We recently took an epic Desert Vacation to the Grand Canyon, Joshua Tree, Palm Springs and DisneyLand. I’m not a carry on girl at all, I like to be prepared and have options! The unexpected things I always travel with…
Headlamp: I tend to be a night owl and stay up way past my husband and kids. The red light feature on this headlamp lets me read hands free and not disturb them while they sleep!
Hair towel: My thick hair takes forever to dry. I always travel with this amazing quick drying hair towel that reduces frizz too!
Curling Iron (works in Europe too): I always travel with my curling iron. My hair does not dry well naturally. I always like to rough dry it with a blowdryer and then run my curling iron through it very quickly to make smooth waves. My curling iron ensures that even if the hotel or airbnb has a sub par hair dryer I can always feel good about my hair. This curling iron can be used internationally as long as you have an adapter!
Large Toiletry Bag: I am not a carry on girl. I am much happier having all of my own toiletries with me in sizes that will last my whole trip. This large toiletry bag fits my full size shampoo, conditioner and body wash ( all of which I need in full size for a long trip) as well as all of my skincare. The best part? If we are in a destination for only one night and all sharing one bathroom I can simply open and hang this bag up instead of unpacking it and taking up tons of shared counter space!
Conrad compression socks: I discovered the hard way while pregnant that I am a person who swells a lot when flying. Now, whenever I fly I put these compression socks on. They keep my feet and legs comfortable and not swollen, and ensure my shoes fit when we arrive!
111 Skin De Puffing Masks: These masks are amazing at waking up and depuffing skin after a long flight. I always pack a few and do one as soon as possible once we land. My skin feels so refreshed after!
Psst… this complimentary issue of On Another Note is jam packed! You’ll want to click on it to read in the Substack app on on the web.
There is something about the ritual around perfume that makes me feel sexy and special. I’m not a person who restricts myself to just one signature scent. It’s totally normal for me to research a hard to find scent only to secure it on a far away vacation. I’ve even been known to find 800-year-old perfumeries.
I recently got completely obsessed with the idea of all things Orange Blossom! Here’s a round-up of the ones I’m currently trying and sharing with my friends.
A classic orange blossom perfume that Kate Middleton supposedly loves!
I have had this special perfume for years. It has hints of orange blossom and also some other florals and is so unique and complex.
A floraly orange option from a favorite clean brand. I also love their Queens and Monsters and Windows Down.
A special take on orange blossom from a legendary Italian fragrance house.
I have this one on my wish list for the next time I visit Paris.
Everything you want a summer day to be. It even has notes of cotton candy amongst the orange blossom. Trust me it works!
A highly loved, super special orange blossom perfume that took years to perfect.
Your Fragrance Add-On’s
You’ll want this orange and neroli refillable deodorant that actually works! Don't forget the case for your deodorant too.
You might remember this (new-to-me) French clean beauty line I ordered right before Spring Break. I love the orange blossom hydrolate! I like to use it to refresh my face in between cleansing and all my other products.
The dry body oil that will make your skin feel and smell divine!
The Mules // these will go with every dress and skirt all summer. Also a Barbie pink pair.
The Signature Home Scent // this is the signature white Gardenia scent pumped throughout The Plaza in New York City. After Portia’s birthday bash, I had to have a difusser for our home.
The Slip Dress // a feminine ‘30s-style silhoutte from Doen in a Liberty Rose Romance print with hand-painted roses.
The Leather Blazer // I love the idea of this semi tough blazer over a slip dress.
The Special Occasion Dress // give me anything with a fitted waist and a bow detail in crepe back satin for a special occasion.
The V-Neck Summer Dress // in a sweet and easy polka dot mini.
The Crochet Coverup // on my wish list for this summer.
The Body Wash // this really is the absolute perfect daily oil-in-gel. I’ll be trying the new Bergamot fragrance.
I’ve been seeing jelly flats around and they make me nostaligic. These little slippers would be perfect for a rainy spring day but also a cute Summer shoe.
This vanity case for Portia to corral all of the hair accessories on her dresser. And the cross-body in pink from the Stoney Clover Ballet Core collection for Hermione’s birthday. I personalized it by having her name embroidered on it.
Last but certainly not least… I LOVE these Swiftie note cards! I’ll be getting these for Portia for Thank You notes.
Around here lately in On Another Note … I’ve curated where to eat, stay, what to do and wear, all here in a desert guide and here in a disneyland guide. If you’re in NYC or plan on visiting soon, it’s the absolute prime weather season for easy long walks around the city. Here’s what I’d do on an afternoon in the West Village. Plus all the performances I’m catching (or highly recommend to get tickets for) can be found here.