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Do you ever go to the grocery store for 2 things and then come back with 12 (or more) unnecessary things? Making a list usually helps to prevent this— the same applies to packing! My number one tip for packing like a pro is to MAKE A LIST! If you make a list at least a month (yes, a month) before you leave, you will only pack things that you need AND you will also have time to buy whatever is lacking.

The last time we checked bags was for our 10 year anniversary trip to Italy  (I’m laughing out loud looking at this photo because so much of what’s inside of those suitcases was unused PLUS the airline lost our checked bag). Now, even when we vacation for more than a month, we only use carry-on bags. "I have an Apple AirTag," you say. My friend, Christy, also had an AirTag. She landed in Los Angeles and saw that her bag was in Amsterdam (even if she didn't fly through there). She called the airline to deliver her bag-- they told her she had to get and get it 😩 Los baggage can totally ruin your vacation, so pack smart and carry-on.

1. Make a list at least one month before leaving.

Pull out everything on the list to see if anything needs to be dry-cleaned, washed, repaired, etc. Start shopping for things you need and don't already have-- making this list a month in advance will reduce any impulse buys and the need to pay for rush shipping.

2. Consider buying hard to pack items at your destination. 

If you're not checking a bag, toiletries must be in 3.4 oz containers (or smaller) and all fit into a 1 quart size bag. This can be tricky if you are going away for an extended period of time. Transferring toiletries into these little bottles is also a pain, so I only do this for my "must-have" items like my face wash and face cream. Since I am not too particular about my shampoo or the kids' body wash (besides being free of harsh chemicals), I just buy these items at our destination. If you are traveling with a baby, don't use an entire suitcase to bring two week's worth of diapers! Pack what you need for the travel day (plus a few extra) and buy the rest when you arrive. 

3. Pack a capsule wardrobe (aka multi-use pieces).

I plan my outfits around my shoes. That may sound strange, but shoes take up a lot of room in my carry-on, so I usually bring 3 pairs of shoes maximum. I think about what types of shoes will be required for the activities we have planned (if we're hiking, I need sneakers. If we're walking through snow, I need snow boots. If we're going to pebble beaches, I probably want water shoes etc etc). I usually wear the bulkiest pair onto the airplane. I plan my outfits around these 3 pairs of shoes (or 4 including the pair I wear during travel). If it doesn't match my chosen pairs of shoes, it doesn't go into my suitcase. Choose pieces that can be worn multiple ways. For example, our Eliza swim dress can be worn as a swimsuit to the beach or as a top under your favorite skirt for dinner. A button-down white shirt can be used as a cover-up, paired with shorts for a stroll down the boardwalk, or to cover your shoulders when entering a sacred space. Our cover-up/wrap dress can be worn over a swimsuit at the pool, as a dress (forwards or backwards!), or under a sweater to look like a skirt. It's incredible how many different outfits you can create with just a handful of pieces. 

And we can't forget, our two-piece dress that can be worn multiple ways and is the perfect set for your spring/summer travels.

4. Organize and minimize with packing cubes and bags.

These packing cubes saved us on our winter trip to Europe a couple of years ago. I honestly didn't know if we'd be able to avoid checking bags because of all the layers and socks we needed to keep warm, but we did it!  We planned on skiing/sledding, so we used these vacuum bags to squeeze all of the air out of our snow bibs- it's amazing how small you can get them! For this upcoming summer trip, I am using Packdup bags to organize the kids' clothes in their suitcases and we'll also use them for wet clothes on beach days.  

5. Wear bulky items onto the airplane.

We usually wear our coats or sweaters onto the airplane. We pack them into this foldable tote as we walk (or sometimes run) through the stuffy airport (believe me, you don't want to hear the sound of kids complaining about being hot or not being able to carry their coats while running through a crowded airport to catch a flight that started boarding 30 minutes prior. The tote is a lifesaver for this type of situation). Before boarding the plane, we put them on (because we each already have the max carry-on and personal item, so the tote won't be allowed). The tote easily folds away into its own little pouch and the coats or sweaters are perfect for staying warm on cold airplanes. Hats can also be impossible to pack without crushing, so I usually strap my beach hat to my bag in the airport instead of squishing it into my suitcase (unless it is one of our crushable hats that can be packed... coming back into stock soon!)

6. Consider staying at a vacation rental.

If you're vacationing for an extended period of time, consider a vacation rental that has a washer/dryer instead of a hotel. For month+ long trips, we usually bring enough clothes for one week and do laundry. (yes, my kids still do chores on vacation). So instead of packing clothes for a month, you'd really just be packing for a week, which makes using only a carry-on bag a breeze.

If you're traveling this summer, I wish you a safe and happy journey! Buon viaggio!

When international travel was halted in 2020, we spent more time exploring the beautiful USA with several cross-country roadtrips from California. Driving across the state line from Georgia to South Carolina instantly felt like vacation. It was suddenly greener with palm trees and golf courses every which way. The sun seemed to shine even brighter when we crossed the bridge onto Hilton Head island and as soon as we arrived at our vacation rental, we were ready to unpack and head to the beach. 

The best way to get around Hilton Head is by bicycle. We reserved some online at Pedals Bicycle ($30 for the week, at the time of rental). It is nice that they have two different sized bikes for adults and kids along with child seats, pull carts, and tandem bikes-- plenty to choose from. If you're going during busy season, I suggest reserving before you arrive. Make sure you get baskets and locks if you need them. The best part is that they offer free delivery, so our bikes were waiting for us when we arrived. 

Having lived in California almost my entire life, beaches never tend to impress me too much but there are two things we loved about the beach in Hilton Head:

1. The waves were not huge, making it more kid-friendly and

2. You can ride your bike on the beach-- yes, on the sand! It was so much fun and totally new for us.

A couple of things to keep in mind-- we saw lots of jellyfish (both dead and alive), many stingrays (especially in the evening), and a fisherman nearby accidentally caught a baby shark (he threw it back). Swim at your own risk! (My kids swam all day everyday and they were fine) 🙃

Restaurants

For breakfast, we loved Nectar Farm Kitchen. They source all of their ingredients locally and change the menu often. The biscuits are absolutely amazing, as are the chicken and waffles. 

For lunch, we usually brought food with us to the beach, but I absolutely love She Crab soup and I may or may not have snuck off to eat some at Watusi Cafe three days in a row 🙈 For those who don't like soup in the summer (I know, I'm weird), try an açai bowl or poké bowl at Al's Aloha Kitchen. 

If you love seafood but want to keep it casual, I would definitely recommend Slapfish. The traditional lobster roll, epic shrimp burrito, and shrimp bowl are all mouth-wateringly delicious.

For dinner with a view, the Old Oyster Factory will not disappoint. Just look at this view of Broad Creek-- it's like being in a painting. 

And last but not least, we all know that the best thing to eat on a hot summer day is ice cream! There are endless choices at The Ice Cream Cone in Coligny Plaza. Sea Turtle and Pralines & Cream were our kids' favorites. 

To Do

If you are not a 'sit at the beach all day' person, do not fear! There is still plenty to do in Hilton Head besides going to the beach.

Vanishing Island Tour: My kids still talk about our private boat out to the vanishing island. The tour leaves from the Old Oyster Factory dock, where we were able to bird watch for a bit- there was an anhinga just sitting on a stump (we had never seen one before). Captain Robert was quite knowledgable and he pointed out all the points of interest as we drove along through the Lowcountry Salt Marsh-- truly a wonderful science expedition. He knew where to stop to see all the dolphins, too and wow-- we saw a lot of them! The vanishing island is a large sandbar that's only exposed at low tide each day. It was FULL of starfish, shells, and sand dollars. My son even found a shark's tooth! 

Alligator Tour: My kids are fascinated by alligators, as they are foreign creatures to us Californians. We booked the alligator tour at Sea Pines Resort. There is a fee for cars to enter the resort and the tour was $22/adult and $19/child. We saw a few baby alligators while on the boat, but saw a lot more as we drove away from the parking area-- just basking in the sun near the water. Be careful and don't get too close! 

Harbour Town Lighthouse Museum: While we were at Sea Pines, we decided to climb the 114 steps to the top of the lighthouse. It's set up like a museum, so don't worry about stopping along the way to rest and read up on Civil War history. 

We've visited Hilton Head Island many times since 2020 and we keep going back because we discover new things to do (and eat) each time we go. It's the perfect family friendly beach vacation destination. 

No matter what the season, my skin tends to be on the dry side. If you read my previous blog post (The Road to Soft Skin), then you know that the solution to dry skin requires more than just lathering on lotion. Dead skin cells have to be removed in order to expose the softer skin that's hiding underneath it. I was so sad last year when I found out that my favorite scrub was no longer being made by the manufacturer. It's so hard to find skincare products that are clean and don't have all of the unnecessary fillers and fragrances. I decided to take matters into my own hands and partner with Rene to make our very own Capri 5-in-1 Moisturizing Exfoliator. It has only 5 ingredients and the best part is that it can be used for more than just exfoliating. 

Here's how I use it:

1. Face Scrub

A few times a week, I use an overnight face peel to brighten my skin. The next morning, I always use Capri to scrub off anything that the peel worked to loosen up overnight. On these days, I find I don't have to use moisturizer on my face because the coconut oil in the exfoliator does that for me.

2. Body Scrub

I keep a jar of Capri in the shower and, just like the scrub, I use it a few times a week after cleansing. I focus on my arms and legs because those are the parts that get the driest. Again, I don't have to use lotion on the days I use the exfoliator. 

3. Shaving

Using this exfoliator to shave reduces razor burn and ingrown hairs. I find it especially helpful around my knees. 

4. Make-up Removal

I don't tend to wear a lot of waterproof or heavy makeup, but last week I went to a wedding and decided to wear a lot more makeup than I usually do. I didn't pack my makeup remover (I never do...eek!), but I did pack a jar of Capri. I was a bit hesitant to use it to remove my eye makeup, but it worked! And it didn't irritate my eyes. 

5. Lip Scrub

This is probably my favorite use. I am sort of addicted to chapstick because my lips used to get super dry when I was younger, so I am somewhat paranoid about it. I use a pea sized amount to scrub my lips morning and night at the sink and my lips have never been softer!

6. Paint Removal

This was a surprise! Last week, I did some DIY projects in the kitchen and I am convinced that I am the messiest painter in the world. My hands were covered with paint and nothing got it off (I even tried using my scrubbing glove and a scouring pad-- ouch!). I used Capri and the paint came right off-- bonus-- my hands were super moisturized after using it, which was amazing because they got so dry from washing them all week after painting. 

This moisturizing exfoliator has been such a great addition to my skincare routine. I hope you love it as much as I do-- it's perfect for getting your skin brighter and softer for summer!

We recently posted about the toxic chemicals found in Shein’s clothing— a new undercover investigation by UK broadcaster Channel 4 “found that workers receive a base salary of 4,000 yuan per month — roughly $556 — to make 500 pieces of clothing per day and that their first month’s pay is withheld from them; in another factory, workers received the equivalent of four cents per item. Workers in both factories were working up to 18-hour days and were given only one day off a month. In one factory, the outlet found women washing their hair during lunch breaks, and workers were penalized two-thirds of their daily wage if they made a mistake on a clothing item.” 

1. Say "no" to fast fashion. 

2. Vote with your dollars.

3. Shop second hand.

4. Stay in the know about upcoming ethical fashion sales.

“Fast fashion is cheap for you but remember, somebody else is paying the price.”~Jessica Rey

I design clothing that I want to have in my own closet-- classic pieces that I can wear multiple different ways and that I want to pack in my suitcase when I go on vacation. This two-piece dress has been in a work in progress since last summer and it's finally here. Made with 100% tencel in our USA factory. And yes, it has pockets!

1. Wear the two pieces together as a dress.

2. Wear the skirt with your favorite top or sweater.

3. Wear the top with top with some denim or another skirt.

The waist tie also looks super cute as a headband, tied around a white dress shirt, or wrapped in a bow around your bag strap. 

I'm so glad that this dress came just in time for autumn, but I wore it all summer in Europe and it looked amazing with a white tank. It really is season-less. Enjoy!

SHOP TWO-PIECE DRESS