Den & Sky

Visiting Disney World Without Kids: Reasons to Consider It

August 2, 2016 | marriage, north america, travel, united states

Disney World, or the “happiest place on Earth,” is where my husband and I decided to go for our (late, late) honeymoon. We hadn’t been there since we were young children, and given the short amount of time we had, we needed to go somewhere that was within close reach and didn’t require a ton of advance planning. With excellent military discounts, lodging and meals covered in our plan, Disney fit the bill perfectly. We did wonder, though, what it would be like to go to Disney World without kids. Would it seem corny to us as adults? Would we be the odd ones out among all the happy families? We ended up being glad that we made the trip before we had children. Read on to find out why Disney without kids is something you should consider!

1. You’ll have plenty of time to learn how to navigate the parks.

The Disney parks seem to stretch on forever and ever. It can be overwhelming juggling maps, FastPass times, blog recommendations for the most popular rides, and meal reservations. To a newbie, “winging it” instead of planning efficiently could leave you exhausted, as you could be making loops around and around the park. Fortunately, we had plenty of time to plan what we wanted to do and when. We made use of our time in the morning before we left and at night when we got back to the resort, as well as during our mealtimes. We managed to break down each park by which section we wanted to visit first, and eliminated any rides we weren’t interested in going on (sorry, Dumbo). If we had children with us, I don’t know if we would have been able to devote as much time to making a solid plan. If you do visit later on with your children, you’ll be more familiar with the lay of the land.

2. You can go at your own pace.

It’s amazing how much can change in twenty-something years. So many new rides (Seven Dwarves Mine Train!), restaurants (Be Our Guest!), and cool new things to see! Hubby and I were able to beeline to the most popular rides first thing in the morning, explore every corner of the parks, and make all of our FastPass and restaurant times. We guiltlessly skipped meet-and-greets with long wait times and expensive souvenir shops and snack stands. We allowed ourselves to be selfish. Our biggest priority was simply enjoying each other’s company. If you have extra time, you are also free to spend it anywhere you choose. For us, our favorite park was Epcot. International food, cool architecture, the most unique gift shops, not to mention alcohol! How did I not appreciate this place when I was younger?

3. You can go on (almost) all of the best rides.

We made sure to FastPass all of the most popular rides, especially the thrill rides. We missed only a couple of top-tier rides where we could not get a FastPass for the day. Hubby is an adrenaline junkie, while I’ve always been more of a chicken. I don’t think I would have worked up the nerve to get on the big roller coasters without his moral support. I’m glad I did though – the rides all ended up being super fun! But it made me wonder how families with small children do it. Do you take shifts with the kids and ride separately? Do you work out ahead of time who’s going to go on Space Mountain and who’s going to be wrangling the little ones? I loved that I got to experience all of the rides alongside my hubby.

4. You can stay up late.

Most of the parks have late hours (called Extra Magic Hours) some time during the week, staying open as late as 1:00 AM. After around 9:00 PM the crowds start to thin out as parents roll away their passed-out children for the night. This was one of our favorite times to be in the parks. The smaller crowds made it much easier to get around. If you want another turn or two on your favorite ride, late at night is the time to go. The lines are significantly shorter. The parks also completely transform after dark with beautifully done lighting effects. If you need to schedule a late dinner as well, you’re free to do that too. (Just know that Animal Kingdom does not have late hours because of the animals’ schedules).

5. There’s less stuff to carry.

I did not envy the parents lugging around strollers, diaper bags, tote bags, and little ones too tired to walk. We fit everything we needed for the day in one backpack and were able to move around pretty quickly. As someone who tries to pack minimally I savor these moments where we can get by with so little. Who knows how that’s going to change when our baby arrives in a couple months!

But one reason why we wish we had kids with us…

It’s a little less magical when you’re a grown up. No, really! I remember shaking with excitement as a little kid, wearing my Snow White costume, as I got ready to meet all of my favorite characters. During this trip we did a couple of fun meet-and-greets, but the disillusioned adults in us knew that the characters were regular (super-talented, good looking) grown ups who took their costumes off at the end of the day and went back to real life. And how could the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique not take adult clients? I was so envious of the cuties running around the park in princess dresses with glitter in their hair. The magic is real for the little ones, which is why I can’t wait to take my kids one day!

What do you think?

Would you do a couple’s trip to Disney World? I’d love to hear your insights in the comments below. If you liked this article, make sure to share on your favorite social media networks!

Until next time,

Packing Minimally: How I Travel with One Carry-On Luggage

August 1, 2016 | travel

This post contains affiliate links. Read more in my disclosure policy.

Packing is hands-down the worst thing about traveling. Often we over-prepare and pack many things we don’t even use. Carrying a big luggage with you can be a nightmare, especially if you’re flying. In my and hubby’s experiences, we’ve run into all sorts of issues with our checked baggage, including spilled and/or broken cosmetics containers, our luggage not making it to our destination with us, and having a brand new pair of sunglasses stolen from us during a bag inspection. This is why I am a big fan of packing minimally, and whenever possible, only taking a carry-on luggage with me when I travel. I’ve found I can live out of a carry-on for up to 2 weeks. I’m confident knowing where all my belongings are at all times, and don’t have to lug around a huge bag wherever I go. Read on to find out how I do it.

Make a packing list or use a pre-made list. Start eliminating things you don’t need.

There are lots of pre-made lists online and in the Apple app store that you can use depending on your needs:

Her Packing List has dozens of packing lists organized by destination and activity.
Travel Fashion Girl has several wardrobe packing lists, including a minimalist one!
Women on the Road has a comprehensive packing list.
If you prefer apps, I’ve used TripList in the past with success.

Once you’ve chosen a packing list, go through each item and start to cross off things you could live without for the duration of your trip.

Find out what amenities are available at your destination.

This will help you eliminate things from the aforementioned list. Most places of lodging have at least basic toiletries available. I have treated hair so I bring my own shampoo and conditioner, but don’t mind using whatever body soap is provided. Towels are also usually available in most places. If you are staying with a host family or at an Air BnB, contact your host and ask what household items will be available for your use. Recently, a friend of mine had a host who let them use all of their beach equipment, including chairs, beach towels, a mat, and a cooler!

Also check if there are laundry facilities at your place of lodging, or at least a laundromat nearby. This brings me to my next point…

Plan a capsule wardrobe and pack laundry soap.

Clothing can quickly take up a lot of luggage space. Truthfully, you don’t need to wear a different outfit every day of your trip. My general rule is to pack one dress, two bottoms, three tops, and maybe a light jacket, sweater, or scarf depending on the climate of my destination. You’ll want to rely mostly on separates so that you can mix-and-match them to make different combinations.

Since you will be mixing and matching your clothing, pack items that are complimentary in style and color. Comfort is key, as well as versatility. I’d sooner pack a lightweight, flowy skirt that is equally suited to hiking through the city or going to a nice restaurant, rather than a pair of cutoff shorts better suited to a beach resort vacation. It all really depends on the activities you have planned and your personal style. In terms of color, a palette of neutrals (blacks, navies, whites, tans) is always a safe choice. A couple of years ago, I invested in a color analysis by a certified 12 Blueprints Color Analyst and was given a palette of harmonizing colors. This has helped tremendously with packing quickly and minimally, as all of the clothing in my wardrobe falls within the same color palette.

Since you will be rotating your clothing, remember to pack a small container of laundry soap if you don’t want to buy it at your destination. I find Tide Pods to be the most convenient option.

Roll your clothes.

This is one of those things I read in passing on a “travel secrets” type of article forever ago. I tried it on a whim one day and it was a revelation. Talk about a space saver! It also is a lot quicker to pack and unpack your clothing if it’s rolled. If you’re still folding your clothes into your luggage, I implore you to try rolling them instead. You’ll never switch back.

Use organizers, such as packing cubes.

Packing cubes were another revelation for me, as I used to throw everything into my luggage loose and have to empty the whole thing out whenever I looked for something. Never again. I use these garment bags from Muji and love how lightweight they are. I’ve also heard good things about eBags Packing Cubes as well. I tend to use my largest bag for clothing, my medium for undergarments and swimsuits, and my smallest for toiletries. If I need to look for something, I know exactly which bag to pull and the rest of my belongings remain tidy.

I also bring a couple of extra pouches for cosmetics and skincare items. Department stores frequently give away these pouches as a part of a “gift with purchase” promotion. Keep a lookout when you’re shopping for makeup and you may snag one along with some additional travel-sized products!

Use your beauty samples!

If you’re a compulsive beauty buyer like I am, you have a big stash of untouched makeup and skincare samples somewhere in your home. I never think to use them in my regular beauty routines. But they are perfect for travel! Instead of messing with travel containers and potentially wasting your favorite products, bring some samples instead and use them up.

Bring toiletries in non-liquid form.

Liquid toiletries are a pain when you’re traveling. You have to often transfer them into special TSA-sized containers, they might leak into your luggage during your trip, and in some cases you need to separate them into a zip top baggie when going through security to make sure you don’t go over a certain limit. For these reasons it’s a big plus when I can find a solid form of a typically liquid toiletry. Some of the things I’ve used in the past are:

Solid sunscreen. Sunscreen in stick form resembles a deodorant stick. It’s awesome because you only need to pack one for the family and it’s mess-free. I use the Neutrogena Sunscreen Beach Defense Stick because it also smells great – no greasy sunscreen smell!
Shampoo bar. I was surprised when I first found out that shampoo came in solid form! I used J.R. Liggett Bar Shampoo for months because of its all-natural ingredients. Lush also makes several different types of shampoo bars.
Cleansing wipes. At home, I double-cleanse with oil followed by foam cleanser to get all of my makeup residue off. Away from home, it was much easier to take off my makeup with Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes instead.

Carry a big tote bag.

What to Pack in Your Tote Bag for a Flight — All this (and more) can fit into your Big Ugly Tote Bag!

I don’t bring my cute, every day purse with me as my personal item. I bring a huge, old, beaten-up tote bag packed to the brim with the essentials I anticipate needing during the trip so that I don’t have to open up and dig through my carry on. Make sure it’s a bag you don’t care too much about. If you’re flying, it’ll be lying on the floor most of the trip and you’ll inevitably want to use it as a footrest. Some things you might want to consider packing in your tote bag are:

Your laptop (easier to take out for security this way too)
Electronics chargers – phone, computer, other handheld devices
Reading material, such as books, magazines, Kindle, etc.
Travel documents – passport, tickets, itinerary
Wallet (find somewhere to put this that’s within easy reach
A small pouch with toiletry essentials – toothbrush, lip balm, hand sanitizer, wet wipes
Water bottle (bring to airport empty, fill it up post-security). I use a HydroFlask.

And there you have it!

Anyone can travel with only a carry-on. It’s not just for low-maintenance ladies who don’t mind roughing it. Do you have any other tips to add? What do you think you’ll try doing on your next trip? Let me know in the comments below!

If you enjoyed this article, don’t forget to share to your favorite social media platform!

August 2016 Beauty Loves: Pregnancy Glow Edition

August 1, 2016 | beauty, pregnancy, skincare

This post contains affiliate links. Read more in my disclosure policy.

Pregnancy glow: it’s one of the few symptoms of pregnancy that we actually hope to have. As someone who has struggled with skin issues of all kinds, I dreamed that pregnancy’s cocktail of hormones would transform me into the glowing, smooth-faced goddess I’ve always aspired to be. Unfortunately the change wasn’t that dramatic. I did stop getting the dreaded hormonal acne that normally accompanies my time of the month, though. If you aren’t naturally glowing, don’t fret, there are steps you can take in your pregnancy skincare routine to make you feel as though you are.

Shea Moisture 100% Pure Argan Oil

I’m a big fan of Shea Moisture’s products in general. With good (certified organic) ingredients, a cruelty free guarantee, and affordable prices, it’s hard not to like them (Fun fact too – their company is based in my hometown!). However I did not purchase this product for myself. My mom got it for me. She’s had four children and has zero stretch marks to show for it, and sent this to me as a “preventative measure” (Side note: It’s perfectly okay to have stretch marks – if you have them, embrace them!). I use it daily as a body moisturizer – a few drops go a long way – and it completely relieves my dry, itchy skin, especially around my belly. No need to reapply throughout the day either. I can’t say it’ll stop stretch marks from coming, though.

Purchase it here!

Cure Natural Aqua Gel

This is a well-known cult product in Japan. I picked this up at a Japanese market in Hawaii after reading so many raves about it. Exfoliating is one of the best and easiest ways to make your skin glow. It removes dead skin cells, revealing the brand new skin underneath. I try to exfoliate about two or three times a week. To use this gel, you spread it on your face, wait a few moments, and gently rub it into your dry, clean skin in circular motions. Eventually, you’ll start to see clumps of skin and product ball up and come off. It’s cool, gross, and satisfying all at the same time. The formula is fragrance and alcohol free and contains plant extracts, making it gentle enough for my sensitive skin (no post-exfoliation redness!).

Purchase it here!

Shea Moisture African Black Soap

I use this soap every single morning for an instant brightening effect. First off, it lasts forever. I’ve had the same bar for over a year and can maybe go a few more months before replacing it. In the past, I struggled with endless cycles of hormonal acne and hyperpigmentation. Since using this soap, my scars heal in a matter of weeks. This is a big deal for me, as I was used to seeing six-month-old scars remain on my face along with a monthly crop of new ones. Unlike products geared towards acne, though, this soap does not leave my skin feeling dry and tight. Now I can go out in public without foundation and little children won’t ask me what all the spots on my face are. As I mentioned above, this company uses safe, natural ingredients. It’s my unicorn!

Purchase it here!

Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence

If you’re savvy on Japanese skincare – or if you’ve walked through Sephora looking for the most expensive skincare items – you’ve likely come across the brand SK-II. While the prestige of the brand is tempting for me, I can’t see myself at 25-years-old spending hundreds of dollars on anti-aging skincare.

Word is that the Korean company Missha makes a dupe for SK-II’s famed essence for a fraction of the cost. Essence gives an extra boost to your skincare regimen and to me, it’s an essential step. You can follow up cleansing with an essence to add extra moisture and beneficial ingredients to your skin. I’ve never used SK-II so I can’t say how it stacks up, but I do love Missha’s essence. As soon as I pat it on, my skin looks visibly brighter and hydrated, as if I had a facial. The effect is still noticeable the next morning. Plus, Missha is a cruelty-free brand!

Purchase it here!

DHC Cleansing Oil

This is another product that has achieved cult status in Japan. If you’ve never used a cleansing oil before, you need to try one. If you want glowing skin, it’s an absolute must to cleanse your face every day and remove all traces of makeup. I typically use a two-step cleansing method – first an oil cleanser to dissolve makeup, followed by a traditional liquid/foaming cleanser to deep-clean. This stuff cuts through everything: waterproof mascara, my strongest setting spray, smudge-proof eyeliners, matte lipsticks, you name it. And there’s no harsh rubbing involved either. If you’re worried about it causing breakouts or leaving a greasy residue, I’ve been using this stuff for years and haven’t had anything like that happen yet. It’s olive oil-based, so it’s gentle and smells just like olive oil, yum!

Purchase it here!

And those are my pregnancy glow “beauty loves”!

Do you have any other recommendations for achieving the famed pregnancy glow? Let me know in the comments below.

Don’t forget to share this article on your favorite social media outlet!

Traveling Pregnant and Solo: Tips and Tricks

July 31, 2016 | family, pregnancy, travel

This post contains affiliate links. Read more in my disclosure policy.

I was 22 weeks pregnant and boarding a plane at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport by myself. I had an 18-hour journey ahead of me to Honolulu, where I was to be maid-of-honor at my close friend’s wedding. Originally, my husband planned to attend as the best man (It’s a cute story, really – the bride- and groom-to-be met at our wedding a couple years ago). Unfortunately for us, he could not take the time off from work. I went ahead and scheduled the trip anyway. I had been having a great second trimester – I felt better than I had pre-pregnancy, even. But a small part of me had doubts about traveling pregnant. What limits would my pregnancy place on my trip? With some careful preparation, I ended up having a tolerable plane ride, and an incredible time in Hawaii. Read on for some tips I learned along the way.

Let Yourself Be Helped

Strangers are incredibly kind when they see a cute baby bump. I phrase this tip as “let yourself be helped” rather than “ask for help” because, more likely than not, people will offer if you are obviously showing. Flight attendants and passengers on my flight were quick to ask me if they could store my carry-on for me. A woman on the airport shuttle gave me her front seat so that I wouldn’t have to cram into the back row with three other passengers. It may feel awkward at first, but you should enjoy the special treatment. Pregnancy is so short and fleeting, after all!

Have a Support Team

Once I got to Honolulu, I stayed with a small group of friends who acted as my support team during the trip. During pregnancy I found it to be so important to spend time with supportive and understanding people. Even though I did not have my husband there, I was well cared for. Your support person won’t mind forgoing more extreme activities in favor of relaxing ones (laying on the beach instead of scuba diving, shopping instead of hiking a mountain). They’ll remind you to drink water throughout the day because you tend to forget to hydrate (along with forgetting everything else – thanks, pregnancy brain). They will help you shop for souvenir onesies, slow down their pace when you’re waddling behind everyone else, and remember to pack snacks when you go out for the day.

Come Prepared

You will probably need to alter your pre-pregnancy packing list. Among the things I could not live without on my trip are:

Water Bottle
You’d be surprised by how much water you need to consume once you’re expecting. The little cups the flight attendants give you will not be enough. Bring an empty water bottle with you through security (I brought my 24 oz Hydro Flask) and fill it up at a water fountain or, if you’re in a really nice airport, a specialized water filter after you get to your gate. Keep it with you at all times during your trip (ie. do not forget it at your Airbnb like I did!).
Chafing Powder/Cream
If you’re going somewhere hot and humid especially, add this to your list. You may even choose to bring a pair of bicycle shorts to wear under your skirts and dresses. Even if you have never experienced chafing before in your life. Your ever-changing body may surprise you, as mine did. I had to run to the nearest convenience store for baby powder for my gross thigh rash. Don’t end up like me.
Sunscreen
This one is a no-brainer for me because I always wear sunscreen. If you typically don’t, consider starting now. If pregnancy has been giving you skin discoloration, sun damage will worsen it. I won’t even go into the well-known dangers of skin cancer. Anyway, I’m a stickler for sunscreen. I use Cerave on my face, as the ceramides in it are good for moisturizing my dry skin. I travel with body sunscreen in stick form to save space and avoid messes. Read more about this strategy here.
Compression Socks
This tip came from my midwife. Pregnant women are at increased risk for varicose/spider veins, swollen legs and feet, and blood clots. Combine that with hours sitting on a plane and you have a recipe for potential disaster. I wore compression socks on the plane to help with blood circulation in the legs. Try to get an aisle seat so that you can stand up often to stretch and walk around (if you don’t have an aisle seat, revisit my first tip – someone may be willing to trade). If you’re self-conscious about how the socks look, cover them up by wearing a pretty maxi skirt or dress on your flight!

Listen to Your Body

Traveling while pregnant won’t be exactly like any other pre-pregnancy trip you’ve taken, and that’s okay. Your body will have different needs, and the last thing you want to do is ignore those needs. If you are dehydrated (my tell-tale sign is always a sharp pain in my temples) stop for a drink of water. Your feet are swelling? Find a pretty park or cafe to sit in. If you’re tired, don’t feel guilty about taking a nap or calling an early night in. If the mere idea of fish makes you nauseous, skip that nice seafood restaurant everyone’s been talking about. Your health and your baby’s health are your first priority, even on vacation. If you are traveling with supportive people (see point number two) they will totally understand and accommodate your needs.

Don’t Worry!

Try not to let minor setbacks get in the way of your having a good time. If your flight’s delayed, take advantage of the extra time and get some reading done (in my case I read through half of Ina May Gaskin’s Guide to Childbirth with morbid fascination). Is your lower back killing you after a long flight or drive? Find a local spa and treat yourself to a prenatal massage. Are your friends all going out to a bar? Go with them and stick with juice, soda water, or even those fancy frozen non-alcoholic drinks. I promise you’ll have fun anyway (though you may be much worse at karaoke when sober, speaking from personal experience).

I hope these tips help give you the confidence to travel solo! Do you have anything else to add? Let me know in the comments below.

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