My Carry On Travel Essentials

My Carry On Travel Essentials

I'm currently on a surprise birthday trip to Los Angeles (a present from my dad...Thanks dad) and I thought I'd share with you my essential travel items.

Besides a checked bag, I bring a backpack and a large purse on the plane with me. The backpack holds a lot of the extra stuff that didn't fit in my suitcase and the purse is for everything I'll need for the duration of the flight.

Headphones:

I got these as a birthday gift from my friend Samantha. They fold up and are perfect for traveling.

Sunglasses:

These were a birthday present that I bought for myself. I take sunglasses almost everywhere I go!

Electronics:

Phone charger, Ipad Mini, and a power bank for extra charge. 

Reading Material:

I chose to bring four books (I generally also might buy a magazine at the airport). 

Don't Mind If I Do By George Hamilton

Joi Lansing - A Body To Die For - A Love Story By Alexis Hunter

Singing The Song Of Life : One Woman's Symphony By Debra Beryle

The Lady, The Legend, The Truth By Lana Turner

Accommodations for resting:

Neck Pillow and Blanket

Makeup:

I use one of my Ipsy bags and carry some of my must haves with me.... Pressed powder, an "everything" balm, lipstick, highlighting powder, an eyeshadow stick, blush, contour stick, and an anti frizz hair product.

To combat any anxiety:

EarPlanes- These are seriously a lifesaver. When I was really young, I would constantly have ear infections. I ended up having tubes put in and throughout my life I have always had a lot of wax buildup. On a plane, my ears are really sensitive and I no longer have to worry about them getting blocked thanks to Earplanes. I also experience little popping and less pain. I don't like traditional earplugs because they are uncomfortable etc, but these are soft and don't go all the way in the ear. They also tune out sounds. You only need to keep them in until the plane has reached maximum altitude and then again when descending. 

Rescue Remedy-  I buy the candy pastilles form and they are a natural stress reliever. A friend of mine had me try these a few years ago and now they're always in my purse. They really help when I am feeling anxious.

Thieves Oil-  This essential oil blend is made up of clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary. Whenever I feel a cold coming on, I make sure to spray this. It also helps with my breathing when I am having some anxiety.

Sea Bands- This is the first time I have traveled with this product. Typically you use this to help with motion sickness or morning sickness. Sea Bands are a knitted band which have a plastic stud that rest on an acupressure point on your wrist. The same pressure point used to help with nausea also can help with stress and anxiety. 

Nasal Spray- Helps me to breathe when I'm really congested. 

Calm (By Natural Vitality)- This is a magnesium supplement that has a number of uses. I use it when I'm feeling anxious. By taking this on a regular basis, it helps with your overall health. Besides helping with my anxiety, it also helps with PMS, constipation, low energy levels, etc. 

Other Necessary Items:

Tissues, Gum, Wallet, Notebook to write in, Snacks (I usually bring protein bars or granola bars of some sort), Deodorant, Underwear (You never know when that will come in handy), Business Cards, Purell, Bandaids, Sanitary Products, and a Toothbrush and Toothpaste.


What are some of your essential items when flying? Where is your next adventure? 

As always, if you have any questions, leave a comment below or feel free to email me at TheZenFashionista@Gmail.Com 

To subscribe to my blog, you can click the subscribe tab at the top of this page, comment, or give it to me personally. I really appreciate it!

Until next time,

XOXOTheZenFashionista

21 Things I'd Like To Accomplish Before I Turn 22

So, as you may know, I turned 21, two weeks ago. I decided to make a list of 21 things I'd like to accomplish before I turn 22. 


These are in no particular order and everything is of course subject to change. 


1. Learn how to sew  

Studying fashion and having an interest in design, learning how to sew is a valuable skill to have.


2. Learn how to drive

There are a lot of reasons why I have not gotten my license yet. When most teenagers turn 16, that is usually the first thing on their mind. For me, it was my health. I also was later in a severe auto accident that further impacted my well-being. I studied and got my permit and now I just need to go back in there and get my license. 

3. Hit 200 email subscribers on my blog

4. Start selling essential oils 

This is something I have been planning for a while. I know they say there is no time like the present, but I really wanted to wait for the right time...and I know that is coming.  

5. Write for a publication

I'd like to be published in a magazine or newspaper. I think covering a local event is where I'd like to start.

6. Fill up a sketchbook

To continue my pursuit in improving my sketching, I want to be sure to fill up a full sketchbook. 

7. Keep up with my health goals

8. Take a drawing class

9. Be a vendor at an art fair/event

10. Visit NYC

New York is one of the places I want to explore. I haven't been to the east coast, except for a five day convention in Washington DC a few years ago. 

11. Wake up earlier

I am a person who is definitely more productive during the night time. I also love to stay up late and sleep in. I want to work on my sleeping habits in the coming year.

12. Karaoke

I mean this one is pretty self explanatory. I have wanted to do this for years, but you always had to be 21 in order to sing. 

13. Publish my book

This will happen and I can't wait!

14. Drink more water and get healthier

Water helps with inflammation and there are countless reasons to drink more of it. I also want to get to the root cause of why I haven't been feeling as healthy as I know I can be.

15. Have new headshots taken

16. Get a LinkedIn 

In the next few months and in the time before I turn 22, I'll have some credentials and skills that would look nice on a LinkedIn profile. I know how important it is to have one in the business world and I feel I'll be ready to register and create my "resume."

17. Wear my glasses more often

:O This picture is from two years ago. 

I started wearing glasses in the first grade and wore them every day until high school. I can definitely see without them, but when I wear them it makes seeing a concert or attending a lecture more enjoyable. The world truly is much clearer with them on.

18. Take a train to Chicago

I've never been on a train before and it's something I've always thought would be fun to do. I was supposed to take a train to Chicago almost two years ago, but ended up driving with a friend instead. 

19. See Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

I can't wait to see this! I already own the soundtrack and I have heard from friends who saw it in New York how fabulous it is.

20. Journal more

When I was younger, I kept a diary. Over the years, I've stopped and then started again numerous times. I want to start documenting my days in a journal again. Maybe even make it more of a scrapbook diary. I think that would be great to have when I am older. 

21. Continue to be mindful and grateful and do what I can to help others

What are some things you want to accomplish before your next birthday?

As always, if you have any questions, leave a comment below or feel free to email me at TheZenFashionista@Gmail.Com 

To subscribe to my blog, you can click the subscribe tab at the top of this page, comment, or give it to me personally. I really appreciate it!

Until next time,

XOXOTheZenFashionista

My 21st Birthday - A Psychedelic Mad Hatter Tea Party

Happy Monday everyone! Sorry for not posting a blog last week...It was my 21st birthday! I hosted a psychedelic mad hatter tea party and thought I'd share some pictures with you. 

Some of the decor made for my party! 

Aren't the tablecloths amazing? Mandala's for the psychedelic theme! 

I set the tables with pixie sticks, tea cups, tea lights, and bubbles! 

    

Some of the food made for my party:

    Tuna and Turkey tea sandwiches

    Smoked Salmon dip with bruschetta

    Vegan Lentil and Hummus pitas

Clotted Cream and Crumpets

    Veggie bites

    Egg Salad tea sandwiches 

    Cucumber and cream cheese tea sandwiches 

Chicken pasta salad

    Quinoa salad

    

    I bought tea cup and saucer planters & lady bug boxes for everyone to paint.

   

                 

     Some of the Psychedelic Mad Hatter themed party plates, cups, and napkins.

    Tea Bag sugar cookies! They were so delicious! 

  Egg salad tea sandwiches that a friend of mine made! 

Vegan hummus and lentil pitas!

Coconut Lavender Lemonade!

I also had iced peach tea, virgin mimosa's, and various hot teas. 

   

        My friend Adrienne painted this! Doesn't it look like something you could buy at Hallmark? 

How cool was my cake? I didn't want to eat it because it was so pretty. :P

I also had scones, french macarons, and a lemon vegan cake with pink roses.

My friend Samantha (the one in the middle) drove a few hours to come to my party. It meant so much to me!

Some of the people that came to my party. 

Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate with me and made my day so special! 

And thank you to my parents, my best friend Ashley, Stephanie, Kelly, Emma, and Cameron for helping to set up and make some of the food! 

P.S. Both of my dresses that I wore (Yes, I had an outfit change), are from Boohoo!

Have you been to any fun themed parties lately? Let me know in the comments below! 

As always, if you have any questions, leave a comment below or feel free to email me at TheZenFashionista@Gmail.Com 

To subscribe to my blog, you can click the subscribe tab at the top of this page, comment, or give it to me personally. I really appreciate it!

Until next time,

XOXOTheZenFashionista