Showing posts with label packing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label packing. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Mini-Trip Packing Essentials

 
Hello all!
 
 I can't believe the Fourth of July is this weekend and we are over halfway done with this year, I mean summer can slow down! Since it is the 4th, I would be guessing many of you are on your way somewhere fun, after all we are approaching one of the biggest travel weekends of the year. I may not be heading anywhere but that doesn't mean I can't help you pack!
 
I travel frequently on weekends and lots of people ask what I pack since I only and always take a carry-on, I find it much easier to take on a plane or throw in the car plus it forces me not to overpack for a 2-3 day trip. Here are a few of my tips and picks!
 
1. Choose the Right Carry-On
 
Obviously this is an important one, it is crucial to pick a carry-on that has enough room plus can fit in the overhead bins. I have and love the classic feel of this Diane von Furstenberg spinner suitcase (it is on sale plus an additional 15% off with the code 'FOURTH' right now) and I also love this Vera Bradley rolling luggage, I got one of these in a different print a couple of years ago and it has been great! It can even expand via zippers if you come home with a few too many souvenirs. 
 
Take a rolling/spinning carry-on! Duffle bags hardly can carry the essentials plus it can be heavy on your shoulders. A roller is also much easier to navigate in an airport especially if you are changing planes or have a long distance to walk between flights.
 
2. Choosing Your Clothing Options
 
Ok, so now you have your carry-on and it's time to fill it! First off, my go-to for any trip are easy dresses. They take up less room since it's just one article of clothing. Now this also depends on where you are going and what time of the year, thankfully dresses are in style year round. My all time favorite travel dress is this off the shoulder number, I own it in black and wear it almost every time I fly! I also really like dresses from Show Me Your MuMu, the best part? They NEVER wrinkle! I love this one (so tropical), this one (fun print) and this one (the colors!). Choose basics like jeans (I love a good skinny jean) paired with a basic tee and a statement necklace or lightweight scarf always looks good together and can easily go from plane to sightseeing. I am also a big fan of the t-shirt dress.
 
3. Shoes, Shoes, Shoes
 
Now depending on where you are going, shoes can make or break the trip. Don't believe me? Think of going out to a theme park in Orlando or taking a walking tour of Chicago and you have 5 inch stilettos on. Will they look cute? Yes. Will your feet hurt? Definitely. Nothing can bring a trip down faster than complaining and it becomes extra annoying when people complain about blisters and uncomfortable shoes. This is where you can be a pro! Do not wear shoes you have never worn before to do tons of walking. It will most likely not end well. I should know.
 
Instead break out tried and true flip-flops (I swear by Havianas) but be careful and make sure they are comfortable enough to walk the distances you are covering. I also really love wearing my classic Converse sneakers. Oh and wearing a dress with converse or converse type (under $20) sneakers? Totally in style! I wore this look in New York and San Diego and fit right in. Cute and comfy!
 
If you are planning to go out to a nice restaurant, show, dancing, etc. then I would recommend taking a pair of flirty shoes, maybe your favorite heels if you have some!
 
4. Bring a Hat!
 
I am a crazy hat lady. I love hats and always take at least one with me on every trip. Why do I love them? The can cover up a bad hair day (or if you don't have the time to wash your hair) and in hot and humid (or rainy) climates they are a downright lifesaver. Hats can also make even the basic of outfits more chic and fashionable plus if you don't have a ton of room left in your carry-on for hair products, this is a must! This basic black fedora is a great piece for anytime of the year, I also love this straw fedora perfect for summer and this Extra-Wide Floppy Hat would be fantastic on the beach! I would also wear this hat on and off the plane!
 
5. Make-Up, Skincare, Bags and Hair
 
When it comes to packing make-up and skin care be sure all products meet the TSA regulations and to always pack liquids such as mouthwash and shampoo (buy the minis!) in a clear container! With make-up, only pack what you need meaning the essentials like you can find in this post here! Also, another good tip is to pack a large purse such as this fun Mar Y Sol bag (it's like having an extra carry-on!) and a crossbody is always good to tuck into your larger bag for you to carry around once you reach your final destination!
 
I hope you guys enjoyed my tips! Now go travel!
 
 
 xoxo,
 
 

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Disneyland Half Packing List




Hello all! Hope everyone is having a lovely hump day! I'm super jealous that many of my running followers are getting ready to head out to sunny California tomorrow for the Disneyland Half-Marathon weekend! I will be boarding my flight Friday evening so I will have to live vicariously through Instagram posts of many of you until I arrive.

The hours are ticking down and I'm sure lots of you have been packed for a week. Some of you have been staring at an empty suitcase for a few days now and your flight leaves in 3 hours. Do not panic I am here to help! 

Packing for a "racecation" can be somewhat difficult even more so than just a regular vacation. Remember to take ALL running items you may need. If you get to Anaheim without running shoes...you either make a dash to the gift shop to buy some Mickey shoes or hope the expo has something in your size. Otherwise you are out of luck. Here are a few ideas on what to bring and reminders for the weekend!

Race Packing List

1. Running Shoes

This one is crucial, if you do not have your shoes it will be very difficult to run! The good thing is if you happen to forget your shoes then you can visit the Expo on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. I happened to take the wrong pair over the WDW Marathon weekend (they were both pink!) and I was fortunate to find a pair at the 11th hour at the expo. I would not advise running in new shoes but if this does occur, try to wear them as much as possible to break them in before the big race.

Check out the New Balance Donald Shoe at the Expo!
                                                          
                                               Thursday, September 3, 2015 - 10:00 AM - 8:00PM
                                               Friday, September 4, 2015 - 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
                                               Saturday, September 5, 2015 - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
                                               Location: Disneyland® Hotel Exhibit Hall

2. Costume 

So, you've work hard on your costume (I can't wait to see!) make sure no pieces get lost or fall out by using a large zip lock bag to place all your costume materials in! Running multiple races? Pack each costume in an individual bag!
 
3. Compression Running shorts 

Another important one ladies! If you are running in a fabulous Sparkle Athletic skirt (which I know you are) or any costume that does not have built in shorts, DO NOT FORGET YOUR OWN ATHLETIC SHORTS OR CAPRIS to wear under the skirt/and or costume. I love this option from Target. I wear them all the time and they are comfortable and don't ride up.


C9 Champion® Women's Compression Short Limo Black M

 
4. Watch

If you run with a GPS watch be sure to pack it plus its charger!
 
5. iPod

I prefer not to run with an iPod at Disney races (there is so much going on!) but if you can't run without it then don't forget it.

6. Carry-On

For race weekends, I like taking a carry on. The trip is usually only 2-3 days and I feel much better knowing all my running supplies are with me. Plus, no waiting at baggage claim!


Rockland Luggage, 19-in. Expandable Spinner Carry-On
Leopard Print Carry On (under $100)

7. Socks

Another no brainer but this another item that is easily forgettable in the midst of packing. Protect your feet!

8.  Body Glide

This stuff is amazing for anyone, guys and girls. If you want any type of anti-chafe for any part of your body this is for you. They also sell this product at the expo.

9. Running Belt

If you run with a hydration belt, running belt or FlipBelt don't forget to stick it with your stash.
FlipBelt
Add caption
 

10. Waivers

Yes, they have printing machines at the expo but it is so much easier to print your waivers off here now!
 
11. Sunglasses 

It's going to get sunny during the half so be sure to have your shades ready.

12. Phone Charger

You are going to be taking pics with characters, jumping in front of the castle, Instagramming, Facebook posts, tweeting, texting throughout your 3.1, 6.2, and/or 13.1 adventure so be sure to have your phone charged up! This is a nightmare scenario for most since all of our information from reservations to flight numbers are on our phones. DO NOT FORGET THE CHARGER!

If you are flying...

Boarding Pass
-offered online now and can be kept on phone. I like to still have a paper copy in case my phone dies during the layover or something malfunctions.

Magazines/Books
-Some of you may only have an hour or so to get to the Golden State...others of us have a longer journey. Pack reading materials, the flight can get boring.

Tablet/Laptop
-A lot of you may be flying on a larger plane and have your own screen in front of your seat. Others have the shared screen and some may have no screen. It all depends on your plane and airline. Take your tablet and watch movies via iTunes rentals or take your favorite flick and watch on your laptop. If you are a nervous flyer (like I can be) this takes your mind off things and lets you relax during the trip.

 Comfy Clothes and Sandals
-I like to stick to loose dresses on the flight to a race then I normally wear Nike shorts and a tank/tee on the flight home. I also prefer wearing sandals since you have to remove them for security purposes at the airport plus you want to be comfortable on the plane!

One last thing...

Don't forget your mouse ears! I am completely obsessed with this adorable Etsy shop and the owner's ears, Ears By Design. Warning the ears sell out SUPER FAST so you have to have speedy twitter fingers or shall I say Instagram fingers (@earsbydesign) when she posts that new ears are available. They are literally gone in minutes. I love my Inside/Out pair!


Now go pack and HAVE FUN! You are going to the happiest place on earth!

See ya real soon!

Happy Travels,

XOXO,