travel

TRAVEL GUIDE: AUSTRALIA

Posted on January 12, 2019January 13, 2019by rosie

SYDNEY

Where I stayed:

We found an Airbnb in the business district, which was super convenient for getting around. We walked a lot and took the public transport (get an Opal card) when needed.

avocado bruschetta with poached eggs at Manly Wine

Food:

The Harrison* (central) – decent happy hour
Playfield Cafe* (central) – located in the Rocks, great stop for an epic sandwich if you’re there for the market
Grill’d* (Surry Hills) – it’s a healthy fast food chain with amazing zucchini fries, paleo buns, vegetarian/vegan options. highly recommend enjoying with a glass of rosé!
Fishbowl* (Bondi) – poké chain. so fresh and their fish are sustainably sourced!
Berri Patch* (Bondi) – great smoothies and smoothie bowls!
Lil Darlin’* (Darlinghurst) – the best meal I had in Sydney! their salmon is AMAZING. fun drinks, fun vibes! you get $10 off your drink for posting on your IG about them
Gelato Messina* (Darlinghurst) – there was a constant line out the door for obvious reasons. it was soooo good! they have vegan options too
Verd* (Manly) – think plant based Sweetgreen, they have vegan bulletproof coffee too!
Manly Wine* (Manly) – such a cute spot for brunch!
Fish Market – highly recommended by multiple people
Mug Life – colorful burgers
Flower Child Cafe
Orchard Street Cafe – shop and cafe with adaptogens, wish I had gone!
The Grounds – whimsical vibes
Son of a Baker
V Lounge
Two Sis
Henry Lee’s
Morning Owl
Chimichuri
Little Turtle – Thai food
Treetop Cafe
The Mews Mosman
Bondi Health Market (Surry Hills)
Al Taglio (Surry Hills) – pizza owned by two young men, highly recommended by a friend
Green Dream (Bondi)
Icebergs Club (Bondi) – such a great spot for a view and a drink. there’s a dress code!
Trio (Bondi) – highly recommended to me, wish I had gone!
Paris (Bondi)
Preach (Bondi)
Bare Naked Bowls – açaí bowl chain
Market Street Cafe (Manly) – best coffee
Manly Skiff Club (Manly) – food with a great view of the water and boats
Four Points (Manly) – local brewery

Activities & Tips:

The Rocks Farmers Market on Fridays and Saturdays*
Ferry to Manly* – such a cute little beach town
Explore Darlinghurst and Surry Hills* – these were my favorite parts of the city
North head looking out Manly* – trails and caves
Hike Blue Mountains* – gorgeous park, plan to make it a day trip. pack lots of snacks and water!
Bus to Bondi Beach* – super busy and touristy but really fun!
Eco hopper ferry – like a free tour of Manly to the Quay
The Rocks Walking Tour – free
If you’re dying to hold koalas, know that you can’t in the city of Sydney. They have a law against it to protect the animals. Plan around this if that’s important to you!
If you’re not a huge city person, I wouldn’t recommend staying in central. It’s really busy! If I were to go back, I would stay in Manly (still lots to do, eat, and see) and stay close to the beaches, then ferry into the city.

BRISBANE

Where I stayed:

I stayed at an Airbnb south of the city, around Southbank. I loved the area! I just took public transport (get a go card) to get around, north of the city, as well as to and from Lone Pine. I loved walking to West End too! Such a fun area and about 2 miles away from where I stayed. Message me if you want details on where I stayed! I had the best host – super kind and welcoming.

Food:

Miss Bliss Whole Foods* (West End) – so good, went here twice! the bliss bowl without grains and peas, add salmon was my go to order! they also have amazing raw vegan treats, as do many of these places!
Paw Paw Cafe* (South) – Asian fusion healthy food. the curry was amazing. vegan/gluten free options available!
NoDo Donuts* (Newstead) – awesome brunch spot with the best gluten free donuts. AMAZING. their gluten free and vegan sourdough hot cake was really tasty too
Brew Wine Cafe* (central) – speakeasy vibes, vegan/vegetarian options, great spot for a drink
The Pantry* (Southbank) – tiny little health food store with fresh produce/deli/juice
Whole Health* (West End) – HIGHLY RECOMMEND! I made a stop here a few times to pick up some fun health food items. they have an amazing bulk section with loving earth chocolate bars you can buy for baking too!
The Cruelty Free Shop* (West End) – such a cute little vegan/cruelty free shop. mostly food, some clothing, books, etc.
Marcia’s* (West End) – sustainably friendly shop with some food in the back. they have really amazing ice cream sandwiches that are vegan, gluten free, and refined sugar free!
The Green Grocer* (West End) – little health food shop
Cardamom Pod* (Gold Coast) – HIGHLY RECOMMEND. plant based. the most beautiful smoothie bowls ever and they taste amazing
Vegerama – vegan
Pando Cafe
Miss Jones
Bare Naked Bowls
Mylk + Co – great brekky
Sacred Taste Organic Cacao Bar (Gold Coast) – organic, plant based, gluten free, refined sugar free desserts
The Nude Sisters (Gold Coast)
Bskt Cafe (Gold Coast)

Activities & Tips:

West End Markets on the weekends* – search for Davies Park on google maps
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary******* – HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! Funny story, I originally had just a 7 hour layover in Brisbane, just enough time to travel to Lone Pine to cuddle the koalas, right? Wrong. We got there and were told that they were no longer doing koala cuddles and photos and to come back in the morning. I decided to cancel my flight to Cairns and stay so I could hold the koalas. Worth it. These animals are really taken care of here and I felt really happy supporting an organization that’s so passionate about animals.
Train to Gold Coast* – go south if you want quieter beaches, but I wanted to see the madness since I was making a day trip out of it. I went to Surfer’s Paradise and it was beautiful. Be careful though! I got stung by a jellyfish here!
I regret not making time to make it to Byron Bay. Next time, I would definitely rent a car and drive there to see the beaches and amazing healthy foods!

MELBOURNE

Where I stayed:

I stayed in a beautiful apartment I found on Airbnb in the Docklands, where the marina is. 10/10 would recommend! It was so nice getting to walk over to the marina to read my book and watch the sunset. There’s also a free trolley that runs in that area into the city! It’s not a bad walk either! Uber pool is available for really cheap too.

gluten free pancakes, matcha burger, and latte flight at Matcha Mylkbar

Food:

Cocobei* (Docklands) – amazing cafe next door to my Airbnb. I literally pulled up a photo they had on their IG and said, “I’d like to order this!” it was something off their menu with modifications. super bright and calming atmosphere. they also offer barista and latte art classes!
Aunt Maggie’s* (Fitzroy) – like a little Whole Foods. the best part is all of their raw vegan treats and loco love chocolates at the checkout! AMAZING.
Matcha Mylkbar* (St Kilda) – highly recommend!!! plant based brunch spot. the most beautiful food and super tasty too!
Combi* (Elwood) – got a coffee here but their smoothies looked amazing
Leaf* (Elwood) – little health food store. amazing finds!
Manchester Press* (central) – amazing open face bagel toast
Laneway Greens* (central) – similar to Sweetgreen
Ronnie and the Fabulous Juice* (central) – located at the Queen Victoria market. I got the Charlie Brown smoothie without agave and it was delicious!
Little Green – vegan
Serotonin Dealer
Tall Timber
Weirdoughs – plant based baked goods
Barry – coffee and food
Lune Croissanterie – best croissants in the world
Green Cup
This Is Life
Little Sunflower
Elwood Bathers (Elwood)
The Turtle (Elwood)
Who is Bunker Spreckles (Elwood) – cool surf vibes cafe
Foxes Den (Elwood) – healthy take out
Plain Sailing (Elwood) – highly recommended by a friend
Penta Elsternwick
Top Paddock
Coin Laundry
Left Field
Mr. Patterson
Gin Palace (central) – a must if you enjoy gin
Heartbreaker (central) – cool spot for a drink
Madame Brussels (central) – rooftop bar
Toff in Town (central) – rooftop bar

Activities & Tips:

Queen Victoria Market* – such a fun market with lots to see! great place to get souvenirs
Sucker Love Tattoo* – Bobbie is amazing especially if you’re into fine line tattoos!
Hosier Lane* – famous spot for legal graffiti
Walk Fitzroy* – lots of quirky shops and restaurants
Explore Elwood* – tons of cute little shops and cafes
Free trolley in and around the city
City Gallery – free art museum
NGV Australia – free art museum, abstract art
Robert Gordon Ceramics – local to Melbourne and he has an outlet shop an hour away from the city
Botanical Gardens
Flinders Lane – lots of shops
Brunswick Street – shops
Walk around Crown Casino
Crown Fire Show
Drive the Great Ocean Road – if I could go back, I’d make time for this!

* = places I’ve been. no * & no note = instagrammable spot I found via word of mouth or on @bestfood IG accounts

Quick tips for solo travel:

bring a good book, or two! I finally found and made time to read and it felt amazing
download offline mode maps. T-Mobile is my service provider and they offer unlimited international roaming but it’s SLOW
bring a little cash. most places accept card but some market vendors only take cash
don’t be afraid to ask locals for help! your Airbnb hosts are great resources too. locals love sharing info about their favorite spots and little tips with getting around the city
be comfortable with making friends everywhere you go. solo travel can get lonely! I made friends with my servers, random people out and about at pubs, shops, and restaurants, the cabin crews, etc. your confidence will build too!
make a list of your priorities and make them happen! make note of their location, how long it would get there from where you’re staying, and when they close. don’t leave without any regrets!
bring some American goodies for cabin crew, Airbnb hosts, random people you meet! I packed a ton of chocolate, protein bars, thank you cards, and Seattle pins from home to share!
be cautious, mindful, and smart! be aware of your surroundings and say “no” when your gut tells you to in any situation
I used tinder as a way to meet locals and have someone to grab coffee with. didn’t have the best experience but I don’t regret doing it either
made friends by having a power bank on me. just an idea!

I know this is heaps of information but it was seriously one of the best places I have ever visited. The people are so kind, warm, and welcoming! I never really felt alone even whilst traveling solo. Have fun, be safe, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!

life

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2018

Posted on December 10, 2018December 10, 2018by rosie

Let’s just jump right in, shall we?

Homesick Candle / price varies. Send your loved one off with a little piece of home! There are a ton of different scents that will make them feel at home.
Amazon Fire Stick / $25. Nothing like Netflix and chill in the hotel room to make ’em feel right at home. I love how compact it is too!
Manduka Travel Yoga Mat / $32. A travel yoga mat is everything your traveler never knew they needed for that morning flow! No one wants to go down to the dodgy hotel gym at 6am to grab a mat.
Hot Logic Food Warmer / $45. This is especially convenient for those who like to pack their own food while on the go, IE: flight attendants and frequent flyers!
Saje Travel Cloud Oil Diffuser / $70. Give the gift of zen with this portable essential oil diffuser! Love that it comes with a convenient travel case too.

Blanquil Weighted Blanket / $169. Weighted blankets are all the rage right now and you can use code “NYC20” for a nice little discount!
Cozy Mock Neck Sweater / $40. Nothing is cozier than a chunky mock neck sweater! My favorite one is from Nordstrom Rack (they have so many in stock right now) by a brand called John & Jenn.
Kikki. K 365 Journal / $43. My absolute favorite journal. It puts me in a super snuggly mood, grabbing this journal with a cup of tea before bed.
Kirkland Slippers / $20. I got one word for ya: DEALZ. I got these slippers for a few of my favorite people (and for myself) this year!
Ceremonial Matcha Bowl Set / $35. My matcha enthusiasts know that making a morning matcha is a peaceful art. It’s more than just tea – it’s a calming and mindful ritual.

Rose Quartz Gua Sha + Lapis Oil Mini / $18 + $24. I started incorporating Gua Sha into my morning routine and I absolutely love it. I apply Herbivore’s Lapis oil prior to using the teardrop tool. My face is so much brighter and smoother afterwards!
Sun Potion Ashwagandha / $43. Ashwagandha is my secret weapon to dealing with life’s daily stressors. I swear by it.
Tru Wild Motion Pre-Workout / $38. This is my favorite all natural pre-workout. The ingredients are amazing and it gives me just the right amount of energy for a killer workout! Use code “KALEWILD15” for a discount!
Mantra Band Grateful Ring / $22. I’m not a bracelet person, so when I saw that Mantra Band started making rings, I was ALL ABOUT IT. This GRATEFUL ring is the perfect reminder to make anyone smile.
Vital Proteins Holiday Sampler Box / $16. Collagen is my favorite holiday gift especially for those who are curious about it but won’t bite the bullet to get it. It has enhanced my skincare, gut health, digestion, and bone and joint health immensely!

Thrive Market Membership / $60. Honestly, I never knew what I was missing out until I signed up for Thrive. Your fellow foodie will save SO much money versus dangerous trips to Whole Foods.
Avocado Necklace / $35. HOW FREAKING CUTE, RIGHT?! Or get them a necklace of their favorite food!
Marble Pastry Board / $22. These boards are gorgeous to photograph with and they also make really nice charcuterie boards!
Instant Pot / $70. My life was forever changed after using my Instant Pot for the first time. Go on and change someone’s life.
Microgreens Starter Kit / $25. These kits are so fun and are incredibly affordable too!

Pasta, Pretty Please Cook Book / $19. Seattle-based Chef Linda Nicholson‘s cook book is everything your fellow foodie needs. Her gorgeous colorful pasta creations are mind blowing and can now be in the kitchen, even if it’s in paper form!
The Dank Crystal / $14. Not only do these candles smell amazing, but they’re named after some special spots in the Seattle area, AND there’s a crystal inside the candle! win/win/win.
Girlfriend Collective Activewear / price varies. This activewear line uses recycled materials to create their clothing. Nothing is more badass than that.
Frankie & Jo’s Ice Cream / $52. If you know, YOU KNOW. And if you don’t, get it for a pal and ask them to share.
Bulletproof Coffee Starter Kit / $35. The perfect gift for your keto (or keto-curious) friend! There’s a kit that comes with their ghee too, which you can find here.

I genuinely love this time of year. I love gift giving and I LIVE to watch reactions of my loved ones whilst opening their “I-thought-of-you-and-had-to” gifts. But what’s more important than that is the time spent together. The slowness of the holidays, hot chocolate, cheesy Christmas movie marathons, the extra long and tight embraces, making new memories and laughing about old ones. Those are the true gifts. All the love, jingles, and cookies for Santa!

travel

TRAVEL GUIDE: SOUTH AFRICA

Posted on May 17, 2018May 18, 2018by rosie

Starting a series that’s way overdue, a travel guide series! I’m starting off with South Africa because I just spent a week in Cape Town and had the time of my life. Here are some things I did, things I ate, and everything in between!

ACCOMMODATION

I stayed in an Airbnb the heart of Cape Town, conveniently located next to a bunch of shops and only minutes away from our favorite restaurants located on Bree Street. I really wanted to stay in a place that felt homey, so I picked out a loft I felt best suited me: large windows for natural lighting overlooking Lion’s Head, a kitchen with everything you could possibly need, and just the right amount of space for my best friend and me.

ACTIVITIES

HIKES

A MUST. Lion’s Head and Table Mountain are both centrally located and were only about $5 USD uber rides to the start of the trail from where we stayed.

Lion’s Head took about 2 hours round trip, but prepared to do some major rock climbing towards the top. There are handles and chains for guidance but don’t let those intimidate you! The bigger rocks towards the top are quite slippery as well, so just be very cautious and try to avoid going when it’s wet or when it’s dark out, unless you have the proper equipment for it.

Table Mountain was SO MUCH FUN. It was paved very well and felt completely safe all the way up, but as always, proceed with caution. The steps get steep pretty quick but it’s basically a straight shot all the way up. There are alternative routes as well if you prefer switchbacks. Or, you can also take the cable car up! We decided to hike up, which took about 2 hours, and took the cable car down.

CITY SIGHTSEEING BUS

The city sightseeing bus is hop on hop off double decker bus and is a perfect way to get a tour of the city. We did this on our first full day and had so much fun seeing a glimpse of the city as well as getting to stop at the waterfront. A ticket for a full day is R180 and you and hop on and hop off at different stops the entire day. Just make sure to check the bus schedule online to plan accordingly!

THE WHARF WATERFRONT

The waterfront is a really fun and lively part of Cape Town. A perfect place to get souvenirs with loads of local and handmade vendors. There was also a mall with lots of shopping in case you need to pick up something you forgot to pack. The V&A Food Market is also located at the waterfront and it’s amazing!

THE WINE TRAM

One of my favorite things we did in South Africa! We hopped on a wine tram in Franschhoek which took us from vineyard to vineyard. We paid R220 for a ticket on the train and the tastings at the vineyards cost about $5-$10 USD at each place. Some vineyards didn’t charge a tasting fee if you bought a bottle. They’ll let you know if that’s the case! We caught on uber to and back from where you need to meet to catch the train, which was cheaper than their prearranged charter bus. Bring water and snacks! We hopped on the green line and LOVED it.

BOULDER’S BEACH

Boulder’s Beach is a beautiful beach filled with wild penguins. Definitely recommend checking it out, but just know that it’s very touristy and you will not be able to get too close to the penguins or pet them. There’s a fee to get into the park. We got to Boulder’s Beach and Cape of Good Hope via the City Sightseeing Bus. Another option is to rent a car. We also packed lunches and snacks for our road trip day, which I’d highly recommend doing.

CAPE OF GOOD HOPE

This is where the most southwestern spot of Africa is and it was absolutely stunning and serene. Luckily for us, it was a stop on our City Sightseeing Bus itinerary.

BO KAAP

The strip of bright and colorful houses located in downtown Cape Town is a must see. A really good spot for photos as well!

FOOD

V&A FOOD MARKET

They’ve got everything from poke bowls to local South African cheeses to lamb wraps. You’re bound to find something here! The hard part is deciding WHAT.

HAIL PIZZA

One of the best pizzas I’ve ever had was from Hail Pizza. I got their mushroom pizza add zucchini and eggplant. SO GOOD. On Wednesdays, they have buy one get one free pizzas from 6-8PM and reservations in advance are recommended as they do have limited seating!

KAUAI

The best little spot for breakfast or brunch! I got a smoothie bowl and a mushroom toast here and they were both so delicious.

THREE WISE MONKEYS

THE BEST RAMEN. They also make amazing sushi donuts and baos.

CLARKE’S BAR AND DINING ROOM

We grabbed drinks and a appetizers here. Good ambience and great vibes!

BURGERS & LOBSTERS

Their happy hour is amazing. Buy one get one free on some really unique and handcrafted cocktails.

EASTERN FOOD BAZAAR

We grabbed some curry at a spot behind our Airbnb. It was like a food court made up of about 5 different vendors of Asian and Middle Eastern food. Super delicious, affordable, and the portions were massive – lasted us 3 meals!

WOOLWORTHS FOOD & SPAR

We shopped for foods we could make for breakfast and have for snacks to save some money. Woolworths Food was blocks away from our Airbnb so it was pretty convenient, but if you can, get to Spar! They had a lot of health foods like kombucha, and grain free and sugar free baked goods and protein bars.

OUMEUL BAKERY

Snagged some freshly baked sourdough bread here!

BREE STREET

A strip of amazing restaurants and bars. Hail Mary, Burgers and Lobsters, and Clarke’s are all located on Bree St.

GETTING AROUND

UBER

Uber rides are extremely cheap in Cape Town and there is always a driver just minutes away. Super convenient and saved us from renting a car!

CITY SIGHTSEEING BUS

A really great way of getting around especially if you plan on hopping around the city the entire day. We also utilized their services going to Boulder’s Beach and Cape of Good Hope!

WALKING

Since we stayed downtown, everything was pretty close and in walking distance. However, be cautious walking around after dark. Certain streets can get pretty sketchy. Always walk with a buddy if you can.

TIPS

Ask locals for recommendations! I like to do this whenever I travel. My Airbnb host ended up giving us lots of advice on places to go based on our preferences and interests.
Find an Airbnb with a washer/dryer so you can pack less clothes.
Pack a jacket, leggings, and comfy shoes. The hikes are no joke and I cringed watching people hike in jeans. Don’t do that to yourself! It also gets cold higher up on the mountains.
Cook meals at home to save money. It’s fun to go out and have local cuisine, but waking up and having your usual breakfast made at home will not only save you money, but it will also help with your digestion.
We were traveling during a drought so we limited our water usage by using hand sanitizer and taking really quick showers.
The travel journey is long. From Seattle, you spend about 27 hours in the air. I’d recommend drinking of water at the airport, bringing detox tea and greens tabs with you. For more tips on flying, see this blog post.
Flight attendants: I non-reved via Emirates connecting through Dubai there and back. It was super easy and I got a seat on every flight!

I hope if you are considering making a trip to South Africa that this has convinced you to do it. It was such a beautiful place with loads to do and although it was bummed to leave, I feel like spending one week there was the perfect amount of time.

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- travel

FLIGHT ATTENDANT FAQ

Posted on March 31, 2018April 1, 2018by rosie

Since starting Kale in the Clouds, I’ve received so many messages about my job. I absolutely love being a flight attendant, but it’s not always sunshine and rainbows. I am getting REAL with you with this Q+A and I hope that this can help you in some way! Feel free to comment or DM me on my Instagram account if you have more follow up questions. I’d be so happy to answer them for you!

How did you become a flight attendant?

Everything happened super fast! I submitted an application online after my friend told me about it. Within a week or so, I scheduled a phone interview. Immediately after the phone interview, I received an e-mail to schedule an in person interview. The in person interview was none like any other interview I’ve ever been to. I showed up along with 60 other applicants. There were 3 interviews that day and as the day went on, the numbers of applicants went down. At the end of the day, about 15 of us were hired!

How long have you been doing this?

I’ve been flying for 3 years.

Do you fly international routes?

With my airline, I’ve worked flights to Canada and Mexico. We also fly to Costa Rica!

How many days do you fly a week?

Because of my flexible schedule, I can fly as often or as little as I want. I don’t have a “typical” schedule because some months I work A LOT whereas some other months, I have travel plans so I’ll work less!

What’s it like being a flight attendant?

It’s amazing, crazy, tiring, fulfilling, busy, and testing. As tired as I get and as much as it can wear my immune system down, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. The opportunities are endless with this job and the flexibility in schedule it allows is incredible too!

Do you have a makeup for tattoo cover that you’d recommend?

I use Estée Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover to cover my tattoos when I’m working.

Do you get to pick where you’re based?

When you first start, they ask you for a preference. This doesn’t guarantee your first base of choice. Depending on your preferred base, you may need to wait awhile before you are able to get in. Luckily, I got Seattle after just one month of flying!

How much notice do you get before you fly?

When you’re on reserve, you may get a 2 hour call out but usually you find out before then when they need you. Now that I am a line holder, I get to put my own schedule together and I’m able to decide a month in advance what trips I want to work.

Even on reserve, are you able to find a healthy work/life balance or are you chained to waiting for a phone call?

Oh, reserve life! I was definitely chained to my phone for the first 6 months – just super paranoid about missing a phone call. Then, I was able to transition to going to the gym with my phone volume on high as I waited for a call. I do want to touch on balancing my social life though because that was HARD. Being on the go so often, it’s hard to watch your friends at home hangout without you. I learned that I had to be really proactive about reaching out to people and making sure they knew I was home instead of sitting on my bum and being butt hurt seeing them hangout without me on Instagram. Also, SLEEP. Sleep whenever you get a chance! You’ll learn that it’s actually so important and easily neglected when you first start flying.

Does your airline give you a stipend when you stay somewhere in between flights?

Hotel is paid for and with my airline, you do get a stipend!

What’s your typical work day like?

I get to the airport, check in on my work device, go through security, and check in with the gate agents. When I get on the plane, I put my stuff away and start checking to make sure all of the emergency equipment is good to go. When all of the flight attendants are on board, we introduce ourselves and brief our positions and typically the Captain will come introduce himself and tell us more details about the flight. Boarding happens pretty quickly after that, and before you know it, we’re off! Duties on the plane are different depending on which position you’re working.

How do you deal with jet lag and different time zones?

Jet lag is so real. 3 years in and it still doesn’t get much easier! I try to stay in the pacific time zone no matter where I am because my layovers usually aren’t very long. This means going to bed SUPER early when I fly east coast routes so I can get up earlier for that 7am EST departure.

How do you stay calm and continue to do your job when it’s turbulent?

I feel super lucky because turbulence doesn’t bother me. With that said, it’s easy for me to stay calm. However, when it gets to a point where we’re in the middle of service and it gets too bumpy, I usually go with my gut and speak up to other crew members. For the most part, we’ll be on the same page and pause service if it gets too bumpy. Safety first!

What is your brand of skillet that you travel with?

Nesco and I got it on Amazon!

What is your brand of lunch cooler?

It’s a Strongbag and I highly recommend it!

What kind of food can I pack? What can’t I pack?

You can pack so many good eats when you’re traveling! Salads, macro bowls, burritos, fries, roasted veggies, a sandwich, you name it! Just be cautious about packing salad dressing, guac, yogurt, premade oats, nut butters, anything with a cream or liquid consistency is a possible no-no depending on how strict TSA at your airport is.

Any tips for a traveler trying to stay healthy on the go?

ask your flight attendant for hot lemon water! it will help aid your digestion while flying
you can get free salad dressing past security at any restaurant in the airport
pack your own food and snacks because eats at the airport can get spendy
bring your daily vitamins and supplements with you! try to maintain consistency when you’re traveling
bring a reusable water with you and fill it up every time you see a water fountain or coffeeshop at the airport
pack greens tabs with you! these are the ones I use and love
other goodies to consider packing: collagen peptides sticks, apple cider vinegar shots, nut butter packs, matcha collagen travel packs
great on the go snacks: fruit, Perfect Bars, Simple Mills crackers, veggies and hummus, popcorn, dried fruit, nuts, bliss balls, protein bars, dark chocolate (I love Honey Mamas and Eating Evolved coconut butter cups)
pack some workout bands for at home pilates/barre in your hotel room

Pros:

having such a flexible schedule
the travel benefits
meeting the most amazing people of all different backgrounds
going to work in a good mood because I genuinely love what I do
LOVING WHAT I DO
getting to see so much of the world
the amount of money you save on gas
free parking at the airport
getting to help others when they’re nervous to fly
getting to make someone’s day (traveling is stressful! sometimes all someone needs is an extra glass of OJ and to know everything will be okay.)
free therapy sessions via the jump seat
getting paid to travel
getting to pack over 3 oz. liquids when traveling
so much me time
getting to stay in boujee hotels
getting so much vitamin D when it’s raining/snowing at home

Cons:

stomach/digestion issues (I take probiotics, triphala, and digestive enzymes to aid my gut)
lack of sleep/short layovers
the feeling of not having a grasp of life balance
lack of social life with friends and family at home when you start flying
schedules/routine goes out the door when you start reserve
when food goes bad because you don’t have a fridge in the hotel

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life

DEAR ANXIOUS FLYER,

Posted on December 23, 2017December 23, 2017by rosie

It’s that time of year again. You’ve got your flights booked, your bags packed, and you know you should be excited to head home and to see your family, but sometimes that’s not always the case. If you think you’re weird for being an anxious flyer, you’re not. You are not alone. It’s a fear that is more common than I realized before I became a flight attendant. As someone who thrives off of taking care of others, I genuinely enjoy helping people stay relaxed and have a more enjoyable flying experience. It’s not always easy and every person is different. I try my best to be very understanding and compassionate. But because I know I can’t personally help every single person out there, I thought writing this post could help guide you in the right direction. Please also feel free to pass it onto any friends, family members, or anyone you know who is afraid of flying or has anxiety over flying.

TELL SOMEONE

I know it’s scary to be vulnerable, but please try your best to work up the courage to tell your neighbor or at least one flight attendant about your anxiety or fear of flying. I promise we will try our best to help you any way we can. Whenever I’ve had anxious flyers who made it known that they were nervous about taking off, I would make it a point to check in with him/her throughout the flight. I pay special attention to passengers who need it, whether that be providing a glass of water after takeoff or offering casual conversation as a distraction.

TRY MEDITATION

Meditation has been known to help relieve stress and anxiety for years. It’s no different on the plane! I would highly suggest that as soon as you get settled in your seat, immediately putting on your headphones and closing your eyes. Whether you use an app (Headspace is a great one) or simply play nature sounds or music, start meditating. I find that a lot of anxiety around traveling can stem from the madness of the airport, not just flying alone. As soon as you’re able to clear your mind and shake off the stress of TSA and running to your gate, just breathe, relax, and be present. This would also help immensely prior to taking off, which could be a scary feeling for nervous flyers.

COME PREPARED

I know those little seats on the plane don’t allow a ton of room for activities, BUT I would highly recommend packing a book you’ve been excited to read, your iPad or laptop for movies, your phone with a playlist of your favorite or new songs, etc. The airline I work for offers free movies and TV shows on all mobile devices, which is pretty amazing! But just in case the flight you’re on doesn’t offer those amenities, just make sure you have something to do! Other cool things I’ve seen people do on the plane: knitting, cross stitching, coloring, card games. Not recommended: yoga in the galley.

BRING COMFORT ITEMS

Whether it’s your favorite blanket or a picture of your dog. Bring a piece of home with you that will make you feel cozy and comforted. We sometimes underestimate the power of comfort items! As you might know, essential oils are all the rage right now but for great reason! There are some scents that have been known to help us relax: lavender, rose, chamomile, frankincense, ylang ylang, and bergamot are all great options! I just purchased a peppermint one last week (’cause ’tis the season) and personally, I find that it really relaxes me, if you want to give that a try too!

KEEP A TIMER

This might help for some people and might not for others, but keeping a timer is worth a shot! Personally, I like to know how much time is left in the flight. From a flight attendant’s perspective, it’s a gage for when we need to go out with our inflight service. From a passenger’s perspective, it’s comforting to know that landing is just another episode of Spongebob away.

WRITE A LETTER or MAKE A LIST

What are you traveling for? Who are you visiting? What are you looking forward to? Write a letter to who you’re visiting and tell them how excited you are to see them. OR alternatively, make a list of all the things you’re excited to see, do, and eat! Keeping a positive mindset will not only help distract you from your current surroundings, but our minds are so incredibly powerful. Who knows if the excitement for your travels will take over your fear of flying! Fingers crossed!

So dear anxious flyer, I really hope this post helps you in some way. A handful of people messaged me on Instagram (further proof you’re not alone) asking about this topic specifically, so I figured it might help to share this with you. Happy Holidays and safe travels to you and yours! Xo

5 Comments

life

GETTING OVER FOMO AND FINDING BALANCE

Posted on November 23, 2017November 25, 2017by rosie

Oh FOMO.

I’ve spent so many years saying “yes” and piling so much on my plate because I was afraid to say “no.” I was afraid to miss out. Afraid of missed opportunities. Afraid of feeling left out. A lot of this stemmed from my lack of confidence and thankfully, growing up has helped me a lot in that department. Traveling alone is something that has really pushed me out of my comfort zone and gain that confidence and independence I was missing. It made me realize growing up really isn’t so bad.

When I first became a flight attendant, I would spread myself so thin and got very little rest. I put myself second. Coming to realize that has been one of the most life changing thing. Self care is so important, especially with a big life change, for me being my career. I no longer sat in a cubicle working a 9 to 5. Instead, I was getting called at 3am to work a flight at 5am to Alaska when I was packed for Hawaii. I learned a lot and I’ve grown a lot. My layovers (aka rest time) were spent out adventuring. Some of my highlights being: visiting a bald eagle wildlife sanctuary in Sitka, running 8.5 miles around all of Central Park, seeing the White House, visiting ground zero, watching Aladdin on Broadway, going to Disneyland, going to a hot springs in Fairbanks, the list goes on. I am SO incredibly lucky to experience these things and I’m grateful for the memories I’ve made. However, waking up at 2am PST to workout before spending an entire day in DC wandering aimlessly? It’s unlikely I’ll do that again. Balance is so important in every day life, especially when your job is taxing on your body and your sleep schedule is whack. Sometimes you have to learn how to be selfish and care for yourself so you can be your best self.

PRACTICE LISTENING TO YOUR BODY

Being mindful and listening to your body is not an easy thing to do! For some people it might be, but for someone like me who’s always on the go, I had to learn how to take it a step at a time. I started practicing listening to my body after tuning into several podcasts discussing exercise. I felt so burnt out with my HIIT workouts. Not only that, but I was bored of the routine. So I practiced listening to my body by incorporating yoga and allowing myself to practice whenever I felt burnt out. Along with mindful exercise, I also started practicing mindful eating. How many times do you catch yourself snacking just to snack? That was me! I couldn’t stop. I needed a snack if I was bored or if I was watching something on Netflix. It was ridiculous. I’ve noticed a drastic difference in my health since I’ve started mindful eating. I literally ask myself if I’m hungry before I reach for a snack. It’s helped a lot and it’s honestly a mental game most of the time. Love yourself. Rest when you need to. Eat when you’re hungry. Treat yourself how you treat your best friend.

MAKE A LIST

Organizing your thoughts and prioritizing tasks will help you come up with a loose game plan. Keyword: LOOSE. Having a game plan will save you so much time. No zig zagging around town or wandering around aimlessly – unless, of course, that’s what you want to do! It’s really important when making this list to not hold yourself accountable for crossing it all off. I used to do this and it would lead to disappointment. Instead, change your mindset. Allow yourself to change things up and to be spontaneous if that’s how the day goes. Think of how grateful you are to be there in the first place. Enjoy living in the moment and take it all in. Know that quality time is so much more meaningful than the quantity of things you’ve done or seen. Plus, there’s always a next time! If you want to make it happen, it will happen.

TAKE BREAKS

When I was in Stockholm, I learned of a term called “fika.” It means taking a break, usually a snack or coffee break. This was a pretty common thing in Sweden. The coffeeshops were always packed with people and I felt so inspired by it. Now when I travel, I always fit in some time for fika. Whenever I feel myself feeling exhausted, I let myself drop into a coffeeshop and sit with a coffee or tea in hand and just relax. It’s a little reset for the mind, body, and soul. Now, I find myself finding the importance in taking time for myself to take breaks – even if it’s just to breathe deep and slow down.

BE PRESENT

When you’re tackling a long list of things (fun or not), it’s hard to be present. My best friend Abby and I shared the same experience whenever we went on our Disney trips. We’d come back to our hotel and feel like the day just flew by and we felt in a daze. Like we weren’t even there. The next day, I decided we would take “moments.” In these moments, we’d hold hands (optional but also necessary as she’s the yin to my yang), take a deep breath, and do a 360 turn around, absorbing the moment and letting it all sink in. After practicing being present, we noticed a drastic change at the end of the day. Our hearts were so full. We felt present and our memories were more vivid. Don’t forget to take moments for yourself, to take a deep breath, and absorb it all.

STOP MULTITASKING

If you think about it, multitasking requires a lot of attention and effort. It’s extremely difficult to give every task your all versus working on things one at a time. When you’re able to give something your full attention, you’ll be surprised at the result. You might find that you’ll enjoy the movie more or that the cupcakes turned out better than they did last time. Slowing down is not always a bad thing!

BE OKAY WITH SAYING “NO”

Saying “no” isn’t always easy. It took me years to be okay with the thought of disappointing people (BTW – YOU’RE NOT). It’s common flight crews will go out to dinner and drinks together after a long flight and my immediate response was always “yes.” Partly because I didn’t want them to think I didn’t like them and also because I didn’t want to feel like I missed out the next day when it clearly seemed like they had a fun night of bonding. Also because it wasn’t in my nature to say no, I was a “yes girl!” If that’s what you’re thinking too, stop that. Do not hold yourself accountable for saying “yes” ALL THE TIME. It is so important to give your body what it needs. If you don’t feel like socializing after a hard day, don’t force yourself to. You don’t owe it to anybody, you don’t even owe it to yourself. Happiness is listening to your body and being confident in your own decisions.

In the most recent bonus episode of the Soul on Fire podcast, Jordan and Kelly Leveque brush on the topic of FOMO. It’s a really good listen and I found it so relatable. If you’re wanting more FOMO talk, go check it out! Until next time, loves.

health
...
- travel

WHAT’S IN MY CARRY ON BAG – HEALTH AND BEAUTY EDITION

Posted on November 11, 2017November 11, 2017by rosie

I’m currently sitting inside Caffe Nero at the airport, waiting for my sister to arrive so we can push start on our annual family trip! Another pinch me moment. I feel so lucky that my sister and I both have jobs that allow for traveling as often as we do, and getting to take mom with us is just another big bonus! I remember the day I got hired as a flight attendant, the first thing I thought of was how excited I was to give back to my mom and everything she’s sacrificed for me and my sister. /FEELS.

So today, I wanted to show you guys what I packed in my carry on – health and beauty related. Let’s jump in!

Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Paper Mask
- What better time to use a face mask than on a 10 hour flight? And with sheet masks, you’ve got no clean up!
Cocokind Skincare Matcha and Turmeric Sticks
- Matcha is great for your undereye area, especially after a long flight. I also love using it as lip balm and on dry patches, as well as on my cuticles. The turmeric stick is amazing for skin recovery. While the cabin’s dark, paint your face with this yellow magic wand and remove with a wet cotton pad 30 min. later. Pro tip: I like to leave mine on longer, mostly cause I hate going into the lavatory. Ha!
Kiehl’s Cactus Flower & Tibetan Ginseng Hydrating Mist
- Officially my holy grail. I had a stuffy nose and EVERYTHING felt so dry and so uncomfortable. With a few spritz of this guy, I immediately felt so much better.
Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream
- I like to pack heavier moisturizers for flights. Your skin will thank you for it later!
Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Corrector Serum
- Skincare is so important, especially on long flights. Perfect time to pack on serums, especially since I don’t wear makeup on long flights.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
- See above!
Clear Eyes Triple Action Eye Drops
- I also have a case of dry eyes, so you better believe these are a MUST on flights.
Murad Rapid Relief Spot Treatment
- When I’m breaking out, I like to dab on a spot treatment in needed areas. This guy was my life saver this flight.
The Honest Company Hand Sanitizer
- I think this one’s self explanatory!
Tony Moly Magic Food Banana Hand Milk
- I make it a habit to use hand cream after every hand wash. The hand soap on airplanes are super drying!
Supergoop! Mint Fusion Lip Balm
- Always a good idea to lather your lips with a good lip balm when flying.
C.O. Bigelow Mouthwash
- Packing travel size mouthwash for a quick pick me up is always a good thing. No regrets, that’s for sure!

Notes:

Being inflight is SO DRYING. Make sure to pack lots of moisturizers and balms for your skin and lips.
Try to avoid wearing makeup if you can, so you can really pamper yourself with a skincare regimen.
Now is a good time to bring those samples you’ve been meaning to try! I get a ton of samples from my Sephora Play monthly subscription box and I love bringing serums and creams from my boxes. It’s easy to dispose of and will lighten your load throughout your trip.

Healthy Human Life Water Bottle
- Always bring a reusable water bottle! Not only are you doing good for the environment but, life hack: you can always ask your flight attendant to fill your water up for you. Free water beats $5 water bottles at the airport. I love that mine can double up as a blender bottle as well! Get your own Healthy Human Life water bottle with a discount using my coupon code: KALEIC10
Rootz Nutrition Paleo Protein-Superfood mixed with Further Food Collagen Peptides
- Being on the go means it’s harder to get all your nutrients in. That’s why I love combining my favorite protein powder (contains SO MANY superfoods) plus collagen peptides for more protein and benefits. Rootz Nutrition coupon code: KALEINTHECLOUDS & Further Food coupon code: KALEINTHECLOUDS10
Eating Evolved Coconut Butter Cups
- My favorite chocolate! Perfect sweet treat with minimal ingredients. Makes resisting candy at the airport checkouts so easy.
Square Organics Protein Bars
- Absolutely love these bars. They’re basically a candy bar in protein bar form – AND ORGANIC. What could be better? Square Organics coupon code: KALEINTHECLOUDS
Emergen-C
- I always pack Emergen-C with me when I’m traveling. Traveling is already so hard on your body. Think about the jet lag, lack of sleep, but also all the germs at the airports and on the plane. Take note from a flight attendant!
Yogi Tea [Skin Detox, Immune Support, Probiotic Balance]
- My favorite teas! These three are bound to keep you in tip top shape.
Amazing Grass Green Superfood Tabs
- A. MUST. I bought this on a whim at the checkout at Whole Foods, and I’m so glad I did. Each tab contains one serving of vegetables and fruit. You add it to your water and that’s it! It even tastes yummy!
Bulletproof Collagen Protein Bar
- Just discovered these and I won’t go back. They’re packed with quality ingredients and keep me satisfied, all while containing the benefits of collagen (check out my last blog post for more info).
Kyolic Kyo-Dophilus Digestion and Immune Health Probiotic Supplement
- I take these every day so it’s definitely going in my carry on bag.
Trader Joe’s Ginger and Turmeric Tea
- My favorite tea when I’m feeling blah.
Golden Root Turmeric Latte Mix
- A sweet treat with all the benefits of turmeric! I literally CRAVE these.
RX Bar
- One of my favorite protein bars, so it’s gotta come with! They taste like bliss balls but in bar form!
Zipfizz
- With jet lag, I love keeping these on me for some quick B12 vitamins. It gives me just enough energy to keep going – and no crash!

Notes:

I’m not getting paid to promote any of these brands. They are brands I truly enjoy on a daily basis and get to share with my friends for a discounted price! Score!
Packing your own sweets and snacks makes it easy to not give into temptation at the airport. Make sure to pack your FAVORITES so you know the love is real.
Always pack your daily vitamins. Traveling is already hard enough on your body so you want to try to keep everything else consistent.
Packing your own tea is a good penny pincher life hack. It’s also a great way to take a little piece of home with you!

Hope you guys find this useful! Safe travels to all you on the go babes.

4 Comments

travel

REFLECTING IN AUCKLAND

Posted on December 10, 2016January 23, 2017by rosie

I can’t even believe we’re getting ready to wrap up the year. Around this time of year, I always find myself in a reflective mood. My mind is a constant flow of thoughts and questions, some which remain unanswered. If you’re in the same boat, I would really suggest talking it out with your best friend perhaps over hot cocoa, or just write. I like to think I’m really lucky because I have some of the best friends in the world. We talk about anything and everything, all that’s in between. Whether it be something silly like explaining what the latest meme means, or something as deep as how extraordinary the galaxy is and how there are galaxies beyond us humans have yet to discover. It’s magical and unreal. As I reflect on my life, I like to remind myself what one of my best friends told me: our galaxy is only one drop in the ocean. That will forever blow my mind. Life is way too short. What’s important to you? Make time for it. Name your top 3 dream destinations. GO THERE. Do something big. Help people. Inspire people. At any time in your life can you decide that today is the day.

One of the best ways for me to reflect is to be on my own. Traveling alone has allowed me to open up to people. It allows me to test myself, question my weaknesses, and turn them into a life lesson or something to be proud of. Being an introvert, I’m forced to break out of my comfort zone and adapt. One thing you might not know about me is that I was terrible when it came to navigating my way around – not just on foreign land, but even in my own hometown. One of my greatest accomplishments is getting over the fear of being lost. I’ve turned it into something to be excited about. Getting lost in Auckland? Check! And it was awesome. I’ve not run into one grumpy person in this whole city and though some are telling me that locals are always kind to tourists, I like to let myself believe that people are just genuinely kind. That’s it. And it’s a beautiful thing.

I’m sitting in an eatery/grocer/flower shop in Auckland right now called Scarecrow. I’m writing on my phone because I couldn’t be bothered lugging around my laptop when I knew I would hardly even touch it. Jazz music is playing, blended in the sounds of clinking glass, and city traffic. To my right is a large window, letting in natural light and despite the cold summer rain, I am happy. Despite being alone in an unfamiliar place, I am happy. Despite my empty glass of iced tea, I am happy. Despite today being my last full day in the gorgeous country of New Zealand, I am happy. I am happy, grateful, appreciative of all the people I have encountered. I’m leaving with some of my favorite memories with a friend of five years I never met until a few days ago, new friends I’ll have to reach out to not only in NZ but in Ireland and Korea too!, new ink that I’m obsessed with, and Marmite crossed off my very touristy list of eats.

I’ve become keen (kiwi slang!! I’m leaving with that too!) with writing while I’m out and about, particularly in coffeeshops with great music. My posts so far have been just my brain to fingertip action, not much planning involved at all, but I really do plan on sharing some of my tips and tricks with traveling solo. It’s something I really feel passionate about and something I would highly encourage anyone and everyone do at least once in their lives. So that might be coming up soon! For now, I hope this is okay. If you read this, I love you and I hope you have the best day ever.