Below is a list of my favorite workout apps and streaming services, equipment, and products for a home gym and hotel room workout.
APPS AND STREAMING SERVICES:
Forma Pilates App: Forma Pilates has quickly become the most in-demand workout. Started by Liana Levi in her Los Angeles home, Forma soon garnered attention as the Pilates workout of choice for Hailey Bieber, Kaia Gerber, and Kendall Jenner.
My meticulously curated travel recommendations for Palm Springs, California include local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places to stay.
With Midcentury Modern architecture, poolside glamour, vintage shops, and delicious eateries, what’s not to love about Palm Springs?
Here are a few fun and informative links from around the web. I hope you enjoy this edition of link love.
Note: Links are not endorsements and do not necessarily represent the editor’s opinion. Download the Pocket App to save articles.
The real life diet of Andrew Huberman. The neuroscientist and podcaster caught up with GQ about his daily routine: his morning dose of sunlight, his meditation to recharge, and why he prefers to eat his carbs in the evening.
A greatinterview with Will and Harry’s former press secretary, who explained what it was like to work for the brothers for ten years and their personalities.
A great travel guide for visiting Willamette Valley. See my Portland guide if you want to visit Oregon for more recommendations.
Has anyone ever told you to “stop being so sensitive”? Or perhaps you need to “toughen up and develop a thicker skin”? If you’ve spent much of your life feeling like you’re much more sensitive and responsive than others to the things going on around you, physically, mentally, and emotionally, you might just be what’s known as a highly sensitive person.
MiiR Mugs: I think MiiR makes the best-insulated coffee mugs. I like their line ofCamp Cups because they come with a lid, but I also have their Flip Traveler for long walks and car rides.
Great Jones Baking Dish: It makes cleanup easy. It comes with a silicone baking sheet, and cleanup is so easy.
Real NAD+Lozenges: NAD+ has been dubbed by many as the “Fountain of Youth.” NAD+ is present in all living cells, and a significant body of research suggests longevity may be boosted through NAD+ supplementation. David Sinclair, the co-director at the Paul F. Glenn Center for the Biology of Aging at Harvard Medical, has stated that NAD+ is “the closest we’ve gotten to a fountain of youth.” People across the U.S. have been traveling to Southeast Louisiana to get this supplement for many years to treat everything from addiction to Alzheimer’s. Watch this videoand read more about NAD+ here. I buy my Real NAD+Lozengesat Archway Pharmacy in Mandeville, Louisiana. Mail order is available.
Birdie Safety Alarm: When threatened, activate Birdie’sloud siren and flashing strobe light to create a diversion and to help deter an attack. It’s great for travel.
Sal’s Red Gravy: Sal’s Red Gravy is from a fabulous Italian restaurant in Lacombe, Louisiana. It’s sold at most grocery stores in South Louisiana and Publix grocery stores. You can also order online.
Riemot Travel Cup Holder: This luggage drink holder can “hold” your coffee, water, or beverage hands-free without spilling.
Ionic Tooth Brush: The ionic toothbrush cleans differently from the standard manual or electric toothbrush, which uses brushing and friction to remove food buildup and plaque. The manual brush’s ionic toothbrush has an ionic charge that ionizes your saliva. It momentarily reverses the polarity of the tooth exterior from negative to positive, repelling plaque from the teeth and pulling it towards the negatively charged toothbrush head.
LED safety vest: I use this cool safety vestfor night runs, bike rides, and walking.
Here’s a list of my top gifts and more of my best buys in 2022:
Ratio Six Coffee Maker: Ratio Six comes in three colors; white, black, and stainless steel. I love the white design. The Ratio Six Coffee Maker simulates a skilled barista pour-over process, precisely metering water flow through both the bloom and brew phases. It’s a top-rated product. I purchased this coffee maker for my dad.
Turkey and the WolfFlavor Trippin’ in New Orleans: This is a fun cookbook with mouth-watering Southern recipes from Chef Mason Hereford’s popular restaurant Turkey and the Wolf in New Orleans.My favorite cookbook in 2022.
Negroni Candle: The bittersweet scents of pink grapefruit and orange blossom, are balanced with aromatic citrus oils & cardamom to form a fragrance emblematic of the golden hour of Aperitivo. My favorite scent in 2022.
Hatch Restore: It’s a bedside lamp, a sound machine, and a sunrise alarm, all in one compact device.
Cuyana Slim Wrislet Wallet: For the woman on the go, this wallet comes with a detachable wristlet and pocket for your phone. I like to add monogramming for a personal touch.
Riemot Travel Cup Holder: The perfect gift for a flight attendant or pilot. This luggage drink holder can “hold” your coffee, water, or any beverage hands-free without spilling.
CLQ Chair: It’s the best portable chair. Weighs less than your average beach and camping chair. This lounge chairrapidly packs up to the size of a water bottle. I just ordered one for beach days.
What were your best buys in 2022? Leave a comment below.
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My Laurel, Mississippi city guide contains all you need to know for a perfect trip.
Laurel is home to Ben and Erin Napier, stars of the HGTV series “Home Town,” where they renovate historic homes in Laurel, Mississippi. If you are a fan of the show, I recommend taking a trip to Laurel, Mississippi.
Start your day with an early morning hike at the DeSoto National Forest. Located here are two National Recreation Trails, the Black Creek and the Tuxachanie, which offer more than 60 miles for novice and expert hikers to explore pinewoods. Other trails include:
The museum is home to thousands of military artifacts and memorabilia that reflect the service and sacrifice of countless courageous servicemen and women.
The Murals
One of the best ways to explore Laurel is to find all the murals for a quick photo opportunity. Here are the top murals to look for as you explore during your day trip to Laurel and Jones County, Mississippi.
An extraordinary small museum that contains a variety of styles and very interesting special exhibits as well as works from famous artists.
SHOP
Laurel Mercantile Co. Ben and Erin are co-owners of Laurel Mercantile Co. which sells Ben’s reclaimed furniture along with American-made clothes and décor items.
Scotsman General Store Ben and Erin own this general store which claims to have the largest selection of bottled sodas in the South. You can also watch The Scotsman Co. woodworking team hard at work. If you stick around long enough, you might get to see Ben and his team filming the next season of Home Town.
Guild and Gentry Laurel’s finest menswear and home of Ben’s favorite Barber.
Southern Antiques This shop features housewares, gifts, and antiques.
Peddlers’ Junktion For the vintage shopper, this antique and vintage market is a must-see.
If you are just visiting for the day, I recommend getting coffee at Bird Dog Cafe. Go for a walk or drive around the historic neighborhood downtown. For breakfast, the tacos at Bird Dog Cafe are delicious. Enjoy lunch at Pearl’s Diner.
Bird Dog Café
As seen in “Home Town,” the Bird Dog Café is run by the Bell Brothers, Elliot, and Connor.
Pearl’s Diner As seen on Home Town, Pearl’s is a classic blue plate lunch diner.
Party Planning Resources and 30 A Florida Travel Guide: Find out some of my favorite online party supply stores, entertaining cookbooks, and event planning tips. I have some great suggestions for gatherings outside the home, including an ice cream social!
Here’s a link to a PDF file if you want to save the list of ➡️ coffee-shops.
I’d love to hear more about your favorites in the comments below!
Here’s a list of my favorite tools, products, and resources for drinking coffee or espresso at home.
When coffee is made with the right equipment, technique, and coffee beans, it’s worth the investment that pays for itself rather quickly.
Breville Oracle Espresso Machine: About five years ago, I purchased a good quality espresso machine. I did a lot of research and decided to buy The Breville Oracle. The Breville Oracle is straightforward, despite how complicated and fancy it looks. It also comes with everything you need, including a built-in grinder.
Beans: Some of my favorite roasters areTemple Dharma Espresso, Panther Coffee East Coast Espresso, Tartine’s ’04 Latin America blend, Heart Stereo Espresso, and Vesta Goosebumps Espresso Blend. It is essential to buy espresso beans if you use an espresso machine. Espresso is roasted for a longer time, usually past the second crack, so it has a toasted and deeper flavor. The beans are also roasted for longer, removing a lot of the acidity while releasing more oiliness. This creates a heavier, fuller feeling in the mouth.
It is also essential to buy a bag of beans within two weeks of the roast (this date will be written somewhere on the bag), so you can drink it within one month of roasting. This is when it will taste the best.
Beanz.com: Find local coffee beansfrom small-batch coffeeroasters and deliver them directly to your door weekly or monthly.
Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine in Pink: The Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine in Pinkis on my wish list. Silvia Pro X is available in 4 colors: stainless steel, black, white, and pink. This is the machine to purchase if you are a little more advanced. It’s a reasonable price for the espresso quality it can make. It’s easy to use, simple to clean, fast, reliable, and light to maintain. It’s also the machine many barista pros use at home.
Baratza Encore Grinder: Never get your beans pre-ground. Invest in a grinder at home and grind your beans before you make your pour-over or espresso. This will allow for optimum flavor. Many baristas recommend the Baratza Encore grinder. I use the Rancilio Coffee Grinder.
Acaia Pearl Scale: I use the Acaia Pearl Scale. For precision, it’s best to use a scale to confirm that you’re doing each shot (measuring the coffee grounds).
Nurtamilk: Nutramilk makes a variety of nut butter and milk in a short amount of time. After a few months of use, it will save money and is worth the investment. You can use a VitaMix to make a variety of milk, but you have to soak the nuts overnight and then strain the milk, which does everything for you.
NuMilk Home Machine: The NuMilk home machine will be available soon. It is easier to use than Nutramilk, but you cannot make nut butter. I have sampled the oat milk at Tandem Coffee Roasters in Portland, Maine. I liked the taste, and the baristas gave their product a thumbs up.
Yeti Mugs: Yeti Mugs keep my coffee warm for hours at a time. I love how the handle feels on my hand. It’s available in a variety of colors.
MiiR Mugs: I think MiiR makes the best-insulated coffee mugs. I like their line ofCamp Cups because they come with a lid, but I also have their Flip Traveler for long walks and car rides.
Drift Magazine: Drift is my favorite coffee magazine. Each issue highlights a different city.
Standart: StandArt is a print magazine about coffee culture and lifestyle.
RDY App: The RDY App is a must if you like supporting local coffee shops. You can skip the line by ordering on the app and earning rewards. In my guide below, most coffee shops I list are featured on the RDY App.
Roasters App: This app helps you locate coffee shops around the world.
Coffee Subscription: Shop the best specialty coffee subscription from the nation’s best roasters on Trade. Fresh coffee roasted to order and delivered right to your door. A coffee subscription makes a great gift.
NuMilk: NuMilk is my favorite brand of non-dairy milk. You can purchase NuMilk at some Whole Foods locations.
MCT Oil: MCT Oilis an energy source found in coconut oil, which provides quick energy that lasts, and aids in the absorption of caffeine from coffee. It also reduces the coffee’s acidity so you can drink it on an empty stomach! I’m not sure how valid those claims are, but I notice that I feel significantly less jittery and more focused, and it works as an appetite suppressant. Start with some MCT oiland work to the recommended one to two teaspoons.
Taika Latte: Taika is an adaptogen-infused coffee that’s designed to provide a boost of energy without making you feel wired. Taika offers four drinks: black coffee, oat milk latte, macadamia latte, and matcha latte. The oat and macadamia lattes are sweetened with allulose and monk fruit.
Bulletproof Creamer: Bulletproof Original Creamer is a keto coffee creamer made with grass-fed butter and MCT oil. Combining these quality fats with coffee gives you Bulletproof Coffee: a rich, satisfying drink that kick-starts your day and keeps you strong. I like the vanilla flavor. I also use Bulletproof Vanilla Collagen Protein Powder. The creamer tastes better in coffee. I prefer collagen protein powder if I make a protein shake.
How to Make the Best Coffee at Homeby James Hoffman: Coffee guru James Hoffmann is a former world barista champion and runs Square Mile Coffee. James knows everything about coffee. If you want to improve your at-home barista skills, this book is for you. James teaches you everything you need to know to make consistently excellent coffee at home, including how to grind coffee; the basics of brewing for all major equipment, understanding coffee drinks, from the cortado to latte; the perfect espresso, and more!
PUQpressMini: The PUQpress mini is the world’s first precision coffee tamper. Any professional barista will tell you that to enjoy the best coffee at home, you need a proper machine, a sharp grinder, and many hours of practice tamping coffee. Tamping is 95% technique and can lead to all sorts of hard-to-find problems like channeling or uneven pours. Remove and automate the whole variable with the PUQpressMini.
Tips
Learning how to pull espresso involves a lot of trial and error, tasting bitter coffee, and trying again.
Follow Morgan Drinks Coffee, the 2022 United States Barista Champion, on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram for great tutorials.
Follow James Hoffman, the World Barista Champion 2007, on YouTube and Instagram for great tutorials and product reviews.
The best training is taking a hands-on class taught by a barista pro. A barista pro will help you understand what changing variables like grind size, beans, temperature, extraction time, and pressure can do to your coffee.
Function Coffee offers private classes and coffee equipment repair if you live in Philadelphia.
Counter Culture offers classes at various locations, including Dallas, Miami, and D.C.
Check with your local coffee shop about classes for the at-home barista. You can also hire a barista pro to come to your home.
Bulletproof Coffee
I make my version of Bulletproof coffee. I started drinking an espresso version of Bulletproof about four years ago. I began because I’d heard that it keeps you full for longer. Strict Bulletproofers have coffee as their breakfast. I also heard that the high-fat content is supposed to help the caffeine release gradually. MCT oil is an energy source found in coconut oil, which provides quick energy that lasts, and aids in the absorption of caffeine from coffee. It also reduces the coffee’s acidity so you can drink it on an empty stomach! I’m not sure how valid those claims are, but I notice that I feel significantly less jittery and more focused, and it works as an appetite suppressant. Start with some MCT oil and work to the recommended one to two teaspoons.
Party Planning Resources and 30 A Florida Travel Guide: Find out some of my favorite online party supply stores, entertaining cookbooks, and event planning tips. I have some great suggestions for gatherings outside the home, including an ice cream social!
Here’s a list of my favorite tools, products, and resources for drinking coffee or espresso at home.
When coffee is made with the right equipment, technique, and coffee beans, it’s worth the investment that pays for itself rather quickly.
Breville Oracle Espresso Machine: About five years ago, I purchased a good quality espresso machine. I did a lot of research and decided to buy The Breville Oracle. The Breville Oracle is straightforward, despite how complicated and fancy it looks. It also comes with everything you need, including a built-in grinder.
Beans: Some of my favorite roasters areTemple Dharma Espresso, Panther Coffee East Coast Espresso, Tartine’s ’04 Latin America blend, Heart Stereo Espresso, and Vesta Goosebumps Espresso Blend. It is essential to buy espresso beans if you use an espresso machine. Espresso is roasted for a longer time, usually past the second crack, so it has a toasted and deeper flavor. The beans are also roasted for longer, removing a lot of the acidity while releasing more oiliness. This creates a heavier, fuller feeling in the mouth.
It is also essential to buy a bag of beans within two weeks of the roast (this date will be written somewhere on the bag), so you can drink it within one month of roasting. This is when it will taste the best.
Beanz.com: Find local coffee beansfrom small-batch coffeeroasters and deliver them directly to your door weekly or monthly.
Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine in Pink: The Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine in Pinkis on my wish list. Silvia Pro X is available in 4 colors: stainless steel, black, white, and pink. This is the machine to purchase if you are a little more advanced. It’s a reasonable price for the espresso quality it can make. It’s easy to use, simple to clean, fast, reliable, and light to maintain. It’s also the machine many barista pros use at home.
Baratza Encore Grinder: Never get your beans pre-ground. Invest in a grinder at home and grind your beans before you make your pour-over or espresso. This will allow for optimum flavor. Many baristas recommend the Baratza Encore grinder. I use the Rancilio Coffee Grinder.
Acaia Pearl Scale: I use the Acaia Pearl Scale. For precision, it’s best to use a scale to confirm that you’re doing each shot (measuring the coffee grounds).
Nurtamilk: Nutramilk makes a variety of nut butter and milk in a short amount of time. After a few months of use, it will save money and is worth the investment. You can use a VitaMix to make a variety of milk, but you have to soak the nuts overnight and then strain the milk, which does everything for you.
NuMilk Home Machine: The NuMilk home machine will be available soon. It is easier to use than Nutramilk, but you cannot make nut butter. I have sampled the oat milk at Tandem Coffee Roasters in Portland, Maine. I liked the taste, and the baristas gave their product a thumbs up.
Yeti Mugs: Yeti Mugs keep my coffee warm for hours at a time. I love how the handle feels on my hand. It’s available in a variety of colors.
MiiR Mugs: I think MiiR makes the best-insulated coffee mugs. I like their line ofCamp Cups because they come with a lid, but I also have their Flip Traveler for long walks and car rides.
Drift Magazine: Drift is my favorite coffee magazine. Each issue highlights a different city.
Standart: StandArt is a print magazine about coffee culture and lifestyle.
RDY App: The RDY App is a must if you like supporting local coffee shops. You can skip the line by ordering on the app and earning rewards. In my guide below, most coffee shops I list are featured on the RDY App.
Roasters App: This app helps you locate coffee shops around the world.
Coffee Subscription: Shop the best specialty coffee subscription from the nation’s best roasters on Trade. Fresh coffee roasted to order and delivered right to your door. A coffee subscription makes a great gift.
NuMilk: NuMilk is my favorite brand of non-dairy milk. You can purchase NuMilk at some Whole Foods locations.
MCT Oil: MCT Oilis an energy source found in coconut oil, which provides quick energy that lasts, and aids in the absorption of caffeine from coffee. It also reduces the coffee’s acidity so you can drink it on an empty stomach! I’m not sure how valid those claims are, but I notice that I feel significantly less jittery and more focused, and it works as an appetite suppressant. Start with some MCT oiland work to the recommended one to two teaspoons.
Taika Latte: Taika is an adaptogen-infused coffee that’s designed to provide a boost of energy without making you feel wired. Taika offers four drinks: black coffee, oat milk latte, macadamia latte, and matcha latte. The oat and macadamia lattes are sweetened with allulose and monk fruit.
Bulletproof Creamer: Bulletproof Original Creamer is a keto coffee creamer made with grass-fed butter and MCT oil. Combining these quality fats with coffee gives you Bulletproof Coffee: a rich, satisfying drink that kick-starts your day and keeps you strong. I like the vanilla flavor. I also use Bulletproof Vanilla Collagen Protein Powder. The creamer tastes better in coffee. I prefer collagen protein powder if I make a protein shake.
How to Make the Best Coffee at Homeby James Hoffman: Coffee guru James Hoffmann is a former world barista champion and runs Square Mile Coffee. James knows everything about coffee. If you want to improve your at-home barista skills, this book is for you. James teaches you everything you need to know to make consistently excellent coffee at home, including how to grind coffee; the basics of brewing for all major equipment, understanding coffee drinks, from the cortado to latte; the perfect espresso, and more!
PUQpressMini: The PUQpress mini is the world’s first precision coffee tamper. Any professional barista will tell you that to enjoy the best coffee at home, you need a proper machine, a sharp grinder, and many hours of practice tamping coffee. Tamping is 95% technique and can lead to all sorts of hard-to-find problems like channeling or uneven pours. Remove and automate the whole variable with the PUQpressMini.
Tips
Learning how to pull espresso involves a lot of trial and error, tasting bitter coffee, and trying again.
Follow Morgan Drinks Coffee, the 2022 United States Barista Champion, on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram for great tutorials.
Follow James Hoffman, the World Barista Champion 2007, on YouTube and Instagram for great tutorials and product reviews.
The best training is taking a hands-on class taught by a barista pro. A barista pro will help you understand what changing variables like grind size, beans, temperature, extraction time, and pressure can do to your coffee.
Function Coffee offers private classes and coffee equipment repair if you live in Philadelphia.
Counter Culture offers classes at various locations, including Dallas, Miami, and D.C.
Check with your local coffee shop about classes for the at-home barista. You can also hire a barista pro to come to your home.
Bulletproof Coffee
I make my version of Bulletproof coffee. I started drinking an espresso version of Bulletproof about four years ago. I began because I’d heard that it keeps you full for longer. Strict Bulletproofers have coffee as their breakfast. I also heard that the high-fat content is supposed to help the caffeine release gradually. MCT oil is an energy source found in coconut oil, which provides quick energy that lasts, and aids in the absorption of caffeine from coffee. It also reduces the coffee’s acidity so you can drink it on an empty stomach! I’m not sure how valid those claims are, but I notice that I feel significantly less jittery and more focused, and it works as an appetite suppressant. Start with some MCT oil and work to the recommended one to two teaspoons.
Party Planning Resources and 30 A Florida Travel Guide: Find out some of my favorite online party supply stores, entertaining cookbooks, and event planning tips. I have some great suggestions for gatherings outside the home, including an ice cream social!
My Waco City Guide is the only one you need to plan your trip to Magnolia.
Waco has been a popular tourist destination since Chip, and Joanna Gaines debuted their show “Fixer Upper” on HGTV. The Gaines have several businesses in Waco, the most famous of which is Magnolia Market at the Silos. In addition to shopping and dining, there’s a beautifully restored church on the grounds.
Waco is a lovely city to visit, so get busy planning a day trip with all my recommendations.
I suggest starting your day with a cup of coffee at Common Grounds or breakfast at Magnolia Table. Next, visit the shops and grounds at Magnolia. Don’t forget to try the cupcakes at the Silos Bakery Co. The classic flavors include cute themed names like Shiplap (vanilla cake with vanilla buttercream icing) and Silobration (vanilla cake with chocolate buttercream icing). After you visit Magnolia, drive outside of town to Heritage Coffee. It’s a beautifully designed coffee shop on a ranch. For the rest of the day, check out the antique stores and boutiques downtown or go on a tourof Waco. For lunch or dinner, I recommend Harvest and Cafe Homestead.
Keep in mind Magnolia is closed on Sundays. Waco is about 90 to 100 miles from the Dallas and Austin airports. You can easily plan a day trip from Dallas or Austin. Here is a link to my Austin City Guide. It’s jam-packed with links to all the best places.
Magnolia Table (breakfast or lunch)
It is located a few miles from the Silos. The best time to visit Magnolia Table, the restaurant, is between 6 am-8 am. The restaurant is only open till 3 pm.
Cultivate 7Twelve is a small art gallery offering local art and artisan goods for sale. Also hosts farm-to-table dinners, yoga, dance classes, live music, and art workshops.
Waco Hippodrome Theatre presents new and classic movies, plays, and concerts, plus in-theater dining in downtown Waco.
Dr. Pepper Museum is where you can learn about the oldest soft drink in the United States and how it started in Waco.
The Mayborn Museum Complex is Baylor University’s natural science and cultural history museum with fun, interactive activities for kids of all ages.
Waco Mammoth National Monument is a paleontological site and museum showcasing the fossils of 24 Columbian mammoths and other mammals.
Waco Downtown Farmers Market features local artisans and vendors offering fresh produce, coffee, and food. Note: only open on Saturday in downtown Waco.
Waco Escape Rooms is a team-based game where players solve puzzles and find clues within one room to escape in a limited amount of time.
Waco Tours explores the hidden gems that make Waco unique with its guided tour options.
Hey Sugar Candy Store is a candy store with old-fashioned ice cream, gourmet popcorn, retro sodas, gourmet chocolate, and a large selection of bulk candy.
Hillcrest Estate is a historic home turned vacation rental renovated by Magnolia.
Magnolia House is a historic home turned vacation rental renovated by Magnolia.
Carriage House is a historic home turned vacation rental on the Magnolia House property, renovated by Magnolia on Fixer Upper.
I did not like the Hilton hotel. I think Air BNB is the best option for lodging or stay in Austin or Dallas and drive to Waco for a day trip. The Gaines are planning to open a hotel later this year in Waco.
GETTING AROUND
Silo District Trolley is a free trolley to get around the Silo District in downtown Waco. It picks up in front of Magnolia Market.
Below is a list of the best totes and backpacks for travel that I recommend.
Briggs & Riley Tote: I use Briggs & Riley’s luggage for work. This tote has lots of compartments to keep me organized. It’s worth the investment for the lifetime warranty.
Cuyana Zipper Tote: I use this carry-on bag for day trips and weekend getaways. It’s a classic tote that is stylish and holds up well.
Aer Travel Sling: The Aer Travel Sling is designed to keep your travel essentials close at hand. It features a padded laptop pocket, a quick access pocket for travel documents, and a versatile sling strap for multiple carry positions. This one is great for men.
Briggs & Riley Extra Large Tote: The Briggs & Riley Large Tote has lots of extra room if you travel with young children. I also like this tote if I go away for longer than a week.
I put together a fall bucket list with some ideas for the upcoming season.
I always think of each new season as a fresh start. I love going for a run and savoring the cooler mornings. I am intentional about a few things in the fall, including shopping at farmer’s markets, baking everything pumpkin, a new candle, fresh flowers, a playlist, and reading a good suspense thriller by a warm fire.
The latest installment of my favorite things includes products for health, wellness, travel, and fashion.
MiiR Mugs: I think MiiR makes the best-insulated coffee mugs. I like their line ofCamp Cups because they come with a lid, but I also have their Flip Traveler for long walks and car rides. It’s not as heavy as my Yeti mug. The best part: it doesn’t leak! I also get many compliments about the design from baristas and other coffee snobs like me. So join the cool kids club, and get yourself a MiiR Mug!
Here’s a roundup of some of my favorite beauty products.
1. Travel Size Makeup Mirror: The best solution for hotel lighting. It’s about the size of a tablet with soft dimmable lighting. Makeup artists design the product.
Here are some travel tips, tricks, & tools I use to plan for a vacation.
Google Sheets: I use Google Sheets to create a spreadsheet with all my travel information. This is best done through your desktop/browser. If I end up without WiFi or data, I can still access any vital information or make updates on my trip.
U.S. Department of State Website: This website is another excellent resource for travel planning. They indicate the level of safety in each country based on the local political and health situations, including COVID-19, laws, general country information, current COVID-19 restrictions, border closures, and more. It’sIt’s also a good idea to enroll in their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) when you travel, which will notify you of any dangers or exceptional circumstances.
Below is a list of what I pack in a carry-on bag to keep me entertained, hydrated, and feeling my best when I travel.
Cuyana Leather Zipper Tote: The Cuyana Tote is elegant and relatively affordable, costing less than $200 for a bag that’s made in America out of Italian leather. I also purchased the matching tote organization insert to keep my bag organized.I use Briggs and Riley exclusively for work trips due to the lifetime warranty. Airline crew are eligible for a discount. Email Briggs & Riley customer service to verify your airline employment for a discount code.
Cuyana Wallet: I purchased the Cuyana wallet to match my Cuyana tote. I also love the zipper wallet. I pack multiple credit cards and a debit card. I usually wait until I arrive to get local currency from the ATM. I also like the Zoppen Multi-Purpose RFID-Blocking Passport Holder Travel Wallet. The trifold design allows you to store your passport, boarding pass, vaccination card, ID, SIM card, cellphone, cash, a key, a pen, and more within its slim design. Plus, it’s got RFID-blocking material to keep your private details safe.
Passport Case: If you are traveling out of the country or an airline employee traveling out of uniform, you will will likely need your passport along with your Global Entry Card. I can’t recommend this investment more highly and downloading the Mobile Pass if you’re flying from the U.S. Be sure to store your credit cards, passports and wallet in a RFID blocking pocket to keep your personal information safe.
Anker PowerCore+2100 Charger: I travel with multiple backup chargers.Anker is my go-to iPhone charger. If I’m out all day and don’t know when I’ll be able to access a wall outlet, I pack an Anker PowerCore portable charger. It can juice my iPhone to full capacity five times over before needing a charge itself. I also like Mophie chargers.
MacBook: I use a Macbook for writing, editing pictures, taking online courses, and watching programs away from home. Like iPods and iPhones, the MacBook can be charged from a portable battery pack, as long as you have a USB-C to USB-A cable. I use the Charmat Power Bank to charge my MacBook. I also like the Anker 537 Power Bank.
Twelve South AirFly Duo: The AirFly Pro is a tiny wireless transmitter that allows you to connect two wireless headphones to any headphone jack. You have to pair the AirFly Pro with your wireless headphones and then plug in the AirFly Pro to any headphone jack.
Friends Headphones: They fold up into a small pouch and rest over your ears so you can wear them throughout the entire trip.
iPhone: I read articles I saved on the Pocket app. I download podcasts ahead of time to listen to during a long flight. I use the Pocketcast app to listen to podcasts. If I am going on vacation, I download travel guides and maps. I use Spotifyto listen to music. Depending on your data plan, you may be able to turn your phone into a mobile hotspot and supply Wi-Fi to other nearby devices. This can save money on hotel Wi-Fi charges, and chances are you’ll have a faster connection to boot. On iPhone, you’ll find Personal Hotspot under Settings > Cellular. On Android, you’ll find Hotspot and Tethering in the Networking and Internet section.
iPad: I prefer to read on my iPad or Kindle. I use the Texture app to read magazines. I also use the Inflight Reader app to download free magazines before a flight. My local library offers free books that can be downloaded using Overdrive and the Libby app. Don’t neglect entertainment, either. For video, both Netflix and Amazon Prime Video allow you to store videos for offline playback through their mobile apps. Look for the download button next to the video you want to save. You can also download music for offline use if you subscribe to Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play Music, Pandora, Amazon Prime, or Amazon Music Unlimited. For games on your smartphone or tablet, I’d suggest launching them in Airplane Mode before leaving to ensure they don’t require an internet connection.
Kindle: With an e-reader or tablet, you can enjoy endless entertainment in a slim package.
Silent Pocket Faraday Sleeve for iPhone: I use the silent pocket Faraday Sleeve for privacy protection. A Faraday Cage is simply an enclosure designed to block electronic signals and radiation. Silent Pocket’s Faraday line was inspired by creating privacy and security protection for our wireless devices. Once you drop your tablet or smartphone into one of our Faraday products, ALL signals to and from the device are cut off from the grid. It’s as though they are turned off with the battery taken out.
USB data blocker: USB data blockers let you charge your devices from other peoples’ USB ports (including charging kiosks) without the risk of their accessing your phone’s data or infecting it with malware.
Lightning-USB Charger: Most Apple chargers have lightning ports on both ends now, but many planes have USB chargers at each seat. Be sure to grab a lightning-USB charger if you have a newer Apple device you want to charge.
Anker 32 Port Charger: When I’m in an airport, hotel, or coffee shop, I’ll plug my iPhone into the compact Anker 32W port, which goes from zero to 50 percent in 25 minutes. Even better, I can use the second port to simultaneously charge my MacBook.
Slip Sleep Mask: The Slip Sleep Mask is one of my carry-on bag essentials for red-eye flights. I love this brand of silk pillowcases and sleep masks. Slip pure silk sleep masks are 100% pure silk, inside and out. They’re made with pure silk filler, internal silk liner, and a silk-covered elastic band. Make sure your sleep mask and pillowcase are 100% silk.
Truffle Clarity Pouches: Truffle’s pouches provide a simple solution to staying organized. The clear plastic means you’ll never dig through multiple bags to find your lipstick or essential documents. All of the pouches keep products upright and intact. The Petite Clarity Purse is ideal for transferring from a carry-on to a handbag. The Large Clarity Pouch is for beach essentials (keeping their water and sand-free) or for more oversized items that you want to keep tidy in your suitcase.The Clarity Document Case is for toting travel documents, magazines, and even an iPad.
Somavedic: I use a Somavedic to negate the effects of 5G. The smaller model is ideal for airplanes, hotel rooms, cars, and small spaces.
Osmosis Harmonized Water: I like to pack one of these osmosis harmonized water kits when I travel internationally. The kit includes four minis to boost your cells into action. These waters are frequency enhanced for health. They are non-toxic, effective for all ages and improve your health on a cellular level. There is no expiration date on any of the Harmonized Waters. The energy is in the form of scalar waves, which means the water molecule always contains that energy until used by the body. As long as you do not put anything into the bottle once opened the water is always viable. This kit is the perfect way to get started on Harmonized Water. Find out more about Osmosis Harmonized water here.
de Mamiel Altitude Oil: Altitude Oil is the perfect travel companion to support and protect the immune system. Altitude oil is a mixture of essential oils with antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties, including Lavender to ease tension, Eucalyptus to help clear your head, and Franconia to bolster immunity, and the antiseptic properties of Pine. Put a drop under each nostril or a few drops on a tissue and inhale deeply several times. This oil is not just for travel. Use it on any form of public transportation. Please keep it on your office desk when the room or your head needs cleaning. Sprinkle it onto your pillow when you have a cold or can’t sleep. Shake a few drops into the bottom of the shower when you wake with a stuffy head. Pop a few drops in a humidifier when feeling nasally or under the weather.
Jao Hand Sanitizer: Most sanitizers use a synthetic antibacterial agent called triclosan, which is controversial for its damaging effects on marine life and its peculiar tendency to spawn resistant bacteria. To prevent drying, the formula draws on a blend of essential oils, including Eucalyptus, geranium, Lavender, sage, and tea tree. Jao was tested against seven of the most likely hand contaminants. The “kill rate” was less than one minute in all cases. Unlike every other commercial antibacterial product I’ve used, this one didn’t make me want to rub my hands on a towel to get rid of a wet residue or an overpowering scent. I also like Osmosis Hand Sanitizer.
Compression Socks: I wear medical grade compression thigh high stockings when I am working. For personal travel, I usually wear compression socks. Sox Solution offers a great selection of compression socks for travel, work, medical and sports uses and has added more fashion-conscious designs. All their socks are made in Italy and have patented designs. I especially like the AB-X padding, which helps provide an additional cushion, which I like when I wear them as walking socks. I tried their new TSS6000 Soft Padding OTC and like the new softer fabric. They also include their Silver DryStat antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral, which reduces foot odor and are quick-drying, minimizing blisters meaning you can wash them out in the sink and be ready to go the following day while traveling.
Travel Pillow: I like to pack an inflatable travel pillow for a red-eye flight. Go Sleep has released an upright sleep system. It includes an adjustable elastic cord with toggles that secure the seat or adjustable headrest, comfortably supporting the head in place.
Dr. Singha’s Travel Tonic: It’sa magic potion to help win the battle against jet lag. Travel often brings on various forms of stress caused by poor eating, disrupted sleep patterns, high speeds, and general apprehension. This great travel buddy can help you arrive calm and collected instead of tense and exhausted. Contains Organic extracts of Ginger Root, Eleuthero Root, Lemon Peel, Sheep Sorrel, and Wild Harvested Yohimbe Bark in a base of Organic Grain Alcohol and Distilled Water.
Water Bottle:When you travel, bring a BPA-free water bottle with a built-in filter to fill it up at any water fountain once you’re through security. I like the Hidrate Spark PRO Smart Water Bottle Tritan plastic or stainless steel. This rechargeable bottle links to the HidrateSpark app via Bluetooth to track how much you drink and remind you when to drink, and it even features a locator, so you never misplace it.
Argentina 23: I never travel without colloidal silver. It’s the best way I know to heal cuts, scrapes, sores, and burns quickly. It can also treat a host of common illnesses such as colds, flu, and sore throats and kill nasty germs. Read more about the many uses of colloidal silverhere.
Paris Nasal Ointment:It’s a must for anyone who travels due to the dry environment in airplanes. When your nasal passages get dehydrated, you get tiny tears or fissures in the skin. When that happens, viruses can get inside. If you keep your nasal passages moist, there’s a lesser chance of airplane viruses getting into your nose. I use a few drops of this in my nose when I fly. The astronauts use this product!
Goodwipes: These handy little items are a large, biodegradable, hypoallergenic body wipe you can take with you on the go.
Snacks: I always pack extra snacks in the event of delays, I like to make a hearty salad which I’ll pack in an old takeout container that I can toss at my destination.
MegaHydrate: Take 3-5 capsules on long flights to increase hydration and reduce free radical damage. Read more about MegaHydrate here.
Zumread In-Ear Earphones: These teeny and comfy earphones are powerful enough to tune out all peripheral plane noise.
Cord Taco: A cord taco is a genius tool for organizing charges, earbuds, and other wires. The premium leather significantly changes the look from messy to cool and organized.
LivOn Lypo-Spheric Vitamin C Sachets: It’s no secret Vitamin C provides essential support to a healthy immune system. Downing a few packets of this potent, hyper-absorbent formula before takeoff boosts my immune system when needed most.
Athletic Greens Travel Packs: Athletic greens give you a full foundation of vitamins and minerals, and probiotics to support your health and well-being.
Restore Sinus Spray: Restore Sinus Spray is designed to help you cleanse, soothe, and hydrate the delicate membranes lining your nasal passages.
Self Defense Flashlight: I also carry this around in my bag in case of a power failure so I don’t waste my iPhone battery.
Stasher Reusable Food Storage Bags: I pack a lot of food to eat when I travel. The Stasher bags do not take up a lot of space and allow me to heat food on the road. Stasher bags are safe for use in the microwave, a standard oven, or a pot of boiling water up to 400F. Stasher can take the heat, the cold, and anything else your kitchen dishes out. Thanks to the patented airtight seal, your food’s nutrients, flavors, and juices stay locked in.
Nature’s Way Supplements: I keep this brand of cold and flu supplements on hand during cold and flu season.
Travel Containers: I use travel containers for my beauty products and toiletry items. I purchase my containers at the Muji store and the Container Store. I recently ordered a set of Cadence capsules to store my skincare products. The magnetic capsules are leak proof, air tight, and super cute too.
Medicine: Always pack prescription medication in a carry on bag.
Supplements: I use these pill boxes from the Container store to store my vitamins. I also like the Ellie Grid Smart Pill Box. Ellie organizes your pills in seconds, reminds you to take your pills, and uses sensors to track your progress over time.
Caddis Blue Light Blocking Glasses: I like this design of blue light-blocking glasses to protect my eyes from screen time. Caddis lenses block 45% of harmful blue light at and surrounding, the most harmful wavelength (455 nm). This is more than other brands. The lens is nearly clear, which is hard to do. The anti-reflective coating helps to mitigate reflections and glare. The coating is designed to prevent smudging.
Caddis Eyewear Readers: I wear the Caddis Miklos tortoise reading glasses. They fit great and include blue-light-blocking HEV-coated lenses. This protects against eye strain and potential issues like headaches, tension, and sleeplessness.
As you pack and prep, create a morningchecklist on your phone for items you may leave, or that would be terrible to forget. Here’s what mine generally looks like:
Passport, IDs, documents
Wallet
Glasses/contacts
Headphones
Water Bottle
Headphones, Apple Watch, iPad, phone (fully charged the night before)
I started using an app which allows me to create a master list I can use for every trip and just add the special items I need for that specific trip. You can even create lists for different seasons so you can make sure to bring those winter boots and gloves in the winter and your sunscreen in the summer.
Here are my favorite totes and backpacks for travel.
Briggs & Riley Tote: I use Briggs & Riley luggage for work. This tote has lots of compartments to keep me organized. It’s worth the investment for the lifetime warranty.
Cuyana Zipper Tote: I use this carry on bag for day trips and weekend getaways. It’s a classic tote that is stylish and holds up well.
Aer Travel Sling: The Aer Travel Sling is designed to keep your travel essentials close at hand. It features a padded laptop pocket, a quick access pocket for travel documents, and a versatile sling strap for multiple carry positions. This one is great for men.
Briggs & Riley Extra Large Tote: The Briggs & Riley Large Tote has lots of extra room if you are traveling with young children. I also like this tote if I go away for longer than a week.
What about you? Does this look like your packing routine? What packing tips do you have to suggest I haven’t mentioned here?
P.S. I write a weekly newsletter packed with obsessively-curated recommendations. Sign up if you like and get my newsletter delivered right to your Inbox via this link. Here’s a link to the travel planning edition of the newsletter.
Please take a peek below for my latest finds to take with you on your next resort vacation.
1. L’Agence Kenzie Blazer in Petal: I usually pack a blazer for cool evenings on vacation. The right blazer can make any outfit look instantly polished and pulled together. One of my favorite brands isL’Agence. I like to wear the Olivia Ribbed Tank from Nati with blazers.I usually buy designer items at consignment shops, eBay, and Poshmark.
2. Sky Blue Pearl Necklace: This pearl necklace will look great with a maxi dress, blazer, or a pretty top.
Here’s the latest installment of a few of my favorite things that I’m currently enjoying or coveting. I hope you find some inspiration for your gift-giving and new things to discover for yourself!
2. Eastfork Pottery: East Forkcombines rustic, handmade beauty with dishwasher-safe, microwave-friendly ease. The Everyday Bowl is the one I use the most. The perfect size for pretty much anything! The 7-Piece You’re-All-Set Setmakes a great wedding gift. Some of their colors sell out, so if you see something you love, snag it. East Fork has stores in Asheville and Atlanta.
3. Dilo Candles: Dilo candles are good quality, the fragrances are well-curated, and the price is very reasonable. The monthly candle subscription is only $10.00. Many retailers stock the candles. You can visit the flagship store in Philadelphia or order online.
4. Nati Ribbed Tank Tops: The perfect accessory to pair with a blazer. Tank Tops are a must-own layering staple. The Olivia Ribbed Tank from Nati comes in several colors. The tank is a fitted ribbed finished with a high crew neckline for a clean look. It’s a timeless style that works with just about everything in your wardrobe.
Here’s a link to an article about how to know if your essential oils are top quality.
7. FinaMill Spice Grinder: The FinaMill Spice Grinder means one grinder for all of your spices. It comes with reusable pods that you can fill with the spices and herbs of your choosing.
8. Stanley Adventure Quencher Travel Tumbler 40 OZ: I’ve purchased many water bottles over the years. This one is my favorite. This design is trendy and sells out fast. Check the website for a restock. Amazon has a limited stock.
9. Taika Latte: Taika is an adaptogen-infused coffee that’s designed to provide a boost of energy without making you feel wired. Taika offers four drinks: black coffee, oat milk latte, macadamia latte, and matcha latte. The oat and macadamia lattes are sweetened with allulose and monk fruit.
12. Bulletproof Creamer: Bulletproof Original Creamer is a keto coffee creamer made with grass-fed butter and MCT oil. When you combine these quality fats with coffee, you get Bulletproof Coffee: a rich, satisfying drink that kick-starts your day and keeps you going strong. I like the vanilla and hazelnut flavors. I also use the Bulletproof Vanilla Collagen Protein Powder. I like the vanilla flavor. The creamer tastes better in coffee. I prefer the collagen protein powder if I make a protein shake.
P.S. I write a weekly newsletter packed with obsessively-curated recommendations. Sign up if you like and get my newsletter delivered right to your Inbox via this link. The latest issue includes a list of non-alcoholic spirits.
Latest Newsletters:
Newsletter #1: Health and Wellness, San Antonio Travel Guide, Supplements for Immune Support
Newsletter #2: Best Buys 2021, Savannah Travel Guide, Rum Cake Recipe
Newsletter #3: Favorite Books, Movies, Shows, Podcasts, Apps, Food of 2021, Portland, Marine Travel Guide, Green Smoothie Recipe
Newsletter #4: Morning Routines + Santa Fe Travel Guide + Recent Purchases
Newsletter #5: Home Gym + Best Streaming Apps + Philadelphia Travel Guide
Newsletter #6: Super Bowl Dip Recipes + Valentine’s Day Recipes + Non-Alcoholic Spirits + Laurel Miss Travel Guide
