Author Archives: Wendy

Pack Quick (and get out of Dodge)

by Wendy
Follow me on twitter@wendylooksleaps

Jack and I take a lot of weekend trips – sometimes only for one night. I used to feel like I needed adequate notice to plan, organize and pack. Now I can be ready in a few minutes’ notice. Part of this is due to practice, but I think part of it is frame of mind. If you’re going away for 1-2 days, you really don’t need much. You can do this without a checklist, and if you forget something it usually is not a big deal. Of course, the situation probably changes if there are kids involved, but you can still pull your stuff together faster. This is how I pack quick. Continue reading →

Pro or Converse

by Wendy
Follow me on twitter@wendylooksleaps

Do you have trouble letting go of a favorite pair of shoes? I bought a pair of Converse in 2012 that are definitely in my footwear hall of fame.

Every year I bring my Converse on trips, thinking I’ll leave them behind at some point and free up more room in my suitcase. They’ve been to places like Spain, England, Denmark, New York, New Jersey, Kentucky, Massachusetts, California, Utah, Puerto Rico. They’ve hung out at beaches, mountains, restaurants, bars, cities, casinos, hospitals, baseball games, family parties, museums, bookstores, churches, concerts, backyards, hotels, airports, train stations. They’ve been very loyal. They’re practically charms. Continue reading →

Punk Rock Carrot Cake

By Wendy
Follow me on twitter@wendylooksleaps

We haven’t spotlighted a recipe in awhile (just here and here). And I’m probably the least likely member of the Looks and Leaps clan to claim any special kitchen skills (unless you count chatting and drinking cava while someone else cooks). Which means you should pay special attention to this tip: the punk rock carrot cake.

My college friends were an interesting group that ran the whole “indie” gamut – art and literature students, punk rockers in local bands, poets, retro fashionistas, straightedge adherents, straightedge deterrents, foreign exchange students – with all manner of styles and beliefs and hobbies. They were superstars. And out of this eclectic mix I learned a carrot cake recipe that is so rad, I have to share it with you. Store-bought carrot cakes will have little appeal after you roll up your sleeves and build this one yourself. This cake freaks out other cakes with its fierce distinctiveness. There’s no butter, milk, eggs. Yes, it’s vegan, which I know is anarchy for some people. But in my opinion, this version tastes better than mainstream carrot cakes. Even those layered ones with the icing carrot on top (and I admit that I’ve always liked the icing carrot). Continue reading →

10 Tips for College Students Traveling to Europe

by Wendy
Follow me on twitter@wendylooksleaps

Traveling overseas for two months right after my graduation from college was one of the most influential experiences of my life. My sister April and I visited 5 countries and had an amazing time. It definitely broadened my perspective, increased my appreciation for other cultures, and made me feel more independent and capable of dealing with various situations. l fell more in love with travel and the happiness I felt visiting new places on this beautiful planet. As a rule, I don’t have regrets – but if I was suddenly undergrad Wendy again, I would try and find ways to go abroad more often*. Students have unique opportunities and access to a range of programs and resources to work, volunteer or study in another country. For any students considering or preparing for a trip, here are a few tips I learned from traveling to Europe as a college student. Continue reading →

The Family that Travels Together…

Stays in the Same House Together!

The Looks and Leaps family recently traveled to Hilton Head, South Carolina for a week. The weather was fantastic and the ocean was beautiful – but part of the fun was living together in an awesome beach house! We’d like to share some of our favorite things and recommendations as you plan your summer getaways! Continue reading →

Zip it. Zip it good.

by Wendy
I have friends and work colleagues who look at me like I’m crazy when I tell them I pack carry-on only. “But what about your toiletries?” they ask incredulously. I think they’re wondering if I become a hippie when I travel, packing a zip-top bag full of patchouli and little else.

No, that is not the case. Would a hippie throw out that excellent Devo-inspired post title? At the same time, you generally can’t be super high-maintenance for this to work. You may have to compromise on brands and your usual routine. And of course, sometimes carry-on only is not ideal for certain long trips, or if you’re packing a lot of sports equipment, or traveling with kids.

I really like to travel light, but give it a try and decide for yourself. For anyone who feels like toiletries are an impediment to carry-on only, here are some tips that may help.

Continue reading →

Looks and Leaps Sisters Interview

by April, Sunny and Wendy
We were so excited to participate in the Travel Fashion Girl interview series! Do you know about this amazing website? Travel Fashion Girl is an awesome resource – packing lists for practically every destination or type of trip, product reviews, beauty tips, and tons of style and travel inspiration – all topics the Looks and Leaps sisters love. Be sure to check it out!

And a big, warm THANK YOU to Alex and Travel Fashion Girl for the interview! Very fun!

The French are Charming. And so are You.

by Wendy
Even though Paris is one of the most popular destinations on the planet, some travelers worry they will encounter icy or disdainful attitudes from the French. But we know better, don’t we! We know one of the rewarding things about travel is dispelling stereotypes and kicking unfair generalizations to the curb. We protest the descriptions of rude French and ugly Americans. We realize people can be annoying in every locale, but they barely register as a blip compared to all the nice people we know.

For anyone still feeling skeptical, here are a few tips on getting to know France a little better. Quit being the kid in school who teases France because you secretly have a crush. Find your courage and invite France to prom already. Use these suggestions at your own risk. I’m not liable if you start watching Amelie every weekend and reserving your entire travel budget for trips to Paris. Continue reading →

Stories from Salzburg and The Sound of Music Tour

by Wendy
This year is the 50th Anniversary of The Sound of Music – the beloved, iconic film with Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. You know you love it. The romance, suspense, technicolor scenery – and of course, catchy songs. April and I were kids before VHS tapes were ubiquitous, and it was a special event when The Sound of Music was on tv. We got to stay up late and enjoy fresh popcorn with melted butter (no microwave stuff) and during commercial breaks, likely twirled around in our nightgowns like Liesl. So when April and I went to Europe as college students, we decided to go on The Sound of Music Tour. Really. A bus tour of various locations in Salzburg that were used in the making of an American movie classic that we were told Austrians have either never heard of, or can’t stand. What fun! Continue reading →