If you’re looking for a place to travel that has plenty of history and cultural experiences to offer, Taos, New Mexico is the perfect spot. From the ancient pueblos and historic churches to the art galleries and endless outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or have been coming back for years, read on for some tips on what to see and do in this enchanting corner of the Southwest.
If you’re thinking about traveling to Taos, here are six reasons why you should add it to your list:
1. The Scenery
The scenery is stunningly beautiful, with snowcapped mountains and rolling hillsides covered in pinon trees. Everywhere you look, you’ll be amazed by how breathtaking your surroundings are. It’s the perfect place to explore when you want to feel at peace and connect with nature.
2. Cultural Experiences
There’s an abundance of cultural experiences available. From watching traditional dances, and exploring local art galleries, to visiting the World Heritage Site: Taos Pueblo. Immerse yourself in history by visiting this ancient pueblo belonging to a Native American tribe of Puebloan people. It is considered to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States.
You can learn more about the rich culture of Taos at the Millicent Rogers Museum. Take a walk through more than twenty galleries and exhibition spaces, all filled with historic pueblo pottery making, contemporary jewelry, and more.
3. Outdoor Adventures
Outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of things to do here. From skiing and snowboarding in winter months to hiking, mountain biking, and rafting during warmer weather.
Or if you’re up for a truly daring adventure, then check out Taos Balloon rides. You can float for up to 10 miles at altitudes ranging between 500ft and 4000ft above the Taos area!
Or you can embark on a glamping adventure with Heritage Inspirations. If you’re a fan of the outdoors but not too keen about sacrificing your comfort, then this is the perfect experience for you. Join one of their “glamping” tours, where you will be able to tour the wild, beautiful scenes of New Mexico while camping with all the comfort and luxuries of home.
4. Small Town Charm
The small town charm makes Taos a welcoming place where you can relax and take your time exploring all that it offers.
There are plenty of interesting places to visit within the town but Taos Plaza is one that you shouldn’t miss. It’s the center of the Taos Historic District where the locals can gather for live music and farmers markets. Plus visitors can stroll through all of the beautiful shops and galleries.
5. Tourist Destination
Although it’s not as well known as other destinations like Santa Fe or Sedona, Taos is still one of the most popular tourist destinations in New Mexico. As a tourist, if you’re looking for things to do that combine fun and culture then there are numerous options for you here. Touring some of the grand churches within the community is a wonderful experience where you can learn about the incredible multicultural history of the area.
Or you can tour the 600-plus-acre Greater World Earthship Community. This is an incredible group of unique architectural creations on shared land that are fully off the grid, using solar and wind power exclusively. Most of them are are a single-story, with one side built into a hill and the other side constructed of glass. You can book a tour of these amazing Earthships or you can rent some of them out by the night.
6. Peaceful and Quiet
If you want some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Taos might be just what you’re looking for! It was voted one of the “15 Quietest Towns In America” by Forbes. A quaint community but overflowing with incredible experiences and the utter stillness of nature, this place is paradise.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide to visiting Taos, New Mexico and that it inspires you to add it to your list of vacation spots. There is so much to do and see, I know that it will become a fast favorite for anyone who ventures there. You can find all the general information you need on Taos at this site. Or if you’re interested in exploring a different area then check out my guide for Whitefish, Montana. Happy travels!
Your home is an extension of your energy field and profoundly impacts your body, mind, and spirit. It’s the place where you are most comfortable, surrounded by your favorite things and personal touches. It can be hard to leave that comfort behind when you travel, especially when you’re gone for an extended period of time. This month I’m enjoying some time in New Mexico, which means it’s the perfect time for me to share my Travel Lifestyle Edit: Taos Edition.
Renting any place for a month can be a daunting proposition. It is said that pictures speak louder than words, but sometimes good photography can be deceiving. The reality is, at times, something different. To ensure that our stay is a pleasant experience, I always bring along a few things that remind us of home and therefore make us more comfortable.
Our Own Bedding
I start with good bedding. It’s incredibly important to get a good night’s sleep, especially when you’re on vacation. Bringing our bedding is the perfect way to ensure that we’ll be clean and comfortable every night. Our amazing pillows are from Sleep and Glow and I also make sure to bring our silk pillowcases from Lily Silk.
I also love my lightweight blanket from Ecuadane. The vibrant, unique pattern is the perfect theme for the area and the fabric is soft but tough enough that I am comfortable bringing it on my camping trip. Plus it comes with a lifetime warranty!
Daily Must Haves
My Nutribullet is a must for my travel lifestyle. I use it every morning to mix my Ancient Nutrition collagen that goes into my coffee. Plus, for me, my daily protein shakes are absolutely non-negotiable.
Décor
As for decorations, I make things homey with what’s around the house and never forget the flowers. Typically I’ll just pick the wild ones. I just found out that there is a lot of fragrant lavender growing around the local streets of Toas. While I’m here, I’m going to make some sachets for my closet to keep my stored sweaters smelling fresh.
Coffee
Confession… my husband is a coffee connoisseur. When it’s your favorite way to start every morning, it’s important to drink the good stuff. The beans come from Specialty Java and barring a Miele coffee machine, he chose a Technivorm Moccamaster from Sur La Table. Of course, great water is a must. I brought a ZeroWater filter which I will leave for the next lucky tenants.
Fragrance
I’m addicted to Nest, nowadays I use plug-in units around the house. I brought some along with me. My favorite fragrances are Ocean Mist & Sea Salt, Bamboo, Grapefruit for the kitchen and Rose Noir for the bedroom.
Note: Make a list of everything you brought with you, otherwise you’ll be sure to leave something behind.
Packing for any trip can be a bit daunting, but if you can bring some familiar favorites with you then I would certainly recommend it. These must-haves of mine are sure to bring me some comfort as I spend the next month away from home. If you’re looking for some more tips on packing for a vacation, check out my post here. I hope you enjoyed this Travel Lifestyle Edit: Taos Edition, and wish you all happy travels!
Do you ever feel like you’re stuck in a styling rut? You know, like wearing the same thing over and over again because it’s comfortable and known. Everyone has a fashion comfort zone, but sometimes we need to switch things up. If you’re looking to experiment with some new looks, take a look at some of my favorite summer fashion choices.
Linen Sundresses
Moving to a hotter climate has made me rethink my summer style. Being Petite always made me lean toward more body-con styles in neutral colors. But, I can learn new tricks. This Belladonna Blue Tiered Linen Sundress by Chicos was a happy change for me. I love that the relaxed silhouette still offers a subtle feminine touch.
Pretty sleeve details and eyelet trim gives this dress special appeal and the collared V neckline helps to create an elongated appearance. It features an A-line maxi skirt and has front pockets and three-quarter length ruffle sleeves. Plus, it’s made of washable 100% linen and comes in petite sizes. This is a dress that will make you feel beautifully feminine and comfortable at the same time.
Accessories are an important factor when it comes to summer fashion, and Chicos has some of the best options. These beachy seashell slides and brimmed summer hat compliment the look perfectly. Feel free to play around with long and short necklaces, this neckline is perfect for both.
Neutral Summer Fashion
Back to neutral ground but still trying something new, this Flutter Sleeve Midi Dress from Chicos checks all the boxes. With details like this beautiful eyelet trim and fringed hemline that is just the right length. The elbow sleeves are perfect for arms of a certain age and it features the popular addition of pockets. Plus, check out these stunning black seashell slides, they just might be my favorites.
Regarding arms at a certain age. I am shocked that even with all my working out, the texture of my skin is deteriorating. When I was younger (in my early 60s) I thought all we had to do was work out to solve the problem. This is something that we all should do on a regular basis, but it’s really about the skin texture. There are many options that I have tried and they’re all worth a shot. I have even had “Needling” done to wake the collagen up, it’s certainly an ongoing battle.
Functional Dresses
I love functional dressing, one dress with several looks gives me so much joy! A great deal of that is because I like having a small footprint. As you know from previous blogs, I am a carry-on only kind of gal (for tips on packing light, check out my blog post here).
This Modern Peasant Maxi Dress by Chicos is made of soft, lightweight material that flows as you walk. It features a beautiful tassel tie neck detail that adds a classic touch to this otherwise contemporary design.
For a more form-fitting look, I cinched it with an organic belt and complimented the look with raffia hoop earrings and black seashell slides. Have you noticed these slides go with everything? Presto afternoon out on the town!
Modern Prints
Green is the color of the season and this Ikat print is so modern. Notice how the print placement gives the impression of more height. I styled this elegant outfit with a shell bib necklace, neutral seashell slides, and raffia earrings.
STYLE NOTE: When wearing a bib necklace like this one, make sure that it’s up high enough to cover the neckline of the dress. You want it to look as if it was part of the dress design. This picture does not depict what I’m getting at, but it’s something to keep in mind when styling an outfit. Don’t be afraid to wear your jewelry in different ways. For example, here I have a necklace around my wrist as a bracelet. One thing that I love is finding multiple uses for a piece of jewelry.
I am definitely serving up some attitude in these photos but truthfully I am always happy when I’m in my favorite linen no-iron shirt. I have purchased it in multiples from Chicos and it is the perfect over-anything summer cover-up. You’ve probably seen me post this quite often on my Instagram account, as it’s a perennial favorite. I styled it with the necklace I previously wore as a bracelet, the same cute earrings, and my white sunglasses that I never leave home without.
There that’s better, maybe my attitude was hiding in this great tote. It holds everything and is the perfect summer fashion accessory. This outfit is an ideal choice whether it’s for a fancy dinner out or a pool party the next morning!
One of the best ways to develop your summer fashion style is to look for inspiration. Whether it’s in a store like Chico’s, from a friend or fashion icon, on social media, or even from a blog like this one, you can find a style that speaks to you. I hope you found some inspiration in this post and that it encourages you to experiment and have some fun with fashion. You’ll never know if you like something until you give it a try.
We are in the midst of another warm summer season, so now it’s more important than ever to apply sunblock every single day. So today I’m going to share with you my choices for the best sunblocks for skin over 50. The history of sunblock dates back to Ancient Greece. In fact, the Greeks were some of the first people to use natural oils and herbs to protect their skin from the sun. And over 2,000 years later, we’re still using sunscreen to keep our skin healthy!
Did you know that sunblock was invented by accident?
We all know that sunscreen is critical for protecting our skin from the sun’s harmful rays, but how exactly was it invented? Surprisingly, the answer isn’t quite clear. Some experts say that it was originally developed by Polish scientists in the 1930s, while others claim that Australian researchers came up with the idea in the 1940s. What we do know for sure is that sunblock has come a long way since those early days. There are now plenty of different brands and varieties to choose from. So what’s the best sunblock for you? Read on to find out!
Did you know that one in five women will develop skin cancer in their lifetime? The best way to avoid this is to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. But how do you know which sunblock is right for you? Here are some tips on what to look for when choosing the best sunblock.
When it comes to sunblock, all skin types are not created equal. If you have mature skin, you need a sunblock that will provide both UVA and UVB protection while hydrating your skin. One of the most important things to look for on the label is “broad spectrum”. This indicates that the sunscreen protects against ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB). Plus it’s also important to look for the SPF rating, which indicates how well it protects against UVB
Sunscreen vs Sunblock
You can get your sun protection as either sunscreen or sunblock. Each one works differently to do essentially the same thing.
Mineral sunblock sits on the skin and reflects light away. Only two types of physical sunblocks have been FDA-approved—zinc oxide and titanium dioxide—and both might be good options for your skin type. A mineral sunscreen may be a good choice for you if you have sensitive skin because it tends to be more gentle and therefore less likely to cause negative skin reactions.
A chemical sunscreen limits sun damage by using various chemicals. They work by absorbing UV rays into the tissue, and when ultraviolet rays pass into the skin, they change the rays into a longer wavelength which is less harmful and not so damaging.
I’m always light on makeup but when I do use it, I ensure that it’s also a sunblock. My favorite option is color flow by Susan Posnick Cosmetics. It’s 100% vegan, gluten-free, paraben-free, silicone-free, and cruelty-free and comes in 12 flawless colors. There are many options when it comes to protecting the sensitive skin on your face, but one area that is often forgotten about is your lips. Be sure to apply a daily lip SPF that will protect and nourish your lips, and you can even get some that are tinted.
Don’t forget to always keep sunblock in the car. It’s practical and important to keep on hand but unfortunately can also make quite a mess. So the perfect solution to that unpleasant problem is to choose a stick instead. This one by Shiseido is my favorite, it’s ocean-friendly, lightweight, and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Interestingly, I learned all about it during an eyebrow microblading appointment. For more information on microblading, check out my post here.
Clothing for Sun Protection
Let’s not forget about another effective method of skin protection, your clothing. Let style be your guide and don a great SPF hat like this one by Eric Javits. I paired mine with my favorite Ray Ban sunglasses and finished off my safe summer look with a gorgeous Lotta Stensson design kaftan. Most clothing will provide some protection from the sun, but to be safe choose items that have an SPF rating or provide the most coverage.
Protecting your skin is extremely important, but unfortunately, it’s not something that a lot of people prioritize. Be sure to keep it in mind as you go on with your day. With my tips and tricks, it will be an effortless task that you won’t think twice about. Spend the extra seconds to apply your favorite sunblock and take care of your beautiful skin.
Summer neutrals are all about textures! From crochet dresses and guipure skirts to bone and raffia details. Neutrals offer such a great change of pace in the summer. Plus, they’re the perfect foundation for your wardrobe, you can wear them multiple times without anyone noticing and they’re easy to style. Consider this palette for your next adventure.
An easy travel dress like this Rag and Bone piece can take you from the airplane to the beach in no time. The full length, crew neckline, and relaxed silhouette are the perfect comfort combination when it comes to summer neutrals. I paired it with this tote by Chloe as a prime representation of all the colors you can add in a neutral palette. Additionally, it also comes in handy as a beach bag, a carry-on handbag, and a catch-all for your “extras”.
Summer Neutral Accessories
Hats are always a welcome accessory when it comes to summer fashion. Nothing says “glamourous” like a big floppy hat, plus they fold perfectly into your carry-on bag. If a big hat is too much for you then there are infinite options of smaller hats that fit within the summer neutrals theme. This one from Goorin Brothers is a favorite of mine. It packs flat, bounces back into shape, and is the perfect travel companion. You can find a similar option here.
Accessories are not to be underestimated on a tropical vacation and they are the easiest to pack. But, sometimes they feel “too heavy” in the heat. This Chico’s pendant is themed perfectly for my trip and it is just the right size and weight. One of the best things about wearing summer neutrals is that you can easily accessorize them with any other color. Note, if you ever wonder what colors to put together, I find inspiration in a bag like this one from Chloe, or you can always take a look at your scarf collection. Designers are brilliant, you can trust that they will provide colors that will give you a wonderful jumping-off point.
Looking for the perfect cover-up? This oversized hat from Amazon and this stunning crochet dress from Zara (here is a similar one) are the perfect pair. Is the dress see-through? Yes! But, would I sit down for lunch in it? Definitely.
Summer Neutral Matching Sets
This beautiful crochet skirt from MISA Los Angeles comes with a matching top. Never discount a matching set. If the set is sold separately, one piece or the other might be something interesting to add to your look. I styled my skirt with this beautiful linen top from Chico’s and some stylish sandals.
Case in point, this set from Farm Rio. For me, there’s a little too much going on with this look. Sometimes too many intricate details make an outfit look “busy” and can distract from the overall style. For more tips and tricks on styling a matching set, take a look at my recent blog post.
Personally, I feel more comfortable like this. I love how the lace adds such a beautiful texture to this summer neutral look. Paired with a simple silk tank, this skirt is definitely a winner.
Would you consider black to be neutral? I think so. I also love an item that was meant as one thing and repurposed as something else. This skirt is really a poncho from anthropology and the black swimsuit is a perfect foil. I paired this relaxed fit with a fedora-style hat by Eric Javits and the most stylish slides by Valentino.
Essentially, summer neutrals are a closet staple that is easy to wear and extremely fun to style. Plus, they are incredibly versatile, you can use them to create many different outfits and you’ll always end up looking chic and relaxed. Always remember that fashion is supposed to be fun and I hope these examples of how to wear neutrals offer you some inspiration for your summer wardrobe.
