What's in my suitcase

I am just a wee bit excited for our upcoming cruise, as we haven't cruised since before the virus that shall not be named. I've traveled extensively for work and we've been to the Bahamas and St. Maarten, but we flew in and stayed at a resort so it'll be fun to go back to a "floating resort" that visits several different islands. 



I picked up some new bathing suits, cover ups, dresses for dinner, a new beach bag that claims to be water and sand resistant (I'll report back!), my favorite mineral sunscreen and of course bringing my super handy $11 travel holder that slips over the handle of my suitcase to hold coffee, water, snacks, my phone etc... 


I also shopped my closet, and am bringing the gown I wore to my cousin's wedding in Cape Cod last fall for one of the formal nights, my hot hair brush (since the blow dryers on cruise ships are notoriously weak and take FOREVER!), this cut out dress that I wore to a local event last summer and this fedora that also has UPF50 sun protection. Yes please!


Bon voyage! Are you heading anywhere fun this spring/summer?





California Here We Come

The O.C. theme song is still stuck in my head, as the views out of my hotel room overlooked the area in Malibu where the exterior shots for the Cohen and Cooper homes are. Still one of my all time favorite shows. Always in the mood for a little Seth Cohen Comedy Hour. 


The new gig brought me out to Santa Monica for the week for our annual conference. Since our entire team is remote, and spread throughout the country it was nice to meet everyone in person. 



Before heading to the west coast, we headed up the Florida coast to visit with my aunt and uncle who were in town for lunch on the water. Always wonderful to see them, catch up and have some family time for Lil' Miss. 




Ruched Bodysuit {comes in 4 colors} | Shorts | Sandals | Crossbody Bag in Marine Blue



Terrible lighting, but great views, cozy bodysuit and a yummy drink. Always here for the sunshine state showing off during winter. I'll take the heat and humidity all summer into fall for these days we get November - March. Yes please! 




More bad lighting, but excited to wear my "wow colors" to the welcome cocktail reception which was also denim night. I broke out my new blazer, and paired it with jeans and heels. 


Blazer {only $30} | Skinny Jeans | Necklace | Heels {similar}




I have learned so much about color analysis and style analysis, and how we all have a color palette and style personality that is unique to us. When we dress according to our individual color ratings and clothing personality is how we truly shine. I'm also shy about lipstick, especially bold lip colors and have been venturing outside of my comfort zone with shades that work best for my palette. I have to admit they truly do make a difference! 




For the first day of general sessions, I chose this ponte flutter sleeve dress in another one of my "wow colors", and received compliments all day. Did I mention it's on MAJOR sale? Run... don't walk! 






We wrapped the conference with an awards dinner, and the next morning after a workout I ventured over to an actual Nordstrom location since we don't have any in the Orlando area. I was excited to explore the in-store items and try out their ebar where I ordered an Irish Cream Cold Brew - yum! 






That afternoon, our team was treated to a spa day complete with charcuterie, bubbles, foot soaks and massages. It was just what we needed after working the event, and we walked from Venice Beach back to Santa Monica along the water to take in the fresh air and of course the Pacific Ocean. 







With all the travel for work and for play, this little travel holder is a total game changer! It holds drinks, your phone, snacks etc... to help keep you more hands free as you're making your way through the airport (or cruise terminal). And it's only $11 - huge win! 




As much as I love experiencing new places, there's no place like home. As we were taxiing off the runway to the gate I had to snap this gorgeous sunset. Florida, you're always showing off. The next day, after sleeping in a bit and taking Lil' Miss to gymnastics we went out for a much needed family dinner. Love reuniting with those that matter most.


Scoop Neck Bodysuit {comes in 12 colors} | Faux Leather Shorts


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Mardi Gras at Universal Studios

I'm playing a bit of catch up (once again), as we have been dealing with a household of sickness. Poor Lil' Miss had a nasty cold for almost 2 weeks, and finally seemed to turn the corner to then come down with a stomach illness (the WORST) which also lasted several days. H and I seemed to have caught the head and chest cold, but thankfully seemed to have dodged the nasty stuff. After having food poisoning at the end of December, I am extremely thankful not to be dealing with stomach related illness again. 


Thankfully, before the germs hit our home we were able to enjoy Mardi Gras at Universal Studios. I had never experienced it before, so it was a lot of fun to try the food from different country booths from around the world (and of course King Cake!), watch the parade (Lil' Miss was excited to catch a lot of beads having no idea how it works in New Orleans - ha!) and then we enjoyed the Goo Goo Dolls concert at the end of the evening. Food, drinks, rollercoasters, fun parade AND a concert? Yes please! 













Where else can you watch a concert with Rip Ride Rockit in the background? Now I need to ride it at night which looks like a lot more fun than in the daytime. Have you ever been to Mardis Gras whether it be in New Orleans or at Universal Studios?


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Veronica Beard Dress Guide: Finding Your Perfect Statement Piece

Veronica Beard Dress Guide: Finding Your Perfect Statemen Piece


Learn Everything y need to know about shopping for Veronica Beard dresses.


Image courtesy of ShopStyle


Are you looking for dresses that blur the line between modern and traditional designs? Are you looking for a brand that sells dresses of almost all kinds with a wide range of size options? Well, you can stop looking because Veronica Beard has you covered. Though the brand may be known for it's blazers and Dicky Jackets, it also has a really fabulous selection of dresses available for you to choose from.

Where can you buy Veronica Beard brand dresses?

Veronica Beard brand dresses can be purchased from the brand's official online store page, VeronicaBeard.com. You can also find the brand's products at other select fashion retailers like Shopbop. You can also find some of the brand's retail store locations in the following areas of the United States and the United Kingdom: 

  • Madison Avenue, New York
  • Atlanta, Georgia
  • Palm Beach, Florida
  • Georgetown, Washington D.C.
  • Dallas, Texas
  • London, England (United Kingdom)
If you're a customer shopping internationally then you should know that the Veronica Beard brand also ships internationally. We are sorry to say that the brand does not have boutique or retail store locations available in all countries outside of the United States and the United Kingdom. This may change in the future so be sure to keep an eye on the brand's store locator page on their official website. The brand does not offer shipping to international P.O. boxes at this time nd if you are shopping internationally, the brand's official website allows you to switch the currency being displayed in the top left-hand corner of the screen to anything in that dropdown menu.

Who are the Owners/Founders of Veronica Beard?

Image courtesy of MLPalmebeach


Although they started their brand with their popular Dicky Jackets, they have since expanded their brand to include all manner of women's clothing including dresses. 


Veronica Beard is owned by it's two founders Veronica Swanson Beard and Veronica Miele Beard. Both founders and mothers somehow find the time to raise and take care of their families while also taking care of the fashion needs of thousands of women worldwide. Both of them can be viewed as excellent role models for what anyone can accomplish so long as they have the will, drive and motivation to see their ambitions through. 


How to avoid counterfeit Veronica Beard Products?


Nothing is worse than purchasing a name-brand item only to find out that it's actually a counterfeit. Identifying counterfeit products can be pretty tricky, especially to the average consumer. In most cases, counterfeit items will have slight discrepancies in the usual production methods of the company they are ripping off. One common sign of  a counterfeit or fake is having the brand's logo in a location it usually isn't found. Another logo-related tell would be a logo that has a very slight modification to its design. These kind of tells are easy to identify on brands with symbols for their logos like Nike or Polo.


Unfortunately, sometimes it isn't that easy. Sometimes the only way to tell the difference between a fake and the genuine article is to examine and compare the build quality and feel of the two. This is something digital shoppers can't do, so shopping online is made all the more dangerous. If you're looking to purchase any name-brand product it is highly recommended that you make your purchase from the brand's official online store page, an online retailer that is affiliated with said brand or from the brand's own boutiques or retail store locations. 


Shopping for name-brand items via the second-hand market may be tempting, especially when said markets are offering items for drastically lower than those being offered by the official brand's website. But even still it's important to remember one of the most important rules of the internet. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. It's best to play it safe an do your shopping on a trusted website. If you're looking to get an item for a discounted price, wait a while and see if that item is added to the brand's official sale page. 


Does Veronica Beard have sales for it's dresses?


Absolutely, yes! Veronica Beard has sales for many of it's products including it's dresses on a regular basis. In fact, many of the brand's most popular dresses will often go on sale throughout the year. In order to access the brand's large collection of sale items can be found by navigating to the sales section on the brand's official online store page. Keep in mind while browsing the brand's sale page that items on sale will rotate out throughout the year, so you should check back every so often to see what's new! The items available on the sale page can include items from pretty much every collection in the brand's catalog such as jeans, shoes, tops and jackets. 


Veronica Beard's Reze Chain-Link Halter Dress



This halter dress is only available in two colors: Ink Black and Hot Pink. Image courtesy of Veronica Beard


Veronica Beard's Reze Chain-Link Halter Dress is one of the brand's best-selling dresses and it goes on sale regularly. This dress is made from 95% viscose and 5% elastane. The dress' length is 5 feet 10 inches, and it has a cute gold neck chain and a concealed zipper for closure. This halter dress is available in sizes XS through XL. The Reze was designed to make a statement with no effort. The dress is very flattering to the figure and pairs nicely with a pair of heels. 


Veronica Beard's Kaira Metallic Floral Dress



This dress is only available in one color pattern: black multi-color. Image courtesy of Veronica Beard


Veronica Beard's Kaira Metallic Floral Dress is one of the brand's best-selling maxi dresses. The dress is designed for a relaxed fit and mixes bold stripes, florals and paisleys. The dress is made from 97% silk and 3% metallic. The dress' length is 62 inches, and is available in sizes 00 through 16. This maxi dress has a high front slit, embellished trims and shots of metallic threading spread throughout. It's a great choice for a casual night in or a long night out. 


Veronica Beard's Keston Denim Dress



This denim-style dress is only available in one color: Blue Cornflower. Image courtesy of Veronica Beard


Veronica Beard's Keston Denim Dress is likely to become your everyday go-to dress. It has a defined waistline that makes it's silhouette very figure flattering. The dress is made from 100% cotton making it super soft to the touch. The total dress length is 36 and 1/4 inches. This dress is available in sizes 00 through 16. It has snap button closure and pairs wonderfully with sandals or booties.


Veronica Beard's White Polina Dress



This short dress is only available in two colors: White and Black. Image courtesy of Veronica Beard


Veronica Beard's White Polina Dress uses a shirt-dress design that combines the ease of a button-up with the style of the corset waist and puffed sleeves. The dress is made from 75% cotton, 22% polyamide and 3% elastane. The dress' length is 34 and 1/2 inches and is available in sizes 00 through 16. A dress like this pairs well with flats during the day and heels during the night. You can also pair this dress with a pair of jeans for a nice business casual look.


Veronica Beard's Dakota Vina-Floral Mini Dress



This mini dress is only available in one color: Ink Multi. Image courtesy of Veronica Beard.


Veronica Beard's Dakota Vine-Floral Mini Dress offers the wearer a nice sense of femme-chic. The dress is form flattering, and has a nice front wrap with an adjustable drawstring. This mini dress is made from 100% polyester, and is available in sizes 00 through 16. The dress' length is 36 inches. This dress is a great pick for anyone looking for a dress that suits practically any situation day or night. 


Conclusion


Dresses are pretty much a must in most women's wardrobes, and you'll have a hard time finding dresses that match this brand's style, quality and level of comfort. Veronica Beard's dresses all have specific directions for cleaning them properly, be sure to read each dress' product page carefully. Some of the brand's products can suffer from color transfer if not washed and stored properly. 


**This blog post is in collaboration with Responsival


Keeping Your Skin Healthy and Glowing

Our skin might become lifeless or dry due to shared environmental and lifestyle variables such as the sun's ultraviolet rays, food issues, lack of sleep and other work-related situations. Having healthy skin makes you appear at your best. Your dull and lifeless complexion can be transformed into one that is constantly vibrant and glowing with the help of a few simple techniques and regular routines. I have combat dryness and dullness of my skin by using these solutions 


Eat a Balanced Diet


Nutrition and skin care are inextricably related. Your skin will start to look healthier when you consume omega-6 rich good fats. The fatty acids that make up your cell membranes are their building components. As a result, your skin glows and is hydrated by fats. 


A nutritious diet rich in protein, fresh produce and fruits is a terrific approach to maintaining good health. Avocados, nuts, salmon, olives, coconut oil and avocados are a few examples of sources of good fats. Moreover, by avoiding smoking and drinking, you can surely help your skin to keep glowing. 


Take Probiotics


Consume fermented foods or foods that naturally contain probiotics. If your schedule doesn't permit it, you may add them to your diet by taking supplements sold on the market. I take probiotics as they support digestion and keep the proportion of beneficial bacteria in my gut in check, which further enhances the health of my skin.


Avoid Excessive Makeup


When it comes to cosmetics, everyone's skin is unique. Depending on your skin type, wearing too much makeup might dry out your skin and clog your pores, causing outbreaks. Organic or natural makeup brands may feel lighter on your skin and contain fewer chemicals. If you feel at ease going makeup-free, a good moisturizer with at least SPF30 may be all you need. 




Apply Sunscreen


Avoid tanning beds and wear sunscreen. Use a daily moisturizer with at least SPF 30 to protect your face from the sun daily. Choose an option that is resistant to water and provides protection against a broad spectrum of UV rays. 


Use a Cleanser and Exfoliate Regularly 


Use a soft, soothing cleanser to help your skin recover moisture and relax. This is the first step to removing the pollutants and dead skin cells that dull your skin and display a glowing complexion. 


Use an effective exfoliant to remove all the dead skin cells, but delicate enough to not irritate or strip your skin. Auteur cream is my favorite because of it's extensive and high-quality components and formula known to exfoliate, hydrate, protect and restore cellular vitalization. 


Daily Moisturizing


To get radiant and shining skin, use products that aid n healing, help to seal in moisture and have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. If you have dry skin, pick a thick moisturizer and apply it daily while your skin is still damp from a shower or wash. Your skin will feel smoother and help retain moisture as a result. 


Utilize Good Skin Care Products


Product application timing can impact moisture retention in addition to a good skin care routine. Start your skin care routine as soon as you step out of the shower. Maintaining healthy skin is far preferable to catching up when it becomes unpleasant, dry and inflammatory. 


Learn How to Massage Your Face


In addition to encouraging lymphatic drainage and preserving healthy skin cells, a facial massage can also enhance circulation, lower tension and make you feel good. The post-massage glow you'll experience will make the brief time investment each day more than worthwhile. 


Reduce Stress and Get Enough Rest


Managing chronic stress may be difficult, but it can badly harm your skin and potentially set off several problems such as autoimmune pathways. Maintaining good skin is yet another crucial reason to prioritize sleep. The consequences for your skin can be devastating if you have insufficient or disturbed sleep. 


Stay Active and Hydrated


Exercise stimulates blood flow throughout the body, which heals the skin receive essential nutrients and minerals. Therefore, water consumption is crucial for maintaining healthy skin in general. When you drink enough water, not only does your skin retain it's natural moisture, but it also remains fit, and you guessed it - radiant! 


Consuming a large amount of water - approximately 8 to 10 glasses daily is one of the most straightforward strategies to achieve beautiful skin. If you drink enough water, the toxins in your body and your skin will be flushed out. 


Utilize Vitamin C


Because it restores a healthy balance to all skin types and makes their tone appear more radiant, vitamin C is considered one of the most effective topical agents for glowing skin. In addition, vitamin C has been shown to improve skin tone, defend against environmental irritants, increase the creation of collagen and elastin, and produce balanced pigmentations. 


Keep it at the Right Temperature


Rinsing with water that is too hot might dry out your skin and weaken your skin barrier by removing the natural oils rom it. On the other hand, water too cold won't do the job and may leave grime and makeup on your skin. So, keep to mild water temperatures when it comes to skin care. 


**This blog post is in collaboration with ScaleFluence


Date Night in an Old Jail Cell

I'm playing catch up from last weekend because busy. It still blows my mind that I used to blog almost daily - yes, I would post 4-5 days a week back in the heyday of blogging. Unpopular Opinion: I still prefer blogging to simply posting on social, and love the relationships I've formed with you all through this little space. 




We headed to the Old Jailhouse restaurant for a chilly date night dinner while Lil' Miss had a gymnastics party. I rocked a cozy sweater, jeans and sneaks for lots of walking in the crisp air downtown. It's such a fun concept, as they refurbished the interior of an old jailhouse hence the name. We were seated in one of the old jail cells complete with a sliding door so we were literally behind bars, and the cocktail menu was the Warden's List. Everything was DELISH, we polished our plates and I can't stop thinking about the Painting the Roses Red cocktail that featured an ice cube of cranberry juice which melted as I sipped to sweeten it perfectly. 


Black n' Blue Pasta | Tender is the Loin






A stop at the hidden tiki bar down the road is always a must - the drinks are amazing, the bartenders are super knowledgeable and you truly feel like you've been whisked away to the South Pacific. I had the Stay Puft from the secret menu, and they even lit the marshmallows upon serving for some extra flair. 




On Sunday, we headed to Universal to experience some of our favorite rides before the crowds return for their Mardi Gras events. I'm excited for some for the concerts, the parades and of course the food. Just not the longer wait times and extra crowds. Any day we get to ride Hagrid's Motorbike Adventure is a GREAT day. 




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Sailing and Pedaling

I am still talking about how we all lucked out with the perfect day over the weekend for a Pedal Pub Cruise with Sail Cocoa Beach. I was excited to break out my new twist front bodysuit (it's available in 5 different colors) as we were experiencing warmer than usual weather for mid-January. We've had a lot of cold fronts and some rainy days, so when the date that worked for all of our schedules ended up being partly cloudy and upper 70's/low 80's we were thrilled. 




If you're in Central Florida, or fly in a day early to take a cruise out of Port Canaveral (right near Cocoa Beach) I highly recommend booking a pedal pub cruise with Sail Cocoa Beach. The boat featured 12 pedaling seats around a sunken bar with coolers stocked with ice, water, soda and branded cups. You can bring your own canned beer or wine and of course snacks. The driver was knowledgeable, and gave us a lot of history as we went down the river and also played music for us. And there's even a bathroom on board that was super clean (always a win!) 




We had the perfect day, and the pedaling seats were enjoyed by both the adults and kiddos alike. Lil' Miss could barely reach the pedals, but she was proud to "help" drive the boat. She was also excited when we came out into the port area, and saw all the cruise ships ready to head out for the week. Countdown to vacation is officially on! 






Bodysuit | Light Wash Jean Shorts {40% off} | Necklace | Sunnies | Lipstick in Crème Cup






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