My Next Vacation and a Slim-Fast Gift Pack Giveaway
This is a sponsored review from BlogHer and Slim·Fast.
I can’t wait to go on our next vacation. Usually we only get to go on one a year, especially since my husband has been in school, but since this is his last year we’re making an exception. Why you ask? Well that’s because we’ve finally chosen the place we want to move to after he graduates, and we want to spend as much time there as financially possible (to be sure) before we make the move. And where is it? Wilmington, NC. Obscure, right? Well, my husband and I have been contemplating moving to various places all over the south. We have no family living that’s in a permanent location and have friends transplanted all over, so we have considered lots of places. I insisted on staying in the south, but getting out of south Florida because of the way I am treated, since I have an accent. Either people look at me when I speak like, what a cutesy accent, and have no idea what I said, or they ignore me because they have the pre-conceived notion anyone with an accent is a moron. We also want to be close to the water and closer to the snow so we can get to the ski resorts faster in the winter. We were at our wits end searching for and comparing cities, until someone recommended Wilmington. When we visited, we realized it was perfect for us, a quiet old town with lots of history, close to the beach, and a place that gets a little snow, but not enough that you have to shovel.
And did I mention the food? We happened upon three restaurants that were amazing, it was quite odd. I’ve never gotten that lucky in any city before. That sealed the deal for me.
I’m so excited that we get to go back to Wilmington so soon. We’re going in April for their azalea festival, my second favorite flower (my first is gardenia and third is a camellia in case you were wondering). At this festival, they also have a street fair where you can sample lots of foods from different restaurants. I can’t wait. The only problem is, like a girl, I have nothing to wear. I heard all the ladies in Wilmington wear hats at this festival, so I have to go get a hat. I haven’t been shopping for a hat yet, but I want to check some of our discount stores first before resorting to Macy’s where I know it will be higher. I also have to drop 10 pounds, or at least put forth an effort. I’ve been at the gym almost everyday for the past few weeks.
Today, I am going shopping for new spring inspired make-up. I lost my favorite lipstick on the ski lift when we were in West Virginia, so I need a new pretty pink hued lipstick. I’ve also been reading all the reviews on foundations this morning. Since I have so many things on my list, I want to save a little money on my makeup and buy at the drugstore or Target. Hopefully, I can get the right shade. My skin has gotten so much darker now that I stay at home with my son because we are doing outside activities alot, and none of the old colors I use to wear all through my twenties work for me anymore.
When it gets closer to the time, and when I hopefully lose a little more weight, I want to go shopping for some cute floral sundresses or skirts to wear that weekend. My spring and summer clothes wear out so quickly because we practically wear them year-round here in Florida, so I just don’t have a thing I want to wear that’s in the closet.
I think I’m okay on shoes, I have the cutest little flip-flops with a heel that have a large white flower on them, and I think they’ll work perfectly, so long as my big toes are heeled a little more from my ill-fitting skiing boots. If they aren’t, I’ll have to change my whole plan to sensible shoes, blah.
After I’m packed, I’ll have to drop the dog and cat off at the vet for boarding. My husband is getting home early on Friday, and we’ll take off just as soon as he gets in. The drive is about 9 hours, and we have lots of movies on my iPhone that I can hook up to the truck’s monitor to keep him occupied till he falls asleep. We’re not staying anywhere fancy, just a Holiday Inn, the same one we stayed at last time.
I am so excited to go on this little mini-vacation, even though it is just for the weekend. I’ve included a video here that tells you more about Wilmington’s azalea festival:
If you want to learn more about the history of this festival, I found this article from a local very interesting.
I probably over-plan my wardrobe for vacations, but for some reason I always feel like I need new clothes when we travel.
Do you over-plan any parts of your vacation, or just go with the flow? Let me know in the comment section below for a chance to win a Slim-Fast gift pack.
Please Visit the Promotions & Prizes section where you can find other blogger’s stories and enter to win their giveaways from Slim-Fast too.
Visit the Official site of Slim-Fast.
Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry
methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment
on this post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on
this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about
an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.
You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be
selected.
The Official Rules are available here, Visit the Official Rules.
The sweepstakes dates are: 3/28-4/20
Video: youtube.com/StarNewsOnline
Image: flickr.com/cygnus921
Oooh, enjoy your vacation! As for me – I have always been an over-planner, but I’m trying to just “chill” – after all, something ALWAYS goes wrong, so isn’t it best to just “go with the flow” and try to relax? Yeah, I know, easier said than done. 🙂
I overplan big time, its hard for me to relax especially trying to keep four kids organized and keep everything on schedule
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/ChelleB36/status/52538353853276160
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
*Sigh* I haven’t had a vacation in five + years 🙁
I plan the vacation ahead of time and hope that it works out ideally and then relax and enjoy.
Can’t say I over-plan my vacation because I’ve never been on one.
MCantu1019@aol.com
“If Only” vacations weren’t
so far and few in between! TAKE ME AWAY! Desperately seeking relaxation, fun, and much needed ME time.
I rarely overpack. I always end up packing the night (or hours) before, so I’m typically throwing things in a suitcase quickly and hoping I don’t miss anything. So far so good….
Love slimfast and vacations!
I ALWAYS over pack. I’m in college far away from home and every time I get the chance to go home I throw in at least one of everything I own. Usually ending with a suitcase just full of shoes. Of course, once I am home, I almost always just wear shorts and t shirt. While going home may not be the typical vacation, it is a welcome break from school.
I plan and make lists of what I need to do before I leave on vacation and what I need to take with me. I tend to overpack, as well. For the vacation itself, I tend to go with the flow.
I’m definitely a planner when it comes to vacations. I’ve learned that I need to make lists or I’ll forget something important!
As a working mother of three my day to day life is very planned and organized so when I ‘m on vacation I definitely like to go with the flow.
I just go with the flow when it comes to vacations.
tweet.http://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/54063134847139840
When I was younger, I would over plan…Now, I go with the flow~
bleatham*at*gmail.com
tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/sleatham1/status/54118153353048065
bleatham(at)gmail.com
RT @EclecticRecipes My Next Vacation and a Slim-Fast Gift Pack Giveaway | Eclectic Recipes http://bit.ly/fY0DDo
Vacations are wonderful when they happen. I over-plan, over-pack, and over-eat when I am on vacation, but I try to get the most out of seeing a new destination.
We plan our vacations but leave some room for spontaniety!
Thanks!
kmassmanATgmailDOTcom
I definitely overplan every day of a vacation.
I plan but just enough.
We plan place time and how long leave the rest to chance…..
everyday life requires to much planning our vacation should be just that a vacation.
s barrett 92 at yahoo dot com
I usually plan attractions that my family and I would like to see. Then, when we get to our destination, we decide which ones we all want to attend.
Thanks so much.
I am the one that plans vacations, checking out what local attractions are there etc. I try to have options for each day but not commit us to too much, so we can be flexible depending on the weather
http://twitter.com/saphyress/status/55785758019162112
My Next Vacation and a Slim-Fast Gift Pack Giveaway | Eclectic Recipes#comment-17706 http://t.co/YttJACN via @AddThis
I definately over plan from clothing to activities I like to be on top of it all.
Definitely a go with the flow type, I actually tend to under plan truth be told
I tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/eyzofblu63/status/56038691809918976
I overplan and probably try to do too much. I need to go with the flow more and relax
I am a detail person when it comes to vacation.
I used to over plan and over pack, but then I lugged two heavy suitcases thru some airports in Spain, one of the wheels on the heaviest suitcase broke, and I did not enjoy the results. So, now I pack lightly and I don’t worry because I know that there are stores where I’m going.
total over planner – about everything and always wish I could just go with the flow
tvollowitz at aol dot com
I go with the flow
overplan vacations- as to what needed but not on events
I just bought a cute new dress for vacation. It would be even cuter with 10 less pounds on me!
Tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/clc408/status/56328918122246144
I try to plan well and make lots of list before a vacation.
tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/fairydancer35/status/56761766180421632
i over plan… and then go with the flow ha
I don’t know if I overplan. I guess that’s really all about perception isn’t it. I do play but if our plans do go awry we’re fine with it.
I tend to overplan a little, but with 5 kids overplanning is usually the way to go to prevent needed items being left behind.
Tweet–https://twitter.com/suebaby05/status/57514975383662592
I go with the flow!!
RT @EclecticRecipes My Next Vacation and a Slim-Fast Gift Pack Giveaway | Eclectic Recipes http://bit.ly/fY0DDo
I definitely “go with the flow”, especially if I have plenty of money. I’ve run into tours and such that weren’t planned but turned out to be a blast.
I am more of a go with the flow type, we never pack very much for vacations.
Thanks for your share.I Love herve leger he actually designs clothes in mind for those who wear them-women, not tennage boys ! if every model said I’m not going under my healthy BMI the fashion world would have to start using healthy models. Like a strike to eat instead!
I overplan everything, especially vacations. I do weeks of research before I travel anywhere. I need to know the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions in the area.
I am sadly not an over planner (I wish I was) and am more of a “forget-the-most-crucial-things” person. How ever I am using Slim Fast to slim down a bit for an August family reunion. Enjoy you vacation!
I plan the basics, big things we can’t miss, but the rest of the time is for whatever we feel like doing
I mostly just go with the flow.
lazybones344 at gmail dot com
I do try to squeeze in way too much on our vacations, but this summer I plan on relaxing more on our vacation!
tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/KerryBishop/status/59394119918829568
RT @EclecticRecipes My Next Vacation and a Slim-Fast Gift Pack Giveaway | Eclectic Recipes http://bit.ly/fY0DDo
i always go with the flow
Oh I make lists like crazy! I hate forgetting things and not knowing what’s coming next!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
Tweet: http://twitter.com/coriwestphal/statuses/59827017172008961
coriwestphal at msn dot com
RT @EclecticRecipes My Next Vacation and a Slim-Fast Gift Pack #Giveaway | Eclectic Recipes http://bit.ly/fY0DDo
I like to think about what activities we want to do while we are on vacation, but I never plan it minute to minute.
i just go with the flow, i pack very light and don’t plan activities until i get to the destination.
songyueyu at gmail
tweet:https://twitter.com/#!/syytta/status/60131437537533953
I’ve done both – we just went to Europe and I went with the flow. But sometimes I overplan and end of micromanaging what should be a fun time.
ky2here at msn dot com
Tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/ky2here1/status/60160321494589440
ky2here at msn dot com
planning for vacation and giveaway http://eclecticrecipes.com/vacation-giveaway-slimfast
i overplan everything! i plan outfits, meals, where and what we are going to do on an hourly basis.. i may be the vacation nazi but i love making sure i get to see and do everything possible
My Next Vacation and a Slim-Fast Gift Pack Giveaway | Eclectic Recipes http://t.co/6bYenC5 via @AddThis (4/20)
I’m a go with the flow type of person, although I do plan a couple of things.
I *try* to go with the flow, but I’m a bit of a control freak, so it’s hard.
I tweeted about it http://twitter.com/smash906/status/60337956770164736
I go with the flow. After years of trying to control everything I realize it is too much stress and it is not going to happen as you plan anyways.
My tweet: http://twitter.com/njhhb/statuses/60348282202882048
I have never planned my own vacation. Maybe I’m lucky? I do tend to overpack a little bit though=(
Enter for a chance to win a Slim•Fast gift pack at Eclectric Recipes http://bit.ly/hjJSEj
I haven’t been on a vacation in over 10 years, but had airline mileage tickets that I had to use this spring. I went to Washington DC for 5 days. I wanted to do it as inexpensively as possible since I’m not working, so I stayed at a hostel. They have laundry facilities and are within 5 blocks of the White House. To avoid checked baggage fees, I made myself pack very light, and ended up with carry on and backpack with laptop! Total, just at 25 pounds! And, I walked just about everywhere (good exercise, good chance to see more, talk with people…). I had a blast! Have fun on your vacation!
I’m a big planner, but my husband is a huge over-planner. It’s like we take the whole house when we go on vacation.
I definitely don’t over-plan for the vacation, I like to go with the flow. But I’m very guilty of over-packing!
I used to over plan, but have learned to plan well and stress less.
I dont think I plan enough, but I dont go on vacation much either.
sweokgrl@gmail.com
I tweeted
sweokgrl@gmail.com
http://twitter.com/bdiane34/status/60496093967941632
I usually plan out the big stuff but leave plenty of time to explore on my own if I find something interesting off the beaten path. Your photography is beautiful!
i always plan and try to get the best deal and bang for my buck!!
I usually overplan. We are going to a local resort this year and I have added 3 extra packages to our stay so far thinking we won’t have enough to do! Thanks!
Not a planner but organizer yes
no, I just go with the flow!
itsjustme62613 at gmail.com
tweet
http://twitter.com/MistySunrise/status/60611057273675777
itsjustme62613 at gmail.com
RT @EclecticRecipes My Next Vacation and a Slim-Fast Gift Pack Giveaway | Eclectic Recipes http://bit.ly/fY0DDo
I’m a plan , plan . planner girl. I need to feel like I’m prepared. Nothing worse than getting or going to where you need to be and you have forgotten something. My hubby tells me I need to just go with the flow
i am not an over planner, i love to go with the flow. i just relax and enjoy the ride! that’s what vacations are for!
When we travel, I have everything planned weeks in advance. I make lists to insure I don’t forget anything.
My vacations these days are visiting my family who live a very long day’s drive from me. So I don’t do much planning other than figuring out when I will get to each house and when I will leave. Although I do give my sister of list of things that I need to do while I am there and she fits them into her busy schedule! Last year I had gift certificates to Boston Chicken and Baskin-Robbins – and we don’t have any of them locally, but my sister’s area had both. So my gift certificates provided dinner one night and dessert another!
Thanks for the giveaway!
tweet: http://twitter.com/js22222222/status/60739547369185280
I just go with the flow when it comes to vacation.
I am definitely a go with the flow type about everything but the clothes.
I tend to over plan that by putting the kids clothes in marked plastic bags for each day. Once we get there tho I am usually laid back and whatever happens is cool…I must remember it’s my vacation too!
tweeted…
http://twitter.com/#!/katklaw777/status/60779308960067585
I always overplan, but at the last minute I look at everything and just trim it down to the basics. I’m not big on much except jeans-that’s my basic clothing 24/7 if I could get away with it.
Tweet – http://twitter.com/willitara/status/60784032274853888
Its hard to be spontaneous when you have young children to care for. Most of the time I over plan and over pack. Every once in awhile, my husband will plan a little trip for the weekend to the beach for us and then spring it on me last minute. Either way, we love to go on trips.
I tweeted
http://twitter.com/ShawnaMichelle2/status/60791716365606912
Eclectic Recipes/BlogHer – Slim Fast Sweepstakes http://eclecticrecipes.com/vacation-giveaway-slimfast
I always go with the flow! Everyone else in my life stresses about plans, so I leave it up to them. It’s called a vacation for a reason.
I’ve done both! On my last vacation, I under planned and everything worked out wonderfully!
I overplan. I even like to have band-aids on hand.
Slimfast giveaway end today! http://eclecticrecipes.com/vacation-giveaway-slimfast
Years ago I planned out everything for vacations but realized it just stressed me out when plans didn’t always work out. Now, I am a go with the flow kind of person. We just get up and decide what we want to do each day. We come back much more relaxed these days from vacations.
longbarb1@aol.com
I heard that Wilmington is a nice place to stay and spend most years with a family since it’s peaceful and a lot of different places to enjoy and have fun. I hope I can visit Wilmington one day and bring my family me with so that I can experience how wonderful that place is. Thanks for sharing!