MIMM: Vacation, Easter, and a Fresh Start

Tags

brunch, cat, class, college, cupcakes, dessert, easter, family, forever 21, grand cayman, highlighters, marvelous monday, necklace, school, sharpie, waffles

As always, thanks Katie for hosting Marvelous in My Monday!  These posts are always so fun to write. 🙂

Marvelous... spending time with my family in paradise.  This photo is of my younger sister and me.  She’s 4 years younger, but she’s 3 inches taller than me!

Marvelous… kitties!  I’m allergic to cats, but that doesn’t stop me from wanting one really badly.

Marvelous… Easter!  Brunch with the family.  For some reason this photo reminds me of what breakfast on a farm would be like.  Though I have never had breakfast on a farm. And we live in the ‘burbs.

I went to my aunt and uncle’s house for dinner, and it was amazing.  How could it not be with these desserts?!

Marvelous… this necklace!  I want to wear it everywhere and never take it off.  It’s from Forever 21.  I love Forever 21’s jewelry – it’s so fun and so affordable.  Get one here.

Marvelous… a new quarter in school!  The first day of a new quarter always makes me oddly happy.  Plus, new highlighters!  I heard about these Sharpie Gel highlighters from College Prep, and OMG they are really great.  They don’t smudge, which is great for lefties.  And you can leave the cap off forever and they won’t dry out, which is great for everyone.

Today I’m going back to school!  Classes start tomorrow, and then I’ll be stressed out of my mind for 2 months.  Hooray!

What is marvelous about your Monday?

Final Vacation Photos

Tags

beach, cayman islands, college, grand cayman, lake michigan, Northwestern, pizza, stingray city, stress, tan, vacation

Amazing pizza with basil and mozzarella

Clouds didn’t stop us from attempting to tan.

Friendly turtles

Beautiful Easter display – these eggs are made of chocolate!

Me holding a stingray

Aaaaaand now I’m back home.  I had a GREAT time in Grand Cayman.  My family loves it there… we have been 4 or 5 times!  I feel refreshed and ready to take on another quarter at school.  I’ve got a challenging schedule, but I’m prepared for it!

Spring quarter at Northwestern is the best – the campus is located on Lake Michigan, and there are two beaches right on campus.  On warm weekend afternoons, everyone goes to the beach!  It’s amazing and such a nice break from classes.  I can’t wait!

What’s your favorite vacation spot?

More Vacation Photos

Tags

beach, cat, cayman islands, grand cayman, luca, photography, restaurant, sunset, vacation

I’m still here!  And enjoying every minute 🙂

Homemade bread at Luca

Sunset

Cat that lives at the hotel… I got to pet him/her!

Beach

View from the boat

Absolute paradise 🙂

Vacation Photos: Day 2 and 3

Tags

beach, cayman islands, fruit, grand cayman, island, omelette, photography, pool, spring break, truffle, vacation, waffle

I’m in paradise.

Egg white omelette and strawberries

Patio by the pool

Truffle oil and parmesan fries – amazing!

Such a pretty beach

So pretty

Light beach reading?  This is actually a really interesting book!

Waffle with strawberries and raspberries

More beach view 🙂

Vacation Photos: Day 1

Tags

beach, grand cayman, photos, spring break, vacation

So happy to finally be on vacation!

Almost Vacation

Tags

beach, class, college, exams, finals, grand cayman, health, relax, spring break, sun, sunscreen, swim, vacation

In only 15 days, I’ll be back at my favorite place on earth.

Grand Cayman, here I come!  I just have to get through some exams first.  Okay… lots of exams.  But then I’ll be able to relax.

I absolutely love the beach.  A perfect day for me includes laying on a beach chair reading in the sun and occasionally going into the water to cool off.  Unfortunately, the beach and I don’t get along.  I burn so easily.  But that doesn’t stop me!  Here are some of my beach essentials to ensure that I can stay out in the sun all day, and some tricks of the trade that I have figured out from years of being a glowingly-pale sunbather.

1. Don’t be afraid to pack several bottles of sunscreen.  Carry a larger tote if you have to- you want plenty of options!  I use a higher SPF for my face and neck than I do for the rest of my body.  I also use a cream sunscreen on my face and a spray on my body.  They make sunscreen with tanning oil in it, so there is no excuse to not wear it!  And don’t forget lip balm- some varieties even contain sunscreen.

2. Apply sunscreen before you go outside.  Do it as you get ready to leave, and you won’t have to awkwardly put it on outside with a bunch of random people.

3. Re-apply sunscreen every time you get a drink.  Whether you refill your water bottle or order a fun beverage, sticking to this routine will ensure that you re-apply enough.

4. On that note, drink!  A lot!  Make sure you always have water with you.  If you don’t like water, then pack some Crystal Light packets or drop a few lemons or cucumber slices into your water.  The sun can be very dehydrating, and water is so refreshing on a hot day.  No excuses!

5. When you get out of the sun, take a shower to wash off sunscreen residue ASAP and moisturize afterwards.  Use a lightweight moisturizer, or one designed especially for after-sun.  You want your newly tan skin to stay healthy and soft.

15… more… days.

Where is your dream vacation destination?