My Summer Migration

I am heading to Europe, specifically Spain, France, Ireland and England this July. I fly coach, so it is pretty no frills. It just means that traveling on a budget requires a bit more logistical planning. For buying trips, I often don't know where I am going to be staying, but this time things will be different. I'm on a real holiday (vacation) and I'll be with family and good friends for most of the trip. 

Regardless of who I visit or where and how I travel, there are some things I always make sure to pack for a comfortable journey.

{1} A pashmina. I never get on a plane without one. I have my favorites but this time I will take my linen striped one. We have a great selection of pashminas and scarves in the shop so take a look if you want something light and cozy for your own travels.

{2} Wax ear plugs. Whether it's a screaming child on a plane, or traffic and commotion on the streets you can hear from your hotel room, comfortable, noise-cancelling ear plugs are an easy solution to block out the madness. Slate.com reviewed some of the best ear plugs in the market and you can read about them here. The best ones, by Hearos, at only $1 a pair.

{3} Eye mask. I have my own and bring tea bags that I use just before landing to make me look like I am not the dehydrated exhausted wreck I usually am. Here's a roundup of some of the best sleeping masks by BestCovery.com....all for under $15.

{4} Wipes for my face and body. I don't wear a lot of make up so this makes freshening up so much easier. The Yes To™ line is really wonderful and the towelettes are especially nice.

{5} Altoids. I do brush my teeth in the itty-bitty bathrooms, but mints or gum are a must.  I have to have them. 

{6} Moisturizer, I love to treat myself Aveda. I've been a big fan of all their products for a long, long time. It all smells so nice, doesn't it?

{7} Magazines! Book come along too, but my New Yorker magazines pile up so quickly. I take a dozen or so and no matter how old, they always feel current and timeless. 

{8} The proper carry-on is essential and it must be totally organized so digging is at a  minimum. 

{9} A window seat. By plane, train or car, a window to rest your head upon is so much nicer for sleeping. Plus you can't beat the view from way up in the sky. I also bring my own mini feather pillow that I had made and that smooses to almost nothing.

{10} Water. Lately I've been using a Bobble water bottle. It can be brought through security at the airport empty and filled up inside. It has its own filter and you won't be adding more waste into the world with a single use bottle. So drink up and stay hydrated. It's no secret that water makes you feel better like nothing else!

Where are you traveling to this summer? Do tell!

Holiday House Guests

The best thing about the holidays is being able to catch up and celebrate with friends and family. We're all so busy that it's hard to get together, even with good intentions! How many times have you caught yourself saying, "we need to do this more often" and then another whole year passes by?

Our guests travel from across the country and sometimes across the world to be here. When they get into town, I throw my door wide open, fluff my pillows and hope they stay for a long while.

Here are some of my favorite tips to make house guests feel warm and welcome when they're staying with me:

1. Nothing beats a freshly made bed with soft sheets and warm blankets. Plus a throw and comfy pair of slippers.

2. Plenty of clean guest towels in the bathroom.

3. Stacks of books and magazines.

4. Leave a little note if your schedules part for a while. Just a welcoming message, your wi-fi code and maybe a list of fun things to do while they're in town.

5. Feed and water your guests! A water carafe for the bedside table. Water bottles for them to grab on the go. Plenty of wine and liquor for evening night caps. Pastries, coffee and juice to get them going in the morning.

6. Inevitably, you forget something or another when you pack for a trip. Leave a basket of toiletries in your guest room just in case. My basket is stocked with toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, tampons, razors, bar soap, lotion, a sewing kit, cotton swabs, band-aids and make up wipes.

All these little extras will help them feel right at home. I'll be traveling in Morocco with my daughter over Christmas so we'll be the guests. But I hope you enjoy your holiday visitors this season – treasure every moment you have with them!

Top: Mexican Coverlets // Left: Handblown Water Carafe with Glass // Right: Granada Serving Trays