Cosmetics

Laura Steen claims this Mineral Veil finishing powder by Bare Escentuals is "the best". When we were together last, we made a special stop into the Ulta Cosmetic store for a free sample and I agree.

What it is: A luminous 100% pure bareMinerals finishing powder for the face.

What it is formulated to do: For the ultimate, translucent "finishing touch" to your makeup, Mineral Veil melts into your skin, infusing it with softness and light, giving the look you see with a soft focus camera lens. Buff on Mineral Veil over bareMinerals Foundation to lend extra staying power.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:- Parabens- Sulfates- Synthetic Fragrances- Synthetic Dyes- Petro-Chemicals- Phthalates

What else you need to know: Completely sheer and ideal for all skin tones, Mineral Veil gently absorbs oil and minimizes the appearance of lines and pores without the buildup of pressed or loose powders that contain parabens, waxes, dyes and binders.

Where to get: www.sephora.com or www.ulta.com

Luggage

I am a huge fan of rolling duffel bags. I have a simple black cylinder shaped Pullman rolling duffel that has been all over the world (similar to the one seen here). It just has one long single zipper outside and a zippered pocket inside. I prefer the simple, single zippered bag. For me, all the extra pockets don't necessarily make for more storage, they only produce a more rigid, zipper strewn bag.
You want as much space as possible and all those various little pockets take up space and only create more places in which to lose things. Theft can be a real issue in some international airports and having one zipper makes locking up your bag much simpler. Also, other belts, clips and ties on the bag can cause problems on the baggage conveyor belts and can cost you extra time and money at the airport, having the bag wrapped in cellophane. I recommend sticking with the most simple, basic rolling duffel you can find. I have a similar duffel without wheels, but once full, it kills my shoulder and thus has rarely left the attic. They come in various lengths. I can, when in the fetal position, almost crawl inside mine and zip myself up. Not that I have tried it...
To find a bag, I recommend searching http://www.pricegrabber.com/ for rolling duffel bags. I have also seen basic ones in the luggage section of T.J. Maxx for $39.99. Mom and Dad got my Pullman, in perfect condition for $10 at a yardsale while in an upscale neighborhood in Whistler, B.C. The cost savings was well worth whatever Canadian germs I may have picked up, and I assume they all fell off somewhere underneath the pile of the other 300 bags on top of it somewhere over the Atlantic. It's not Louis Vuitton, but it really is the best way to go.

If compartmentalizing is an issue, try packing cubes or even Ziplock bags. I have a trio of these cubes made by Eagle Creek and they are very functional. I use them to separate undergarments and bathing suits while on my trip and for storing dirty laundry on the way back.

Also, every boring gently used black bag needs a fun and easily identifiable luggage tag. If you have ever had luggage lost you won't forget to mark legibly with your visiting address. I have these in pink.

Fragrance

I like this fragrance. Everything, everything makes me sneeze. But this doesn't. It is "tropical, light and breezy". And cheap. It comes in this glass bottle body mist, body lotion, hand lotion and shower gel. You can even find it at most Gap Outlets for 30-50% off.

Pic-a-nic Baskets

Our hot-as-blue-blazes Georgia weather can limit our days for a picnic, but these are worth the investment and make you want to go on a picnic! I guarantee that if you buy one, you will be looking for soft grass and a shade tree to dine under. Sure, paper products and Dixie cups make clean up so much easier, but adding this to your picnic or concert at Chastain Park, makes it so much more charming and fun! And to me, makes the food more enjoyable. I am always looking for an excuse to take mine wherever I go. You can find them most anywhere and can spend as little or as much as you want to invest. Most of these charming wicker baskets contain wine glasses, a bottle opener, plates, cloth napkins, a table cloth and utensil service for four. Also, you will want to remember to pack wet wipes for temporary dishwashing until you get home. I just can taste the Stilton, Brie, and Pinot now...

Carla's Book List

My sister is the most prolific reader I know. I asked her for a summer book list and this is what she gave me. Some of them are historical fiction and they can all be found in the Young Adult section. I am on my way to the library now.

Travel Press

You will never go back to your mediocre drip coffee maker after having a cup of coffee from a French press. By not using a paper filter you get all the good quality oils that are otherwise absorbed. The press also requires coarse grounds which give you better aroma and flavor. I love this travel size press. It is double walled and keeps coffee hot. Also, by using hot water from a kettle, your coffee is automatically much hotter than from your ordinary coffee maker. The virtually unbreakable 14 oz carafe travels well and fits in your cupholder. Mine goes wherever I go. This is a cheap model and I am sure there are better ones out there. But for good coffee in the middle of nowhere (or where electricity is scarce) you don't want to leave home without it.

Retail: $9.99

Dishwasher safe

Cotton Tees

I stumbled upon these Brooks Brothers Cotton Tees and have found them to be wonderful. They come in packs of three and come in this v-neck that I like a whole lot. They are made of thick combed Pima cotton, and wash well. I buy them in a Boys Size and they come in a Pack of 3 for $24.95. The sleeves are slightly capped making them much more flattering than most tees. Whether around the house, paired with your favorite jeans or under your choice cashmere, you will love these cotton tees.