BACKPACK IN STYLE

For those of you who have followed my “packing light” travel tips over the years, you’ll notice that a backpack is a mandatory part of my traveling arsenal. Unfortunately, I had to resign myself to not making a fashion statement as I traveled around the world on my press trip adventures.

Well, not until I discovered the chic London Backpack, by The Casery.  Now I can finally travel in style, at least where my backpack is concerned.

It’s hard to make a large backpack look chic, but the London Backpack definitely does a great job. In addition to providing ample room for everything from my laptop computer and cell phone to my bulging make-up bag, I love the stunning rose gold hardware and zippers (what a classy touch) and sleek style. It even keeps my identity safe with RFID-block lining!

As a welcome extra, it has a travel-friendly sleeve on the back so you can slip the pack over your roller bag handles, making that oh-so-common airport sprint so much easier.

Did I mention it is constructed of beautiful vegan leather, available in black, grey and pink. Here’s to practicality and style in one handy pack!

THE BEAUTY IN WATERCRESS

One of my favorite salad toppings, when I can get it, is watercress.

That being said, it shouldn’t have surprised me when I learned about a new beauty product that actually uses its powerful anti-oxidant properties to develop a “Superfood Beauty Oil” with the catchy name, “Sacred Mama.”

Frequent and long travel in the dry air of airplanes, plus a pretty cold winter even here in Southern California, definitely took its toll on my complexion these past months. I am very particular about what I eat, as well as what I put on my skin, so any beauty product I buy has to be pure and free of chemicals.

When I read the ingredients on the label of Sacred Mama, I was sold.  The oil combines 17 natural and organic plant-powered ingredients chock full of vitamins, enzymes and natural oils. Watercress has been known to promote the production of Type III collagen, so important in recharging one’s skin for a smooth and youthful appearance. Already after just a few weeks of daily use (4-6 drops), I’ve noticed a definite improvement. It has a wonderful aroma, too, which one would expect from all those natural oils.

As my mother wisely said, “You are what you eat.” How surprised she would be to learn the same principle applies to your daily cosmetic regime!

MY FAVORITE WATER BOTTLE FOR TRAVEL

We’ve all seen those disturbing photos of the mounds of plastic that pollute huge expanses of our oceans, which is why my family and I try to avoid all items that may end up in a landfill, or, most distressingly, in our waters.

My car trunk has an entire case filled with reusable bags of all shapes and sizes, and I’ve not asked for a plastic bag in a store for well on ten years now.

So why would I carry, and throw away, a plastic water bottle?

I don’t.

I take a Hydaway bottle wherever I travel. First of all, it is collapsible, which means it conveniently fits in my pocket when I am going through security. Then I just take it to one of the many water stations most airports offer and fill it to the brim. When we are trekking through countries and cities on our press tours, I attach it to my back pack with a carabiner so I always have my water supply available.

As an added note, these collapsible bottles are BPA-free, taste-free, odor-free, and dishwasher safe. Do your health—and our world—some good and make this handy bottle your best friend.

Disclaimer:  Please note that the opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own and will not receive any future compensation based on sales arising from my recommendations. My goal is to share my favorite travel tips with my followers, in an effort to improve the travel experience for us all.