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

1. Water.  And more water.  And more water still.  Keeping yourself hydrated will help make you feel and look better, but perhaps more importantly, it will help stave off dehydration and sunstroke.  Add a squeeze of lemon or lime if you need a little flavor.
2. Wear a hat.  It may seem counterintuitive to have something glomming onto your head, but it will actually help shield your face from the sun.  Get a wider brim, and you can protect your neck as well.  This will protect your skin, of course, but by keeping the sun directly off your face it can help keep you from melting away.
3. Wear layers.  Look for versatile pieces that can be coordinate and layered.  Wear a pretty tank under your suit jacket, so you can slip it off when it gets too warm.  Don’t dress in a way that leaves you no options to cool off.
4. Skip the hose.  Chances are that you already do this, but if you’re one of those sticklers for wearing them, now’s a good time to live on the edge.  Sure, some jobs require that they be worn, but if you don’t have to, why bother!
5. If you’re wearing pants, go sock-less or wear a short ankle sock.  Save the knee high trouser socks for fall.
6. Eat raw fruits and vegetables.  Fresh and light is not only healthy, but refreshing as well.  Don’t let heavy food weigh you down in this hot weather.
7. Keep a spray bottle of water or a refreshing tonic at hand.  When you hit and sinker and are drooping, give yourself a spritz.
8. Slip a small deodorant into your purse, or keep it at your desk, so you can freshen up when you’re feeling decidedly un-fresh.
9. Choose a lighter fragrance, lighter in composition as well as fragrance.  It can make a big difference.
10. Select lighter weight clothes in non-clinging fabrics and styles.

And hey, if none of these ideas work, just play hooky.  Sssshhhhhh!  I won’t tell!

What are you doing to beat the heat?  It’s nearing 100 degrees where I am, and I need all the ideas that I can find!

Photo credit: jeffmcneill @flickr

Post from: The List Maven

If you’re at the beach, I hope you packed a few things to make it worth your stay. There’s nothing quite like a day of fun in the sun that turns into disappointment when you left an essential item at home. Sure, you might be able to find the missing piece in town, but wouldn’t it be better if you had everything neatly stowed in your car in preparation for all those great times?

Should you find yourself planning a day at the beach, make sure you remember to pack the following very important things so you can enjoy everything your Summer vacation has to offer.

Straw Hat – Look for a hat that is lightweight and has a nice wide brim. This style of chapeau is pretty popular right now, so you should have no trouble finding one that fits both your skin care and fashion needs.

Beach Towels – I always recommend having two towels handy for each person. One seems like enough…until you decide to go in the water and have a damp towel to sit on for the rest of the day.

Sunglasses – Big, dark, and packed with UV protection. Always look for the sticker on the lens that indicates if you are buying something useful or just pretty. They should be both.

Beach Tote – For storing your extra beach towel, as well as a whole host of other goodies such as snacks, lipgloss and a hairbrush. Don’t just take a purse, which will be rendered unusable from all the sand by the end of the day – get a heavy canvas bag that you don’t mind shaking around and throwing in the wash when you get home.

Flip Flops – You can keep your cute shoes packed in your beach tote too – but when you’re shuffling through the sand, it’s best to have a pair that are sturdy, waterproof and not necessarily all that expensive or near to your heart. Would you really want to miss out on that romantic walk on the beach because you’re afraid of wrecking your shoes?

Folding Chairs – If you are planning on being there all day, laying on a towel is going to get a little old after a while. Give your back a break and make sure you have a chair that you can slouch in for at least part of the time you’re there.

Cute Coverup – When the sun starts to go down, it could get chilly…so you should have something easy and appropriate to throw on so you’re not shivering in the cold. This way you also have something to wear for dinner on the water.

Digital Camera – How are you ever going to remember all the laughs you had on your beach day if you don’t remember to bring a camera along? I suggest bringing a smaller (preferably cheaper) camera that is resistant to the elements. Treat the little guy right and pack him in a makeup bag or little pouch so you don’t ruin your chances of seeing those great photos by getting sand caught up in the camera.

Sunscreen – More than SPF, water-resistant and liberally applied. This is your best accessory and defense against the long-term impact and risks associated with sun damage.

Beach Umbrella – Shade is key, especially when you need to pace yourself throughout the day. Don’t risk sunburn or heatstroke by laying directly in the light without a decent break. You can still enjoy the beach…but you won’t be wrecking your skin in the process.

This post was sponsored by Neutrogena skinID™ – The only Personalized Acne Solution made just for you. Take your complimentary skinID™ Evaluation today!

Post from: The List Maven

Well, you might be surprised when you consider just how many ways you could be compromising your skin’s natural healthy glow just by going about your daily routine. It’s all fun and games until your complexion looks dull and tired…!

So what can a busy girl do to maintain beautiful skin without cutting into all her fabulous Summer plans? Here are the top ten ways you can save your Summer skin – with very little hassle.

Image: Newscom

Get Your Rest
Even with the longer days and big plans you might have, it is still very important that you get regular sleep. Try to keep your sleep patterns consistent by going to bed at a predictable hours. Committing to a regular sleep schedule will leave you feeling ready to tackle the day instead of groggily shuffling through it because you neglected your rest.

Resist Smoking and Excess Alcohol
When you’re out with your friends, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and feel like every Summer night can be one big party. But smoking and excessive alcohol consumption will zap

Don’t Forget That SPF!
Protecting your skin from damaging UV rays is so essential – and yet this is still one thing that many women forget to do all the time. You should have a tube of SPF 30 handy at all times and get into the habit of applying some at least a couple of times a day. For the best protection, put on your sunscreen twenty minutes before you leave your house – and make sure you work it into your skin instead of just lightly patting a thin layer on.

Soothe With Aloe Vera
If you do get burned, don’t sulk around miserably just waiting for it to peel off. Get a bottle of soothing aloe vera gel to take the sting away and replenish your skin while it heals. You don’t need to go with anything fancy, but make sure you get a big bottle because once you learn how good this feels, you’re going to want to keep it around for cooling off that sunburn.

Try Tinted Moisturizer
Put away that heavy foundation this season – tinted moisturizer will give you a little bit of coverage and a lot of added benefits. By keeping your makeup routine light, you will decrease the amount of gunk that can get caught up in your pores. Add in the hydration part and you will be doing your skin a much needed service by keeping it moisturized while you’re hanging out in the sun.

Scrub, Scrub, Scrub
You will probably be showing off quite a bit more skin during the Summer months – so you should have a solid set of exfoliating products to keep your skin soft, smooth and glowing. When dead skin cells build up, it leaves a dull layer that no amount of moisturizer or self tanner can mask. Simply keeping your skin scrubbed and clean will make a big difference.

Be Kind To Blemishes
As annoying as it is to end up with an unexpected pimple, don’t take your frustrations out on the little guy. Blemishes happen from time to time, but the best way to get rid of them is to be patient and persistent in your treatment. Don’t try to go the fast and easy route by picking or squeezing your skin – you will only prolong the pimple’s stay and potentially leave a mark or scar even after it is long gone.

Eat Your Fruits and Veggies
There are so many delicious fruits and vegetables in season during the Summer months! You would be cheating yourself to neglect nutrient packed and incredibly tasty foods like blackberries, blueberries, eggplant, watermelon and zucchini. Check out recipe sites like Epicurious or AllRecipes.com to figure out the best ways to get the most out of these seasonal ingredients.

Drink Lots of Water
It’s hot out – aren’t you thirsty? By the time you realize your throat is parched, you are officially dehydrated. Forget about the physical cues that you need a drink of water and make sure you are sipping 6-8 glasses of water every day. And…don’t assume coffee and soda is going to do have the same effect – to keep your skin soft and supple, you need to cut down on the chemicals, preservatives and caffeine and stick to all natural, all healthy water.

Get Out There For Some Exercise
What better way to work up a sweat and flush out those toxins than by grabbing a quick jog outside or in the gym. No matter what you do, it’s impossible to recreate that flushed glow after a good workout. Just twenty minutes spent challenging your cardiovascular system and flexing those muscles will go along way to keeping your figure trim and your complexion youthful and healthy.

This post was sponsored by Neutrogena skinID™ – The only Personalized Acne Solution made just for you. Guaranteed Results or your money back.

Post from: The List Maven

Image: sxc.hu

So now, I’m walking. Every morning and every evening I get time to think, breathe, and soak up the Summer. Now I know that not everyone lives in a city where walking to work is feasible…but if it is a possibility for you, I suggest you start. Need more details? Well alright…here’s why.

Exercise. Naturally, walking is good for you. Burning calories, toning those leg muscles, and basically getting in that daily cardiovascular workout that never fits when it’s in the form of a trip to the gym. Oh – and this makes me feel less guilty about the brownies I made on the weekend too.

Clarity. It’s not just about leg muscles, it’s about taking a moment to collect my thoughts and sort though things that maybe seemed complicated or insurmountable throughout the day. I always feel like my head is clearer once I have had a chance to “walk it out”.

Sunshine. There is nothing like a little sun to start the day right or make you feel like you accomplished something after a long day at work. I just make sure to pack a little sunscreen to ensure this little daily indulgence doesn’t come back to haunt me in the form of wrinkles and age spots.

Offline. Yes! It’s amazing, stunning and truly weird to be disconnected for this long! I purposefully pack up my Blackberry in my backpack and allow the full walk to and from my apartment/office to be “in the moment” time. No technology allowed!

Post from: The List Maven

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.

Post from: The List Maven