No time to spare to wash hair -- freshen and go!

While traveling I find that my priority is to do and see as much as possible, which means at times I must rush.

When in a hurry, I just brush baby powder into my hair, and it absorbs the grease and refreshes hair without the need for a shower. I just flip my head upside down and apply a bit of baby powder into the palm of your hand. Rub a little bit into my scalp and gently shake my hands through my hair. Most any powder is great for dry, oily hair.

You can also buy a product specifically designed for this "Shampowder." This product is a pigmented hair powder that allows you to have freedom between hair washings.

You can buy it at: http://www.makeup.com/satin-sugar-hair-body-refreshing-powder/

The vanilla-scented powder comes in two shades for dark and light hair, and blends beautifully into hair. The all-in-one applicator features a short, firm brush to deliver the perfect amount of product exactly where it's needed. Shampowder will refresh, volumize and deodorize.



So now get out there and travel, don't waist any time primping. I don't want you to miss anything!

What to Place in Your Ziploc!

The famous Ziploc bag... You know, the one you expose to the entire world while traveling through security. I notice people in line who glance over as much to approve or disapprove of what or the amount that I bring. I get lots of free samples at stores or online and those come in handy -- especially for short trips. Things like face cream, eye cream, body lotion etc. comes in those foil packages and I toss them out when it's used up. The samples may not be the same product I normally use at home, but for a short trip I don't really care or notice any difference. Below is a list of items I travel with in my zip lock. Add your ideas below.

Travel Items Include:
* Hand sanitizer
* Suntan lotion
* Hotel-size bottle of shampoo and conditioner
* Hotel-size bottle of body lotion
* Hair products
* Facewash
* Face lotion
* Spray cleanser for glasses or Saline solution and contact lens holder-
* Mosquito repellent in individual sealed packs
* Stain removal stick (Tide to go)
* Sample viles of perfumes/after-shaves
* Ricola cough drops
* Neosporin in small individual sized travel packets,
* Toothbrush and toothpaste










It's all in travel size. If I run out, I can get more.
I downsize liquids into only 1-oz. each sized plastic bottles: shampoo, conditioner,

In the "dry" category, separate bag:
* Travel kleenex pack
* Tiny baby powder
* Stick deodorant
* Hair brush
* Toothbrush
* Small sewing kit
* Floss
* Razor
* Q-tips
* Tiny flashlight
* Bandaids
* Foil sealed Advil & Immodium floss
* Tweezers
* Nail file
* Hairbrush
* Lip balm
* Extra earplugs
* Safety pins
* Benadryl (works for allergies, motion sickness, sleep aid)
* Antihistamine tablets

Make-up Bag
* Make-up essentials (find out in an upcoming blog)

(I pack Hotel size products only if I know I won't acquire some along the way.)

Lastly, for longer trips or when I travel to a foreign country I bring a small ziploc bag as a "first aid" bag, containing a few over the counter meds. It seems easier to have them, then to try to explain to someone in another language I'm barely familiar with that I'm not feeling well.

2 days of blister-packed Tylenol Cold & Flu
cough drops
Half a dozen blister-packed Immodium
ibuprofen

tea bags in fun flavors, sweetener packs, in baggie

So now it's your turn to add to my lists and tell me what's in your carry-on bag....

Make-up in a hurry!

Here is my purse compact!

I'd like to talk today about my "Make-up in a hurry" routine. I travel enough were I like to keep just a travel kit and keep it in my suitcase ready to go. (I learned this from my mother who also loves to travel)

So here is my makeup "Packing list" Hope its of some help to you.

Face: sunscreen and/or tinted moisturizer, concealer, eye cream, one multipurpose night/body cream.

Eyes: neutral shadow (brown, taupe, beige), neutral liner (brown or black) and mascara. Neutral eyes normally don’t clash with outfits.

Cheeks: light bronzer and a light pink/coral blush. This way you have a combination of colors to work with. Mary Kay has a build your own blush bronzer combos in the same compact.

Lips: Simple, one glossy balm without sunscreen for nights, one balm with sunscreen, one signiture light or nude lipstick. Lips are one item when travelling where you can afford to add a touch of color.

I also keep an all over powder in my purse to finish off my look and to cut the shine at the end of the day.

Once in a while I end up buying a lipstick as a souvenir when I go on trips, so if I have a “makeup emergency” I will usually get a nice colored lipstick



This is my compact I keep in my suitcase

Shopping for Travel...

TravelSmith are the experts of Travel Wear. Their clothing is lightweight and wrinkle-resistant. Their prices are a bit on the higher side but can be found on sale and on discount sites. TravelSmith outfits seem tailored for both men and women travelers.

TravelSmith Outfitters, Inc. is a California company that retails clothing and shoes for men and women. It offers luggage and bags; travel supplies, such as belts and wallets, health and wellness, toiletries, packing aids, plugs and adapters, electronic and gadgets, travel games, and books and journals; and gift certificates. The company was founded in 1991 and is based in Novato, California with outlet stores in Berkeley and Palo Alto, California; and West Chester, Ohio.



The iconic product that Travelsmith sells is what they call “The Indispensable Black Travel Dress.” Originally introduced a decade ago, the simple dress was a combination of product development and marketing genius. Made of a soft and stretchy fabric that didn’t require ironing or dry cleaning, the dress had no zippers, buttons, or snaps. The high empress/princess waistline looks great on everyone. Travelsmith slowly began expanding their line by introducing various lengths, different sleeve lengths, necklines, and colors. Over the years they probably sold about 20 variations on this dress. The nice thing is that the basic product is still available today.



Most of the clothing they sell is their own unique brand. They regularly introduce new items, and everything eventually goes on sale. If you live in Northern California your in luck, older inventory regularly is greatly reduced, which means you can find some incredible bargains in their sale section. So go online and sign up for their mailing list so you can be notified when they have one of their huge warehouse sales. Great prices, but bring your comfy shoes, because you’ll need to scour the racks to find the right sizes and such.

www.travelsmith.com

A Plan for a Weekend Getaway in Saratoga, California

This weekend Richard and I are heading to the place I grew up: Saratoga, California. I am looking forward to driving past our old house, driving along the route I walked to school more than 30 years ago so I can see how the houses look and the landscape has grown. Saratoga has a quaint downtown that has antique shops, high end restaurants and European bakeries.



I also want to settle into the downtown for some shopping and dining. My top priority is to have lunch at the The Plumed Horse of Saratoga, famous for its elegant dining, is one of the oldest and most revered restaurants in the Santa Clara Valley. Established in 1952, The Plumed Horse has maintained an impeccable reputation by combining old world charm with modern excellence. As a young person this was "THE" place to dine, and I have never been there so I am really excited to try it.



Next I might check out: Montalvo Center for the Arts/The Gallery of Montalvo. The stately, Mediterranean-style mansion houses exhibits of local arts or artist residents. These wonderful exhibits are said to change every six weeks. I also might step into the Gallery Saratoga Co-op, Inc. and the Aegis Gallery of Fine Art Co-op.



Some Other Places We Will Check Out:
* Saratoga Historical Museum - Housed in a turn -of - the - century former drug store building, the museum contains displays of artifacts and photographs from early Saratoga.
* The city's first library, now a Friends of the Library book store.
* The McWilliams House, circa 1965, presently the home of the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce, are adjacent historic buildings. Docents offer historic sites guided tours by appointments only.
* Saratoga Village - a California Historical Site that features historic buildings throughout the community's business area and adjoining residential neighborhoods which were original to early Saratoga. The Historical Foundation conducts walking tours to 22 Historical buildings.
* The Book-Go-Round a high quality used book store operated by the friends of the library.
* Azule of Saratoga is a great flower shop and La Mesa a textiles wholesale company.

Of course there is even more; Hahone Gardens, Farmers Market, beautiful hikes and parks, and wineries. I will have to return, and maybe sooner than 30 years!

I try not to take to much medicine -- especially while on trips. Sometimes though it's a must have for long trips. You might be interested in a great product -- a capsule version of Jet Lag Formula. This concoction was developed by an acupuncturist and herbalist. It is supposed to reduce the effects of jet lag. One box ($20) or bottle ($16) of Jet Lag Formula is sufficient for a round-trip domestic flight; for international travel, you need one box or bottle during each leg of your journey.

I've heard that it works so I may give it a try on my next long flight.

One of my favorite weekday getaways is a stroll or paddle down the Truckee River.

Something new this summer though is the Tahoe Comedy North's: River Laugh at the River Ranch Lodge. The shows are Wednesday, July 29th and Wednesday, August 5th. Doors open at 7:00 p.m./Comedy starts at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $15.

For more details, check out their website at:
www.tahoecomedynorth.com

I am excited because I think this will be a great “date night” for Richard and I and an opportunity to walk, dine and experience the night life of our favorite High Sierra town.

If you are still wanting to do a traditional High Sierra excursion liking rafting, call Truckee River Raft Company - (530) 583-0123 for rafting information.


I think I’ll see if we can take advantage of an awesome place that's practically in our backyard!

July 4th with kids

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July 4th video

Cultural deals in California - Shop and Experience

CA shopping cultural tours www.visitcalifornia .com/shop

Sent you an email with details of trip we took.

A Travel Wish for my amazing and independent "Little Women"

Ever since my first transatlantic trip in 1985, I’ve been stricken with the travel bug. There is no cure. Symptoms include a desire to wander to far-away places, hopeless daydreaming, and a joy brought on by traipsing on planes and trains. I do think my condition may be genetic as my mom and aunt both seem to have this disease as well. I think it wonderful when these sisters plan a trip, including each of their interests and passions. They communicate by phone and email keeping track of every detail. At least twice each year they take off for a week or two and spend that time bonding, and enjoying their very special relationship. I see this growing in my own girls, sisters in their own right, how they communicate and hang out together and bond.

These are my daughters, and their children. As a mom I want so much for each of them. I stop and think the thing I want the most for them is to experience new culture and introduce them to foreign lands.

My Mom Marlene and her sister Nancy -- friends and travel partners for life...

I remember the first thrill of traveling alone, the fear at being in a place where no one spoke my language, and the joyful excitement of setting off on a journey to a new place. I see my daughters as adventurous and eager to learn. I hope that they will travel perhaps together to new destinations nearby and far away places. Learning new things about our state, our country and other lands as well.

These three gals are amazing, each striking a cord in her own way. My hope for them is to learn to carve out the time, as their grandmother has, to gather together and travel. I know it's more complicated with having kids, but well worth the effort I can assure them.

My daughters (L to R) Kelsey (20) Makay (22) and Jenna (23) "Sisters" today, and 20 years ago (L to R) Makay (with Micky Mouse doll) Jenna and Kelsey on her lap.

If they are open to travel, you will see and do many things, and why not together with those you love the very most. I always think the key to successful travel, is to be open to new experiences not only of the road, but with each of your sisters.

Some links I found interesting:

Gutsy Women Tours Gutsy Women tours are up to 40% less than traveling independently.TourVacationsToGo.com

Crooked Trails, an amazing developmental travel company, talking about traveling with a purpose - Mary Jo Manzanares from Fly Away Cafe.)

On World Hum: Can a Woman Travel without Fear for Her Safety?

On What's Past is Prologue: A Salute to Gutsy Women Travelers

New on the web: Galavanting, The Women's Travel Magazine

http://www.wanderlustandlipstick.com/

Memories of favorite 4th's!

One of my favorite memories of Independence Day is the Fourth of July parade in downtown Templeton, CA. Our family participated with other locals each year. I'd get up early in the morning to gather folding chairs and a large blanket and we'd stake out our special space in the downtown park. The community lined the streets of Main Street and set up around the Community Park to mark the anniversary of our nation’s Independence. The parade has been a tradition in Templeton for more than a quarter of a century.

I loved this parade; it's very "Mayberry", with the kids on their decorated bikes, the firetruck and police cars, the homemade floats, the various scout troops of the neighborhood towns participating (and throwing candy to the kids watching), veteran's walked the edges handing out flashing American flag pins, Miss California Mid-State Fair would wave from a convertible and the families pushing their baby strollers and walking their dogs. One year we even participated in an antique white mustang convertible with daughters Jenna and Makay waving their "Miss Mid State Fair"-like wave.



However, most years we "participated" as parade watchers, we'd sit as a family and enjoy the candy thrown at us and then we'd run around the corner where the parade will pass through again. Cheating? Heck no! They need parade watchers all over the neighborhood, right? We were just filling a need. After the parade wrapped up, we headed en mass to the Templeton Community Park where our blankets and coolers and picnic baskets were set up and the celebration continued with food, iced desserts, shopping and live entertainment.

I looked forward to the "Hometown feel" of this parade every year. I think when my grand kids are a little older I will invite my family back to Templeton one 4th of July to relive this happy memory. It was just a simple celebration about the fact that we are free.

HAPPY 4th OF JULY!

Revisiting Hawaii!

True Blue, Dedicated Travelers — like my husband Richard and I. Recently, we have been enjoying our photo books and videos and remembering the great times we had while on many of our past vacations.

We are looking at returning to destinations we are familiar with and loved. After all, we can further explore the destination and do more of what we enjoyed last time we were there... and also try some new destinations while there. I guess this is a wonderful way to guarantee a wonderful vacation with very little risk.

Take our next trip to Hawaii as an example: We are staying on Maui this time as the cruise we went on a few years ago we found Maui to be our favorite Island. Instead of horseback riding and mud bugging (expensive) we are planning on snorkeling, hiking and touring. Instead of a cruise (expensive) we opted to rent a hotel (with daughter kelsey's discount) and do some of the cooking in the room (breakfasts anyway.) This way will allow us to explore destinations more thoroughly, while saving a little money.


My advice: DO YOUR HOMEWORK!

* Book as soon as you know the dates you want to go. There are many Hawaii websites you can research to find inexpensive lodgings.

* When you get off the plane at each island grab every brochure available. You'll find racks of these in the baggage claim area. If you are renting a car make sure you take the brochures that they give you as well. You will find many coupons in them

* Bring your own snorkels, fins and mask. I was surprised how inexpensive rentals are at many beaches, however, if you go to three beaches in one day, you can spend $15.00. Surprisingly, if you pack well, these items don’t take up much room in luggage.

* On all the islands, there are many chain stores such as Wal-Mart, Sears, Longs, etc. Shop there first as items might be cheaper. We are planning on cooking some of our dinners so I am going to bring a few spices & staple food from California in our suitcase. After we arrive we will plan on stopping at Costco (near the airport) and load up on other foods there. The prices are only slightly higher than the mainland. Hilo Hatties was great and reasonable for gifts to bring home if you have to but try to avoid all tourist trinkets if possible. Take home pictures on your digital camera for free. They are better than cheesy hula dolls, shell necklaces and macadamia nuts.

* Take a jacket with you as some nights can be chilly from the wind coming off the ocean. It's expensive to buy a jacket.

* Hide and lock up your valuables as in any city you visit. It's expensive to replace stolen items.

* Decide which meals you'd like to splurge on and which meals you'd rather keep costs down on. This may mean spending less on breakfast and lunch (or even eating in your hotel) so you can enjoy a nice dinner out once in a while.