Every June, my family loads up our SUV with suitcases, sand chairs and fishing poles and makes the four hour drive to the North Carolina coast. It’s my favorite week of the whole summer. I love feeling surrounded by family in our little beach cottage, but nothing compares to the magic I feel walking along the beach, picking up seashells and listening to the waves crash along the shore.

And almost as wonderful as our actual beach trip is the preparation for it. My gym membership card is swiped more than usual in hopes of achieving the elusive “beach body,” and I spend at least two weeks packing beforehand, making sure I have every outfit planned down to my shoes and earrings. A new bikini and a new beach bag are two purchases that must be made in advance.

This summer, Target has all you need for a stylish vacation at the beach. You can’t go wrong with any of the towels from their new beach collection, but I’m simply in love with these fabulous ikat beach towels!

Ikat Lux beach towel in green

Ikat Lux beach towel in whipped papaya

Xhilaration Lavada Slide Sandal

No beach trip is complete without a sand chair, floppy straw hat and a great pair of sunnies. Yes, looking amazing on the beach is a priority, but so is our health! Sun protection is a must, so don’t forget to lather up with a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. I personally love Neutrogena’s ultra-sheer sunscreen, which won’t irritate your skin.

Beach Chair in Red

Merona Floppy Hat

Merona Rubberized Sunglasses in Tortoise

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock

Pack a good novel or a fun magazine, and you’re all set for a day at the beach. And if you’re on vacation, you might as well add a cold drink. (I recommend a piña colada, but really any icy beverage will do!)

It’s time for springtime – how are you getting ready for spring and summer?

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Target via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Target.

Thank goodness spring break is around the corner. My family is going to take a few days to explore the mountains of North Carolina. We’ll be stopping in Asheville for one night, then spending a few days in the mountain town of Highlands, where waterfalls are as abundant as the curvy roads. In addition to my children’s luvies, snacks, and spring coats for that cool mountain air, I’ll be taking our new Intel tablet on this trip. We didn’t have a tablet before owning the Lenovo ThinkPad 2, and after taking some time to get used to the new Windows 8 operating system, I cannot imagine not taking it on our spring break excursion.

7 Reasons Why I’m Traveling with My Intel Tablet

1. Travel Planning

I’ve done a lot of trip planning while watching TV on my tablet. I’ve mapped out the best routes. I’ve bookmarked things to see on my travels, too. I want to continue my research while on location. The tablet makes it easy for me to do so. I love my smartphone, but the larger size of the tablet makes it a lot easier to reserach destinations on the go or in the comfort of the couch.

2. Entertaining the Kids in our Room

My kids have basically taken the tablet away from me. They love it. With the built-in inking feature, the kids have so much fun drawing with the tablet. They write notes. They draw glasses on their dad. It’s provided hours of entertainment. We love the app Skitch. My daughter has also found some great preschool games, too. I firmly believe in seeing things when traveling, and I don’t allow electronics during our dinners, but the tablet will be great for some downtime in the hotel room.

3. Watching Movies or TV Programs

The picture on the Intel tablet is crisp. It’s been great for watching TV and Netflix. With free Wi-Fi, I don’t have to be limited to what is on cable while in a hotel room or rental house. My son has earphones, so if he doesn’t want to watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse then he can watch something else while we get ready for our day’s adventure.

4. Easy Access to Email and Social Media

With the tablet, and the touch of the Windows email app, I have all my accounts right there at the touch of the screen. It truly makes it easier to stay in touch and on top of my email when traveling. My mobile phone is just too small for me to type well. Under the People app, I can view my social media updates and notifications. I can take a photo of us in our room at Old Edwards Inn and Spa with the tablet and share it with my friends immediately.

5. Easy Access to Restaurant Reviews while On-Location

The one thing that the Intel tablet truly masters is speed and easy transition from one thing to another. It’s so easy to go from one app to another, watch a movie, or surf the net. It’s going to be great to have while traveling to seek out restaurant reviews, search for things to do in a new area, or even to see what’s playing at the movies while I’m in town. If I feel like having a burger for dinner, I can find the best burger in town within seconds.

6. Recording Special Travel Moments

I truly need to do a better job of catching special moments on our travels. The built-in camera allows you to transition from video photography to still photography with ease. The camera quality is good. The dual-camera feature enables you to get the videographer in the shoot, too.

7. Catching Up with my Favorite Reads

The tablet is great for reading. I’ve not downloaded a book yet, but I love reading my favorite blogs on it. I despise reading blogs on my phone. In fact, I don’t do it. Now when I travel, I can keep up with what Katja is posting on Skimbaco while I’m away.

I’m looking forward to taking the Intel tablet on this trip. I’m sure I’ll discover even more great uses while on the go.

Be sure to follow @SkimbacoTravel, @SkimbacoFood, and @Hinessightblog on Instagram so that you can keep up with me on my travels. I will be staying at the beautiful Old Edwards Inn and Spa while in Highlands. This European boutique property recently received the honor of being one of TripAdvisor’s Top 25 hotels in the U.S.

Disclosure: We don’t do product reviews on Skimbaco, but I was given an Intel tablet to use on my travels. Opinions about the tablet are my own.

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Must have travel products for men

Packing for a trip, whether across town or across seas, can always be stressful. I tend to be a last minute packer, which may not always be good, but I have gotten good at knowing what I need to grab. Having go-to travel items makes the packing process a lot easier. I am packing for an upcoming trip to Europe, and find myself reaching for those certain items I can never travel without. Here are some of my must have travel products.

1. Ollo Clip iPhone Lens
My iPhone has become my main camera. I rarely find myself using a point-and-shoot model, and only lug my D-SLR on big trips. The Ollo Clip is the perfect travel accessory for your iPhone and its camera. This product is a 3-in-1 lens featuring a macro, wide angle, and fisheye lens to enhance your pictures. Available from Ollo. $69.99

2. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones
These are a must have for any trip- car, plane, and train. These headphones offer great sound quality while reducing noise so you can relax more easily on a long flight or car ride. Available from Bose. $299.95

3. Hanz de Fuko Quicksand
Long travels can lead to long days. This hair product is perfect for adding style and a fresh look to your hair after hopping off a long train ride and heading to dinner. Quicksand is Hanz de Fuko’s most revolutionary product. It acts as a style agent and also has qualities of a dry shampoo. It can add volume and texture while minimizing oils. I have personally used the product and love it. Available from Hanz de Fuko. $17.50

4. Moleskine Journal
I may be considered old fashioned, but I still love to have a journal to write down places I come across, to remember things I want to do, and to note contact information for anyone I come across. Moleskine products have always been my go to product for journals and agendas. They a very durable making them perfect for traveling. Available from Moleskine. Set of 3 $18.95

5. Smith’s Rosebud Salve                                                                                        
One of the most popular products from Smith’s, this salve soothes dry skin and even relives the sting from minor burns. I always throw some in my bag when traveling because being in plane always causes dry skin. Available from Sephora. $6

6. iGo Charge Anywhere
Even when traveling, being connected is almost a must these days. The iGo charger acts as a wall charger, but can be thrown into a bag during the day and act as a battery for charging devices on the go. Available from iGo. $39.99

 

7. Travel Sized Cologne- Bleu de Chanel refillable $59.99
I love to bring a personal touch whenever I am traveling. Cologne is a great choice, with many fragrances available in travel sizes. One of my favorite scents is Bleu de Chanel. Available from Chanel. $59.99

Note: All opinions are my own. Photos taken from manufacturer’s website. The bike photo by Katja Presnal.

Luxury gifts for women under $200

Oh, yes! It’s true. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. And a signature blue box under the tree is sure to get a squeal of delight from any luxury-loving wife, as would a fabulous designer handbag. Oh, Louis! How I love thee! I really envy those women whose husbands take them outside with their eyes covered only to reveal a new Lexus or Mercedes wrapped in a huge red bow. How do they find a bow so big?

Not all luxury items have huge price tags. Here are some great ideas for under $200 that would make anyone squeal with delight, and you don’t even need a big bow.

1. Waffle-Weave Monogrammed Resort Robe  ($100)
Spa robes are the perfect weight. Every time I’m at a spa, I always wish I had the same comfy robe at home. This robe from Pottery Barn is ideal for year-round wear and great to slip on in the afternoon as you’re getting ready for a dinner date. Having it monogrammed takes it up a notch as an ideal, personalized lux gift just for her.

2. UGG Ansley Shearling Moccasins ($100)
You can’t go wrong with UGGs when it comes to luxury and comfort. Truthfully, it’s one of the best gifts I’ve ever received. These Ansley Shearling Moccasins in eggplant are sure to please that special someone on your list. The indoor/outdoor soles are great for that run to the mailbox, too. Just don’t forget to take them off. Shhh!! I’ve been known to wear my slippers to pick up my son from school. They are that comfortable! Available at Garnet Hill.

3. Cuccio Spa to Go: Milk and Honey ($38)
A Raleigh spa recommended the Cuccio Milk and Honey blend for my dry hands, skin, and feet several years ago. It’s a true gem and smells delightful. This “Spa to Go” kit is the perfect take-home spa treatment for any lucky lady in your life. Available at BeBeautiful.com.

4. The Tory Burch Sintra Scarf ($155)
This lux scarf would be great for adding a little layer of warmth when traveling on planes, trains, or in the car. Besides, any woman would feel ultra-stylish with a Tory Burch scarf around her neck. When in doubt, buy Tory! Available at Tory Burch.

5. Lilly Pulitzer Resort Travel Bag ($148)
The Lilly Pulitzer Resort Travel Bag. Need I say more? This brightly colored print will be a sunny accent for the next holiday getaway in style. Whether it is a long plane ride or a quick getaway in the car, this resort tote is sure to please the luxury traveler. Available at Lilly Pulitzer.

6. Kate Spade Seaport Watch ($195)
Kate Spade has an assortment of luxury watches that won’t break the piggy bank this holiday. This is especially good for women who like to change watches as quickly as the time passes. I tend to wear the same watch over and over. As a result, I’m drawn to the Kate Spade Seaport watch for its timeless, classic style, but if your lux lover likes to wear a watch as a fashion accessory, then Kate’s watches are a good bet, and all are priced under $300.

7. Luxury Hotel Gift Cards (Any value)
A luxury lover loves a five-star hotel. What’s not to love? There’s the spa, gorgeous décor, and delicious cuisine. Hello. When can I leave? Most every luxury hotel chain offers gift cards these days. Be a good Santa, and surprise your special someone with a gift card. Ritz-Carlton accepts gift card amounts from $25 to $2,000.

Psst! I have an idea. Buy the Lilly Pulitzer resort bag, and put the gift card in it. Now, she’ll have somewhere to take her bag. I sure do wish I had the bag for my Ritz-Carlton Charlotte visit in December. Or better yet, the Kate Spade watch, then I would definitely be on time for my afternoon tea reservation.

Have fun shopping!

Get more gift ideas from the Skimbaco team in the following days and weeks leading up to Christmas.

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Holiday Gifts for Travelers

With the holiday season upon us, I’m making my holiday wish list and and a list for the fellow travel lovers in my life. Here are my top seven favorite travel gifts. Some of which I already own, and some that are on my wish list this season. If travel is your passion or a loved one’s, choosing any of these gifts to give or receive will make holiday gift giving a success this season. Many of these travel gifts are great for both men and women.

1. Longchamp Le Pilage bag ($145)
One of my smartest travel accessory purchases is a Longchamp Le Pilage in size ‘large’. Classic, timeless, and very practical. Le Pilage holds everything I need for a day of sightseeing. I can easily fit my pashmina, phone, makeup bag, gloves, sunglasses, tour book, wallet and compact umbrella in this tote and still have room leftover for souvenirs. Le Pilage folds up to be small and packable. I pack it inside my suitcase on the way to my destination, then use it as a carry-on for the things I bought while traveling. It’s also easy to carry with its long, comfortable shoulder straps.

2. Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling headphones ($299.95)
Last holiday season, I bought my husband Bose earbuds for his iPhone. The quality of the earbuds is superb, but when it comes to wearing them on the plane as he often does, they don’t cut out the loud rumblings of the jet’s engines. That’s why these Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling headphones, named Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice for 2012, would make an ideal gift for him or for any traveler who enjoys listening to movies, music or books while traveling.

3. Lowe Pro Fastpack 250 ($144.99)
The Lowe Pro Fastpack 250 is the ideal way for travelers to carry all of the photo equipment and more. Durable and comfortable to wear with its front securing straps, this backpack  features a number of compartments to store everything you need to take travel photos. We always bring along our SLR camera, lenses and cords and our laptop when we travel, and we can fit all that, and we have even managed to fit a bottle of wine, two stemless wine glasses, a wedge of brie and a baguette in our Lowe Pro pack.

4. Black Pashmina ($59.99)
There is one item I haven’t traveled without in over twenty years: a simple black pashmina. It keeps you warm on the plane or makes a great back or neck pillow. Pashmina is a perfect gift for any traveler. It is a scarf when I am sightseeing on vacation and I have even used it as a small picnic blanket. Whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a three-week trip to Europe, my pashmina always comes along for the adventure.

5. TUMI Medium Trip Packing Case ($595.00)
TUMI Medium Trip Packing Case from their Vapor collection is high-quality, lightweight, durable, modern and stylish. TUMI’s Vapor collection is a Travel + Leisure 2011 Design Award Winner for Best Luggage, and it is on my wish list for the Holidays and would make a perfect gift for any traveler.. like me.

6. International outlet adapter/converter ($59.85)
Your camera, cellphone and laptop aren’t very useful without a charged battery or access to a workable electrical outlet. Give your travel lover an international outlet adapter/converter so she can keep all her/his electronics charged. This particular model also features a USB charging port. Small and portable, this makes a great gift for any world traveler and fits nicely in a stocking.

7. DreamTime sleeping mask ($19.00)
Most of us like to sleep on long-haul flights, and DreamTime sleeping mask is perfect to block out light from windows, movies, and other passengers’ reading lights. It’s soft and comfortable and it’s filled with lavender flowers that help lull you off to sleep with their calming scent. This makes a great stocking stuffer gift.

Get more gift ideas from the Skimbaco team the upcoming weeks leading to Christmas, next week I’ll share my top seven holiday gifts for her under $100.00.

I admit, most of the time I use the shampoo and the conditioner in the hotel, and in most cases they have good quality haircare products. In fact, some of the beauty products I have found at hotels are now my favorites. However, I do budget travel as well, and the quality of the hotel reflects directly on the quality of the haircare products in the room, and I usually take my own with me, just in case. Also, if you travel (and especially fly) all the time, your skin and hair will need extra care.

I seem to have hard time sometimes finding products in the travel size, but scored big at T.J. Maxx a while ago, and found the Giovanni Cosmetics FLIGHT ATTENDANT First Class Hair and Body Kit, with Tea Tree Triple Treat shampoo and conditioner and cucumber body wash and lotion. The set is $7.99 and comes in a clear ziplog bag, ready for your flight.

And of course, you can always just fill in the small bottles you get from hotels again and again to avoid buying travel sized products. Also, Pitotubes sells fancy travel sized bottles in clear plastic bags for carry on flights. I find the price a bit too much, $42 for the set of 6 bottles in a bag, but they also sell the bottles individually.

I have a pair of foldable flats that I can easily take with me in a purse for the night out, and I especially take them with me when traveling. The foldable shoes have a funny name, Footzyrolls.

Footzyroll’s mission is to rescue women from the pain of sky-high heels. Their shoes are available in a large vriety of styles and colors. The heel is also reinforced with extra padding for additional support and comfort, but they are not really shoes that you’d like to walk all day. But they make great shoes for flights, and for evenings to be carried in your purse and then used when your high heels are just too much to take. Each pair comes with a shoe bag to hold your high heels, as well as a tiny drawstring pouch for the flats.

Several celebs like the Kardashian sisters, Bethenny Frankel, Blake Lively, and Cynthia Nixon to name a few also have been spotted wearing Footzyrolls. These flat shoes cost $20-$35 and are worth every penny on your next trip when your feet are tired of walking and you just want some easy flats or flip flops that don’t take extra space in your luggage.

For people who live life to the fullest in style Lanvin introduces this beautiful travel kit with eye mask and slippers. If you are like me and like to take cross country or overseas flights during night you know you will have to stay comfy and try to get some sleep on those flights. I love the slippers but wonder if they could also work outdoors as something to slip on after a long night of dancing in the clubs when you know your feet are killing you in those Louboutins. Ok, fine, in my Coach or Kors heels, but in my dream world I dance in Louboutins and travel with Lanvin.

Here are some of the top travel products we have tested and tried over the years, and like. The great carry-on, on-flight wrap-around cardigan, the techy and the style and beauty products.. what’s your favorite?

1. Mulberry Simple Clipper

Nothing takes traveling better than classic Scotchgrain luggage from Louis Vuitton or Mulberry. Mulberry is less expensive and also less copied. Mulberry is one of my favorite English brands, and the quality is superb. I used to work in a Mulberry Shop in Europe, and I would again and again see lifelong Mulberry fans showing bags they had owned for century or two and still used them every day. This Mulberry Simple Clipper bag is $550.

2. Diane von Furstenberg Betty Collection Wheeled Duffel

If you are looking for a bag with wheels instead – and a good deal, check out this Diane von Furstenberg’s Betty Collection Wheeled Duffel, it is a perfect size for overnight trips and as a carry on, it’s easy to wheel and I like how low you can zip it open, making it easy to pack and unpack.

3. Robert Rodriguez Oversized Sweater

I love long cardigans and scarves for traveling, they are great to wrap around and take a nap or stay warm on your flight (same goes on road trips). This Robert Rodriguez Oversized Sweater ($396) is great; even if you take a cross-country or Atlantic flight and want to stay comfortable its duration but look great when you arrive, this fits the bill. Wool-cashmere blend, so soft and cozy, yet luxurious.

4. prAna Willow Duster Sweater

Another great travel sweater is the Willow Duster Sweater from prAna ($90). It’s soft, it’s stretchy and it’s a little less posh than the Rodriguez sweater, making it a perfect companion for jeans, or leggings. It’s easy to dress up or down, and I bet it is going to be one of your favorites.

5. iPad

Yeah, really, and yes, might be self-evident to some.. but I have to mention it. Apple’s iPad eliminates having to take your heavy laptop, and allows you to save the battery of your iPhone during your flight. No Kindle or Nook or any other electronic reader needed, iPad brings you books, movies, magazines, games and yes, work too. Starting at $499.

6. Annemarie Borlind Orange Blossom Energizer

I used to buy this Lumene cooling stick under my eyes to refresh my eyes while traveling, but they stopped making it. My new product love is Annemarie Borlind’s Orange Blossom Energizer ($35.99), and while it doesn’t give you that instant cooling feeling, it gives your face a moisture boost while revitalizing and strengthening skin. I forgot my skin care products home last time I travelled overseas and was reminded in a very rough way how important it is to take your best skin care products with you when traveling, and that extra moisture is needed especially after those long flights. Oh, added bonus: the Orange Blossom Energizer doesn’t just revitalize, it also decreases the lines in your face!

7. iGo Anywhere Charger

iGo Anywhere Charger ($47.98) charges your phone on the go. It’s lightweight, easy to use and gives your phone juice when it’s all out. Note: you will need a special power tip depending your phone.

8. BottleWise Wine Tote

If you like buying wine as a souvenir from small local wineries, the BottleWise Wine Tote ($29.95) is a great travel companion keeping your wine and everything else in your luggage safe. Great also for olive oil, any other liquids, or culinary souvenirs.

9. Philosophy The Travel Agent

Philosophy’s The Travel Agent set includes all of their favorite products in travel size and in a clear travel-ready bag. Cleanser, moisturizer, shampoo, conditioner, bath & shower gel and firming body emulsion ready for take off, from Sephora for $35.

10. Rest Easy Bed Bug Spray

And last but not least… well, this might be the least stylish must have product to travel with, but you will not be sorry you did. Thanks for a tip from Aly Walansky, we will never ever get bitten by bed bugs again, when we pack the Rest Easy Bed Bug Spray ($17.42 for 6 small bottles).

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Full disclosure: I have received some of the products to review, but it does not affect my opinion in any way.