Fitness: Staying Fit on Vacation

Although vacation is time to indulge, it never feels good to come back from a trip feeling like you are out of shape. We were conscious of this on our last trip and tried hard to maintain a routine while still appreciating our surroundings. We have found a couple tricks that help keep us on track and full of energy.

1. Sparkling Water with Lime! (Agua Mineral Con Lima Por Favor)

Although it may be tempting to sip on a sugary Pina Colada while sitting pool side, our tip is to skip the drinks mid-day and stick to a refreshing sparkling water. The sugar and alcohol, from a tropical drink, may perk you up in the short run, but as the afternoon drags on you will lose steam. Sparkling water is fun to sip on and the lime adds a special touch. You will also stay hydrated and are skipping extra calories.

2. Take the Stairs!

Seriously! Get in the habit from day one of taking the stairs. The extra flights, however small they may seems, definitely add up. Making healthy choices like skipping the elevator ride can also encourage you to make other healthy choices in general. One step at a time ;)

3. Indulge Once a Day

Complete restriction on vacation is unnecessary and no fun! That said, going over board every meal is going to make you feel sick and lethargic  Our suggestion is to pick one special treat a day but stick to the normal routine. We stuck to oatmeal and lots of fruit for breakfast, veggies and protein for lunch and then a special desert or cocktail after a yummy dinner! Staying with the routine helps to keep your body feeling normal and indulging keeps you satisfied while on vacation.

4. Get your Workout in Early!

Heat and humidity can really tire you out. Wake up refreshed and get some exercise before the sun takes its toll. A thirty minute run on the beach, a swim in the pool or a few games of tennis are a great couple of ways to stay active and fit on your vacation. 

5. Stay Busy!

Fill your vacation with fun activities that get you moving! You don't have to run on the treadmill to get your heart pumping. Swim in the ocean, go hiking in the jungle, or do some water aerobics. Although vacation is definitely a time for relaxation, you will feel both rested and happy on your return if you use vacation time to get in touch with what you body really needs! 

What are your favorite tips to keep active on vacations?

Maddie & Ellie

Mexico

Our trip to Mexico was both relaxing and adventurous. We did plenty of lounging by the pool and beach but also explored our surroundings. It was fun to spend time with our family, read new books and soak up the sunshine. Here are some highlights from the trip: 

Ellie and Maddie dressed up for a fancy French dinner. One of our favorite part of the vacation was getting freshened up and picking out cute outfits to wear for dinner nightly. 

Maddie at the beach! Can you believe she rode a mechanical bull before this photo? 

 Ellie and Jay enjoying a drink before the Circus Show! 

Family adventure to Coba (a Mayan ruin), included repelling, zip-lining and swimming in a cenote. 

 Maddie in downtown Cancun, looking for some pottery to bring back to Oregon. 

All of our rooms were right next door! Surprise :) 

 Brandon and Maddie post climb to the top of a Mayan temple. 

 Jay and Ellie enjoying a golf cart ride around Isla Mujeres, before snorkeling. 

Brandon and Maddie looking glamorous before dinner. 

We had a blast on our trip. Surprisingly the transition back to Oregon wasn't too bad. We were greeted with 75 degree weather and sunshine, we should go to Mexico more often! 

Ellie & Maddie 

Packing: Mexico

After a rainy first day of spring, we are more than excited to jet to Mexico tomorrow. Ellie and I have been planning for the vacation for far too long and now its only hours till we board the plane. Although Ellie has been packed for weeks, I have had a harder time deciding what to bring. Tonight, I decided to use our destination as an inspiration and pack the most colorful items in my closet. If you know me well  you will understand that there are very few "colorful" items in my drawers. But hey, If I am going to wear something bright, it might as well be on the Beach in Cancun!

Bright Pedicure: Essential for a beach vacation! Bright colors will make your toes look all the better as you walk through the sand :)

Colorful Swimsuit: You can never have too many bright swimsuits. Feel free to mix and max!

Neon Athletic Wear: Perfect for sunset yoga on the beach.

New running shoes: A cute new pair always makes the run more enjoyable!

Party Dresses: It is so fun to play dress up after a long day at the beach!

Summery heels: These will spice up any outfit!

Hope you have an escape planned soon! Can't wait to share pictures from the trip :)

Maddie

Outfit: Las Vegas

Packing for an exciting vacation can be as stressful as missing a connecting flight if you fail to use color schemes. To improve the versatility of your looks it is important to find items that go with more than one other piece in your suitcase. A trip to the Sin City in the middle of January warranted one color scheme: Black. 

Mirror pics with my girlies :: Totally Vegas

Grab some fantastic heels :: Ones you can walk in after a couple Long Islands

Sparkly accessories :: The ones you would think twice before wearing at home



Short black dresses that can mix and match with jeans and skirts :: Necessity

Cheap Pleather Jacket (preferable $30 or under) :: You wont cry about leaving this in a taxi

Shoes
Left: Nasty Gal (similar)
Right: Nordstroms

Accessories ::
Studded bag - Forever 21
Clutch -Target
Earrings - Claires
Necklace - Nordstroms (similar)
Hair Ties - Emi & Jay

Outfits ::
Simple -  Nasty Gal (similar)
Leather - Forever 21 (similar & totally love this better)
Lace - Asos (similar)

Jacket ::
Forever 21

Of course I brought a couple other items for wandering the strip during the day but honestly, a pair of jeans and a couple tanks is all that is needed :)

VEGAS ADVICE: Advil, flat shoes for recovery during the days & Happy Hour.

Happy Travels

Maddie