Embracing my Journey Through Jewelry

My Travel Jewels

That’s why everything I wear, I wear with intention and purpose. Whether it’s telling the story of my life journey, giving to others, pushing boundaries or remembering where I came from, each piece tells a story. For years I’ve worn the same bangles every single day that you guys always ask about, and I don’t ever intend going a long period of time without them. All three bracelets represent family in one way or another, and both of my sisters wear the exact same bangles.

What: Bracelet with diamond plate

The Story: My father doesn’t know this, but he’s the best jewelry picker-outer on the planet (dad brag). This was a Christmas gift for all four of his girls, and it’s is my favorite bracelet because it’s simple and classy with some bling. I can wear it with yoga clothes or to a 7-course dinner!

What: Coordinate Cuff

The Story: Two years ago I walked back into the same local Arkansas store to have them create a coordinates bracelet for me and my two sisters. I wasn’t impressed with the coordinate bracelets I found online, so I knew just the place to go. My parents were selling my childhood home, and I wanted to have that memory with me always…and it just so happens to be around my wrist!

What: Spiked Cuff

The Story: Like the other pieces above, I hardly ever take this gold cuff of of my wrist. Out of everything I own, this is the most sentimental piece to me because it’s engraved with a special person’s name at the top: WIN. Win was a good friend of mine who passed away on June 23rd, 2010 and accomplished so much during his short 20 years on earth. Seeing his name every day is a reminder to live like him, to ‘win’ every day, and to always bring the funk. Shout out to my sister for this incredible piece!

I’ve switched things up a bit recently and invited some more friends along for the journey.

Meet the new kids on the block, Luca + Danni.

Like I said, I love jewels with a story which is what drew me into this brand apart from their travel inspired pieces. It all started when Fred Magnanimi left a career on Wall Street to reconnect with his roots at his family’s Rhode Island-based jewelry business. In April 2013, Fred’s younger brother Danny lost a difficult battle with Leukemia at 33 years old. Danny’s dream was to create a unique line of American-made jewelry that inspired others to boldly embrace the journey of life. Fred acted on this idea and Luca + Danni was born – named after his two children <3

I got really excited about this compass ring because it inspires wanderlust like no other. I love how it’s pretty dainty as well since my fingers don’t like being overcrowded.

Also, it’s no secret I’m a fan of pink so naturally, I got stacks on stacks on stacks of it. I’m high key obsessed with color (I don’t own a ton of black although I hear it’s slimming…), so I recently picked out a few that remind me of my travels – Honduras Green, Patagonia Blue and Abu Dhabi Sand.

Lastly, I love making a statement whether that be by breaking records on national TV (fun fact, I’m a Guinness World Record holder), by wearing the brightest colors of the rainbow (if it’s not neon it shouldn’t be on), or by strutting some quotable jewels. Insert: Luca + Danni.

What: She Believed She Could So She Did

The story: Nothing gets me fired up like girl power vibes. I really loved this one during my recent trip to Honduras because I was constantly around young girls for five days on end, and their zest for life and determination to be someone fueled me to the nth degree. I want to get this made in Spanish and give them out upon my return.

What: And So The Adventure Begins

The story: I knew when I set eyes on this bracelet, I had to have it… x4. I’m not the sappy inspirational quote kind of girl (you’ll never see me caught dead with the Live, Laugh, Love poster in my room), but this…THIS is different. Truth be told, my favorite english word is ‘adventure’ and it gives me all the vibes every time I read it. The pure fact that it’s on my wrist four times makes me a happy adventurer.

Sure, it’s not rocket science, but some of us need a good reminder to leave the precious gems behind when heading to faraway lands. The lessons await…

Travel Education 101: NEVER pack your jewelry in your checked luggage. There’s always a chance that the airline could lose your bag, or worse – it gets stolen out of your bag. This has never happened to me before (knock on some serious wood), but I have accidentally packed it in my suitcase and remained an anxious mess until I was reunited with my bag at the conveyor belt.

 

Travel Education 102: HOW you pack your jewels is important. I’ve previously arrived to a destination where every single one of my necklaces was in a massive tangle. After spending hours trying to separate them, I finally just grabbed a beer and decided it was a lost cause. If you’re a DIY-er, placing one side of your necklace into a straw alleviates the tangle problem. I’ve also rolled mine inside small towels before tying both end with a rubber band. And then there’s always the pill box for earrings, rings, etc.

Travel Education 103: WHAT you pack is even more important. If you simply cannot part ways with your entire jewelry collection, may I suggest wearing your favorite pieces during travel day. Depending on the destination, it may be smart to leave your wedding ring at home and wear your subdued wedding band. If you do travel with fine jewelry, it may be a good idea to look into insurance and keep it in the hotel safe – just don’t forget it upon check out!