One of my favorite things to do is make playlists, I have a whole list for all different occasions and in my mind, a new road trip always necessitates a new playlist!  The above is a mixture of stand-by classics that have made it through multiple rounds of road trip playlist creations, some are newbies, and at least one (can you guess?) is the kind of wild card that happens after you’ve been driving for ten hours and just need something to make you laugh so you can keep going.

Would love to hear what would go on your road trip mix – comment below and share your favorites!  We do have a long drive home on Monday…

Filed in:Music

I thought today, in honor of my 12 hour long road trip to Arizona, I’d do a little Fresh Friday tribute to traveling in style.  I’m ALL about comfort when you have to be on the move for long periods of time, but there’s no rule that says comfy can’t be fashionable too, right?

This is what I pick, almost without fail:

tunic + leggings + comfy slip-on shoes + extra layer = cute and cozy road tripping!

Today I’m wearing basically the outfit above: cotton dress with a fun colorful pattern, leggings, TOMs, and a little hoodie for running in and out of those freezing gas station rest rooms!

Here’s another option following the same pattern: chambray tunic, leggings, gladiator sandals and a scarf for the occasional extra warmth (or blanket while your driving buddy takes a turn at the wheel?).

What I look for when I travel is always soft fabrics and flexible layers – that way you stay comfortable while being able to adapt to the different environments you encounter on the road.  My formula for flying looks pretty similar, but perhaps I’ll devote another Fresh Friday to airplanes one of these days.

So, do you like the fashion formula? Would you like to see more?

What’s your favorite thing to wear on road trips?

Filed in:Style
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Image by Jason Lowry, www.blackandwhiteonly.com

Image by Jason Lowry from www.blackandwhiteonly.com

I have a problem with being in the moment, do you?  Seems like I am always thinking about something or somewhere else.  This article on Digital Photography School by Jason Lowry a while back hit a chord and I haven’t been able to get it out of my head.  If you’re like me, in need of a little mid-week inspiration, head on over there and check it out.

Our goal as artists should be to get lost in the process of creating – Jason Lowry

Oh, and if you need an extra dose of awesome, this guy has some incredible black and white images on his site.

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Have a fabulous Thursday!

We’re headed on another road trip this weekend and I have some fun posts lined up – swing back by and check them out!

Filed in:Inspiration
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  • Cabbie NotesApril 12, 2012 - 10:49 am

    Solid article. I’m thinking more clearly already. Thanks for sharing. Cheers.ReplyCancel

Have you noticed?  Seeing the amazing work that other creatives are doing can walk a fine line between inspiration and comparison – and I tend (honestly) to fall towards the comparison side of the line.  So I’ve been telling myself this over and over lately:

Comparison kills confidence.  And creativity.  And calling.  And a whole host of other things that are valuable and vital to me.  So I just shouldn’t do it!

Most importantly, I am reminding myself that I have a CHOICE what I choose to think – to let myself be inspired and spurred on by the greatness and success of others instead of comparing myself and falling short (according to my own standard).

Be confident in your uniqueness!

Filed in:Creativity | Inspiration
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  • GreisyApril 10, 2012 - 7:50 am

    I appreciate this post… You are completely right and unfortunately, I think that we can all fall into this trap if we’re not careful.ReplyCancel

  • Kati HerrJune 4, 2013 - 4:24 pm

    This is so good! It’s comforting to know that others struggle with that, too. I am also thankful that because of Christ’s empowerment, I can choose my thoughts, and choose to be inspired!ReplyCancel

  • Annabelle MintzJune 4, 2013 - 4:43 pm

    Kati – thanks for commenting! So glad this resonates with you, and I totally agree 🙂ReplyCancel

(Note: This hike is not for the average visitor to Colorado Springs – it is very challenging and also somewhat illegal)

Today, we’re taking on a Colorado Springs right-of-passage: The Incline.  It’s one of the most notorious in the area, and also one of the most visible (you can see it etched into the mountain side from just about anywhere in town).  And it’s not hard to see why:

The incline was a scenic railroad until the early 90s, and the trail is composed of the old rail ties – leaving you with a very long, very steep staircase into the mountains.  If you’re wanting to hike, head south from Manitou Avenue (left if you’re coming from town, right if you’re coming from the mountains) at the roundabout in Manitou Springs – follow signs for the Cog Railroad.  There is a charge now for the parking lot at the base of the trail head for the Incline and Barr Trail, and you can’t park in the Cog Rail parking lot either so I’d recommend snatching up any available spot as you head up the road.

If you start up the trail and then freak out – don’t fear.  About half way up the Incline is the Bail Out Point, where you can hop on over to Barr Trail which takes you down to the same spot, but at much more gentle slope.  Barr Trail is also accessible from the top of the incline, and that’s what I usually take down (head to the left when you reach the summit).

You are definitely rewarded for your efforts at the top with beautiful views of the Springs (can you spot Garden of the Gods?).  Pretty sure my husband would hike this on a weekly basis, but I’m more a so-you-can-say-you-did-it kinda gal.  Either way, nothing like conquering something that looks fairly impossible, right?

What are you conquering today?

Filed in:Everyday Adventure | Travel
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  • Where's PabloApril 9, 2012 - 8:24 am

    That’s awesome, I’ve been wanting to hike the incline for a while now, I just haven’t had the time to make it to Colorado Springs (3 hours away). Congrats on the accomplishment!ReplyCancel

    • Annabelle MintzApril 9, 2012 - 8:34 am

      Thanks – I don’t plan on making it a habit, but it feels great to have accomplished it 🙂 You should definitely come and give it a go!ReplyCancel

  • housestoryonlineApril 10, 2012 - 9:33 pm

    Great photos! My husband and I have been trying to get over and do this for a while–definitely this summer!ReplyCancel

  • A Little Tour « Beautiful GeometryMay 1, 2012 - 10:22 am

    […] Adventure posts are from little explorations around my home base of Colorado – look here for hikes, campsites, and hopefully some inspiration to find even the everyday a little […]ReplyCancel

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