#CoffeeTalk

Do you budget for food and activities when you travel? How much are you spending on your weekend trips? What are some spending tips on food and activities without breaking the bank if your traveling multiple times every month on the weekends or have one major trip that could involve 5+ days?

Honestly no, I don’t… and I should. That doesn’t mean I’m not mindful of what I’m comfortable spending. When I travel, I never really have definite plans of exactly where I’ll be going or what I do. I’m normally moving around so much that I typically only eat twice a day. I have really quick purchase impulses, so if I see a glass of champagne and want it, I’ll order one (…or four) or if I pass up a fruit vendor on the street, I’ll get something – which is bad. Before I order anything I ask myself if I really want it because half of the time the answer is no. If I do want to “watch” my spending, I’ll pull a certain amount of cash out of the ATM. Once I get down to those last couple of bills I know that I’m pushing it and need to calm down a little bit LOL. If I know I’m going to be gone all weekend, I’ll try to bring my lunch all week so that I’m not spending until it’s time for me to. Google free attractions before you arrive and walk to your destination if you can, as opposed to taking an Uber. Believe me, those add up. Unfortunately you’ll have to eat, and it costs. We try and save fancy dinners for certain evenings and just hop into little cafes or pizza spots for everything else.

I have a quick style question: I’m going on a business trip to New Orleans in August, but we have down time where we can go out and explore the city. What type of outfits would you pack that are cute and fun but still appropriate to be around business professionals? I’m only 24 so I don’t want to feel like I have to dress like a grandma! Haha

New Orleans in August is pretty hot so for the daytime, I’d pack some flowy swing dresses that could still be worn with a denim jacket and flats or sandals. For the evenings, I’d stick to jeans and nice breathable blouses (sleeveless is fine) with either heels or sandals. Blazers with denim and heels is my go-to for business casual events, but it may be too warm for that if you’ll be outside. All of those give you professionalism without aging you. Have fun!

I’m going on a girls trip next month and would love suggestions for fun jumpsuits or rompers for nights out!

Girls trips are my favorite. I hope when I’m married my husband is cool with me being going every couple of months without him LOL. Here are both jumpsuit and romper options. Y’all are fun!

What size did you get in the Amazon two-piece orange pants set? I’m torn between the small and the xsmall.

I got the extra small. Best $44 I’ve ever spent! Enjoy it boo

What advice would you give someone changing majors over to Public Relations? My dream job would to be working for a company like Viacom or even some online publications like Buzzfeed. All in all, I just want to be successful at what I do though, and I am changing my major from Communications to Public Relations with a minor in communications. So any advice is good advice!

These days, Communications and Public Relations can often be considered one in the same so I’d drop any major anxiety you have about changing your major. I double majored in Marketing and Global Business (school of business) as well as Public Relations and Advertising (school of communications) and landed a communications internship, a marketing entry level position and then a PR position. Having dabbled in a little bit of everything really helped me when it came to having options while job hunting. Although I do Public Relations work, I honestly believe that a Communications background would give you more versatility with companies like Buzzfeed or Viacom, unless you’re looking specifically for a PR role. Public relations is typically used to get the company in front of the public and to shape public perception. Huge names don’t need help with that because everyone already knows who they are and has formed an opinion of them. My friend Shani is the Consumer Marketing Manager at Viacom. I’d be happy to put you in touch with her for more details on what works best for her industry.

I follow your Instagram. You are such an inspiration. I am making travel plans for June and July (by myself). Do you have a travel agent or any advice on where to go as a young single woman seeking a moment to relax, write, and enjoy life. I haven’t been on a vacation in 10 years; school and my career took over my life. I’m ready to see the world and create memories.

Thank you so much boo! Let me just say that you are waaaaaay past due for a getaway, even if it’s only a weekend. If you’re looking to travel domestically I’d definitely look into visiting Chicago. It’s without a doubt my favorite summertime city that you can typically explore on foot . There are so many beautiful rooftops that you could sit on, enjoy a view and a cocktail and write. Lake Michigan is gorgeous if you wanted to spend your time there. I’ll actually be there next weekend for a wedding so expect a small Travel Guide. If you’re looking to get out of the country, Playa Del Carmen Mexico is my favorite place. It’s safe, the people are nice and the food is amazing.

Hey girl. I love all this vacation-ing you’re doing. I’m going to New York the last week of June for 4 days. Any outfits you suggest for NY in the summer. I’m so lost on what to get. I’ll be doing mostly tourism things, eating at nice restaurants, and maybe a day party or an event or so. Oh and one business event.

New York in the summer is fun! You’ll be doing a LOT of walking so definitely decide everything around comfort. I made a big mistake by wearing a pair of shoes in NYC for the first time and had blisters every-damn-where. Talk about torture. It’s also hot, so breezy clothing like rompers and tanks will do you well, especially cotton. A comfortable pair of sneakers will be your go-to. However, New York is still New York and you of course want to be stylish. The “athleisure” look is popular there. Be sure and pack cross-body purses that will allow you to be handsfree while you walk. Here are some things I’d pack –

Can you tell us more about the collagen powder you posted on your Instastory? Does it work well and how does it taste?

Sure thing! So as most of you know you stop producing collagen after a certain age, which is when your skin begins to gain fine lines and wrinkles. It’s simply a preventative to really boost the proteins your skin needs to remain plump and healthy. It does really well for my smile lines and my crows feet LOL. I put one scoop into my coffee during the week while I’m at work and I don’t notice a taste difference at all.

I love your airport style, especially because you’re always casual but cute. Can you give me some comfy airport outfit ideas?

Sweatpants are my go-to because they’re so damn comfortable and I can almost always find them for under $20. Anything “loungy” that makes me feel like I’m not in pajamas will get worn. Here are some cute options –

Thank you all for all of the questions this past week and your immense support with the Brand Beginnings Werkbook! I’m overwhelmed with how well it’s been received and can’t wait to continue helping more of you walk your own path of personal branding and success. I only have 16 left going at $29, so purchase yours now if you haven’t. A few questions I couldn’t get to will be up on next week’s #CoffeeTalk. As always, leave your questions below or send them over via email.