3 Secrets to Savoring Travel Memories

Jessica Sheppard October 18, 2018

I love to travel, not only because of the in-the-moment excitement and experiences that it brings, but also because of the treasure trove of memories that live on afterwards. Keep scrolling for my personal secrets to savoring the memories I make!

☆ SHOP THE LOOK ☆

Graphic Tee / Cardigan / Pants / Glasses / Plumping Lip Cream / Bridgewater Weekend Getaway candle (18 oz available here, 8 oz available here)

Hot Pink Cardigan (in suitcase) / Blue Sweater (in suitcase) / Leopard Handbag (in suitcase)

1. SIGHT

What better way to capture your memories than with photos and videos?! There’s something so sentimental about looking back on photos that don’t make it on the gram, or homemade videos that’ll never see the light of day. It’s just so personal and special! No fancy camera needed...just your phone! I oftentimes piece together a vlog-like video using an app called Videoshop. You can put video clips together, edit them, add music and create your own little movie from your trip! See one I shared from Malibu here.

2. SOUND

I love creating a music playlist for each trip I take. I listen to it on the airplane, in my hotel room, driving here and there...over and over again. It’s usually a specific genre or theme that reminds me of the geographic location I’m visiting. PRO TIP: Use one of your most-played songs from your trip in your homemade video!

3. SCENTS

This one is my favorite! It’s no surprise that scents trigger memories and oftentimes emotional responses, right?! Just think about it…the smell of rain approaching, your mom’s signature perfume, your grandmother’s extra strong hold hairspray, a fresh box of crayons, or even fresh lillies (my favorite). Disney knows this well! Did you know they pump individual scents into the streets, rides and resorts on their properties? Whenever I come across a similar smell, I’m always taken back to another time and place at the happiest place on earth. 🙂

I love associating a new fragrance with the trips I take, especially if the location is special to me. Whether it’s a new lotion, perfume (travel-size rollerballs are perfect for this), or candle, I really go overboard on the trip to build up that association. 😂 Seriously, though! Then whenever I smell the fragrance later on, I’m instantly transported to the trip.

Bridgewater’s “Weekend Getaway” candle is my Nashville fall scent. Herbal bay leaf and freshly-harvested pine, with trails of spicy clove bud and Siberian Fir root…can you say woodsy wonder??! It’s literally fall in candle form. 😍 With Nashville’s dramatic season changes (which I love so much and also which, ehh-umm, we don’t have in Dallas), sweater weather, backyard dinners, bonfires...I’m here for the fall feels while savoring the special memories with my Weekend Getaway scent! (18 oz available here, 8 oz available here)

I’m hosting a $100 giveaway on my Instagram feed (begins October 18, 2018 at 8:30 PM CST and ends October 21, 2018 at 11:59 PM CST)…enter to win and get some new scents to associate with new memories. I loaded up with a few extra candles to give away as gifts this season! My “Weekend Getaway” candle is inspiring me to plan another trip, so something tells me you’ll be seeing more of me in Nashville!

An added bonus to Bridgewater candles is that every candle jar purchased provides 3 meals to an orphaned child overseas through the company's Light a Candle Feed a Child program. How awesome is that?! You can check out more details on that program here.

It’s been said that memory is the diary that we all carry about with us (Oscar Wilde).

One memory triggers another until they form a continuum we call history. Someday I’ll tell my travel stories to my children and hopefully even take them to all my special places to experience the same sights, sounds and scents that have been woven into the tapestry of my life. I’ll be able to tell them of faraway places...of sunsets, of sounds, of friends, of foods and flavors and textures, of feelings…the whole experience wrapped up in the senses. And the diary of my life will become theirs. Sights...sounds...scents...these are my secrets to savoring those special travel memories.

☆ Special thanks to Bridgwater Candle Company for sponsoring this post! All opinions are 100% my own. ☆

Photos by: Alma Heirlooms

If you enjoyed this post, pin it on Pinterest! It really helps more people find my blog. Just hover over the image below and click "PIN" in the top left corner! Thanks so much for your support. xo, Jess

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San Francisco Travel Guide

Jessica Sheppard August 24, 2018

Hi guys! I'm SO excited to recap our girls weekend in San Francisco, share all of our photos and memories and give some tips for your potential SF travel. Be sure to bookmark for future reference!

So who did I go with, and how did this whole thing happen?!

Well, Ruthie Ridley was my first blogger friend ever. We met on Instagram in December 2015 and in real life December 2016! Ruthie and I were living parallel lives, both being involved in worship ministries (she leads worship at Jesus Culture Sacramento).

I met Angelle Marix on Instagram early 2016 and met up in real life around Thanksgiving that year. She lives close to my Mawmaw in the New Orleans area, so it's easier for us to hang out somewhat regularly!

I've said it once and I'll say it again...I'm amazed at how God uses Instagram to bring new friends into my world. Never could I have ever imagined I'd make some of my best friends online. We all talk on an almost daily basis, but Ruthie and Angelle hadn't met in person yet even though they'd been Insta-friends for so long!

As you can imagine, we'd been dreaming of an adventure together for a long time and Alaska Airlines made it happen! Thanks to Alaska, we united in San Francisco for a girls' weekend getaway. They have SO many flight options to the West Coast (and we all know how much I love Cali :), so we couldn't pass it up! I flew in from Dallas, and Angelle from NOLA, so flying with Alaska just made the whole experience effortless. Dream come true!

☆ SHOP THE LOOK ☆

Tee (similar here here here) / Denim Jacket / Jeans / Mules / Sunglasses / Lipstick / Suitcase / Handbag

KIMPTON BUCHANAN HOTEL (Lower Pacific Heights/Japantown)

San Francisco is really spread out and everything we wanted to do was EVERYWHERE. It can be challenging to narrow in on where to stay and how to prioritize your days, because there are so many amazing places! Instead of organizing this post based on our order of funtivities, it's organized around neighborhoods, so hopefully you can reference this if you're looking to create your own SF itinerary!

We Uber-ed to several spots, but rented a car, which was what we used for transportation the majority of the time. Street parking is relatively easy around the city!

Ruthie has always been a big fan of Kimpton properties, but this was my first experience with them! Boutique hotels make for such a unique and eclectic experience. The Kimpton Buchanan just couldn't have been better.

Located where Japantown, the Fillmore and Pacific Heights intersect, Kimpton Buchanan is tucked away from the Union Square scene (about 10 minutes away) in what feels like an authentic local neighborhood. We packed our schedule full and it was the perfect place to come home to after a busy day.

Looking forward to staying with Kimpton again!

SWEET MAPLE CAFE (Lower Pacific Heights)

Our hotel was within walking distance of Sweet Maple Cafe, one of the hottest breakfast spots in town! We arrived around 10:30am, and the line was literally out the door and around the block! Such a popular place, I recommend going early! But the wait was totally worth it. :) Glad we had our walk home to burn off some of those yummy calories!

Other things to do near Lower Pacific Heights: Painted Ladies, Salt & Straw, Conservatory of Flowers.

AMPERSAND (Mission District)

We met up with Karina Santos (who is an absolute sweetheart) for photos in the Mission District! So many cute spots at every corner, including Ampersand. It feels like a hidden hole-in-the-wall treasure! Make your own floral arrangement, or ask one of the lovely florists to give you a hand. They were so chill to let us take a few photos and enjoy their space!

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Crochet Crop Top / Jumpsuit (similar) / Mules / Glasses / Lipstick

Right around the corner from Ampersand were simply more cute spots to take photos with Karina!

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Blazer / Tee (similar) / Jeans / Mules / Glasses / Lipstick

MEDIA NOCHE (Mission District)

Media Noche was one of my favorite eats! The best comfort Cuban food. Don't get me started on the plantain chips!!! If you're in the area, it's a must.

☆ SHOP THE LOOK ☆

Tee / Jeans / Sneakers / Glasses / Lipstick / PopSocket

Just down the street from Media Noche was this pink house, so I obviously couldn't resist... :)

Tee / Blazer / Jeans / Sneakers (similar here) / Sunglasses / Lipgloss

Other things to do close to the Mission District: Garden Creamery, Boba Guys, and Bernal Heights Park (which is south of this area)...gorgeous city views and home of the swing overlook. Insta-worthy, for sure!

SCALA'S BISTRO (Union Square)

Scala's Bistro is located just off of the Powell Street cable car line, right in the buzz of Union Square. Our hotel was roughly 10 minutes away, so we just Uber-ed there to avoid parking fuss!

Parisian bistro vibe and Italian recipes, with the freshest California ingredients...it just doesn't get better than that! We shared several entrées and my favorite was the lemon ravioli...to die for! Dinner at Scala's was such a special experience! Highly recommend.

Other things to do near Union Square: Museum of Ice Cream, Neiman Marcus Rotunda, San Francisco Cable Car joyride, Maiden Lane, Boba Guys, Pressed Juicery.

BAKER BEACH VS MARSHALL'S BEACH

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Sweater (in white here) / Jeans / Sunglasses (similar) / Lipstick

Remember that time we accidentally ended up at a nude beach? WHAT?! Ummm my literal worst nightmare! Let me explain...Baker Beach is always tagged in these cute Instagram photos as the beach with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. Well, we got there and Baker Beach was PACKED! Lots of people, but the closer we got to the bridge, the less populated the area became and we started noticing some very naked men. NOTE TO SELF: always check Yelp. I will hopefully never make that rookie tourist mistake again!

Ends up, Baker Beach actually turns into Marshall's Beach, which is known as a nude beach. Yep. So if you go to Baker Beach, be aware...there's a 99.9% chance you'll run into a similar experience since the beaches are seamless, and Marshall's Beach makes more sense for touristy photos since it's less busy and closer to the bridge. Thanks to my non prescription sunglasses for being my innocent eye support...it was all a blur. 🤣 We got our pictures, got out of there as fast as possible, laughed till we cried and made an unforgettable memory!!!

Other things to do near the Golden Gate Bridge: Crissy Field is another view of the bridge, Lansend Lookout, Sutro Baths (see below), Cliff House (see below).

WRECKING BALL COFFEE ROASTERS (Cow Hollow)

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Top (also here, and here in burnt orange) / Jeans / Sneakers (similar) / Glasses / Lipstick

Cutest coffee shop! Say no more.

THE BUD STOP (Cow Hollow)

There are so many darling flower shops all over SF...I mean, three of them pictured in this post. LOL! And, there's another one right across the street from The Bud Stop called Le Bouquet Flower Shop. Both are adorable!

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Top / Jeans / Mules / Hat (similar) / Bag / Glasses / Lipstick

Other things to do near Cow Hollow: Le Bouquet Flower Shop (right across the street from The Bud Stop), Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, Pressed Juicery, Lombard Street (famous crooked street with hairpin turns), Fisherman's Wharf, Ghirardelli Square.

SUTRO BATHS @ CLIFF HOUSE

The Sutro Baths speak for themselves...breathtakingly beautiful!!!

CLIFF HOUSE

Cliff House is right by the Sutro Baths. We enjoyed dinner there after taking some photos at the Sutro Baths. I am such a sucker for sunsets and this dinner view is unreal! The upstairs restaurant is called The Cliff House Bistro and it's more of a casual vibe...they don't take reservations. The downstairs restaurant is a bit pricier and takes reservations.

Thanks for checking out my San Francisco Travel Guide! And thanks again to Alaska Airlines for making this trip possible. I can't wait to visit the city again and add to my list. Let me know if you have any favorite spots!

Jess xo

HUJI OUTTAKES

When you purchase items directly from this post, you're supporting my blog through affiliate links! I can't tell you how much this means to me. ♡

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14 Amazon Finds For Your Beach Vacation

Jessica Sheppard July 1, 2018

☆ SHOP THE LOOK ☆

Dress / Sunglasses (similar here and here) / Sandals

Any other guilty Amazon Prime shoppers out there?! It's dangerously convenient...especially when you have an upcoming trip and time is running short. What a lifesaver not to have to run all over town to pick up those last minute essentials!

Keep scrolling to see my 14 Amazon essentials for your beach vacation! I personally have almost all of these items and brought them with me on my recent Cozumel trip (where these photos were taken).

1 Portable iPhone Charger - I was in desperate need for a handy dandy iPhone charger for this trip...my battery runs out like crazy! This one charges multiple phones/times before needing a recharge. My only complaint is it's a bit heavier than I expected! Other than that, 10/10.

2 Knock-Off Chacos - I know I don't seem like a Chaco girl (probably cause I'm not), but I surprisingly wanted a pair for summer hiking, rocky beaches, etc. These are Skechers, but they're significantly cheaper and SO comfy. I personally think they're cuter than a lot of Chaco-ish options too. :) I've seen them fluctuate from $28-48 on Amazon, so definitely watch for price drops! I also found them here.

3 This dress is in rotation every few days at the moment...definitely in my top 5 most worn items of the summer! And it's only $21.99 on Amazon Prime! It seriously doesn't get better than that. (For sizing reference, I'm 5'7" and wearing a medium.)

4 Beach Coverup - I bought this coverup last year and it is SO cute and SO cheap. "Salty hair, coconut oil, big waves, hot sun." The picture doesn't do it justice on Amazon at all, which is such a shame. Definitely a fun tee for the summer, whether you use it as a coverup or not! The fit is oversized.

5 Elta MD Sunscreen - My current go-to sunscreen for my face, dermatologist approved. I wear it every day over my moisturizer, under my makeup. Great if your makeup doesn't have an SPF in it, or if you're going makeup free!

6 Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen - I mentioned this one in my recent Mexico Packing Checklist post. We found it in a 2-pack at Costco and fell in love with it while on this trip...it's reef safe and doesn't smell like sunscreen...AT ALL! (The only 2-pack I could find online is here.)

7 Palm Tree Kimono - I don't personally have this one, but have been eyeing it for a long time! I love kimonos for the summertime. They're so versatile, which is especially helpful if you're trying to pack light. Perfect coverup, cute with shorts and a tank, adorable over a sleeveless swing dress for dinner! Comes in lots of different pattern options.

8 Snorkel Set - Yes, I purchased a snorkel set for this trip! Cheaper than renting and so nice to have your own if your destination is a popular snorkeling/scuba diving area.

9 XXL Beach Bag - I guess this is such a mom move of me, but I always travel with a beach bag in the bottom of my suitcase if I'm anywhere close to a beach. It's always worth it! I don't have this particular one, but it meets all of my beach bag requirements. :)

10 Waterproof Case - Ugh, I just became a tourist. I will say I'm not responsible if your phone gets ruined because of this! Definitely test it out at home before you consider dunking it in the ocean. It made me so nervous, but my phone didn't get wet! Also nice for putting some cash or identification in if you don't want to bring your whole wallet to the beach.

11 Waterproof Camera Float - Ugh, not only am I a tourist...I'm a flashy tourist! I purchased this to attach to my waterproof case in the unlikely event that I dropped it...it floats! Can you tell I was nervous about this situation?

12 Swimsuit Dress - Modest and $30...say no more! Comes in lots of color/pattern options. Pictured in my recent Cozumel post if you want to see what it looks like on me!

13 Heart Sunglasses - Another item I've been eyeing! Another "can't beat" item...$10! Would be so cute for a few girlfriends to all purchase! Comes in various color options.

14 Travel Steamer - I never travel without a travel steamer! I don't have this particular one, but mine is currently sold out and I have a friend who has this one. I have a full-size steamer at home since so many girly clothes are a delicate fabric and ironing is just not an option. One of the best travel purchases I could ever recommend!

I might share more Amazon roundups if you guys enjoy this post, so definitely let me know your feedback!

Jess

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Paisley in Peru | FASHION + TRAVEL

Jessica Sheppard July 11, 2016

This is one of the comfiest outfits ever, which was perfect for our day of rehearsals in Peru. Paisley is such a popular print right now, so I included some similar options below, but this particular dress is on sale!!! $57 (originally $100). It always makes me reaaaally excited when I have good deals to share! 😁

Speaking of rehearsals, our student conference is coming up next week, so our band is meeting up tonight to kick this thing into high gear! Super looking forward to conference!

Get the look...

Dress: S tyle London | Shoes: Adidas (similar here and here) | Lips: NYX

Shop the look...

Similar paisley styles...

Much love xo

Jess

VLOG Made in Taiwan: Gateway Worship

Jessica Sheppard February 19, 2016

We teamed up with Joshua Band this week at Kingdom Culture Conference! My favorite moment of the whole conference was when my dad and Pastor Ewen Chow led "We Bow Low" together in worship -- back and forth, between Mandarin and English. Hearing another tribe and tongue sing familiar Gateway Worship songs is breathtaking, but worshiping as one is even more stunning.

"...How good and how pleasant it is
for brethren to dwell together in unity!" Psalm 133:1