By guest blogger Ashley Breckel of The Style Umbrella

I am a little bit of a makeup junkie, so I’ve got a lot to store and carry with me, as well.  I use the Laura Large Trapezoid to hold all of my makeup at home, and the Mini Pouch to carry around my essentials during the day for touchups.  They’re the perfect size for all my goodies, and are easy to wipe down inside when something leaks or spills.  Here are my absolute MUST-HAVE beauty items that I keep in my SJ (and some fave bags where I stash ‘em!):

1. Stephanie Johnson Laura Large Trapezoid and Mini Pouch – the aforementioned duo is my go-to for toting my makeup must-haves.

2. Anastasia Perfect Brow Pencil – this pencil does double-duty with color and a brow brush to get stray hairs back in line.  It keeps my brows in check and perfectly shaped.

3. Stila Eye Shadow in Kitten – I’ve been a fan of Stila eye shadows for years now; they go on so silky smooth.  Kitten is a great shimmery nude-pink color that works perfectly for an everyday office look.

4. Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat - This. Is. A. Miracle. Worker.  I don’t know what I would do without this product.  It’s the first thing I put on in the morning, and it instantly makes you look awake and radiant when you put it under your eyes.  I can look like I am rested and fresh even when I’ve been out all night.  If I could only have one thing from my makeup bag, I think this might be it!

5. Nars Orgasm Blush - I swear by this blush.  It truly is flattering on everyone.  The golden-pinky-peach is such a gorgeous shade.  It’s pretty much the only blush I will ever wear and I’ve been wearing it for years now.  Trust me, there is a reason that it’s consistently named one of the most popular blush colors in the world!

6. Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado – my mother once told me her secret to looking younger than her age was that she had used eye cream every single day since she turned nineteen.  I took that advice to heart – she looks amazing – and am always moisturizing.  This formula is super rich and hydrating.

7. Bare Minerals High Shine Eye Color - this is a great shadow option for when I am on the go.  Just unscrew the top and swipe it on your lid and you’re done.  So simple and fast – no muss, no fuss!

8. Yves Saint Laurent Faux Cils Mascara – I am addicted to this mascara.  I get it in the blackest black I can, and it creates the most luxurious long lashes.  People will think you are wearing false lashes – trust me.  I get so many compliments on my eyelashes when I wear this.

9. Bare Minerals Foundation - this is one of the most crucial parts to my beauty routine.  I do not have perfect skin, and this lightweight foundation has flawless coverage, but still lets my skin feel like it can breathe.

10. Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Lipstick – I love how light this lipstick is – it just glides right on and is so rich.  There are a dozen colors I love, but one of my favorites is Liberte:  a coral pink-red that feels just right for summer.  Plus, the glossy finish keeps you from looking too made up.

11.) Stephanie Johnson Flat Pouches in Palm Desert White – love this white-hot trio of pouches for storing summer makeup!

There are dozens (upon dozens) more lip glosses, eye shadows, eye liners and lipsticks in my SJ pouches, but I will spare you the details on each and every shade.  These are the ones I can’t live without and I love that I have my pretty little pouches to carry them around in.  I am almost as addicted to them as the makeup inside!

BIO

Ashley Breckel is a style blogger living in Seattle, where she also works as a travel magazine editor.  She is also:  a mom to a snorting, sniffling pug with an attitude, a perpetual dreamer, a magazine junkie, a die-hard romantic, a lip gloss addict, an avid reader, a lover of any and all things Italian, a history nerd, a shopaholic and a travel fanatic.  She tends to let her imagination run away with her, loves to dance, cherishes her friends and family, and is determined to never stop exploring the world around her.

We had a mild winter in New York but no matter, I needed nonstop sunshine and heat on my bones, so a Jet Blue direct flight took me to St. Lucia for a week.  I’m guessing that I have more island adventures in my future now that I’m East Coast centric, and St. Lucia has to be one of the more beautiful in the Caribbean with its lush Pitons and dense palms.

STAY

The island abounds with three wall open air accommodations where you have a private plunge pool overlooking the Pitons.  Jade Mountain is one of the more popular in this category but with a three year old in tow, I figured I’d better stick with four walls and air conditioning so The Jalousie Plantation with its perfect location nestled on a beach between the Pitons was it for us.  And it didn’t disappoint.  Our Sugar Mill room was perfect for us, with a private plunge pool, rooftop deck, and our own garden where hummingbirds made their home.  The room was more like a mini house with white walls, dark wood floors, a huge four poster king bed dressed in white sheets and mosquito netting (my daughter called this our ‘princess’ bed) and a large bathroom (stocked with luxe Lady Primrose products – a personal fave!) with a claw foot tub, and a large dressing area.  The resort also has fantastic villas (request 702 or 704) on the hill with knock out views, but the Sugar Mill rooms’ proximity to the sea, pool and restaurants was perfect for our stay.

Alternatively, if you are not traveling with kids under age 12 and you have an interest in a more active (think hiking, zip line) vacation, then you may like the new Hotel Chocolat, just up the road from Jalousie.  Their resort manager Lorna took me on a tour and showed me both room categories.  The hotel is on a 150 acre working cacao plantation and the accommodations were eco luxury with outdoor showers and a more contemporary rather than plantation feel.  Their website describes dozens of hikes you can take from the property, something I would have enjoyed had I not had a tiny swimming monkey attached to me at all times.

EAT

Jalousie has a meal plan that many visitors choose and it’s not a bad option if you have a family and you don’t feel like the 40 dollar cab ride up a winding road to eat elsewhere.  The Great Room at Jalousie was a splendid surprise.  Fine dining complete with a complimentary glass of champagne and an amuse bouche before the meal.  Gorgeous watermelon gazpacho and salmon sashimi.  Good to note that kids under 5 eat free at Jalousie.

Boucan at Hotel Chocolat was another fantastic choice.  We had lunch there and I wished I’d discovered it a bit earlier in the trip as I would have definitely returned for dinner.  True to its name, most dishes include cacao in one form or another and here I had a tomato gazpacho with finely ground cacao nibs.  Insanely delish.  The micro green salad had a white chocolate dressing that had me licking the plate.  Ridic.

For a sunset dinner we headed to The Mango Tree at the neighboring Stonefield Resort.  The food was more simple and the real treasure here was the setting.  Drinks at a poolside bar with super cool chairs and large hanging paper lanterns, and then onto dinner on a small deck that hangs over the mountain with a striking view of the Pitons and ocean below.

We drove by a roadside restaurant called Martha’s Tables several times, prompting me to ask my driver (Super Dave, one of the nicest folks we met on the island) and he said it was great.  After a Google search and a glowing recommendation from a kind British family staying at the hotel, I was disappointed to have missed what would no doubt have been a real family island experience.  Martha’s Tables is basically an extension of her family kitchen at home where she cooks up local fish and vegetables while your kids run off to play with hers.  Next time.

DO

Take one of the tours at Hotel Chocolat.  We took the bean to tree tour which although fascinating, my three year old may have preferred the tree to bar experience, where you actually make chocolate.  Our guide was passionate and knowledgeable and now we each have a cacao tree growing there that we can visit on future trips to the island.

I loved how green and colorful the island is and a trip to Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens was both informative and beautiful.  I especially loved the Pink Torch Ginger.

Get on a boat.  Or a Hobie Cat, canoe, or sunset cruise.  It’s breathtaking to be in the warm Caribbean water looking at the majestic Pitons.

Needless to say with my very own Petite Piton clinging to my leg, I didn’t make it on the Gros Piton hike which no doubt is an island highlight.  Let me know how it is.

SPA

My daughter and I stumbled upon the spa at Jalousie as we took the ‘rainforest walk’ through the property.  With winding stairs and swinging bridges it was actually one of our favorite outings.  The spa is a tree house consisting of several treatment rooms all connected by wooden platforms through the rainforest.  We tiptoed into their outdoor ‘Quiet Room’ where cold water and tea awaited while a gentle stream ran beneath us and all you heard were the sounds of tree frogs and a small nearby waterfall.  Sublime.

Take a peek below and then be sure to check your inboxes (or our Facebook page) tomorrow, May 3^rd, as we’ll be launching a special promotion to make shopping for Mom even sweeter.

Happy browsing and as always, travel chic!

1.)  Turks & Caicos Jenny Train Case:  O.K., I know I’m not supposed to play favorites, but anyone who knows me knows that I always travel with a Jenny.  It’s just the right size to hold all of my essentials – shampoo and conditioner, moisturizer, a hair brush – and its rectangular shape makes it easy to stow in a suitcase.  The interior elastic allows you to strap product in place, and it comes equipped with a bonus clear zip pouch and a mirror.  And if your Mom isn’t a frequent traveler, who cares?  This bag is just as pretty (and useful!) as an at-home organizer on your bathroom countertop.

2.) Palm Desert Denim Large Flat Pouch and Gold Wristlet:  Our Large Flat Pouches are quickly becoming my new must-have.  Fill it with essentials – everything from band aids to hair ties to makeup to jewelry – to keep in your handbag, or attach our gold wristlet to the zipper pull to easily transform it into a pretty clutch.  I’ve selected the glam Palm Desert Denim print as I think it’s perfect for a night on the town, but we’ve got oodles of prints and colors to choose from!

3.) Palm Desert Orange Erela Jewelry Clutch:  Named after my four year old daughter Erela, this jewelry case has a special place in my heart.  An upgrade from our popular jewelry roll style, this boxy clutch includes two clear zip pockets, a ring roll, and a sizeable snap-out fabric pouch with zip closure, all with plenty of room to house your favorite gems.  Why not enclose a carefully chosen pair of earrings or necklace inside, to make for an extra special gift?

4.) Malibu Lemon Luggage Tag:  Designed to make life easier for the frequent traveler, our vibrant luggage tags ensure that your suitcase will stand out from the crowd.  I recommend pairing with our Passport Cover as the ultimate travel gift set!

5.) Fiji Pink Medium Zip Cosmetic:  Our Medium Zip Cosmetic is a favorite among beauty editors because its size and shape makes it the ideal everyday makeup bag.  With its waterproof exterior, I consider this a necessity for trips to the gym!

6.) Riviera Maya iPad Case:   For the tech savvy Moms out there!  Admittedly, I’m addicted to my iPad, and I use one of our chic iPad cases (with its softly cushioned nylon interior) to keep it protected.  With rainbows zigzagging against white cotton knit, who could resist the cheerful Riviera Maya pattern and its promise of eternal summer?

7.) Palm Springs Turquoise Medium Flat Pouch and Snap Mirror:  While sold separately, I love this pairing as a sweet gift set.  Tuck the mirror inside the medium pouch, and there’s still plenty of room for makeup essentials or anything else Mom wants to carry around for touch ups on the go.

8.) Turks & Caicos Emily Tote:  With summer approaching, who isn’t craving the perfect beach tote?  The natural raffia means it can work as an everyday carry-all, while the lime green shoulder straps and tassel closure keep it breezy and fun.

9.) Palm Desert Orange ML Traveler:  A perennial best-seller, our ML Traveler is the Cadillac of cosmetic carry-alls.  With two snap-out mesh pouches, a removable clear zip pouch, clear wall pocket, and removable mirror, it may be the most versatile piece in our organizational arsenal.  If your Mom appreciates having everything in its place, she’ll love the ML.

10.) Fiji Blue Jumbo Zip:  For travel or for life, this jumbo sized case is simply a bright and pretty way to carry and store lots and lots of beauty products.  The tranquil blue ikat print never ceases to make me happy!

11.) Malibu Aqua Passport Cover:   Your Mom may not cross international borders as frequently as the Secretary of State, but even so, doesn’t such an ultra-important form of identification deserve a stylish home?  I think so!  Pair it with a matching luggage tag as encouragement for her to take that trip she’s been putting off.

12.) Lima Purple Katie Folding Clutch:  With its two clear zip pockets and snap closure, this sleek cosmetic case is a great home for makeup essentials, but it’s also so pretty that I think Mom might prefer it as an evening bag!

It will come as no surprise that we have jumped on board everyone’s favorite new web addiction, Pinterest.  From shoes, to bags, to travel destinations and Stephanie Johnson shout-outs from around the web, we are pinning up a storm.  We are having a blast and want you to play along!

To celebrate the launch of our Pinterest boards, we are hosting a contest.  Pin with us and you can win the Stephanie Johnson travel accessory of your dreams!

Participation is a piece of cake:

1. Follow our SJTraveler boards on Pinterest.
2. Pin any shape from any collection directly from StephanieJohnson.com.
3. Love the color?  Already picturing your beauty booty packed away inside?  Tell us why it’s your favorite in the description!
4. Mention @SJTraveler in the Pin description and voila!  You’re all done.

Add your Stephanie Johnson contest entry pin to the board of your choice and enter as many times as you like.  We will peruse the entries one week from today, announcing our winner with a mention on Pinterest, Thursday, May 3^rd.

Need a little inspiration to help get you started?  Here are a few of our favorite pins by SJ fans and friends:

We think Pinterest is so much fun that we want everyone to get involved!  If you’re having any trouble getting started with Pinterest or should you have any questions, please email lara@stephaniejohnson.com.

Happy pinning!

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DESTINATION:  AUSTIN

by guest blogger Elizabeth Chabner Thompson, founder of BFFL Co.  Elizabeth is an MD, a runner, a mother of 4 athletes and an Austin, TX lover.

The city’s slogan is “Keep Austin Weird,” and pretty much every aspect of this blue city in a sea of red stays true to that motto.  Austin is a town filled with great music, delicious food, unusual shops and a very friendly, active people.

LISTEN

Let’s start with the music.  You can’t take three steps in Austin without encountering a jazz club or street musician.  When walking in the downtown area or along South Congress, it’s impossible not to enjoy the lively outdoor sounds and the absolute eccentricity of it all.  There are over 200 live music venues in Austin!  Some of my favorite places to catch a listen are Cactus Café near UT and Momo’s along 6th Street.

SHOP

Not only can you hear great music along South Congress, but the food and shopping can’t be beat.  Who can make a trip to Texas without buying a pair of cowboy boots?  The selection at Allen’s Boots is mind blowing.

By George boasts haute couture in a down home state.  A few doors down, do not pass by Uncommon Objects, where the cornucopia ranges from teapots to trophies to kitsch beyond your wildest dreams.  I love the diversity of stores, many featuring weird and clever signage.

A visit to UT and the campus store is definitely a must, as the golden brown paraphernalia and a longhorn sweatshirt or hat is a requirement for the ride home.

STAY

For this trip, I chose the clean and ideally-located Radisson, due to the 14 teenage swimmers I was chaperoning for a swim meet at UT!  On past trips, I have stayed at some pretty amazing hotels.  For tennis and golf, try Barton Creek.  This classy resort even has an indoor track for really hot summer days when you need exercise.  The rolling hills surrounding the property are perfect for those craving some outdoor recreation and you may even catch a glimpse of Austin resident Lance Armstrong on his bike!

The Hotel San Jose and the Austin Motel are perfect hideaways for different budgets.  When downtown, stop by the Driskill.  This beautiful Romanesque style building is the oldest hotel in downtown, and is conveniently located near my favorite food truck and jazz clubs!

The boutique hotels along South Congress are perfectly situated for the shopping along that street and for access to Lady Bird Lake for a run along the trails.  No need to drag along a water bottle, as Run Tex and other sporty stores support free water stops for you and your four legged friends.  So thoughtful.  When in season, you can experience the Bat Bridge at Congress as well:  at sunset thousands of bats swarm under the bridges, keeping the mosquito population at bay and spooking out the visitors.

EAT

No trip to Austin would be complete without a visit to Whole Foods on North Lamar.  This enormous gastronomic extravaganza dwarfs any of the offerings I’m used to in the cramped and congested East Coast I call home.  From organic foods to Italian gelato to a buffet of every possible type of food:  Indian, German, Italian, Greek, sandwiches, a carving station, and seafood.  Everything looks and feels a little healthier in Austin.

The food trucks, however, are my favorites.  Fried pickles at Mr. P’s Electric Cock, The Short Bus for Sandwiches, Turf N’ Surf, and Kebabolicious were inexpensive delicious eats.  Because Austin is such an outdoor oriented, active lifestyle city, take a guilt-free trip to County Line or Ironworks for BBQ, knowing you’ll have plenty of opportunities to work it off!

For more about Elizabeth and her partnership with Stephanie to create the BFFL (Best Friends for Life) bag, click here.

I rely on these people and practices to help keep me healthy and strong, from the inside out.  For more about where I turn for guidance of a spiritual nature, please see my previous post, SJ’s Dream Team, Part One!

WELLNESS FROM THE INSIDE OUT

Julian Neil is a brilliant (seriously, he’s a genius) healer, Spiritual Psychologist, Naturopath, Iridologist, and Cool Yoga Dude (take his class Wednesdays at Golden Bridge LA).  I introduced myself to him after one of his classes about 10 years ago and he has had a profound impact on my spiritual growth as a human, and my health both inside and out since that time.  His cereal recipe is by far the best thing I put in my body all day. (It’s all downhill from there I’m afraid!)

There are two supplements I use daily that keep my organs healthy and leave my skin glowing.  Krill Oil from Dr. Mercola is super rich in essential DHA and EPA Omega-3s and supports heart function, memory (hello, I need improvement here!) and fights signs of aging.  Resveratrol is the miracle ingredient found in red wine that has numerous anti-aging properties and has been shown to improve overall health.  Resvantage is the highest quality and safest resveratrol supplement on the market, and it gives me increased energy and keeps me looking and feeling young, both inside and out.  I’ve been using Resvantage for years and consider it an essential tool in my anti-aging arsenal.

I’m a recent convert to The Bar Method.  I’m obsessed actually.  It’s one hour of intensity that works the entire body, stretching and toning to the likes of Madonna and JT, while an instructor who always knows your name (how do they do that!?) talks you through the moves.  I feel as lithe as Gwyneth when I leave.

Golden Bridge Yoga has locations in NY and LA and is home to Gurmukh, the soft spoken author of several books and yogini to the stars.  I met Gurmukh a decade ago in Costa Rica where she was teaching a Kundalini Yoga retreat for the Omega Institute.  I fell in love with her and the Kundalini yoga style and have been a disciple ever since.  Kundalini is sort of a yogic technology where every asana, kriya and meditation directly relates to healing and supporting a specific part of the body.  I love knowing that the next eleven minutes is devoted to cleaning my liver!  Definitely worth a spin.

Plagued with back and neck problems most of my life, I’ve seen every chiropractor known to man.  Nothing provided relief until I met the magic of Dr. Christopher John and was introduced to the D.N.F.T. (Directional Non-Force Technique).  No longer do I have to hold my breath and pray when someone cracks my neck.  (How can that be good for you?)  I lost my weekly massage (D.N.F.T discourages this), but I’ve been pain free for a decade.  His practice is in L.A. with other practitioners dotted across the globe.  Try Loretta Friedman if you are in NYC.

Officially massage-free for about 8 years now, I go to Angel Feet in NYC when I need some relaxation that heals.   A teeny tiny spot on Perry Street with only two chairs, I bask in a one hour reflexology treatment that leaves me and my nervous system calm.  Amazing how short an hour can feel.

My body has rebelled since moving to New York, no doubt missing the warmth and sunshine.  I’ve been struggling with congestion and some shortness of breath at times.  Not wanting to get hooked on inhalers and the like, I turned to Mary Sobo at The YinOva Center.  Through her healing hands, acupuncture and Chinese herbs, I’m finally finding my breath again.  Ahhhh.

I’ve been practicing yoga since I was 18.  Hard to believe considering I can barely touch my toes, but yoga has been a prominent part of my lifestyle for most of my days.  There isn’t a day that I practice where I don’t think of my first teacher Galla.  Galla was a fiery, energetic, chatty, blonde bombshell as well as a disciple of B.S. Iyengar.  I owe my precision and devotion to her, and am grateful for her teachings.  She literally changed my life.  Galla, I miss you.

I know this is the year I’m supposed to be trying new things, going new places and generally shaking things up, but Aspen is a hard habit to break.  This time was a wee bit different than the ski weeks in years previous because this time I had my nearly 4 year old in tow.  Having said that, I still took advantage of Aspen’s always fine dining, but rather than an 8 o’clock res at Cache Cache after après ski and a nap, now it was a table for two at 5:30, please.

STAY

For nearly 20 years I batted around between the equally luxe accommodations at The Little Nell and The St. Regis (once upon a time The Ritz-Carlton).  Both have excellent proximity to town (O.K., how about smack dab in the middle) and superior customer service.  The Nell feels more boutique-y, with excellent après ski at the base of Ajax (Aspen Mountain) and fireplaces in every room.  One of my favorite pastimes is ordering up some hot chocolate (extra whip) from room service after a day on the slopes and sitting by the fire reading the newspaper.  The St. Regis has a big bustling lobby (for the more socially inclined) and a terrific on site shop for renting gear.

The Gant appears to be my new winter home in Aspen as feeding a child breakfast from your own kitchen seems the sensible thing to do.  Offering three different ‘categories’ of condos in one, two or three bedroom options, all with fireplaces (alas no room service), two pools, three outdoor hot tubs, and shuttle service that runs round the clock into town.  Marty and Mary at the Concierge desk will book a week worth of dinners for your stay, keep you abreast of all Aspen happenings, and offer their help in any way.  If you are a repeat guest you may even get a complimentary (and unexpected) upgrade.  Order groceries online before your arrival and The Gant will make sure your fridge is stocked and ready to go.

Try the new Limelight Lodge for digs right in town with a friendlier price tag and a family friendly lobby scene complete with Jenga and board games to play.

EAT

Aspen has great restaurants (and a lot of them), so getting bored never seems to be a problem.

Here was my itinerary for the week:

Saturday, 7pm:  Su Casa.  Great Mexican in a cozy subterranean space.  Super margaritas, custom salsas, and a perfect spot for kids.  (Mine happens to be addicted to black beans.)

Sunday, 5:30pm:  Matsuhisa.  Yes I know.  Why would I bother when I have Nobu AND Nobu Next Door only 3 blocks from my place back home?  This place is ALWAYS happening, always serves up good Japanese, and is a good spot to run into friends and see who else is in town.

Monday, 6pm:  BB’s Kitchen.  A newcomer, serving up pretzel bites with mustard in lieu of bread, a kids menu (a plus!), and a great spinach salad with a Parmesan crusted egg and crispy shallots.  I bet the patio is great in the summer.

Tuesday, 6pm:  Cache Cache.  Always a favorite, this white table clothed French has excellent cuisine and a wine list to match.

Wednesday, 5:30pm:  Jimmy’s.  For steak and a salad.  Or fried chicken. . .

Thursday, 6pm:  Takah Sushi.  COZ-Y.  Best kids menu around.  I’m addicted to their Diablo Roll!  Tempura shrimp and asparagus, inside out with spicy tuna on top in an eel sauce with Serrano chilies.  Beyond.

Friday, 6pm:  Casa Tua.  With a sexy space and a ‘Marilyn’ room, this hot new Italian didn’t disappoint.  Although I’m off wheat and dairy for the moment and couldn’t savor one of their homemade pasta dishes, I was quite happy to dine on fish.  The kids menu is as sophisticated as the place.  Love.

Also try Brexi Brasserie if you want a French bistro feel with what I hear is the best burger in Aspen.  Little Annie’s and The Red Onion are old school casual with red check table cloths and big portions, perfect for the family.  In my current wheat-free existence, I passed on Campo di Fiori this time, a good choice for festive Italian fare.  Rustique has a warm country atmosphere with cassoulet and Coq Au Vin.

SHOP

Bonnie Young may well be the most beautiful children’s clothing I’ve ever laid eyes on. With a price tag to match, most of these threads were too much for me even at 50% off, but a girl can dream can’t she?  GORGEOUS.  Rumor has it that an adult line is in the works. . .

I love a trip to Amen Wardy and wish I had one in my neighborhood.  The one stop shop for hostess gifts, housewares, specialty foods, and of course Stephanie Johnson bags.  I scored mini chocolate chip cookies with a bow to bring back home and Chocolate Lace!  Do you know what that is?  I swear I haven’t seen it in 20 years and I used to adore. . . best when sprinkled on top of the best vanilla bean ice cream you can find.

Stock up on everything beauty at Cos Bar.

DO

Well ski of course!  With four mountains, Aspen is a great winter destination.  Having said that, I pretty much keep to Snowmass (which is so giant it’s as big as all the other three combined) where my daughter can learn to ski in arguably the best ski school in the country.  By day 6 she was riding the chairlift and doing ‘French fries’ down the mountain with the big kids.

Definitely lunch at Lynn Britt Cabin if you are skiing Snowmass, or try 8K at the Viceroy Hotel for sushi and soups.  Gwyn’s High Alpine is the best choice for cafeteria service and offers healthy choices like kale and quinoa salads.  Cloud 9 is a MUST if you are skiing Highlands.  Reserve ahead for raclette or fondue.

Do request Herbie Molner for a full day adult private ski lesson but don’t be surprised if he’s booked.  He hasn’t taken a reservation from the desk in 25 years and that’s what happens when you are simply the best.

If it’s snowing buckets outside and too cold for the more fair weathered of you, take in an afternoon movie at the Isis theater, the perfect small town movie house.

PACKING FOR A TROPICAL GETAWAY

by guest blogger Katie Anderson of Modern Eve

As summer and warm weather approaches, I can’t help but dream of tropical sunsets, the smell of salt water and the quiet of a rising tide.  While I typically use my vacation days for city travel, I am longing for a relaxing beach getaway.  I need to unwind, unplug and sip pina coladas.  Lots of pina coladas.

If frequent flyer miles were aplenty and time away was not an issue, I’d book a trip to the Maldive Islands and leave tomorrow.  And since we’re in my fantasy world, I’d stay at this resort (currently in development).  I love modern architecture and this promotional video rendering by MIAJA sold me.  It might be a good thing that the project is not yet completed, because I’m pretty tempted to take out a loan for this trip right now.  Man, do I need to get away.

Since the main purpose of this trip is relaxation, I’ll definitely be bringing along some of my favorite beauty products to pamper myself.  Normal life is so hectic right now that I hardly have time to wash my face, much less time to give myself a manicure or hair treatment.

1. Moroccanoil Treatment to repair and nourish my hair.

2. Smartshield Suncreen Lotion to shield my face and body from the harsh sun rays.

3. Estee Lauder BB Creme for low maintenance make-up coverage alternative and SPF protection.

4. Bliss Ingrown Eliminating Pads to clear up any bikini line bumps.

5. BlowPro ‘Beach Blow’ Texturizing Mist to give me a naturally wavy style following our afternoon dips in the the Indian Ocean.

6. Dior Diorshow Mascara for sexy nighttime eyes.

7. Vibran C Lip Treatment to moisturize and protect my lips from the sun.

8. Essie nail polish in Mint Candy Apple and Poppy Art Pink for manicure and pedicure.

9. Goody Ouchless Mini Elastics to throw my hair back in some fabulous fishtail braids.

10. Of course I’d take all of these great items with me in my Stephanie Johnson JENNY Train Case in Turks and Cacos.  Not only is it a convenient size and shape, but the print will fit right in with my island-inspired sundresses and bathing suits.

BIO:

Katie Anderson is founder and editor of Modern Eve, a Dallas-based lifestyle blog featuring original content related to fashion, party planning, home decor and travel.

The SJ Dream Team is a little offbeat – groovy even – and consists of my perfect storm of practitioners and experts.  Try not to judge my woo woo sensibilities, as those who know me also know they have served me well!

ASTROLOGY, TAROT & WOO WOO

When I was 18 my stepfather had an astrologer come to the house to read his chart.  My stepdad seemed to think the only reason he knew as much as he did was the person who referred him must have told him everything.  I, on the other hand, was just plain curious and there began my lifelong relationship with Ken Bresee.  Ken is a gentle soul with a gift for interpreting the stars whose genuine care and love can be heard in every word.   Ken works from his home in Taos, and will record and send a CD to you anywhere in the world.  Contact him by email at Kbresee@taosnet.com

Gahl Sasson is a spiritual teacher who teaches workshops around the globe on Kabbalah, mythology, and astrology.  He is the author of two books, a frequent television and radio guest, and an overall brainiac and hottie.  We met 10 years ago when I took his class ‘A Wish Can Change Your Life,’ which was the basis for his book of the same name, now in its fifth printing.  I see Gahl for private readings and I have a special connection with his Tarot deck.  Subscribe to his very smart newsletter, take a workshop, read his books, or schedule your own reading.  You can find Gahl at http://cosmicnavigator.com and see when he’s coming to your city or country.

My Aries brain (and Gemini Moon) are always on overdrive and I’m constantly in my head.  Meditation should be part of my daily practice, but alas it isn’t always.  Tanda Tashjian is a psychotherapist, astrologer and teacher of meditation in the Buddhist tradition.  She taught me how to calm my mind and just be still.  Check out one of her intensive meditation workshops or join a weekly class in her home in L.A.

Several years ago, I was driving past The Kabbalah Centre and saw they were having an open house.  Being open to everything, I thought I’d check it out and I popped in on veteran Kabbalist and teacher to the stars, Eitan Yardeni (yes, he is Madonna’s teacher), giving a lecture.  I signed up for classes on the spot and have been learning the teachings of Kabbalah ever since.  Not as woo woo as some of you may think, the basic tenant of this ancient wisdom is ‘love thy neighbor as thyself.’  Imagine if we could all master that!  Check out Kabbalah classes online or visit a Centre near you.

I’ll be highlighting other members of my Dream Team in upcoming posts on Style Compass.  Stay tuned!

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS (IN 3 OZ. OR LESS)

By guest blogger Nicole Caruso of The City Girl in Me

Whenever I travel, I simplify my beauty routine down to the most versatile products and keep them tucked into this sleek Stephanie Johnson zip case.

With an upcoming trip to the cosmopolitan city of Santiago, Chile, I wanted to make sure I pack items that could take me from sightseeing by day to candlelit dinners by night.  What I love most about this SJ bag is how it also works double duty for daytime outings (passport, lip balm, concealer) and nighttime strolls with the chic gold wristlet attachment.

Here are some products I keep in my carry-on to look flawless, hydrated, and glowing, even with jet lag.

1. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid SPF 70.  This lightweight formula is perfect to wear everyday and keep skin from harsh sun, while marveling over city sights.

2. Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge.  Both a creamy cheek tint and lip color in one, Uber Beige adds shimmer-free bronze warmth to the skin in a few swipes.

3. Smith’s Minted Rose Lip Balm.  Whether sunburn or chapped lips hit, this balm will soothe and heal.

4. Benefit High Beam.   Get the I’m-on-vacation-glow:  dot and blend this on the inner corners of the eyes, brow bones, cheekbones, and the cupid’s bow.

5.  Choward’s Lemon Mints.  Old school candy never gets old, just make sure and save some for a post-flight pick-me-up.

6. Jouer Lip Gloss.  With one swipe, the hydrating formula in Birchbox Pink gives a pop of color for day, and can be layered into a deeper hue for cocktail hour.

7. L’Occitane Hand Cream.  10+ hours in flight is drying to the skin, and this rich cream moisturizes without getting greasy.

8. Sephora Waterproof Liner.  Creamy, waterproof eyeliner in a rich brown gives the lash line definition for day without smearing, and can be reapplied and smudged into a Sophia Loren cat eye for night.

9. Benefit They’re Real! Mascara.  Nothing widens eyes like super-black, volume-boosting, lengthening mascara.

10. Makeup Forever HD Concealer.  This HD concealer is the more pigmented mini-version of the HD foundation, so conceal a little or a lot and leave the big bottle at home.

11. Harvey Prince Yogini Perfume.  Since it is still summer in Chile, a heavy scent won’t do.  This fragrance is the perfect balance of sweetness and spice — one spritz for day and two for night.

12. Tools:  Hairpin & Tweezers.  A hairpin is a must for long-haired ladies and keeps hair back, unlike damaging elastics.  Brows look best when groomed, which makes a mini Tweezerman very useful.

The best part:  all of these beauty all-stars are under the TSA 3 oz. limit.  Happy jet-setting!

BIO

Nicole Caruso writes The City Girl in Me, a fashion and beauty blog for women looking to bring out their inner “City Girl”–  a style savvy, budget conscious, hard working girl who wants to look her best in order to feel her best.  Her mission is to guide women to become their ideal, while shopping everywhere from the thrift store to Saks.

Nicole has been enamored with fashion and beauty since the tender age of 2, when her stylish mom introduced her to her Coco Chanel perfume, Lancome lipstick, and Oscar de la Renta silk scarves.  She has since been pouring over magazine spreads and memorizing outfit ideas.  Nicole draws inspiration from art, period fashion, film, and her worldwide travels.  She has worked for a New York fashion house and backstage at Fall Fashion Week, while also freelancing as a makeup artist for weddings and special events.  The City Girl in Me is the place where Nicole shares her expertise on all things fashion & beauty, such as current trends, style tips, makeup application and more.

Find more of Nicole’s musings on Pinterest, Currently Obsessed, Twitter & Facebook.