Packing (for the Beach): 5 Real Life Tips

July 11, 2016July 11, 2016 | Megan

Packing has never been something I look forward to, per se. But I have to admit that the chance to project forward a few days and style up what I’ll be wearing has become more enjoyable for me as I have traveled more in general.

However, if you’re not keen on packing here are some of my tips for keeping it easy and stress-free! Beach, mountains, plains, metropolitan area, or small town– your trip could be long or short. If you stick these 5 easy tips I think it takes some of the pain out of packing.

Pack in advance.
Make real outfits.
Choose a neutral color palate.
Don’t forget your non-clothing items.
Always go light on the shoes.

Let’s break some of these tips and tricks down a little further.

Pack in Advance

Sometimes I pack up to a week in advance if I already know what I am going to wear. I understand that you packing this far ahead can lead to clothing wrinkle, so you do have to think about that. But I have found that if I pack in advance then I tend not to forget things.

It is on those trips where I have tried to throw everything into my carry-on late the night before that I wind up forgetting my pajamas, swimsuit, underwear, or my toothbrush! Life is busy, at the very least, pack the day before!

Make Real Outfits

This one is relatively new to me, but it has probably been the biggest packing game-changer for me personally. Have you ever shown up to a business trip and somehow ended up packing casual wear rather than the needed business attire? I have.

Have you ever gone on vacation and realized that all those pretty dresses you brought are simply WAY. TOO. DRESSY for the beach house you rented or the resort you’re staying at? I have. Have you gotten to your parent’s house with a HUGE BAG and somehow the random collection of crap that you shoved into that enormous duffle just doesn’t seem to go together?!? I have.

Solution: make real outfits when you pack. This top with this bottom, etc. This dress with these flats. Mix and match to save space all you want, but really try to image the actual outfit you’ll be wearing.

Choose a Neutral Color Palate

Now my tip here is the choose a neutral color palate because neutrals are so easy to mix and match. I really am going to pack black and white and denim for my trip to California, but if you don’t love neutrals you can CHOOSE ANY COLOR PALATE!!!

Do you love blues and greens? Then pack in primarily those colors. Do you favor red or have an abundance of green in your wardrobe? Pack those colors. Choosing a color palate simply helps you to narrow down your choices beforehand. Check and check!

Don’t Forget Non-clothing Items

I no so very guilty of this, but I have a very close friend who happens to be the wife of a dentist who perpetually forgets her toothbrush! The irony is real. However, I have gotten somewhere and realized that if I had done a little prior planning I would have brought my own sunscreen, or I would have made sure to have facial cleansing wipes.

It is these items you would do well to think about in advance. Plus, don’t forget sunglasses, a good book, jewelry (if you wear any), electronic devices and their chargers, and any bags you might need to have when you arrive at your destination. For example, I am heading to the beach, I am going to bring a beach bag with me because I don’t need to buy one once I get there.

Always Go Light on the Shoes

I love shoes. I have many pairs, but when it comes to packing- EVEN IF YOU ARE ROAD TRIPPING- leave the majority of your shoe closet where it is. The main reason being that shoes are bulky, they take up a lot of space, and really how many shoes do you REALLY wear during a weeks’ time?

Ditch the stilettos, sub in your favorite espadrilles, and don’t forget to bring your running shoes!

There you have it. Five friendly packing tips that have made my experiences packing a lot easier and a lot more enjoyable. Wishing you safe travels and happy trails wherever your suitcase, carry-on, duffle, or weekender takes you!

XX, Megan

Links: Sweaters Summerstich Pullover, Black and White Boatneck, Summer Beach Sweater; Leopard Crossbody; Shoes Lace-up Sandals, Espadrilles, Birkenstocks (not pictured); Blouses 1, 2, 3, 4; Tees 1, 2, 3; Shorts 1, 2, 3, 4; Pants 1, 2; Swimsuits 1, 2; Hat 1, 2 (not pictured); Dress 1 (not pictured);

Beach Scene: Everything You Need for a Vacation in the Sand

July 8, 2016July 11, 2016 | Megan

Beach Scene 2016

One of the best parts of packing for a beach trip is that you can keep your wardrobe elements SUPER simple. Tee shirt, shorts, dress that doubles as a coverup, a classic one-piece, your favorite sunnies, and you are ready to set up your umbrella and relax! I like to choose a color palate, in this case black and white with any denim you like.

I also need to give a shout out to this $20.00 maxi dress from Old Navy. This puppy is a wardrobe ROCK STAR!! I have this dress in blue, and wore it HERE in Palm Springs last year. I also love how Sally from A Piece of Toast styled this same maxi dress, HERE. You might note that her post dates circa 2014, so it’s not as if this style is on the outs as I’ve linked this year’s black version from Old Navy below!

Cheers to Friday, impending weekend, and hanging out with family! Sending all you lovely blog readers good karma and good vibes. (Links below.)

XX, Megan

Maxi Dress, White Tee, Silk Sundress, Lace-up Sandals, Short-sleeve Jean Jacket, Ray-ban Wayfarers, White Cropped Wide-leg Jeans, Black One-piece

P.S. I might throw in this adorable silk one-shoulder dress in for good measure! Never hurts to have something to throw on for an outdoor dinner after your day around the cabana, does it 😉 Have a great day!

That Beach Life

July 7, 2016July 6, 2016 | Megan

I live in a land locked state. Any beach life that exists here takes place along lakes and rivers. For the most part, these “beaches” satisfy my wish for water during the summer months. But sometimes I still find myself dreaming of little cottages on Nantucket, or repeating our trips to Okracoke off the coast of North Carolina when we lived back east, or even a white sand beach in the Bahamas. Ahhhhhh!

For now, I’ll settle for a picture next to this adorable antique store in Midway, Utah, and an upcoming trip to the California coast to visit my sister. When it comes to beach dressing however, my proximity to a beach doesn’t keep me from channeling that laid-back, relaxed vibe you get in most waterfront towns and cities.

An oh-so light tank top, effortless linen pants, and a panama hat will do it! Just copious amounts of sand and salty spray and you’ve made it!! I hope your Thursday is solid, and that you’re looking forward to any weekend plans you have cooked up.

XX, Megan

Top: J.Crew, Pants: J.Crew (similar), Slides: J.Crew Factory, Clutch: J.Crew (similar, similar, similar), Sunglasses: Ray-ban, Bracelets: J.Crew, Hat: Gap, Lips: NARS Orgasm Lipsgloss

Mango and Black Bean Salad

July 5, 2016July 5, 2016 | Megan

The summer months have me craving all things light and flavorful. All of that healthy, delicious goodness is often poached by an after dinner milkshake or other sugar-laden dessert, so please don’t get the impression that we eat clean every meal of every day of every week.

But I do like to keep our food as light and clean as I can. Whole foods are so much more vitamin and nutrient packed than anything you can get from the freezer isle (or the milkshake shack for that matter ;)! We all try, right?

This salad comes from The Six O’Clock Scramble*, and if you haven’t tried their service yet, why not?!? (See details at the end of this post.) This is the side dish I brought to our Thanksgiving in July party at our friends’ home last night.

These friends began this tradition four years ago and it is going strong!!! I have eaten some of the most delicious food of my life at this soirée, including some smoked sausage that is truly amazing!!!

This 4th we also brought spice-rubbed apple wood smoked baby back ribs, and some of my mom’s famous brownies to share. Our plates were full, our bellies were happy, and the fireworks were awesome!

Happy Tuesday, friends!! Here’s to a short week, and getting back on the eat clean wagon!!

XX, Megan

Ingredients

1 cup quick-cooking brown rice, (about 2 cups prepared)
15 oz. reduced-sodium canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1 – 2 fresh mango, cut into 1/2-inch chunks, or use frozen
1/4 sweet onion such as Vidalia or Walla Walla, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
1/4 cup scallions or chives, green parts only, finely chopped
1 lime, juice only, about 2 Tbsp.
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 tsp. salt, or more to taste
6 large Boston or butter lettuce leaves, separated, rinsed and dried (optional)
6 whole wheat tortillas (use wheat/gluten-free if needed) (optional)

Directions

Thaw the frozen mango, if using it. Cook the rice according to the package directions and when cooked, remove it from the heat. (If you want to serve this salad immediately rather than allowing it to chill for a while, put the rice in the freezer for 5 minutes to cool it.)

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the beans, mangos, onions, scallions, lime juice and cilantro. I also added one hot pepper (optional). Add the rice, season it with the salt, and toss gently. Chill it for at least 10 minutes (an hour or more is ideal) and up to 24 hours.

Serve the salad on its own or wrapped in large lettuce leaves, warm tortillas, or both.

*The Scramble is a meal planning service to which you can subscribe here. For a fantastic price you will receive 8 weekly meals which means 8 recipes (main course plus a side dish), complete grocery list, the ability to tweak the number of people you are making for, and full nutrition facts.

PLUS tips as to how best to PREP your meal beforehand, add a punch of FLAVOR, and how to SLOW COOK almost every recipe if you’re especially slammed that night. This wonderful service really does live up to it’s name. You can come home at 6 p.m. and be sitting down to a DELICIOUS, HEALTHY, HOME COOKED meal by 6:30 p.m. most nights.

Summer League

July 4, 2016July 4, 2016 | Megan

Happy Fourth of July!!! We are celebrating Independence Day by bike riding, river swimming, smoking meats for an epic meal with friends, and lighting fireworks for some very excited kiddos. (We had a preview last night, and happiness was high.)

I hope you are able to enjoy time with friends and family, or are simply enjoying your Monday if you don’t live here in the States.

XX, Megan

Shirt: J.Crew (similar, similar, similar), Shorts: J.Crew, Bag: J.Crew (I love the weekender version, here), Flip-flops: J.Crew, Hat: Lids, Sunglasses: Ray-ban, Cuff: Madewell, Necklace: Nadri, Lips: Troi Olliverrie for J.Crew