QuEeNMeRaNdA

It was today, 8 years ago, I found out my Nanny had passed away last night. I was angry for a long time. However, today, I'm 💔. Finding people who genuinely love you isn't something encountered nearly enough in life. The type of love that their ❤ hurts because they haven't seen you and if you were hurt or sick, they'd move mountains to get to you. Selfless, all encompassing, untarnished love that never gives up - the kind you take beyond the grave. I don't have video or a voicemail saved but there's 1 phrase I can still hear in my head, "I love you SO much." She may not be able to answer my calls but she's still here through the country music on my playlist, homemade 🍩 I make, and my internal need to wear shorts. Until we meet again, here 💕 you'll be.

At first glance, this may resemble an African watering hole. However, this beautiful stretch of land is actually a #wildliferefuge that used to be a town. Over 70 years ago, #Hagerman was a fully functioning home for many in North TX. Ultimately, people needed water so Denison Dam was built and citizens were relocated so the area would become a lake for the dam. So, for the price of a short drive, you can visit #nature and#trail through its habitat. The refuge is in Sherman but staying in next door Denison puts you next to restaurants, $70/night hotel rooms, and the birthplace of Eisenhower for extra things to 👀. (at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge)

Sound on 🔊 to hear a unique outdoor experience. 🐺🐶 What started out as capturing the fading, (city lights like) glow of a #campfire evolved into a howling opportunity. This went on for several minutes! Nothing I'd catch back home. 🌇 (at Heartpine Hollow Cabins)

Ever since I moved to Texas, and started making long hauls from Georgia, I've wanted to stop at the Mississippi River. All these years later, here I am. I have driven across this bridge so many times, it's nice to stop and take it in. That 🇺🇸 in the middle is state line between Mississippi and Louisiana. 🌉🌅🚗 (at Vicksburg Bridge)

High def views as I ride through this state on my way to Georgia and enjoy sunset over Alabama. 😎 I may have a broken leg but that hasn't stopped me from traveling cross country to squash the guilt from my mom for not being home during the holidays, regardless. (at Logan Martin Lake)

Come to #McCurtainCounty and enjoy a budget friendly getaway! Pick up delish warm food daily from any number of restaurants or even the $5 special at Pruitt's Market and have a picnic by the water at Beavers Bend State Park for free. Whether it's fast food or fine dining, you'll get a 5 🌟 view when you take it to go here. 😋🍴 (at Beavers Bend State Park)

One of the places I have to bring everyone who visits me is the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens. They are open all year and have plenty of trail to explore amongst the immaculate grounds. Not only is it close by to attractions in the Cultural District, it's FREE! For more free things to do in this city, check queenmeranda.com. 😎🌹 (at Fort Worth Botanical Gardens)

My Instagram #2017bestnine brings all the feels. Reminisce with me. L - R: 🚶 to Viðey Island, overlooking the ocean in Reykjavik, Stretching at Lake Arlington, taking in the city at Omni Dallas, going underground at Carlsbad Caverns, enjoying seclusion in McCurtain County, 🚶 streets of Amsterdam, ✈ over Greenland, and sunset at Hallgrímskirkja. Oh, what shenanigans will I get into for 2018? 😎

Traveling abroad doesn't have to be expensive. It pays to plan ahead and keep a watchful eye on flights and options that could save you serious 💰. This flight from Boston to Reykjavik was $250 on @wowair. Watched over a month of fluctuations before buying the ticket 3 weeks in advance. Had I flown direct from Dallas, the flight would have been over $800. It cost $181 to get to Boston. $431/RT 📍Dallas ✈ 📍Boston ✈ 📍Reykjavik. For more #travelhacks, check out queenmeranda com. (at Reykjavík, Iceland)

It's nice to have round the ⏰ care. ❤😻

The best way to see an attraction is going off peak season. I paid $4 see Turner Falls but during peak it would be $14. From exploring caves to #discovering a castle, there's plenty to 👀. You can even take a zipline from the first photo over the #waterfall. 📍📷🎒🚠 (at Turner Falls)

One of my favorite things about Boston was the #freedomtrail, which was free! I bought a $2 map to follow but it's not necessary. It takes you past several historical sites across the city, such as the State House here. Walking trail surrounded by a unique mix of modern and antique. America's roots. For more free things to do around the Boston area, check out queenmeranda.com. ❤✈ (at Massachusetts State House)

Sir Thomas got his official photo with #Santa! 🎅 Meowy Christmas! 🎄🎁 (at PetSmart)

Sir Thomas got his official photo with Santa! 🎅 Meowy Christmas! 🎄🎁 (at PetSmart)

The cabin I stayed at in #McCurtainCounty was the great #escape. Heartpine Hollow has a variety of options, such as Lil Bear featured here, starting at $99/night. Full kitchen, plush living room with fireplace, loft with pull out bed and DVDs, queen bed with door to patio and hot tub, picnic table, grill, firepit, across the street from Ouachita National Forest and Beavers Bend State Park, 10 minutes from reception, #nowifi, and complete with sounds of nature. I will be back! 💖🍁🍂🍃 (at Heartpine Hollow Cabins)

Hello from #FortWorth! I'll be live on this spot for fireworks and fun this #NYE starting at 11:55pm CST! Wherever you are in the 🌎, tune in here to see how Texas kicks off the first. See you then! 👑🎇🕛 (at Sundance Square)

A whole nature trail 🚶to myself? Yes, please. 😃 maybe we could all use some #inthewoods time every now and then. I could use it more often than not. 😎🍁🍂🍃 (at Broken Bow Vacation Cabins)