My Favorite Vegan & Cruelty-Free Beauty Products From Ipsy

Oh, Ipsy. How I love you. It's like Christmas each month when I get my Ipsy bag in the mail. What's even better is that lately more and more of the products I've received have been Vegan/Cruelty-free. It's a great, relatively inexpensive way to find new beauty products that I wouldn't have found otherwise. Without further ado, my favorite cruelty-free and Vegan products I've found through Ipsy!

Vasanti Cosmetics

Brighten Up! Exfoliating Cleanser

I've heard that exfoliating is one of the most important skincare steps you can take. I love how this exfoliates my face. It's gentle and effective. 

La Fresh Group

Good Night. Night Cream

I hesitate to put any lotion on my face at all, as it usually breaks me out. However, the fine lines under my eyes aren't getting any finer. This is a nice heavy cream that moisturizes and doesn't cause breakouts!

Nourish Organic

Pure Hydrating Argan Face Serum

Again, I have a fear of moisturizers touching my face. Here is another one I got in my Ipsy bag that doesn't irritate my skin. It smells wonderful and it's not greasy.

OFRA Cosmetics

Bliss Eyeshadow

I use this every single day. It's a beautiful color for a base eyeshadow or highlighter. It's super pigmented so a little goes a long way,

Mullein & Sparrow

Mini Lip & Cheek Tint

I haven't used this as a cheek tint, but it's a fabulous lip balm. It's gives a perfect tint of sheer color and it smells nice and unique.

I promise this wasn't intended to be an ad for Ipsy. =P I genuinely do enjoy the service and if you feel like joining,  I get some points if you use this link! :) 

https://www.ipsy.com/new?refer=5jfe

6 Months Meat-Free; What I've Learned

Where to begin? It's tough to write about eating animals, whether you're for or against it, because it's an incredibly touchy topic. On one hand you have those who say that eating meat is their right. We need it for the protein. It's just the way things are. On the other hand you have those who believe that eating meat is cruel, unnecessary, and unhealthy. I'll tell you that I was raised a meat eater. Up until 6 months ago it was completely normal for me to have chicken for dinner every single night. I was never a fan of red meat but I had the occasional hamburger and maybe some meat with breakfast here and there. I will say that I always felt slightly off about it. I knew that I loved animals. I knew that animals were mistreated to make food. I knew that I was upset about that. However, I put it out of my mind because I thought I could never stop eating meat. I thought the change was too hard, so I ignored my instinct and I kept eating meat.

6 months ago I watched a documentary called Cowspiracy. It introduced me to a consequence of eating meat that I had never thought of before. I knew meat was abhorrent for animal welfare, but I never knew of it's effect on our planet. It turns out that animal agriculture is the leading cause of the destruction of our environment. It's worse than all planes, trains, cars, etc. combined. I consider myself someone who cares about the planet. It's my home, after all. I take short showers, shut the water off when I brush my teeth, I've even forgone my car in favor of riding my bike to work. Little did I know that one hamburger takes as much water to produce as 32 showers. Thirty-two. I could skip showers for a month and I still wouldn't save as much water as skipping one single hamburger.
I could bombard you with many similar statistics, but the simple fact is that raising, feeding, and transporting animals for food is killing our planet. Armed with this knowledge, I gave up meat.

[One thing I should mention is that it's easier than it sounds. For years I took power away from myself. I always said "I could never stop eating meat!". As if it wasn't my choice. As if I didn't have the willpower to make that decision for myself. The reality is that it absolutely was my choice. 3-5 times a day it was my choice. It's just as easy to make potatoes veggies, and beans, as it is to make potatoes, veggies, and chicken. I have had some bomb veggie burgers. Those Red Robin salads are just as delicious without the meat. It's not impossible to cut out out meat, it might take some maneuvering, but it's not difficult.]

If you know me, you know that I love to research things. So, it's no surprise that when making an important decision regarding my diet, I read and watched everything about vegetarianism that I could get my hands on. My netflix queue is full of documentaries, and I've read many a book/scientific study. Without getting too detailed, I'll say that the conditions of animal agriculture are so much worse than anything I imagined. We all know it's bad. Ask anyone in the world if they want to watch some footage from a slaughterhouse. Everyone will say no. Everyone knows it's going to be a horror film. No one wants to see it. Yet they don't mind paying people to do it behind closed doors. It's almost interesting, how far removed we are. How we've disconnected ourselves from it. But I digress. Just know that whatever you're picturing regarding the treatment of these animals, it's far, far worse.

So, I educated myself on the environmental aspect, and then there were these living sentient beings to think about. Some choose not to care about either of those, but there is a reason for vegetarianism/veganism that is a bit more personal. It's no secret America is plagued by heart-disease, stroke, obesity, cancer, diabetes, and countless other diseases. These ailments are caused/worsened by the way we eat. The Standard American Diet is chocked full of cholesterol, fat, and animal protein. There isn't a scientist in the world who won't tell you that the healthiest diet is based on plants. The longest living communities in the world eat plant-based and limit their meat intake. Fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains have been proven to help and even reverse disease in humans. The World Health Organization even recently confirmed that processed meat causes cancer in humans. Yada yada yada, the point is, by eating a diet full of meat and animal products, we're setting our bodies up for failure.

(this pasta from the Engine2Diet is a game changer)

Quitting meat is absolutely one of the best decisions I've ever made. I wouldn't be writing this blog if it wasn't. This isn't to make anyone feel bad, or to toot my own horn. I just want to put it out there that I think the benefits of vegetarianism are endless, and that I've never felt better. If even one person reads this and decides to watch a documentary, or choose a veggie burger, or participate in Meatless Monday, then I feel really fantastic about that. I don't want to be preachy. I'm not interested in the debate. No matter what you say, someone will be up in arms. One person will be defending their right to choose what they eat. The other will be defending an animal's right to live. Maybe someone mentions that eating animals is killing us. Someone else says "but protein!". I'm sure you've seen it. The best way to get ahead of this debate is to educate yourself.

I can write blogs all day long about the benefits of a meat-free, plant-based diet. I'm serious, I could write about it forever. I can tell you that 6 months later I am healthier, happier, leaner, lighter, and more peaceful than I've ever been. I can tell you that I've significantly reduced my risk of cancer, heart-disease, stroke, diabetes, etc. I can even tell you that *gasp* protein is in everything, even plants. But it will likely never sink in for you until you obtain the information yourself. Watch Cowspiracy, Forks Over Knives, Food Matters, Earthlings (if you're brave). Try a month meat-free. Read the studies. Arm yourself with information. What we put into our bodies is absolutely one of the most important choices we make for our health and overall well-being. Don't make these choices lightly and certainly don't let someone else make them for you.

5 of the Biggest Diet Myths That You Probably Believe

1. Fruit has too much sugar.

You may have heard that you should limit your fruit intake because of all of the sugar, but have you ever met someone who is unhealthy on account of eating "too much fruit"? Have you ever met anyone who got fat from eating too many strawberries? Fruit is nutrient dense, low calorie food. While fruit can be high in sugar, it's simple sugar and is easily absorbed when paired with necessary fiber that you only find in plant foods.

2. Carbs makes you fat.

I cannot refute this enough. Everyone has this idea that carbs are the enemy. Carbs are absolutely essential for your health. Your brain runs on glucose. Your body's number one source of energy is glucose. Guess where your body gets glucose from? Carbohydrates. When you cut back on carbs, you'll likely feel sluggish and unfocused. Do not be afraid of carbs! Complex carbs like fruit, vegetables, and whole grains will keep you full and energized. Carb up!

(help too fat from all the carbs)

3. You need meat for protein. 

Have you ever heard of someone who eats enough calories of whole foods, and yet suffers from protein deficiency? It's nearly unheard of. Most Americans are massively OVER eating protein, which can lead to health issues itself. Protein is in almost everything. It is in vegetables and legumes and beans and seeds and even fruit. Not only do you not need meat for protein, you don't really need it for anything. Today's meat comes along with antibiotics, growth hormones, and feces. Yum. Plant based protein is all you need.

(what protein deficiency?)

4. More dairy equals stronger bones.

Quite the contrary. The countries with the highest consumption of dairy also have the highest occurrence of osteoporosis. There is no evidence that dairy provides stronger bones. In fact dairy products have been shown to leech calcium from bones. Do you know who is paying for the ads that tell you otherwise? The dairy industry. Yes, calcium aids in bone health, and there are plenty of non-dairy foods that provide it. Oranges, almonds, and greens like kale and broccoli contain high amounts of calcium along with heaps of other vitamins and nutrients, minus the chemicals and pus you'll find in dairy products.

5. Healthy food is expensive.

This is one thing I hate to hear. Healthy food is not expensive. My diet (plant-based) consists mostly of fruits, vegetables (potatoes!!!), rice, beans, pasta, and oats. I buy fruit that is on sale. I can get a bundle of bananas for under $1, and apples for $1 a pound. Look for specials on vegetables. Potatoes are cheap! A huge tin of spinach is about 3 bucks. A bag of carrots is a couple bucks. Rice, beans, and pasta are some of the cheapest foods you can buy, period. A $4 container of oats will last me nearly a month. It is not expensive to eat this way, and it's certainly cheaper than hospital bills later in life when all of the saturated fat and cholesterol catches up to you.

Wahclella Falls [photo blog]

It's no secret that Oregon is filled to the brim with stunning beauty, but it never stops surprising me. Amy took Dex and I out to Wahclella Falls in The Gorge and it quickly became one of my favorite spots. It's as close to a magical fairy land as I've come in a long while. The photos never quite do a place justice, but we always give it a shot. 

(Dexter is a fantastic little hiking buddy.)

(Dex and Aunt Amy!)

(Happy Dex.)

(Lunch with a view.)

(Wahclella Falls in all her glory.)

(Exploring off the trail.)

(Rock cairns, you either love 'em or you hate 'em.)

(photo by the talented @meandermore)

25 Before 26

I turned the big 25 a week ago. I've been tired ever since. Just kidding (kinda), but year 25 had a surprisingly rough start. Anyways, time to turn it around and find the energy to get started on this list ASAP. So, here it is! 25 things I want to do before I turn 26.

1. Become a guitar master [or just practice...at all].

2. Go ziplining.

3. Watch 5 new documentaries. (1. Going Clear 2. Fashion Victims 3. Miss Representation)

4. Go to The Redwoods.

5. See Crater Lake.

6. Get that passport stamp!

7. Go stand up paddle boarding.

8. Vlog [and record covers] more often.

9. Go berry picking.

10. Take a cooking class.

11. Stay vegetarian.

12. Take a fitness class [yoga, kickboxing, etc.].

13. Watch 5 classic films.

14. Ride my bike!

15. Write [regularly] in a real journal with a real pen.

16. Do a tech-free Tuesday.

17. And a makeup-free Monday.

18. Go to a shooting range. [Not giving up on this yet!]

19. Read a classic novel. [Because I am teen fiction trash.]

20. Visit a new state.

21. Learn how to do an oil change. [It's not that hard, right?]

22. Learn basic phrases in as many languages as possible.

23. Grow/organize/attend to the blog!

24. Take the Nikon out more often [and take it off auto sometimes].

25. Do better on this year's list than last years.

15 Things I'd Tell My Teenage Self

1. No, you don't need a "base tan" for your Hawaii trip. Tanning beds are harmful. 

2. The older you get, the less you'll care about what other people think of you. Trust me.

3. Always listen to your mom.  She knows what she's talking about.

4. No, you're not going to marry that boy. Or that one.

5. The things you dislike about yourself now, will become some of your favorite features in the future.

6. Don't get bogged down with buying superficial things. Spend your money on experiences. Save some of it too.

7. Never neglect your friendships in favor of a relationship. Boys will come and go, and your friends will be there when they do.

8. Spend lots of time with your grandparents.

9. A solid work history and great references are powerful things.

10. It's true, you'll never use algebra (like, ever).

11. The perm is a mistake.

12. Your goals and dreams and plans are going to change. Roll with the punches.

13. Learn the basics of car maintenance.

14. Soda and fast food are poison.

15. Go easy on the bronzer.

(yikes)

7 Things That Happened When I Stopped Eating Meat

1. Everyone asked me about protein. 
Listen up, people. There are countless sources of protein that are not animal products. Plants have protein. Beans, peanut butter, bread, oatmeal, quinoa, etc. etc. are all excellent sources of protein. Protein deficiency is damn near unheard of when you're eating enough calories and eating whole foods. But without fail, everyone was very concerned about where I would get it in my vegetarian diet.

2. I forgot I wasn't eating meat. 
This happened twice in the beginning. Once when I had food poisoning and went straight for the chicken noodle soup. Then when my brother suggested going to Dairy Queen, and I immediately planned on getting chicken strips. I stayed strong though.

3. I ate tofu.
I never (I mean never) thought I would eat tofu. It always seemed like one of those weird hippy foods. But I'll tell ya, a veggie roll with peanut sauce from New Seasons is everything to me, and those things are filled with tofu. It's not so bad.

4. I leaned out. 
I'm a tall girl, and thanks mostly to genetics, I've always been pretty slim. I've rarely thought of myself as someone with a lot of weight to lose, so I was a bit surprised when my body leaned out after I stopped eating meat. Everything looked slimmer. I suppose that is what happens when you cut out fat and cholesterol. I'm not complaining!

5. I spent more time in the kitchen.
Dinners in my house have always been pretty typical. We would regularly eat chicken, potatoes, and veggies. When I started eating vegetarian, I had to start making my own separate meals. I had to learn how to make myself lunch without including turkey or tuna. I realized that I like cooking, and experimenting with recipes, and I'm not terrible at it either!

6. I stopped wanting meat. 
It has been about a month and a half since I went vegetarian, and meat is no longer appetizing to me (like at all). When I think about it, meat was never that appetizing to me unless it was covered in sauces and spices. Now, after all of the research I've done on animal agriculture, the idea of eating meat is pretty disgusting to me.

7. My entire diet improved. 
Researching the negative effects of eating meat can only lead to hearing about the positive effects of eating a plant-based diet. It's kind of unreal how much I have supplemented my diet with fruits and veggies. I never calorie restrict because I know I'm eating healthy foods that my body will thrive on. I eat when I'm hungry, stop when I'm full, and I've never felt healthier.

4 Unexpected Benefits of Getting Fit

1. Mo' workouts, less problems.
This is hard to explain, but as I got more and more confident in my fitness, other things in my life seemed to fall into place. Even if problems still existed, they seemed less important and less daunting now that I was healthier. Any drama in my life didn't stress me out like it used to, because I knew I was taking care of myself and being the best version of myself that I could be. That kind of out-weighed everything else.

2. Body awareness like whoa. 
When you're working towards a fitness goal, you look at your body, a lot. Before I began working out, I didn't pay a whole lot of attention to my body. I never even once noticed being bloated. People talked about it all of the time. "I'm so bloated after I eat this or that." I never experienced that, until I started paying attention to my body by taking progress photos, or generally just staring at my stomach desperately searching for my abs. Any fluctuation stuck out, and it was a good way to measure my body's reaction to consuming certain foods and drinks.

3. Sleep over everything.
I. love. to. sleep. Always have, always will. I prioritize it. I plan my life around it. I always thought I slept pretty well, but I didn't know what I was missing. A major bonus from hardcore workouts is a full night of sleeping like a rock. I would fall asleep earlier, and my quality of sleep was way higher on the days I worked out. Naturally, I woke up feeling awesome, and ready to workout again.

4. Give me all of the healthy things.
Working out is great, but you've probably already heard that you can eat your way out of any fitness routine. Typically if you work out, but eat like crap, you're not going to experience the best results. I'll tell ya, as hard as I was working on my body, there was no way I was going to ruin it by eating crap food. Working out made me want to eat right, and led me to search for the healthiest version of everything. If I was kicking butt in the gym, I wanted to kick butt in the kitchen as well.

What Happened When I Deactivated my Facebook for 30 Days

1. I did things because I wanted to do them, not because I thought they looked cool.
Initially it was difficult to go out and do fun things, and not post about them on Facebook. It was so ingrained in me to want to share all of the exciting aspects of my life. Then I remembered what it meant to do things simply because I wanted to. I remembered that sharing something on Facebook wouldn't make it a better memory.

2. I took photos to capture memories, not for likes.
I still took a lot of photos during my Facebook hiatus. I remembered that I've always loved to take photos. Long before I had social media I was uploading photos to my computer or getting prints. I had to remember that I take photos because I enjoy looking back on the memories, not because I want to impress people.

3. I texted and called my friends, instead of writing on their walls.
It always seemed to much easier to post something on a friend's Facebook wall when I wanted to get in touch with them. I always knew what they were up to, even without actually talking to them. Without a Facebook, I had to make sure I was reaching out via text to keep up with my friends.

4. I spent a bit more time scrolling on Instagram.
Okay, so maybe this wasn't the point of taking a break from Facebook, but a girl had to get her social media fix somehow.

5. I typed facebook.com into my address bar a million times. 
It's unbelievable how much of a habit this was for me. Even when I was trying to go to another website my fingers would type 'fa' first before I even realized what I was doing.

6. I had to remember birthdays.
This was harder than it should have been, but I made it happen.

7.  I stopped missing it.
At the time I decided to deactivate my fb, I was checking it multiple times a day. But before I knew it, I wasn't even thinking about it anymore. One less distraction.

8. It automatically reactivated, and I deactivated it again.
When my 30 days was up, I found that I didn't actually want to check Facebook. It seemed like more of an inconvenience than anything. So, I deactivated it again, this time without the automatically reactivate feature.

8 Things I Learned While Unemployed

I have always wanted to work. I distinctly remember being 14 and wishing for the day I could write "@ work" on my AIM away message. When I was 15 I got my first "job" babysitting. As soon as I was legally able, I got my first real job at 16, and I've been working ever since. Being a good employee always felt like an important part of who I was. I took pride in my work. I always wanted more; more hours, promotions, extra responsibilities. I'm no stranger to hard work, and that's why it was an interesting transition to spending 4 months without a job last year. I've finally made myself a useful part of society again, but a few things came to light during my time off.

1. I could probably watch TV 24/7 until the end of time.                      
Seriously, I love it. You'd think I would get sick of Netflix but...no.

2. I had no excuse to not work out.
No more I'm too tired or stressed from work. It was just me, myself and I, and I really couldn't think of any excuses (darn it).

3. I spent money on a lot of useless crap.
Watching my fun funds fast deplete, I realized how much I was spending money that I didn't need to. And I cut it out, quick. Online shopping is a dangerous world.

4. Waking up slow is the best.
Granted I've always known this, but when I had a job to get to, I popped out of bed at the first sound of my alarm. When I was unemployed...not so much. The snooze button is magic, my friends.

5. A job does not define our success.
I've defined myself by my work since I was 16. I only felt successful if I was working...a lot. Now I realize even without a job I'm still me. I'm still a good person. I'm still proud of who I am.

6. I'm really good at being alone.
Being unemployed has provided me with a LOT of free time, most of which I spend alone. Initially I thought I would go a little crazy, but it turns out I don't mind it one bit.

7. Savings accounts are important.
Little Trina was very smart. Instead of buying the newest fanciest gadgets with her paychecks, she deposited them into a savings account, and present Trina is very thankful for that. It is largely why I've been able to take months off of work without panicking. Enjoying the present is important but so is saving for the very unpredictable future.

8. It's what we do when we go home at the end of the day that really matters.
A job pays the bills, and if you're really lucky you might even enjoy it. But I've come to realize it's the passions outside of work that really matter. Even when I wasn't employed, I was still a writer, an artist, a musician, an avid reader. I studied french and fell in love with yoga. These are the things that I love to share with people. These are the things that make me who I am, not where I clock in or out.

11 Things I'll Try to Teach My Children

Okay, before we get too excited; I don't have children, I'm not pregnant, and I'm not in a situation that provides even a slight possibility of getting pregnant any time soon. But I do want children someday, and I think a lot about the kind of beliefs I'd like to instill in them. I work with kids, and it's no secret that they are shaped by the adults in their lives. They soak in everything that we say and do. They make mental notes and behave accordingly. While it's easier said than done, I'd like to think that these are the open-minded, kind hearted beliefs I will bestow upon my future spawn.

1. No gender stereotypes allowed.

I don't ever want to see my son playing with a doll, and make him feel like there is something wrong with that. I'd very much like to encourage my daughter to play with trucks and legos. We all have these ideas in our heads of what a stereotypical boy or girl is/does/likes. This is a really excellent way to set up unfair gender roles before a kid can even talk. I really hope to never say the words "Take it like a man" or "Sit like a lady." I don't want my boys to feel like they can't be emotional, and I don't want my girls to be passive or subdued. Every kid should be able to express themselves without worrying about how their gender is "supposed" to act. 

2. Love. Your. Body.

This is huge. In my opinion this is something every parent should be teaching to every child, no exceptions. We all know this is a particularly tough one for the girls, but boys need to be told to love the way they look too. Think back to your childhood. How many times did you see an adult in your life say that they love their body? Or look in the mirror appreciatively? I want my kids to remember their mom feeling confident and healthy. I want to set my kids up for a lifetime of appreciating their bodies, and feeling strong, in a world that often teaches the opposite. 

3. Chill out on the tech toys.

There is nothing I fear more than my child being addicted to technology. I have seen it too many times. A family is out to eat and every kid at the table has a tablet or phone in their hand. Kids need to learn to converse with other human beings out in public. They need to learn to entertain themselves. They need to have an imagination. When I was young I would make two figurines talk to each other for hours in my own little world. I didn't need an electronic device of any sort. My imagination worked just fine.

4. Enjoy food. 
I really hope I don't have a picky eater for a child. I have an incredibly loving relationship with food. I believe it's designed to nurture our bodies, and fuel our adventures. Many days I find that meal times are my favorite parts of the day. Cooking is fun. Grocery shopping is fun. I want my kids to feel comfortable trying new foods, and enjoying them! 

5. Don't worry about a schedule.
It seems that youngins these days are so busy. They go from school, to soccer practice, to ballet, to French class, to whatever the heck else kids are learning these days. When I was a kid, the thing I remember filling up my schedule the most is playing outside. I would like my kids to feel free to just be kids. They will have the rest of their lives to follow a strict schedule. 

6. Appreciate other cultures. 
I would absolutely love to instill a respect for other cultures into my children. I think it's important to understand the way other cultures live, eat, pray, celebrate, etc. It's something I never learned as a kid, and took a huge interest in as I got older. That knowledge and respect can go a long way in shaping a child to be receptive of things that are unfamiliar or unique to them.

7. Be active. 
Go outside. Play tag. Play hopscotch. Jump rope. Roller blade. Ride your bike. Hopefully these are all words that will be coming out of my mouth on a near daily basis when I'm a parent. As humans we are not meant to sit all day. Our bodies are designed to move. The sooner I can instill an active lifestyle in my kids, the better.

8. Ask questions.

Yes, I say this now, even when I know how rough the endless string of 'hows?' and 'whys?' can be. Truthfully, annoying as it may be, these questions and their subsequent answers will shape my kid's knowledge and understanding of the world. I know it can be frustrating to answer 40 questions an hour, but if you don't do it, who will?

9. Have an open mind and a kind heart. 

It would be an absolute dream if I could limit the amount of judging my children do. I would very much like for them to be open to people who are different from what they know. Regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, etc. I want my kids to understand that people are people, and we all deserve respect. 

10. Grades are not everything.
School these days is not what it used to be. Things like common core are obliterating the actual purpose of school. Here is this amazing concept; go somewhere everyday to learn and grow and change and better yourself. Yet we've completely ruined it by making it all about tests and scores and grades. I hope I can teach my kids to not beat themselves up over a bad grade. I believe I will always care more about their happiness and well-being than I will about the letter on the report card.

11. Be creative.
This is probably me just being a bit selfish, and wanting my kids to be just like me. I consider myself a creative person. I like to write, read, draw, play guitar, sing, garden, paint, and pretty much anything else that lets me create. It is my hope that my kids are the same, because I find it such a fulfilling way to live. I think being creative makes for an incredibly vibrant life, and I would love to see my kid experience the world that way.

I know I'm writing this as a 24 year old whose general experience with children is hanging out with them for a while before sending them home to their parents. Even I know this may be idealistic, and easier said than done. So, promise not to be too surprised if I update this blog in ten years saying "I would love to have these glorious well-rounded discussions with my kids, however I'm too exhausted/outnumbered/short on time/etc. to do so." 

3 Things I Packed and Never Used at Disney World

1. Water bottle
You will probably find lots of people who tell you not to go to the parks without a water bottle. It's true that hydration is super important when you're walking in the sun for 12+ hours. Luckily, there are water fountains EVERYWHERE at Disney. Not to mention you can get cups of water from nearly every food establishment, and there are lots of those too. I don't feel like bringing your own water bottle is worth the extra weight.

2. Snacks
I read on a lot of blogs that you should bring little snacks into the park with you. I did on the first day and realized that food is so readily available (and yummy) at the parks that I never touched my trail mix. My suggestion is to skip the store bought snacks and indulge in the foods you'll only find at Disney. After all, you're on vacation!

3. Money belt
I had this awesome plan for my money belt. I was going to put a credit card, my ID, hotel key, and some cash in it and wear it in the parks. I figured that if I had to put my bag in a locker, at least I would still have the essentials on me. However, it was about 478 degrees in Florida and I couldn't imagine having any more layers of cloth on my body. The lockers are safe and opened with your finger print only. Even without the money belt, I never worried about my valuables. Keeping everything in my backpack sufficed!

Five Absolutely Essential Things to Bring to Disney World

If you didn't know, I just got back from a five day jaunt around Orlando with my best travel buddy Christie. We hit up Epcot, Universal Studios, and Magic Kingdom, and had the best time. There will likely be a lot of Disney related posts coming, starting with this one. Here are five things I packed in my park bag that I found absolutely essential as we took over each park from open to close.

1. Sunscreen
We didn't go a day in Florida without extra sunscreen in my backpack. That Florida sun is hot and relentless. We reapplied every few hours and luckily came out of a five day trip unscathed. Nothing will ruin a trip faster than a nasty sunburn. Buy a 3 oz. plastic container and fill it with SPF for your day at Disney.

2. Sunglasses
This could largely depend on the person, but I can't do a full day outside without sunglasses. Squinting in the sun can often give you a headache or make you feel sleepy. Plus sunglasses make it really easy to low-key people watch (a favorite Disney World activity)!

3. Cell phone
This is probably obvious to all, but what I didn't realize is how useful the Disney apps can be! Both Disney World and Universal have apps that let you make plans for the day, check wait times for attractions, look at menus for restaurants, and a lot of other cool things. We did the "Let's go see how long the wait for this ride is" thing a few times before we realized we could just check the app instead of walking to the other side of the park! Your cell is also important for keeping in touch with your group, and taking photos if you're not bringing a camera!

4. Poncho
If you didn't already know, Florida weather is unpredictable. We woke up to a down pour on the day we were hitting Magic Kingdom. Luckily, we had our ponchos in our park bags and stayed relatively dry until the rain eased up. You could bring a raincoat, but ponchos are lighter and easier to pack in a small bag.

5. Hand sanitizer 
I don't know if I would call this absolutely essential, but it was definitely nice to have. Your hands are touching a lot of gross things throughout the day, and on top of that you're probably eating a lot of finger foods. We had a lot of burgers, fries, pretzels, and the like and it was nice to be able to sanitize our hands quickly before eating.

Easy Tips to Breeze Through Airport Security

1. Wear slip-on shoes
Remember when you could walk through security at the airport with all of your clothing intact? Ah, the good old days.  Make sure you wear shoes that slip on and off easily to make the process quick and painless.
2. Skip the belt and heavy jacket
Again with the clothing removal. You'll have to remove your belt and any bulky jackets, so try to put together an outfit without them for the airport.

3. Have your ID/passport and boarding pass at the ready.
You always have to show your ID (or your passport) and your boarding pass when passing through security. Have it immediately available to move through quickly.

4. Know the 3-1-1 rule. 
Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes cannot be any larger than 3.4 oz per container. Keep them all in a 1 quart clear plastic bag with a zip-top. One full bag is the limit for each passenger.

5. Keep your laptop and liquids easily accessible. 
Laptops and liquids have to be removed from your carry-on before going through the scanner. Keep them at the top of your bag so you can easily remove them/put them back in. Laptops get their own bin.
6. Check the TSA website. 
If you have something in your bag that isn't allowed on a plane, you will be stopped and pulled aside, making for a timely and somewhat embarrassing experience. If you have any doubt about what you can't bring in your carry-on, there is a comprehensive list here.
7. Be aware. 
Keep an eye on the line and make sure you're moving with it. Have your documents ready when you're getting closer to the TSA officer, and be prepared to put your items on the belt when the time comes. Your experience will be easier and quicker, and your fellow travelers will thank you!