so there are 12 days left until we finally go on holiday!!! we literally booked this holiday about a year ago so thank-god its almost here! although do you ever think to yourself, that since everything has gone good so far that surely something has to go wrong like it seems to good to be true (maybe thats just me) hopefully it is smooth sailing from here LITERALLY.
the only little bummer at the moment, is the weather forecast isn't great. Thunderstorms and rain *que eye roll* but its still going to be 28 degrees + so hopefully the rain stays clear and we don't get stuck in a cyclone hahahaha help.

if you have read the other posts in this 'series' then i have some good news for you, i managed to get the internet on special ($13 AUD per day from $18 AUD) YAY. so look out friends because this girl will be blogging on board. i have spoken to a few past and current cruisers on our ship and they said the internet is pretty quick and strong so i should be able to do a lot of uploading. keep an eye out on my Instagram @lifebyssblog for all my holiday snaps.
i am planning on posting new blogs in 4 day blocks so like days 1-4 etc etc if all goes to plan and i have time to write them amongst it all.

the only other thing we have purchased in regards to the actual cruise itself is arcade credit. we just got $25 USD each which should tie us over because i don't think we will spend heaps of time in there but its there if we want it.

in terms of last minute shopping i have picked up a few handy things aswell as some more clothes (of course)
i did my final ASOS order and picked up some small things like socks, hair ties (has anyone else tried the invisbobbles before) and a necklace

ASOS Skinny Dip Palm Print Tote Bag
aswell as this Skinny Dip beach bag which is to die for!! i am super obsessed with anything tropical print atm so it was only necessary for me to buy this one. it was also meant to be considering it was 1. on sale 2. has 'holiday' embroidered onto it, need i say more.

Puma Sports Bra Black/Gold
you can never go wrong with a new sports bra. i grabbed this from an outlet store (ASOS linked). i like this style of sports bra as it seems to hold everything in and is still flattering (unlike most sports bras). it also can double as a crop top to go under my dungarees if its super hot and i don't feel like wearing a real top haha.

i really didn't need these next three items but Surf Stitch had a 25% off sale and i couldn't resist

Swell Native Stripe Lounge Pants
i have had my eye on these pants for months and finally i got them. they. are. so. comfy.
they almost feel like pjs or a pillow case, i don't know but just think cosy. i got them in a size 6 and they are perfect length wise (normally i would get an 8 but 8 on the model seemed long and she was about 20cm taller then me haha). i like the fit of them but i cant pull off the whole slouchy look like the model can *sigh*. i plan on wearing these on the plane and probably on the ship at night when i just want to feel comfortable. but honestly i can just tell these are going to be the most perfect airport pants. i would pair these with a plain black or white tee and a black pair of birkenstocks or black thongs.
Swell Tassell Stripe Short
not going to lie but within 30 seconds of me seeing these shorts they were in my cart. anything high waisted i am down for especially in shorts form. these shorts are again super comfy, i would say almost the same material as the pants but not as soft. i got them in a size 8 and i like the overall fit of them, i just don't love myself in shorts so i can't tell if they look like pyjamas or not. the plan is to wear these with a plain t-shirt and again thongs or Birkenstocks. they were also super cheap even before they were on sale so i definitely couldn't say no

Cheap Monday Breeze Heart Tee
the last addition to my surf stitch order and potentially my last piece of clothing for this holiday was this Cheap Monday tee. i actually picked it to go with both the shorts and pants. but in the end its actually probably my favourite out of the three. it is super cute and again comfy (there is literally nothing better then when everything in your order comes and it is all comfy). i got this also in a size 8 and it fits exactly how i would want it to.
overall this order was a mega win and i am so happy that all 3 items didn't cost me more then $80 (don't hold me to that)
Kmart Bikini Bag (White Palm) 
Kmart have these 'wet bags' or bikini bags out at the moment in 6 different colours for $5 and they are perfect for 1. storing your toiletries in your suitcase incase there are any explosions (they should keep everything else dry) 2. for storing your swimwear in your suitcase 3. for your reef shoes or water shoes, post swim/snorkel so everything else in your beach bag doesn't get destroyed 3. for your beach bag to stick your phone wallet etc in so it won't get sandy or wet.
basically i recommend picking yourself up some of these because they are extremely handy, i will most probably use these post holiday too for my overnight bag toiletries etc (i am most probably going to pick up some more before i go lets face it)
i am assuming you can get them in stores similar to kmart overseas (primark etc)
ps. of course i got the tropical print haha

flatlay goals

i have gone into an organisation frenzy and have literally turned my OCD up a level haha in hope i won't miss/forget a thing. there are lists on lists on lists and i may or may not have started packing a month out. but hey its an elimination process
i have started to compile all the important documents into a folder for safe keeping; such as a copy of our travel insurance, booking reference, a breakdown of all the times we have purchased (like drinks packages, internet, shore tours etc) in case something is wrong on Royal Caribbeans end, flights and holiday accommodation. very important to have copies of everything!!

tip: purchase luggage tag holders from amazon or ebay and put your printed luggage tag into them (we got these when we finished the check in process) then secure to your bag. instead of just attaching your paper tag, these wont get destroyed or ripped and your bag will be easy to identify coming off the ship.

also tip: copy your passports in both electronic and paper form and send the electronic form to someone who will be able to send it to you if need be. if you loose your passport and have a copy it is soooo much easier to get a new one/get out of a sticky situation.
Tips for embarkation day and disembarkation day:

Embarkation (first day)- in your carry on bag (duffle bag, overnight bag etc) take a pair of clothes to change into for dinner, a pair of bathers/swimsuit, some sunscreen, medication if required and some makeup/toiletries to freshen up. your suitcase may not arrive to your room until 9.00pm that night so you would hate be stuck in the same clothes for the whole day/night.

Disembarkation (last day)- the night before you arrive at port to get off, the ship will take your suitcase. so pack your carry on/overnight bag with a change of clothes for the following day plus any makeup, toiletries, medication etc that you will need the following day. you can always repack these things into your bag when you receive your luggage at the end of the cruise.

that is all for this post and this series of cruise prep. i should be getting a few holiday makeup and skincare posts up before we leave but if not see you with onboard posts xx


those mentioned:
Surf Stitch 
ASOS 
Kmart 
Puma 
SkinnyDip
Pinterest 

*no pictures or links are my own, all provide links and pictures given credit for*

http://www.zaful.com/low-waisted-spaghetti-strap-bikini-set-p_251276.html

I got this in a size medium and it fits perfectly!! i do highly recommend reading peoples reviews on the individual bikinis as every bikini on Zaful seems to vary in size. i am so happy with how this one looks/fits, its a little cheeky but i think that's what you expect with this style. the bottoms are a little wide on the back and can sit a little funny but i found if you wear them a little more high waisted that solves that problem. also considering they were so cheap (like $12 or less) they don't seem like they are terrible quality if anything they feel a little thicker then your average bikini which i like.

details: high cut bottoms, thin back strap, adjustable straps, padded top

http://www.zaful.com/solid-color-spaghetti-straps-low-waisted-bikini-set-p_190010.html

this set is very similar to the red one however it has a little more detail to it on the bikini top. i also got this one in a size medium and again i am super happy with the fit. one thing i did notice with Zaful is the bikini tops are true to size (so a medium) but i would say the bottoms run more like a small which works for me because i am usually a small on the bottoms and medium on top. so take that into consideration when you are ordering (its not a huge difference tho).
the colour of this one is really nice and again has the exact same bottoms as the red so i just wore them a little higher.

details: high cut bottoms, clip back, adjustable straps, minimal detail on the top, padded top

http://www.zaful.com/padded-knotted-thong-bikini-p_302320.html

i choose this one because it looked super cute online and i love the ruched bottoms. i actually thought i ordered this one in a mustard yellow but apparently not haha. i do love the burgundy though, it will look really flattering with a tan. i again got this one in a medium and it also fits nicely. the bottoms are very revealing so if you don't love the idea of an almost thong cut then i would avoid this style. the top is tie up so you can adjust it to make it tightness/looser so that is a bonus but it is the tiniest bit on the big side for me but it works.

details: tie up top, no tie up/adjustable back, ruched bottoms, thong cut

http://www.asos.com/au/wolf-whistle-snow-leopard-print-bikini/grp/15587
http://www.asos.com/au/wolf-whistle/wolf-whistle-snow-leopard-high-waist-bikini-bottom/prd/7975914
http://www.asos.com/au/wolf-whistle/wolf-whistle-snow-leopard-print-bikini-top-dd-g-cup/prd/7975918

this set was actually the first bikini i purchased and it is still probably one of my favourites. i first saw Zoella wearing this in one of her summer vlogs and i needed it. it was sold out for ages and i finally managed to pick it up, i got the top in a 10DD and the bottoms in a AU size 8. i love this set!!! it is sooo flattering and the i love the high waisted bottoms especially considering i am not the most body confident girl in the world. the top also is really flattering and has a little bit of push up padding attached which is an added bonus.

details: cut out sides on top and bottom, padded push up top, high waisted bottoms, adjustable straps, clasp back

http://www.asos.com/wolf-whistle/wolf-whistle-cupped-bikini-top-b-g-cup/prd/7043179?clr=black&SearchQuery=wolf+and+whistle&pgesize=36&pge=2&totalstyles=116&gridsize=3&gridrow=10&gridcolumn=3
http://www.asos.com/au/asos/asos-mix-and-match-high-waist-bikini-bottom-with-eyelets/prd/7118525?clr=black&SearchQuery=high+waisted+bikini+bottoms&pgesize=18&pge=0&totalstyles=18&gridsize=3&gridrow=4&gridcolumn=2 (link for bottoms very similar)

i really quite like Wolf & Whistles swimwear, so i picked up the same style of top as the snow leopard one and some matching high waisted black bottoms. i figured considering these are almost the same i can mix and match and create ultimately 2 more bikini combos.
i also picked up these in a 10DD and a AU size 8 bottom which fit/look the same as the snow leopard pair.
i highly recommend this style of bikini if you want something a little less revealing without wearing a one piece. the high waisted bottoms are really nice as for me i don't have to feel self conscious of my stomach.

details: mesh sides on top, high waisted bottoms, padded push up top, clasp back, adjustable straps
http://cottonon.com/AU/charley-thick-strap-one-piece-cheeky/665439-02.html?dwvar_665439-02_color=665439-02&cgid=womens-new-arrivals#prefn1=brand&prefv1=Body&start=21

this colour of this piece is divine!!! and it was so cheap $29.95 AUD. Cotton On Body have released a really nice swimwear collection this wear and if i hadn't already bought 5 pairs of bathers i would of probably purchased their whole collection.
i don't think you can go wrong with a nice one piece, i picked this one up in a Small and it fits nicely. this one piece features a low scoop back and comes with removable padding (love the fact they give you the option of removing it). i also like the fact that it isn't low cut around the side boob area, still flattering but you don't to worry about falling out if you know what i mean.

details: scoop back, removable padding, cheeky cut


i hope this post gives you a little summer swimwear inspo (or if you are approaching the winter months then i am sorry but enjoy the cosy clothes and hot chocolate haha)

swimwear featured from Zaful, Cotton On Body and ASOS (in collaboration with wolf and whistle) all photos are my own.
xx

SO!