Two Days in Paris: The Thrifty Travel Guide

When Aaron and I planned our 16-day adventure through Europe, I had no doubt that Paris would be one of the stops. Since high school, I had dreamed of visiting France and its delicious food, amazing culture, and priceless history. Although we moved around Europe pretty quickly, we committed a couple of days to Paris. Follow this guide to fit in the major Parisian attractions in a short visit and on a limited budget.

Traveling in and out of Paris

We started our adventure in Dublin and visited London before arriving in Paris, so we flew into Charles de Gaulle Airport. If you fly into the city like we did, you'll need to take the RER train into Paris. Buy your tickets at the airport, and keep in mind that the last RER train for the evening leaves from the airport at 11:50 p.m.

Find some helpful tips for navigating the train on this site. If you're planning to travel in or out of Paris by train, your best bet is to use Rail Europe. We left Paris through Gare de Lyon and took the train to Geneva, Switzerland.

 

Inner-City Transportation

After pricing things out carefully, Aaron and I ended up going with the Paris Pass for our stint in the city. Given our transportation needs and our itinerary, the pass was a no-brainer! It includes unlimited travel throughout the city on the metro, RER, and buses. It also saves you time by offering quick entry to major attractions.

We purchased the two-day pass, so the only other transportation we paid for was the train from the airport and our visit to Versailles. Use Wi-Fi to download the Paris Metro app ahead of time, because the map is so helpful as you navigate through the city.

What to See and Do on a Budget

Paris has enough attractions to keep you busy for weeks, but we only had a couple of days. In addition to granting us entry to the main attractions, the Paris Pass also included the Paris Big Bus Tour. We would recommend this hop on, hop off tour, which provides information about sights like the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Notre Dame, the Champs-Élysées, the Grand Palais, and more. The bus runs from 9:15 a.m. to 6 p.m., and we found it to be the perfect way to see the essential attractions quickly without killing our feet.

We timed our bus stops so that we ended near the Moulin Rouge and the Sacré-Coeur. Then we took the Petit Train du Montmarte around the area before fitting in a quick wine tasting.

We also got to see a gorgeous view of the Parisian sunset on the Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise, which the pass also includes. The cruise starts near the Eiffel Tower, which was perfect because the tower sparkles on the hour until around 1 a.m. Be careful of scammers in the area!

We didn't feel like we could visit Paris without seeing the Palace of Versailles, so we took a commuter train out of the city and visited the palace and its musical gardens on my birthday. The palace was beautiful but packed. Be sure to get there early, as the line winds around for what seems like miles.

Where to Stay

We stayed in a hotel near the Gare de l'Est train station. It wasn't the most fabulous area, but hotels in Paris can be pretty expensive, depending on where you stay. To find some great deals in good parts of town, check out these options in Paris! To make the most of your visit, consider staying in the Champs-Élysées area or the more central arrondissements. You should also be aware that not every Parisian hotel has air conditioning. We were there in July, and it really wasn't bad. We just slept with our windows open.

All in all, Paris was pretty fabulous. Although it's a huge city with a ton to do, you can visit all the main attractions like the Louvre, the Notre Dame, Versailles, and more in just a couple of days. If you're going to be visiting several museums and attractions throughout the city and you could use the unlimited transportation, then be sure to use the Paris Pass to make life easier. It's worth the cost!

Currently,
Kelsie

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26 Years: A Birthday Letter to My Amazing Husband

Aaron,

 Today you're 26. Officially closer to 30 than 20, and yet, still younger than me (lucky duck). The years are ticking by, and I love spending all of them with you. I love the way you love others with all that you have, know all the words to the oldest country songs, and can't make it through the evening without falling asleep on the couch. I love your passion for learning new things, teaching middle school kiddos (who think you're the coolest), and inviting people into our home on a regular basis. I love that you're not afraid to tackle anything, no matter if it's gardening indoors, sewing pontoon boat seats, or navigating the streets of Venice with me. And most of all? I love getting to sit back and watch you rock at basically everything from a distance, then point and say, "That's my husband." You make me proud.

 I want you to know that I think you're the best guy in the world. That even when I'm cranky or passively-aggressively making a statement about cleaning or something stupid, that I'm so completely head over heels for you. That I wake up daily still not completely sure why you chose me, especially when I'm so good at revealing my selfish side on one too many occasions. And that I truly believe with all of my heart that you are the best thing that has ever happened to me on this side of eternity. 

For the past six months, I've had the joy of carrying our unborn child. I've shared tears, excitement, and dreams with you. You've been there for me through the struggles of being afraid of a baby to being afraid for our baby, the one we have yet to meet but pray with all we have that they will love Jesus with all that they have. You've wiped away my tears, been a listening ear, and made me laugh at the stupidest things at the perfect moments. 

And as the time for baby draws near? I've felt my heart leap with just the thought of you being a dad. That the very moment our child comes into this world, you'll be so completely in love with and protective of our little one that I'll love you even more than I already do. And that even though you joke about wanting to be the one carrying the baby right now because you're missing out, that you won't miss out on a thing as Baby K grows up. I know you'll be there, whether it's for Boy or Girl Scouts, ballet or basketball (or both). You will be so amazing.

I know our lives are about to change, and that this is your last birthday without fully being "dad", but I also know that you will fight for our marriage with all that you have. That you'll still date me and dance with me and rub my feet on the nights when your hands don't hurt too much from car work. I know that we will have our challenges and sleepless nights, but I also know without a shadow of a doubt that you will always pursue my heart, just like you have from the moment you decided you wanted to date me. And my goodness, I'm so glad you did. Because life without you would just seem empty. Because you truly get me and you are my very best friend in the entire world.

Thank you for choosing me, again and again, day after day. Thank you for greeting me each afternoon with a smile and leaving me each morning with a kiss, even though I'm still in bed. Thank you for telling me that I'm beautiful even when I can't fit into my pre-pregnancy clothes, and letting me drive the new car with the butt warmers (which is no small sacrifice). You have shown me what a hard-working man who provides for his family looks like, and I don't want you to ever think I take it for granted. You put up with my indecisiveness, my buyer's regret on all purchases over $100, and my constant inability to make it through a movie without crying- and you do it all with a smile and a snuggle. You make me a better person, and really, you make everything better.

So thank you for being my rock, my joy, my constant reminder that God is good and that He had us planned from the start. Thank you for the blessing of being your wife, and for making me a mommy. Thank you for sharing your days with me, supporting me, and making everything fun. You remind me that we don't need much in this life, other than Jesus, each other, and a whole lot of laughter. I hope this is the best birthday ever, Love, because you deserve a day just as special as you are. Here's to many, many, more.

Love you! 

Kelsie
 

 

Sometimes our words can be best summarized in a letter to those we love most. Check out last year's  25th birthday letter for more about my amazing hubby.

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8 Blogging Mistakes I'm Guilty of Making

Blogging is definitely not easy, but there are so many mistakes that are easy to make with each and every post. Like I shared in 5 Things I Learned in My First Year of Blogging, maintaining and growing a blog is a lot of work, and there is always something new to be learning and mastering. As bloggers, we've got to give ourselves a whole lot of grace, and constantly reflect and learn from our mistakes. Here are eight mistakes I'm guilty of making, how I'm learning from them, and how they can be avoided.

 

1. Being Afraid to Promote My Work

From the start, I'd spend time writing a post I was proud of and excited about, but then I would just sit and wait for people to read it. I had a Facebook page, Pinterest account, and Instagram account, but I wasn't using them to promote content regularly. As time has passed, I've had to teach myself that sharing content on social media and asking people to follow along was a good thing. Of course, I want to find a good balance and not over-promote, but I've got to share what I write if I want people to read it. As bloggers, we can't be shy about promoting our work.

 

2. Trying to Post Too Often

It's easy to feel like you're not posting enough when you see lots of fabulous blogger and writers posting multiple times a day. But as someone who works a full time job outside of blogging, it's just not realistic for me to blog more than a few times a week. I've finally landed on about two posts a week, and I think it's consistent enough but also manageable. I also have to give myself grace in the fact that sometimes I may only post once a week. We've got to be flexible and focus on quality over quantity.

3. Forgetting My Audience 

I think there's something so important about being vulnerable and real with our readers. After all, that's the heart of this blog in the first place. At the same time, when sharing personal posts I have to remember that my audience needs to find something of value in my post. Sure, it's fun to follow along and learn a little more about my life, but if the reader doesn't learn something, think in a new way, or find what I say to be valuable, then they won't come back to read more another time. As bloggers, we've got to ensure that we are giving our audience something worth reading.

4. Letting Numbers Determine My Worth

In the world of blogging, it is so, so easy to let numbers and page views and followers seemingly shape your worth. I've found that it's easy to get frustrated or impatient about growth in social media or other types of follows. But you know what? I didn't start blogging because of page views. Sure, I want people to read what I write. But I'm still learning and growing and figuring it all out, and I can't solely determine my success based on a series of digits. If I do, it's easy to doubt myself and feel like I'm too scared to really go all in with blogging. We've got to give ourselves grace and room to grow in this area.

5. Forgetting Vertical Pins

This one is Pinterest specific, but it's so important. I love including lots of great images in my posts, but I often forget to include a vertical image that can easily be pinned and shared on the web. Pinterest loves vertical pins, and I hurt myself for the first year and a half by only sharing horizontal images. I should probably go back and update these images, but I've yet to square away time to do it. Word to the wise, get those vertical images in the first time around! You definitely won't regret it, and will see huge growth in engagement.

6. Considering Others Competition, Instead of Community

I think it's just human nature to constantly compare ourselves (and our success) to others. When it comes to blogging, there are so many others out there that it can make you feel like a total failure on a daily basis. I constantly have to remind myself that other bloggers are knowledgeable, valuable, potential friends who have much to share- and I have much to learn. I've always loved the statement "Don't compare some your beginning to someone else's middle", and it's so true. Just because I've got fewer page likes or Instagram followers doesn't mean I have to be disengaged with or jealous of another blogger. It's much the opposite- that bloggers have to unite and provide community for one another.

7. Neglecting My Newsletter Subscribers 

The struggle with newsletter subscribers is real, y'all! Anyone else feel my pain? I started out promoting my newsletter subscription and getting some people on board, but I honestly have done nothing with it for months and I've totally neglected those who have signed up. I guess I feel like it's just one more thing to do. I know it's important though, so I'm working to be more consistent in this area. Any tips from you bloggers out there?

8. Slacking with SEO Optimization 

Another area where I've really dropped the ball is when it comes to consistent SEO optimization. Sure, I like to think of good titles and the occasional keyword, but I really haven't done a tone of research or focused much on optimization. Although it isn't the end all to blogging, I do recognize that it could help bring readers and success to my blog, and thus I need to dedicate a little more time to it. That's on my list of goals for the next year.

What mistakes are you making in the blogging world? How can you make some changes to bring fresh life and success to your writing? I'm all about learning from others, and would love for you to join in the conversation with a comment below, or on the Currently, Kelsie Facebook page. I'd love to have you follow along! Cheers to community and meeting the needs of our readers with renewed success and excitement.

Currently,
Kelsie

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24 Week Bumpdate

Hey there, friends! It's been a little while since my last "bumpdate", and now I'm already six months into this pregnancy. Say what?! Pretty crazy to think that our little blessing will be here within the next four months, and life will change forever. Some days I feel like I'm ready for baby to be here now, and other days I just sit and soak up the joy of being pregnant (and "kid-responsibility-free") while I still can. I've always loved reading other people's little "bumpdates", so here's all the details on how I'm feeling, what's new in the last six weeks, and what I'm most looking forward to (complete with my weekly maxi dress photos)!

 

 How I'm Feeling

Second trimester has been just fabulous! I've been puke-free for months and really haven't had a lack of energy at all. I've still been working out at 9Round, although you won't see me doing a lot of burpees at this point. It feels good to sweat and get my work out on, though running is noticeably harder too. I do sometimes have moments where I'm a bit self-conscious about my changing body, but all in all I feel blessed to be a mama and am grateful to be a part of this amazing journey.

What's New This Month

Let's just say that Baby K is going to be active. Movement has become much more regular, and I'm feeling kicks multiple times a day. At our ultrasound (where we didn't find out the gender), the sonographer even pointed out how much baby was moving around and making photos and measurements tricky. In other news this month, I've also definitely started to look pregnant...which is both exciting and a little scary ha! I must say that I do like having a baby bump, and it's fun for people to know that I'm not just getting fat. Also, Aaron totally thinks that Baby K is a boy at this point. I initially was leaning towards girl, but the heartbeat has been lower for the last few appointments, and I'm carrying low. Time will tell, and y'all can take votes when it gets a little closer!

What I'm Wearing

I'm still wearing many of my pre-pregnancy tops and work out clothes, they just fit a little tighter in the belly now. Some of my shirts were normally loose-fitting anyways, so I really don't even look that pregnant in certain outfits. I have started to rely more on my Motherhood Maternity trusty black leggings, along with dresses and maternity pants for school and more dressy occasions. Even when I don't feel quite so pretty, Aaron says just the right thing at the right time, and reminds me how beautiful he finds me just because I'm carrying our child.

 

 How I'm Sleeping

I'm trying to avoid sleeping on my back, since I'm over 20 weeks at this point. I'm normally a side and occasional back sleeper anyways, so sleeping on my side isn't out of the ordinary. I cuddle up my belly with my body pillow and do sleep pretty soundly still, although I'm still waking up to pee at least once a night. I also find that getting up out of bed is taking a little more effort, as I pull my belly and my over-a-pound-now baby out of bed in the morning! I hear it only gets worse from here, so I'm trying to enjoy it while I can.

 

What I'm Nervous About

In the next month, I've got the dreaded gestational diabetes test scheduled, as well as another ultrasound check up to see how baby is doing. I'm not a huge fan of having blood drawn, and would love to pass the test so I don't have to go back for the longer test, so all prayers would be greatly appreciated! It's always a little nerve-racking to think about all of the things that can happen during labor and delivery, as well as the days after. I'm definitely learning that I can't spend my whole pregnancy (or motherhood for that matter) being worried, so I continue to find my hope in the Lord and to trust Him in the midst of my pregnancy fears.

 

 What I'm Looking Forward To

Even though we didn't find out our baby's gender, I'm really starting to feel a sense of bonding with our little nugget. The movement inside of me has made this all more real, and I'm totally that mama who sits on the couch in the evenings and tells Baby "Hi" every now and then while holding my belly. I'm also excited about all of the progress that we've made with our gender neutral nursery, and we are on the hunt for a white door and a great glider recliner for this mama to spend hours in oh so soon! Follow along on Facebook so you don't miss out on the final product!

As the holidays near, I'm excited to see friends and family, to get plans underway for a registry and showers, and just to really soak up this sweet time as God partners with me to grow our little one. Love to you all!

Currently,

Kelsie

Are you following along on Instagram? It's where I share extra little photos and fun updates from daily life. Don't miss out!

Last year we had a pretty sweet Royals pumpkin, but I think this year's is our best yet! 😊👶🏽 Head on over to the blog (link in profile) for more fun photos and updates from the last month! #BabyKisontheway

A photo posted by Kelsie Kleinmeyer (@currentlykelsie) on Nov 4, 2016 at 3:34pm PDT

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Five on Friday: October Recap and Halloween Fun

And just like that, November is here. It's hard to believe because it's been so stinkin' warm around Kansas City, but hey, I'm not complaining. The months are flying by, so much so that I'm already over halfway through my pregnancy, we're getting close to the holiday season, and our first semester of the school year will be over before we know it! October was a month of joy, progress, and a much needed getaway (along with lots of travel blogging and some Halloween fun). Here's what we've been up to for the last few weeks.

1. Halloween Fun! 

For the first time ever, we were actually at our own home for Halloween night. Normally we have Trunk or Treat at our church, but they moved it to a weekend this year. Instead, we had friends over, dressed up in costumes, and enjoyed handing out candy and keeping track of all the fun costumes of our 60 trick or treaters! One Pokemon themed family really rocked the costume department, and we had a few brave young trick or treaters who proceeded to walk right in our door and down the stairs to our basement. Another cutie named Cooper spotted our "baby pumpkin", which led to a discussion of whether he could see the baby in my tummy or not. Crazy to think that we'll be dressing our little one up for next Halloween (likely as a farm animal to join the farmer's collection).

I've always had really flattering Halloween costumes...this year is no different. A farmer and his pregnant cow for the win 🐮 🎃👶🏽 #BabyKisontheway

A photo posted by Kelsie Kleinmeyer (@currentlykelsie) on Oct 29, 2016 at 7:08pm PDT

 

 2. Pregnancy Updates

I'm finishing up week 22 of my pregnancy, and it's hard to believe that I'm already over halfway done. I'll admit, I'm starting to feel and look like a pregnant lady. I've got a bumpdate coming your way in the next week or two, so be on the look out for some updated photos and info about the new adventures facing me (and my growing belly) this month. As always, I'm continuing to remind myself to trust God through all of the pregnancy fears that sneak into my mind, and prayers for the health of our sweet little nugget are always appreciated.

3. Travel Planning

Even though Baby K will keep me from traveling too much come January and on, we do have a few travel plans in the works. We're looking at a short Chicago getaway in early December (deep dish pizza and the "L" for the win), followed by a fun Nashville visit with friends over the Christmas season. After that, this mama will be hanging around KC and awaiting baby's arrival, but I'm already thinking ahead to June and July and figuring out which place will get to be baby's first travel adventure. We've got the Southwest Companion pass through next December, so baby will be flying free along with mama at a young age!

Read the full post here.

4. Nursery Updates

We have a CRIB, y'all! It's so crazy to look across the hall from our room and see it in there looking all official and ready for a baby. We were actually planning to have Aaron build our crib (because he's basically awesome and can do everything), but we found an amazing deal in the clearance section at Nebraska Furniture Mart that we just couldn't pass up. Aaron is already rockin' the dad department, and he's been such a go-getter on getting things together in the nursery that we've got the walls and trim done, "new" blinds we found for $3 at the ReStore, and a painted dresser and nightstand in place. Now we're just shopping for a white door for the closet, fun decor, and a new glider for this mama! Any favorites out there, moms??

5. A Houston Visit 

With softball officially over with a Quarterfinal loss, Aaron and I were able to sneak in a little visit to Houston Texas for a long weekend this month. We spent time eating, shopping, relaxing, and even hitting up the Texas Renaissance Festival with his fabulous aunt and uncle. We were also able to meet up with one of my very dear college friends/roomies/bridesmaids and her husband. The visit was short and sweet, but it was so nice to hop on a plane and get away for a little while!

Happy November (and Friday) to you all! May this month of family, food, and thankfulness find you in good health and spending lots of time with those you love most!

In Case You Missed Them This Month: 
Five Ways I'm Conquering My Pregnancy Fears
18 Week Bumpdate
The Best of Washington D.C
Ten Stunning Places to Visit in Greece
Gender Neutral Nursery Inspiration
How to Book Your Vacation with IHG Reward Nights
What to See and Do in New Orleans
GPS Guided Travel Articles

Currently,
Kelsie

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Ten Stunning Places to Visit in Greece

It's a fact: Greece is absolutely breathtaking. I'm not sure I've ever been to a place so beautiful, especially the Greek islands. This summer, Aaron and I were blessed to spend 13 days traveling throughout Greece and its islands on an EF Tour. Our itinerary kept us busy, but we got to see almost everything the country had to offer. Even though Baby K was already on the way, and I spent a lot of time "tossing my gyros" into the nearest trash can, I'm so grateful for the opportunity to visit this amazing, historic country. Here are 10 stunning places you've got to visit in Greece!

1. Santorini

Santorini was one of my very favorite parts of the entire trip. When you see photos of Greece, lots of them are from Oia Village, and it certainly didn't disappoint. With its blue-domed roofs and tiny whitewashed homes, this picturesque city is a must-visit on this rocky island. We enjoyed snapping photos of the amazing views, picking out some local wine to bring home, and finding some BOSS Ice Cream Bars for me to keep down.

2. Mykonos

Mykonos surprised me. I didn't know much about it, but I can honestly say it was one of my absolute favorites. The island is a complete maze of whitewashed homes, gorgeous windmills, and breathtaking, windy seaside views. Aaron got me my traditional third anniversary leather gift here: handmade flip-flops! Known for its wide array of shopping, nightlife, and restaurants, Mykonos is touristy but can't be missed.

3. Athens

If you're going to visit Greece, Athens is a no-brainer. You can't visit the country without a stop at the Parthenon, the Acropolis, or the Plaka District. With historical ruins that are thousands of years old, Athens is a great starting point for a Greek adventure, as you can fly right in, explore the ruins, and then head out for a Greek Island cruise from the Piraeus port.

4. Rhodes 

I didn't know much about Rhodes, but it is absolutely breathtaking. Be sure to visit Lindos, an ancient city that houses the Acropolis of Lindos, whose ruins cascade down its breathtaking cliffs. There are lots of shopping and dining options to enjoy on your way up and down the hundreds of stairs to the top. Seriously, check out those views!

5. Samos

We didn't have a lot of time in Samos, but it's a place I would definitely go back to. It's the home of the Pythagorio village, and here you can find Pythagorean cups that punish greedy drinkers who try to take more than their portion by emptying the entire cup. Samos is also famous for its wine, so we visited the Wine Museum and brought home a few bottles to enjoy later. Also be sure to visit the archaeological site of Heraion, a large sanctuary to the goddess Hera.

6. Patmos

Patmos is also beautiful (see a pattern?) and is a must-visit for historical reasons. Home to the 900-year-old Monastery of St. John and the Grotto of the Apocalypse, Patmos houses a lot of Christian historical points of interest, including the place where John wrote the book of Revelation.

7. Delphi

Delphi is another can't-miss site on the Greek mainland. With well-known ruins and incredible historical significance, Delphi is known as the home of the oracle, and it provides stunning views of the Greek hillside and the Temple of Apollo.

8. Peloponnese

Our trip included an extension to visit the Peloponnese, a peninsula of Southern Greece. Here you can find the Temple of Hera, the Lion Gate of Mycenae, and Kalamata olives galore! We even visited an olive farm where we got to sample olives and buy homemade olive oil to take home and enjoy. Be sure to visit the echoing theater of Epidarus and maybe even take a pottery class while you're at it (mine was embarrassingly terrible!).

9. Olympia

Within the Peloponnese area, Olympia is a must-see. Home to the original Ancient Olympics, Olympia is a rather surreal experience as you view the ancient stadium and maybe even go for a quick foot race. Many restaurants await your hunger in the heart of the city and are within walking distance of the ruins.

10. Cape Sounion

Just a short drive from Athens, Cape Sounion is a popular beach-area escape and offers breathtaking views of the shockingly blue Aegean sea. Be sure to visit the Temple of Poseidon here for some picture-perfect photographic opportunities.

All in all, Greece was an incredible experience. It was pretty warm, but the islands were breezy and cool. Even though I was battling morning sickness, this stunning country surprised me with its incredible history, amazing views, and unique culture. We never felt unsafe, and we were welcomed by the Greeks with open arms. If you're ready to start planning your trip, be sure to look for amazing vacation deals and take advantage of hotel coupons. Add Greece to your bucket list, y'all. You won't regret it!

Currently,
Kelsie

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What to See and Do in New Orleans

A few years ago, Aaron and I rang in the New Year in New Orleans with two of our very dearest friends. Although the city sometimes gets a bad rap, it has much more to offer than just the craziness of Mardi Gras and Bourbon Street. From amazing food to fabulous architecture and music, there is truly something for everyone in New Orleans. Once you arrive, check into one of these fabulous IHG New Orleans hotels, and then head off to explore the city and hit these must-dos!

(If you'd like to have a GPS-Guided version of this article, check out the app on GPSmyCity!)

Visit the National World War II Museum

Even if you're not a huge history buff, the National World War II Museum is most definitely worth your time. Originally opened in 2000, the museum has since completed several new updates and expansions. It houses a variety of impressive interactive exhibits. We enjoyed seeing the planes and taking some time to appreciate the history of our nation and honor those who died for it.

Ride a Streetcar Through the St. Charles District

One of my very favorite activities in New Orleans was riding the streetcar out into the St. Charles District. The fares are incredibly reasonable, and the streetcar passes through many beautiful neighborhoods full of mansions and history. The pace of this area is slow, the people are friendly, and there are lots of great New Orleans restaurants to try!

Photo by Fede Casanova on Unsplash

Go on a Walking Tour

Another one of the activities I really enjoyed in NOLA was taking a walking tour throughout the city. We snagged a great deal on a French Quarter Day Tour through Free Tours By Foot, where your tour price is basically tipping the guide after the tour is complete. You can also go on Cemetery, Food, or Ghost Tours, depending on your preferences.

Visit Jackson Square

No visit to New Orleans is truly complete without a visit to Jackson Square. Known for its iconic St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square is actually the place where we rang in the New Year in the rain. By day, the square is a beautiful place for a walk, and it's a great photo spot because of its location right next to the Mississippi River.

Photo by Fede Casanova on Unsplash

Listen to Live Jazz in the French Quarter

You've also got to spend a little time in the French Quarter area listening to live jazz. After all, New Orleans is a huge part of jazz history. The French Quarter is the oldest part of New Orleans, and it's nestled right up between Louis Armstrong Park and the Mississippi. The architecture here is iconic and beautiful.

Enjoy the Local Food

What's a trip without local food? New Orleans has much to offer, and you can't leave without trying a po' boy, some gumbo, or some bread pudding. No trip to the French Quarter is complete without enjoying some beignets at Café du Monde. Go very late in the evening to avoid the extra long lines.

All in all, New Orleans has something for everyone. From food to music, architecture, and history, New Orleans is about more than just partying on Bourbon Street. We enjoyed our visit, and we would definitely go back again. To see some of our other travel tips, check out Our Adventures!

Currently,
Kelsie

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GPS- Guided Travel Articles

Hey y'all! As you know, Aaron and I have huge hearts for travel and the adventure that comes along with it. Between our travels overseas and all over the country, we have truly loved meeting wonderful people in new places, and seeing so much history and culture around the world. Although our traveling will look a little different when Baby K comes into the world in March, we are still planning several more adventures for the future (and for when Baby is here too)! 

If you're like us, you like to travel on a budget, while also maximizing your time in the places you choose to visit without wasting time planning in the moment. At the same time, you want to know what you're seeing while you visit. Lately, I've fallen in love with the perfect solution to both problems: travel article apps. These are the articles that you find while browsing and think, "Man, this will come in so handy when we are in _____ city!" You can save the article for later, but what if I told you there was a better way to do it- on that involved embedded maps and a personal tour guides of sorts? They're called GPS-Guided Travel Articles, and they are also the newest offering from GPSMyCity, an awesome app that I shared in my post on What to Do in Kansas City. 

Why Use GPS-Guided Travel Article Apps?

Great question. Think about all of the times you need to look up a location or an article while traveling. Once you find a good review, you've got to look up the restaurant or attraction, and then look up the directions or find it on a map. And you have to have either data or internet access. But with GPS guided-travel articles, you've got GPS coordinates embedded into an article, so that all you have to do is download the article and you're set! The tracking in the articles lets your iPhone chart the route within the city you're visiting, and keeps you moving from location to location, so all you have to do is enjoy the experience without getting lost. The articles can be read off-line, on a plane, on the subway, anywhere! No internet needed. 

Just so you know, you can automatically download and read any GPS guided-travel article for free, but if you choose to upgrade for a small fee (and purchase the app for $1.99), you'll get the access to all the great offline GPS features! So cheap and easy! Best of all, you'll get to have your own little tour without having to pay a hefty amount for a tour guide. What a great way to see the city and remember what you saw!

How to Access GPS-Guided Travel Apps

You've got a couple of options:

1. Click the link at the end of an article or blog post that has been turned into an app. You'll be prompted to download the FREE GPSmyCity app. After that, check out the post, and you can download for free or upgrade to get the GPS-guided version. 

2. Download the FREE GPSmyCity app, and then browse for any city to find articles! 

 

Want to give them a shot for free?

You're in luck! Some of my very own posts have been turned into article apps! In celebration, I'm offering a free travel article app giveaway. For one week (from October 24th to October 31st), you can check out the following article apps from my posts and upgrade for free on the Kansas City app to see how it works:

What to Do in Kansas City (Free Upgrade!)

The Other Side of Vegas: A Travel Guide

Feel free to check out some of my other popular travel articles, where I share tips on saving money, visiting the best places in the shortest amount of time, and making the most of your visits with inside tips! 

Currently,

Kelsie

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5 Ways I'm Conquering My Pregnancy Fears

From the very moment you find out you're pregnant, it's easy to let fears and worries creep into your mind. And honestly, it's pretty easy to be afraid even before you're pregnant (see Nine Reasons I'm Afraid to Have a Baby). From fearing the pain of miscarriage to worrying about all of the things that could possibly go wrong along the way, pregnancy is a strange journey of incredible excitement, anticipation, and underlying anxiety about what could happen. As the weeks tick by and I move closer and closer to my due date, old worries are fading away and new ones are replacing them. But lately, I've found peace in the midst of these concerns. Here are five ways I'm conquering my pregnancy fears. 

 

1. Keeping the Big Picture in Mind

In the moments where I'm most worried or fearful about all that is to come, I'm learning to remember the ultimate joy at the end of this journey: the blessing of raising our sweet child. I know that I won't necessary love things like the gestational diabetes test, getting an IV, or pushing through labor (literally), but I know that all of these things are necessary ends to a means. And if that ending places our beautiful baby in my arms, I know that everything will be oh so worth it. I won't care what I have to go through to get there: meeting Baby K, finding out their gender, naming them, and raising them up to love the Lord will be the sweetest, hardest, best journey ever. So it's all worth it.

2. Thinking Positive and Believing in Myself

I looked in the mirror the other day at 9Round and found myself asking, "Can I do this? Can I really bring a child into the world?" And then I stopped and considered that I was 20 weeks pregnant, coaching softball, and still working out daily. And I thought, "Heck yeah, I can do this! I'm going to rock this!" Why is it that it's so easy to let ourselves be negative, but we're so slow to be positive and believe in ourselves? I'm finding that a positive mental attitude can quickly erase the fears that whisper to me randomly throughout the day. I'm choosing to believe that I can do this, just as so many women have before me, and so many will after me.

 

 3. Finding and Reaching out to a Support System

I have been absolutely blown away by the incredible support of all the amazing mothers out there! From helpful advice on cribs and car seats to celebration of my pregnancy, moms have engulfed me with love and encouragement, and I am truly grateful. Of course, my family and mama friends have also been so wonderful, and I couldn't do this without them. But it has been oh so encouraging to see the love and support from so many who don't know me, yet are fabulous listening ears and encouragers! Y'all rock!

4. Being Honest about My Fears

Being willing to share our hearts and struggles together with vulnerability is a huge part of heart behind this blog's mission statement: to love fiercely, learn fearlessly, and live fully. I've found that holding in my fears only lets them eat away at me, making me into a monster who boils up and eventually spills over with emotion. So I'm choosing to be honest about my fears: with my husband, with my friends, and with those I love most. Even if it means waking my sweet hubby up in the middle of the night, crying about something random and seemingly unimportant, I'm doing it. Because I know that I need to be honest with myself and with others in order to work through these fears.

 

 5. Trusting that God's Plan is Good...No Matter What

A few weeks ago at church, while I was leading the song "It Is Well", I found myself moved almost to tears by these lyrics: "So let go my soul, and trust in Him. The waves and wind still know his name...And through it all, through it all, my eyes are on you. And it is well with me." In the moments when I find myself most worried or afraid about labor or motherhood, I stop and remember that God is good, that He is sovereign, and that His plans are to help me and not to harm me. So if there are complications or problems along the way with our baby, labor, or everything in between, I am finding myself saying, "It is well, Lord." I know that His plans may not always be what I want, but they are what I need. And I find hope and peace in knowing that ultimately He has brought us to this place, given us this child, and provided us with more than we could ever dream of. So I know He is good, and that I am not in control, which is so freeing.

The journey from being afraid to have a baby to knowing I was ready for one was definitely filled with tears, joy, and the realization that my fears were not enough to keep me from yearning for a child. But along the way, God has always been good. I know that there may still be times when I freak out about labor or worry about things to come that are unknown, uncertain, and scary. But in the end, I trust that I am equipped to be a mother, that I have been chosen to have this particular baby at this particular time for a reason, and that God will not let me fall. I'm so grateful for the amazing support system that I have, for mama friends to be vulnerable with, and for the opportunity to bring our sweet child into this world oh so soon.

I'm leaving you with some of my favorite powerful and encouraging songs. I hope that their truth and peace will calm your soul and mind just as they have for me (and not just for pregnancy fears). Be sure to check out some of my other posts on motherhood too, and shoot me a message if you'd like to chat more about pregnancy, fears, or really anything!

Currently,
Kelsie

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