2015 wanderlust: a round-up of my 12 trips

This past weekend was the first time I've had multiple days off in a row without anything to do, and I panicked. Everyone told me to just relax and enjoy not having any plans, but after 2015, that's not something I believe in. 

My 2015 resolution was to travel once a month. I knew it'd be tough, that my bank account would suffer a bit, but knew it was the perfect year to do it. Fresh off a break-up, and having far too many never-have-I-evers when it comes to traveling, it was the perfect mission. I can't believe I genuinely completed it. 

Turns out, I can be somewhat focused when I wanna be. In January, I went through my calendar and each month put options for ideal places. I had specific events for some, others coulda been anywhere, but that quick task helped BIG TIME with the planning and making sure I got to most of the places I really wanted to. I also marked down when I should start looking for flights around 6 weeks before I wanted to go. Considering I only get one weekend off a month, I had to have an idea which ones they would be. Plus, ADD is tough. 

Why pay for school when you can learn these things while spending money on traveling?

• Don't rely on other people. It's way too hard to coordinate going away with someone, making sure you do everything you both wanna do, and agreeing on a budget. If you wanna do something, you do it. Be selfish. No excuses. 
• Pinterest is your travel BFF. Search the city for what to wear, where to go, what to eat.. and star your must-sees on Google Maps.
• Washington, DC has no culture compared to most places. We're pretty and clean and political and historical I guess, but with such a hodgepodge of people, we're pretty bleeping boring as an overall city from the outside.
• When packing, take the extra time to plan outfits for each day/night, then a couple staple pieces just in case. [Or, just be drunk with zero time to overthink it.] If you don't have several options to choose from while on vacation, you'll spend less time deciding what to wear and more time vacationing.
• Also, don't overthink trips. They're not all bank-breakers, and you don't need a week to get on a plane. You have 36 hours and a cheap flight option, book it, damnit! 
• Don't be afraid to ask people if you can crash with them, but don't make them feel like they need to entertain you at all times. You're a big kid now. Show up with transportation and no pressure [and probably a bottle of alcohol for them].
• Typical selfies get redundant. Get your feet off the ground. 
• Try the local food, but also the local beers. Collect the bottle tops. Some call it trash, I call it hoarding cheap souvenirs. 
• Bring bumper stickers for your business if you have them. SO many bars let you stick them somewhere. 
• Keep a hashtag of your travels so everyone can see your travels without stalking the rest of your boring profile. #EBbetravelin HOLLA. 

Now, as for my adventures...

JANUARY: Tampa, FL for Gasparilla

For years I've been hearing/seeing how awesome this Mardi Gras-like day is. The Kane Show [morning show at my home station] has a huge float and my soon to be new boss was still down there. It was everything I'd hoped! I rode on top of the float with Kane, had a beautiful dinner at sunset, and caught the Super Bowl at Rose's friend's house, with an outdoor projector and ALL the food. 

What I learned: Lots of cities have major events that you may not know of. Ask your friends that live elsewhere what they look forward to every year and visit them for that. It may be a little selfish, but you're still visiting THEM! [And you'll get a free stay and have a pro who knows the ropes, duh]

FEBRUARY: A cabin retreat weekend near Liberty Mountain

It had been about a decade since I last ski'd, so I knew it was on my bucket list for the year. I found this cute little cabin that slept 8 people on Airbnb and had a girls party night on Friday, hiking day/party night with other friends Saturday, then went skiing on Sunday. It snowed for some of the weekend which made it even cooler, and it's only a little over an hour away so most people only came up for one night. I felt like I had so many different experiences in one tiny little cabin weekend! As for the skiing, you can see in the bottom picture how that went. That was me the whole way down my first black diamond.

What I learned: My body is too old for skiing these days. It was so painful in my knees to be even a little enjoyable. Also, there is no better pizza than crab pizza from Ventura's. 

MARCH: Niagara Falls and Toronto, Canada

I knew I had to get out of the country at some point in 2015. I hoped it would be a cruise or something, but I had also never been to Canada. I flew to Rochester [had to see my beloved Nugget] and road tripped the rest of the way with Corey. It was cold, but absolutely beautiful. With a quick Internet search, we found an awesome Ice Bar that was EMPTY when we went, so we got to talk to the owner for a while, which may have been one of my favorite parts.

What I learned: Seeing the Falls when they're frozen is a must. I've never seen them not frozen, but it was crazy awesome. Plus, Canadians are really as friendly as you hear.

APRIL: Morgantown, WV

Maybe some will think this was cheating, but it was a weekend away for my former roommate's bachelorette party, and we did Morgantown unlike I ever have before: in a hotel. We also got a fancy dinner.... and, well, everything else was just as it should be in Motown: Full of shots, beer bongs, and dirty feet. 

What I learned: No matter how long you live in a place, there are always places you haven't been and can explore. Plus, the world is always changing and it's never going to be exactly as you remember.

MAY: Nashville, TN

I'd been promising my friend for years that I'd visit him in the city I knew I'd love, and finally booked a flight two weeks before I went [which was the very next weekend after Morgantown]. It was perfect, as I've shared in my previous post. We spent a day as tourists, and the rest living like a singer/songwriter- bumping into Chris Young, drinking on rooftops, and listening as they came up lyrics on the spot.

What I learned: Don't always be a tourist. Don't feel like you need to hit all the tourist hot spots in order to "complete your trip." If you wanna get a real feel for a city- do as locals do. My most important lesson this trip: It is 100% possible to fall madly in love with a city, and to feel real heartbreak when you leave.

JUNE: Dover, DE for Big Barrel

When I first heard about this country music festival, I thought there was no chance I'd be able to afford tickets. Turned out- they weren't that bad! And when you camp out, it turns into one hell of an experience. We only got to go for two nights, but even in the torrential downpours, I immediately knew I'd have to go back this year for the whole time. Country music all day, thousands of people who wanna have a good time, making new friends, and sleepovers- it's kinda my Heaven.

What I learned: I need to go to more music festivals. When it comes to festivals- bring wipes. Showers are not an option.

JULY: Key West, FL for my BFF's 30th birthday

We stayed on a freaking house boat! And it was WAYYY less than a hotel for five people. We had kayaks attached to it, and less than a mile walk to downtown Key West. Turns out, 4th of July is "off season" for them, so it was relatively tame. A bartender told us all about the SEVERAL other events they have throughout the year and I think we'll have to go back to the boat for one of those. 

What I learned: Airbnb is the freaking bomb, and they have a section [or several] for unusual housing. House boats > hotels.

AUGUST: Virginia Beach

When I missed Sam Hunt in DC because of a wedding, I immediately planned on catching him in my former home, and my God if that picture isn't worth it, I don't know what is! Also got to see inside Lady A's bus, and do flips on the beach, of course. 

What I learned: With enough motivation and hustle, you can hit every bar along the boardwalk in a few hours. 

SEPTEMBER: Columbia, SC

When I realized I had LESS THAN A WEEK to plan my monthly trip, I stalked Hipmunk for all the cities my friends live in, and my BFF's home was under $150 round trip. Since I had just been to Florida with them, I knew I could be 5th wheel again and have a great time on their boat. I suffered through a migraine on day two which sucked, but I rallied to party through the VMA's. 

What I learned: If you have nothing to do on a nice weekend, check flights. What's it gonna hurt? Just pack a bag and go. Especially if it's NOT a nice forecast where you live, but is elsewhere.

OCTOBER: College Station/Austin, TX

Okay, so this was actually the end of September, but it was the only weekend I had to make it down there so it counts! I had to do my annual trip to visit my people, but really wanted to explore Austin more, since I didn't get to do much of that when I lived down there. The city is so much like Nashville, and has SO MUCH CULTURE. Every bar had a theme. My favorite is pictured a the bottom... it had sand volleyball courts, cornhole, washers, and plenty of TVs. Moontower Saloon- A perfect Sunday Funday spot.

What I learned: Always make an impression so people don't forget you. I was amazed at how many people at the random bars, in my old office, etc that not only remembered who I was, but boosted my ego with how much they missed me AND made time to meet me for a big dinner. It's been 4.5 years since I left Texas.... they could have forgotten all about me and I'd understand it. 

NOVEMBER: California

By far the most important trip of my year. I'm so upset I never got around to making one big post about it, but I did post an album if you want to go through it. After some dramatic happenings, I just needed to get away and be independent. I traveled from Sacramento to San Diego by myself [with the exception of staying with people in some cities]. I drove the PCH in a sports car, drank wine in Napa Valley, walked across the Bay Bridge in San Fran, met with legendary radio people in LA, saw a taping of Jimmy Kimmel, stayed at the coolest hotel EVER- The Madonna Inn, and took selfies with seals in San Diego. I truly took advantage of every minute I had out there, and found myself again. I didn't even know I hadn't been myself until I went, but the feeling I had when I got back was one I'll never forget. 

What I learned: Traveling alone while you're young is absolutely necessary. Not just visiting someone alone, but getting a hotel for yourself, eating dinner alone and trying to make friends before going out that night, hiking trails and setting up selfie sticks without any care of what people think... that's how you become comfortable with who you are in a very special way.

DECEMBER: Atlantic City for New Year's Eve

It only made sense to finish the year traveling, and after years of avoiding gambling, I decided to stop being a little bitch about it. I've always been afraid of getting addicted to gambling, but that definitely didn't happen because I'm also hella stingy with my money. When your best girl Ellen takes all your money on her slot machine, you realize nothing is going to help you out. For the big night, we found a party on Playground Pier with open bar, SO many bars with different themes, and the opportunity to break another World Record- most people popping bottles at the same time. We did it!

What I learned: Gambling sucks unless you know how to play one of the card games without pissing other players off. Also, make friends with someone who does know that so you can watch and drink for free while they throw all their money away.

That was way too many words. This is supposed to be a picture book type of blog.... but, I'm gonna be honest- I inspired myself this year, and I'm just hoping I can help even ONE person decide that things don't have to be as difficult or impossible as you may think they are. Say yes. Get off the couch. Do what you daydream about doing. YOLO.

Okay now I'm really getting out of hand. I'm done here.

Thanks for being my best year, 2015. Bank account, I'll get you an IV ASAP.

love,
elizabethany

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bachelorette party DIYs

This past weekend I took my monthly trip to my old home of Morgantown, WV for my girl's bachelorette party! It was the first time I've been to a bachelorette since college, so I wanted to actually help out this time. I decided to take it upon myself to create some bar fun. 

A couple years back I remember someone asking me to help them with a photo hunt of sorts. They had a list of things they had to complete that sounded so fun! That was a must. 

I created this one. Each color was a different number of points, from 1-4, in order of black, pink, silver and gold. Some were generic and some were personal to the couple.

It's kind of plain, but I printed them out on sparkly paper that I got at Michael's and they looked perfect. The prize was a simple martini glass filled with condoms and airplane bottles. That's what's important for such parties, right?!?

Unfortunately, everyone was drunk enough by the time we got out that I was the only one that really went for it. Got a lot of the items, got on the mic to do a toast and ask for more.... basically called game over from the beginning.

I should learn to be less intense sometimes.... maybe.

On Pinterest, I saw these personalized tats that were perfect. They said you had to order them from Etsy, but I decided to research a DIY version. Turns out, all you need to do is order tattoo paper for like $3 a sheet and, as the bride said, YOU HAVE ENDLESS FUN! 

They printed out kinda blurry because I didn't make the Photoshop file big enough, but they still looked great once they were transferred on!

With the other sheet, I made some fun ones to define us in a way. For the bride, the bridesmaids, and the single people who can do all the real penis activities that night. [If you ever want to print these out yourself, you have to use the backwards one.. which is why I'm sharing it.]

Because I'm classy, I put mine on my neck. 

They came right off the next morning, almost like a sticker. Pretty sweet. I think I'll be ordering more of this paper. All you do is print it out, put the adhesive on, and BAM! PARTY TIME, YO!

It was a prettyyyy solid weekend that made me feel like a cougar around all the younger college kids but also like I can still hang with all of them.

What I've needed to come to terms with is that you keep your damn mouth shut when it's the Bachelorette's weekend. What she wants to do, you do. Whether that be raging, napping, eating all the things, etc etc. I'm so used to planning activities that sometimes it's hard for me not to suggest things.

I'm growing up..... like .02% a day.

love,
elizabethany

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photo diary: my annual trip to morgantown

Last week I wondered if it was as "uncool" to go back to college after graduation and party like you're still a student... cuz ya know, the college kids going back to high school parties is like SO LAME.

Too bad I didn't care. I've been going to Morgantown at least once a year SINCE I graduated, and still owning the town.

I didn't plan on posting anything about the trip, but I got some pretty amazing pictures that I just have to share.

This is us olds' "victory pic," after beating the youngins in a game of what I call "Relay For Life." [I know... a drinking game called that... it's just wrong.]

As my BFF Mandy said- You know sweet baby Jesus is a Mountaineer when there's a sunset like that. Perfection. 

Corey and Rob's first experience in Morgantown! 

Silly school officials putting up "NO OPEN FIRES" signs and acting like we won't change them. #CouchBurnerForLife

Both of those are from my brother's house. Pictures don't even do the views justice most of the time.

I was too busy pretending like I'm not a grown-up with a "professional" job to take crazy party pics, but I like all of those better anyway. I can party any time. I can't burn off all my drinking calories from one night in one single walk home every weekend.

love,
elizabethany

PS: I refuse to acknowledge the outcome of the game, so you shut your mouth, mmmmkay?!

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i spy: why gingers shouldn't wear pink

FACT: It's a fashion rule that red heads are not allowed to wear hot pink.

Some people still try to pull it off, or at least give it a try, and sometimes it works, but seriously... for the love of America, if you're going to look like this man, put. the shirt. down.


First of all, there was absolutely no reason for him to be wearing this at a WVU/Louisville game in November. Second- he looks like a damn clown. Literally.

I mean, it is a beautiful sight, if you're into colorful things... but someone should have told him to turn the lights on while he was getting ready.

Sorry I'm so mean to you all the time, gingers... it's all out of love, I swear.

love,
elizabethany

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watch: morgantown in motion

This is amazing.

In honor of Game Day in Morgantown, I give to you "Morgantown in Motion." I love that freaking town.



How beautiful is that?! The view at 1:40 is from my senior year house. I was beyond lucky.

Let's gooooooo....!

love,
elizabethany

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watch: erin andrews shows wvu love on jimmy kimmel

When College Gameday announced they were going to Morgantown, I was ecstatic, but also pretty nervous. We're known for getting rowdy, and we're damn proud of it... but I don't think we always know when to calm the f down.

Luckily, Erin Andrews confirmed that we do know how to get down and dirty, but also be respectful to ESPN! YAY! Apparently she loved us.. or so it seemed on Jimmy Kimmel.



I'm loving her more and more... She's pretty awesome.

And Morgantown really did look awesome on Gameday last Saturday. Not on the field [obviously], but the weekend-long show was fantastic. Here's to hoping they head up the mountains again!

love,
elizabethany

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watch: morgantown ignites in celebration of bin laden's death

I don't want to get too much into how I feel about this historic event besides saying that while I don't really feel any relief from all of this and I'm terrified of what's next, I love the unity that is felt throughout the nation [and on Twitter] last night and today. I'm even dressed like it's the 4th of July.

I sat in my room alone, watching DC go nuts, and hearing all about Morgantown being insane. I wanted to be anywhere but where I was, but I have to live vicariously through the internet.

This video captures the meaning of being an American Mountaineer.



Absolutely insane. Still a ton of mixed feelings, but damn proud to be an American Mountaineer after seeing that.

love,
elizabethany

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watch/listen: d-why's "crazy world"

I've known D-Why for a few years now [he's a fellow Mountaineer and even won Homecoming King, HOLLA!], he's been featured on my "Local Limelight" about a year ago, but for whatever reason he's bojangled on getting an interview/feature on this site!

He's not bojanglin' when it comes to his hustle, though. I'm pretty proud of him, really.

I was ESPECIALLY proud when I saw this video. It's just really good. ANYONE will like it because even I like this song.. and it takes more than just someone who can spit a rap for me to like their "underground" song. [Yes, even if it's a friend of mine, I'm not going to share their music with you if I think it blows.]

Anyway, check it out! He's gone from Morgantown to NYC and he's KILLIN' IT. Can't wait to see it when he really takes off.



He's a crazy guy who's got a lot to let out into the world. Check out more of his stuff and show him some love! I already saw some people sharing this on Facebook and I have no idea how they know him, but I'll take full credit I'm not mad about it.

love,
elizabethany

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watch: worst commercial ever is from morgantown

If you know nothing about Morgantown, WV, it's pretty unfortunate that you know nothing of 6'6" 240, arguably the best rapper alive.

Woah. That's a lie. He's pretty damn terrible, yet he made a "Gold N Blue" song [and continues to switch up the lyrics every year] about the Mountaineers that gets tons of radio time and people chanting it on game day.

To give you a little taste of how he is and how the town seems to believe the "best" comment, check out this commercial. It's legit. It airs on TV. SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE, thought it was a good idea.



HOW HAVE I NOT SEEN THIS BEFORE NOW?!

I'll never know the answer to that question, but I'm really glad that my hickey contest havin' BFF just showed it to me.

Just... wow. and WHY?!?!

love,
elizabethany

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watch: the morgantown juggalo

O. M. G.

Morgantown peeps- Meet your God juggalo.

I honestly can't say anything else until you watch this girl yell at everyone who's ever talked smack.

[I recommend going well into the video for the funny parts. Like... 3:30 in. This girl is just going off about... well.. NOTHING.]

[YouTube actually pulled this video off.. Thank goodness for College Humor!]

She's real. A real person. Living in the amazing town of Morgantown, WV where I am proud to say I spent 4 years of my life.

Because she left me rather speechless, I'll rely on some tweets I got when I posted this video on Twitter over the weekend from my Ex-White Rapper BFF and a certain Texas ninja follower.


I hope her autograph is gotten. I want it. I also want to give her a hug. If you're reading this Morgantown Juggalo, please email me. Let's chat.

love,
elizabethany

PS: If you're amazed like me, feel free to waste way too much time watching her other awesome videos such as her "Big Problems" series and "Fat to Fighter" series.

watch: empire state of mind covers

I figured a couple people might do a cover/remix/whatever of "Empire State of Mind," but I don't think I realized just how many might jump on that bandwagon.

I found the 55 best.... 55 best.... Meaning there are TONS more. Wow.

Here are some that I like/are relevant to you:

Steel [Pittsburgh] State of Mind:




DC State of Mind:




Hub City [Hagerstown] State of Mind:




Frederick State of Mind:




Williamsburg State of Mind:




Baltimore State of Mind:




But now, for my favorites... They have nothing to do with cities.

Walmart State of Mind:




YouTube State of Mind:




Facebook State of Mind:




And maybe I'm biased, but this is absolutely my favorite one. All of my fellow journalists, J-school graduates and attendees will 100% agree and love it too.




Because I always say "I should do something like this" and never do, right now I shall try to write a little of "Morgantown State of Mind," since I was there all weekend.

Mo'town,
Burning couches where dreams are made of,
Where we learn excellence,
Now you're in Mo'town,
Moonshine will make you feel brand new,
Mountaineers will inspire you,
Let's hear it for Mo'town, Mo'town, MORGANTOWN!

I know, I know... It's the most clever thing you've ever read in your life. I have hidden talents that I only let come out once in a blue moon. You're welcome for sharing it with you today.

Feel free to share any you can come up with. I'd love for someone to make a Woodbridge one. Or NoVA in general.

love,
elizabethany

elizabethany exclusive: meet jared mullins

The last time I went to Morgantown, I stumbled upon someone who I absolutely have to share with you, especially if you're a country fan.

And when I say stumble, I mean quite literally. My crazy, loud, hickey contest havin' BFF and I walked out of the club and jumped in for a ride home only to discover we were hangin' with a country singer who's trying [and bound] to make it big.


His name: Jared Mullins.
Our night: Hilarious.

He performed a couple songs for us, and I made sure to catch it all on tape. I want to be able to say that I showed him to everyone first when his songs hit the radio waves.

Now it's time for you to get to know him. Here's Jared, late-night Morgantown style, singing a beautiful song he wrote about his grandmother and talking about his hidden talent:



And this next song is more fun. It's called "The Here and Now" and was also written by him.



Keep in mind that we were in Morgantown, and it was 3am or maybe later.

Jared Mullins is going to be huge. I just know it. What I don't know is when he'll finally make it to the level he can and should be at.

His voice is phenomenal, his attitude is great, he bleeds Country, and he's pretty easy on the eyes, ladies!

To check out more, click here for his MySpace.

Now it's time to spread the word and get this guy the publicity he needs and deserves!

love,
elizabethany

watch: dancing inflatable mascot

This thing just might be better than the YMCA man at WVU.... Maybe.



I really wanted it to keep going! But just when I thought it was done, he goes and rams the ref! OMG talk about a great way to get the ref to STFU when you're mad at him, right?!

They should get an inflatable Mountaineer in Morgantown... It'd be better than the girl. [Yes, I'm sorry, but I'm a hater of the female Mountaineer.]

love,
elizabethany