Most of us love the idea of shopping small; helping out the community, making a direct impact on people’s lives, and knowing our goods are ethically made. But it can sometimes be hard to find these hidden gems in the mix of the chaotic holiday season. I get it. I feel the same, but you’ve got to start somewhere. To get your conscious consuming started, why not visit us at one of the holiday pop-ups below?
Come to Unique Markets! This is my second year vending at the holiday market, but I’ve been coming to shop for years and it always has some amazing gift ideas. Plus, you feel good buying from the actual maker or designer and supporting your local community. I’ll be at the one on the Santa Monica Pier on December 14th and 15th with all of our blingsling® tangle-free jewelry bags, but they host pop-ups all over the country now, so if you’re not in LA, check them out near you.
We’ll also be popping up with Tuesday Nights on December 3rd and on the Sony lot on December 11th. If you’re involved with either of those groups, come by and say hi!
If you’re still wondering why you should consider shopping small this holiday season, check out my previous post here.
Happy holidays, clever girls!
Love. Inspire. Grow. Enjoy.
Jordan
]]>Do some research. Most wine regions specialize in certain types of wine based on what grapes grow best in the climate in that area. Be sure you’re headed to an area with that makes the type of wine you like! You’ll also want to check out which wineries are near where you’re staying and know ahead of time which ones you’re okay trekking out a ways to see. It’s also good to know if the winery is known for its wine or the ambiance of the winery, or both. If you’re used to the good ole two-buck Chuck, maybe you care more about the experience of the tasting rather than the wine.
Take your time. This is your opportunity to listen and learn. And if you’re anything like me, forget by the time you make it to the next winery! But still! Taking it all in just makes the wine taste better. I also recommend not cramming a lot of stops into one day. It’s not about the number of wineries you see or wines you taste, but about enjoying the process, culture, and taking in the day-drinking experience.
Think small. The biggest names don’t always mean the best. Just like with restaurants, sometimes the greatest little gems are the newbies just getting started who can give you extra attention and share their passion or the small-batch winemakers who purposely don’t mass produce to keep the quality top-notch. The names you recognize may be great to grab at the grocery store, but take a chance on something new and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
See the winery and not just the tasting room. I made this misstep my first time to Santa Barbara. The Urban Wine Trail was still a ton of fun, but it was definitely not what my family was expecting when they were visiting from the Midwest. If you’re able to, drive to the actual vineyard to get the full experience. In Paso Robles, we even got lucky and slipped into some appointment-only places just by driving up, hitting the buzzer and asking. It happened to be a wine festival in downtown that weekend and the wineries were happy to take care of us!
Prepare to be outside. Grapes need rain to turn into delicious vino someday, but that can make for some unpredictable weather. Pack plenty of layers when you're packing your blingsling and see if the hotel has an umbrella you can borrow for the day. A cool and rainy day can be beautiful for wine tasting if you’re ready for it!
Act like an insider. Before my first trip to Napa, a coworker at my hotel told me to bring business cards with me and ask for an industry discount. Best. Tip. Ever! I got free tastings at every single place we went, plus a discount on their bottles to take back with me! It never hurts to ask! I even started doing it at the wineries back home. If you don’t have an “in” or a friend of a friend, check out the winery’s wine club for discounts and offers that sometimes come free!
Don’t forget food! It’s easy to get carried away drinking all day, but the minute that hunger sets in, it sets in HARD. A day of wine tasting can take a turn for the worst without any food. Enjoy picnicking, offerings at the winery, or the world-renowned restaurants that many wine regions have right in their backyard.
Pace yourself if you’re drinking. I think we all know about this one, but it’s easy to forget until it’s too late. Having a plan to pace yourself throughout the day beforehand is a good idea if you don’t want to get sloppy or have to cut the day short. Or maybe you do?! That deserves a separate plan. For the best experience wine tasting, know your limits and maybe have a plan for using the spit bucket.
Get a driver. Just do it. It lets you relax and enjoy the tastings while being safe and having a local get you where you need to be without a hassle. My husband’s work arranged what was essentially a party bus to take us around Napa and it made everything a total breeze. If you have a group, I highly recommend arranging this. If you’re flying solo or with a partner, you won’t regret hiring a car service for the day, but even just planning on Über or Lyft is a fantastic idea.
There ya have it! Whether you’re a pinot drinker or a chardonnay gal, try out these ideas for your next wine vacation to make sure it’s the absolute best. Have you used them already? Do you have a favorite wine tasting tip? Let the squad know in the comments!
Cheers, clever girls!
Love. Inspire. Grow. Enjoy.
Jordan
]]>My husband and I dated over 13 years before we got married. I know! I know! We already felt official so we were really just holding out for a killer party and an unforgettable trip. The thing was, the longer we waited to tie the knot, the more luxurious our dream honeymoon became. We should go to Tahiti! AND Moorea! AND Bora Bora! We should stay in an overwater bungalow! Let’s go for 2 weeks! By the time we added everything up, we realized that we really should have just started saving when we first got together back in high school! $$$$$! But, seriously. Those bucket list vacations are no joke on the wallet. Buuuuut if you ask me, they’re OH so worth it! Whether it’s your honeymoon or a dream excursion, if you want to plan the trip of a lifetime but don’t want to spend every last dime doing so, check out these tips.
Register for travel dollars instead of gifts. We asked for gifts towards our honeymoon instead of actual gifts for our wedding. Our travel agent had a free site we could use and it saved us from having to ship boxes from our wedding back “home” in St. Louis to LA where we live. If you plan ahead, I don’t see why you couldn’t do this for birthday and Christmas gifts, too.
BYOB or buy booze at duty-free. Ok, I’m gonna say this at the risk of sounding down-right cheap, but for our honeymoon, we brought liquor and a reusable water bottle with a filter to make our drinks in the room with water flavor packets. Judge away! But when cocktails cost $30 a pop in Bora Bora, you learn to get scrappy.
Keep the best resort for last. If you can’t stay at the dream place the whole time, try staying somewhere more affordable first, or in a more affordable room and then switching. Just make sure to save the best for last! We opted for the more affordable garden bungalow when we were at the Hilton on Moorea before splurging at the St. Regis in Bora Bora. It was nice to have a change of scenery and it still came with its own pool!
Tell everyone what you’re celebrating (and get free stuff!). Even if you’re using a travel agent! Let everyone know what you’re vacationing for and they’ll be excited to give you upgrades and amenities for your stay, your meal, your spa day, or whatever you’re enjoying. Nothing makes a good trip better like FREE STUFF and believe it or not, some people actually do like doing kind things for others. If you’re nice about it, that is. Espeeeeecially, if you’re visiting a place that’s not popular for celebrations. For example, it was practically impossible to get a flight upgrade for our honeymoon to Tahiti, but working at a hotel in West Hollywood, we would bend over backwards for our honeymooners! Take advantage, clever girls!
Get breakfast included and make it last all day. Ok, this might make us look cheap again. But really, you don’t need a lot of food after indulging in a buffet breakfast anyway. Eat your heart out with the complimentary stuff and take it easy until dinner. We kept some snacks on hand in case it didn’t last us all day (David is a morning person so dinner could end up being 12 hours away some days). This was also a perk from using a travel agent since a lot of hotels don’t offer a breakfast-included package.
Plan out your reservations before you leave and know when your splurge nights are. Not only does planning ahead make the rest of the trip so much more enjoyable and stress-free, but it can save you money in the long run! I mean, how many times do you go back and forth about what you want for dinner, then end up having to buy a snack before dining because you’re ravenous by the time you get there? No? Just me? Hangry is a real emotion, people! Anyway, it can also save you from dining at the most expensive places every night of the trip. I like to leave the best place for one of the last days of vacation and sprinkle some reservations at nicer places with casual spots on the off days earlier in the trip.
Limit your excursions to your absolute favorite. We met people on our honeymoon who were sky diving one day and swimming with sharks the next. Unless you have unlimited funds, this can make a serious hit in your bank account. Instead, consider what is unique to the location you’re visiting and start there. For example, maybe you’d want to splurge on an excursion to see the Great Barrier Reef while it’s still here instead of ATVing on the beach since you can do that on any beach. I like to plan my excursions for the beginning of the trip so the last part is nothing but relaxation.
Share a suitcase. I know, I know. This is super hard. But really, you’ll be in resort wear most of the time or can accessorize with jewelry from your blingsling® to make the same outfits feel fresh. You’ll save on luggage fees by sharing with your travel partners on the way there AND back, or even more times if you’re hopping locations while you’re gone.
Don’t forget to bring the expensive essentials. Things like sunscreen and mosquito repellant are usually top dollar in tourist areas and airports. Skip bringing the shampoo that you can probably get for free at the hotel and throw in that bottle of Supergoop! Your skin and wallet will thank you later!
Start saving now! Throwing in a few extra dollars with each paycheck a year or two out really adds up! You’ll be able to go on that month-long safari before you know it if you start NOW! If you have the ability through work (or the will power on your own) to pull the funds aside immediately, that’s even better. You’ll get used to living off that smaller amount and forget you’re even saving.
What are your tips, clever girl? I'm always looking for ways to maximize my vacations. Let me know your favorites in the comments and happy travels!
Love. Inspire. Grow. Enjoy.
Jordan
]]>
It’s easy to use. Everything from the website and emails to the shipping and Rocksbox itself are super detailed and easy to understand. They let you know what’s coming in your box, with pictures of each piece, ahead of time so you can switch up what you’re getting if you want. It’s timely (I got two shipments in my first month with plenty of time to wear everything) and I love that the mailer and box are reusable.
It has something for every occasion. You can pick out your favorite rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets in your wish list or have a stylist pick for you. Rocksbox offers all types of jewelry for all types of women. I consider myself pretty picky and was pleased to fill out a style profile to give them a better idea of my taste. You can pick something for a specific occasion and date or let them make the decisions for you. I also like being able to leave notes for my stylist- like my request to always have a new necklace included.
It’s great quality. They’re nicer quality than some of the pieces I would have gotten for last minute events and have a variety of name brands like Kate Spade and Kendra Scott.
It’s perfect for testing pieces out. I’m such an indecisive shopper and am basically the opposite of an impulse buyer. I overthink every purchase. It’s a curse! But I love getting to test things out to see how they work with my wardrobe before buying. You know the whole “Will I ever wear this?” thing. Ugh! Lifesaver.
It’s a deal! It’s only $21/month PLUS the monthly fee goes towards a purchase! My first buy is going to be the yellow fringe hoop earrings I got in my latest Rocksbox from Wilde. They’re the perfect statement piece, but I probably would have been too indecisive about the color to buy them in the store or online. Yay for being able to try them out!
It’s REALLY a deal! Umm, seriously girls. The first month is free if you use code blingslingxoxo when you sign up! How can you beat that?!
After you sign up, make sure to grab a blingsling® to keep all of your new pieces organized and your necklaces tangle-free when you travel! You can see how I pack my Rocksbox pieces in my blingsling® on my IGTV videos here and here. Have you tried Rocksbox or the blingsling® yet? Let me know in the comments!
Happy shopping, clever girls!
Love. Inspire. Grow. Enjoy.
Jordan
]]>
First, there’s Magic Hour. We drove up first thing in the morning on a Saturday, to take full advantage of our one-night stay Saturday night, but still missed the extra park time since it started at 7 am. If you’re able to get up for it, this is totally a perk. Even when we got there a little after 8, California Adventure was practically empty. In hindsight, this would have been the perfect opportunity for pictures. Wow, I am bad at this!
Moving on! It was such a breeze to have direct entry into the California Adventure park. The security line was nonexistent and the entrance is discreetly located further into the park. I would have loved this as a kid getting a head start to the roller coaster line! But as an adult, the advantage is obviously an easy stumble home after the Food & Wine festival. Brilliant!
On normal day-visits, the girls and I take a break in the gorgeous, timber-filled lobby and enjoy it the most at Christmastime when it is truly magical with the fireplace, massive tree, fragrant gingerbread house, and carolers. It was nice to have a place to go back for a midday snack and nap without feeling weird half-sleeping in the lobby. Because...this is adulting. We opted for the pool this round and they NO JOKE passed out cupcakes like they were glasses of water. I don’t think you could have impressed us anymore.
Back in the room, we realized if you get just the right view, you can tune into the fireworks or World of Color to get music and watch from your room. But if you don’t get that extra special view, like us early-checker-inners (I know! I’m going against ALL my advice!) you’re likely to still have a balcony with great people watching. Ours was of the pool…and the snack bar construction. I TOLD you this is what early check-ins get. But the view wasn’t a big deal to us because our plans consisted of lounging, pooling it in the best spa robes ever, and of course, visiting the parks.
If you do plan to spend some time in the room, you’ll quickly see that they have every. Disney channel. ever. made. so you can sing yourself to sleep with Moana and wake up ready for an adventure with Nemo. We definitely didn’t do this, because as I said earlier, we are full grown adults. <insert eye roll here> Did I mention they give you free Ghiradelli chocolates for turn down service?!
Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is the perfect combo of serious and fun. You have the excitement of everything in the parks but are steps away to Downtown Disney for shopping and bars. It was a luxurious weekend stay that has forever changed our already-spoiled view of Disneyland and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Have you been to any of the Disneyland properties? I’d love to hear how you liked them! Let me know in the comments!
Happy Disney travels!
Love. Inspire. Grow. Enjoy.
Jordan
]]>
1. Explore your destination on foot. This is my favorite way to see a new city anyway! You don’t have to worry about missing out on anything when you’re underground on the train or in a car and you could stumble across some local hidden gems! If you do need to go further, I suggest renting a bicycle or using public transit when necessary.
2. Carry your own reusable water bottle. I like to use one with a filter so I can save plastic (and money) by refilling it in the hotel room.
3. Get your coffee (and meals) “for here”. Enjoy the scenery at a local cafe and do a little people-watching. It’s easy to want to jam-pack your day with activities and grab something on-the-go, but it’s so much more relaxing (and eco-friendly!) to just chill out and enjoy the break.
4. Reuse your towels and sheets in the hotel. Most hotels have some system of requesting this, whether it’s a quick call, a comment card, or simply hanging them up. I usually keep the Do Not Disturb sign on the room to save them from messing with it at all.
5. Turn off the lights and TV when you leave the hotel. I’m guilty of this sometimes, too, but why is this a thing? We wouldn’t do this at home, would we? It’s simply just a big waste of energy.
6. Think twice about your clothes. Pack light, re-wear clothes, only wash when you have a full load, and when you do, use cold water. And please don’t pack everything in separate plastic bags, especially if they’re only used once. Try packing cubes, toiletry organizers, or…
7. Use the blingsling® instead. In addition to saving endless plastic baggies, it’s made from reclaimed fabric AND it keeps your jewelry from tangling!
8. Stay on the paths when hiking. This has gotten some press with the latest super bloom here in Cali, but no matter where you’re exploring, you don’t know what kind of environment you could be destroying to get that picture.
9. Recycle! A lot of major cities are getting on board with having bins around town, but you can hang on to your extras until you find one, or at the very least, please please please don’t litter.
10. Give back to the planet on vacation. Find a way to plant a tree, pick up trash, or volunteer with a group through sites like https://www.volunteerhq.org/.
Travel isn’t necessarily the most eco-friendly thing you can do, but if you ask me, there are still TONS of benefits to it and plenty of ways to make it just a little more environmentally friendly. What are your favorite tips, clever girl? Let me know in the comments!
Happy (eco-) travels!
Love. Inspire. Grow. Enjoy.
Jordan
]]>
1. Have a goal. If you’re going to start working towards something, you need to know what that is. Write it down. Share it with people you trust. Keep it top of mind and get ready.
2. Get specific about said goal. It helps if you get crystal clear. Alex didn’t just want to climb something difficult, he wanted climb El Capitan. He wanted to do it without ropes. He wanted to be the first. Getting all the little details like what, where and when can help reverse-engineer the how.
3. Make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. It doesn’t matter necessarily what others think your reason is, but it does matter what you truly believe. Before the blingsling®, this part had stopped me in the past from continuing with hobbies, relationships, and careers. Is it truly important to you? Not someone you love or someone you want to impress, but you.
4. When you’re ready, just start. This is sometimes the hardest. Especially when it gets fuzzy between your head and your gut. If you remember that you can always stop and reevaluate, it makes the starting part a little less scary. What is the worst that can happen? No seriously, ask yourself that. If you can’t come back from it, maybe you need to reevaluate. Most times though, you’ll have some other options to get yourself back on course and it’s worth it to just take the leap of faith.
5. Track your progress in written form regularly. Not just in your head. Get out there and try, practice, work hard, and even “fail”. Keep a log of what you’ve tried that’s worked and what hasn’t worked. Over time, you’ll be able to see patterns and areas for improvement. I’ve had many times where I thought the issue was one thing, until I looked back and discovered it was something else.
6. Trust your gut and know when to back down and reevaluate. Sometimes on paper, or even in your journal of progress, it looks like you’re ready or should have accomplished your goal, but it just doesn’t feel right. Listen to yourself. That feeling is telling you something for a reason. Now’s a good time to reevaluate. Maybe the goal needs to change? Maybe the timeline needs to change? Maybe you just need more practice and reassurance?
7. Keep at it, even when others lose faith in you. Now of course, I’m not advocating for anyone to get into something dangerous like climbing El Capitan. You know your goal and you know yourself. Taking baby steps to reach the next milestone will eventually lead you to your end goal. I’ve found that scheduling non-negotiable time every day toward my goal can help form a habitual routine. Like Steve Martin said, “Thankfully, persistence is a great substitute for talent”.
8. Remember, mind over matter. This might have been my biggest takeaway from the movie. I mean, seriously, the mindset you’d have to be in to accomplish that goal is UNREAL. It’s incredible what can get done when your mind is focused, determined, positive, and believes in the goal. Visualizing what it looks, feels, and tastes like to accomplish it and speaking as if you’ve already conquered it can always help get you in the mood, too.
9. Have a team to encourage and help you. Having a hype tribe, both personally and professionally, can help get you to that next level. Of course, having resources that have accomplished your goal before or something similar can be an excellent opportunity for mentorship and accountability. But it’s also awesome to have some people that you know without a doubt want to see you succeed. They’ll be there to get you through the set backs and make sure you stay on track.
10. Celebrate the victories. Let yourself feel the emotions and take a step back to bask in the glory of achieving something. Even if it’s a stepping stone to that end goal, it’s worth it to throw a little confetti and get your party on! You’ve worked hard for it and it does mean something. Personally, I’ve struggled at this in the past and only see when I look back later that I really had accomplished a lot along the way. Why not celebrate through the journey AND at the end?!
To be open, these takeaways were just as much for me as they are for you. It’s an ongoing process and I hope we can all help each other get to our end goals by collaborating together. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend watching Free Solo. It may give you intense anxiety throughout…pretty much the entire thing, but it’s an uplifting and motivating story and showcases how beautiful Yosemite National Park is and what a wonder nature can be!
Have you seen it? Are you in the middle of getting to a big goal? Or a small one? I’d love to hear in the comments!
Happy travels!
Love. Inspire. Grow. Enjoy.
Jordan
PS- Here is the picture of the bear my husband took when I was running away.
]]>
1. Make a list on an app like Anylist and build it with everything you can think of (or everything I’ve thought of for you here) so it’s ready to go before every trip. No need to take time making a new one or thinking through the whole itinerary every time you have to pack. It’s ready to go, just uncheck the items you don’t need and get to packing!
2. Use the small suitcase if you can. I know, I know! Sometimes it’s just impossible. Trust me!! I know. I’m the worrrrst at this. But if you’re able to make it work, it makes travel so so much easier. My husband and I just took carry-ons on our last trip to Mexico and OMG if we didn’t save hours by beating the lines through customs!
3. Check with your airline and hotel for fees and amenities. This gives you an idea of how much you can bring and what you may not even need to bring. Personally, I’m a fan of Southwest where I can bring 2 bags for free and I’m ALL about utilizing the free amenities from the hotel to save on space!
4. If you’re not wearing your hat in transit, pack it FIRST. I like to put it upside down, then fill it with clothes and pack around it to stabilize it and keep its shape.
5. Shoes are next. And at the bottom and sides so they don’t slide all around on top of your clean clothes. Speaking of clean clothes, turn your easily-stained items like white tops inside out to keep them from getting ruined.
6. Use your shoes and hats to store socks, underwear or swimsuits. I think this one’s pretty self-explanatory. Every inch of space saved is an inch of space earned, right?
7. Pack a basic wardrobe with neutrals and accessorize with jewelry in your blingsling®. This one is also a challenge for me but has been on my goals for a while. Creating a more minimalist look is not only in style right now, but it helps save space by mixing and matching and using the same shoes, jackets, and other layers. Plus there are so many cute statement earrings that can give the same outfit a totally new vibe.
8. Use the blingsling® to organize your jewelry. Layer your necklaces horizontally under the magnetic straps so they don’t tangle. If you overlap them slightly, you can get four under each one. Use the smaller straps at the top to keep your earrings and rings in place and throw your bracelets in the zippered pouch. Roll it, fold it, and you’re ready to pack it.
9. Store up mini versions of your cosmetics to use just for travel. Better yet, keep these ready to go in a separate, travel-sized bag.
10. Put your small bags inside of another bag. It keeps all of your little items like makeup and toiletries together and organized while keeping it from spilling or getting lost in the abyss of clothes. Remember to put a buffer layer between your spill-able items and your stainable items. If there isn’t room for my toiletries in the outside zipper, I’ll lay an easily cleanable jacket or beach towel between my cosmetics bags and my clothes.
11. Think fewer bottoms, more tops. Let’s face it, no one’s going to care if you wear the same jeans over your weekend vacay! Make it feel different by switching up the style of tops you pair with them, but make sure they’re comfortable. You don’t want to be left stranded with one pair of annoying pants for a whole trip! Unless you want to go shopping? Then donate the heck out of those uncomfy leg-traps and get yourself something new.
12. Wear your chunkiest outfit w/ layers. Not only will this save you space in the case. (See what I did there?) It is without a doubt always FREEZING on planes and you’ll be thanking me later. I gotcha, girl!
13. Secure your packed items if there’s extra room (HA! I know, just hear me out.), but make sure there’s nothing crushable near the wheels of the bag, like that hat you packed earlier. It’s easy to forget that it’s going from flat to standing and all the weight will go to one end.
14. Keep your essentials and expensive things in your carry-on. You’re probably already doing this, but it’s worth saying ‘cause I think it’s important. You can use your beach bags or laptop bags as the carry-on, too, to maximize space in your checked bag.
15. My favorite tip: always use the same compartments for the same things in your purse or carry-on. It gives you a routine for packing and makes finding your stuff so much easier. I can always tell when my husband borrows the keys based on where I find them in my purse. If they’re not in the small, right pocket, they’ve been compromised. It saves me loads of time going through security, packing, and just, in general, making sure I don’t forget things.
So there ya have it! A few tips that I hope make your life a heck of a lot easier. Did I miss any? Let me know in the comments!
Happy travels!
Love. Inspire. Grow. Enjoy.
Jordan
]]>
1. Explore your nearest big city. You see it every day, or at least every couple of months. But do you really know what your city has to offer? When was the last time you stayed right downtown? When was the last time you went to the museums or landmarks or ate the food it’s known for? Playing tourist in your own town can be a lot of fun!
2. Get out of the city. If you live in the city already, maybe you could use a little break with some greenery and fresh air? Going to a nearby small town can give you just the change of scenery you need. I’m always in awe of how relaxed I feel when I get out of DTLA into the mountains or even to a smaller neighborhood like Pasadena. It’s refreshing to mix it up!
3. Visit out-of-town friends or family. Okay, I’m throwing myself under the bus by not visiting family this year, but it is a good idea. (Sorry fam!) Going to see family that doesn’t live near you or even just going back to where you grew up can give you a great change of pace for your break. Also, going to see friends that have moved will give you a reason to visit a new city you’d never thought of visiting before and BONUS, you get to experience it with a local!
4. Take a spontaneous road trip. Hopping in the car and just driving without reservations is on my bucket list. I’m such a planner, but I love the idea of a spontaneous trip! Use the Hotel Tonight app to book your last-minute hotel for reduced prices!
5. Plan around last-minute deals. Using tools like Travelzoo, Kayak, Hopper, and Fareness can help you find the best place to go for your buck. Sometimes it’s nice to leave the decision to someone else.
6. Go where your points can take you. Check with your credit cards, hotel rewards, and airline miles to see what you have saved up and put them to use! What makes vacation even better? Knowing you got it for a sweet deal, or even FREE!
7. Stay away from theme parks. Just trust me, they’re mad. Unless your super sweet hookup outweighs the madness, go ahead and plant that idea in the off-season. The crowds, lines, and hunting for a place to sit down can get old really fast.
8. Try a retreat. Go somewhere with a like-minded group. There are retreats for nearly everything; female travelers, plant-based eaters, wellness advocates, anything! It’s a great opportunity to meet people while experiencing things you’re bound to love.
9. Splurge on the last two. Stay in a middle-range hotel or hostel for all but your last two nights, then switch to the fanciest place you can afford. It gives you a taste of luxury without totally breaking the bank and you’re likely going to appreciate it even more after “roughing” it at the beginning. Make sure it comes at the end of the trip though or you risk the opposite effect!
10. Get out and explore somewhere, anywhere, new! Just pack your blingsling® and go! Give yourself a break, you totally deserve it clever girl! It doesn’t matter if you’re going a town over or across the globe, you’re growing and making connections and inspiring others to do the same. A well-traveled world brings people together. Do it for all of us!
Happy travels!
Love. Inspire. Grow. Enjoy.
Jordan
]]>
The thing about Mexico is, there are so many more options within that big decision you already made. But just a minute, I have a confession. All three times I’ve been there, I’ve been the worst tourist. I like to think I haven’t been the full-blown stereotypical American that drinks herself to oblivion and dances on the tables…I like to save those stories for my home country…but I’m ashamed to say I’ve spent most of my time in our neighboring country at a resort. I have some major guilt over not having truly explored Mexico for the gobs of rich history, natural beauty and immense culture it has to offer. So it remains on my bucket-list.
But that’s okay! Even as someone whose personal mission is to connect the world through shared experiences. Sometimes you just want to relax! So while I haven’t fully experienced all Mexico has to offer, I can help you in deciding which type of experience you should plan for: the all-inclusive or the a la carte. Here are a few questions to help you choose…
1. What part of the country are you visiting? Is the conference you’re going to in Mexico City? Is your friend not shutting up about this picture she saw of Tulum on Insta? My experience tells me most of the all-inclusives are along the coast. So if you’re heading anywhere inland, stick with the normal hotel stay.
2. What is the goal of your trip? Do you want to just relax by the beach sipping margaritas? Or are you ready for action-packed excursions? Maybe you want a bit of exploration and relaxation? Really, both types of accommodations can provide this, but I feel that if you’re wanting to really explore and immerse yourself in the culture, you’ll want an a la carte option.
3. Do you drink alcohol? Do you need top shelf liquor? There are some luxury all-inclusive resorts that provide these options, but in general, a lot of the cost goes to booze. If you’re not a drinker, you might want to consider not including everything in your package.
4. Are you easy to please when it comes to food? Do you have any dietary restrictions? Most resorts do a great job of accommodating requests and usually have a lot of options. Either way, be sure to check this out before you go. You don’t want to show up ready for your all-inclusive package and have to dine off property and pay for food that was already included in your rate.
5. Are you okay with the same scenery? Maybe it’s because I grew up in the Midwest, but there’s something about the beach that just never gets boring. But maybe you know you get sick of it after a few hours? If you’re roped into the all-inclusive, you’ll likely be spending most of your time, if not all, on property.
6. Who are you traveling with? Are you traveling with a group and hoping to avoid the dreadful separate checks at the end of the meal? Or you’re always the one getting stuck with the entire bill? Maybe the family loves trying authentic cuisine recommended from that blogger who always finds the best hidden gems? Consider the group’s opinions before you throw down the dough for everything included.
7. Do you have club access? A lot of hotel rewards programs have club access either for a price or included with your status. These can be incredible money savers when staying at an a la carte hotel. You might not even need that all-inclusive anyway!
8. When are you traveling? Will it be spring break with a pool full of Jägerbombs (Is that even what they still drink? Now I’m dating myself.)? Or are you traveling in the off-season with your pick of rooms? The time of year can definitely impact the feeling of the hotel.
9. What do you want to see? If you’re wanting to get out and see the ruins and other landmarks, I’d probably say to embrace the local culture and go for an a la carte, maybe even a boutique hotel. Remember to pack your blingsling® so you’re ready to accessorize for any occasion. But if you’re excited for days and days of that same ocean view, all-inclusive the heck out of your vacation, girl! Don’t forget those tassel earrings!
10. Why are you going to Mexico? This is probably the most-telling answer. For example, my latest trip was specifically booked for me and my husband to totally check out. Switching it up from our usual we-must-see-and-do-everything vacations, we wanted to not feel bad about doing absolutely nothing. And that’s exactly what we did. All-inclusive style with spicy margaritas everyday and ALL the tacos. Too many tacos. Basically the usual, but in Mexico.
As I said before, when it comes to the brilliance of Mexico, I’m really no expert. Someday, I’d love to be. But for now, I can tell you it’s a perfect place to relax and recharge. Whatever your style of vacation or whatever you’re looking to experience in Mexico, I hope you fully enjoy every bit of it. I’d love to hear what your experiences have been, if you’re planning to go, or if you have any must-sees for me to explore next time!
Happy travels!
Love. Inspire. Grow. Enjoy.
Jordan
]]>
1. Register for the STEP. The U.S. Dept. of State offers a free registration for your trip with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. Read through the alerts and warnings on your destination and use it to help decide the best mode of transportation, areas to avoid, general safety information, and other tips.
2. Check your passport! Make sure everything is still accurate…I’m lookin at you newlywed…and valid for 6 months after your trip. Some places require a visa and some are required prior to arrival. Check with the embassy of the country you’re visiting.
3. Make copies of important docs. At least have a copy of your passport in case anything gets lost or stolen or left under the Eiffel Tower in the middle of a romantic walk. Am I speaking from experience? Maybe??
4. Check for vaccinations, health insurance coverage and make sure you have your medications. The CDC has a helpful tool to determine what’s needed for the location you’re visiting. In general, it’s good to be up-to-date with your doctor visits, prescriptions and medications.
5. Keep family aware of your travel plan. You’ve probably already told your mom or sister about the vacation you’re “literally dying to go on”, but did you make sure to tell them the name of the hotel, airline, and how they can reach you? It’s best to tell at least one person of your plan juuuust in case of any emergencies. Because just like when you haul that oversized umbrella around with you when it’s supposed to rain, if you plan for it, it won’t happen. And that’s exactly how we like our emergencies. :-)
6. Make sure your credit cards are squared away. You’ll definitely want to alert your credit card company that you’ll be out of town so you can avoid having them shut down your card for fraud while you’re traveling. Also, be sure to check if yours has international fees. Sometimes, credit card companies offer extras like travel or car insurance for your rental car so ask them about that, too.
7. Get that cash money. Exchange cash at the bank for foreign currency ahead of time or at the airport. I hate carrying cash, but it’s probably a good idea to have at least a little bit with you in safe keeping if you’re unfamiliar with the country you’re traveling to.
8. Have a plan for your phone. Do you have unlimited data internationally? What are the charges for making calls? Be sure to have a plan of action for using your phone and WiFi if it’s not included because those costs can seriously add up.
9. Have the hotel address + directions for when you arrive. Not only is it helpful for any language barrier, but you can feel a little safer knowing where you’re going when you get in a car with a stranger half-way across the world.
10. Check your hotel/hostel for amenities included. Some places will have free WiFi and breakfast and others are ahead of the game with free minibar items- my personal fave! It’s good to know ahead of time in case this changes your plans or at least helps you save on packing some granola bars.
11. Print directions to/from your hotel and other key places. Or screenshot directions while you have WiFi. David and I made it over a week almost entirely on foot in Paris, Dijon, and London by using free WiFi to take pictures of the directions. It’s a little bit of planning, but $10 saved on data is $10 I can spend on crepes! If you’re driving, be sure to have an International Driver’s Permit. You can get one on here.
12. Print important tickets. Especially for transportation like trains or excursions. Once you make it to that picture perfect wine-tasting tour in the French countryside, your cell service might not be as reliable as back in the city. And getting back on the train in the most charming little town you’ve ever seen might be a problem if your phone has died from all the pictures you took all day. It never seems important, until it’s important.
13. Pre-download playlists. Trust me. You’ll want these downloaded to save yourself some data on the beach.
14. Pack smart. Take a few minutes to think through all the activities you have planned or want to plan abroad to make sure you have the essentials packed. I always like to bring a water filter bottle to save on bottles of water in the hotel room and usually toss in a portable speaker for outdoor activities. But don’t worry if this brings on the anxiety! I have a complete packing list for you here.
15. Pack light. Ugh! It’s the worst, I know. But keep in mind the baggage fees when flying international and any backpacking or switching hotels. You (or your partner) will thank me later. I like to wear a minimal wardrobe to save space and use jewelry from my blingsling® to accessorize and spice things up!
16. Pick up foreign adapters for electronics. A lot of hotels have these to borrow, but it’s helpful to have a few on hand to save time.
17. Talk the talk. Learn a few important phrases (Where’s the bathroom? Do you speak English?) in the foreign language to feel a little more comfortable approaching people. Even if they speak English, I’ve found they’re much more accepting if you try to speak theirs. Even if it’s terrible. There are also some translation apps (if you’re using data) or you could grab a travel translation book to keep with you. When in doubt, there’s always charades!
18. Double check the dates. Confirm your reservation dates, especially if you’re going to a new time zone or taking a red eye!
19. Hold your mail. You know your mailbox, but if you’re gone longer than a week I suggest having someone you trust collect it for you or scheduling it through USPS.
20. Make sure bills are paid up or scheduled before you leave. As much as we’d all like to just ignore these, I think we all know what will happen here.
See! That wasn’t so bad, was it?! I’ve been to over 12 different countries and have a tendency to freak out each time, but nothing puts me at ease like over-preparing. If you put in a little work before you leave, you can relax and fully enjoy your time exploring the destination and connecting with the world.
What do you think clever girl? Any tips I missed? Any crazy abroad stories you survived? Leave a comment below and share with your friends!
Happy travels!
Love. Inspire. Grow. Enjoy.
Jordan
]]>From a business standpoint, everyone tells you to utilize the free tools to reach new customers and so I got into the habit quickly and with full force, posting at least once a day with all the hashtags, tagging, and engaging with other accounts consuming so much of my time. I curated my feed to look cohesive, made sure all of my content was original, and carefully planned each caption to be as relevant, interesting and actionable as possible. But as much as I dearly love the followers I do have, I couldn’t help but think, my reach wasn’t growing the way I was being told it should be growing. Here’s the thing. When your account is for your new baby, I mean, business, it means so much more. At least it did for me. And it was starting to mean WAY TOO MUCH. So like our favorite friends, Ross + Rachel, I took a much-needed break. And here’s what happened…
1. It confirmed that Instagram was giving me anxiety.
Sometimes, you don’t really see clearly until you remove yourself from the situation. I had gotten used to the scheduling and posting and thought I was fully acclimated to my new lifestyle, but when I finally stepped away, I felt a sense of relief that I didn’t have that daily Instagram post hovering on my to-do list, never really going away.
2. I’m fairly certain the shadowban is real and I have it.
This was partially what brought me to take the break in the first place, but when your engagement drops, you don’t show under any of your hashtags, and certain features on the app are blocked from you, you start to believe the rumors and realize it’s time to just step away.
3. Instagram stopped forcing its way into my conversations.
I like to think my break from the ‘gram made me slightly less annoying by talking about other topics besides my feed and engagement and why no one loved me anymore. Jk on that last one. Or am I?
4. My engagement lowered even more.
This could have been due to yet another algorithm change, but I came back to even lower engagement. The thing is, this time my expectations were set appropriately so it was less triggering. Not not triggering. Just less.
5. My business stayed the exact same.
Surprise! If your people aren’t finding you on social media to begin with, you’re probably not going to see much of a difference when you take a break. For all of you who have mastered building a business from Instagram, you’ll probably have a harder time taking a break. Finally, one perk for us newbies?!
6. I actually relaxed.
To loop you in, I’m usually one of those all or nothing people. So to fully relax, I need to be completely on my own schedule. So yes, I had a few visits to see family last year and a much-needed trip to Hawaii, but when you start to see the world in Insta-worthy pictures and have multiple alarms telling you to get on and post, are you really on vacation?
7. My connections felt more real- for better or worse.
My Insta-break happened to fall over the holidays, which meant a lot of time with family and friends IRL. There was so much going on, I barely noticed my time away from the virtual world really. This brought more vulnerable and honest conversations that I feel lead to closer connections overall.
8. It forced me to get creative and focus on other mediums.
Like everyone else who missed the sweet spot of jumping on Insta, and for pretty much all of us in the future post-Insta world, I had to think out-of-the-box. And really, most of these outlets, like meeting new people at pop-ups and connecting with others at community events are what I enjoy anyway. Yay!
9. I realized I was putting too much time and effort into it.
Not only did the stress around posting decrease, but I had more time for other things. Clever Designs LA is all about getting better acquainted with the world, so why was I focusing on the virtual world so much? Finally! More time to explore, connect, and interact with real people, places, and experiences!
10. It made me grateful for the followers I do have.
Ahhh finally, a little gratitude! I had a couple people ask where I was, which made me realize how thankful I am for each of the followers I do have. Hey, I’ve always been the type to have fewer, closer friends than thousands of people I don’t talk to, so here’s to you clever girls- MUCH much love!
To sum it all up, yes, I am back to posting. Buuuut, it is much less frequently and I’m working on finding a happy medium for myself and the blingsling® followers. So if you’re a #clevergirl, leave me a comment with your thoughts on our social media break, any tips you have, and what you’d like to see from us going forward online!
Love. Inspire. Grow. Enjoy.
Jordan
]]>Of course, I know there are plenty of these immediate success stories. I know enough of them personally to know that it definitely can happen. But I’m pointing this out for anyone who is at the launch stage now, counting on all the positive feedback, Instagram likes, and everyone you’ve ever met to instantly turn into sales. For some, and of course not everyone, it just doesn’t happen like that. So here are a few things I learned over the past year. And by no means do these make you successful. Heck, I’m still trying to figure this out myself, so I won’t go preaching about tips for success. But here are a few things my first year in business has taught me…
Start now. Take your idea and run with it. I had the idea for the blingsling® almost 10 years ago and kept telling myself I would get around to it. But then I found myself looking back thinking I was so young then, I would be so much further now. This is wildly unproductive, but it’s also true. Which is why you should just. start. now. You will never be as young as you are right now, ever again. You can learn so much along the way, but the best way to do that is by doing.
Really listen to your research. As a marketing major in college, I did a decent amount of research before launching. What I struggled with though was actually listening to what it was telling me. I was so obsessed with hitting a certain launch date that I made sacrifices in other areas that ultimately have made things much much harder on myself. Take the time to listen to your gut and the intuition of your market.
Don’t let perfectionism hold you back. I constantly struggle with this one, but it’s important to remember you can always make changes. Sometimes, it’s best to just get whatever it is out there into the world and adapt as you go.
Start collecting emails for marketing as soon as possible. I was embarrassed of the simple, stock photo password page that housed my email sign up before I launched, so I didn’t promote it. Big mistake. I should have used this to build a solid group of people interested in my product that I could market to as soon as I launched.
You’re the only person who will care as much as you. I don’t know how many times I cried and complained (and still cry and complain) to friends and family hoping for some miraculous fix or deep empathy for whatever it was I was going through. But ultimately, I should remind myself of Oprah’s quote, “Only you have the power to take responsibility to move your life forward.”
It can be incredibly isolating. Find a group or co-working space to be a part of. This is especially for any of the solopreneurs out there. I get it. We have to start by ourselves before we grow. I’m just saying, if you can find a volunteer group, co-working space, or participate in some meet-up chats, it will do wonders for your psyche. AND, you might even make some great connections or learn a few things! (Thank you Biz Babez, Kasey Dreier, and Step Up Women's Network!)
If you can do it on the side of your full-time job at first, do it. This is coming from someone who didn’t do that and who stands by my choice, because I know I wouldn’t have ever gotten to it. But if you’re one of those 24/7 hustle-all-day types or can squeeze things in on the weekend or have a job that allows for some downtime at work; take advantage of it! Once you leave that job, it adds so much extra pressure!
Take care of yourself. Another one I’m always working on. It’s so so easy to compare and beat yourself up when things don’t go as planned or seemingly as good as others. But remember your story is yours. It’s okay to take some time off, clear your head, and get creativity flowing again. It’s also extremely important to find something to do regularly that keeps you sane like meditating, journaling, setting intentions, or exercising. There’s only one you, clever girl.
So there ya have it! A few things I picked up from starting Clever Designs LA. If you’re on this crazy business owner journey, leave me comment below! Or if you’re into supporting female-led, conscious companies, check out our ethically made, tangle-free jewelry bags at https://cleverdesignsla.com/collections/blingsling.
Let’s do this, clever girls!
Love. Inspire. Grow. Enjoy.
Jordan
]]>Have you ever made it all the way to your vacay destination to realize you forgot something back at home?! Isn’t it the worst?! As an over-planner and extreme lover of lists, I decided to put together a master outline so this never happens to us again. Yay! Keep scrolling for a few packing tips and a checklist, so we can all spend less time getting ready and spend more time doing what we LOVE!
1. Pack as early as possible. This will leave you time to think things over and let other ideas come to you before you leave.
2. Check the weather. Buying new umbrellas, swimsuits, and shoes can really add up.
3. Know what you’re doing when you get there. I think most of us probably pack differently for a beach wedding than we do for a ski trip. But if you don’t, power to ya!
4. Try to pack with a theme. I know it’s hard, but you can use jewelry from your blingsling®, like statement necklaces, tassel earrings and stackable rings, to change up the look of your basics while using minimal space.
5. Stick to a list. I put one together so you can double check that you have everything. Right click on the photo below to save and print it off, or add the items to your favorite list-making app so it’s with you all the time!
Love. Inspire. Grow. Enjoy.
Jordan
]]>As you might know, I recently got back from a vacay in Kauai. This was my fourth trip to the Garden Island and with each visit, I’ve found new things to fall in love with. Keep reading for a quick review of some of my favorite spots!
If you’ve never been to Kauai before, it’s worth noting that while it’s a small island, the north and south sides have very different vibes. The north side gets more rain and has the mountains in its backyard so everything is extremely lush. The south side is known to be sunnier and also has easier access to town life. This trip, I spent the beginning few days on the north end in Princeville and finished up the trip more south near Lihue. But I would suggest to all of you, definitely rent a car so you can explore as much as possible, which is exactly what we did!
All seven of my family members and myself shuttled around Kauai for two weeks visiting endless beaches and scenic points and I still didn’t get to see everything I wanted to, so don’t let the small island thing fool you. Where we started in Princeville is near Hanalei Bay and the Napali Coast. Unfortunately, the low grounds were flooded this spring, which closed access to my favorite beach Ke’e and the Kalalau trail that my sister was dying to hike. Word on the street is this whole area will be closed until November at the earliest (https://kalalautrail.com/). Definitely worth checking out if it’s open when you go!
Instead, we did two smaller hikes near the St. Regis (If you’re not staying, go for lunch to check out their views!); Hideaways Beach and Queen’s Bath. Both were short, but steep, muddy and totally worth it. Leave extra time to relax and enjoy Hideaways Beach if you go. The water is crystal clear and very calm the day we went in July. However, it’s totally secluded with no restrooms on site. You can also take a dip in some of the smaller pools at Queen’s Bath, but stay alert. There were signs everywhere about the strong currents and multiple deaths. We did see a woman with a baby in a carrier, but she looked to be struggling across some of the slippery rocks. If you can make it, it’s pretty cool to see the rock formations, waterfalls, and sea turtles.
Most of our time on both sides of the island consisted of beach hopping, so there were a bit too many to go into detail in this post. I have a separate post breaking them down here if you’re interested.
On our way to the southern side of Kauai, we stopped by the Kilauea Lighthouse. It had nice views of the water, like most places on the island, but it overlooked these little caves that made me think Captain Hook could pop out at any moment. This area is also a bird sanctuary and makes for a nice stop on the drive down when you have time to kill between check out and check in. Also before check in, we ventured out to Spouting Horn and Wailua Falls, which is a must-see for sure. I’m a little bummed we didn’t try out the make-shift path down to the waterfront. I’m not sure if this is even legal though and it looked pretty muddy. For another trip!
Now on the south side, we continued beach hopping. We had a wonderful family photo session with Alexandra Masihy just outside of the Hyatt and I’d recommend her to anyone wanting a few beautifully shot memories from their vacation. David and I stayed at this resort our last trip, before the birth of blingsling, and it’s one of my all time favorite hotels. The grounds, pools, and restaurants are all insanely gorgeous and the hospitality is warm and friendly. This trip, we just had dinner here, but had a delicious time.
Besides a few more beaches, we wanted to get a couple of excursions under our belt. And by we, I mean my sister, the hiker. Near the absolutely breathtaking Kalalau lookout, we conquered the Kalepa Ridge Trail. It’s definitely for the adventurous, or anyone like me trying to, I guess, conquer a fear of heights? I have a separate post here on our hike. The lookout is for EVERYone though and wow, is it stunning! It’s a great place for a picnic with waterfall-gazing. We caught a few more waterfalls on our drive back down to Waimea Canyon. Each lookout had an equally awesome vantage point that pictures just can’t seem to fully capture. It really is like the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
I think I could go on forever about my love for Hawaii, especially Kauai, but I have to leave room for you to explore! If you’re traveling to Kauai or have traveled before, leave your comments and questions below. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Mahalo!
Love. Inspire. Grow. Enjoy.
Jordan
]]>
While I do like to get out on my trips for some excursions, the real meaning of vacation to me is doing absolutely nothing at a pool or a beach. So, of course, I spent a ton of time checking out Kauai’s beaches on my latest visit to the Garden Island. Keep scrolling for a run-down of my favorites!
Coconut Beach- We got in a day earlier than my family had originally planned, so we spent the first night at this beach near the airport before meeting up with the rest of the group. It left a nice impression, but we didn’t get much time to enjoy it with the late arrival, jet lag, trips to the airport to pick up family, etc. We did see locals fishing on the beach, which was fine until they caught several massive fish that you could see flopping around in their coolers. One guy even came over and smacked the fish so hard you could hear it two floors up. Traumatic! I’ve talked about my vegan journey before, so I admit I’m not a full-fledged animal activist yet, but that was hard to watch. So if that would disturb you too, maybe try a different spot?
Lae Nani Beach- We went to Lava Lava Beach Club for lunch and were pleasantly surprised they had yard games right on the beach. The beach itself was also stunning. A little grassy area leading up to the sand with a pretty little rock formation towards the edge. I definitely recommend it for a meal or happy hour situation.
Hideaways Beach- This was our first beach on the north side of the island. It’s hidden (obvi) in Princeville near the St. Regis and requires a bit of a steep hike to get to. I’ll tell you a little more about getting to it in my next blog post, but this was one of my favorites. I’m not sure if it’s because we went in the early morning and the sun hit the waters juuuust right or that it really is that clear and calm all the time, but this one is a must-see…as long as the trek isn’t too much for you. My parents both stayed back, but the 6 of us adult “kids” made it without a problem.
Anini Beach- It was a bit overcast the day we came here and started to rain so we couldn’t stay long. The water was nice and calm. (Can you tell I had a traumatic experience with rough waters in Hawaii before?) The beach was lined with trees that while beautiful, left lots of needles and seeds all the way up to the water. As someone who likes to just lie in the sand, this was one of my least favorite beaches.
Kalihiwai Beach- It was huge! Such a big area of sand, though not crazy to trek out to the water like others. This beach also has trees lining it, but it’s back a way where you park so there’s plenty of room to enjoy the sand and water. And bonus, it’s a small cove so the waters are manageable. However, we didn’t find any restrooms so that limited our time here.
Hanalei Bay- The drive down to this area is breathtaking. Besides the end of the roads being closed (with my favorite beaches and trails!), you couldn’t even tell the floods even hit this part of the island. This is another huge beach. So big, it was pretty crowded, but didn’t feel like it at all. I love this one for the views of the mountains and waterfalls that no matter how hard I tried, just couldn’t pick up in the camera. It seems like later in the day is better to try and capture it without all the clouds.
Moloaa Bay- I wish we had more time at this one. We stopped by on our drive from the north to the south side of the island just to see it. It’s hidden behind some private residences, but super pretty with trees, a rock formation, plenty of sand, and a little run-off to swim in.
Shipwreck’s Beach- Just outside of the Grand Hyatt Resort, this beach is another favorite. We came here for family pictures and it was the perfect backdrop. There’s a little grassy knoll that leads up to the sand with a cliff on one end where people actually jump off of. There were also plenty of surfers all over the water. There’s a rock formation that breaks up the cliff/surfing area with the resort side, but both sides have plenty of beach room. If you’re not staying at the Hyatt, however, the bathrooms were a bit unruly. We didn’t stay at Hyatt this trip, but I did last time and totally recommend it. Their pools and landscapes are unreal. It’s even nice just to walk around for a visit.
Kauai Beach Resort- I’m not sure of the actual name of this beach, but it’s super pretty. There is green space between the resort and the beach with nicely placed logs and trees for sitting to admire the waters. They don’t recommend swimming here due to the intense undercurrents and jellyfish, but if you’re at the resort, both pools are awesome. Not quite Grand Hyatt level, but still awesome.
Lydgate State Park- I was excited to see a rock wall built to make a swimming area at this beach, but was totally turned off by the Portuguese man-of-war signs. My brother was stung on a previous trip and seeing that was enough to make me skip getting in the water.
Salt Pond Beach Park- A family favorite loved so much we went back twice! This beach has a rock wall on one side of a cove-like beach area. They warn of the waves being dangerous by the rocks, but we didn’t have any trouble swimming in the open area. It had manageable waters, but we did have a strong gust of wind nearly lift up our tent on the beach. Overall, the decent facilities, nice mix of grass and sand, and a swimmable water area kept our group of eight happy.
Fuji Beach + Kapa’a Beach- We drove by these on our last full day while it was raining. They had very small sand areas, but a nice bike path I wish we had time to use. It’s a place to go for activities along the coastline for sure.
That may have seemed like a lot, but I didn’t even touch on some of my favorites from past trips and there were many I didn’t get to for various reasons. Kauai is a magical place that everyone needs to see at least once. Are you going to Kauai or do you have favorites from a past trip? Let me know in the comments!
Happy travels!
Love. Inspire. Grow. Enjoy.
Jordan
PS- Enjoy this last sunrise video + check out our Instagram highlight @theblingsling "Kauai" for more video clips and photos of the trip!
]]>My latest trip to Hawaii slid me right out of my resort-life comfort zone, quite literally. I spent one early morning slipping, sliding, and clinging for dear life while hiking the Kalepa Ridge Trail in Kauai. If you’re down for some tips, gorgeous pics, or just want to make fun of my overly dramatic retelling of a hike, please read on.
After a serious amount of back and forth, my Denverite sister, Kristin, convinced me and my youngest brother, Jacob, to hike this unofficial trail with her. So just to be clear, I’m placing full blame for the soreness, dirty clothes, and sheer terror on her. But was it worth it? Yes? But never again. Let me explain.
First off, it’s recommended to get to the trailhead at the Kalalau Lookout by sunrise to make it to the end before the clouds roll in. I’m pretty much the opposite of a morning person so this was a great start, even though we were still driving from the south side of the island as the sun was rising. We made it around 7:50 am, just as a few other hikers were starting.
We scooted around the fence on the left side of the lookout and instantly threw out any desire of keeping our shoes clean. I was in normal tennis shoes that turned out to be glorified ballet slippers with ZERO traction. Not even two minutes in and we were letting the other hikers spider monkey around us. We later found out a lot of these “fearless” hikers actually had spikes on their shoes. BRILLIANT. Did I mention I’m an inexperienced hiker?
The steep declines appeared almost immediately. This is where I assumed an all-fours position that I used basically for the entirety of the hike. KILLER quad workout btw. At first, the path was surrounded by trees and brush and didn’t seem too bad. We went in August and it was super muddy but not as bad as I imagine winter is. About twenty minutes in there was a landing with the first stunning view. Incredible.
I naively thought things would get easier as we went along, but I was wrong. If you’re questioning the first part of the hike, don’t force the rest of it. The next couple of declines were even steeper and muddier, but by this point we saw the massive drop-offs down the side of the mountain. Yikes! I’m not sure when I got my fear of heights, but it was DEFinitely put to the test.
We came to a big grassy area past one of the steepest mud walls where the fear factor shifted from muddy/steep hills to narrow paths/drop-offs. The views were amAZing. If the weather is nice, take your time and enjoy it. We saw some clouds behind us that made us a bit nervous so we kept moving. Some of the blogs we came across described heavy rains coming through. I have NO idea how they did this hike in the rain. Terrifying.
Right before the end peak is an exTREMEly narrow trail. I’m not sure if it was all the rain from the previous days, but there was basically no path we had to follow. It felt like both sides had equally devastating drop-offs that came to a point where the “path” was. Kristin and I were clinging to the blades of grass for dear life and I specifically remember saying out loud on the return “I’m not scared. I’m not scared”.
But juuuuust after you question turning back on that part, you’ve reached the end! It was about 9:30 for us, so a little over an hour and a half. Hopefully, you’re luckier than us and don’t have hikers ahead of you refusing to share the space for your photos. This is when the clouds started to roll in, too. But it didn’t matter. We made it! It was such a feat to accomplish and it was so nice bonding with my brother and sister. Even if, my 6’4” brother was scaring the sh*t out of me walking near the edge and just generally looking extra tall. But maybe that was just me projecting my fear of heights? But probably not.
With the clouds coming in and the winds picking up, we decided to book it right back out of there. My entire body was clenched on the way back. And while the steep inclines were easier to climb up than down, my body was shaking like a baby Bambi at this point so I needed to hurry. (*You probably won’t experience this if you don’t assume the all-fours position like I did for the entirety of the hike.) After nailing my head on a couple of trees coming back, we reach the trailhead at Kalalau Lookout. Bruised, sore, and super muddy, but uplifted and with a ton of incredible pictures and videos!
Did I scare you out of doing it? I hope not. It was an insane experience with some of the best views. Would I, someone with a fear of heights, do it for a second time? No. But I encourage you to check it out. You can always turn back! Just watch the weather, prep as much as you can, and be safe.
Feel free to reach out with any questions or comments if you’re interested in doing the hike or have done it before!
Happy hiking!
Love. Inspire. Grow. Enjoy.
Jordan
PS- Check out our Instagram highlight @theblingsling "Kauai" for video clips from the hike!
]]>Since everyone’s traveling this summer, I wanted to send out a few tips I picked up while working at one of the major hotel chains. I started out at the front desk, ended up as an event planning manager and have visited more hotels than I can count to really know what both sides of the experience are about. Keep reading to learn a few hacks for your next vacation!
When you book…
Get personal! Don’t be afraid to leave a comment and tell them what you’re celebrating or why you’re traveling. The more detailed, the better. And if it’s a super special trip or you’re surprising someone, give them a call a day or so ahead to see if there’s anything extra special they can do for you. There’s usually someone on the team who really enjoys going the extra mile to impress a guest, but try to get their names to thank them later. When you make the effort to fill the room with pictures of someone’s favorite celebrity or make a trip to the store just to get their specific beverage, you hope to at least have it noticed.
Speaking of favorites, be sure to sign up for the rewards program, book directly through the hotel’s site if possible, and fill out a profile with your preferences. The programs are usually free and almost always bump you ahead of a non-member, regardless of your tier in the program. Plus, it gives them another opportunity to make you happy, so be specific! BUT know that there are only so many rooms and no matter how loud you yell on a sold out night, they’re not going to build you a new room just to meet all of your preferences. Eek! I just broke out in hives from flashbacks of that last one.
When you arrive…
If having a nice room is a priority to you, never check in early. If you try to get a room before check in time, you’re likely to get the least favorite room from yesterday or at the best, a room no one wanted to ask for a late checkout in. If you get in early and still want a nice room, just let them know and ask to hold your luggage. It’s NBD!
Speaking of wants…ask for it! Want a high floor? Nice view? Quiet room? They’re never gonna know if you don’t ask! My husband’s favorite saying “You can’t feed a closed mouth” has never been more relevant. Sometimes they have day-of upgrades for a super low fee or even for free! Just don’t demand anything. Remember, these people listen to complaints ALL DAY LONG, so just being friendly and nice goes a long way!
While you’re there…
A lot of hotels have stopped putting so many amenities out in the room, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have them if you need something. Forget your toothpaste or razor? They probably have one for free. Many hotels even have things like yoga mats they can send to the room, so just give ‘em a call before heading out to the drugstore. Just don’t forget your blingsling®!
While the list of things employees will do to keep guests happy keeps growing and the lines keep blurring, remember they are working a job. So if you’re in a country that tips, remember to pay it forward. I might be throwing myself under the bus here, but I never thought of tipping housekeeping before I started working at a hotel. They’re just the same as everyone else! If you’re not willing to throw something down for their daily service, I recommend asking them to skip your room or putting on the Do Not Disturb sign.
When you leave…
You’ll probably get a survey after your stay and I definitely encourage you to fill those out. Personally, I’m more likely to fill them out when things were great, but it’s also helpful for them to know if something went wrong so they can rectify the issue so you’ll come back. Again though, especially if your stay was less than amazing, be kind. Keep in mind there are people behind the emails and serious repercussions. As an event manager, my bonus was dependent upon these and anything that wasn’t a 9 or 10 counted as a 0! Crazy right?! So you might be thinking they were incredible and give them an 8, but to them, they just failed. But if you had a connection with someone truly fab, I totally say call them out by name because at every level in the hotel, they can get recognized or even compensated and you have the power to make someone’s day!
Well, there are your quick hotel tips for your upcoming trip. The major takeaway is if you’re friendly and open, they’ll generally reciprocate the feeling so everyone wins. Yay kindness! I have a million other thoughts and stories on this one, so leave a comment if you have a question or another tip I missed!
Happy travels!
Love. Inspire. Grow. Enjoy.
Jordan
]]>Summer is just about here and if you’re anything like me, you’re counting down the days to that long-awaited vacation. We’re not alone. With school out and the heat moving in, it’s the busiest time for travel. But if you’re seeing that countdown dwindle and are getting anxious for being unprepared, don’t worry! I’m here to help with your summer vacay game plan!
Oh, so you don’t have a summer vacation planned? Why not?! Okay, okay, I get it, money and time can put a damper on things. But I really think we can find a way around them both. Sometimes, you just gotta make the plans for everything else to fall in place.
So when it comes to budget, we have a couple options. First, you can really plan ahead and start saving months in advance. My financial advisor husband would be über proud of you! But if that’s just not what's going to happen, that’s okay! You still deserve a vacation, girl! Make a staycation out of it. Go camping (or glamping). Look up some last minute deals online or by calling resorts. A lot of resorts sell day passes that can be super relaxing and feel like a total splurge even if you’re not staying the night. At the very least take a day trip to someplace around town you’ve been dying to go, but have never been. My thoughts are, everyone needs to step away and refocus and as long as you’re taking a second to do that, it doesn’t matter where it is. Just getting a change of scenery can do wonders!
Another way to save is by being flexible. Whether that’s flexible on the location or flexible on the dates. Moving around peak times can save you money and headaches. Especially for summer! I like to keep my summer vacations doing minimal activity and avoiding crowds. Give me a lake, a pool, or a beach and I’m happy. When I had my first trip to Disney World in the off season, I vowed to never go back during peak season again! But of course, I don’t have kids in school, so it’s much easier. If you can, I suggest saving the city excursions and theme parks for the beginning or end of summer and in the off season if it’s possible.
That being said, know what your group wants out of your trip and plan ahead. If Carrie and Charlotte want to take it easy by the pool and Samantha and Miranda want to get out and explore, it’s much easier to please everyone if you have days or times laid out ahead of time. And yes, I’m on a fictional vacation with the gals from Sex and the City. Why not?! But as much as it’s nice to have a general idea of what you want to see and do, don’t go too crazy. Make sure to leave some room for spontaneity or suggestions from locals!
In addition to planning your itinerary before you leave, you’ll want to make sure and check out the local laws, customs and traditions. It’s important to know of any dress code so you don’t stick out as a tourist or even worse, offend someone. I’d also look up national holidays around your travel dates. Especially if you won’t have access to internet immediately. I unknowingly flew into Milan for my summer abroad on a holiday and found what should have been a bustling city to feel more like a ghost town. It just would have been good to know why I felt like I was in the setting of a Stephen King novel. Also, be sure to keep your passports and visas up-to-date so you won’t have any problems on the return. And if you’re taking several trips, invest in TSA precheck and/or Global Entry. Every time I go through the line I talk about how much it is worth the purchase. Lastly, don’t forget to have emergency contacts and action plans in place including checking on your health coverage ahead of time.
After planning is the not-so-fun-part, PACKING! Of course, you’ll want your blingsling® ready to go with all your jewelry safely stowed. But don’t forget to pack layers to go with those accessories. My trip to Paris last year was forecasted to be in the sixties and ended up being in the nineties! My full sweaters and booties should have had layers to them that I could have peeled away as the day went on, but they didn’t, and I was miserable. If you’re looking for a list of essentials to bring, check out my earlier post here with a packing list that works great for summer, too.
Now that you’ve done all the work ahead of time, relax and enjoy your adventure! I recommend getting involved with the local culture, food and events are my favorite ways to experience it! Recommendations from someone who lives there are always the best. And if some things don’t go totally as planned, that’s okay! The little hiccups can lead you to something you never would have thought of and totally love! Take some time to disconnect, but be sure to share all of your #clevergirl adventures with us when you get back!
Happy sweet summer travels!
Love. Inspire. Grow. Enjoy.
Jordan
]]>Clever Designs LA and the blingsling® are coming to you IRL this month for a couple of vegan festivals! As I’ve mentioned before, I wanted to build CDLA the most ethical way I knew how, which of course meant building a vegan company not only for the animals, but for the environment, as well. But while the company and the blingsling® are 100% vegan, I have to admit, my personal vegan lifestyle is still a work in progress.
Those of you reading who know me or have met me at markets know that I’m constantly trying to improve myself. I’m working on being more eco-conscious, trying to support small businesses more, and lead a healthier, balanced lifestyle. In building the blingsling, I learned so much about ethical business and wanted to challenge myself to be a more conscious consumer. What I didn’t realize is how much goes into switching lifestyles and how it doesn’t just happen overnight.
So in trying to be better, I’ve actually experienced a ton of guilt. Every purchase I make leads to a million questions. What is this made of? Who made it? Is it vegan? Is this plastic? What are your alternatives? Which is good! You have to ask yourself those questions. But sometimes there just aren’t alternatives. And for me, at this point in my life, that’s okay. I’m giving myself a break just like I hope you give yourself and your friends and family a break. Because, here’s a shocker, sometimes we’re just not perfect. Because, another shocker, no one is perfect. Regardless of what some online troll pretends, some gossiper believes, or that inner monologue strives for.
As I’ve been going through my journey with transitioning to a vegan lifestyle, I was scared to admit my struggles, but also didn’t want to come off as a poser. I know the majority of the vegan community are empowering others to lead more empathetic lives, but I’ve also seen the outliers who’ve made some harsh judgements. But the more I open up about the challenges, the more I’m finding encouragement from others like Taryn of vegetaryn.com and Katie of set-intentions.com. I’m realizing that everyone’s story is unique and for the most part, we all want what’s best for ourselves and for others.
I’m 100% confident that I’m doing the best I can to lead an empathetic, kind, and compassionate life. My intentions are truly to make this world a better place. I might not be able to consider myself totally vegan just yet, but I can for my company and that’s a huge victory for me!
If you see me at the Clever Designs LA booth at Vegfest LA or Eat. Drink. Vegan. this month, please come up and share your story on going vegan and any tips you have. If you’re thinking about making the transition yourself, I encourage you to go for it! Even if it’s starting with baby steps like meatless Monday or eating a weekday vegan diet. Have fun on Pinterest making your favorite non-vegan foods the vegan way! Grab a friend to do it with you and watch some documentaries to get started. I know I say it again and again, but really, if we all make little changes, we’ll start to see a big difference.
Thanks for your support clever girls!
Love. Inspire. Grow. Enjoy.
Jordan
]]>With Women’s History Month and Equal Pay Day having just passed and Mother’s Day fast approaching, I wanted to take a minute to recognize the total awesomeness I’ve been experiencing from the wonderful women around me. For me, March lead to an abundance of self-growth. Birthdays always seem to be a time for reflection, but this year brought even more awareness and dare I say it, acceptance. And I attribute all of that to some amazing ladies in my life.
At the beginning of the month, we wrapped up a photoshoot with the talented Mieke Snepvangers. She has such a kind soul and has a way of bringing that through in her photos as you can see in our new shots on cleverdesignsla.com and @theblingsling. Also within the first two weeks of March, I went to my first business coaching and intuitive reading and was blown away. Both of these women were bursting with compassion, support, and inspiration for someone they had just met. It was so great to feel that this female empowerment movement that we’re determined to keep moving forward is actually working. Investing in small, women-owned businesses is mutually beneficial and if we all start paying it forward, in the words of Mean Girl, Cady Haren, “The limit does not exist”.
Speaking of Mean Girls, I was thrilled to participate in Step Up Women’s Network’s Women’s History Month panel on storytelling. While the women in attendance were certainly not mean girls, the panel did acknowledge their experiences with these types of ladies and I realized that most of us have similar stories. You know, the stories of the co-worker or classmate or frenemy who suddenly gets all conniving when an opportunity arises, doing anything and everything to get what she wants. That girl. She talks about empowering other women, but doesn’t follow through with her actions. Maybe we still work with her? Maybe we’re friends with her? Maybe sometimes we are her. We can all benefit by recognizing her and leaving her behaviors out of our lives. It’s the fear creeping in and distracting us from the abundance that’s waiting for us out there.
Abundance? Go ahead, call it “cheesy” or “hippie” or “so Californian”. Hey, I’m a Midwestern gal and have totally sympathized with those thoughts. That is, until I started opening up to the idea that mayyybe there is a little truth behind it and then I started seeing things change in my life. I won’t go into it here, but I’m just sayin, don’t knock it ’til you try it.
Anyway, we’ve been talking a lot about abundance with Kasey Dreier in my new favorite boss babe group, Bizzy, which is the ultimate group of women championing women. It’s refreshing to be surrounded by so many badass ladies making incredible changes in our world. I encourage you to find your own girl group that empowers you to talk about real issues, take action to make an impact, and focus on taking care of yourself. Or if you’re in LA, even better, come join us! It’s incredible what can be accomplished when women come together with a purpose.
From the momentum of March came even more connections with other women. We were featured in An Invincible Design's blog and will be featured in an upcoming article for Vision Her Now. These connections brought amazing conversations and support from the inspiring women founders, but also from my mom, sister, family and friends. I can feel our bonds getting tighter the more we talk about our experiences and power as women. I’ve learned that we need to be more than just mentors, we need to be advocates for one another. Reach out to help a newbie in your field, suggest your deserving coworker for that promotion, take a couple of seconds to listen to someone’s story and connect them with someone who can help if you can’t.
I think we can all agree that we’re done with this competition and cattiness and are ready to see what kind of world we can live in with strong, empowered, supportive women living abundant lives. When women support each other, incredible things happen.
Love. Inspire. Grow. Enjoy.
Jordan
]]>Spring has always been such an uplifting and inspirational time for me. Growing up in the Midwest, hitting March meant there was a light at the end of the snowy tunnel. Being a Pisces (though technically not born in spring) I always had a burst of excitement going into the season of blossoming flowers, dance recitals and summer vacations. Especially since Spring Break combines so many of my loves; spring, travel…breaks…I thought I’d share some tips on what to bring with you on your next vacay.
First, I’d like to confess to easily filling a couple of those extra large suitcases on the shortest of trips even though I “never have anything to wear”. However, if it’s at all possible, I recommend TRYING to pack with a neutral pallet and using accessories to add pops of color and excitement to your wardrobe. To start, try a classic LBD like this one from Style Saint…
So we’ve already determined that we’re packing neutrals. But how am I supposed to make a statement? Jewelry, of course! But how am I supposed to bring all of my favorite pieces? The blingsling®! 🙌 Check out our debut collection with four travel-inspired, resort-style prints to travel with all of your jewelry tangle-free! It’s slim and flexible to save you room, but the magnetic straps keep multiple necklaces stable in each one so you can pack them all!
Be sure to stuff your blingsling full of all your beachy, tassel earrings, colorful statement pieces and dainty everyday necklaces so you’re ready for every occasion. With the right accessories, you can make the same dress have a different look from brunch to beach cover up to dinner at the trendiest spot in the city. Here are a few of our favorites from CA Souls, LVL Collective and Starfish Project that are more than just pretty pieces…
Speaking of pretty little things. I’m totally girl-crushing on this good-vibes swimsuit brand based in Utah. Yay for flattering one-pieces! Try out this one from Albionfit to match with your tassel earrings.
One of the things I always forget is a bag to go with me all over my vacation. Sticking with the neutral theme, we want something that can go with you to the beach and you can continue to carry all night. I recommend something like the beach tote below from Loeffler Randall that has all of those vacation vibes, but isn’t too big or loud to keep with you the rest of the day. Not to mention, it’s flexible to fit in your suitcase.
If there’s anything that my youth has taught me, it’s that that tan looks great at the moment, but it doesn’t quite hold up 15 years later. As much as I want to soak up the sun all day Sheryl Crow style, it’s crucial that I protect my baby-fair skin from the rays. Sunscreen, aloe (in case the rays still find you), a large sunhat and these eco-friendly sunglasses from Earthwood Goods will keep you shielded so you can still get out in that beautiful sunshine and stay healthy and glowing.
If you’re anything like me and want to maximize your time on the beach and minimize your time getting ready…especially drying your hair…try out this bomb surf spray from Bumble and Bumble to take advantage of those beachy waves and embrace the humidity. You can do it! You’re on vacation!
Now that we’ve covered what you need to go out, let’s make sure you have your essentials in the room. If you don’t have one already, I highly recommend investing in a water bottle with a filter. This saves on plastic being wasted with single-use bottles, keeps those dollars in your bank account and tastes SO much better than faucet water from the hotel. Especially if you’re traveling to a place that you’re just a little unsure of the water quality, it works perfectly! I’ll even throw in some flavor packets or lime juice to make quick cocktails in the hotel room before heading out. Of course you’ll want to stop by the Duty Free shop for the spirits before heading to the hotel ;-) Here’s one from Brita that’s flexible, light-weight and works like a charm…
Whether you’re prepping in your room or relaxing in the sand, you’ll want one of these portable speakers to keep the steel drums setting the mood all vacay long. This one from Braven is heavy duty, waterproof, and still small enough to throw in your carry-on.
Last but not least, don’t forget some food! Healthy snacks like raw almonds or this vegan Kind bar are enough to start your day or keep you from a full-on hangry rage before dinner. Eat up!
AND if you’re going out of the country, don’t forget your PASSPORT!
Happy travels!
Love. Inspire. Grow. Enjoy.
Jordan
Title + blingsling® photo by Mieke Snepvangers
https://www.miekesnepvangers.com/
All other photos from corresponding linked sites.
]]>
I’m glad you asked! Being one of the most frugal ladies on this planet, I totally get you! I’m one of those wear-it-till-it-tears, throw-whatever’s-leftover-in-the-fridge-into-a-dish kind of girls. Anything to save a buck (and the environment of course)! And don’t even get me started on maximizing credit card points! Anyway, this penny-saver knows how hard you work for your dollars and how easy they slip out of your pocket. Which is exactly what I was thinking about when making the blingsling®.
In building Clever Designs LA, I wanted to make sure everything was done as ethically as possible. I know I’ve touched on this before, but it was extremely important to me that people, animals and the environment came first. And while there are always measures to improve on, I feel 100% confident that things were done in the best way I knew how.
All of the materials are vegan. The majority of all materials were carefully sourced here in LA with local businesses using dead stock fabric. That means those last several yards other companies would throw in the trash after a collection is finished are strategically purchased and repurposed for your one-of-a-kind blingsling. That’s right, the blingslings are all small batch, limited editions and yours is truly unique.
Speaking of unique, our manufacturing is done right here in LA, too. All that political talk you hear about “keeping jobs in the U.S.” and “small businesses being the backbone of the economy” meant a lot more to me than just catchphrases. I wanted to put my money where my mouth was and contribute to fair wage jobs here in my backyard where I could see it making a difference and feel good about it.
The ladies and gentlemen from the picture work extremely hard meticulously securing each magnet in the straps and hand making the bags to ensure that yours will not only keep your necklaces tangle-free, but it will also last for YEARS. Just like a handbag or luggage, you’ll be using it long after that New Year’s dress you just bought.
Many of you have told me stories about buying multiple different carriers that either don’t work at keeping your necklaces tangle-free or don’t hold ALL of your pieces, causing you to buy different bags for different jewelry. Or, as the majority of you have confessed, you have to re-buy hundreds of single-use plastic bags that don’t protect and certainly don’t detangle. Not to mention, they take hundreds of years to decompose…if they ever do! But don’t even get me started talking about plastic.
While not included in the price, we are proud to say that we give back a portion of every single bag sold to a charity empowering women. We really, truly care and are determined to move the women’s movement forward. You can rest assured your dollars are going to the right place.
Even with all the reasons behind our pricing process, maybe you still have your concerns about the blingsling. It’s only natural. All I can say is, you have to try it.
IT WORKS.
If you haven’t seen it in person yet, I’m working on some videos for you coming soon! But if you’re anything like me, you want to think and think and think it over before ever trying it and by that point we may have already run out of this collection (it truly is limited edition!). No worries though! That’s why we have FREE SHIPPING and 30 DAY FREE RETURNS! Let us ship it to you to test out and if you decide it really isn’t going to work, just let us know and we’ll help you ship it right back. Easy.
Ultimately, the company was started to create quality and revolutionary products conscientiously that make life easier and allow for more time to achieve, inspire and do what we love. I want each of you to maximize your time doing things that you l-o-v-e instead of packing, unpacking and untangling necklaces and jewelry. Spend more time with family. Enjoy an extra hour at the beach. Finish a few more chapters of your new book.
For us frugal gals, it’s a bit of an investment up front. But know I’m on your team to SOLVE your problems, not make them worse. You’re going to not only love it for years and years, but you’ll wonder how you ever traveled without it!
Learn more on our What We’re About, Giving Back and Mission + Values pages, shop our blingsling® collection and try it out! Happy packing!
Love. Inspire. Grow. Enjoy.
JNK
]]>Happy New Year! Is it just me or did 2017 absolutely fly by? I say that every year, but seriously?! What a blur! Here at Clever Designs LA, we’re ready (after a couple days of procrastination of course) to start this year off running! Now I’m no expert life coach/goal-setter what have you, but I thought I’d share a few tips that have helped me reach my goals in the past. And selfishly, sometimes inspiring others is just the inspiration I need to get going myself! :-)
I always start by writing my goals/resolutions/dreams/desires down somewhere (or in my case EVERYwhere!). My favorite is my “goal board” I keep in my bathroom so that I’m constantly reminded of my intentions so I can stay focused and driven. My husband, David, also encourages me to keep a “design statement” that I rewrite every 6 months with my personal, professional and financial aspirations. The key is to actually read it frequently. He’ll tell you twice a day, but I like to keep it sitting by me and read over it a few times a week.
David by the way, is maybe the most productive person EVER and keeps this procrastinator in check on a regular basis. In addition to breaking down my goals into micro-goals, he taught me to schedule out my tasks (of course I keep a daily list…I love lists!) by the time it takes to complete them. THEN, set an alarm for that time frame to keep me on my toes. For example, I want to write a Clevergirl Life blog post that will take me about an hour. I’ll schedule it from 10-11am with an alarm at 11 so I don’t get sidetracked with Instagram or cleaning (yes I do anything to procrastinate) when I should be writing. Remember to keep these achievable. You don’t want to set yourself up for failure that will get you totally off course. Baby steps are best! YAY for crossing things off that list!
So now we have our goals set, written down, easily accessible and scheduled. Because I am the world’s best procrastinator, I know I could still find things to take me off course, as I mentioned before- cleaning (who does that?!). I like to take time at the end of the work day, in the evenings or on the weekends to declutter, clean and organize my space. This way it’s prepped and ready for me to dive right in! I recommend investing in items, apps or systems that help keep you organized long term so you’re not spending a ton of time doing this every. single. day. This is actually what helped to inspire the blingsling. My jewelry would end up EVERYWHERE. And as any girl who has worn jewelry before knows, untangling those babies takes tiiiime (or your significant other’s time ;-) ). Now the blingsling is keeping my necklaces organized, stored and untangled FOR-EV-ER. Check! Check! Check!
Speaking of significant others…an accountability partner is crucial! Grab your bestie, your mom or your husband and let them in on your plans. It’s actually kind of fun to share plans with someone since they usually get excited for you, too. It’s like a mini cheer section just for you! Note- make sure to pick someone who will be honest and hold you accountable in a positive way. You don’t want to end up having someone encouraging your procrastination and you definitely don’t want anyone who’s going to bring you down. A positive mindset can change your life.
Finally, remember to give yourself a break for slip ups! You can’t always be positive and you can’t always stay on track. It’s impossible to be perfect and pretty dang hard to be 100% anything. I find that little rewards for small goals in between the big ones keep me on track. David and I will set a reservation to a new restaurant if we both reach our goals by a certain date or take a day trip somewhere to relax. Positive reinforcement goes a long way and you deserve it! Just do it. Start somewhere. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the changes you’ll see and feel in yourself.
Love. Inspire. Grow. Enjoy.
JNK
PS- If you’re into positive/self-help style books, You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero gave me some awesome tips to boost my life in the right direction. Happy reading!
]]>Thanks for all your support as Clever Designs LA made our way through our first few holiday markets! It was such a pleasure to meet all of you, talk travel and swap stories. All the holiday spirit left me feeling warm and nostalgic. It reminded me that for as long as I can remember, I wanted to be an entrepreneur. Even as a little kid, I’d line up my Barbies and stuffed animals to sell and trade with my sister, using Monopoly money to make it official of course.
Now that the blingsling has launched, I realize owning a business is so much more than exchanging goods. It’s building relationships, a team and a community. It’s taking time and consideration into making quality goods for those people. And it’s knowing how important it is to partner with the right people and vendors that align with your vision and values.
It was refreshing to meet market partners and vendors who shared a similar vision focused on kindness and integrity. And getting to talk with the market guests who shared our passion for ethical business was even more than I could have asked for. I realized that even if our good decisions may seem small and insignificant individually, if we all continue to make them and build from them together we can actually start to make change.
Even if it’s unintentional, your support of local markets is helping your community and affecting that business owner directly. For CDLA, the support is passed on to the team meticulously assembling the blingslings and perfectly lining up the magnets for a long-lasting product. Your support goes even further by reaching the girls and women of Step Up Women’s Network who are driving the female empowerment movement.
Participating in the markets this month was the perfect way to connect with other business owners, partners and customers that share the same ideals. It also made Los Angeles feel more like the small town where I played “store” with my Barbies. And that connection with others was awesome. It may be naive, but with the divisive rhetoric we hear around us every day, having a little bit of hope for the future can’t be bad, right?!
Thanks to everyone at the market who listened to each of our stories (especially the lengthy startup story I was telling about the blingsling :-)) and continue to make informed purchases. And power to all of you who are putting your childhood ideas and dreams into action! We're not going to change the world overnight, but if each of us changes just one behavior, we can start seeing progress. It’ll be worth it gals! Let’s do this!
Love. Inspire. Grow. Enjoy.
JNK
]]>It’s here! Like it or not, we’re fully immersed in the holiday season. At every turn, we see new commercials and billboards, social media ads and pop-ups and it’s oh so intoxicating. But with so many products and companies, have you ever stopped to think about the story behind that ad or that product or even that company? If you’re anything like me, the answer would be “no". At least, it would have in the past. And while I’m still far from being the most conscious consumer, I’m noticing a heck of a lot more now how much power we have with our purchasing.
I used to not think twice about where I spent my money. I can totally relate to wanting something cheap and fast and I admittedly still breeze through buying some things out of habit. But my eyes were opened as I researched and developed the blingsling® and the way I look at products will never be the same.
Of course, there are many large companies who have perfected a conscious way of bringing affordable and convenient products to the masses and I say RESPECT. But for every respectable company, there’s an ethically questionable business out there, too. With all the harmful and unethical things going on around us, it’s our responsibility to do some research before supporting a business.
One of the easiest ways to know you’re putting your purchasing power towards something good is by shopping small. Your dollars are directly affecting people and have the best chance to make a difference in the world we live in.
For Clever Designs LA, it means more fair wage jobs in the U.S. and donations to empower women and girls through Step Up Women's Network. For many small businesses, it means supporting a family or your local neighborhood. More often than not, when you shop small, you're contributing to a movement much bigger than the store. You're endorsing products and services made with integrity and love that goes far beyond the dollar amount.
So as we maneuver our way through this gift-giving season, let’s take a second to consider how and where our gift was made so we can support the right causes and spread more goodness around the world.
Love. Inspire. Grow. Enjoy.
JNK
]]>Today’s LAUNCH DAY! I just want to take a second to share my story.
Almost 10 years ago, I had this crazy idea for a bag that would keep my necklaces in place and detangled while I traveled. It sat in the back of my mind for YEARS as I prioritized school, work and well, life. Fast forward to 2015 when I finally convinced myself that this idea wasn’t going away and I should put a solid effort towards making it work. Because, why not?!
After saving up, putting together a plan and getting support from my family, a year later I walked away from my sweet work perks determined to give it a shot…regardless of the outcome.
Today, after a year of filling my Google search history with “how do you…” queries, my little idea has come to life. The blingsling™ is here!
Most importantly, I wanted to build a business with kindness, consideration and empathy and have done my best to do just that. (Enter shameless plug) The blingsling™ is made with fair wages in LA, is eco-friendly and vegan and donates a portion of all proceeds to Step Up Women’s Network to empower other women to follow their dreams.
Look, I’m by no means the definition of success and still have a ways to go on my own journey, but I just want to send a bit of encouragement to all of you to listen to that little voice in your head no matter how wild, difficult or far-fetched your dream may seem to others. You’ll never be as young as you are at this moment, so you do you girl! Thanks to each and every one of you who has supported me in my new path. Life is unpredictable…keep writing and editing and re-writing YOUR story!
Love. Inspire. Grow. Enjoy.
JNK
]]>