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7 Backpack Must-Haves for the Frequent Traveler

15 February 20167

7 Backpack Must-Haves for the Frequent Traveler

Are you "that guy" who brings a backpack to a theme park, so you're properly prepared? Do you regularly answer "yes" when someone asks "does anyone happen to have a bandaid?" If so, this post is for you and your inner traveler! These tried-and-true products have no less than 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon. (N.B. None of these products include affiliate … Continue reading →

15 February 20167

7 iPhone Accessories for the Frequent Traveler

15 January 20162

7 iPhone Accessories for the Frequent Traveler

iPhone accessories are in no short order, but half of them are of such poor quality it's a wonder anyone bothered to make it at all. Below you'll find both tested and dream-list products that have no less than 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon. (N.B. None of these products include affiliate links.) 1. Clear Silicone Case I've purchased Speck, Society6, and non-brand cases, but … Continue reading →

15 January 20162

TIWIKBSA: How to Use Your iPhone Abroad (Get a New SIM Card!)

8 July 20141

TIWIKBSA: How to Use Your iPhone Abroad (Get a New SIM Card!)

Who can use their phone abroad? Technically, anyone. For instance, I'm on Verizon, and they have global plans. I wouldn't suggest using it though! $25/100 MB? That's less than 1/10 of a GB. Adding text and talk is going to drive that price up, heavily.Instead, I would suggest getting a new SIM card and using a Pay-As-You-Go plan while abroad. So who can get a new … Continue reading →

8 July 20141

(TIWIKBSA) Romantic Long Distance Love Letters

4 February 20143

(TIWIKBSA) Romantic Long Distance Love Letters

I think I've mentioned it before, but I'm not a big mushy person. That's OK to be, right? I love my friends who are super thoughtful and caring, but I'm just not that way myself - even if I wish I were. This extends to my love life. Except occasionally, when I do something adorable, like write a bunch of long distance love letters to Kristofer before I head off to London. … Continue reading →

4 February 20143

(TIWIKBSA) Week 16: Coping with Studying Abroad

7 January 20140

(TIWIKBSA) Week 16: Coping with Studying Abroad

So the truth comes out - the real reason behind my lack of posting during the last month of my trip. It wasn't that I didn't have free time or that I had nothing of interest to say. It's mostly that sometimes life feels a little overbearing and we want to just sink into some alternate reality, forgetting about our own problems. Of course, we know that this just leads to a … Continue reading →

7 January 20140

(TIWIKBSA) Week 15: Interning Abroad

6 January 20140

(TIWIKBSA) Week 15: Interning Abroad

Interning while abroad is extremely rewarding and I personally had a wonderful experience with it! If you're on the edge of doing an internship or not, consider the following: The Fun bits I looked forward to going to my internship, because I was able to work on new skills and to learn more about British culture than I could anywhere else thus far. I would ask my … Continue reading →

6 January 20140

(TIWIKBSA) Week 14: Budgeting for Study Abroad

5 January 201417

(TIWIKBSA) Week 14: Budgeting for Study Abroad

This is a topic I've already had a few questions on, so if I'm not doing it justice, please ask me for more information in the comments! Here's the big reveal: I made approximately 500 purchases in London, totaling $9,000. More than some people, less than others - studying abroad was expensive. (Did I mention the $15,000 in housing & tuition, before the costs of … Continue reading →

5 January 201417

(TIWIKBSA) Week 13: London Places to Visit

4 January 20140

(TIWIKBSA) Week 13: London Places to Visit

So I missed four weeks of posts, and it's time I paid up. Don't worry, in three days time you'll have them all!If you had to visit just a few places in London, where would you choose to go? Here are some of the top must-see places. Sure, there's a bunch of "real London" to be seen, but if you've only got a couple of days, you're going to want to make sure you hit these … Continue reading →

4 January 20140

(TIWIKBSA) Week 12: Cooking in the City

19 November 20133

(TIWIKBSA) Week 12: Cooking in the City

I wasn't confident that this was really relevant when it comes to surviving a study abroad session in London, but I think you'll find that in any large city you're in, this will be an issue for you: getting and storing groceries. When you've got half of a refrigerator shelf and a single cabinet shelf, because you're living with too many roommates in too small a space, … Continue reading →

19 November 20133

(TIWIKBSA) Week 11: Packing + FREE PRINTABLE

16 November 20132

(TIWIKBSA) Week 11: Packing + FREE PRINTABLE

A bit late of a post this week, because I've  been too tired and cranky. It happens, OK? I mentioned that I just don't function with fewer than 8 hours of sleep, right? Well, Sunday night I got 4 hours, and I've been miserable up until Thursday evening. Irritable, withdrawn, and overwhelmed. So, today I finally tackled finishing this post... just in time to work on my next … Continue reading →

16 November 20132

(TIWIKBSA) Week 10: Surviving a Relationship Abroad

5 November 20131

(TIWIKBSA) Week 10: Surviving a Relationship Abroad

During our pre-departure informational sessions, a common theme was 'your relationship isn't going to survive this experience,' which was pretty intimidating. It made me question what I wanted out of my study abroad trip, how a relationship would affect my decisions, and why I was dating my boyfriend in the first place. All the student advisors told us 'you don't want a … Continue reading →

5 November 20131

Study Abroad Travel: Venice

4 November 20130

Study Abroad Travel: Venice

Maybe it turns out I'm a romantic, but pictures of Venice just look so enticing! Where I Went Venice was the last place we traveled on our break week, and despite being told that it just wasn't as glamorous as imagined, I really wanted to visit. How I Got There To cut hostel costs we took another night train, but this one left really late (11 pm) and was scheduled to … Continue reading →

4 November 20130

Study Abroad Travel: Rome

3 November 20130

Study Abroad Travel: Rome

Heading to Rome? Pack warm! Luckily I had brought one pair of shorts and a skirt... it was so much warmer in Rome than I was accustomed to! Yet familiar to being in Florida, so comforting. Where I Went It felt a little impossible to choose a single city to see in Italy, but in the end Rome won out because of the popularity factor. I'd love to have the luxury to visit … Continue reading →

3 November 20130

Study Abroad Travel: Paris

2 November 20132

Study Abroad Travel: Paris

Traveling to Paris is definitely an investment, but it's one of those things you just "have to do," you know? There's so much there, I just can't believe you could get bored during your visit. I bought a 2-day Paris Pass for my time there, which covered a lot of costs - but you definitely need to make sure you plan out what you want to do, in order to make sure you get the … Continue reading →

2 November 20132

Study Abroad Travel: Stonehenge & Bath

1 November 20132

Study Abroad Travel: Stonehenge & Bath

Immediately after returning from Belfast (we got home around midnight and had to be on the bus by 8am) a day trip to Stonehenge & Bath was coordinated through my institution. For only £25, it seemed like a pretty good deal! Where I Went Stonehenge and Bath with my flatmates, as an event offered through my organization at a discounted rate. How I Got There We did a … Continue reading →

1 November 20132

Study Abroad Travel: Belfast (Giant’s Causeway)

31 October 20132

Study Abroad Travel: Belfast (Giant’s Causeway)

My most nature-connected trip so far has been to Northern Ireland, where I spent 90% of my time outdoors and took over 200 photos. Just two of us went on this trip and I have to say that traveling in pairs has so far been the most enjoyable times for me. Where I Went Belfast, specifically so I could visit Giant's Causeway, a large area made up of basalt columns, which … Continue reading →

31 October 20132

Study Abroad Travel: Edinburgh

30 October 20130

Study Abroad Travel: Edinburgh

For the next six days I'll have some information on the trips I've taken. I'm sure those I've taken recently will be a little more detailed, but in general the best planning tips are in my previous article, Planning Travel During Study Abroad. Where I Went Edinburgh was my first trip form London, purchased on a whim about 2 days before-hand. I went between 11 - 15 … Continue reading →

30 October 20130

(TIWIKBSA) Week 9: International Banking Without The Fees

29 October 20130

(TIWIKBSA) Week 9: International Banking Without The Fees

Over the past few weeks one thing I've noticed as a reoccurring problem for some of my flatmates is banking.Personally, I just followed the advice our University advisors gave us: open an account with Bank of America. I have a debit account with my cash and a credit card that I use for all my spending. In addition, I have another BoA credit card under my father's name … Continue reading →

29 October 20130

(TIWIKBSA) Week 8: Shipping Packages from the US to the UK

28 October 20130

(TIWIKBSA) Week 8: Shipping Packages from the US to the UK

One of my favorite things now is to get packages from home! Let's temporarily disregard the fact that I'm definitely not going to be able to get all my stuff back... there's no way I'd get it all in my suitcase and worse under 50 lbs. But still, it's so nice to get packages from your family, and silly cards from your dad or sweet notes from your sister. Contents For me, … Continue reading →

28 October 20130

(TIWIKBSA) Week 7: Studying Abroad Through An Educational Organization Program

27 October 20133

(TIWIKBSA) Week 7: Studying Abroad Through An Educational Organization Program

First off, sorry for being MIA the past two weeks: I was preparing to go off on our week break... and then I went on it! So now that I'm back I have a whole bunch to share and I'll be posting every day this week. :) To begin, here is week 7's post - mostly drafted but never finalized until now!What I've found about studying abroad in the past two months is that I … Continue reading →

27 October 20133

(TIWIKBSA) Week 6: 14 Ways to Stop Driving Your Flatmates Crazy

8 October 20130

(TIWIKBSA) Week 6: 14 Ways to Stop Driving Your Flatmates Crazy

Having had only two roommate situations, and coming to London to live with 12 people in a teeny tiny flat, I've learned this: roommates can be so much fun, and yet such a pain. Sometimes it's because we didn't choose them, and we're finding them to be a different sort than ourselves. Sometimes it's because we did choose them and just didn't know what we were getting … Continue reading →

8 October 20130

(Things I Wish I Knew Before Studying Abroad) Week 5: BOYB Bling Out Your Bedroom (Or “Decorate Your Dorm”)

1 October 20130

(Things I Wish I Knew Before Studying Abroad) Week 5: BOYB Bling Out Your Bedroom (Or “Decorate Your Dorm”)

It was quickly apparent to my 12 London flatmates that I'm a little obsessive. This morning, one of the girls jokingly asked me if I'd taken the Cosmo quiz to find out if I was a control freak. So, unsurprisingly, my first task upon arrival was to unpack my suitcases and get everything organized. A whole month later, I think I've finally optimized my room! Here's my take … Continue reading →

1 October 20130

(Things I Wish I Knew Before Studying Abroad) Week 4: Language Barriers in London??

24 September 20132

(Things I Wish I Knew Before Studying Abroad) Week 4: Language Barriers in London??

One of my reasons for studying abroad in London was "everyone speaks English." Of course, it was slightly more complicated that that - I wanted a large program, in a big city, through the UF College of Business, that spoke English AND that was culturally least different - so I wasn't completely overwhelmed. I can't handle a lot of change, and I'm aware of that! Anyway, … Continue reading →

24 September 20132

(Things I Wish I Knew Before Studying Abroad) Week 3: Planning Travel During Study Abroad

18 September 20136

(Things I Wish I Knew Before Studying Abroad) Week 3: Planning Travel During Study Abroad

A week ago, I thought, "it would be helpful to write something about planning travel during study abroad". Now that I've gone and come back though, I feel like it's such a simple topic and there is hardly anything to say! What I guess this means is that booking travel isn't actually all that complicated, or something you should get stressed about. But there are aspects of … Continue reading →

18 September 20136

(Things I Wish I Knew Before Studying Abroad) Week 2: Meeting People in a New Place

10 September 20133

(Things I Wish I Knew Before Studying Abroad) Week 2: Meeting People in a New Place

When coming to London, I knew I obviously didn't want to spend all my time at home, in bed, or just hanging out with my flatmates (even though I love them). I want to meet people in London, talk to them, make friends. I'm very interested in learning about what makes London different and what Londoners think of America culture. Even though London itself is a comparatively … Continue reading →

10 September 20133

(Things I Wish I Knew Before Studying Abroad) Week 1: What To Know After A Week In London

3 September 20133

(Things I Wish I Knew Before Studying Abroad) Week 1: What To Know After A Week In London

Back with "Things I Wish I Knew Before Studying Abroad" I'm a week in to my London trip and mostly feeling pretty comfortable even though I'm sure I stick out like a sore thumb as "those Americans." Top Thoughts about Being in EnglandBuy a SIM. For £15 a month you can have unlimited data - which means you can iMessage and Google Maps as much as you want. And 3 has … Continue reading →

3 September 20133

(Things I Wish I Knew Before Studying Abroad) Week 0: London Preparations

27 August 201323

(Things I Wish I Knew Before Studying Abroad) Week 0: London Preparations

*announcers voice* Welcome back to another episode of "Things I Wish I Knew Before Studying Abroad," or TIWIKBSA, for "London Preparations!"Yes but really, I am quite excited: I get on my first international flight today! Hours of flying and I'll land in London around 1 am my time, 7 am local. So, before I go, here's the low-down on what I've done to prepare for a … Continue reading →

27 August 201323

(TIWIKBSA) Week -1: What I Think I Want to Know Before Studying Abroad in London & More About Me

20 August 20131

(TIWIKBSA) Week -1: What I Think I Want to Know Before Studying Abroad in London & More About Me

A week out from my departure for London, I've had plenty of panic attacks. Luckily, most of them aren't about the fact that I'll be in a completely new place... probably feeling completely out of control of my life, and also living with other human beings - which I am notoriously terrible about (OK, self-proclaimed). Instead, it's much more terrifying fears: "What if … Continue reading →

20 August 20131

Hey there! I'm Lauren, a 24-year-old self-starter challenging myself to step outside of my comfort zones. I teach tech classes and develop the web! Learn More

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Quick & Easy Cream Cheese Lasagna

Quick & Easy Cream Cheese Lasagna

First New Lens

First New Lens

(TIWIKBSA) Week 9: International Banking Without The Fees

(TIWIKBSA) Week 9: International Banking Without The Fees

Kristofer’s Nail Fail ;)

Kristofer’s Nail Fail ;)

Getting Fancy with Beaded Caviar Nails

Getting Fancy with Beaded Caviar Nails

Pilot Review: Fresh Off the Boat

Pilot Review: Fresh Off the Boat

(TIWIKBSA) Week 8: Shipping Packages from the US to the UK

(TIWIKBSA) Week 8: Shipping Packages from the US to the UK

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