Showing posts with label Goals2015. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Goals2015. Show all posts

Monday, March 16, 2015

How To Use Google Maps to Plan Trips

On a recent trip, I discovered the miraculous idea of using Google Maps to plan my route for my trips. I thought I should show you all how its done. It only takes a little research to know where you are going and a computer to create it.




The first step is to access Google Maps at maps.google.com. So, you click in the search bar to access the previous searches. You will notice at the bottom there is a link to "My Maps". Click it.


It will open onto a page that shows all of the maps you have created. Click the button to "Create New".


It will open to a screen that looks like the following:


The first thing to do is to search where you want to go. As I'm' writing this, my next trip is to Dublin and so I will create this map with that in mind.


It pulls up the magical city of Dublin, Ireland.


Then, you can edit the Map Title and Description. I'm creating this map for my trip around St. Patrick's Day. 


The next step is start marking landmarks. My first landmark is Temple Bar. This is a famous district in Dublin and will be a great place to go during St. Patrick's Day.


This little box pops up after I search for it. I click "Add to map".


Then, on the left side of the screen, a point is added to my "Untitled Layer". (You can name the layers by the way. I just didn't do it this time).


So there! You have a pin on a map. However, at a glance, I won't know what it is. So lets change the icon, shall we? Hover over the Name on the layer screen and you will see paint bucket button. Click it.


Then, another screen appears where you can change the color of the point, but I want to change the icon. So, I click the "More icons" button.


A whole list of icons appears. You can also add your own using the link at the bottom of the screen. I chose one in the shape of a martini glass as it is a bar. 


And now it is changed.


Next, I want to add my hotel. I search for it and click "Add to map".


Now I have two points on my map, but I want to change the hotel point as well.


I repeat the steps from above once more and choose a house shaped icon.


Now I have two points, but I need a little more.


Next, I searched for the Guinness Storehouse.


However, after creating the point, I want to add some information. I click the "Edit" button.


I added the link to the brewery, the address, and the contact number.


Now, anytime I need the information, it is just a click away.


Once you add all of the points, you have a very pretty map. The one below is the map I used for my London trip. I had all of the landmarks and some Harry Potter sightseeing as well.


I hope this helps you plan for you next trip.! Have a great day!

Image Map


You may also be interested in:

Top Tips For Visiting Venice
Top Tips For Visiting Venice
Top Tips For Visiting Rome, Italy
Top Tips For Visiting Rome, Italy
European Hostel vs Hotel
European Hostel vs Hotel
Top Tips for Chile
Top Tips for Chile

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Notice Something New?

See anything new? I finally created my own blog design! It is very cute-sy, but I love it. I'm a big lover of  bright color. To design all of this, I had to do a lot of research. For any of my readers out there who are interested in DIY Design, I have added a tab that shows all of the links I used to create this blog design. I do not take credit for anything I used because I did not create it. I grabbed it from someone else's posts and tips. The people on that tab are super helpful. If you are trying to find something in particular, I recommend Pinterest and Google to find ideas. That is where I found most of the blogs in my DIY Blog Design tab. Go take a look.


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Friday, February 20, 2015

How To Create A Happiness Jar

I have made a promise to myself to become a happier person. To put aside my tendencies to be jealous, spiteful, and extremely sad. To start thinking about the happiness in my life, I have started a happiness jar. For 365 days, I will write a note about something that made me happy each and every day. Whether it is large, small, silly or personal, I vow to write a note each and every day about something that made me happy that day. Then on New Year's Eve, I will sit and go through every note to remember the good times.




I believe this will help me have a more positive attitude and just be positive about life. It gives me a moment to reflect about my day and find the happiness, even in the worst of days.


Have a happy day!


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Monday, January 12, 2015

Goals for 2015

*Please Note: This post has been imported from my previous blog, Organized Magnolia*



This has been such a wonderful ride and I'm really glad I started this blog. I know my intentions and vision have changed since I started this blog, but hopefully you all still enjoy it! I have created a couple resolutions that I hope I can keep this year. They are a little more customized to the direction my blog is going in. I just hope I can keep them!


1.) Staying Organized In Belgium
I have to stay organized in a foreign country. Do you know how hard this is going to be? I need to stay organized but also be very mobile. I'm only going to be living here for six to nine months! How am I going to do this?

2.) Don't buy things Because Of The "Where Else Could I Get It" Sense

3. )New Blog Design
I have been using a Blogger Template by 17thAvenueDesigns on Etsy (found here). If you struggle with designing, I would recommend seeking help. You don't always have to do everything by yourself.  I had always planned on learning html to design my own blog. This blog design was a good interval between the beginning of my blog and finally knowing enough html to design a blog. 

4.) Create A Happiness Jar 

5.) Knock of Bucket List of Places to Travel
So I'm in Europe. I think I can knock off a couple of places I need to go to on my Bucket List. Here are some of them: Belgium (Check), Germany, Austria, Spain, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, Sweden, Portugal, Norway. 

6.) NO Shopping Online

7.) Start Saving Money

I have this horrible habit of what I call "Tourist Shopping". I'll pick something up and say "Who cares if I don't need this?!? I'm in Europe. I should definitely get this!" I keep forgetting an important point though: I have to be able to get it home from Antwerp, BE to Atlanta, GA USA. Kind of a long trip and I'm limited to only a couple of boxes for shipping. 
One of my biggest goals this year is to create a Happiness Jar. I don't enjoy the little things enough and I am a jealous person at times. I need to be grateful for what I have. As soon as I find a jar or some kind of container, I'm going to write the date and something that made me happy every single day.
I am absolutely horrible about this. I love shopping online. It is my go to feel good thing. I have a bad day at work equals shopping online. I fight with a friend, I shop online. Its a bad habit that I need to kick. Plus my credit cards would love a breather. I hope to find a different outlet. Like if I'm feeling really down, take a walk. Find a quiet corner. 
I want to buy a house someday so I need to start saving!



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