Packing a Purse for Disney

Disney, the Happiest Place on Earth.  In one day you can expect to see amazing parades, enjoy delicious snacks, and meet your favorite characters.  However, as you are wondering the parks, there are a few items you might want to bring along.

1. The Bag

When choosing a purse to carry around Disney, I suggest either a small backpack or cross-body bag.  That way your hands can be free to eat snacks, shop, or snap pictures next to your favorite princess.  Here are a few of my favorites:

Vera Bradley Backpack                         Coach Crossbody                               Longchamp Backpack

2. Personal Items

During the excitement of planning for a trip to Disney, you may forget a few items that could make a huge difference.  I recommend throwing a small bottle of sunscreen, hand sanitizer, lip balm, extra hair ties, and a pen into your purse for the day.  These items can be hard to find and more expensive in the parks.  Do not forget to pack extra feminine products, sunglasses, your wallet, and a small pill case to hold medicine (if needed). 

Eos lip treatment / Sun care / Bath body product /

Twistband elastic hair tie / Jonathan Adler Pen Set (Set Of Four)

 

MICHAEL Michael Kors black bag / Plastic sunglasses / Macaron box /

Tampon and Pad Holder in Purple and White Geometric Handmade Privacy...

What is in your purse during a Disney vacation?

Bridal Fun

Your wedding day is special and unique.  It is the one time that you are allowed to buy specialty items and accessories for one day use.  Here are a few of my favorite bridal goodies.

Philosophy Skin Care Set

 

Purchase Here

 

 

Kate Spade "I Do" Necklace 

 

Purchase Here

 

 

Dress for Getting Ready

 

Purchase Here

 

 

 

What are the items you are looking forward to purchasing for your special day?

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Traditional Wedding Dresses



 Not every bride dreams of wearing a large white ball gown on her wedding day.  But that does not mean she should have to sacrifice her bridal experience.  Here are a few options for a non-traditional bride who is interested in buying a simple dress right off the rack.

 

1. Detailed Sundress

 

This option is great for women who are looking for a cheap and re-wearable option!  Designers including Lilly Pulitzer and Lauren Conrad for Kohls have gorgeous pieces this time of year.  Complete your look with a white headband and colorful pumps. 

Purchase Here

 

2. Sophisticated Maxi

 

This dress is similar to the traditional bridal gown with a smaller price tag.  Add your touch of personality by choosing a dress in your favorite color or pairing it with a large statement necklace.  The trend of colored bridal gowns is on the rise, so why not take full advantage of that?  

 

Purchase Here

 

3. Practically Bridal

 

For brides who desire the full bridal look and are short on time, an option such as this dress from Kate Spade's Madison Ave. Collection might be a perfect fit.  Look for dresses made from satin or organza for a formal feel.  Don't forget to add a birdcage veil and a colorful boutique to finish your wedding day look.

 

Purchase Here

 

 

The most important thing to remember on your wedding day is to be yourself.  It doesn't matter what you wear, where it is, or if the details are just perfect.  What really matters is that you are true to yourself and you are marrying the love of your life.  If you follow those two simple rules, your wedding day will be a smashing hit!

 

 

 

 

 

Newlywed Gift Basket

Picture Credit and Post Inspiration

Is your best friend getting married soon?  You probably have already given her planning materials and wedding magazines and the wedding day is quickly approaching!  What do you put in a gift basket for a newly married woman?  Here are few ideas:

1. Home and Life Magazines

Now that the wedding planning has finished, give her the inspiration for planning her new life.  Magazines such as Better Homes and Gardens and Real Simple are full of decorating ideas, recipes, and organization tips.

Official Website

2. Her New Monogram

If you cannot tell by the name of this blog, I love monograms!  To symbolize your friend's new name and life, include a monogrammed item that she can use everyday.  A few examples include a canvas tote bag from LL Bean or monogram necklace from Etsy.com.

Picture Credit

3. Classy Pajamas

Now that the new Mrs. will be sharing a bed with her husband every night, tuck her in with stylish pajamas.  This classic striped set from Victoria Secret is perfect for lazy movie nights or winter snuggles.  Customize the set by adding her new monogram.

Purchase Here

4. Home Spa Products

Post-wedding stress might hit your friend like a ton of bricks!  Prepare her with products for the perfect at-home spa.  Nail polish, candles, and face masks can help the new Mrs. relax and save money.

Purchase Here

5. Personal Journal

Help the new Mrs. remember the first months of her marriage in a customized journal, like this one from May Books Design.  Don't forget to add some colorful pens or crazy pencils for her to use.  This could become her treasured item in the future.

Picture Credit

6. Honeymoon Picture Frame

Once the newlyweds return from their honeymoon, they will be looking for a unique way to display their pictures.  Make or buy a fun frame to match their honeymoon destination.  For example, if they relaxed at the beach, chose a frame made out of seashells.

Purchase Here

What gifts would you want to receive after your wedding day? 

Finally Springing Back

Good morning followers!  I apologize for disappearing for so long.  I hope you had smooth transition into 2014 and a wonderful January.  As most of you know, the groundhog saw his shadow Sunday morning, predicating six more weeks of winter.  BRRR!  Of course some of you might actually be excited about the cooler weather.  Here in Florida, I am ready to pull out my Lilly Pulitzer shifts and Jack Rogers sandals instead of my long pants and riding boots.  However, there are a few ways to "spring-ifying" your winter wardrobe.

For the Love of Floral

My favorite part of spring is the appearance of new flowers, plants, and baby animals.  Mix some brightly colored patterns with dark tones for a classy outfit.  For example, pair Lilly Pulitzer's First Impression Elsa over navy Pixie Pants from J. Crew.  Finish the look with your favorite strand of pearls and set of riding boots.

Lilly Pulitzer

 

Breaking out the Pastels

Nothing reminds me more of springtime than pastel colors.  Light pink, baby blue, and pale green are perfect base colors for a spring inspired outfit.  These Tory Burch skinny jeans would be adorable with a patterned sweater and ankle boots.  Don't be afraid to mix pastel colors with bright patterns or dark colors.

Tory Burch

 

Enjoy the Layers

Keeping warm while looking classy can be difficult.  Preppy classics such as Ralph Lauren's Crested Jersey-Knit Blazer in hot pink over a simple sweater or long-sleeve polo shirt will beat the winter cold and drab.  Create a Gossip Girl look with a pleated skirt and black tights.  Don't forget your Queen B headband! 

Ralph Lauren

 

 

What will you be wearing these next six weeks?

 

 



 

Learning after College

2014 is my first full year without school.  No classes to attend, papers to write, or test to study for.  However, that does not mean I should stop learning.  In post-grad life, responsibilities can overshadow our goals and new year resolutions.  Here are a few suggestions for continuing your education during your daily routine.

1. Pick Up a Book

One of my favorite bedtime activities is reading.  Now that I am out of college, it is tempting to pick up fictional novels that are easy to read and help me escape to magical worlds.  While there is nothing wrong with reading these types of books, try to mix it up by borrowing a few biographies or other non-fiction publications.  Here are a few popular reads on Good Reads right now:

       

Night                A Walk in the Woods                Blink

 

2. Watch Documentaries

We all love to plop down in front of our televisions after a long and stressful day at work.  It can be relaxing to laugh at sitcoms and munch on potato chips just like when we were in college.  However, our metabolisms have begun to slow and our brains are craving more substance than How I Met Your Mother.  Rotten Tomatoes recently released a list of the Top 100 Documentary Films and here are three on my watch list. 

     

                              The Invisible War       God Loves Uganda            Waste Land

 

3. Read Online News Articles

There are multiple ways to find news articles online including scrolling through the Google News feed, receiving CNN.com emails, and visiting The New York Times webpage.  Even if you only read one article a day, keeping abreast of current events will help you to cast educated votes, discuss important topics with future employers, and make decisions such as when to buy stock or where to buy produce. 

4. Talk to Older Individuals

Never underestimate the important of learning history through eye witness accounts.  Grandparents, parents, neighbors, or even strangers in the library can tell you stories that will knock your socks off.  For example, my own mother was present at Stevie Wonder's first concert.  You never know what you could learn so do not be afraid to ask questions!

Merry Eve Traditions

Merry Christmas Eve loves!  This is the day when individuals around the globe purchase last minute presents, prepare family recipes, and travel on busy highways to visit family.  For Americans, this day can be stressful.  We have limited time to make adjustments or finish To-Lists.  Do not forget the real reason we all celebrate Christmas.  Each other.  I personally believe that this day symbolizes the earthly birth of Jesus Christ, the son of God who came from heaven for us and died a torturous death only 33 years later.  He came not for the piles of presents or perfectly cooked ham, Jesus came for us.  For you, for me, for the millions of people who came before us, and for the billions who will come after.  So this Christmas Eve I challenge you to take a step back from all the planning, shopping, and preparing to realize what you do have.  Give thanks for the individuals in your life who have helped you become who you are.  To the mail-carrier that delivered your Christmas cards, the neighbor that smiles at you every morning, and the police officer that keeps your street safe.  We are surrounded by so many wonderful things, please do not let the stress of Christmas Eve keep you from appreciating the season.

To help you, here are a few of my favorite Christmas Eve traditions:

1. Driving around town to look at Christmas Lights.

This photo was taken in my hometown by Pepline Reality and showcases one of my favorite Christmas Eve tradition.  So many families spend large amounts of time, energy, and money to decorate their houses each December.  This year, go to a neighborhood you have never been in and see what decorations you can spot!

2. Sipping hot chocolate by the fire. 

Tonight, share some of your favorite holiday memories with your loved ones while sipping hot chocolate (or other warm beverage).  Need a new mug?  This cutie is on sale at the Kate Spade New York's website!

3. Laughing at a Christmas movie with your loved ones. 

Ever since I was a child, on the night of December 24th my family and I gather around our living room television and watch Christmas comedies.
A few of my favorites include:

4. Baking cookies for your neighbors. 

Even if you are not a baker, it is still nice to give little presents to the families and individuals who live next to you.  If you chose to bake cookies, here is a recipe you might enjoy.

Christmas Cookie Pops
from Betty Crocker

Merry Christmas!