Blogger Beach Bag Series

Please check out what I would pack if I were headed back to Costa Rica right now in my guest post for the first installment of Lauren's Blogger Beach Bag Series. Thank you again to Lauren for having me. 

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Then Back Again

IMAGES TAKEN WITH PICFX + INSTAGRAM APPS

Above are some stills from my two week business trip in China.We had only one day off the whole trip, but it was a clear & sunny day, so I was able to visit Victoria's Peak for the first time. The views there were absolutely gorgeous.

Parisian Wine Tasting

INSTAGRAM IMAGES: EMJT

Can't believe that I almost forgot to share these images from the wine tasting we took while in Paris. My co-worker discovered this tour online & booked seats for us before we even left the States. After a full, long day of work, we booked it to the subway to get to O'Chateau for an extravagant happy hour. One of the things we learned is that Parisian wine is named by the region from which it derives, not by the type of grapes from which it is made -- and that it tastes really, really good. Informative and delicious.

If you're in Paris or visiting, you should carve out some time to experience the tasting at the bar location & if you're vacationing then you should take one of their day trips to an actual wine region. After sampling one champagne & five wines, I was able to purchase two bottles of my favorites from the evening to bring back home to share with John. Now we both want to go to Europe to experience their wine country together.

Maison & Objet

Right now, I am currently working in Paris & have been since Saturday. Today is our last full day of walking the Maison & Objet Exhibition before heading back to the States. 

I'll post some photos next week to share the sights of the city. Fingers crossed the jet lag won't be too major.

In My [Carry On] Bag

IN MY [CARRY ON] BAG

Above are a few of the items that I prefer to carry with me when traveling for business trips; I just left yesterday for another round of work in China. The flight is crazy long & if I am not prepared, I get restless easily. These items help to ease the discomfort & potential boredom.

1 // THE BAG: MADEWELL Surplus Canvas Tote in Moss [Similar]

This bag is very durable and the should strap makes it great for trekking around all of one's luggage through the airport. The bag doesn't have a zipper or button closure, so that's the one downside.

2 // Kate Spade Twirl Rollerball

The flight to Hong Kong is about fourteen hours which doesn't include the layover in Tokyo, so it's nice to have a little something to keep you feeling and smelling fresh.

3 // Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment 

Being at such high altitudes for such a long period of time makes everything dry out, so I have to carry plenty of lip balm; this stuff does the trick to keep my lips refreshed.

4 // Magazines

Nothing is better than a huge stack of glossies to hold your attention especially during those periods of the flight when your electronics must be turned off. I love them all -- Marie Claire, US Weekly, SELF, Elle, Vogue, People, In Touch, InStyle, etc. 

5 // Third Generation iPod Touch

Filled with lots of favorite music, a few television episodes (like the free download of Episode One of The New Girl with Zooey Deschanel), Games, & Apps.

6 // Olay Wet Cleansing Cloths

I don't want to go sans makeup the morning of an early flight since there's an hour and a half drive from Athens to Atlanta and then plenty of time spent in the airport security lines. I plan on removing my makeup once the long end of the trip starts, so that I may apply moisturizer religiously throughout to keep my skin from drying.

7 // Almay Makeup Eraser Sticks

These magical little sticks are great for removing stubborn waterproof mascara on the go.

8 // GAP Cozy Infinity Scarf in Gray

The soft rolled knit of this scarf would make a great piece for layering when the air on the flight is running strongly and you want to stay warm and comfortable. I tried to track this down in-store, but as of right now it is available online only. Guess I will have to pack one of the scarves that I already own.

9 // Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Facial Wash + Facial Moisturizer for Combination Skin

Sample sizes of these products are great for your carry on since they fit under security regulations; these will help me keep my face clean & full of moisture for the long flight

10 // Glow VitaminWater 

When traveling by air for such an extended period of time, it's important to remain hydrated, so I will be drinking my favorite flavored water on the way to the airport and then purchasing a few very large bottles of Fuji water once through airport security

11 // J. Crew Magic Wallet [Similar]

For organizing all of my business cards, ticket stubs, cash, expense report receipts, etc.

Welcome to Miami

This morning I am up bright & early to head to Atlanta [leaving Athens at 7am after just being told to nix caffeine from my diet for two weeks -- doctor's orders & all, but horrible timing] for our morning flight to Miami  for three days of work. Here's hoping I get a chance to get in the ocean since our hotel is right on the beach.

[images: the Doubletree Surfcomber Hotel Miami-South Beach]

It's the Little [Reflective + Metallic] Things

Lipstick Mirror

 Passport Cover 

After a long work week, I treated myself to a little something something(s) on Friday night (sale means guilt-free, right?). Plus I just found out that I am heading back to China for a work trip April 10 - May 3, so now my passport will be well protected & pretty.




[images: j.crew]

Paris as Promised, Part Trois