Packing Challenge: 3 days, 2 nights, 1 bag

1. BCBG Dress for the wedding, 2. Stella Dot Earrings, 3. Stella Dot Weekend Bag 4. Sunday Dress with Tights and Boots, similar here, 5. Frey Boots, 6. Beauty Counter Makeup Bag, 7. French Connection Pumps for the wedding, 8. Bare Minerals Makeup, 9. Philip Matignon Tights, 10. Bumble and Bumble Dry Shampoo

We spent last weekend in PA for a wedding and I challenged myself to pack everything into one small bag that I could carry onto the plane. Not only was I super successful but packing JUST what I needed for each day, I also realized the benefit in not having options – it significantly cuts down the time I need to get ready.

I’m also pretty sure that I will be forced to do this for all weekend getaways now that my guy knows it is possible. What are your must haves for a weekend away?

-F

Newport Babes Weekend: Handmade Soaps

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While in Newport RI last weekend (a few weekends ago now) with a few of the girls we stumbled into a Soap Shop on Thames street and had to pop in – I am SO glad we did!! Half of the space is a store front while the other half is the actual “lab” where the magic happens – not only can you watch but you can make your own!

The store featured everything from room spray with essential oils to foot scrubs, soaps, lotions, candles and more. They even had something for my man 🙂 Beard oil – to moisturize those prickly buggers that I LOVE but always seem to scratch me.

The ladies skin care section caught my eye – with all natural essential oil based products ( keep an eye out for a post on my newest obsession ) such as cleansers, toners, masks, scrubs and even bath soaks. I could read everything on the ingredients label and the prices were unreal!!

Not only did we all leave with full bags – most of us had to go back for seconds once we discovered other must have goodies like these aromatherapy shower balls – you put one on the side of the shower where it will be hit with moisture but not directly getting soaked + you are in a spa like zen in no time. She had ones for sore muscles, decongesting, relaxing and even one to help with a nasty hangover!

I am OBSESSED with small businesses and the creativity that goes into them… I have so much respect for entrepreneurs that are just killin it! Cant wait to come back with the girls for a soap making party – little wine, little soap, my best girls… sounds like a fun night!!

-F

Mexico: Meet Flipper

I was lucky enough to end my “stay at home roommate” streak with a fabulous trip to Cancun Mexico! We created a “bucket” list of things we wanted to do while we were there for a week – combining ocean, beach, pool, food and adventure time.

We decided on two of the (so many) excursion options, one was an all day event at a place called xplor (zip line, paddling and four wheeling) and swimming with dolphins!!!

We arrived at Doplphinus, home to one of the of the most beautiful views of the beach/ocean, and received a bit of instruction on how best to touch the human sized fishy, to rise off any SPF we had on (it hurts their eyes) and to not touch their blow hole. With in just a few minutes we were paired with another couple and one of the trainers and we were in the water.

I am not going to lie – I was scared at first, there were little fishes swimming around and algae growing on the grates but we didn’t waste any time getting to know each other. We actually hardly had a proper introduction before “flipper” kissed me on the lips and cheek (how bold, I know).

We spent the next hour learning all about Flipper (that wasn’t her name – I just like to think it is) and how they rescued her and she has had two babies and they actually spend 5 years with their babes before there separated – they even have a “kindergarten” pool where they start training the babies around one year old. I am so glad we were able to experience this together, I feel like its something you do once and its such a fun memory to look back on!

-F

The Birth of a Tradition

Its hard to believe a month has passed since our trip to Mexico and I have been so excited to write this post. For those that don’t know I spent a week in Cancun with my boyfriend (yay). We had been discussing how we wanted to start a tradition for when we travel, something to collect as a memory from each destination.
I wanted it to be something different. Something I may actually display, (sorry trinket lovers) those shot glasses and magnets just aren’t my thing.

On the flight down we decided an underwater picture (good idea right?) would be how we document each trip. Fast forward to mid vacation when we met a lovely couple from just outside Atlanta in the “preferred” pool area. Herb made “insta-friends” with the high school sweethearts who had been married for twenty years! After a few hours (and several margaritas) the four of us ventured to the sports bar to place bets on the Belmont Stakes Race in hopes of a triple crown. We got to talking about Boston and how much the wife loved NewEngland sports, so much in fact her sons middle name is Brady!

Herb being the guy he is, offered his Boston branded hat off of his head to the couple… The husband took his hat from Costa Rica (yes I’m taking this as a sign I need to go) off and said only if we trade -it will mean even more that he give up the 4 year old hat for a Boston. Just like that our tradition is born. Trading hats with ppl we meet on our trips. Not only is it a cool souvenir to wear but it comes with a story!
xx
-F

Puffy the Eye Bag Slayer

I received these under eye patches in my glossy box last week and I LOVE them!!! I have tried a few things similar to this in the past and they really do work well. I am especially attracted to the packaging on these guys! I know I have said it before, I am every marketers dream, just the name would have made me purchase it! Since working for Bona Clara I have started to pay much more attention to my skin and what it needs. They say if you think of your face as a paper bag, then the skin around your eyes is like tissue paper. These bad boys go for $11 for a package of 3. I think they make the PERFECT travel companion!

Seattle

One of my fav tour stops this month so far (yes I know its only the first week of November) has been Seattle. Jordan and I did a Portland/Seattle weekend and stayed with her family in Olympia, WA. While I did get to see much of the more rural areas – I was so excited to experience Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle.

It was a foodies dream land – I bought Truffle salt and oil – it was AMAZING. I swear sometimes I must be a marketers dream! We didnt get to explore quite as much as I would have liked but it was after all a work trip 🙂

What is your fav West Coast City?

The Appreciation of Character

Soon after we finished in San Antonio we were off to a small town about an hour away called Fredricksburg. As soon as we arrived I knew I would love it. Kathy, one of the reps in town was hosting her launch at a wine bar on the main street. Fredricksburg is a mini Germany they say, all the restaurants serve german fare and – it felt like I had traveled back in time.

Back to the wine bar, it was the most adorable antique shop in the front and the most hip wine bar in the back! I am not normally one for antiques, but I have begun to appreciate certain ones in my old age, not to mention, the way everything was displayed was nothing short of perfection.

Here are a few of my favorite gems!

I thought this “b” must have been for Bona Clara!

Just as fast as we arrived, the Fredricksburg leg of the 543 tour had ended and we were on to the next city!

543 Tour: Dallas

One of the cities on the 534 Tour was Dallas, one that we have yet to experience any growth in but know this will be a gem once we do. We lucked out with a hotel in Plano where Ericka’s friend lived, he suggested NYLO, a modern, boutique hotel in downtown Plano.

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I loved the way the rooms were set up, it was all super modern + the beds were TO DIE for!!

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Rejuvenation for the Mind Body and Soul

We woke up Thursday to Lanna Del Ray playing on her vinyl record player and I climbed into Courtney’s bed while we waited for Bailey to wake from her slumber. It was just like old times in her basement, we would take the pillows off the couch and make a huge bed on the floor. All 7 of us would sleep together and take turns tickling each others backs… (yes sounds weird but it was so comforting and just our thing).

Once we finally got out of the house we had brunch in Salt Lake and then headed to Park City. We went to the High West Distillery where we enjoyed a few drinks, delicious french onions soup, homemade mac n cheese and french fries (Courtney’s weakness). After a few bloody mary’s we decided it was time to go. On the way out we popped into the general store and I bought Val a “whisky girl” shirt – which of course she loved.

Before heading to the Olympic Park Courtney pulled over at the “No Name Saloon” which was PERFECT… We headed up to the roof with this sign along the way…. at the top of the steps was this sign of the United States with each license plate from each of the states! on the roof we enjoyed another local brew and an unreal view of the city! Next stop… Olympic Park!

The areal skiers practice their jumps in the summer into a pool – there were a few kids practicing which was SO neat to watch!

We rushed back to Courtney’s so we could make it in time for the Summer Concert Series featuring Erykah Badu. I have to say, I know this is bad, but I think I enjoyed the selection of food trucks even more than I enjoyed the concert.

The rest of the night cant be put into words… the time spent with old friends laughing until tears are running down your face and your stomach feels like you just left an abs masters class. There is nothing like it…

The most beautiful views…

On the way from Denver CO to Salt Lake City UT we made a few stops. The first being Vail or just outside of it – to have breakfast with one of Baileys high school girldfriends. It was so beautiful driving through Vail, even with out snow you can just image the fabulous condos with a white covering.

We continued on our route until Grand Junction, which Baileys Aunt Vic said was a MUST SEE – even over the Grand Canyon! She told us to follow the signs for the Colorado National Monument and then take Ottos Trail which is just a short walk down a path. She made it sound so simple! Which it really was but of course … one wrong turn and we were at least 40 min out of the way. (Disclamer: this is one of the only times we got lost). Once we figured out the way into the park and up to Ottos Trail it was WELL WORTH IT. The views were breath taking and I am pretty sure there is no picture that could begin to do the views justice.

-F

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