“Fairytale” The Sagrada Familia was one of t “Fairytale” 

The Sagrada Familia was one of the most magical of all our experiences in Barcelona.

I planned our visit for the early evening, trying to time it to golden hour when we had the best chance of strong sun rays streaming through the stained glass windows at just the right angle for the light to dance across the cathedral in the riotous display of color it’s known to create. 

While instead we had mostly overcast skies, nothing could detract from the beauty and intricacy of the design. It was truly breathtaking and as I ran towards it I truly felt like I was stepping into a fairytale.

The Sagrada Familia cathedral is a must-visit in Barcelona and by far one of Barcelona’s top attractions. Aim to go first thing in the morning (the earliest tickets you can get) or late in the afternoon for optimal light. I’d say you’re likely to have fewer crowds too, but honestly no matter what time you go it will be crowded.
I spent so much time researching and planning our I spent so much time researching and planning our trip to Cape Town, and there were still things I learned and would change if we had a do-over!

Learn from my mistakes and make sure you follow these tips for your next trip…

1️⃣ Believe the people who tell you the Table Mountain hike is hard! Unless you are an experienced hiker and in excellent shape, take cable car up and down. Don’t waste a half day on the hike, it’s not so scenic that you’re missing much if you skip it - the magic is in the views at the top so get there in the most efficient way you can to spend the most time at the top.

2️⃣ If you’re going to visit Bo Kaap, sign up for a guided tour so you can get the most out of this historical and culturally significant neighborhood. When we went on our own we were surprised to find that the colorful houses you see all over Instagram are really just one short block, and honestly taking pictures felt really icky and performative. If you’re going to check out this neighborhood make sure it’s not just to check a box! 

3️⃣ Cape Town can practice electricity load-shedding, when this happens it means certain areas lose power at certain times to distribute demand for electricity. Definitely research if this is going on during your visit and what the schedules are. It’s less impactful if you are staying at a hotel, as they usually have generators, but if you plan to stay at an AirBnB it’s wise to know when your power might be shut off. We lost power from 2AM-4AM and were not prepared with fans when it got super hot without A/C.

4️⃣ Don’t skip Kirstenbosch gardens!! We ended up cutting it from our itinerary because the Table Mountain hike took so long and was so taxing (trust me, don’t do it) and it’s my biggest regret from Cape Town. 

5️⃣ Don’t be like me and try to visit 4 wineries in a day 😂 trust me, 3 will be plenty and this way you’ll have enough time to actually enjoy one. We felt pretty rushed and wished we had more time at 2 of the ones we visited (in particular Delaire Graff was spectacular!)
There is so much to see and do in Thailand, it’d There is so much to see and do in Thailand, it’d be impossible to cover it all in one trip but I’ve done my very best 😂 on JessOBSESSED.com you’ll find Bangkok and Chiang Mai itineraries, plus a review of the BEST hidden gem luxury hotel in the Thai islands that I promise you haven’t heard of yet! Search “Thailand” on the blog for all the deets. xxx  #thailand #bangkok #chiangmai #beautifuldestinations #travelshots #exploremore #passionpassport #travelgram #traveladdicts #seetheworld #traveltherenext #thewanderingtourist #exploringtheglobe #lonelyplanet #bestvacations #keepexploring #lifeofadventure #natgeotravel #traveladdict #travelblogger #traveldiary  #travelbucketlist #passportcollective #darlingescapes #girlsthatwander #girlsvsglobe #prettycity #shetravels #sheisnotlost #wearetravelgirls
Traveling to the desert? My "What to Pack for the Traveling to the desert? My "What to Pack for the Atacama Desert" guide is on JessObsessed.com and it's got lots of packing tips applicable to any hiking/adventure/desert-style vacation. 

xxx

 #beautifuldestinations #exploremore #passionpassport #stayandwander #seetheworld #traveltherenext  #welltravelled #exploringtheglobe #lifeofadventure #letsgosomewhere #speechlessplaces #artofdestinations #traveladdict #theglobewanderer #travelblogger #traveldiary #travelpassion #iamtraveler #travelbucketlist #thetraveltribe #passportcollective #dametraveler #darlingescapes #girlaroundtheworld #girlsabroad #girlsthatwander #girlsvsglobe #ladiesgoneglobal #globelletravels
What’s your favorite big city around the world? What’s your favorite big city around the world? Tokyo is definitely up there for me, probably tied with Paris. Even though they’re so different, I got the same feeling in both cities…immediately at home, comfortable, secure and at peace. Do you get that same feeling from your favorite places around the world? #bloggerstravellovers #thattravelblog #LiveTravelChannel #TravelStoke #justgoshoot #TheGlobeWanderer #passionpassport #worlderlust #femmetravel #travelandlife #TLpicks #travellershouts #citybestpics #europe_vacations #bestvacations #topeuropephoto #travellingthroughtheworld #beautifuldestinations #wonderful_places #dametraveler #outdoorwomen #wearetravelgirls #radgirlslife #darlingescapes #ladiesgoneglobal #globelletravels #sheisnotlost #earthgirllifestyle #jetsettingchicks #girlsvsglobe
In need of an easy, one-bowl GF cookie recipe that In need of an easy, one-bowl GF cookie recipe that feels fancy and festive for the last min holiday invites or request to bring dessert? 

My dark chocolate cranberry oatmeal cookies are here to save the (holi)day! 

Recipe is on JessOBSESSED.com. 

#holidaycookies #holidaydesserts #thanksgivingdesserts #thanksgivingrecipes #glutenfreerecipes #glutenfreethanksgiving #glutenfreecookies #glutenfree #glutenfreefoodie #glutenfreechef #glutenfreemeals #glutenfreecooking #f52grams #feedfeed #forkyeah #glutenfreefoods #glutenfreeeats #glutenfreefoodshare #nogluten #wheatfreediet #gffood #glutenfreelife #glutenfreeliving #glutenfreebloggers #glutenfreegirl #glutenfreefinds #glutenintolerance
Seeking Madrid recommendations! I’m working on m Seeking Madrid recommendations! I’m working on my latest blog post about the top things to do in Madrid. Let’s use the comments to inspire each other and share our favorites things to do, see and where to eat snd drink in Madrid. Leave your best rec below 👇 #madrid #travelinspo #bloggerstravellovers #thattravelblog #LiveTravelChannel #TravelStoke #justgoshoot #TheGlobeWanderer #passionpassport #worlderlust #femmetravel #travelandlife #travellershouts #citybestpics #europe_vacations #bestvacations #topeuropephoto #travellingthroughtheworld #beautifuldestinations #wonderful_places #wearetravelgirls #radgirlslife #darlingescapes #ladiesgoneglobal #globelletravels #sheisnotlost #jetsettingchicks #girlsvsglobe
Celebrating Halloween in Mauritius, no costumes ot Celebrating Halloween in Mauritius, no costumes other than my bikini, but reading something fun and witchy to get into the spooky spirit. Loving this book so far! link in stories. #bookrecs #bookstagram #mauritius #lemorne #lemornebeach #booktok #bookrecommendations
My favorite swimsuits for every style and budget a My favorite swimsuits for every style and budget are on the blog! 

I rounded up the cutest bikinis, one-piece, one-shoulder, cut-out, tie dye and more styles from all over the web (Amazon + Target included!). 

If you're looking for a cute new swimmy for a vacation or pool day search "bathing suits" on JessObsessed.com! 

 #fashionbloggers #stylediary #fashionoutfits #stylepost #wiwtoday #outfitdetails #ootdinspo #outfitinspo #outfitideas #outfitgram #outfitdiary #fashioninspo #beachvibes #sunandsea #sandytoes #sunshine #swimwearlover #swimwearfashion #swimsuitfashion #swimwearstyle #swimweartrends #swimwear2021 #bikinibabes #onepieceswimsuit
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Travel · January 6, 2024

Visiting Paris in Winter: Is It Worth It?

You know the saying…Paris is always a good idea! But you may be wondering, is visiting Paris in winter really worth it? Could winter in Paris be as magical, as wonderful, as enjoyable in December or January? The answer, my…

Read More

Apres Gel-X Nail Extensions Honest Review

Life · July 30, 2023

Apres Gel-X Nail Extensions | An Honest Review

I do not have naturally nice nails. I’ve never had really nice, long and strong nails. I love an almond-shaped manicure but I’ve never been able to grow my nails long enough to rock it. And despite my self-described not…

Read More

A woman outside a coffee shop in Paris

Travel · July 10, 2023

Affordable Casual Restaurants in Paris

Eating well in Paris doesn’t have to mean expensive, hours-long tasting menus with four different kinds of foam or waiting for hours to try and get a table. This list of affordable casual restaurants in Paris, that you can actually…

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Jess smiling and laughing in front of a green wall

Life · July 2, 2023

The Happy List, 7.2.23

Happy July 4th weekend! We hosted some friends on Saturday and had a wonderful pool day, ate and drank a little too much (so fun though, and so worth it!) and so today I’ve definitely been moving a little slowly,…

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Jess leaning against a railing by the water in cape town

Life · June 19, 2023

The Happy List, 6.18.23

Happy Sunday! I hope you all had a great weekend. This weekend JB and I celebrated our one-year wedding anniversary (wow how time flies!) with a beautiful day in New York City, a broadway show and a delicious dinner. More…

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Feminine and glam home office mood board.

Home · February 25, 2023

A Feminine and Glamorous Home Office Mood Board

I had so much fun putting together this feminine and glamorous home office mood board! If you’re in need of some inspiration for how to decorate your home office, whether you’re setting one up for the first time (so happy…

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Coffee table books to style your home.

Books, Life · February 18, 2023

Best Coffee Table Books To Style Your Home or Give As A Gift

I’ll be honest, it took me a while to understand the purpose and value of styling your home with coffee table books. As an avid reader, I didn’t quite get the concept of books as decor – surely they are…

Read More

Finest All-Inclusive Resort Punta Cana Hotel Review

Hotel Reviews, Travel · February 11, 2023

Finest All-Inclusive Resort Punta Cana | Hotel Review

JB and I just returned from a six-night stay at the Finest All-Inclusive resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and I’m sharing every detail that you need to know if you thinking about booking the Finest All-Inclusive resort in Punta…

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Plate of roasted rainbow heirloom carrots with orange-honey glaze, pomegranate seeds and pistachios.

Food, Side Dishes · December 1, 2022

Orange-Honey Roasted Carrots with Pistachios

Heirloom rainbow carrots roasted in an orange and honey glaze are a citrusy sweet delight. Topped with tart pomegranate seeds and crunchy, salty pistachios these carrots are an easy vegetable side dish that will make any weeknight dinner feel like…

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How to spend a weekend in Madrid

Travel · November 22, 2022

How to Spend a Weekend in Madrid | Top 10 Things to Do

Madrid is one of the best cities in Europe to spend a long weekend. It’s just small enough to get a real feel for the city yet Madrid still has plenty of interesting and unique things to do. Madrid is…

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“Fairytale” The Sagrada Familia was one of t “Fairytale” 

The Sagrada Familia was one of the most magical of all our experiences in Barcelona.

I planned our visit for the early evening, trying to time it to golden hour when we had the best chance of strong sun rays streaming through the stained glass windows at just the right angle for the light to dance across the cathedral in the riotous display of color it’s known to create. 

While instead we had mostly overcast skies, nothing could detract from the beauty and intricacy of the design. It was truly breathtaking and as I ran towards it I truly felt like I was stepping into a fairytale.

The Sagrada Familia cathedral is a must-visit in Barcelona and by far one of Barcelona’s top attractions. Aim to go first thing in the morning (the earliest tickets you can get) or late in the afternoon for optimal light. I’d say you’re likely to have fewer crowds too, but honestly no matter what time you go it will be crowded.
I spent so much time researching and planning our I spent so much time researching and planning our trip to Cape Town, and there were still things I learned and would change if we had a do-over!

Learn from my mistakes and make sure you follow these tips for your next trip…

1️⃣ Believe the people who tell you the Table Mountain hike is hard! Unless you are an experienced hiker and in excellent shape, take cable car up and down. Don’t waste a half day on the hike, it’s not so scenic that you’re missing much if you skip it - the magic is in the views at the top so get there in the most efficient way you can to spend the most time at the top.

2️⃣ If you’re going to visit Bo Kaap, sign up for a guided tour so you can get the most out of this historical and culturally significant neighborhood. When we went on our own we were surprised to find that the colorful houses you see all over Instagram are really just one short block, and honestly taking pictures felt really icky and performative. If you’re going to check out this neighborhood make sure it’s not just to check a box! 

3️⃣ Cape Town can practice electricity load-shedding, when this happens it means certain areas lose power at certain times to distribute demand for electricity. Definitely research if this is going on during your visit and what the schedules are. It’s less impactful if you are staying at a hotel, as they usually have generators, but if you plan to stay at an AirBnB it’s wise to know when your power might be shut off. We lost power from 2AM-4AM and were not prepared with fans when it got super hot without A/C.

4️⃣ Don’t skip Kirstenbosch gardens!! We ended up cutting it from our itinerary because the Table Mountain hike took so long and was so taxing (trust me, don’t do it) and it’s my biggest regret from Cape Town. 

5️⃣ Don’t be like me and try to visit 4 wineries in a day 😂 trust me, 3 will be plenty and this way you’ll have enough time to actually enjoy one. We felt pretty rushed and wished we had more time at 2 of the ones we visited (in particular Delaire Graff was spectacular!)
There is so much to see and do in Thailand, it’d There is so much to see and do in Thailand, it’d be impossible to cover it all in one trip but I’ve done my very best 😂 on JessOBSESSED.com you’ll find Bangkok and Chiang Mai itineraries, plus a review of the BEST hidden gem luxury hotel in the Thai islands that I promise you haven’t heard of yet! Search “Thailand” on the blog for all the deets. xxx  #thailand #bangkok #chiangmai #beautifuldestinations #travelshots #exploremore #passionpassport #travelgram #traveladdicts #seetheworld #traveltherenext #thewanderingtourist #exploringtheglobe #lonelyplanet #bestvacations #keepexploring #lifeofadventure #natgeotravel #traveladdict #travelblogger #traveldiary  #travelbucketlist #passportcollective #darlingescapes #girlsthatwander #girlsvsglobe #prettycity #shetravels #sheisnotlost #wearetravelgirls
Traveling to the desert? My "What to Pack for the Traveling to the desert? My "What to Pack for the Atacama Desert" guide is on JessObsessed.com and it's got lots of packing tips applicable to any hiking/adventure/desert-style vacation. 

xxx

 #beautifuldestinations #exploremore #passionpassport #stayandwander #seetheworld #traveltherenext  #welltravelled #exploringtheglobe #lifeofadventure #letsgosomewhere #speechlessplaces #artofdestinations #traveladdict #theglobewanderer #travelblogger #traveldiary #travelpassion #iamtraveler #travelbucketlist #thetraveltribe #passportcollective #dametraveler #darlingescapes #girlaroundtheworld #girlsabroad #girlsthatwander #girlsvsglobe #ladiesgoneglobal #globelletravels
What’s your favorite big city around the world? What’s your favorite big city around the world? Tokyo is definitely up there for me, probably tied with Paris. Even though they’re so different, I got the same feeling in both cities…immediately at home, comfortable, secure and at peace. Do you get that same feeling from your favorite places around the world? #bloggerstravellovers #thattravelblog #LiveTravelChannel #TravelStoke #justgoshoot #TheGlobeWanderer #passionpassport #worlderlust #femmetravel #travelandlife #TLpicks #travellershouts #citybestpics #europe_vacations #bestvacations #topeuropephoto #travellingthroughtheworld #beautifuldestinations #wonderful_places #dametraveler #outdoorwomen #wearetravelgirls #radgirlslife #darlingescapes #ladiesgoneglobal #globelletravels #sheisnotlost #earthgirllifestyle #jetsettingchicks #girlsvsglobe
In need of an easy, one-bowl GF cookie recipe that In need of an easy, one-bowl GF cookie recipe that feels fancy and festive for the last min holiday invites or request to bring dessert? 

My dark chocolate cranberry oatmeal cookies are here to save the (holi)day! 

Recipe is on JessOBSESSED.com. 

#holidaycookies #holidaydesserts #thanksgivingdesserts #thanksgivingrecipes #glutenfreerecipes #glutenfreethanksgiving #glutenfreecookies #glutenfree #glutenfreefoodie #glutenfreechef #glutenfreemeals #glutenfreecooking #f52grams #feedfeed #forkyeah #glutenfreefoods #glutenfreeeats #glutenfreefoodshare #nogluten #wheatfreediet #gffood #glutenfreelife #glutenfreeliving #glutenfreebloggers #glutenfreegirl #glutenfreefinds #glutenintolerance
Seeking Madrid recommendations! I’m working on m Seeking Madrid recommendations! I’m working on my latest blog post about the top things to do in Madrid. Let’s use the comments to inspire each other and share our favorites things to do, see and where to eat snd drink in Madrid. Leave your best rec below 👇 #madrid #travelinspo #bloggerstravellovers #thattravelblog #LiveTravelChannel #TravelStoke #justgoshoot #TheGlobeWanderer #passionpassport #worlderlust #femmetravel #travelandlife #travellershouts #citybestpics #europe_vacations #bestvacations #topeuropephoto #travellingthroughtheworld #beautifuldestinations #wonderful_places #wearetravelgirls #radgirlslife #darlingescapes #ladiesgoneglobal #globelletravels #sheisnotlost #jetsettingchicks #girlsvsglobe
Celebrating Halloween in Mauritius, no costumes ot Celebrating Halloween in Mauritius, no costumes other than my bikini, but reading something fun and witchy to get into the spooky spirit. Loving this book so far! link in stories. #bookrecs #bookstagram #mauritius #lemorne #lemornebeach #booktok #bookrecommendations
My favorite swimsuits for every style and budget a My favorite swimsuits for every style and budget are on the blog! 

I rounded up the cutest bikinis, one-piece, one-shoulder, cut-out, tie dye and more styles from all over the web (Amazon + Target included!). 

If you're looking for a cute new swimmy for a vacation or pool day search "bathing suits" on JessObsessed.com! 

 #fashionbloggers #stylediary #fashionoutfits #stylepost #wiwtoday #outfitdetails #ootdinspo #outfitinspo #outfitideas #outfitgram #outfitdiary #fashioninspo #beachvibes #sunandsea #sandytoes #sunshine #swimwearlover #swimwearfashion #swimsuitfashion #swimwearstyle #swimweartrends #swimwear2021 #bikinibabes #onepieceswimsuit
Where is the best STREET FOOD you've ever had? T Where is the best STREET FOOD you've ever had? 

The street food in Thailand was by far the best I have ever had. JB agrees now but he was so nervous to eat in Thailand because everyone freaked him out with travel tales of getting sick off street food! He couldn't believe how adventurous I was ready to be trying all different street foods (being careful about avoiding gluten of course!) because I'm usually the picky restaurant eater between the two of us 😂

But food + travel is my greatest passion and joy in life and I think enjoying local, authentic foods in new cities is one of the best ways to explore and get a feel for the local culture. Planning my meals when traveling takes up about 90% of the research I do! 

If you know what to look for and are careful you should be 100% fine tasting all the delicious street food all over the world! 

This is some of the best pad thai I've ever had, on Yaowarat street in Bangkok's Chinatown. I organized a street food tour through Bangkok Food Tours and it was EPIC! They were able to accommodate my gluten allergy and were so nice, flexible and knowledgeable. We loved talking to our guide about the food just as much as we enjoyed eating it. Read all about it by searching "Bangkok" on  JessObsessed.com! 

What's the best street food you've ever tried? Tell me in the comments 👇

xxx

 #glutenfree #glutenfreefoodie #glutenfreeeats #glutenfreebloggers #glutenfreegirl #glutenfreefinds #passionpassport #stayandwander #travelgram #traveladdicts #seetheworld #artofdestinations #traveladdict #travelblogger #traveldiary #travelpassion #travelbucketlist #girlsthatwander #girlsvsglobe #foodielife #foodiegram #foodiesofinstagram #foodlover #foodventure #foodoftheday #bangkokfood #bangkokfoodies #bangkoktravel #bangkokeats #bangkokstreetfood

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