Into The Blue - Virgin Islands

The Virgin Islands (US and British) were unbelievably breathtaking. We woke up every morning to the most amazing views of St. Thomas from our room's balcony at Point Pleasant Resort. Swam in water everyday that felt like you were living in the water of a screen saver. Sipped rum punch, pain killers, and bushwackers daily. Basked in the rays of the beautiful sun. And even swam in torrential down pours that somehow still made the beaches and water perfectly beautiful. 

I can't wait to go back.

Acacia swim white bikini | Mikoh swim pink bikini

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 

Beach Essentials - Beauty Edition

I throw random things into my beach bag. A book I'll 'read', my headphones and iPod I wind up using instead of the book, a magazine I again 'read' but really just scan the pictures, and all of the following essentials. They're technically considered 'beauty' products but to me they're just necessary items...especially all the spf. So go on and get your beach bag ready for these babies!

1. Leave in Conditioner - Salty, wavy hair is definitely a trend but it can wreak havoc on your hair, especially when sitting in the sun for hours. I've used Aussie leave in conditioner for years and have also been using It's a 10. (LOVE them both) Gets the knots out in a cinch and moisturizes my hair without leaving it feeling oily or weighed down. Quick rinse in the beach shower after a dip in the ocean, a few spritz, and run a wide tooth comb through your hair. Silky, smooth, happy hair.

2. Say Yes to Cucumbers face wipes - I've tried lots of makeup wipes and these are by far my favorite. I use them after a night out to remove a full face of makeup but I also use them after the gym or a workout to get the sweat and dirt off my face. They leave my face fresh and actually clean feeling, while other wipes left my skin with the feeling of an oily film on my face or sticky. My go to when wanting to wipe sweat away from a hot, humid beach day.

3. Face sunscreen - It's important to treat your face extra special, even in the sun. Body sunscreen is heavy and isn't always meant (or good) for your face. Use specific face sunscreen instead. I usually put 50 on my nose and 30 on the rest of my face - don't forget your lips!

4. Waterproof mascara - I'm not one for wearing make-up at the beach. Whatsoever. I honestly don't get the point. You're sweating in the hot, hot sun and swimming in salty goodness. So this isn't really an essential for me, but if you MUST...waterproof mascara is liquid gold. 

5. Body sunscreen - I tan easily but I still use sunscreen. I usually use 15 or 30 but I like the spray oil form to still give my skin an extra little somethin'! If you don't tan easily, don't think laying in the sun more often with less sunscreen will change that. Use sunscreen at all times, simple as that.

6. Water (lots of it) - while the saltwater can be great for your skin, the combo of sun and salt can be extremely dehydrating for you and your skin. Be sure to stay hydrated with lots of water. Reusable water bottles are your (and the environment's) best friend in this case -- side note, have you seen this crazy pocket-sized water bottle?? 

DIY Glitter Champagne Bottles

One of my best friends is getting married in August (eek!) and this weekend we are celebrating in the Hamtpons for her bachelorette party. Woo! I found some pinspiration to jazz up champagne bottles and I thought to myself, "I'm obviously bringing champagne, so why not cover up the ever so fancy André and Korbel labels with a little glitter?"

This was definitely a simple DIY and didn't end up a Pinterest fail- score! Check out the steps and tips below!

*Here's what you'll need:

• Spray adhesive
• Glitter
• Bottles
• Old cardboard box

(Seriously, that's it.)

I picked up the spray glue and glitter from Michaels. These items can easily be bought at any craft store and I know that hardware stores also carry the spray glue. The bottle can be any kind...wine, champagne, big, mini, etc. It's up to you! 

Step 1:

There are usually a few labels on bottles. One around the neck at the bottom of the foil, and one or two on the main part of the bottle. I peeled some of the labeling off of the main part, but left most of it on. I made sure all of the label around the neck came off (the neck label comes off a lot easier than the main part). I then wiped it down with a damp paper towel and then dried it, making sure it was completely dry.

TIP: I sprayed and glitterized all of mine in a matter of 30 minutes or less. If you have more time, I suggest taking all of the labeling off and just leaving the foil wrap on the top. The easiest way to get labels off is to soak in warm water and use dish soap with some wet paper towels. I didn't want to risk getting soapy residue on the bottle and not having the glue stick. Again, if you have a whole day for it to be properly cleaned and dried, you can definitely take all of the labeling off, and start the glue/glitter process (step 2) the following day or two.

Step 2:

Spray entire bottle with glue. This is where you will utilize that cardboard box. I spray the bottle while holding it inside so it wouldn't get on anything else (I also did this outside). 

TIP: Instead of constantly holding down the spray nozzle and turning the bottle (this will cause bubbles as I found out), spray in swipes. Hold down nozzle, spray up and down once, then stop. Repeat over entire bottle using this same motion.

Step 3:

Sprinkle glitter (and lots of it) over bottle. I used fine glitter but you can use a mixture of big glitter and even a different color on the bottom to give an ombré effect. I did 4 bottles and used 1 and a half containers of the glitter-- I loaded the glitter on and didn't try to use it sparingly at all...oops.

TIP: When it is tacky or dry, you can go over with glue again to cover any bare spots or make the glitter more intense. 

Step 4:

Let dry and voilà! You're dunzo!

SUP Yoga

Stand up paddle board yoga -- Yoga. On the ocean. What could be better?

Thanks Endless SUP Company for introducing me to this rad form of yoga.

Stockton Lake - Manasquan, NJ

Seashells & Anchors

seashells and anchors make for one rad combo

inquire for other custom designs

Top 5 Beauty Secret Weapons

I've found that when searching for new products - whether it be makeup, hair care, or skin care - there are always the same 10-15 items that are mentioned everywhere. Maybe it's because they really are that good..or maybe it's actually because they've got a great public relations team. Whatever the case, I find it to be frustrating. I realized that I have a lot of favorites in my makeup bag or products I use in my daily/nightly routine that I NEVER hear beauty gurus, bloggers, and youtubers talk about. So how is the regular, everyday person, who just wants to find something new or better than their current products, ever going to get true advise? I decided, I'd help get my favorites out there! I refer to them as my 'secret weapons' because again, I rarely see any talk about it...

...so here they are!

Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Dark Circle Eye Roller in light/medium. I started using this about a half a year ago and it's still going strong! I use it almost everyday as just a quick under eye brightener - helps brighten without looking like I'm really wearing makeup - score! The roller has a cooling affect to also combat puffy eyes and it feels so refreshing first thing in the morning, puffy eyes or not. I got mine at Ulta but you can get them at Target, Walmart, and any drugstore.

Dior Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum. Let's face it. Some eyelashes need an extra little push...mine especially. Curling and using mascara just doesn't cut it when I really want to amp up my eyelashes without falsies. This stuff is my holy grail. It's considered a serum, but I have honestly never put it on over night to act as a serum...I simply use it as my primer. Curl, prime, mascara and voila! Perfectly curled, 'volumized', long lashes.

Clinique High Impact Mascara. I've tried A TON of mascaras in my life. Free sample sizes are my favorite so I can try them out without having to shell out money on mascaras that claim to be amazing but don't really work. This stuff works. I use this in combination with my Dior primer and it's like a match made in heaven.

Burt's bees lip balm. Plain and simple. I've tried a bunch of others including the ever popular eos egg lipbalm and I hate it...it actually makes my lips peel every time I use it. Burts bees is my tried and true, go to chap stick, forever and always.

Dove Soap. Yes, seriously. Why do we feel the need to spend so much money on 'high end' soap for our body and face?? Dove is proven to be clean and natural, leaving no residue behind. Trust me, I've gotten so many soaps from dermatologists that cost a fortune, and Dove is better. I use it every morning and night. At night after the gym, I will sometimes follow up my dove soap with Neutrogena Grapefruit Cleanser (which I will admit is a favorite of mine). Once or twice a week I will exfoliate with Delecor Life Radiance. 

I of course have several other products I use and love but these are some hidden gems. Have any secret weapons you'd like to share? Let me know!