Travel Flashback: Verona, Italy

When I was in college, the summer after my sophomore year, I took most of my savings and sprung for  a three week European adventure with the college travel company, EF College Break. It was a great way for me to go off on and travel on my own for the first time but in a way that made it super easy to meet people. It was a solo trip, with training wheels. 

After leaving the beautiful Venice, we were on our way to Lucerne, Switzerland. But, first we had a little stopover in Verona. Of all of the stops on my European road trip, Paris, London, Amsterdam, Venice, I had not given much thought or excitement to the idea of Verona. But, after spending a day there I realized how wrong I had been. 

Verona is hailed as a city of romance, I mean it is the home to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, and honestly it lives up to the name. It's streets are full of quintessential Italian charm, the sidewalks are even lined with marble and this city had by far the best, cleanest and best designed public restroom I've ever seen. 

*look at little 20 year old Kelley, who was obviously more focused on comfort than fashion this day.

If you get a chance to visit Verona here some sights you can't miss.

Juliet's House - Yes, we all know that Romeo and Juliet is a ficctional story that was created by Shakespeare hundreds of years ago but that doesn't stop thousands and thousands of tourists from visiting the Casa di Giulietta every year. It is a 13th century home that in the 1990's was converted into a museum dedicated to Juliet. For the small price of 4 euros you can enter the house and step out onto the balcony made famous by the words "Romeo o Romeo." Or just visit the courtyard where there is a statue of Juliet and rumor states that if you touch Juliet's left breast it will bring you good luck. You may notice the years of wear that the left breast has versus the right. If you are not feeling romantic and having some troubles in the love department, don't worry. If you send a letter to Juliet's house you will get a personalized letter in response giving you advice. Its reported that they receive over 5000 letters a year.

Lamberti Tower - Wanting to get a better view of Verona? You must make a visit to the Lamberti tower which is located in the heart of Verona. Dating back to the 12th century, the 275 foot structure offers incredible views of the city. On a clear day you can see all the way to Austria. It costs 3 euros to get to the top by elevator or 2 euros to climb the 350+ steps to the top.

Verona Arena - A Roman amphitheater that was built in 30 AD, is even older then the Colosseum in Rome. Located in the Piazza Bra it  is one of the best preserved ancient structures of its kind. The thing that makes this arena even cooler is that it is still in use. The arena is still used as a site for popular productions of several different operas every year. It has also been the venue for past concerts by various artists including, Paul McCartney, Pearl Jam, Pink Floyd, One Direction and many more.

Take a stroll along the river - Some of my favorite views of the city were along the Adige River. You may even make it to the Ponte Pietra and old Roman Arch Bridge that was completed in 100 B.C A historical note about the bridge, most of it was destroyed in World War II when it was blown up by retreating German troops, but, it was rebuilt in 1957 using original materials. 

Italian food - Exploring all the streets, side streets and alleyways you are sure to find an adorable Italian cafe with outdoors seating and a multitude of wine choices because they are everywhere each one as delightful as the next. So wander around! Get lost! You are sure to find just what you are looking for.

Verona surprised me with how it captured my heart. I hope to make it back one day and spend more time there exploring the city! Maybe even catch the opera at the Arena.

Have you been to Verona, did you love it? Would you add Verona to your European to-do list?

Save and Splurge Lifestyle: Money Saving Tips

I live by the "Save, then Splurge" motto when it comes to money. This may not be the most financially responsible way to live, but hey I'm in my 20's I'm going to live it up while I can. I typically use this method when it relates to travel, I work hard and save up my money and then I splurge by going on some fabulous trip somewhere. There are lots of little tips and tricks that I use to help me when I am in Save mode. These tricks can help you save money all year round or just when you are saving up for something specific.

Loose coin jar - This is my favorite way to save money. At the end of everyday i'll put all my loose change in a jar. Sometimes I'll even put a few spare dollars in that are lying around. After a few months you can have a substantial chunk of change in there. Check with your bank and see what their requirements for depositing change. You can use a Coinstar machine to convert your change but they do take a percentage.

Open an extra savings account - Make a savings account that is specifically for what you are trying to save money for, in my case a travel savings account. This way you keep that money separate from all the bill-paying, grocery buying money. 

Plan your weekly meals - If you plan your meals when you go grocery shopping their will be no unnecessary purchases and less temptations to go out to eat when you don't feel like cooking.

Buy generic - Name brands are expensive and when you are trying to save money, something to be avoided. You don't need expensive name brand shampoo, conditioner  or body wash and you will survive without that designer makeup.

Stop buying bottled water. This is not only a money saver, its common sense and its good for the environment. Invest in a cute water bottle and just refill it on the regular and you will save yourself a ton of cash.

Make coffee at home - This goes a long with the last one. Buying coffee at Starbucks all the time can really break the bank. Making coffee on your own can save you a lot.

Watch movies online - Going to the movies is fun but every time you go there it breaks the bank. If you really want to get out to the theaters then go to a matinee and bring your own snacks.

Pay your bills on time - This is a given. But it needs to be said because late fees are a real cash drain. 

DIY your present - When it comes to birthdays and Christmas presents can cost a fortune, so break out your inner Pinterest fanatic and give some of those DIY projects a try.

Stay in - Trust me, I know as much as anyone that staying in when everyone is going out is no fun. So why don't you plan on a night in with your friends. Pot luck dinner. Bring your own wine night. Movie marathon. 

What are some of your favorite money-saving tricks?

Advice for the Beginner Photographer

So you did it, you took the plunge and bought yourself a nice and expensive DSLR camera. Awesome! If you are anything like me, then you got it home, took it out of the box, glanced at the manual and thought to yourself, now what? DSLR cameras can be intimidating, especially if you are a novice when it comes to photography. With the help of my sister, who has studied photography for several years, and copious hours of internet research I have complied a list of tips and advice for photography and DSLR camera beginners.

Your camera manual is your new best friend. If you are like me you never read the manual, but, in this case not only is it a necessity it will simplify your life. Getting to know all the ins and outs of your camera is the first step to becoming a better photographer.

Be patient with yourself. It is going to take time and practice for you to get comfortable with your camera. So don't beat yourself if it doesn't happen over night.

Don't be pressured to get out of AUTO mode ... until you are ready. I have heard so many people complain about people who buy big expensive DSLR cameras and they only take pictures in Auto. Who cares? Its their money and their camera let them do what they want. Obviously, I think you should learn to take full advantage of your cameras capabilities but who am I to judge. So no rush, get comfortable with your camera and in the meantime take photos in Auto if you want.

Learn the basics of shooting in manual. By that I mean, be able to understand the words aperture, shutter speed and ISO and what they mean for the function of your camera. It is important to learn how your camera works so you can take better pictures.

Practice, Practice, Practice. I think it is especially important to set time aside to practice using the manual settings on your camera. Do it when there is no pressure and the pictures you are taking don't matter. Don't wait til the family vacation to learn how to use your camera.

There is no such thing as too many pictures. The more you shoot the more comfortable you will get with your camera and your pictures will turn out better because of it.

Research. Read photography books. Look at photography blogs. Search Pinterest. I'm serious on this one, Pinterest is a great resource for photography how-tos.

Protect your equipment. By that I mean, your camera was probably expensive so you should take care of it. Buy UV filters for your lens(es). Don't touch or mess with the mirror inside the body of your camera, it could damage your sensors. Try and prevent dust from getting inside that area as well, change your lenses quickly. 

Have fun! This is the most important piece of advice I can give you.

What are some your favorite tips and tricks for beginner photographers and their DSLR cameras?

Yoga Guide: Advice from a Newbie

Its been over a month since I declared my desire to rededicate myself to yoga. How is that going you ask? Its going pretty well actually! Right now I'm in kind of a workout rut, mainly its cold here and well I don't want to do it. And when I say cold here, I mean everywhere. When its cold in Paraguay there is no escape, most people don't have heat in their houses and its a humid cold which is just plain weird. But, I try and do yoga for at least 15 minutes everyday ... and I generally stick to that plan. I thought I would share some of my new found yoga wisdom, remember I'm a beginner too, so don't take my advice as the end all be all of yoga advice, but, I thought it could help other newbies, like me.

Don't give up. Yoga can be hard. I know the people you see doing it on Instagram and those workout videos look so relaxed but that is because they have been doing yoga for years. When you start, yoga is hard. You will breath heavy, make weird noises and generally make a fool of yourself. But that is the point, keep going and you will get there one day. After a month I am already seeing improvements in moves I could barely do 30 days ago

Get into a routine. You will see better results if you practice yoga on a regular basis. Even if you are like me and only do 10-15 minutes a day. Something is better than nothing, so get your butt on your mat at least a few time a week, every week.

Listen to your body. Yes, it is important to push your body sometimes in yoga, you don't know what you can do until you try. But, you also need to be careful, Yoga may not be a contact sport but you can still get hurt. Go slowly and do what is comfortable to your body.

Breathing. Do it. Sometimes in the more difficult poses you will find yourself holding your breath. Stop. Breathing is an intricate part of yoga and you know, living. So just remember to keep breathing.

Start slow. I know when you start yoga you have this image in your head of doing awesome hand stand poses or crazy arm balance moves and basically just being a yoga super star. But, you won't get there right away. You need to build up strength and balance and a whole bunch of other things before you get there. Start with the important foundation poses and they will eventually lead you to those awesome hand stands.

Do your research. Go to a class. Talk to your yoga instructor. Read a book. Research online. Get help from actual Yoga professionals (not just a wannabe yogi - aka me.)

Have fun. This is the most important in my book. If you aren't having fun while you practice yoga then whats the point. There are plenty of exercises out there you can do, yoga isn't for everyone so don't force it. 

Do you have any advice for Yoga beginners, like me?