livelovesara - An over 40 Style and Travel Blog

What to Pack for Hawaii – Packing Light

May 31, 2017Sara 1 Comment

SHOP THE POST

I’m pushing this one close to the wire since the trip takes place the first week of June but better late than never right? Right? 😉 Hawaii is one of those destinations where people imagine themselves running off and living forever. I’ve never been but I know people that have, and they all seem to share that same sentiment.

The request is for 1 week in Hawaii with a side trip to Chicago for a work convention, and both need to be able to be packed within a carry-on. The clothes for this trip are summer clothes so there should be no issues fitting everything you need in to one bag when packed well (ahem, roll everything). In the main list I am including the Hawaii pieces and at the bottom I will show a couple of pieces that you can add to mix with the Hawaii wardrobe to have some work clothes. The two pieces I chose to include are a pencil skirt and a white button down. These pieces combined with several of the pieces in the list should give you enough outfit options for the work portion of the trip (except maybe shoes, see my shoe explanation below). I did a separate work clothes section to the “what to wear” outfit portion at the bottom of the post.

Hawaii is quite casual in general so shorts, sandals, tanks/t-shirts, and summery dresses are the norm, as is just wearing your swimsuit with a coverup. The swimsuit I included is actually reversible so it is like having two in one. One side bold coloured print, and the other side is black. I love a piece that gives you multiple looks from it, like scarves which can be used as sarongs, wraps, or shawls. It can lighten your packing list immensely.

June is considered one of the peak holiday months for Hawaii with nice, sunny weather (usually) with day time highs of 28°C on average. It can be windy and the evenings can cool down so a sweater or light jacket is important. I originally included a jean jacket as the light jacket option, but I swapped it out for a blazer so that it can be used for the work convention too. Putting a blazer over an outfit looks instantly more polished and put together.

I’m dancing about over the footwear decision because it is never necessary to bring more than 3 pairs. But due to the work convention I was contemplating adding a ballet flat but it would depend on what level of dressy the work part requires (like high heels). So right now I will stick with what I chose and use your discretion of what you would think is the most suitable choice.

Remember that your travel outfits are also included in these pieces so layer well to cut back on the amount you are packing. I included the jeans for the travel outfit option mostly, since they probably won’t be worn very much on the island unless there are some cooler days/evenings. But since I am a big jean wearer, I would just cuff them and wear them with some slides and a t-shirt, tank, or tunic top.

I’ve put together outfits options for the Hawaii trip and work portion in two separate collages located below.

I hope your trip is great and good luck at the convention!

Follow me on
FACEBOOK || INSTAGRAM || PINTEREST || BLOGLOVIN’

SHOP THE POST

Work Conference Outfit Options

SHOP THE POST

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Yogurts & Washes

May 30, 2017Sara Leave a Comment

10 years ago I was diagnosed with eczema and no matter what I tried I could not get it under control. My husband would bring home different products on a daily basis trying to find something that would do the trick. One day he brought a bagful of Aveeno products that the pharmacist recommended to him and they worked. Within a few hours I had a noticeable improvement, much relief, and I still use them to this day. I’m certain it is the Colloidal Oatmeal that helped me because it is known to alleviate symptoms of psoriasis, eczema and irritations, and oats are Aveeno’s thing. When my youngest was born she seemed to inherit my sensitive skin, suffering from eczema on her legs. We started using Aveeno products on her as well, thankfully with the same positive results.

When Aveeno Canada asked me if I wanted to try a few of their new body care products and see how I incorporated them in to my self-care regime I obviously said yes. The products are the Daily Moisturizing Body Yogurts & Washes, and they come in two scents; Vanilla & Oat, and Apricot & Honey. I really enjoy both scents, they are both subtle and natural without being overwhelming.

This line is formulated with Active Naturals Oatmeal and enriched with the nutrients found in Greek yogurt, this unique formula revitalizes and instantly saturates dry skin while leaving it feeling moisturized. It provides an indulgent experience that is good for skin, as well as the senses, to treat yourself at home, every day.

I was aware of how the oats worked in their products but I was curious about the yogurt so I looked it up. Yogurt has lactic acid in it. Lactic acid dissolves the glue that holds skin cells together so that they can slough off easier. This then reveals the skin underneath which is smoother, and healthier looking. I found this super interesting as I like to eat Greek yogurt, I just wanted sure how I would feel about rubbing it in to my skin.

I don’t get a lot of time for pampering myself. What I do get is crammed in to my morning shower, and bedtime routine, so I try to incorporate as much as I can in to those 15-20 minute windows each day. I use the Daily Moisturizing body wash in the shower and immediately follow with the body yogurt in the morning. Sometimes I’ll quietly read an ebook in the bathroom while it’s absorbing before I finish getting ready (who am I kidding. It absorbs fast and I just use that as an excuse to read quietly). I use the body yogurt again at bedtime and let it absorb while I am brushing my teeth, painting my nails, or doing a face mask. It is non-greasy and fast absorbing, with a gentle fragrance that won’t overload your senses at bed. My skin doesn’t react well to heavily scented creams and I have had no issues with these products. It keeps me soft, and hydrated which is something I battle. I don’t feel the need to reapply lotion throughout the day (aside from my hands which get washed often). I was starting to get an eczema flare-up on my left forearm and elbow (too much swimming in chlorine) and it cleared it up before it got out of hand. Even my daughter asks to use them and seems to benefit from them as much as I do. I will definitely keep adding these products to my daily Aveeno self-care routine.

This post was sponsored by Aveeno Canada but all thoughts and options are my own.

Find AVEENO® on Facebook
Visit AVEENO® on YouTube

Follow me on
FACEBOOK || INSTAGRAM || PINTEREST || BLOGLOVIN’

What I Wore This Week

May 29, 2017Sara 2 Comments

So one week in with our new couch and chair and I love it. It finally feels like we have a real living room. We can actually all sit together in one room at the same time, and we did a movie night for the first time in forever that we were all able to sit and watch together. It was nice. We watched Lord of the Rings if you are interested 😉

I’m kind of sad that I have to retire my toques/beanies for the season. I think that they have become my bad hair day crutch, and every time I try to wear my fedora it’s so windy it almost flies off my head. Maybe I need a haircut?

I had a small but successful shop at Value Village on Sunday. I was able to get a pair of checkered Vans slip-ons, and a pair of Adidas (even though I can’t figure out what kind they are). The girls found a couple of still in-the-box Minecraft plushies, and a Union Jack mug for Roo. We also donated our old, large coffee table, dining table (we need a small apartment size drop leaf table), two chairs, and a room divider so we have cleaned out a lot of clutter that this small space couldn’t handle. It’s so nice to be able to walk right in the condo without having to navigate around the crap we needed to purge. So I guess I’m already off to a productive week 😉

Here is hoping the rest goes as well. Have a good week guys!

Follow me on
FACEBOOK || INSTAGRAM || PINTEREST || BLOGLOVIN’

Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale (My Picks)

May 26, 2017Sara Leave a Comment

It’s the long weekend In the U.S. (last weekend here in Canada) which has always been the “official” start of summer and my inbox has been bombarded with notifications of upcoming sales. As weird as it is because it isn’t technically summer yet stores across the country are having their sales to clear out merchandise to make room for the incoming “back to school” (my favourite shopping time) and autumn/winter stuff. What does this mean? It means that you can find your summer wardrobe pieces you have had your eye on for a significant price cut.

Nordstrom is having its Half Yearly Sale which means that you will find deals up to 40% off across all departments. We only have one Nordstrom in Toronto but it’s in the Eaton’s Centre and that mall scares me a little 😉 so I have never been to the Nordstrom. They are also building one in Yorkdale which is much more accessible to me.

I love department stores and the mall near me has The Bay, Simons, and Holt Renfrew. Holt Renfrew is a luxury department store and the one and only time I went through it to check it out I was with Merle. At this point I didn’t realize is was super expensive so when I saw a Cardigan that caught my eye I checked the price and had to struggle really hard to maintain a calm look because it was almost $2000. I turned to Merle and hissed through my teeth to not touch anything and please stop Moonwalking through the Prada. Then I grabbed her hand and we slowly walked through the store while trying to keep the “I can afford to shop here” façade and trying to avoid having a Pretty Woman moment. Now when I walk by and see people coming out with bags of stuff I always wonder how wealthy you have to be to spend that much money and still be smiling and laughing when you leave because I sure as hell would be crying.

So while I love department stores, I only shop in 2/3 that are near mean (I mean can you blame me, I’m scared to breathe on anything) but I can’t wait to visit Yorkdale when the store is open. As for the sale, since most of my readers are U.S. based I thought I would pick some pieces that I like from the sale for me, my kids, my home and post them below.

Have a great weekend everybody, whether is it a long one or regular!

Check out some other notable sales that are going on this weekend too.

Ann Taylor 40% off Full-price styles + Extra 50% off Sale Styles Code: SUMMER
Boden 30% off 5 Days only + Free Shipping
JCPenney up to 25% off
Urban Outfitters Up to 50% off
LOFT 40% off everything code: VACAY
Lou & Grey 30% off all sale styles + free shipping
Cole Haan Extra 30% off sale items
H&M Deals from $5. Save up to 60% off and free shipping
L’Occitane Free 3-piece Hand Cream set + tin with any $55 purchase
Modcloth 15% off everything (reg priced items only)
Nasty Gal 40% off your order Code: NASTY40

What to Wear in Havana, Cuba – Outfit Options

May 25, 2017Sara Leave a Comment

I’ve had three coffees today and now I am sitting quietly, drinking a cup of tea and I realize how much more I enjoy tea. While I drink coffee in the morning mainly for its ease (Keurig) and the caffeine boost (not a morning person. At all.) when given the option I will pick tea every single time. My favourite Starbucks tea is a London Fog (also called an Earl Grey Latte). Even my two favourite mugs (Lionel, Mr. T [mine is pink]) that no one is allowed to use show my preferences. I guess I am really and truly British as per my DNA 😉 Which do you prefer?

Last post I put together a list for What to Pack for Havana, Cuba as per an Instagram request. It is a much more colourful list than what I usually do but there are just so many wonderfully bright, and beautifully printed pieces out there now and I felt it fit with the aesthetic I was going for, for this particular list. I have also been embracing more colour lately and think that this may have trickled down in to my choices as well.

This trip is for 7 days in June, which is part of the wet season and I put together 18 outfit options from the pieces in the list. There are also so many other ideas that could be put together if you get creative. Cuba is like many other Caribbean countries where there aren’t restrictions on what you can/should wear. You can bring your regular summer clothes and there will be no issues. If you want read more details on the trip, my clothing choices, and the accessibility to wifi in Cuba read the original post.

Are you feeling all of the bright colours and prints this season?

Follow me on
FACEBOOK || INSTAGRAM || PINTEREST || BLOGLOVIN’

What to Pack for Havana, Cuba – Packing Light

May 24, 2017Sara 2 Comments

This weeks packing list request comes via Instagram. I was asked if I could put together some ideas for a one week trip to Cuba in the middle of June. I’ve never done Cuba before so I thought I would give it a shot. Cuba is tropical so it is warm all year-long so it has dry season and wet season. From May to October is the wet season, meaning that on any given day the sky can open and the heavens fall 😉 During the summer months the days hit the 30’s (in celsius) and the air gets thick and humid. The wet season is also cyclone season so pay attention to the weather before you leave.

I’m going full colour with this list because I was inspired by o=pictures of Cuba. Like most of the Caribbean countries there aren’t a lot of wardrobe restrictions, so the best things to wear are dresses and/or skirts, tanks/camis/t-shirts. breezy blouses, and shorts (I added a pair of jeans for travel and if it gets colder). A sweater or denim jacket is a nice light cover in case you get chilly, a kimono is a statement piece that adds bold print, colour, and can easily be thrown over a dress, shorts, or a swimsuit. Scarves also make good swimsuit covers or shawls in a pinch (bring two swimsuits if you don’t want to risk putting on a wet one). And don’t forget a hat and suntan lotion. The tropical sun in no joke. Seriously though, it’s intense.

There is so much to see and do in Cuba but also know that wifi isn’t as accessible in Cuba as you are probably used to. They do have HotSpots all over the country but yo need to buy a prepaid ETECSA internet card so it can get pricey. If your hotel has a wifi hotspot you may have to buy the time through the hotel vs the card. For many this may seem like a dream to unplug for a week and relax, for others it may not. So it is best to research and plan it out so you don’t end up in a panic because you can’t access all your social media 😉 So keep in mind, there is internet but it’s going to cost you.

Outfit Options will be in the next post.

A little mid week heads up is that Nordstrom’s Half-Yearly Sale starts to today. Up to 40% off store wide until June 4th. Also, we are getting a Nordstrom soon and I am beyond excited to see what the hype is about.

NET-A-PORTER is having and up to 50% off sale.

And Barneys New York is having an up to 50% off sale for the family and home.

I wish I had a lot more disposable income 😉

Do you fall under the relax and unwind, or the panic and withdrawal side of having no access to wifi?

If you like this post you can find more packing lists and outfit options in my:
Packing Light Series
What to Wear Options

Follow me on
FACEBOOK || INSTAGRAM || PINTEREST || BLOGLOVIN’