Florida Lifestyle: Paddlesports

Florida Lifestyle: Paddleboarding & Kayaking on the Gulf of Mexico

This past Memorial Day weekend I spend the weekend doing things I never would've thought I've done. Both Chris and I managed to attempt a new paddlesport! It was a big feat for both of us because I had never paddleboarded before and he had never been in a kayak before.

The ocean was very calm and was great for first timers like us. Paddleboarding was so easy to pick up and was SO much fun! Standing on the board in the water is a lot harder than it looks, but it is still fun. I spent most of my time sitting on the board and paddling around. Chris got a chance to finally try kayaking - and he loved it! Chris isn't the most comfortable in the water, and its been nice to see him open up to try more things and kayaking was the thing that stepped him out of his comfort zone the most.

Overall, it was a fun experience and we've talked about doing this again! We've even talked about possibly purchasing some equipment of our own in the future.

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Quick Checklist: Beach Weekend Getaway

Quick Checklist: What you Need for a Weekend Getaway at the Beach

Once again I am getting away for a long weekend and heading to the beach. I've packed for this a couple times recently so I'll give you a quick lowdown on what I've packed to help you guys!

Most important thing to remember: SUNSCREEN

Clothes:

• Undies (no seriously, don't forget them)
• 1 bra (+ the one you're wearing, you can wear a bra more than once)
• Bathing suit/bikini/water clothes
• Pajamas (I cannot tell you how many times I have forgotten pajamas)
• Clothes
• I recommend at least 1 pair of shorts and 2 t shirts, but I chose to bring playsuits and jumpers with me this weekend. (from Fri-Mon)
• Cute sandals
• Beach Flip-flops/sandals

Makeup/Toiletries:

• BB Cream
• Blush
• Powder
• Eyeliner
• Brow gel
• Chapstick
• Moisturizing lipstick(s) (what, a girl can have more than 1)
• 2 Brushes & 1 Beauty Blender
• I chose the elf flat topped blush brush (I use it for powder) and the elf blush brush
• Daily brush cleaning spray
• Deodorant
• Perfume

These are just a few essentials (+ some extras) that I'm taking away with me this weekend! What are you doing over this long Holiday weekend? && if it's not a holiday weekend, what are you doing this weekend?

Also: Be sure to watch me on Twitter for pics of my weekend! Have a SAFE and FUN weekend everyone! :)

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No Makeup Challenge

No Makeup Challenge

So for my 100th post I decided I was going to challenge myself a little bit - and I decided to do the no makeup challenge! I didn't wear makeup for an entire 6 days (I went out yesterday with friends on a double date, so yes I wore makeup).

I took pictures almost everyday while I was completing this challenge. (okay so I forgot some days, my bad!) But I thought I'd let you guys know how it went, how I felt, and if any comments were made.

First things first: Walking into this I completely expected my office manger to say something about me not wearing makeup all week. She did - and I'll tell you more about it below.

To the left is the first day - and let me tell you, it was weird. I usually go to work with no makeup on, but that day I went the WHOLE day without makeup on. I didn't even have any moisturizer on - it was just me and my bare skin. It was a tad bit uncomfortable because I felt like everyone could see my lack of eyebrows and lashes but pressed forward - hoping that as the second day approached it wouldn't be too bad.

The second day came and went with very little comment from anyone - except my office manager. Who wondered "Why no makeup? Not even lipstick? You look so tired without it." Which I've heard before so I actually expected.

Let's Talk: Body Positivity

Let's Talk: Body Positivity

In connection with the #bdibNA chat I'm going to post the fully fleshed out answers to the questions I'm going to pose. This post may not have a lot of pictures - but it does have one thing: realness. I've also decided to post this a little before the chat so those of you who are participating can see my POV. 

Q1) What is your favorite part of your body?

I have always loved the way my legs look. They are muscular with the right amount of fat - and my booty at the top is like the cherry on an ice cream sundae. (ya know, small but awesome)

Q2) On the topic of some self love - what is your favorite swimsuit type? Are you more comfortable in a one piece, tankini, bikini, high-waisted bikini, etc. (so many options!)

Overall I usually like to cover my stomach at the beach - it's not that it's not fabulous or anything - it's just that I don't particularly like the stares/glares I get when I'm at the beach. I'm usually at the beach with my family/friends and I'm there to have fun, not cause a rukus because my boobies are just so damn fabulous and this 180lb bod is making you feel uncomfortable.

It took me a LONG time to get comfortable in my own skin - but I am conscious of the people around me. I recently purchased a high waisted bikini from forever 21 (well 2, the first one got lost in the post) and I'm totally in love with it.

Things I'm Loving: Spring 2015

Things I'm Loving: Spring 2015

It's like horridly hot here in South FL already and it could probably be classified as summer. So let me tell you some items I've been using/wearing since the weather went over 80 degrees here!

Spring Retreat: Naples, FL

Spring Retreat: Naples, FL

So I pretty much have a theme this week: document everything that happened last week! On May 1st, 2015 (exactly a week ago today) I graduated Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering. There were only 15 other graduates in my field with my degree, and only 1 other female. I also pretty much live-tweeted the whole ceremony, so scroll back on my twitter to see those tweets and some pictures. (yes, pictures)

How To: Dress for Graduation

How To: Dress for Graduation

I'm just gonna drop a couple tips & tricks that I used for graduation and pass them on. Graduation is an exciting time for everyone - no matter what you're graduating from! I recently (May 1st) just received my bachelors degree in computer engineering and wanted to share a few tips and tricks for how I picked out my dress for graduation. Remember: there will be a TON of pictures taken - so I opted to go for timeless rather than trendy!

1. Pick a conservative, but fun and young dress!

You're not an old lady! Pick a dress that is age appropriate and is a proper length. You want a dress that is young and looks cute with your friends, but also looks appropriate when you take photos with your professors and family. I personally chose a sleeveless dress because I graduated in the spring, but if graduating in the fall just watch that your sleeves don't peek out of your gown! Also - if you've got some large ladies like I do - find a dress that accentuates them but doesn't put them all out there on display! Nothing worse than feeling like your boob may fall out at any minute or having that one lecherous professor staring at them in photos.

Also - consider the color of your gown when graduating and choose your dress accordingly! My gown was navy for graduation so it pretty much let me run the gambit on what color I wanted to wear. I opted for a black and white a-line print dress with cross back paired with a cute yellow belt and black shoes. PS: A dress with pockets is a major plus!

My dress the day I got it!

I picked this cute dress by ELLE at Kohls!

Also: (and this is a personal opinion) Do not wear a maxi or high-low dress! It peeks out from under your gown and just looks weird. You can't see the top half of the dress so all people see is the bottom of the dress and they have no idea whats going on and it just looks like a flowy weird gown extension!

500+ Follower/Graduation Giveaway

500+ Follower/Graduation Giveaway

So - in short: Its GIVEAWAY time.

I finally hit 500 followers on twitter and I'm graduating!

Actually - as of publishing time I've graduated and if you stalk my twitter I'm sure you'll see all the pictures I posted!

Since this is seriously a monumental time in my life I thought I'd share the good vibes and host an awesome giveaway in partnership with Regal Beagle Stitchery.

What you can receive:

1 makeup bag courtesy of Regal Beagle Stitchery

$50 in LUSH products

+ a special DIY project from me

Please note: This giveaway is open internationally!
Hello Wench Graduation/500+ Follower Giveaway

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