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I have always wanted to visit Cuba! It is a dream and will help me expand my street photography experience….the architecture, the vintage vehicles and the people it all appeals to me on a visceral level. The colors, the sights and sounds…it the kind of thing that makes my photographer’s eye twitch. So the bestie and I are going….she writes a lifestyle colum for an online magazine and I blog. It is a perfect combination and she is the perfect travel partner. So I am going to document my research and the cameras I am taking with me. I have to start this now so my head doesn’t explode before I get there…getting it all down will keep me sane.

Cameras

I plan to take 4-5 reliable film cameras and one Polaroid…my new Minty. I am starting to stockpile film so there is no mad dash to get enough before the trip. My most reliable cameras are the Holga 120CFN, the Holga 135BC and the Diana Mini. I think it is a good mixture of 35mm and 120mm film choices. Unfortunately, my La Sardina’s failed the test when I took them on a family cruise. There were too many issues with film loading and rewinding with all four.

Research

There are so many articles to read…people share their experiences and it makes my heart sing. I can’t wait to see and document it all. I am over the moon excited…my soul needs to be fed and traveling with my bestie is the best way to do this. We are Army girls always ready to go with the flow. We let the locale dictate the days…we don’t have to have fancy digs and plan to live like the locals.

My travel research beings with the first link a subscriber sent me. Where to have film developed in Havana….I will check out this photo lab and may get some film developed while I am there. I will see how it flows. This photo lab seems like a a good place to check out. I will give a comprehensive review on the services#309 Calle Obispo, Habana Vieja, Ciudad de Habana. That’s the main east/west street down the middle of Old Havana, running down from Parque Central to Plaza de Armas.

Fashion

Cool, casual and comfortable is my goal and I want to blend in and look like a local. It is not hard in Cuba…the population covers the color spectrum and mostly look like me. My Pinterest page will be my go-to for storing my ideas so take a look if you get a free minute…my plan is to update it as often as possible.

Join me on the journey from planning to touchdown and let me know what you think along the way. Any tips? Send them my way.

 

 

 

 

imagesIt is that time of year when I put away my heavy, dark, over-defined statement makeup and fill my handbag with light, pretty basic products that let my skin shine through. I prefer makeup that take 2-3 minutes to apply often without a mirror. I don’t want to be a slave to the mirror, the heat or anyone’s expectations. I also keep a beautiful notebook sure to inspire and feed my creative flowI wanted to share a few of these products with you and would love to see what’s in your bag!

The Travel Make Up Bag!

SKIN CARE FIRST!

I am still on a @MilkMakeUp kick so bear with me. I hate traveling with my favorite full size skin care items….the anxiety going through security is too much to bear. Ziploc bags with all of your carefully cultivated products undergo scrutiny from agents who could care less that you can’t live without the base of your entire look. So to reduce my stress I rely on full-sized options and travel products from Milk MakeUp….perfectly sized and the solids are TSA-approved!  Fabulous face, dewy and fresh, perfect for every occasion that you may come across.

Matcha-Cleanser-cap-655x1024I love TEA and drink it everyday so Milk Makeup’s All – New Matcha tea skin cleanser and toner are perfect for your summer makeup bag. These products keep your skin cleansed, toned and protected; they also keep you from carrying your entire collection on your travels. My favorite new Milk Makeup products come in solid form so TSA can keep their hands off and you can stay beautiful throughout your adventure.

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The best feature of the Milk Makeup travel kit is that they come in their own adorable travel bag so I can just grab and go! The Milk Make Up travel kit comes equipped with the hangover-killer Cooling Water.  A soothing seawater and firming caffeine stick that helps soothe puffy travel and margarita salt swollen eyes. I apply this product each night and morning. Milk’s Hydrating Oil Stick is goes on next. This hydrating oil vitalizes my skin and help me maintain a healthy glow. Just a dab where you need it and smooth into your face….no need to pile it on. I follow up with the Blur Stick an oil-free primer in a universal neutral shade to blur the look of imperfections. Perfect for vacations when you want your skin to shine through. Let your skin bloom like the flowers that you see everyday! A minimal layer of Ubame mascara, a touch of highlighter, brow gel, rosy blush and lip balm  and you are ready for your next adventure!

Turn that fresh face look into Super Glam with Lashes from ZivaLash! Make your eyes pop and draws every eye in the room! My choice is the Zivalash Kari Ruby Lash!

These silk lashes are lengthy with a wispy flair at the end.  You will get in trouble when you wear these pretties out and about. Now get out there and be glamorous!

 

Travel Light…Travel Easy and Most of All!  Don’t be Afraid To Let Your Line Shine!

 

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It is time for fun in the sun! Leave your over – coordinated city slicker duds at home. Lighten your load and your spirit by developing a capsule travel wardrobe with one or two signature pieces that can be adjusted to hang with your travel adventures! Here’s how you do it:

Make a List!

I call my list Summer Adventure 2017 and I start to organize from there. It looks like this….

Mexico Adventure

Clothing

  • Lightweight Maxi Dress – Use as a cover up for easy meals or movement around the resort
  • Cotton Tunic – Cover up and doubles as a travel outfit over leggings
  • Ribbed tanks and v-neck tees – love these for travel. Pair with shorts leggings capris or your favorite jeggings for nights out!
  • Thin Cardigan or Kimonos – for those cooler evenings or early morning hang out around the pool.
  • Lightweight Jacket – Don’t want to catch a cold hanging around airports! I will be wearing my Stitchfix military-inspired jacket that pairs with everything on this list.
  • Long Maxi Skirt – I found a great North Face maxi skirt that looks tres adorbs with my ribbed tank and Havaianas! I pick up a few new pairs at the start of the summer! As much as I love them I know flip flops take a beating
  • A Blanket Scarf – they were all the rage last winter so make sure you use yours to ward off airport chills, germs and general closeness of people that you don’t know. I spritz mine with lavender spray for serenity and calm. People are going nutso in airport these days and I want to remain serene and unflappable.
  • Linen Pants – any color will do. Pair them with V-neck tees and statement jewelry and your prettiest flip flops!
  • A pair or two of shorts – you never know!

And that is your Summer Adventure go-to wardrobe! All links provided….affordable and Prime eligible in most cases! I can’t wait to update my summer wardrobe at these prices!

On to Accessories….

  • Always pack a journal! You want to remember these moments! There are always quiet moments….take time to jot down your thoughts!
  • Beach bag – Everyone needs a chic carryall for their stuff!
  • Bathing Suits – I buy them in separates throughout the year to catch them at the very best prices!
  • Sarong – You don’t want to show the resort all of your goodies!
  • Cute clutch – for your lippy, I.D. and Benefit Dr. Feelgood, my complexion go-to! Don’t want to appear greasy do we?
  • Summer Hat – protect your face from the summer uv rays.
  • Cute Summer Sandals – Pack a pretty bejeweled pair to go with your dresses and sandals.
  • Sunglasses – I go full -on DIVA in my Coach sunglasses…there’s no use letting anyone see your full on party/relaxation mode!

So you want to know the secret to packing all of the gear in an airline approved carry-on bag! No worries I have the answer! Look and travel like a pro with your E-Bags packing cubes they are the answer to packing your adventure in your carry-on!

 

Stay tuned for Travel Make-Up Essentials! 

Happy Trails!

This is a late post but I am really missing the beauty of @rockhousenegril. Negril is one of the most magical places on earth and@rockhousehotel is the best places I’ve ever been JD’s down. The staff is welcoming and warm and the food superb! The cottages and villas were perfect and they handled a big group with no problems at all. I can’t wait to go back and visit!

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The wonderful hibiscus flowers that I wore in my hair.
The wonderful hibiscus flowers that I wore in my hair.

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