Oh gosh, let me tell y'all. This vacation couldn't come at a better time in life. Things have gotten a bit stressful here at home and finding that balance as a mom is getting tougher and tougher as Tot grows up. Which is why this break couldn't be more perfect! This Mama needs a serious breather. I want to be playing "find Nemo" in the water already (Tot's favorite game right now).
As I mentioned in the last post, the Mr. is from St. Thomas USVI and his family still lives there so we try to visit as often as possible. Next week, we're headed back to the Rock which means it's almost time for Mama to think about packing.
Let's get real - I'm an over packer. I'm super OCD about Tot's food + diet, plus I like clothes. Did I mentions I really like clothes? So clearly a trip to the beach is the perfect opportunity to break out some summer outfits and fun traveling gadgets we use. All the items are linked and I'll also be showing you them in my Instagram stories so be sure to follow us on Instagram @bumblebeetot
Let's get packing!
Ruffle Butts
This great online store started as a wonderful small business featured on Shark Tank. We were gifted one of these suits when Tot was an infant and we've become obsessed. We're constantly at the pool during the summer so we collect quite a few of these because obviously, Tot can't wear the same suit every day. Most of their items can be monogrammed, which we typically do for a personal touch. First time shoppers receive a 20% discount code when you sign up and they constantly having Pop-Up sales.
Lilac Seersucker Fit and Flare Dress
$28.50
$26.50
UPF 50+ Sun Protection
$26.50
UPF 50+ Sun Protection
Guava Family
As you've seen from our posts, we're BIG fans of the Guava Family Lotus Crib. It's perfect for travel with it's compact size, comes with a mosquito net, and is super easy to put together with a baby on your hip. We'll gate check this to bring to St. Thomas. We'll use it as our crib at night and at the beach during the day for an extra safety precaution because Tot seems to think she's 16 and can swim by herself. It's currently on sale (WHOA) and first time shoppers can sign up for a 15% discount. Can't recommend it enough.
Uppababy
You know we're a big Uppababy family and my role is to convince every pregnant woman in my life to purchase one too. They always thank me later because the convenience is just to die for. We recently purchased the G Luxe and while I was originally planning on bringing that because it's so light, I think the extra long UPF 50+ sun shade and large undercarriage space is convincing me to bring the Cruz. A lot of time when we're in St. Thomas we're away from home for extended periods of time so I need something a bit bigger to carry the mass amount of things I'm most likely going to pack for day trips (my husband is cringing reading this). Plus, this is our first trip without the Uppababy Mesa on the plane so having something with some extra space at the airport will be much appreciated. Cruz it is!
Pottery Barn
$49.95
We have two (2) versions of the the diaper bag that I've discussed before including the larger version of the Harper Diaper Tote (found here). For this trip, I'll pack the smaller Harper Tote we just purchased before Christmas as we don't need as many change of clothes etc. We'll still pack her lots of snacks, but the Harper Tote is so great because of all the extra storage pockets it has so most of our "must haves" can fit. Plus, you can monogram it and clearly we're big fans of all things monograms. New customers can sign up for email notices and receive an automatic 15% off and current email recipients should have a 20% code in their inbox. If not, message me and I can share mine!
Shein
So I mentioned recently on Instagram that I've started ordering from Shein. I know there are a lot of positive and negative reviews out there of the site, but I've yet to have a bad experience and I've been ordering for over a year. Reading the sizing reviews is key before you order and don't let the "size L" scare you. I'm a size 2 and I'm almost always ordering a M or even a L depending on reviews. Trust the ladies who take the time to provide an update on their experience and always be sure to sign up for an account so you can collect Shein points and utilize for free items. Here are a few things I recently picked up!
$7
$12
$13
$13
$13
Altar'd State
This store is filled with such wonderful little bohemian dresses and accessories. Plus, the sales are always over the top. Recently - they had their semi-annual sale where I picked up quite a few summer dresses and rompers. Right now, there is a Buy One Get One (BOGO) sale taking place with all dresses so hop on over and check them out!
$79.95
$79.95
$39.95
$39.99
Dolce Vita
Full disclaimer - I did not pay full price for these. I recently purchased these on Poshmark for $30 and I highly recommend you check out Poshmark before you make any full price shoe purchase for you or your little one. Right now, there is quite a big selection on Poshmark and lots of discounted shipping rates for their Spring Sale. Be sure to head over and do a bit of research on Poshmark before you pay full price! Though, they are super cute and I highly support any purchase of these shoes.
Melissa & Doug
While I'll be sharing a lot more travel activities and fun things we do at airports and restaurants while traveling that isn't iPad related (I can't take anymore Moana - I feel like those songs haunt me in my sleep) - here are a few things I've picked up for Tot and the trip. We're going to be breaking it up over two days on the way to St. Thomas. Because flights haven't full picked up yet post-hurricane, the connection options aren't great so we'll be flying DC to Atlanta Tuesday night and then Atlanta to STT mid-morning on Wednesday. With that, means multiple waits at the airport so we'll be utilizing our SkyClub membership and lots of lots of activities to keep Tot entertained like these below.
$19.99
$4.99
Over the next couple of days, I'll be sharing a few tips and tricks for airport layovers, travel hacks, and fun things to entertain little ones without access to all the fun things at home. And, be sure to tune into my Instagram stories for live reviews of some of the items I'm packing above as well as a few additional ones.
Can't wait to share in our travels with you. Up up & AWAY!
