How I use Notion.so as a Travel Log and Experience List + FREE Template Link!

I'm a big believer in lists. The Notes app on my phone is flooded with various lists whether it is for groceries to buy, errands to run, things to check out, and more. I wanted to bring my love for listing and integrate it with my love of capturing life. A simple format to have a list of all of my experiences and the ones I still have yet to check out, similar to a travel log. From amazing restaurants to places I have gotten to visit, I thought the idea to give a quick snapshot to capture all of my experiences was the perfect summary! Since I am new to the Central Florida area, it's especially great to keep track of all the random recommendations from people I meet.

My Notion has a lot of other elements, but today I will be sharing with you my template for my 2021 Experience Log and my Yet To Experience Log. Let me know if you would be interested in knowing more about my Notion set up which I use on mobile and desktop! Now let's dive into a deeper look into my logs.

I have both lists broken up into 3 categories: Places, Restaurants, and Activities. After you duplicate the templates you can change these to whatever you'd like! I think these 3 buckets capture all of the items that I might want to keep track of like a cool thrift store, an ice cream shop, or that random mini-golf place I stopped at that one time. I recommend making the categories match on each list because the whole idea is that you move them from the yet to experience list to the experienced list!

Taking a look at the columns, I cover almost everything you may want to record. The most noteworthy ones that I find to be most helpful are the Google Maps Link (for ease of pulling up directions immediately), the City column (to easily filter where you may be heading for a day), and the Recommendations/Reviews section (to jot down where someone may have told you they have the best cannoli and then to rate said cannoli when you actually visit).

Overall, what I truly enjoy about an indexing system like this is the ease of use. You can filter and sort any of your columns and it is like the Rolodex of where you should go out to eat next! Thankfully, with Notion it is completely free and customizable. If having this list in a program you are already familiar with is important to you, this process is easily replicable in Excel, Trello, or any other table-based program.

If you are interested in viewing the templates I have created and duplicating them into your own Notion.so set up, you can check them both below!

Experience Log Template

Yet to Experience Log Template

Thanks for checking out my Notion setup! What are some ideas you can see for using a Notion template like this? I think there are a lot of possibilities for personalizing a system like this! If you have any questions let me know in the comments below.

Why I Live in Rompers During Summer

Rompers, also known as playsuits in other countries, have somehow started to take over my closet. I say that jokingly because I only own 5, but they are the front-runner time and time again when I pick out what to wear. I swear all of my cute summer photos will be in these outfits. So what is it about these that make me love them so much? Here are some of the reasons they are my #1 this summer and beyond.

1. They are breathable.

This is dependent on what type of romper you typically go for. I'm a strong believer in picking cotton garments when possible. Avoiding fabrics with plastics in them is difficult though, so you'll often find rompers made of polyester blends. Whatever type of fabric you choose, you want to make sure there aren't too many layers to keep that breathability we are looking for on a hot July day.

You can shop this romper from Old Navy here!

2. They make you seem put together!

Instead of having to pair a set of bottoms with a top, a romper decides that for me! It's a great way to start experimenting with accessorizing with hats, jewelry, belts, and bags! Rompers also can transition easily from day to nightwear with a simple addition of a jacket and heels or swapping that backpack for a clutch.

3. One word, pockets

If pockets aren't on the top of your list for must haves in your wardrobe, then hopefully this will change your mind! Now that a lot of us are closely carrying extra masks, hand sanitizer, and other items we need extra storage space. I prefer not to have to take off my backpack every time I want to look at my phone or take a photo with my camera. I find a majority of the rompers I purchase have spacious pockets. Sizing up in rompers is another great tip to get a loose, flowy feel.

4. They are easy! No tucking, pulling up shorts, worrying about wind, etc.

Althought they get a bad rap for being difficult to get out of, rompers can be easy if you buy the right types! My rompers all feature elastic style waistbands, tie or button closures, and no zippers. Unlike dresses, you are fully covered! A gust of wind won't ruin your day and you don't have to wear any special undergarments just in case. This makes them the perfect adventure outfit. Not a worry to be had when you've got breathability, ease of mind, and pockets!

I rest my case. Rompers aren't for everyone, but I adore them and expect to add a few that I've been eyeing to my wardrobe sometime soon. Check out my romper wishlist below and let me know if you enjoy wearing them too! Thanks for stopping by!

Affiliate links may be used and I will receive a small commission of the sale at no additional cost to you. It's a great way to support my content and get cute new items for yourself or friends!

Shop the green polka dot romper here.

Shop the red floral romper here.

Shop the yellow floral romper here.

Show the red tank romper here.

Podcasts You Should Check Out This Summer!

Welcome fellow podcast lover! Whether for your summer road trip or just spicing up your commute to work, podcasts can be an amazing alternate for audio entertainment. I am sharing with you some of my favorites that are tried and true and some new front runners. I'm always on the lookout for new ones to check out, so let me know in the comments below about your current favorite podcast! Now let's dive in and find some new entertainment for your ears.

1. And That's Why We Drink

Em and Christine are a fiery dynamic duo who talk about all things paranormal and true crime. If you are a true crime junkie or ghost story enthusiast then this podcast was made for you! With over 200 episodes to choose from, you are certain to find a story you haven't heard before and sometimes ones you have heard before with new twists.

In each episode, you will hear about one true crime story and one paranormal-based story (truly the best of both worlds). Other topics like current events, pop culture, cryptids, time travel, and conspiracy theories will pop in too. Overall, I am so glad I found and fell in love with ATWWD.

2. We're Alive

Although not your traditional podcast, We're Alive is an audio theater story with wonderful voice actors. While it did take me a few episodes to really get into the story, I got hooked! I couldn't wait to listen to this during my commute to work back in 2017 - the best way to beat Maryland traffic. I have never been into zombie movie plots, but something about removing the visuals made it the perfect action-packed, high-stakes story to keep me entertained. No worries, there are no spoilers for the story here though!

I may have to even revisit it this summer, especially with its new additional spinoff series. The reviews on Apple Podcast really speak for themselves. If you want something you can't wait to listen to again, this one is perfect.

3. Content Culture

A newcomer to the podcast realm is Content Culture! Created by some of my favorite ladies on Instagram, Nicole Green and Tomi Obebe, this podcast is for anyone who enjoys pop culture and reality tv.

These two gals have amazing stories and unique views to share whether from the crazy Bumble profiles they've encountered or the latest scoop on The Bachelor or The Bachelorette. Check it out to see if they have covered your favorite reality TV show yet!

4. Two Girls One Ghost

Described as a paranormal comedy podcast, you will truly enjoy the bit of humor mixed in with the haunting tales. Co-hosts (otherwise referred to as Ghostesses) Corrine and Sabrina bring you new spooky stories each week! Some are widely reported and well-known and others are sent into the show directly from their listeners. If you have your own ghostly experience this is a great place to share it.

They cover an array of ghostly subjects including poltergeists, haunted objects, and crazy apparitions. Their signature sign-off, "See you on the other side" may even leave you a bit haunted.

5. Radio Rental

By now I am sure you are seeing a common theme among a lot of my go-to podcasts. Nothing can entice me more than a good story and high-quality production. The same goes with my next pick, Radio Rental. This one was launched by one of my favorite podcast creators, Payne Lindsay from Tenderfoot TV (who we will revisit again later in this list). As a semi-scripted series featuring real people sharing their personal horror stories. Some of them surely made my hair stand on end because they were that creepy. This covers a wide gambit of topics, but all stay in the scary or bizarre realm.

You can zoom through the 14 episodes in one road trip or if you are a scaredy-cat like me, mix in some fun upbeat songs from the radio to break up the vibes from the creepy stories. I'll probably give a few episodes a relisten this summer, not just for hearing the stories again but enjoying the host, voiced by Rainn Wilson.

6. The Morgan Harper Nichols Show

If you have already had the pleasure to read or hear Morgan Harper Nichols' work then this one is a no-brainer. These small snippets are perfectly named to help you pick the right one to read. Only a few minutes long each, these are more like morning mantras or inspiring stories to get you through the day or a hard moment. With titles like "Travel at your Own Pace" or "When you feel like you're not enough" they are poised to make you reflect.

A great one to subscribe to and revisit from time to time for a little nudge in the right direction. With over 180 episodes varying in subjects and typically linked to one of her interviews or previous works - there's plenty to explore!

7. Atlanta Monster

As mentioned above, I am a huge fan of Payne Lindsay's previous works including Atlanta Monster. Many may know this story from the Netflix show Mindhunter, but if you are looking for an in-depth look including additional interviews from those involved with the case, I highly recommend this podcast.

This seven-episode series is a quick start and finish, but Payne does a great job of covering all the bases through unique interviews and summaries. Going beyond the podcast, there is even a website with more information and live footage of the news coverage. If you enjoy that, since Atlanta Monster's success there are two new seasons covering other cases.

8. Ear Biscuits with Rhett and Link

To round out the list, I am bringing in a podcast that I don't normally listen to, but watch! I found Ear Biscuits after one of the Good Mythical Morning episodes so naturally ended up on the video version of the podcast. Introduced as "two lifelong friends talking about life for a long time" you know that they have so many stories and things to share with you.

If you don't have the pleasure of knowing Rhett and Link they are an iconic duo who share everything from their spiritual journeys, childhoods, parenthood, and so much more. I would recommend starting with one that has a topic that interests you or even something you can relate to.

And that's the list!

I hope this list provided you with at least one podcast you are looking forward to tuning into next time you are looking for audio entertainment! There are so many podcasts out there and this is just a brief viewing into some that I have enjoyed over the years. What's your current favorite podcast? I tried to stick to some off the beaten path to give you the best chance of finding something new! Thanks for stopping by!