Fun Things To Bring On Vacation With The Girls

  

Fun Things to Bring On Vacation With the Girls, By Barbie's Beauty Bits

Girls just wanna have fun, no matter their age. And going on vacation with your best girlfriends is an enjoyable and memorable way to do just that. 

Whether planning a beach trip to California or a girl's weekend to New York city, packing the right things can make all the difference. 

Here is a packing list of fun things to bring on vacation with the girls to help you have a great time. 

Packing List For Your Girls Trip

Matching Outfits For You And Your Besties
Matching outfits are not only a great way to create unity within your group, but they can also add a fun and playful element to your vacation. Whether wearing matching swimsuits on the beach or sporting matching t-shirts while exploring a new city, you'll stand out as a group and create great photo opportunities.

One way to approach matching outfits is to go for a coordinated look rather than identical outfits. For example, you could all wear different styles of the same color or mix and match patterns and prints with similar color schemes. This approach is more subtle than wearing identical outfits but still creates a cohesive look for your group.

Another fun way to incorporate matching outfits is to theme your outfits to your destination. For example, if you're headed to a tropical location, you could all wear bright colors reflecting the vibrant atmosphere. If city bound, you could all wear matching graphic t-shirts that showcase the city's iconic landmarks.

You could also consider matching accessories such as sunglasses, hats, or jewelry. These small details can tie your group together and create a cohesive look.

Bring A Portable Speaker When Traveling
A portable speaker can be a game-changer when setting the mood on vacation. Whether you're looking to relax and unwind or pump up the energy for a night out, having your own music on hand makes a difference.

A portable speaker is incredibly versatile. Use it to play music in your hotel room, on the beach, by the pool, or at a picnic in the park. It's lightweight and easy to pack; you can bring it wherever you go and set up your own personal soundtrack, no matter where you are.

Most models are Bluetooth-enabled, so you can wirelessly connect your phone or other devices and start playing music immediately. Many portable speakers also come with a rechargeable battery, so you don't need to worry about finding an outlet or carrying extra batteries.

Another great thing about a portable speaker is that it can help set the mood for different activities throughout your trip. You could play relaxing music while lounging by the pool, upbeat tunes while getting ready for a night out, or even have a dance party in your hotel room.

Having your own music with you means you can customize the ambiance and create a fun and memorable experience for everyone in your group. Come on, 80's hair band.

Skincare Masks For A Selfcare Night In With The Girls
You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream. Skincare that is with I Dew Care Scoop Squad Skincare Sheet Mask Set!

When I think of a “Girl’s getaway, one thing that comes to mind is a spa night in with some much-needed self-care, which translates into some fun skincare for you and your besties.

Let it be a day of rest, both mentally and physically, while you chat with your favorite girls and use your favorite skincare products. And don't forget to drink wine from portable wine glasses!

Multitasking Makeup For A Glam Night Out With The Girls
We always want a fun glam night out if you are like me and my besties. This includes a full glam look, dressing to the 9, and hair all did. But packing all that makeup can be a bag on its own! 

But what if I told you that some common makeup products have multiple uses, allowing you simplify your makeup and to pack light? Awesome, right? See below some of my favorite beauty hacks to use makeup in various ways…

Multiple Uses For Mascara:
Besides being used on your eyelashes and eyebrows, you can use it as an eyeliner to cover gray hair.

Multiple Uses Lipstick Beauty Hacks:
Use lipstick as a blush, concealer, and gloss! You can also use it on your eyes, depending on the color!

Multiple Uses Beauty Hacks For Bronzer:
I think this is the best! It can be used as eyeshadow to contour, sculpt, and glow. The best way to apply bronzer is to dust it on your lashes before applying mascara, so they appear thicker. As a result, mascara will adhere to the lashes, giving them a thicker appearance.

Even Beauty Hacks For Your Hair
There is no doubt that a bronzer is a multitasking product, and guess what it goes far beyond just makeup uses. 

We all could use some easy hair tips when traveling, and using a loose bronzer to cover grays in light brown hair and as a dry shampoo.

Bring An Eyeshadow Palette
All of the colors you need are in one place with these!

CBD Gummies For Your Next Girls Trip
CBD gummies can be a great addition to your vacation in the states with the girls, particularly if you're looking for a natural way to relax and unwind.

It has been shown that CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in hemp plants with a wide range of potential health benefits. For those seeking relaxation and stress reduction, CBD gummies are a tasty, convenient way to consume CBD.

A primary benefit of CBD gummies is that they promote relaxation and reduce stress. The compound has been shown to have anxiolytic, or anxiety-reducing, properties, and it may help to calm the mind and body. This can be particularly useful on vacation when you are away from your usual routine and feeling out of sorts.

CBD gummies have a range of other potential health benefits. For example, the compound has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce pain and soreness in the body. This can be particularly useful if you're engaging in physical activities like hiking, swimming, or sightseeing, as it can help to reduce any discomfort you may be feeling.

CBD gummies are also popular for those looking to improve their sleep quality. Sleep may be improved by this compound since it reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation. CBDs can be particularly useful if you're dealing with jet lag or having trouble adjusting to a new time zone.

CBD gummies are a convenient and discreet way to consume CBD, making them an excellent choice for travel. They're easy to pack in your luggage or carry-on bag and can be consumed on the go without drawing too much attention. Plus, they're a tasty and enjoyable way to promote relaxation and reduce stress.

Fun Games For Your Girls Trip
Games are a fun and entertaining way to spend time with friends on vacation. Whether you're looking to pass the time during a long flight or waiting out a rainy day, having some games on hand can be a great way to keep everyone in your group engaged and having fun.

Games are a great way to bond with your friends. Playing games together can help to break the ice, create memories, and build stronger relationships. It's a great way to get to know each other better and discover new things about each other that you may not have known before.

Games are a versatile form of entertainment that everyone in your group can enjoy. Whether you're into card games, board games, or video games, there's something for everyone. Plus, games are a great way to pass the time during long travel days, even road trips, making them a great addition to your carry-on bag.

Games can also be a great way to relieve stress and anxiety. Laughing and having fun with friends can help to reduce tension and improve your mood.

It's a great way to take a break from social media and technology and connect with the people around you.

Snacks To Bring For Your Next Girls Trip
Snacks are an essential item to pack on any vacation with the girls. They are a great way to satisfy hunger in between meals and save you money and time by not having to search for food options while traveling constantly.

Whether you're hitting the beach, hiking, or exploring a new city, keeping your energy levels up is essential. Snacks like granola bars, trail mix, or fruit are easy to pack and provide a quick energy boost to keep you going.

Snacks can help you save money. Eating out can quickly add up, especially when traveling with a group. Having snacks on hand means avoiding the extra costs of expensive food options and instead having something on hand to tide you over until your next meal.

Snacks can also be a great way to try local flavors and cuisines. Whether trying new exotic fruits or sampling local snack foods, packing your snacks can be a fun way to incorporate local flavors into your trip.

Portable Charger A Must For Any Vacation With Your Gal Pals
A portable charger is a must-have item for any vacation with the girls, especially if you plan to be out and about for long periods. With a portable phone charger, you can ensure that your phone stays charged throughout the day, so you can take advantage of every moment and an opportunity to capture a great photo.

One of the main benefits of a portable charger is that it allows you to stay connected and accessible at all times.

Whether you're using your phone to navigate an unfamiliar city, stay in touch with friends and family back home, or take photos and videos of your adventures, having a fully charged phone is essential. With a portable charger, you don't have to worry about your phone dying when you need it the most.

A portable charger can also be a great way to stay safe and prepared during your vacation. If traveling in a foreign country or unfamiliar location, having a charged phone can be a lifesaver in an emergency.

You can use your phone to call for help, get directions, or access important information, and a portable charger ensures that you always have enough battery life to do so.

Take A Sip It's A Girls Trip...Did Someone Say Wine

Wine can be a fun addition to your vacation with the girls, but it's essential to keep in mind that different destinations may have different laws and regulations when it comes to drinking. Do your research ahead of time to ensure that you're not breaking any rules or putting yourself in danger.

Wine can be a great way to celebrate a special occasion with friends. Whether toasting to a birthday, graduation or just enjoying a much-needed vacation, having a bottle of wine or champagne on hand can be a fun way to mark the occasion.

Pre-made cocktails or other drinks can also be a fun way to relax and unwind after a day of activities. Sipping on a fruity cocktail by the pool or beach can be a great way to unwind and enjoy the moment with your friends.

However, it's important to remember to drink responsibly and never consume more than you can handle. Drinking too much can endanger yourself and others and ruin the trip's fun. Make sure to stay hydrated and take breaks if necessary.

It's worth noting that bringing alcohol with you on a trip can add extra weight to your luggage and may not be allowed on certain forms of transportation. Make sure to check with your airline or other transportation providers beforehand to ensure that you're not breaking any rules or putting yourself in danger.

Conclusion
Going on vacation with your girls is a fun and exciting way to create lasting memories and strengthen friendships. Packaging the right things is important to make the most of your time away.

From matching outfits to beauty items to yummy snacks and fun games, there are many items you can bring to enhance your trip and create a fun and enjoyable experience.

And don't forget essentials like snacks and a portable charger to keep you safe, connected, and able to capture all the great moments from your adventure.

With the right items packed and a positive attitude, your vacation with the girls will surely be a time you'll never forget. So grab your bags and girls, and get ready to have fun on you next weekend trip with the girls!

SPAtember, Beauty Tips To Spa At Home

September is National Skincare Awareness month, and what better time to pamper your skin than with some beauty tips from The Beauty Spotlight Team. Check out these great SPAtember beauty tips.

Spa At Home Skincare

Looking for an essence that’s more than an essence? Allison from Never Say Die Beauty has discovered Korean skincare brand, Abib’s Okjuk Essence, loaded with Solomon’s Seal extract, is a nutritious anti-aging hydrator. Plus, it’s on sale at Amazon!

Vitabrid C¹² Wrinkle Serum is a wonderful antioxidant-rich serum that offers skin incredible hydration and protection from free-radical damage. It boasts a blend of novel peptides that help boost collagen production, and the result is the appearance of firmer skin and plumped fine lines. Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog also loves that it helps to brighten the skin, fade hyperpigmentation, and it leaves skin soft, supple, smooth and incredibly luminous.

Splurge or steal? That was Prime Beauty‘s decision to make when looking for a particular skincare item. Her find is a steal we should all take advantage of.

Are you ready to rock that next ZOOM Meeting? Or do you hate how you look on video? Mask wearings and the Zoom meetings forced many to look at themselves with unfavorable lighting and awkward angles, noticing some features that make you look older than you are. 

It is all about the eyes and you can’t hide from it! Some much-needed anti-aging eye treatments are what you need so your eyes are ready to be the center of attention! Found out how they can with this post from Barbie’s Beauty Bits.

Spa At Home Makeup

Is the Disney x ColourPop Bambi Palette worth picking up? Over on Southeast by Midwest Cassie has a review with swatches to help you decide.  

Treat Yourself To Some Fashion And Food

Angie at Your True Self Blog has compiled a list of what you can wear that has unlimited potential.She has rounded up her favorite basics that go with most anything and everything in her closet. If you have these basic pieces, she thinks it would be really easy for you to find something to wear every day! Age doesn’t matter.

Food Stuck. It’s a real thing, especially after months of stress eating, feeling limited, and using food for entertainment and comfort. Fall is here, and we are ready to get unstuck from the food habits that have added pounds to our scale and inches to our waist. 

It’s time to stop making excuses and learn how to master food habits that align with how we want to look and feel to build a body you love that loves you back. Learn about this on The Culinary Cure.

Simple Ways To Relax And Relieve Stress

Six Simple Ways To Relax And Relieve Stress, By Barbie's Beauty Bits

Your inbox is loaded with tons of emails, you have more zoom meetings then you can count, you're kids are over the pandemic, mom just called to tell you she is out of toilet paper and can't breathe with her mask on, and if you go to social media, the world seems like it may just go up in flames at any minute, aka "HELL IN A HAND BASKET." 

Boy was that a mouthful, but it is also many people's reality right now. And to say we all might be a little stressed and over it is the understatement of the year! However, dealing with this is can be frustrating and places a toll on our body and mind. And what's worse, many just do not know how to relax!

So, if you are looking for some simple ways to relax and relieve stress, continue reading!

 

Ways To Regain Focus To Help Relax And Relieve Stress

Having too many things on your to-do list can increase stress levels. From managing working at home, the kids, daily chores, and those honey do's that are on the backburner, it's easy to feel like, any time you try to relax, your mind gets bogged down about everything you need to do, and you start to feel guilty. Hence, you want to focus on what you can control and learn to prioritize. You can't do everything, and that is OK!

Find Your Me Time-And Enjoy It
Whether you have a family to take care of or spend a lot of your time working (or both), it can often feel like you rarely get a moment just to yourself. However, taking some time just for yourself without having to deal with anyone else is essential if you want to be able to function appropriately in the long term.

Something as simple as spending only 15 minutes alone every day, without distractions, can be a savior to those who feel overwhelmed. It can be things as simple as...

• Taking a walk
• Listening to your favorite music
• Reading a book
• Making the perfect bubble bath
• Meditation
• Watch a movie

You Need To Learn How To Say No
One of the things that many of us seem to find incredibly tricky is being able to say no when people ask something of us. Now, a lot of the time, this isn't a terrible thing. After all, being able to be there for people is an excellent quality to have. But if you're trying to be everything for everyone, then you're just going to end up with some serious problems down the line. The truth is that there's nothing wrong with saying no sometimes. If you can't prioritize your own wellbeing, you're never going to be able to do anything for other people.

Clutters Causes Choas
Did your mother ever use the phrase "a tidy house makes a tidy mind" to get you to clean your room? Well, get ready to feel seriously irritated because it turns out she was right. If your environment is in chaos, then being able to turn off your mind and relax will be a lot more complicated. The truth is keeping a tidy and clean home is going to allow you to get into the mindset of relaxing far more quickly than if you are surrounded by clutter.  Staying on top of things like chores isn't exactly the most exciting or fun thing in the world, but it can make your life more comfortable in the future.

Exercise To Help Relieve Stress
Working out releases endorphins and has many benefits for your body's health both physically and mentally, like: 

• Brings more oxygen to your skin cells, leaving you with skin that's nourished and firmer
• Better sleep
• Decreases anxiety and stress levels
• Gives you more energy
• Physical shape

Learn To Ask For Help
Medical professionals often identify social support as a critical component of strong psychological health. Unfortunately, many have difficulty asking for help, or even having someone we can vent too. You should not be ashamed to ask for help. Having a close friend or a loved one to lean on, gives you a chance to bitch, cry, hug, or even find ways to laugh about your problems.

This close group can help in other ways besides offering a lending ear, for example

• If someones offers support, take it
• When they ask what they can do for you, tell them
• Take the kids to their grandparents for the weekend, (heck they raised you)
• Let your husband cook dinner
• Have a girls night of wine and pampering

The reality is that none of us can get by without at least a little help from those around us, and you must take advantage of that fact.

The Takeaway
Stress is a part of our everyday lives, but that doesn't mean you should let it get the best of you. It's all in how you learn to deal with the cards you're dealt,  take charge, and control your stress by learning how to relax.

Top 10 Ways To Pamper Yourself At Home

Whether you work all of the time or are overwhelmed with the organizational tasks of home and kids, time for yourself can seem like an impossible dream. You can only fantasize about an outdoor massage or a day at the spa. And aside from time, the cost of going to a day spa can also be a factor. But beauties let me tell you, you need to find time for yourself. While I know this is much easier said than done, I am going to give you some tips to escape reality and show yourself some much needed me time in the comfort of your own home.

For this post, I have partnered up with Measurable Difference to share with you "Top 10 Ways To Pamper Yourself At Home." I was able to try some of their skincare products and so can you! As having a relaxing day of pampering, doesn’t have to cost an arm & a leg, especially with the 20% discount they have offered all of my readers!

So, if you would like to know how to bring that spa experience to your home continue reading.

Pin Me!

Create Some Alone Time
It will be impossible to relax if you have your husband and or children around. So, first and foremost send everyone away for a day of fun with dad, grandparents, their friends, etc. I’m sure they will appreciate this just as much.

Top Tips To Spa At Home

Soak In A Bath
My spa routine will start with creating a calming bath. And nothing relaxes me more than soaking my stresses away with some aroma oils and bath bombs, while listening to some relaxing music, and let’s not forget about enjoying a glass (or more) of wine!

One of the aroma oils I used for my at home Spa day is Measurable Difference Rose Hip Hydrating Body Oil. This sweet, intensely floral hydrating body oil soothes the skin as the fragrance elevates your mood.  I like to add it to my bath water. But, you can also apply it to your damp skin after you get out of the bath.

If oils are not your thing, bath bombs are a great way to relax, moisturize and detoxify, turning your bathtub into a pampering spa experience can help improve even the most stressful of days.

Hair Treatment
Treating my hair to an invigorating shampoo & deep conditioner, to keep my tresses healthy is a must.

• First,  I start with a good scalp soaking; you want to make sure that you get all the areas ensuring you are removing all the dirt!
• Next, I use a Sunday Shampoo, to detox my hair and rid any product residue, build up, etc.
• To get the full spa experience, you want to scrub your scalp gently in small circles; this will also help to loosen any styling products or loose skin.
• A Deep Conditioner:  Restoring your hairs moisture is essential, and it isn’t that difficult. There are a lot of great products out there that you can use for at-home treatment, make sure you get one that will fit your hair needs.

Cozy Up in Style
Plush Robe
Wrapping myself in fluffy plush robe is a must and if you can find a quality one, it will last you a while, so it is worth the investment.  I will say that I have seen some great ones at Overstock or TJ Maxx.

Soft Slippers
Putting on slippers is the perfect way to transition from the outside world and feel like you are actually at a day spa.

Sipping On Fruit Infused Water
While I would love to drink the entire bottle of wine, that is not wise. One thing I so love that my hair salon offers is some refreshing spa water to drink. It is straightforward to make, add some cucumbers and mint to some very cold distilled water in an infuser pitcher and you are on your way to enjoying that spa amenity at home. If cucumbers are not your thing, you can add citrus and or berries as they are also wonderful and very flavorful.

Water is a great way to detox yourself as it is the ultimate purifier, replenisher, and hydrator and it is great to help to flush out toxins. Also, by adding fresh fruits, herbs, and even cucumbers, it increases the nutritional benefits and tastes so much better.

Pamper Your Skin With Some Skincare
Once you have soaked your stresses away, it’s time detoxy your face with a face mask. Measurable Difference has some great masks, and the one that I tried is their Charcoal Detoxifying Face Mask Infused with Cucumber Extract.

I love this pore purifying mask as it is a great way to re-energize and restore suppleness and prevent signs of fatigue from a stressful week, in just 15 mins.

After 15 minutes, remove the mask and lightly massage remaining serum into the skin for maximum results.

Bonus Tip: Use the remaining serum in the mask pouch for your neck, shoulders, back, and hands for extra pampering results.

Treat Yourself To Your Favorite Meal
Enjoy your favorite take-out meal. I prefer to have something delivered, so I do not have to cook. With Door Dash, it is easy and quick.

Do Something Mindless
Doing something that relaxes you even more.  It can be your favorite book, a girl movie or even applying some makeup. Using makeup to me is fun, and it allows for creativity. But since I am at home by myself (or at least until the family comes back), a glowing, glistening face makes me feel pretty. One product I enjoyed from Measurable difference is their Hi-GLEAM Highlighting Stick Glistening. This creamy formula keeps your cheekbones, nose, and collarbones looking sun-kissed even after sundown, for a minimalist look.

So there you have it beauties, my top 10 ways to treat yourself to a day spa in the comfort of your own home. Are there ways you like to pamper yourself? If so comment below as we'd love to know!

BONUS: Get 20% Off Spa Items
If you would like to try some of the items I mentioned, well now you can as Measurable Difference was kind enough to offer all of my followers a discount. Just use code BARBIESBEAUTYBITS, and you can save 20% off your purchase by clicking here.

Spa At Home With Your Girlfriends With Exuviance Performance Facial Peel AP25

While the holidays can be so much fun, they can also be a bit stressful, and this stress can have a negative impact on our skin. Whether short or long term, it is crucial to find ways to lessen the holiday burden to not only to help you feel and look happier but also for your skin.

As most of us know, that holiday stress shows up in our face, which can potentially aggravate skin conditions and cause premature aging, not what we want on our holiday wish list. So, when you start to feel stressed, try to slow down if possible. Also, working in some stress combating approaches like taking deeps breaths and relaxing for a few minutes can be beneficial.

Ways To Lesson Holiday Stress For Great Looking Skin

The first thing is to focus on what you can control. As you see, great looking skin involves a healthy lifestyle and proper skincare habits enabling you to produce a glowing, radiant looking complexion. Hence, what you put in your body is equally as important as what you put on it.

Another fantastic way is to find your Zen time by pampering yourself. Taking time out to pamper yourself is a must to survive the craziness some may endure during the holiday season. There is nothing like going to the spa for treatments, but they can sure be costly and who has time with all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, so why not organize a skincare spa day with the girls.

That’s right why not treat your skin to a spa-like experience in the comfort of your own home, and today I have the perfect skincare product for this party; Exuviance Performance Peel AP25.

Spa Day Peel Party With The Girls
A spa day doesn’t have to be expensive! Just ask each of them to bring something with them, and you can all unwind together with some wine, candles, snacks, warm fuzzy robes and some skincare and let me tell you it can be some fun as I just did it myself with a Peel Party.

I am in my forties and so are most of my girlfriends so when I told them about Exuviance Performance Peel AP25 for the younger looking skin they were all so excited.

You see as we age our cellular turnover slows down, meaning that our body is slower to shed dead skin cells and produce new ones.  However, if you are correctly exfoliating your skin, you do not have to rely on your body’s natural cell turnover to keep your complexion looking radiant and beautiful, and Exuviance Performance Peel was there to help us sloth away that unwanted dead skin cells.  Plus, by buffing away those dead skin cells, we were also making it easier for the skin to absorb moisturizers and other skin treatments.

The Peel Party Sponsor
Now before I get into the Peel we used for the Spa Day, I would like to tell you a bit about the brand that supplied the skincare products for my party, which is Exuviance.

Exuviance is a premium brand of highly efficient anti-aging solutions.  This company discovered the antiaging benefits of Glycolic Acid and created and patented the first Glycolic Peel, now how cool is that? Since their ground-breaking discovery, the creators of Exuviance have continued to develop many new patented antiaging ingredients backed by evidence from numerous scientific and clinical studies. Recognized around the world, Exuviance formulas are expertly designed to visibly transform skin by combining their patented innovations with the best, state of the art technologies available in dermatology today.

Skincare Product Details
The Performance Peel AP25 contains a 25% blend of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Polyhydroxy Acids (PHA) including Glycolic Acid, Mandelic Acid, and Gluconolactone.

Performance Peel AP25 not only works at skin's surface to exfoliate dead, dull surface layers, it also enhances exfoliation to reveal fresher, healthier-looking skin.

While this product can be used up to twice a week, we did see some benefits right away, especially those who are not as skincare conscience as me.

With regular use, up to twice a week, this peel can help to:

• Refine pore size and smooth texture
• Visibly diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Improve clarity and brightness
• Brighten and even skin tone
• Provide an all-over healthy glow, suppleness, and smoothness of skin

This product is two-step peel, and I gave each of the girls four pads. Two to use the day of the spa day and another to follow up later in the week.

 
Directions

1. Get everyone to cleanse their face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry.
2. Take the Exuviance "Activator Pad" and apply it all over the face, avoiding the eye area, lips, and any sensitive areas.
3. Carefully monitor the skin’s response to the peel by observing any redness or discomfort, including stinging, burning, itching, tightness, tingling and peeling.
4. About 10 minutes later you want to apply Step 2, the "Neutralizer Pad" all over the entire face, then rinse thoroughly with water.
5. Follow with a great moisturizer or serum.
6. Oh, and don’t forget the wine, not for your face silly, but to drink! 

So, as you can see with all of the stresses of everyday life and the holidays, it’s important that we take some time for ourselves…and just relax. Not all of us can afford the luxury of a day at the spa, but we can afford to spa at home and Exuviance is here to help with their Performace Peel AP 25.