For the past month, I’ve been struggling to answer this question. In my free time, I love to plan events.  Whether it be making a Birthday weekend special for a friend, planning my next trip, planning a baby/wedding shower, or researching fun new activities for me and my friends to do in Chicago, I’m always really … More How to Make a Hobby a Career… being over-qualified without enough experience

After a couple of glorious days in Chiang Mai, I was up bright and early to catch a 3 hour bus ride to Chiang Rai to volunteer.  I was planning on sleeping on the bus, but I couldn’t stop listening to the conversation going on behind me. It was an elderly Thai man sitting next … More One Month in Thailand- Part Four- Volunteering

I seriously have the best dad ever!  He is extremely talented and creative. If you have 45 minutes to kill, feel free to check it out this awesome movie Joe created with my pics and videos from Thailand 🙂

The trip to Chiang Mai was a breeze.  A quick flight, then 15 minute ride to my hotel.  I decided to stay at a nice hotel before I headed to volunteering, so it felt great to be greeted and shown to my beautiful room. I immediately brought my clothes to be washed, got out some … More One Month in Thailand- Part Three- Chiang Mai

After experiencing the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, I was definitely ready for some relaxation.  Before my trip, I was debating whether I stay in town at Phi Phi or in a resort down the beach that would require a long tail boat to get to town.  I opted for the resort so I could … More One Month in Thailand- Part Two- Phi Phi Islands

In December, I was lucky enough to spend almost a month in one of the most magical places I’ve ever been.  The trip was truly life-changing, and I recommend anyone interested in traveling to add Thailand to your list of places to visit. Here is how my trip went: 2 days in Bangkok–>  2.5 days in … More One Month in Thailand- Part One- Bangkok

I’m back, and finally unpacked! There is so much to write about my trip that it’s hard to know where to begin.  I thought I’d start with what I learned traveling alone for the first time- both about myself and life. (Yes, the feature picture is me on the beach with a selfie-stick). Traveling alone … More Traveling Alone- What I learned

This time of year, everyone takes time to reflect on what they are thankful for.  I’m lucky enough to have had the past 3 months to reflect on life, and boy do I have a lot to be thankful for!  I have the most supportive friends and family that have stood by me through my … More Boy Am I Thankful

In less than a week I will embark on my first trip to Asia… solo. I’ve gone through lots of emotions planning this trip.  At first, extreme excitement about visiting my 5th continent in 2 years. Then, even more excitement when I decided on Thailand and started researching the culture, the beautiful temples, the beaches, and … More Meet Flat Stanley

Who would have known that volunteering your time and giving back could be so therapeutic?? Not only do you have the opportunity to make an impact on others, but you can also learn a lot about yourself through doing it.  Around the holidays, many people start to think about different ways to give back, but … More Giving Back This Holiday Season… and Always!