Pack 'Em In - Caribbean Getaway

I'd like to first admit that I'm the world's worst packer. I usually bring 7 different outfits options for a weekend trip one state away. And don't even get me started on the shoes! I'm an indecisive person..scratch that, an extremely indecisive person, so packing is one of the worst tasks I can attempt. I try to do the old, 'plan what you'll wear for each day' but what if that day comes and I don't feel like wearing that....see my problem?

Next week I will be happily on my way to the airport to fly to St. Thomas..one of my bucket list destinations (yay!). My boyfriend and I decided we wanted to do everything very relaxed, with no plans- just island hop, beach, and snorkel every day for 6 days. On that same note, we wanted to keep our luggage light...I was so on board with this when we first discussed it..now I'm getting nervous. So to properly plan and prep for our trip, I am already planning out the ideal pieces I'd want to wear. From the plane, to the hikes, to dinner dates, to the salty goodness of the ocean, here are a few items I'm definitely bringing (all in a carry on, I might add).

Mikoh bikini top | Athleta joggers| Billabong dress | Free People top | Blank NYC cutoffs

Now keep in mind..we will honestly spend everyday on a beach and in the ocean. USVI and BVI are very casual at all times of the day. There are a handful of restaurants that maybe don't allow flip flops and require men to wear long pants during dinner, but most locals say they consistently wear shorts. The constant relaxed vibe made planning what outfits I will bring that much easier.

Packing List:

7 bikinis... you know I'm obsessed

1 pair of light weight pants

2 maxi dresses
1 mini shift dress
1 maxi skirt
4 tank tops
2 short sleeve shirts
1 chambray button up
1 hoodie
2 cover up shorts
2 cutoff shorts
1 pair of flip flops
1 pair of nicer sandals
1 pair of Nike sneakers (light weight)

ACCESSORIES: GoPro, Victoria Secret Pink Backpack (doubles as my second carry on and beach bag), small cross over purse (for when we do go out to dinner or walk around towns), sunglasses (be sure to bring your case!), sarong, hat, headphones, iPod, passport, minimal makeup, travel toiletries 

Around the World in a Day

Last week I talked about my trip to Florida and visiting Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Lucky for you, today, I'll be going over my day at Epcot!

It's a pretty neat thing to say you visited 11 countries all over the world in a span of 14 or so hours...even if you weren't really in the country. The amazing thing about Disney is that the Imagineers do the absolute best job of any theme park in the world at making you feel like you are really in a specific place. Whether it be Italy in Epcot, Belle's town in Magic Kingdom, or on an African safari in Animal Kingdom, you truly feel like you aren't in Kansas anymore...or Orlando...whatever, you get the metaphor.

This year was the first time I attempted to 'drink around the world' with my boyfriend and cousin. We did all of the regular rides first and then wandered our way to the World Showcase, starting at Mexico with, of course, a Margarita! My fave. Next some champagne, wine, and a Grey Goose Citron Lemonade Slush in France...France had a lot to offer and you can't just choose one! We ate lunch in Japan and I took a sip of Steve's cold Saki and that was enough for me...but that counts as a country, right? Other notable drinks and locations included beer and Strongbow at a 'pub' in England, wine, wine, and some more wine in Italy, and beer from the 'Biergarten' in Germany [along with 2 giant soft pretzels].  I will admit we skipped Canada and United States for obvious reasons...same old everyday drinks you're used to having. So if you're dragged to Disney and you really don't want to be there, (which is weird in the first place because you should love being there), I'd suggest wandering over to the countries and testing out all the drinks! If your family asks where you've been, you were waiting on the Mission Space line for 3 hours...or you got lost. Your call.

Magic(al) Kingdom

A little less than a month ago, I was able to go to Florida for a few days. My cousins live in Orlando so we always get to do all the fun things there (aka Disney World) when we visit! We planned this trip around the Green Bay Packers schedule so we could drive to Tampa to watch them play and then we could play in Disney for a couple days! We flew in Friday, and started our whirlwind trip on Saturday at Magic Kingdom...which is seriously the happiest and most magical place on earth. 

I've never been to Disney during Christmas time, so this was my first time witnessing the park be as crazy packed as it was. On the plus side, I love Christmas and it was so beautiful to see all the decorations, and enjoy all the of the rides that redecorated/re-themed just for Christmas! The Frozen themed light and firework show in front of Cinderella's castle was the cherry on top of a magical day! I could honestly go on and on about every detail of the day, our packed 'itinerary', what to do, what to see, what to eat, etc. but I would probably be able to write a novel...so I won't. I will say a few things: 1. Wait in line to eat at the 'Be Our Guest Restaurant' for lunch and if you plan properly (at least 8 months in advance) make reservations for dinner! 2. Take lotsss of pictures! But that should be a given for anywhere you go :) 3. It can get stressful, people can be pushy, and the heat can get to ya, but just remember the amazing, magical place you are in and enjoy every bit of it!

Here are some highlights from Magic Kingdom!

Sunbathing in December

I took an obligatory palm tree picture on a beautiful, hot, sunny, winter day while visiting Florida last week. I decided to document how it made me feel and this was the result.

Presenting: How I feel while sunbathing in December.

TBT

 

I'm one of those people who literally cannot believe how fast time goes. Every birthday, I can't believe I'm already 'that age'. I mean, I still feel like I should be riding in my neighbors Barbie jeep. I do however, love every experience I've been fortunate to have during my time growing up. One of those times is when I lived in Australia for 6 months while studying abroad. Australia was everything. Just like Mary-Kate and Ashley made me believe it would be (of course I'm referring to 'Our Lips Are Sealed'..duh).

I have sooo many pictures that make me fall in love with that land over and over again. I miss it dearly but I am happy Instagram and the Internet made Throwback Thursday a popular day so I can share my nostalgic thoughts with you.