The most important thing to keep in mind is keeping things casual, comfortable and easy to mix/match. Going with colors that are a bit more neutral so they “go with everything” makes a world of difference when you are trying to be choosy and not pack your entire closet.

Here are the ten items that always seem to find their way into my suitcase (and actually get used when I make it to my final destination).

Ballet Flats - I live in ballet flats when I’m on vacation. They look good and are wearable even if we decide to embark on an impromptu walk around the city. Nothing is worse than being sidelined in your hotel room because those pretty new heels gave you killer blisters.

Slouchy Sweater - If the weather turns and all of a sudden it actually feels like Fall, I want to be prepared with a comfy sweater to snuggle into.

Jeans - They go with everything, dress up or down as needed and just work. I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t travel without their favorite pair of jeans on hand.

Jersey Tee - Lately my t-shirt style has changed a little bit, with more color and interesting necklines/sleeves instead of your basic old version. But they remain a staple, especially when traveling. Again, unpredictable weather makes this essential absolutely key.

Big Purse - It has to carry all my regular every day necessities, plus a camera, map, and anything else that I might need for a day of vacationing. Wide armstraps for comfort and lots of pockets for convenience.

Bikini - Most hotels have a pool and a bathing suit takes up no room at all, so it would be silly not to have a bikini on hand.

Scarf - For similar reasons to the sweater, I want to have a scarf available if the weather turns. This is one thing that will likely be tucked in my big purse for the entire trip..!

Casual Dress - If the right opportunity comes up, I might just give in and put on a dress while I’m vacationing. Something that goes with my ballet flats and isn’t too fussy will do the trick.

Post from: The List Maven

Here are a few tips that can make your spa visit a wonderful experience:

Arrive early. I think at least half an hour is best. There will be some paperwork to fill out, you’ll want to get undressed and into a robe, and have a little bit of time to relax before your treatment. I always ask what facilities are available, and take advantage of a sauna or steam.

Turn off your gadgets. Most spas require that cell phones be set to silent, and don’t allow phone conversations once you enter the spa area. But do yourself an even bigger favor, turn everything to OFF. Don’t pick up email, don’t fret over text messages, just let it go. Sure, you may miss something by being disconnected – but think of everything you’ll gain in return!

Be honest about your health issues. Don’t just race over the health information card, take the time to provide helpful information to your therapist. Allergies are obviously important, and can help your therapist in product selections, but let her/him know if you have some aches and pains or are under a lot of stress. A good therapist takes all this into consideration when designing your treatment options.

Turnoff the sales pitch. I HATE getting a sales pitch while I’m receiving a treatment. It’s akin to a telemarketing call at dinner time, only you’re lying on a table and can’t turn it off. And you’re paying for it too. The better spas will let you escape to your special space during treatment (or maybe you’ll fall asleep), and give you a list of products for your review when you leave. If your therapist starts a sales pitch during treatment, let him/her know that you’d prefer silence. If that doesn’t work, end the treatment and ask for a manager.

Don’t feel pressured to buy products or treatments. Whether it’s during a treatment or when you check out, don’t feel like you have to buy products. If you fell in love with something, sure, but you should never be pressured. Ask to take a copy of the recommendations with you, and you can research and make shopping decisions later.

Eliminate the stress of tipping in advance. At the time you book your service, inquire about the tipping policy. Many places now add it on automatically. Just find out in advance, and you won’t have to have the discussion after you’re thoroughly de-stressed.

Don’t rush off. Just an easing into your spa day can make it more enjoyable, don’t jump back into your regular routine. Linger for a steam or sauna, or maybe just enjoy some quiet time in the relaxation area. Take a shower, do your hair, or just put make up back on if you must.Better yet – don’t plan anything at all, and find somewhere to curl up for a little nap.

Do you have any tips to get more out of your spa visit?

Photo credit: SXC

Post from: The List Maven

In these times, justifying a full blown vacation didn’t seem right. My husband and I talked about where we could go and what we could do and both decided that right now it makes sense to stay put and enjoy what our city of Toronto has to offer.

Image: sxc.hu

The concept of a staycation is still relatively new – but more and more I’m hearing people say the word and think of this as a viable alterative to costly vacations.

Four days later, here’s why I think you should consider taking a staycation too:

1. Instead of spending money on a flight, pick up a book and yourself up at a local spa for the day – you’ll have the funds to get a whole whack of treatments and potentially find an esthetician or massage therapist you can go back to semi-regularly.
2. We often forget how many great attractions are right around us – museums, galleries and local landmarks can be excellent for daytrips…and now you will be more knowledgeable about the area when family comes to stay.
3. And it’s not just tourist attractions we overlook – what about all the great restaurants that are out there? Have a couple glasses of wine and enjoy yourself.
4. All those forgotten hobbies that you don’t have time for are right there stuffed in the back of your closet. No need to cart everything to a far off location…rediscover that fun at home and try to make time for them when you’re back to work too.
5. Don’t worry about jetlag or losing a couple days just on travel – every single day you are off is yours to do what you want.
6. In the process of staycationing, you might also find the time to take care of those nagging little tasks that you forget about when you’re busy with work. Relaxation and a sense of accomplishment? Now that’s a wellrounded week.
7. Sleep. Yep, you got it. Sleep.
8. With all that money you saved and time you have, spend the day prepping a great dinner for you and your friends.
9. If you choose, you can still keep an eye on email so you don’t have a mountain to go through when you get back (set up an autoresponder though, which should do the trick for 90% of the messages you receive.
10. Since you didn’t splurge on one expensive vacation, you can use a some more of those vacation days in a few months to take another mini-break from it all.

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1. I walk out the front door without my jacket – and don’t regret it.
2. My shedding-like -crazy cat snuggles up on one of my scarves, leaving huge tufts of hair behind…and I don’t even mind. (That much.)
3. Tourists and amateur photographers are out on the street all the time.
4. Tall leather boots are on sale for ridiculously cheap prices.
5. Every day, right around lunch time, I’m itching for a walk outside.


Image: Newscom

6. The lull in good new movies is over and now it’s time for the big budget summer blockbusters, like Star Trek, Harry Potter and Terminator.
7. I’m not ordering hot tea or coffee to warm up at almost every meal.
8. Everyone seems to be out on the patio having a beer after work!
9. My toes are a happy bright pink and I am wearing brand new sandals are on my feet.
10. Ice cream is finally…delightfully…a good idea again.

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Needless to say, I was wrong. Unless I’m prepared to send him to massage therapy school, there is going to have to be an alternative, and fast because my back and neck are no longer quietly pestering me quietly…there’s a full on strike happening here.

If you’re feeling the same way, but don’t think you have the time to pull yourself away from life to take the time for an hour of ultimate you time, here are my top four reasons to take care of yourself and make the time.

You only get one spine. That’s right, folks – if you screw this one up, there’s no picking up a new backbone or shoulder muscle from Wal-mart. That nagging pain may be easy to ignore now, but at some point all that neglect is going to catch up to you. When it does, it may not be just an hour of time out of your day we’re talking about.

Helps with the zzzzzz’s. Trying to fall asleep with neck pain, or waking up to a stiff back is not fun. That’s no way to end an evening…nor is it a recipe for starting each new day off on the right foot.

You’ll look thinner! It’s likely that your shoulders are hunched the same way I am over this computer right now. With your back properly pampered and better aligned, you’ll be standing up straighter and making a more confident first impression wherever you decide to go after your massage.

But seriously…am I really having to convince you (and myself) to take a spa day? At this point, life is out of balance, stress has fully taken over, and you need to re-evaluate your priorities and commitments. Make the time. You’re working hard, and you deserve it!

Image: Newscom

Post from: The List Maven

1. Try a new restaurant.
2. Get a makeover at Sephora.
3. Grab coffee and explore a new neighborhood.
4. Try an at-home pedicure.
5. Make chili.
6. Reacquaint myself with all my great music in iTunes.
7. Go to the gym (or brave the great outdoors for a run!)
8. Organize my closet.
9. Catch some (or all!) the films up for Best Picture.
10. Go “dream house hunting” (hopefully you have an understanding real estate agent friend…)

What are you up to this weekend?

Image: sxc.hu

Post from: The List Maven