Live Life as You

Hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park

Beni — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 21:30:04 +0000

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Zion National Park, a breathtaking sanctuary of towering cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and mesmerizing landscapes, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Among its many wonders, hiking The Narrows stands out as a unique and exhilarating adventure. Strap on your gear, embrace the cool waters, and let’s dive into the immersive experience of navigating this iconic slot canyon.

Weather

If you are in the area for a few days I definitely recommend choosing the best day by checking the weather before hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park. Sudden changes in weather can significantly impact conditions in the narrow canyon, including flash floods. The National Park Service website often provides up-to-date information and safety tips for hiking in the Narrows. Before you enter the National Park you will also see signs and weather forecast specifically for hiking the Narrows and what would be considered safe conditions.

gear essentials

Proper gear is crucial for this adventure. A sturdy pair of water shoes with good traction, a walking stick for stability, and a waterproof backpack to protect your belongings are essentials. Dress in layers, as the temperature can vary, and don’t forget a dry bag for your electronics and snacks.

what i brought

Hiking Sun Hat

Long Sleeve Thermal Shirt and Pants

The Journey Begins

As you approach the entrance of The Narrows, the towering red sandstone walls create a natural gateway, inviting you into a world carved by the Virgin River. The hike begins with a leisurely stroll along the Riverside Walk, a paved trail that gradually immerses you in the beauty of the surroundings.

Entering the Gorge

As the paved path fades away, the real adventure commences. The Virgin River becomes your trail, and you find yourself wading through ankle-deep water. The canyon walls rise dramatically on both sides, creating a sense of awe and wonder. The narrow passages and the cool water provide a welcome relief, especially on a hot day.

Embracing the Narrows

With each step, the canyon narrows further, and the towering cliffs above create a surreal environment. The play of light and shadow on the canyon walls adds to the mystique, making every turn a photographic opportunity. Be prepared to navigate uneven riverbeds, occasional currents, and embrace the feeling of being a tiny wanderer in the grandeur of nature.

Challenges and Rewards

Hiking The Narrows comes with its challenges, but the rewards are unparalleled. You may encounter waist-deep water, slippery rocks, and the occasional river currents, adding an element of excitement to the journey. However, the beauty that unfolds around every bend makes the challenges worthwhile.

the subway and beyond

For those seeking an extended adventure, consider venturing further into The Narrows, known as “The Subway.” This section presents even narrower passages, sculpted by the forces of nature into stunning formations. A permit is required for this more advanced hike, adding a sense of exclusivity to the experience.

A journey to Remember

Hiking The Narrows in Zion National Park is a remarkable journey through time and nature’s artistry. From the gentle flow of the Virgin River to the towering sandstone walls that seem to touch the sky, every moment in The Narrows is a testament to the raw beauty of Zion. So, gear up, step into the river, and let the wonders of The Narrows unfold before you—a hike that promises memories etched in the heart and images imprinted in the soul.

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The Best Purple Shampoo For Blonde Hair

Beni — Sun, 05 Feb 2023 02:53:36 +0000

If you don’t know already, you will discover that purple shampoo is your hair’s best friend. I have been a brunette gone blonde for about 11 years now and I have tried every purple shampoo under the sun and I am obsessed with this one! The Fanola Purple Shampoo is by far the best shampoo and its pigmentation is really concentrated and can remove the brassiness with just one wash. Especially if you are a natural brunette the toner only lasts for so long before it starts to turn an orange brassy color. Yikes! Purple shampoo is excellent for keeping the orange away and helps maintain the ashy blonde in-between hair appointments. I use this one to two times per week with a disposable shower cap for 10 minutes and voila! Good as new!

Purchase

I post all about my Blond Hair Care Routine and what you should know before going blonde, here.

The Best Hiking Gift Guide She Will absolutely love

Beni — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 01:14:52 +0000

This post is all about the best gift guide for the outdoorsy girl in your life and getting her a gift she will absolutely love!

I absolutely LOVE this stainless steel rambler!! I take it to every hike, run, and use it daily to stay hydrated. The 18oz bottle is a little more than your standard-size water bottle so I purchased the 36oz here, this one is a little over two standard-size water bottles. It’s a bit pricey but it is totally worth every penny! It keeps cold water at the same cold temperature literally all day which is perfect for those hot summer hikes and hot tea warm all day for those cold winter days.

A smartwatch is also a great gift for the outdoorsy person in your life as it’s another gift idea that can be used on a daily basis. It is an all-in-one tracker for health, fitness, running, sleep cycles, GPS fall detection, Bluetooth, with the ability to make phone calls, read and send messages on your wrist!

Not only is this hammock comfortable but it is so cute and aesthetically pleasing! Just pack it up tightly in the provided bag, find two strong trees, hang it up, and enjoy the relaxation of the crisp outdoor air!

Hiking trekking poles should be on every hiker’s wish list! Trekking poles are a great way to help you reduce injury, especially on the joints, and can even help you cover more ground. If you need a more “travel-size”, these collapsible ones are great too.

I have owned several different types of hiking boots over the years and these Renegade Hiking Boots are by far my favorite! While quite pricey, I believe you get what you pay for and the quality of these boots is not only great quality but super comfortable as well.

This is a perfect travel-size JBL speaker you can literally take anywhere due to the mere size. It’s great because you can clip it to your backpack or anywhere while listening to your favorite jams! I’ve taken mine on river rafting too! I post all about that rafting experience here.

The Hurrican Sport Teva sandals are great outdoorsy sandals, so comfortable and durable for hiking, camping, and all outdoorsy activities.

Kafka Kool ties are the perfect gift for those who spend time in the warm outdoors. It has a cooling effect that lasts up to three days! Not only is the utility of this item great but it’s very cute and can add some personality to your attire with more than 20+ colors, designs, and patterns to choose from.

This Lululemon dupe Fanny Pack is another perfect gift not only great for the outdoors but can be used daily.

This 40L backpack is a gift that she will definitely love especially if she has an affinity for the color pink. It is dependable, durable, and has just the right compartments to take on a single/multi-day hike.

I hope this guide makes your day of shopping for the outdoorsy woman in your life much easier.

The Most Beautiful Waterfall in California

Beni — Sat, 14 May 2022 05:10:31 +0000

There are so many beautiful places to visit in California and this is definitely one of them. McArthur Burney Falls aka Burney Falls is a must-see waterfall State Park in Northern California, such a breathtakingly beautiful place you will absolutely LOVE. Not only is it an amazing attraction but it is a great place to go camping and enjoy all the activities the park has to offer!

McArthur Burney Falls State Park

McArthur Burney Falls State Park includes multiple hiking trails, a 129-foot waterfall centerpiece, a lake for fishing or water sports, barbequing, camping including cabins, and a general store.

The best time to go would definitely be spring and summer because the water is extremely cold, 42 degrees cold! When you hike down the hill of rocks down to the waterfall pool, it tends to be a bit windy and very cold because of the daily flow of 100 million gallons of water cascading down the mountain, so bring a light sweater!

What to bring

Kafka Kool Tie to keep cool. I never go on a sunny hike without it! It has a cooling effect that lasts from 2-3 days!
Water Shoes – Let your personality shine through with all the different types of styles, patterns, and colors
Backpack– I love my Patagonia backpack not so big, not so small, just the perfect size! Check out this similar one I found.
Stainless Steel Water Bottle – This one is my absolute favorite, keeps the water as cold as you first put it in the bottle for all-day hydration.
Soap & Sanitizer is a MUST. These travel ones are perfect for reuse and to attach to your backpack or purse for travel.

What you should know

Arrive early because you are not allowed to park outside on the highway and may risk getting a ticket or towed. If they run out of parking spaces you may also be directed to park at the lake which is a little over a mile away and you will have to walk on the winding road, you will exhaust yourself before even the fun begins!

I would walk down to the waterfalls first and take all the photos you want before you do the trail and get your sweat on!

During the summertime make sure to bring water and stay well hydrated and cool.

Hang out at the waterfalls pool area and soak in the beauty! Pictures definitely do not do this place justice of how grand it really is when you are at the bottom of the falls.

Be very careful while going down the hill of rocks to avoid falls or a sprained ankle.

For all my fellow dog lovers: our furry members are not allowed on this trail. They are only allowed in the parking lot, paved roadway, and campgrounds.

If you are feeling really daring and adventurous, go during the summer so you can jump in the waterfall pool for a really refreshing plunge!

Make sure to take water shoes because the water is so cold and the rocks are slippery!

Falls Loop Trail

The most popular hiking trail is the Burney Falls Loop Trail which is a family-friendly trail for all ages and skill levels. There are two bridges, a beautiful side view of the falls and it loops around back to the entrance of the waterfall and is only about a mile long.

Camping

Campsites and Cabins are available to book up to six months in advance that can be reserved online: https://www.reservecalifornia.com/CaliforniaWebHome/

Due to the popularity and a place that may be on everyone’s bucket list, I would make reservations with as much lead time as possible. Spaces fill up quickly!

Lake Britton

About a mile away from the majestic falls is a road down the mountain that leads to Lake Britton surrounded by beautiful tall Redwood trees as far as the eyes can see.

You can enjoy a nice sunny day on the water surrounded by beautiful green Redwood trees. The park offers kayak, canoe, pedal boats, and pontoon boat rentals for half or a full day.

Picnic Area

Just across the lake is an area full of picnic tables and pedestal park barbecue grills for your cooking needs! There are also some at the entrance near the waterfalls but I found it better to barbecue near the lake as there were a lot more surrounding trees which meant there was a lot more shade to go around.

I hope this post sparks your interest in visiting this beautiful park! I loved it so much I have gone about five times in just a year and it never gets old! If you have the time for another awesome adventure in the area check out my post on the Lake Shasta Caverns!!

I can’t wait to hear all about your visit and how you enjoyed your visit/stay. Post in the comments below, I would love to hear all about it! <3

Hiking Angels Landing Zion National Park

Beni — Wed, 11 May 2022 23:40:48 +0000

Hiking Angels Landing Zion National Park (NP) is one of the most talked-about hikes in the U.S. because of its sheer beauty, thrill, and a strong sense of adventure. If this hike is not on your bucket list yet I am sure by the end of this post you will be wondering why you haven’t added it to your bucket hiking list sooner!

There are three points in the trail to look forward to, Refrigerator Canyon, Scout Lookout, and Angels Landing spine.

What to bring

Kafka Kool Tie to keep cool. I never go on a sunny hike without it! It has a cooling effect that lasts from 2-3 days!
Gloves (optional) for the chain section with grip for better grasp and support.
Stainless Steel Water Bottle This one is my absolute favorite, keeps the water as cold as you first put it in the bottle for all-day hydration.
Hiking Trekking Poles To prevent knee injury and help support the additional weight, especially during the incline sections of the trail including Walter’s Wiggles. These collapsible ones are awesome because they easily fit inside a small hiking backpack.
Hiking Shoes/Boots These are my new fav! They have been awesome! Good tread, ankle support, and comfortable!

What you should know

Check NPS for Zion NP shuttle schedule, and check the website for any closures or updates for the trails or park.

A hiking permit is now required for this hike.

Right of Way: Hikers going up the trail have the right of way so those descending need to step aside.

About the Trail

Elevation: 1,448 ft tall rock formation
Unbelievable panoramic views of Zion Canyon
Distance: 5.4-mile round trip hike
Time: Apx. 4 hours to hike
21 steep switchbacks also known as Walter’s Wiggles
Scout Lookout is typically the turnaround point before the chain section.
The last half-mile is the ascent to the top of the mountain holding on to a single link chain to hold onto as you make your way to the top at 5,790 feet for the most incredible views of the Zion Canyon.

For all my fellow dog lovers: our furry members are not allowed on this trail. They are only allowed on a leash at Pa’ Rus Trail. We have brought Sophia (ShihTzu-Maltese) and have her taken care of at Doggy Dude Ranch which is about 15 minutes away from Zion NP. If you would like a personable experience for your fur baby I recommend using TrustedHousesitters and finding reviewed and verified pet sitters this way you can still bring your furry member along for the adventure.

* NEW * Permit Required to Hike Angels Landing

This hike has gained significant popularity over the past couple of years so much so that effective April of 2022 a permit will now be required to hike this incredible trail, specifically after the Scout’s Lookout section.

For more information about the permits and when the lottery opens up to obtain them visit: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/angels-landing-hiking-permits.htm

Keep reading as we go through this fantastic trail together.

Take the Shuttle

If you are staying outside Zion National Park I would highly recommend taking the Springdale Shuttle instead of driving into the National Park. Parking here gets jam-packed and you will pay the parking fee. If you are staying in the town of Springdale you can utilize the free shuttle system, just make sure to check the schedule to plan your day. When you arrive at the Zion National Park entrance you will take the Zion shuttle to Shuttle Stop 6 – The Grotto to Angels Landing via West Rim Trail. As of February 18, 2022 shuttle bus tickets are no longer required to take the shuttle. It is a hop-on, hop-off system and shuttles arrive every few minutes.

When you arrive at The Grotto shuttle stop there will be restrooms, make sure to go! There are no restrooms on the trail so just give it a go, you never know.

If you are an adrenaline junky like I am, approaching the sign of the Angels Landing trail, you are overwhelmed with a sense of such excitement and anticipation just reading the dangers of the chain section and knowing you are about to embark on a thrilling hiking adventure!

Refrigerator canyon

After 1.1 miles of starting the trail in the hot sun through the incline windy portion of the trail, you will be pleasantly rewarded with the Refrigerator Canyon, 4900′ elevation crevice of the mountain casting nothing but shade and a well needed cooling period just before you arrive at your next obstacle, Walter’s Wiggles. Take a moment to take in the stunning view of the Zion mountains right before you enter Refrigerator Canyon.

Walter’s Wiggles

Depending on your physical activeness, this portion of the trail can be a bit strenuous and intense but keep it moving you are almost to the top where every struggle up the trail is absolutely worth it.

Scouts Lookout

After 1.95 miles of intense incline on Walter’s Wiggles, you arrive at Scouts Lookout and all your physical pain just melts away with the stunning views of the canyon. If you decide not to do the chain section of Angels Landing this endpoint is a must if you choose to do this trail. Scouts Lookout is a common turnaround point and is a great spot to hydrate and have snacks. Just be aware there are very cute tiny chipmunks native to Zion that are not shy whatsoever! The chipmunks are brave and bold enough to get into your backpack or snatch snacks out from your hand!

As with all wildlife, the chipmunks should not be fed and always follow the leave no trace rules when adventuring in Mother Nature.

As you contemplate the rest of your hike up Angels Landing enjoy the incredible views from Scouts Lookout.

View of the chain section from Scout’s Lookout

Angels Landing

With the entrance sign, the Angels Landing Marker, and another Angels Landingsign, Zion NP does a great job of making you contemplate and making you aware of the dangers of hiking the chain section of the trail. If reading and seeing these signs haven’t scared you yet, let’s continue to the rest of the hike, shall we?

Be careful in the steep areas such as this because the steepness coupled with fine grains of sand/dirt, and smooth surface makes it a great recipe to cause a slip. Thankfully this section has a chain section you can hold on to. As you make your ascent to the top you are gratified with the incredible views of the canyon!

The top of Angels Landing !!!

Going back down on the trail is a bit more tricky and you do have to slow just a bit as you descend from the incline of the trail. Remember that those hiking up the trail have the Right of Way, so step aside safely so they can make their ascent up the trail.

As with all adventures, once you’ve taken all those gorgeous, social media-worthy photos take a moment to just soak in the view, the journey it took to get there, and just a second to be present at the moment in solitude and the blessing that it is to be alive to experience such heights and adventures.

Hiking Angels Landing is such an adventure and one that can be enjoyed more than once and you will still get that same sense of thrill and adventure. Zion NP has so many incredible hikes! I also talk about hiking the Narrows here, another unforgettable and bucket list hike!

Looking for a Utah Adventure Itinerary one that can be enjoyed by the entire family? See my post 30 Flirty And Hiking! : Utah Road Trip for a detailed itinerary including hiking, ATVing, and visits to two other National Parks and the famous Horseshoe Bend.

Amazon Gift Guides For Him and Her

Beni — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 08:27:58 +0000

Look no further guys! I have curated a gift guide for him and her to help you with your Christmas shopping needs. Stay tuned for more specialized guides to come. Happy Shopping!

30 Flirty and Hiking! : Utah Road Trip

Beni — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 20:28:00 +0000

If you are one that loves nature, adventure, exploration, and enjoys different experiences keep reading for an absolutely amazing road trip itinerary to Southern Utah. Earlier this month I stepped into the next milestone of my life, my thirties! As one of my favorite movies once said, “30, Flirty, and Thriving”! As I step into the next decade I wanted to take a moment and reflect on my 20s and what I have learned thus far. You can check out my blog post “30 Things I Learned Before 30” and comment on any tips you may have for stepping into this new milestone.

To bring in the new decade we celebrated by taking another road trip to Utah!!! Yay!! Last year we went on an unforgettable road trip in an RV to three different National Parks I wrote about here. Zion National Park in Utah was our last stop and was our absolute favorite National Park thus far and just literally left wishing we had more time to do my bucket list hike, Angels Landing Trailhead, and The Narrows. My 30th birthday was the perfect excuse to go back. Just when I thought my last road trip couldn’t be topped, this trip was absolutely unbelievable and so many lifetime memories were made, adventures were had, annnnnnnnd I got engaged y’all!!!!! I’ll talk more about the proposal in my blog post here.

Keep reading below for our itinerary. Warning: This perfectly curated family-friendly itinerary will be filled with wanderlust, thrill, exhilaration, and adventure!

Itinerary at a glance:

Day 1: Start the Adventure!

Day 2: Horseshoe Bend, AZ

Day 3: Zion NP- Angels Landing

Day 4: ATV/UTV Sunset Tour at Sand Hollow State Park

Day 5: Zion NP- The Narrows

Day 6: Bryce Canyon NP

Day 1: Hit the Road. Start the Adventure!

Driving from Northern CA we decided to go make a few stops along the way to Utah making the 11-hour drive much more enjoyable.

World famous clown motel

We made a stop at the World Famous Clown Motel such a colorful and quirky place and they have a small clown museum with all kinds of clowns you can think of!

Extraterrestrial Highway

Stop by the Extraterrestrial Highway sign for a photo op at the intersection of Highway 6, NV-375, Tonopah, NV 89049, and the Alien Cowpoke Gas & General Store for stickers, souvenirs, or snacks.

Stop at the State welcome signs

OOTD

T-Shirt – Size M | I got us matching T-Shirts, “Life is what you make it. Make it an Adventure” to wear on the road and it turned out so cute! It is a Live Life as You design, you can find it on Etsy here. Leggings Size M TTS | Oversize Aviator Sunnies OS | Sports Fanny Pack | Teva Sandals Size 8 | My absolute favorite outdoorsy sandals, so comfortable and durable for hiking. I don’t go on any hiking trips without these!

Where we stayed

We stayed in the town of Springdale which is the absolutely perfect place to stay especially if you will be visiting Zion National Park. If you stay in the town of Springdale they provide free shuttle service stops throughout the town and will take you directly to the Zion National Park entrance. We rented this stunning home rental, Infinity Edge Pool Newer Luxury Home on Virgin River from VRBO which I highly recommend for large groups/ families. The location of the home is perfect it is right alongside the Virgin River and has so many awesome amenities and local hikes. I write more about this stunning home here.

Day 2: Short Hike – Sightseeing

Horseshoe Bend Paige, AZ

We decided to do the Horseshoe Bend on Day 2 because we knew the following day would entail a more intense hike (4- 6 hours) to Angels Landing so a short walk to Horseshoe Bend and sightseeing was perfect. The 1,000-foot drop, horseshoe shape of the Colorado River, and the color and serenity of this attraction make this beauty a must-see for your road trip.

OOTD

Grand Canyon North Rim

We started our day a little later but if you get an early start to your day I would highly recommend going to the Horseshoe Bend and then going to the Grand Canyon National Park – North Rim just a couple of hours from the Horseshoe Bend and on your way back home to Springdale.

Day 3: 30th Birthday!!! 30 Flirty and Hiking!!!!

Zion National Park Angels Landing

Zion National Park has unbelievable orange mountains and its grandeur is just absolutely breathtaking, pictures do not do it justice. You can’t go wrong with any of the hikes. Angels Landing is one of the hikes I’ve had on my bucket list for a while and I am so grateful that I was able to check it off this year! The journey, the thrill, the sense of danger, the heights, and the challenges of this hike were worth every second on the trail. If this isn’t on your list of hikes already, add it to your list now, you will not regret it! For more details about this awesome hike, check out my post, Hiking Angels Landing Zion National Park.

OOTD

Hiking Boots | Custom Shoe Tags | These are the cutest tags! You can customize it with whatever message or select from the images the shop has.

He Proposed ….and i said YES!!!!

I spill all the beans and Gabriel talks about ” behind the scenes” up to the moment. See post here.

Day 4: Exhilirating & Thrilling ATV/UTV Sunset Tour

ATV/ UTV -Ing At Sand Hollow State Park

This was a perfect experience to do after the day before of intense hiking. We reserved our ATV/UTV Sunset Tour at Sand Hollow State Park on Viator where you can search for different adventures and experiences to make an unforgettable trip. No need to search “Things to do in…” all over the web, it is all in Viator which is super convenient and offers flexibility in payment. THIS ATV/UTV TOUR IS A MUST. It was worth every single penny. This is a family-friendly activity as young as 2 years old can enjoy the thrill! It was nothing short of amazing!!

OOTD

Day 5: Trekking in the Virgin River

Zion National Park -The Narrows

The Narrows hike in Zion National Park is also a hike that should be on your hiking list, there is nothing else like it. You trek through the canyons of Zion National Park through the Virgin River as you feel the rushing cold water wrap around you with every step that you take looking up at the tall orange mountains as you are overwhelmed by a sense of adventure and awe. Just pause, look up, and take it all in because this beauty stimulates all of your senses and makes you feel alive and small compared to the grandness that nature is.

I blog all about the details of this hike and the clothing equipment used, tips, and suggestions for this trail here.

Day 6: Short Hike and Sightseeing

Bryce Canyon National Park

Only a couple of hours away from Zion National Park resides another beautiful nature anomaly at Bryce Canyon National Park with unique rock formations covering the entire landscape called “hoodoos”. You can take the easy sightseeing route at Sunset Point or explore the Navajo Trail Loop which I’ve heard is beautiful and has similar switchbacks to Angels Landing Trailhead. There are many different hikes and trails for all skill levels and you can’t go wrong with any of them, the scenery is insane!

Day 7: Return Home

This time returning home we decided to go through Las Vegas and made a couple of stops along the way. Have a photo op at the Welcome to Las Vegas sign, grab a drink at Fat Tuesday and go for a walk on the strip.

If you have time stop by the Seven Magic Mountains! The colors of the rocks are spectacular and vibrant.

I hope this itinerary has inspired you to go on an adventure to Utah, there is so much beauty there and so many adventures waiting to be had.

Knit Sweaters You Need this fall

Beni — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 06:55:11 +0000

Yay to layers, warm cozy knit sweaters, and boots! It’s that time of year to cozy up with style! I love the fall season because it is such a beautiful time where nature shows its own unique style of colors and I would have to say I just love wearing boots and cozy knit sweaters.

There are all kinds of different styles of knit sweaters but here are a few staples to add to your sweater collection this year.

Balloon Sleeve Knit Sweater

Balloon Sleeve Sweater / Mom High-Waisted Jeans/ Booties

The first time I saw this on a rack I was hesitant. But after trying it on, I was IN LOVE!! It was so flattering and it hugged all the right places. It went well with high waist mom jeans, which I also love. High-waist jeans elongate the legs and narrow the torso and this short sweater was perfect for that narrowed look. I have a longer-than-normal torso so this was a great combo. I was able to snatch this catch at a local boutique in my area but I linked a similar style that I also purchased and is just as fab!

Balloon Sleeve Sweater / Mom High-Waisted Jeans/ Booties

Crewneck Crop Knit Sweater

I love this crop crewneck sweater, it is long enough you can tuck in with high waist jeans or short enough to enjoy the crop with normal waist jeans. Receiving the sweater at first glance the red color was sooooo much brighter than I expected but it definitely is such a beautiful color and received tons of compliments and it looks great in photos!

Crewneck Crop Knit Sweater / Mom High-Waisted Jeans/ Booties

Off-the-Shoulder Knit Sweater

Off-The-Shoulder Knit Sweater / Mom High-Waisted Jeans/ Booties

There is something about an off-the-shoulder top that just makes a woman feel sexy, am I right?!?!? I really appreciate how this knit is not itchy like some others can be, making it that much more enjoyable to wear.

8 Books to Read for Self Development and Personal Growth

Beni — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 01:28:43 +0000

There is always room for growth and we can never stop learning about the world around us and most importantly learn more about ourselves. If only there were a guidebook for each of us that guides us and tells us exactly what to do, how to do it, and live to fulfill our purpose, sign me up! But, (oh, how I love that conjunction, said no one EVER) there is not. It is our responsibility to take the task of building our character in becoming the b est version of ourselves, no one can do that for you, only you can. To help you with your introspective journey of self-development and personal growth I highly recommend reading these 8 books to get you started.

“You are perfect. To think anything less is as pointless as a river thinking that it’s got too many curves or that it moves too slowly or that its rapids are too rapid. Says who? You’re on a journey with no defined beginning, middle or end. There are no wrong twists and turns. There is just being. And your job is to be as you as you can be. This is why you’re here. To shy away from who you truly are would leave the world you-less. You are the only you there is and ever will be. I repeat, you are the only you there is and ever will be. Do not deny the world its one and only chance to bask in your brilliance.”
Jen Sincero

“Comparison is the death of joy, and the only person you need to be better than is the one you were yesterday.”
Rachel Hollis

“Because true belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world, our sense of belonging can never be greater than our level of self-acceptance.”
Brené Brown

“Stop walking through the world looking for confirmation that you don’t belong. You will always find it because you’ve made that your mission. Stop scouring people’s faces for evidence that you’re not enough. You will always find it because you’ve made that your goal. True belonging and self-worth are not goods; we don’t negotiate their value with the world. The truth about who we are lives in our hearts. Our call to courage is to protect our wild heart against constant evaluation, especially our own. No one belongs here more than you.”
Brené Brown

“By embracing your calling and refusing to hide your glow, you wouldn’t just make your world brighter, you’d light the way for the women who come behind you.”
Rachel Hollis

It’s so important that you learn how to silence fear because it’s the only thing that’s stopping you from achieving your dreams and being the person you want to be.
Mel Robbins

“Travel is a fantastic self-development tool, because it extricates you from the values of your culture and shows you that another society can live with entirely different values and still function and not hate themselves. This exposure to different cultural values and metrics then forces you to reexamine what seems obvious in your own life and to consider that perhaps it’s not necessarily the best way to live.”
Mark Manson

“What you constantly think about eventually becomes what you are.” “by learning to appreciate yourself, you give yourself confidence and the assurance that you aren’t useless or hopeless and that you too, have something to be proud of.”
Benjamin Smith

Reading these books has changed my life in so many ways and I want it to change yours as well. I read these books in my twenties and I feel it has pushed me for growth and change. You can check out this post to see some of the ways it has contributed to my own personal growth the past decade, “30 Things I Learned Before Turning 30“. Check it out and let me know your thoughts, what you learned, and any others you recommend. Would love to hear from you!

30 Things I Learned Before 30

Beni — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 19:59:00 +0000

I am turning 30 ya’ll. Wow just writing the post in this title makes it so surreal that I will be embarking on the journey of my 30’s! Time has wings because it sure does fly! As I step into the next decade I wanted to take a moment and reflect on my 20’s and what I have learned thus far. Making this list I realize that there is just so much more to learn, how far I’ve come, and it just makes me so excited to see what the next decade will bring.

30 Things I Learned Before Turning 30

Never forget where you come from to keep you humble and grounded.
Saying “No” is okay.
Being ok with being by myself. Enjoy the alone time.
Changing my mindset to a growth mindset. Game changer.
Expressing my thoughts and opinions. What I think matters too.
Not caring about what others think of me. What I think of me is more important.
You can’t please everyone. Recovering “People Pleaser”.
Stop comparing myself to others.
Self Positive Talk is important.
Surround myself with people who lift me up, really accept me for me, and have good intentions.
Life is about challenging yourself, experiencing new things, and making memories.
More self-reflection about what I need to work on.
How people treat me is a reflection of them and their reality than it is about me. Understand that others have a different perception of reality than my own. It is not about me but rather more about them.
Be grateful about where I am in life and what I have.
Others will not respect you if you don’t respect yourself. Set boundaries.
My sensitivity and emotions are not a weakness but rather a strength and blessing.
Vulnerability is strength and power. Thank you Brene Brown!
Its ok to not be okay.
Creating a happy space at home is important to your mental health.
The art of creating and making memories.
Take action to discover what makes me feel alive.
Call my family and friends more. If you’re thinking about calling/texting someone just do it.
I am worthy of all good things.
Discovered my love language. Thank you Gary Chapman!
Be present in the moment.
Do more of what makes me happy rather than what others want me to do.
Don’t change yourself to conform to others, never lose yourself and who you are.
Be myself.
It is okay if life doesn’t go according to plan.
Be comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Depending on who we are and our life experiences we all learn different lessons at different times. I hope when you read this list it can empower you to learn something new in your current decade!

What lessons would you add to this list? Do you have any tips for stepping into the 30s? Comment below I would love to hear from you.

Stay tuned. I will be posting my 30th birthday adventure trip, here “30 Flirty & Hiking!”