Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

My “Must Pack” List for Fun Weekend Getaways

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

We’ve been travelling a lot lately, normally for a week at a time. In fact, since February 2017, we’ve been away from home every single month! I don’t always love pulling my kids out of school, but some of the opportunities that have come our way (Disney Social Media Moms, Expedia/ Visit Orlando, Pandora – The World of Avatar and Visit California) were just too good to turn down. So, we accepted, we experienced, we have the incredible memories. Hashtag blessed.

However, the only negative aspect about constantly being on the go is the catch-up phase, which never seems to end. Over the past few months, most of my emails began with “I apologize, I’ve been travelling, I’m just catching up…”. Ugh. It seems so lame, but it’s the truth! One press trip blended into the next and I still have about 436 emails to go. But I’m not complaining – just acknowledging the underlying reasons for my douchery.

So when my 10 YEAR wedding anniversary rolled around – yes, a HUGE milestone – I couldn’t bear another long vacation, another month of catch up, another relocation which involved packing, passports, etc. I know it’s awful that I was burned out for our special day, but, given our previous travel experiences and the fact that I already have four more press trips booked for later this year, I like to think that we have a year long celebration going on!
But we couldn’t just let the big day pass without acknowledging it in some way. And our decision was an easy one – spend a weekend in Niagara-on-the-Lake, where we were married 10 years ago. We knew it would bring back such wonderful memories of 07-07-07, our very lucky wedding date. 

Of course – selfishly – it also allowed me to throw a few essentials in a duffel bag and forego excessive packing altogether. Now that’s my kind of getaway!
So, what’s on my “must pack” list for fashionable weekend getaways?

1. Sudio Sweden headphones. In addition to being drop dead gorgeous, they also offer 24+ hours of continuous playtime (a road trip necessity), are compatible with all bluetooth devices and even have interchangeable headphone caps. Plus, Sudio Sweden always offers tax-free purchases and fast and free worldwide delivery! Shop now and take 15% off with discount code: listen2lena.

2. SojoS sunglasses. They’re inexpensive (just $15.29!), fashion-forward and if you’re an Amazon Prime member, can be at your door in 48 hours with free shipping. What’s not to love? My friend Ella Pretty first blogged about these rose gold beauties and I just had to have them. I wore them on my anniversary weekend – what do you think?
3. Aloha Beaches. No matter where you’re going, you have to let people know you’re on vacation. I love this “Aloha Beaches” makeup bag that was gifted to me by a dear friend, but I equally love this inspirational journal for recording memories of our fun getaways.

4. Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant Camera. Not just to be included in cute photos… it takes pretty cute photos, too! (Must have: features a selfie mirror for the perfect selfie photo every time.) Close up macro photos are now easier thanks to the included close-up lens adapter which allows you to focus on subjects as close as 35-50cm. Plus, the camera signals the recommended aperture setting with a flashing LED light and you can manually adjust the dial to the recommended setting. Fun and functional!

5. Annabelle Metallic Lipliner – Nude Lustre. Pretty much the most perfect shade of lip liner I’ve ever owned. The soft, smooth texture slides over lips like silk and provides a natural finish with precise definition and a metallic finish. Perfection.

Love what you see? Find almost everything pictured above at Amazon.ca – and to help you with your shopping, one lucky reader will win a $100 Amazon Gift Card! To enter, simply fill the form below with your qualifying entries. Good luck!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Melissa Fowers

    For the summer I love light and bright clothes that are not to heavy and whites for sure.

  4. Guppy

    Hair Accessories! I have long hair that can be styled many ways, up or down, so using accessories I can transform a single outfit.

  5. Doris Calvert

    I love my camera, a few makeup items, flip flops and my sneakers, a great summer dress.

  7. Krista M

    My must have getaway item is my 3/4 length sleeve cardigan to dress up any outfit for dinner or for when the temperature cools down!

  13. jan

    My fashion must have for a weekend away is all about comfort. Great shoes and a shawl for chills.

  16. Alayne Langford

    Honestly, I always bring with me my white Converse sneaks, a light jacket and a wide brimmed hat!

  19. Susan Hanley

    Comfy clothes, season appropriate, and good footwear. I like to walk around and explore my surroundings.

  26. Debbie White Beattie

    My fashion must have would be a black pair of dress pants so I can wear different tops and look like a new outfit

  44. Sohnee

    If it’s a weekend getaway in the summer, I have to bring my hat and sunglasses – can’t leave home without them!

  45. nicolthepickle

    Happy Anniversary. Your dress was amazing!
    I love a good bag, big enough for wallet and phone, and that bag of salt water taffy that you just bought.

  49. Jonnie

    SUnglasses ar emy must have for a weekend getaway but I always forget them and have to buy more.

  55. Jackie M

    Shorts, sunnies, runners and comfy tee. If there’s a GNO or date night then a nice black dress.

  56. Jeannie Lam

    I always need a maxi dress because it can be dressed up with heels for a fancy dinner or a pair of flip flops for the beach.

  59. Glogirl

    My fashion must haves for a weekend getaway are comfy jeans, t-shirt and a hoodie. For more formal dress, a maxi skirt or dress is easy to pack.

  66. Jennifer P.

    My fashion must-haves for weekend getaways are a dress, denim capris in spring or summer, or skinny jeans in fall or winter, a black 3/4 sleeve top, Sanuks and my flat iron.

  72. Tannis W

    Happy Anniversary! My husband and I celebrated our 10th anniversary in June. My fashion must haves for a weekend getaway would include a hooded sweatshirt, leggings and flip flops.

  77. Donna Maroulis

    I really enjoyed your article about the steak stir fry. I never really thought about using beef in a stir fry – I usually just use chicken or pork . Might just try the beef next time – it looked delicious !

  83. Linda DeMunck

    My must haves are sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable shoes and stylish but comfortable clothes.

  87. Marlene J

    Sunglasses, jeans/t-shirts, bikini, tote bag, makeup, sandals & sweater for cool evenings

  88. Tara Betterley

    My fashion must haves are my sunglasses and my Fuji Instax Camera to take the amazing selfies and pics with friends.

  91. Dana Miller

    My fashion must-have for weekend getaways is my Maui Jim sunglasses. They are a beautiful emerald green and black that add beautiful, fun color to my accessories. The polarized lenses allow me to enjoy the outdoors without glare and they actually enhance the bright summer colors.

  103. Tara Kitt

    A great summer dress! You wear it casual or dress it up. Definitely a must have ❤

  104. michelle matta

    tough one… i guess more than one shoe option (i tend to wear sneakers constantly), makeup (dont always wear so for these types of things i have to bring it), and dangly earrings.

  108. Jenn

    I have to say that my fashion must-have for weekend getaways are a pair of flats, a jean jacket, and a black chiffon top that you can dress up or dress down!

  109. Jennifer Rector

    My weekend must have accessory is my sunglasses! I cannot go anyway with a stylish pair of shades in the Summer!

  113. Shannon van

    Congrats on your anniversary Lena! This is a great list of things to bring on vacation. One of my top choices would be sunscreen!

  116. Liz Howard

    My Birkenstock’s, t-shirt, capris, sunglasses, sunscreen and a great book!!!
    @WhatspLiz

  122. nicky

    I always bring a maxi dress that can be used as a beach cover up or an evening outfit for dinnertime :-)

  128. Sarah alexis

    I always pack a pair of black capri leggings – they go with just about everything !

  129. Donna Maroulis

    It sure looks like you had a great time in California ! It has been many years since I took a trip there – I bet a lot has changed.

  144. Alison Braidwood

    A cute sunhat. I just got back from a weekend in Montreal, and that’s the one thing I forgot to pack. Luckily I managed to find a super cute one to buy when I needed it.

  146. Siobhan Smeets

    My must have is a versatile scarf that can be dressed up or down for day or night.

  149. Shelley N

    My fashion must have for a summer weekend getaway is a comfortable pair of sandals. I practically live in sandals during the summer but I always take sure that they are very comfortable as I tend to do a lot of walking and exploring

  158. Zahra P

    Cute sandals (depending on the location) and a summer scarf that can double as a cover-up.

  165. Nicole Bonomo

    My fashion must haves for a weekend get away are a pair of over-sized sunglasses and a great hat!

  166. Sue

    My must haves for a get away are comfy sandals a cute bag to carry all the goodies I will pick up along the way

  168. Amber Y

    My must haves are cute hair clips and the *right* shoes. It’s hard to pack a pair that will go with everything.

  173. Betty S

    My must haves are a great pair of sandals that are super comfortable and my sunglasses. then you are set to go anywhere rain or shine

  174. Wendy Jensen

    My fashion must for a weekend getaway are great shoes or sandals that are good to walk long distances in but stylish at the same time.

  179. Susie Nixon

    My ‘must have’ fashion items for a quick getaway include a top that can play double duty for both casual touring and be spiffed up for a fancy evening out on the town, as well as an outfit with quick drying power (in case of a rainy day, potential beach visit etc.)

  183. Alison G

    Fashion must have for a weekend getaway is for sure a cute comfy dress that can do double duty of casual and dressy.

  184. Alisa Ecker

    My fashion is a t-shirt and jeans, and if it gets cool in the evenings, just a light jacket. I would love to win!

  196. Cathy C

    A sweater cardigan that works as a jacket, cover up, or robe. Light enough to wear in warm weather but heavy enough when layered to keep warm in cool air conditioning.

  209. Tammi L.

    OMG! Your wedding dress is gorgeous! WOW! And how nice that 11 years later you could still fit into it, too!