Beach Essentials: What to pack for vacation

By any seasoned traveler's standards, I suck at packing. There simply isn't any other way to say it. It doesn't matter if I plan for weeks or shove things into a bag the night before. I will inevitably over-pack and have an absurd abundance of clothing, shoes, accessories, and underwear in proportion to the length of my stay.

My boyfriend goes by the rule, "pack as much as you can carry"- which is great since all my luggage has wheels or he ends up carrying it for me [Editor's note: Josh, if you are reading this I totally appreciate it and thank you]. I on the other hand justify my packing "skillz" by proclaiming "it's better to have too many options than not enough." Except now that it costs a million dollars to check a bag, my motto is proving to be a bit flawed.

I spent last week in Key West, Florida. Before I left, I made an honest attempt at narrowing down a practical list of necessities and accessories for someone taking a similar vacation. As expected, I failed miserably and wore maybe 25% of the items I actually brought. So it goes without saying, this is simply a guide intended to help streamline others that subscribe to my theory of bringing everything but the kitchen sink (keeping under 50 lbs of course). And hoping your boyfriend will carry it.

Kaftan | Sundress | Shirt | Romper |  | Midi-Dress | Flip Flops |

 Wedges | Gladiators | Aviators | Watch | Wayferers 

Vicariously experience my Key West vacation through the lens of my third appendage.

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@dee_huest

Destination: Key West

Quote by Isak Dinesen | Photo by me (in Mexico)

I've been in quite the funk lately. So it brings me some solace to read this quote and think of where I am headed this morning. I'll be off the grid (as best as I know how) until Friday as I venture off to Key West, Florida for the first time. I am looking forward to soaking up some quality time away in hopes to return with a clear head and restored outlook. And maybe even the next Mega Millions winning numbers.

While I have every intention to go through the days at a leisurely pace, I know my mom and her friends will inevitably convince me to join in on their shenanigans as detailed in their meticulously planned itinerary. Let it be known that the only real plan I have is to rent a bike, find this food truck, and enjoy a few yoga practices on the beach.

Of course, suggestions are welcome. So if you have been to the area and know of a place that I must see please leave me a comment. You can also follow me on instagram and vicariously experience Key West through the lens of my third appendage.

Click below to follow me on Instagram:

@dee_huest

My favorite Sunday Brunch drink: The Man-Mosa

Once upon a summer almost three years ago, I went to a little cafe in Brooklyn that is now closed. A seemingly innocent Sunday Brunch in the City turned out to be a roller coaster of emotion and for that it will always be one of my most memorable meals in Brooklyn. Highlights included:

• meeting a 40-something guy named Bennett who had the energy of Jack Russell Terrier and told one hysterical story after another
• the start of my egg + avocado obsession (BTW, it's on year three and still going strong)
• super bitchy wait-staff, which explains why they are now out of business
• the worst Mimosa EVER
• the introduction of the ManMosa aka the star of this post

Long story short, my worst Mimosa ever consisted of 85% from-concentrate OJ and a splash of warm, flat, "sparkling" wine. It was so bad and our server was so suck-y that I waltzed into the restaurant, to prove I wasn't being dramatic asked the bartender to "try-it", and requested a replacement of some sort. If I recall, they were "out of Bloody Mary mix" aka strike two. And then, it happened. Another bartender recommended I try the ManMosa. After hearing the ingredients I was most definitely intrigued and gave it a shot. Four rounds later and an entire table singing it's praises, I was hooked. And so I present to you, the ManMosa.

My standard recipe- just add your favorites!

Step 1. Pour an entire bottle (12 oz) or up to 16 ounces of a hefewiezen or wheat beer into a chilled 23.5 oz glass. I plan on adding A LOT more to this list this summer, but here are few of my favorites that have been taste-tested and approved:

• Magic Hat Circus Boy

• Blue Moon Ale

• ROC Brewing Co. Belgian Blonde 

• Dundee Summer Wheat 

Step 2. Top with 4 ounces of fresh-squeezed or not from concentrate juice.

Step 3. Add 1.5 ounces of chilled Vodka. Absolut is readily available. But Prairie is really good if you are making them at home.

Step 4. Pour into a cocktail shaker with ice and gently stir. Strain back into the glass, top with a slice of orange, and enjoy.

Now I am not claiming I created the recipe (hence the back story), but I have yet to come across a menu outside of NYC that offers it or a bartender that knows what I am talking about. So this summer I am making it my mission to spread the word to all my friends and to my favorite spots in the Rochester, NY area in hopes it becomes a standard Sunday Brunch classic. Help me by doing the same! And if you have ordered the ManMosa from somewhere before, please leave a comment with your state and location.

If not the ManMosa, what is your Sunday Brunch standby?

BRB. Going to Vermont.

Wow! This was one of the busiest weeks I have had in a very long time. It flew, yet somehow dragged on by. Amid all of the work, meetings, events, and things to do I mentally convinced myself I was at NYFW ooo-ing and ahhh-ing over all the Fall 2012 looks. Though I was in the same state, the reality couldn't be further from the mental happy place I created. Needless to say, I am looking forward to catching up on all of the blogs by the lucky people who did actually get to go!

In other news, I am leaving bright and early to go on my very first ski trip. You could tell from my awesome image, right? I am leaving in just a few hours but I honestly have no idea where I am going. Yes, you read that correctly. I am leaving for four days and have absolutely no idea where I am going. Or staying. Or really what we'll be doing for that matter (besides hitting the slopes). This is my first time giving up all control over a vacation/getaway and just going with the flow. I have to say it feels pretty good and I am excited to see what is in store. Especially considering my most free-spirited friend in the world (Nancy, I am referring to you) semi-planned it and I am just tagging along. Here is what I do know:

• We are going to Stowe, Vermont. I've never been to Vermont so I am sure the image I have of Ben & Jerry's on every corner and a state that smells of Birkenstocks is completely off base.
• We are staying in a house that will most likely be way to small for the 12-14 people going. Who knows if Josh and I will even have a bed.
• It will take approximately 8 hours to get there. Wherever "there" is. Good thing I am not driving.
• There will be copious amounts of beer, wine, food, and laughter. Honestly, that was the selling point for me.
• I will be the worst skier, by far, and will probably need to scoot down the mountain on my butt more than I would ever care to admit. But at least I will look cute in all my sweet gear.
• I didn't pack a single pair of heels. Or 18 different outfit options for the matter. I am also quite proud of myself for not over-packing for the very first time.

 So, if you have ever been to Stowe or know of some great places near by, please leave a comment and let me know.

Happy Friday!