A Library in Your Travel Bag

Nobody likes to be bored when they travel. No matter where I go, I bring along some form of entertainment, whether it’s reading material, a game or a puzzle book. Sitting on the airplane, train or in the car, you can’t always pass the time sleeping or shooting the breeze with your fellow companions. Also, sometimes you just want some time to yourself. In anticipation of the Shereen Travels Cheap book coming out in the next week, I’ve been thinking more and more about ebook readers and what great travel companions they make. While I LOVE a good book, I also love saving space in my luggage. Before Kindle came along, I always took up too much room in my packing with physical books. With one book that I was in the middle of and another as backup for when I finished in the middle of my vacation.

Are you a lover or books and reading? If so, this may still be your problem. While you can leave books in many hotel lobbies for other avid trip readers, books still take up room in your bags. Whether they are travel books, reference books, novels, journals or text books. Now, I carry 80% of the books I own with me, as well as blogs and newspapers I read often. I take notes on my device, too. The space I save by owning a Kindle is invaluable, because I have a wealth of information at my disposal, infinite reading material as well as Internet access, should I need it.

You rarely see me go anywhere without my Kindle and anytime anyone asks me about it, I am singing its praises. I love, love, love my Kindle, though I know it’s not the right ebook reader for everyone. There are new and improved models, but you can also choose from Nook, the Sony ereader and numerous others. There is certainly one for everyone now. While they may get smaller, the font size is always adjustable. Great for your little sister or your grandma!

Ebook readers can be super useful, as many have Wi-Fi now and can be used as tablets on-the-go. Plus, if you own an iPad, you already have a book reader. With free reading apps, they do double duty. Take pictures, write notes, check email, pay bills, Skype with friends and family, update your blog and read all the books you want. In the same space of a regular size novel, you can take every book you own (or at least the ones you downloaded). Kindle books run cheaper than actual books and you save paper and space at home and on the road. You can find most books for around $9.99, though some are more if they are new releases and many are cheaper to entice you more. In fact, there are many free and $.99 books for download and this is true on other services that are not on Amazon. Order with the credit card you have on file and get it wirelessly in under a minute. Lend books to friends, upload your own books and even listen to audio books or MP3s.

Here I am enjoying my own Kindle.

I prefer my Kindle with the 3G, because I don’t have to find a Wi-Fi connection to download a new book. As long as there is cell service, I can read something new. If you spend a lot of time in coffee shops and other places that are Wi-Fi hotspots, then you may wish to save money on your ereader and get one that has Wi-Fi only. As long as you aren’t continually using the wireless function, your battery will last much longer than you would have thought. When I’m not on vacation, I read on my lunch break at work. I have been able to read for 8+ hours on one battery charge, which is more than I can say for the battery life of any other electronic device I own. So, whether you’re on a 2 hour plane ride or a 15 hour train trip, your ereader can make the journey with you without needing recharging for a long time, making it one of the best travel companions you could own.

Products We Love: Stila Convertible Color

I’m a huge fan of multiuse items, so I was overjoyed when I walked into my local Sephora, looking for cheek stain, and stumbled up on Stila’s Convertible Color. It solves two issues at once and also gives you a healthy glow. Convertible color compacts come in a variety of hues and serve as both a blusher and moisturizing tint. The colors are vibrant and easy to apply. You don’t have to put them in your bag of liquids when you fly, either, which is a huge plus, as it saves you space in there and also does the job of two products.

You can purchase Convertible Color in the following hues: Fuschia, Gladiola, Gerbera, Lillium, Peony, Petunia, Poppy and Rose. With a just a few taps of your finger, you can get that exact shade on both your cheeks and lips. I have had a compact for a few months and it is still practically full, so you know it will last a long time and give you the bang for your buck you need to keep one in your travel bag at all times. Check out this video below to see how amazing it is.

Stila Cosmetics are available worldwide and can be purchased from a variety of sources. Asos.com gives customers around the globe free shipping or you can pay £14.95 once and get unlimited next day shipping for the whole year. That’s a bargain, yeah? You’re definitely going to find this to be a beauty product you don’t want to leave home without.

Do you have a favorite product that is dual purpose?

Products We Love: Foldable Flats

Packing light has started to become the new norm for many travelers, so it’s a must to be able to find items that can travel well and still be useful and/or stylish. When I first came upon foldable flats, I wondered how comfortable they would be, especially after wearing torturous high heels for a long time. Of course, anything is better once you take those heels off. I decided to purchase a pair for wearing around the house and on the plane – because if you’re like me, you immediately want to take off your shoes to get comfortable, but you don’t want to go barefoot.

Obviously, you have to make the most of your limited carry-on space and foldable flats are great, because they fit into their own little pouch and can slip into a carry-on pocket or your purse. You can now find them in a bunch of different colors and styles and are the perfect option for slipping on in the morning and browsing the continental breakfast or buffet. Wear them out to dinner when you want to dress up, but you still don’t want to wear “real shoes”. Ballet flats are very on-trend right now, so foldable flats will always make you look stylish and go with almost everything you own.

Another plus? They are pretty affordable. While I wouldn't suggest wearing them to go sightseeing or hiking, these are an option for wearing with your dress-up clothes and saving space in your travel bag. Several pair can fit in the space of one pair of regular shoes, too, so if you have issues with wanting to bring a bunch of shoes, then these could be your answer. I’m loving mine so far and I think you will as well.

Pack for a Week in a Carry-On

For some people, carry-on travel is really difficult. I have to admit that it took some time and practice for it to become second nature to me, but I refuse to pay the outrageous fees for checking a bag, so I have perfected packing light and now advise others on how to do it more easily.

Coordinating colors – Bring clothing that all fit within a main color scheme. Plan for all your bottoms or all your tops to stay in one color range, like tan or black, so that all your pieces will mix and match with each other and allow you to make the maximum amount of outfits with fewer key pieces.

Less shoes equals more space – I generally suggest bringing two pair of shoes – one walking pair and one comfortable, but dressier pair – as well as a pair of flip flops. If you’ve followed rule number one, then it should be simple to keep your shoe choices to a minimum. Look to bring a nice pair of sandals or ballet flats for women and a pair of loafers or similar for men as your extra pair. These will go with any less casual outfit choice and ready you for a night out or even a business meeting.

Bring layers – You never know what the weather might be where you go, unless you’ll be traveling to the Equator. Layers are essential and also give you more combination choices. For my upcoming trip to California, which will be mostly summer weather, but with some cooler nights, I chose 3 tank tops (in the same colors), a sleeveless cream and gold top for afternoon tea and a fancy dinner, a cream-colored cardigan, a pair of khaki shorts, a pair of khaki capris, a pair of lightweight jeans, a dress, a bathing suit, a pair of wedge sandals, a pair of flip flops and a pair of folding gold ballet flats. Yes, I will have to do laundry, but that is a small price to pay to be able to pack in less space. Quick drying fabrics, like bamboo, soy or polyester, are ideal for this.

Accessorize – Turn a boring tank top or plain dress into a fun going out look by adding statement pieces like necklaces, belts or scarves. They take up little space and can give you totally different looks. Men just need to bring a nice dress shirt and several different ties. They are easy to pack and different patterns can make the same shirt seem completely like a whole new outfit.

Eyeshadow palette, lip/cheek stain, tinted moisturizer and powder base.

Double Up – When making your packing list, look for things that do double- or triple-duty. Shampoo can be used as shower gel (like philosophy’s 3-1-1 gels), tinted moisturizer can double as lightweight foundation and sunscreen if it has SPF in it and your iPod can work as a video player, e-reader, laptop and handheld gaming device.

With these tips, you can easily fit everything you need for a week or more in just a weekender-size bag like I did. I even had room for all my toiletries, netbook, Kindle, snacks, camera, mini straightening iron and my travel blanket. Just remember that the clothing you wear on the plane will also figure into your travel wardrobe. Notice that the outfit I'm wearing will easily coordinate with other other pieces I'm taking. Now, get started on your packing list!

MakeUp Your Face with Fewer Products

Changing up your beauty routine when you travel can be tough, since it's a change from the norm, but bringing your whole range of make-up and other supplies with you can be a bit overkill or may not even fit in your toiletry kit and 3-1-1 bag. When I travel, I pare down my beauty supplies and just bring the staples and then some smaller items that can take me from day to evening, if I need it. You don't need to go all out on your trips, because there are a few items that can give you some extra sparkle.

Makeup products that do double-duty are fantastic for travel, because they do the same job as two or three different items and also save space!

• Foundation with SPF - You gotta put on sunscreen if you're going to be out a lot during the day. Instead of bringing a second "facial" sunscreen, make sure your foundation has an SPF in it, which most of the department store foundations do. I am a fan of the City Base Compact Foundation from Clinique. It has a 15 SPF and doesn't let me down.
• Moisturizer with SPF - This is a great extra layer of protection if you are also wearing a foundation, or a a nice base layer if you don't wear foundation or can't find one you like with built-in sunscreen.
• Tinted Moisturizer - If you're looking to dramatically cut down on your beauty routine, a tinted moisturizer is one way to do it. Ditch the moisturizer and the foundation and combine them, with something like Stila Cosmetics Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer. I have gotten this as a sample several times with Sephora and haven't quite broken down to get the full size yet, but it might be happening soon. Other great ones are Philosophy's Hope in a Tinted Moisturizer (it even has 20 SPF in it), Philosophy's Supernatural Poreless Flawless Tinted SPF and Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer (also available in oil-free).
• Powder foundation - I love this product, because at home I can use it as a powder over my normal foundation. On vacation, I can forgo normal foundation and put this over a tinted moisturizer and have full coverage. Philosophy's Supernatural Airbrushed Canvas gives you flawless skin and lasts forever. Bare Escentuals has BareMinerals SPF 15 Matte Foundation. Light and easy to apply, plus it's also good for your skin!
• Use a bright shimmery white eye shadow in the corners of your eyes for brightening your eyes and then under your brows to make your eye shadow pop and give definition.
• Moisturizing lip gloss - Leave all your lipsticks at home and replace with two or three colored lip balms. It has been difficult for me to find a lip balm with color that is also moisturizing and lasts long enough to be as good as lipstick. My new favorites are Balmshell's many different shades. It is amazingly moisturizing and comes in fantastic colors. Smashbox carries O-Gloss lip gloss. It moisturizes and tints your lips their natural pink. You can get it in peaches (Gold) and berries (Noir) as well. Burt's Bees and Softlips have some bargain options for you.
• Changing from a liquid to a powder is also a fancy way to save room in your 3-1-1 bag. You can keep them in your carry-on and not have to drag them out for inspection at security or worry about where to put them when you're packing your way back home.
  • Eyeliner - Do you live with liquid liner? If you think you must travel with eyeliner and need some space, try a pencil liner or even a good waterproof cake eyeliner that is applied with a small brush. Clinique has a new one that is seriously easy to apply (and I'm terrible at putting on almost any eyeliner). It looks like eyeshadow and is a powder. Bare Escentuals has a great powder liner that you just add a wet brush to and it glides on like a liquid.
  • Here's another point for powder foundation.
  • Lip Stain - Instead of lipstick, you can try a lip stain with moisturizing properties, like Clinique's new (back by popular demand) Chubby Sticks. They are like crayons and don't require a trip in your 3-1-1 bag. They come in some pretty colors and go on easily.

Trial sizes are your best friend. Know those great little sizes of beauty products you get free with purchase? They come with tiny bags that you now have a whole collection of and hardly ever use. Well, instead of using them up, save some that you love and pack away in your toiletry bag for your next trip. Tiny mascaras, foundation primers, compacts with several colors of eyeshadow and possibly a blush, dual lip glosses, little moisturizers. These are all wonderfully space-saving and perfect if you can get them of your favorite products. Next time you make a purchase at the department store beauty counter or makeup store, like Sephora, ask if they have any trial sizes of any of your most used products. Generally they have a  good supply of items behind the counter.

Downsize your current products into smaller containers for more room in your travel bag. You don't need full-size bottles and jars for one to two weeks. Any drugstore or store that carries toiletry items will have travel-size items and also travel containers to downsize to. Another tip I've heard from travelers is to use contact cases to store items you need very little of, like moisturizer. Since I am a contact wearer, I think this would just confuse me, I use jars that are just a little bit bigger. 

• If you're a nail polish wearer, as I am, you want to take a bottle with you for touch-ups. I have found that the Sephora brand nail lacquer is a brilliant addition to my 3-1-1. The bottles are small and the variety of colors is huge! The also offer great coverage with only one coat and are long-lasting. And inexpensive! 
• While we're on the subject of nail polish, chips and peels are bound to happen. Don't take a bottle of polish remover. Instead, bring a compact container of polish remover pads like my new favorites from LA Colors. They come in funky scents like pear and grape and one tiny pad can take the polish off all your toes or fingers (maybe even both!). It doesn't have that horrible acetone underscent either that you end up smelling for 2 days. I love them! You can also get some wipes from Cutex in the travel-size section. They come in their own packets, so they don't dry out. 
• A cream blush might be just the ticket to downsizing. I hated bringing a blush brush, because at some point it would end up getting wet and crushed in my toiletry bag and being pretty useless. After some searching I found a great alternative: cream blush. It's not creamy enough to warrant being put in your 3-1-1 bag and takes up a lot less space. My two favorites are by Laura Mercier and Clinique's Blushwear cream stick. You apply with your fingers and can blend as little or as much as you want for more or less coverage. 

Pack beauty kits that have multiple items all in one compact. It save space and has everything you need all in one place. It keeps things from rolling around in your bag, too. If you like many colors, grab yourself an eyeshadow trio or quad or something that gives you a whole look in one place like these fun sets. 

Creating Your Grab and Go Travel Bag (Part 2)

In the last post we started talking about how to be ready for any travel with a grab-and-go carry-on or, at the very least, one that requires little work to add to before you take off. Plan a big holiday or a last-minute city break and still be able to take off with minimal packing effort. While I love packing, I still keep all my essentials, useful items and clothing pieces in or near my carry-on. I know most people either hate packing or tolerate it and would like to do as much possible to make it less painful for all future trips. 

Creating a Travel Wardrobe

Want to start working on a great travel wardrobe? I have some warm weather and cool weather travel clothing pieces, but lately I've been looking at cold weather destinations and need to stock up on some warmer options. This got me thinking that other people probably want to know what kinds of fabric and brands to look for in a durable and attractive travel wardrobe.

• While cotton is comfortable, it's not always the best option for travel fabric, because it wrinkles and holds odors. Look for items that have soy, bamboo or coolmax. These fabrics wick moisture and are resistant to odors, so if you can't wash your clothes right away, they won't smell up your CLEAN clothes and you can get another wear out of them if you need to. Nylon and rayon are nice lightweight fabrics that are also quick-drying. Wool and fleece are excellent layering fabrics, if you need to keep warm in a cold climate, because they have a tight weave that can be thin and still hold in quite a bit of heat.
• Omni-shield clothing has built-in SPF for sunny locales. Just because your skin is covered up, doesn't mean you can't get sunburned.
• If you'll be traveling to a destination that is known to have mosquitoes and other bite-y bugs, look for clothing with Insect Shield from ExOfficio. It has built-in bug repellent that can last up to 70 washes.

So, what makes travel clothes better for traveling than your normal wardrobe? This is easy. Travel clothes are made specifically for travel conditions. They are durable, lightweight and super packable. They can also be very versatile and stylish, with great pieces that are made for layering, and are convertible. You can have pants that roll up to make capris or zip-off into shorts. You can buy long sleeve tops that have roll up sleeves to make a short sleeve shirt, so it works for chilly weather or warm weather. There are dresses that can be converted into 20 different styles. Now you can even find reversible clothing, so you can wear one piece two different ways and get more looks out of it. So, where can you find these awesome clothing pieces? 

Other Useful Travel Items

I tend to have the same items packed for every trip, so now I just leave them in my travel bag all the time.

• Small crank torch. You never know when you might need some extra light. These are great, because they are inexpensive and don’t require batteries. I found one at a local store that’s on a keychain, fits in the palm of your hand and gives off enough light with just a few cranks.
• Pen and paper. Take some notes, play a game, leave a message for the maid. You really can’t go wrong by having this set in your bag. Even if you don’t end up using it, it takes up almost no room.
• Folding, pop-up mesh hamper. They really are useful. Use as a hamper and a laundry tote for vacations of a week or more. For less than a week, use it to keep all your dirty clothes separate from your clean ones or as a catch-all for your purchases.
• Laundry line. In case you plan to do laundry in your room, or want to save money on dryer costs by bringing back your clean clothes and hanging them to dry in your room. The best ones are the rubbery ones that have a braided line, so you don’t need to bring clothes pins, as the clothing can be held in place by placing them between the plaits.
• Sewing kit. When you only take as many clothes as necessary, you don’t really bring anything extra. It’s imperative that if something happens you can fix it, whether it’s a popped button or an unruly hem.
• Basic first-aid kit. I have a small one that fits in my toiletry bag, but it has all the essentials: band-aids, antibiotic meds, gauze, aspirin, gloves, tweezers…If you fall and break your leg, it won’t help you much, but if you skin your elbow at the pool, you won’t have to shell out $13 on a tube of Neosporin at the hotel gift shop. Great for clumsy people like me or those with kids.
• Anti-bacterial spray and wipes. I like to have both of these on hand. The spray can kill germs on your hands…or anywhere else on your body and in the air and the wipes can be used for the same, on surfaces, to clean up spills or to refresh yourself after a long plane ride. Both are also wonderful if you have kids in tow.
• Compass. Yes, I know this isn’t Boy Scouts, but sometimes, even in a big city, you’re confronted with a map and no real point of reference to where you are. A compass helped us out greatly when trapped in the depths of Hyde Park. The map doesn’t show you trees and benches, so knowing a general direction to head in got us back on track.
• Packable rain jacket. You never know when a downpour will interrupt your vacation, but having a packable jacket can keep you dry and also serve as a light cover-up for a chilly evening, making it more useful and convenient than an umbrella. You can get affordable, lightweight options in a variety of colors. 

Need to know more about how to choose the appropriate makeup that will take up less room in your bag and still have the same great coverage? Some even do double the work, meaning you can use one product to replace two or three.  Check out my Monday post for help to make your toiletry bag lighter and more efficient.

Creating Your Grab and Go Travel Bag (Part 1)

Do you hate packing or always leave it to the last minute? What if you had your carry-on pretty much packed with all the essentials and then just had to add a few tops and bottoms to be able to take off? I find this to be tremendously helpful when I pack a bag, so much so that I buy travel items to pack and use on my trip throughout the year. Of course, if you go to the same types of destinations each year, then you could probably pack all of your holiday clothes as well. For those of you who do not, let’s look at what you can get away with packing that can be used in any destination.

First thing’s first: Make a packing list. You know what essentials you need to take for each vacation, so make a master list with these on them and then leave blank lines for clothing choices, since each vacation might need a different type of attire. You’re not going to be able to take your Bermuda travel wardrobe with you to Iceland and not freeze to death, so keep that in mind. You might want to make several different packing lists, if you’re the organized sort. I tend to keep mine as a Word doc on my computer, where I can leave all my necessary items on and then delete and replace the rest with travel clothing choices that are appropriate for my destination. If you aren’t sure where to start when making a packing list, follow the list below and then go from there or steal some other ideas from websites like TravelSmith or Independent Traveler, which has packing lists they create for different trips.

This seems like a given, but it’s one of those things that if you don’t put it on your packing list, you could easily forget. Keep 5 pair for each traveler in a zip-top bag (for freshness) in your bag, that way there’s no chance that you thought you packed them and then get to your destination without any. Socks can also be packed like this. I’m sure you take the same kinds of socks with you on most vacations (unless your destination is really cold and you need special toe-warming ones), so you might as well add these to your bag while you’re at it.

Toiletries

Shampoo & Conditioner can easily be bought in travel sizes or put in reusable travel bottles and if they don’t get used for months, it’s not a big deal. I know some people like to just buy these at their destination, but I travel prepared for anything. If I have a layover or get stranded, I would like to keep myself clean.

Soap/shower gel. See Shampoo & Conditioner.

Almost all Deodorant brands generally come in smaller travel sticks. If you can’t find them at your local store, look on Minimus.biz. If they don’t have them, you may need to settle for a similar brand, or take a full-size stick, but those take up a lot of room in a toiletry bag.

Toothpaste and toothbrushes are a travel must. We have a set of travel brushes that we keep in the bag at all times. That way, we don’t risk the chance of leaving them behind on the morning of our trip, because we left them in the bathroom. Travel size toothpaste is available almost everywhere. I have so many tubes, you’d think they gave them away free at the airport.

Hair care products always seem to take up so much space. Here’s how you can make them take up less and leave your everyday products at home. Buy an extra set of combs and/or brushes. If you require a comb or brush, buy an extra one that can pack neatly in your toiletry bag.  Obviously combs pack better than brushes, but if you need one, try to get a travel-sized one or a pop-up brush that takes up almost no room. You can find them in the aisle with other travel-sized items.

If you curl, blow-dry or straighten your hair, then consider getting smaller versions of those devices that will take up less space. Conair has some wonderful products specifically for travel that have gotten really good reviews. Or you can look for other brands. Look for folding models. You have no idea how much space you can save in a bag when you buy a smaller hair dryer that has a folding handle or even a curling iron that can retract into itself for easy portability.

If you wear contacts, keep an extra pair in your bag, with a spare case and small bottle of solution. That is a lifesaver anywhere.

Ladies who wear makeup, can buy a new bottle, jar or powder case when the old one has a few weeks of use left in it and put it in their travel bag. I do this with foundation. It is easy to estimate when you will need to go buy or order a new one, so instead of waiting until the last minute, I get a new one earlier, put the old one in my toiletry bag and am set for my next trip. I also keep a crème blush in my bag, to keep from needing to also carry around a brush, and a spare lip balm. I hate getting to my room and then having to dig around in my purse for half of what I want to put on my face. When you receive a gift with purchase, instead of using the samples, throw the mascara and eye shadow in your bag. They are usually smaller, work just as well and are easily replaceable. (Another plus is that if you toss it at the end of your vacation, you won’t feel like you’re wasting anything and you have less to carry on your way home!)

Easy 3-1-1 bag: Gather all the things that are liquid, gel, paste and whatever else they make you squish in there now and put it all in your plastic bag next to, or inside, your toiletry bag. That way, when travel day comes, you can just put it on the top of your packed items or throw it in your purse to be able to quickly produce it for security. Nothing is worse than when you see people get to the airport without a bag or all their products in 3 different bags or in their carry-on pocket and you end up stuck behind them in line. Preparation is key to whizzing through security and starting your vacation.

Electronics

Now, I know you will be using all or most of your electronic devices during your daily life, so I’m not suggesting you pack up your laptop and iPod weeks or months before you trip. What you CAN do is purchase an iGo multi-charger (or win one via my Facebook page) and keep it in your carry-on with all your essential tips. That way, when you get ready to leave, you don’t have to hunt down chargers for everything AND you save so much space you wouldn’t believe it.  Imagine having to take only one adapter with you everywhere you go, even if you take twelve electronic devices. I don’t have an iGo adapter for my netbook, but you can buy those, too. They seem to take up the same amount of space, so I just make sure to add that to my list of must-haves on my packing list.

Create the rest of your grab and go travel bag in post #2

When Downsizing is a Good Thing

Packing light is trending with travelers all over the world. Not only can it save you a lot of money, but it can also save you time. Isn't it easier to just go from outside to the terminal and back again? No pesky stops at the front desk to check a bag and no annoying waiting around the baggage carousel praying that your luggage actually made it to your destination with you. If packing less is hard for you, how about just packing smaller items? Start with your 3-1-1 bag and work you way on to clothing, shoes and accessories.

My downsized makeup products

The sheer variety of items on the Minimus.biz site is what makes it number one on my list. It's your one-stop-shop for all things mini. You can find beauty items (shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, lotion), health products (aspirin, eye drops, toothpaste, antacids, antibacterial wipes), travel comfort stuff (eye masks, neck pillows) and food packets (salad dressing, ketchup, single-serve cereal). There’s almost nothing that you can’t buy on Minimus, and after you’ve loaded up your cart with awesome mini things – I mean, who doesn’t take BBQ sauce packets on all their vacations? – you can take advantage of their free shipping on orders of $20 or more. I have almost never seen a minimum order that low for no shipping fees. That makes them double cool in my book!

It's a little unfortunate that Minimus is only based in the U.S., but here's something amazing that can help my international friends with shipping from this company and many others:

Minimus has partnered with MyUS.com, where international customers can setup a U.S. mailbox, and have packages from a variety of companies shipped to their mailbox. MyUS will consolidate the packages and ship them to over 200 countries. You can save up to 80% off shipping costs. So, order your $20 worth of merchandise (which isn't hard), get it delivered to your U.S. mailbox for free and then pay for shipping from there, instead of paying double shipping and making it a complete waste of time and money. I'm sure there are other American companies you're dying to order from.

Products We Love: Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments

I am addicted to lip balm, and not just any lip balm. I happen to only carry around Alba Botanicals SUN lip balm made with soy instead of beeswax. Inconveniently, I can only find it at one natural store around here and if they are sold out, have to purchase a bunch online (you know, to make it worth the shipping). I have lip balm everywhere. In my purse, in my toiletry bag, in my office drawer, in my medicine cabinet. It is hard for me to branch out and find a lip color that I can stand up to my need to moisturize my kisser.

Last time Sephora sent me a VIB bonus (yes, I spend way too much money there), I received $20 off my purchase. I thought it was my chance to try something new that might also be a great travel product and help me color my lips while also softening them. Well, I found it. Fresh sugar lip tints are where it's at. It's natural, moisturizing, contains SPF and completes your beauty routine. You might not be able to purchase from Sephora in the UK, but you can find Fresh products in stores and through Amazon.

I purchased the sugar plum lip tint with lip polish. The polish smells lovely and exfoliates your pout. It leaves behind a yummy flavor as well. Finish your face with your favorite color lip tint. There are five to choose from including coral, sugar plum, sugar passion, sugar rosé and sugar honey. Great for any look you are going for and any complexion. Pale, tan or ethnic skin tones will find a complimentary color. 

Fresh lip tints are a fab addition to your travel bag. You get two products in one, which makes your 3-1-1 bag easier to pack, plus they go on smoothly and are fresh and light feeling, so you never feel overly made up. Perfect!

Keeping Track of Your Miles & More

Do you find that you have a million rewards numbers for all your stuff? Not just frequent flyer mile numbers, but car rental membership numbers, hotel programs and more. I think we all have that problem these days, with every company trying to get you to sign up for their program. They want to research how customers spend their money and they give you certain benefits to make it worth your while, too. Well, besides not being able to remember all those numbers, it’s also pretty much impossible to keep track of all your points and miles without help. One of my favorite sites to keep track of all my reward programs (including dining rewards, like TopTable) is Award Wallet. You can store all your membership details, including log-in with them for free.

And now they offer something even cooler. It’s called the One Card. Upgrade your Award Wallet account to Plus (to keep track of more points, expirations and ways to show you how to keep your points from expiring) for $10 or more and get a credit for the OneCard. It has room for 30 rewards programs and membership numbers, plus, it is the size of a credit card, so it fits right in your wallet. Another plus? It has a magnetic strip with all your info, so you can also use it to check in super-fast at airport kiosks instead of using your credit card or needing to find your confirmation number.

Don't be these people with their huge bags to be checked.

You know what this means? It means if you are a smart packer and go carry-on only over the holidays, you can skip the long check-in lines, quickly print your boarding passes while everyone else waits to check their bags and have all your program info in the palm of your hand, in case unforeseen circumstances cause you to need to contact any of them to change your plans (all your account info – not your log-in – will be printed on the card).

Delayed or cancelled? No problem!

Award Wallet is the only website I know of that lets you choose your own price to upgrade

your account. That’s right! They want you to pay what you believe the service is worth. Whether that’s $5 or $20 per 6 months. If you’ve already signed up with Award Wallet and have upgraded your account, pay another $10 for your One Card and your upgraded membership will extend an additional 6 months.

Award Wallet's ease will make you feel like this!

So, if you’re tired of trying to corral all your membership cards in one place when you travel (or plan your travel), join me on Award Wallet and learn when your points increase, decrease and are close to expiration. Also, if you can’t remember you log-in for those million programs,

you can click right through Award Wallet and instantly get logged in. Convenient!

Products We Love: LUSH Cosmetics Solid Shampoo Bars

I was introduced to shampoo bars when I went to Disneyland and LUSH Cosmetics had just opened a store in Downtown Disney. My mom was in love with the bath bombs and other girly stuff and I was fascinated by the fact that you could rub soap on your head and not have it turn into a disaster. I bought an oatmeal one that claimed to moisturize and tame hair. With thick curly hair that tends to frizz if not treated properly, both those things were a plus. I tried it out and LOVED it. I only wished they also had them as a conditioner. Now they do!

The LUSH shampoo bar line comes in many different scents and ingredients, so you can pick just the right one for your hair type. The Jungle Solid Conditioner only comes in the one scent, but for my unruly hair, it did more than expected. It smoothed and detangled and was easy to use. It does have a high floral fragrance, along with other smells, but even with my allergies, it isn’t bothersome.

These are greatly affordable and you can even get an aluminum case to keep them in when you travel, so they go from bag to shower and back without needing to wait for them to dry out. If you have a LUSH store near you, you can take the time to browse the many different kinds of shampoo bars they have, though, I’ll have to warn you that everything starts to smell the same after a while, because all the scents are mixing together in the small space. The shopping experience goes just as well online, without the watery eyes.

These are one of my favorite travel items. Not only do you save space by not bringing a liquid, but these are super easy to use, make your hair silky and moisturized, keep the frizz down and don’t spill all over your stuff in your bag.