beach activities

Good morning!  Today I am writing about some beach activities to do. I'm sure everyone's experienced the rainy day at the beach, stuck inside, playing any board game you could find. A few of these can relate for a rainy day, everything else is when your tired of the beach, which occasionally happens. These are also some of my favorite ways to get some exercise!! (which we know always happens)

+ go for a bike ride

I love going biking at the beach, it's one of my favorite activities. It gives you the opportunity to see the town, if your new to it, or go back and see the sights and sounds.

+ try something new

I always think it's fun to try something new,  to see if you like it. A few years ago I tried paddle boarding (something else to do) and I quickly fell in love!! It's now something I do every time I go to the beach! 

+ a water activity

Just like I said above I tried paddle boarding and really enjoyed it. It's something fun, not too difficult, and it's a peaceful and relaxing exercise. Kayaking is a little different, but still the same idea. It's fun, relaxing, and a great arm exercise. 

+ take a walk or run

Just like biking, taking a run or walk gives you a nice and easy way to exercise without the gym. Taking a walk or going running also gives you another chance to see the town. 

+ go shopping

If all else fails, revert to shopping. On rainy days shops and outlets will be really crowded, but if you get something good it will be worth it.  Again, it gives you yet another reason to explore the town/area. 

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@lemondesigned

best beaches (east coast)

It's finally starting to feel like summer, especially with the temperature rising and I'm definitely ready to just lounge by the beach.  Speaking of the beach, vacation is soon!  I have decided to pick my three favorite beaches located on the east coast and share them with you all today!

+ Assateague Island

Assateague Island is actually a national park, with a beach, camp grounds, and a gorgeous bay side.  From experience I know that nature is all around, especially when you see the wild ponies roaming around! (Look above!)  Kayaking, camping, and biking are some available activities to see and do to  enjoy the natural habitat.

+ Nantucket

Looking for a cute little town filled with classic looks, hydrangeas, and sail boats.  Here you have it! This little town is filled with a lot of little things to do including bike rides, going sailing, and shopping the mom and pop shops.

+ Siesta Keys

If you haven't seen pictures, look it up!  Voted America's best beach in 2015 for its white sands, palm trees, and turquoise waters.  It's pretty isolated so it gives you a chance to relax, take a hike in the parks, or get a massage in the spas.

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@lemondesigned

annapolis

One of the things that I had on my spring bucket list was to take a day long road trip, somewhere, anywhere.  I decided to take a fun, exciting trip up to Annapolis to visit some old friends and check out the latest and greatest places.  Basically this is my Annapolis Trip Guide.  Maryland's a great state, you have your beach on the coast, not to mention a mini beach right here in Annapolis, along with city life and not to mention the Capitol.  I have traveled to Annapolis a few times now because lots of friends live up there.

Food.

Do. Not. Go. And. Not. Eat. That is probably my number one piece of advice. Maryland is known for one thing, it's crabs, but your not limited to crabs.  Go to Dock Street restaurant. (it's a command) Recently when I went up I got their crab cake, I realized I had made a great decision.

Not a fan of the classic crab cake? That's fine. Just take  walk up the street and stop by Mason's Lobster Rolls.  Again, they are delicious.  The perfect amount of lobster on a toasted, buttery roll.

Did I mention the homes in historic Annapolis are amazing, especially their flower boxes and door knockers? Love!

Shops.

Some of my all time favorite shops are in Annapolis.
My main to go to places include The Pink Crab, The Lucky Knot, Kokopelli, Lou Lou, Black Dog, Tervis Tumbler, Alex and Ani, Helly Hansen, and of course a little stop at Starbucks.

Where are your go to places and shops?

and...shop the look i wore yesterday here

see you tomorrow!

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@lemondesigned

the flower market

Last week, I posted something on what to send to your girl friends for Valentine's Day. Today's post is on what to do by yourself on Valentine's Day, or any other day in London!  What's my idea of a perfect Valentine's day alone? Going to a flower market!  Over the weekend I attended a flower market with some friends, and I decided to share some pictures! And check out some exciting news below!

And for that exciting news, tomorrow I leave for Paris! Can't wait to share my trip next Thursday!

see you tomorrow!

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@lemondesigned

paris

Last week I mentioned that I was going to Paris with some friends over the weekend!  For this week of Across the Pond I decided to share with you my tips on traveling to Paris, or any where in Europe for that matter! Just to warn you this is a long post and there are a lot of pictures!

+ pick a random weekend and book in advance

Don't be hesitant with picking a weekend, make sure you have nothing planned on a weekend, choose that one, and book it!  Just do it! Afterwards, get your hotel, plane ticket, and if already in Europe, buy a train ticket. 

+ getting to and from

I take the train into Paris out of London, and it easily is the best, most efficient way to get there.  As far as when you arrive, take an Uber from the train station, the cab drivers will charge you unfair rates assuming you're unfamiliar with the area.  The metro is cheaper than an Uber, but take an Uber, it's a great way to see the city, without spending your whole day on a bus tour.

+ packing and fashion

Don't over pack!  To my surprise when I arrived there were 122 (yes, I counted) steps that led to my friend's 7th floor flat.  The French dress very well all the time, so leave your lulu lemon headband and baseball hat at home! For clothing, pack pieces of grey, black, and white, and other pieces with a little color, because you can't go wrong with classic style.  I always had a scarf with me when it was chilly.  Wear comfortable walking shoes such as flat riding boots-both comfortable and chic!

+ food

Start each day out a cafe, or even the same one, and each day try something new. We went to Cafe Flore each morning and chatted about what to do that day.  Ask the locals for recommendations for dinner and drinks.

+ shopping and safety

While out of your hotel, wear this cross body bag under your coat with your i.d. passport, money, and anything else important, Paris is known for pocket pickers, but I didn't have any trouble. Never leave anything important in hotels either.  If you want to shop, know that nearly everything closes on Sundays!  I was unaware of this so I will be going back in the near future to make up for it!

+ relax 

Relax, take in the sights and sounds.  Don't feel rushed with planning ahead, just do everything day by day.  Take an extra night.  I spent my Sunday night in Paris and took an early train back to London Monday morning.  This made my Sunday more enjoyable and I didn't have to waste a day of holiday on traveling.

lastly...

+ know your manners

Although I do not speak French, a hello sir or hello ma'am can go a long way. 

 (I let my friend who grew up in Paris take it from there!) 

Hello Sir - Bonjour Monsieur

Hello Ma'am - Bonjour Madam

Merci - Thank you

Pardon - Excuse Me

p.s. my upcoming trips are...the Swiss Alps and Ireland!!

see you tomorrow!

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@lemondesigned

what to bring when flying

Across the Pond is a featured post every Thursday, about the travel and lifestyle of London written by my good friend.  I'm so excited to announce this is the first week of Across the Pond! Today's post in about what to wear and bring when flying, so welcome aboard!

what to wear

+ leggings- wear something that looks good, but feels like sweatpants

+ subtle t-shirt- bring a comfy shirt that looks and feels good

+ cashmere pullover- again, wear something that looks good, but feels like a sweatshirt

+ cashmere scarf- you want to have a scarf that doubles as a blanket

+ glasses- on the plane, especially long flights your contacts will get dry

+ comfortable shoes- you never know how long you'll be waiting for your luggage to turn up or when your airbnb turns into a 5 story walk-up, bring nice shoes in case your luggage is lost- clothes are easy to replace but shoes not so much

what to bring in your carry on

+ dooney and bourke flat zip pouch
(holds my id cards, passport and money)
I wear it under my coat at all times.

+ cashmere scarf 

+ socks

+ head phones 

(ear buds will hurt your ears)

+ glasses

(contacts will get dry)

+ charger or adapter

+ large long champ

(can be a purse and carry on)

+ leggings

+ neutral sweatshirt

+ lacoste t shirt

+ long champ coin purses

(perfect for make up, hair ties, toiletries, ext.)

and

my suitcases 

see you tomorrow!

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@lemondesigned

workout outfit

If you saw yesterday's post, filled with tips on how to start a workout routine during the winter, you would know it's hard. Do you know what's harder than that?  Finding something to wear with it!  This definitely is my go to workout outfit, and you can shop it below!

nike shoes // patagonia pullover // under armour socks // champion leggings

note: the nike shoes are unfortunately only available in pink online, stores do carry the teal.  the patagonia pullover design and colors have changed, and the champion leggings have also changed.

see you tomorrow! 

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@lemondesigned

travel

Do you have a place that you have wanted to go?  It's your chance now, just go. If you wanted to go and stay there, get a one way ticket. It's your time. 

Now London, Hawaii, and Ireland have always been on my personal wanderlust. There have been so many fellow bloggers and family members have been traveling lately, and have a feeling it is my turn soon, so I have get a plane ticket!  

I do have experience traveling and here is my advice. 

1. Travel Light.

I know many people with lots of clothes and shoes and accessories, something they don't need to take them on their trip, but they do. I know because I am one of those people! Well, I was I now try to pack on shirt, skirt, dress, and pair of pants per day, and then I bring one extra pair of clothes just in case! Then I choose a pair of comfortable clothes and something to wear while sleeping. And of course I bring a lot of shoes for photos, but if not I bring about four pairs of shoes.  As far as make up, toothbrush, hair supplies, and the rest of your beauty supplies. I choose a cosmetic bag, here are just a few of my favorites. 

     Lilly Pulitzer Bamboo Case- $58

Tory Burch Kerrington Mini Triangle-$95

Kate Spade Cedar Street Flamingos-$88

Book: Kate Spade 

Shoes: Target

Bag: Coach

Pants: Loft

Shirt: Lilly for Target

See you tomorrow!

@lemondesigned