Let part 2 of my photo diary commence! Here's the rest of what I got up to on my Potter filled trip. As usual I took hundreds of photos so I had to narrow down quite a bit.

Let's Go!

Cabana Bay hotel is 60s themed, super fun!!

Portofino Bay hotel is modeled after Italy

On the boat to CityWalk from Portofino Bay Hotel

Stole Matt's seat after the press conference was over

Getting some drinks at The Hog's Head in Hogsmeade

Lunch in The Leaky Cauldron at Diagon Alley

Exchanging our muggle money for Galleons at the Gringotts Money Exchange

Weasley's Wizard Wheezes

Weasley's Wizard Wheezes

The namesake of my Harry Potter fan site

Playing LEGO Dimensions at the Harry Potter Expo

Having some issues playing Harry Potter trivia with Audible

Representing my Hogwarts houses at the Cursed Child booth

The most magical number

Wise words from Remy at Disney Springs

Today's the day for my Celebration of Harry Potter photo diary! Another great trip in the books, even if it was super cold (for Florida) Let's start off with the potter stuff, I attended a special press conference on Friday evening, for my Harry Potter and Matthew Lewis sites, and also watched a few panels throughout the weekend.

Press Conference - Matthew Lewis, Warwick Davis, Jason Isaacs, Tom Felton

Talent Panel -  Tom Felton, Jason Isaacs, Matthew Lewis, Warwick Davis

Tom Felton

Matthew Lewis

Jason Isaacs

Tom Felton, Jason Isaacs, Matthew Lewis, Warwick Davis

FOOD: Decided to do a whole section on food this time since I always take pictures of my food and never do anything with them (except Instagram a few.) Everything is on Universal property except the final items, which are Disney Springs.

Always a must - Chicken Waffle Sandwich from Cletus' Chicken Shack in Simpsons Land

Chips & Salsa and Chicken Tacos from Antojitos - this is one of my favorite restaurants in CityWalk (Universal's shopping and dining destination that sits between both parks)

Pulled Pork Sandwich from Hard Rock

Cornbread and Marghertia Flatbread from NBC Sports Grill. Cornbread is a must, flatbread is just okay. Try to sit at one of the game tables, we were at the Foosball table!

Hands down favorite dessert on Universal property (so far...) Flourless Chocolate Cake from Toothsome Chocolate Emporium

French Toast from Trattoria del Porto at the Portofino Bay hotel

One of my favorite treats from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Cornish Pasties from The Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure (they also serve them in Diagon Alley at the kiosk near the stage)

Breakfast from the Bayliner Diner at Cabana Bay hotel (yes, I like pepper)

Chocolate ice cream at Florean Fortescue's in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios (my friends recommend Earl Grey and Lavender, Clotted Cream and the soft serve Butterbeer, but I'm picky so I stick with chocolate)

Pepperoni Pizza and Roasted Garlic & Olive Oil bread from Portobello at Disney Springs (my friends and I weren't too fussed about this place, too overpriced for what it is)

I did manage to get a couple shots of 2 outfits from the rest of the trip, so here's a super quick look at them! I always keep my vacation looks simple - sweater (or tee) and jeans. DONE! That way I don't have to worry about multiple pieces per look and it helps me pack lighter. The only accessories I bring are my rings (which you don't get to see much of in my full outfit shots)

This photo was taken at a brand new Easter Egg at Universal. If you've seen Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them you'll recognize this as the entrance to The Blind Pig, a bar for wizards in New York City.

Cardigan: DKNY (Net-a-Porter Sale), Turtleneck: Vince (Marshalls), Jeans:  J Brand 'Maria' (Gilt), Miu Miu ankle boots (Roundabout Resale)

We spent our last night at Disney Springs since we can't go to Florida and not do something Disney related! ;)

Sweater: Anthropologie

This is my last full outfit post from Florida because time ran away with me the rest of the time. We had some pretty busy days running around the parks to different panels and the "expo" full of Warner Bros. and Harry Potter products.  These photos were taken at the GORGEOUS Portofino Bay hotel, one of Universal's premium hotels. Universal was kind enough to put us up here for 2 days of our trip. The other 4 nights were spent at my other favorite Universal hotel - Cabana Bay (stay in the poolside family suites!!) When you stay at Portofino you really feel like you're in Italy, but it's Florida!

Sweater: Madewell, Jeans: M.i.h Jeans 'The TOMBOY' (Net-a-Porter Sale), Sandals: Ancient Greek Sandals 'Athanasia' (Moda Operandi), Sunglasses: Ray Ban 'Erika'

This was the "wear all your new clothes!" trip. I brought my new jeans, new sweater aaaaaand new boots! This outfit features the boots and sweater. I really love this sweater because the deep v in the back is so unexpected. I was very brave with these photos. They were taken in the middle of Diagon Alley in what is quite possibly one of the busiest weekends in that park. But the backdrop was too cool to miss, especially with no one in the way!

Sweater: Calypso St. Barth 'Gylden' (Gilt), Jeans:  J Brand 'Maria' (Gilt), Miu Miu ankle boots (Roundabout Resale), Sunglasses: Ray Ban 'Erika'

As you have seen on my Instagram, I was in Florida last week. I was attending the 4th annual Celebration of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando for my Harry Potter and Matthew Lewis fan sites.  The event was Friday - Sunday but I made a bigger trip out of it and went Wednesday to Tuesday AM, but worked Thursday and late in the evenings.  Our first day was nice and warm so I was able to wear a tee! Sadly the rest of the trip was COLLLLDDD! And, of course, it was back in the 70s right when we left and I came home to a snow storm.

Tee: Everlane, Jeans: M.i.h Jeans 'The TOMBOY' (Net-a-Porter Sale), Sandals: Ancient Greek Sandals 'Athanasia' (Moda Operandi), Sunglasses: Ray Ban 'Erika'

The first month of the year is up! I was determined to behave myself this month because I had a slower than usual end of year for freelance. I was tempted by so many sales but was able to resist most of them. I did use some Christmas money from my Grandma to buy a cashmere sweater, bathing suit and jeans. But the rest went into my travel fund! And I also bought some boots at Roundabout because they were such a good deal! So I almost behaved...I promise I'll do better in February!



THE (modified) RULES

1. Be mindful of purchases 
2. Quality over quantity
3. Basics are best

MY PROGRESS 

Clothes:

1. *NEW!* She Made Me Essential crocheted cotton swimsuit via Net-a-Porter sale ($45, retail $150, used Christmas money)

Basics:

1. *NEW!* Calypso St. Barth Gylden Cashmere Sweater via Gilt ($71, $295 retail, used Christmas money)
2. *NEW!* M.i.h Jeans Tomboy cropped mid-rise skinny jeans via Net-a-Porter sale ($98, retail $245, used Christmas money)

Shoes:

1. *NEW!* Miu Miu ankle boots via Roundabout Resale - also here, here, here and here ($146, retail $850)

Accessories:

Gifted from Brands:

Total spent in 2017:  $146
Total spent with Christmas money included: $360

I told myself I wasn't going to buy anything over the next few monthslol , unfortunately my mom decided she wanted to go shopping at Terrain in Westport. Luckily, or unluckily for my wallet, Roundabout is right across the street and they were having their Winter sale! (50% off shoes/clothes PLUS 10% more off) I went in there "just to look" and right when I walked in I saw these gorgeous Miu Miu ankle boots! I'd been looking for a brown pair for a while and at $146 ($850 retail) I couldn't resist!

Also, I am in love with this garage/barn thing. I don't know why I don't go here for photos more often. It's 5 minutes from my house and a super pretty color! But my Dad normally takes my photos and I don't like inconveniencing him so I just take them in the front or backyard.

Blazer: Etro (Roundabout Resale), Tee: Zara, Jeans: Mother c/o Marshalls, Boots: Miu Miu (Roundabout Resale), Bag: Etienne Aigner (thrifted)

This is the first "real" outfit I wore after getting home from London. All the others apart from this were rain boots + comfiest jeans + big sweaters. Haha! Here's one of the things I bought with Christmas money from my Grandma. A double v-neck cashmere sweater! It's actually a little big so I have to find a way to keep the shoulders from falling down. Tried to show the v in the back but my bag strap kind of messed it up, oh well! Work with what we've got! 

Jacket: thrifted, Cashmere Sweater: Calypso St. Barth 'Gylden' (Gilt), High Waisted Jeans: J Brand 'Maria' (Gilt), Bag: Chanel 2.55 Double Flap (Madison Avenue Couture), Boots: Gianvito Rossi 'Finlay' (Marshalls), Necklace: Marrin Costello