Sponsor Love 2015 Edition

The year started off so incredibly well with regards to sponsorship and brand collaborations for me and my blog. I’m so grateful for all the goodness that has come my way in 2015, and I am very much looking forward to a fruitful 2016.

Over the past 12 months, I was able to connect with many well-respected brands that have impressive histories and are forward-thinking. Would you care to walk with me down sponsor memory lane? Please, let’s!

four-points-sheraton-kingstonFour Points by Sheraton Kingston (post)

posterjack-logoPosterjack (post, post)

logo-altTimbuk2 (post)

Land-of-Nod-logoLand of Nod (post, post)

Scandinave-Spa-LogoScandinave Spa (post)

Minted-logoMinted (post, post, post, IG post, IG post)

Langdon-Hall-logoLangdon Hall (post, post)

TomTom-logoTomTom (post, post, post, IG post)

TYR-logoTYR (post)

Stratford-Festival-logoStratford Festival (post)

LLBean-logoL.L. Bean (post)

Centre-in-the-Square-logoCentre in the Square (post)

KW-Symphony-LogoKW Symphony (post)

Happy New Year, dear sponsors!

Fashion: TYR Swimwear

I have been wearing TYR swimsuits since I was 16 and working as a lifeguard and swim instructor. 20 years later (yes, 20!), I’m still wearing TYR. A few years ago, I picked up a gorgeous TYR bikini that is both fashionable and comfortable. Really comfortable, in fact.

I reached out to TYR recently and the company was kind enough to send me two swimsuits. (Thanks, TYR!) I received this one in blue/coral (this sizing chart worked beautifully) and this black and white one (I should have gone up one size in the criss-cross back top and hipkini bottom; I adore the mesh details):

TMTM1A-060_3Milos Isle Kai mesh bikini top, $22.99

BMB1A-060_3Milos Isle Lilou mesh hipkini, $24.99

I just love the pattern, and I was completely surprised by how much I love the coral/blue version. The fit of the Enna bikini top and Suki bikini bottom is perfect for me.

Of course, TYR has much more to offer than a fashionable bikini line. Its athletic suits are certainly well-made and ready for performance.

TGFL7_100women’s guard element shirt, $41.99lwdcaps-060_alt01_1destroyer water polo cap, $29.99LHGCP-100_1standard guard cap, $17.99FBK6A-100high-impact sports bra, $29.99LCSHWHAL_060_1kids’ whale swim cap, $6.99 (awesome!)LGNSTNM-100_3nest pro nano mirrored goggles, $22.99

Don’t you love that whale swim cap?

Many thanks to Erika A. and TYR.

Fashion: Packing for a Beach Vacation

I am counting down the days until I’ll be on a Floridian beach doing just about nothing. I am very much looking forward to shutting down for a few weeks and living a life filled with sunscreen, ice cream, and outlet shopping.

I don’t pack a lot when I go down to Florida, but here is a glimpse into what I’ll be packing for my low-key beach wardrobe.

beach-travel-what to pack1. A straw hat is great for the beach and for walking around town. It protects your face from the hot hot sun, and it adds instant style to any outfit. (floppy hat, $38, American Apparel)

2. Flip flops are a must for Florida. I pack a couple of pairs of Havaianas because they’re comfortable. (white flip flops,  $32, Havaianas)

3. A lightweight carry on luggage is a must for any trip. I have been using Le Sportsac’s weekender for many years now, and it has definitely been worth the investment. (large weekender bag, $142, Le SportSac)

4. A new bikini makes every beach trip better. Thanks to TYR, I’ll be uber comfortable and stylish in this black and white number. (Milos Isle Kai mesh top, $29.99 and Lilou mesh hipkini, $24.99, TYR)

5. An easy dress that can be used as a coverup is definitely worth packing. I love a good multi-tasking piece of clothing. (linen tee dress, $49, Joe Fresh)

6. I don’t wear much jewelery at all when I’m in Florida, so a cute pair of studs can go a long way. Wear them with a simple dress, and the put-together-factor instantly increases. (care to dance stud earrings, $68, Kate Spade)

7. An easy-to-wash pair of white shorts is another must-pack item for me. While I have yet to buy a pair of good white jeans, I do have white shorts that I’ll be wearing all summer long. (white shorts, $12, Old Navy)

8. Waiting for luggage to come out on the airport conveyor belt stressed me out. I never actually feel confident that my luggage will arrive. Adding an easy-to-spot fun luggage tag to my bag is definitely useful. (luggage tag, $14, Kate Spade)

9. For several years now, my friend Shannon and I have been hitting up Tropicana Field to watch the Tampa Bay Rays play against the Toronto Blue Jays. Honestly, I don’t know much about baseball, but watching games in Florida is definitely fun. Buying tickets is easy, and the field is air-conditioned. I bring along my baseball cap to show support. (This year, the Jays won’t be in town while I’m there, but I’ll wear my cap regardless. (Blue Jays baseball cap, $29.99)

10. A dress that can move from day-to-night is yet another thing I’ll be packing. I really like this inexpensive striped one from Old Navy. (jersey swing dress, $13.50, Old Navy)

What essentials do you add to your suitcase when traveling to the beach? I’d love to know.