Ten Things to Pack for Spring Break

One week from today I will be on a plane heading south to the sunshine state for some baseball and the beach. Spring break cannot come soon enough because I am so tired of seeing wool sweaters and snow. Technically I have enough time to pack next week, but I know that if I don't start planning now then I will end up with some random items taking up valuable space and leaving behind some essential item (last year it was my Yankees hat). Plus, I am beyond thrilled to have an excuse to go through my spring clothes! I haven't laid out any outfits yet, but there are a few things that I know are crucial to pack after 4 straight Florida spring break trips.

{get everything here}

One: Cute, Lightweight top

This can be used for day or night, but the key is that it is lightweight. If you're going to a game, like me, opt for cotton because at least it will dry if you sweat a bit (which you will).

Two: Neutral Flats

I love wearing my jacks when the weather is nicer. However, a cute pair of flats is perfect for going to and from the airport. They can also be a nice change of footwear for a chilly evening or just to take a break from sandals.

Three: Hat

Another one that doesn't need much of an explanation. I showed a baseball hat because they're easier to pack in a suitcase than a sunhat. 

Four: Sundresses

I don't think this needs an explanation. Bring a few of these because they take up no space and are perfect for any occasion because you can dress them up or down.

Five: Makeup with SPF

I always wear makeup with SPF because my face is pretty sensitive, but it is especially important to protect your face if you are going to be in the sun all day.

Six: Bathing Suit

Don't be one of those people who goes to the beach, forgetting the one essential item.

Seven: Statement Earrings

It is hot in Florida, at least it is hotter than Virginia. I usually opt for fun earrings over a fun necklace because I don't want anything sitting on my neck that doesn't have to be there. Plus, bracelets and necklaces have been responsible for their fair share of unfortunate tan or burn lines.

Eight: Sandals

Get a pedicure (or give yourself one) and throw on those sandals that have been sitting in the back of your closet all winter. Is anyone else beyond excited for sandal season?

Nine: Sunglasses

Don't get crows feet from squinting your eyes. The sun will reflect off the sand and water so it will be even harsher than usual.

Ten: Cute Sweatshirt

The Florida evenings are much chillier than the days. I always bring a cute sweater or sweatshirt when I go out to dinner because the breeze really gets to you. It is really nice to be able to sit outside for meals in Florida, but, especially by the water, it is chilly enough to want a sweater and jeans.

xx

erin

Take Me Out To The Ballgame...Spring Training

Thank God it is warm again today because going from 75 and sunny in Florida to 30 degrees here yesterday was a rough transition. That being said, I am still daydreaming about being in Florida and watching baseball. My perfect lazy afternoon would be spent at a baseball stadium and Spring Training is a great way to do that. As you may notice in my pictures, the parks are much more intimate than a normal stadium and the overall atmosphere is much more relaxed. One of my greatest memories of Spring Training was a couple of years ago, in seats similar to the ones we had in the picture below, and Nick Swisher interacting and joking with the fans (including myself) during the game. 

beer and baseball: a great combo

How else is Spring Training different? Well, the number of guys there is significantly higher than a roster, especially in the first couple of weeks. It is always exciting to see the non-roster invitees because they're the minor league players who are (hopefully) the future of the franchise, or at least trade material for other players. Yankees fans tend to be more invested in their farm system after the Core Four. Of course, ownership's approach to the farm system has changed over the years...but that's probably something that none of y'all care about.

Since there are so many players, sometimes combinations like this pop up and you just can't help but chuckle a bit...

I didn't take this, but it made me laugh

It is a great environment to watch baseball, even if you aren't a fan of the teams playing. Honestly, we were just happy to be wearing shorts for once! 

Beer and Baseball again! Loving that I'm in Lilly and Jacks and the
boys are in Chubbies and Sperrys...so typical for our family

Oh, and to see those players we've had a crush on since we were 5...

Or pictures with the now-retired number of one of your all-time favorites...

And to see famous people throw out the first pitch! Can you even tell that's Richard Gere? He was going seriously incognito in that outfit...

Getting to enjoy dinner and drinks outside was also a huge perk!

Frenchy's Iconic Grouper Sandwich...it's so good!

 Basically we were just happy to be there taking it all in!

Oh, and sometimes you fish on the same boat as a Yankees player, 5 minutes after he gets off! Gosh, I wish I had realized that is why I recognized the guy getting into the car next to us as we pulled up to the marina. 

we went fishing

If you get the chance to get to a game in Arizona or Florida, definitely do it! The parks are small so there really isn't a bad seat and it's so much fun to explore all the different parks and the towns they're located in! Even if you aren't a dedicated fan but an afternoon of having sun warming your skin at a ballpark sounds appealing, this is the place for you. Not everyone there is a diehard fan, though you will definitely find some...

What a dedicated fan! How many people do you think take a picture with that truck?

Well, it's back to reality for me, how did you spend your Spring Break?

xoxo,

SSP

P.S. Congrats to my Cavaliers on winning today!!!

carry all and carry on

So, I wrote this yesterday on the plane and then we got to Tampa and were racing to a game and I just totally forgot to post it! Anyways, here's what I wrote yesterday...

Well I have finally made it to Tampa for Spring Training…actually, technically I am writing this post on the plane and by the time y’all read it, I will be in Florida. I am so excited to escape to somewhere warm for a few days. We flew out on a 7:15am flight, meaning that we had all of our bags packed and ready to go when we got up this morning. Oh, and did I mention that my bag was perfectly fine and under the weight limit…whoop whoop, I’ve come a long way.

Of course, in addition to checking my big, new suitcase (that I kind of love), I also brought two carry on bags. I think I take for granted what I pack in my carry on because I always tend to bring the same few things, but there are definitely some essentials that you need in your bag. You don't want to be caught in the middle seat between two middle-aged businessmen with nothing to do for two hours. Part of that is true, I'm sitting between two businessmen, but I am in the exit row so my 5'4" frame is loving all this excessive leg room.

I always make sure to bring both something to read and watch on a plane depending on my mood. I just (finally) got around to finishing Kate White’s book (It’s amazing and you should go buy it right now!) and, if I want to pass the rest of the time watching A Philadelphia Story, I can because I have my iPad and laptop. Sure, sometimes I am feeling productive and want to do something else on the flight, but as long as I have options, I won’t mind sitting in the middle seat.

As far as other basics go, obviously make sure you have your wallet and ID and I would also recommend gum if your ears pop like mine. Other random things I like to have are a tiny bottle of lotion (they make ones that fit the TSA requirements) or moisturizing hand sanitizer, tissues and deodorant, just because I want to feel somewhat clean and fresh after spending that much time in close proximity to others.

Also, if you have somewhere to go right from the plane, make sure that you have a change of clothes or are wearing something that is appropriate for where you’re going. I might not want to go to the ball game in the outfit I’m wearing, but if I need to, I know this will be okay.

Have a great start to your spring break! Where are y’all going for the week?

xoxo,

SSP

The Friday Five

It is finally Spring Break! I am so excited to see my Momma this afternoon and then leave for Florida tomorrow morning! Seriously though, I came out of my apartment this morning to find that there was a snow dusting last night...I am so over this weather. Anyways, there have been so many links and such that I love this week and I am just so elated for break that I can hardly contain myself.

1) 23 Most Annoying Things About Being a Female Sports Fan

can't wait to be back!

My friend Meghan wrote "did you write this?" when she posted this on my timeline this morning. Seriously though, last night at Boylan I was that girl standing at the bar watching the Clippers obliterate the Lakers rather than socializing. Oh, and I'm that girl going to watch baseball for my spring break with my dad and brothers rather than going to some tropical location with friends.

2) This Quote

I have been doing some self-evaluating lately and seeing as I recently cut my hair, I love this as inspiration. Thanks, Pinterest!

3) Kendra Scott Color Bar

I've talked about Kendra Scott earrings before, but I didn't know about this part of their site until Meghan told me. There was a pair of earrings that Kaitlyn Black wore on Hart of Dixie that I absolutely loved, but I wanted gold hardware instead of silver. Now I guess I can order them? This could be dangerous...

4) I am marrying "Logan Huntzberger" in a "traditional church wedding"

Buzzfeed quizzes have been on point this week. I got Logan, Brian from the Backstreet Boys and Mr. Darcy as my potential soul mates...all of which are more than ideal. 

5) Cavalier Basketball

cut down the net!!!

I know anyone can post anything on Buzzfeed, but I thought this was pretty great in the wake of UVA being ranked number one in the ACC. It is amazing to witness such a great team at my school, especially considering how great our football program is...

On that note, I do not expect Hokies to cheer for UVA basketball, let's not get ahead of ourselves.

What are you loving this week?

xoxo,

SSP

5 days, 15 outfits

Spring Break is so dang close. I am basically checked out now because my exam got moved to the week after break because of the snow day and I am so ready to get to Florida. Before I get there though, I need to plan and pack. And when I say plan, I mean plan. I won't get home until tomorrow afternoon and we have to leave for the airport on Saturday before the sun even thinks about waking up. One of the greatest parts about this trip I'm going on is that we do so many things, and at the same time, that means I need multiple outfits every day and I am a already chronic over-packer. I can't help it, I like clothes and I like to have options. True story: Last year, my bag was 1lb over the weight limit, so I reached into my bag and pulled out my jewelry case. I put it back on the scale and I was 1.5lbs under the weight limit...I seriously wish I had a picture of my Dad's face in that moment, the shock/horror was priceless.

That being said, I need to make sure that I don't run into that issue again this year so a packing plan is a go for me. I already know that I need an outfit for...
running each morning

days at the beach

an afternoon at the ballpark/shopping/being a tourist

going out to dinner at night
(keeping in mind that even if it's hot during the day, it will feel much chillier as the temperature drops and the sun goes away)

I know my actual Spring Break plans might not be the most common, but the outfits that it requires are pretty much the same for any beach vacation coming your way. How do you fit all those outfits into one suitcase? Borrow space from your brothers! Just kidding...kind of. Here is a packing list to minimize stressing over that. A quick tip for this list is to make sure that your basics are wearable with a few combinations. Even if this means you pack all basics and jewelry to spice up an outfit, it will be worth saving the space.

Don't forget, this is the packing list of a chronic overpacker going on a trip requiring several outfit changes...you can make it on much less than this.
Also, pack efficiently, if you lay it out ahead of time, you will pack smarter and figure out what needs to go in the suitcase and what can be packed in a carry on.

Are you ready for Spring Break? Where are y'all escaping to for the week?

xoxo,
SSP