45 TOP Beach Travel Essentials from Amazon

So much excitement around today's post because travel is definitely my love language.  Before my recent travel adventures to Tulum I literally spent hours scouring Amazon for the best of the best items.  I personally ordered and took many of these items on my travels with me and I know they are going to be so amazing for your upcoming plans!  Warmer days are ahead so if you're looking in preparation for a quickly approaching trip or one in the near future be sure to see this post to reference later! Happy shopping my friends, I hope you love these selections as much as I have and will share your feedback! You'll be seeing many of these items styled here on the blog or on Instagram as I continue sharing my Tulum travel adventures. Be sure you're following along with me!


*As always, I appreciate you shopping through my links if you decide to purchase something you love from my picks.  Your support means the world to me and I make a small commission which helps keeps this blog going as I buy items with my own money.  I enjoy sharing with you loves so I THANK YOU in advance!  Please always reach out with any questions you may have.

Always,

Ashlei

Dear 2018 Year In Review

Even now on the very first day of the new year 2019 its hard to believe that 2018 happened and that it is over already! I shared a thought on one of my recent Instagram posts stating that 2018 was just about the best year of my life....and I whole heartedly stand by that statement. I don't really do resolutions per se but I appreciate reflecting and looking forward to all the things coming. I've said it before and I'll say it again, THE BEST IS YET TO COME! 

 Gosh where do I even start with 2018? There were so many highlights and even some lows but today I know there is meaning and purpose behind everything. Started off the year working hard as per usual. In January I celebrated 6 years at my job and if you know anything about the corporate retail world I truly consider this an accomplish. Just two months later in March I was promoted to an Associate Buyer, like HELLO new challenge! This role means that I have buying responsibility over a particular area of business reporting to a Buyer as I work towards being a Buyer myself. I moved from buying Mens clothing to Boys activewear. Talk about a change! Believe me I've yet to take my foot off the gas and working harder than ever! 

 If you you've been around awhile you know that my entire family lives in Columbia, South Carolina. I'm in Charlotte so we aren't far away at all but I miss them so much everyday! It really pulls on the heart strings wanting to be with them but also building a life of my own. My sweet niece Kennedy turned 10 this past year and Garrison, my nephew turned 6. I never understood when my aunts and uncles would like at me and say " time flies" but now I can really appreciate it. Truly watching them grow is one of my life's greatest joys. In the Summer of 2018 my grandfather turned 90 years old and we had a huge party to celebrate! Every day with him so so special even if he dials your number 10 times a night on his jitterbug cell phone, haha. Mommy still calls every morning for a wake up and in the evenings to make sure the doors are locked. She has had some amazing adventures this year traveling to South Africa, turning 65 with a dashiki party and know you "retiring" from teaching for like the 23rd time. Daddy per usual spent the year working on an antique car remodel and helped me find a new car. Oh my sister, Kaaren and I have some things cooking! Sadly our family dog, Sasha crossed the rainbow bridge after 13 years with us. She is truly missed! 

 I freaking turned 30 YEARS OLD! Honestly so much anxiety leading up to this. What was I so afraid of? Seriously ever since I turned 30 its cheesy to say but I have so much clarity.  Clarity around what I want and what I don't want.  Its truly a blessing to be another year older and now I know this milestone year was the jolt I needed to remember that life is too special to be fearful of growing older. So yea 2018 was AMAZING! Have I said that enough yet? I spent my birthday on a adventure of my dreams in Italy. Visited Venice, Florence, Tuscany, Rome, and Positano. I can close my eyes sometimes and wish I could teleport there. It was pure magic and SO special. When I returned home to Charlotte a surprise party of my closest friends and family awaited me. I thought it was a date night and ugly cried when I rounded the corner to see everyone there. Truly surpassed my wildest dreams and if you really know me I've got some wild things up my sleeves. I had some amazing travel in the United States this year, something I put on y bucket list. Here's a recap: Took a weekend trip to Charleston in June, headed out to California in July to is it Sacramento for the first time and back to San Francisco to the majestic Golden Gate Bridge. Spent a day out in Napa and Sonoma visiting many wineries. In September stopped over in Salt Lake City, Utah and Park City for some insane views as the Fall season set it. Took a 6 hour drive for a whirlwind trip to Las Vegas! I hit the strip, gambled, dined out, shopped til I dropped, and partied the night away. Nola Baby! Hit the city of New Orleans in October for Halloween weekend and had the time of my life on Bourbon Street and eating way too many beignets at Cafe Du Monde. So many adventures I am beyond thankful for! 

 On a personal level this year took its toll on me. I was in a car accident in January, constantly doubted myself, tried some things and failed, had insecurities about my weight, started working out then quit but through it all I found joy. I figured out what I want out of life and what brings my JOY. I really focused on that word, JOY in 2018 because really life is too short to be unhappy. I'll say it again, LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO BE UNHAPPY. Wherever you are I hope you know that you too deserve joy. Life is not perfection, it is ever changing and each experience changes us. 

 Thank you for following along on my journey and being a part of my life story! You're support is truly appreciated. Going into 2019 I'm carrying forward the lessons I learned. I'm looking forward to new adventures, growth, joy, love and conquering in 2019. 

One more time for the people in the back, THE BEST IS YET TO COME! 

 Always, 

 Ashlei