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

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

Thirsty Thursday: Cup O' Joe

I am a coffee addict. There is no denying it. I need my coffee in the morning, I accept my weakness and move on. Some of you say it's unhealthy...clearly this is because you haven't seen me try to function without the stuff. Sure, I try to wean myself off it a bit around finals (caffeine increases stress), but the rest of the year is all about starting the morning off with a cup of joe. 
In college, I tend to take my coffee on the go with me (sometimes it's my second cup, but who's counting). I have collected quite a few mugs over the years, though my go-to is definitely my 2013 Spring Training Tervis (or my Margaritaville one for the double-dose days). I try to avoid getting a cup at Starbucks if I can, especially for regular coffee. Plus, if you use your cup, you get a discount! So save the environment a bit and grab one of these chic mugs to tote your beverage around in.

Tervis Tumbler

These things rock. They're perfect for hot or cold beverages, come in several sizes and all sorts of patterns. I have both a regular and large Tervis and I alternate depending on what I'm drinking. Oh, and you can also get these monogrammed...double win!

Lilly Pulitzer Travel Mug

I mean, I had to include Lilly. It's cute and functional. Basically it takes all of my self-restraint not to buy one of these cute mugs. 

Magnolia Lane Mugs

You need one of these. No, I'm serious. Magnolia Lane mugs don't mess around with size, it's like drinking a fishbowl of coffee. I have a Virginia Tech one at home (I went there freshman year, don't judge) and it is my favorite mug hands down. Also, Magnolia Lane creates so many other adorable ceramic goodies, perfect for any hostess or birthday gift!

Pier 1 Imports Mugs

I love the happy and colorful mugs from Pier 1. My big gave me one of these giraffe mugs in one of my baskets during big sis week and it's my favorite at school. I sometimes race drinking my coffee down so the giraffe doesn't drown...yeah, I'm five, it's whatever.

Contigo Mugs

Back to a travel mug here with a super tightly sealed mug. Seriously, these things are amazing. I had one in High School that could easily keep my coffee hot for half the day as I sipped on it throughout the morning (you know, before I was a true addict).

What's your favorite coffee mug? Are there any other awesome travel mugs I missed?

xoxo,
SSP

What's In my Bag and Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to Marian for winning the Lesportsac Suitcase!

Use it in good health, doll! Thank you to everyone who entered. I realize the rafflecopter was a bit messed up, luckily I got the entries exported to Excel and was able to add any emailed entries that way, as well as all the Instagram entries! In case anyone was worried about whether or not this was valid, not only did she win my excel/random number generator version, but she won according to Rafflecopter too!
I love getting to share awesome stuff with y'all, so on that note...if you don't already follow me on Instagram, do it. When I get to 1500 followers, I will be doing another giveaway, this time of one of my favorite things!

On the note of Lesportsac, I am absolutely enamored with my signature tote they sent me. I have people asking me all the time where I got it and they're shocked to know it's Lesportsac (also, disappointed they can't get one yet). It is the perfect tote for school and work. Seriously, I have been hauling it from place to place this summer, job to job. As I have mentioned before, I work 70 hours a week...so yeah, I carry quite a bit of stuff. The bag is absolutely big enough to carry it all. An even bigger perk is that it is super cute and the material is practical for cleaning purposes. There are just enough pockets for convenience, but it is still open enough so that things don't disappear!
Okay, so here is my list of "Work Bag Goodies"

Wallet: Obviously this is a necessity. I have a zip-around Michael Kors that I love because when I just want to run into a store without my tote, I can put my phone in this. Of course, I have been and still am totally swooning over the Kate Spade wallets...just love all the colors!

Lunch and Snacks: Pack a lunch and snacks. It is so easy to walk down to the vending machine and get cheetos, but that hurts your wallet and figure. When you sit at a desk all day, you need to be more concious of what you eat, simple as that. I bring healthy food to munch on while working and make sure there is some good protein and carbs to keep me energized. 

Tervis or Camelbak: Hydrate people! Seriously, it is so important and it keeps your skin clear and body healthy. I bring my Tervis because I can fill it with coffee, juice, or water and keep refilling it. I also love my Camelbak though because I always seem to drink 10x the amount of water I otherwise do. There is just something addicting about that bottle!

Paper and Pen: As I have mentioned before, I am a straight OCD lady when it comes to to-do lists. I love making them and crossing items off. When I don't have this with me, I get so lost and confused!

Agenda: I keep a really tiny one in my work bag because basically all I write in it are my hours. I know it is important to keep track of your schedule, and like with a to-do list, tangibly writing it seems to make me remember it more!

Chargers: Having a phone or tablet die is the worst. Designate a charger and pair of headphones for this bag so that you never leave them behind ensuring a less painful 8 hour shift.

iPad: I love writing blog posts and lists in the notes section. It is so handy to have this since it acts as an eReader, game host, and notepad all in one.

Gum or Candy: Just bring a couple little things to pop in throughout the day in case you get a bad taste in your mouth or need a quick sugar jolt at 2:15.

Makeup Bag: This keeps deodorant, an extra necklace, perfume, and a face lotion for me. Since I work 2 jobs, I like washing my face and cleaning up a bit in between jobs. 

What is in your work bag? Any secrets or good ideas you've learned this summer?

xoxo,
SSP

Lesportsac Giveaway!

Is there any better feeling than finishing the work week and knowing it's Friday? Probably not, unless you get the chance to win something on top of that! Well, how about I help make this a great Friday and give you the chance to win a brand new Lesportsac rolling suitcase? Yes, we have teamed up to give one away and the giveaway will run from today through 12am next Friday, and the winner will be announced then.

Recently my cousin, and fellow chi omega, who is interning with Lesportsac in New York City (lucky duck!) sent me a couple of bags to try out. Guess what? I am in love. Seriously, I may never put my new signature tote down. They are such well made bags and their new prints are fun and sophisticated. I am so excited to test out my weekender and purse as well!
I know that at school I always want to be able to leave for the weekend to visit my friends, cousins, and now my brothers, at their schools. The problem had always been finding a bag that stored well in my dorm room, but was also practical for the amount of stuff I take on a typical weekend excursion. Lesportsac sent me the perfect weekender in their Lacey Lana print that I am planning on getting a lot of use out of this upcoming year.
Of course, I can't just keep all this great stuff to myself, so Lesportsac and I have teamed up to give you a 22" rolling suitcase in Aberdeen Stripe, one of their fall prints that has yet to be released! This suitcase is a great size and the nylon is so easy to clean. Plus, the soft exterior means there is plenty of room to cram all of your travel needs in it, with extra storage in the 3 exterior pockets! There is even a pouch that snaps into the bag which is perfect for toiletries you don't want to spill onto anything else. This perfect bag retails for $275, but one of you lucky readers is going to get it absolutely free! 
a Rafflecopter giveawayAlso, my Instagram followers can gain extra entries by following the directions on this post! Feel free to post it up to once a day to maximize your chance of winning!

good luck!

xoxo,
SSP