Wedding Update: January

When they say times flies, that statement couldn't feel more true as we hit 2020 and plan for our wedding late this year. Some days I almost think we just got engaged, but wait that was over a year and a half ago. Our intention was to be engaged for 2 years, so we're right on schedule. With our wedding planning in full swing, I thought it would be fun to share updates for our destination wedding and might just keep me on track for crossing tasks off.

Why A Destination Wedding

Right after the excitement of getting engaged, we started to think about all the questions we were being asked-mainly where and when is the wedding? While I was never one of those little girls who dreamed about her big wedding, I'm more of the simple (or more refined) bride. My only requirement was wanting to get married on the beach. The beach is a place I continuously feel connected to and want to start our marriage in a place that is peaceful. From there, we had to consider our budget. We're both on the same page about being realistic and doing everything to save for our wedding on our own. We had started a savings account prior to being engaged, which we imagined would be for a house. So we agreed on using it for our wedding, but would aim to have a budget of $12,000 (and $3,000 for anything that goes over). Oh, let's add in that my fiance happens to have a very large family meaning we would need to accommodate 100 guests. With a small budget and my dream of a beach wedding, it cut down our options to having a local wedding.

Flashback to 2018 on our Mexico trip around Oaxaca, we ended up doing a day trip to Puerto Escondido and completely fell in love with the incredible beaches (where we took these pictures). After we got home, we inquired with several wedding planners about costs and it fit our budget and style.

Our Wedding Planning Trip to Puerto Escondido

Based on our previous trip, we decided we would get married sometime November 2020 and would be best to go a year before to meet with our wedding planners to see, plan, and taste as much as we can. While I'm not sure how we would plan this wedding without wedding planners in a somewhat remote area, I would highly suggest getting wedding planners. Our wedding planners, Diamond Weddings, were highly responsive using WhatsApp and available to communicate in English for me. 

With months of chatting with our wedding planners, we met them over a week this past November. While we had a week, it also familiarized ourselves with the town and area (sites, food, bars, beaches, accommodations). We know have a better understanding of where guests can stay and do.

Over the week, we did site visits, three food tastings, 2 cake tastings, met with photographers, had a hair/makeup trial, and even had a photo shoot with an amazing photographer, Fredy G. Noyola, who took all these pictures for our Save the Date. While I thought we would end the trip having almost everything finalized, that was not the case. Contracts have to be written, but more importantly you have to come to agreement with your partner and factor in the budget. As of now, there are still lingering quotes we need from vendors (this is why wedding planners are great) and sitting down as a couple to make decisions.

We Set the Date!

While we have narrowed down our venue options, again those quotes and contracts, we did finalize our wedding date-NOVEMBER 14,2020. It's a bit surreal and also makes it very real. It may seem risky to have a date before locking in our venue, but we're confident in our wedding planner and securing a venue by end of week. In the meantime, I had our Save the Dates made and have been sending/giving those out. You can catch a glimpse of our Save the Dates. 

I Have A Dress!

To most it's shocking that I found my dress on my visit first ever to try on dresses and under 30 minutes. But I've had a reputation with knowing what I want when it comes to important dresses. Happened with my prom dress and goes back to being a little girl crying for the dress of my dreams. I'm not that surprised that I found my wedding dress within one try, but it happened so quickly and effortlessly that it still amazes me on my decisiveness. More importantly it's a big relief to have it off my mind. While my dress was not included in our wedding budget, I thought it would be harmless to head to a sample sale from Floravere, a brand I had been eyeing after for one particular dress. Because it was a sample sale (insert crazy pushing and shoving), I only brought a good friend, actually it's the friend who introduced me to my fiance. Tried on the dress that I had in mind and a few more, but it was a done deal. And, no there wasn't any madness. They organized it to keep 2-3 brides in at once and given a stylist to help you through the gowns and try-on process. 

January To-Do's:

-Finalize our venue location
-Send remaining family/friends their Save the Date
-Finalize our cater
-Decide on our wedding photographer
-Decide on our wedding invitation design

That's all the updates for now, but if you have any questions about a destination wedding or wedding planning I'm happy to help!

Weekend Trip to Palm Springs

top (on sale) // jeans // sandals // purse // sunglasses

There's no question that California has a lot to offer-great weather, mountains, beaches, deserts. I really could go on and one about my home state. But with so much to see and do, it's true that I haven't made it to some of the most visited spots. One of those was Palm Springs. I've spent plenty of time in the desert in Arizona in the past, but somehow never found a reason to make a trip to the very Instagrammable Palm Springs. A few months back my girlfriends and I got exciting news about one of them telling us she was pregnant! MY FIRST GOOD FRIEND IS MAKING A HUMAN! So we decided to celebrate with a girl's trip in August to Palm Springs. Did I mention Palm Springs is a desert and it's Summer still? Clearly, we were overcome by the baby announcement. Life lesson: don't start booking things after your friend tells you she's pregnant. The chances are no one is thinking straight.

Because I was mostly hopping from AC to car to hotel to car to food (aka I was not ready for that heat) I'm listing this out for you. Possible tips:

-Palm Springs is good for those who enjoy lounging by the pool with a drink or book in hand.

-Don't go in the middle of the Summer if you're not into sweating much

-Whatever you do, make sure your rental car has tinted windows because hot desert heat and no shaded parking.

-Do go to the Moorten Botanical Garden! And don't be scared off by their less up-to-date looking website. In person, it's a beautiful cacti and succulent dream. Not very big, but nice in the morning before it's too hot.

-Most of the hotel pools you see on Instagram are either for guests or some are possible to pay a fee to use.

-The downtown strip does have it all, but unless you do your research of where to eat you can easily fall into mediocre spots.

-You can forget about trying to take your picture in front of that house with the pink door. The owners have put up signs prohibiting photos.

-So many of the good bars and restaurants that were recommended were closed for vacation. Another reason not to go the end of August.

-Do NOT order a margarita at The Parker. That's $17 for a margarita that I'm sure was premixed. It will go down as the most unsatisfying and overpriced drink of all times.

While I learned a thing or two of mainly what not to do in Palm Springs, we had plenty of laughs at our decision on the timing of this trip. Would we do it again? Yes! Will it be in August again? Not a chance! But there's already talk you'll see us visit early Spring or Fall (with a baby!)

Have you visited Palm Springs?

What I'm Packing for Tulum

You guys I'm actually leaving for Tulum tomorrow evening! Someone pinch me! It's been on my bucklist for at least a year now. Not only do I get to experience Tulum with my fiance, but with close friends for a friend's wedding. While I certainly plan to celebrate their special day, I have every intention of soaking up the chill beach vibes. Oh, and eating! Just as my previous trip to Costa Rica two years ago, I'm planning to fit it all in my carry-on. It's mainly me always feeling better having my suitcase exactly where I know it is. Taken my experience from packing for Costa Rica, I figured it would be fun to share a few things that instantly made the top of my packing list for you.

Travel Bag
This travel bag has been loved for years now! It goes way back to my days working at Sole Society that I discovered it (and really all their weekenders). It's one of those bags that looks more expensive, but a complete steal that holds up. It actually does more traveling than me! I'm always letting my sister borrow it for her trips. It's a sturdy faux leather that's not only going to fit tons, but your other half won't mind holding because it's gender neutral.

Straw Hat
I'm all about protecting myself from the sun, but this is one of those hats that looks good year after year. It can go from the beach to a sea side lunch.

Black Jumpsuit
If you're looking for something versatile, this is it! I'm still debating if I should make this my travel outfit because it's SO comfy and has pockets. I do know that it's probably going to be worn several times on my trip. It can go from lunch to dinner real quick with a change of shoes and earrings.

Espadrilles
Well I can't go anywhere without my signature shoes! This is my second pair of these espadrilles and they are the best! From traveling to walking around, these are comfy and work with just about everything!

Wrap Dress
Initially, this was going to be my outfit to the wedding. I totally think it makes a great wedding dress, but it turns out it's more formal. It still works for the welcome dinner or eating at a nice restaurant. Heck, I might even make it a cover up.

Sunscreen
This is my everyday face moisturizer with SPF. It has clean ingredients and love that it doesn't leave my skin with a white film.

Black One-Piece
This came along to Costa Rica and taking it again. I feel like you can never go wrong with a good black bathing suit. It's just like an LBD just for the beach.

Tan Sandals
While I don't want to bring too many shoes, I needed something that was a little nicer than my espadrilles and beach appropriate. These flat sandals had great reviews and will work with a dress or shorts.

Tassel Earrings
My new go-to earrings that add some color to my outfits! The best part is that they are very light! They come in several other colors in case you're not into mustard.

Straw Purse
I'm pretty sure you've seen these straw circle purses evvvrywhere! And not that I need another circle bag, I just couldn't resist the price point. I'm all about taking just one purse to go with all my looks, so this is it! Well just maybe not the wedding.

Is anyone headed to a beach vacation soon? Hope this list helps you!

San Francisco // 3 Spots to Try

If you are wondering if you're reading the right blog, I assure you that you are. If you follow me on Snapchat (username: AdriLately), you probably aren't too surprised I'm talking about food or drinks. Just as much as I live for shopping, I love trying new places to eat (that includes a good cocktail) and traveling. I've gone on a handful of trips this year and haven't shared what to eat or drink (that's selfish as a blogger, riiight?) One place that was practically a second home to me during my early college years was San Francisco. Now, I still keep going back and trying new spots because you can't taste it all and honestly there's so many great restaurants in that amazingly cold city. Side note: I can't handle weather below 70 degrees. But I will endure it for a trip to San Francisco.

COQUETA // Let me just say that coqueta means flirty girl in Spanish. I had no clue because my Spanish is subpar. It's exactly that. Flavors just flirting with your tastebuds in the best way. It is Spanish and tapas style, so be prepared to order several dishes. It's located right along the water near the Bay Bridge. Definitely a good spot for a special meal. You'll want to make reservations or else you might get lucky with a seat at the bar.

LEO'S OYSTER BAR // If you can't appreciate an Instagram worthy spot, then just get past the picture perfect decor and order a drink. But let's be real-I wanted to take all those mirrors home. We didn't actually have oysters because we had been eating all.day.long. and we had zero reservations. This place is tiny, so make the reservations if you want to be sure about having a meal here. As an avid lover of cocktails, you need to come here. The attention to detail will be tasted. Just order the Garden Cocktail. 

LOLO // Your first thought when you hear Mexican food is filling. But this quirky spot in the Mission District was just the right way to start our eating binge. These were fish tacos on thin jicama slices. It's a taco I won't forget. The crunch from the fish and the refreshing jicama makes me want to go back right now. Oh, and you won't be disappointed by the margaritas.

Have you been to San Francisco? Let me know if you have a favorite spot I should add to the list.

Packing Light + Linkup

Well I'm Portland bound and no matter how many times I tell myself that I'll back in time, I just don't. Truthfully, this trip just snuck up on me. Plus, who books a flight for 6 am at the airport waaay across town? All eyes on the boyfriend. Even though I never feel fully prepared for packing, I've become a frantic pro at just packing a carry-on luggage. I only recommend that if you are doing 4-5 days. Here are my tried and true tips for packing light (after you calm down):

1. Pick basics: You don't have much space, so everything in that luggage is prime real estate. You need 90% of everything to go with everything else.

2. Limit shoes: I know, I know. Shoes can make or break an outfit. But shoes take up sooo much space. I tend to stick to 2 pairs inside and the most bulky on my feet. Again, you're better off with neutral colored so they will go with everything. 

3. Pick a fun item: It's really hard for me to let go of wanting to wear something fun and exciting for a trip. So think of it as your reward for sticking to packing light and find that one item that's bold, bright, or printed to take.

4. Be real: Many times I gone shopping right before the trip and try to savor the items by not wearing them prior to the trip. Don't do that! You want and really need everything to be comfortable. The worst thing is finding out while on vacation that something is really uncomfortable or a terrible fit.  

If you been to Portland, let me know where I should visit. I'm coming with a blank itinerary. I'll be snapping away so follow on Snapchat (username: AdriLately).

An InLinkz Link-up

Travel Tips I Wish I Knew

There's so much excited after you click that confirm button and next thing you know you have tickets booked. Sure booking a hotel, figuring out where you want to go, and getting around are obvious. It's those little things that really go unnoticed that can make such a b i g difference. Let's just say this less than seasoned traveler learned a thing or two the hard way after my trip to Costa Rica. Hopefully, this saves you some of the lessons I learned.

1. Carry on luggage weight limits: Oh, yesss! If you are doing an international flight, double check that they don't have any weight limits for your carry on. I suffer from serious separation anxiety when it comes to my luggage. My solution was to only pack a carry on so I wouldn't have to check anything in. You take that airlines, I'm going to outsmart you.  I was then told at the airport to weight it and guess what it's over the limit by 6 whole pounds. Know the limits and save yourself any surprises and save your valuables (even if it's just all your new shoes).  

2. Get on that probiotic: Listen, my stomach is a champ at excessive food consumption. I'm talking eat a whole pizza and later has room for ice cream. But without getting too TMI let's just say you don't know how your stomach responds to foreign food. I had a lot of stomach problems my entire trip. Once I came home, I took a probiotic and it was like m a g i c! Take a probiotic before you leave and bring some just in case.

3. Bring more than one credit card: I'm going to take it you know to call your bank and credit cards to let them know about your trip, so no need to mention that. But you want to make sure you have more than one credit card. While all my cards worked, the boyfriend had issues at some places with his card. Luckily I like him a lot and could back him up. But it's possible that the card you are relying on might not work. Don't put yourself in that situation if you don't have to. 

4. Turn your data off: This applies to those traveling internationally and you don't add an international plan to your cell phone. I really think you don't need to when you have wifi now. Thankfully, I was saved early on about this! But make sure you turn off your cellular data so you don't come back to a huge roaming bill. 

5. Plastic bags: Bring them! This is a more the merrier deal. We didn't realize how much dirty clothes we would have and were scrambling for plastic bags. Maybe this is more significant for those going to beach destinations or anywhere you might be getting wet, but we didn't always have time to let our swimsuits and clothes dry because we were on to the next place. Case in point you don't want to put damp, wet items with the rest of your dirty things.

Hope these tips help! If you have any questions about international travel or Costa Rica, let me know!