Sarah Gurganus

My husband and I visited in December 2023 and it's a city I could have spent a month in! We loved that it was a slower season, the Christmas lights and celebrations throughout the city, and experiencing the culture. Check out my “SPAIN” highlight on my Instagram for more pictures of our exploring!There's so much rich history and beautiful architecture around every corner! We spent so much time walking around and exploring the city, popping into whatever caught our eye for a bite to eat. The food is incredible, residents were very kind and *seemed* to appreciate the efforts to speak Spanish – mine is not very good, but I did my best and got us around!

Some of my staple restaurants I go to whenever I visit Charleston! I have a lot of people ask me when they're visiting, so definitely add these to your list. You won't be disappointed! I always tell people that the best way to truly see Charleston is to get lost walking around and finding spots of your own. There's SO much history, great food, incredible views and shopping!*Edit: some of these places may have closed, I try to update as much as possible. Charleston is ever-changing

If you haven't explored Northern Arizona, I highly recommend it! I've ventured this way a few times, and every time I do I fall more in love with the scenery. There are a vast number of scenic routes, parks, trails and more. It's absolutely breathtaking!

I try to take a trip to the city once or twice every year, and have successfully done that for the past five years. Whenever my friend and I go, we typically don't have a "plan" and just pop in random places to eat or things to do. Sometimes, we'll spend the day out then get a lot of self-care items and order room service/watch a movie :) I try to have something for all the vibes!!

All of my favorite items we've purchased, gifted or have been gifted in recent years. I've tried to split everything by common room, however, some items might overlap.

I'm listing my all-time favorites, trying to keep my most current at the top!When I'm looking for new products, I try to buy as many samples and kits rather than full sizes if possible before committing to paying full price. If there's anything you see that you're like “hmmm…,” see if there's something like that or go get a sample. Most of this is found at Sephora with the exception of some skincare products. Also HIGHLY recommend checking out Dermstore's kits; they have incredible deals on full-sized products. I get one every time they update.Don't forget to see if any of these are HSA/FSA eligible!

To be completely honest, my shampoo/conditioner changes without much thought and I use stuff from the drugstore. HOWEVER, when I am putting thought into it, these are the products I run to and recommend to my friends and strangers. My aunt owns a salon and has put me on to a lot of these products. I also cannotttttt stress enough how important it is to detox your scalp! It doesn't have to be what I use, but it makes a tremendous difference in your hair health. I do my scalp detox and deep condition on the same day since it's opposite ends.Regular trims are also your friend! My grandmother put me on to sleeping on a silk pillowcase, Kitsch is my favorite. My husband even has one now!

My credentials are I had horrific acne growing up and ended up on Accutane at 18 (I had seen multiple doctors, tried everything, it was a last resort). I've tried soooo many skin care products over the years, and this is what has worked for me and what I'm currently using. I'll update it as it changes! Check my IG highlights for some of my progress pics, it's wild. Most of this is found at Sephora with the exception of some skincare products. Also HIGHLY recommend checking out Dermstore's kits; they have incredible deals on full-sized products. I get one every time they update. Don't forget to see if any of these are HSA/FSA eligible!

The other travel list is just recommendations of things to do and places to stay and eat, so I wanted to make a separate space for all of the items that are in my checked or carry on.

I get the majority of my journaling/crafting things from Amazon, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, local craft stores - same places we all do :) Everything I'm currently using is here! Highly recommend Archer + Olive journals for people who love crisp, thick pages and a beautiful cover. I also absolutely love their their mission, very near and dear to me <3