I wore this outfit during our college tour at Tennessee State University on Wednesday of last week. That day was spent primarily traveling to and fro Nashville and Gatlinburg, so I needed/wanted to be very comfortable. I can successfully say that I was!
I am not sure if y'all remember, but in a previous post {I believe two Friday's ago?} I mentioned I went shopping at Plato's Closet. There, I purchased a dress, a chambray shirt, and my over-worn acid-wash jeans {seriously cannot get them off of my body! I've worn them an embarrassing amount of times since I bought them}. Anyways, this is that aforementioned dress. It fits like a glove, and me encanta lo. ;)
*Note: The albums that I share in these sorts of posts are not always the latest, but my faves.
This post was originally supposed to go up last Saturday...not today. But since I was a major bum last weekend, it shall be going up today. You're welcome. Harhar. The tunes for this Saturday is Anarbor and Evanescence. Can I say that these are two freakishly awesome bands? Yes, I kind of just did, and I have no regrets whatsoever.
Anarbor is an alternative rock band that has stolen my heart ever since I've heard their song 'Gypsy Woman', which, btw, has an amazing acoustic version. The songs that are written by this band are honest to gosh amazing, and note that I am not including the vocals in that, which there in itself is pure loveliness. [And no, guys, I am not being compensated to rage on and on and on about this band. They're that great.] Now, Evanescence [I can never pronounce that right] is a rock band with original, and unique vocals and songs. Those are the two things that keeps me coming back to this band. Amy Lee, oh gosh--her voice is perfect! I promise you that you want to check this band out if you have not. I also adore that quite a few of this band's songs are about Amy's little sister who died at the age of three.
Happy Friday, everyone! It is' the beginning of a very relaxed weekend for me, and a busy week after, but let's just focus on the up-and-happenin' of today. During the Summer months, people travel and visit everywhere, and that includes amusement parks. The bright days, the sound of happy people, and the smell of delicious funnel cakes is enough to get me to go. Well, mainly the funnel cakes... *returning back to the present* Put together below, I thought I would just share some of my amusement park essentials that I always bring when I go to a park.
1. Non-denim shorts, These are a must-have considering that if you get on water rides (or anything that will get you wet), you do not want to be stuck wadding around with sticky, heavy jean shorts on. That absolutely sucks, and I learned it the heard way *grimace*. Trust me. Or, if you want to wear jean shorts, at least wear a swim suit underneath and swap your denim shorts out for non-denim ones once you are ready to get on a water ride.
2. Swim Suit, If you really want to get on a water ride, I highly recommend having a swim suit. It is not dire, but it would be nice to not have to walk around in dripping wet clothes. So, this is my must have. I always wear one underneath my clothes because I refuse to change at an amusement park - have you seen the bathrooms?
3. Sunscreen (SPF 100+ for me), Sunscreen is used to protect your skin. It helps you not get skin cancer. And, it also helps prevent sun burns. So, I really do not understand how people decide to not use it, but that's their skin, their lives. I, for one, must have it. I have never had a sun burn before, and I do not plan to get it. And after much research for sunscreen that helps prevent you from tanning a lot (because I am dark skinned and I hate tanning), I found out that SPF 100+ can really help that.
4. Sandals, If you share my distaste about wearing gym shoes for a long period of time, then you should understand why I need to have sandals at an amusement park. Yeah, sure, it better known to wear gym shoes when you will be walking for a long time, but that actually irritates me and my feet. Sandals are my preference. They are very comfortable and allow my feet to breathe.
5.) Water, This is an essential. Out of everything on this list, you need to have water. You can buy it at the park (no thanks, too expensive for a bottle of water), or you can choose to bring your own. It is necessary to stay hydrated at a park! If you do not, you will not have any fun, and you will most likely pass out.
6.) Camera (iPad Mini), It is perfectly plausible to think, "Why the heck is she taking her freakin' iPad Mini to the amusement park? What?" Well, since that is my photo-taking baby, I need to take it. I love taking photos everywhere that I go. And, I mean, who would want to miss the chance to capture silly photos of their family/friends at an amusement park? Not I. So, this one is kind of optional, but still.
7.) Hand Sanitizer, Okay, this one is for sanitary benefits. If you enjoy touching everything, then stuffing your face with french fries and pizza, then be my guest to not bring it, but trust me, you will want to. Germs, germs, germs. (look at me, sounding like my mum. haha.) Parks provide hand sanitizer at the food stalls, but it is always handy to have your own for just in case!
8.) Lip Balm, For me, lip balm is a lifesaver. My lips get chapped easily if I do not apply lip balm every few hours. This is because I constantly like my lips (oopsies!). So, I just need lip balm, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Plus, it is a great thing to keep your lips moisturized, possibly by and SPF, too. So you should must def take this for your amusement park adventure.
9.) Tylenol, I easily get headaches (I know, this sucks!). But to keep from ruining your day at the amusement park, you should always have some type of painkillers with you. (Disclaimer: NEVER take it out of the bottle and just put it in a baggie. That is illegal.) I carry the 100 Caplet bottle around daily, but to make it easier to carry, you can buy the tiny box one with, like, three packets of two pills in it.
10.) Insect Repellent, To keep the bugs away, most def pack this! Spray it on every few hours (or however often you want to). I really need this (ugh, I have tons of medical issues, haha) because I am allergic to mosquitoes, and if I get bit, a huge blister will form where they bit me and it is so darn disgusting! So, yeah, just have bug spray.
* 2 Bonus: Snacks and Money, My snacks would be chocolate covered raisins and gum. Yes, I know, so unhealthy! (lol, who cares.) The money is for the food, souvenirs, and whatever else you may want, such as photos, parking...etc. Make sure you have at least $50. You may not use it, but it is your best bet to have. (Safety Note: DO NOT chew gum on a ride. You will most likely swallow it, choke, and die. Duh-duh-duh. Just saying.)
What are some things that you always have to take to an amusement park? Why?
Song Choice: 'Gypsy Woman' by Anarbor. This song is so perfect, in so many ways. My favorite version would probably be the acoustic, but the original, studio version is just as nice. This song is catchy and Anarbor is a really amazing band! This song is from their 2010 album The Words You Don't Swallow. Go give the entire album a listen if you like the song below.
