If you haven't kept up with Sarah's blog, then you are missing out. 

Her travel posts make you want to hop on the next flight out of the country

and follow in her footsteps. 

From Peru to Italy to Russia, she has traversed the whole globe.

P.S. She wants to revisit and live in Paris so we're kind of soul sisters in that regard.

1. As someone who loves to travel, and has seen a lot of the world, do you like to have a home base to come back to that feels settled or do you enjoy moving around? 

Like I said in the blog, I have moved to over 10 zip codes now in the last 4 years but those are all just temporary addresses. My family lives in Los Angeles, California and still consider this my home. Moving to another place to start a new job and meet new people is always exciting, yet I find myself longing to go home to LA every once in a while. In fact, since being back in Southern California, I have been coming home every weekend and every chance I get. And when I am coming back from an overseas trip, that feeling when you see Los Angeles skyline as the plane lands in LAX doesn't get old. Coming home always make me feel better and secured and I love that I have a place to come back to.

2. Your photos really make me feel like I am visiting a city or site right alongside you. What kind of camera do you use to take photos when you're traveling? 

First of all, thank you for your kind words, I'm still a novice with photography and still learning but having people appreciate the photos I took really means a lot. I was using my Sony Point and Shoot T70 camera and an entry level dSLR, a Canon Rebel XSi. Now, I am using my Nikon d7000 with a 35 mm and 18-55 mm lenses and my trusty iPhone. 

3. Along the same lines, do you ever have to find a balance between photographing a trip and really living it and taking it all in yourself? If so, how do you find that balance? 

This is a good question and truthfully, it is hard to balance. I always liked longer trips because it will give you the opportunity to take more photos and then live the moment. When I only have a short stay at a new place, I usually see the sites and take photos. However, when I know that I have a more time to explore, I leave the camera at my hotel and just appreciate and experience what is in front of me. I make sure I bring my iPhone though to document those moments. 

4. If you could revisit one place again, where would it be and why?

I want to revisit most of the places I've been to but the top on my list is Paris. In fact, I want to live there for a few months if given a chance. I know it is such a predictable answer but Paris had always been my dream and I am interested in learning more of the language and culture.

Thank you for all of your encouraging words last week! It's nice to know that I'm not alone in questioning why I spend my time writing about my life and random thoughts on the Internet for all of the world to potentially read. In a perfect world this would be my space to share all of the amazing travels that I go on. But I haven't quite worked that out yet. So in the meantime I will write about my other hobbies and passions: books, organizing and decorating. I hope that's ok with you :)

And as for #jessdoestexas...there is now fondue, food trucks a drive-in movie and an art museum featuring lots of impressionists thrown in for good measure.

You all also had wonderful suggestions for summer nail colors! I didn't have a chance to purchase any of them, but it's happening. And soon.

This week's wishes

1. Make an organized list of DIY projects that are in my skill level. Remember my DIY world map canvas? Well, that may be pushing my abilities. Are there any craft projects that you have tried and succeeded  at?

2. Not go out to eat. My freezer and fridge are full, yet there is something about getting take out that is so appealing at lunch or on my way home after dinner. Perhaps it's the fact that I can eat in the container that it comes in so not only do I not have to cook, but I also don't have to do dishes. Bonus points if they include plastic silverware as well.

3. Organize my pictures and files on my computer. While my desktop is fairly clean, the initial folders are a hot mess express. If it weren't for the ah-mazing search feature on finder or the fact that I usually take the time to name my files, I would be completely lost and overwhelmed.

Any fun plans for the weekend? I'm about to join the masses of weepy girls who have seen The Fault in Our Stars. I've read a few reviews so far and I'm fully prepared to have the sniffles afterwards, which is saying A LOT because I do not cry during movies. Call me insensitive, but it just doesn't usually happen. Dog movies being the exception because even though I always prepare myself beforehand for the family pet's ultimate end, I still tear up every time. 

In case you are taking a personal day and laying in bed all day, here is some reading material to keep you company.

I absolutely love scarves, even in the summer. Here are three ways to wear them that you wouldn't expect: as a head wrap, picnic blanket and tote bag!

You may have read on Monday that I was in a blogging rut. Well, these prompts from Kenzie were just the inspiration I needed for new content. If you are in that rut with me, check them out.

These frames from West Elm are a must for anyone wanting to frame prints on the cheap. Personally I don't want to pay triple for a frame what I paid for the print. 

Wanting to do something a little off the beaten path while in Provence? Why not head to the countryside and channel your inner Van Gogh with a little painting and picnic session?

Travel and coffee are two of my favorite things of all time. So of course I love Rachel's travel inspired coffee station. 

A new month, a new desktop wallpaper. Here is a collection to brighten your screen.

In high school, I was one of those kids that looked forward to receiving the summer reading assignment. I rushed to the library, checked the books out, devoured them and had the papers written within the first month of summer. Perhaps I also wanted to get it out of the way so I could move on to my own personal summer reading list. There is something about long days spent by a pool or on a porch that makes me want to get comfortable in a lounge chair and get lost in another world.

On my list for this summer:

Looking for Alaska by John Green

With The Fault in Our Stars coming out this weekend, I'm in a John Green mood. And everyone has told me that Looking for Alaska was their favorite of his.

Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

I couldn't get enough of The Secret History, also by Donna Tart. Mystery, murder, prep schools and teenagers with trust funds make for some of my favorite reading. Goldfinch is another book that has been on almost every "must read" list lately. I've heard that it is a little tedious to get through and it most likely not a pool read.

Longbourn by Jo Baker

This is the Upstairs Downstairs version of Pride and Prejudice that tells about the orphaned housemaid in the Bennett household. I will not pretend nor get my hopes up that this will live up to Pride and Prejudice, but it's nice to read about one of my favorite stories from a different point of view.

For previous book reviews and recommendations, click here.

You may remember a time a while ago when I gave my sage advice on time management and productivity. At the time, I was going to school full-time as well as working three part-time freelance jobs. And I still managed to go to bed before midnight. Clearly I was doing something right.

While I no longer have extracirriculars tugging my in every direction, I thought I would share a little bit more on the topic for those of you who are still in that boat.

Computers and smartphones can be the best thing and the worst thing that can happen to productivity. On one hand, you no longer have to write correspondence by hand and mail it by carrier pigeon. On the other... those Buzzfeed articles aren't going to read themselves. Why not put your phone and computer to work for you again? Here are my top apps/tricks to find the time to plow through your to-do list: 

StayFocused

StayFocused is an extension for your Chrome browser that you should install right now. You select the sites that you need to stay away from (Twitter, Pinterest, Bloglovin, Buzzfeed, etc.), set a time limit or block them between certain hours of the day. This last option would work great if you work from home and do not want to be tempted. They even give you the option to block the Chrome extension page so you can stop turning off StayFocused; think of this as disabling your alarm's snooze button. 

A Master List

Whether you keep this on your computer, phone or the old fashioned way with pen and paper, keep one notebook or folder with all your to-do lists. Do not have sticky notes strewn everywhere with all manner of ideas you have ever had throughout the week. Something will inevitably get overlooked. Have your grocery list, errands, and reminders all together. Evernote is a great option if you want to keep your lists digital. 

iCal

It syncs to your mac, iphone and ipad. My favorite feature is setting up multiple calendars. I have one for personal, one for work dates I may need to remember outside of the office, bills and blog posts. If you have several kids this is a lifesaver; give each kid a separate calendar and you can easily differentiate between Sally's soccer practice and David's dentist appointment.

Local Grocery Store App

I shop at Publix and can't get enough of their store app. My favorite function is selecting my regular store, entering my grocery list and getting a breakdown of what items are on each row. No more crisscrossing the store looking for flour or salsa. And if you shop at various locations across town, you won't feel lost. This can easily cut down 20 minutes or more walking up and down every aisle making sure you haven't missed an item.

Sleep Cycle

I downloaded this app several weeks ago and am waiting for a weekend to calibrate the settings. The premise is based on your REM cycle. Most of us do not set our alarm based on when we are in a light sleep, instead we determine how long it takes to get ready and wake up accordingly. For this app, you set the latest you want to wake up. Through the morning, Sleep Cycle tracks your body movements in bed because you start to toss and turn more as you are coming out of deep sleep. The app's alarm will then go off at that point. There is a 30 minute window of when the alarm will go off. In theory, you will wake up more naturally and feel well-rested. I'll let you know how effective it is after I test it out.

Past time management topics include: 

Tackle an easy task first | Plan out the week ahead | Two minute rule of productivity

Is it possible for anyone to pick just one favorite vacation memory? I know I would have to spend all night trying to decide, and there would be multiple pro-con charts made, but I can share one, or two, meaningful vacation memories. 

The first would be family vacations at St. Simons Island (you can read more about the last trip there here). I am always torn between wanting to do everything I possibly can and wanting to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet while on vacation. The best part about St. Simons is that I've done everything there is to do there before so I never feel obligated to fit an agenda-full of activities in. I easily fall into a routine with my parents of waking up, walking on the beach, eating breakfast, going to the pool, eating lunch, going back to the pool, napping, going to dinner, walking on the beach again. And repeat two or three times. It's perfect. 

A weekend filled with fresh seafood, shopping in downtown at the same dozen stores and a place to recharge and regroup is a perfect way to start, or end, the summer.

The second vacation memory I would like to share would be the group dinner at Quartino on the student publications trip to Chicago. Good friends surrounded by family-style plates of Italian food in a never ending fashion was perfect. Even if we didn't make reservations, had a two hour wait and didn't sit down until 9:30, I wouldn't have had it any other way.

Mar of T.O. and Fro

Follow along: Bloglovin | Twitter | Instagram

1. Tell us a little about you and your blog. 

My husband is a professional hockey player, so we are constantly on the move to and fro, always landing back at home base in Toronto (or t.o.). Kind of a play on words.

2. If you could eat only one meal for an extended period of time, what would it be? 

I'm a cheese monster so I think I would be happy with bread and good cheese. Throw in some wine and I'd be a pretty happy camper. 

3. Any suggestions for TV shows to binge watch this summer?

Stanley Cup playoffs anyone?! Other than that, we're on a total Netflix kick right now so I honestly don't think I could tell you the "cool" shows to watch this summer.

4. Any upcoming travels/adventures on the horizon? Anywhere you are dying to go?

June is going to be a busy month for us! In a few weeks we're going canoe camping in northern Ontario at Algonquin Provincial Camp. Then towards the end of the month, we're heading back to Alaska to visit friends. On the way home we'll be making a stop in Seattle for our friends' wedding and our 1st anniversary.

What you should be reading: 

This Isn't Goodbye 

Driving the Al-Can 

In the Blink of an Eye 

Christina of Route Bliss

Follow along: Bloglovin | Instagram | Twitter

1. Tell us a little about you and your blog. Hello, I'm Christina of Route Bliss. I'm a thirty-something girl living in the Lone Star State who frequently daydreams about upcoming travels and contemplates moving to the mountains on a regular basis! While I've been blogging for over a decade now, Route Bliss itself has only been around since the Summer of 2013. RB (as I've dubbed it) is where I share my love of travel and photography as well as what I'm learning on my journey to healthier living (adapted recipes as well as running and fitness tips and grumblings!).

2. If you could eat only one meal for an extended period of time, what would it be? Hmmm ... hamburgers or salad. I can tweak them to make them a bit different so that I don't burn out on eating the same thing over and over!

3. Any suggestions for TV shows to binge watch this summer?Honestly, I haven't been watching a ton of television lately. I have a huge Netflix queue of stuff on cable that I don't have access to I want to see what the buzz is about. First up is Copper ... as for network tv shows, I need to catch up on the episodes I missed of Castle from this past season and I might watch some reality tv (Big Brother or the Bachelorette).

4. Any upcoming travels/adventures on the horizon? Anywhere you are dying to go?My big trip for the year that was set in May was cancelled, so just a few weekend trips scattered over the rest of the year to look forward to -- couple trips to Little Rock to photograph my BFF's engagement portraits and attend her wedding + maybe a weekend trip to Caddo Lake later this year once the fall foliage is in full force. I was looking forward to my trip to Big Bend ... and I'd love to go somewhere with mountains (i.e. Colorado preferably) if I could work it out!

What you should be reading: 

RB Roadtripping: Traveling as Stress-Free as Possible

Photo How-To: Quick Tips to Improve Your Photos for Instant Sharing

Tiny Details of Major Significance

Megan of The Artistic Brunette

Follow along: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

1. Tell us a little about you and your blog. 

My site, The Artistic Brunette is all about empowering young people to live a successful, creative life. The mission of AB is to “empower, encourage & inspire individuals to live a creative life!” What do I mean by a ‘creative life’? This type of lifestyle is full of possibilities. This gives you the ability to try new things, see the world, define your career path and become the best YOU. Want more about me? Check out my blog rundown. (http://theartisticbrunette.com/2014/05/28/ab-got-a-total-makeover/)

2. If you could eat only one meal for an extended period of time, what would it be? 

I could eat anything chocolate until the day I die!

3. Any suggestions for TV shows to binge watch this summer?

This summer, I really want to re watch Once Upon a Time, New Girl and How I Meant Your Mother on Netflix!

4. Any upcoming travels/adventures on the horizon? Anywhere you are dying to go?

I just got back from an amazing trip to Scotland, Ireland and England. Because of this, future adventures will be closer to home! I plan to goto Portland and Florida at the end of this year. I AM DYING to goto Bali.

What you should be reading:

5 reasons to intern at a nonprofit

20 things to do in your 20s

Relaxing in Balboa

Happy Monday! I hope your weekend has been swell and you are easing back into the requirements and demands of everyday life slowly.

Two weeks ago I wanted to give an update on the apartment settling in process (check) and try at least one new restaurant (check...sort of). You can find the apartment update here, in case you missed it last week. And I have now found my new favorite coffeeshop to work at. Redeye coffee is the perfect mix of great coffee, a spirit of giving back to the community and a place that is perfect to set up shop for the afternoon. The fact that I'm writing this post here on Saturday is proof enough that it's a perfect productive atmosphere. 

On the agenda for this week: 

1. Some serious blog soul searching. If I'm being honest here, my heart hasn't been really into blogging for the past few months. Call it a lack of inspiration, a lack of direction, or a lack of time, I want to rediscover the joy that came from sharing bits of my life on the internet for all the world to read. 

2. It's now a month until I go to Texas to celebrate America's birthday. Be prepared for #jessdoestexas to fill your Twitter and Instagram feeds. I'm going to be in Ft. Worth for the weekend. Any suggestions?

3. I'm on the hunt for a go-to summer nail color. What are you wearing these days?