Brandmerry Blog Archives
5 Must-Do Activities in Iceland (Especially if Traveling With Kids)
5 Must-DO Activities in Iceland
(especially if traveling with kids)
September 27, 2018
Oh Iceland, you have my heart! I’ve never seen something so mesmerizing and untouched. It’s such an amazing place to visit for a little R&R, listen to Episode 4 of the Free To Be Podcast for more on this, and a great place to visit with kids.
I wanted to share my top 5 must-do activities in Iceland, how we book our accommodations and my #1 suggest for all traveling mothers. It’s important to note that we traveled the second week of September, which is considered Winter in Iceland, but the weather was amazing.
With six full travel days we opted to not do the entire Ring Road and rather split our time between the North and South of Iceland, traveling through the East (feels like a description of Game of Thrones). It is possible to do the Ring Road in that amount of time, but to really enjoy your time and take advantage of that R&R I mentioned before, I recommend picking some main focuses.
I hope this post inspires you to plan your own trip to Iceland.
1. GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths
I am so glad we found this little gem tucked away in Husavik. It had only been open about a month, when we visited in September 2018 and as a result, we truly had a one of a lifetime experience. Visiting a geothermal bath is a must do in Iceland, but it can feel overwhelming thinking of the Blue Lagoon (major tourist destination) especially when kids.
Ben and I are true believers that you can do, almost anything, traveling with kids that you would do without. The GeoSea Baths were amazing, and entry for kids was completely free and they offered us floaters for Cal at no extra charge.
My top 3 favorite things about the GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths were:
The view: Seriously I loved that I could look out over the ledge and see the water, it was such a beautiful view, watching the ships come in and out of the harbor and seeing the endless sea (made it feel like a true infinity pool).
Swim-up bar: Need I say more? There was a smaller bath with a window to the bar, we didn’t even need to get out of the water. It was definitely a nice perk since we spent almost 3 hours there and girl needs a refreshment.
Private: While we did visit pretty early on after they opened, we loved that it wasn’t crowded. It felt like our private little secret
2. Thingvellir National Park
BEAUTY - There is no better way to describe this National Park then just that, beauty. We loved our drive through Thingvellir, which is part of the Golden Circle, taking breaks along the way and enjoying brief walks for some amazing photos. One of the things about Iceland is the driving, and with views like this, it’s so freaking worth it.
I highly recommend carving out about 2 hours to drive through the National Park, giving yourself time to fully explore the beautiful landscape that is Iceland. We did this on Day 2 of our trip, after staying near Vik.
3. Seljalandsfoss
Waterfalls are a major obsession of mine. I fulfilled my dream of swimming beneath a waterfall in Costa Rica back in 2015 and while visiting Iceland I was able to walk behind a waterfall! It was so beautiful to see it from every angle and even get to stand near the base (something I highly recommend).
Some things to note:
If traveling with kids, I highly recommend a carrier of some kind, as a stroller is basically impossible. More on my top recommendation below.
Wear boots, as the ground is slippery and you want some traction. In fact, I highly recommend just wearing boots EVERYWHERE in Iceland.
Have a jacket or coat. When we visited Iceland in September it was pretty warm, compared to the temperatures they typically have, so a light windbreaker worked great for Ben and I added an extra fleece layer to feel a little more comfortable. What you definitely want is something waterproof to protect your clothes while viewing the waterfall up close and personal.
4. Godafoss
We also visited Gullfoss Falls, but Ben and I both agree that Godafoss has our vote because of its accessibility. This was a great stop on our way back to Akureyri and allowed for a beautiful walk up the right side of the falls. It’s super picturesque and gives you such a beautiful view of a powerful natural wonder. Overall, we really loved the North of Iceland, an area not visited by many if not doing the full Ring Road.
5. Hverfjall
Ben and I visited Oregon in 2014 and fell in love with Crater Lake, seriously guys if you haven’t been it’s also a must-see! When visiting Iceland we had the opportunity to visit another crater minus the lake and it did not disappoint. Hverfjall is located near Lake Myvtan, while you’re there just make a day of it, and the hike to the top of the crater provides a beautiful view of the area.
It is definitely a hike, so plan on at least 20 minutes to get up, longer if you’ve got a 36-pound toddler on your back, what can I say I love a good challenge.
#1 THING TO BRING AS A TRAVELING MOMMA
Speaking of a toddler on my back one of my must-have travel necessities as a parent is a baby carrier. We said bye bye to a stroller while traveling and in Iceland, it’s just going to be a hassle as most places you want to visit aren’t stroller friendly. We always bring our Lillebaby All Seasons to accommodate Cal and make traveling a little easier. This is most likely his last trip in this carrier, but it still my #1 recommendation for traveling mommas.
BOOKING ACCOMODATIONS
We are big fans of Airbnb and typically use it for the majority of our rentals. We love the space it provides, another must for traveling with kids. Use our code to save $40 off your first rental
Bonus Tip #1: If you can stay on a working farm in Iceland, I highly recommend!
Bonus Tip #2: Find a rental with a hot tub, it will not disappoint.
I want to know, have you recently visited Iceland or planning a trip?
What are your must-sees in Iceland. Head to my Instagram and leave a comment on my photo!
EPISODE 04 | Tapping Into Your Intuition With Tani Morgan
Tapping Into Your Intuition With Tani Morgan
Free to Be Podcast | Episode 04
In today's episode, I'm so excited to introduce you to my former client, friend and Spiritual Business Coach, Tani Morgan. Tani came to me at the start of her business with a desire to reach more women and support them in living a more high vibe life. Since that time she's gone on to support women in reaching their deepest desires. When Tani shared a recent story with me I was blown away, I'd never heard something that so clearly painted the picture of what the Universe is capable of if we only listen.
Tani is sharing her story with you, yes all the details, to inspire you to start paying attention to the signs around you. She's sharing the power of intuition and her must-have tip for manifesting what you desire. It's such a fun conversation and I can't wait for you to dive in.
Things we talk about in this episode:
Tani's incredible story of following her own intuition and the role it played in her life and business.
Tips on manifesting and the single piece most individuals miss when it comes to manifesting their desires.
How to start paying attention to the signs around you, in order to lead a high-vibrational and joyful life.
Why massive inspired action is so important
TANI MORGAN
Tani Morgan is a Spiritual Business Coach, an energy healer and yoga teacher. Tani stands out as an entrepreneur through her ability to use her intuition, share her spiritual gifts, and trust the universe for support. However, she hasn’t always lived an empowered life that she chose and created. Tani used the power of her mind to overcome a deep depression and shows that it is absolutely possible to shift from the depths of despair to a soul-led, love-filled life of happiness and success!
As an intuitive energy worker and empowerment expert, Tani supports women feeling called to step up as lightworkers but who are being held back by fears and doubts. She helps them to release past traumas, transcend limiting beliefs and create a high vibration that results in the confidence and empowerment that they need to be successful. Through private coaching and group programs, she has transformed the lives and businesses of women by guiding them to live their purpose, own their spiritual gifts and build businesses that make a positive impact in the world.
Tani’s story demonstrates that universal guidance is all around us all the time and when we can recognize and follow it, then abundance, success and happiness follows!
CONNECT WITH TANI
Website: https://www.tanimorgan.com/
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1091892890842827/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TaniMorganMentoring/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tani_morgan/
Important Links Mentioned in This Episode
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
CONNECT WITH ME
Web: brandmerry.com
Instagram: @brandmerrycoaching
Facebook: @brandmerrycoaching
Biz Group: Authentic Brand Builders
LOVE THE FREE TO BE PODCAST?
I kinda secretly hoped you'd say yes! I love you right back lady and I'm so honored you tune in every week for massive inspiration. I've got a favor to ask. Would you be so kind as to leave a review of the podcast on iTunes (if you haven't already)? It means so much to me to read your reviews + it allows more people to get their hands on the amazing interviews and content. Let's spread the love, shall we? REVIEW ON ITUNES ↠
Podcast Featured Review of the Week
You NEED this podcast! by finding your momtra
“Female entrepreneurs - look no further. I honestly can never get enough of Michelle’s wisdom and sincerity. It’s unbelievable the amount of valuable content she churns out for FREE. My vision and message for my business have transformed thanks to Michelle and her guidance (via her site, freebies, webinars, etc and now THIS!) I can’t wait to dive into more episodes as they come out. Thanks for showing up, Michelle!!”
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3 Fundamentals of a Profitable and Successful Online Business
3 Fundamentals of a Profitable and Successful Online Business
9/20/18
I was recently in Paris for a week for a mastermind experience, so today I wanted to share some of my top takeaways from the experience. I want you all to be able to use these important pieces of information as well so you can scale your business and grow your influence.
I’ve made it super easy for you to consume these powerful three steps by either reading through them below or watching the live stream below (hint: I give away way more detail in the video #justsayin).
1. Importance of Forward-Thinking
It’s time to stop planning for just the day or week ahead and start focusing on the big picture. I know that sometimes it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the small steps or wonder if they are working. Trust me they are. Those small steps lead us to the big picture and it’s all part of the process.
To make the small steps easier, you need to make sure you’re really clear on what your big picture vision for your brand and business looks like. It’s important to test the waters and tweak what isn’t working, again focusing on the big picture.
With everyone doing the same thing, how can you think ahead?
How can you try something not many people are doing just yet and go outside the norm?
These are questions you need to be thinking about on a regular basis to keep moving your business forward and no longer playing small.
2. It’s About Creating More Than a Business
When coaches, mentors, consultants, etc… all sound the same it’s SO important to be different.
What is your IT factor?
What is your audience coming to you for advice on?
How are you going to stand out?
Decide if this is your end or your beginning? For many of you I hope this is your beginning, that you’re using this business to continue to grow into something BIGGER. If so, then start making strides forward and doing things that move you towards the end result; this includes having a strong personal brand to support the evolution and growth.
It’s important to create a brand around you, so it can grow and evolve as your business does, while also creating a complete experience for your audience. Your audience is human and so are you, it’s time to start focusing on all the layers that make up your brand, rather than just what you’re selling.
3. You Need Community
You can’t do it alone and you need other women to help you fill your cup. It’s important to be part of a group program or a mastermind if it’s available to you to inspire and collaborate together on ideas. I absolutely loved my mastermind group and all of the women completely inspired me to do bigger and better things this year.
My favorite thing about having a community of like-minded women is to candidly talk about life and business and be honest. Accountability is huge. You have it from a mentor yes, but having it from a colleague is HUGE.
And to top it off, having a community to lean on and going to events is just freaking FUN!!!! I had so much fun in Paris, but one thing it made me realize was how I always wanted to do this myself. I have always wanted to bring together a group of women to do this with, so that’s what I’m doing.
If having a community, accountability, FUN and mentorship from me sounds like something you would love, I encourage you to reach out.
If you’re not ready for a high level mastermind just yet, Roadmap to Freedom will be opening soon, and you can get on the waitlist now to be notified when that happens. Learn more >>
Head over to my Facebook Page and be sure to like and comment on the video while you are over there to help more people see this information ↠ https://www.facebook.com/brandmerrycoaching/videos/310512049504029/
And as always please share and comment on this blog post, I love connecting with you!
EPISODE 03 | The Power of Story and Public Relations
The Power of Story and Public Relations
Free to Be Podcast | Episode 03
In our first official interview on the Free To Be Podcast I’m excited to share the amazing capsule of knowledge that is Monica Woodhams. Monica is not only a friend, amazing female entrepreneur with years of experience but my own brand publicist.
Monica and I share a deep love for Public Relations (PR) and the power it has to connect people and catapult your message into the spotlight. In today’s episode, we are diving deep into the differences between PR and social media, how to get started sharing your story and what Monica’s journey into entrepreneurship looked like.
She’s ending the episode with a Golden Nugget of inspiration for you and a personal challenge. Trust me this advice will save you years of wondering, living in fear and completely change the way you go after your dreams.
I’m sharing a little life update on my trip to Paris and Iceland and some exciting news on how we can work together to create your life of freedom.
Things we talk about in this episode:
The difference between PR and social media.
The importance of story when it comes to connecting with your audience and getting featured.
What to pitch, even if you're just starting out and have no idea.
The importance of a great pitch and Monica's tips for making it your own.
Monica Woodhams
Monica Woodhams is a publicist and founder of Confessions Media, an agency specializing in strategic lifestyle public relations and podcast management. She's also the host of the Influencer Girl Lifestyle Podcast where she interviews influencers, celebrities and 7-figure business owners with global brands.
As a publicist for entrepreneurs and influencers, her clients are able to increase their visibility so that they are known as the leading experts in their industry.
Monica believes that when lifestyle and branding come together, the stories that her clients tell through podcasting, social media, and publications resonate deeper with their audiences.
CONNECT WITH MONICA
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/therootedbizbabe/
Insta:http://instagram.com/monicawoodhams
Important Links Mentioned in This Episode
Join Your Brand New Adventure in September to Save 70% off + $100 of every purchase benefits The CJ’s Journey Foundation
My must-have skin care when traveling: Lola Jane Naturals
CONNECT WITH ME
Web: brandmerry.com
Instagram: @brandmerrycoaching
Facebook: @brandmerrycoaching
Biz Group: Authentic Brand Builders
LOVE THE FREE TO BE PODCAST?
I kinda secretly hoped you'd say yes! I love you right back lady and I'm so honored you tune in every week for massive inspiration. I've got a favor to ask. Would you be so kind as to leave a review of the podcast on iTunes (if you haven't already)? It means so much to me to read your reviews + it allows more people to get their hands on the amazing interviews and content. Let's spread the love, shall we? REVIEW ON ITUNES ↠
Listen to More
How to Easily Create Content that Sells for Your Brand
How to easily create content that sells for your brand
09/13/18
Creating content that leads to instant audience connection and more sales in your business can feel overwhelming, scary and hard. I get it lady. Before I implemented what I like to call “my secret weapon” for creating seamless content creation, I was also feeling completely burnt out when it came to creating content. Today I’m sharing with you 4 tips to ditching that overwhelm and creating content with ease.
1. Write when you feel inspired
I know for me, sudden bursts of inspiration come out of nowhere. When that happens, it’s so important you write it down or take a voice memo on your phone of the thoughts you are having. How many times have you had an idea, waited until you were ready to write a post and then completely forgot the amazingness that you came up with earlier? I don’t want that to happen to you, so when you feel inspired to write a post or have an idea for content, take a minute to get your thoughts out on paper or in a voice memo and then go back to what you’re doing. Then, each week have a time blocked out for creating content and go back through your notes and voice recordings so you can feel re-inspired and ready to write!
2. Create Brand Containers
I love brand containers! They have helped me tremendously when it comes to creating content for my brand. They’re basically a way to group and organize your content into the different facets of your brand.
If you want to identify and create your own brand containers with me, I’m hosting a free workshop where you’ll walk away with 5 brand containers you can start using right away to build momentum, reliability and buzz around your brand and business. I’ve hosted this virtual workshop before, and it’s always so fun to see everyone excited about creating content! Sign up here >>
3. Get Organized
Organize your content into an easy to use content calendar, so you know what your focus is depending on the week, month, quarter - even year. This allows you to plan your content around course launches, promotions, features and more!
4. Recycle, Repurpose and Reuse
You don’t have to take a one and done approach to content. Content can easily be recycled, repurposed and reused. This is super helpful because you don’t always have to be reinventing the wheel when it comes to your content. Plus, those pesky algorithms make it almost a requirement to recycle your content if you want the majority of your followers to actually see it!
Recycle
I love to use SmarterQueue* to recycle my blog posts, Youtube videos, Podcasts and more so that content is always going out and my Facebook Business Page basically runs on automate!
Repurpose
Go live on your Facebook page? Turn it into a blog post. Write a blog post? Break it down into smaller social media posts. There are so many ways you can repurpose content. One content piece can be showcased in different ways across multiple platforms to benefit as many people as possible.
Reuse
Look back at posts from awhile ago and reuse the posts that performed really well. No one is going to notice if you posted that same exact thing 8 months ago - and if they do, they must really like your stuff, so they won’t care to see it again!
Don’t forget to sign up for my free workshop
How to Create Seamless Content Creation That Leads to Instant Audience Connection and More Sales >>
And as always please share and comment on this blog post, I love connecting with you!
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