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

Did I Just Give Up Coffee?

This year for Lent I am...not giving up coffee. Yes, I might have a slight addiction, but I am fine with it. Caffeine is not stunting some miracle late growth spurt that would help me reach that 5'4" threshold that I am so close to, so for now, we are keeping caffeine and coffee in the picture.

That being said, choosing something to give up for lent can be tough. After years of trying and failing at various things, I think I have finally struck a balance this year. Choosing what to give up, or add, to your life can take some effort because it has to be realistic, and yet challenge you.

This year I am both adding and subtracting something from my life. I am going to add reading "The Word Among Us" every day since my dad bought me a subscription a couple of months ago and it has primarily served as a paperweight since then. I am also going to do low carb, no carb. Now, this second part is sort of confusing because of the nature of the lifestyle change. I am not cutting carbs completely for a few reasons: 1) they're in everything 2) whole-wheat pasta is cheap 3) I'm a poor college student

So what does this mean? I am going to avoid cookies, chips, and bread, etc as often as I can. If I am being totally honest, I am such a study and bored muncher that this will really help me to reevaluate my decisions when it comes to that. So instead of reaching for the bread basket at dinner, I will just have to wait for my entree and I'll have to substitute my late night cheez-its with carrots or another vegetable.

One thing that I really like about making such a conscious effort is that I will be constantly reminding myself about Lent and how Jesus gave up even more for me, than I have to for these 40 days.

What are you giving up?

xoxo,

SSP

Beach Body in One Week

So you are leaving for Florida on Saturday and that whole "beach body" routine you'd been planning on doing sort of fell off to the wayside thanks to Girl Scout cookie season and those winter blues? No worries. There are still ways to improve your body in the last couple of days before your big vacation for you to kick it into gear. No, I am not promising some sort of crazy weight loss pill or diet...that is unrealistic and unhealthy. If you want to lose 5lbs by Saturday, my only recommendation would be a stomach flu, kidding, but you get the idea.

These are some tips on how you can improve your beach body in the last couple of days before the big vacation. And if you still aren't happy? Wear a PFG and let's get in shape after Spring Break as we prepare for Beach Week (this is my plan...those Girl Scout cookies get me every time, whoops)

1) Drink More

Drink more: water, tea, detox water.

Drink Less: caffeine, carbonation, and alcohol.

Essentially keep yourself hydrated. Detox water can be as simple as adding any combination or one of the following things: mint, lemon, cucumber. It makes the water even more refreshing and will help flush out your system. You should always stay hydrated, but it will especially help this week. Oh, and as for the drink less section, if you think I am not going to drink my morning coffee just so that I look good at the beach, you're crazy.

2) Exercise

Well, this should be self-explanatory. Even if you aren't going to magically transform your body in less than a week, exercise will stimulate blood flow and help kickstart your metabolism. Plus, have you ever noticed that you look more fit after working out, like if you do a killer ab routine that you seem to have flat abs for a few hours? Well, that is because the blood is going to your muscle tissue during the workout and it will hang around for a bit. So, if you want to look like you're in better shape than you are, get a workout in before you head to the beach. (disclaimer: you will probably be sore if you do this after not regularly working out...)

3) Eat Right

Stick to those leafy green vegetables and stay away from the fast foods. There are dozens of lists of "detox" foods out there and basically those are the ones that are less likely to make you bloat and easier for your body to break down.

4) Spice Up Your Life

Add some cayenne or jalapeño peppers to your diet! There are so many studies that show how adding spices to your diet will jumpstart your metabolism so just throw them in with your normal food and you'll be good to go.

5) Stress Less

I realize this isn't totally possible. I mean, I am stressed about the exam I have today and the two papers I have due tomorrow. However, I need to plan it out and know that it is all going to get done...and be thankful that yesterday's snow day caused my Friday exam to get moved back. So on Thursday, I am going to do a personal at-home spa day, but I need to keep calm all week. Just use a motivational quote or a to-do list to remind yourself that you can do it!

Obviously, this plan isn't perfect, but there isn't any plan that will get you the perfect beach body in a few days. And anyways, you should love yourself and the way you look regardless...there is always room for improvement, but don't let that stop you from loving yourself and your life right now. 

xoxo,

SSP

Midterm Motivation Monday

Yay for alliteration, am I right? Too much for a Monday morning? Sorry, y'all...

There is nothing to make you more excited for Spring Break than a week packed with exams and papers...oh and a sharp drop in temperature with a winter storm is not exactly helping. On that note, in addition to having my morning cup of coffee to kickstart the week, I needed some additional motivation...so naturally I created some quote pictures. Here are some motivational quotes to get you through the week! Good Luck!

Oh, and if you are headed to the beach, like me, here's some additional motivation:

{via}

xoxo,

SSP

The Red Carpet Superbowl

Tonight is the highlight of Hollywood fashion and film. Tonight will feature some of the greatest actors and many more familiar faces as the faces of film as walk the red carpet at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. It is basically the Superbowl of Red Carpets and one that you can't miss! Well, that's only if you don't have 3 exams this week, like me...then maybe you should skip it. Regardless of when you get to see the gowns, Oscar fashion is not one to miss. Recently, MediaRun Digital created an infographic with every Best Actress winner's dress. It is amazing to look at how fashion has changed and evolved over time. What is your favorite Oscar moment dress? Personally, Hilary Swank's 2005 gown is one of my favorites, but there are so many to choose from! And don't forget to tune into E! at 5:30 for their Red Carpet coverage!

{via}

Now, for a weekend update...but not with Seth Meyers *sad face*

{on instagram}

UVA IS NUMBER ONE IN THE ACC!!!! We beat Syracuse yesterday and the game was amazing and rushing the court was so much fun. I went to the game with one of my littles and I am so glad that we got to experience that together. WAHOOWA

Oh, and Friday night I went to a Corey Smith concert and it was so much fun. I have been a big fan of his for a while now and I am so glad that I finally got to see a show of his...right in front of him. No, seriously, we were first row smack dab in the center. It was such an amazing experience!

xoxo,

SSP