I think we’re due for a #TacoTuesday, don’t you agree? Let’s get after it with these flank steak barbacoa tacos.

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Something a little different today.

I’ve shared in the past my favorite travel items, particularly in the realm of carry-on necessities, but…it’s been a while, and I’ve upgraded some items and reshuffled around some more and I feel like I’ve been telling all my friends about them – so now it’s time to tell you! And since July 4th sales/upcoming Prime Day are  popping up this week/soon, I figured now is the time!

I try pretty hard to fight the lifestyle inflation that may come with a higher income than my OG 24-year-old traveling self but I’ve come to find that it really is worth the higher price tag in some things. Some of the items I’ve linked below I’ve had for 12+ years!  You get what you pay for, as the saying goes.

These are not affiliate links- just my faves!

Let’s start with travel day:

Carry-on/personal item bag:  I spent quite a long time researching “the perfect carry-on” recently. The one I had previously used, I realised was very heavy and didn’t lend itself to easy transport in the same way a backpack did. Now, I was pretty anti-backpack but bit the bullet and I’m so happy with my choice!  

• Nordace Sienna Pro 15
• Honorable mention (it really came down to aesthetics between these two):  Samsonite Elevation Plus
• Honorable mention, II: I bought this as a work-travel tote years ago and absolutely love it, too.

Travel pillow:  I usually only bring this on long-haul flights because it does take up some room in the aforementioned backpack, but it truly does make a huge difference in getting some sleep on the plane. I like this one because it comes with a little cover case thing that you can easily attach to the outside of your bag. It keeps it from getting germy around the airport, etc.

• Memory foam travel pillow with eyemask

Travel blanket:  Flights, long or short, can be cold. I never chance it and always have a scarf/blanket.

• Target cashmere scarf

Travel outfit:  As a kid, flying was a big deal and we always had to dress up in Sunday clothes when we flew. I’m not that strict about it today, but I do still believe I need to do my best to not look like a complete slob. The goal is to be somewhat fashionable, comfortable, warm or cool – layers are important.  I also keep the same outfit coming and going, so whatever I’m wearing on the way to a place, it’s the same thing I’m wearing on the way home.

• Vuori performance jogger: I really sat on these for a while because I couldn’t swallow the price. However, after a try-on at REI and rave reviews from my friend V, I bit the bullet. Loved them so much after Spain, I bought another pair! Size note- I’m 5’8, so the last size before I need to buy long anything, but I did opt for long with these to give a little more coverage on chillier flights. (All the Hacks has a 20% off coupon code if you want to try!)
• Hoodie: my favourite hoodie is nothing special, an off-brand one that I found and fell in love with. It’s not bulky or overly sloppy looking, and it’s perfect for layering over everything else the rest of the trip.
• Sockwell firm compression socks: My immediate family has a history of blood clots so I’m slightly paranoid about it.  These are tried and true – I swear by them, and they fit great under the joggers.

Snacks:  The most important item perhaps?  After having found myself stranded more than once on a flight, I always have something to eat just in case. My favourites are:

• Protein Bars: I always make sure to have a handful for any trip since the occasion may arise when you need something more than gelato or a croissant (it does happen eventually!).
  • Zone Perfect Protein Bars: my absolute fave
  • Ready Clean Protein Bars:  a new find that are pretty tasty!
• Water bottle + liquid hydration: NUUN are my favourite, just from a flavour perspective.
• Chocolate, for obvious reasons

The rest are pretty basic:  kindle/book, meds, chargers, headphones, electric converters. Nothing special to share there.

Moving on to the trip itself:

Suitcase and packing: I was overdue for a new carry-on size; Crawley-cat scratched up the hell out of my other one, and I hemmed and hawed the pros and cons of a hard size and…I love it.  I’ll probably get the matching big one when the time comes.

• Samsonite Freeform Hardside.
• Compression packing cubes. If you’re on the fence about packing cubes- get off the fence and get thee some!
• Osprey Talon Backpack (in case hiking is on your to-do list):

Shoes: The all-important travel shoe. Something cute, comfortable and can withstand 20,000+ steps a day. And maybe doesn’t scream “I’m proud to be an American” tourist?

• Pehuea Li lightweight sneakers. I LOVE these. I have them in Tapa and Trench Blue. Survived London, Paris and Madrid on separate occasions. Highly recommend!

Rain gear: Here’s the stuff I’ve had for literally 13 years and I usually pack at least the jacket because I hate carrying an umbrella. These still hold up!

• Marmot Precip: this is just the shell so it’s perfect for layering, and means you can wear it when it’s hot or cold.
• Marmot Precip matching pants

Jean Jacket: always a classic, the perfect staple

• Kut from the Kloth Anne Denim Jacket

Jeans:  I know everyone has their go-to brand of jean but I recently discovered a new brand (other than my tried and trues) that are SO comfortable. Comfortable enough for a long haul flight, dare I say.

• Democracy “Ab Solution”: because I am still a millennial and love my skinnies.

As for my packing strategy, I kind of keep it capsule style at home, it makes it pretty easy to pack in general. I lean towards navy, so everything I bring will mix and match well with navy blue and jeans- even dresses. 

I think that covers all my fave finds of late. I’ll keep updating the list as I find more gems to share.

Until then, happy travels!

Hello, Monday.

We were having technical issues at THB all weekend. Sorry if you were trying to visit- they seem to have been resolved for now!

How are ya’ll doing? We are doing our best here in the upper-middle to survive the scorching heat – hitting the pool or lake and praying that the powers that be can keep up with the increasing needs of the air conditioners. God bless us every one.

Otherwise, I’m feeling good. Happy to be back in a routine, in my kitchen and hanging out with friends (both furry and not).  It really does speak to the constant existential crisis I face- to travel, or not to travel- because I do love both home and away in equal measure. Soaking in all of the aforementioned comforts of home before I pack it up again for #MyDanishEra. 

Until then, here’s what’s keeping me entertained while at home:

Despite any records, Roger Federer will be the GOAT in my eyes. And here are some reasons why. Life lessons learned from his commencement speech.

Why do we live so far from my friends? I agree with the general sentiment of this, but I will say that I feel like now, living in my small town with my small circle of friends, I could more easily call on anyone at a mere moment’s notice than when I lived in a city of 6M people, not further than 3 miles from any one of my friends? Maybe small town life means we find ourselves as perpetually overbooked. But- generally Americans are lonelier than ever. Can we change that?

This is just giving me all the big smile feels. As does this.

Faroe Islands has been on D’s list for ages- and maybe they’re onto something with their voluntourism.  I would totally sign up for this (and so apparently would many others).

Has anyone used rosemary oil for hair growth? Asking for a friend. Let me know!

America the air conditioned? There are a lot of beefs I have with what goes on on this side of the Atlantic, but in this, I will say God Bless the USA.

Related: how to stay hydrated in this godforesakenheat.

RIP, Mr. Mays.

It’s salad season, and here are my chicken faves. Vietnamese, mango and BBQ.