TGIF! This has been the longest week ever. Not just because of the depressing, cold, sunshine-less weather, but because I’m leaving tomorrow for a Caribbean cruise with my family! I never did a crazy spring break during college. Unless you count the Disney Cruise I went on with my best friend when she turned 21– that was one wild time! (If by wild you mean the Pirate themed dinner night… arrrrrrrgh!) When my parents surprised us with this family cruise, I was thrilled. It’s the first real vacation I’ve taken since the honeymoon, and it is much needed.
I’ve been busy scheduling out social media posts for clients, writing press releases, and basically getting life in order so the world can function without me for a week while I unplug. [/end sarcasm] Honestly, I know the idea of being without technology for 8 days, 7 nights, sounds super relaxing to some people, it just makes me incredibly anxious. What if my website server goes down and all my friends’ blogs have 501 errors? What’s going to happen if an angry customer leaves a ranting tirade on a client’s Facebook page and no one knows how to hide/delete/ban? So many worst-case scenarios are running through my head that I need to take a chill pill and just let myself be excited for vacation.
To that end, I decided to put a list together of some essentials for any tropical, beachy, sunny getaway. I’m planning on posting a comprehensive guide to packing when I return, so I can include pictures from my various cruise outfits. In the meantime, these are just some fun items I’ll be bringing with me to sea!
Flash Tattoos: Goldfish Kiss
I love these metallic temporary tattoos, but there just hasn’t been an occasion to wear them this winter. Looking forward to baring more skin and rocking some of these amazing flash tattoos. The Goldfish Kiss set has beachy, travel related tattoos– I especially love the handwritten “wanderlust” one.
Retro Bathing Suit: Cocoship
Swimsuit shopping is usually my least favorite part of planning for a beach/cruise vacation. This time, though, I discovered Cocoship on Amazon.com. I was searching for retro, vintage style swimsuits. I wanted something more modest because I’m just not feeling super confident about my stomach area these days, and also I don’t need to be wearing a string bikini around my parents. I have a few cute one-piece suits, but I loved that these retro bikinis cover what needs to be out of sight, but still shows off my figure (and ribcage tattoo– I didn’t go through all that pain to cover it up!) Another amazing thing about these swimsuits is that they are all less than $25. With my free Amazon prime shipping, you just can’t beat this. I could probably buy 4 suits for the same price as one from Victoria’s Secret.
Classic White Tee: Madewell
It took me years to find the perfect white, v-neck tshirt for me, and I finally discovered this slub pocket tee from Madewell. It’s a longer length, which is flattering on my stubby torso, is sheer without being see-through, and has a nice v-neckline without showing too much cleavage. I’ll throw it on over my bathing suit or dress it up with a statement necklace and midi skirt for evenings!
Boyfriend Shorts: Gap
Boyfriend Shorts are my lifesaver. When the weather is too hot for pants or too casual for skirts, I wear boyfriend shorts almost time. Now that I’m pushing 30, and not as skinny as my younger days, I’m just not about that Daisy Duke shorts life. These shorts from Gap still make me feel sexy and comfy, but don’t instill the fear that my badonkadonk is hanging out there.
Gladiator Sandals: Target
I found these Sam & Libby shoes at Target last year. (The “Sam” in Sam & Libby is Sam Edelman, king of the gladiator sandals!) They’re as comfortable as a flip-flop, but have more staying power for excursions and are a little more formal.
Digital Camera: Canon Powershot S110
Even though I will be bringing my hefty DSLR on the cruise, my trusty Canon point-and-shoot is perfect for beach excursions or to fit in my evening bag during dinner. What I love most about this small, but powerful camera is that it shoots in RAW, so I get the high quality image files and am able to process the photos in Lightroom with the same presets I use with my DSLR digital negatives.
Are you going anywhere fun for spring break? Or maybe have a staycation planned? Either way, have a blast and stay tuned for the barrage of cruise pictures I’m going to be posting when I return!!