Ultimate Cruse Packing List

I consider myself a frequent cruiser and an expert packer, which makes me the ideal person to put together an Ultimate Cruise Packing List!

I had one heck of a time putting together this list for you guys, and I can't wait to share it!

You can download this list as a PDF here.

This December, I'm taking a holiday cruise with my family, and I will definitely be making several detailed posts around that, including a "What to wear", a "What to expect", and my experience cruising in the winter time! 

What's your favorite cruise? Let me know in a comment!

What's Trending: Espadrilles 3 Ways

Espadrilles have been a major trend lately, and I've seen many styles and flavors on sale this Summer! Today, I'm going to show you 3 different outfits I put together using 3 different pairs of Espadrilles! You can shop my picks using the links below. :)

Espadrille Wedges by Bri Martindale featuring Michael Kors Wedge Sandals

Espadrille Sandals by Bri Martindale featuring Nine West Lace-Up Flats

Cream Espadrilles by Bri Martindale featuring Patricia Green Espadrille Flats

I'm obsessed with these sets! Thanks for reading!

7 Tips for Online Shopping

As someone who goes to school and works 5 days a week, I don't have a lot of extra time to be running around shopping for much of anything. So, I do most of my shopping online. The world of e-commerce has a lot to offer these days. Not only can you find a larger selection of goods online, but you can do it without getting out of your PJ's.

Sometimes shopping online can be a bit of a blind game, so I'm giving you 7 tips to help you navigate better and have a more pleasant experience.

Read Reviews. If the website has reviews, it is in your best interest to take a look at them. Many times, reviews are what saves me from wasting money on a product not fit for me. If the website does not have reviews on their products, you can check Amazon. I do this frequently when browsing for books. (They might just have a lower price too!) 

Go Over Shipping and Return Policies. I'm a huge fan of the term "free shipping and returns." It makes me more likely to buy from a store if they have free shipping, and I'm always more confident when they offer free returns as well. Before you browse and fall in love with that top, make sure you look at shipping costs! 

Speaking of returns, if a store does not have free returns, Purchase Return Insurance, when available. Even if you are just a little bit unsure about what you are buying - how it will look or fit - this is a good thing to do. Not a lot of websites offer return insurance, but it is usually cheap, and is better than paying higher charges for shipping or getting refund deductions. Boo!

Check Size Charts. Always, always, always pay attention to sizing. I cannot stress this enough. You could be a size small at one store and a size large somewhere else. It happens. Be familiar with your measurements to make this process faster. I tend to go by bust measurements. I am 36 inches around, but since I like a roomier, looser fit, I lean toward 38 inch bust size. Know your body and preferences.

Use PayPal. This is another one of those "peace of mind" tips. Not only does PayPal give you free payment protection, but it can make checking-out faster too, since you only have to sign in to PayPal from the site instead of having to enter all of your card information. This also makes shopping more secure if you're browsing on a questionable network.

Search for Discounts and Promo Codes. Many times, stores will give you a 10-15% discount just for joining their mailing list. (Which you can later unsubscribe to!) You can also search for promo codes and special discounts on Groupon and other savings and coupon websites! Bonus!

Leave the Packaging in Tact. Many stores require you to return their products in their original packing. So, even if you're excited to get into that box, resist tearing it open and disposing of the box until you're absolutely sure about your purchases!

Have any other advice for shopping online? Have an online shopping horror story? Leave a comment and let me know!

OOTD: Last-Minute Shopping!

Weather has been crazy here in Alabama! The high today was 36 degrees (ouch!) , and the wind made for some crazy hair whilst traveling from store to store! I ended up throwing mine into a scrunchy mid-day.

All business has been taken care of and I'm officially ready for Christmas!

Fleece Vest: Columbia // Top: Old Navy // Blue Jeans // Booties: Similar 

Jacket: Similar // Necklace: Similar // Watch: Target

Comment and let me know how you like this ensemble!

Thanks for visiting!

27+ Car Essentials for Every Girl

Ever been stranded in your car? Ever got somewhere and realized you forgot to put on deodorant? Here's my list of 27+ things that will make you a little more prepared for life's emergencies.

Jumper Cables (& instructions/knowledge on how to use them!) You never know how important these are until you go through the experience of having your car die in a parking lot. Grab a pair at any large retailer like Walmart or Target. A decent set will run you less than $20 and might save your life/sanity one day. Mine have (thankfully) never been out of the box, but I keep them in the stow-away compartment in my trunk. I also keep this handy-dandy printable in my glove box.

A First-Aid Kit I can't tell you the number of times this has come in handy. I have this one- a pretty great kit with lots of frills and every kind of bandage you could ever want. It even comes with a mini first aid kit that you can keep up front in the glove box.

Ice Scraper (& other weather-related tools) Especially if your car spends a lot of time parked outside. Since I live in Alabama, I don't have to worry as much about ice and snow as someone who lives in Minnesota. Nevertheless, I keep an ice scraper in my glove box. Other weather essentials could include a shovel and a space blanket. AAA makes this great severe-weather road kit you could store instead.

Extra socks, gloves, hand warmers, and even a blanket. The gloves and socks have definitely come in handy, and the blanket isn't just good for weather emergencies, but can also be used for impromptu picnics, star watching, and other adventures. 

A spare tire (& replacement accessories) This means a tire jack, a cross wrench, and a decent knowledge on how to replace a tire. I've never done this myself, but if you don't belong to a roadside assistance club like AAA, you probably need to do some research so you don't end up stranded somewhere with a flat tire.

Other Safety Essentials include a packable rain poncho, flashlights, duct tape, tire sealant, and a multi-tool. A more in-depth list of essentials can be found here.

A spare phone charger or external battery. It took multiple times of me ending up someplace with a dead phone to learn to keep a charger on me. Please learn from my mistakes.

Feminine Hygiene Products: I am constantly having to replace the stash I keep in my center console. I forget to bring "the stuff" with me all the time, and having extra supplies in my car is a life-saver. Even if you never use them, having a few pads/tampons kept around for other girls can definitely be beneficial.

Extra Underwear: Just trust me. Throw in some extra toilet paper in, too, while you're at it.

Hand Sanitizer/Hand Lotion/Deodorant/Wet Wipes/Tissues/Breath-mints: I use at least one of these things every day. I could not do life without them.

Food & Water: I go through bottled water like hotcakes, so I'm replacing what I've got. I also keep a few Luna bars and Slim Jims in my center console, just in case.

What else do you keep in your car? Leave a comment and let me know!