Lessons I've Learned from Over Packing circa 2013

I try hard not to over pack but I don't think I've ever travelled and used every item in my bag. I always pack too many, just in case items.  This past week was our annual beach trip. Try as I did to only pack the necessary, I still over packed.  My biggest mistake this year was packing at the last minute. I have had super busy weeks at work lately and didn't feel like packing when I got home. In summers past, I laid out my travel items. This year, I thought I would show you what I took with me and what I should have taken.

First the items I took with me. I didn't include my bras and undies. Also, these are similar to items I own but not all of them are exact. I've divided my clothing into beach and non beach items.

 

Items packed:
2 pairs of cropped pants (3 total, wore one pair to the beach)
6 tank tops
5 t-shirts
2 fancier tops (wore one to the beach)
2 pairs of cut off shorts
2 dresses (sundress and a cap sleeve jersey dress)
2 skirts
2 cover ups
2 bathing suits (4 pieces)
2 sarongs
work out pants
socks
bras
undies
2 pairs of sandals
2 pairs of flip flops
1 pair of running shoes
1 large brim sun hat
1 panama hat
3 pairs of earrings
3 bracelets
Kindle
various magazines
book
craft projects

I didn't need three pairs of pants. I didn't need all of the jewelry I took. We don't go out at night. We cook dinner at the house and hang out and play volleyball. I didn't need two dresses and two skirts. I wore my cut offs most of the time. I took a pair that was frayed and a pair I cut in a scallop pattern.

Above are the items that went to the beach with me on various days. I definitely didn't need two cover-ups or three pairs of sunglasses. I also wished that I had a one piece suit instead of two sets of separates. I packed it all in my large suitcase.  We have a washer and dryer at the house and I always throw a load of laundry in while we are there. It's easy to do laundry while you're drinking at night. It makes it less like work. If I had condensed I could have packed it all in my small carry on size suitcase.

I didn't wear these items at all:
sundress
1 skirt
3 tank tops
1 t-shirt
white cropped pants
2 pairs of earrings
1 bracelet
1 pair of flip flops, not pictured

I wish I had taken:
A thin sweater or sweatshirt
another pair of cute diy cutoffs (these have not been created yet)

While at the beach, my dress is incredibly casual. We don't go out at night, instead we enjoy time at the house. {msL} and I had one date afternoon lunch at a nearby seafood restaurant. But it's the beach and a casual dress or embellished sandals is about as fancy as folks get. It's North Carolina, not South Beach. I really believe I would have been better served to reduce my clothing to the items below.

 

Instead of all of the skirts and the extra sundress, I should have taken a maxi dress and a short sleeve dress. I should have also taken a pair of aviators. I took a pair last year and I missed them this year. I should have taken one statement necklace and one pair of earrings. That's all I need. I should have skipped the two cover ups and just taken one sarong. It was chilly a couple of nights and I wished that I had a pull over sweatshirt. I took a 3/4 sleeve casual jacket but it wasn't warm. I should have also added one cute top, but I'm still contemplating the style I should take.

Hopefully, I will learn my lesson next year and pack a little better. My super organized sister is going on a trip to Italy later this month, with only a carry-on. I'm in awe.

Beach Scenes 2013

This week is our annual family beach trip. I'm focusing on family and fun this week. Blogging has taken a backseat but I thought I would share some photos with you that I've snapped of our fun.

Our first evening here we took the kids down to the beach to play a but before bed.

A late night wicked storm rolled in and washed us out.

This morning the kids got to play in the huge puddles created by the storm.

I always bring craft projects for the week. It's my relaxation time. This week I created two new cell phone cases.

There will be other DIY projects coming this week.

This quartz skull pendant is my best vacation purchase so far. I can't wait to add it to my favorite silver chain and rock it with a concert t-shirt.

We all take turns cooking. Tonight is my nephew Tommy's turn. The best part is that I get to drink wine (or vodka) and watch someone else cook.

There will be more vacation fun soon. Have a great day and night Real Girls!

Vacation Recap - Fun, Sun, DIY, and Beach Hair

As I type this, my brain is filled with all of the things that I have to do at work tomorrow.  We are reluctantly home from vacation.  It was a great week. I firmly believe that I pay for vacation before I leave and after I return.  My email box was packed with unread messages and I'm still catching up on work while attending every meeting that exists. Tonight I may need a vacation from my vacation. I'm planning an evening swim and and early bed time.  There may also be wine involved. I'm trying to get back to blogging as well. I've missed you all.  Since time is limited I thought I'd share some pictures from our vacation.

From top to bottom....

• My soon to be, sister in law Erin works for a sailing and boating company.  She got us the rental of two kayaks for the week. That's Erin sitting in the kayak (and my other sister in law Mary, she coordinates our yearly trip).   
• DIY ring made from copper wire.  I made a quick trip the local hardware store on our first rainy day and grabbed some wire, pliers and other crafty items.  DIY details coming soon.
• Sarah (my soon to be niece) standing in front of the wild horses.  I snagged this one from her facebook page (thanks Sarah!).
• One of my beach hair styles. This one made me feel like a kid. I don't think I've worn pigtails in years. Glasses are Foster Grant from Walgreens (similar). Hat is Eugenia Kim for Target from a few years ago (seen here). 
• Nightly, family volleyball game. The house we rent has a volleyball court on the attached lot. I didn't get any pictures but we also use the court for the BeerLympics. It's a crazy, drunken obstacle course that starts with holding a bat and turning in a circle ten times!
• All of our SUVs and Jeep lined up next to our towels and chairs. Our 4-wheel drive on the beach.  In this section of the Outer Banks it's legal to drive your vehicle on the beach. It was an wonderful day.
• It's not crowded at all.  I love these photos of my family in the distance walking on the beach and in the surf.  
• Me with beach hair, french braided and posing with Liz. Swimsuit from Target (no longer available).

The beach is still calling but I'll have to be satisfied with pool time. 

Frugal Fashion Friday - Heading to the Beach

Hi friends.  I owe you all a bit of an apology.  I haven't had any time this week to do a blog post. It's been crazy.  My paying job has been really busy.  Between work and getting ready to leave I haven't had a minute.

I pinned this picture (on Pinterest) a little while ago and when I got stressed, I'd look at it and think of vacation.  We are leaving tomorrow!!! We rent a beach house for the week with family.  To save money we are taking lots of food (and drinks) with us.  I've been couponing and hitting sales. {msL}and I are taking over $300 worth of food that cost us less than $100.  My friends and I have started a facebook group to share our coupon tips and favorite resources with friends.  I even give tips on finding deals on beauty products. Check it out when you have time. It's called The Crazy Coupon Bitches.

I know this post is lacking in fashion but I promise to share more fashion with you this week. Maybe even a post or two from the beach.

Happy Friday Real Girls!

Florida Vacation Recap

I'm traveling home today and wanted to share some of my photos and vacation stories. It was a wonderful trip with my family and we got to spend time with my Uncle and Aunt and Florida cousins. Along with family time, we spent an afternoon at the beach, did a little shopping and ate some yummy food.

We took off on a beautiful sunny morning in DC. It was about 50 degrees when we left and 80 when we landed. I ordered one of my favorite south Florida treats at lunch, Conch Fritters. We spent an afternoon at the beach. I forgot to bring a beach bag, so my sarong did double duty. I tied the corners together creating a hobo bag. The weather was perfect. One of my Florida cousins sells Premier Jewelry and she did an impromptu show for us after dinner. I couldn't resist. I bought two necklaces and got a bracelet free. On our last full day (Sunday), it rained so we did a little shopping. We visited one of the local Goodwill stores and Loehmann's. I scored some bright pants and an ACDC tee at Goodwill and some classic, black Coach pumps at Loehmann's.

I'm happy to go home to our fuzzy kids (two pups and a kitty). I've missed them but I'd love to take a few more days of vacation. Oh well, back to regular life and my paying job. At least I have fun pictures, great memories New fashion goodies.

Casual Beach Colors

My beach vaca beauty routine is very different from daily life. Simple is my mantra. I don't spend tons of time on makeup and hair. With the exception of jewelry, I go for simple outfit combinations.

The heat and humidity have been over the top this week. Cool and breezy have been the only outfits for me. The combo of aqua coral is fresh with a beachy feel.

Tank - Old Navy, Skirt - Lane Bryant, Belt - Lane Bryant, Sandals - Simply Vera Vera Wang for Kohl's, Necklaces - JewelMint and Kohl's, Bracelets - Kohl's

My photos are a bit haphazard in this post. They were taken as my Honey was holding her grandson and my family was playing volleyball. Say hi to cousin Tommy. He is the one you see over my left shoulder.

My beauty routine is scaled way down with wash and go hair. Lots of braids and up dos. Makeup is concealer, mascara, and NARS Multiple for cheeks and eyes. The beach is so casual that "Done" hair and makeup are too much unless it's a date night.

It's refreshing to go the simple route.

Beach Trip - Adventures in Trying Not to Overpack

I'll be enjoying a vacation at the beach this week. I've set up a few posts this week. I'll share pictures with you when I return.

I'm a chronic over packer when I go on trips. My Honey and family can attest to this fact. In the last few years I've tried very hard to plan my outfits so that I don't take a bunch of clothes I don't need or won't wear. There have been trips where I only wore about half of the clothing that I packed.

I've read a million strategies on packing. Some work for me and some don't. One of the best tips I picked up was to pick coordinating color palettes when packing. It helps me to keep from packing clothes that are random. Right now, I am loving the aqua and coral color palettes. It feels so summer and beachy to me. Even the items I'm bringing that contain other colors will still coordinate with that palette.


I also try to semi plan my daily outfits. I have an outfit for each day with the flexibilty to change things up on a whim.  I also pack a bunch of jewelry and accessories. They don't take much space and can take a simple tank or tee from day to night.

Here is what I packed for our week at the beach...

Clothes and Accessories

2 mix and match tankini suits (4 pieces): Land's End and Catalina
2 sarongs: beach shops in Key West and North Carolina
Maxi cover up: Target
Kaftan with seqins: Target

1 pair of cropped pants - black: Goodwill
Poncho tee - off white: Neiman Marcus Last Call
Gray tencel tee: Target
Multi knee length dress: Kohl's
Maxi dress tank style - aqua ombre: Target
Maxi dress hi-low - floral: asos
Maxi skirt - aqua: Lane Bryant
Assorted tanks - white with sequins, coral, orange: Target and Old Navy
Open cardigan - white: Calvin Klein

Workout clothes and running shoes

Shoes
beach flip flops: Havianas via Nordstrom Rack
flat sandals- silver: Simply Vera Vera Wang for Kohl's
Birkenstock - silver: Sandal Factory
cage suede booties- tan: MIA via DSW
wedge strappy sandals - beige: Sam Edelman via DSW

2 hats: San Diego Hat Co. and Eugenia Kim for Target

Canvas Bag: Loehman's
Belt: Lane Bryant
Jewelry: various (see below)
Small bag for the beach - island shop, Isla Mujeres Mexico

assorted undies, bras, and a half slip
pj pants and tanks



Accessories and Jewelry
Fedora - Eugenia Kim for Target, Sun hat - San Diego Hat Co, Belt - Lane Bryant, Bag - Loehman's,
Silver Bangles - Kohl's, Freshwater Pearl necklace - art show, Flower ring - VA Museum of Fine Arts gift shop,
Sienna bracelet - JewelMint, Potion necklace - JewelMint, Mosaic ring - JewelMint,
Unlock My Heart Necklace - JewelMint, Crystal Skull necklace - Kohl's, Chain and Safety Pin necklace - DIY
Silver stud earrings - Taxco Sterling, Turquoise stud earrings - Penelope

As you can see, I didn't think you needed or wanted to see my undies and bras.  I also didn't get a picture of all of my shoes. With the exception of the Fedora that I'll be wearing and the bag, which I'll be carrying, everything fits in my medium sized duffel bag. My makeup and beauty items will be in my Mary Kay Travel Roll-Up Bag. It's the most genius travel item ever! I don't know how I ever lived without it. If you'd like to purchase one of your own, just click here.

Beach here I come!!!