Water Park Essentials

If you’re a parent, there’s a strong chance you’ll be attending a waterpark at least once this summer. We’re going to an Indoor Water Park Resort (Kalahari) as well as Sesame Place and maybe Legoland as day trips, so we’ll definitely be at water parks! Don’t melt like a popsicle- here are my Water Park Essentials and the best part? They can all be found on Amazon and sent via Prime.

Swimsuit Cover Up- The reason I love this cover up is because you can wear it on its own or with a pair of shorts under it. You can even dress it down with a pair of loose summer pants when it gets chilly. The sleeve length is perfect for folding up when it’s warm, or wearing down when it’s either sunny or you get chilly.

Rattan Visor- This visor is too cute and I love how versatile it is. You can have your hair in a bun if you want to and the visor will still work, unlike a baseball cap or a sun hat. The liner is comfortable and cooling. Overall I give this a 10/10.

Womens Water Shoes- I need to get a pair of these because they are way cuter than the typical black pair I already have. I love that they are adjustable and that the water comes out from the bottom instead of just sitting in the shoe, making every step a squishhhhh.

Kids Water Shoes- These have such good reviews, and I just bought 2 pairs for my kids. These mermaid ones are perfect for a little girl, and ensure that your kids won’t slide around and their feet will stay protected. The reviews are full of people who bought them multiple times over the years, as their kids grow.

Wet/Dry Bags- I love wet/dry bags. Sure, we can use a plastic bag, but that’s not as economical and in places like NY you can’t even find them at the supermarket. These bags are leakproof and made from recycled materials. The size is perfect for tossing in some kids’ swimsuits and even an adult one.

Cooler Bag- There’s nothing quite like a cold drink on a hot day, and nothing more gross than a hot water bottle when you’re already burning up. This bag can hold all your essentials at the top, then your bottles, beverages, or lunch on the bottom to keep it cool. The bottom even comes off, so you can pass it along to a family member in the park without handing over your whole bag.

Waterproof Phone Case- I just bought one of these. I love that you can take photos with it while in use. Most cases don’t work once the phone is inside, but this one has a perfect view of the camera plus lets you touch the screen- all while keeping your phone safe.

Turkish (Thin) Towels- As a mom, I hate carrying bulky heavy towels. These are thin and so cute. Buy a matching set, or mix and match to ensure each person gets their own colored towel.

Heart Goggles- Some littles hate water in their eyes (I know mine do!) so these will help with the water park playgrounds and overhead dripping things. My daughter would love this heart shaped pair, which has cute pink flamingos on the side- our favorite!

Water Bottle Spout- If you’ve ever had a young kid spit backwash into your new $5 bottle of water from the park, this is for you. It fits most bottles and makes them into a sports bottle, ensuring that your kids don’t spill it all over themselves.

Lip Stain- This lip stain has so many positive reviews and is TikTok famous, and for good reason.The stain lasts an insanely long time! Apply this before you get to the water park, wipe off with a damp cloth, and have perfectly stained lips the whole time you’re there. Don’t forget to add some SPF chapstick or gloss on top to ensure your lips don’t get burned.

Portable Phone Battery- The sun does something to phone batteries where they die so much faster. I think it’s because the screen needs to be at max brightness all day long. Add in the fact that most water parks have an app or online map, and your battery will be zapped of all its energy. This one comes with built in cables, perfect for on the go.

Nail Polish- I love a cute simple pink polish in the summer, and Essie is a great, long-lasting brand. Pop this on your fingers and toes, and feel confident all summer long.

Wet Hair Brush- My daughter has long, curly hair and water, especially with chlorine or from the beach, makes it so tangled. This wet hair brush ensures her hair stays smooth without getting damaged. 

Portable Fan- Let’s be real- theme parks are hot.as.heck. This portable fan hangs around your neck and has a 12 hour battery life. It has 3 speed settings and can be used around your neck, at your waist, or sitting on a table.

There you have it! My favorite items for a day at the water park. You’ll be looking good and feeling good, which is a must for a day chasing the kids!

Amazon Fourth of July Style

Whether you’re having a BBQ, attending a block party, or hitting the beach, one thing’s for sure- Fourth of July is on a Friday this year, which means you can do all 3 that weekend! Don’t settle for the same old jean shorts and a tee- step it up a notch with one of these cute and casual dresses and a few accessories to make the red, white, and blue more interesting!

1. Red Dress- be a little bit glam and a little bit comfy with this cute red maxi dress.The rick rack detailing adds a playful touch, while the length means you’ll be comfortable all day long.

2. White Headband- I love to add a headband to every outfit to zhush it up a little and this one is no exception. While the color is simple, it has pretty details such as beading and texture to ensure this white headband is anything but boring.

3. Blue Coin Purse- stars and stripes are the name of the game, and this purse delivers. The shape is so fun, while the golden stars help to make any casual outfit just a little bit fancier.

4. Blue Tumbler- I’m a sucker for popsicles (no pun intended? right?) and this tumbler is perfect for those collectors of water bottles (iykyk). The color is so vibrant and you can use this all summer long. Perfect for staying hydrated!

5. Blue Slide Sandals- To add a comfy but classy touch to your outfits, add these cute blue slide sandals. They are perfect for running after the kids or taking the hubs to dinner. They’re so versatile and would be perfect for vacation at a resort!

6. White Puff Sleeve Dress- I love puff sleeve dresses- they’re so fun and girly while being playful. This dress has fun detailing on the skirt, while the ribbed chest area helps to accentuate the “girls” if you know what I mean. 

7. Blue Baseball Cap- The summer always equals sun, and this hat will help you to see the kids without holding your hands up over your eyes. The bow adds such a cute touch to a classic style. I have this cap in white and pink and it’s my favorite one!

8. Red Tote- Carry all the summer essentials with a cute and perfectly summery strawberry pattern. It has pockets which will help to keep you organized. It’s so perfect for carrying a book to the park while your kids play!

9. Red Sneakers- I just love these sneakers. The style is so classic while the color will add a pop to any outfit. I love a good sneaker and dress combo for staying comfy while wandering the zoo while still looking super cute. 

10. Blue Tiered Dress- This dress is perfect for a fancier BBQ or a clambake. The tiers at the bottom make it so whimsical while still being classic. The strapless style means no strappy tan lines, and the fitted bodice means it’ll stay up all day long.

11. Red Hoops- Earrings are the perfect pop to any outfit and these are too fun with the big rattan balls. They are lightweight and really pack a punch. They come in so many colors, perfect for wearing all summer long.

12. Rattan Purse- I think I need this purse. Truly. It screams summer and sophistication. The silhouette is classic while the details add a fun touch. It’s perfect for everyday wear, or a special date night, while still being affordable.

13. Red Bow- Wear this in your hair or on your purse to add a pop of color and femininity to your Fourth of July outfit. The oversized bow makes such a statement.

14. Floral Pillow Cover- This is a bit random for this particular set, but I had to include it because it’s so cute. Add these to your couch or place them outside for a festive addition to your BBQ.

So there you have it! Some cute dresses and accessories that you can use all summer long. Mix and match some of these items with pieces you own, and be the best dressed this summer!

My Travel Essentials

When it comes to traveling, I like to keep things as simple and organized as possible. There is nothing I hate more than being unable to find what I packed, being unable to carry everything I need to bring, and not knowing where to put things. Last year, I decided to update my travel essentials to make my trips so much easier and it was worth every penny. These are items you can use for every single trip, year after year. I felt so organized that I knew I had to share everything with you just as travel season is upon us again.

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Packing Cubes- I recently upgraded to these packing cubes and for the first time ever, my bag actually had some space! I used 3 cubes plus my beauty bag, and I had room to spare. It was pretty amazing. I also love that they’re neutral colored, and you can always use iron-on vinyl to label them. These come with so many sizes, including a shoe bag, a hanging toiletry bag, and a small pouch.

Clear Pouches- These are essential for air travel, since you need a quart size bag for liquids. I find that this one is a little bit more structured and reusable, which I prefer. It’s perfect for placing your phone inside at the beach to prevent sand, or for carrying snacks as you go.

Mini Bottles- I love these silicon bottles because you can get every last drop out of them, which I didn’t find to be true with the plastic bottles I was using before. Plus, they’re reusable which is perfect for avid travelers, and way more economical than purchasing travel size containers of shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, etc.

Sunglasses Case- I purchased these soft sunglasses cases after I scratched my husband’s glasses by placing them in my bag unprotected at Disney World. Whoops! This time, I went prepared and had this soft case, which takes up almost no space and kept my glasses safe for the whole trip.

Travel Backpack- This is probably my favorite travel update that I made, and I highly recommend this backpack to anyone that commutes or flies! It held so much stuff- my laptop, charger, water bottle, purse, sweater, a blanket scarf for the flight. You name it, I had it in there and it was perfect. Plus, it has a strap in the back which connects to your luggage handle for easy pulling without it falling off. And, you can connect your portable battery to charge on the go.

Portable Battery Pack- There can never be enough power when you’re on the go, snapping pics and texting family back home. I like to carry this portable battery with me. It’s not the lightest but it does hold a lot of charge, which is prefect for charging multiple devices. I bought this when we went to Disney, and it helped me charge my phone while waiting on rides with bored kiddos.

Beauty Pouch- After years of using this hanging toiletries organizer, I recently switched to a zippered pouch that opens up. It holds a lot and really doesn’t take up much space, which I can’t say for my previous toiletry bag!

Jewelry Pouches- My prior approach to traveling with jewelry was wrapping them in tissues and placing them in my bag. Not the best approach- they could be mistaken for ... you know, snots.. and end up thrown away. This time, I got some cute little pouches to hold my earrings. The pouch is faux suede with a clear window so that you can see what’s inside. The pack comes with 6 which is perfect for a short trip.

Mini Hair Brush- I found this brush to be the perfect size and the open style means it won’t get full of hair and gross.

Laptop Case- I recently upgraded my laptop to a MacBook Air 11 inch, which was way smaller than my old 15 inch. So, I needed a better case that would offer better protection. I love how classy this one looks, plus it comes with a small pouch for your charger. I used it to carry my camera, which I love to bring when I travel!

Mirrorless Camera- Mirrorless cameras are great because you have all the perks of a fancy DSLR but the “see it as it will shoot” viewfinder you might remember from typical digital cameras. This means that you can see exactly what the shot will look like as you shoot it, in real time. It has a vari-angle touchscreen that shows your images and lets you “click” the focus point. I have the older model of this camera, and bring it on all my trips. PS- also purchase an extra battery to ensure you’re always fully charged up!

Memory Cards- You can never have too many memory cards in my opinion. I like to use 32 GB cards because it holds just enough photos without getting confusing. And, I like to keep 2 or 3 in my travel bag to ensure I have enough memory for the entire trip.

Toothbrush Covers- This is a silly little one, but no one wants a dirty toothbrush so it’s a necessity. I purchased this 4-pack and had enough for the whole family. Nothing much to say about this, but it stayed clipped to my toothbrush and didn't take up a lot of space which is all you can ask for.

Sunglasses- These sunglasses are great. They’re strong but affordable, making them perfect for travel if you don’t want to ruin/lose fancy designer sunglasses you might own. I use these everyday in my car and they are awesome. They’re polarized so you can actually see the world, and the lens color isn’t too crazy.

And there you have it! My top picks for travel to keep you organized while still looking really good. We’re going on a trip in late July and I’m soooo excited to pack up my stuff and go! We’ll be hitting the water parks, so I’m going to have another list with my Water Park Essentials coming soon, along with some other lists of my fave items! Be sure to follow me on Instagram to see all the newest posts.

My Party Essentials

I’ve thrown a lot of parties over the years, so I’ve got all the essentials. Here are some of my favorite items for parties.

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Cake Stands- I personally like white cake stands since they match any holiday, but these come in so many cute colors! The pink and mint green ones are calling my name.

Sequin Tablecloths- I have these in rose gold and silver, and I can’t tell you how many times they have elevated my event. They wash pretty well, although lots of sequins end up in the wash. But, they still look great after 8 years.

Sequin Runners- These are perfect for placing on party tables, on a craft table, or even on a console. I’ve also draped them on my fireplace! I also recently used a cheesecloth runner for Thanksgiving, which looked so nice.

Serving Platters- While my husband is the chef of the family, I can recommend a nice set of white porcelain serving platters. I love having different sizes but within a single set so that they can stack in my cabinets and drawers.

Balloon Stands- These are perfect for balloon decor and centerpieces without the helium.

Balloon Inflator- I borrowed this from a friend and it saved me! In the past I have used a handheld pump as well as a mattress inflator, neither of which I recommend when this is an option!

Baskets- I use these for all kinds of things, including holding favors, corralling cards, and displaying some party decor.

Garlands- I personally love a fringe tassel garland! These are so easy to make and can be used over and over.

Sequin Backdrops- These are great for placing behind a party table to make it fancier. I also love a nice tablecloth fringe garland, which can be super colorful!

Backdrop Stand- I use this style for my photography backdrops, but it works perfectly for parties. You can also go with a gold arch style, which would be pretty with a cover.

Painting Supplies- I often do an activity at my parties, and I love using these white aprons for kids along with a simple painting set and acrylic paints. Helpful hint- if you wipe off the extra paint with a napkin, it makes it way easier to wash the palettes!

Paper Fans- I also use these over and over again! I use a paperclip to hold them together, then fold them up after the party so it’s ready for the next use.

Cake Topper- I have a Happy Birthday cake topper that I use for all my parties. It’s economical and eco-friendly. A win-win!

Storage Boxes- I store all these supplies in clear plastic bins or clear bags. I can see what I need, and my supplies stay safe from the elements.

Disco Ball- No party is complete without a disco ball. I have mine permanently hanging in my living room. I just love disco balls!

Cricut- Cricuts are perfect for personalizing elements. I’ve used them to create banners with felt and glitter paper; Cut iron-ons for favor bags; Cut vinyl for making signs; Cutting glitter paper for cake toppers; and soooo much more. The smallest one, The Joy, is great for vinyl, making cards, and stores away easily.

Circle Cutters- I just got one of these, but I’m so excited to use them when cutting my circle cupcake toppers from my shop!

Beginner Photography Essentials

Photography is one of the best ways to capture and preserve moments. As a photographer myself, I know that a few of the right tools can make all the difference. These are some of my favorite basics that will help take your party photos to the next level.

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A Great Camera- You can definitely use your phone for your pictures, but I would highly recommend getting a camera if you’ve been on the fence! I personally have the older version of this Canon EOS Rebel (mine is the T6) but this newer one has such great features! Touchscreen is a newer feature, which is great for selecting your focus!

Lightroom/Photoshop - these are my go-to apps for photo editing! You can do so much with these apps for only $10/month. If you want a more budget friendly option, try the Lightroom phone app! It has tons of free features.

Lightroom Presets- These party presets from my shop are perfect for editing all kinds of indoor photos.

Tripod-  If you want to take your own photos, I would highly recommend this tripod! You can tilt the head so that you can take landscapes or portraits. It's light, compact and folds up small. It's perfect for taking on the go and storing in a closet when it's not in use. This is the exact one I use for my photos!

Phone Tripod Mount- If you want to attach your phone on the tripod, you'll need a special adapter. I use this one, which does the trick! You just swap out the head it comes with and then expand it for your phone. The great part is that it's adjustable, so you can use anyone's phone. I'd recommend checking the measurements if you have a newer iPhone though. Those things just keep getting bigger and bigger.

Mini Tripod- If you want a tiny tripod for a tabletop or even easier portability, try this one! I haven't used this one personally, but it had great reviews on Amazon. I'm considering getting one myself. If you want something more affordable, try this one instead.

Box Light for Flash- These are a bit of an investment, but I honestly can't recommend them enough! I use them for practically all my blog photos and occasionally whip them out when the lighting isn't ideal for portraits. Another option is these umbrella lights, which aren't quite as bright. Both of them fold up super tiny and can take up just a corner of a closet! It's actually pretty remarkable how mighty yet tiny they are. Just a note that these won't make a dark room bright, but they will assist in compensating when the room just isn't bright enough for a good picture.

Screen Wipes- If your phone photos are not great, I have news for you- CLEAN YOUR CAMERA LENS! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been handed someone’s phone to take a photo and the very first thing I notice is the blur of an oily fingerprint on the lens. These wipes are lint free, and I love using them for my camera and phone.

SD Card to Phone Adapter- If you’re using a camera for better pics but want to post to your phone immediately, invest in a simple adapter. There’s lots of options for both iPhone and Android. Using them is simple- plug them into your phone, pop in your SD card, and view/save your images to your device. Easy peasy, and great for on the go!

Selfie Light- Many party venues are poorly lit, and a lot of parties happen at night. By using a selfie light, you’ll get better photos without having to use your on-camera flash. This one attaches to both a phone and a camera. You can also adjust the warmth of the light, which is helpful for achieving the perfect white balance (color) for your images. If your images look yellow, use a bluer tint to counteract it, and vice versa. I’ve never used this one personally, but it seems like a perfect device for a beginner photographer.

Instax Camera- Make sure you have lots of film on hand. You can also invest in a variety of cute cases, but I think this one would be perfect.