Spring break is approaching and although you’ve got the perfect location planned, booked your hotel, and requested off work for the week, you still need to pack! Packing can be either stressful or fun. Let’s start Spring Break 2012 off right with an enjoyable packing session. Obviously, the type of clothing you need will vary depending on your location. Beachside or mountaintop, I’m here to help you plan exactly what to pack for your vacation.

Beginning with beachside, boogie boards are a must! Boogie boards will ensure you a great time on the water. I found two great website where you can order boogie boards. If you’re a last minute shopper like me, try: http://www.boogieboard.org/shop. This website has same day shipping which is great for late planning! Also, they guarantee a 30 day return policy if you aren’t happy with your purchase. Another site to try is: http://www.beachstore.com/. This website will provide you with free shipping if you spend over $100. Nothing would be more fun this spring break than absorbing a good tan while soaking up the waves.

Beachside, we will need sun protection! http://www.coolibar.com/ offers a range of sunhats that are all approved by the American Academy of Dermatology, the Skin Cancer Association, and the Melanoma International Foundation. They create these hats to be both fashionable and safe. Hats are made for both men and women and come in a variety of styles. The website even has a section specifically for packable hats that are made for suitcases! Hats range in a variety of colors to match any style.

Now it’s time to turn our focus to mountaintop spring break 2012! The temperature during springtime in the mountains can vary throughout one day. According to http://www.summitcove.com, “The temperature could start in the single digits when the sun rises could have you in jeans and a long sleeve tee by mid-afternoon!” We need layers! If you are a Victoria’s Secret Pink fan, you know that layers can be easy and fun! Pink has yoga pants, sweatpants, matching sweatshirts, matching under t-shirts, matching shorts, and even tanks. It’s so much fun to layer up at Victoria’s Secret!

If you’re going to the mountains, you need mountain mix! Mountain trail mix is fun, quick, and easy to make. This mix will be great to take along on your road trip, or on a hike! The recipe I like to use is from http://allrecipies.org.

Ingredients: 1/2 cup cashews, 1/4 cup peanuts, 1/4 cup almonds (optional),  1/2 cup raisins, 1 (1.69 ounce) package candy-coated milk chocolate pieces (such as M&M’s®)

Directions: Combine the cashews, peanuts, almonds, raisins, and chocolate in a bowl. Store in an airtight container to store.

This festive mix is great for your trip if you will be on the go and want a healthy treat.

So, whether you’re Beachside or Mountaintop, you are sure to be prepared for spring Break 2012! Have a great time, be safe, and don’t forget to pack for a good time!

-Speedy G.

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