The Laundress Wash & Stain Bar

The Laundress is introducing a Wash & Stain Bar.

The Laundress developed the Wash & Stain Bars as an alternative for removing tough stains on sweaters, delicates and everything else clothing. This product can handle both stains and general washing.

The solid formula also makes this a must-have travel product. You won't have to worry about losing space in your TSA approved one-quart zip top bag for the best laundry care. You can also pop the unused wrapped bars in your drawers or closets to keep your clothes smelling laundry fresh.

The Laundress Wash & Stain Bar is $14.oo for a set of four 2oz. bars. The sets are available in the different Laundress scents; classic, lady, delicate and baby. (please note: each set contains four bars of the same scent) This product will be available in May. If you want to make sure you don't miss out on this sure to be best-seller, pre-order now at thelaundress.com.

warm weather preparation

I have the good fortune of going on a warm weather vacation this weekend. Since I live in Southern Maine (that is not a complaint) and we have been experiencing an unusually chilly and snowy April (that is), I am really looking forward to my Carribean getaway.

I did experience a bit of a panic a few weeks ago because I realized I had a lot to do if I wanted to step right into my weekend of sunshine. While I'm bundling up in turtlenecks and sweaters I'll have to pack summer clothes and shoes and not look like I'm from the Great White North. Talk about having to flip a switch.

I tackled the clothes first. I started a list of the items I wanted to bring. Then in typical girl-fashion I changed it once I started getting into my summer "wardrobe". I'll spare you the list of everything I tried on. The items that did make the cut were a khaki short, charcoal bermudas, nice white capris, three dressy tank tops, four basic tank tops, two short sleeve shirts that can be casual or dressy, one knit dress, one beach coverup and three swimsuits.

The shoe selection was relatively easy. A nice summer heel for dinners, my flat patent white K. Jacques thong sandal that is super comfortable and goes with everything and a Reef flip flop for the pool. I just had to make sure my feet were sandal ready.

I paint my toenails year-round so my feet usually look nice. They just needed a little TLC. A few sessions with a pumice stone removed the tough skin, and using the cuticle clippers and a nail file brought my feet to sunshine worthy status.

Once my clothing and shoe wardrobes were established I faced another issue. Capri's, bathing suits and sandals mean you have to expose your legs. I'm olive tone, but fair, therefore risk blinding people with my pasty winter legs.

My rescue came in a tube of Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer. It's a daily body moisturizer that delivers small doses of self tanner. The maximum depth and intensity of color is reached after about one week of daily use. It's better than a regular self tanner; no uneven application mistakes and no heavy scent.

My warm weather vacation preparation in a nutshell: figure out your wardrobe a few days before you depart, make sure your feet look nice and use some self tanner. Trust me, it only sounds that simple. At least for this diva.

Okay, gotta run and get some beauty sleep.

More Travel Talk

I was reading my Packing for Travel post from last week and thought of a few other pieces of information that are worth mentioning.

Staying with family or friends? Pack less and do laundry. Instead of packing four black t-shirts, pack two then wash them when they're dirty. You can also hand wash easy stuff before going to sleep (workout gear, tank tops, socks, etc.) and let air dry overnight.

Try on the out of season clothing you want to pack. If you live in Chicago and are going to the Caribbean in February, don't just throw your bathing suit in your luggage. Try it on to make sure it still fits properly and it isn't showing signs of too much wear.

If you must check a bag, pack a change of clothes, including underwear and socks, in your carry-on bag. Don't check items you'll need in the next 24 hours (medication and makeup come to mind).

Okay, now that you have some (more) diva tips for packing, go plan that trip.

Packing for Travel

Thirteen years ago I swore I would never pack more than I could carry. Ever.

Back then carry-on guidelines allowed two pieces of carry-on luggage and one personal item. I went on a trip with a girlfriend and brought a garment bag and a duffle bag. It first occured to me that I had too much stuff when I was hustling in O'Hare to make a connection between the B and C gates. The further I went, the heavier that luggage got. The gate closed two minutes before I got there, and I know I could have made it if I hadn't been weighed down by my bags.

On the way home from that trip I thought I had my solution by checking one of my bags. When that was lost for two days I decided I would never struggle with luggage again.

I have only checked a bag once in the past thirteen years (I realize that there are exceptions to every rule and mine was made on the way back from Paris). Here are the guidelines I follow to make sure I've got what I need all in one piece of carry-on luggage.

Two simple words are my guide when packing for a trip: BE PREPARED. This "rule" applies to every tip listed below.

Check the weather forecast for your final destination. You don't want to arrive in Chicago with your favorite cashmere sweaters only to find it's going to be 60 degrees the weekend you're there.

Have a printed itinerary that includes your contacts and any confirmation numbers regarding reservations you've arranged (hotels, airlines, etc.). By having the names of people you spoke with or printed confirmation numbers, you'll be able to resolve any miscommunication.

Make a checklist of essential items. Then use that as your packing guide for every trip. If you travel at least once a month, I suggest a list for cold and warm climates.

Avoid over packing by planning your outfits. It's important here to be honest about what you'll be doing on your trip. If it's a business trip, you won't need three pairs of jeans. Will you really be able to fit a workout in?

No more than three pairs of shoes (total). Wear the heaviest pair, pack the other two. I love shoes, some would say more than most other women. I still stick to this rule (on warm weather vacations I allow a flip flop for a fourth shoe). Again, be honest. Planning on walking a lot? Leave the high heels at home.

Keep a toiletry kit packed and ready to go. When I unpack from a trip, I replenish what I've used so I'm ready for the next trip. Next time you stock up on your skincare, ask for a sample size of the products you're purchasing. Keep up to date with liquid restrictions for carry-on bags by visiting tsa.gov (currently you're allowed up to three ounces of liquids that fit in a quart size Ziploc bag).

diva tip: Invest in a bag that allows you to compress the volume of your clothes. Eagle Creek makes Pack-It Compressor Bags. Zip it up and take out the volume, up to 60%. Your clothes can get wrinkled, so I suggest using it as a laundry bag.

Flight 001 has a great line called Spacepak. There are six different bags: Suitor, Lingerie, Clothes, Underwear, Toiletry and Shoe. All except the Suitor Bag are double sided and labeled clean and dirty on the inside. There are four small vents that allow you to compress and release any air. They also have a suggested system of how to pack the different bags in your suitcase to optimize space. Spacepak is more expensive than some compressor bags but worth it since you won't suffer wrinkly consequences and can pack clean clothes in it.

Eagle Creek is available online at Rei.com and EMS.com. Flight 001 has seven stores and is available online at flight001.com.

Hope you can use some of that information next time you pack for a trip.

Happy Travelling!!