But FIRST: #LemmeTakeASelfie

It’s the 21st century and we are already well aware of what is defining our era. Culottes, sneakers for daywear, succulents, and…selfies. While my InstaGram tends to stay void of self-shot face pics my trip to South Africa really brought out the millenial in me. Something about snapping a shot of me and my beau with a city or an elephant behind us just seemed so “once in a lifetime” it had to be done.

Lucky for me 2Kamp products prepared me with their selfie stick The Pole to help capture all the must-have shots on my adventure. The easy to use, portable and collapsible pole made it easy to carry in my day bag and easy to whip out on a whim as needed. It connects to your phone via bluetooth and keeps the phone safe and secure (important when holding it over the railings of a speeding boat). The battery, as I learned by accident, lasts a really effing long time. Z accidentally left it on for over15 hours straight once, and I left it on basically an entire day while keeping it at the ready. During my whole two week trip I only had to recharge once, so that was a definite perk!

Another perk? The lengthy expandable arm makes this stick great for capturing more full-body shots. Where as a regular selfie you can only get a bit of your face, The Pole allowed me to share full outfits and body shots, like the above of my beau and I enjoying Camps Bay Beach in style.

Thanks to 2Kamp I was able to capture all my favorite moments without having to ask strangers to handle my fancy camera or trusting locals to not take advantage of the tourist with the iPhone. While it’s a little intimidating to be at a breathtaking view and whip out the quintessential contraption, it was well worth it!

Have you tried using a selfie stick? What have you thought? What do you think of my selfies?! If you’re interested in trying one, be sure to grab 2Kamp’s The Pole for only $30 by clicking the underlined link!

Disclaimer: I was given a complimentary The Pole in exchange for my review. All opinions and photos are my own.

Don’t Forget to Follow Me!
On BlogLovin’ ///// On Twitter ///// On Facebook
On InstaGram ///// On Pinterest

Experience: Aquila Game Reserve

How have you all been enjoying my posts from my trip to South Africa so far? Envious yet!? 😛

Okay, so time to talk about my personal FAVORITE part of the trip. Everyone, and I don’t think anyone is excluded, dreams of going on an African Safari. It’s a bucket list staple so we ofcourse had to find the best way to do it on our trip. We researched and hunted and read reviews…Z wanted to go to Krueger National Park, the largest park in South Africa, where we would have to drive out into the wilderness and do some gritty camping (bugs, tents, extra things to bring). We opted to do our safari in the Karoo national park and desert, where there are an infinite amount of game reserve’s ranging from a full on wild experience to the rehabilition centers where you take lions and cheetahs on walks and feed and ride elephants. Being environmentally concious and inclined towards positive animal welfare we wanted to choose a more natural reserve. Aquila’s luxury accommodation’s made it the winning ticket.

We drove two hours from Cape Town, through gorgeous mountains and wineries, avoiding wild baboons, and arrive to be greeted with fresh champagne and lunch. We relaxed poolside before heading out to our first game drive. It was a beautiful day and all the animals seemed to agree; we saw elephants, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, springbok, ostriches, elans, wildabeast, lions…the list goes on, but the gist of it is that our expert tour guide (who has worked there for over 9 years) was able to find us all the wildlife efficiently and safely (though some rhinos did like to follow us rather closely). It was magnificent to see wildlife being wild; rhinos fighting elephants, lions eating a zebra, and hippos bathing in mud.

After a long four hours of exploring (and that tasty stop for champers and photo ops) we headed to our cabin and back to the main lodge for dinner. We had an individual cabin to ourselves complete with a patio, chairs, outdoor shower, and large soaking tub. Perfect for post-dinner romantic relaxing with a bottle of wine before calling it a night.

Day two had us up before the sun to catch the gorgeous sunrise as the animals awaken. We woke up to a Cape Buffalo outside of the fence to our cabin; cuh-razy. Though we missed most animals due to them probably still sleeping we saw cheetahs,buffalo, wildabeast, ostriches and…a leopard! We had a full breakfast and lounged around the luxury setting before heading on our way.

I’m so so happy we chose the Aquila Game Reserve for our African Safari. Our tour guide Timothy was so knowledgeable yet casual and was able to ensure we got the most of our experience. The lodging was cozy and exceptional, and I loved that it was a short two hour drive from Cape Town. If you’re headed to Africa (and I advise South Africa), I urge you to go to Aquila. And request Timothy if you can!

What do you think of my experience? Are you thinking about a trip to Africa?! Let me know what you think in the comments!

Disclaimer: I was comp’d a two day, one night stay at the Aquila Game Reserve. All photos and opinions expressed are my own.

Don’t Forget to Follow Me!
On BlogLovin’ ///// On Twitter ///// On Facebook
On InstaGram ///// On Pinterest

Oh, Baby, Every Morning There are Mountains To Climb

When we were young, we used to live so close to it
And we were scared and we were beautiful
And when I peered over the edge and seen death, if we are always the same

Before I delve into all the photos from my African safari and the amazing wildlife and scenery I saw during my stay at the Aquila Game Reserve I’m going to share with you one outfit post. After reading up on proper safari attire, Z and I opted for neutral earthy tones to wear to best blend in with the surroundings of the Karoo. The layers provided us with the perfect coverage for the 4 hour drive, including a stop for some bubbling champagne and enjoying the views overlooking a clearing of zebras and rhinos. Can we say amazing once in a lifetime experience #takemeback !?

Let me know what you think of our looks, and be sure you’re following me to see more of my trip to South Africa!

On Me:
Free People trousers (similar here)
The Hanger top
Banana Republic Sweater
Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars
Anthropologie sunglasses

On Z:
Khakis by ASOS (shop styles here)
Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars
Ray Ban sunglasses

when I get up, this is what I see
Welcome to reality

Don’t Forget to Follow Me!
On BlogLovin’ ///// On Twitter ///// On Facebook
On InstaGram ///// On Pinterest

Packing Essentials

As you’re reading this I’m far away from land; flying over the African continent as I make my way to South Africa for a glorious two weeks with my boyfriend to celebrate our anniversary. Here’s a peak into some of what I packed for the trip! (because I know y’all love a good flatlay)

The Carry On:

In the Suitcase:

Be sure to keep up to date with my travels by following me!

On BlogLovin’ ///// On Twitter ///// On Facebook
On InstaGram ///// On Pinterest

#QSSenMexico Part 2

Alright guys, I know you’re already feeling jealous of my recent Mexican excursion; but are you ready for the second installment of my photo diary!??

too bad if you’re not, it’s here!

Anthropological Museum:

Pyramids of Teotihuacan:

Yes, we climbed all those big pyramids. It was hot, our FitBit said we’d climbed 68 flights of stairs and over 20,000 steps, all before 1pm. Needless to say, my legs have only just begun to stop hurting.

Other random snaps:

Okay, so this last image. This whole trip was Z and I’s anniversary trip. Once we

booked the flight and AirBnB, we made reservations at Pujol, the #1 restaurant in the entire country of Mexico; in the top 5 of the WORLD. As a {mostly} vegan I was nervous, but the staff put together a 100% vegan menu, equaling and altering minute details in each of their 9 courses. This photo is from my favorite course (just one); an avocado and chia mini “pie”, spicy crispy kale, a mini tostada topped with guacamole, and a (very swanky) version of street corn. They were exceeptionally accomodating, supplied us with a bi-lingual waitress (more rare than you would think) and allowed us to taste numerous Mezcal’s to find one we liked. The whole experience and meal was amazing, and all I can say is if you decide to head to Mexico City, stay at the Best House and eat at Pujol.

Alright, that’s it! Thanks for following along with me as I share my wanderlusting adventures!

Don’t Forget to Follow Me!
On BlogLovin’ ///// On Twitter ///// On Facebook
On InstaGram ///// On Pinterest

#QSSenMexico Part 1

I’ve landed; my grounded feet back on US soil. Freezing, snowy soil that is. Already missing the comforting blanket of 85 degree temps and sunshine and palm trees that lined the streets of Mexico City (or DF as the locals know it).

I miss endless tacos, daily Mezcal tastings, Mezcal shoots followed by spice-rimmed orange juice, sun, mezcal, sun….did I mention I miss the warmth of the sun and tasty Mezcal? I mean, good thing we brought 5 bottles of the booze back with us (sorry folks,  the sunshine was harder to pass through customs)

Here’s a few snaps from the first half of my trip!
Do I even have to disclose that it was amazing?

La Casa Azul (Frida Kahlo’s House and Museum):

Centro Historico (& City Lunch):

a vertical garden in my lunch spot; how cool is that?! and let’s not forget all of the mezcal…

Chapultepec Park & Zoo:

Clothes worn:
H&M Tunic
Leather-look leggings c/o PersunMall (here)
Ella Moss Maxi dress
H&M Hat
H&M Safari dress (now available on PersunMall here)
cutout booties via ShopCalico

Stay tuned for part two!

Don’t Forget to Follow Me!
On BlogLovin’ ///// On Twitter ///// On Facebook 
On InstaGram ///// On Pinterest