How to Pack Light for Vacation

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My parents both work for the airlines so I think I'm an expert traveler by now. I've mastered how to pack light for a vacation and thought I'd share some of my tips with you.

1. Invest in a roller bag that can fit in the overhead bins of the airplane (10 x 16 x 24 inches). It's SO much easier not to check luggage if you don't have to. Want to save at least 30 minutes at the airport? Please invest in one. I promise the limited space will make up for it by saving you tons of time.

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2. Make the most of your other personal item. Most airlines allow one carryon bag and one personal item (purse, backpack, etc.) I usually bring a huge purse and put all of my makeup, toiletries, curling iron, straightener, book or magazine, iPod, phone, snacks and other things I want to grab quickly during my flight.

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3. Start making a list early of things you CAN’T forget. I usually start one on my cellphone and add to it as soon as I think of anything. Check it over before you’re done packing to make sure there’s nothing you’ve forgotten. Earplugs, cellphone charger, camera charger and IDs are things that are always on my lists.

4. I usually get cold on the plane so I bring socks and a sweater (if I'm not wearing them already) to keep me warm.

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5. Keep jewelry and belts off until after you're through security and wear shoes that are easy to remove. No one likes waiting behind the people who forget about this. Also - take your laptop out of your bag and place it in the tray before going through the scanner!

6. At least a week before you leave plan out your outfits. I know, I like to have options too but it will keep your over packing to a minimum. I always pack a few backups but usually end up sticking to what I originally planned out. You’ll save room and time in the morning because you’ve already planned out your outfit for the day. I usually try on each outfit as I pack to make sure I don’t forget anything like a belt or the right accessories.

7. Pick shoes that can be worn with multiple outfits and try to wear your bulkiest pair to the airport. This will save a ton of room!

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8. I promise that whatever you forget, you can most likely purchase at your destination. It’s not worth stressing about! After all, you’re on vacation – relax and enjoy it!

Do you have any tips to add? What is your favorite place to travel to?

Top Five Color Trends for Fall 2012

Can you believe it’s almost Labor Day? Me either. Fall is quickly approaching and before we know it, it will be time to bust out the boots, scarves and chunky sweaters.

What do you think of when it comes to fall color? I think of rich browns, forest greens and dark reds. To help get your wardrobe ready for fall, check out five trendy colors for this upcoming season that might surprise you – in a good way:

Tangerine: Remember the bright orange that was all the rage this summer? It’s sticking around for fall – how fun! Try a tangerine sweater, or a scarf for just a hint of color.

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Bright Blue: It’s not the aqua blue that’s usually in season for summer and it’s not deep blue that you might see during winter, it’s something unique and totally versatile for this fall. 

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Muted Purple: This color is perfect for so many fall items – sweaters, coats, scarves and other accessories. It’s an unexpected pop of color.

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Rose: I usually don’t think of anything pink-toned for fall, which makes the rose trend so great. Sweaters are perfect in this warm color, or you could try a pair of rose-colored jeans if you’re feeling extra daring.

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Chartreuse: Instead of sticking with the typical greens usually on trend for fall, try out a bag or scarf in this yellowy-green. 

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What do you think of these colors for fall? 

Wedding DIY Craft Ideas

It's no secret that I love crafting. Adrianne and I even have designated crafting dates every so often to try out new ideas we have or projects we've admired on Pinterest. I'm planning on doing all of the crafting decore for my wedding myself (yikes - that's why I'm starting now!!) and you better believe I'll be stealing Adrianne to help me.

Some craft ideas that I can't wait to do for the the wedding:



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1. DIY floral headband for our adorable niece Addie who is also our flower girl.

2. Heart garland for decoration around the tent and barn - swoon.

3. Burlap flag bunting (I plan on doing a lot of this) for the sweets table, gift table and general decoration/

4. Tissue and fabric pom poms.

5. Wooden signs for directions.

6. Chalkboard table numbers.

I already spent a ton of time in Hobby Lobby the other day dreaming up things I can do. I need to make sure I don't take on too much and only do projects I really love. I'll be sharing all of my progress on the blog so be sure to check back!

So what do you think? Have you seen other DIY wedding crafts that I should consider trying?

Got 10 Minutes? Squeeze in a Leg Workout!

One of the biggest reasons many people don’t go to the gym is because they don’t have time. I agree – sometimes there’s just not enough time in the day to get yourself to the gym. And sometimes maybe you just don’t feel up to a full-on workout. But, neither of those are great excuses for not getting in some form of exercise. 

I admit, there are days where I skip the gym. But, I always try to do something at home – whether it’s crunches, cardio or whatever I can work up the strength to do that night. 

Here’s a quick 10-minute leg workout you can do at home:

Squats

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Start with your feet about shoulder width apart. Put your hands on your hips or keep them straight in front of you. Keep your back straight as you perform a sitting motion. Once you’ve bent your legs 90 degrees, stand back up.

Frog Jumps

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Start in a squat position. Jump as high as you can and try to land softly back in your squat position.

Walking Lunges

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Start by standing with your hands on your hips. Step forward with your right leg until your leg reaches a 90 degree angle. Don’t let your knee pass your toes. Stand up on your right leg and bring your left leg forward and step into a lunge with that leg. 

Sumo Squats

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Stand with your legs a bit farther than shoulder width apart. Point your toes outward. Squat down until both of your knees reach 90 degree angles. 

Side Lunges

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Start with your feet about shoulder width apart. Put your hands on your hips. Lift your right foot and step to the side while squatting. Keep your knee aligned above your toes and squat until your leg has reached a 90 degree angle. Try to keep your back straight. With this exercise, you can either work one side repeatedly for a stronger burn or go from side-to-side.

Perform each exercise for approximately 45 to 50 seconds. Rest for 10 to 15 seconds and move onto the next exercise. Do these five moves twice and you’re done! If you’d like, you can even hold dumbbells in your hands while performing some of these exercises to make them more challenging.

There are plenty of other leg exercises you can incorporate into this routine. Play around and see what works best for you. The whole point of any 10-minute routine is to get up and get moving. We all have those days where we’re either too busy to get to the gym or just don’t feel like it, so create some 10-minute workouts and use them as a back-up to make yourself get off the couch on those busy or lazy days!

Hair: Fishtail Braid Tutorial

Fishtail braids are all the rage in this summer heat. They look so much harder to do then they really are - I promise! Follow these simple steps and with some practice you can sport this look too.

1. Brush your hair to one side and make two equal sections of hair.

2. Pull a thin strand of hair from the outside of the back section. Pull it over the top of the back section, and grasp it under the front section. Put simply: the strand of hair has gone over the back section and finishes under the front section.

3. Repeat Step 2 on the other side. Pull a skinny strand of hair from the outside of the front section, pull it over the front section, then weave it under the back section.

4 & 5. Keep alternating sides, weaving over and under, until you reach the bottom of the braid.

6. Secure with a hair tie or elastic.

7. Gently pull small sections of the braid to loosen it up for a more relaxed look.

And you're done! Told you it was easy.

Do you think you'll try this look? What are some other hairstyles you've been wanting to try for the summer?

Who's Your Hair-spiration?

Celebrities are an obvious go-to source for beauty and hair inspiration. Their stylists are always on the cusp of what’s new and trendy, and have access to the best tools and products. I love changing up my hair and trying out new things. In the past few years, I’ve had long hair, short hair, medium brown, dark blonde, light brown, pink/purple/blue highlights (yes, really!), bangs, no bangs, layers, an angled bob – seriously, you name it. Though there are tons of celebrities I could choose, I’ve always gone back to just one for some awesome hair-spiration. Yes, I know that’s a cheesy term – but stick with me here!

Though she went through a grungy-slash-I-don’t-know-what-she-was-thinking phrase, Nicole Richie has been my go-to for hair inspiration over the past few years. She’s really bold with her cut and color choices and I absolutely love some of the things she’s tried. I’ve brought countless pictures of her cuts to my stylist. 

Here are some of my favorite looks, most of which I’ve sported over the past few years:

Love the side-swept bangs!
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Lovely medium brown color, which I've copied.
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I've done the middle part...
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My hair has been this color too.
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Yes, I've even stolen her waves.
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All really great colors and styles. She's absolutely on-trend, and I love it!

Who is your hair-spiration? 

Healthy Gluten- and Sugar-Free Banana Bread

Healthy gluten- and sugar-free banana bread that tastes amazing? Yes ... it's true! My mom made this while I was visiting her in Arizona and I couldn't believe how great it tasted. This banana bread can be eaten for breakfast or even dessert – it was that delicious.

What you’ll need:
1 ½ cups all-purpose coconut flour (or another gluten-free flour of your choice)
½ cup arrowroot
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon gluten-free  baking powder
½ teaspoon xanthan gum
2 ripe bananas
1/3 cup unsweetened chunky applesauce
1/3 cup xylitol
3 tablespoons extra-virgin coconut oil, melted
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 large egg, beaten
½ cup walnuts, chopped (optional – I didn’t use them this time)

What to do:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan and flour dust with gluten-free flour; set aside.

In a mixing bowl, smash bananas with a fork. Work in applesauce until combined with bananas. Add xylitol, melted coconut oil, vanilla and beaten egg and stir until well combined. Slowly add dry flour mixture to wet mixture and stir until well combined. Stir in chopped nuts (if desired) until just combined.

Pour batter into prepared baking pan using a spray-oiled spatula to scrape the bowl. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

Enjoy! I hope you love this delicious healthy alternative as much as I did. It was great for breakfast and even as an after dinner treat.

Do you have any recipes that are healthy and delicious you’d like to share? We’d love to hear them!