Okay, so I know I'm not the only one that overpacks for every time I am leaving the house for more than a day... Why do we do it!?!?
In just a few days my family will be traveling down south to the beautiful Panama City Beach, Florida! I am anxious, but also very excited to have a break from reality & I'm ready to enjoy the sunshine, the water and my family. I am also even more excited because Leighton and Madi are coming!!!! This will be Leighton & I's first vacation together, and I am so grateful that we have the opportunity to do so. My family will leave Friday, but of course Leighton doesn't want to miss a Truck Pull (I told you it's his favorite thing) so we will leave Sunday & make the trip on our own, eek!! The best part is we get to drive his parents yellow sports car. Pray we don't get a speeding ticket...
Packing is the most tedious thing and I honestly hate planning out what I may or may not need for an entire week. What if I forget something?! Without further ado, here are my 10 tips to packing smart and successful :)
1. Pack outfits, not options. You will pack way too much if you pack multiple options of things to wear. Plan ahead and know how many outfits you will need, and pack just that. I may pack an extra outfit as a switch out, but don't over do it!!
2. Don't forget the small stuff. Shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, phone charger...all critical things!
3. Be ready for beachin'. If you're like my family, we get up and go straight to the beach. Make sure you have your suit, sunscreen & your hat!! Protect your hair & face. Wrinkles are real.
4. Keep occupied. Pack a good book or some magazines before you go, so that you have something to read while you're laying out or at night in the room. I picked up Save the Date by Mary Kay Andrews from Target after hearing about her from my favorite YouTuber Alexandrea Garza.
5. Let's get technical. I never leave home without my iPhone. So make sure you have a car charger for the ride down. Without my phone, I'm not sure how Leighton would survive our car ride...I would talk him to death.
6. Camera camera camera! iPhone or smartphone pictures are great especially with the new updated software, but take a camera! You'll have such greater quality with an actual camera. Even take some videos, I'm hoping to Vlog during our trip to keep you all entertained :) so YouTube channel to come!!
7. Shoes. I try to have just a few pairs of shoes to take with me so that I'm not overdoing it. This year I'm taking with me, a nude pair, black and my Nike's for morning runs on the beach.
8. Healthy eats. Leighton will hate this one, but if you're driving...don't pack too much junk food. 12 hours of binge snacking can't be good for the soul.
9. Carry-all. I usually am not a huge purse carrier, but I've been better lately carrying my favorite Coach black leather swing bag, for the trip though I got an adorable over the shoulder Relic bag with the loveliest summer colors. I plan to just carry my phone and lipgloss there for when we go out to eat or to shops at night.
10. Finally, pack a smile. Remember that your vacation is to do just that...VACATION. You have a week of no work, no time limit, no place to be. So live in the moment and make the best of every day whether that means spending the day at the beach or exploring the location. I'm hoping that everyone in my family can enjoy the time we have together and make some memories that will last a lifetime.
Stay tuned for more blog posts this week and stay up to date with my Instagram @sprinkleofsarcasm so you know when Vlog's go live.
With love & a sprinkle of sarcasm,
Shelby