absolute easiest outfit for summer, I think. My youngest, Finlee, is obsessed with dresses so much so that I don’t know why I have shorts or tee shirts for her 🙁 Dresses on their own are an outfit, but also can be layered with a denim jacket or a cardigan so easily! A shirt dress is one example that I wear a different variation of each week. Make sure to check out my post here on all of my favorite summer dresses.
– We all know I love my fair share of sneakers (peep that blog post here) but sandals are a close second in my eyes for summer.
Wedges and strappy heels have also been known to make quite an appearance because they do take an outfit up the extra notch. When I’m on the go doing Mom life or managing our rental properties, sandals and flats are necessary!
– Because I’m on the go so often with the kids, it’s important I have a bag that carries everything!
When we travel, I use a carryall tote that usually ends up more full with the girls’ things than my own. Same for summer.
The most important part of a summer wardrobe is being able to mix and match the pieces together. Because there’s such a drastic change from inside to outside, or when you travel to a different climate than you are used to, making sure you have a versatile wardrobe is important. Here are a few style tips for you to choose from or draw inspiration for your own summer wardrobe.
Summer Outfit Ideas
Casual Flower Skirt Outfit
I love embodying the spirit of casual summer with my effortlessly chic floral-print skirt and gray tank top combination. The lightweight fabric ensures I stay comfortable even when the summer heat is at its peak. For a stylish touch on cooler evenings, I throw on a blue denim jacket to elevate my ensemble and provide an extra layer of warmth.
Tie-dye Dress Outfit
:This summer, I’m embracing my bold side with my vibrant and colorful tie-dye dress, rather than a classic white dress. This tie-dye dress is a key piece in my summer capsule wardrobe. The eye-catching pattern and lightweight material make it the perfect choice for outdoor festivals, lively parties, or simply soaking up the sun. I can’t wait to showcase my unique style and flair with this stunning dress.
Pink Beach Outfit
I’ve often reveled in the warmth of summer with my vibrant pink beach outfit. It features a large pink t-shirt, sun hat, and stylish flip flops. The cheerful color and airy fabrics keep me cool and fashionable as I enjoy long summer days by the shore.
Geometric Pattern Blue Bodysuit Outfit
Every time I wear this geometric pattern blue bodysuit I’ve turned heads! It’s perfect for poolside lounging or a fun night out. The unique design and flattering fit make it a chic and comfortable option for any summer occasion. Complete the look with a pair of white sneakers or a straw bag for added style and flair.
Striped Romper Outfit
The versatile striped romper is a must-have addition to my summer wardrobe essentials. Its easy-to-wear design and breathable summer clothing material make it ideal for beach trips, backyard barbecues, or casual outings. I accentuate the look with a cozy red cardigan, adding a pop of color and warmth on those cooler summer nights.
What is your favorite summer outfit idea or staple? What is your favorite outfit or look? I’d love to know if I left something out so please let me know if I’m missing out on something!
Phoenix is found right in the heart of Arizona, one of the most enriching regions of the United States. This makes it a pretty splendid gateway to explore a ton of amazing destinations around the state.
If you’re currently itching to get away from the city if only for a day, Phoenix’s privileged location makes it a perfect hub for wonderful day trips no matter the adventure you’re after. You can drive just a little north of Phoenix to visit the Tonto National Forest or drive to Apache Junction and visit the infamous Superstition Mountains.
From striking desert landscapes that come in all shades of colors to experiencing millions of years worth of geological history and encountering the luxury of the wild west at its finest, here are 10 amazing day trips from Phoenix you’ve got to consider for your next escapade!
10 Incredible Day Trips From Phoenix
1. Montezuma Castle National Monument
Interested in learning more about the people who have called Arizona their home throughout time? Montezuma Castle National Monument is a mecca for archeological goodness. Especially if you’re keen to take a step back in time to the era of the Sinagua people.
As you explore the monument, you’ll get to glimpse into the past and get a pretty good picture of how the Sinagua Native Americans once lived by checking out some of the best-conserved cliff dwellings on the continent, which you’ll find high up on a 15,000- feet cliff!
2. Prescott
Located only a two-hour drive away from Phoenix, Prescott is where Western culture and modern living meet.
Famous for its live music venues, its historic Whiskey Row, and its lively bars, the nightlife in Prescott is renowned for being seriously epic. If you’re into history, you’ll find yourself in heaven here. As the entire place is dotted with museums and historic buildings that tell the stories of the area’s past.
Outdoor escapades are also a staple of Prescott thanks to the fact that its outskirts brim with amazing hiking trails, horseback riding adventures, lakeside outings, and other wonderful destinations you can pair with your visit. Including Granite Dells, Watson Lake, and Granite Basin!
3. Petrified Forest National Park
Hundreds of millions of years ago, heavy floods brought logs into the area. Volcanic activity later buried the dead logs underground. And as time went by, they were crystallized by ash and re-exposed over the ground.
Today, colorful sparkly logs make the landscape at Petrified Forest National Park look like a glittering rainbow. A scenery you’re not bound to find anywhere else in the world. And will make you feel as though you were transported to another planet.
Petrified Forest is relatively small. This means you can easily explore its highlights on a day trip from Phoenix. A few can’t-miss activities include checking out the colorful landscape at Painted Desert, hiking the Giant Logs Trail to see the largest logs in the park, and visiting Crystal Forest.
4. Scottsdale
In the mood for a luxurious outing? Located in the heart of the desert, Scottsdale is a picture-perfect town renowned for its fine restaurants, gulf courses, exclusive art galleries, and wonderful boutique shops.
After strolling the town’s quaint streets, you can also head out in search of activities in nature. Which range from hiking, biking, and even hot air ballooning. For some serious desert goodness, make sure you plan a small detour to McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Where you’ll get the chance to explore the forefront of the Sonoran Desert!
Make sure to explore North Scottsdale, not just Old Town as there’s a whole different experience up north than where all the party people want to spend their time going out at night. If you are a family or have a family you want to take places north of Phoenix, Scottsdale will be the best use of time and ability to spread out or go altogether.
5. Tucson
Tucson is one of the most emblematic cities in Arizona. And a wonderful destination for a mix of authentic Southwestern culture, desert goodness, and modern amenities.
Thanks to the fact that Tucson is located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, the entire city is dotted with saguaro cacti, making its streets look incredibly photogenic. You can visit the Saguaro National Park to see more of the natural beauty that only seeps into Tuscon. During your time in Tucson, you can take a trip back in time to the Old West by visiting museums, like Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Check out tons of historical sites. And get the chance to explore further afield by heading to the outskirts in search of desert adventures!
6. Tombstone
Tombstone, Arizona: the perfect destination for your next wild west adventure.
From the gunfight at the O.K. Corral to the historic Birdcage Theatre, Tombstone has been a fixture of American history since 1879. The town was originally founded by prospectors seeking gold and silver in the area’s hills—but it was also home to one of the most notorious shootouts in U.S. history. In 1881, two feuding groups faced off over a disagreement about water rights at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone’s main street—and it didn’t end well for any of them!
Tombstone is located in Cochise County, just north of Tucson and south of Bisbee on Highway 80 between Benson and Willcox. It’s only about an hour from both Tucson International Airport (TIA) and Sky Harbor Airport (PHX).
7. Winslow
Winslow was put on the map for its feature on the Eagles’ ‘Take It Easy’ song. Which made it a famous stop on Arizona’s Route 66.
Winslow’s days of glory may be in the past now. But visiting it for a day is still a pretty charming experience. The entire town is dotted with historical sites and its outskirts are lined by pretty interesting attractions. Including various petroglyph sites and the best-conserved meteor crater in the world!
Moreover, if you’re a fan of rock’n’roll, make sure to also check out the town’s most iconic corner. The exact one mentioned in the Eagles song! Here, you can also see the Glenn Frey statue. Which was placed right there for visitors to come and pay tribute.
8. Sedona
Sedona is your go-to for all things desert magic, making it a wonderful day trip to take from Phoenix if you want to get away from the bustle and hustle of the city and surround yourself with striking landscapes of towering desert spires, mazes of red rock formations, and sweeping river canyons.
While visiting, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to picking what to see and do. Activities in Sedona range from hiking in the desert to exploring ancient cultures, and checking out the town’s art scene. Or taking part in tons of outdoorsy activities that provide a perfect blend of nature and cultural heritage. Of all the must-see spots in Sedona, I highly recommend checking out Oak Creek Canyon and Cathedral Rock. The natural beauty is truly breathtaking.
9. Grand Canyon National Park
There are many ways to describe the Grand Canyon. Some might call it a natural wonder of the world—and they’d be right. Others might call it a must-see attraction if you’re planning a trip to Phoenix, Arizona. But I think the best way to describe this iconic landmark is as an experience that’s worth every second of your time.
This national park attracts 4 million visitors every year, so you can expect a crowd. But when you’re surrounded by such breathtaking views, even the crowds won’t bother you.
If you’re planning a trip to the Grand Canyon, I recommend heading for the South Rim. Grand Canyon South Rim is the most popular spot in the park because it offers the iconic views that most people will only ever see in a photograph. From the South Rim you can take in the incredible scenery from nearly two dozen viewpoints, including a couple with views all the way down into the heart of the canyon.
The South Rim is great for first time visitors because it has several services and activities available. You’ll have easy access to the museum, the Grand Canyon IMAX Experience, shops, Grand Canyon Railway, and a ton of information at the visitor center.
If you’re interested in hiking, be sure to check out Bright Angle Trail and Horseshoe Mesa Trail. These two trails are short and easy—perfect for first-time hikers.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or both—you’ll find it at the Grand Canyon National Park!
10. Tortilla Flat
If you are looking for a scenic drive where you can take a dip in the lake, enjoy a picnic by the water. And even check out the coolest little self-sustaining town, look no further than Tortilla Flat. Tucked away in the mountains passed Superstition Springs Mountains, after 146 turns, you will find Tortilla Flat.
On your way to Tortilla Flat, be sure to stop in and check out Goldfield, an old mining ghost town, Lost Dutchman State Park, and Superstition Springs Mountain for hiking and to also give your legs a little stretch.
Apache Junction has so many cute stops along the way as well if you want to see things from yesteryear. Not to mention the views are so incredible! Apache Junction is also the starting point of the Apache Trail scenic drive. While taking the 42 mile drive down the Apache Trail you’ll pass Canyon Lake. Canyon Lake is a stunning desert lake with multiple marinas, beach areas, and RV parks.
During the busy season, Tortilla Flat is really busy during 12-3. So come between 10-12 and after 3 until the town closes at 6 so there’s less waiting.
When you first arrive in Tortilla Flat, you will find yourself with a row of building on the right side of the road.
If you are coming during the slower or less busy times, between the end of April and to the beginning of October, you will see the Mercantile first. Then you will see the post office. You can send letters and packages as it is an actual working post office. Next, be sure you stop in the bathrooms, even if you don’t need to. The bathrooms have been updated and have special characters hand-painted you don’t want to miss.
Next, when you are ready to nosh, head into the restaurant.
And during the nicer times of the year, you can order your food and enjoy a local band on the patio. You can also find dollar bills people have left as part of a travel memory so you can also leave your mark inside the restaurant or the gelato shop right next to the patio. If you have your four-legged friends traveling with you, order from the patio and sit on the picnic tables with umbrellas.
All around the town, you will find picture opportunities and items that have been donated to the town for display.
Moving on down the way, you will find a shop filled with gelato made in-house, local food items, and travel souvenirs. I highly recommend the Prickly Pear, it’s delicious!
Right past the gelato shop, you will find a replica of the schoolhouse that existed in 1920 where the museum is now housed.
Make sure to sign the guest book as you never know when they will make the next wallpaper and display your name on the wall! Learn about the flood which washed out the town and caused a rebuild where it is located today. You can also find out which building burnt and had to be rebuilt and which president visited the town inside the museum.
And just as you are at the edge of town, be sure to hop in the jail and figure out the puzzle to escape!
It will be the first time you are encouraged to escape! Feel free to let your kids also try and run off some energy in town.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Phoenix?
The best time to visit Phoenix is during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). During spring and fall, the temperatures are mild. It can get extremely hot during the summer and it tends to rain the most during the winter. That said, there’s really no bad time to visit Phoenix as long as you are prepared.
Have you ever taken any of these amazing day trips from Phoenix? If so, I’d love to know what your experience was like, so feel free to tell me all about it in the comment section below!
Figuring out what makes your heart sing is like finding the perfect playlist for your soul. So, take a moment to tap into your passions and think about what gets you excited to jump out of bed in the morning. Once you’ve got that fire burning, you’ll be amazed at how it fuels you to take steps toward creating a life that’s filled with purpose and joy. It’s time to ditch those snooze-worthy routines and make room for the things that truly light you up!
To start living your best life now and achieve all of the goals you have set for yourself, you need to create a plan of action.
As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. And that’s especially true when it comes to making positive changes in your life. Just like you can’t expect to become a master chef overnight, you can’t expect to completely transform your life after just one go. Change is a process, and it takes time, effort, and repetition to make lasting changes. That’s why one of the best ways to live your best life now is to start small and focus on one change at a time.
and Android, making it accessible to a wide range of users. 
accommodations. With Vrbo, you can browse a vast array of rental options ranging from cozy cabins to luxurious beachfront villas.
range of travelers, from solo adventurers to families and groups.
rental. The app also offers the convenience of secure bookings and payment options.
work, take note of the things and ideas that keep your focus away. Is it a Facebook group discussion, sale online, an abandoned online shopping cart, or trending Twitter topics? Whatever it is, please write it down, and once done, look at your list and evaluate 
taking breaks. Destressing is essential but make sure that you are within a specific schedule. Perhaps, set it to a specific time, maybe 20 minutes for every hour work time. Spend it to stretch, grab a snack, drink coffee, or dance with your pups or kids. 
logs underground. And as time went by, they were crystallized by ash and re-exposed over the ground.
renowned for its fine restaurants, gulf courses, exclusive art galleries, and wonderful boutique shops.
Southwestern culture, desert goodness, and modern amenities.
Arizona’s Route 66.
get away from the bustle and hustle of the city and surround yourself with striking landscapes of towering desert spires, mazes of red rock formations, and sweeping river canyons.
passed Superstition Springs Mountains, after 146 turns, you will find Tortilla Flat.
closes at 6 so there’s less waiting.
your food and enjoy a local band on the patio. You can also find dollar bills people have left as part of a travel memory so you can also leave your mark inside the restaurant or the gelato shop right next to the patio. If you have your four-legged friends traveling with you, order from the patio and sit on the picnic tables with umbrellas.
museum is now housed.
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