Springtime Glow

It’s March. I live in Iowa. I haven’t seen the sun in days. I’m a pale chick with freckles who loves the look of bronzed skin. Clearly, I don’t have a lot of options for a natural summer glow right now.

Spray tanning to the rescue. Occasionally I get a spray in one of those automated booths. It’s quick and easy, but for some reason I always walk away with a white skunk stripe down my back. Not good. I have no idea why those machines cannot reach the middle of my back, but it’s always a disappointment. I have also used various self-tanning sprays and lotions on my own at home. After years of experimentation, I finally found a brand that gives me a natural color. And…..a rash all over my body, sadly. Not cute.

Recently, I had the opportunity to get a custom airbrush spray tan at Bronze 515 in Clive, Iowa. I scheduled an appointment online with the owner, Leah Wafful. I selected the “515” whole body tan. Leah offers suggestions on her website for prepping your skin ahead of time at home to ensure the best tan possible. I exfoliated, avoided any lotions, grabbed my summer bikini (which led to a trip to the gym later) and met Leah at her studio. She walked through her product line with me. Its vegan, gluten-free and paraben free—bonus! She customized my tan, based on my skin tone and desired depth of color. She gave me instructions along the way—how to position my arms and legs to get the best results and what to do to extend the life of my tan. I’m currently on day five with minimal fading! While I was there, I picked up a bottle of tan extender from Leah that can be applied to keep the glow going as long as possible. I thought Leah’s pricing was very reasonable and the quality of her products and service are hard to find. She offers a 15% discount to melanoma survivors and active military personnel and veterans. 

I love supporting a local business and I really loved the results!  Here are a couple of photos. Nothing better than a safe tan!! Thanks, Leah!

Road Warrior with Style

Work travel has been a part of my life for over ten years. Gallivanting all over the country via planes, trains and automobiles. As I reflect on my first year traveling, I have to laugh at the many mistakes that made my life miserable getting from point A to point B. 

Packing five pairs of shoes = 20 extra pounds.

Forgetting to take my liquids out of my carry on. 

Shampoo bottle blow outs in my suitcase. 

Freezing or sweating my way through a city, because I didn’t check the weather ahead of time. 

I could go on and on and on.

I was packing for a quick work trip to Las Vegas and thought I’d take a few photos and write up a few tips I’ve learned along the way. It's important to be efficient, but I still want to have a little style. This is not exhaustive by any means, but kind of gives you a method to my madness for a quick business trip out of town.

When I have limited time and space, I like to pick one or two coordinating neutrals (charcoal and navy in this case) that I can wear alone or together. If I pack color, it's usually in accessories such as a scarf, shoes or jewelry. For this trip, I put together a charcoal dress, navy blazer, navy blouse and white and navy skirt. Easily mixed and matched. I added in a pair of navy wedges that could be worn with any combination.

I always try to find a little time to get a workout in, so I always toss in a hat, running shoes and workout gear. To save space, I only pack one pair of shorts, a tee and sports bra. I use the shampoo in the hotel to hand wash and rinse them out and hang them to dry in the hotel for another use. I put a baggie with protein powder in a shaker bottle for a quick breakfast on the go.

(Also, I like to reuse my workout clothes as late night "lounge wear" when I'm in my hotel room.)

I found a cosmetic case that holds all of my make up and hair needs, but it's always a good idea to put bottled lotions, shampoos and other liquids in a gallon-sized zipper bag. I can't tell you how many times I had a bottle of something leak (or explode) and ruin my clothes. My work schedule is busy enough once I land--I do NOT need to try to fit in an emergency trip to a store to try to find something to wear all week. 

I carry a big leather tote, but pack a large zippered pouch inside that can hold my wallet and essentials. Once I get to my destination, this gives me the flexibility to use the pouch as a clutch if I'm going out to dinner and don't need the entire tote. Inside my tote I carry a book, my electronics, work files, a large scarf for unexpected drafts, warm socks for cold air coming in plane windows, hand and face lotion, and healthy snacks such as nuts, protein bars and an apple. I add in an empty glass water bottle to fill once I get to the airport (after security).  All of the essentials!

I tend to lay everything out before putting anything in my suitcase. I am pretty picky about how I fill my bag and will have to write a future post on that. I pretty much use the same packing process every time I travel, because once I find something that works, I don’t mess with it!

So, to recap my tips for efficient travel packing for the stylish gal on the go:

1. Pack two coordinating neutrals for business clothes, casual clothes and shoes. Add in pops of color with accessories.

2. Make your health a priority in work travel and in your suitcase! Add in workout clothes and protein shakes for on the go energy. Wash your workout gear in the hotel sink for multiple uses.

3. Put all of your toiletries in a zippered bag that will protect your clothes from any unexpected leakage. 

4. Shoes. One pair of athletic shoes. One pair of shoes for work meetings and one for casual downtime. That will save you space and major weight when you are dragging your bag behind you. I know this is a tough one, but you really don't NEED more than that to get through a couple of days. While we are talking shoes...they can be great space savers. I stuff my small items, such as socks and accessories, inside my shoes!

5. Pack a tote like you are going to be stranded in the wilderness. Snacks, water bottle, phone charger, book, lotion, socks and a scarf. Bonus tip: a pretty zippered pouch that can moonlight as a clutch purse. 

I could add another layer of items I would consider to be non-essential, but when I'm in and out for a quick trip, this is really all I need. 

What travel essentials do you always include in your bag? I would love to hear your tips as well!