If you need/want to purchase the ever-popular Dyson Airwrap for someone on your holiday list (or for yourself), now is the time. It seems almost every female in America under the age of 60 wants this incredible hairstyling tool. If you have a daughter in high school or college, you can bet she would be thrilled to get this for Christmas or Hanukkah! I have never seen the Airwrap on sale before, but right now you can get an early Black Friday deal for $100 off the regular price of $599! I’d $499 for a limited time! Get it now before the deal ends here!
This is a huge deal, because you will also get free shipping if you have an Amazon Prime membership! And if you don’t have a Prime membership, it’s time to get one! I have saved $1946 this year with free Prime delivery and movies.
ORDER THAT DYSON AIRWRAP HERE BEFORE THIS DEAL IS GONE, and tell everyone you know to come order through my link for the deal!
***I receive commissions for items ordered through my Amazon link. Thank you for shopping my links AND for SHARING my links with friends! Send your friend to my page, so they can shop through my site.***
Best items I purchased on Amazon this year (so far).
The year’s not over, but for those who might want to do some holiday shopping, I have listed more than 20 of my “best purchases” to share, starting in January of 2024. It’s a big mix of price points and products. You might have seen some of them before, but there are likely some you haven’t seen! These would make great gifts for family, friends, or party hosts/hostesses! Here we go…
Amazon Fire TV. I purchased one for my daughter’s bedroom at school and then turned around and purchased one for use on our back patio! At $99 right now, you cannot beat the deal on this Smart TV! Get ithere.
Bible Jar. It’s a little thing that can make a big difference. I sent one to my daughter, and I sent one to myself too! Inside the jar are Bible verses that are color-coded to your needs. Feeling anxious? Angry? Happy? Sad? Lonely? It’s all there, and you can just pull out a color-coded verse. It makes a great gift. Right now it’s priced under $15. Get it at Amazon here.
Lolavie Glossing Detangler. I love this stuff! It makes my hair smooth and shiny, and it doesn’t take much to get the desired effect! I stumbled upon it as a free gift when I purchased something, and then I had to go buy it at Amazon! Get it here.
Amazon Essentials Women’s Lightweight Terry Joggers. Y’all, I feel like I’m walking around in my pajamas when I go out in these, but they aren’t pajamas. They’re just that comfortable! Pair them with a tunic sweater, and they’re great for airline travel. Priced at $19. Get themhere.
Colorful Crystal Hoop Earrings. Sure, I have some nicer earrings, but these are colorful and match almost everything! These are great for travel, because you can wear them with so many things, day or night! They’re priced right at under $15, so if you lose one, you won’t sweat it. In fact, go ahead and buy two pairs on the front end! Get themhere.
Seekway Water Shoes. I ordered these on a whim right before we went to the Bahamas, and after we got there, I realized how smart I was! Wow! I could walk around the beach and sandbars without worrying about stepping on sharp objects. I love them! They come in lots of colors, and the price is right! Get them here.
Foot Massager. This is listed as a foot massager, but it’s more of a TENS machine for the feet, and I love it. It folds up nicely in my suitcase, so I can take it anywhere I go! When I have been on my feet all day, it helps my feet and legs relax. Or if I’m struggling with Restless Leg Syndrome at night, this will sometimes help. Priced under $40, and there’s an 8% off coupon you can use with it at time of writing. Get it here.
Neoprene Socks. This goes back to a trip to the Bahamas. I purchased these neoprene socks to wear under my fins when I’m snorkeling, so the fins don’t rub blisters on my heels or toes. They work great, and they’re even helpful when walking on the beach too. Priced under $15 at time of writing. Get them here.
Personal Air Cooler. Sometimes, hotel air conditioners just don’t get the job done. A fan helps, but a personal air cooler really helps. It’s the difference in good sleep and no sleep. This one is small enough to fit into my suitcase, and from the nightstand, it blows cool air directly on my face or the back of my neck. I love it. Highly recommend, and it’s 30% off right now! Get it here.
Yukon Charlie’s Hammerhead Sled. Greatest sled ever made, if you’re asking me! We have enjoyed Yukon Charlie’s Hammerhead Sleds for years! It’s fast, sturdy, and somewhat steerable. At $199, it’s expensive, but the kids will love it if it snows! Get it here.
JBL Vibe Beam or JBL Vibe Buds. I have purchased both of these wireless ear buds, and I love both of them. I guess it’s just personal preference. I can tell you this…I will not purchase any more Apple Air Pods. I lose them too easily, and these are much less expensive and more comfortable. Get the Beamhere. Get the Budshere.
Stitch Gun, Tagging Gun for Clothes. Y’all, how did I live without this?!?! It has saved me so many times since I purchased it! Dress too low cut? Put a stitch in it! Bra strap keeps showing? Stitch the shirt to it! And yes, i have hemmed pants with it when necessary. Sooo many uses! I love it! Highly recommend! Get it here.
Milani Violet Eyelash Primer. I have tried “high dollar” eyelash primers and none have worked as well as this one. This is a secret I almost kept to myself, but you can get it here! It would make a great stocking stuffer!
CorDx TyFast 10 Mins Flu A/B & Covid-19 test. Quick and easy! I used this last week when I needed to know if what I had was a cold, the flu, or Covid. It was a cold. I used something similar earlier this year to find out I had flu, but this one is much less expensive. Keep this in your house this winter! Get it here!
Window Alarm System 4-Pack. For peace of mind, I got these for my daughter and all her college roommates. It’s easy to install! Get it here.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Glow Cream. This is not something I purchased myself, but someone gifted it to me! It’s expensive, but I love it. I use it very sparingly, because it is so expensive. Someone on your list would likely love it! Get it here.
Arched Floor Mirror. My daughter needed a full-length mirror for her bedroom in her apartment, and this one does not have to be mounted to the wall. It comes with a stand! Get it here!
Round Nightstand Table. When I purchased this for our daughter’s apartment, I thought it was probably going to be junky, but it’s not! She loves it! It required some easy assembly. It looks great in her room! Get it here.
Pietro Simone Skincare Dewy Reboot. This serum, while pricy, uses peptides to provide an “intense epidermis reboot.” Love this stuff. A little goes a long way. It would be a great gift for the person who wouldn’t spend it on themselves. Get it here.
Rainbow Loom. Hands down, this is one of the greatest inventions ever for kids of all ages. My daughter got her first Rainbow Loom in elementary school. Now that she is a junior in college, she will still pick it up and make some silly rubberband bracelets to relax. It’s a great gift and inexpensive! Get it here.
Pawland Wooden Freestanding Pet Gates. My friend, Meg, told me about these when I was complaining about our dogs hanging out in our dining room. These solved the problem! I highly recommend these if you want to make certain spaces off limits to your pets. Get it here.
Peter Thomas Roth Instant Eye Tightener. Yes, I bought it, and yes, it works. It’s temporary, but it does work. I had some friends over this summer, and they liked it so much that they went out and bought some too! I haven’t purchased the face tightener, but they said it works too! Get the eye tightener here, and the face tightenerhere.
Hollywood Vanity Mirror. Another purchase for our daughter’s bedroom in her apartment, she uses this every day. Easy setup and operation. Get it here.
Credit Card Holder Wallet with RFID protection. I bought one of these for myself when I went to Mexico City earlier this year. Then, one day, my daughter’s friend saw it when we were at dinner, and she loved it! She thought it was a designer label. I ended up ordering them for my daughter and her friend! They make great gifts, and they’re inexpensive. Get the credit card holder here. And the larger credit card wallet here.
Thermacell Patio Mosquito Protection. It works! This small machine and its cartridges protect you from mosquitoes. I know, because it even works for me, and mosquitoes seek me out in a crowd! It’s a great gift! Get it here.
Deco 79 Recycled Glass Tall Vase. I needed a tall vase for my foyer, and this one did the trick! We love it! Get it here!
Meiz Pregnancy Pillow. No, I’m not pregnant. I’m 57, but I love this pregnancy pillow. I have used other brands, but this one is my all time favorite. I sleep so much better with this pillow. The only problem? I can’t travel with it. And yes, it’s also great for pregnant women! Get one here.
Lenox Blue Bay Colors Dinnerware. I changed colors in my kitchen this year. I have another “nicer” set of everyday dinnerware, but I wanted to add this to mix and match. I love them. Get them here.
Naturalizer Womens Amble Block Heel Loafer. Y’all, these look way more expensive than they are, and I love the tall block heel. They have a little platform, too, so the heel doesn’t feel as tall. I have worn them with pants, but now that it’s getting cooler, I will wear them with dresses and tights too! Get them here.
SANTINY Womens Joggers. These are stretchy but look better than joggers, if that makes sense. They almost look like dressier pants. I have them in two camouflage shades and black, and they look great with sweaters or blouses…or even a denim top or jacket. Get them here.
Happy Shopping! All these items have been great purchases (or gifts) for me! ***I might receive commission on items purchased from Amazon through my links.***
What does an Izod shirt have in common with a Stanley cup?
If you are a woman who was alive during the 1980s, you likely know the answer to that question immediately. Whether you know the answer or not, stick with me to see the correlation.
Women and teenagers all over the country are going crazy for Stanley cups…snatching up special editions at Target and carrying giant cups of water (vodka?) everywhere they go. Don’t get me wrong. I am not making fun. I love the fact that people are doing a better job of staying hydrated. Stanley brand, of course, is laughing all the way to the bank. After all these years of making thermoses, they have an even bigger moneymaker with these cups!
Apparently, however, teenagers (mostly girls, I think) are being bullied if they don’t have a Stanley cup. People are all up in arms over the fact that their teenage daughters are being “bullied” because they don’t have Stanley cups. (Don’t get me wrong. I know bullying is never OK.) Therefore, lots of people are complaining that it is shameful and sad that teenage girls are going crazy over this product.
They’re acting like it’s a new phenomenon.
It’s nothing new. And this is where the Izod shirts come in. Welcome to the 1980s, when teenage girls went crazy over them…for a while. You could have a cute polo-style collared shirt, but if it didn’t have an alligator emblem on it (or later, a Ralph Lauren Polo symbol), it wasn’t cool. The early ones were pique knit and solid-colored, but they eventually made cute striped ones in a more stretchy knit with solid collars. Every teenage girl wanted them, it seemed. My own mother was not big on overpaying for things, but she did purchase me one…a turquoise one. It’s likely it was a birthday gift. However, my godmother came to town for a visit and brought me a few more in different colors…yellow, red, green! We didn’t have social media then, so it couldn’t be used for constant promotion, but girls all over the country wanted their parents to overpay for those Izod shirts. I talked to someone recently who said her mother would buy cheaper versions of the shirt and cut the alligators off the shirts she didn’t wear anymore…applying them to the newer, cheaper shirts!
You know what else we wanted back in the 80s? Nike sneakers, Tretorn sneakers, Add-a-Bead necklaces and bracelets, Ray-ban Sunglasses, Wood-handled Bermuda bags, Twist-a-Bead necklaces, those awful Jessica McClintock Gunne Sax dresses, Guess jeans, and more. Like I said, Mother wasn’t big on overpaying for things, so I had to add lots of things to my birthday and Christmas lists. The Nike sneakers were not a tough sell with Mother, for some reason, and I got some white Nikes with a turquoise swoosh. My aunt gave me an Add-a-Bead necklace for Christmas! I don’t think I had any Ray-bans or Vuarnets until college, and honestly, that was not a smart thing for me to do, since I broke one pair and lost the other. Did I get every trendy item? No, but I remember wanting them all!
My friend, Angela, still talks about the friend she had who had lots of different colored Bermuda bags to attach to the wood handles as a handbag…all of them monogrammed with her initials or the monogram of their school, for cheer purposes. It’s funny what we remember!
Here’s my point: the Stanley cup craze may be the latest trend, but it certainly isn’t the first and won’t be the last. This has been going on forever. And you know what? If someone wants to spend their money on a Stanley cup, why does someone else care? It’s their money. No one tells me how to spend my money, so who am I to tell someone else how to spend theirs?
Do I think kids and teenagers should be “bullying” people if they don’t have a Stanley cup? No, but I do think it’s something that has been going on since the beginning of time in the teenage world. Maybe it’s just part of growing up. Weren’t we all “bullied” about something in the 1980s? I don’t mean threatened. I mean we were embarrassed because we had “Bill’s Dollar Store” stamped on a notebook our mother purchased there (my mother loved to buy notebooks at Bill’s Dollar Store, seeing no reason to spend two or three times as much when she could buy bunches of them there for practically nothing) or some other silly thing. No joke…I was so embarrassed that my mother bought those notebooks that I ripped the covers off all of them, carrying around notebooks with no covers all school year. Sounds silly, but at least I didn’t have to listen to, “Your mom shops at Bill’s Dollar Store??!?!” Maybe it’s one of those struggles we just have to survive to be tough enough to make it in the real world. I do know we had to be tough in the 80s. Maybe it made me tougher to have to wait for my Izod when other people had those highly desirable items? Maybe it taught us that everyone can’t have everything. I mean, in the real world, everybody can’t have the same thing.
These days, besides the Stanley cup, they want Skimms shirts, Lululemon leggings, expensive sneakers, and more. By comparison, the Stanley cup is downright inexpensive, and it will last forever!
Last minute great gifts. Still have some shopping to do? Here are some items for everyone on your list. Seriously, I’m trying to make your life easier by providing links, so all you have to do is click and purchase!
Push Pin Travel Map. A framed world map made for push pins to mark places visited? Yes, please! If someone on your list is a world traveler, this is a great gift! Purchase here.
Doodle Dazzles Shimmer Marker Set. I don’t even know where I saw these, but they are awesome! I like to “doodle” and practice different writing styles, and when I was in college, I would have loved these for personalizing gifts! They make a great stocking stuffer! Purchase here.
Scarf ring. Another great stocking stuffer! I was out at breakfast with a friend yesterday, and she was wearing a lovely scarf. The hostess at the restaurant admired it, and it occurred to me that not everyone has a scarf ring! I have some, and now I need to remember to use them! Get them here. Purchase here.
Space Heater. Sometimes, we don’t want to heat a whole big space; maybe I just want warm feet? Or maybe I just want a little warmth in the bathroom when I step out of the shower! My mother loved a good space heater when she was watching TV. Purchase here.
AirFort. What kid wouldn’t love an easily-inflatable “fort”? I know mine would have loved it when she was a little girl! She might even enjoy it now, and she’s 20! Connect them to a box fan, and they self-inflate! Great for indoor play! They come in lots of different styles…space shuttle, cottage, mushroom…check them out and purchase here.
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. I just got home from a “favorite things party,” and one of the hot items was a Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. My daughter has this product and loves it, but now that I know lots of other people love it too, I’m offering you the link! It’s to be applied at bedtime…wake up with soft lips! This makes a great stocking stuffer or gift. Purchase here.
Southern Cocktails. For your friend who loves to try new cocktail recipes, this book makes a great gift! Someone gave it to me, and I love it! From the editors of Southern Living. Purchase here.
Preseasoned Cast Iron Skillet. Every southerner needs a preseasoned cast iron skillet (or two!). Heck maybe everyone in the world should have one! They can be used stovetop, in the oven, or over a fire! And nothing cooks cornbread, skillet corn, sauteed or pan roasted veggies, or even latkes like a seasoned cast iron skillet! Seriously, if someone on your list doesn’t own one, this makes a great gift. Just make sure they have cleaning instructions, so they don’t mess it up! Get an inexpensive version here. Or support small business with Backcountry brand here.
Neroli Soap, Body Wash, and hand cream. I don’t know why, but my favorite scent is orange blossom, also known as neroli. Therefore, I love this soap. Someone gave it to me, and I think it makes a fantastic stocking stuffer! If neroli is not your preferred scent, they offer others. Get it here. Or get the bath gel here. Or hand and nail cream here.
Happy Shopping!
***As an Amazon Associate, I receive commissions on items purchased through the links I provide.
December is here! It’s time to get serious about Christmas shopping! Get the gifts now! If you live in Charlotte and need help wrapping gifts, send me a message. I love wrapping gifts, so I’ll be happy to help if I can! Here are some great gifts:
Personalized Neon Sign. This is a great gift for kids, teens, and even great for college students. When our daughter lived in a dorm last year, I saw lots of these in dorm rooms. With prices starting under $30, they are a great personal gift. Highly recommend! Order now, because they are made to order. You pick the size, color, shape, and name, and they’ll make the sign and ship it to you. Delivery time varies by destination. Right now, to have it delivered to Charlotte, it will arrive between December 15 and 21, so serious…don’t wait. Just order it now here.
Beanie with Light. Someone on your list spend time outdoors at night? Maybe Dad likes to chop firewood at night? Maybe sis likes to go for a run at night? These beanies are awesome with their built-in headlamps. See great options for all here. Or see a more feminine option with pompom here.
Turtleneck Tunic Sweater. I have several of these in black, green, and brown. I love them, obviously. Get one for Mom here. They run true to size.
Grabber Tool. Men love gadgets. I don’t know why, but they do. This would be a great gift for my husband or my brother. When my brother was a little boy, his favorite gift ever was probably a flashlight…and I’ll get to one of those next. For now, this grabber tool that offers a magnetic option will be a welcome gift this holiday season. Get it here. He will look for reasons to use it.
Superbright Handheld Flashlights. Men and boys love flashlights. This one isn’t a great idea for a young child, because the brightness is extreme, but it’s great for a man who hunts or camps. Heck, my husband doesn’t participate in either of those activities, but he loves a good flashlight to spot animals in trees. Get two in this package. Purchasehere.
Flashlights for kids. Here are some options for kids. For very young kids, there’s the V-tech spin and learn color flashlight here. For older kids, get the Tokeyla rechargeable flashlight here.
Personalized Blanket. For another great personalized gift, a blanket might be a great idea for someone on your list. My daughter has a personalized blanket someone gave her ten years ago, and she still uses it all the time. Order soon to have it delivered by Christmas! Get it here.
Personalized Toiletry Kit for Men. This is a great gift for the man in your life, but order now for timely delivery. Purchase here.
Satin Pillowcase. This one is inexpensive, but it still helps keep hair smooth and shiny, and it helps keep skin looking younger. Get it here.
REST Cooling Comforter. Holy Cow! We got one of these several weeks ago, and I have never slept better! Get it here.
US Map Picture Frame. For the traveler on your list, this is a great gift! I’m getting one for our daughter. She has been to lots of states, and I hope to make sure she visits more soon! Place a photo in each state you’ve visited. It’s awesome. Get it here.
I just read an article in Inc. Magazine about how United Airlines lost a teenager’s luggage containing $2000 of lacrosse gear and how her mom took matters into her own hands to get it back. Because her daughter had put an Apple Air Tag tracking device in her bag, Mom could see the bag was at baggage claim in Chicago, even though the airline said it had never left Baltimore. Tired of waiting for the airline to solve the problem, she cashed in some frequent flyer miles to fly from her home in Denver to Chicago, where the bag was sitting in unclaimed baggage area, retrieved the bag, and took the bag home with her. You go, girl! You can read the article here.
I have to tell you: I wasn’t surprised one bit to read that a mother who didn’t trust the airline to get the bag back to her daughter was the one who solved the problem in her own way. Moms make things happen. No, not every mom could or would go to extremes to help their kids, but lots of us would. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t mean helping them in ways that will hurt them. I don’t mean doing their homework. I don’t mean posting on the college parents’ page asking for tutors for their college student or trying to help them find friends. I don’t mean rescuing them from every bad situation. Kids need to learn to handle things on their own. However, sometimes a teen is not equipped to handle something.
And that’s where Mom comes in.
I truly believe being a mom is the single most important job in the world. Sure, we need a president. We need doctors. We need coaches and teachers, but Mom? A good mom is multi-talented and has knowledge about lots of things. A good mom nurtures, acting as a nurse. A good mom listens, acting as a counselor. A good mom encourages, acting as a coach. A good mom teaches, acting as a teacher. A good mom protects, acting as a security officer. A good mom guides, acting as a captain. A good mom instills morals/beliefs, acting as a spiritual leader. A good mom nourishes, acting as a chef. A good mom puts in the time. A good mom does it all. A good mom makes things happen.
One thing I know for sure: my daughter knows I always have her back. I always have her best interest at heart…just like my mom did before I lost her six years ago. She knows I will hop on a plane to help her. She also knows I will not live her life for her. I wouldn’t dream of calling or emailing a college professor. I won’t try to find friends for her or tutors. She has learned her own problem-solving skills by doing things herself…and by observing over the years.
But would I catch a flight to pick up her bag filled with lacrosse gear that had been abandoned by an airline in an airport? You bet your sweet bippy!
So am I surprised the mom in Denver flew to Chicago to fetch her daughter’s bag? Not one bit.
There are, however, some lessons to be learned here. First, when you fly, ALWAYS MAKE SURE YOUR CHECKED BAG IS TAGGED FOR YOUR FINAL DESTINATION…look at the check bag tag and make sure it has “Los Angeles/LAX” (or your destination) on it before releasing it to an agent. Second lesson? Purchase some Apple Air Tags or Tile Pros to stick in your checked bags, so you know where they are! You won’t be surprised to know that, after reading about the girl’s luggage issues, I’m purchasing some Apple Air Tags and some Tile Pros for our family for Christmas. Purchase Tile Pros here. Purchase Apple Air Tags here. They make great Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers!
***As an Amazon associate, I receive commissions on items purchased through the links I provide.
The world is a crazy place right now, for sure. I know lots of people who are freaking out a little about planning an international vacation. Some of them aren’t sure about the safety or peace levels in the countries they want to visit. I don’t always have answers, but I do have some websites travelers can check when they are planning their international travel…places that give information about safety and peace levels.
I just returned from a trip to Panamá City, Panamá…yes, the one in Central America. I had been to several countries in South America and Central America, but I had never visited Panamá, so I decided to go. I invited my cousin from Florida to go with me. Whenever either of us told someone from the United States that we were visiting Panamá, they acted surprised. Some of them said, “Don’t get kidnapped.” Some of them said, “Oooh…be very careful.” Lots of them asked, “Is it safe to go there?” Anyone who knows me knows I do my homework. I was in the travel business for ten years, so I know “how to do.” There are never any guarantees of safety, but I do my research before I travel anywhere, and my research on Panamá told me we would likely be safe. In my research, I learned it is one of the most stable, safe countries in Central and South America, only behind Costa Rica. Here’s what I will tell you: during the week we were there, we never felt even remotely threatened…not one time. We felt welcome, and we felt safe. In fact, I highly recommend traveling to Panamá if you’re interested in seeing a beautiful city, the Panama Canal, maybe a sloth or two…and meeting some awesome people.
If you’re considering international travel but don’t know how to check the safety and peace levels in an area you want to visit, I have some websites for you to visit:
Visionofhumanity.org. This website, from the Institute for Economics and Peace, says it “measures peace in a complex world.” The publication at the website is called the Global Peace Index, and it ranks the most and least peaceful countries of the world. The report also offers information about results and trends in peace, the economic impact of violence, conflict hotspots, and positive peace. You might even be a little surprised at how some countries rank. I will go ahead and tell you Iceland is the most peaceful country in the world, and Afghanistan is the least. Those people who were worried about my travel to Panamá? I’m guessing they will be surprised to learn Panamá ranks 64th in the Global Peace Index, and out of the 163 countries on the list, the United States of America ranks as the 131st most peaceful country…yikes! See the report here. It makes for a great read.
US Department of State–Bureau of Consular Affairs. I have used this website for years. It gives details information on different destinations. The US Dept of State issues travel advisories for every country, and often, for different regions within a country. For example, there are places in Mexico that are listed as “do not travel,” and there are other regions that are simply listed as “exercise increased caution.” You will be surprised at some of the countries that are listed in the “exercise increased caution” category…Netherlands, France, Belize, and even Costa Rica! Most of the “exercise increased caution” is due to petty crime. We have to exercise increased caution in many parts of our own country, right? And there are even parts of our country that I would list as “do not travel.” If you’d like to check out what the US Department of State has to say about the places you want to visit, see the website here. To see lots more travel information offered by the US Department of State, check out all the available information on the website. You can see the homepage and work from it here.
US News and World Report. US News and World Report published an article last week listing countries that should not be visited by US citizens right now. Most of the information, I believe, comes from the US Dept of State travel advisories, so you will likely see duplicate information, but because of the way it’s written, it’s easy to see the countries you should not visit. Please note that in Mexico, there are different advisory levels in different states of the country. See the article here.
Always do your research before you travel! Also, when you travel internationally, make sure you enroll in the US Department of State STEP program, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, which is a service to allow US citizens traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. Through this program, you can receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country. The Embassy will also know where to contact you in case of a natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency. See the website here.
Do your homework when you travel, and you are likely to be safe!
I like to travel. That’s no secret. Because of that, I’m always looking for products/items that make travel easier and more enjoyable. Without further ado, I’m going to share some of my recent discoveries:
Luggage System. When buzzing through airports or even going from car to hotel, it’s a big help to me that I have a luggage “system,” meaning my smaller bag stacks securely atop my carry-on! I paid too much for mine, but here’s one that is about $100, and it gets great reviews, as you will see! Click here to see it at Amazon.
Crockpot Electric Lunch Box. This can be great for road trips, because who doesn’t get tired of grabbing food on the go at fast food joints? I always prefer a real hot meal over that junk, so when I saw this, I had to have it! Priced at around $35, it’s a deal of the day on Amazon! Get it here.
Everest Wheeled Backpack. A cool concept when you only need to carry on one bag. Everest makes a wheeled backpack, so you can carry it on your bag or pull it behind you. Whatever works! See it at Amazon here.
Luggage Straps Set. If you need to check your bags at the airport, a bright-colored luggage strap set can help you recognize your bags more easily when they arrive at the baggage carousel. These are inexpensive and easy to use. Purchase them here.
Rand McNally Road Atlas 100th Anniversary Edition. Nobody loves a road atlas more than I do! Correction: my friend, Mary Ann, loves an atlas as much as I do, and we definitely used one on our big road trips. If you’re planning a big road trip, you need an atlas in advance, because they are not easy to find on the road. I know from experience. This 100th Anniversary Edition is special, featuring the history of the American road trip. You might want to keep this one as a collectible. Get it here. For one to actually take on the road with you, there’s the regular Rand McNally Road Atlas and National Park Guide. You can purchase it here. Sure, you can use GPS on your phone, but you can get a real picture of where you’re going or where you’ve been with an atlas. Highly recommend.
Bright Luggage Tags. Don’t want to put a strap on your checked bag? Then put a bright colored luggage tag. See some great ones here. These are great to have on your college student’s bags too. My daughter has a black backpack, but I put a bright-colored luggage tag on it, so she can recognize it quickly when it’s near other black backpacks, which are everywhere.
Travel Shoes. You can still dress nicely and wear sneakers. I have found the best ones for travel are from On Cloud. My faves? The Cloud 5. Purchase for women here. Purchase for men here.
Portable Charger. You never know when your plans will change or when you will look at your phone and see that it has only 3% charge left! Yikes! Keep a quality portable charger handy for times like that. See a good, inexpensive one at Amazon here.
Come back soon for more travel “stuff.” It’s one of my favorite topics!
I have always loved travel. I love hopping on a plane with my husband, my family, or with friends and heading off to somewhere fun. But first I have to get there. Right out of college, I was a flight attendant for a hot minute. When you work for an airline and travel on an employee pass, there is a dress code. Traveling on an employee pass, I was required to dress professionally, and that set a tone for me. Therefore, I like travel clothes that look good but give me some comfort. You won’t see me on an airplane in athletic shorts…or shorts of any kind. You might see me in joggers, because they’re comfortable, and I can dress them up. As summer gets closer, more people travel, so I have some recommendations. Here are some travel outfits I love:
Wide Leg Jumpsuit. As I scrolled through Instagram a few weeks ago, I came across a wide-leg, short-sleeve jumpsuit perfect for travel. It has a v-neck, and it also has some spandex, meaning stretch, so it’s more comfortable on long flights. It comes in a variety of colors, but I prefer the darker colors. I have ordered this in several colors, but the black is my fave. It’s great, because the v-neck is flattering, and the wide legs make it easy-fitting. At just $35.99 (yes, you read that right), it’s a great buy. Pair it with a cute jacket for some dimension. I love to add a scarf for a pop of color; it can also act as a lightweight blanket on a chilly flight. To purchase this fabulous piece (picture below) from Amazon, click here.
Amazon Essentials Joggers. Somehow, I got lucky and stumbled upon the inexpensive Amazon Essentials Joggers a year or two ago, and since then, I have accumulated a collection. While they offer a variety of colors, my entire collection consists of black joggers. They’re lightweight. They’re cute. They’re flattering, and most importantly, they are wash-and-wear…so easy! I know what you’re thinking: sweatpants. Sure, joggers can be considered sweatpants, but these can be dressed up, without a doubt. In winter, I wear them with cute ankle boots and sweaters, while in warmer months, I wear them with wedges. Priced under $20, these joggers are so inexpensive, you have to get them. Purchase here.
V-neck tshirt. I am pretty particular about my “t-shirt” type shirts. I like long sleeves, but they also offer this shirt in short sleeve version. I like a flattering v-neck. And I like for it to fit my arms but not hug my body tightly. I found one on Amazon that has worked for me time and time again. It works great with the joggers above or with the Miramar joggers below. Purchase it here
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Large scarf. I love a colorful scarf for “dressing up” an outfit. Years ago, I learned the “third piece,” whether it is a jacket or scarf, completes an ensemble…making the wearer appear more “put together.” It’s something I believe in, for sure. So when I’m wearing an all-black outfit, as a jumpsuit or joggers and shirt, I like to add a colorful scarf to break up the black a little and make me look complete. A large scarf can also help ensure I stay warm on a chilly flight. I found a couple of faves on Amazon that are pretty darn inexpensive. The first is a silk scarf that’s priced at under $20, and it measures 70″ x 35″…making it a good size. It comes in lots of colors and patterns, and you can purchase it here. For one that has a “cashmere feel,” and measures 78″ x 27″, click here.
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Rag and Bone Miramar joggers. OK, y’all, I’m giving away a big secret here. No joke, I have only shared this info with my closest friends, but here it is: I wear sweatpant jeans. Yep. Rag and Bone makes Miramar joggers that are printed to look like cute jeans, but they are really French terry sweatpants, and they look great! I’m not going to lie…at $225, they are pricey, but I love them. In fact, I love them so much that, over time, I have purchased two pairs in each color. They are 100% cotton, so you need to remember not to put them in the dryer when you wash them, but other than that, they are pretty easy. As joggers, they have elastic around the ankles, so they are great for lots of heights. I’m only 5’2″, and I love these, because I wear them pushed all the way down to the ankle, or I can wear the elastic underneath a little higher on my leg to make them look more cropped. These are truly some of my favorite travel pants. I can pair them with a cute top or blouse and jacket, and I look finished. No one knows they are sweats, unless they are familiar with the brand. To see the Miramar joggers on Amazon, click here. Another company, BLANKNYC offers something similar at a much lower price. I haven’t tried them (yet), but if you’d like something similar without the sticker shock, try them. The BLANKNYC version is priced under $52 in the lighter color (click here) or the darker color ($81) here.
Utility Shirt Jacket. I love a good utility shirt jacket, because it can add to so many different outfits. For travel, I have a few I use, but a favorite is definitely a Lucky Brand version. It’s olive green, so basically a neutral. I will wear it with all of the items above, and it’s offered in more than one color. It’s lightweight and well-made, and because it’s a neutral, it can be used in various ways with different styles of outfits, even dresses. Get yours here.
Blazer. If you prefer a more tailored look, a blazer might be the way to go. I have a few of these lightweight blazers from Amazon. Priced under $50, they won’t break the bank, and they’re comfortable and travel well. Offered in 15 colors, they make a great addition to any travel wardrobe. Get a few colors, and switch things up! Purchase here.
And this is when I tell you that, in order to keep these pieces from looking too casual, I never wear sneakers on planes. Personally, I prefer comfortable wedge sandals in spring and summer and comfortable boots or loafers in fall and winter. It’s just my way of dressing it all up and pulling it together. But by all means, you do you. And always remember that, if you are checking luggage on commercial airlines, you need to pack at least one change of clothes in your carry-on bag. I always pack a swimsuit in my carry-on too, if I’m going to a warm location.
We were some of the odd people who traveled last Thanksgiving…during the pandemic. I just couldn’t take staying home anymore. Call me reckless, but when we got home, we didn’t have the virus…all my teenage daughter’s friends did, because they had gathered with local people. Travel was pretty easy back then, because the airports simply were not crowded. Same in February, when we flew to New Orleans over Presidents’ Day weekend, and we were still unvaccinated. Again, the airports weren’t crowded, and we got lucky and avoided the virus. When Spring Break rolled around in March, I was half-vaccinated, but I was determined to try to enjoy a vacation with our daughter and some of her friends in Miami. Success…we came home illness-free.
Soon after that, the whole family got vaccinated, and we moved around all summer. Sure, we were careful to wash our hands and wear masks indoors, but we lived life again. And it seems lots of other folks are doing the same.
We just returned from a Thanksgiving trip to California, and the airports were packed again. We flew out of Charlotte the Saturday before Thanksgiving, and the Charlotte airport was wall-to-wall people. Same thing when we flew back…wall-to-wall people in the Los Angeles airport. But most people were wearing their masks correctly in the airport and on the flights. I had some concerns before we traveled, because of recent airline issues. I was afraid our return flights would be canceled, so I purchased some one way refundable tickets on another airline for the return, just in case, before I realized I could stay an extra few days and enjoy more vacation for the amount of money I was spending on those tickets!
We ended up having no issues during our travels. But I planned things carefully. To avoid issues, here are some tips for Holiday Travel 2022:
BookEarly. This advice goes for airline tickets, hotels, and even rental cars. As availability decreases in each of these areas, prices increase. You can thank supply and demand for that. So book early. I just realized today that I had not booked a rental car for our Christmas trip, and when I looked, I knew I had made a big mistake. I will likely use Uber while we are there, because I refuse to pay ridiculous prices for a rental car. If you are going to need a rental car and haven’t booked it, book it now.
Try to travel on off-peak days. Everything I have read says the peak days around Christmas for air travel are December 22 and December 28 this year, but I’m guessing the 26th is going to be a busy day for those who have to get back to work on Monday. Try not to book your flights for those dates. I’m guessing December 24th will be a little crazy too, since Christmas is on a Saturday this year. My family will be traveling on Christmas Eve, so if you see us in the airport, we can commiserate.
Arrive at the airport early. You have likely heard it for years when you were traveling during the holidays: arrive early. Well, this year, you absolutely need to arrive early. There could be personnel shortages at the airport, causing a backlog in so many different areas of the airport. While the usual recommendation is to arrive two hours before your domestic flight, I recommend arriving three hours before, especially if you’re flying out of a busy airport. Obviously, if you’re flying out of somewhere like Pensacola, Florida, you don’t need as much time, but I flew out of Birmingham recently, and even with my TSA PreCheck clearance, I was in line for a while at security…longer than I’ve ever waited in Charlotte. I know, some will call arriving that early excessive, but what is it going to hurt for you to get there and relax for a little while before your flight boards? I can’t relax till I’m through security, but once I’ve cleared TSA, I feel so much better. A long security line gives me anxiety, if I’m pushed for time. Save yourself some anxiety…arrive early.
Do not check bags. I say this with a little hesitation. When I say “do not check bags,” I mean pack in appropriately-sized carry-on bags. Do not carry on the kitchen sink. My daughter and I each had a carry-on bag and a backpack for our recent trip to LA. We didn’t want to risk losing our luggage, and we didn’t want to have to wait in baggage claim forever when we got there. In the past, we have waited a long time for luggage in LA and Charlotte, so we avoid it now. Again, with personnel shortages, wait times could be longer. But whatever you do, please stick to the appropriate size limits and number of bags…that means one carry-on bag and one person item. Check airline websites for size restrictions. Obviously, if you are traveling with gifts for friends and family, you will likely need to check bags, unless you consider shipping everything (keep reading).
Pack medications and necessities in a carry-on. If you do opt to check luggage, make sure you have all your medications and any necessities in a carry-on bag. It’s always a good idea to have a change of clothes and a toothbrush/hairbrush in your carry-on, as well. Things happen. Connecting flights cancel, and bags are not accessible. Bags get delayed or lost. Trust me on this.
Consider shipping luggage and gifts ahead. To cut down on the amount of “stuff” you carry with you, ship any gifts, and possibly your luggage, ahead of time. That way, if you want you can wrap them ahead of time too. Otherwise, wrapped gifts will need to go in checked bags, and if TSA decides to open them, they can. You can ship via UPS, the United States Postal Service, or FedEx, or you can use a luggage shipping service like ShipGo. See their website here.
Get TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. If you’re traveling domestically, make an appointment now to get TSA PreCheck. It will save you lots of time and stress at the airport. You don’t have to take off shoes (unless your shoes cause cause the metal detector to “beep”). You don’t have to go through the body scanner. The lines are shorter. And if you’re traveling internationally, Global Entry can save lots of time on re-entry to the US. To make an appointment for TSA PreCheck, click here. In most cases, you’ll have your Known Traveler Number within two weeks after your appointment. For international travelers, Global Entry appointments can be made here.
Download MyTSA App. On the MyTSA app, you can store favorite airports and see up-to-the-minute wait times at various checkpoints at different airports. The app also includes a list of things you can bring onboard aircraft in checked bags and carry-on bags. There are also ways to request passenger support for travelers with disabilities and/or medical conditions. The app is a great place to get lots of information.
Carry snacks. December is prime time for weather issues. Be prepared. Always have some snacks (including some with protein) to keep you going when airports are full of people and it’s difficult to get food. You don’t want to get hangry.
Traveling by car? If you’re traveling by car, check your tires and oil before you leave. And if you’re traveling in cold climates, have a couple of blankets in the car, just in case. I used to think my daddy was crazy when he made me keep blankets in the trunk of my car, but I have friends who have had to sleep in their cars when they got caught in ice storms and/or snow storms. One was even caught in torrential rains/floods and had to sleep in her car. Having some bottled water and a few snacks on hand would be a good idea too. You might think it can’t happen where you are, but a few years ago, my daughter and I made it back to Charlotte from Birmingham, Alabama, just ahead of an ice storm. And be patient. The roads are going to be crowded. Have some backup routes in mind too. One year, when I was coming back from Atlanta, I realized it was going to take twice as long as it should if I stayed on the interstate, so I opted to take some “back roads.” It was quite an adventure, but I got home more quickly…and on less crowded roads. I wasn’t jockeying for position the whole time.
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