My Best Piece of Advice for Traveling and Exploring Iceland! + Pictures!

If you are thinking of traveling to Iceland… don’t hold back… do it! You will be so happy you did. Iceland is like another planet. The waterfalls, midnight sun in the summer, black sand beaches, Rhyolite Mountains, glaciers, volcanoes, dramatic landscape, tectonic plates… I could go on and on. Iceland is truly breathtaking. I mean, just look at these pictures! 😍

The first time we went to Iceland, back in the fall of 2023, we drove across the southern shore as far east as Diamond Beach and as far north as Snaefellsnes Peninsula.  After our incredible travels and banking all our memories, our family felt the need to go back. There was still so much more to see, so we made it happen 2 years later. And yes… we are soooo glad we did!

We decided this time that we had to drive Ring Road. That’s the main road that you can take to drive around the whole island of Iceland. We didn’t just do that though; we explored even more! We wanted to “do it up!” this time and not have any regrets of missing out on sights and experiences when we got home.

A lot of people have asked me what my best piece of advice for traveling to Iceland is… and that is an easy answer. Rent a car. There’s just no way to experience Iceland to its fullest without renting a car. No matter how short or long your stay. Plus, you get the luxury of setting your own pace, stopping where you want, when you want and for how long you want. Tour groups are nice… I have done my fair share of them back in the day… but I got tired of being on THEIR schedule. I found it much more enjoyable and fulfilling when I made MY own schedule, filled with all the sights and things we wanted to see and do. There’s nothing like it!

Then, I get the follow-up question… who did you rent your car from? We rented a car on both trips with Lotus Car Rental, a family-run business. We had a great experience the first time around, so why mess with perfection?! So, we booked with them again. Lotus will pick you up at the airport with their shuttle service and take you to their rental location, which is only a 5-minute drive away. Your rental will be waiting for you, along with a discount card for gas at the N1 Gas stations (and free coupons for coffee!). Plus, it’s comforting to know that Lotus has 24/7 year-round emergency breakdown assistance if you need it. Our second time renting was just as smooth as the first.

Driving in Iceland is super easy too! Just like in the US, you drive on the right side of the road, and the steering wheel is on the left. The roads are easily travelable, especially in the summer months. Sometimes you can be on the road driving for quite a while with no one else in sight. Driving in Iceland is an enjoyable, relaxing, and fun experience.

With so many beautiful sights to see, I love being able to set our own pace so we can soak in every minute of our adventure.

Have you thought about traveling to Iceland?

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Save Money When Diamond Ring Shopping with the 4Cs!

Diamonds make a statement. No matter what you are wearing, diamonds are classic and go with everything. It’s no wonder why diamonds are the choice stone for engagement and weddings rings.

With so many beautiful styles, cuts, and designs, you can elevate any look. But you don’t have to break the bank to do it. There are many ways to get your favorite gold diamond rings for less.  Chemically and physically identical to earth-mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds come at a fraction of the cost. This will save you money, without scrimping out on style.

When you buy a lab-grown diamond, you are getting a real diamond. There are zero chemical, optical, or physical differences in a lab-grown diamond, compared to an earth-created diamond. However, this way you are eliminating any environmental or political concerns you may have on the way earth-grown diamonds are harvested.

When you are shopping for diamond jewelry you may have come across people mentioning the 4Cs.

Have you heard of the 4Cs? The concept of the 4Cs was established in the 1940s by Robert M. Shipley, the founder of the GIA. The 4Cs stand for Diamond Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight.

Let’s break it down...

Diamond Color: Diamonds are given a grading from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow). The closer you get to D, the “purer” the diamond is and the greater quality of the stone.

Diamond Clarity:  Diamonds are formed by extreme heat and pressure deep within the earth and it’s not uncommon for diamonds to contain “marks”.  Even lab-grown diamonds have them. The clarity of a diamond is based on the size, location, visibility and number of these inclusions or blemishes. Less marks = greater quality, as well as a higher cost.

Diamond Cut: Everyone has their own taste, and a great way to show that off, is by the cut of your diamond. You can choose from a classic round, princess, emerald, cushion, oval, and baguette cut, among many others.

Diamond Carat Weight:  When shopping for diamonds, people usually look for a certain carat weight, such as 1 carat, 1.5 carats, and 2 carats. A great way to save money is by looking at diamonds that aren’t those exact weights. If you were to compare a 0.99 carat to a 1 carat diamond, you won’t notice the difference, except in the price!

Be sure to bookmark this page for later and share with your friends who might be in the market for some new diamond jewelry. 

Happy shopping!

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Essential Items to Pack When You Go Hiking!

Whether you are planning on going on a short or long hike, it's good to be prepared. Here is a list of the essentials I bring with me when my family and I go out for a day of exploring.

Hiking List:

Water bottle - When hiking for short or long distances, this is the most important thing you can bring. You need to stay hydrated.

Hiking Boot Insoles - Nothing stops a hike quicker, than tired, sore feet. A great way to keep your feet feeling comfortable and supported are with hiking boot insoles that have Dynamic Arch Technology. With cushioning to absorb shock and anti-slip features, you will have more confidence for uneven terrain and downhill descents. Start your hike with them already in your shoes and your feet will be thanking you. They will also help to extend the life of your favorite hiking boots, saving you money as well.

Snacks - As you hike, you will be using a lot of energy, and you need to fuel yourself with some snacks that will fill you up and give you the energy you need to keep going. Protein bars are a great source of fuel.

First Aid Kit - Always a good idea to pack a first aid kit. Hopefully you won't need it and you will have a fun and easy hike. And hey, if you have it, you usually don't need it... but if you don't have it, you wish you did. It's always good to have it handy.

Cellphone - Make sure your cellphone is fully charged before you go out on any hike, even if it's short. Your cellphone not only can act as a lifeline, but also double as a flashlight if it starts to get dark. Plus, you'll need it for capturing those epic views! :)

Battery Bank - This is just in case you are going out on longer hikes. A battery bank is a great way to charge your electronics on the go.

Sunscreen - It's important to protect yourself from the sun's rays. There's nothing less fun than feeling yourself getting fried while out for a hike and dealing with the discomfort of a sunburn for the next week.

Hat - A great way to shield your head and your eyes from the sun.

Waterproof Jacket - The forecast could be looking like clear skies when you head out on your hike, but then all of a sudden, the rain starts. It happens, and having a waterproof jacket on, or stored in your bag, will keep you nice and dry.

Insect Repellent - Depending on where you are going, some places are more prone to pesky bugs. Don't let your fun time be dampened by having mosquitos or pesky gnats bothering you.

Emergency Whistle - A whistle is a great accessory to have strapped to your bag, or in your pocket. Blowing a whistle will notify people around you, that there is someone in distress.

Sunglasses - In any season, sunglasses are important for a hike. The sun's rays are strong in the summer and reflection off snow in the winter can be blinding without them.

Sling Bag / Backpack - For shorter hikes, I love to bring my sling bag. It can hold all my necessary items for an adventure out with the fam. Longer hikes, we pull out the backpack. We can store a lot more and everything is conveniently packed together in one handy location.

Happy Hiking!

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5 Ways to Jumpstart Your Child's Success in Life!

Helping set your kids up for a happy and healthy future is one of the most important things you can do as a parent. From helping them with finances to eating right, I have 5 easy tips that anyone can do!

Set Your Kids Up for Financial Freedom:

Wouldn't we all love to be able to have financial freedom? I know I wouldn't mind it, haha. With time being on your child's side, you have the ability to help your child get to that place with a custodial Roth IRA. Once your child gets their first job, such as a formal job, or even babysitting, lawn mowing, etc., it's important to help guide them in saving a nice chunk of that money for their future. As their guardian, you can act as the custodian of the account until they turn 18 or 21. The age depends on the state in which you live, and at that time it's turned over to your child. 

You can contribute to the custodial Roth IRA account as much as the earned income of the child for the year, up to a maximum of $7,000. Parents are also allowed to add money to their child's account, however you cannot exceed the amount that your child earned in income for the year, or the annual limit ($7000), whichever is less. This will make for a wonderful nest egg for your child and they will be thanking you later when they start making those withdrawals!

Promote Education:

Instilling the importance of education in our children will be a benefit to them all their lives. We as adults are always learning, whether on the job, or even when we get a new cell phone. Learning is an on-going process and part of our daily lives. By teaching your children that learning is an important part of life, this will help them to understand the importance of going to school and doing their best. Whether they are in grade school, college, trade school, or any other sort of training. Having a solid foundation of skills helps to set up our children for a bright future.

Eating Healthy:

It's important to start healthy eating habits when kids are young. This way they are used to eating foods that promote a healthy body and lifestyle. A cycle that you want them to continue doing when they are older. It's never too late to pull back on the sugary drinks, drive past the fast food joints, and walk past the processed meats in the grocery store. You can do this!

If you are looking for some easy ways to get healthy, check out my 10 Ways To Get Healthy Fast post! 

Start Exercising:

When our children are young and they run around outside, little do they know or think about the fact that they are actually exercising! Sure, they are having fun, playing, maybe kicking a ball around the backyard, or chasing after bubbles, but they are also keeping their body strong. 

When kids are older, they tend to want to always be on their phone or computer, but it's just as important as ever to keep them active. By setting up routines now, they will be more likely to continue them through adulthood. 

Some fun, easy ways for the whole family to exercise include taking family walks, going to the park, riding bikes and playing sports. Things everyone can enjoy!

Exercising can help us not only control our weight, but improve our mood, build our self-esteem, promote better sleep, and combat health conditions. The benefits are endless. 

Get More Sleep:

This is something I am sure we could all use more of, sleep. There are tons of benefits to getting enough sleep. Everything from getting sick less often, to lowering your risk for serious health problems like diabetes and heart disease. Most adults need 7 or more hours of good-quality sleep (and on a regular schedule) each night. Teens need 8-10 hours, school-aged children need 9-12 hours, preschoolers need 10-13 hours (including naps), toddlers 11-14 (including naps), babies 12-16 (including naps) and newborns 14-17 hours a day.   

By setting up routines for our children when they are young, you are helping to set them up for success in the future. Creating healthy patterns that your child can easily replicate on their own is key. And don't worry! If your kids are already in high school, college or beyond. It's never too late to start. There's nothing more rewarding than knowing you are doing all you can for your children. 

Best wishes for you and your family!

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Even on Business Trips, I Stick to My Clean Eating Goals

You may think eating clean on the go is impossible. I used to feel that way, too.

You pack bags. You race through airports. You sit through meetings and dinners. Food becomes an afterthought.

But here’s the truth. You can stay on track. You just need the right plan.

Why Travel Nutrition Matters More Than You Think?

You might ask why it’s important. The answer is simple. Your energy and focus depend on what you eat.

Fast food might save time. But it drains your energy. Processed snacks weigh you down. Clean food lifts you up.

You should treat your body well, even when you travel. That decision helps your mind stay sharp. It helps your mood stay stable.

According to the World Health Organization, a poor diet affects productivity. That includes travel days.

You should stay fueled with clean, nutrient-dense options. That’s how you avoid the travel slump.

How I Plan My Vegan On-the-Go Meals?

You don’t need a fancy meal plan. You just need the basics that travel well.

I always pack raw almonds, dates, and a protein bar. I also bring instant oats, herbal tea, and a collapsible bowl. That way, you can prepare something quick in a hotel room or lounge.

I rely on plant-based vitamins and supplements for skin, hair, and nail health. They save me when meals fall short. They keep my body strong, even when my schedule doesn’t.

Eating Out Without Breaking Your Routine

You probably fear business dinners. I used to dread them too.

Now, I ask questions. I check the menus in advance. I look for meals with grains, beans, and vegetables. You would be surprised to know that most restaurants will accommodate you if you ask politely.

You should focus on what you can control. Choose baked over fried. Pick water over soda. Avoid heavy sauces.

That’s how you enjoy meals without feeling sluggish after.

Clean Snacks Can Save You

You can’t always find a meal on time. That’s where snacks help.

I always keep trail mix, rice cakes, or a vegan protein shake in my bag.

If you want better skin and stronger hair, add Vegan Collagen: The Secret to Radiant Skin & Strong Hair Naturally to your carry-on.

It travels well. It tastes good. It supports your body when your diet is off balance. So, you won’t need to worry about missing nutrients. That product keeps your routine consistent.

Healthy Habits Make Busy Days Easier

You may think habits can’t survive travel. They can. You just need a few rules. I never skip breakfast. I drink water every hour. I stretch before bed.

You should stick to your basics. That helps your body stay regular. It also keeps you calm.

According to Harvard Medical School, even 10 minutes of movement improves digestion and sleep.

You don’t need a gym. You just need a walk around the hotel block or quick squats in your room.

Smart Packing Makes All the Difference

You should pack like your health depends on it. Because it does. I pack herbal tea bags, reusable utensils, and supplements in daily pouches.

I also bring small packs of protein powder. That way, I can make a shake in seconds. When your flight gets delayed, you stay fueled. When breakfast options fail, you stay covered.

That habit changed everything for me.

What If You Slip Up?

You will face temptation. That’s normal.

One slice of cake or a fried appetizer won’t ruin your journey. You should enjoy it, then return to your goals. You don’t need guilt. You need balance.

I eat clean 80% of the time. I allow space for real life. You can do the same. That keeps your relationship with food healthy.

Supplements Help Fill the Gaps

You probably won’t get everything from food while you travel. That’s okay. That’s where good supplements matter.

I always carry plant-based vitamins and supplements for skin, hair, and nail health. They protect me from gaps in my travel meals.

I also rely on Vegan Collagen from Sunwarrior. It is really the best option on the market. It supports my appearance and keeps inflammation low. That combo gives me peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

You may think travel ruins your goals. It doesn’t have to.

You can stay consistent with a few smart choices. You can pack ahead, plan meals, and stick to small habits.

Therefore, it is very important for you to prioritize clean food and helpful supplements. Your body will thank you even in hotel lobbies and airport gates.

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