Girl’s Getaway Weekend: Vera Bradley Annual Outlet Sale
My likeness for Vera Bradley kind of snuck up on me. Mostly, I thought of Vera Bradley products as those “quilty-looking purses” with crazy patterns that just didn’t have a classy touch to them. In college girls toted their laptops around in Vera Bradley cases and carried her totes, while I had a polka dot Target laptop case. Recently, I was invited to attend Vera Bradley Annual Outlet Sale in Fort Wayne, Indiana (about three hours from Detroit). When you hear “outlet sale” you tend to think it is items that didn’t sell or have an imperfection. However, that is not the case for this sale – at all. Women travel from near and far to head to the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum to get their shop on. This sale is a bigger deal then you can even begin to imagine.
When You Get There
When you arrive at the Vera Bradley Annual Outlet Sale, you get to walk through doors during your allotted spot to a sea of prints and patterns. Upon walking through the doors you will be given a map that will help you navigate through the space, as well as a huge bag to carry any items you plan on purchasing (for security purposes, your items will be transferred to a different color bag upon checkout if you chose to buy one). If you signed up for a ticketed session, you’ll have a set amount of time to shop and when that time is up you’re out of there. There are countdowns and announcements to let you know when the session is over, so you’ll want to be sure to locate what you’re looking for quickly and efficiently. Even though you’ll only get a set amount of time during a paid time slot, you will shop with a lighter crowd, which makes the paid session totally worth it.
What You Will Find
Ladies, if you have been living under a rock like me, you’ll be surprised when you walk into the sale and realize that it is so much more than paisley printed totes – although they still have those if that is your thing. You will find florals, modern patterns, saturated hues, leather, solids (obsessed with the black) and more. In case you didn’t know Vera Bradley isn’t just totes, bags, purses and luggage it\’s so much more. At this sale, I found blankets, umbrellas, stationery, robes, flip flops, shoes, towels, lunch boxes, bathing suits, apparel and so much more. There’s something to fit every aspect of your life, and with deals, a deal between 40 to 60 percent off you’re sure to find things you need and want. Even I found items that matched my beach babe and classy professional lifestyle.
My Haul
I went with the intention of buying things for Christmas gifts, but in the end, I only bought things for myself. I actually walked around the entire place once, before I started making my picks. So what did I go home with? I picked up the Weekender in classic black to take on road trips with me. The Work Tote in classic black that has a slot for my laptop case, the beach scarf in Indio and two Seashore Beach Wristlets one in sunburst floral and one in lotus flower swirl. As you can tell I am a classy meets beachy kind of girl.
Overall Thoughts
Before attending the show I had absolutely no idea what to expect. Upon walking in I was very overwhelmed, but once I looked around followed the map I actually loved attending the show and looking at everything. I was so surprised by all the amazing products Vera Bradley carries, and cannot wait to go back to the sale again next year. I am definitely interested in getting a rolling carry-on suitcase. Prior to attending this sale, I had no idea that Fort Wayne was just three hours away and was a city packed with so much fun.
I highly recommend heading to Fort Wayne, Indiana to attend the Vera Bradley Annual Outlet Sale next year.
April 15 – 19, 2020
Flawless Tips for Packing a Carry On Bag
Summer travel season is just around the corner, and I know traveling can be a little stressful. That’s why I have gathered some airplane travel tips and tricks for you straight from a polite – which includes the ultimate carry on packing list. Hopefully, you’ll be able to use a few of these tips the next time you travel. I also have a simple carry on packing list filled with the essentials that you may need for any trip. The list includes electronics, personal items, food, medicine and more that will help you create a flawless carry on that is sure to get through any TSA checkpoint. If you have anything else you think I should add to the list, please feel free to leave the tips in the comments!
Carefully Pack Your Carry On
First, you should always make sure you understand TSA guidelines. It’s always amazing when you are at a TSA checkpoint and people are trying to get through with full-size shampoo bottles in their carry-on. After you know what you can and can not take on the plan, you can fit so much more in the carry-on. Plus who wants to carry the heavy bag across multiple terminals… not me.
I like to carry two carry-ons. A suitcase to fit in the overhead bin, and a small bag/purse to keep under my seat. When I pack I try to keep everything I’ll need during the flight in my purse so that the suitcase can stay overhead the whole time. While traveling I like to keep gum, mints, hand sanitizer, emergency medicines, a few snacks, and a refillable water bottle.
Carry On Packing List Essentials
Electronics
iPad
Headphones
Back Up Battery
USB Cord
Chargers
Camera
Personal Items
Lotion
Hand sanitizer
Chapstick
Deodorant
Mini toothbrush
Mini toothpaste
Makeup samples
Mini shampoo and conditioner
Hair elastics
Brush
*Remember all liquids and gels need to be under 3oz. And fit in a quart size bag.
Back Up Items
Change of clothing
Food/Medicine
TSA approved snacks
Water
Gum
Mints
Protein Bar
Aspirin
Anti-nausea medicine
Anti-diarrhea medicine
Band-aids
Other
Cash
Passport
ID
Credit cards
Print out of flight and hotel information
Pen and paper
Eye mask
Stay Hydrated
Avoid eating salt or sugary foods before your flight, as well as while you’re on it. I love taking a refillable water bottle, typically airports have a water filling station – if they do not most restaurants will graciously fill it up for you. Even on the flight, you can ask the flight attendants to fill it up for you which will save you from having to spend $5 on water at the airport.
Move It
This is critical, after learning about all the negative effects sitting for extended periods of time can be I am definitely a firm believer in moving. To make it easy to remind yourself to get up, set a timer on your phone, and be sure to get up to stretch your legs. Also, wearing compression socks will help prevent blood clots from happening.
ANASTASIA to Make Detroit Debut
Broadway In Detroit announced today that individual tickets for the tour of the critically-acclaimed Broadway production of ANASTASIA are now on sale! ANASTASIA will make its Detroit debut at the Fisher Theatre, June 11 – 23, 2019. Tickets start at $39 and can be purchased online at http://www.broadwayindetroit.com or http://www.ticketmaster.com, and by phone at 800-982-2787.
Confetti Popcorn
You will need
• 2 bags Pop Secret Movie Theater Butter Popcorn (I recommend Pop Secret for the biggest kernels)
• 1 lb. bag of white chocolate wafers (candy melts)I bought mine at Sarah\’s in Michigan – if you have a local cake/candy decorating I am sure you can find these there. Or Michaels and JoAnn Fabrics sells Wilton Candy Melts that will work the same.
• 1/4 – 1/3 cup confetti sprinkles
• Wax Paper
Directions:
1. Pop the popcorn in the microwave and place in a large bowl, be sure that you have removed all un-popped kernels(you don\’t want anyone breaking their teeth).
2. Melt your white chocolate wafers in a double boiler or the microwave on defrost(it burns very quickly so be sure to watch it and stir often)
3. Pour your melted chocolate over your popcorn and stir to combine.
4. Add in the confetti sprinkles, stir to combine.
5. Spread out on wax paper and allow to dry for a couple hours. Break apart so you have separated the kernels.
My Name is Alexander Hamilton
I saw Hamilton at the Fisher Theatre in Detroit, Michigan – – and yes it really is that great! The day the tickets went on sale, I wasn\’t going to miss my shot — that\’s why I impatiently sat at my work computer waiting to grab tickets and I managed to score four for the Tuesday, April 9th show.
In case you live under a rock, Hamilton is currently the most popular Broadway show in years – quite possibly even decades. Rent made it\’s Broadway debate over 20 years ago and it\’s the closest (recent) production to Hamilton in terms of cultural impact. Sure other shows have made their way onto the stage, but none have made an impact like Hamilton – which could be due to the social world we now live in. That being said, despite being able to watch clips from the show, see pictures, listen to all the songs and read plenty of reviews I went into the show blind. You guys, I didn\’t even know they rapped all the songs! I avoided everything about the show, and let me tell you that was insanely hard. I must say though (coming from the girl that LOVES Wicked) this is one of the best shows I have ever seen! The songs are so catchy, and the experience you get is unreal. My tickets cost $170 each, and let me tell you – they were worth EVERY penny. Hamilton is one show you don\’t want to miss.
Hamilton is the story of what our country is about, told through the life of one amazing man. Did I mention, they rap the songs – obsessed! At its core, Hamilton is a story about an immigrant who used his smarts to get a ticket to America, where he worked tirelessly to make our country as good as it could be. He\’s a genius, impulsive, hothead that you can\’t help but love.
How does a bastard, orphan, son of a whore and a Scotsman, dropped in the middle of a forgotten spot in the Caribbean by Providence, impoverished, in squalor, grow up to be a hero and a scholar? –Opening lines of HamiltonThe music is beautiful and catchy and set to a hip-hop medley. However, it\’s not Kayne West hip-hop it\’s rhymes and melody with a hint of ballads and jazzy showstoppers you\’re sure to love. While I was at the show King George was played by an understudy and WOW that man rocked the part hardcore, so I can\’t even imagine what the star of the shows pipes are like.
As somone who attends plenty of Broadway shows, I must say I have never attended a show with so much enthusiam from an audience. The Hamilton audience is electrifying. Everyone is excited to be there, respectful, and always cheering.
You don\’t have to love history to love this show. I definitely can\’t wait for it to come back to town so I can see it again, or head to Chicago to see it!
Fashion meets Food 