If you can’t already tell, this is a very chatty pack & prep with me for a much-needed family vacation to Punta Cana (and yes…it was literally downpouring while I filmed, which felt like the universe teasing me). I started the video with the harsh reality that my “packing list” was fully living in my head (dangerous), so I pulled up Notion—my absolute favorite thing in the entire world—and made a real Punta Cana prep checklist to keep myself accountable. The goal was to get like 80% packed, but I quickly realized I was being a little ambitious. I ran errands (eyebrow threading + CVS toiletries), did press-on nails because I cannot justify nail set money right now (maybe when I’m fully employed), and did the main packing the next day with my packing cubes—literally the best thing ever if you’re an overpacker like me. I went through swimsuits (sadly, my cutest ones are at JMU), coverups, linen pants/shorts, and all the “needs to be steamed but I swear it’s cute” outfits. I also decided to bring a few books for the beach because I don’t want to spend the whole vacation on my phone, and I ended fully packed and so excited to vlog what I’m comfortable sharing while still being protective of my family.