my very favorite – via real simple many years ago

life dream?  probably to be paid to travel the world with my favorite people and write about it.  (side note: if you have unlimited funds and want to sponsor me, please visit my contact page!)  since i can’t do that, and instead have a day (and let’s be honest, night and weekend) job, i’ve found that surrounding myself with travel inspiration at home helps put me in my happy place.  i encourage you to do the same, and to fill your home with inspiration for whatever your passion may be.

our teeny entryway still has room for a photo tour of marfa, texas – a great conversation starter

• photos – if you’re like me, you take way too many photos while traveling (still working on the whole “enjoy-the-moment” thing).  put your photos to use by displaying them in your home.  you don’t need to be a professional photographer to find a few gems.  they are great conversation starters, too, when people visit. hang in highly trafficked areas for those you want to chat about, and in more private rooms for sweet memories.

travel inspiration next to my computer on my desk: my favorite mid-century jetsetter against the dallas skyline, next to my favorite place to reflect at the university of oklahoma

• travel purchases – remember that gorgeous wooden tray you bought in florence?  or those postcards you picked up in maine?  don’t hide them in a drawer – show them off!  i learned this from my mother, who decorated her house with items she’d purchased all around the world.  she didn’t try to make anything match; rather, she bought things she loved and found beautiful.  it all worked.  these don’t have to be expensive items, either – some of my most cherished purchases are the vogue magazines i buy in each country i visit.  a small price to pay for a window into the style and culture of the place and time.

i (try to) buy a vogue in each country i visit, and display some of my favorites in my office bookcase, next to my framed postcard of venice (yes i framed a postcard – it was so magical!)

• daily inspiration – placing travel-related items throughout my home is a constant reminder of why we work so hard – it gives us the means for adventure and exploring. a globe in the office, a poster of LA in the living room, and a favorite travel quote on the fridge are daily reminders of the things i love.

my former residence: the city of angels. great memories every time i pass through the living room.

• share the love – having guests stay the night?  give them a taste of what you love (in my case, give them some wanderlust).  i love staying with friends who have interesting books, photos, anything to share what makes them tick.

trying to inspire my guests with the jetsetter travel book on the bedside table. this is what inspired our trip to south africa this summer!

 what are some of your favorite things to share in your home?

one of my very favorite travel treasures is the glass soda bottle i bought at the san telmo market in buenos aires. i think it goes nicely with my exotic ikea vase, don’t you?

i purchased this globe at a garage sale in tulsa when i was in college. it may still have the USSR, but it’s the first place i go when thinking of my next trip.