I think I’m going to start a new series on this blog for my monthly favorites an things that I’m obsessed with. It’s only fitting that I start this right after Christmas when all the sales are in full swing! Honestly, after Christmas shopping if more fun than Christmas shopping, for me, because the sales are so great!
One thing that I’ve learned from earning and using points is that Chase Ultimate Rewards points are wonderful and go a long way when booking your vacation, but they are not always the best option. Depending on where and when you’re going, sometimes the best option could be transfer Chase points or to even not use points and spend the money.
When we first decided to go to Alberta, Canada it was to see the stars ✨. We’re city kids so the thought of seeing stars in the sky is a complete wonder. As I was Googling (I love how that’s a verb now) I found out that Jasper National Park was a Dark Sky Reserve, meaning that light pollution is limited and we were more likely to see a shit ton of stars. Every fall/winter Banff and Lake Louise are all over my Instagram feed as every bloggers favorite go-to. Luckily for me, Banff is on the way to Jasper so it seemed like a win-win. What I wasn’t expecting was for how different these two places were.
Idk about you, but for me the worst part about a trip is having to book the flight. For me, it’s probably the most stressful because it’s so expensive and flights can always change due to conditions beyond my control… it’s also possible I’ve been screwed and stranded a time or two so I’m still bitter. But, using your miles to book flights makes the process so much easier and cheaper… or so I thought…
Honestly, Banff and Lake Louise are two of the most naturally beautiful places that I’ve ever been to, and the pictures speak for themselves. I didn’t expect to find such crystal blue water nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies but this place is such a dream! Now, I won’t lie, going to Banff is not super original. We found out about Banff from one of those screen-savers that pop up on your television. As I started Googling, I instantly fell in love and started stalking all the fashion and travel bloggers 😂 It’s the best thing I’ve ever done because this place is amazing!!! I love breathtaking views that just make you want to sit and stare for hours and this place delivers.
The Fairmont Banff Springs is nicknamed the Castle in the Rockies. And rightfully so, the resort goes out of it’s way to bring the medieval castle to the 21st century with modern necessities, and somehow keeps all the grandeur of a castle. This hotel is spectacular and truly a once in a lifetime experience.
One thing you’ll quickly learn about Boyfriend and I is that we are not ‘roughing it’ people, we are spoiled brats who can’t go a single day without modern necessities and (of course) wifi. For us, Jasper National Park was the perfect place to get one with nature and experience the outdoors, while also staying at nice hotels.
Being from the flat state of Texas, I was so excited to go to Canada to see ALL the mountains. I was even stoked to make the 5 hour drive from Calgary to Jasper to see all the amazing scenery. It ended up being around 6 hours because we stopped to take pictures about 50 times (#worthit). The sights along the way did not disappoint and the pictures really speak for themselves. Below are a couple of our favorites and places we specifically sought out on the journey.
On a normal day, I’m not a DIY person; I’d much rather buy something than make it. However, there are times, and they happen frequently, that I’m looking for something so specific that I have to accept the fact that I have to make something for myself. And the white books that you see in every home decor Instagram is the look that I’m going for and it’s been impossible to find!!! Seriously, I don’t know where they find these white spine books, so we’re making them ourselves.
Recoleta is a wealthy neighborhood in Buenos Aires, Argentina that’s known for its Parisian influence. It was, by far, my favorite part of Buenos Aires and I’d highly recommend staying here on your next visit (mainly because it’s also the safest place in the city). It has so much culture and amazing things to do that you’ll never be bored. Honestly, there were times when I felt like I was back in Paris.
