14 Pieces that are Essential to my Survival in Scotland

B a c k p a c k— For every day and off-the-road excursions with the hub.

C a s t   I r o n— Is it just me, or does Scotland just scream cast iron cooking?

P l a i d   B u t t o n - d o w n— Plaid on plaid on plaid on plaid on plaid. Got it?

S t r e e t   B i c y c l e— Because driving is hard.

P a r k a— A staple in every UK wardrobe. The "everyday" jacket: both stylish and functional.

C h e l s e a   R a i n b o o t s— Just because it's raining doesn't mean you get to skimp on fashion.

M i t t e n s— You can NEVER go wrong with shearling mittens or gloves. So, so warm! And the 'pop-off mitten top' makes them i-phone friendly! That's the most important thing, right?

t h a t ' s  M Y  m u g— Please don't touch my things.

U m b r e l l a— Correction! A sturdy umbrella. Obviously for the inevitable and torrential downpours that soon await me.

C a s h m e r e   J u m p e r— Isn't this cashmere poncho to die for?! Everyone should invest in this jumper for survival.

W i n t e r   J a c k e t— For the nights when you need to look like a marshmallow to stay warm.

H i k i n g   B o o t s— Perfect for getting out into the woods and exploring.

T r i p o d— Can be used for walking-stick purposes and selfie purposes.
B e a n i e— To keep my ears warm and also hide my three day old hair. #sorrynotsorry.

linked up with the Daily Diaries

Treking up the Volcano Nea Kameni in Santorini

On our last full day in Santorini, we decided to take a boat excursion to the Volcano, Nea Kameni. We were transported to the small volcanic island in what I can only assume was an authentic pirate ship, and then we were guided up the rocky terrain to the top of the volcano. Once there, we had something like 45 minutes to an hour to walk around an explore.

Things to Know When Hiking From Imerovigli to Oia

10 Reasons I'm Excited to Move to Scotland

If you've been following along with the blog, you already know that James and I are moving to Scotland. Sooo, it only seems appropriate that when making such a move, I do the necessary research . . . obviouslyyy by scrolling through the most beautiful, edited and over-saturated photographs from my favorite travel inspiration site, Pinterest.

Without further ado, here is the beginning of my bucket list for our time in Scotch Country!

Team Starnes Takes Scotland

By now many of you have heard that we have decided not to return Stateside after our year in London. Instead, we are continuing our stay in the United Kingdom, and we're heading up north.

Relaxing at the Red Beach in Santorini, Greece

Red Beach is located on the southern tip the island, just about 10 minutes from Akrotiri. There are two ways of accessing the beach—by foot or boat. At the time, I didn't know about the boat option, so James and I drove down, parked at the harbor and then trekked up and down the rocky terrain to get to the red pebbly beach. *The "walk/hike/trek" is totally doable, but at some points it gets steep and slippery, so anyone with balance issues might have trouble getting there and back.

25 Fun Facts You Don't Know About Me

Photo taken by Alejandra Hering.

#1:  As a baby, I started walking at six months old.
#2:  My favorite bands/singers are FleetwoodMac, Florence and the Machine and Billy Joel.
#3:  I was a competitive cheerleader all four years of High School.
#4:  ANDDDD, I honestly believe that if it came down to a life and death situation, I could still stick a standing back-tuck.

6 Days in Santorini

Cliff Jumping in Santorini (with GIF's!!)

Cliff jumping is BY FAR the most exhilarating thing I've ever done. I wouldn't say I'm an adrenaline junkie—because I've never gone skydiving or bungee jumping— but I'm never the one to turn down an opportunity for a good thrill, sooo basically cliff jumping was right up my allie alley.