WHAT'S IN MY BEACH BAG!

Hi! I'm Nicole and blog over at A Dash of Gold and I'm so excited to be posting over here for Keizra while she and Aaron are on their honeymoon! Keizra is really such a sweetheart and has been such a busy little bee lately so I hope she is relaxing, enjoying her tropical vacation and has an umbrella in her drink as we speak! Congrats to the newlyweds! Inspired by her getaway, I thought I would share with you my beach bag must haves as I dream of laying poolside...rather than stuck in an office like I am now!

 tote bag // aveda sun hair protectant // bronzed sunscreen // sunnies // sun hat //

// birkenstocks //

Protecting my hair and skin is a must while laying out so I tried to stay as covered up and protected as possible. So a giant hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and hair spray are a MUST. Don't overlook a hair protectant-- your scalp can easily burn and hair dry out. If your hair is colored, definitely use a hair protectant spray to lock in that color!

A fashion trend I'm loving for beach wear is rocking a caftan as a cover-up which is both comfortable and chic-- both important while laying  ocean side! Caftans don't have to break the bank either. Check out some of my under $100 suggestions below.

Stop by A Dash of Gold anytime; I would love to have you! And be sure to wish Keizra and Aaron a big CONGRATS on their wedding day!

xo
Nicole

BEAUTY TIPS FOR YOUR VACATION

Hello Luxe Readers! I'm Carla over at Love Cartista. I feel totally honored that Keizra asked me to guest blog for her while she's away on her tropical honeymoon. Congratulations on your wedding, Keizra! Wishing you both much happiness and success on your life together! I am really excited to give y'all Luxe readers some beauty tips for a tropical vacation. Growing up in the Philippines, I was able to enjoy glorious days in sun and sand! I've also been lucky to have traveled to a few tropical islands in the Caribbean. There are a few pictures of me and my hubby in the tropics when I participated in Keizra's MR. & MRS. Q + A Series. As a true beauty junkie and lover of travel, I know a few beauty tips for a flawless time in the tropics.

   

1. Sunscreen is your best friend. We all know how important it is to use at least SPF 15 when spending time outdoors. Not only is it vital for the prevention of skin cancer, it prevents major skin burns and rashes when you're on vacation. Believe me, you don't want to endure the pain of a bad burn while you're on vacay. For those with darker skin like me, I don't burn but suffer from heat rash. Be cognizant of applying sunscreen often. You can breathe easy and not have to worry about taking care of a painful, burned skin. I recommend Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock in SPF 30. 

2. Fake bake before you go. You want to feel amazing when you go on your tropical vacation. Having a little color on you can boost your confidence when you sport that super cute tank top! Some people prefer tanning beds, but those are harmful to your skin. No one wants leathery skin, so I absolutely recommend trying St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse. Healthy, glowing, and natural-looking skin. I love this stuff! 

3. Moisturize that sun-drenched skin. Speaking of being all tan and gorgeous, you must try this Maui Babe Browning Lotion. This stuff comes straight from the tropics in Hawaii! It's made of coffee and various oils, so it moisturizes your skin while giving you instant color. You lucky naturally tanned and brown-skinned girls can definitely use this stuff too! Hellooo, gorgeous skin! 

4. Dry shampoo saves time and lets you enjoy more fun time! Like many girls, it takes me forever to blow-out my hair. My thick and curly hair takes hours to tame. If you're in the same boat, you don't want to waste time doing your hair while on vacation. Dry shampoo is probably the best invention, ever. Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo absorbs oil and leaves you with fresh hair. Purchase a travel-sized bottle and you're good to go! 

5. Tame those fly aways with a serum. Tropical places can get pretty humid which often leads to frizzy hair. Apply this after soaking up some sun by the shore. OGX Brazilian Keratin Therapy Anti-Breakage Serum is an affordable hair product that helps keep my hair looking great. A little goes a long way! 

6. Blot. As in, blot that oily skin with oil-blotting sheets. A lot of us get oily skin in the summer. The truth is, you're probably going to have oily skin on your tropical vacation. Keep these BOSCIA Green Tea Blotting Linens in your purse, and you can be fresh faced anytime you are feeling oily. 

7. Rosy lips. We certainly know you're not pouting while on your tropical vacation, but adding some color to your lips will brighten up your face and make you feel pretty sexy. Wearing heavy makeup in the tropics is so unnecessary. I stick with lip balms to add color to my lips. I love Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm. It gives you effortless and natural color. Super easy to apply when you're on the go! There are many shades to choose from! Pick one that compliments your skin tone. 

There you have it, ladies. These are just a few of my beauty tips for a tropical vacation. Less is more when you're traveling. Remember, sunscreen is important! 

Have you tried any of these products? What are your beauty tips for a tropical vacation? Please stop by the Love Cartista blog-say hello, and let me know that you're a Luxe reader! :)

TRAVEL TIPS

Hello again, lovely gals! I'm back, hijacking 27th + Luxe for the day while Keizra and her hubby are enjoying their honeymoon!

Today I thought we'd chat about the important details of vacation. You know, after you've stressed about packing and ultimately decided to pull out your smaller suitcase for all of your shoes. (Oh, just me? Don't tell my husband that.) Here are a few fun other details you may want to consider for your next vacation!

PICTURE TAKING

Picture taking can be kind of tough if it's just the two of you... my husband and I have gotten really good at the vacation selfies but that also gets real boring really quick. If you're with a group of people or can find someone to take the picture, try to switch it up a bit - get creative! There's the old "jumping in mid-air" go-to, or you could get an under-water camera and take some "I totally feel like a mermaid" pictures. Don't forget, you can always use props for your pictures- sunglasses on the beach, toes in the sand, morning coffee with a backdrop of your view, or even the sunset through a wine glass. It's pretty easy to get creative through pictures while sharing moments of your trip, especially with all of the phone apps these days! *My two top favorite photo apps are PicTapGo & Over (both were used in the picture above).

MUSIC

(source)

If you're taking a road trip, I'd say this is a really important piece and suggest kickin' it old school. There is nothing better than driving through long stretches of highway listening to Boys II Men, Amy Grant, or a little All 4 One and reminiscing of the good ol' days. (Definitely makes the trip go by fast!) Another great idea for a road trip (especially if you're by yourself) is to get a good book on tape. Unfortunately I've never been able to do this- I get too into the story and forget I'm driving. But it might work for you! Road trip or not, both of these things can be handy for a day spent laying on the beach or at a pool. (Unless you like to people watch and listen to other people's conversations, like me.) 

POSTCARDS

Call me old school, but there's nothing more romantic than sending or receiving a postcard. Bring a few stamps with you on your vacation and stock up on cool postcards throughout the week to mail out. To switch it up a bit, I LOVE this idea of mailing a postcard back home to your "back from vacation self" - because the "back from vacation blues" are REAL, y'all. Keeping the postcards you've sent yourself in a little box is a great and fun way to look back on awesome vacations.

TRAVEL JOURNAL

(source) 

While I have yet to do this, I love this idea so much. Bring a journal or notebook and document what you did each day, sights you saw, restaurants you went to or food you ate, and any other special moments you don't want to forget. There's something so dreamy and reminiscent about hand writing in a journal, including pictures, dried flowers, or other little things you stick in-between the pages. Years after your trip, this will be such a special thing to have on your coffee table back home or tucked safely away on your bookshelf to open up on a rainy day.

And one more thing...

Don't forget to relax a bit too, okay? If you're a planner like I am, it's easy to get a little carried away with all the "to-dos" and details but remember you're on VACATION. Enjoy it!

Thanks again for hangin' out with me today on 27th + Luxe! 

BlogLovin' | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Hello! I'm excited to be guest blogging here today. Keizra is heading off to her honeymoon (Congrats!) and I am excited to share with you guys a few packing tips of my own. I'm heading off to Vegas in less than 2 weeks for my sister's 21st birthday. Now, you could say I'm an expert by now when it comes to traveling to Vegas because I've been so often and what helps the most is knowing I have my carry-on bag down! I've narrowed down my must have travel essentials for a carry on bag and have it ready to go for a vacation trip. Because buying those small travel essentials at an airport or a nearby grocery store turns out to be a lot more expensive. You do not want to start off your vacation broke. Take time to pack your carry on bag in advance. Flights can be long so it's important to be comfortable during your flight. Whether you are sleeping or reading, be prepared to have a safe and enjoyable flight with these must have travel essentials.

1. iPad and Magazines: Keep yourself entertained during your flight by taking your iPad and a few of your favorite magazines with you. Watch some movies or read the latest celebrity gossip.

2. J. Crew iPhone Back Up Battery: By far my favorite buy to date. It is a lifesaver and it's perfect for traveling. Flights do not have outlets and airport charging stations are usually always packed. Avoid dealing with your iPhone dying by carrying this cute iPhone backup battery with you everywhere.

3. Make Up Pouch: Keep your must have make up items in a small pouch. Don't come off your flight looking like a zombie. Pack your foundation, favorite lipgloss, fresh gum, small mirror - whatever brightens up your beautiful face after a long flight. Don't forget a comb!

4. Carry On Bag: Take a spacious yet stylish carry on bag with you that can pack all your carry on travel essentials, including a sweater or a scarf. You can find this pretty little thing at Amazon. (Except I just recently got a bigger carry on bag from Steve Madden from my parents for my birthday and I am so excited to use it!)

5. Kate Spade Card Holder: Airports have gift shops and it's tempting to buy a snack or a gift. This Kate Spade card holder is perfect to hold all your cards and ID without having to carry a large, bulky wallet.

6. Clear Eyes Eye Drops: I don't know about y'all, but a lot of times I fall asleep during my flight and wake up with dry eyes or red eyes. Keep a small, travel size eye drops bottle to clear your sleepy eyes.

7. Passport Holder: Don't forget the most important travel item - your passport! My biggest fear is losing my passport and not being able to reach my destination. Having a cute passport holder will help you remember to carry it with you at all times.

8. Headphones: We've all been on a flight with crying babies. Save yourself from the misery and buy a good pair of headphones that will successfully tune out the crying babies or the loud, obnoxious girl who likes to talk the entire flight.

9. iPhone Case: Buy a cute iPhone case, just because. Travel in style.

10. Mini Emergency Kit: You can find these pretty much anywhere. Mini Emergency Kits are a lifesaver when it comes to traveling. It is the must have travel essential. The J. Crew Mini Emergency Kit carries: hair spray, clear nail polish, nail polish remover, an emery board, lip balm, earring backs, clear elastics, a mending kit, double-sided emergency tape, stain remover, a deodorant towelette, pain reliever, a tampon, breath freshener, dental floss, a safety pin, and an adhesive bandage.

What are your must have carry one travel items? What can't you live without during your flight?

Jasmine from A Pinch Of Jasmine

blog | twitter | instagram | pinterest | bloglovin

WANDERLUST

Good Morning, I's married now!! I'm headed out for our honeymoon today. But don't you worry, I've got some awesome friends helping me out while I'm away. There will be a new post up everyday! 

And if you want to see what Aaron and I are up to while we're away, follow me on Instagram @27thandluxe. Have a great week!

---

Happy Monday, ladies!! First of all, a huge congrats to the new Mr. & Mrs. Griffin!! I know we're all dying to hear all about the wedding & to see pictures! But until then, I'm going to visit with you all today. I'm Emily and I blog over at Ember Grey, a lifestyle blog. I was so excited when Keizra asked me to guest post while she and her new hubby enjoy their honeymoon, especially when she told me the topic for today - Vacations. 

Tis the season, right?! And I'm sure you're a fan as I am. I'm getting ready to go on my first vacay of the year later this month and can't tell you how ready I am for a break, or as I call it "a reset." What is it about vacation countdowns that the closer you get to your trip, the more you think, "It's a good thing I leave in 4 days because there's no way I could continue with this every day stuff for any longer!" 

Resets are important and I think we all kind of reset differently. I am very much a lounge-with-my-toes-in-the-sand-and-a-drink-in-my-hand kind of vacationer but I know many who would rather go hiking, skiing, or have adventures every single day of their trip. Some reset by lounging and some reset by being active. I say- more power to ya, but you can still find me by the pool. Whatever your preference, we all need a break from the every day and if I can take time away from the routine of it all, maybe read a book and soak up some much needed sun with an agenda that says RELAX - I can tell you I'll be going back home a completely different person (I may be crying the whole way back, but I'll be refreshed for sure.) 

So today I thought I'd share with you three places I've been and would recommend for a good "reset" and then two places I am dying to go. (And if you've been, I want details!!) As for the places I've been, you may notice a theme. I wasn't lying when I said I'm a beach kinda gal.

Places I've been:

Maui

I recently blogged about Maui here (and how I literally did cry when we left) but this was by far the most relaxing, best vacation I've ever had. Maui was the perfect place to reset all of the senses - the most beautiful sights, the best food you've ever tasted, the best smelling flowers literally floating through the air, birds chirping and hawaiian music coming from what I can only imagine to be the heavens, and white sand beneath your feet - right?? It actually took me quite a few days to relax because it was a bit of sensory overload when we first got there, but a Mai Tai (or two) surely helps :) 

Topsail Island, North Carolina

My family rented a house on Topsail Island one Summer and I will tell you- on our way there I was worried I was going to be bored. My dad kept telling us how nice it was going to be to have the ocean right out our front door and how we'd grill out every night and I just kept thinking, "Okay, but it's North Carolina." And no offense to any of you from NC - I had never been before and I'll be the first to say I was oh so wrong. Turns out sitting out on the deck every day and listening to the waves crash around with the smell of bbq is pretty darn sweet. It was very quiet here. I took lots of walks and the town - very small - had some of the nicest people I'd ever met while on vacay. It's the kind of town where people leave their doors unlocked and if you wear anything other than flip flops, you're overdressed. I can't wait to go back.

San Diego, CA

My husband and I went to San Diego in 2011 and it was so, so relaxing. My favorite "reset" place  here was Fletcher Cove at Solana Beach. Have you ever had one of those "nature moments" where you're standing there and it just completely surrounds you like a blanket and it literally takes your breath away? That's exactly what happened to me at this Cove. I just stood there, taking in all of the sounds and feeling something so much greater and I was automatically reset. There are also some really cool artsy shops and coffee shops and cute little beachy places to eat like The Mission (best french toast in San Diego - that's literally what we googled and The Mission is what popped up.) San Diego was very chill... everything moved at a slower pace. It's definitely a beach town vibe! 

Places I'm dreaming of visiting:

Bora Bora

(photo source)

I would imagine this is somewhat like Maui but times a million, right? Seriously- just plant me in one of these huts with a blender, strawberries and some rum and I'll see you all in a few weeks. 

Ireland

(photo source) 

Wildcard, I know, but would you just look at the picture?! Like, is that even real life?! I have heard so many wonderful things about Ireland. My mom went with her best friend for her 50th birthday and said it was one of the most beautiful places she's ever been. I feel like this is a place I could really reset, get some good reading or writing done, and meet some really cool people (and don't get me started on the little lambs that just roam the countryside - I'm sure I'd be coming home with an entire herd.) 

So where would you go to "reset"? Have you had a great vacation that was so relaxing, when you came back you felt like a completely different person? 

Thanks so much for hangin' out with me today! 

BlogLovin' | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

PACKING...

image via Deliciously Organized

We're packing right now for our honeymoon. Truth be told I'm looking at the suitcase right now. My things are already in it and a few feet away is my carry on with the majority of my things in it. And of course Aaron is the last minute packer. I'm still missing my headphones, my laptop (yes...it's coming with me because I still have to participate in discussions for school *sigh*). I thought it would be fun to do a little post of things to pack for a tropical honeymoon. I have some of these items or similar items. I think I did really good with the packing this time - I don't have my entire wardrobe! It also helps that where we are staying, our suite has a washer + dryer. That was enough to convince me to pack light!

// 1. Chic Straw Fedora // 2. Wrap Front Blouse // 3. Frosted Orchid Collar // 4. Beach Tunic // 5. Island Life Cosmetic Brush Set // 6. Satin Shorts // 7. Wet Stuff Bikini Bag // 8. Sleek Flip Flops // 9. Bold Abstract Geo Tote // 10. Global Girl Ikat Swimsuit // 11. Island Girl Canvas Backpack

Wedding Wednesday: The Honeymoon

Can you believe we still haven't decided on our honeymoon spot? We definitely want someplace nice and tropical, my vote is for beautiful St. Lucia!

We'll probably be taking our honeymoon trip later in the year and opt for a "mini-moon" right after the wedding which is pretty exciting. We'll still have a "week" aways since it will span from Thursday-Monday. I am hoping *fingers crossed* that A is in agreement for Destin, FL. 

Aspen

I dream of going snowboarding. Especially since Nike released these snowboarding 'fits LOVE THEM! And who wouldn't want to go snowboarding here??

And I would definitely go if I was guaranteed a stay here:

This beautiful Aspen chalet was designed by Paris based designer Caroline Sarkozy and architect  Laurent Bourgois.

{Photography By Eric Piasecki / Styled By Stephen Pappas}

Sigh, one can dream right? I would love some winter snow right about now!

Baton Rouge & NOLA

This past weekend I traveled down to Baton Rouge for the LSU Homecoming Festivities. My youngest sister attends LSU. She's a freshman this year majoring in psychology.

Travel Thursday: Austin, TX

Would you believe that I've lived in Texas my entire life (except for the year I lived in St. Croix), and I have never been to the state capitol? My fiancé and I won a free trip (those booths at the festival where people wave you over...go ahead and stop by) to Austin and I am excited for the mini getaway as my life has been rather hectic lately. I came up with a mini to-do list for us (I'm always in charge of this-I like order and Aaron is all for spontaneous).

The Hope Outdoor Gallery:

via 

Soco District

via

I guess I'll be leaving Saturday to Aaron - he's already saying "we'll figure it out when we get there!!"

What's in your backyard that you haven't visited?