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tips

Travel Light: My Top Packing Tips

For the past several years, I’ve gotten into the habit of packing light on all of my travel. After years of overpacking, I realized I really don’t need much when I’m away, and packing light makes all my trips way more enjoyable. There’s nothing worse than lugging a 50 lbs. suitcase up four or five flights of stairs or trying to squeeze onto an overpacked subway with large suitcases.

We traveled to Japan for 3 weeks 2.5 years ago, and I got my Away Carry On for our trip. It was my first time packing light for an almost month-long trip. I absolutely love the Away Carry On. It makes packing light a breeze, and I’m always surprised how much I can fit in such a small suitcase.

In this post, I’m sharing what I packed for our current 3-week trip to Italy. Obviously this list would/could be altered depending on the season, climate and place you are traveling to. For instance, if you’re headed to a beach vacation in Mexico, you might not bring boots or as many pairs of pants. This is a general guide to give you an idea of what to pack. I’m also sharing my top packing tips to help you save room in your suitcase, so you’re a happier traveler overall.

My bags for 3 weeks in Italy

Here’s what I brought:

Pants: one jean, one other (I brought my fave Jesse Kamm Sailor Pants), one lightweight (linen or breathable cotton), one yoga, one sweatpant/lounge pants
One lightweight jacket, one weatherproof jacket (if applicable, meaning you’ll wear more than 2 times)
One sweater, one sweatshirt or lightweight long-sleeve
3 dresses/jumpsuits (1 casual/loose-fitting mumu dress, 1 day dress that also works for night, 1 jumpsuit)
3 shoes – sandals, boots, mules (1 sandals, 1 walking, 1 going out/dress). Call me crazy, but I never travel with sneakers. I used to pack them because that’s what you’re “supposed to do,” but I would never end up wearing them, so I just stopped.
Enough socks + underwear for 1 week
2 t-shirts
1-2 yoga bras/crops
3-5 cute blouses that work for day and night
Bathing suit
Pajamas – I usually bring my silk pj set and then just some Hans boy shorts and a tank.
Sun hat or other head cover
Dry shampoo, sunscreen face and body, one 3.4 oz bottle shampoo, one conditioner, two 3.4 oz bottles of body wash, 3 travel size toothpaste, facial cleansing bar, moisturizer, deodorant, travel size toner mist
Digestive enzymes, probiotics (I use Silver Fern, which are shelf stable), digestive bitters, ginger and/or peppermint tea
Matcha (100g bag), adaptogen mix (Moodbeli Holy Ashwagandha), collagen packets, Hydro Flask travel mug with metal whisk ball to make morning matcha while I’m on the road (Just add a small amount of hot water and the ball to your mug then add matcha and any other powders, top with more hot water. Seal lid tightly and shake vigorously. Slowly unscrew the lid, and enjoy!)
Water bottle
Tarot cards, crystals
External battery for charging phone on the go, power converter if applicable (Save money and buy BEFORE you go. We forgot, and ended up having to buy one at the airport for almost double the cost.), headphones

My plane-ride-to-Italy attire

+ You’ll likely pack stuff you won’t end up wearing and wear you favorite outfits multiple times. So always cut what you want to bring in half.

+ Handwash underwear and socks every week and line dry.

+ Pack a compact duffle bag in your suitcase to use for things you buy on your travels. You can check your suitcase on the way home, and use the duffle as your carry on. (I use a Lancel duffle that my Aunt Alison gave to me over 10-years ago. One of my favorite bags to this day. Unfortunately, they no longer make the one I have.)

+ Pack a reusable tote bag to carry in your purse for groceries or shopping.

+ Pack lightweight layers and garments made from natural fibers whenever possible. I love cotton and linen. They’re breathable and easy to wash by hand and then air dry.

+ Instead of carrying a book or two around with you, opt for downloading books onto your phone from your Audible account or invest in a Kindle.

+ Go for a neutral color palette, so you can mix and match tops and pants with ease. As a general rule of thumb: only bring a top/shirt/blouse if it pairs with at least 75% of your bottoms/pants/skirts and vice versa.

+ Roll your clothes! This is essential for making the most of the room in your suitcase. I don’t roll everything though. Heavy weight pants or jeans I put in first and flay flat on the bottom of my bag. Anything silk or that wrinkles easily, I lay flat on top of everything before closing my suitcase.

+ If you are packing shoes in your suitcase, stuff them with socks or any other small items to save space.

+ Always wear your bulkiest/heaviest items on the plane. Planes are usually cold anyways, so I layer up on my flights. I always wear my boots or biggest pair of shoes in flight. Then I typically wear a pair of sweatpants, a layerable lightweight cotton dress, a sweater or sweatshirt and a jacket. And whatever hat I’m bringing. This trip I definitely looked like I was going on a safari, but whatever.

+ Never bring that something “just in case.” I promise you, there’s like a 3% chance you will use it or wear it. If some freak weather occurrence happens, you can always buy something (umbrella, rain coat, sandals, snow boots) while you’re away.

+ When you’re packing your suitcase, think of it like a puzzle. To make the most of the room you have, don’t leave any “dead” spaces in your suitcase. A pair of socks, underwear, a rolled T-shirt or belt can always find its way into an empty hole between items. Be strategic!

+ Pack a small muslin bag or two filled with dried lavender flowers (also known as a drawer sachet) to keep your clothes smelling fresh while you’re away.

May 14, 2018 11 comments

Lifestyle Self-Care

Quick and Easy Self-Care Tips to Boost Your Mood

We’re almost through the thick of winter, and sunny, warm days are on the horizon. I wanted to share some quick and easy self-care tips to incorporate into your daily routine this season (and all year long). I asked my sweet and wise friend, licensed acupuncturist and holistic health coach, Katrina Pozzi Baratta, to contribute to this piece. From decreasing pain to increasing confidence, Kat specializes in helping women feel healthy, strong and totally at home in their bodies.

Whether you’ve got a serious case of the winter blues, or you’re just in a funk at any point in the year, it’s important to remember that self-care involves doing things that keep your body and mind in tip-top shape. Unfortunately, it’s usually when we’re feeling down and grumpy that we let our self-care routines slide. But it’s in exactly those moments, when we’re feeling less-than-awesome, that self-care becomes even more important. Because it’s only by taking care of yourself that you’re able to put your best foot forward. And you don’t even have to make huge changes to have a profound impact on your well-being. Try incorporating a 2-3 of the following self-care rituals into your daily routine this month.

Practice smiling.

One of my favorite monks, Thich Nhat Hanh, famously said, ”Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” Practice smiling into your eyes and you’ll actually trigger a neurological reaction that releases feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine, endorphines, and serotonin. So don’t just smile when you feel happy. Smile when you feel bad and it’ll help raise you out of your funk!

Snag some rays (without sun protection).

Vitamin D deficiency is a big player when it comes to feeling good. The best way to get vitamin D into your system is to spend about 20 minutes a day in direct sunlight (give or take depending on your skin tone), without covering up or wearing sunblock. And because exercise is also a great mood-lifter, you can feed two birds with one seed by bundling up and taking your exercise routine outside. A meta-analysis in 2010 showed that even just five minutes of “green” exercise resulted in improvements in self-esteem and mood!

Organize and beautify your space. Choose to do your household chores mindfully.

Doing a quick 20-minute clean up or organization of your desk space, your medicine closet or your dresser beautifies your space and uplifts your mood. When you have a lot of chores to do, it’s easy to start feeling overwhelmed and stressed out. But because the chores won’t do themselves, the best thing you can do is to start enjoying them. And the best way to enjoy chores is to do them mindfully. Notice how your hands feel as you touch different textured dishes or soft sheets. Notice the smell of the soap. Feel into your body as it moves. Use this time to connect with the present moment.

Eat fermented and fiber-rich foods.

Science is finding that there’s a clear link between your gut health and mental health, and eating fermented and fiber-rich foods is one of the best ways to make sure that you’re supporting those healthy gut bacteria that will make you thrive. For fermented foods, try kimchi, kraut or kefir. For fiber-rich foods, try almonds, split peas, navy beans, raspberries, chia or flax seeds.

Go to sleep and wake on a consistent schedule.

Sleep has a HUGE impact on health and happiness. It’s the pacemaker for many of your body’s hormonal reactions, and your hormones need to be relatively balanced for you to feel good. Getting enough sleep on a consistent schedule will help your body regulate those hormones and make sure they’re firing off at the right time in the right amounts. If you’re feeling under-the-weather, like is so common this time of year, let yourself sleep longer than usual. Sleep is so important for the immune system and fighting off nasty winter colds.

Meditate. Move. Stretch.

Just a few minutes of meditation can calm your nerves and lift your mood throughout the day. Start by sitting and focusing on your breath for 5 minutes a day, and work your way up to 10-20 minutes as you settle into the routine. Physical release through exercise can work wonders on your mood. If you don’t have time for a full workout, try 15-20 minutes of yoga or easy stretching to start your day.

Put a potted plant on your desk or work station.

Plants don’t just look pretty, according to recent studies, they can actually have a soothing effect on your nervous system, making you feel less stress and more motivated to get things done with a smile on your face. Fresh cut flowers are also a joy promoter, so treat yourself to a few stems or a bouquet to brighten up your home.

Create an herbal tea ritual.

Herbs like chamomile, peppermint, lavender, rosemary, lemon balm and cinnamon have a comforting and soothing effect on the nervous system. I like to have each of these herbs in a separate jar so I can pull them out, smell them and choose a unique combination to make into an infused tea every evening before bed. When you’re drinking your tea, unplug from your phone and computer and focus your attention on the present moment. Use this tea time to reflect, read an inspirational book or write in your journal.

Give out compliments.

One of the best ways to make yourself feel good is to help other people feel good. And while it’s great to volunteer your time to those in need, something as simple as giving out compliments can make you feel more positive about yourself and the world around you. Older women are so graceful, wise and beautiful, and they rarely ever get the compliments they deserve. When I’m out doing my grocery shopping or I’m at my yoga studio, I make an effort to connect with and compliment women who are older than me – mothers and grandmothers especially.

Give yourself a break. Unplug from social media, your work and your computer.

Often one of the biggest reasons we feel bad is because we’re in constant, non-stop go-mode. But the happiest and most successful people all have one thing in common, and it’s that they allow themselves to enjoy breaks to recharge. Put down your phone or step away from your computer throughout the day. Enjoy looking out the window or taking a 5-minute walk with an agenda. Give yourself some down-town, so you can recharge and restore. You’ll feel more energized and motivated when you do.

February 6, 2018 7 comments

Lifestyle Self-Care Wellness

Tips for Balance, Relaxation and Stress-Relief

Life is wonderful and beautiful and wild and hectic. We are constantly being thrown into chaos and tested with how we cope. It really takes hard work and dedication to stay balanced. I’m continuously checking in with myself and trying to be real with myself about where I’m at. Some days are harder than others. That’s inevitable. I wanted to share my favorite tips for staying balanced and how I deal with stress and anxiety when they come up. I hope you find some useful information here. And as always, I would love to hear from you. What practices do you incorporate into your life to stay balanced? <3

EXERCISE
This is often the first thing we cut out when we feel overworked and stressed out, but it’s actually one of the things that can help the most. When we move our bodies, sweat and focus on physical energy, it can shift the state of our minds. Honestly, it doesn’t matter what kind of exercise you do. Yoga is for some people what long-distance running is for others. If you are feeling especially exhausted or emotionally down, instead of doing an intense work out, try just taking a walk around your neighborhood. Use this time as a walking meditation. Be in the moment. Take in your surroundings without judgement.

MEDITATION
This is SO important. And so underrated. Meditation can work wonders for the nervous system as well as being calming for the mind. And it really is so easy. Try committing to one or two 10-minute seated meditations a day. It really isn’t that long. I promise. It can be a great way to start your day or unwind after work. Meditation is a personal practice, so what works for one may not work for another. If you’re looking for some resources to help with mediation, I love this podcast, this podcast and this site. There are also many apps you can download. If sitting meditation is difficult for you, try yoga nidra, or a lying down meditation.

GET OFF SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram can be a seriously inspiring place, but it can also heighten feelings of stress and anxiety. A lot of times it can push us to compare ourselves to one another and foster deep-seeded insecurities. Try setting a time limit per day for social media. If you’re feeling especially anxious or down, maybe don’t go on it at all. Above all, remember you are enough. You are exactly where you need to be on your own path. And you are loved deeply.

QUIET MORNINGS + ADAPTOGENS
One of my favorite routines is making my morning matcha potion then drinking it in my living room in quiet contemplation. This time of day is very sacred to me. There’s something about the energy of the morning, when there is a sweet stillness around, that allows me to sink in and let go. This sets the tone for the rest of my day and gives me the energy I need to sustain through the busy parts. Every morning I sip a variety of adaptogens. I like to change up which ones I’m taking every month. (Right now, I’m drinking maca, reishi and cordyceps). Adaptogens are botanical medicine that help the body (specifically the immune, endocrine and neuroendocrine systems) better adapt to physical, emotional and environmental stress. Their job is to bring the body into balance. I’m long overdue for a blog post on adaptogens, so that’s coming soon, I promise!

SELF-CARE RITUALS
Some of my favorite self-care rituals include a hot bath, bi-weekly face masks, a sauna + soak and massage. Try committing to one or two things a week for yourself. Self care can also be practicing yoga, repeating a positive, loving mantra to yourself in the mirror 3x a day or getting a pedicure once a month. At the core, these rituals should be practices that make you feel loved, honored, relaxed and cared for. I love this list of simple self-care practices that you can incorporate into your daily life.

DECLUTTER + BEAUTIFY YOUR SPACE
An uncluttered home is crucial for maintaining balance in my life. You might be surprised with what a difference a clean and warm, cozy space can make on the way you feel each day. If you’re looking to do a major overhaul, I definitely recommend this book. Otherwise, try dedicating 1-3 hours on Sundays to cleaning and organizing your home. I find this is a great way to go into my week feeling prepared. Added bonus, cleaning can also be a mind-clearing activity.

CONNECTION
We create meaningful relationships in our lives and are surrounded by people who love and care for us. Remember these people want to be there for you in times of hardship as well as the good times. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. Lean on each other and support each other. Check in with people you love often to see how they are doing. Life is long, and we all need each others love and connection.

INSPIRATIONAL READING, TAROT + JOURNALING
I start each day by opening to a random page in this book. It gives me inspiration for the day ahead and often times puts things in perspective. On the new and full moons and when I’m needing clarity in my life, I turn to my tarot deck (I have this one and this one). I love this practice, as it allows me to turn inward, contemplate what is going on in my life and gives me guidance in a thought-provoking way. Journaling can also be an amazing way to release feelings and sort through inner dialogue. I love looking back on things I’ve written in the past after certain experiences or time periods in my life.

GET OUTSIDE
When all else fails, I find nature has a magical way of always making me feel better and more connected to source and spirit. I try to commit to doing one overnight outside of the city every month (usually camping in the summer months and Airbnb’ing in the winter). If I can’t manage to get away for a night, a day trip or a couple hour hike is great, too. Sometimes I just need to hop on my bike and ride to the park when I’m in the city. It’s not quite as soothing as being in the forest, but it certainly does help.

NOURISHING FOODS
Although maybe obvious, what we choose to nourish our bodies with plays a large role in how we feel overall. In times of heightened stress or anxiety, try cooked warming and grounding foods that balance the 1st chakra (muladhara or root). Here are some good choices: beets, carrots, turnips, radishes, ginger, garlic, salt + other minerals from the earth, whole grains, quality proteins like pastured eggs and organic meats, olive oil, ghee, yams and sweet potatoes.

July 21, 2017 8 comments