I typically don’t publish blog post’s over the weekend but Thursday night I promised a full travel essential blog post for y’all on Friday. Unfortunately life happens and our first born fur baby, Brantley, needed our attention these past two days. After a visit to the doggie ER we found out that he has a serious UTI and bladder stones, which thank goodness are both treatable by antibiotic and prescription CD dog food which will help to minimize and dissolve the bladder stones. We are so very very thankful that it wasn’t something much more serious and that it will hopefully be an easy fix. It’s not fun watching your usually fun, full of energy, excited, happy, and goofy dog not be themselves and instead be in pain – it’s quite awful. Erick and I adopted Brantley when we were dating in college before we were even engaged, 3 years before actually. Brantley turns 6 this May which I had already been thinking about often and with friday night’s event, it made me realize just how fast time is flying by with our sweet Brantley. I wish so very badly that dogs could live to be 100 years old, it just isn’t fair. Here’s to giving all dogs, young and old, the best and healthiest lives full of love and care that we can give them.

isn’t he the cutest? okya okay, let’s talk travel essentials and outfit details now shall we.

i actually don’t typically wear sweats when i travel and will typically just do jeans with a casual cute top, easy slip on shoes, and a jacket. however, with the cold weather i opted for these cozy joggers instead. i ABSOLUTELY love this easy and cute tee, perfect for travel and only $15. you can never go wrong with a classic denim jacket and i love this one with the light washed denim and light distress. i bought these easy steve madden espadrilles at nordstrom rack last spring and there are so many different colors of this style currently on sale, linking them all in the widget below.

{calpak laptop backpack}

okay, let’s start with my favorite piece from above, this calpak laptop backpack was such a good purchase. use the text link to shop all three colors on the calpak website, the black pictured above is the only color available on that website. not is it so cute but so very functional with a front zipper pocket, front main compartment with 2 interior pockets and folder sleeve, and then the back compartment which holds up to a 15″ laptop. the grab handle on top was a nice option to have if my shoulders got tired and probably my favorite feature is the back trolley pass through allowing the bag to sit on top of your luggage securely.

{luggage}

i hadn’t bought any luggage in my adult life until a few weeks ago. I had been using a hand-me-down from my parents and it was definitely showing it’s wear and tear the last couple trips i took so i knew it was time to buy my own {there’s just so many other things I’d rather spend my money on}. Luckily places like homegoods, tj maxx, Marshall’s, and target have some pretty cute luggage pieces for half their original retail cost. I bought this vince camuto luggage at tj maxx for $80 a few weeks ago. it’s not listed on their website but i did find it for a little bit more here, but i’d def recommend checking out the stores i listed above in person first. linking some of my other favorites for y’all in the below widget as well.

{favorite travel cosmetic & jewelry bags}

{luggage tags + handy travel accessories}

i hope y’all found this post helpful and get to plan a trip soon even if it’s just a weekend getaway. erick and i are headed portland, oregon over st.patricks day weekend into the week. we have never been there and would love to hear your favorite places and things to do there if you’ve been or are from the area!