VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT GUIDE

Can you believe it that Valentine's Day is already around the corner?

I've rounded up a few of my favorite gift ideas. Check out my picks by scrolling through the widget above, or check it out on my Valentine's Day Pinterest board. From affordable to luxury, I've got all of the bases covered!

HOW TO TRAVEL HACK + AN INTRODUCTION

I like to travel. And I travel a lot. I've been on nine separate trips in the past six months. At this point, I could pretty much do the whole TSA thing backwards with my eyes closed. I get a lot of questions as to how I'm able to travel so frequently — on my own dime. Enter: travel hacking.

Travel hacking: the art of collecting frequent flier miles and points in exchange for free flights

There are dozens of articles online about travel hacking. I stumbled upon the topic one day while researching and comparing the perks of airline credit cards. My two favorite authorities on the matter are Nomadic Matt and The Points Guy. Both websites are great resources for those interested in digging deeper into the art of travel hacking. Below I'll touch on some of the broad aspects of travel hacking.

Note: I use "miles" and "points" interchangeably below — really, they're the same thing.

LOYALTY PROGRAMS

All major airlines have loyalty programs. These are the programs that offer you elite status — the status that gives you priority boarding, concierge services, free checked bags and inexpensive or free seat upgrades. Unless you fly frequently, it might be difficult to accumulate enough points in a year to earn elite status. However, it's worth signing up for these reward programs.

For example, I fly Southwest Airlines a lot. I'm probably never going to accumulate enough points in a year to earn Southwest's A-List status. But as a loyalty program member, I receive special member-only emails and access to special airfare deals. Domestically, I usually fly for $200 or under roundtrip — that's a fantastic deal.

CREDIT CARDS

Before we get into this, it's important to note that travel hacking via credit card will only work for individuals with responsible spending habits. It's paramount that you pay off the card in full every month. If you don't, it'll cost you money, rather than make you free money.

Big credit card bonuses are really the key to travel hacking. But, choosing the travel credit card that's right for you can be difficult. In short, choosing a card that offers less than 50,000 sign-up points or miles probably isn't worth it — otherwise, it'll take too long to accumulate miles. Nomadic Matt has a wonderful, fabulous ebook that I couldn't recommend enough and would advise anyone to purchase that has additional questions about travel hacking via credit cards. And no, he isn't sponsoring this post — I just genuinely think his book is that great.

Aside from sign-up miles, you earn miles on a credit card based on how much money you spend with the card. That's why I put all of my expenses every month on a credit card. I look at it this way: I was going to spend the money on XYZ anyways, whether it came directly out of my bank account or I put it on a credit card. I might as well put it on a credit card in order to accumulate reward bonuses, and then I'll pay off the card at the end of the month. This simple choice rewards me with free money at the end of each month.

MAXIMIZING POINTS

Often, credit cards have "bonus" categories in which you can earn up to 5x the points you normally would. Categories might include groceries, gas stations, department stores, office supply stores, etc. Make sure to maximize your bonus category spending.

But, what am I supposed to do when my monthly bonus category is for gas stations? I don't even have a car in D.C. ... So, I know I need to add more money to my Starbucks card this month. Instead of adding money to it directly through the Starbucks app or paying for my drink via credit card in-store, I'll buy a Starbucks gift card from a gas station. This way, I'll earn the extra bonus points on my Starbucks purchase rather than the regular 1 point per dollar spent.

It's worth noting that some credit cards exclude gift cards from bonus category spending, so it's important to read the fine print or calling your card issuer if you're unsure.

Airline + credit card shopping portals are also a great way to maximize points. I do most of my shopping online anyways, so this is something I really take advantage of. Shopping portals are when airlines and credit card issuers partner with retailers to create their own special shopping portal to benefit themselves (as profit-seeking companies), but also to benefit the consumer by rewarding them for shopping through their partnership.By shopping through your credit card's (or airline's) portal, you can easily rack up bonus points, miles or cash back. You get the same product at no extra cost and it essentially allows you to stack rewards.

For example, I'll shop at Nordstrom or J.Crew online via my credit card's shopping portal. One time, my card was offering 5x the points at Nordstrom and 10% cash back on J.Crew purchases. When you have access to rewards like this, it's just silly not to take advantage of them.

AIRFARE DEALS

I've gotten good at recognizing a good deal on airfare. And the key is to jump on a good deal when you see it, rather than waiting and hoping the deal will get even better. Sorry to tell you, but chances are, it won't. I check my preferred airlines websites and routes weekly. For example, I know that a $200 round-trip weekend ticket from Washington, D.C. (DCA) to Milwaukee (MKE) is a good deal. And the likelihood of that price going down is very slim. I know that it's possible to find a $100 one-way ticket from D.C. to Los Angeles if you know where to look.

It's important to underscore how important it is to be subscribed to your preferred airline's email updates. Yeah, they can be annoying. But well worth the money saved when you can score a good deal. Many specials in the airline business are only sent via newsletter, so it's really worth your while to sign up.

Also, know your major airport hubs. Flying from hub to hub is a lot cheaper than flying to non-hubs. If possible, fly to a nearby hub airport rather than your preferred airport and take alternate transportation to your destination if possible. Obviously, this method will not work in all situations, but it's a good idea to have in the back of your mind.

There you have it, folks!

Travel hacking is a deeply technical technique and I only went over the broad strokes — I'd recommend doing some independent research if you're looking for a more comprehensive picture or are interested in trying it out yourself. Good luck!

GUEST BLOGGING ON HAPPINESS

Happy Monday, y'all! 

I have some exciting news: my first-ever guest post is up on Adventures with Mr. C! I wrote for Ashley's series "positive posts" where I talked about finding happiness and other tough-to-tackle issues. Be sure to check it out and let me know what you think!

CHICAGO RECAP

If you follow the blog on Instagram or Twitter, you know that I visited Chicago recently! I took a long weekend and spent four days in the windy city with some of girlfriends. From brunches to happy hours and everything in between (i.e. shopping) we had a blast. Check out some highlights from the girl's weekend below!

EAT + DRINK

Summer House Santa Monica
We had brunch at this California-concept restaurant one morning and it was so good. I had the avocado toast and a pot of loose leaf tea, but really, everything on the menu looked phenomenal. Be sure to make reservations a few days in advance as this popular spot is always booked! This is already on my to-do list for my upcoming Chicago trip round 2 in a few weeks (more on that later!).

The Signature Lounge
Located on the 96th floor of the John Hancock building downtown Chicago, this lounge boasts the best views for post-dinner drinks in the city. It was really quite amazing to be able to see the city skyline from that angle. Oh, and oddly enough, the floor-to-ceiling windows in the lounge's bathrooms provide a great opportunity to snap a photo!

RPM Italian 
When in Chicago, the RPM restaurants are a must. Famously known because of it's owners Giuliana and Bill Rancic, this restaurant did not disappoint. Hands down the best Italian food I've ever had — and trust me, I'm basically a food authority when it comes to carbs.

TOURISTY

Millennium Park + The Bean 

Would you believe it if I said I've been to Chicago plenty of times but never stopped at The Bean? I'm embarrassed to admit it, but it's true. A design wonder, The Bean is a massive stainless steel sculpture — formally named Cloud Gate. It's kind of like stopping by the White House if you're visiting D.C... you've got to visit The Bean if you're in Chicago. 

The Magnificent Mile
This is an upscale section of Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago. This is the city's largest shopping district and is home to a host of luxury retailers. I always make a point to stop by The Mile when I'm in town because the shopping here just can't be beat. From Zara to J.Crew, Saks Fifth Avenue to Barney's New York and Chanel, Cartier and Salvatore Ferragamo, there's really something for everyone.

MISCELLANEOUS 

Lincoln Park Conservatory 

I'm always up for a good conservatory, and this certainly fits the bill. It was an especially nice treat to be able to escape the bitter cold for an afternoon and retreat into a lush paradise of tropical plants. While it might be difficult to kill a few hours here, it's definitely a great place to pop in if you're in the neighborhood. And it's free!

Restoration Hardware
Stopping by an interior design showroom might seem a bit strange to include as a "highlight" from the trip, but let me assure you, this is no mistake. This is one of the most stunning galleries of design I've seen... and hey, I live down the street from Smithsonian galleries. The interior designers brilliantly curate each showroom and the decor is phenomenal. It's a minimalist's paradise. There's also a beautiful cafe located in the center of the building for grabbing a bite to eat or a cocktail after browsing. Not to mention, walking around the showrooms with a glass of bubbly in hand is encouraged.

The Second City
We went to The Best of Second City sketch + improv show one night and had a blast! This is the company that launched the careers of Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert and Steve Carell (just to name a few). It was so funny, my stomach hurt from laughing so much by the end of it. 10 out of 10 would recommend!

LATELY - JANUARY

WEARING: I've been traveling so much these past few months. I've (successfully) navigated my way through eight new-to-me airports, sprinted through terminals to catch a connection, tested TSA limits and anxiously flown on standby.  With that, I've also nailed down my "tried and true" travel outfit — my favorite leggings, sneakers, a white tee shirt and denim jacket. I've worn this outfit almost every time I've stepped foot on an aircraft over the last six months. Which is a lot. Oops.

WATCHING: I'll admit, I totally jumped on the Making a Murder bandwagon. I mean, I'm from Wisconsin, so I basically had no choice, right? I will say that I didn't totally love it, but it was an interesting watch. If you've been around for a while, you'll know that I love documentaries. I watched Resistance recently and really liked it. The film explores the declining efficacy of antibiotics and the recent rise of drug-resistance microbes — aka "superbugs."

READING: I picked up a copy of Mindy Kaling's Why Not Me on mega-sale (for $5!) at Urban Outfitters recently. Best. Decision. Ever. Mindy is hysterically funny and her latest book is no exception. This fun, light-hearted read is the perfect way to transition back into post-grad reading.

CONSUMING: Green juice. Ugh, Yes. D.C. has turned me into "one of those girls". You know, the ones wearing Lululemon at Whole Foods picking out an apple + kale cold pressed juice? Yeah, one of those.

COVETING: I've had my eye on a Louis Vuitton Neverfull for a while now, but I think I'm going to have to table that want for the moment. Being young and halfway broke is hard. Although, I am in the market for the perfect pair of grey suede d'Orsay pumps. Sam Edelman has been killing it lately with his "winter sky" grey-shaded shoes, but nothing I'm loving right now. So, the hunt continues!

Stay tuned for my Chicago recap coming to the blog soon!

MAXIMIZING VACATION DAYS

If you're anything like me, you love to travel. But, making it happen with limited paid vacation days can be difficult. In the past six months, I've been on dozens of flights traveling on eight separate occasions. I often get questions about how I'm able to travel so frequently without wasting all of my paid time off before the third quarter of the year. Whether it be a trip abroad or a short flight back home, I've learned how to utilize my vacation time to maximize my travel. 

It's important to note that not all workplaces afford the options outlined below. Furthermore, not all individuals have the flexibility in their positions to utilize all of the options. Depending on your employer, management position, tenure, etc. some of these options may (or may not) be available to you. 

NEGOTIATE 

There are several ways you can "negotiate" your way into additional vacation days. If your supervisor is flexible, would they allow you to arrange an alternative work schedule? At my job, many employees work the standard eight hour day. I arranged an alternative schedule with my supervisor that allows me to work nine hour days, which affords me one day off every two weeks. I still work the standard 80 hours per pay period that my colleagues do, but I get two extra days off per month. That's huge.  

Additionally, some companies offer compensatory time off. Typically, this is an arrangement that allows for time off with pay in lieu of overtime pay. However, it can also apply to irregularly worked hours, too. If you expect to work overtime or irregular hours, it's worth talking to your supervisor about. It's important to note here that many salaried employees do not enjoy the benefit of comp time, but it varies widely from company to company. 

Finally, negotiate vacation time when you first get a job offer or when you're awarded a raise. If you have the ability to negotiate your benefit package before you begin a job, it's an easy way to gain extra vacation days. If that's not an option, know that many employees negotiate for additional paid time off in lieu of a monetary raise when they're slated for a pay increase. 

WORK REMOTELY

Does your company allow you to work from home or telework? If so, this added flexibility can be key to planning travel. If you have the flexibility of working from the airport, on your flight, in a hotel room or at your destination, it suddenly becomes much easier to conserve your vacation days and travel at the same time. 

TAKE THE "BAD" FLIGHT

Those 6:00a flights? The worst. How about red-eyes? Equally as terrible. But, these flights can really help maximize vacation days. I like flying early mornings on domestic departures because it allows me to enjoy a full day at my destination. Along the same lines, I like to book late flights back home. This allows me to extend my trip as long as possible — and really, I only regret it Monday morning when I'm tired. The positive? Flying early, late, and otherwise obscure times is often cheapest!

HOLIDAYS

Traveling around holidays is an easy way to scrape together an extra day or two off. In the U.S., most workplaces grant the standard Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years holidays off. Does your company offer any other obscure days off? Many workplaces grant every federal holiday off, including MLK Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Columbus Day and Veterans Day. Being aware of these extra days off ahead of time can really benefit travel planning. If you know of a three day weekend coming up, taking a vacation day at the beginning (or end) of the weekend is a super easy way to get in a four day trip with only taking one day off. And trust me, four days is plenty — especially if you plan it right! 

COMPROMISE 

Sometimes, I'll get up early and head into work at 5:00a so I can work a full day and leave by 3:00p. This allows me to beat traffic or get on an earlier flight that I otherwise wouldn't be able to. Added bonus: bring your bags to the office and leave directly from work!

But, what happens when you've exhausted all of your options and are out of vacation time? Talk to your supervisor about taking unpaid leave. Many companies have some sort of policy regarding unpaid time off, and it may be your only option if you've already used your leave allowance for the year. 

Work shouldn't have to spoil all of the fun when it comes to travel. How do you stretch your vacation days?

MEXICO RECAP

If you follow along on Instagram or Twitter, you know that I just returned from a week in sunny Mexico! I rang in the new year with my best friend at Grand Bahia Principe - Tulum, an all-inclusive resort in the Riviera Maya. 

Miles of white sand beaches, crystal clear blue waters and sunny skies — take me back! We had a blast indulging in a much-needed vacation south of the border. We took a really fun excursion one day where we chartered a boat to a secluded cove and went snorkeling. I even got to captain the boat on the way back from our resort! Didn't think I'd be able to check "drive a boat on the ocean" so soon off my bucket list.

I took somewhat of a break from technology on the trip and didn't capture as many photos as I had originally planned to. Nevertheless, take a look at the few moments I captured below!

ON CHANGE + A YEAR IN REVIEW

I'm a little late to the game, but happy New Year, y'all! 2015 was quite the year. Without a doubt, last year was the most challenging, rewarding and unpredictable year of my life. Oh, and full of changes. Life is sure a wild ride, isn't it?

I've been focusing a lot on reflection lately, and I wanted to take a moment to share some with you all. If I had to categorize my year in one word, it would be change. If you've been around here for a while, you've probably seen a lot of the change firsthand. 

I finished out my senior year of college having the best of times with my closets friends. I graduated from a university I absolutely love. I moved away from home for the first time in my life. Far away. Across the country far, like Washington, D.C. far. I started my first "real" job. I learned how to live out of a carry-on and have spent many hours on Boeing 737's. I loved deeply. I learned a lot.

Not all of the change was great, though. I cut ties with people who were once very important in my life. I watched loved ones suffer through hard times. I started over in a new city with no friends. People I trusted lied to me. There were days I felt hurt and alone. Change I didn't want and couldn't plan for. 

I'm starting 2016 in a very different place than I did last year. Unlike last year, I'm building my career instead of being in school. Unlike last year, I'm in a new city learning to adjust to my new life. Unlike last year, no obstacles stand in my way of creating the life I want to live. I'm embracing a fresh start in this new year.

I want to thank you all who have been along for any little part of my journey these past 23 years. An overwhelming sense of gratitude fills my heart when I reflect on the positive moments and new experiences I've had. I can't wait to see what this year will bring. 

"May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful, and don't forget to make some art. Write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself." - Neil Gaiman