Beach Vacation Check-List

If you are like me and planning to make a run from this polar vortex we are experiencing in Chicago, here are some tips on what you should bring along with you on your trip! Most of these are things I actually am packing in my own bag.

First thing to remember, if you are going to a tropical location, don’t kid yourself thinking you will be dressing up daily. You will probably wake up late, head over to the pool or beach for most of the day, and dress once for dinner in the evening. So your luggage should consist of pj’s, t-shirts, sunblock, and the following:

Vacation Checklist

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1) A panama hat – the classic style looks great on and off the beach. Plus it isn’t as big as a sun hat so you can wear it in the airport during transit.

2) Swimsuit(s) – I brought 5 suits for a 7 day trip. I think I could have brought 2 but that wouldn’t be my style…I need options. Plus they don’t take up a lot of room so I’m not really sweating it.

3) Sunglasses – these will get the most use so feel free to pack a few pair.

4) Cover-up – I like a longer cover-up – this one from Asos is a steal and so cute.

5) Gladiator sandals – under a dress or shorts, these will kick up your style instantly.

6) Easy and breezy, a maxi dress in a bright color is perfect for brunching al fresco.

7) A bag you can lay on the sand and not have to worry about, go with a straw or nylon or plastic tote.

8) Jean shorts – or jeans- pair with your t-shirt, sunnies, gladiator sandals, and panama hat for a day of sightseeing.

I also brought a pair of white denim, and a few blouses in bright colors, and a couple of dresses that I can wear day or night.  I think I am officially ready for some sun!

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Last week we took a quick trip to escape the snow for some sunshine in Key Largo, Florida☀️ We spent every moment possible outside, Tom and Adam got their Scuba Diver PADI certification (yay!) while Sophia and I spent our days either swimming or drawing marine life and landscapes. This was my first trip after my sister passed last November, and even though I look so happy here, there were so many moments I felt the grief and sadness, as if it happened just yesterday. I am still figuring out how I want to show up in this space, as I have changed so much as a person since the loss. I just don’t feel called to post some of the things I shared before. Maybe that will change someday, or maybe it will just naturally evolve into something new. I think I will take this year to just process it all. (Even the idea of taking an entire year to think through something is a huge shift for my usually hyperactive type A personality) My focus at the moment is just living in the moment with my family and friends, spending time doing things that make me happy and healthy. I hope to share some of that journey here with you ~ thanks for following along ❤️
I had planned to shoot this outfit in collaboration with @lenacoutureofficial right before my dear sister passed away. Saba, the designer, was more than understanding if I didn’t want to anymore - but after thinking on it for a while I decided I wanted to - in my sister’s honor 💗 She was always my biggest hype woman. When i would feel like I’m not good enough or that I should quit (which was often) she would tell me I was unique and great and to keep it up. When I think of my sister, beauty and love is all that she embodied in her being. She expressed that on the outside also - as she loved to wear everything glam, bright & colorful, and full of bling. Hair done, nails done, everything did - that was Nusrat. For this shoot I took the time to get glam after a long hiatus - and makeup and hair took so long because I think I forgot how to do it, but afterwards I was surprised how I felt transformed. When I wore this gorgeous outfit that I know was designed with such love and incredible attention to detail by @lenacoutureofficial, I felt all of that beauty - like a walking piece of art, and very much at peace. Thank you so much to @divmophoto for capturing the feeling so well 💕
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There are some trees with seeds that only grow after a fire. Their seeds are completely sealed with a resin that have to be physically melted off by a great fire in order to propagate. So to do we as humans, gain wisdom only after great pain and suffering.*
A month ago (and one day) I lost my sister and best friend to cancer. I am still completely gutted and broken. But, I’m also so so grateful to have had felt the love that now brings me so much heartbreak. ❤️ I am so inspired by her - and I will forever live my life to honor her memory. Miss you sis ❤️
Classic outfit combo: oversized blazer + denim 🖤fendi mules @shoeslutz
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Cozy for a coffee date ☕️
French. Toast. Egg. Bake. Save this recipe for a weekend or holiday brunch - it’s SO good and fool-proof! I’m not even a sweet person and I love it. The pecans are a non-negotiable IMO - I get honey bourbon vanilla pecans for this and it is just heavenly. Enjoy!