Monday, August 10, 2015

Summer Vacation Series + Giveaway

Today I'm not even sad it's Monday because I'm on vacation! My husband and I left over the weekend for our first anniversary trip.  I can't believe that it's already been a year - well almost, on September 6th it will be! We have a wedding on our anniversary which makes for a weekend getaway during our "anniversary weekend" so we're doing our trip a little early.  You can follow along this week with me here but also make sure to continue popping by the blog each day for a fun little series this week.

One of my favorite things to talk about on the blog is travel - I love posting detailed recaps of my travels because it's a scrapbook for me to remember but also can possibly help someone else if they are thinking of traveling to the destination (My favorite posts to read on other blogs are travel topics especially if I'm interested in the destination - recommendations and experiences really help when planning a trip!)  This week I've got a Summer Vacation Series going on with some of my favorite bloggers sharing their travel favorites.  I'm going to kick it off today with my own answers and then be sure to check back each day this week to see the other ladies share.

Best Vacation?
My best vacation would hands down have to be my honeymoon - it was a complete dream.  The Monday after our wedding we took off for an overnight in LA and then it was off to Tahiti and Bora Bora for just under two weeks.  The water really is that clear, the huts really are as amazing as they look and every single day was a blast.  Some of my favorite parts including just lounging on our dock and looking at the water, experiencing island life, exploring the island, sipping on cocktails in that gorgeous water and enjoying time with my new husband! You can read all about it right from the links below… 



Okay, actually I think that every trip might be my "favorite."  Really, many of the places that we visit I end up saying "we should get a house here" and start envisioning the new life, ha!  I've "seriously" thought we'd get houses in Dallas, Southern California and Bermuda to name a few… I think it might be a problem that I fall in love with these places so easily.  As long as I'm traveling with my husband, one of my best friends or my family… I'm good to go.  You can check out some of my recent travels (well, since the blog has been around) here.

Dream Vacation Location?
This changes quite frequently but at the moment it's… London! There is just so much to see there and of course I'd love to see the palace (and Princess Kate!) but it would just be a dream to venture through this city and some of the surrounding areas.  I'd also love to go to Australia (I just don't know if I could handle the flight!) and back to Bora Bora one day.


Favorite Vacation Activity? 
It's a complete toss up between sightseeing and pool lounging.  I am obsessed with sightseeing and want to see every little thing the destination I'm visiting has to offer.  If it's an island then I'd at least like to do a tour of the island on boat and/or land to see a little bit of my surroundings.  I do love some relax time by the pool/beach with a cocktail in hand to relax from said sightseeing.


Packing Must Haves?
You can check out all of my packing must haves (for summer, at least) here as well as some packing tips here.  Other than the obvious, my top must have items would be… 
+ Camera: The best for keeping the memories that you make
+ Watch: I have to know what time it is all the time - this comes really in handy on a vacation where your phone might not work.
+ iPad: I love being able to connect to the internet (if needed), have some of my books, puzzles, etc. all in one compact place


Why My Area Would be a Good Vacation/Staycation destination?
There are plenty of historical sights to see in the city of Philadelphia as well as fantastic restaurants and all of our sports complexes right in the same area.  There's many museums, parks/squares and quaint little buildings with cobblestone streets. (you can read about my love for staycationing here). The city also has some fantastic little towns surrounding it and there is never a shortage of places to shop, eat, go out, etc.


Carry-on or Checked Bags? If it's three days or under, I can pull of a carry on. If it's more than that I'm most usually checking.

International or Domestic? Domestic.  There are so many fantastic places to see in our country that I'm working through and loving.  Although, as time goes on, I am catching the international bug a little bit more and more - I just hate the long flights and customs lines!

Sightsee or Beach Lounge? I can't pick - I thought I could but I can't - I like a good combo, for instance on this trip, we're doing mainly sightseeing in the mornings and pool-ing in the afternoons.

Overpacker? Yes, but I'm improving! I used to be terrible - SO terrible but now I try to take the time before leaving to put thought into it and just bring a couple extra items.

Bags are Lost?  What are the First Three Items I wished Were in the Carry-on? If this happens I will be in a pickle because I carry on as little as possible so I don't have to carry it (I'm trying to think smarter and keep more necessities with me) but my bathing suit so I can get to the pool, my makeup and an extra outfit.  

Be sure to keep checking back each day this week to see some of my favorite ladies share their answers and I'll see you all next week! 

Now onto the fun part.  Let's all join Amanda at Kids and Cabernet in celebrating her second blogiversary with a fabulous giveaway! 

It's no secret that I love me some Gigi New York - In fact, I've got both my smaller clutch and my new obsession, the gates satchel with me on my trip.  From experiences, my clutch holds SO much and is so versatile - you don't want to miss out on this fabulous giveaway… you can enter below :)


Hosted by:


The lovely co-hosts:






a Rafflecopter giveaway


30 comments:

  1. I hope you guys have the best time on the anniversary trip - I'll be following a long on insta!!! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston

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  2. Hope you guys have an amazing anniversary vacation! SO jealous but can't wait to hear all about it!

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  3. YAY girl! I hope y'all have the best time on your anniversary trip!! I'm glad you're getting it in a little early! :)

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  4. Have an amazing trip gurlie and Happy Anniversary! Already loving your pics on Instagram <3

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  5. I love this idea!!! Now that I think about it, you were smart to take your anniversary trip early since it falls over Labor Day. I think that's what I'm struggling with right now!! I was watching something last night that made me think of your honeymoon trip - such a dream trip!!!!! I loveeeee London so when you are ready to go, let me know!! I used to go a couple times a year, so I have alllllllll kinds of recommendations for it, lol!! Hope you guys are having fun!!

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  6. Oh my gosh, Bora Bora seriously sounds like a dream!! Your pictures are amazing! London is my #1 spot I want to get to, too - still trying to talk my husband into it but if that fails, girls trip?!? :)

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  7. Have so much fun on your anniversary vacation! :) I've seen pictures on Instagram and y'all look like you're having a blast already! I cannot wait wait to read the rest of your Vacation series this week! Great pick with London! I really hope you get to go one day. Especially as a fellow royal enthusiast! :)

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  8. Happy anniversary! Have an amazing time! London is also one of my dream vacation spots. Some day! :)

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  9. Hope you two are having a great time! Looks like it from the photos I've seen so far! :)

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  10. Happy Anniversary! I would love to go to Bora Bora for sure. I studied abroad in London in college and lived there for 6 weeks; go if you ever get the chance. It's so worth the hype!

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  11. Hooray for vacation/anniversary trip! I hope you guys have so much fun on this trip. :)

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  12. I hope you have a great anniversary trip! Even though we're planning our honeymoon now we're already planning an anniversary trip too! Enjoy :)

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  13. All these travel pics make me want to pack my bags! :) Bora Bora is definitely on my list for one day!

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  14. Have so much fun on your anniversary trip! I can't wait to hear all about it! I'm totally with you on being an overpacker! I'm slowly working on it, but I still have issues with packing too many clothes, especially if we're going to a place where we'll have to wear multiple things each day (like outfits for hiking/pool days and then going to dinner).

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  15. Have an amazing time on your trip! The pictures on instagram look like you are having a blast! Enjoy every minute!

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  16. I hope you guys are having a blast!!! Loved this post!

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  17. Have so much fun on your trip!! We went to Philly when I was 14 and there was a lot to see and do! We really enjoyed all the history.

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  18. Hope you guys are enjoying!! Makes me wish I was travelling, too!!

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  19. Hope you're enjoying your trip! Thanks for helping host such a great giveaway! xo

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  20. Happy anniversary! Hope you all have an awesome trip!

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  21. omgosh so jealous of your honeymoon! my husband and I have been dying to go somewhere with clear water and that tropical, we looked at sandals but it's just out of our price range but hopefully we can find one for next summer. I love this post so much and see myself checking back to it everytime I travel!

    not a mom

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  22. Enjoy your anniversary trip! I am not only jealous that you are on vacation right now but the fact you went to my dream holiday destination Bora Bora. I need to get there asap, everything about it looks perfect.

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  23. oh Hope you have fun on your trip! I love traveling, I like mixing both sight seeing and lounging. Usually we try to do one day of stuff and one day of relaxation, rinse and repeat. Can't wait to see your trip pictures!

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  24. Yay, yay, YAY for an early trip!! How exciting!! I am forever bitten by the wanderlust bug! My vacation destination list is never ending! How will I fit it all in in my lifetime?! Ha!

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  25. What a dream honeymoon! Hope you are enjoying your anniversary vacay :)

    Kristen @ Your Beauty Fix

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  26. I hope you're having so much fun! Bora Bora looks gorgeous! I so want to go some day! I see that Gigi clutch a lot on bloggers and it is SO CUTE!

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  27. I love traveling too and reading other blogger's travel posts. Speaking of that we have a travel link up on Wednesday (done on the 1st Wed of the month). Feel free to join when your back from vacation! Have a blast! Bora Bora has been on travel wishlist forever. Looks so gorgeous1=!

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  28. I'm about to book a ticket to…anywhere! I just want to travel now thanks to this post. Also, I was nominated for a little award and chose to nominate you today on the blog if you're interested! :)

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  29. You are the vacation queen!!!! I'm working on planning our anniversary trip and you have me all excited!!!

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  30. Your honeymoon sounds fantastic, it's on my list of places to visit! London is another trip that would be so much fun to visit and discover! Xo, Stephanie

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