It has been almost a full year since I posted a travel update. Have I traveled? Yep. Have I eaten at amazing restaurants? OH YEAH. So why have I not posted?! There are a lot of reasons, but it boils down to one thing: Living in the moment.

When I am hyper-focused on getting the right photo, or the details of a place where I have been... I forget to enjoy it. So. I took a year (insert deep breath). In the past year I have been to Asheville (again), Boston, Kiawah Island, Boon, Charlotte (Again), Vail, and many trips to local cities in the south. I did not write about a single one and GOOD GRIEF- it was liberating. 

You may be thinking why in the heck would a blogger feel liberated from writing? Well the truth is when I started this blog, I did it for fun. I did it for me and the ladies in my book club.

The world of blogging is competitive and downright expensive (new clothes, new apps, new bamboo purses... what even is a bamboo purse?!). No one really talks about the cut-throat business because frankly the business is still SO NEW that the IRS is just now recognizing it as a business (yep... the government just now is recognizing us).

Bloggers are kick-A hard working women (and men) who put deadlines and expectations on themselves to produce and produce with hopes to build a business that self sustains.... and let me tell you, most of them do. The late nights, the early instagram posts, the feeling of guilt when you don't post in a few days... it all adds up and for me that meant taking a year to step back and enjoy my vacations. 

Most bloggers have "day jobs" that are really hard. Most bloggers have boyfriends or husbands who like to spend time with them. Most bloggers are women who have college roommates they like to keep up with (Shout Out #443) and dirty dishes to wash at night. So I am here to tell you, fellow bloggers, you aren't alone. The expectations you put on yourself are real, but so is your life. You are allowed to not post to instagram today when you go on a date with your boyfriend. You are allowed to say NO to coffee with the new girl who needs advice. You are allowed to breath. Take a year. (Okay, that is a little dramatic, but you get the picture). 

You are resilient and kicking A$$ in the blogging industry, and you deserve champagne and a toast. A toast to the freedom of living in the moment. Anyone else feeling the pressure? Let me know how you handle it @Klacole

Charlotte, North Carolina: An hour north of my sweet little town, and full of good food and even better company.

I was honored to partner with the Westin Charlotte for a weekend full of exploring and relaxation. When I wasn't out falling in love with Charlotte, I was resting and reading (to prep for the LBC brunch next week). If you're like me, this time of the year can really sneak up on you. Once November 1st hits you can just call me a 'crazy clown' for eight weeks straight. Am I Right???

Because of the 'crazy clown' time of year, I was beyond grateful for every ounce of rest and tranquility the Westin team allowed me to experience during my stay. It was almost as if they knew I needed a time-out before I did. To top off my experience even more, they even offered a complimentary lavender essential oil roll-on pen for me to apply to my wrists and temples before bedtime. For someone who has a hard time winding down in the evenings, this part was an absolute treat. Once applied, I don’t even remember falling asleep. That never happens! {Here is one like it if you want to try this magic potion for yourself} If you find yourself in the Charlotte area needing a place to crash, please call the Westin (Shout out to Corey and Stephanie). I cannot stress enough how their #RestWell campaign worked wonders on my overcrowded calendar. Not only do they know and fully understand the meaning of hospitality, but their staff was such a pleasure, never falling short of that extra mile.

Other than staying at the Westin, here are my top three musts for the Queen City:

1. JP Charlotte- SOCO Bar: The first place to stop on any Charlotte trip should be the JP Charlotte. Their happy hour deals are stellar and the bar staff was so great in helping me pick the margarita of my dreams. I’m not afraid to admit, bourbon isn’t something I get super jazzed about. However, the SOCO Bar had a Woodford Reserve tasting that generously gave bourbon a few more positive points in my book. The patio atmosphere was lively yet tame, the perfect ending to a long week over a marg. Two thumbs up from this girl. (Also, I hear they have a killer Thanksgiving brunch if you’re planning to be in the area for the holiday).

2. NC Yoga Bar: Whenever I find myself traveling about, I always try to make it a priority to sneak in some sort of activity whether that be a hike, spin class, or brisk run around the local park. It may seem easy to some; however, if you’ve ever taken a peak into my planner you’d find it’s much harder for me than most others out there. NC Yoga Bar made it so easy to get a good sweat session in Saturday morning. The team coordinates pop-up classes all over CLT and typically offers a "bonus" type of discount with the location when you participate in the class. I was a lucky lady who happened to attend the class at Sycamore Brewing. We had the best space behind the brewery to practice our yoga outside and after the class wrapped up, we were offered a stellar discount on the first drink. Their pop-up times and locations are constantly changing so make sure to follow them on Instagram @ncyogabar so you can stay up-to-date with their busy schedule too.

•  Now if only I can convince them to come to South Carolina. 

3.  Bakersfield: If you know me, follow me, or have read my blog for two minutes, you know tacos and margs are the way to my heart. I’m basically a connoisseur of these things and anything close in similarity. Well let me share one of Charlotte’s best kept secrets: Bakersfield Tacos. This was my second time to visit Bakersfield and it did not disappoint. You can try over 100 different tequilas and please take my advice when I say don't try them all in one night… Okay, obviously I’m kidding but just be safe people. Bonus Tip: They have locations in so many cities in America... check it out, you may be lucky enough to live close to one!

PHEW. My whirlwind trip was worth every minute. I truly could not be more grateful for the hosts of the weekend, The Westin Charlotte and NCYogaBar, and all of the sweet faces I met in between. 

Here's to you Charlotte, you're pretty great.

-KC