Friday Favorites - A Getaway & A Giveaway!

It's Friday!  And it's Friday of Memorial Weekend, the unofficial start to the summer season.  As this goes up and many of you start reading it, Phillip and I will be airborne on our way to NYC for a weekend getaway. 

I'll recap our trip next week when we're back, but it will be Phillip's first time there so we're doing a few touristy things: seeing a show on Broadway, going to the World Trade Center Memorial, seeing Central Park, and checking out the lights of Times Square.  Since we're heading out for the weekend, I thought this Friday I would cover my favorite items for a weekend getaway where we don't plan to check luggage and just carry-on.  Therefore - nothing extraneous!

Let's start with what I'll be packing it all in - my Stella & Dot Getaway Bag.  Perfect for a weekend away, this bag is extendable so you can maximize your space.  I plan on taking this and my tote bag on board.  This is the perfect size for a two night trip.

To make it even easier, I'll be using these packing cubes to keep everything neat and tidy in my travel bag.  Pajamas, underthings, clothes, a dress for the show, it will all fit in these and then easily stack in my bag. 

Packing tip #1 - wear a pair of your bulkier shoes while en route.  This works out perfectly for me since I basically plan on packing these Skechers GoWalks and my dress heels for Saturday night.  Easy Peasy.  I wear these and the heels go in the carry-on.  We plan on doing a fair amount of walking on Friday and I want to be comfortable.  I wore these all through Disney without a problem so I think they're a smart choice for NYC.

I plan to pack carefully, so as to not need to iron when I get there, but I can usually find room in my bag for this handy dandy steamer.  Portable, it heats quickly and gets the job done.  Now, for sturdier fabrics like jeans, it's not really going to work, but for tops, tees, skirts, and dresses, this will get the wrinkles out in a pinch.

Packing tip #2 - if you have something already pressed and it's delicate or not easily ironed, wrap it in plastic from the dry cleaners and then fold carefully.  You will avoid wrinkling that way.

Packing Tip #3 - A great pair of jeans.  Bring (or wear) a pair that will transition easily from day to night.  They'll be comfy when you run around the city exploring everything, but will transition to a fun night out by swapping out sneakers for dress shoes and a fancy top.

Pack some fun, versatile jewelry!  I pack mine in this travel jewelry case.  Packing Tip #4 - Use the dividers to separate necklaces to avoid tangling.  There is nothing worse that getting to your destination and finding your necklaces all in knots.  This case comes with two dividers so you can layer your pieces and avoid tangling.  For a weekend away I'll stick to one metal, making it easier to mix and match.  I'll generally pack - a pair of studs, a pair of chandeliers or hoops, a ring that can work both day and night, an engravable necklace, and a statement necklace.

Packing Tip #5 - For a busy trip, pack a crossbody.  With all the hustle and bustle of NYC, I don't want to be lugging around a big tote.  We're going to be doing a lot of walking and I'll only need the essentials when I'm out and about.  A crossbody will stay close to you and carry what you need.  I did this in Vegas and found it to be very helpful.  **I recognize that readers with small children may need a bigger bag**

Packing tip #6 - A good tote to bring on the plane.  My tote that I bring on the plane must be able to fit the following: wallet, phone, sunglasses case, pouch with essentials (pens, bandaids, hand lotion, sanitizer), makeup pouch, ipad, scarf, snack, and occasionally my laptop.  These Barrington Bags are perfect for travel and the monogram is too cute.

This reversible Voyage Tote in the black/tribal pattern is also a contender for this trip.  And...it is on SALE.  Get it here.  It's marked down to $38.51!  For under $40 you get two bags in one!  And a cute matching pouch!  The black tassel is sold separately.

Now for the Giveaway!

Because we're going to New York to celebrate my 40th birthday, I wanted to share the birthday love with all of you.  I am giving away a Passion Planner in this gorgeous blue color.

These planners are so much fun.  And you can use them in so many ways.  Track goals, track plans, track your meals for the week, your workouts, to do lists, there are so many options.  I like to buy stickers from etsy to customize mine.  A favorite sticker shop of mine is Chelsea Brown Designs.  She has some really pretty sticker options.  Here are some inspiration photos of how people use theirs:

There is also plenty of space to get creative and map out goals - whether personal or professional.  And, I'm also going to throw in a $25 Starbucks gift card to help you get started with your first planning session!  Just enter using the Rafflecopter below.  You have until 11:59pm on June 1 to enter.  I'll announce the winner on Friday, June 2.

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And there you have it - my weekend getaway packing tips and a giveaway!  I'll recap our trip next week.  Have a great holiday weekend y'all!

xoxoxoxo