WHAT I PACKED FOR 5 DAYS IN MEXICO

I always love hearing what people pack for trips. I feel like there's a science or formula to it that I just can't figure out. I always seem to pack too many of one thing, and not enough of another. I wanted to share here what I was so glad I had, and things that didn't get much (or any) wear.

SWIMSUITS: 3

I like variety here, and I wore a different one each day. You could totally get by with 2 or less as well.

DRESSES: 3

I packed for three nights out. I ended up only wearing 2 of them, and a silky top and white denim on the last night.

SILKY, FLOWY TOPS: 3

I only wore 1 on one of our nights out. They took up very little space though, so I wasn't upset that they didn't get worn.

PANTS: 3 (dark denim, light denim, and white)

I wore my light denim and white. I could have gotten away with just the light denim pair, which I wore for the travel days.

HATS: 1

Loved having my fedora. It travels well and doesn't get too bent out of shape stuffed in my duffel.

SUNGLASSES: 1

A must. Worn everyday. 

SHOES: 3 (flats, running shoes, wedge heels, and flip flops)

Only my flats and flip flops got worn the entire trip. The cobblestone streets made wedge heels a no-go, and I had high hopes of working out, but laying on the beach won everyday. 

SHORTS: 2 (light and dark ripped denim)

Worn the light pair everyday. Dark pair didn't get worn.

CASUAL TANK TOPS: 4 (a few cotton ones and two lululemon work out tanks)

Wore 3. Was glad to have them.

WORK OUT SHORTS: 2 pairs.

Didn't wear them, wore my ripped denim shorts everyday instead.

SOCKS & UNDERWEAR: enough for 5 days

These take up so little room that it's easy to throw in a few extras. 

TOILETRIES. An in-depth post on these is planned to go live soon.

That's it! All in all, I was impressed with my packing on this trip. A notorious over-packer, I'm learning that you really don't need everything you think you do, and you can survive on much less. Especially in warm, tropical vacations where you can get by with wearing the same pair of shorts everyday if you want to :)

DIY SHELLAC

After coming home from Mexico, I was shocked to find my manicure has lasted an entire week without a single chip. This photo was taken on day SEVEN. These nails endured salty seas, sand, two full days of travel, and a ton of wear and tear. I am so impressed with the method, and for a fraction of the salon cost and no UV light needed. Here's how I did it:

1. Apply a layer of your basecoat of choice

2. Apply a layer of Gelous Advanced Nail Gel

3. Apply a layer of any polish (wearing Julep Myriam here)

4. Repeat steps 2 & 3, allowing to dry for a few minutes between each coat

5. Apply Julep Maven's Freedom Polymer Top Coat

You're good to go!  This the longest-lasting method I've ever seen with at-home shellac. Removal is easy, regular nail polish remover will take it off or, I can peel mine off and it comes off easily.

If you'd like to receive a free box of Julep Maven products, you can do so with this link here. 

NOTE: This is a sponsored post and links are affiliate. I occasionally receive Julep products to review, and because I love both the products and the company, I can wholeheartedly recommend them.

VACATION BOUND

We leave tomorrow for a much-needed vacation break. No blog posts planned for the rest of the week, but will be posting to Instagram lots as usual. You can follow along with our adventures over there this week.

Happy Valentine's Day and President's Day weekend! xoxo

Swimsuit is Victoria Secret, skirt and denim vest are H&M, shoes are Nordstrom Rack.