20 things that are acceptable to kiss on New Years Eve.

a dog

A bottle of Champagne 

Your old picture of Justin Timberlake 

Your friends friend who has been quietly in the corner all night

That one guy you went on a date with but things didn't really work out but you almost sure he is at home right now playing video games 

Yourself in the mirror 

A shot of Vodka 

Your phone (It's been there for you all year)

The "FaceTime" of your imaginary boyfriend who lives in Australia 

Your mom

Your best friend, just as she is going in to kiss her lover

A baby (surely there is one around somewhere)

chocolate 

a small stuffed animal 

a pillow 

your hand...

a taco bell burrito 

the 70 year old bouncer at the bar 

a bowl of chips 

Your TV (thats playing your favorite reality TV show)

Have a happy New Year! 

Cheers! 

Sierra 

How to Listen to Taylor Swifts New CD 1989

Okay woah, no judgment, I can never deny love for Pop Girl Jams- Taylor Swift is cool and I have bought all her albums so I had to stay true to a sister and purchase this album too.  

The album is fun & a new sound for Taylor Swift. There are still the usual break up songs, girl power songs, songs about being better than men- but this album is a little more spicy.

  How To Guide on: Listening to Taylor Swifts New Album 

1. Welcome To New York- song you play when you want to imagine you and all your friends moving to a new city. *** add Champagne while listening for extra fun. 

2. Blank Space- song you play when you want to do a little shoulder shake and feel like a confident/ carefree/ don't care about any boys but let me show all the boys how fun I am kind of woman. 

3. Style- When you want to let your hair down and rock your head back and forth, in a car (This song will also make you feel like all the boys want you- but you don't want them... duh.)

4.  Out of the woods- Maybe my least favorite song - but damn it is catchy as hell. Listen to this song, wait for the chorus then have a dramatic head shake dance party. 

5.  All You Had To Do Was Stay-  Listen to with a girlfriend. after a breakup- the usual from Taylor. Accompany it with: cheap box wine- then watch Legally Blonde to bring your girl power spirit back up.

6. Shake it Off- WE ALL LOVE THIS SONG- Spice it up with your own remake of the music video.

7. I Wish You Would- If you ever hung up dramatically on a boy- or you want to pretend like you are a teenager and slam stuff around in your room.

8.  Bad Blood- Another after break up song but its a little more girl power, in your face boy- so maybe spice it up with shots of fire ball every time she says Bad Blood.

9. Wildest Dreams- I think this song is sexy. (My roommates disagree) Listen to this song, sing this song- in a robe, in a face mask- to your dog. Maybe accompany it with a bag a chips/ a whole cookies cake and your phone thats not getting any special text messages to have a sexy night with a man.. (just me?)

10. How You Get The Girl- Here it is. The cutesy song of the album, listen to it when you have a stupid crush - Accompany it with baking cupcakes or cookies with your girlfriends.

11. This Love- Listen to while under a water fall or in the rain; or when you are having an all out dramatic moment in your bathroom.

12. I know Places- This is a windows down, driving around singing song- Please do not accompany this song with any drinks. (okay maybe a shot or two) .... (just kidding Running Wild does not endorse Drinking and Driving)

13. Clean- this is the song you pass out to.

Happy Listening.

Cheers!
Sierra

travel reads. (kind of)

One of my goals for the year was to read as much as possible... I failed miserably at this goal until I went on my backpacking trip - the best way (for me) to kill time on a train was to read.

I downloaded several books before my trip- these were my must reads by popular demand or just authors I love so I knew I would enjoy reading their books. 

Of course Eat, Pray, Love is on my list- It is a travelogue by Elizabeth Gilbert who leaves everything in her current life to travel for a year- the book is far better than the movie- as most books are; it is a lovely read.

“Until I can feel as ecstatic about having a baby as I felt about going to New Zealand to search for giant squid, I cannot have a baby.” - Eat Pray Love

Wild is another female solo travel book. Cheryl Strayed is my favorite author, she can write anything.. I would read her small notes or her to do list. When I was 19 I discovered Cheryl Strayed on theRumpus.com, she wrote a letter to her younger self and at the time I thought her name was Sugar. Every year I read this letter and something different relates to me. 

“I knew that if I allowed fear to overtake me, my journey was doomed. Fear, to a great extent, is born of a story we tell ourselves, and so I chose to tell myself a different story from the one women are told. I decided I was safe. I was strong. I was brave. Nothing could vanquish me.” 
― Cheryl Strayed, Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail

Tiny Beautiful Things- after I discovered Sugar was actually Cheryl Strayed- I went a little Author happy and downloaded anything I could find by her. This book is not a read all at one time type of book. It is a book you pick a chapter and read and if you can stop yourself from devouring all the advice at once- it is a nice read to come back to when you have time. 

Cheryl on Solo Travel:

“It’s hard to go. It’s scary and lonely [. . . ] and half the time you’ll be wondering why the hell you’re in Cincinnati or Austin or North Dakota or Mongolia or wherever your melodious little finger-plucking heinie takes you. There will be boondoggles and discombobulated days, freaked-out nights and metaphorical flat tires.

But it will be soul-smashingly beautiful, Solo. It will open up your life.”

Cheryl Strayed. “Tiny Beautiful Things.” 

Before you read Psychos, I suggest you go read "White Girl Problems" by Babe Walker first. Babe Walker is insane and extremely entertaining- in Psychos she has a few travel mishaps in Paris, Amsterdam and Greece- so you could consider it a travel read. 

“What are you doing in Amsterdam?”

“Oh you know . . . just chilling out, drawing, doing a bunch of drugs, not eating, hiding out from a stalker. The usual.”

Excerpt From: Babe Walker. “Psychos: A White Girl Problems Book.” iBooks. 

I read anything by Chelsea Handler. I love memoirs. Uganda Be Kidding Me just so happens to be about Chelsea's travels. This book is a short, fun read. 

Travel Etiquette- Uganda Be Kidding Be, Chelsea Handler

With Love,
Sierra 

Hostel Tips!

For the majority of my backpacking trip I stayed in hostels. If you do not know what hostels are they are affordable accommodation for travelers.

Much like a dorm room- you share a room with other travelers.

 Most hostels offer different room types from 4-12 beds in a room and the option of having a mixed dorm or a same sex dorm.

This is not to be confused with the movie Hostel. I have never seen it but apparently it is a horror film based in a Hostel where people are locked in and tortured- the only torture I ever encountered was a room with a snoring human.

So here are a few tips/ do's and dont's of staying in a hostel.

1. Use a booking site such as Hostelworld.Com or HostelBookers.Com, I preferred HostelWorld because they have an app available; using the app made it easier to compare prices & see reviews from other travelers.

2. READ THE REVIEWS- Reviews on hostels are done by other travelers and they are usually accurate. The reviews will tell you if a hostel is a party hostel or a quiet one; reviews are great because every traveler is looking for a different type of atmosphere and each hostel definitely has a different atmosphere- the reviews will help you chose your accommodation based on your needs as a backpacker.

3. Staying in hostels is a great way to meet other travelers! Introduce yourself to the people staying in your room or to someone sitting in the lobby- I met some of the best people in hostels- sometimes it is nerve wrecking to talk to a stranger but you never know who you could be missing out on if you never take the initiative to say hello!

4. Take advantage of what the hostel offers- some hostels offer "Bike Rentals" "Free Maps" "Free Walking Tours" or "Pub Crawls" this is a great way to meet other people in your hostel and explore the city you are visiting.

5. If you do decide to return to your dorm extremely late, be respectful of your fellow roommates.

6. IF YOU SNORE- (this is just a suggestion) maybe you should warn your roommates- or give them candy and apologize- or get yourself to a doctor because it is a serious problem if you sound like a grizzly bear when you sleep and I promise at least 3 people in the room with you are awake and plotting your death.

7. Make sure you read the Hostel policies- some hostels have a curfew, some have a key deposit & some have a cash only request. Just read the policies so you show up prepared for your stay.

8. Use the kitchen- most hostels offer a kitchen area for guest to cook their own food. This can save you money and give you a chance to make yourself your favorite meal from home you might be missing.

9. Bring your own lock. Most hostels offer lockers or bins under the bed to put your belongings in- having your own lock makes it easier to lock your stuff up with out paying a fee.

10. Bring your own towel- most hostels do not give you a towel- I bought a microfiber towel from amazon- it was a great travel item!

11. Sometimes "A short walk to (said attraction) " could mean a walk, a metro ride and an intense up hill hike to said attraction.

12. A free breakfast will probably consist of; toast, coffee, nutella & cereal.

13. Enjoy the ride!!

When in doubt go to Prague

I have always looked at life in an "everything happens for a reason" kind of light. Bad things happen so that people will learn something or vice versa- I think it is the water sign in me that brings out this whimsical-woo-la-di-da way of looking at life; even when I am faced with the unhappiness life can bring. 

So, on this trip I expected nothing short of the regular "everything happens for a reason" lifestyle. 

And I of course have had those moments- moments when I thought I would do one thing and turns out I meet someone and they convince me to do otherwise which ends in me meeting someone else wonderful- just a circle of everything happens for a reason. Details to come- i just need to get to the point of this post. 

So, when I got to Amsterdam I sort of started doubting my decision to go to Munich Germany for their Oktoberfest- one part of me said, when will I ever be here again during this time to see this sort of event? The other part of me wanted to skip it completely save some money (actually a lot of money) and see other places I had not originally planned on seeing. 

So I just gave myself- "the sign" verdict to commit to my next plans. 

I just needed a sign- that said Sierra please go to Munich, enjoy the festivities, drink beer - have a blast 

 Or one that said- you can skip it. Go see other parts of Europe, save some money, Oktoberfest is every year.

So I did get my sign but it turns out I have been getting my sign A LOT throughout this trip.

I wanted to go to Prague before I started this trip but for whatever reason I decided I shouldn't go

I have met on ton of people either on their way; coming from; or loving every thing about Prague.

I would be so jealous when they talked thinking "gosh I want to go there" 

Still did not take a hint. 

So whoever my sign giver is decided to slap me in the face with not only credit card fraud (turning into a cancelled card-turning into a financial panic) but also a cold/flu/plague thing so that even if I went to Oktoberfest I would not get to partake in the festivities because I have to make myself well and not drink beer.

Finalizing this with, thank you life. 

Tonight I am in Prague and despite the sickness and fraud I am so happy. 

Please send all the love- I will be healthy and happy tomorrow and not dead because I won't get murdered by the people in my hostel due to coughing/sneezing sicklyness 

Van Gogh inspired this post

I visited the Van Gogh museum and I am extremely ashamed to admit that this bored me to tears. 

I want to be this artist who apreciates and loves every other kind of art; who happily goes to museums and reads every word; someone who is absorbed in the way a stautue leans or the way the brush stroke opposes another brush stroke- I badly want to be a collegite woman- a lady in a scholar as my favorite high school teacher would put it but today I was not. 

It is not that I find Van Gogh uninteresting or a boring person- I think his artwork is incredible and the way he was influenced by the French and the way he has influenced modern art today is still amazing. 

its not that I dont like history- put me anywhere around history of theatre and I could probably go back several times still loving every second of it- I adore castles because I like to imagine the families living inside them- I like to know every aspect of history that surrounds a castle so I can imagine just how these people lived; what was it like to grow up there; what kind of people were loved here- did a servant fall in love with a king or a queen; did a daughter want to break free of the royal reigns and move to a far away country to live with an indian man- castles & homes fascinate me. 

Stories fascinate me. 

Museums make me want to die. 

well, of course there are exceptions- I guess to truly enjoy the Van Gogh museum I would want to know the nitty gritty details- how did he grow up; was he in love at the time of a certain painting; was he in pain? 

Aside from his most famous paintings, one I really did like to see was a paiting of his friend- the description just said A friend of Van Gogh they spent a lot of time together- it was something that short and simple- that was not good enough for me. He admired his freind so much that he used his talent  to create a picture of her; he mixed the one thing he knew to do to express himself and his friend- he had to adore her, she had to be a special part of his life. 

I guess the best way for me to apreciate an artist is to read about them. 

This all sounds very generation x blah blah blah a museum bores more - whats up on instagram?

So here I am writing; trying to justify my simple mind- 

I call myself an artist- which I think at this point in my life I have the right to- My forte is performance art and I dont think Van Gogh, as impressive and artisitc as he is, would not enjoy going through a museum of my first monolouge all the way to the best of the best performance wise \\ I think a monolouge museum feat. Sierra Carter would bore the hell out of Van Gogh and thats okay. 

Maybe he would leave my museum ashamed that he couldnt get absorbed into my art. 

I like this part of life- the part that shows me I am kind of a shallow asshole or I am just not really into paintings.

 This is what I do like- I like to observe and watch people (as creepy as this sounds its all in good nature) I like to find a park on a beautiful day where people are all around- I like to see couples that are so madly in love with each other that they think they are the only ones in the park- couples that are so infatuated with one another that, for sure, they are the only ones in the park because their faces and tounges are buried deep inside each other's mouths- I like to watch the one business man on his break just taking a second at this park to live outside of the office; the mother with her child showing him or her all the flowers in the park; the runner who is dedicated to their run; the group of girls who sit and talk about the men in their lives; this is amazing because no matter what language you can tell when a woman is seriously bitching about the love in her life or if the woman is seriously happy with the love in her life; I like to try to idenify the tourist from the non-tourist; the first dates to the 50th one; the happy people from the sad or lonely ones; this is a form of art that I truly enjoy and I think my love for it makes me a better artist. 

So this is an open announcement that I kind of suck; an open apology to Van Gogh himself; and a realization that in order to be a smart, sophisticated, well educated woman does not mean I have to be in awe of all historical museums. 

And just like that I am slapped in the face with the teaching of traveling- you either like who you find you are or you forgive yourself for who you are not. 

with love. 

Sierra

the inevitable why.

So many people have asked me why I decided to travel- I usually say "I just graduated from college and I'm not entirely sure what is next for me so I just wanted to travel" -

In saying that, I usually get kind of an "Eat, Pray Love" life finding idea of the person I am to strangers I meet. Which brings me to a weird thought process because I did not plan this trip with intention of finding myself, I feel like I am young enough to be unsure of who I am so I have yet to lose myself in a relationship or a job or just a lifeless moment. I am still free of the things in life that bring you down to an unforseeable return. 

I did not just go through a divorce; nor did I wake up one day needing something new. I just decided to travel- just to do it. I have learned a lot about myself with out even knowing that I needed to learn anything. I now know that I can get completely lost in city and keep my cool. I love to walk aimlessly around and I enjoy that more than the usual touristy type of things to do. 

I am now certain that I love theatre and the world that surrounds it. I know that the most painful injury is on a huge burn on your bum after you sit on a hot curling iron. I know that people are kind and if you meet the right ones they will look out for you. I have learned that I want to be a part of everyones story even if it is just for a split second. I have learned that I smile at everyone almost by habit and sometimes I come off creepy.  4 days is the maxium I can go without changing my clothes or showering before I feel like a nasty ball of grubbiness. The best moments I have had are just enjoying the atmosphere of a new place. 

Tonight I walked to the city center of Brussels- it is called the Grand-Place Grote Market. It is a nicely lit square with shops, cafes, street performers and the beautful sounds of different languages. As cliche as it sounds the small moments are the most enjoyable. 

Music has started to mean more to me than I ever thought it would. If I am ever feeling lost or alone I just put in my headphones and go back to the tunes that make me the happiest. Sometimes I reach for a little indie wild child slow ukulele music and sometimes I go directly to Katy Perry channeling my #npatb crew and pretend they are by my side. Also; there is nothing more beautiful than all different people from opposite sides of the world coming together with a Beyonce song. 

this experience is golden. 

Cheers! 

Sierra 

Castles & Pubs

                          

                       

the jitters.

It has become a tradition that I visit my father before every big journey- this of course is an accident because we aren't a traditional family. We have never been to Disney World (except maybe at a young age but I'm pretty sure my Dad was not there) his ideal vacation is to a city he has never been- vodka cran in hand while reading in the comfort of his hotel room. 

He leaves it up to me and my little brother to plan all the events- Tom has where we eat scheduled and I look into museum tours, must-sees and non touristy attractions (or so they say where the locals go) 

I have travelled. I am comfortable traveling and this is all thanks to my father. At the age of 14 he had me alone on a plane meeting him in Mexico.. to which my young self was absolutely fearless. Looking back now I could learn a lot from my fearless self. 

This week has been a small dose of what my life will be like for the next 6-weeks. (minus the whole language barrier thing) Although I am here to see my fazja he has to work and sleep because he works nights- my brother is at school- and I am left to entertain myself. 

My dad lives in Denton so I can walk pretty easily to a coffee shop, an ice cream shop, a book store, a bar, a theatre- all of which will be at walking distance (in most cities) when I go to Europe. I can run freely with out looking like a weirdo and there is a yoga studio near by if I wanted to partake. I am comfortable here. 

BUT OF COURSE I AM. 

I have been here so many times- I am comfortable coming into my dads quiet, quaint home with 70s music playing in the background. I am comfortable with the lack of food he has and how every time I come over I tell him he cannot live off Brie Cheese, Vodka Cran and a side of Wild Turkey Shots* 

I am comfortable waking up to Dozer (the dog) barking at an inanimate object (which of course I assume is a bugler OR some sort of paranormal figure ) I am comfortable forcing conversation with my now too-cool-for-school 16 year old brother who has a cynical, jaded view of the world. 

Next week- I feel like I will be uncomfortable waking up in a dorm like room full of strangers, I might be uncomfortable feeling like a foreigner or a tourist, I won't be comfortable showering near a bunch of strangers- being lost is the ultimate "uncomfortable"- BASICALLY NOTHING ABOUT MY JOURNEY WILL BE COMFORTABLE. 

but. isn't there that diagram with your comfort zone/where the magic happens? 

I guess I will test the limits of that diagram and let you know how it goes. 

---------------------

Final thoughts-

I leave in 4 days.

I am so FREAKING EXCITED!!! 

I am going to miss my favorite buddies so much- we have been attached to each other for over a year; I cannot wait to talk to them along they way though- they make me laugh/cry/die all in one phone call. They are watching my puppy and keeping my room while I am gone so they deserve love/ good karma and an honorable mention- I love you idiots. 

lets do this.

Cheers! 

Sierra 

*My Dad does not have a problem at all/ he has drinks but its not like a HE DRINKS and I cry kind of thing. I love him and he has been brutally honest about the dangers of traveling alone- but he supports me and celebrates my bravery- he is a good dad. 

 

How to pack the perfect personal bag carry-on for an international flight.

If you chose to check your luggage on an international flight it is helpful to have a personal carry on item with necessary essentials to make your flight more enjoyable. 

From Left to Right starting with the top row

Small Liquid Bag:
Antibacterial Liquid
LUSH 9-5 Face Cleansing Lotion- this lotion is perfect because you do not have to use water to clean off the soap- all you do is put the lotion on & wipe it off with tissue; it leaves your face feeling fresh.
Face Moisturizer

I put my passport, eurail pass, ID and credit card all in a pack together in my carry on bag that way it is organized and close to me at all times.

Ipad for book reading and internet browsing

Ibuprofen & Melatonin in the walgreens pac. The Melatonin will help be go to sleep at an appropriate hour to avoid getting jet lag.

Luggage locks for my separate luggage

BOTTOM ROW:

Empty Water bottle- I can fill this up before boarding the plane and anywhere I can traveling
Packable Pillow case- I can pack this pillow with the jacket I am wearing and have a perfect little pillow

Extra clothes- I used a gallon ziplock bag to put in a tshirt, sports bra and nike leggings. You can compress the ziplock bag to be pretty flat. An extra outfit is helpful JUST in case your luggage gets lost or you have an extra long day and you just want to change!


Safe Travels!

Cheers!
Sierra

6 weeks in Europe packing tips

I could not tell you how many items on Pinterest I have pinned about packing for travel. I have dug deep into the heart of internet packing guides and I hopefully have gained a sufficient amount of packing knowledge to make my 6 week trip enjoyable.

So here is my guide;

The backpack I chose is an eBag TLS Lode  I bought it off Amazon. I liked this bag because it meets airline carry-on standards and it converts from a backpack to a duffle bag. Although I will only be using the bag as a backpack, I like that it organizes like a standard suitcase.

               

My goal for clothing was to only pack 13 clothing items that I wear from day to day. (this does not include sleep wear/workout outfit/rain jacket)

 I was able to keep my outfits on a color scheme and then I can mix and match- this will be another post entirely.

Along with my backpack I also purchased 3 packing cubes.  

I purchased the medium sized ones and I promise they work wonders!

 I recommend getting these packing cubes because they make packing more organized.

                

I was able to fit all of my clothing items into 3 medium packing cubes. My suggestions is to roll your clothing and make it as little as possible. It really is amazing how much one packing cube can fit.

              

In each packing cube I rolled my clothing to the smallest I could get it. I also tried to keep the cubes relatively organized- in the picture above I placed my sleeping/running clothes and my microfiber towel. I got this towel because it is easy to pack, it is super absorbent and in most hostels you have to pay for a towel.

         

         

                 After packing all the cubes they ended up fitting perfectly in the base of my backpack 

         

Next I decided to use cosmetic bags that I already owned and one I bought from target for electronics,  toiletries & makeup.

This is my electronic bag- it contains 

1. small flashlight- I know it looks tiny.. is it but the light is extremely strong.

2. Camera and batteries- I am taking a really inexpensive camera I know that I want to take pictures to remember my trip but I feel more comfortable asking someone to take my picture with this camera as opposed to my iPhone.

3. Eye mask and ear plugs- I am staying in hostels this means I will be sharing a room with 10 or more people- the eye mask and ear plugs will help me get sleep when I need it without disturbances. 

4. Universal Plug in- other countries have different types of plug ins- I need this adapter to charge my phone and iPad along the way. 

5. NOT PICTURED- Iphone/Ipad Charger

In my backpack I packed a medium sized toiletry bag- I got it from Target- the bag has two sides and a middle pouch to put misc. items in.  I will not get into all the obvious toiletry items but I would like to share some of the items I packed because I think they will help my travels. First of all I did not pack any liquids in the back. I am carrying the backpack on the plane but any liquids I take will be in my personal bag so when I go through security I can just grab my little ziploc and get going. 

In this bag 

1. Lotion bar from LUSH- all you have to do is warm the bar with your hands and it turns into lotion. I like this bar because it is easy to travel with and smells great! 

2.  LUSH no drought dry shampoo- this product will be helpful to keep my hair feeling clean 

3.  LUSH Shampoo and Conditioner Bar - these bars last for up to 85 washes- all you do is wet your hands, lather up the bar and put it on your hair. They smell great and leave my whole bag smelling wonderful. I can also use the shampoo bar to wash my clothing in hostel sinks. 

4. Face Wipes

5. Q-tips, Deodorant &Baby Powder 

Other helpful items

Ziplock bags - you can use them like compression bags and also for organization along the way.

Put socks or things inside your shoes 

luggage locks to lock your backpack

shower shoes for hostels 

headphones 

copies of your passport and I.D. 

I hope this helps! Safe Travels! 

Cheers! 

Sierra 

Friday Letter

Dear "back to school", you really suck ass, you are taking my favorite humans away from me and you are constantly reminding me that I am not going back with them.

Dear Pretty Little Liars, you are blowing my mind and I am pissed about it- I just can't quit you. 

Me after this weeks episode. 

Dear Robin Williams, thank you  for having the courage to share your talent with the world- the genie's comedy stole my very young heart- thank for for igniting a fire in all of us.

Dear PS I love you, why are you setting me up for a flawed expectation of love. 

Dear roommates all I have to say is 

Why am I traveling solo?

There have been a lot of concerns from loved ones and even strangers as to why I would chose to travel alone- "ITS SO DANGEROUS" "Have you seen taken?"


Honestly, I am terrified and I know that the world can be a scary place but I also know that I am smart and that people are generally kind.

So here are some good reasons I chose to travel alone & hopefully I will not be disappointed.

>> simply put- if I waited for someone to go with me I would probably be waiting for a very long time.

FREEDOM
My whole entire trip is completely up to me- If want to spend the day going from a theatre to an art museum to a nap to a park to a pub crawl to a bakery to another nap to my 5th crepe stand visit- I CAN.  No one's schedule but my own and there is an extreme excitement behind that.

CONFIDENCE
This trip will force me to immediately open up to people and strange situations. I will have to find my way around; I will have to figure out trains and directions- all which terrify me. (sweating thinking about it right now)

ENCOURAGEMENT 
My Dad, My Mom & My Sister - people who have known me forever - who have seen me in stressful situations; who have literally raised me to be the lady I am- they are all encouraging and they really believe in me. I could not do it with out them- its neat- they got my back.

TO LEARN
I have already learned so much about the world just by the research I have done- I cannot wait to learn more & see more.

TO MEET PEOPLE 
Working at a hotel has taught me that travelers- big or small adventurers- always want to talk and usually they are just as interested in you as you are in them!


I am choosing to travel alone because I want a trip that is on my own terms; I want a trip that makes me become my own best friend; I want a trip that opens my eyes about how strong and smart I can be;  I want to appreciate the little things and the big thing for as long as my heart desires; I want to appreciate myself for how truly courageous I can be.

So yes, I've seen Taken and my dad is no Liam Neeson; but my roommates already told me that if anything happens my kidnapper will probably bring me back in 10 mins top. 

Cheers!
Sierra

Liebster Award! (doing it, right this time)

I am so excited because Autumn over at Nothing But Autumn  nominated me for a Liebster Award. Now a few months ago Katie at Style and Things  nominated me for this award but I didn't really understand what it was nor did I follow the instructions correctly- so here I am getting another chance! 

Here is the actual run down of the award- also you can check out my Liebster fail here.

 The Liebster Award is given to bloggers with less than 200 followers in order to get them more noticed and give them recognition!  

        You have to say 11 things about yourself, then answer 11 questions the person who      nominated you gave, then nominate 11 more people and give them 11 more questions to    pass along! 

11 FACTS

>>  I am left handed- in weird groups that are meeting for the first time I always use that one; and then all the leftys give me a subtle nod. 

>> One of my life goals was to see Kristen Wiig in person and I not only got to see her last summer BUT I got to see her perform & I got to intern at The Groundlings Theatre which is where the lovely lady herself started her comedy game. 

>> Anyone who has a dog is going to say this but I really do love my dog. Sometimes I read articles like this one and I get really sad about leaving him for long periods of time

>> I want to move to Chicago someday 

>> I really really love dark chocolate 

>> My blog title actually reflects my life right now- literally Running Wild at all times 

>> I am pretty clumsy and I have an awful singing voice- yet I majored in Theatre- hash tag notatriplethreat 

>>  my current home is the homiest home I have had since leaving my moms home- I think it is the special men I live with but I am so glad we have a home (how many times can I say home..home) 

>> If I was a food- I'd want to be hummus- who doesn't love hummus?

>> I always over romanticize Carnivals or State Fairs, I think they would be such a cute date but really after the heat and all the fried food a date would probably be miserable. 

>>  I want to have an office job where I have to wear cute professional clothes and be identified as a young professional at some point (and probably a short point) in my life. 

Questions from Autumn 

Stripes or Polka Dots? 

I really love stripes; sometimes I have to refrain from buying striped items. 

Signature Starbucks drink?

Currently: Iced Coffee with sugar free hazelnut and soy milk- but most of the time black with a splash of soy (boring)

What’s your best feature, in your opinion? (Self love, y’all)

I think my best feature is my legs- they are strong and get me through some strenuous workouts 

If you could live in another era, which era would you choose? I will also require an explanation…

I am going to pick the 20s- I have recently read a lot of Fitzgerald inspired books (Thanks for the recommendations +Kelsey Fisher)  I think it would be such an interesting time to be involved in  the artistic side of the era.  

Who inspires you?

Power house female comedians; Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Lena Dunham- just waltzing in and taking comedy to a new level.  

Describe your perfect day

My perfect day would be spent with no time deadlines. No places to be. I would wake up and spend the day with my roommates doing nothing but being weirdos together also we would go to a cute coffee shop and love each other 

Favorite way to relax and de-stress?

YOGA and I am so happy that I have figured that out.. judge away. 

Describe one quirk about yourself.

 I have a  weird, under breath laugh that can fill any awkward silences just making the situation even more uncomfortable.  

What was your childhood dream?

It was to be an actress/dolphin trainer/playwright/princess- and to beat my brother in a game of checkers or dot to dot OR ANY GAME EVER! 

What is your mantra/favorite quote?

All of our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them- Walt Disney

Bitches get shit done- Tina Fey  

What’s one item off your bucket list?

Go to Mardi Gras in New Orleans. 

My Questions

1. If you had to chance to be on any reality show which show would it be and why? 

2. If you owned a small business what would it be?

3. As a child which cartoon character did you wish you could be?

4. What has changed most about you were in since high school.. it could be dreams, style, hair color ect...

5. What is your favorite scent?

6. If you could take a celebrity in a fantasy suite who would it be?

7. Salty or Sweet?

8. What is your dream job?

9. What is your favorite city?

10. A picture that always makes you laugh.

11. What is your favorite thing about yourself?

My Perfect Nominees:

Kelly @ The Little Things
Vee @ I Write About You
Kathleen @Life With Red
Kerri @ Hey Kerri Blog
Casi @ Moore Sprinkles Please
Kristy @ Classy Kristy
Sarah @ Life of Love 
Katherine @ Thats for me to know
Ashley @ Love and The Light Houses
Ashleigh @ This Life of Mine 
Kate @ They Call Me Kate

Please comment if you participate, I'd love to read everyone's post!!!

Cheers!!

what are you going to do 3 months after you graduate....

So in May I graduated college; if you didn't know- I mean if you read this blog frequently 

(Hi Mom, Demi, Kelsey, Austy & Tyle) YOU KNOW I graduated college; had a complete freak out; drowned my -whatever feelings they were- in wine and then found myself all over again.

So, I decided, because I had not a damn clue what I wanted to do with my life- that I would do what any rational college grad would do and I decided that I  would travel. 

Not just leisurely travel- but go backpacking in Europe- dun. dun. dun. ALL BY MYSELF.

So I started thinking okay- Ill go 2 weeks; 

& then I was all- I can do 20 days.

& THEN I was all Okay I can handle one month; there is so much I want to see! 

& Then, as I was purchasing my flight, my hand went in to punch in my one month round trip ticket and I extended my trip to 6 weeks- WHAT? 

6 weeks just galavanting around in Europe this Fall.

Take off is One Month and Two Days so I thought it was time to start talking about it. 

I am going to try to be as informational as possible because I know I have researched and researched and hopefully one day I can help another brave soul do this too! 

As soon as I had the money I booked my flight ASAP- This saved me so much money from my original budget- I messed around with the flight engine on coming into different cities and leaving out of different ones and I found the cheapest rate flying into Dublin, Ireland and out of Barcelona, Spain- I suggest to book as early as possible and mess with the cities if you have that kind of flexibility in your planning. 

Be on the look out for these post in August:

-packing guide to 6 weeks in Europe

-Outfit Post

So- On September 3rd- wayyy to early in the mooring after a long flight- I will be arriving in Dublin, Ireland!! 

I can not wait to walk around on the cobblestone streets, try Guinness for the first time, follow through a literary pub crawl, try Irish Coffee (thats a thing),  see all the local art, go to a show, go to the lake, see the country side- listen to everybody talk (insert emoji with heart eyes) -

I can not wait to go to Scotland, see a familiar face  & "DO AS THE SCOTTISH DO" 

I can not wait to go to London and just about die from all the theatrical history

 (Degree in Theatre HOLLA')

I can not wait to go to Paris, Brussels, Berlin, Munich, Zurich, Verona, Venice, Florence, Rome, Monte Carlo, Barcelona. 

I cannot wait to be fully immersed  & forget about the fact that I am alone.

The sweetest compliment that anyone has given me is that I am brave, I've started to believe it. 

Cheers!