Monday, June 27, 2022

St. John Packing List

 style on a budget, travel style, st. john, vacation packing list, north carolina blogger, nc blogger

Hey y'all! T-minus three days until we are off to St. John in the United States Virgin Islands. I have been thoroughly looking forward to this vacation since I booked it back at the end of February! We are taking our family of four to the Coral Bay area of St. John and we've booked an Airbnb to stay at. Last year, we had our first Airbnb experience and we loved it! Staying at an Airbnb is a great affordable way to travel with the whole family plus we love finding options that are oceanfront or with a pool, like we did for this trip. I'll definitely report back on this Airbnb experience in St. John!

So, like I said above, we leave in three days. Guess how many items are actually packed inside of a suitcase? Zero. Not even one thing, lol. But, I always prepare for a big trip like this. I have a little area on the floor in our bedroom that has all of the items that I have purchased for the trip and as I find things I know I want to bring (and won't need before we leave), I add them to the collection on the floor. I do our full packing the day before the trip because it personally helps me forget less and I don't have to wear my least favorite underwear for a week. I always put together these packing list blog posts before our vacations as a way to help me think about what I really need and want to take with me.

Ok, so let's get this planning process started...

S W I M S U I T S

I always end up living in swimsuits when we travel so I'm packing all of my favorites plus my new favorite suit that I got this season from Aerie!


C L O T H E S

I've learned my lesson over the past few years that I'm really not the get all dressed kind of person when I travel. We also aren't the fancy dinner kind of family so I keep my vacation wardrobe pretty simple now. I like to pack a few dresses that work for dinner or swim coverups, running shorts, tanks, and a pair of jean shorts. This vacation is for beach time, relaxation, and adventure so I'm definitely going to be packing my clothing accordingly.


S H O E S

I can also be an over packer when it comes to my shoes as well but I'll be sticking with sandals for this trip. No heels will be necessary for me!


B A G S

For bags, I'm planning to take my Longchamp bag on the plane because it's super roomy but I'm also planning to wear a belt bag to keep my ID and money within close proximity. I'm not sure which belt bag to take so I may bring two of them since they are small and easy to pack. I'm also planning to bring a straw bag to use as a beach bag.


A C C E S S O R I E S

My main accessory for this trip will be sunglasses and I'll be packing a couple of pairs of my favorite Amazon ones. I have the most sensitive eyes so sunglasses are a necessity for me! As far as jewelry goes, I'll be bringing my new favorite rattan earrings, a pair of everyday studs, and a few simple bracelets. I also have a gold necklace that I wear daily and never take off. One of my favorite accessories for this trip will definitely be this float!

B E A U T Y  A N D  S K I N C A R E

My summer beauty routine is pretty simple is starts with my oil serum, sunscreen, a little BB cream, a cream blush, some eyeliner, and mascara. Speaking of sunscreen, St. John is very strict about what kind of sunscreen you are allowed to use on the island. You have to avoid sunscreens that contain the “Toxic 3 Os” of oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene because they are prohibited in the United States Virgin Islands. I have really sensitive skin so it was a little more challenging to find sunscreen that would work for me but I found this one from Sun Bum that checked all of the boxes for me.

Thanks so much for stopping by! I'll be back after our trip to give a full recap of our experience in St. John. Chat soon!

Friday, June 24, 2022

Currently Loving .258

 

Happy Friday! I hope your summer is off to a great start! I have been busy taking care of my garden and spending time with girls so far this summer break. I've also been trip prepping because we are headed our annual summer vacation next week and this year, we are going to St. John! I have never been to the Virgin Islands before and I am so excited to take on a new adventure. I have heard such great things about St. John! We will also been celebrating my husband's birthday while we are there so it's going to be an extra fun trip this year. I'm planning to share my St. John packing list at the beginning of next week so stay tuned for that!

Today, I'm sharing my kind of weekly roundup of what I'm Currently Loving! A couple of weeks ago, I was able to host a shopping party at my local Madewell store and they had so many great items! I'm including a few of my favorites in this roundup. I love summertime shopping!

Which of this week's picks is your favorite?!

1. T E V A S | I bought my first Tevas last year and I am a big fan now! I wore them all last summer with everything from shorts to dresses. I'm loving this color combo! If you are in between sizes, size down to next whole size for the best fit.

2. G R A Y  T A N K | I bought this tank at my Madewell shopping party and I've already worn it multiple times. It's so soft and comfy! Stick with your regular size for a fitted look. I just ordered the mauve one because I love it so much!

3. H E A D B A N D | I'm loving this rattan headband! I also saw it in store and it's super cute. Perfect for keeping your hair out of your face on a hot day.

4. R I N G | How cute is this shell ring?! Yes, I also saw this in store and it's even better in person. Such a great simple statement ring for summertime.

5. B L A C K  T A N K | I've had this black tank for a couple of years and Target keeps bringing it back because it's such a classic. It washes up well and fits great. It's a great eight dollar tank! The fit is true to size for a relaxed look or size down if you prefer a more fitted style.

the same tank in white

6. S K O R T | I wore this skort yesterday and I love it! I paired it with a tee for getting some work done and running errands but it's also perfect with a tank or sports bra for working out. I found that it ran a little small so I would recommend sizing up, especially if you are between sizes.

7. S A N D A L S | I always love a great pair of gold sandals this time of year! They are so pretty and dainty paired with a dress or really, anything. This pair is on my wish list!

8. S H O R T S | I'm sharing this shorts again because after wearing them regularly for the past month or so, I can 100% tell you that you will love them. They are a great length (5 inch inseam) and more of a mid-rise that still holds you in just right. They are my perfect jean short!

Thanks so much for visiting! I hope you have a great weekend!

Friday, June 3, 2022

Currently Loving .257

 mom style, what to wear for summer, madewell, madewell style, target finds, nc blogger

Happy Friday! I hope you've had a great week! My girls wrapped up their school last Friday and we went to visit Josh's dad in South Carolina. We took advantage of being so close to Charleston with a day date! I absolutely love walking the streets of downtown Charleston to admire the gorgeous architecture and the beautiful flowers boxes that adorn the windows. We also were able to go out on the boat and found a gem of a spot to explore. It was called Caper's Island and we found the best shells there! It was a great weekend and the perfect way to kick off summertime.

Today, I'm sharing my weekly roundup of what I'm Currently Loving, which includes some items that are on my wish list for our upcoming vacation to St. John. I am so excited to travel!

Which of this week's picks is your favorite?!

1. L I N E N  D R E S S | How perfect would this dress be for our trip to St. John?! I love the style and the fun tropical pattern. I'm hoping my local store has it in stock so that I can try it on this weekend!

2. E A R R I N G S | I love all things rattan and these earrings are no exception. I think they would pair perfectly with that linen dress!

3. A T H L E T I C  D R E S S | I am still really loving athletic dresses and this pretty green one caught my eye (it also comes in several other colors)! They are such a cute and practical outfit for warm days.

4. T A N K | A black tank is a closet staple and I love this $8 option from Target. I am planning to wear mine this weekend! It fits true to size.

5. S A N D A L S | These fun sandals are another Target find. Are cute are they?! I love the clear straps and the rhinestone details. There's also a pearl option that I also love!

6. T O T E | I have the crossbody version of this bag that I literally carry every single day right now. A straw bag is the perfect summertime accessory because it goes with everything!

7. B I R K E N S T O C K S | I just added this white pair of Birkenstocks to my growing collection. They are the most comfortable sandals of all time and I wear them daily. I also own and love the black pair of this style. I love them!

8. S K I R T | I have been an eyeing this skirt and I recently ordered it because it's on mega sale now! I am loving the maxi length with the side slit. So fun for summer!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you have a great weekend!