It was a week full of relaxing, playing and a little unpacking and cleaning for me.
Ryan and I watched the MCAS Air Show from our backyard. What a thrill to watch them practice and the actual air show. Their flight paths often had them flying directly overhead.
I made some raised garden beds, all by myself I might add. I planted some sunflowers, zinnias and dahlias.
Lowcountry sunsets are truly magic.
I finally am official. It took some convincing them DMV that I live here.
We saw Endgame this week. No spoilers but…It was so good.
Did you know Caboodles are back? I may have ordered a sweet little girl one for her birthday.
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. I am looking forward to visiting friends.
Prayers for this house to be signed, sealed and delivered soon. Lots of celebrating coming up on May. Prayers for all those celebrating. A few things that are heavy on my heart but too tender and personal and involving others but just keep those in your mind.
I started doing a weekly celebration at the beginning of the year but fell off. Want to get back too it. This week I’m celebrating the beginning of turtle nesting season and my first official walk as a turtle lady.
I’ve enjoyed some relaxing time this week. Caught up on some shows, done some closet purging and house unpacking.
Literally, one of my childhood dreams came true this week as I attended turtle training and I’m officially a turtle lady. I can’t wait for a fun filled summer.
The Cook Once Eat All Week cookbook by Cassy Joy Garcia launched this week. Revolutionary. I highly recommend. You cut down cost by using all your ingredients. I got 12-14 servings for $50.
I’ve got my hydrangea cuttings hopefully taking root. Some of these are from the plant my mama gave me for my first Mother’s Day so I’m praying it works so I can take a little of that plant with me.
This week I went to Pure Salt Studios for some halotherapy. Mainly it was relaxing and I was in the studio alone so I tried to do some meditation and unplug for 45 mins.
I visited.Old Town Bluffton which is adorable, the Spartina Flagship store as well as the Farmer’s Market.
My shoulders became a little burned just walking around the Farmer’s Market for less than an hour. So I popped a Beautycounter mineral sunscreen stick into my purse to have on me at all times.
UAB plans to become a net zero waste campus and hospital. How amazing!
Yay! For happy mail. My Emily Ley Simplified Planner came this week. Navy Blooms is even more beautiful in person. My skin has been crazy itchy, dry lately so I decided to give Tubby Todd a try. I’m hoping the all over ointment will help those pesky red bumps on my arms.
We took a quick yet eventful trip to Dallas. One Broadway show, one scooter wreck, one first responders to the scene of a car wreck close to us, some good food and rental shopping later we are heading home. Phew! What an adventure. Hamilton was amazing better than I could have dreamed!
Went to this doll-baby’s softball game this week. Growing up too fast.
Scientist capture the first ever picture of a black hole this week. How COOL!
Please keep those house prayers coming. We are closer, maybe? Actually we are closer to be being admitted to insane asylum so pray a lot please.
Cute, funny, sweet, heart touching and yet accurate Nursing video.
Pretty nails brought to you by Color Street.
New rainbow unicorn Fairy Hair!
Beautycounter is having their 15% off site wide sale still. Message me if you need help picking something out. All orders come with a 60 day money back guarantee. Just use the pre-printed return label included in your order if you do not love your products. My current favs the Overnight Resurfacing Peel, Dew Skin and Brightening Oil. Shop my link and Ill send you a goodie just from me.
I tried dermaplaing at home. It seemed to work ok but nothing life changing like I see people talk about online.
Disney folks I found some perfect earrings to match Mickey’s Birthday celebration outfit from Beaufort Linen Company. They do not have the rectangular ones I bought but they do have these fun hoops.
Such a fun packed past weekend. We spent some time with our nephew.
We explored Fort Fremont, played on the beach and grabbed ice cream.
Ryan and I watched Captain Marvel. So good.
I grabbed some chocolate covered strawberries and then we picked some to make our own.
Ryan grilled shrimp one night and I made homemade cinnamon rolls.
Walmart has definitely upped their game. I got this cute pineapple table cloth for $3.86 and they had this cute shirt.
The Simplified Planner by Emily Ley launched on Wednesday. I ordered the weekly navy blooms. I can’t wait to start using it in August. Use that link for $10 off your order.
I finally have made but not ordered all our yearly albums to be caught up. Thanks to my in laws for the gift cards. If anyone needs ideas for me for my birthday…Artifact Uprising Gift Cards. Completed are our 2016, 2017, 2018 France 2017 and Greece 2018 trips. Can’t wait to add this years trip album!!!! We are planning our next big vacation and a few places we are thinking about…clues….honeymoon and “Let it go, let it go, I’m one with the wind and sky…”
I love my Color Street mermaid nails. You can order from my friend, Lauren.
Packing a personal item might be one of my favorite things. It is where I pack essentials for the flight and other things that make our trip more enjoyable.
First let’s talk in flight, I stow all my in flight essentials in a smaller, easy grab bag. I pack it for the flight that way I can just keep it in the plane seat pocket.
My grab bag (from Etsy) includes Kindle, makeup remover wipes, lip balm, facial moisturizer, a pen, medications, ear phones, small notebook, toothbrush and paste, eye mask, and essential oil wipes. Close by I also have a light jacket/wrap/scarf, water bottle, snacks and travel pillow in my personal item bag stored on the floor.
I have a routine just like going to bed at night. Especially helpful for those overnight international flights. Entertainment like reading or movie, then eat when they serve dinner, remove make up, brush teeth, take meds. Possibly more entertainment time- reading, movie, podcast or music. Then grab some shut eye as best I can.
Because I pack in a carry on and personal item I don’t keep my make up in my personal item or an extra outfit like you should in case your checked baggage gets lost it delayed. But if you check a bag make sure all your medications, make up and an extra outfit are in your carry on.
Secondly, during our adventures I used my personal item as our day bag. We typically carry a water bottle, jacket/scarf depending on weather, wipes, reusable grocery bags, phone/camera, and medicine like advil etc. Don’t forget those sunglasses.
My most USEFUL travel tip. Wear a money belt. NO EXCEPTIONS. I have one that buckles around my waist. Ryan has one that goes through his belt loop and under his pants. I take my identification, one credit card (this one is different than the one Ryan carries, just a back up) and my debt card separate from the debt card account Ryan carries (again just a back up). Ryan also carries both our passports in his and I carry both our passport cards in mine. That way is one of us somehow gets compromised or lost we have a completely different backup set. If we lost one credit card and called to cancel it then I had a copy of the same credit card/account, that would be useless. We have never had a problem or felt threatened. But I have read too many horror stories from seasoned travelers to not do our best to protect our money and IDs. Be mindful but not fearful. Assume something will happen. We do not leave our passports in the hotel safe unless there is a rare occasion that we are swimming. We also left my phone in the safe when swimming in case one is stolen on the beach or from the car we have a backup.
We are both wearing ours in the above picture and you can not tell. My bag is safely with our tour guide who snapped this photo. But there is nothing in my bag that matters all to much if it goes missing.
A few of my travel essentials and their uses:
Essential Oil Travel Wipes I keep a few of these around to wipe off airplane surroundings and as needed. They are not too strong or overpowering.
Compressed Towels Luckily when traveling to Italy I read that there isn’t always toilet paper. I found these great compact paper towels. You just add a drop of water. Great for sticky hands, messes, toilet paper and many other things.
Water Baby Wipes I always have a travel size near by. I guess we are messy.
Sample Jars I use these to pack makeup and skin care to save space when I can. For example things you don’t need much of eye cream, Beautycounter cleansing balm, and exfoliating face wash.
Reusable Water Bottle I use this in flight and in our day bag. Many places such as Italy have free water stations throughout the city.
Pack-able Reusable Grocery Bags Most stores over seas charge for grocery bags, plus its just better for the environment hands down. I love these Blu brand. So many cute patterns and they fold up nicely. They work great for picnic bags, grocery runs, and dirty clothes. We actually do buy groceries, al fresco picnic dining is one of my very favorite things and I feel a grocery store really emerges you into the culture. Plus they have some amazing snacks and interesting finds.
Zip Lock bags in various sizes. Good for all sorts of things.
Mini Cutting Board I KNOW yall are going to think I am crazy this light packer takes a cutting board. I told you picnics are our jam! All the time. Saves so much money and again soaking up those views and culture. It fits easy in the computer sleeve of my back pack. Sometimes if Ryan checks one bag (we do sometimes especially to bring home wine, oil, etc) then we will pack scissors and a knife or buy a cheap one when we arrive. I actually still have the one we bought in Italy. Cutting board in action in the photos above.
My other favorite travel tip. Do NOT over pack period. Always leave room in your luggage for good wine, olive oil and a real book. Shop local even during your travels.
What are your favorite travel packing essentials or hacks?
Happy Travels! Adventure is out there explorers.
*Pictures are my own or from website selling the items pictured.
Mumford and Sons on Saturday night. I always forget how much I love going to concerts until I am there then I listen to music after the live music is just so much better!
I drove to NC to drop off some things at my aunt’s house on the way to Beaufort. This house selling business had my anxiety sky HIGH while I was driving and thinking despite music and and an audiobook. So in Chattanooga I took a few to take a grounding walk around the North Shore and the park.
Of course hair appointment day always makes me feel better. How am I going to find a replacement!?!
Aunt Amy and I took a fun, short hike. I love the mountains the summer lush but also when you can see their bones in the winter.
The Simplified Planner by Emily Ley launches next Wednesday. I think I am switching from the Daily to the Weekly version this time. There are six cover options this are my top three. I can NOT decide. Navy Bloom, Garden Party, or Mint Tile? What’s your vote for me. I also LOVE the pink pineapples, but this year I have the mint pineapple daily but I like to swap around. I’ve had two pineapple versions and Happy Stripe so thinking a floral this year. I am a paper girl all the way.
I made it to Beaufort in time for the best fried green tomatoes for dinner.
An article from Love What Matters popped up on my news feed and I could not agree more. Basically the article says we put children in time out, ground them, spank them etc for acting out but then expect them to talk to us when they are teenagers. I fully believe most of the time when babies are “acting out” they are tired, frustrated, upset, lonely, etc. They do not know how to label these emotions much less feel, process, communicate and redirect these feelings. They are not born knowing. It must be taught. Heck most adults do not know how to feel, explore, process, communicate and recover feelie feels. So how can we expect babies too. They also need to be taught you can have an outburst, negative experience processing your emotions but still take ten and not let the few bad moments ruin the entire day. I also recently saw an article about putting a small child in the tub with candles (supervised of course), bath salts and music because one must be taught self care/grounding/centering behaviors. Food for thought.
And…Although I don’t have an earthly baby I have one that knows how to push my buttons unlike any other so I’m not saying you have to be perfect and always redirect and explore their acting out. I lose my cool too just like any other human. Then I have to apologise, redirect and explore my own reasons for being short.
On the house front PLEASE keep those prayers coming. I have a lot of why questions of why can’t things be good and easy and headache and heartache free? And why do I have to worry so much. Blah. Anyways please keep smooth seas ahead in your prayers. Im ready for good and easy and over.
In the few years we have been traveling I have really parred down my international travel packing. It has taken a few trips but I have it fine tuned. I now only pack in a carry on for international trips or any trips that we fly. This being said we do laundry in the place we are staying, a laundry mat, drop off service or sink. Admittedly, I am not a light packer for trips around the Southeast. For some reason I always tend to pack more.
This post includes exactly what I packed for our recent international vacation to Greece. But the rough guide is about always the same. Also preference varies. I took a rolling carry on size suitcase around Italy but after dragging my suitcase through the cobblestone streets, uneven side walks etc, I decided to go with a backpack for Greece. I loved it. It was the prefect choice for me.
Let’s talk packing gear first. I used the Tortuga Setout Divide Backpack. It is the smaller size but expandable. To me the more room you have the more you will over fill. I did order the Setout just to compare sizes on my body frame and preferred the smaller Setout Divide. I am 5’9″ so if you are smaller framed you definitely want the smaller size.
I prefer to use a crossbody bag that zips for my personal item, according to airlines, and day bag while sightseeing. Most museums make you check backpacks usually for a fee (and a line). I feel a crossbody bag can pass off as just a purse due to it’s size and if I use the shoulder strap while in the museum most let it pass. I took a diaper bag to Italy but I wish it had a shoulder strap as well as a crossbody strap. To Greece I packed a smaller purse since it had to pass stricter Ryanair rules while traveling within Greece. Check back next week for what I put in my personal item.
Packing cubes. A must!!! I roll my clothes then pack in a packing cube. Any will do. I have the Travelwise set and Amazon Basic set. I prefer to use 2-4 of the small/medium sizes rather than the large sizes.
I pack my toiletries in the Truffle small clarity pouch. I love that it is reusable, TSA approved and this new design holds more than the older one. I place my shampoo and conditioner in the GoToob+. I have different sizes depending on use and length of trip. I obviously use the smallest one possible. These I place in my personal item for easy access during the flight and security.
2 bras (one to wear, one to wash). I love this convertible sports bra. Great for lots of walking, sight seeing but also transitions under different types of clothing so your straps do not show.
4 pairs of socks. I like the toe socks so I don’t get blisters between my toes with all the walking.
1-2 maxi dresses. I love maxi dresses for travel. They are comfy, you can dress them up or down, they are long enough for religious sites. I usually wear these while flying or to a nice dinner out. Athleta is one of my favorite places to grab maxi dresses.
1 pair of pjs. I grabbed a soft bamboo pair from Amazon. Easily washable.
4-5 shirts. All in the same color scheme such as blue, black, grey etc. My favorites are v neck, long, curved hem to cover your assets. Old Navy, Gap , Madewell, and Academy are my usual go tos.
4 bottoms. Usually I always go with capri or pant length so that religious sites and standing out wont be a problem. This time I did decide to take one skort and one short since we would be spending a majority of the time on islands.
1 Swimsuit. You NEVER know when your hotel will have an indoor pool etc.
1 light jacket/rain jacket or heavier jacket depending on weather. I recently bought a Patagonia packable one and really like it.
2 pairs of shoes. My go tos. Birkenstocks, I have this extra strappy pair to dress up and I like my shoes feeling secure when doing so much walking. All Birds, Wool Runners. I have tried the Tree Runners but the Wool just fit me better. I do wear a Men’s because #largefeet. Also sometimes I do better without socks when wearing these.
Check back next Tuesday for what I pack in my personal item/daybag.
Don’t forget there are so many advantages to packing light. Easier to maneuver around. Less stress and literally less stuff weighing you down.
I’m especially excited for this upcoming weekend because MUMFORD! This past week had its fun pockets too.
We continued the Match Day celebrations last weekend, then like all fun times people had to head back to work and home.
Lilly for Pottery Barn launched last week and I got this cute turtle friend. For those of you that do not know we called Riley Kate Squirt after the turtle in Finding Nemo before we knew what to name her. So turtles have always held a special place in my heart but especially now.
My sister and I attended a workshop at Magic City Wood Works where we learned how to put together a graze board with Savor Style. I did not know much about Magic City Wood Works but we learned about it and their mission. What a blessing for the Magic City. I can’t wait to support them more.
I grabbed this floral tank from Old Navy. It is soft and flowy AND only $10.
Beautycounter is having a special right now. Spend $125 and receive a free travel size brightening oil. If you shop my Spring Cleaning link you just might find some extra goodies for yourself in the mail. If you are not yet a member you can add the Membership to get a free travel sized cleansing balm, free shipping, free brightening oil and 18.75 product credit towards your next purchase, all for a total savings of $113. No autoship etc.
I buried Saint Joseph in our yard next to the for sale sign. Here is to praying and hoping. I do not want to jinx anything but keep those prayers coming especially Monday. There are many things that need to happen and fall into place.
Happy Weekend! Enjoy all those blossoms (and pollen)!
Weekly visit to Pepper Place market of course. Season’s first strawberries.
We officially got our house on the market on Sunday. Keep those prayers coming. We are hopeful! Keeping the house in tip top viewable shape is no joke.
My anxiety was getting the best of me this week so I went for a restorative walk at the Botanical gardens to enjoy the sunshine.
The Easter candy aka best candy is out in full force.
Wal-Mart is now carrying Hello Bello, a safer brand founded by Kristen Bell and Dax Sheppard. I love that more affordable, safer options are now available.
Claire matched at the prestigious, mothership of plastic surgery UT South Western. And gah I’m having all the feels. My heart is about to burst with pride. (Just in case you didn’t know it’s the top two plastic surgery residency program in the nation for plastics and they wanted her. Boom. Amazing.
I made a hand tied possie bouquet for the first time. Definitely room for improvement but that color scheme is on point.
The Barefoot Mermaid 