When it comes to planning a vacation, the part you likely dread most is packing. How do you decide what to bring? Is it possible to keep your suitcase organized? We are here to help! Our tips and tricks will help you stay organized and actually find what you need in your suitcase so you can relax and enjoy your trip!

 

Utilize Packing Cubes

 Packing cubes will become your best friend when packing for a vacation. No matter what size of suitcase you are using, you can find packing cubes that will fit comfortably. When you use packing cubes, you can group together your items into categories such as jeans, tops, and dresses so you can easily find the piece of clothing you are looking for.

 Not only do cubes work great for packing, but you can also utilize compression cubes for your dirty laundry. Trying to figure out what to do with dirty laundry while traveling can be a hassle and a compression cube will allow you to keep your dirty clothes in one area while not taking up your entire suitcase.

 

Plan Ahead

 Create a list ahead of time of what you plan to pack. Get as detailed as possible when writing this list. Put together outfits for each day and do not stray outside of this. This is the best way to keep your suitcase from overflowing with clothing that you won’t wear.

 

Choose a Color Palette

 By picking a color palette for your trip, it will allow you to mix and match items, which means you can create more outfits out of the same items. Whether you want to go with all neutrals or stick with a certain color, it will make your life easier to know that all of your clothing will go together.

 

Roll Your Clothing

 Rolling clothing prior to packing will save you space and keep your suitcase tidy while traveling. You will be able to utilize more space and still see each item of clothing easily. For pieces that you do not want to roll, consider placing them on the bottom of the cube, folded neatly.

 

Bring Travel Size Toiletries

Toiletries can take up excessive space and quickly clutter your suitcase. It is important to bring travel sized toiletries to not only take up less space but keep your suitcase more organized. If your toiletries do not come in a travel size, you can purchase small containers to put your products into including washes, lotions, sprays, and even cosmetics.

Consider our tips when you are packing for your next vacation to stay organized and create less stress when you are traveling the globe. Your trip is intended for you to soak up all of the amazing memories instead of rummaging through your suitcase!

Pack Like a Pro for Your Summer Vacay: Tips and Tricks for a More Systemic Suitcase

It can be easy to assume that just because you want to shop sustainable, you have to spend more money. However, that does not have to be true. So, how do you shop sustainably while sticking to your budget? Read on to learn more!

 

Consider Vintage and Secondhand 

Although shopping for vintage pieces can be expensive, take the time to look at secondhand stores and online for pieces that have already been worn. Not only are these sustainable, but you can find great deals on different items. Maybe you find the most comfortable pair of older jeans, or you come across a great graphic tee that you know you will wear on a consistent basis. If you take your time to comb through the racks, you can almost always find something that fits your budget and matches your style.

 

Spend Time Making Decisions

 A great way to stick to your budget is to think twice before making purchases. You may see a handful of items you love when you are shopping at a secondhand store but be sure to take the time to think about what pieces you will get the most use out of. This will ensure that you are truly shopping sustainable and will wear the items in your closet. 

 

Look Within Your Own Closet

 There is no better way to be sustainable than to look within your own closet! Take the time to sift through each piece in your closet and determine what you could wear again or style in a new way. This will also allow you to see what is missing from your closet so you can purchase pieces that you will be able to wear along with what you currently have.

Shopping sustainable does not have to break the bank and we know these tips will help you find ways to stick to your budget while helping the environment!

How to Shop Sustainable on a Budget

Decade after decade, there’s still a piece we all seem to love: a caftan. But if you think it’s just a garment to wear to the pool, think again! We’d venture to say that wearing a caftan as more than a poolside piece is best.

·       Cinched waists:  If a flowing caftan feels overwhelming, look for a style that features a drawstring waist or tie a chic belt to create an hourglass shape.

·       It’s all about the fabric: Ornate and colorful caftans are perfect for a night out. The garment is so universal you can either wear them to the pool or chic night out – just look for styles that feature a bit of bling if you want to a glamourous option.

·       Go for solid colors: True, some caftans feature very illustrious prints and designs. If that’s too much for you, opt for a caftan in a solid or muted print. Want a hint of print? Look for a style that has embellished necklines or sleeves.

·       Details are important: When you want your caftan to look like more than a swimsuit coverup, the details are where it’s at. From gorgeous embroidery to sun-catching beadwork and sequins, caftans with embellishments are ideal for evening events!

Wear with a variety of shoes: While you might opt for sandals or flip flops with your poolside caftan, you can wear so many different styles with the piece for a night out: flats, heels, and strappy wedges all work great.

How to Style a Caftan: It’s More Than Just a Poolside Piece!

A t-shirt dress looks effortlessly cool, but styling it might be a whole other ballgame. Here’s how to take this super simply garment and make it fit any occasion and any body.

·       Add a belt: Cinch the waist for a figure-flattering look and change up your look based on the belt style.

·       Use accessories to add style. For summer looks, shoes like espadrilles and sandals make sense. Canvas, bamboo and rattan totes or hats also add to this effortless look!

·       Change up the hem: For daytime looks, consider a hemline that falls around the knee or mid-length. For a casual nighttime look, hemlines can be shorter depending on preference.

·       Give the dress an edge: Take a basic t-shirt dress and give it an edgier style by pairing it with some strappy heels and a moto jacket!

Any shoe works: Versatility is the name of the game when it comes to the t-shirt dress. Mix and match your favorite shoes to give it a new style: from canvas platform sneakers to combat boots or wedges and heels, it all works.

The Easiest Piece in Your Summer Wardrobe? A T-Shirt Dress

Whether your celebrating mom or the mother figures in your life, Mother’s Day is fast approaching. If you haven’t figure out what to get, maybe some of these ideas will jog your creative juices:

·       Personalized (anything): From keychains to necklaces and tote bags, you can get pretty much anything personalized for mom.

·       Gourmet food items: Coffee, chocolate-covered fruit, or cooking ingredients – food items are perfect for the mom who loves to get a little fancy in the kitchen.

·       Flowers: Okay, so flowers are a little basic but they’re perfect when you need a last minute item or delivery. Look for a bouquet that comes in a gorgeous ceramic vase or pot for the added wow factor!

·       Gift an experience: Does mom love going to the movies? Maybe getting her tickets for a concert that you can go together is an option. Instead of buying her another trinket, consider looking for an experience you can do with (or without – a massage for a new mom, for example) her.

·       Complement her favorite activity: If mom or grandma loves spending time in the garden, consider a gift that elevates her experience while there. A birdfeeder or butterfly feeder is a fun idea, or maybe she’d love a luxurious new outfit for her yoga class!

Gifting mom or the women in your life doesn’t have to be complicated. Look for something meaningful and they’ll no doubt be thrilled with any gift that comes from the heart.

Your Go-To Mother’s Day Gift Guide

While a chat with your doctor is always important while navigating mental health challenges, there are a number of things you can do to boost your everyday mental mindset. Here are 10 ways you can boost your mental mindset:

·       Engage in social connections. While many of us spend time texting or chatting with friends online, in-person connections are where it’s at. Dedicate a time on a cadence that works best for you to spend time connecting with friends or family on a face-to-face level.

·       Get active. Even a 5 minute walk outside is enough to boost energy and relieve stress. Not into walking? Stretching is another great option!

·       Don’t hold everything in. Whether you have a special person to talk with or you prefer a professional, talking about what’s holding you back is a helpful way to gain new perspectives on issues (and works powerfully to calm your nervous system).

·       Meditation isn’t the only way to relax. Meditation isn’t for everyone. If it is, dedicate time each day to practice deep breathing and mindfulness. Not into meditation? Incorporate other actions that allow you to turn your mind off and focus on breathing – gardening or coloring are two great activities.

·       Tune into your senses. Love the sound of ocean waves? Prefer hearing the early morning birds getting ready for the day? Whatever sounds you love, look for ways to incorporate them into your daily routine. Playing nature sounds on your smartphone or sitting outside for a few minutes are just two ways to get a little more grounded.

·       Get plenty of sleep. There’s no way around it – getting enough sleep (8-10 hours depending on your body) is necessary to repair and rejuvenate.

·       Look for things that spark joy! Whether it’s volunteering at the local YMCA or paying for coffee for the person behind you in line at the coffeeshop, do things that make bring you a sense of joy.

·       Eat a healthy and nutritious diet. Mood-boosting nutrients are important – look for foods rich in omega fatty acids and antioxidants.

·       Being too busy isn’t the goal. Sure, it’s good to fill your calendar with activities that you need to get done. But being busy for the sake of being busy isn’t helpful. Instead, take time for yourself. Whether it’s a weekly tennis class or a monthly massage, find time to unwind.

Get professional support when you need it. Taking the step toward professional support is one of the best things you can do for your mental, physical and emotional health.

It’s Mental Health Awareness Month: Here Are 10 Ways to Boost Your Mental Mindset

Floral prints are everywhere this summer, making it easy for you to add a piece (or two!) to your wardrobe. Whether you prefer muted patterns or want something bold and fun, there’s an option you’ll love.

Here’s everything you need to know about wearing summer florals this season:

·       Pair florals with neutrals: Perfect for the office or to wear to a summer soiree – a classic white tee and a floral trouser or skirt is a chic and easy look to put together. Top it off with gold jewelry and you’re ready to go!

·       Vintage floral prints: Jumpsuits and rompers are the quintessential summer look, so add even more style by finding one in a vintage floral print.  

·       Floral on floral: If you’re majorly in love with floral print, there’s no rule that you can’t pair a floral garment with an accessory featuring the same print. Look for a clutch or handbag with embroidered flowers to complement your summer outfit.

·       Country chic meets floral: Festivals, barbecues, girl’s night out – there are plenty of reasons why floral works for summer looks! Look for a fun dress or romper that features one print (gingham, for example) with floral accents in a smaller print.

·       Floral (with an edge): Want to experiment with a floral print but not sure how to give it some edge? Pair a floral blouse with a skirt and combat boots, or throw on a cropped moto jacket for those cooler night temps.

Floral is fun and adds a pop of color to any wardrobe!

Here’s Your Summer Guide to Wearing Florals

Summer is approaching quickly, and you might be thinking about all of the fun memories you will make hanging out by the pool, going to baseball games, and enjoying backyard barbeques. However, we know it can be tough to put together stylish outfits when you want to be cool and comfortable. Maxi dresses are the perfect solution! Not only are they lightweight and flowy, but you can wear them in several different ways depending on the occasion and your personal style.

1) Casual With a T-Shirt

If you have plans to go to a backyard barbeque or grab lunch with a friend, you can take your favorite tee and throw it on over your maxi. This gives a cool girl vibe, while keeping your outfit comfortable. To complete the look in a chic way, you can tie the bottom portion of the t-shirt.

2) Throw a Blazer On

For an evening out, you might think about wearing your maxi dress with a blazer. This is the ideal way to dress up your outfit a touch more. A silk maxi dress is perfect for wearing to date night or grabbing drinks with your best friend. If you want to dress the look up, put on your favorite pair of heels and some beautiful statement earrings! 

3) Sneakers and a Belt

Maybe you plan to run errands for the afternoon or take the kids to their summer activities. Either way, a maxi dress is perfect for the occasion. A black or white linen maxi dress screams summer and you can put on a tan or brown leather belt with your favorite pair of white sneakers to be ready to take on the day!

 

These ideas on ways to wear maxi dresses will help to inspire you and get you ready for the warmer weather in style!

How to Style a Maxi Dress Just in Time for Summer

Manicure trends are always changing and there are constantly fun colors, styles, and designs that are popular. With spring approaching, this can be the perfect time to try some of the fun trends that we are loving! We know you will have everyone stopping you to ask about your nails!

 

Chrome Nails

Yes, we all know about the Hailey Bieber glazed donut nails, but the trend is here to stay. Outside of the typical brown chrome that we have seen everywhere, you can have the chrome applied to any color of nails. Say hello to pink or blue chrome!

 

All Kinds of French

French manicures were in style many years ago, but they are back full force. Whether you want a standard white French tip or bring a pop of color, you will be the envy of your friends with your stunning manicure for spring. If you want to try a unique French manicure, consider different colors for each nail to enjoy pops of color!

 

Velvet Nails

Yes, you hear us right! Just like the glazed donut nails, nails that appear to look like velvet are very on-trend this year. These polishes with an abundance of shimmer truly do give the look that your nails have velvet on them.

 

Viva Magenta

With this being the Pantone color of the year for 2023, it will absolutely be a go-to color in nail salons for spring. This bright pink is ideal for spring and helps brighten up any outfit you want to wear. If you want to add something extra fun, consider topping this color with a matte topcoat.

Our favorite nail trends are sure to be ones you will love as well! Bring these ideas to your next nail appointment and we guarantee you will have one of the trendiest manicures this season.

Manicure Trends We’re Loving for Spring

Low rise denim might have felt like a trend that came and went, but it is back and better than ever! With how style has changed over the years, you might be left wondering how you can style this trend. We are going to give you a few ideas on how you can easily style low rise denim.

 

Style it With a Button-Up

If you want to wear low rise denim, a great way to style a chic outfit is by pairing your denim with a button-up shirt. This could be white, black, or even light blue. You will want your top to be a looser fit and you can do a half-tuck with it to make it feel effortless.

 

A Simple Tank or Tee

When you look at pictures of celebrities that are wearing low rise denim, you will probably see them style their denim with a cropped tee or tank. If you are comfortable with wearing something slightly cropped, it can be a casual way to style your denim and still feel on-trend.

 

Body Suit and Blazer

For days where you might want to wear low rise denim, but have a more put together outfit, you might want to consider pairing the denim with a body suit and an oversized blazer. It will still scream “cool girl,” but allows you to wear the look to a dinner with girlfriends or a night out for drinks.

 

With these easy ideas, you will feel ready to take on the low rise denim trend and be putting together outfits that everyone will be envying!

Wear the Trend: Low Rise Denim

<p>Content: We are proud to continue our Good Work with Soles4Souls to collect and donate lightly worn footwear of all sizes/styles (for men, women, and children) for distribution in countries around the world, including those in need right here in the United States. It is our 15th year of partnership and we have donated nearly ONE MILLION pairs of shoes. Visit us in-store to participate and donate…every pair we collect makes a difference!</p>

Brighton Gives Back: Give Shoes Give Love

Don't miss our Pickleball Clinic! 

Location: Round 1 Court and Macy's Court

11 am - 4 pm:

60-minute clinics for beginner, beginner intermediate, and beginner advanced players 

Starting at 3 pm:

Open Play for Intermediate & Above players. Registration required. 

​REGISTER HERE

Pickleball Clinic

The steppers are back and will be in Round 1 Court!

Stepping at Fox Valley Mall is BACK!!!

Join us every Tuesday night from 4pm - 8pm in the Fox Yard of Fox Valley. 

- Over 40 vendors, artisans, bakeries, fresh farm vegetables
- Food trucks and beer, wine + cocktails
- Live music every event night from 6pm - 8pm
- Kid activities, balloons, face painting and bounce house

Location: Fox Yard - the new green space located outside the Mall Entrance 2 between Classy Nails and Lumen Fox Valley Apartments. 

Date and Times:

May 30th 4pm – 8pm

95.9 The River Rock' n Roll Favorites 4pm - 6pm

Kids Playgroup 4pm - 6pm  

​Ebony & Ivory 6pm - 8pm

June 6th 4pm – 8pm

Kids Playgroup 4pm - 6pm  

Knievel Duo 6pm - 8pm

June 13th 4pm – 8pm

Kids Playgroup 4pm - 6pm  

JZ Duo 6pm - 8pm 

June 20th 4pm – 8pm

Kids Playgroup 4pm - 6pm  

Triplicity 6pm - 8pm 

June 27th 4pm – 8pm

Kids Playgroup 4pm - 6pm  

Double Treble Dueling Pianos 6pm - 8pm 

July 4th  *no market*

July 11th 4pm – 8pm

Blackberry Jam Trio 6pm - 8pm 

July 18th 4pm – 8pm

Jackbox JBC Duo

July 25th 4pm – 8pm

Upright Down Trio

August 1st 4pm – 8pm

Ebony & Ivory 6pm - 8pm 

August 8th 4pm – 8pm

Vintage Vinyl Trio 6pm - 8pm 

August 15th 4pm – 8pm

JazBlusion Trio 6pm - 8pm 

Vendors

Pet Wants

Chetoni Designs

Tastefully Simple

Treats and Paws

Pink Zebra

La Tiendita Artesanal

Sunny VIbes by Jen

Bleuer Farm 

Artwork by John 

B&L Creations

The Smile On A Dog, LLC

Burpalicious

Ida Lee Visuals Custom Crafts

Go Doggy Run hotdog cart

Charm’Me Treasures Boutique

Lemah Creek Naturals CBD

Chef Heatley's Hot Pepper Farm

Sunny Vibes by Jen

KMK Electric Lemonade LLC

Grateful Clay

Reda's Boutique

Tricology / handcrafted jewelry

Adough Desserts LLC

 Hot dogs

Kettle Corn, Funnel Cakes, Italian Ice, Cotton Candy, Lemon Shake ups

Dawning Day Creations dba DDC WRAPS

Banana Pudding Twist

The WoodCraftersby Luz& Juan

Chocolate Moonshine Company

The Licorice Guy

BernettaCreations LLC

Juice plus

Tees4usnow LLC

Mary Kay Products

The Trendy Bumpkin

If you are interested in becoming a vendor, contact Stephanie via email at stephanie.burciaga@brightstar-event.com

Tuesday Night Markets

Centennial Real Estate Management L.L.C.

Fox Valley Mall, a premier shopping mall in Aurora/ Naperville, Illinois, is home to top retailers and offers premium shopping, dining, and entertainment. 

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