How to Use Passbook On Your iPhone For Travel

Leaving for Chicago in just a few hours - I can't wait! 

I checked in for my flight last night and had a revelation - I use an app for every trip that I think most people ignore.

Now, if you're a human and you own an iPhone, you're probably annoyed with the handful of apps you're FORCED to have on your phone (Stocks! Why do I need this??!?). However, I'm here to tell you about the one I LOVE and how it makes traveling easier.

Enter: Passbook. 

I know a lot of you have never used Passbook before, and you're definitely not alone! It's a breezy way to get organized for any upcoming travel, and it's been a huge help to me. 

1 - Flights

We live in a digital age -- why are we still printing boarding passes?

Most major airline have apps available. Create a frequent flyer number, download their app and login. You can change your seats, check in - and voila! - obtain your boarding pass. 

Click "ADD" in the top right corner and it will be auto saved into Passbook.

You can change your settings (use that "i" button at the bottom right), but mine is set to pop up on my home screen automatically beginning two hours prior to my flight. So security checkpoint & boarding the plan are really simple and there's no searching through your phone when your place comes up in line.

2 - Lodging 

Airbnb as well as some major hotels (Starwood is an example) give the option to download & save your itinerary to Passbook. 

This includes all of your check in/check out times, location and any instructions you might need.

3 - Events

Fandango, Ticketmaster, MLB, and LivingSocial all work hand in hand with Passbook. When traveling for a concert (like this weekend!) my Ticketmaster purchase was ready to go. No worries if I left the tickets at home or still had the confirmation in my email.

Passbook allows you to tweak each "app" within it to decide when you want it to pop up. For example, turn it off so your Starbucks or Sephora cards don't pester you every time you're within 50 ft of a mall. But I love the ease of having my boarding pass ready to go at all times on busy travel days!

Learn more about Passbook here.

Well... I'm off to the airport for the first time in almost a month. Think they missed me?

Do you use Passbook or any other travel apps? 

xo

Packing for Chicago in the Fall

Tomorrow I'm going to CHICAGO!!!!

I've been to Chicago many times in the fall. Well, I guess I've been there many times in general. 

Ashley moved there in 2009 & I love visiting her. When I lived in Florida, visiting in the Fall was my escape from the heat & Chicago held the promise of crisp weather and colorful trees. Oh, and the chance to wear all of my SCARVES :)

Apple picking, October 2011

Park hangs in 2010

Taking in the beauty everywhere!

My previous October visits were focused on Chicagoween, but this trip is even more exciting: seeing Jimmy Eat World play FUTURES all the way through. It's my favorite album... I'm so excited! This will be my third Jimmy show, and my second with Ash. 

I told Matt when we got married, that even if Jimmy Eat World was playing ONE Futures show all the way through and it was on the North Pole... I was definitely going. Lucky for me (and for our bank account), it's just in Bloomington (2 hours away from Chicago). I can't wait!

Last Jimmy show about a year ago!

This trip holds a concert, a conference, a few travel days, brunches, cheering on the Chicago Marathon runners, and I'm sure several strolls around the city with coffee over the next 4 days.

With Italy in a few weeks I'm really trying to practice packing exxxxxxxxtra slim. The less the better! 

H M print shirt, $13 / Forte Forte green sweater, $115 / H M button shirt, $32 / Layered top, $130 / American Eagle Outfitters vegan leather jacket / Green field jacket / Michael michael kors skinny jeans / Lyssé Leggings black skinny legging, $175 / Steve Madden lace up fold over boots, $120 / Steve Madden slip on shoes, $68 / MICHAEL Michael Kors genuine leather purse, $295 / Michael kors shoulder bag / Rebecca Taylor 14k chain necklace / SELECTED long gold tone necklace, $23 / Phase Eight plaid shawl, $56 / H M grey infinity scarf, $6.42 / Long grey glove, $44 / H M braided waist belt, $11 / Toddler Hand Knit Slouchy Hat and Scarf Set in Mustard Yellow or YOUR...

There are some great layering options here so I can work with the chilly nights and nicer days. I'm not sure the mittens or beanie are completely necessary, but both of these are lighter in weight and are good fall accessories to change up my look.

Much more mild than I expected.... but I'll take it! The weather in Nashville has been on & off. I'm excited for some nice breezy fall weather - my favorite! It's hot coffee & scarf weather. YAY!

Is anyone running the Marathon? We'll be out there cheering for you on Sunday! Is anyone else going to a Jimmy show? They're my favorite! If you have a chance, definitely see them live... it's a good time.

See you soon, Ash! :) xo

Grounded

I'm grounded for almost a month.

Not like, "I got in trouble and now I can't go to Homecoming", grounded. 

The kind of grounded where I'm not getting on an airplane for a while :) After being gone for 2 solid months, it's a welcome break. Because after all, one of my favorite parts of traveling is coming back home at the end!

In an effort to embrace my down time, I've decided to Tour My Own Town. Try new things, hang out at places I haven't frequented in a while, make lots of plans with friends, and mostly - maximize the time I spend on my relaxing front porch.

Pour your cup of coffee and let's go

Here are some Nashville-y things I'd like to do while I'm home.

Hit up Arrington Vineyards

A view from the winery. Wait until all of those leaves change!

My favorite. Pouring a glass at home isn't too bad either...

I've already been out once to pick up my quarterly portion of wine (best decision I ever made!) but the weather is so fantastic, I'd love to go again. We play cards, bring a picnic, and enjoy the sunshine & the changing foliage.... YAY!

Work the Coffee Circuit

We have so many great coffee shops here, I'd love to make my rounds. 

8th & Roast

Pinewood Social (they serve Crema Coffee!)

I already went to Frothy Monkey a couple of days ago, but definitely need to hit up 8th & Roast, Crema & try out Woodbine Coffee Co. Has anyone been there yet?

Go to a Local Show

My friends band, Neulore, is playing their CD release show this Sunday. I can't freaking wait.

Try New Restaurants

The Sutler just opened down the street from our house, and I've heard good things about Espice & Flipside in 12th South. Anyone been there yet?

Also, I'm probably the worst vegetarian ever.... because I've never been to the Wild Cow in East Nash. If i'm over that way, I just really want to eat at Silly Goose because it's my favorite!!! But I really want to see what Wild Cow is like.

Seasonal Brews

We have two local breweries in town & some fun places that serve craft beers on tap. I like beer, but really only when it's draft. Craft Brewed  is down the street, AND they have a patio. Sold. I know Jackalope Brewery & Yazoo Brewery make seasonal brews, too. Does anyone know which restaurants carries them on draft?

Host Friends

Some of the Nashville favorites. 

I've missed these friends of mine! Really excited to host brunch for some of our favorite people soon. I've been dreaming up all sorts of delicious brunch fare & I'm really excited to use my home made infused liquors for Bloody Mary's! Does anyone have a good recipe?

All in all, it feels really great to be home & in the swing of things. Sometimes being grounded is nice, eh? Am I missing anything, Nashvillians? Any other city folks interested in #TourYourOwnTown? 

While I'm enjoying Nash, here are the trips I'll be prepping for in October & November:

10 Nights in Italy

4 Nights in Chicago

4 Night Cruise

Stay tuned for packing guides!

xo

New Music Tuesday: It's a BIG DAY

My dear friend, Adam, has been working on this record for over three years....

AND TODAY IS RELEASE DAY!!!!!!

Do yourself a favor and go listen to this album. It's pretty incredible.

If I could go back in time and have "Don't Shy From the Light" be the first dance at my wedding, I would.

If I could have "Native Skin" playing at Respectables in college while we were dancing at 2am... I would.

I guess the fact that I know how much time & effort went into this album might make the love it more. 

But truly, it's art. Heartfelt lyrics. Raw melodies. 

It's haunting, exciting, sad, and hopeful all at the same time.

If you want to check it out (you definitely should!!!), go to iTunes and search for Neulore, or click HERE.

And if you happen to be in Nashville, their CD release show will be at 3rd & Lindsley on Sunday night. You can get tickets here. OR you can listen live on Lightning 100 on the "Nashville Sunday Night" show.

For the rest of their tour, check out their website.

This sounds like a big sales pitch.... but it's just me trying to help YOU out ;) If you like good music, give it a listen.

Did you discover any new music lately that I need to know about?

xo