Whitney Haldeman
This Week in the World: Week 10

Travel

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Travel Hair Hacks

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TRAVEL HAIR STYLES

Hey friends! Hope your week is off to a great start. I'm finally back in the US after spending the last couple of months in Europe. It was another wonderful adventure and I still have so many travel guides that I'm working on sharing with you. But today, I'm taking a break from those to share some travel hacks I've recently discovered for your hair. Lately I've found myself needing to hit the ground running right after a flight when I land in a new destination; and no matter how much effort I seem to put into my hair before takeoff, once I reach my destination it always looks terrible (especially on those transatlantic red-eyes abroad).  

I went to my hairdresser Lauren at Fruition Salon to get her expertise in this department. I warned her that I'm lazy and needed options that were easy and required little skill. But I also wanted something that would actually look good hours (sometimes a whole day) later. She showed me two super easy ways you can style + set your hair before a travel day that actually leave your hair looking freshly styled upon arrival (and I can vouch that these are easy enough to replicate on your own). 

Before we started styling, we blowdried my hair with a lift hold mousse and put some dry shampoo at my root (this preventatively absorb oils as you wear it so when you take it down to wear it's nice and fresh).

 

Speaking of products, these are the only ones we used to create these styles if you want to use the same ones. I'll speak to them as we go through each step. 

fruition salon nashville tennessee

 

Regarding tools, just be sure you have a comb, bobby pins, hair ties and something to section off your hair with. 

 

STYLE 1: BRAID TWISTS for beach waves

1. Divide hair into two sections on each side (4 sections total). 

 

 

2. Starting on one side, spray the Blowdry Primer. 

 

 

3. Begin to braid (be sure to start at the section of your hair that you want the waves to begin, not all the way at the root. We started more eye-level along my cheek bone). If you have thick hair and are wanting more control, braids should be tighter and closer to the head. If you are wanting more volume (which we wanted for my hair) let the braid be slightly more "loose." 

 

4. Once you finish braiding two sections on one half of your hair, you'll twist them together, overlapping the front braid over the back. Pin them over the ends to hold the braids together. 

 

5. Repeat on the opposite side. As you pin each half, you should pin them into the opposite back section, overlapping the braids to create a more seamless finish. With longer hair you may need an additional pin or two to tuck in the ends. 

You’ll leave your hair set like this while you travel until you reach your destination and are ready to take it down.

*If you want to create this same look in a short window of time, simply take a heat tool (we used a straightener) to run over each section of hair a few times before pinning. 

When you take your hair down, finish with some perfecting hairspray and enjoy your beach waves! 

 

 

 

STYLE 2: KNOT TWISTS for bouncy curls

For this style, only pay attention to the left side of the back of my head (for the sake of time, we split my hair in half so we could demonstrate both styles in a shorter period of time!)

 

1. Divide hair into two sections on each side (4 sections total) and spray the sections with Blowdry Primer. 

 

 

 

2. Starting on one side, tie two of the sections in a knot. 

 

 

 

3. Continue to tie the strands in knots over and over until you reach the end of your hair.

 

 

 

3. Use bobby pins to tuck the ends into the center. 

 

 

 

4. Repeat on the other side. Similar to the last style, you'll want to pin the two sections together to create a more seamless finish. 

 

 

Once again, you’ll leave your hair set like this while you travel until you reach your destination and are ready to take it down. 

*If you want to create this same look in a short window of time, simply take a heat tool (we used a straightener) to run over each section of hair a few times before pinning. 

When you take your hair down, finish with some perfecting hairspray and enjoy your bouncy, natural curls!

 

Both of these took less than 15 minutes to style and left my hair looking far better than it ever has when I travel. Not only will these be great options while on a plane, but I'll probably even sleep with my hair in either style any night while I'm traveling and I don't want to mess with heat tools. I can't thank Lauren enough for teaching me these hacks and I hope you find them helpful for your next travel day! 

 

Want to book an appointment with Lauren? Click the button below or call 615.298.7771.

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Thanks so much for stopping by! I'll be back to sharing some more travel guides soon (and I have some new adventures on the horizon!) I'm excited to share more about both with you in the near future. Until then, have a great week! 

xx

Whitney

 

Berlin Travel Guide

BERLIN TRAVEL GUIDE

Of all the traveling I’ve done in Europe, Berlin may be the most unique destination I’ve visited yet. With tumultuous history so recent it almost feels palpable, Berlin has seen an overwhelming transformation over the last 75 years. This city was headquartered by Nazis, heavily bombed during World War II, divided by communism with the Berlin Wall and finally reunited -- all in such a short period of time. Today, Berlin is one of the most multicultural and open-minded cities in Europe and offers visitors the perfect blend of both grit and glamour. 

I've always been interested in Berlin's history, but I especially wanted to visit after befriending my pal Caitlin this past year. I always love my time with her, but I was particularly excited for this trip. She calls Berlin home, and I knew she'd be able to show me the best of this fascinating city (and from a local's perspective). Thanks to Caitlin + her sweet boyfriend Oliver (who is Berlin-born and raised), I fell in love with the German capital and learned even more than I anticipated I would. 

Berlin is definitely someplace worth visiting and should be added to your travel wishlist immediately. When you plan a trip of your own, here's what you should know:  

One of the nights I spent in Berlin was at Hotel Oderberger: a historic boutique hotel, just a stones throw away from Mauerpark. Originally a bathhouse, this building was converted to a hotel just last year (the bath now the stunning indoor swimming pool). While the building may be historic, the decor is chic + contemporary. I loved the overall look + feel of the entire property. Aside from the aesthetics, both the cocktail bar and restaurant (also where breakfast is served) were incredible. The staff was extremely helpful (and spoke perfect English too). Overall, if you’re looking for a boutique hotel in central Berlin, this is the place for you. 

I ran into my friend M.C. from High School, who was also visiting Berlin. Small world!

I ran into my friend M.C. from High School, who was also visiting Berlin. Small world!

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For my second night, I headed just west of the city center to a quiet + quaint area of town called Hansaviertel. Here, I stayed at ABION Villa Suites: which offers luxury maritime themed rooms. I absolutely adored my experience here! My room had floor to ceiling windows with canal views of the Spree (which reminded me a lot of Amsterdam!) It made for such a relaxing escape to come home to after sightseeing all day and I found myself having a hard time wanting to leave the room again once I was back! All the decor is bright, contemporary and luxurious. I definitely recommend staying here if you're someone who prefers a luxury experience and likes to retreat from the hustle and bustle of a city (although this location still makes it very easy to get around Berlin). 

abion villa suites berlin germany
abion villa suites berlin germany
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For my last night in Berlin, I stayed at Motel One Berlin Upper West, which was such a cool experience. Motel One is designed to look + feel like a luxury boutique hotel, but without the luxury price tag. They do a really great job of cutting costs in areas you're least likely to miss, which means the overall value is one you can feel great about.

I absolutely loved the decor of the entire hotel, and my room had such an amazing view of Berlin!  I was also incredibly impressed with the common spaces (the rooftop bar and lounge area is actually stunning and felt like a swanky luxury hotel). 

If you're looking for the best of both worlds regarding luxury and price, Motel One is a great option for you! They have a few other Berlin locations as well, but Upper West is their newest property (and I'm fairly certain it won't disappoint). 

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SEE + DO

BERLIN WALL MEMORIAL

If there's only one thing I tell you to do in Berlin, it's spending time where the Berlin Wall once stood. This was hands down my favorite landmark I visited. Obviously, I knew about the Berlin Wall from history class, but I didn't really know what to expect when visiting (after all, the wall came down- so what is there really to see?) The city has done an incredible job commemorating where the wall once stood and divided East and West Berlin during the communist occupation. There is a memorial that pays tribute to the deaths that occurred there while people tried to escape from the East to the West. The museum includes an exhibit that depicts the history of the wall, including interviews and biographies from Germans who escaped or died trying. No matter how I try to sum up my time here, it's sure to fall short. This is truly something to experience first-hand, and will stay with you long after you leave Berlin. 

 

 

BRADENBURG GATE

One of the most popular landmarks in Germany is the Bradenburg Gate, located in the heart of Berlin. This neoclassical monument is a symbol not only of Germany’s tumultuous past, but also of European peace + unification. It’s almost always crawling with tourists, but it's also a pretty epic place to watch the sunset so you definitley don't want to miss visiting this spot. 

 

 

BERLIN CATHEDRAL CHURCH

Unlike most of the rest of Europe, Berlin’s architecture is fairly modern after being heavily bombed during World War II. But even among the newer buildings + Communist-era blocks, let’s be clear: it still has it’s fair share of beautiful cathedrals- the most famous being Berlin Cathedral Church. This is one of the most-photographed spots in the city- and for good reason. On a warm sunny day, this is the perfect spot to camp out with a picnic on the lawn + marvel at this beautiful building. 

In the 1960s, the Communists erected this 1,200 foot TV tower in the center of the city. It's purpose wasn't just for better TV reception, but to also remind people of the power of the atheistic state (this was at a time when leaders were having the crosses removed from the majority of churches and cathedrals). What they didn't think about, was that when the sun hit the tower, it created a huge reflection of a cross on the mirrored ball. People joke that it was the "Pope's revenge." Regardless of the history, this landmark is arguably the most iconic part of the Berlin skyline and you simply can't miss it while visiting the city. 

 

TIERGARTEN

On a pretty day Berlin, head to Großer Tiergarten: a tranquil park in the center of the city. Caitlin and I hopped in these quaint little row boats and paddled along the pond near a traditional biergarten (where you should definitely stop for a beer). We also saw a clan of artists casually sketching in the nude (which definitely caught us off guard!) But juxtaposition like that is exactly what makes Berlin, Berlin and is why I love this crazy, quirky city. 

 

OTHER SIGHTS YOU CAN'T MISS: 

Memorial to the Murdered Jews

Checkpoint Charlie

East Side Gallery

 

 

EAT + DRINK

Berlin is known for a variety of food + drink. Traditional fare includes things like pretzels, pan-fried pancakes (known as kartoffelpuffer), currywurst, apfelstrudel and schnitzel. They also have a prominent Turkish population, which means you can get a mean kebab. But while all of these favorites are certainly worth trying, limiting yourself only to these options would be a missed opportunity. Berlin is a cultural melting pot, which means a variety of cuisines done well. While we definitely indulged in a lot of the above, Caitlin showed me more of the modern food scene that the locals are enjoying. 

 KLUNKERKRANICH

Caitlin took M.C. (a friend of mine from high-school who happened to be in Berlin too!) to Klunkerkranich for drinks one afternoon, which we loved. This rooftop bar has been called one of the "hippest" spots in Berlin. It's tucked away above a car park in Neukölln, and is another great spot to watch the sunset. 

 

LA LUCHA MEXICAN

While Caitlin and I were walking through Kreuzberg, we stopped dead in our tracks when we saw La Lucha: a new Mexican restaurant. This brilliantly-pink restaurant takes a modern approach on traditional Mexican cuisine. Caitlin got to sit down with the owner, Max, a young man from Holland, who is quickly making a name for himself in the Berlin food scene. You can read her full article on the restaurant here, but in summary: "The owner Max lived in Mexico for two years where he first found his love for the cuisine.  He loved going to the street food markets where you have the options to order from several different stands and can share with friends your different plates of food- thus his idea was born. The concept here is that your food doesn't come out in any order- just when it's ready. Everything is made to be shared and enjoyed together, just like at home. The menu has a "selection" platter where it takes care of the ordering for you. It also offers plenty of drink pairings as well as a "tequila discovery flight" for those of you ready to get the weekend started. If you're with a larger group, ordering the pitcher of sangria is highly recommended-  especially on those warmer days out on the patio."

Another great reco, courtesy of Caitlin! Spindler is on one of her favorite streets in Berlin, right on the canal in Kreuzberg. Their carefully curated and seasonal menu is inspired by Nicolas Gemin, a young and innovative French chef. You can also read her full article on this gem here, but this spot is known for its impressive brunch, as well as coffee and deserts (a German tradition around 4pm).

If you haven't picked up on it already, Caitlin knows a thing or two about the food scene in Berlin. Once again, you can read full details on this spot in the article she wrote (here) but this cafe boasts exposed brick, tables topped with vibrant flowers, tropical plants, and an aroma of freshly baked sourdough bread. Since bread is their specialty, they have amazing pizzas, cinnamon rolls and sandwiches- making it a great spot for breakfast + lunch. 

 

TIPS FOR SURVIVING THE CITY

  • The public transportation is cheap and easy to use- whether it's the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, a bus, tram or ferry. Just be sure you actually buy a ticket, because they do have people (dressed liked everyday commuters) who will announce themselves once the train starts and check everyones ticket. I'm told they make quite a scene and you don't want to be caught without one.

  • Berlin is also known for having some of the best nightclubs in the world (Wilde Renate, Kater Blau, About Blank + Sisyphos being some of the most popular). But if you're thinking of something along the lines of Las Vegas- think again. Getting into these establishments isn't easy, and there are some things to know before you go. Wear dark colors (think casual grunge, not heels or dresses) and don't talk much while standing in line. Know how to say your age in German, and know the names of the DJs who are playing that night. If there are a lot of guys in your group, you're better off splitting up into smaller groups in line. You'll also have better odds getting in if you have a German with you.

  • The Spree (which I mentioned while speaking about my stay at ABION Villa Suites) is the river that runs through Berlin's city center. You can take river cruises if you want to tour the city from a unique perspective, but you should also grab food at a restaurant along the canals here to dine like a true Berliner.

 

 

Berlin was a fascinating destination exploding with history and things to do. I have no doubt I'll be back again (I'd want to even if Caitlin didn't live there!) and I can't wait to discover even more to this city when I do. Shoutout to both Caitlin + Oliver for being fantastic hosts and showing me all that their is to love about their city-- you guys are the best! x 

 

Still more you want to know about Berlin? Let me know in the comments below!

Hope you find this guide helpful as you plan your trip, and as always thanks for stopping by!

xx, 

Whitney

blonde atlas
BERLIN TRAVEL GUIDE

Madeira Portugal Travel Guide

madeira portugal travel guide

If you're wondering where is the best place to travel in Portugal, I'm here to tell you about one of my favorite. In a sparkling sea of deep cobalt blue just off the northwest coast of Africa, you'll find Madeira: a rugged island with mountains soaring straight out of the water. If you don't already know its country of origin, based on its geographic positioning you'd likely guess Morocco. But this tiny island is Portuguese through and through. Known for its famous namesake wine and warm, subtropic climate, Madeira is a little slice of heaven that you won't want to miss. 

When my friends Caitlin (Augusta Leigh Photo), Caroline (The Belle Abroad) Chelsea (Passport to Friday) and I started planning our trip to Portugal, I had honestly never even heard of Madeira. But being that I'm always up for an adventure, I naturally said yes without needing a ton of convincing (plus, I trusted my fellow-travel-loving-friends). I quickly learned that the only reason people wouldn't want to plan a trip here is because they still don't know it exists. So if that happens to be the case for you, allow me to introduce you to this island that's bursting with more charm, beauty + experiences than you could ever begin to imagine. 

 

STAY

BELMOND REID'S PALACE

If you're wondering "What are the best hotels in Madeira?" I'd argue you won't find one better than Belmond Reid's Palace. Set in subtropical gardens overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this property has, for more than a century, been the ultimate place to stretch out in the sun and relax- and that’s exactly what we did immediately upon arrival. Not only do they have space to lounge right by the sea, they also have 3 pools with equally spectacular views (we spent time in all these spots to maximize our time at the property!)

belmond reids palace
belmond beach

To keep making the most of all the Belmond Reid’s Palace views, we opted to have breakfast ordered into our room one morning so we could enjoy the beautiful views from another vantage point. We also loved going to the formal dining room for breakfast the other mornings to enjoy the beautiful design and the sprawling buffet. 

Overall, the entire Belmond Reid’s Palace property was impeccable, the staff couldn’t have been more accommodating and I would highly recommend anyone stay here while visiting the island. Our trip wouldn’t have been the same without it!

 

DO

ROAD TRIP AROUND THE ISLAND

There are so many things to do in Madeira, I don't even know where to start! We partnered with Visit Madeira to take a little road trip around the island and explore some other parts other than where we were staying (which was the greater Funchal area). I can’t recommend renting a car and exploring the island enough- we saw some of our favorite bits this way! When planning your itinerary, be sure to include: 

1. PICO DO ARIEIRO

We literally drove through clouds to reach the top of Pico do Arieiro (which, full disclosure, was a bit scary at times!) But the views from the top were well worth any nerves we had to overcome to get there. I felt like we were in a scene from Jurassic Park! The photos (while stunning thanks to Caitlin!) still can't quite do it justice- you just need to experience it for yourself!

PICO DO ARIEIRO MADEIRA PORTUGAL

2. SANTANA

Next, we drove to the quirky small town of Santana, known for it’s charming thatched roof houses. These little guys had so much personality, and it was cool to see a more rural, less touristy part of the island. 

3. SAO JORGE

Finally, we went to Sao Jorge- which had some of the only sea-level beaches (although still no sand) that I saw on the island (Maderia is predominantly a cliffy terrain). We loved exploring all the little villages around the area and couldn't seem to stop admiring all the breathtaking views. 

 

EXPLORE THE CAPITAL: FUNCHAL

We all fell head over heels in love with Old Town Funchal. Cobblestone streets line the ancient alleyways where you can stroll and shop by day, or sit outside + drink Poncha by night (Poncha is the traditional alcoholic drink of the island and made with aguardente de cana- which is distilled alcohol made from sugar cane juice, honey, sugar, lemon rind and usually a fruit juice). This area is simply exploding with charm and definitely a spot you want to allow yourself some time to wander. I'd also recommend coming to this area for dinner- we loved sitting outside and listening to the live music!

 

TASTE MADEIRA PORT WINE AT PAIXÃO DO VINHO

We knew we had to try Madeira wine while on the island. If you’re unfamiliar with this type of wine, it's essentially a fortified wine made on the island. Maderia actually has a long winemaking history, dating back to the Age of Exploration when it was a port of call for ships heading to the New World (or East Indies). They added grape spirits to keep the wines from spoiling. Today, they keep this unique method of winemaking (which involves heating the wine). 

Given it’s unique style + background (and the fact that we all love wine in general) we knew we wanted to do a tasting. We went to Paixão do Vinho, which was an incredible little find. The space had a nice patio where we sat outside, and a robust tasting menu (which included delicious snacks like figs, nuts and a variety of cheeses). The mid-level tasting was our personal favorite as far as wines go. But my favorite part of the night (aside from the delicious wine + food) was how welcoming the owner was. He made a point to go into great detail explaining the wines to us, and even gave us some great recommendations around Madeira. If wine varietals pique your interest, be sure to add this hidden gem to your itinerary while on the island!

madeira port wine
madeira port wine

There's one thing you simply can't come to the island without doing. Boat tours in Madeira are a must, but I especially reommend sailing with On Tales, They took us on a quick tour of the island by boat (which was stunning). But the main objective of our voyage? To see some sea life! This team knows a thing (or twenty) about how to spot wildlife (mostly dolphins and whales). Because of their expertise in locating these creatures, we were able to spot a school of dolphins. But this wasn't just seeing a dolphin or two - the school essentially invited our boat into the center as dozens and dozens of dolphins jumped + danced alongside us. It was magical and felt like the cherry on top of a simply wonderful trip. 

Looking for restaurants with a view in Madeira? Look no further! Located in the historic Fort of São Tiago in Funchal is (arguably) the best restaurant on the island: Restaurante do Forte. Not only do they have a diverse menu brimming with gastronomic specialties, they also offer incredible views of the sea. We loved everything we ate (both the taste and presentation were impeccable!) and all agreed we would gladly eat here over and over again. 

PACK

Madeira seems to be in a perpetual state of late spring/ early summer- which means ideal temperatures and plentiful sunshine. Opt for flowy dresses and any other staples you'd typically pack for a tropical vacation. Shop what we brought in our suitcases here: 

Madeira was an incredible adventure I’ll never forget. If you’re looking for a tropical destination with rich European culture, this is most certainly the spot for you!

 

I’m so thankful for all the incredible experiences we had, and for the time I got to spend with my sweet friends. We all live in different destinations and don’t get to see each other nearly enough, so memories from trips like this are ones I’ll always cherish. Love + miss you gals already! x

 

More about Madeira you still want to know? Let me know in the comments below! 

 

Thanks (as always) for stopping by, and stay tuned for more European adventures I’ll be sharing soon!

xx

Whitney

MADEIRA PORTUGAL