Livin' on Tulsa Time | 5 Favorite Things about Tulsa

Hello loves,

Today I thought I'd throw in a post about my 5 favorite things about Tulsa, Oklahoma. I took a road trip with my friend, Kristin, last month and absolutely fell in love with the city.

1. Ida Red
This adorable little store stole my heart. They have everything you never knew you wanted - but absolutely needed. I would recommend checking out their collection of Dr. Pepper merchandise. Also, follow them on Instagram. You won't regret it.

2. Dwelling Spaces
A quaint boutique located on  - Dwelling spaces has clothing, knick knacks, and GREAT lattes. Not to mention, the barista was SO nice.

3. The Food
Taco Bueno. Oklahoma Joe's. Yokozuna. Caz's Chowhouse. Chimera. If you need one reason to go visit Tulsa, go for the food.

4. The Art and Culture
I could write novels on this. We were lucky enough to be in Tulsa during Mayfest and Hop Jam. There was amazing music, great food and beer, and not to mention the cool murals throughout the city.

5. The People
Within one day of being in Tulsa, Kristin and I could not believe how nice and genuine all of the local people were.  She and I made so many friends and got an inside look at the city. Everyone wanted to chat with us and give us advice about what places we needed to see. It was so lovely.

Have you ever been to Tulsa? What are your favorite things about the city? What do I need to do next time?  Let me know in the comments below.

With love,

Traci J

My Brief Stay in Pittsburgh | Life Lately

Hi loves!

I just wanted to give a little update on the few days I spent in Pittsburgh working at Duquesne University.  It is such a lively, young, and eclectic city. Everywhere I turned there was a new shop, restaurant, or place to hang out.

While I was in Pittsburgh I ate at some really great places:

Steel Cactus
Milkshake Factory
Nakama
Pamela's Diner
(The Croissant French Toast..OMIGOD)

 I definitely would recommend visiting this city if you haven't already!

Wonderful chocolates at The Milkshake Factory

View of Pittsburgh from Mt. Washington

I love making new friends (note the milkshakes in hand)

Adorable homemade candles in the marketplace

The beer candles ACTUALLY smelled like beer

Still figuring out how I feel about that

I even had time to explore Millennium Dance Complex -one of my favorite dance studios!

Duquesne is a beautiful campus within the busy city

Look at the color of the trees!

Are any of you from Pittsburgh? What do you love most about it!?  What other cities do you think I need to visit? Let me know in the comments.

With love,

Traci J

Embracing the Wanderlust. Life Lately

Welcome home, loves!

It's been ages since I've written a blog post - and I am so sad about it!  Sometimes I get a bit ambitious with how much time I think I have... I truly thought that I'd be able to manage a blog, plus do my Traveling Leadership Consultant job at the same time.  Let me tell you, that is not the case!  Somewhere along my travels - I made the executive decision to take a blogging hiatus. It was too much to try and work on blog posts and perform my job to my highest abilities.  Believe me when I say that I am so sorry for disappearing. 

But have no fear! I am home for a week, and am hoping to get a few posts lined up while I'm here.  For now, I thought I'd catch you up on what my life has been like over the last couple of months.  I have been extremely busy with sorority recruitments, officer trainings, and developing leadership at ZTA chapters all over the country.  While this has been the most difficult job I have ever had, it is also the best, and most fulfilling job I have ever had.  I love every minute of it, and have never been more happy. :)

Through traveling I have learned more about myself than I've ever known before - and it is so satisfying.  There is no greater way to discover yourself than to travel alone.  If you ever get the chance - you have to take it.  

Take a look at all of the friends I've made, food I've eaten, and fun I've had since July!

These are my fellow Leadership Consultants.  Although we travel individually, we are all one big support system for each other.  We also have the BEST GroupMe chat. 

Dear Lord, the food.

Top Left: Chai Lattes and Croissants at Caffe Strada in Berkely, Califronia

Macchiato at Quills Coffee in Louisville, Kentucky

Chicken Spaghetti at Arcade in Memphis, Tennessee

Middle Left: Cheese Fries, Chips Ahoy, and Water (the ultimate recruitment diet)

Cotton Candy SnoCone from Jerry's SnoCone in Memphis, Tennessee

Bottom Left: Lemon Raspberry Cinnamon Roll at Cinnaholic in Berkeley, California

Macarons at a bakery in Berkeley, California

Lobster Roll and Fries from La Forge Casino Restuarant in Newport, Rhode Island *as seen on Food Network

Top Left: Church where John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy were married, RI

Me. Being adorably patriotic, TN

The beautiful beach, RI

 2nd Row Left: Cute care package given to me at Berkeley, CA

The MOST amazing board game ever - QUELF, TN

FIERCE, CA

3rd Row Left: Beach selfie, RI

4th Row Middle: Justin Timberlake's Parents' House, TN

Beautiful event set up, NC

Stay tuned for some beauty and fashion posts this month!

Traveled recently? What did you learn? What did you love?

Tell me in the comments!

With Love,

Traci J

Arrivals and Departures | Airport Travel Outfits

Hello Loves,

For part 2 of my travel series, I am bringing to you three different airport ready outfits.  Each one is unique - but they all have two things in common: style and comfort.  

Sometimes you just want to be lazy and cozy, other times you need to look runway ready. Whatever your airport style needs, you will find an outfit for you in this post!

Let's take a look at these outfits.

Comfy Chic

The perfect outfit for airport comfort - mixed with laid-back style.

Amerie High Waisted Disco Pants...Boohoo

Crop Rollback Sleeve Tee...Boohoo

Vixen Slingback Shoes...Topshop

Mini Tara Hold-All...Topshop

RockTheRunway

Pairing a cozy tshirt dress with a flowy kimono makes for a trendy - vacation ready outfit.

Tshirt Dress...Target

Arcadia Satchel...TJMaxx

Fringe Printed Kimono...TJMaxx

Cutout Leather Moccasin...Zara

Frequent Flyer Fashion

For the inner diva in all of us... The black romper and slip on booties make this stylish outfit still practical for the airport.

Romper...Forever21

Zip Jacket...Zara

Soft Shopper Bag...Zara

Deep V Ankle Boot...Boohoo

What will you be wearing to the airport on your next trip?  What outfit or piece is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!

With Love and Safe Travels,

Traci J

Top Ten Travel Tips

Hello Loves,

In less than two weeks I am leaving for a year of traveling around the country as a Leadership Consultant.  I will be traveling to a different city almost each week - and stopping at home to repack about every 3 months or so.  This means that I am going to need to pack a very full, and very efficient suitcase.

As I prepare for my travels, I have been scavenging the internet for the best travel tips and packing advice that I can find.

For those of you that are interested, I will be posting pictures of my packing process and a more in depth post about my own packing essentials very shortly.  Make sure to follow me on Instagram and Twitter (@bowsforjustine) for the most recent updates - plus you can help me with any packing dilemmas I might encounter!

Let's get started!

First up we have my favorite videos.  It is no question that one of my all time favorite YouTubers is Ingrid Nilsen (Missglamorazzi).  The first 3 videos in my top ten list are all from her travel series.

1. What's in my Suitcase + Packing Tips

Take note of her use of packing cubes and envelopes.  I definitely went out and picked a few up after watching this.

2. Travel Bag Essentials

Ingrid goes through and shows what she packs in a carry on for long flights.  PS. How cute is her carry on bag???!

3. Airplane Makeup and Travel Outfit Ideas

We all want to look cute at the airport, right? But the most important thing is comfort!  This is by far the best video for looking your best - while still feeling comfy cozy on a flight.

Our next video comes from Louise (@sprinkleofglitter).  Her videos are hit or miss for me.  For some reason I just don't connect with her personality. However, I am a sucker for a look into anyone's makeup collection - so this video earned a spot on the list.

4. What's in my Travel Makeup Bag!

Annnnd we are rounding out the video portion of the list with the queen - Bethany Mota.  Bethany's fun, energetic, and silly personality makes her one of the shining stars of YouTube.  You really have to try to not find her endearing - and even then I don't think any human would be able to do it.

5. Airplane Traveling Hair, Makeup, Outfit, and Carry On Essentials

This combines the best of traveling style - and what you need to pack in a carry on. You go Bethers!

Now it's time to move onto the blog posts.  Let's dive right into these.

6. 5 Must Have Products to Pack for Acne Prone Skin -Travel Fashion Girl

I have the skin of a pubescent teenage girl.  It loves to break out - I swear it gets enjoyment from sprouting little red blemishes everywhere. To make it even better - I break out every time I travel.  So when I found this post - I let out a little squeal of joy!!!

7.  Beauty Travel Essentials - Posh Beauty Blog

This is self explanatory. Who doesn't love some good beauty tips?

8. 32 Genius Travel Tips that will Change your Life Forever - Distractify

This post was shown to me by my wonderful mother. It's a list of some pretty useful travel hacks.

9. Travel Beauty Essentials - 15 Minute Beauty

I cannot express how in love I am with this.  She breaks down everything - from hair, skin, sunscreen, EVERYTHING. Read this. 

10. Packing Tips - Independent Traveler

We finish our list with a no nonsense packing guide.  While all of the beauty essentials and frills are fun - when it comes down to it we all just need to know how to properly and efficiently pack a bag!

The journey through this top ten list is over.  What did you find the most useful or the most surprising?  Where do you look for travel and packing tips? I'd love to know - be sure to tell me in the comments!

Stay tuned for my own personal travel tips!

With love,

Traci J