The Mystery of the Disappearing Blogger

Yep I took a break, and I am so not sorry I did. Things got beyond crazy busy and something had to give, and it was the blog. I haven't abandoned the blog by any means, I was just focused on being with friends/family, going on vacation, enjoying some down time, and something really exciting I will be sharing soon. The point is, it was nice not to worry about creating good content or wracking my brain coming up with gift guides that no one else has made.

Since my vacay was the highlight of my time "off" I thought I would fill you in on that. I went to Riviera Maya and had the most amazing five days with my boyfriend. Here is how a typical day was spent: wake up, breakfast, pool/cabana, lunch, more pool/cabana, nap in the room, shower, dinner, cocktails, sleep, repeat. It was heaven. I cannot say enough good things about our resort, El Dorado Royale. It was an all-inclusive, but actually had good food and drinks... who knew that was possible? Writing this is making me sad, but on a positive note the workaholic (D not me) has insisted we go for a week next time. Is it too soon to start planning next year?

My view every morning... didn't suck.

Where I spent my afternoons. I may as well be an albino and know my limits in the sun. Cabana me.

Oh hey an elusive picture of the write of this blog! This was taken on our deep sea fishing boat. It was a blast and I can't wait to do it again!

That would be the huge-ass fish I caught. Two feet long and ten lbs, he put up a good fight (not pictured his insane monster teeth). Too bad you can't eat barracuda because I would have loved to say I caught my own dinner.

National Relaxation Day

Relax. We're all familiar with the term, but most of us have a hard time actually doing just that. Whether it's the rat race, our families, or busy social lives, the idea of slowing down and taking time for ourselves is almost foreign. Relaxing is so important to our health, well being, and attitudes.

I have a hard time with relaxing for many reasons, mostly the glorified idea that being busy is a positive. Then something almost serendipitous happened; I was asked to participate in spreading the word about National Relaxation Day and my boyfriend insisted on a last minute extra long weekend of total relaxation. Sadly, we both know that in order for us to take that much time to relax we have to get out of town.

Our weekend was spent in true Tommy Bahama fashion by fully embracing the resort lifestyle. We lounged and napped poolside, enjoyed cocktails, spent time at the spa, dined al fresco, sipped wine by a fire, and even spent a night in our hotel room in bath robes. It was blissful and surprisingly easy to be fully present in the moment once our usual distractions were gone. I came back after five days feeling rejuvenated, well rested, and ready to tackle another week.

Relaxation doesn't have to mean a vacation, a trip to the spa, or spending money at all. It can be as simple as carving out some time for yourself to de-stress and do the things that you enjoy. That could be as easy as sitting on your balcony or porch with a glass of wine, taking a bath with your favorite candle lit, or even reading a book before bed. Anything that makes YOU feel good and less stressed is all you need. Tommy Bahama wants you to feel as relaxed as I did over the weekend with their Summer of Go Sweepstakes. Each week until August 18th, Tommy Bahama will be giving away a fabulous travel packages each week with the Grand Prize Winner receiving a Hawaiian vacation for four (this prize includes a ton of other goodies valuing the prize at over $7,000!). Make sure you enter to win, and check out your local Tommy Bahama for in-store events and giveaways. And lastly, make Relaxation Day part of your weekly routine!

Many thanks to Tommy Bahama for sponsoring today's post and encouraging me to "make life one long weekend!" 

On My Radar

wrap cardigan // leggings // folding flats // headphones // tee // rollerball // lip balm
eye cream // hand cream // 3-in-1 wipes // iPad mini // filter bottle // tide pen // kind bars // altoids

Traveling for work has made me a great, patient, efficient traveler/packer. I find the formula for a successful long flight is a few things on your person that will keep you as calm and happy as possible. Attire should be kept simple, comfortable and functional. Leggings or very comfortable pants, a basic tee, and a drapey cardigan that can double as a blanket will keep you very happy. If you tend to wear sandals or other shoes not great for airplanes, invest in a pair of foldable flats to keep your feet warm and less restricted (I cannot stand the idea of being in socks on a plane, sorry).

Get yourself some headphones that feel good either on or in your ears, you'll probably be wearing them a ton. On that note, make sure you bring ample entertainment like books, movies, magazines, etc. I like having my iPad with me so I only have to carry one semi heavy item rather than a bunch. While I tend to pack important cosmetics in my carry on bag, I keep hand cream, good lip balm, and depuffing eye cream with me to keep me looking the least haggard possible. Keeping some makeup/cleansing wipes is an easy way clean up without having to go to the bathroom. I tend to buy snacks at the airport or eat there, but stow some bars and mints in your bag when you need something to chew on. Last but certainly not least, carry a Tide pen. I spill all the time, and even if you don't the person next to you may.

Fair Skin at the Beach? I Got You Covered.

Despite popular belief, us pale girls do like the beach, we just have to like it in moderation. I am a total beach bum and I can be out there all day, but I have to be smart about it. I've rounded up some of my must haves for enjoying the beach all day without turning into a total lobster {umbrella not pictured because that is one giant DUH!}.

Clothing: Invest in a great tunic or cover up with decent skin coverage. Not only will this help limit your exposure during dangerous UV time, but you can easily wear it out around town over your swimsuit without having to change. Protect your money maker with a hat. I'm not cool enough to pull off one of those big floppy numbers, but I can sport a baseball cap and keep my face wrinkle-free by doing so. Rock your classic shades. For me the beach isn't the place to whip out my huge Burberry cat eye sunglasses, but my trusty Ray Ban Aviators are perfect for all beach activities. Finish off your look with a pair of classic flip flops and head on your merry way. 

Beach Bag: I don't care if your grandmother, third grade teacher, and/or librarian carry one the LL Bean Boat and Tote bags, it is the quintessential vessel for carrying anything and everything you need for sun and sand. These things are built to last and can be washed. Plus who doesn't love a monogram? In my bag I like to bring a few forms of reading material (Nook & some magazines), a refillable water bottle,  Turkish towel, and a clear pouch to store my phone and smaller items because sand + iPhone = No Bueno. 

Skin/Hair Care: I do not mess around when is comes to sunscreen. I'll spare you the graphic details, but I coat myself head to toe in SPF 30 or higher with water and sweat proof sport lotion... the spray CANNOT be trusted unless you like your legs looking like barbershop poles and then by all means spray away. On my face I use special facial SPF lotion and SPF mineral powder. Your lips have the thinnest layer of skin so it's important to swipe an SPF balm on your mouth because lip burns are no joke. Once I'm done with the beach I like to use an after sun lotion to cool off my skin and rehydrate it. Nights at the beach wouldn't be the same without beachy hair. I liberally spritz towel dried hair with surf spray for mermaidesque locks. Low maintenance hair is so hot right now. 

Carry On Essentials

I travel a decent amount for work, and in the three years I have been doing it I have pretty much mastered packing and the art of the carry on. Some things to bring with you are just no brainers. Items like nail clippers, nail file, tweezers, and lots of hand sanitizer should never be unpacked from your bag (if you don't typically bring these do yourself a favor buy one of each to live in your carry on bag). My carry on and toiletry bags stay pretty much stocked at all times except for electronics, makeup, and my Clarisonic face brush. Keeping these ready to go make packing for last minute work trips and getaways a breeze.What do you always bring in your carry on?

1. Kate Spade Nylon Stevie Diaper Bag. You might be thinking "I don't have a baby I don't need a diaper bag." I have this bag and all the bagillion pockets come in quite handy for keeping all travel essentials organized.

2. Two Words: Tide Pen. You can thank me later.

3. Henri Bendel Makeup Bag. This is the perfect size bag for all your go to makeup essentials and is virtually impossible to ruin due to spills thanks to the plastic lining. Keep anything you need to look put together in here, and put the rest in your suitcase.

4. Bobble Bottle. Bring an empty water bottle with a built in filter. Airport bottled water is $$$$.

5. Large Pashmina Scarf. This is one of the most versatile things I carry in my bag. It works as a blanket, pillow, and accessory. Get one.

6. Dry Shampoo. This product is a miracle worker. If you don't have time to get to your hotel to clean up a bit, spritz some dry shampoo on your roots for fresh hair with a little volume boost.

7. Lip Balm. Nobody like dry, cracked lips. Do yourself and everyone a favor and keep it close and apply often. My go to is Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment.

8. Hand Cream. Dry skin isn't just irritating, it's also kind of icky. Keep your hands looking nice because all that hand sanitizer you're hopefully using will dry out your mitts like crazy. I like L'Occitane Cheri because in a pinch you can place it strategically and it doubles as perfume. 

9. Face Wipes. If you are like me your eye makeup likes to smudge and your face sometimes "glistens" a little too much these are essential. I keep these handy to freshen up, but also wipe the airplane airborne gunk off my face.

10. Document Holder & Eye Mask. When you have to keep schedules, hotel confirmations, rental car info, and airplane tickets organized and easily accessible a clear pouch will be your savior. I keep an eye mask tucked away for when I need to catch a few zzz's on the plane. I am a horrible plane sleeper so anything that could help I'll try.

11. iPad. This serves as my all in one entertainment station. I always have two books, a movie or two, and some music ready to kill time on long flights.

12. Earbuds. Invest in a decent pair because these will come in handy for watching movies, listening to music, drowning out screaming babies, and are the universal travel sign for "please don't talk to me."

13. Cord Bag. I keep all chargers, cords, and extra headphones in my handy cord bag. The only purpose for this bag to corral everything I need for my electronics. This little beauty does wonders for an organized travel bag.