Oct 16, 2018 | Life
There’s no denying it – I have a knack for finding killer deals… especially when it comes to travel. In fact, I often have not only family & friends message, call, text, and email me asking me to help them save on flights and accommodations, but I’ve had friends of friends reach out for help too.
Who knows, maybe in my past life I was a travel agent. Or maybe I’ve combined my savviness with my love of adventure. Either way – I’m really freaking good at it. I’ve flown 1400 miles round trip for $34 (using no frequent flyer points or reward programs), I’ve stayed in beautiful homes for less than $50/night, and I’ve even stayed in hotels for FREE.
Since I’m always asked, “How do you find these deals all the time?” I thought I’d share some of my best travel booking tips that’ll save you some serious cash:
1) Be Flexible with Dates: If you’re traveling Friday to Sunday, consider going a day early and/or leaving a day late. Often times if you allow flexibility in your departure or arrival dates, you’ll find your airline tickets can decrease OVER $100. Not to mention, it’s typically more expensive to travel on weekend days.
2) Sign Up for Alerts: Email alerts from companies you frequently travel with, are the best way to stay abreast on weekly/daily deals.
3) Check Google Flights: One of my favorite way to check out numerous airlines at one time, is by using Google Flights. Simply enter your dates and destination to see which airline is offering the best deals!
4) Join a Rewards Program: Often times these are free. For hotels, I primarily book from Hotels.com. When you book 10 nights through hotels.com, you earn 1 night free. This doesn’t mean that I still don’t cross reference the pricing of the same hotel from the hotels.com website AND the hotel’s actual main website, but if there’s no price difference I choose hotels.com. There are also unique hotel rewards!
5) Check Airbnb: If you’re traveling abroad, it may be worth it to check out Airbnb. There are TONS of pros and cons to using this service, if your privy to the hotel or resort life while on vacation this may not be the best bet- but if you’re traveling with a group that needs more space, or to a place where hotel pricing is outrageous, or even just want to live like a local – Airbnb is a great tool! (PS. You can use my Airbnb referral code for your first booking to save $35 – I’ll get $35 too: LSMITh1405 )
6) Know the Cheap Airlines: I’m a fan of Southwest and have a Southwest credit card because their rewards program is awesome (click here to use my code, and you can get an additional 10k flier miles). But if a rewards program isn’t your jam, FlyFrontier.com has TONS of low prices on the regular. I’ve also flown Spirit Air which has similar pricing and offers different destinations than Frontier. Both airlines have small seats, no wifi, and offer food/beverage for a fee. It’s not glamorous, but I know what to expect. They also do not have free luggage, which leads me to #7…
7) Travel Light: When you book with Frontier or Spirit, you’re only allowed to bring 1 backpack (or purse, or similar) unless you want to pay $35 for 1 carry on or $25 for a checked bag EACH WAY. Skip the unnecessary additional costs and pack light. If you’re traveling somewhere with laundry service, take advantage of it. If not, think of different ways you can wear the same article of clothing (like jeans) with 2 different shirts, creating 2 outfits. Also remember to roll your clothes to help save space in your bad and take it easy when it comes to packing shoes, they tend to be heavy.
8) Book on a Tuesday: Studies have shown that if you book on a Tuesday, you can expect o pay 6% less on your flight vs. booking on a Friday when prices increase 3%. Now, it may depend on the route and airline (and also your travel dates), but for most part I can say that this tried/tested method is true!
9) Travel in the Off Season: If you’re hoping to score cheap tickets to Florida during the peak of Spring Break, think again. Save your money and sanity by flying in the late Summer or even Fall. This goes for all destinations – find out when the off season is and go then! BE ADVISED that you may want to purchase travelers insurance. For example: If you *are* traveling to Florida in September, remember there could be a hurricane or tropical storm that ruins your plans. Travelers Insurance is inexpensive and can really pay off!
10) Skip the Seat Selection: Roll your dice, save the extra $12-$34 fee, and just hope the travel gods are on your side when you check in! While the window seat and aisle are everyone’s favorite, sometimes you have to suck it up and sit in the middle. If you do happen to get a middle seat and you just “can’t deal”, ask the agent if the flight is full. If not, see if you can get a seat change. If it happens to be full, you can ask the flight attendant once on the flight to let you know if someone is a no show with an aisle/window seat.
So there ya have it. My not-so-secret budget friendly travel tips that I use to book destination trips both nationally and internationally! What are some of your favorite money saving travel tips?
To infinity and beyond!
Lauren
Oct 8, 2018 | Business, Life
Being an entrepreneur is hard work. Working from home requires self motivation.
Working from home with a baby on your lap? Now that takes business and life to a whole new level.
For the past 8 years, I have successfully run two businesses with not one, but two kids at home.
Many view working from home as a luxury. Sitting at home in your pajamas all day, never missing a moment with the kids, the flexibility of scheduling…sounds like the best job ever, right?!
It is, for most.
But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t come with mass amounts of struggles.
Have you ever been on a video conference call, and have a toddler walk in carrying their poopy diaper for all to see? I have.
What about times where you have literally gone WEEKS without seeing anyone other than your kids and/or partner? Yep, plenty of those.
And of course there’s days,when you’re massively uninspired, because your environment never seems to change
In all of the many years of juggling this work-from-home mompreneur life, I’ve learned a few important lessons along the way to keep things as smooth sailing as possible. If you’re a work-from-home parent who feels like the Captain of the Struggle Bus right now, these tips are for you:
- Routine, Routine, Routine. I’m the first to admit, my whole day feels off when my morning routine is off (also sometimes a massive a-hole when it’s thrown off). There’s truly only 2 things I do for myself, each and every single morning. After I wake up, I make coffee, I sit down with my journal, and I write positive affirmations, blessings, and/or thoughts of gratitude. Then, I’m ready to go into “Mom Mode” and run in 20 different directions, before finally being able to sit down and work. Find something that brings you balance in the morning, it’ll set the tone for your day.
- Make Use of Drive Time If I’m the passenger in the car, I use our travel time, albeit 10 minutes or 9 hours, to work. It’s a great and easy way to do light tasks such social media management, emails, updating to-do lists, or even finally getting around to that e-Guide I’ve been meaning to read all week. Utilize time in the car, even if that means the 5 minutes you’re sitting in line waiting to pick up your kiddo from school or practice!
- Wake up Early Or go to bed late. I used to go to bed late, but as my kids get older (who am I kidding, as I get older), I’ve found late nights are harder and I’m completely drained by 9pm. The rare exception is when I’m in a creative flow, I could work all night! Wake up an hour or 2 before your kids to brainstorm, task prep for the day, or to even have a quiet moment to enjoy your coffee before chaos ensues.
- Find Help When my kids were younger, their dad worked nights, so I really was able to utilize days with help. As things have changed, I found myself in a predicament of needing more help. If your budget allows it, hire an in-home part-time nanny or babysitter; part or full-time daycare is an option, too! Not in your budget or realm of comfortability?
- Priority & Action Lists I’m a big list person; a lot goes on in my head and organization for me, comes with writing everything down. I prioritize my tasks into what absolutely has to get in kid free time (podcast recording, meetings that require silence, brainstorming, etc) – then I make it a priority to schedule that time. I use “Action Lists” instead of “To Do” lists, because they are actions I must take in order to succeed. Little changing in words, can change how your prioritize tasks.
- Have a Prep Day I utilize Sunday’s to prep all my content for the week and write down my priority list. If I’m feeling particularly on top of my game, I’ll meal prep for the week too. Makes it easier to know whats for lunch and dinner, when the work is cut out of it.
- Give Yourself the Day Off A day off on Wednesday? Sure. Why not! You have flexibility in your job, use it. And most importantly, when you take a day off, drop the guilt. Mental health is as important as physical health, a trip to the park or even 1 hour at the nail salon, can do a lot to revitalize you.
So there you have it, 7 ways to make the work-from-home parent / life balance a little easier.
Do you have a tip you’d like to share with others that I may have missed? I’d love for you to share it in the comments below!
To Your Growth,
Lauren
Sep 19, 2018 | Business, Life
I’ve always been intrigued by the minds of entrepreneurs. It takes a lot of guts, perseverance, skill, and a shit ton of failure (lessons) to be an entrepreneur. I’ve often wondered what makes other entrepreneurs tick? What’s their biggest driving force or their internal inspiration? What makes them different from “everyone else?”
Let’s face it, those questions are way too deep for a blog post.
But this next question, ooooohhhh this question, it reveals a different type of depth. It’s the root of the phrase, “shoulda, coulda, woulda” for some. For others, this question brings out a sense of hope and optimism, that they maybe once lacked.
I tapped into my network and asked over 60 people from 3 different continents, 5 different countries, and 29 different states to answer this one question:
If you could give your younger self ONE piece of advice, what would it be?
And with all transparency, honesty, and for some- no filter… they answered.
Here are my top 10 favorite answers:
Step into your power and recognize your own personal strength, beauty, and self-worth. Do this and nothing can stop you. -Sophie Jaffe, The Philosophie
Don’t let other peoples perceptions, ideas, suggestions, or comments, effect what you truly want to do with your life… Remember – “Those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind” -Nate Buchan, World Nate
Don’t doubt yourself -Norma Jean Belenky, Norma Jean Loves
It’s okay that you don’t know where you want to be in the next 5-10 years. Everything will change, whether you like it or not. You most likely will lose some or even most of your “friends” and keep a few. Life is what you make it. – Nicole Allard, Cobat Virtual
Your wildest ideas, could change the world. Do not fear failure, only fear inaction. Life is too short to wonder “what if?” Some people will understand your vision immediately, and others will never understand. You must show them. Above all, show yourself. You WILL fail, and you must accept that- but never accept failure for anything less than learning. -Jesse Alton, Alton Tech
Think big because anything is possible! The only restrictions in life are the ones I put on myself. –Kristen Nolan, Metabolism & Fitness Coach
Focus on what is truly important in life. No one lays on their deathbed and wishes they had worked more. Give your employer 100%, but don’t sacrifice the rest of your life for it. Love hose who will love you back. -Paul Critchley, New England Lean Consulting
Get the hell out of your own way otherwise you’ll spend entirely too much time making excuses for why you can’t do things instead of finding a way to make it happen. Stephanie Patterson, SR Photo Studio
Seek INTEGRITY with anything you do. By integrity, I’m referring to improving your behavior patterns when no one else is watching. All political, economical and religious influences aside, the only justification you need for your current actions is whether the outcome will be one step forward or two steps backward from your personal and/or professional goals. This will allow you to remain humble and objective, devote 100 percent of your undivided attention towards work/life priorities, and view obstacles as opportunities when they arise. Eric Burratty, Eric Burratty Fitness
And if I ever had to give myself one piece of advice it would be “Don’t lead with your head or your heart, trust the gut. Your intuition won’t misguide you.”
What would you tell your younger self? Share them with me in the comments below!
Need more positivity in your life? Check out my book, “Mind Love: Bite-Sized Thought Nuggets to Fuel Your Life” for inspiration!
To Your Success,
Lauren
Aug 22, 2018 | Business, Life, Mind
Stories.
They connect us all.
A simple story can bridge the gap between stranger and friend. It can bring perspective, clarity, and even advice. A story has as much power to make us weep, as it does to make us joyful.
Through life, we learn through the stories we create, as well as the stories we hear.
As a natural story lover, I felt the next project in life should be one that revolves around others who have a story or message to share.
Today, I launch the Master Your Mind, Business, and Life podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, and Podbean .
The goal of the Master Your Mind, Business and Life podcast is to have real, authentic, conversations with every day world shifters, truth seekers, and rule breakers.
I want you, the listener, to walk away from every episode with information that will help you push past boundaries, shift your mindset, implement profitable strategies, turn your purpose into your paycheck, and begin living with intention.
Topics we’ll explore in the MIND category, we’ll meet with experts in mindfulness, meditation, neuroscience,and psychology – and also dive into topics such as improving your memory, intuition vs. ego, and more.
When we’re talking about BUSINESS, we’ll being getting down to the nitty gritty about all things that make a business tick. From strategy, finances, and social media, to topics like becoming a better leader, growing your brand, and how to become more productive within your business.
And LIFE – well life is a little bit of everything. We’ve got health, fitness, relationships, personal growth, spirituality, numerology, social movements, stories of overcoming adversity and SO. MUCH. MORE.
So join me in the podcast realm, and listen to this week’s episode: Growth Through Failure
You can also subscribe to podcast episodes + read show notes on the podcast website: mindbizlife.com
Until next week,
Lauren
Apr 25, 2018 | Life
There are some affiliate links below, but they are all products I highly recommend. For more info, view my disclosure here.
Ever feel like the odds are stacked against you?
Life has a tendency to throw us curve balls at the worst possible time. Whether it’s financial despair, trouble in your relationship or job, or even a failure that you feel you’ll never rebound from – feeling as if the odds are stacked against you is often a common feeling.
Before I moved to Florida, I thought everything was aligned and it’d be smooth sailing. After realizing I priced my services too low and I’d need 100 clients to even pay my rent, it was a bit too late. I had already used all of my savings, had no real money coming in, and couldn’t afford groceries (let alone gas to go get groceries). I felt like the Universe was punishing me for stepping out of my comfort zone and moving 900 miles away from my family.
Was the Universe really punishing me? Well, no. It was teaching me lessons in business and in life. While they were tough as hell, I needed them to get me to this point.
If things aren’t going your way and you feel lost searching for answers, remind yourself:
– Nothing is permanent. That’s the good and the bad, all wrapped into one statement. Phases of life are temporary and we always have the power to change our course with one action. For me, that action was getting a 9-5 job to supplement income while I re-figured my business. That also allowed me to later quit that job and return to my business full time.
– Your Setbacks Do Not Define You. You can’t have a comeback without a setback, right? Setbacks and failures are the best foundation for growth. Your failure/setback is not a life sentence, but just a part of life.
– I Am Not a Victim. Internal questions like, “why did this happen to me?” will never really give you an answer. A better question may be, “how can I make this situation better?” Be mindful not to fall trap to the victim mentality.
The odds are stacked against us in numerous ways on a daily basis. The best way to overcome an odd, is to simply take action. Keep in mind that it’s usually not a one-time thing; this action may need to be part of your daily routine and/or you may need to be strategic about it.
Conquering the odds requires purpose, meaning, and intention. It’s okay to succumb to failures, but it’s even better to bounce back with resilience.
Need a book to help you through the tough times? Consider my book, “Mind Love: Bite-Sized Thought Nuggets to Fuel Your Life.”
With Love,
L.
Sep 21, 2017 | Life
I never really understood how or why people would sign up for Naked and Afraid, only to quit on day 3.
Until now.
Extreme situations can be more of a mental challenge than a physical and the past 2 weeks, mentally f*cked with me.
Living in Florida for over 5 years, I’ve been extremely lucky to have never really had to deal with a hurricane. In 2016, Hurricane Matthew was a big threat to the Space Coast, but it stayed further East and I slept through the storm as if it didn’t even happen (I also sleep with 2 fans blowing, so it already sounds like wind tunnel in my room). I never once lost electricity, I didn’t need to use the water that filled my bathtubs, and the only thing wrong in my yard was my daughter’s Little Tikes basketball hoop that was blown over.
Irma, well, she was a whole different beast.
Hurricane Irma was catastrophic & deadly for many of the Caribbean Islands and the Florida Keys as it nailed the islands as a Cat 5 and Cat 4.
I was prepared to evacuate because many projections showed a Cat 4 direct hit to my area earlier in the week. When the natives and long-time locals get nervous, that’s when you know shit is about to get real.
We were spared the Category 4 and were on the “dirty side” of Irma where tornadoes popped up like crazy. About every 30 minutes to an hour for nearly 24 hours straight, our phones went off with Tornado Warning alerts; later I learned a few touched down in my town.
When all was said and done, we lost electricity for a total of 7.5 days (6 off, 2 on, 1.5 off) but my home had minimal damage. We are safe and that in itself, is a blessing.
Now that you know the backstory…
Here are the core lessons I learned from Hurricane Irma:
- I will NEVER be on Naked & Afraid (or any survival show). Mostly because I’d just be naked and pissed off.
- Evacuating isn’t as easy as everyone thinks. Florida has two primary highways that go north and south: I-95 runs along the east coast while I-75 is more west. It was taking some people 18 hours to go a typical 5 hour drive. When traffic is backed up for miles and gas is sparse, being on the road can be riskier than staying. Plus, the weather spaghetti models change so often, it can be difficult to make a decision with certainty lacking.
- A generator is essential. No explanation needed.
- An A/C window unit is also essential. Luckily I have one, but many friends are adding it to their hurricane prep list! If you have a generator, you can run a window unit to at least keep one room cool.
- Friends are family you choose and mine saved my ass. There is HUGE strength and power in a community that works together.
- My mindset isn’t as strong as I thought. More on this later…
- Preppers are smart. Not only am I not prepared for a zombie apocalypse, I’m not even prepared for anything that would require living off the grid for more than 24 hours. From this experience, I’ve learned I need to being preparing more for a disaster.
**Note: I could survive the Walking Dead zombies, but the World War Z or Zombieland zombies? Forget about it.
- Trust the Hurricane Veterans and their “Pro Tips”. Some of the best tips I heard and implemented were: freeze water in ziplock baggies and tupperware so that if your electricity goes out, your freezer will stay colder long. Another was filling the bathtub with water, many of us have well water so without electricity, the well pump won’t work. Another good idea is to have a portable and solar powered battery packs for your phone! Naturally, a solar powered one would be best.
- The food you purchase in advance for the hurricane, gets eaten before the hurricane even comes. The beer too.
- Don’t use the Walmart Grocery App with hopes to avoid the crowds. They’ll run out of food before your order is ready to be picked up. (But if you want to use it any other time, save $10 with my link 😉 )
- Tom Hanks in Castaway had every right to make friends with a volleyball after being deserted on that island. I was losing my mind over no electricity, wifi, cell service or water… this dude didn’t have anyone to talk to and was hangry. WIIIIIILLLLLSSSONNNN!
Many don’t understand why I chose to live in a state with gators, sharks, humidity, mosquitos and hurricanes…to them, I say:
There is a price to pay to live in any location. Florida is one of the most beautiful states filled with sunshine, palm trees, beaches, wildlife and an unique group of residents; the benefits of living here outweigh any downsides. In fact, since living here, my overall well-being and lifestyle has improved.
At this moment and time, I cannot think of another state I’d rather live in.
If you’re able to, please consider donating to the Hurricane Irma relief efforts
Global Giving Foundation: https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/hurricane-irma-relief-fund/?rf=twtr
Choose a Go Fund Me Campaign: https://www.gofundme.com/Irma
South Florida Wildlife Center: http://www.southfloridawildlifecenter.org/
Staying Florida Strong,
Lauren
