Long Distance Relationships (Won't) Kill You
July 27, 2017
Let's be real, summer is the hardest season for friendship.
It takes so much work to maintain a long-distance friendship during the hectic summer months. Sarah and I have been finding it difficult to keep up with each other while I'm on a four month contract in New Jersey and she is traveling/working at her cool adulting job. Just in case you and your best are struggling like us, I've made a list of things to do that will guarantee you are up to date on all that best friend info.
Stream of Consciousness Texts
Sarah and I keep our texts going as much as we can. Even if it's just an Emma Roberts meme or a "everyone here is stupid, why are you not here?!?!?" text, we make sure to keep each other in the loop constantly.
Facetime Dates
Texting is great, but we all know that the real catch-up happens virtual face to virtual face. Try to have some best friend time at least once a week (this is not always possible, believe me). Make an effort. Set a time. Make some tea (or if you're me, pour some wine) and chat.
Book Club
I bought Sarah and I the same book for her birthday so that we would have something special to bond over. I completely recommend this fun way to stay connected, and not just because it's a major Cher and Tai moment (Authors note: neither of us will own up to being a Tai, so we are both Cher.).
Plan a Besties Trip
Getting through a rough patch of long hours and hard work can be so much easier if you have something to look forward to. Right now, Sarah and I are planning a day to meet up at the Food and Wine Festival this Fall in Disney, and knowing that I have that trip to look forward to makes my days without seeing my best somewhat bearable.
So whether you're separated by a few states or an entire ocean, hopefully some of these ideas will help to cure some of that separation anxiety you experience when everyone is being stupid and you just want your best friend (which is always).
Plan a Besties Trip
Getting through a rough patch of long hours and hard work can be so much easier if you have something to look forward to. Right now, Sarah and I are planning a day to meet up at the Food and Wine Festival this Fall in Disney, and knowing that I have that trip to look forward to makes my days without seeing my best somewhat bearable.
So whether you're separated by a few states or an entire ocean, hopefully some of these ideas will help to cure some of that separation anxiety you experience when everyone is being stupid and you just want your best friend (which is always).
Captivated by Captiva
May 3, 2017
If you find yourself in the same situation as me, I highly recommend fleeing to Captiva. This island has beautiful beaches, delicious restaurants, and wonderful hotels. Here's how I spent my week:
After a sleep deprived travel day, we arrived at Tween Waters Resort. We immediately threw our bags down, sprayed on some SPF 5,000 (New York has deprived me of any vitamin D), and headed out to find the pool. Armed with my aviators, Lily Collins' new book (which honestly, I wouldn't recommend), and a pina colada, I got to work on my tan.
The next few days were a blur of laying in my cabana on the beach, snacking on nachos by the pool, catching up on my favorite podcast (The Lady Gang), and reading everything from Vogue to The Circle (recommended reading!).
Thanks to all of my time on the island, I am basically a certified Captiva travel guide, so let me tell you some of the things I feature about this vacation spot.
If all of the lounging is making you stressed, I highly recommend the Spa at Tween Waters for a well deserved massage, facial, or mani/pedi.
After your spa day, hit the water for a dolphin viewing or a sunset cruise with Captiva Cruises where you will find full bar service, knowledgeable tour guides, and probably a dolphin or twenty.
Everyone knows that calories don't exist during vacation, so obviously finding good restaurants is a must. Some of the best places to get some amazing food include The Captiva House (design your own sushi), Doc Ford's (the most historic Captiva restaurant), and The Mad Hatter (fancy and fun). Although eating in a restaurant can be great, I have to admit my favorite dinner was a pizza picnic on the beach at sunset (bring a blanket and play some Jimmy Buffet!).
So grab your bathing suit and sunnies, and tell your boss you're taking a few days off. The beach (and the pizza) is waiting!
Exploring Nashville
March 30, 2017
Unfortunately, I was only able to spend two days in this adorable city, but here are some places that I think are definitely worth a visit!
After arriving and dropping our weekenders at my friend's apartment (who's neighbors include Taylor Swift and Hayden Panettiere, which I wasn't complaining about) we headed to Fido Cafe. This cafe is a cute and casual place to grab a coffee (I recommend the Evergreen) and a little breakfast (check out the salmon scramble).
Once we were full of breakfast, we took a short tour of the town and ended up at Belmont University, where we explored the amazing lawns, chapels, and theaters. We took a few minutes to have a photoshoot at some of the prettiest parts of the campus!
The day was full of rushing around, so many sites so little time! We left Belmont to drop-off Alie B. at her theater (the real reason we were there was to see her as Carrie in "Carrie: The Musical"). We still had some time to kill before the show, so we headed to do one of my favorite activities: shopping! We killed time shopping at Green Hills Mall (we spent most of our money at Free People, oops). After the impromptu shopping spree, we headed to watch "Carrie", which was creepy as well as beautiful (and it helps that it is one of my favorite musicals).
The post-show hunger kicked in, so we headed to Two Bits, a local Belmont spot. They served us yummy drinks and great food, so it was a great way to celebrate our talented friend.
The next morning it was time for us to get back home, but we did make one last stop for brunch at Frothy Monkey, which was my favorite Nashville spot. I highly recommend the rosemary honey latte!
Overall, this trip brought a magical weekend with amazing friends. My only regret is that I couldn't stay longer! Hopefully this little guide helps you if you ever find yourself in this gorgeous town!
Spring Must Haves
March 6, 2017
Denim Jacket || Marble Phone Case || Floral Sweater || Tote Bag || Adidas Sneakers || Aviator Sunglasses (only $12!!) ||
Essie Nail Polish || Jeans || Marble S'well Bottle || White Top || Choker || 'Uh Huh Honey' Hat
Essie Nail Polish || Jeans || Marble S'well Bottle || White Top || Choker || 'Uh Huh Honey' Hat
It may not feel like Spring in some parts of the country, but here in Georgia it definitely does! We've finally gotten to the point where it's over 60 degrees and I'll just say I'm not mad about it. I'm getting the itch to clean out my closet and create a brand new spring wardrobe. I've always had a very minimalistic style and I don't gravitate towards bright colors, but I can't turn my back on pretty pastels.
I've rounded up some things that I will have in rotation during the next few months and things that I have my eye on (particularly the floral Show Me Your Mumu sweater and Uh Huh Honey baseball hat!). I've already started ordering some new items that will be perfect for my new wardrobe and I can't wait to finally start styling some new outfits!
10 Walt Disney World Do's & Don'ts
February 17, 2017
Planning a Walt Disney World vacation can be very overwhelming. How are you getting there? Where are you staying? What park is best on which day? Where are you going to eat? What Fastpasses are you going to get? Seriously, it's a lot to think about! I've been going to Disney World for almost 23 years now, Disney World is my happy place and I love sharing why I love it with people, but it took me a while to figure out all the tips and tricks that are needed to make a trip to Disney World truly special. Don't worry though, I've laid out my top 10 tips for you guys!
1. DO Make plans
Every aspect of the trip doesn't need to be planned out, but you really can't go on a Disney trip without having some things planned. Give yourself time to do your homework and learn all you can about how to best plan your trip. There are so many resources out there, I would look to Pinterest to get started. You can find maps, reviews, menus, crowd calendars, tips and tricks, etc. to really help you understand how to plan a successful trip. Get your dining reservations booked, figure out how you're getting there, where you're staying and buy your tickets in advance.
2. DON'T Go Without A Budget
It's so easy to want to buy every single thing you see in the park. Usually, the merchandise is on point and you'll tell yourself you have to have those salt and pepper shakers that are shaped like the trash cans in Tommorrowland, but you also have to remember how much you spent on this trip and everything you still have to pay for - like food. Like I said, it is so easy to convince that little voice in your head that you're allowed to treat yourself, and that's why it's so important to have an idea of what this entire trip is going to cost you and allot yourself a specified amount for souvenirs and other non-necessity items. Of course, a budget that is a bit flexible is best, because let's be honest - you really do absolutely need those salt and pepper shakers!
Pro Tip: One thing I really like to do is watch Disney Hauls on YouTube to get an idea of things I might want to buy and how much they'll be so I can budget more accurately!
3. DO Use the My Disney Experience App
This app is the greatest. Seriously, sometimes I go on it even when I'm not at Disney because it makes me feel like I'm gearing up to go! In the old days (old days = like 3 years ago), you had to physically walk to an attraction to find out the wait time for it, you had to actually carry a map, and if you wanted to change your FastPass time from 10:50am to 2:30pm? Tough cookies. Oh, and the FastPasses were physical paper passes. Those were dark days. Actually they were great, but compared to what we have now with the app, the days were dark. This app makes Disney days so much easier! You can check wait times, make dining reservations, change/choose your FastPasses and so much more all in one place! Before your trip make sure you peruse the app a bit so that it's easier to use when you're actually in the park.
4. DO Take advantage of FastPass+
FastPasses are a necessity on a Disney trip. Basically, FastPasses let you wait in an expedited line that is much shorter than the standby queue. If it's a super busy time of year, like Christmas, it'll save you from having to wait on 100+ minute lines, but even if it's not busy you'll want to use them. You get to book 3 fast passes per day, and once you use those, you can book more. That's why it's important to use your FastPasses early in the day, so then you can book more FastPasses for the rest of your time in the park. If you are staying at a Disney hotel, you can book them starting 60 days from your visit and if you're an off-site guest you can book starting 30 days out. I highly recommend booking as soon as possible. Not taking advantage of these FREE gifts from the Disney gods would be a huge mistake. Plus, you feel like a total boss walking past everyone that's been waiting in the standby queue.
5. DO Stay On Property (if you can)
I've been to Disney World many, many times and I've had some trips where I've stayed off property, and some where I've stayed on property. If you don't know, staying "on-property" means staying at one of 31 themed hotels within the Disney property. Disney obviously really wants you to stay at one of their hotels, so they give you a few perks if you do. Perks like, free bus transportation to and from the parks, Extra Magic Hours, early access to FastPasses and more. To me, these perks totally make it worth staying on site, but you're also paying more for the luxury of a Disney hotel, so you have to think about if it's worth it for you. The hotels are tiered based on price - value, moderate and deluxe, with deluxe being the most expensive, so there's most likely a hotel on property within your price range. Trust me when I say this, staying at a Disney hotel really changes the whole vibe of your trip. Somehow it becomes 100x more magical.
My favorites: The Boardwalk Inn, The Polynesian and Coronado Springs
6. DO Live in the moment
In this world of technology that we live in, you'd be hard pressed to find anyone not on their phones. Sadly, even the magic of Disney can't prevent this. If anything, it's probably even more prevalent, what with all the awesome Instagram opportunities the park offers (do it for the gram, right?). I myself am guilty of probably spending too much time on my phone when at the Happiest Place on Earth - it's a hard habit to break. The great thing about being at Disney World is that you feel like you have left the real world behind and are in this magical place where you have no worries or cares. Please, leave it that way. It's ok to take that photo by the Bubblegum wall, but also make sure you're taking everything in and appreciating every moment that you're there. I've found that the most memorable moments from my past trips have been when no one was on their phones. Be present in the moment and you'll have the best vacation ever!
7. DON'T Be Inflexible
Like I said before, I am a planner. I even plan my outfits for each park day like a month in advance! It's hard for me to go into a Disney trip without everything planned out. Since I was the one doing all the pre-planning, I was very determined to stick to those plans. Through the years though, I've realized that it's no fun to stick to a strict schedule - while I may enjoy making it, no one enjoys actually executing it! So I've become more flexible. I listen to the group throughout the day and kind of play everything by ear. If there's something someone doesn't want to do, or something someone wants to add, it's very easy to make changes to the plans. Being strict causes stress, which can ruin a vacation before it even begins, and honestly, there should be no stress on a Disney vacation!
8. DON'T Miss Out On Meeting Characters
I'll be the first to admit, I'm not the biggest fan of meeting characters. Some people absolutely love it and are so good at interacting with them, and some people are very awkward about it. I fall into the latter. For a long time, I didn't really go out of my way to meet any characters (plus, I was not really into waiting in those long lines). I would wave to them if I saw them on my way to an attraction, but once my younger brother got to the age where he enjoyed meeting them, I started waiting in those lines again. I remembered how magical it is to meet Mickey and Minnie, Peter Pan, Alice and all the others. It really does add some pixie dust to your trip and will provide you with memories you'll never forget.
Pro Tip: Use the My Disney Experience App to find where the characters will be throughout the day in each park!
9. DO Remember to be kind
It's hard to remember that not everyone thinks like you do. You can be in the happiest mood ever and there will always be someone who is in the worst mood ever. Yes, this is even true at Disney World. You're going to run into some not nice people while you're there and it will be super annoying, but the best way to counteract that person's negativity is to outshine them with kindness. I've heard incredible stories of guests going out of their way to make magical moments for other guests (read one here). These gestures don't have to be big (it could simply be a nice conversation) and it could really add to yours and that person's trip. Basically, be kind, mind your space and don't be obnoxious.
Pro Tip: Interacting with Cast Members is another great way to add some magic to your own trip. Strike up a conversation with one of them and you never know what will happen!
10. DON'T expect to do it all
Seriously, it's actually impossible. As many times as I've been, I still haven't even come close to doing every single thing. Walt Disney World is huge and they are adding to it all the time. Going in with the mindset that you want to do everything will only end with you being very tired and very disappointed. I read somewhere that on average, a person can get in about 8 attractions in a day at WDW, give or take a few depending on crowd levels. That doesn't even come close to how many rides there are in each park. Being realistic about what you can accomplish will make your time in "The World" much more relaxing and enjoyable. Plus, not accomplishing everything just gives you another excuse to come back ;) .
That's it guys! While all of this may seem overwhelming, the most important thing to remember is to have fun (omg so cheesy, I know, who am I?). Seriously though, whether you're there for one day or one week, a trip to Disney World is truly magical.
What are your best tips and tricks for a trip to Disney World?
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