Thursday, October 6, 2016

Home Office Closet Redesign with The Container Store

Home Office Closet Redesign

Since my time home is limited, my home office is super important to me– it’s the only space I have that is dedicated to my travels and to my blog. But over the years, my office space had turned more into a unorganized nightmare than a creative space.

I had been dreaming of a wanderlust-filled, modern, and chic travel-inspired space to spark new ideas for the blog and my brand. So I knew I had to make some organizational changes!

Between my last few trips, I partnered with my good friend Jen– boss lady of Life In Jeneral, a professional organization company– and The Container Store’s elfa® shelving and drawer system to restore some order to my home office closet and get control of my office space.

Check out my home office closet redesign!

My Closet Space Before elfa

Travel Office Renovation Before

Travel Office Closet Before

My Closet Space After elfa (+ Jen)

New Office Space

New efla closet from The Container Store

Elfa Shelving & Drawers

The Container Store is the nation’s leading retailer of storage and organization products and is all about coupling their one-of-kind product collection with a high level of customer service delivered by highly trained organization experts in store and through their Contained Home service!

I had so many travel essentials from camera gear, to travel-sized toiletries, so I was dying to try out elfa for my closet space because my needs and travels change (daily), and it can be adjusted whenever I need it to be.

The elfa shelving and drawer system is completely customizable for your storage and organization needs. elfa is perfect for any area of the home, including the closet, garage, office, or pantry– in my case, an office closet! It also makes everything easily accessible with the open shelving, which fits perfectly with my company.

Jen and I spent a day clearing out my chaotic closet, and mapped out the shelving to best optimize the space. Installation was a breeze, and I couldn’t be happier with the final outcome.

Step One: Clean It Out

Closet Before

Step Two: Plan It Out

The Container Store elfa shelving

Step Three: Deck It Out

The Container Store elfa space

elfa Drawers

New efla closet from The Container Store

elfa Organization

Jen and her team finished off the shelves and drawers by adding adorable boxes, bins, labeling, and helped me organize everything into a new home!

“This was a fun project see come to life and am so happy with the outcome! We can’t wait to see her happiness in that space day in and day out.”

— Jen, Life in Jeneral

Want elfa for Yourself? SALE!

The Container Store’s Annual Shelving Sale is currently going on now, through October 16th, and features 25% off all Shelving solutions – including elfa and elfa installation!  Take advantage of the awesome shelving and elfa solutions as you transform your creative space and do a little “fall cleaning!

READ NEXT: 10 Ways to Cure Wanderlust without Leaving Home

 

A big thank you to The Container Store for partnering with me on this closet renovation project. As always, thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Home Office Closet Redesign with The Container Store is a post from: The Blonde Abroad



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Tuesday, October 4, 2016

20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Dubai

20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Dubai

Burj Khalifa Overlook

Dubai Aquarium

Burj Khalifa

Rixos Hotel

Turkish Hammam Bath

Rixos The Palm

Bab Al Shams Resort

Dubai Desert

Follow Me to Dubai

Bab Al Shams Dubai

Bab Al Shams Desert

Bab Al Shams Rooms

Bab Al Shams Sunset

Bab Al Shams Pool

The Rove Dubai

Rove Rooftop

Rove Decor

Rove Swimming Pool

Sunset over Dubai

Dubai at Night

Dubai doesn’t just live up to its reputation; it will completely exceed your expectations.

My first experience in Dubai was back in 2012, and it was my first ever trip to the Middle East. I had just spent the last two weeks exploring the sights and indulging in the tastes of Jordan, and while I knew to expect the ancient wonders of Petra, the natural beauty of the Dead Sea and the magic of a starry sky in Wadi Rum in Jordan, I had no idea what to expect in Dubai.

On my second, and most recent trip to Dubai, I was able to explore more of the magical city. I stayed a few nights at the Rixos The Palm on Palm Island, The Rove Downtown Dubai (the most amazing budget hotel I’ve ever been to), and the ritzy Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa.

From a traditional Turkish hammam experience, to hanging out with camels in the desert, to climbing to the top of the Burj Khalifa (1,820 feet high!), there’s no shortage of adventure and new adventures to be had in Dubai.

With its bold architecture and audacious style, the United Arab Emirates’ largest city is a distinct fusion of its Bedouin heritage and an ultramodern style all its own.

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Dubai Travel Guide

 

20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Dubai is a post from: The Blonde Abroad



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Monday, October 3, 2016

10 Reasons to Go on The Ski Week

The Ski Week

Whether you are ready for the winter Olympics or don’t even know how to put your skis on, you are going to love The Ski Week.

From the awesome people who organize The Yacht Week, this is the ultimate winter getaway. I went to The Ski Week in Obertauern, Austria earlier this year, and let me tell you– it was a week of pure and epic fun. Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?

Check out my experience at The Ski Week Obertauern this year!


The Ski Week Friends

New Friends & Memories to Last a Lifetime

The fun doesn’t end when you leave The Ski Week. There are so many amazing people from all over the world gathered together in one spot, so you’re sure to make countless connections.

Go with your besties or solo, and make new friends from around the world. Whether you’re in Austria, Colorado, France, or Japan, you will never forget your time at The Ski Week!

The Ski Week Slopes

All Levels of Experience Welcome

You don’t need to know how to ski to enjoy The Ski Week! There are trained instructors on every slope. Even if you’re a total newbie, you’ll be amazed at how much you can learn in a week.

If you’re a more experienced skier, you can get pointers from the instructors and steal insider tips on secret powder stashes.

The Ski Week Après

Après All Day

Skiing is only a small part of the fun at The Ski Week. After a long day on the slopes, what better place to brag about your turns (or burns) than at the bottom of the slope with a craft beer in hand? Cheers to that!

And, if you go to Austria, you definitely won’t want to miss out on the lederhosen closing party.

Ski Week Obertauern

Ski in Amazing Destinations around the World

From the United States to Europe to Asia, The Ski Week is taking over the globe. At the minute, you can choose between skiing in Austria, Colorado, France, and Japan.

Austria’s highest ski resort, Obertauern, is the birthplace of après-ski.

If you are searching for a party, look no further. Another ultraposh European pick, France’s Chamonix is the second highest ski resort in Europe and among the greatest mountain destinations on the planet.

If you are looking to stay stateside, you should know that Aspen has the best skiing on the continent. In the mood for something exotic? Ski Japan! Packed with lush powder and fascinating culture, The Ski Week in Japan is a world-class getaway.

The Ski Week Snocuzzi

Snocuzzi

When you are ready to unwind, put your feet up in the snocuzzi! You’ll find complimentary champagne service, and you’ll feel like a pampered goddess of the slopes when you are lounging in one of The Ski Week’s first-class Jacuzzis on the mountainside.

SHOP my favorite The Ski Week essentials!


The Ski Week Yoga

Mountain Yoga

There’s nothing like a good stretch to get you ready to hit the slopes. If you love yoga as much as I do, you’ll be excited to hear that The Ski Week has teamed up with Lululemon Athletica and Hotpod Yoga to create the perfect mountainside yoga experience.

The Ski Week Obertauern

Snow Shoeing

I never imagined that I’d love snow shoeing as much as I do! Strap onto your boots, and you can explore true winter wonderlands off the beaten path. See places that are otherwise inaccessible while getting a serious workout.

After that, you can come back and enjoy a jacuzzi sesh!

The Ski Week Food

Mountain Dining

Between skiing, snow shoeing, and mountainside yoga, you’ll work up an appetite in no time during The Ski Week. Treat yourself to delicious coffee slope side, and enjoy an ultraindulgent dinner every night while you lounge at the top of the world.

Plus the scenery makes the food taste even better… believe me.

The Ski Week Pond Skim

Pond Skim

Whether you join in on the fun or just look on, pond skimming is hilarious! Watch the crazy participants do everything that they can to ski, board, or just slide across a stretch of ice cold water.

The Ski Week Flag

Let Your Freak Flag Fly

Ready to show some love for your native land? Get done up in your national colors and fly down the slope in a multinational celebration. The Parade of Nations run is a huge highlight of the week plus tons of fun!

So what are you waiting for?

 

The Ski Week

READ NEXT: 10 Reasons The Yacht Week Should be Your Next Girls’ Trip

 

10 Reasons to Go on The Ski Week is a post from: The Blonde Abroad



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Sunday, October 2, 2016

10 Epic Nature Escapes in the West

Epic Nature Escapes in the West USA

Ready for an adventure in the Wild West? From the deepest caves of New Mexico to the highest peaks of Yellowstone, this region is primed for exploration.

When you are bored with city breaks and lazy beach getaways, it’s time to the check out these West Coast hot spots.

Here are my favorite epic nature escapes in the West!

Grand Canyon

(source)

Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon deserves a spot on any traveler’s bucket list. No photo can do justice to this massive natural wonder. You need at least one weekend to hike, enjoy white water rafting, and gawk at the insane beauty of this place and it’s millions of years of history on display.

Yellowstone

(source)

Yellowstone

Covering a vast 3,500-square-mile area, Yellowstone is a nature lover’s paradise. See Old Faithful, take in the mountain views from Yellowstone Lake, and hike across Lamar Valley. Whether you opt for camping or staying in a five-star lodge…

you will fall in love with this incredible National Park.

Carlsbad Caverns

(source)

Carlsbad Caverns

Nestled in the Chihuahuan Desert of southern New Mexico, Carlsbad Caverns National Park features more than one hundred different caves. While you might not get to them all, you have to check out the astonishing stalactites in the Big Room of the namesake Carlsbad Cavern.

Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree

In the heart of the California desert, two ecosystems come together at Joshua Tree National Park. With a dynamic cultural history, this place is home to a diverse array of rare plants and animals.

The most famous, of course, is the joshua tree. Plan on a long weekend off the grid while you explore Hidden Valley and admire the Cholla Cactus Garden.

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Joshua Tree in a Weekend

Sequoia National Park

(source)

Sequoia National Park

In California’s Sierra Nevada, you’ll find the world-famous sequoia trees of Sequoia National Park. Explore the forest, and stand in awe of the incredibly massive General Sherman Tree.

Be sure to spend the night so you can get up before dawn to summit the Moro Rock! There are stairs and railing, so you don’t have to be a climber to get to the top for the view of lifetime.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park

One of the most stunning stretches of land on the planet, Yosemite is full of waterfalls, grand sequoias, vast meadows, and deep valleys. Whether you want to go hang gliding or a have a quiet picnic, this California National Park is the place to go.

Read More: Backpacking Essentials for a Weekend in Yosemite

Ojai

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Ojai

Just northwest of Los Angeles, you will find the small city of Ojai. Set in the valley of the Topatopa Mountains, this quaint, little town features impressive galleries and serves as the perfect base for exploring the nearby areas.

Outside of town, you’ll find the beautiful Lake Casitas and countless meandering trails.

Big Sur

Big Sur

A mecca for surfers, hikers, and explorers of all kind, this rugged stretch of California coast between Carmel and San Simeon is a breath of fresh air. Far from the crowded cities of Cali, the quiet area of Big Sur has a dramatic landscape that is the perfect place to get away from it all.

Read More: Top Stops Along the Pacific Coast Highway

Olympic National Park

(source)

Olympic National Park

Located on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, Olympic National Park contains several ecosystems. With the Olympic Mountains and lush forests, this park is perfect for hiking, camping, and climbing. And be sure to visit Hoh Rainforest. One of the biggest temperate rainforests in the United States, this place is absolutely magical.

Bring a good camera and lots of time to spare.

Zumwalt Meadow

(source)

Kings Canyon National Park

Right next to Sequoia National Park, you’ll find the Kings Canyon National Park. With skyscraping trees and some of the deepest canyons in the United States, Kings Canyon National Park is a must-see for nature lovers. Be sure to take the time to hike through Zumwalt Meadows and see if you can spot any local wildlife.

READ NEXT: 5 Fall Weekend Getaways on the West Coast

 

SHOP my favorite outdoors essentials!

10 Epic Nature Escapes in the West is a post from: The Blonde Abroad



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