My Next Vacation and a Slim-Fast Gift Pack Giveaway

This is a sponsored review from BlogHer and Slim·Fast.

I can’t wait to go on our next vacation. Usually we only get to go on one a year, especially since my husband has been in school, but since this is his last year we’re making an exception. Why you ask? Well that’s because we’ve finally chosen the place we want to move to after he graduates, and we want to spend as much time there as financially possible (to be sure) before we make the move. And where is it? Wilmington, NC. Obscure, right? Well, my husband and I have been contemplating moving to various places all over the south. We have no family living that’s in a permanent location and have friends transplanted all over, so we have considered lots of places. I insisted on staying in the south, but getting out of south Florida because of the way I am treated, since I have an accent. Either people look at me when I speak like, what a cutesy accent, and have no idea what I said, or they ignore me because they have the pre-conceived notion anyone with an accent is a moron. We also want to be close to the water and closer to the snow so we can get to the ski resorts faster in the winter. We were at our wits end searching for and comparing cities, until someone recommended Wilmington. When we visited, we realized it was perfect for us, a quiet old town with lots of history, close to the beach, and a place that gets a little snow, but not enough that you have to shovel.

And did I mention the food? We happened upon three restaurants that were amazing, it was quite odd. I’ve never gotten that lucky in any city before. That sealed the deal for me.

I’m so excited that we get to go back to Wilmington so soon. We’re going in April for their azalea festival, my second favorite flower (my first is gardenia and third is a camellia in case you were wondering). At this festival, they also have a street fair where you can sample lots of foods from different restaurants. I can’t wait. The only problem is, like a girl, I have nothing to wear. I heard all the ladies in Wilmington wear hats at this festival, so I have to go get a hat. I haven’t been shopping for a hat yet, but I want to check some of our discount stores first before resorting to Macy’s where I know it will be higher.  I also have to drop 10 pounds, or at least put forth an effort. I’ve been at the gym almost everyday for the past few weeks.

Today, I am going shopping for new spring inspired make-up. I lost my favorite lipstick on the ski lift when we were in West Virginia, so I need a new pretty pink hued lipstick. I’ve also been reading all the reviews on foundations this morning. Since I have so many things on my list, I want to save a little money on my makeup and buy at the drugstore or Target. Hopefully, I can get the right shade. My skin has gotten so much darker now that I stay at home with my son because we are doing outside activities alot, and none of the old colors I use to wear all through my twenties work for me anymore.

When it gets closer to the time, and when I hopefully lose a little more weight, I want to go shopping for some cute floral sundresses or skirts to wear that weekend. My spring and summer clothes wear out so quickly because we practically wear them year-round here in Florida, so I just don’t have a thing I want to wear that’s in the closet.

I think I’m okay on shoes, I have the cutest little flip-flops with a heel that have a large white flower on them, and I think they’ll work perfectly, so long as my big toes are heeled a little more from my ill-fitting skiing boots. If they aren’t, I’ll have to change my whole plan to sensible shoes, blah.

After I’m packed, I’ll have to drop the dog and cat off at the vet for boarding. My husband is getting home early on Friday, and we’ll take off just as soon as he gets in. The drive is about 9 hours, and we have lots of movies on my iPhone that I can hook up to the truck’s monitor to keep him occupied till he falls asleep. We’re not staying anywhere fancy, just a Holiday Inn, the same one we stayed at last time.

I am so excited to go on this little mini-vacation, even though it is just for the weekend. I’ve included a video here that tells you more about Wilmington’s azalea festival:

If you want to learn more about the history of this festival, I found this article from a local very interesting.

I probably over-plan my wardrobe for vacations, but for some reason I always feel like I need new clothes when we travel.

Do you over-plan any parts of your vacation, or just go with the flow? Let me know in the comment section below for a chance to win a Slim-Fast gift pack.

Please  Visit the Promotions & Prizes section where you can find other blogger’s stories and enter to win their giveaways from Slim-Fast too.

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