Taylor Deer

It’s 3/20 and it is my BLOGIVERSARY! Now, I know this is a weird time to celebrate, but blogging has changed my life in ways I can’t express through words and I hope I could inspire and help someone who may be stuck like I was a few years ago. For those of you who are new to my little space, here is a background of how I started this journey. After a tough year in late 2015 into early 2016, I was not in a good place and was itching to finally do something for myself and to just BE HAPPY. During that time, I looked back a lot to my summer study abroad program in Salamanca, Spain in 2012 and reminisced how much travel brought out the best in me. Since childhood, I always wanted to travel, but was told that I needed to have a specific job and make big money to make that happen. In July 2016, I resparked my wanderlust with a trip to Greece and haven’t looked back since. After a winter trip to Iceland in early 2017, my cousins of @crawfordconcierge reached out and introduced me to @theblondeabroad and @nomadicmatt two HUGE inspirations for me. They were traveling and making a living from it! With a background in marketing, public relations, writing and social media, I admired everything they did and sought out ways to start this journey myself. After a few months of guest blogging on my cousins’ website, I started my own blog called Travels with Taylor in March 2017. At the time, it was my creative outlet for fun while I was still working a corporate job. Over that year, I took eCourses on the business behind blogging and with 25 vacation days at work, I was able to build travel content. In March 2018, I was ready to say goodbye to the cubicle and say hello to Brown Eyed Flower Child. That was when my business started and things got serious. These past few years travel blogging have brought out my hidden talents; it’s introduced me to lifelong friends; it’s showed me that I could navigate foreign lands on my own; I have developed more skills than I have in any job or school; it’s brought out my confidence and true self and most importantly, it has opened my eyes to this beautiful world. Never stop dreaming my beautiful friends! ❤️

Lately, the term “influencer” has been thought of in a negative way. Even bloggers don’t want to be associated with the term “influencer”, including myself because I want people to know I do more than just Instagram and that I have an actual blog and business. BUT, I had to take a step back and really think about the term influencer… an influencer is more than just someone who posts a pretty photo on Instagram looking for likes and followers. If you have a public Instagram account in general, YOU ARE AN INFLUENCER! Like my friend @afitandfabulousmichele says, “Every single one of you is an influencer by what you do. You all make an impact on this world by what you do. Having 12K or 100K followers doesn’t mean you have more influence than someone with only 200 followers. It’s all a matter of what you do with your influence and a matter of using your heart.” ❤️ ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Last week, I saw a thread on Facebook where people were bashing travel bloggers and influencers and I had to seriously give an educational lesson on what we REALLY do to someone. We are travel writers, photographers, videographers, marketers, business owners, teachers, coaches, public relations professionals, advertisers, IT professionals, graphic designers, coders, web developers, CEOs and so much more! There are a lot of people out there stuck in their own ways, which is fine, but when someone is used to doing things traditionally and refuses to conform or accept something new, which is the gateway to the future, it is easy for them to get uncomfortable, angry and put it down. We are the ones changing the world and I am so proud to see this community come together even more over the past week to help contain COVID-19. Your advice on how to stay social, active, creative and healthy during quarantine have been SO HELPFUL to SO MANY! Now, I would like to share my own 3 favorite apps with you all to stay productive and mindful during this time: Duolingo (I’m learning ITALIAN), Headspace (For meditation), Bible (A modern-day Bible that is easy to comprehend for those of us who connect with God more spiritually than religiously). #wearetravelgirls

“I want adventure in the great wide somewhere. I want it more than I can tell.” Those lyrics were what I was singing back in late 2015/early 2016. 🌎 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• I know a lot of people out there are hesitant to post about travel and feel like it is rather inappropriate at the moment. Now, even though we cannot travel at the moment, I highly disagree that sharing travel throwbacks is considered inappropriate. Right now we are all in the same boat. Back in 2015/2016 when I was going through one of my darkest times where I felt like my life was in limbo, I turned to Instagram and used it as a mental escape. Mind you, I was not a blogger at the time! I also used it for inspiration for travel in the future when I would be able to make it work, it actually helped me set goals. When I was a child, I always dreamt about Paris and seeing the Eiffel Tower. I even have a painting in my room of the Eiffel Tower! Then, as I became a teenager, I dreamt of visiting Italy and savoring delicious pasta at an outdoor cafe in a fairytale village. In college, I dreamt of visiting Africa and immersing myself in the beautiful culture there. Post college, I dreamt of visiting the bright blue lakes of Banff in Canada and hiking to Machu Picchu (thanks to Instagram). I also dreamt about visiting Japan after working for a few Japanese companies. Right before I started my travel journey in late 2016, I dreamt of seeing the Pyramids of Egypt after reading The Alchemist (I’m still dreaming of seeing the Pyramids). This is a throwback to a very happy day in the breathtaking Dolomites of Northern Italy back in January. Even though this was two months ago now, it feels like it was a lifetime ago. It’s crazy how so much could happen in two months, which also means so much could happen in the upcoming months! (I have so much hope.) Back in the fall, I had a dream that I was in the Dolomites. The universe was calling me there and I made it happen! Where are you dreaming of going once things get better?

Throwback to a month ago during happier times in Vietnam. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Now, I’m going to share an embarrassing story. Right before graduating 8th grade (middle school), there was a talent show. If you don’t know my past, I was both a competitive dancer outside of school and someone who got bullied inside of school. I figured that this talent show would be a way for me to showcase my dance skills and also prove to my peers that I was more than just the shy girl at school. I was too afraid to do a solo act, so two of my other friends decided to join me since they took once-a-week dance classes for fun. I was the main dancer and my friends were in the back and we danced to “Around the World” by ATC. I laugh thinking about this song because it was pretty fitting for what I do now. So, as we were dancing in front of the entire school, things were going great and people were impressed. Half way through the dance, the music decided to skip. (Mind you, this was back in 2005 when we still used boom boxes and CDs and it was placed on the stage where I was leaping and jumping around, making the music easy to skip.) I remember my heart sinking as we couldn’t continue the dance. I got so angry at the girl in charge of the music and started to yell at her on stage. (Poor girl, she didn’t have control over the situation and I should’ve been mindful of it. I obviously apologize for how I acted.) BUT the entire school was laughing! I felt like my world was crashing and I just ended up walking off the stage crying. This was supposed to be MY MOMENT to shine in front of everyone who considered me a nobody. At the time, I never thought I would get over it and I remember coming home and crying the entire night. I asked my parents if I could switch schools and obviously that wasn’t an option. When I returned the next day, I was overwhelmed by how many people came up to me with love and kindness. From those 2 minutes that I performed on stage, people truly enjoyed my talents and were impressed! I even look back on my 8th grade yearbook and see so many beautiful messages on how great of a dancer I was. It was truly a time where loved overpowered during a dark time. ❤️

“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” - Henry Ford 🙏🏼 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• I was challenged by @natthetravelbug to post a happy moment from my recent travels. This was taken in Savannah, Georgia back in early November when I explored the charming city with my mom. We had so many great laughs, the weather was sunny and beautiful, we savored great food and didn’t have a care in the world. Things are a little different right now, but it is amazing to see everyone come together in a non-selfish way to prevent this virus from spreading even more. (We all are sacrificing big things at the moment and I know it isn’t easy.) Please also remember to be kind towards one another, leave the facts to the CDC, don’t judge and if you disagree with someone’s actions, please educate them in a nice and non-sarcastic way. Now it’s your turn! Instagram is a form of escapism and don’t be afraid to post something positive whether it is a quote, a happy photo from a past trip, a memorable time with loved ones or anything else that brings a smile to your face that will also brighten someone else’s mood. What is something that brought you joy within the past year? 💕 #liveintentionally #youhavethepower #changeforthebetter #onestepatatime #theeverydayproject #savannahgeorgia #visitsavannah #downtownsavannah #therisingtidesociety #sidewalkerdaily

“When you buy from a small business, an actual person does a little happy dance.” ❤️ ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• What is one thing you enjoy doing that is low key and therapeutic when you are home and not traveling? For me, it is going on a hike in nature and supporting small local businesses. If you saw my stories from yesterday, I finally got some things framed at a family friend’s store that I’ve lazily kept around collecting dust. It feels so good to cross something like that off and it allows extra space in my room. I also went to a brand new brewery that just opened locally. It was pretty quiet, but it was so nice to relax with a delicious craft beer, listen to live music and forget everything that is going on in the world at the moment. (Of course I went about my day super mindfully. I do understand certain countries and people can’t go about their day like this, so right now (for now) I’m grateful.) In the meantime, I absolutely LOVED sporting my brand new vegan tote bag from @the.alexan.girl . This amazing bag is perfect for all different activities, it holds a lot, including a 13” laptop and it also makes for the perfect travel tote as well! Not only do I love how it is vegan, I also like how it is waterproof! (Yesterday, it was raining earlier on in the day and then the sun came out.) It has four interior sections, which are perfect for storing a cell phone, wallet, credit cards and other valuables. Check out #TheAlexanGirl for a unique selection of curated, cruelty-free handbags and use code TAYLOR to get 15% off your purchase. #Ad #AlexanGirl #veganleather #crueltyfree #ladieshandbags #ladieshandbag #handbag #handbags

Explore your backyard! 🌾 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• That is right my friends, explore your own surroundings. There are so many hidden gems nearby! The @woolvertoninn is a gem in my local state of New Jersey. This charming bed and breakfast is a historic 1792 stone manor that is perfect for a relaxing girls’ getaway outside of both New York City and Philadelphia. I am so excited that my blog post on my overnight girls’ getaway at Woolverton Inn is now live on my site. Read all about the Woolverton Inn and my lovely experience staying there; the different rooms, suites and cottages that are available for you to personally stay in on the property and everything to do around the Inn in order to have a fun girls’ getaway. In addition to having a wonderful stay at Woolverton Inn, I talk about everything there is to do in the surrounding area such as wandering through the quaint village of Lambertville, NJ (in Hunterdon County) and crossing the state border over a bridge into the cute village of New Hope, Pennsylvania (Bucks County); savoring delicious food at amazing local restaurants; enjoying nature at nearby state parks; treating yourself to retail therapy; going wine tasting at a local vineyard (I went to Beneduce Vineyards in Pittstown, NJ); having fun on the Delaware River that separates NJ from PA and other fun outdoor and countryside adventures. Link is in my bio! 🤠 #sponsoredstay #woolvertoninn #visitnj #njisntboring #njspots #jerseycollective #bedandbreakfasts #girlsgetaway #hunterdoncountynj #buckscountypa 📸: @afitandfabulousmichele

“The thing about literature and music is that you use it as a way of defining yourself. You use it as an extension of your character. Somebody else’s words writing your thoughts and I think everybody who relates to music is kind of isolated, is lonely. Everyone who uses the creative side of their brain is that much removed from reality. They are looking for answers whenever they can find them.” - Laura Marling 🎶 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• I LOVE this quote of Laura Marling and I just love her music and who she is as a person. I saw her in concert a couple years ago in Brooklyn and I find everything she creates to be poetically healing. It is darling places like @woolvertoninn that allow me to express my creativity and hone in on the small things in life that give me inspiration and make me happy. Those are charming details, beautiful flowers, sunny days, a lovely porch, a simple walk in nature, animals, a cozy fire, peaceful moments, soul music, good food and a warm drink. During our time at Woolverton Inn, we enjoyed savoring delicious homemade cookies on the heated porch; strolling through the tranquil woodland trails along the property; taking in the scenic rural views from the Inn’s lounge chairs; feeding the sheep; savoring a three-course breakfast in the lovely manor house and so much more! What are the little things in life that make you happy and bring out your creativity? #sponsoredstay #woolvertoninn #newjerseyspring #visitnj #njspots #momentslikethis #collectmoments #weekendgetaways #escapethecity #countrysidelife 📸: @afitandfabulousmichele

“Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance” - Coco Chanel 🍃 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Throughout the rest of 2020, I am making it my goal to explore more of my home state. Between beaches, mountains, cities, countryside, wineries, amusement parks, award-winning restaurants, quiet villages and more, there is so much that New Jersey offers. Last week, I enjoyed a lovely overnight girls’ getaway at the @woolvertoninn in Western New Jersey with @afitandfabulousmichele . The Woolverton Inn is a charming bed and breakfast that is located on 10 acres surrounded by rolling farmland and enchanting forests. It is a historic 1792 stone manor that is perfect for weddings and romantic getaways, girls’ trips, mother-daughter weekends, bachelorette parties, family gatherings, solo escapes, yoga retreats and so much more! My friend Michele and I enjoyed staying in the elegant and rustic Carolyn’s Overlook Cottage located on Woolverton Inn’s property. It is the newest and largest suite that includes a master bedroom (this room), second bedroom, oak beamed ceilings with chandeliers, a huge bathtub (behind me), full kitchen, living room and a fireplace! We enjoyed unplugging and relaxing; savoring the beauty of rural New Jersey and the charm of the Inn; indulging in delicious food as well as cozying up and having a fun girls’ board game night in front of the fireplace. It was absolutely perfect! Stay tuned for a blog post on a girls’ getaway at the Woolverton Inn. Have you been to New Jersey? #sponsored #woolvertoninn #visitnj #njdotcom #scenicnj #hunterdoncounty #bedandbreakfast #bandb #countrylivingmag #hotelsandresorts 📸: @afitandfabulousmichele

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and one of my favorite cities in the country! It is located on the Red River in Northern Vietnam and it is one of the most ancient capitals in the world. It is where you could find historical landmarks, French-style buildings, the best Vietnamese food, amazing shops and a fascinating culture. ✨ ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• In my most recent Vietnam blog post, I go over what to do in Hanoi for 48 hours. Make sure to savor delicious French food in the French Quarter (this photo was taken at Green Tangerine, a hidden gem); walk through the Temple of the Jade Mountain; wander through the Old Quarter; watch the train ride by on Train Street; enjoy delicious local food; take a tour through the Hanoi Hilton (the notorious prison where American POWs like Senator John McCain were held and brutally tortured); spread kindness and enjoy a signature egg coffee at The Note Coffee; do a day trip and more! Link is in my bio to read and discover more on what to do and see in the country’s capital. Is Vietnam on your bucket list? 🇻🇳 #hanoi #hanoivietnam #vietnamtravel #travelvietnam #beautifulvietnam #theprettycities #mybestcityshots #beautifulseasia #aroundthecity #citywalks

“The grass is always greener underneath a coconut tree.” Well, I wasn’t under a coconut tree in theses photos, but there were a lot of coconut trees on Cat Ba Island and Vietnam in general. 🌴 🥥 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• I am excited to share that my blog post on Cat Ba Island is now live. Now, Cat Ba Island attracts a lot of tourists, but because of the coronavirus situation and the strict precautions Vietnam was taking, the island was pretty vacant when we were there. Unfortunately, we couldn’t take a cruise on Ha Long Bay, which was a bummer, but we still had fun and relaxed. Besides the Ha Long Bay cruise, you could also go hiking in Cat Ba National Park, relax at the beach, enjoy nature, visit the Hospital Cave, savor great food and drinks in the town center, catch butterflies at Butterfly Valley, explore the floating villages of Viet Hai, sing karaoke on a floating barge and get a Vietnamese massage. Link is in my bio to read more. Have you ever been somewhere that was vacant, but usually attracts a lot of tourists? #catbaisland #catba #halongbay #visitvietnam #islandlove #seastheday #southeastasiatrip #neverstoptraveling #travelthroughtheworld #travelguides