You and your girlfriends probably have your fair share of crazy stories. Those nutty times are what create your friendship history. They’re what you laugh about over glasses of wine. They’re what remind you that you haven’t always been a mature adult. They serve as a gentle nudge you that you’re human and interesting. One of those stories for me happened during one of our first girl trips in Las Vegas. My friends and I were in a hot air balloon crash. I could try to relive the experience for you, but instead I’ll direct you to Travelated.com, which recently ran a story on our high flying experience. I thought writer Rachael did a great job– she had me laughing about the unforgettable (and somewhat unbelievable!) experience all over again.

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Welcome to 2012! Plenty of people resolve to drop ten pounds, drink more water or take up a new skill. Those are great goals for your personal health and well being, but so is resolving to stay in touch with long distance friends. Did one of your pals move away in 2011? Perhaps a job took them to another state or maybe they decided to study painting in Paris. Don’t let the distance destroy your friendship. Resolve to be a better friend in 2012.

One way to do that is by starting a traveling journal. We promise if you start this tradition in 2012 when you’re toasting the arrival of 2017 or 2022 you’ll be so glad you did! You’ll be creating a handwritten memoir of your friendship– something you will forever cherish.

Experts say that the key to achieving those New Year’s resolutions is to put simple steps behind them. Rather than vaguely promising to be a better friend create an action step of starting a traveling journal. Grab a Fernanda or a Jessica Journal, pick out some fabulous accessories, and by the end of the year you’ll be looking back at all you’ve accomplished. You’ll have a journal that’s well on its way to becoming a treasured heirloom and you’ll have a dear friendship. And few things in life are worth more than that.

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