What to pack (+ tips!): Disney World

So i'ts been almost a month since I went to Disney World with the fam and I am just now getting around to posting about it. Go figure. Anyhow, while I was there I took a few notes in case anyone else out there was planning a trip and needed some tips. Below are a few of my suggestions.

Best time of year to go: Mid January - Early March. We went at the end of February and for the most part the weather was great. It was only really cold our last day there. But if you go during this time, definitely pack some layers! It'll be chilly in the morning, then warm up, then cool off again after sunset. Oh and the lines were not bad at all either.

Stay on the resort, buy the meal plans. It may seem like extra money spent, but it is well spent. Completely worth it. And that's coming from me, a cheapskate! But I also prefer to spend what I can up front so that there's no "surprise" costs along the way. It was also nice to have a bus take us to the parks each day and drop us off. And did I mention you get a free refillable mug to use at your resort?!

Make reservations. However, if you do get a meal plan, definitely make reservations for your "sit down" meals. They advise you make these at least 6 months ahead of time. I know, it sounds crazy, but just trust me on this one.

Bring your own stroller. My brother and sister-in-law had contemplated renting a stroller once we arrived at each park, but ended up buying one from Craigslist instead. Greatest decision ever. It was a little bit of extra work to bring it on the bus each morning, but it was definitely a better option than stopping every morning at the park to pick up a stroller and then returning it at the end of the day. Plus our stroller actually had places to put bags, backpacks, etc. The Disney versions we saw were very minimal. Pretty much just hard plastic.

Pay attention to park hours and magic hours. If you stay on the resort, you get "magic hours" at the parks. These are hours of the day that only those who stay on the resort can ride rides in the park. These times change every day as to which park has the magic hours and whether they are in the morning or evening. Knowing these will help you plan your days and time better.

Entertainment options for smaller children. My niece Callie is just a year and a half, so she was unable to ride a lot of the rides. Instead, we all took turns hanging out with her at the entrance of a ride, while the others would go first. If you need to entertain while the rest of your party is in line, check out the exit of that ride. There are usually gift areas or game type areas that riders have to exit through. It's cool inside and there's plenty in there to entertain little ones.

Rider pass. Also, you can get a rider pass at Magic Kingdom if you have a small child that cannot ride. Basically it allows you to switch off "babysitters" quickly. With a rider pass, you get to jump line and board the next ride after the other half of your party has exited and can trade places with you.

My favorite rides: 

• Toy Story Mania (Hollywood Studios)

• Rock n Roller Coaster (Hollywood Studios)

• Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (Hollywood Studios)

• Soarin' (Epcot)

• Test Track (Epcot)

• Space Mountain (Magic Kingdom)

Helpful apps:

• Disney World app from Touring Plans (gives wait times, FastPass info, etc)

• Walt Disney World Maps and More (GPS option for each park) 

Bring a first aid kit. You don't need every single type of medicine, but definitely bring a bag in the park packed with stomach medicine, Tylenol, band aids etc.

Prep for the next day, the night before at the hotel. First, get plenty of rest. I don't think I have to explain that one, but just know that everyone will be in better moods the more sleep you have. Second, be sure to group everything that you plan on taking in the park the next day, all in one memorable place. Things like sunglasses, cameras, jackets, etc. Also, charge batteries for video cameras, etc at night while you are sleeping.

Get up 15 minutes earlier than you think you should. This should really just be an everyday of life rule. But don't worry, I don't follow this one either!

Treasure the magical moments. I say this because when you visit Disney, you are usually traveling with family (which means you're prob gonna lose your patience quicker) and small children (who get hungry, tired, hot and cranky—oh wait, maybe I am referring to myself?). But if you just remember to treasure the magical little moments along the way, you will leave with a much better experience.

For me these magical moments include: 
• Witnessing my nephew Cade rode his first real roller coaster (space mountain)
• Seeing Callie's eyes during the fireworks at Magic Kingdom
• Holding Cade's hand in line at It's a Small World
• Watching Callie point at everything during It's a Small World
• Swimming in freezing cold water with Cade bc he just wanted to go to the pool so badly

• Carrying a sleeping Callie in my arms halfway across Epcot to ensure she wouldn't wake

• Slumber party every night with Cade in our murphy bed

• Noise contests with Callie
• The projection show on Cinderella's castle
• Sharing a late night laugh with my mom and Nikki about Cade's magic potion

Here are a few photos for me to leave you with! Enjoy!

What to pack: Road trip to Indianapolis

Here we go. I'm off on another road trip! This time to see my long-time friend Natasha, who I haven't seen in a truly ridiculous amount of time. In fact, I don't even want to think about when the actual last time I saw her was because I think it will make me mad at myself for not visiting her sooner!

The reason for this trip, aside from catching up, is to celebrate her recent marriage to Greg with a reception/party (you might've seen that pretty fab little invitation we created together for this event). There will be parties and brunches all weekend, which I think will be a fun time. And I actually was with Natasha when she met Greg for the first time when we stopped in Indy on another road trip many moons ago, so I know that I like the city of Indianapolis. It reminds me a bit of Birmingham, which you know I am partial to :)

But as usual, mostly I am just excited about seeing an old friend and getting to stay in their home so that I can get the first hand knowledge of what her life as a newlywed truly in Indy is like. I expect lots of late night talks and giggles, good food, adventures around town, cute clothes wardrobe changes and a lot of fun.

So above is what I am taking with me to ensure that I am dressed for the part at all times! Hope you all have a fun & friend-filled weekend as well!

What to pack: Portland edition

I cannot believe it. The day is finally here. I am on an airplane (right now!) flying out to Portland see my longtime friend and old school running partner, Casey. We've been talking about this visit since she moved (almost a year ago!) and I purchased my ticket back way back in early March. So this has been a long time coming.

To say I am psyched is an understatement. I've been to Seattle, but not to Portland. Something tells me I'm gonna like it there! Ok, so maybe it's a someone rather than a something and her name just happens to be Casey, but still! I trust her judgement. Mostly because as I have noticed of late, me and Case are pretty much spot on with our habits.

Ok, so I climb and she bikes, but everything else is there. We both love to run (admittedly she is faster than me, but she's a rockstar that'll slow her roll to hang back with me), we both love (live) music - usually the same exact bands, we both love to eat (maybe me more than her :) and we both love being outdoors.

So I'm super psyched about this trip because a) it's a new city for me to explore b) we're going to do all of the fun activities mentioned above and c) mostly because I knew I had missed this gal, but until the days for this trip ticked down, I didn't realize just how much I've missed her.

Me & Casey at the Avett Brothers show last spring in Tuscaloosa

Since she gave me the bright idea of the "What to pack" blogposts, I couldn't let her down with this one. Casey seems to think my style is gonna fit right in to the scene at Portland, so she wanted to see what I would fill my suitcase with so she could get some style inspiration herself (though I insist she doesn't need it.)

As I've mentioned (three times now) I haven't been to Portland so I am basing my outfits around the stereotypes that are associated with the city and the Pacific Northwest in general. I'm thinking pretty casual (I had to pry the heels and wedges out of my hands so that I wouldn't pack them) and not a lot of bright colors.

Really, I'm pulling out my most hipster items. I've got flat sandals, dark colors and of course a plaid top, a fedora and my vintage Ray Ban Wayfarers. Oh and I'd be an idiot not to pack a rain jacket, though honestly I'm hoping to hit up an REI or a local outdoors store to get some new rain gear since this jacket is at least 7 years old and has seen better days. There's also a tiny crossbody bag in the mix that's perfect for keeping things light while carrying the essentials when we go see the Alabama Shakes play an outdoor show.

Of course I have my running gear and my climbing shoes because there will be lots of runs in our future for the next few days and I'm pretty psyched to be hitting up the Portland Rock Gym as well. I've got a couple of breezy dresses thrown in and a romper too for any biking, dinner or thrifting adventures.

Seriously, this is going to be the greatest trip ever....are you jealous yet?!

I think Case has pretty much everything planned, but if anyone out there wants to throw any Portland suggestions my way, I will gladly take them! Especially if you know where to go for thrift and vintage stores. Leave me a comment below.

Hope you all have a great long weekend!

What to pack: Road trip to North Carolina

I absolutely love a good road trip. So I am stoked to be heading up to North Carolina to see my friend Emily soon!
Plus, I've never been to Winston-Salem and I haven't seen her house yet either, so I am excited about visiting for
those reasons. But mostly, I am just excited to hangout with my friend who I haven't seen since last fall when she and
her husband came down to Alabama for a visit.

I haven't taken a road trip in quite some time (especially not alone!), so I started thinking I might need to plan a few
things out. After talking with Em about everything we planned to do, I looked at the closet and pulled a few key
pieces that I could throw into a bag and remix for my wardrobe over the weekend. I know I'll have my car and I
could pack as much as I want, but since this is a fast and furious trip and I'll be jetting out right after work, I figured
less was more in this case.

So here's a quick peek into the majority of what I plan to bring with me to NC (pictured above):

1. We are going to do tons of fun things this weekend, but I am most excited about going for a run with Em and
then hitting up a pure barre class afterward. So I'm bringing my new Sauncony Kinvaras (which I love!) and a
couple of running outfits in case I find time to explore the town on foot Friday while she is at work.

2. I think this jersey knit dress will be perfect for running around town to thrift stores and other boutiques on
Saturday.

3. You can never go wrong with a classic white button down. I can use this as a shirt and/or as a jacket over the
tube dress.

4. I think it's still going to be a bit chilly up there, so I think if I wear these cowboy boots with the dress, I should
be dressed perfectly for the weather. And it's pretty cute together, too!

5. This maxi dress will be perfect for the movie we are hitting up at the RiverRun International Film Festival
Saturday night and then also for dinner afterward.

6.  It's always good to have a pair of comfy boyfriend jeans in the mix.

7. Even though I am bummed the weather turned cold again, I am psyched that it means I have a chance to wear
this awesome Sugarlips jacket. I think it will look great over everything I am bringing for the weekend.

8. This is my favorite crossbody bag because it is just large enough to fit everything I need, yet still small enough
to not be annoying. Plus it goes with just about any outfit you pair it with.

9. Gotta bring the hip oxfords in case I decide to go with flats instead.

10. These wedges are gonna look smokin hot with the maxi dress.

11. I love this jewelry roll fold Emily gave all of us bridesmaids at her wedding. It makes transporting jewelry
so much easier!

12. I don't know if this needs an explanation. I will be in a car for 8 hours. I need snacks...and energy drinks—
lots of them!

13. I would be the worst friend ever if I didn't bring Em a little piece of Birmingham with me—some wedding
cake cupcakes from Dreamcakes bakery. They are seriously the best.

Hope you all have just as much fun of a weekend as I am going to have!