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Round Trip Roundup: JULY

The black car seat leather burns my thighs as I jump in to speed to my Pure Barre class.  Hot air blasts my face, and I fumble with the buttons to find a radio station not playing commercials.  They play the same five songs over and over again–it’s always Michael Jackson, Sheryl Crow or some old Lady Gaga song.  Same ole, same ole I feel like I’ve been through this routine a million times this summer when in actuality it’s only been two months.  Yeah, summer flies, but this one seems to trudge along, dragging its sweaty feet.  The...

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Round Trip Roundup: JUNE

I’m not sure why summer is famed for its supposed lazy vacation days because there hasn’t been a moment off this past month!  Although a change of pace from the semester, my summer has been bustling with activity from a spelunking daddy-daughter double date to a new workout class.  Here’s my top 5 from the month: 1. Day trip to the Lake of the Ozarks Because we all need a day to bum in the sun.  Some co-workers and I spent the day on a pontoon tubing, boarding, floating and snacking at the lake.  And I have a sunburn...

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5 Travel Room Ideas

Never have I ever had my own room — unless you count my couple infant years before my younger sister came along. I’ve always shared a room with a sibling or friend. I’ve always shared a bathroom and a closet. Until now. And I’m making it my wanderlust oasis and wanted to share my best travel room ideas. I recently moved into my new-to-me house and have spent ample time making it my new home, which takes more than a hot sec. Moving is exhausting! It’s like, I don’t want to sit down because I’m so excited to make...

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Round Trip Roundup: MAY

May is truly one of the best months as school winds down and summer picks up. Crazy stressful as it might be, this month is full of celebration and anticipation.  Looking ahead, I’ve made some goals for the summer, but I’m choosing to reflect on my top 5 from the month: 1. Brunch is always the answer But you already knew that. This month our small group hit up our favorite local brunch spot where I put down some gluten-free French toast, seasoned potatoes and coffee. Even better than the eats and tranquil outdoor seating, it was so refreshing...

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Juliana Dever on Travel, Fear and Facing the Unknown

Ruby red slippers and the idea of traveling to a foreign land like Oz enchanted Juliana Dever as a child.  Dorothy’s character wasn’t a complete stranger; Dever too grew up in the Midwest, in St. Louis.  But Dever’s story doesn’t end like Dorothy’s, that of settling for “no place like home.”  Dever reveled in the idea that in a couple clicks of the heels, she could be somewhere magnificent, somewhere foreign. Dever didn’t always think about going far—she wasn’t really encouraged to dream big but instead, to stay small, stay here.  At one point her parents suggested she become...

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Learning to Celebrate How Far You’ve Come

Unchecked boxes, incomplete plans and unaccomplished goals.  I always feel like I’m reaching for the next thing and trying to do more, to be more.  And it’s exhausting.  Camping out in the what ifs rarely does any good, but instead it tears you down to the point of helplessness.  As the semester winds down, I’m tempted to ruminate on all the things I could’ve done better: maybe I could’ve achieved more, maybe I could’ve responded differently, maybe I could’ve coped better. And you know what?  Maybe those are true. Maybe I could’ve published more.  Maybe I could’ve forgiven quicker. ...

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Round Trip Roundup: APRIL

April is truly one of the craziest months.  Summer is on the horizon, and the semester is quickly wrapping up.  This month saw some short day/weekend trips and a flurry of activity.  Here’s a look at my top 5 for the month: 1. A weekend in good ole Saint Louie Cue that Daughtry song “Home” that will forever remind me of American Idol–I digress.  This month I took a weekend trip home with Cate to watch some of our friends run a half-marathon.  We tried out the new Shake Shack and had a fun gal pal road trip. 2....

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5 Ways to Implement Self-Care into Your Daily Routine

We’ve all had those days where our planners look like a Picasso.  But nobody’s paying you and you’re losing your hair trying to cross off items on your to-do list.  Life is crazy, and in this age of “treat yo self,” we wonder how that’s actually possible with only 24 hours in a day, 7 days in a week.  Self-care doesn’t come easy; it’s something you’ll have to advocate for yourself.  At the same time, there are simple and inexpensive ways to give you a deep breath and a brain break.  Time and money may be tight, but here...

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Round Trip Roundup: MARCH

Sometimes I don’t have much to say at the end of the month.  I think, well I did a bunch of homework and hung out with friends and worked out–same ole, same ole.  This month is quite the exception.  Just scrolling through my camera roll, I realized what an incredible, sweet, exciting, wonderful month this has been.  From attending the True False Film Festival to planning a swing dancing event, this month has been nothing short of exhilarating. 1. I met Judah! I love Judah & the Lion–their vibe, sound, lyrics, shows.  My brother had invited me to their...

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Bienvenue

Hey there, I'm Kristin, a Missouri girl living and working in southern France. I love planning weekend trips, sharing my best expat tips and sipping iced coffee.

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