Learning to Travel with Less

Its funny how much significance we plan on such random, useless objects. 

When you think about picking up your life and moving across the world for six months, things in your life tend to fall into two different categories. Can I live without it or do I need this for my everyday happiness? Back in New York, it seemed that I needed quite alot for my everyday happiness. As I now travel through Europe, my larger than life backpack weighing like an anvil on my back is a constant reminder of just how much.

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Pickn’Tell: A Modern Way to Shop

Have you ever found yourself shopping alone, wondering desperately if that top really looks good,  or if the sales girl is just looking to make a commission?

Now you can take the guesswork out of shopping with Pickn’Tell, a new mobile app that combines shopping with social media.

Want to learn more? Here’s a brief snapshot of what the app can do for you!

“Check out PickN’Tell, it’s a great new mobile app that let’s you shop for and share fashion with friends – anytime, anyplace  –  all from your smartphone. With PickN’Tell, you can get opinions from the people you trust, connect with stylists and stores featuring the latest fashions, share your picks on Facebook and Twitter and with friends and get access to exclusive promotions, events and prizes from your favorite stores.

To start using  PickN’Tell now, download the PickN’Tell app from the App Store, Google Play or visit our website for more info on how PickN’Tell makes shopping for fashion more fun!”

I am happy to announce that I will be teaming up with Pickn’Tell on their social media campaign, starting with the launch of their new app this week! So, just download the app, like Pickn’Tell on Facebook and Twitter, and start connecting right away for your chance to earn points and prizes. Feel free to send me any questions, comments, or suggestions you may have.

And don’t forget, I can’t wait to see all of YOUR fashion picks! So get out there and start snapping.

A Clear Day in the Blue City of Jodhpur

I arrived to Jodhpur with the rain, and the city smelled fresh and clean, scrubbed free of its desert sands. After settling into my hotel, I headed to Pal Haveli, a noble family’s home turned restaurant and hotel. The rain had ended and the sky was dark and dramatic as I walked up to the rooftop terrace. Spread out before me was a panoramic view of Jodhpur’s iconic fort, Mehran Garh, and the main city square. As fireworks lit up the night sky, I feasted on butter naan, chicken masala, and lentil stew. Heading back to the hotel, I couldn’t wait for the morning, and my official welcome to the blue city.

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Photo of the Day: Heaven on Earth at the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal was created by Emperor Shah Jahan as a parting gift to his favorite wife. When she died, he decided to create a tomb for her that resembled the Koran’s description of heaven. With its towering white domes, peaceful gardens, and intricate carvings, the Taj is definitely an unearthly creation. While it may not be your personal view of heaven, its hard not to get swept away by the beauty of the Taj, and it’s romantic origin.

Driving Through the Outback of Jodhpur, India

The first day of my road trip through Northern India began with the blue city of Jodhpur.

After the six-hour drive from Udaipur’s lakeside palaces, I arrived in the desert terrain of the “outback” of Jodhpur. Waiting for my arrival was Raghu, my Compass India guide, alongside an open-air jeep. My first afternoon in Jodhpur was spent in the company of a host of local families, as I learned about the traditions and skills passed down among the generations.

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Photo of the Day: Summer Lovin’

Drinking coconut water on a beach in Koh Samet, Thailand

As the winter finally ends and the weather is (slowly!) starting to warm up again, I find myself fantasizing about the summer beach days to come. With spring cleaning in full effect, its time to pull out those summer dresses and strappy sandals and get ready for a tropical adventure.

Where will this American girl be spending summer 2012? In Spain, of course!

And I can’t wait to share it all with YOU! From Madrid to Barcelona to Ibiza, I will be sharing the best in food, nightlife, culture, and of course fashion.

Where will you be spending this summer?

Photo of the Day: Alpacas, Soft & Stylish

After a shopping frenzy in the tourist trap that is Cusco, I decided to debut one of my latest Alpaca finds while on a tour of the Sacred Valley. While browsing through the piles of chompas (sweaters) I was unsure at first. I was expecting the itchy quality of wool, and perhaps even a strange animal scent permeating the thread.

I couldn’t have been more wrong! Warm and woolly, my sweater held up marvelously against the finicky Andean weather.

The rest of the day was spent exploring the numerous Inca ruins, and marveling at the glorious pop of color against the bleak landscape.