Splurge or Save: Carry On Bags by But First, Coffee

Happy Memorial Day everyone!  Today I'm bringing you a post by Kallie from But First, Coffee.  Kallie blogs about all my favorite topics and I always love reading her posts.  I was so happy when she said she would do a post for me while I am abroad because I knew she would do an amazing post and I was right!  I love that she did a travel themed posts and even mentions the bag that I purchased as my carry on bag for this trip.  After you're done reading over here, make sure to check out But First, Coffee!

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Hi all! My name is Kallie and I blog over at But First, Coffee. I like to write about all sorts of things like beauty products, fashion, life, D.I.Y and recipes!  Thanks to Kristin for letting me take over her blog for the day. I figured since Kristin if off jet-setting, it'd be appropriate to share some cute carry-on bags for flying. I chose some splurge bags and some save bags, to give your wallet a little choice in the matter.

All-Weather Weekender:

Splurge: Longchamp "Large Le Pilage" Tote    Save: Gap Zip Pocket Tote  

Classic Leather Bag:

Splurge Two: Urban Outfitters BAGGU Oversized Leather Tote  Save Two: YesStyle 19th St. Faux-Leather Tote

Fun and Girly Backpack:

Splurge Three: Rebecca Minkoff "M.A.B Backpack" Save Three:Forever 21 "Rustic West Backpack"

Preppy Patterned Tote:

Splurge Four: Kate Spade New York "Bow Tie Tote"  Save Four: Forever 21 "Canvas Polka Dot Tote"

Which carry-on style are you most likely to go for?  What are some of your must-have items in your carry on bag?

Thanks again to Kristin for giving me a chance to post on her lovely blog today!

@ But First, Coffee

Why I Love Flying

I know that a lot of people are terrified of flying, but I am not one of them.  I absolutely love flying!  I always feel bad when I see people who are completely terrified because to me it is something that is so exciting.  I completely understand why people are afraid to fly, but I just don't think about those reasons and instead focus on the reasons that flying is awesome.  In honor of my trip here are 5 reasons that I love flying.

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1.  Flying means you are going somewhere.

No matter why you're flying you're heading somewhere that's probably far and harder to get to by a car, which I find exciting!

2. It's faster than any other transportation.

Like I mentioned above if you're flying it's most likely because it's easier then driving or possibly because you can't even get there without flying, which to me is just awesome.

3. Airports are cool places.

I just drown out security and try to stay positive, and after that part airports are pretty cool.  They're kind of like a giant mall that you have to hang out in before you get on the plane.  

4. You're forced to relax.

When you're on the plane there's little to no internet, the phone service is super expensive, and you're stuck in one place for an extended period of time.  This combination kind of forces you to relax, I like to read books and magazines, watch movies, and sleep on planes.

5. It's an experience.

No matter what flying is an experience that you have under your belt. I mean think of all of the people who will never have the opportunity to get on a plane, and how lucky you are to be able to do it.

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Friday Confessions: Culture Shock

Hi guys, this is my first post from Greece, which is exciting!  It's really awesome here, but I have to be completely honest, I'm experiencing some culture shock as of right now.  I knew things were going to be different here, and I officially know it is going to take some getting used to.  Since I like to do Friday Confessions, I thought it would be fun to do a culture shock edition. 

|  One  |

I confess that Greece is amazing, but I'm experiencing major culture shock, which I wasn't totally prepared for.

|  Two  |

I confess that I am paranoid that I am going to get pick pocketed.

|  Three  |

 I confess that it is devastating me that there are homeless dogs everywhere.  It's seriously so sad and breaks my heart.

|  Four  |

I confess that it's seriously frustrating that outlets are so scarce here.

|  Five  |

I confess that I miss having fast, free (to me) wifi that I can use whenever.

|  Six  |

I confess that I miss being able to use my phone.

So I'm well aware that the last three may make me sound like a total brat, but these are just the things on my mind.  I'm sure as the trip goes on I will get used to these things, but for now they're just weird!  

On another note I have been learning a lot since I've been here and it's amazing to be able to do this.  It's so cool to be able to go to ancient sites like the Acropolis, and I'm so appreciative to be able to get to do this.

My roommate/sorority sister and me!

So that's all for now!  I will try to post again soon and to get up a bunch of pictures.  For right now follow me on Instagram to see what I am up to (when I have wifi that is!).

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Polka Dot Chambray

Chambray Top: c/o WallFlower Jeans  |  Cami: BP.  |  Shorts: Forever 21 (old, similar here and here)  |  Shoes: Lucky Brand  |  Belt: Smak Parlour  |  Earrings: c/o WallFlower Jeans  |  Necklace: c/o WallFlower Jeans

I love how this shirt puts a spin on the classic chambray shirt by adding polka dots.  I love chambray and I love polka dots so it is a match made in heaven for me.  Make sure to head over to WallFlower Jeans to check out this adorable piece!  It's super versatile and perfect for this time of year.  Colored denim is still huge this year and shorts are a great way to rock this trend.  The pair I am wearing is one of my favorites that I wear all summer long.  This whole look is fun and easy to throw on for class, weekends, or a casual dinner.  It is perfect to carry you from Spring to Summer, and to wear well into the warmer months.

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Hey Hey Hey Goodbye

So as you're reading this I am most likely finishing getting ready to leave for Greece, enroute to the airport, on a plane heading to Greece, etc.!  To say that I am excited is an understatement.  I can. not. wait.  Seriously, I'm like a kid on Christmas morning.  Packing yesterday was interesting, but my Mom and I got it done!  I'm trying to take notes so that I can do a what to pack post when I get back, but I want to see how well what I brought works.

Over the next few weeks my posts may be a little more sporadic than usual (ie not every single day), but I will still have regular posts.  I just ask that you bear with me as I head on one of the most exciting experiences of my life.  I can't wait to share everything with all of you, however I want to spend time exploring (so I have stuff to share!) and need to spend time on my schoolwork while in Greece.  I'm going to try to post as often as I can, but I want to be conscious to enjoy the experience and be in the moment.  Over the next 6 weeks I will be visiting Athens, Tolo, Mykonos, Crete, Santorini, and Delphi.  I have a jam-packed schedule and so many cool things awaiting.  

With all this wonderfulness ahead I don't know how I haven't exploded!  All I have left to say is goodbye America and hello Greece!  I hope that everyone has a great day and that you'll stop by during the week!

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Let's Celebrate

I participated in an Ambassador Program on behalf of Millennial Central (#MC) for Marriott Rewards. I received Marriott Points to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

As I mentioned in my video Marriott Rewards® is turning the big 3-0 this year and wants to celebrate with its members all year long with their Year of Surprises contest. To celebrate they want to throw a surprise party for someone special in your life! Head over to yearofsurprises.com to nominate that special someone by telling Marriott Rewards your unique storyand a memorable party idea.

The first round of nominations was back in February (see my post here!), the next round is May 1st to May 31st, aka you can go enter right now, and the final round is August 1st to 31st. Marriott Rewards is looking for the most creative and unique entries out there so let your creativity flow!  All of the details and rules for the contest can be found at yearofsurprises.com/rules.

While you do not need to be a Marriott Rewards member to enter the contest, you will need to enroll if you are selected as a winner.  My personal suggestion is to enroll now though because of all of the awesome benefits that come with the free membership!  In addition to the benefits I mentioned in the video, you are able to use your points for hotel stays (like I did!), flights, exclusive events, and shopping.  You can check out all the specifics on benefits here.  You can also enroll right now at marriott.com/rewards!

I know who I will be nominating for Marriott Rewards Year of Surprises, do you?!

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Five on Friday Confessions {Pre-Greece Edition}

|  One  |

I confess that I feel like I applied for the Greece study abroad program just yesterday, not all the way back in October.  (I also feel like I was accepted to the program yesterday.)  Time really flies.  

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|  Two  |

I confess that I hate packing!  I know it's exciting because it means I'm going somewhere, but I'm always paranoid that I'm over or under packing and that I'm going to forget something super important.

|  Three  |

I confess that I cannot stop looking at pictures of Greece, and going on the websites for all the hotels.  I'm honestly wasting so much time that I should be using for other things doing this, but I can't help myself.

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|  Four  |

I confess that going on a big trip like this without my parents is a little daunting and feels kind of weird.

|  Five  |

I confess that going on a big trip like this without my parents is making me feel super grown up.

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|  Bonus  |

I confess that I am so freaking excited for Greece that I am borderline non-functioning, which is bad because I still have all day today and all weekend that I need to be functioning for.  

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Bikinis on the Brain

Since I am leaving for Greece so soon which I cannot believe I have been packing and dreaming of being on the beaches in the gorgeous Greek Islands.  I am so excited that it is going to be warm enough to lounge around in a bikini.  I have been looking around online at all different bathing suits in anticipation and have put together some of my favorite ones to share.

1: Top and Bottom  |  2: Top and Bottom  |  3: Top and Bottom

4: Top and Bottom  |  5: Top and Bottom  |  6: Top and Bottom

There are so many different styles of bikini tops and bottoms that come together to make adorable bathing suits.  I love the mixing and matching option that you get with a two piece.  The suits here are perfect for a trip or the upcoming summer.  There are a lot of pretty prints for bikinis like leopard and florals.  I really like the pale blue and white leopard here because I feel like the pastel color sweetens the look of the leopard.  If you're not feeling any patterns you can also go with bright solids for a stand out look.  My favorite solid here is the coral and grey combo because I love the retro look of the top.  No matter which you pick, in any of these looks you are sure to look super chic on the beach.  

What are your favorite bikini styles?

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!