Le Macaron and Trying Something New!

After arriving in Florida on Saturday my boyfriend took me to a little place in Winter Park called Le Macaron. When we walked in, we were greeted by the smell of fresh baked pastries and men with French accents. There were several flavors of macaroons to choose from but my flavors of choice were lavender, vanilla, caramel, blueberry, and raspberry. Upon ordering my little treats I began talking with the gents that worked at the store about how they make the macaroons. I was surprised to discover that they don’t make them at the store but they are flown in from Paris weekly to assure quality and consistency in their pastries. A little secret they let me in on about the famous Lauduree macaroons surprised me even more- Lauduree’s macaroons are made in Belgium, not Paris! Regardless of this little tidbit, I still have a hankering to try them! Apparently they have a location in Miami and one in New York. I mentioned a trip to NYC to my bestie and fellow blogger Lindsey, and she seems to be just as excited as I am about a possible trip!

Do you like macaroons? Know of any good places to get these pastries? Comment below!

My Macaroons!

~Liz

 

Packing for a Week in a Carry-On

I absolutely hate paying airlines to check my luggage. I paid enough for my flight as it is, do I really have to pay to take my stuff with me too? Apparently the answer is yes. Well, this time around I’ve found a way around that. Tomorrow I head to the land of tourism and sunshine for vacation. I’m spending a week in Orlando, FL visiting my boyfriend and a few friends. One of the hardest things about packing for a vacation is knowing what activities you’ll be doing while you’re there. I’ve packed outfits that can work for many different events and be dressed up or down. Read on to see what I packed!

Florida Bound!

1. Bottoms

I packed mostly white shorts/capris because they will match anything! I also packed some jean shorts for a more casual look and athletic shorts for days that may require athletic clothes. All of these are very versatile and allow me to change the look of my outfit without changing everything.

2. Tops

I picked things that can work for both day and night. The black and white striped top can be worn with white shorts or capris. The light purple top is 3/4 length sleeve and a very light fabric and can be worn with white/jean shorts and dressed up or down for day or evening activities. The silver tank top is best for evenings out and looks particularly good with the white capris. The white tank top works with any combination of shorts. The coral top is also 3/4 length and light fabric and once again can be worn with any combination of shorts (except for the athletic shorts) and dressed up or down with the right accessories! Finally, the yellow top is a tank and looks best with the white shorts and capris.

3. Dresses

The coral dress is mid length and 3/4 length sleeve and looks great with nude pumps or flats. It can be worn for day and night depending the accessories and shoes.  The black lace dress is one shoulder and also looks nice with the same nude pumps.

4. Accessories

I brought with me a pearl necklace and matching earrings (seriously, what doesn’t look good with pearls?) I also brought a large statement necklace that pairs well with almost every outfit. Additionally, I brought dangly earrings in blue to work with both coral pieces in my wardrobe. The multi colored earrings will also work with any of the outfits I brought. Finally, to add a nautical touch to my casual outfits, I brought navy blue anchor earrings.

Also, not pictured is my cross body Coach bag (for days when I don’t want a big bag to carry), navy blue Sperrys, nude pumps, and silver sparkly strappy sandals. The Sperrys are great for my casual outfits (I’m also wearing them on the plane to reduce weight in my carry on) while the pumps and sandals are nice for a dressed up look or brunch with the girls 😉

5. Little extras

Obviously bring your underwear, socks, bras blah, blah, blah. Don’t forget your bikini too! I bought mine in a magenta color that can be mixed with my navy bikini pieces. For this trip, I don’t want to add a lot of weight to my luggage (25 pound limit!) so I’m only bringing the magenta bikini. Also, don’t forget your flat iron or curler. Be aware of weight limits so you may have to choose between them (yikes, you can do this!)

Bonus: I’m bringing my laptop, make up, and Vogue in my tote bag (yes, it does fit under the stupid seat in front of me madam flight attendant!) Most airlines allow you the carry on to be stowed overhead and a laptop bag/large purse to go underneath the seat in front of you.

As for my outfit tomorrow, I’m sporting a navy blue tank top underneath a mint colored hoodie with those white shorts I mentioned earlier.

Am I missing anything? Any things you might take with you? Let me know in a comment below!

~Liz

 

Paris Inspired!

Paris inspired by oceangirl15 featuring Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

Headed for Paris!

Just a little something I created a few years back!

Cotton sweater
topshop.com

True Religion blue jeans
piperlime.gap.com

Betsey Johnson pumps
endless.com

Marc jacobs handbag
$1,705 – mytheresa.com

Bracelet bangle
$72 – hfm.co.jp

Anita Ko heart ring
net-a-porter.com

Jane Hollinger heart earrings
ylang23.com

Collar necklace
$115 – hfm.co.jp

Tiffany Co silver jewelry
$200 – colette.fr

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics blush
bloomingdales.com

Pink makeup
$6.04 – artbox.co.uk

Lancaster lips makeup
yesstyle.com

Chanel fragrance
amazon.com

ULTA beauty product
ulta.com

Travel Edition: Adventure in Key West, Florida!

Last spring I took a trip down to the Keys for a little sun and sand but what I found was an adventure! 

I have never seen water so clear and sand so white! Upon arriving at Key West, the tour bus I was on with about 35 other people dropped us off at the southern most point of Key West and the United States. In fact, we were 90 miles from Cuba! We took photos and then planned the rest of our day on the island. This was an adventure I took on my own. I vaguely knew a few of the other people on the bus from my Disney College Program (blog to come on my experience). I spent half the day navigating the island by myself and the other half with the entire group. 

Shortly after I returned from Fort Zach Taylor beach (on a vespa!) I found my way to a snack shop by the dock. The wonderful treat I got to try was frozen chocolate covered key lime pie! I’ve never tasted something quite so unique and refreshing in my life. It was perfect after an afternoon on the beach laying in the sand (and stone, ouch!) of Key West. 

My next little adventure started soon after my frozen chocolate brain freeze ended. I had purchased a ticket to go snorkeling for $50. I assumed I’d just be swimming around in the water looking at sand and nothing really interesting. Instead we went out on a catamaran and sailed a few miles out into the water to snorkel at a reef! There were roughly 40 people on the ship and we were all given a life vest, flippers, goggles, and a snorkel. The boat’s crew lowered a set of stairs into the water and gave us the go ahead. I waited for about 20 people to go before me (in case of sharks or barracuda we were warned about) and then finally I worked up my nerve to jump in. 

The water was luke warm and had high salt levels (I swallowed enough to know). I began to swim towards the other snorkelers and looked down at the sea floor below. At 15 feet deep I saw sea life that I never thought I would get to see in a natural habitat. There were tons of fish, bottom feeding sharks, some sort of sea snake, little sea turtles, and beautiful coral reefs. It was so peaceful. The first time I ever felt at ease with nature! The sun was incredibly bright, illuminating the sea floor. A school of small clown fish ran into me (literally) and a few turned to look at me and then swam away. After about an hour a half we got back on the boat and sailed back to the dock. The ride back was accompanied by a setting sun, a light breeze, fruity drinks (I had a cherry limeaide mixed with pineapple juice) and reggae music. 

It was a beautiful adventure and one I’ll always remember. When we got back into town the sun had set and we went to dinner. The downtown area of Key West was, in my opinion, a little sketchy. Not somewhere I’d take my children but it was great for people watching and a few hysterics. After dinner we boarded the bus to go back to Orlando. Unfortunately a few people were missing and showed up late, one passed out drunk in the back of a pick up truck. When we stopped in Key Largo she had to be taken to the hospital for alcohol poisoning. Did I mention she was underage?

Anyway, all around it was a great time and a really nice memory. 

What’s your favorite vacation destination? Comment below!

-Liz

Turning 21: Diamonds and 4 Things I did for My Birthday!

There are several milestones an individual has to reach before they are considered a full fledged adult. Turning 16 means getting a license, 18 you can vote, and 21 means you can legally drink alcohol. Each milestone comes with a new responsibility. My 21st birthday was a few weeks ago and I truly feel like an actual adult now. I have all the rights of being one and the responsibility.

The best part of turning 21 for me? Diamonds. My dear, sweet boyfriend gave me a beautiful diamond ring! Besides being totally shocked and feeling very spoiled, I felt like a lady and a little girl at the same time. Not many gents can do that but he pulls it off!

4 Things I Did for My Birthday

Besides receiving the ring, here’s 4 others things I did for my 21st.

1. Went to Florida

My boyfriend lives in the Sunshine state so every few months I hop a plane and go down for a visit. Since the mid-atlantic region is still chilly by the beginning of spring I decided to spend my birthday with him, who also happens to have the same birthday as mine. 

2. Took Myself Shopping

I am a shopoholic. The movie Confessions of a Shopoholic was made with me in mind. Given that Florida is a touristy area they have more outlets than any other place I’ve been. Part of the birthday money I received from my parents funded my day of shopping, which by the way, was very successful. I spent about 8 hours trying on shoes, dresses, and things that I simply couldn’t afford. But it was my day, so I figured I’d try it on anyway. 

3. Tried My First Drink

A good friend of mine took me out to try my first mojito… which I ended up not exactly loving. I think alcohol is similar to coffee, you have to acquire a taste for it. Yikes that stuff was strong! When I was in my late teens, I figured my 21st would be like Jen’s on The Hills. All my friends and I would go out and lightly sip cocktails at a nice city lounge and chat. However, when most of your friends live all over the country and not in one place its hard to get everyone together. Additionally, I simply do not have a taste for alcohol. Something tells me that the ladies of The Hills had already acquired a love for drinks prior to their 21st birthdays. Our night out was still quite enjoyable though. 

4. Went to Busch Gardens

Not sure what to do for our day, my man and I decided that we (and a few friends) should go to a theme park. We spent our time flipping upside down on roller coasters, feeling sick, and making memories. I finally understand what it means to get older, crazy rides are no longer your friend but a thing that makes your brain want to fall out. 

Each birthday I have I realize that I’m drifting farther and farther from adolescence and that’s truly scary. Childhood, for some, is the simplest time of their lives and saying good bye to it is a soft reminder that nothing lasts forever. But the older I get, the wiser I become. Age, in my opinion, is viewed entirely wrong. With increasing days comes increasing knowledge. Google doesn’t always have all the answers, but time does. 

Comment, like, and share!

-Liz